Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

The Disparity In Mental Health Between Two Generations Of Internal Migrants (Ims) In China: Evidence From A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, Wen Chen, Qi Zhang, Andre M.N. Renzaho, Li Ling

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Internal migrants (IMs) are a large, vulnerable population in China and are mostly driven by national economic reform. IMs who were born before and after 1980, when the general social and economic reform began to appear in China, are considered to be two separate generations. The generational differences in mental health across IMs remain undocumented. In this study, the intergenerational disparity in IMs’ mental health, using data from a national cross-sectional study, was assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the “National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey 2014” were used. IMs were divided into the “old” or “new” generation, based on …

Role Of Religion For Christian Couples Who Successfully Cope With Trauma, Bernadette Collins

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Most of the research concerning couples focuses on either couples and trauma or religion and couples. The current research investigated what role religion plays when Christian couples effectively navigated a trauma. Interviews were conducted with five Christian couples who experienced joint trauma more than eight years prior to the study. Interviews of the couples consisted of questions concerning what their trauma was, religious coping strategies utilized during and after their trauma, and the effect religious coping had on the couples’ ability to effectively navigate the traumatic event. Qualitative analysis found several major themes which included meaning making of the traumatic …

The Effect Of Family And Social Support On Suicidal Ideation In Jails, Megan L. Small

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicidal ideation and associated behaviors are up to four times more common among jail inmates than the general community (Jenkins et al., 2005; Hayes, 1986). Research finds a variety of social, biological, and psychological factors interact to influence suicidal thoughts of incarcerated individuals (Bonner, 1992; Borrill et al., 2005). Particularly, psychological distress such as, depression and feelings of hopelessness, along with loss of social support and decreased feelings of connectedness have been linked to suicidal ideation and behaviors (Moscicki, 1997; Hawton & van Heeringen, 2009). Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017) has emphasized the importance of connectedness …

Examination Of The Relations Among Demographics, Pre-College Interpersonal Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Disordered Eating, Arin L. Larsen, Kaitlin Bountress Phd, Ananda B. Amstadter Phd

IRBEH/Spit for Science Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Attribution Theory And Increasing Social Support For Women With Postpartum Depression: An Exploration Of Perceived Stability, Onset Controllability, And Effort, Andrea L. Ruybal

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Women with postpartum depression (PPD) deal with the negative impact of depression, as well as the burden of stigma (i.e., negative stereotypes). Guided by the attribution-emotion-action model (Weiner, 1980a), the current studies seek to assess whether emphasizing the temporary nature of PPD (i.e., stability), the uncontrollable development of the ailment (i.e., onset controllability), and whether it appears someone is making an effort to overcome PPD will indirectly result in greater social support, through anger, sympathy, and social support outcome expectations. This approach, utilizing combinations of three different attributions, along with social support outcome expectations as a mediator has not been …

An Analysis And Critique Of Mental Health Treatment In American State Prisons And Proposal For Improved Care, Shelby Hayne

Scripps Senior Theses

Mental health treatment in state prisons is revealed to be highly variable, under-funded, and systematically inadequate. Existing literature exposes this injustice but fails to provide a comprehensive proposal for reform. This paper attempts to fill that gap, outlining a cost-effective, evidence-based treatment proposal, directly addressing the deficits in care revealed through analysis of our current system. In addition, this paper provides historical overviews of the prison system and mental health treatment, utilizing theoretical perspectives to contextualize this proposal in the present state of affairs. Lastly, the evidence is provided to emphasize the potential economic and social benefits of improving mental …

The Effects Of A 40-Minute Bout Of Aerobic Exercise On State Anxiety In College Age Individuals, Rachael Dozier

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a forty-minute bout of aerobic exercise would decrease the state anxiety and heart rate of college aged individuals. This study was prompted due to the higher levels of anxiety in college aged individuals found in literature (Silva & Tucci, 2018). Specifically, college students need healthy alternatives to cope with their anxiety instead of turning to alcohol. Heightened levels of anxiety in this age range have been shown to increase negative coping habits, such as drinking, drugs, and eating disorders. These negative habits not only affect the individual physically, but also can …

Translational Insights Into The Genetic Etiology Of Mental Health Disorders: Examining Risk Factor Models, Neuroimaging, And Current Dissemination Practices, Jessica L. Bourdon

Theses and Dissertations

Psychiatric genetics is a basic science field that has potential for practical application and effective translation. To date, translational frameworks utilized by this field have been linear (e.g., sequential) in nature, focusing on molecular genetic information. It is proposed that non-linear (e.g., socio-ecological) frameworks are a better way to immediately translate non-molecular genetic information. This dissertation explored the translation of psychiatric genetic information in two ways. First, a survey was sent to academic stakeholders to assess the state of the science regarding the translation of genetic information to the clinical care of mental health disorders. Findings from this indicate a …

Reducing Antipsychotic Medication Use In Long-Term Care Settings, Martha Ofeibea Agbeli

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prescription rate of antipsychotics in patients with dementia varies between 20% and 50% for the common and troubling neuropsychiatric symptoms experienced by patients with dementia. The use of these antipsychotic medications has been linked with increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to associated Parkinsonism, over sedation, gait disturbances, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular adverse events. The purpose of this project was to assess whether development of an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for a long-term care facility would increase awareness about issues that govern the safe use of antipsychotic medications. The conceptual framework for the project was Watson's model …

Self-Concealment, Perceived Discrimination, And African American Treatment Choices For Major Depression, Danita Morales Ramos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African Americans have a higher proclivity to depression than other ethnic groups in the United States and also have a greater propensity to avoid seeking professional mental health treatment. The available research has shown that racial and cultural barriers such as perceived discrimination and self-concealment are the primary factors that negatively affect African Americans' attitudes toward mental health itself and mental health treatment. Perceived discrimination and self-concealment may also negatively affect whether African Americans seek help for depression and from whom, but further investigation was needed. The quantitative survey study provided answers to which factors influence whether and where African …

Clinicians' Attitudes Toward Sex Offender Treatment, Vallerie Hancock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Clinician attitudes toward a client have a significant influence on outcomes for that client's treatment. Exploring the attitudes of clinicians toward sex offenders can provide additional insights into methods to improve treatments for this population. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to examine the attitudes of clinical professionals who work with sex offenders to identify the specific ways that these attitudes influenced professional behaviors and client interactions. Grounded theory was used to move beyond a general description of the issue to formulate a theory regarding clinician work with sex offenders and its implications. The sample comprised 10 …

Effects Of Pregnancy-Related Depression On Low Birth Weight Infants, Kimberly J. Bauer-Schaub

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal depression during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the developing child. Numerous studies have focused on postpartum depression and the influences on infant outcomes; however, there are limited data on pregnancy-related depression. The problem addressed in this study was the inadequacy and insufficiency of depression screening during the pregnancy period and access to quality-related health services for women. The purpose of this quantitative retrospective study was to test social cognitive theory on low birth weight and prenatal care adherence to pregnancy-related depression in women residing in Colorado. This research measured an association between pregnancy-related depression and both low …

Mental Health Disparities Among Minority Populations, Arrey Irenee Eyongherok

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the existence of effective treatments, mental health care disparities exist in the availability, accessibility, and quality of services for racial and ethnic minority groups. People living with serious mental complaints often resist engaging in treatments and experience high rates of dropout; poor engagement can lead to worse clinical outcomes. Addressing the complex mental health care needs of racial and ethnic minorities warrants considering evidence-based strategies to help reduce disparities. This systematic review sought to provide an analysis of published literature about the barriers and effective strategies in identifying and treating minority patients with mental health disorders. The practice-focused question …

Perceptions Of Lifestyle As Mental Health Protective Factors Among Midwestern Amish, Gregory Lantz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Amish are commonly known for horse-and-buggies, simple clothing, and refusal to use electricity. Less commonly known is their rate of mental illness, which is significantly lower than the non-Amish population. The literature that points to lower depression and anxiety among the Amish does not adequately explain what elements of their lifestyle contribute to this phenomenon. Depression and anxiety are a widespread problem in the United States, increasing the importance of understanding a lifestyle that can reduce these issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the Amish way of life through the words of its members. The three …

Clinical Practice Guideline: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Tool For Patients, Stephanie Lynn Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The National Institute of Health has estimated that over 1 million new cancer cases will occur yearly. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with near death experiences or traumatic events, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness by healthcare professionals in identifying PTSD in cancer patients. In this population, PTSD symptoms often contribute to anxiety, and there is no standardized protocol being used to screen these individuals for the trauma they are facing or have faced. The purpose of this project was to develop a clinical practice guideline for screening cancer patients …

Predicting Spiritual And Religious Competence Based On Supervisor Practices And Institutional Attendance, Andrew Phillip Secor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Counseling students report a lack of competence in spiritual and religious integration (SRI). As such, counselor educators and supervisors (CES) and students want to understand how to develop SRI competence. Although past research highlighted SRI dialogue in training, the problem is that no clear understanding exists about the role of faculty supervisor SRI on perceived student competence. The supervision models used to inform the study included the integrated developmental model, discrimination model, and spirituality in supervision model (SACRED). The purpose of this study was to determine if master’s-level graduate counseling students’ perception of their faculty supervisors’ SRI practices predicted students …

Staff Education Intervention To Enhance Care Planning For Older Adults, Mozhgan Peiravi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increased prevalence of cognitive deterioration has increased the challenges of caring for older adults. This study's project site offers a psychiatric program for older adults with customized care for complex geriatric mental health patients. Clinical assessment and care management are often overlooked in geriatric mental health patients diagnosed with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this project was to deliver an education program developed from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Administration, P.I.E.C.E.S model and the Castle framework to 42 nursing and allied health staff of the project site. The project question explored whether …

The Experiences Of Counseling Graduate Students Who Participated In Professional Legislative Advocacy Training, Nakpangi Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Legislative advocacy efforts are increasingly becoming part of a counselor's professional identity, yet scholarly literature lacks studies about experiences of counseling students involved in legislative advocacy for the counseling profession. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the meaning counseling students ascribe to their involvement in legislative advocacy for the counseling profession. Astin's student involvement theory was the conceptual framework utilized to explore the lived experiences of counseling graduate students and recent graduates who participated in a 4-day long American Counseling Association Institute for Leadership Training on legislative advocacy and leadership or in professional legislative advocacy …

Psychological Effects Of Training In Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma, Alexandro Garcia Vargas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals who experience a traumatic event may have an adverse emotional reaction that negatively impacts their quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the influence of training in the martial arts as an intervention in the treatment of interpersonal trauma. The biopsychosocial model provided the framework for the study. The research questions addressed the effects of training in the martial arts and the biological, psychological, and social functioning of individuals who had sustained a form of interpersonal trauma. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 9 participants. Data were analyzed using Moustakas's modified van …

Psychosocial Differences In Far Right, Far Left, Islamic, And Single Issue Lone Extremists, Tamara Marie Lamontagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Acts of lone extremism are on the rise, yet little is known about who commits these acts. Research in this area has failed to delineate by extremist subtype. This has led to the misconception these acts and actors present with such variance psychosocially that they cannot be predicted. The purpose of this research was to assess whether statistically significant relationships exist between lone extremist subtypes on the psychosocial variables of mental illness, substance use, and having radicalized friends or family members. The conceptual framework for this study was De La Corte's psychosocial principles of terrorism, which addressed the social and …

Evaluating The Frequencies Of Self-Reported Mental Health Conditions In Affluent Youth, Philip Bondurant

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

American youth are facing a mental health crisis. Rates of depression and suicide continue to rise among all children ages 12-17. While there is considerable research on the mental health of underserved children, much less is known about the mental health status of youth from affluent communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of community health assessment (CHA)-driven mental health interventions on the youth of affluent communities. Using a pre and post evaluation model, this study compared the frequencies of self-reported depression and suicide ideation for students in Grades 8, 10, and 12, and geographic location …

Individuals With Developmental Disabilities And Criminal Incompetence : An Analysis Of Predictors To Restoration, Ashley Cahill

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Competency to stand trial is a concept of jurisprudence preventing the adjudication of individuals who lack the capacity to understand the proceedings against them and which prevents them from assisting in their own defense because of mental disease or “defects”. In the criminal justice system, defendants found incompetent to stand trial are remanded to the care of the mental health system for a period of time to restore their competence. The determination of competency to stand trial is by far the most common psychiatric evaluation requested by criminal courts, and is especially critical for defendants with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Development Of The Sexual Minority Affirmative Practice Scale, Ryan Craig Ebersole

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Literature on the practice of affirmative psychotherapy with sexual minority (SM) clients has steadily increased over the past two decades in recognition of the unique experiences and mental health needs of this marginalized population. SM-affirmative psychotherapy is an approach to psychotherapy that is culturally-responsive, actively affirms the validity of SM identities and experiences, and promotes the resilience of SM clients in the face of stigma. To date, much of the extant research on SM-affirmative psychotherapy has focused on therapist factors and perspectives. Further, most previous research on SM clients’ experiences in therapy has been qualitative, due in part to the …

The Long-Term Consequences Of Adolescents' Comparative Economic Position In School, Kiwoong Park

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The goal of this dissertation project is to investigate how adolescents’ comparative socioeconomic positions within their schools shape their short- and long-term outcomes, including later health, educational expectations and attainment, and the risk of having a nonmarital first birth. Although social comparison theory posits that individual well-being depends on the standings of others with whom one compares oneself, as well as on one’s own absolute standing, the empirical evidence of the theory has been mixed and controversial. This project argues that inconsistent findings may arise from difficulty in measuring reference groups, temporal ambiguity between exposures and outcomes, and methodological limitations.

"Free Indirect Suicide: An Unfinished Fugue In H Minor", Seo-Young J. Chu

Publications and Research

In this lyric essay/work of creative nonfiction (listed among “Notable Essays & Literary Nonfiction” in Best American Essays 2020), Seo-Young Chu uses poetry, autotheory, and creative nonfiction to explore the generational trauma/postmemory han she inherited from her parents and the importance of destigmatizing mental illness through dialogue.

Los Angeles Community-Based Associate Social Workers' Understanding Of Culture And Therapy, Christine Cearfoss

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers have no clear professional guidelines about the application of culturally competent mental health service delivery. Without culturally competent mental health service delivery, clients from diverse cultures do not access needed mental health services and they experience less effective therapy treatment outcomes and overall disparity of service delivery throughout the therapeutic process. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to better understand how community-based social workers are delivering culturally competent services to clients. The theoretical framework for the study was multiculturalism and the primary research questions addressed how associate clinical social workers who provide in-home mental health services …

Psychologically Satisfying: Exploring Client Experiences With Dynamics Of Shared Decision-Making In Care From Prescribing Psychologists, Ashley Graboski-Bauer

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the field of prescribing psychology as it is practiced by providers and experienced by clients in New Mexico. Prescribing psychology is an emerging field of hybrid mental healthcare in which psychologists with special post-doctoral training can obtain prescriptive authority in certain jurisdictions. The study sought to take a client-centered approach to investigating the type and quality of care provided to clients by prescribing psychologists (RxPs). This study included a provider survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding health literacy and shared decision-making, and a client survey of satisfaction and experiences with care …

Quantifying The Shortage Of Mental Health Care In Venezuela Through Media Content Analysis, Andrea B. Alfonsi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aim of this thesis was to assess the gaps and deficits in the mental health care staffing and related prescription drug or therapeutic intervention availability in Venezuela using media content analysis. This thesis also assessed the measures suggested by Venezuelan medical professionals for addressing the population's needs for mental health services amid the nation's crisis. The shortage of mental health care in Venezuela was assessed because various stressors, including life events, chronic stressors, and daily hassles, are substantially less than optimal among Venezuelans. The mental health consequences of these factors, along with the detrimental psychosocial demands commonly faced by …

Psychiatric Nurses' Knowledge Of Suicide Prevention, Wanda F. France

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide is a major health concern worldwide. Nurse practitioners must possess suicide assessment skills and treatment knowledge to ensure appropriate identification of persons with suicidal ideation. The purpose of this project was to assess psychiatric nurse practitioners' knowledge of suicide prevention in rural Kentucky. The conceptual framework was Orlando's nursing process theory, which emphasizes the importance of nurse-patient interaction. A 13-item survey of suicide-related knowledge and skills was administered to 10 psychiatric nurse practitioners in rural Kentucky. Only 3 participants responded correctly to a question related to suicidality in persons with borderline personality disorder. Regarding competency and support for assessing …

Opioid Abuse In Rural Communities Among Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder, Sherlina Daishernai Holland

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Low population density in rural areas makes it difficult to deliver services to people with mental health problems and nonmedical prescription opioid abuse remains a problem in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether a parent's socioeconomic status affected care opportunities for children 12 to 17 years of age and whether bipolar disorder increased the likelihood of substance abuse in those children. The theory of reasoned action/planned behavior provided the framework for the study. Secondary data from the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research 36361 data system, specifically the National Survey on …