Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Improving Management Of Suicidality Within An Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Program Through Standardization Of A Suicide Rating Scale Among Clinical Staff Members: An Evidenced-Based Practice Project, Nicole Neale

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Standardization of suicide assessment protocols is essential for maintaining standards of care and optimizing patient safety. However, many healthcare organizations lack a universal protocol for suicide assessment, likely due to the absence of a gold-standard method or tool. This evidence- based practice project aims to enhance the accuracy and consistency of suicide assessments for individuals diagnosed with eating disorders as well as other mental health disorders, ultimately improving patient safety measures and outcomes within an eating disorder treatment center. This project includes a thorough literature review of suicide risk factors, assessment methods, and available tools, followed by the education and …

Building Capacity For Trauma-Informed Care: Enhancing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practice Of Trauma-Informed Care Among Nurses, Kim G. Cudjoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Exposure to trauma is a global and pervasive phenomenon that is known to have negative consequences on the health, health outcomes, and well-being of individuals and at-risk populations to include Veterans. The implementation of trauma-informed care concepts and principles in the delivery of healthcare services among all staff and across the span of healthcare allows healthcare professionals to realize the impact of trauma on individuals, to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, to respond to trauma through improved practices, procedures, and policies; and to prevent re-traumatization while receiving care. The purpose of this evidence-based project is to develop and …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Through Storytelling And Mindful Narrative Therapy, Julie Kemp

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This study presents research about the nature and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the mental and physical impacts to individuals exposed to ACEs, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly Mindfulness-Based Narrative Therapy (MBNT). It is important because ACEs have become a global crisis, with the potential for interfering with psychological and physical development, early mortality, and other harmful life outcomes. This thesis provides critical information for mindfulness teachers and practitioners, therapists, educators, regulators, parents, and individuals subjected to ACEs.

The methodology includes extensive literature searches for narrative therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in peer-reviewed …

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, …

Scheduling, Stress, And Satisfaction: How Alternative Methods Of Staff Scheduling Can Stop Nurse Burnout And Increase Nurse Satisfaction, Cythia Anicette Adn, Rn

Posters

●Traditional scheduling modalities have been identified by YNHH staff members to have a negative impact on work-life balance, eventually leading to burnout. ●Studies have shown that burnout may lead to poor patient outcomes and increased turnover rate among nurses. ●In traditional scheduling modalities, management is often in charge of creating the schedule for the entire unit with varying input from staff. ●In contrast, self-scheduling has staff collaborate with each other to create a schedule with final approval made by management. ●Self-scheduling has been found in several studies to create positive outcomes in nursing satisfaction and work-life balance. ●Due to its …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern for adolescent mothers, especially those without a reliable support system. The current research demonstrates the importance of a support system, effective interventions, and prevention strategies for easier navigation of postpartum depression. Some effective interventions researched were therapy groups, personalized home visits, and using social media platforms to deliver therapy. This research proposal aims to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention for postpartum adolescent mothers without support. A quasi-experimental design will be used, with pre-and post-test assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD symptoms in 100 …

Shadows Of Self Doubt: Exploring The Dual Threat Of Impostor Syndrome On New Nurses And Quality Care, Siona Patel

Nursing | Senior Theses

Every nursing student goes through a transition period after nursing school where they step into the role of a new graduate nurse, and adapt to the demands of the clinical setting. Their acquired knowledge and skills taught to them are now applied to high stake situations of the real world. This critical time period is often paired with a mental phenomenon known as imposter syndrome in which competent people feel doubt or fraudulently of their skill set which can affect patient care and cause burnout. This thesis explores the connection between imposter syndrome and burnout and their impact on patient …

The Psychological Impact Of Denied Blood Transfusions By Jehovah's Witness Parents In Pediatric Patients, Jaelyn Capablanca Braganza

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is against God's will to receive blood from someone else, or to tamper with their own blood, influencing them to deny blood transfusions for themselves and for their children. Since minors are legally not allowed to make healthcare decisions on their own until they reach 18 years of age, this decision made by the parents to deny transfusions on the pediatric patient's behalf may create significant emotional and psychological challenges, potentially influencing family dynamics, mental health, and overall well-being. Understanding these effects, especially for the pediatric patient, is crucial for healthcare providers, social workers, and …

Effectiveness Of Post-Discharge Interventions Following Psychiatric Hospitalization On Readmissions And Suicide Prevention Among Adolescents, Maria Paz Eladia Posadas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Suicide is a pervasive and far-reaching issue. Psychiatric hospitalization is often used as an intervention for individuals, including adolescents, experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behavior. However, post-discharge care may lack structure or clearly defined follow-up services, which can result in rehospitalizations and increased suicidality. Objective: The goal of the proposed research study is to investigate how implementation of peer support groups for adolescents following psychiatric hospitalization can assist in reducing readmissions and mitigating suicide risk. This can also help shape strategies for managing care after discharge. Method: The proposed research study utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine the efficacy …

Reducing Stress Related To Injection Therapy: A Zen Bundle Approach, Valoree Bowen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Needle fear and stress are common barriers preventing adults from seeking necessary medical treatments, including intramuscular (IM) injection therapy. Research highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate this fear and improve patient experience.

Objective: This evidence-based pilot project included a Zen Bundle—an intervention incorporating shared decision-making, aromatherapy, and distraction—to evaluate the impact on stress reduction and patient satisfaction in a retail vitamin shop in North Texas.

Methods: The project utilized a pre-and post-intervention design over eight weeks. Participants completed pre-surveys assessing stress levels using a Visual Analog Scale before choosing an intervention (aromatherapy, distraction, or both) during IM …

Psychological Interventions In The Work Environment And Reducing Burnout In Critical Care Nurses, Amelia Bloom, Isabella Tisevich

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Burnout is an increasing issue in the nursing field, particularly for critical care nurses. The purpose of this systematic review is to discover how the work environment impacts burnout of critical care nurses, and how different psychological interventions instituted by the workplace impact their burnout levels. The PICO question is: In critical care nurses, do work environments that provide psychological interventions compared to work environments that do not provide psychological interventions document outcomes of less burnout? The articles used within this systematic review were found using the databases Academic Search Complete and PubMed. Articles were selected based on the inclusion …

Cognitive Impairment And Depression In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Low-Income Older Adults A Cross-Sectional Study, Cecil Latta

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Hispanic older adults represent a growing population in the United States and may be disproportionately affected by cognitive impairment and depression. We theorize that cognitive impairment would be more prevalent in the older Hispanic community and would affect the levels of depression in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the association between cognitive impairment and depression in 157 older adults, including Hispanic (n = 91, 57.96%, age: M = 76.4, SD = 6.8) and non-Hispanic White (n = 66, 42.04%, age: M = 76.2, SD = 6.5). We used the Memory Impairment Screen to assess …

Uplifting Youth: An Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Intervention, Adriana Cornejo

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

The Lift Project™ is an initiative that combines positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to promote mental health. This DNP project investigated the effectiveness of The Lift Project™ in enhancing mental health outcomes in adolescents for the first time. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants aged 12 to 17 who attended The Lift Project™ workshop over 10 weeks (n = 22; age M = 15.3 years, SD = 0.99; 68.2% female, 100% Hispanic). Quantitative mental health assessments measuring anxiety, depression, stress, vitality, emotional well-being, flourishing, and life satisfaction were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results revealed a 30% reduction …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Nurses’ Empathy, Burnout, And Contentment With Life In Turkey, Sevinç Mersin, Özlem İbrahimoğlu, Merve Tuncer, Ali Arslanoğlu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Empathy has various consequences for nurses. Therefore, its effects on nurses should be identified. Thus, this study aimed to determine the relationships between empathy, burnout, and level of contentment with life in nurses and the characteristics that affect them.

Methods: This descriptive–correlational study was conducted on 653 nurses in Turkey between November and December 2021. Data were collected using an information form, the Basic Empathy Scale, Burnout Measure Short Scale, and Contentment with Life Assessment Scale.

Results: A positive, weak, and significant relationship was noted between the mean Basic Empathy Scale and Burnout Measure Scale scores. …

Promoting Confidence And Evidence-Based Practices For Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Integrated Primary Care Providers: A Qualitive Improvement Education Initiative, Omar Samateh, Margaret Emerson, Kayla Meisinger, Taylor Wilson, Leeza Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Introduction: Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are seeing growing number of patients presenting for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluations as a result of social media influences highlighting ADHD. Yet, PCPs report lacking confidence and education with adult ADHD. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to develop educational materials to promote confidence, competence, and adherence to ADHD evidence-based recommendations among integrated care PCPs. Methods: A literature review and retrospective chart review of 19 patients were used to create 1) Baseline ADHD Provider Education (PE) tool, 2) Standardized ADHD Diagnosis (SAD) referral process, 3) ADHD Assessment, Treatment, and Monitoring …

Factors Associated With Cognitive Flexibility In People With Opioid-Use Disorder: A Pilot Study, Paul S. Regier, Thais Costa Macedo De Arruda, Laura Sinko, Anne M. Teitelman, Anna Rose Childress

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has strong survival value. Individuals with substance use disorders tend to get "stuck" over-responding to drug-reward signals and pursuing drugs despite negative consequences. A lack of flexibility may be tied to impairments in neurocognition, including learning, memory, and executive function. However, results are often mixed, potentially due to heterogeneity in factors such as mental health, personality traits, or prior adversity. This study aimed to identify which factors influence neurocognitive variations within the opioid use disorder (OUD) population. Based on prior literature, we hypothesized that individuals with OUD would show deficits (vs. controls) in …

Implementation Of A Daily Engagement System Board (Desb) To Improve Hospital Staff Communication, Catherine Villanueva

Master's Projects and Capstones

Implementation of a Quality Improvement (QI) project to help improve staff communication between shifts at an Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Unit was determined to be of immense need. This unit is part of a large acute medical hospital. Currently, the end of shift report consists of a verbal report along with a robust printed end of shift report consisting of shift related information. This printed end of shift report can have as many as seven to nine pages thus causing information overload and decreases prioritized patient information. Furthermore, missed information or too much information can be provided in the verbal shift …

An Integrative Review Of Trauma Informed Care With Pediatrics To Minimize Psychological Sequelae Post Discharge, Amber Lee, Courtney Heinzelman

Master's Projects

Each year, a significant number of children sustain injuries requiring hospitalization, and while many recover physically, some face long-term psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. This integrative review focuses on adolescents aged 13–18 who have experienced accidental trauma, exploring how trauma-informed care (TIC) in nursing compares to traditional approaches in reducing psychological impacts after discharge. Research suggests that many young patients report mental health symptoms for months following traumatic events. Trauma-informed care prioritizes principles such as safety, trust, peer support, and empowerment, aiming to reduce emotional distress and promote recovery. This review examines the application of these …

Early Referral For Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy For Treatment Of Trauma-Induced Anxiety And Emotional Distress, Christa Jones

Doctoral Projects

Trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress are significant health concerns affecting millions globally and resulting in significant healthcare burdens. Despite the considerable efforts in addressing problems, most high-risk cases often go unidentified or unaddressed promptly. Besides standard trauma diagnosis, treatment, and management protocols, some patients often require specialized support. Recently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a promising alternative for treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress conditions, yet many patients who are at high risk are often not identified early for referral. Additionally, many healthcare facilities, especially those in rural settings, fail to include appropriate screening tools.

This …

Investigating The Effects Of Workload Management Strategies On Nurse Practitioner Burnout And Job Satisfaction, Erica G. Smith

Doctoral Projects

Burnout is a critical issue among psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worsened by excessive workloads, productivity demands, and the emotional intensity of patient care (Chi et al., 2024). The negative effects of burnout included diminished job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased turnover (Chi et al., 2024). As the demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) grew, addressing these challenges was essential for maintaining a sustainable workforce and ensuring quality patient care.

This doctoral project aimed to assess the impact of a workload management strategy on reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among PMHNPs in a hospital …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Domestic Violence And Mental Health In Pregnant Women, Arabella M. Co

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Domestic violence can include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, which can lead to long-term mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Purpose: This research includes a literature review, as well as a proposed research design to examine the significance of intimate partner violence in relation to mental health by implementing screening methods and interventions. Method: Participants will be recruited from prenatal clinics around the Bay Area. A quantitative, randomized, controlled-trial cohort study will investigate the effectiveness of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). A screening tool used in determining intimate partner violence within the …

Improving Consistency Of Quality-Of-Life-Assessments In Schizophrenia Patients Through Structured Education For Healthcare Providers, Dorothy Stewart

Doctoral Projects

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating mental disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Effective management of schizophrenia requires not only symptom control but also a comprehensive assessment of QoL to guide treatment plans. The Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale Revision 4 (SQLS-R4) is a specialized tool designed to evaluate the unique challenges faced by patients with schizophrenia. However, inconsistencies in the administration and interpretation of the SQLS-R4 by healthcare providers have led to variability in patient care. This doctoral project aimed to address this gap by implementing a structured educational intervention for healthcare providers that focused on …

Effectiveness Of Interventions To Address Nursing Students' Mental Health: An Integrative Review, Aimee Dickson, Shelby Carter

Master's Projects

Background:

The rigors of the nursing school curriculum are associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, resulting in unhealthy habits and ineffective coping strategies that lead to initial difficulties in the academic environment and burnout as professional nurses advance into their careers. This phenomenon further burdens the already taxed workforce, leading to ongoing turnover and compromising care. This integrative review aims to look at what coping strategies have proven most successful in fostering nursing students' well-being, leading to lifelong practices that promote strength while addressing the rigors of academia and, later, the workforce.

Methods:

The literature review search …

Mental Fatigue And Self-Care In Informal Oncology Caregivers: A Descriptive Mixed Methods Study, Megan Wayne

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:

This dissertation study aimed to enhance understanding of informal caregiver wellbeing by exploring the presence of mental fatigue, the relationships among mental fatigue, self-care, and informal oncology caregiver quality of life (QOL), and determining whether differences exist in self-care engagement and QOL between caregivers who report high and low levels mental fatigue.

Problem:

Healthcare is becoming increasingly reliant on informal caregivers for the management and care of individuals with serious illnesses such as cancer. Previous research has shown that informal caregivers routinely experience many negative effects as a result of providing care including decreased mental health and …

Exploring The Impact Of Trauma Informed Care In Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice: A Holistic Approach To Healing, Sharon O. Obide

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This scholarly work seeks to establish the significance of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) practice to improve mental health results. Hence, TIC changes the paradigm from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and recognizes the existence of trauma. This paper discusses how TIC can enhance patient communication, decrease patients’ Retraumatization, and enhance rapport with clinicians, resulting in improved outcomes for patients. The outlined project employs a quasi-experimental design and targets 50 PMHNPs in the University of Maryland Medical Center. The expected outcome involves the reduction of the symptoms of PTSD, enhanced …

“It Is What It Is” – The Lived Experience Of Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Axillary Lymph Node Dissection, Eva Vikhe Patil, Anna Forsberg, Carina Wennerholm, Jenny Drott

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: The lived experience of women undergoing axillary procedures as part of their breast cancer (BC) treatment remains unexplored. This lack of in-depth understanding could hamper implementation of person-centred care, which is concerning because BC is the most common form of cancer in women. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the lived experiences of women undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) due to BC.

Methods: Twelve women with a mean age of 59 years were interviewed about their lived experiences of axillary procedures as part of their BC treatment. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed …