Other Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Chatbot Therapy - Help Or Hindrance, Kadi Rae Smith

Anthós

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots are complex computer programs designed to mimic human conversations using programming that incorporates large language models (LLM) and natural language models (NLM) to simulate human interactions that are being rapidly integrated into everyday life across an increasing amount of online platforms. This article explores the applications and efficacy of chatbots for mental healthcare, from self-directed chatbot interactions to clinician-supervised implementation of chatbot-based therapeutic tools, weighing the benefits and limitations of this ever-expanding technology.

Methodology/Taxonomy

A literature review was conducted primarily using Web of Science, accessed through Portland State University, and Google Scholar, with specifications …

The Impact Of Gastric Sleeve And Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass On Chief Cell Function And Protein Digestion In Obese Patients, Garikoitz Mikel Gainza

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Obesity has become one of the largest global health concerns of the 21^st century, correlating with numerous associated diseases. To help address the growing prevalence and burden of obesity, sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have become two commonly performed surgical procedures done to promote weight loss by altering the anatomical structure of the stomach and surrounding organs of the gastrointestinal system. Although the benefits of improved metabolism linked to these surgical procedures are well studied, their impact on the physiology of gastric cells, and more specifically chief cells as they relate to protein digestion post-surgery, is yet to …

Hallucinogen Use Among Parents Of Children In The United States: Associations With Mental Health And Substance Use, Maggie K. Richardson

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Hallucinogen use has reemerged in the United States amid expanding clinical research and shifting social and policy contexts. However, population-based evidence remains limited regarding hallucinogen use among adults living with children and its relationship with mental health impairment severity in caregiving environments. Therefore, this study’s objective was to examine associations between past-year hallucinogen use and past-year mental health impairment among U.S. adults, and to test whether associations differ by parental status and number of children in the household. A secondary aim examined correlates of co-occurring substance use among those reporting hallucinogen use.

Data were drawn from the 2023 National Survey …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Counselor Traits And Wellness Practices, Emily Velidow

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study is a qualitative thematic analysis of counselor wellness practices as well as how selfidentified personal traits are part of how a counselor practices and prioritizes wellness. Theoretical underpinnings of the study integrate trait activation theory (Tett & Burnett, 2003), Martin Seligman’s wellbeing theory (Seligman, 2011), and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1977). Participants included nineteen licensed counselors (N=19). Analyzed responses lead to four main themes, each with two to four subthemes. Resulting themes included (1) intentional caseload and workday structure, (2) deliberately emphasizing physical wellness, (3) setting boundaries attending to mental and emotional energy, and (4) the …

Aging With Mercy, Thriving In Place, Emma Layne Katzman, Karen Weis, Jennifer Rugletic Washko

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Occupational engagement, spirituality, and quality of life are recognized as important dimensions of aging, however, these factors remain underexplored among older adults residing within faith-based communal living environments. This doctoral capstone experience, Aging with Mercy, Thriving in Place, consisted of two distinct but complementary components: an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved mixed methods research study and a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of the research study was to explore occupational engagement, occupational role transitions, spirituality, identity, and perceived quality of life among older adults residing within a faith-based communal living environment. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality …

Socialization Interventions For Older Adults In Assisted Living Facilities: A Systematic Review, Anoop S. Muvva

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Older adults, defined as individuals over the age of 65, are a growing population in the United States, with projections estimating this group will reach approximately 80 million persons by 2050. Over 90% of older adults are diagnosed with a chronic condition, which can make it difficult to carry out the activities of daily living. As a result, some older adults reside in assisted living facilities, where dedicated staff provide daily support. However, issues in the delivery of care within these settings, including unmet socialization needs and complications among care staff, may contribute to social isolation. Programs designed to address …

Increasing Occupational Therapy’S Visibility In College Sports Medicine In Student-Athletes With Season-Ending Injuries, Mickaela H. Buzzy, Bonnie Fischer-Camara

Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral (PPOTD) Student Capstone Projects

Sport is an essential part of a student-athlete’s life. Many student-athletes gain a strong “athletic identity” in their sport. When a student-athlete is faced with an injury, specifically a season-ending injury, they are at risk of facing a significant sense of loss of identity and adverse psychological effects on their mental health. In the collegiate athletic setting, athletic trainers are often the first to notice signs of psychological distress of student-athletes; however, they frequently report limited education, training, and confidence in providing necessary psychosocial interventions. The purpose of this capstone project was to increase occupational therapy’s visibility in the collegiate …

Examining The Physiological Stress-Reducing Effects Of Virtual Nature Exposure And Slow Breathing, Jesse Benefiel

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In a time of excess stress, it is essential to examine accessible stress-reduction methods. Research has demonstrated that virtual nature exposure and slow breathing can independently reduce stress, but the literature is lacking with regard to their combined effects. The present study aimed to replicate independent effects of breathing and nature on stress and to test for potential effects, including whether their combination would produce an interaction effect. Using a 2 Environment (Natural v. Control) by 2 Breathing (Slow v. Normal) between-subjects design, 63 participants completed a modified color-word Stroop task to induce stress and were then exposed to either …

Enhancing Occupational Engagement And Wellness In Middle-Aged And Retired Adults Through Movement And Mindfulness Program Development, Erin J. Harvey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Occupational imbalance and a diminished sense of purpose are common challenges faced during middle age and the transition into retirement. These issues can contribute to increased burnout, decreased participation in meaningful activities, and an overall decline in health and well-being. Occupational therapy is well-equipped to address these concerns through comprehensive and holistic, occupation-based wellness programs that promote healthy routines and engagement in meaningful roles. This doctoral capstone project involved developing and implementing two community-based wellness programs tailored to different populations. The first program included self-paced wellness modules for middle-aged adults, aiming to encourage healthy lifestyle habits, enhance coping skills, and …

Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Menarche brings out significant change in each girl’s life. Coping with the discomforts and adopting the body changes becomes a biggest challenge for every teen. Cost effective non pharmacological interventions will help to bring about improvement in the general wellbeing and quality of life in each adolescents life.

Objective: This review aims to determine the different menstrual interventions adopted by adolescent girls residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s). The Review question will be :What interventions are currently available, and how do they contribute in promoting menstrual health among adolescents from LMICs

Methods: This review will include …

The Equity Dead Zones: Legal Intersectionality Failure Points In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Tearria N. Simmons

The Guardianship Journal

Legal intersectionality failure points describe the systemic fractures that occur where overlapping legal, social, and economic inequalities converge, potentially producing compounded barriers to relief. Each failure point marks a site of marginalization. In what ways do individuals already recognized as vulnerable in Chapter 13 bankruptcy face a heightened risk when multiple forms of disadvantage intersect? When these intersections combine in mutually reinforcing ways—racial, economic, and relational disparities colliding with structural deficiencies in family, property, and bankruptcy law—does it result in pronounced negative outcomes, and, if so, what are those outcomes? Within this convergence, could there be a space where compounded …

Exploring The Impact Of Inpatient Mental Health Care On Adolescents, Alexandria M. Mckahan

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Adolescent psychiatric hospitalizations continue to rise, yet there is limited research on which daily practices inside inpatient units genuinely support engagement and recovery. This project examined how structure, staff tone, and therapeutic programming influence adolescents’ participation and emotional stability within a real inpatient setting. The study focused on three questions: how structured routines affect recovery, what challenges staff face when supporting adolescents with complex needs, and how adolescents’ engagement patterns reflect their perception of care. Using a mixed-methods case study at Mesa Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, I conducted approximately twenty field observations, semi-structured staff interviews, and descriptive engagement tracking across …

Behind The Badge: Effects Of Stress And Trauma In Policing -- Understanding The Importance Of Evidence-Based Prevention, Early Intervention, And Wellness Programs, Jessica Rolshouse

Master of Arts in Human Services

Law enforcement officers are exposed to occupational stress and trauma routinely and at rates that far exceed the general population. This chronic exposure places them at risk for physical and psychological injury and negative outcomes to include mental health disorders including burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Prolonged exposure to occupational stress and trauma also increases the risk of suicidal ideation and dying by suicide, the most tragic outcome of the stress law enforcement officers face. This literature review focuses on individual risk factors, occupational stress, and trauma, and the development of mental health disorders in law enforcement officers. It also …

Evaluating The Effect Of A Rest Team Tea Cart On Nurse-Reported Comfort, Healing, And Empathy, Danielle A. Lisiecki Edd, Msn, Rn, Barbara A. Kilbride Ms, Bsn, Rn

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

In response to the increasing emotional and physical demands placed on healthcare professionals, a not-for-profit health system in Southwest Florida implemented a wellness initiative, focusing on the intentional care of the spirit through its Spiritual Services, Resilience Education Support Team (REST), and its area Faith Community Nurses (FCN), called the REST Tea Cart service. Initially, the REST Tea Cart was designed to promote emotional well-being by providing staff members with complimentary tea, cookies, and inspirational note cards, aiming to create moments of peace and respite during the workday. It would grow much more, expanding beyond the hospital’s walls and …

The Reception Of Neurodiversity Represented Within Netflix’S Wednesday, Anna Stevens

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This paper explores how neurodiversity is represented through popular media - particularly Netflix's show Wednesday - and aims to discuss the effects this representation could have in regards to how it's received by the public, as well as those who are neurodiverse.

Evaluating Psychosocial Stressors And Mental Well-Being Of Construction Professionals From The Management Standpoint: An Exploratory Study, Md Tauhidul Karim

Masters Theses

Construction professionals face persistent workplace stressors that undermine their mental well-being outcomes. Despite progress in general job-related stressors, social and interpersonal aspects of psychosocial stressors traditionally remain underexplored in the construction management research. The present study examines how social and interpersonal factors influence construction workers’ mental well-being and how management’s awareness, responsiveness, and strategic roles evolved in the transition of the COVID-19 pandemic at the organizational level. An integrative mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review, a bibliometric analysis, and an exploratory case study to capture the current landscape of mental well-being and management standpoints in the US …

Mental Health Education For Latinx Students In High School, Wilbert F. Rivas-Vides

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mental health has become a significant concern for adolescents, especially high school juniors and seniors who are getting ready to transition into adulthood. At this age, students often face academic pressure, uncertainty about their future, and the challenge of balancing increased independence with family and cultural expectations. These stressors can be even harder for students from immigrant, low-income, or bilingual backgrounds because they may face extra barriers when trying to seek support. National data show that mental and behavioral health conditions are common among teens, with anxiety and depression standing out as leading concerns (Sappenfield et al., 2024). To address …

Barriers To Mental Health Access Among Immigrant Populations In The U.S., Cecilia Menzinger

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Bridging Traditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Of Yoga For Trauma Recovery In Indigenous People, Andreia Schineanu, Fredrik Velander, Julaine Allan

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective: The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to explore if Yoga can alleviate mental health issues for Indigenous people, and how participants experience the effects.

Methods: Peer-reviewed primary research published in English retrieved from 2002 to March 2024 was identified using the databases Medline, Scopus, Informit, ProQuest and PsycINFO. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies with Indigenous populations, where the primary intervention was Yoga or mindfulness programs with significant yoga components that reported on mental health outcomes were included.

Results: Only 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies demonstrated significant improvements in mental health outcomes, including …

Parentcoach: Designing An Mhealth Parenting App To Enhance Parental Involvement In Adhd Support, Franceli L. Cibrian, Nancy Herrera, Jesus A. Beltran, Lucas M. Silva, Mikaela Pulse, Kayla Anderson, Cassie Zeiler, Luc Rieffel, Daniel I. Lee, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Parents play a vital role in supporting self-regulation and managing behaviors in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, many face barriers to accessing consistent, evidence-based support. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising way to deliver flexible, low-burden guidance for parents on best practices and strategies to support their children's self-regulation. However, designing them is non-trivial.

Objective: This paper introduces ParentCoach, a mobile application designed to support parents of children with ADHD through brief daily lessons, reflection prompts, and skill-building activities.

Methods: ParentCoach was developed in two phases: (1) secondary analysis of qualitative data from over 30 families …

Increasing The Likelihood Of Using Mental Health First Aid: Applying The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Alexander E. Chan, Cheyenne Schad, Julie Slivka, Elise Young, Ghaffar A. Hurtado Choque

Journal of Extension

This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine what may drive intentions to help others after receiving Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. The study is unique in its application of theory to understanding MHFA outcomes, as prior studies tended to be atheoretical. Logistic regression was used to analyze the results of post-program surveys completed by MHFA participants. Results showed that participants who reported positive changes in subjective norms and attitudes were significantly more likely to report increases in intentions to help. However, when analyzed in a model containing all predictors, only attitudes remained significant.

Latine Doctoral Student Experiences In U.S. Counselor Education And Supervision Programs, Nayara Aparecida Da Costa Silva Beall, Lizbeth Duran Oden, Isabel C. Farrell, Mariaimeé Gonzalez, Stephanie Thorson-Olesen

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study explored the experiences of Latine doctoral students in Counselor Education and Supervision programs in the United States. The consensual qualitative research yielded five domains: cultural values, representation, racialized experiences, support, and social justice. The findings are discussed with direct applications for programs and recommendations for future research.

Counselor Education: Digital Delivery With Confidence, Nicole Marie Arcuri-Sanders, Alisha Davis

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Counselor education programs are required to demonstrate a clear framework, effective implementation, and overall program effectiveness. The pandemic’s surge in online instruction influenced CACREP’s (2024) digital delivery (DD) standards, addressing ethical and legal implications alongside student outcomes. Guidance from digital health initiatives, telemental health ethics and legal practices can be invaluable in clarifying DD protocols for counselor education programs. Understanding the parallels between DD and digital health regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ACA [2014], and NBCC [2023] ethical codes) provides a solid foundation for protecting both students and programs. Integrating technology and modeling digital health practices can enhance counselor education, benefiting both …

The Progression Of Deinstitutionalization And Its Effects On The American South: A Judicial Analysis Of 20th-Century United States Supreme Court Decisions, Eva-Marie V. Jones

Honors College Theses

This thesis explores the effects of four landmark Supreme Court cases on the deinstitutionalization movement in the American south. Previous literature frequently discusses the legislative implications of this era; however, no law is applicable without the interpretation and application of the judiciary, which so often contextualizes the greater public perspective. Rarely has an analysis of judicial decisions involving psychiatric care merged with regional focus, and certainly not in a format accessible to the average individual.

From unmarked graves to abandoned infrastructure, the legacy of historic psychiatric care in the United States has been largely obscured – yet its consequences continue …

Art Therapy In Social Work Practice, Laura Gebur

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Art therapy is an emerging practice among mental health professionals looking for new ways to engage with their clients and encourage nonverbal communication. Creativity is a means of processing memories, improving relationships, and strengthening the mind-body connection across a variety of age groups and practice settings. The efficacy of art therapy has led to its integration into social work practice, benefitting a diverse range of client populations within the field. While a lack of macro-level research studies has prevented the implementation of standardized art therapy techniques in social work, clinical research trials have examined art therapy across several areas of …

Recognizing And Addressing Burnout In Physician Associates, Nellie Garcia

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Burnout among Physician Associates (PAs) is a pervasive occupational hazard with far-reaching consequences for clinician well-being, patient safety, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. This doctoral project examines the multifaceted nature of PA burnout, focusing on its impact on mental and physical health, clinical performance, team dynamics, and workforce retention. A structured literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 revealed consistent associations between burnout and emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and diminished job satisfaction. These symptoms impair decision-making, reduce empathy, and elevate the risk of medical errors—factors that compromise patient outcomes and disrupt collaborative care.

The review …

Parental Expectations Of Pediatric Care For Children, Brenan T. Cash, Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley, Donia Timby, Laura Herold

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Access to childhood pediatrics is a major factor for a full and healthy childhood for all children from adolescence to adulthood. However, the physical health aspect has been the main focus of most primary care clinics, and there is little focus on mental health. Mental health issues, which involve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, are more prominent than they have ever been, as up to 30% of children have experienced mental health issues that involve post-traumatic stress disorder, especially during the pandemic years. This study employed a non-experimental, quantitative analysis utilizing online closed-ended survey questions. Caretakers were offered an anonymous, …

A Content Analysis Of Prison/Custodial Suicide In Bangladesh, Anisur Khan, Rasel Hussain

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Suicide is the leading cause of death in prisons and custodial settings globally. International studies have consistently shown that prisoners and detainees are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. Despite Bangladesh having a large prison population, there is no scholarly work on suicide within these settings. Against this backdrop, this study explored online newspaper content analysis capturing the characteristics of prison and custodial suicide in Bangladesh from 2014–2024. A total of 20 suicide cases were identified during this period. The data were arranged based on year-wise trends, age, sex, type of custody, nature of criminality, …

At Stake In Each Other’S Company: A Systems View Of Compassion Fatigue In Mental Health Work, Susan S. Standen

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Traditional research on the phenomenon of compassion fatigue (CF) in mental health work tends to include recommendations for workers to build skills in psychological detachment and self-care. This puts the burden of coping with vicarious trauma on the individual caregiver, not on the systems they operate within. Alternatively, a transformative systemic perspective suggests that Western cultural assumptions about care-giving and individual resilience need to be reassessed. By broadening the exploration of CF and comparing it with human reactions to overwhelming crises across fields and disciplines, new questions can be asked, and new solutions can be proposed. This essay details how …

Alza Tu Voz: Herramientas Para La Participación Ciudadana Desde La Perspectiva De Género, Jaime Andrés Amaya González, Jenny Patricia Bustos Abril, Adrián David Galindo Ubaque

Ciencias de la Salud

Alza tu voz. Herramientas para la participación ciudadana desde la perspectiva de género se enfoca en la población infantil y adolescente Colombia, en especial del departamento de Cundinamarca, con la intención de formarlos, de modo inicial, en temas de participación política, como generadores de cambio social fortaleciendo la conciencia política a través de herramientas lúdicas que reforzarán el conocimiento de los derechos políticos, de nuestros pequeños y jóvenes lectores.