Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

How Social Media And Cyberbullying Correlate To Eating Disorders In Adolescents, Nicoli A. Panelo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Social media is very prevalent in today’s society, particularly in adolescents. This time period is crucial for this age group in terms of developing a sense of purpose and identity. Although social media may keep many of our children entertained, they also can create negative impacts on them and ultimately hinder their overall development both mentally and physically through negative body image and unrealistic self-expectations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find the correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents. Doing so would allow us to find ways to lower the …

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges during pregnancy, affecting both physical and mental health. While the physiological effects of UC during pregnancy are well documented, less is known about its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of UC on pregnant women, focusing on stress levels, postpartum depression (PPD) incidence, and the role of multidisciplinary care in improving mental health outcomes.

Objective

The primary objective of this research proposal is to evaluate the psychological impact of UC during pregnancy and determine whether disease activity increases the risk of PPD and stress. A secondary …

Improving Maternal Mental Health: The Role Of Specialized Support For Queer Women With Postpartum Depression, Dan-Tam Pham

Nursing | Senior Theses

Queer women face disproportionately high rates of postpartum depression compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Studies showed that queer women face heightened mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression and anxiety due to factors like discrimination, limited support systems, and negative healthcare experiences. There is a need for culturally competent, LGBTQ+-affirming interventions to improve maternal mental health outcomes; despite the health disparities faced by this population, research on specialized postpartum interventions is limited, revealing gaps in effective mental health care for queer mothers. The key search terms for the articles used in the study included: postpartum depression, queer women, …

Enhancing Well- Being In Individuals With Special Needs: The Power Of Music Therapy, Nicole Love Lazaro

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background Anxiety and stress are silent burdens that weigh heavily on the well-being of many individuals with special needs. If left unnoticed it can lead to negative outcomes of their mental health and daily activities. Research shows that music therapy is effective for treating anxiety and depression in various healthcare settings, there is limited research on its use in individuals with special needs. This issue can leave many without access to a simple yet effective intervention that could enhance their quality of life and daily activities. Objective The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the effectiveness of music …

Nurses’ Perception On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Implications On Mental Health, Geethika Manoj, Celine Bautista

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital …

The Impact Of A Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Latina Postpartum Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are significant mental health challenges that affect many mothers, especially Latina women with low socioeconomic backgrounds. These mothers often face barriers to care, health literacy, and access to healthcare resources. The problem is compounded by a lack of culturally competent care, which can contribute to mistrust of healthcare providers and discourage Latina mothers from seeking help. The literature review articles highlight that health literacy plays a crucial role in managing mental health, with effective education potentially reducing negative outcomes by improving coping strategies and bringing awareness to symptoms that are associated with postpartum. This research …

Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (Arfid) In Autistic Children Through Parent’S Lens, Lisette Oviedo

Nursing | Senior Theses

This research reviews and proposes a study to assess parents' knowledge about their children with a dual diagnosis of autism and Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with the intent to develop future care strategies that are both person-centered and family-centered.

The Impact Of Workplace Stressors On Anxiety Levels And Mental Health Among Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses, Kelsey Ang

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses work in a high-stress environment where they are exposed daily to traumatic situations. The demanding emotional and physical challenges contribute to significant psychological burdens, including increased stress and anxiety. Purpose: The current paper proposes a research design to examine the outcomes of stress, anxiety levels, and mental well-being on PICU nurses when workplace support and structured debriefing sessions take place following a traumatic event. Methods: Participants will be recruited from PICU hospitals in Northern California. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained prior to the study. The selection criteria will …

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of early maternal mental health interventions on child development, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. The study aims to evaluate whether children whose mothers receive mental health interventions, such as support for depression and anxiety, show improved developmental outcomes compared to children whose mothers do not receive such interventions.

Methods

The study will include 100 mother-child pairs, recruited from clinics in Northern California. Child developmental outcomes will be assessed using standardized tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS). Follow-ups will …

The Impact Of Sleep Deprivation On Maternal Decision-Making And Risk-Taking Behavior, Stephanie Marea B. Martinez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal aims to explore the impact of sleep education in new mothers and their ability to manage sleep deprivation with interventions during the postpartum period.

Methods

This research proposal includes various methods to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education and mental health screenings in new mothers. The baseline data for sleep quality, postpartum depression, and the new adaptation to motherhood will be collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, actigraphy to monitor sleep patterns, and a conduction of cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination. After interventions are put into place, follow up data …

Icu Nurse Mental Health: Telehealth Versus In-Person Therapy Effectiveness, Ariel Mach

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background Nurses working within high-stress specialties, such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), often face a lack of resources aimed at supporting their mental health. The expectation for the nurses is to independently manage their psychological well-being based on their knowledge and educational background. However, many times it is difficult to manage persistent stress, anxiety, or depression and this could adversely affect the quality of patient care and eventually lead to burnout. Telehealth therapy has become more readily available and used since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two forms of treatment delivery. Currently, there is limited research on the effectiveness of …

The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Racism On The Risk For Poor Birth Outcomes In Women Of Color, Audrey Hermosura

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are traumatic challenges experienced before the age of 18. These adversities have lifelong effects on physiologic and mental health. A relationship has been made between the number of ACEs and occurrences of poor birth outcomes. The toxic stress that accumulates from ACEs compounded by racism increases the risk for poor birth outcomes in women of color. Understanding the importance of screening for these events can mitigate the negative effects on women’s health during and after gestation. Purpose: This current paper, in addition to a literature review, proposes a research design to validate the feasibility …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

Cultural Wounds Find Release: Art Therapy And First Generation Immigrants’ Mental Health, Crystal Soojung Yi, Dennis Chavez Calderon

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: First-generation immigrants in the United States confront significant mental health challenges rooted in cultural identity conflict. Specifically, these challenges are linked to elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as indicated by Lindert et al. (2009). Art therapy holds promise as an intervention for treating mental health and identity conflicts in a variety of populations. Yet, little is known about how art therapy can improve the experience of first-generation immigrants experiencing cultural identity conflicts.

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of art therapy in improving the mental health and cultural identity conflicts of first-generation …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Culture Based Nurse-Led Education For Postpartum Depression In Primiparous Asian-American Women, Colleen Peralta

Nursing | Senior Theses

The postpartum period is a critical period in regards to maternal health, marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Among the vulnerabilities that arise, postpartum depression (PPD) poses significant risks. More specifically, Asian-American mothers with postpartum depression face unique challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health stigma remains prevalent within the Asian-American community, it can make it challenging for mothers to seek out mental health care for postpartum depression. To investigate, primary research articles about the perceptions and experiences of PPD and the interventions used to improve PPD outcomes were examined. A plan for a future …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within …

Developmental Effects Of Child Abuse: The Relevance Of Timing, Laura Luz Alvarez Pineda, Karla Susana Saldaña

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Early physical, sexual, and emotional child abuse has been associated with long-life cognitive, emotional, and physical health repercussions. Purpose: The current paper, in addition to a literature review, proposes a research design to examine the emotional outcomes of physical, emotional, and sexual child abuse on Hispanics when a psychosocial therapy program is implemented. Methods: Participants will be recruited from children’s hospitals, daycares, and preschools around the Bay Area. Parental-informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. This longitudinal quantitative quasi-experimental study will be comprised of three phases to measure posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Results: Multivariate …

Effects Of Nurse-Patient Relationship On Mental Health Patients’ Medication Adherence/Healthcare Outcome, April Monica Magbual

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background and Significance: Medication adherence among mentally ill patients (MIP) is a significant issue which require extra support & guidance to encourage better recovery. Administering medication is a critical role of nurses that must be performed effectively and appropriately, especially for MIPs.

Literature Review and Gap in the Literature: There is insufficient research exploring NPR and medication adherence specifically for MIPs. Participants’ cultural variations, age range, specific interventions & economic factors influencing medication compliance are missing. The current study aims to explore strategies that nurses can implement during patient interaction in the hospital setting.

Study Design and Method: A qualitative …

The Effects Of Prolonged Exposure Therapy On The Symptoms Of Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Hannah Belle Pontillas

Nursing | Senior Theses

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5 defines posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD as persistent psychophysiological reactions including intrusive memories of trauma, negative feelings towards such memories, and avoidance of related stimuli—all of which are a direct result of experiencing a traumatic event. The first line of treatment for this particular mental disorder is considered to be prolonged exposure therapy or PE therapy due to its high success rate in treating the symptoms of moderate to severe PTSD as it encourages patients to directly confront and overcome their trauma. However, PE therapy has garnered concern as it …

Maternal Postnatal Depressive Symptoms And Its Effects On Infant Bonding, Tammy Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

The objective of this thesis is to gain insight on precipitating factors that increase postpartum mother’s depressive symptoms, including stress and anxiety, and how attachment is influenced. Maternal-infant bonding is defined as the emotional relationship and interaction between mother and infant. Postnatal depressive symptoms typically are under-diagnosed due to a lack of education and the stigma of believing that the effects are “normal” consequences of motherhood. Those affected may not seek professional help. Unrealistic expectations about bonding with their infants can have a negative mental health impact on mothers and influence infants’ behaviors. High expectations of needing to be a …

Substance Use Among Nurses As A Result Of Covid-19, And The Impact Of Rehabilitative Programs On Nurses, Gerome Macaspac

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: The incidence of substance use among nurses has been a persistent issue for decades. The effects associated with substance misuse depend on what is used, the amount, how often, and how they are taken. Regardless of the substance used, any nurse who enters the workplace using substances puts the lives of others at risk. Due to the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a risk that the number of nurses resorting to the use of substances may have increased. Therefore, an investigation into drug use among nurses during the pandemic is particularly important.

Objective: To explore the …

Our Early Years Of Life's Effects On Our Future Health And Well-Being, Claudia Gagliano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Many poor health outcomes later into adulthood have been triggered by adverse life events that have occurred during childhood. Most of the general population has experienced some sort of adverse childhood event that has negatively impacted their future health. Adverse childhood events include any traumatic event that has occurred during childhood including maltreatment (sexual abuse, mental abuse, and physical abuse), neglect, parental loss, and peer victimization.

Raising awareness regarding the opportunities to intervene in a child’s life as a means to prevent behavioral, psychological, and substance abuse disorders before they would typically manifest on their own is the ultimate goal. …

An Exploration Of Covid-19 Impact On Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health In China, Jenny Yang

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

In December 2019, the first confirmed human case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 occurred in Wuhan, China. By March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic due to the rapid spread of the virus to other countries. Many people have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in various aspects, especially front-line healthcare workers. Hospital working conditions are constantly changing to cope with the problems that arise from the pandemic. These problems can result in an unsafe patient-to-nurse ratio, understaffed healthcare workers in hospitals, equipment shortage, and increased …

Nurses’ Reported Use Of Therapeutic Interventions Surrounding A Stillbirth Event, Sonya Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Psychological alterations and therapeutic interventions utilized for mothers who have suffered a stillbirth have been assessed and addressed in prior literature. This researcher reviewed ten articles highlighting the depression, grief, guilt, stress and concerns that can arise and interventions that were initiated within weeks immediately following stillbirth, during the time of a subsequent pregnancy, and a few years after having a subsequent child. An increased utilization of healthcare and health care provider presence have shown to positively influence the psychological effects of stillbirth. This researcher looked into the frequency and variety of which these interventions are being implemented in a …

The Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Mood Of Hospitalized Psychiatric Adolescents, Amy Chiu

Nursing | Senior Theses

Mental illness in children has increased over all aspects throughout the years to right now (CDC, 2019). Many of these children do get treatment for these disorders but there are still a percent that do not receive any treatment or find effective ways to maintain non-pharmaceutical alternatives for mood stabilization. The alternative therapies that are introduced in hospital settings plays a role in allowing for alternative therapies to be apart of the treatment plan for patients. Dance Movement therapy (DMT) is an alternative therapy that uses movement to conduct change in patient’s emotions based on their own choices of movement …