Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Effects Of Sleep Duration And Perceived Stress Of Reaction Time In Undergraduate Students, Caitlin Wescott, Edna Urrutia, Ryan F. Rednick, David Still

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sleep deprivation and psychological stress are common among undergraduate students and can negatively affect cognitive performance. Reaction time is an important indicator of attention and processing speed and plays a critical role in both everyday activities, such as driving, and high-performance environments where rapid responses are required. This study aims to examine how sleep duration and perceived stress levels influence reaction time in undergraduate students. Participants will report their sleep duration and perceived stress levels through short surveys and wearable sleep data, while reaction time will be measured using a standardized computerized reaction time test. By comparing reaction time across …

Mental Health First Aid Training In K-12 Schools, Jenna L. Workman, Brianna L. Schierberg, Grace H. Sullivan, Erin Robinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among school-aged children has become a rising public health concern. Recent data indicates that nearly 70% of schools report heightened mental health problems among students, with anxiety and depression being most common (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). The purpose of this capstone project is to raise awareness of mental health issues in K–12 public schools and to increase faculty and staff confidence in recognizing and assisting students experiencing mental health difficulties through nurse-led Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Using Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory as a guiding framework, this project emphasizes the …

Learning And Satisfaction, Ainsley Smith

Scholars Week

Learning and Satisfaction

Motivation, especially in the world of psychology, is quite the broad and overarching term that relates to various aspects of life. Whether it be motivation in the workplace, classroom, sports, or relationships, our intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive us to do our best on what we set forth to accomplish. Although there is extensive research on methods of learning in correlation to motivation as well as levels of satisfaction impacting these levels, there has yet to be much exploration into the impact an emotional component or personal connection may have on these factors. The purpose of this …

Efficacy Of Psychedelics Therapy Across Psychiatric Disorders: An Umbrella Review Of Meta-Analyses, Alissa A. Lopez, Ihsan Salloum, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Colloquium

Background: Psychedelics are gaining renewed scientific interest as a treatment for mental health conditions such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and addiction. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest these substances may produce significant therapeutic effects. However, there is currently no high-level synthesis comparing how different psychedelic compounds perform across a range of psychiatric conditions. A quantitative umbrella review is needed to clarify whether psychedelics broadly improve mental health outcomes, and whether certain compounds are more effective for specific diagnoses.

Methods: The aim of this study is to conduct an umbrella review (meta-analysis of meta-analyses) to assess the …

Hands-On Healing: The Role Of Creative Art And Clay In Happiness And Stress Reduction, Aria Mokhtari, Mahdi Ghasemi, Melika Eshaghian, Kat Bishop, Brittany Turner, Ryan Golshir, Ana De Faria Lima, Kaylee Stone, Soojin Lee, Jennifer Cooper

Symposium of Student Scholars

Stress and mental health concerns are increasing among students at Kennesaw State University. Creativity has gained recognition for their therapeutic benefits. This research investigated the impact of clay sculpting on stress reduction and emotional well-being. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, we analyzed participants' self-reported stress levels before and after participating in clay sculpting. A pre-and post-event survey measured the impact of engagement in these activities. After evaluating feedback and statistical trends, this study can provide evidence supporting clay sculpting as an effective tool for enhancing mental well-being among students. Stress levels were assessed using numerical rating scales (a form of …

The Weekly Assessment Of Child Behavior: Psychometric Properties Of A Behavior Problem Screening Tool, Matthew Young, Michael Moradi, Hans Kersten, David Bennett

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Investigating Biomarkers Of Anxiety Amelioration With Heterodyned Whole-Body Vibration Using Eeg​, Jaxson Bowen, Aaron Andrews, James Barber, James Fini, Erik Gardner, Lorissa Thorpe, Braden Ashcraft, Christina Small, Kyle Bills

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Ketamine Infusion Treatment For Depression, Isabella Schwing

Capstone Showcase

Depression remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S., affecting millions of adults and contributing to both psychological and financial burdens. Major depressive disorder impacts approximately 14.5 million U.S. adults, with about 30% of cases classified as treatment-resistant depression. Traditional antidepressant therapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, often have delayed onset and limited efficacy, leaving a substantial portion of patients without adequate relief. Given these limitations, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment options.

Recent research has highlighted ketamine as a promising intervention for Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression. Initially identified as …

Barriers To Mental Health Seeking Among Army Aviation Personnel: A Preliminary Report, Aric J. Raus

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This research explores barriers to mental health seeking, self-reported symptoms, and perspectives on self-help mental-wellness options among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel. Safe aviation operations require constant focus and mental clarity. These requirements expand when considering the implications and added stress of military operations, especially in combat scenarios. Yet, recent studies demonstrate that aviation personnel avoid seeking healthcare due to fears of losing their medical certification. This report provides preliminary results from the first known study on barriers to mental health seeking among U.S. Army aviation personnel. Utilizing an anonymous survey instrument, facilitated primarily through Social Media recruiting of current and …

Behind The Spine: Investigating The Role Of Cervical Posture And Range Of Motion On Mental Health, Layla Risdon, Luis Alvarez, Cassidy Byers, Davis Byers, Louis Michelon, Tallon Muhlestein, Natalie Tate, Garret Vincent, Christina Small, David Sant, Kurt Alexander, Kyle Bills

Annual Research Symposium

This research explores the correlation between abnormal forward head posture, cervical range of motion, and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, the study examines the relationships between the loss of cervical lordosis and anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of manipulative therapy on forward head posture and provided a link between postural alignment and cognitive function. This investigation aims to build on existing literature and enhance understanding of how loss of cervical lordosis impacts cervical and overall range of motion as well as its potential association with psychiatric conditions.

Cardiovascular Disease In The Active Service: Incidence Rates And Implications For Intervention, Sophie R. Vincent

Symposium of Student Scholars

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the United States. Common risk factors associated with CVD are obesity, hypertension, alcohol use, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Other factors such as genetics, race, age, and gender also play a role in the development of CVD. Based on current literature, the increasing trend of obesity impacts even active-duty military service members who are paid to maintain their physical fitness. Due to the lack of literature surrounding incidences of CVDs in active service members, the present study provides insight into this topic. The present research conducted a …

Quality Of Life Before And After Cosmetic Surgery: Should Body Dysmorphic Disorder Be Considered An Absolute Or Relative Contraindication For Cosmetic Surgery?, Lindsay Conlisk

Capstone Showcase

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) has historically been regarded as a strong contraindication for cosmetic plastic surgery. New research now suggests that the contraindications to cosmetic surgery in patients with BDD may not be so absolute. This paper reviews diagnostic criteria, diagnostic challenges, and current standard of treatment of BDD. It then presents the idea of insight analysis in the BDD patient as a significant factor in determining if patients with BDD may or may not benefit from cosmetic surgery or procedures.

How Religion & Acceptance Affect Attachment: The Impact Of Familial Factors On Lgb Youth, Emily Stine

Capstone Showcase

Growing up a member of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community comes with its own distinct struggles. Whether it be attempting to integrate an LGB sexual identity with a religious identity, or coming out to friends and family members, there are multiple opportunities for an LGB individual to experience rejection. This rejection, or fear of potential rejection, can detrimentally impact someone’s mental health. As LGB identities are becoming more accepted overall, LGB youth tend to come out earlier. As a result, the coming out experience often coincides with a particularly turbulent time in their social and emotional development. One …

Quality Of Life Before And After Cosmetic Surgery: Should Body Dysmorphic Disorder Be Considered An Absolute Or Relative Contraindication For Cosmetic Surgery?, Lindsay Conlisk

Capstone Showcase

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) has historically been regarded as a strong contraindication for cosmetic plastic surgery. New research now suggests that the contraindications to cosmetic surgery in patients with BDD may not be so absolute. This paper reviews diagnostic criteria, diagnostic challenges, and current standard of treatment of BDD. It then presents the idea of insight analysis in the BDD patient as a significant factor in determining if patients with BDD may or may not benefit from cosmetic surgery or procedures.

Reporting Of Eating Disorder Deaths, Katherine Mobley, Amy Hord

Symposium of Student Scholars

Those affected by eating disorders experience disturbances in eating behaviors which are often related to underlying psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (Parekh, 2017, Drieberg et al., 1998 p.53). The duplicitous nature of the disorder makes it difficult to diagnose, and the tole it takes on an individual’s physical health makes its mortality rate the second highest among psychiatric disorders (Guinhut et al., 2021 p.130). Even if the correct education and resources are accessible to certain individuals, negative stigmatization about the disorder can make sufferers unlikely to seek help (Becker et al., 2010). Findings from analysis of …

Understanding The Traumatized Brain, Sam Marion, Elizabeth Marston

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Students who have experienced trauma are often in need of behavioral intervention due to challenging behaviors and reactivity. Understanding the body’s threat response system gives insight into these behaviors and allows for empathy within the interventions. This presentation will outline basic neuroscience theories, propose interventions focused on self-regulation, and demonstrate how adding basic elements to existing interventions can increase efficacy.

Factors Of Physical Activity In Youth, Joshua Held

Capstone Showcase

JOSHUA HELD

Factors of Physical Activity (PA) Levels in Youth

PA levels in youth can help to predict PA levels in adults, improve cognitive function in youth, and is associated with improved health-quality of life, blood pressure, and even mental health in adults. Thus, it is imperative to understand the various factors associated with motivating and hindering PA levels in youth and how these factors can translate into the PA habits of their adult lifestyles. The factors analyzed in this study are socio-economic status, adult influence, social influence, sedentary lifestyle, and physical/mental health. These factors overlap and differ in their …

An Investigation Of Stimulants: Reviewing Their Effects On The Brain, Including Memory And Microglia, Michael Douchey

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Stimulants are a class of drugs that have a variety of effects on the brain, including changes in receptor activity in the brain areas responsible for- memory, attention, emotion, motor control, and the reward pathway. Stimulants may be generally classified by their availability. For example, prescription stimulants, which include drugs such as methylphenidate (Concerta™, Ritalin™) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall™), must be prescribed by medical professionals. Another regulated stimulant, albeit one available without a prescription, is nicotine; a highly addictive chemical that is age-restricted by the U.S. federal government. Nicotine is found in tobacco products, and in tobacco-free alternatives including …

Association Between Alzheimer's Disease And Rural Northeast Tennessee Region Between 2013 And 2015, Sylvester Olubolu Orimaye, Jodi Southerland

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of Dementia and a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the gradual degrading of both memory and cognitive functions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of AD is increasing globally. Currently, AD is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States. As the ageing population increases in the United States, it is possible that AD will move up the ladder in the top cause of mortality. Although the prevalence of AD in most urban parts of developed nations such as the United States is widely known, little is …

Personality Traits, Perceived Stress, And Coping Mechanisms Of Emergency Department Nurses, Brittany Knipp

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Parental Quality Of Life 10 Years After Their Child’S Epilepsy Diagnosis, Klajdi Puka, Kathy Nixon Speechley

Western Research Forum

Background: Although the long-term course of childhood epilepsy is favorable in terms of seizure control, patients often face debilitating cognitive and psychosocial deficits that persist even after seizure remission. Pediatric epilepsy also has a large impact on the family and has been shown to be associated with diminished quality of life (QOL) among parents. However, the long-term outcome of parental QOL is unknown. This study aimed to 1) evaluate parental QOL 10 years after their child was diagnosed with epilepsy and 2) identify epilepsy-, child- and family-related characteristics associated with diminished parental QOL.

Methods: Data were derived …

Meditation As An Intervention For College Students, Ameen Wahba

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

College students face a variety of stressors and are increasingly susceptible to mental health disorders. Meditation is considered a secular intervention to aid in well-being as well as an aspect of the religious or spiritual experience. In regard to application in daily life, many individuals are unaware of the varieties of meditation available. This work will aim to demystify the practice of meditation in a practical context, specifically focusing its simplicity and lack of cost. Focused Awareness meditation, Open Monitoring Meditation, and Compassion Meditation will be compared and contrasted for their varying benefits in the context of the life of …