Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons^™

Light Therapy Vs. Pharmacotherapy In Improving Quality Of Life In Seasonal Affective Disorder, Hitanshi Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depressive episodes triggered by seasonal changes. Light therapy involves exposure to artificial bright light by stimulating the production of serotonin. Pharmacotherapy primarily requires careful consideration of side effects and patient response times. Findings indicate that light therapy not only leads to significant improvements in depressive symptoms but also long-term enhancement in quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, while effective for some, often involves delays in response and potential adverse effects that can diminish overall satisfaction.

Worsening Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd) With New Onset Dementia, Melvin D. Ways Jr

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition typically characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors with preserved insight. Dementia, a progressive neurocognitive disorder, is frequently associated with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms; however, its impact on pre-existing OCD is less well understood.

Subject of study includes evaluation of neurodegenerative processes to exacerbate pre-existing OCD symptoms. Evidence suggests that dysfunction in shared fronto-striatal circuits—particularly involving the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia—may underlie this relationship. Additionally, cognitive impairment may reduce the ability to inhibit intrusive thoughts, further reinforcing compulsive behaviors. Emerging research also indicates a bidirectional association, with OCD linked to an …

Impostor Phenomenon In Healthcare: Prevalence, Implications, And Educational Responses, James Espinosa, Robin Lahr, Sergey Medlenov, Swet Patel, Nicholas Tomasello, James Lee, Neel Parikh, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The impostor phenomenon describes persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud despite objective evidence of competence. The term 'impostor phenomenon' is preferred over the term "imposter syndrome" because it is not a psychiatric diagnosis and avoids pathologizing normal developmental uncertainty. The original authors used the term 'phenomenon' (Clance & Imes, 1978), and contemporary scholarship increasingly adopts this terminology.

First described by Clance and Imes (1978), the construct has since been studied across diverse professional domains, including medicine, nursing, and academic leadership. Subsequent research demonstrates that impostor experiences occur across genders, training levels, and healthcare roles (Bravata et …

Attitudes Toward Pig Islet Xenotransplantation For Type 1 Diabetes: A Scoping Review, Daniel J Hurst, Daniel Rodger, Luz A Padilla, Fernando Ovalle

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Over 8 million people globally have type 1 diabetes. Islet allotransplantation offers an alternative to insulin therapy but is constrained by donor availability. Genetically modified pig islet transplantation presents a potential solution, yet understanding stakeholder attitudes is crucial before clinical adoption.

METHODS: This scoping review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines. CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and SCOPUS were searched for studies examining attitudes toward pig islet xenotransplantation among patients, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders.

RESULTS: From 199 sources, 16 met eligibility criteria, spanning ten countries from 2003 to 2023. The 23,780 participants included 1,535 (6.5%) patients/family members, …

Pathways Beyond Performance: How Curriculum Style Impacts Emotional Intelligence And Interpersonal Communication In Medical Students, Dan Yacubovich, Jonathan Tadros, Jennifer Fischer, Dana Zambito

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Medical schools employ various curricula to foster medical knowledge and professional competencies. Emotional intelligence (EQ)—the capacity to manage emotions and interpersonal relationships—is essential in clinical care. While research links EQ to academic and communication skills in nursing and international medical students, limited data exist for U.S. medical students, particularly regarding curriculum type.

Objective: This study evaluates whether different curricula—Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Synergistic-Guided Learning (SGL)—are associated with differences in EQ and interpersonal communication skills (ICS) at Rowan-Virtua SOM.

Methods: EQ was measured using the MySkills Profile (EIQ16). ICS scores were derived from standardized patient encounters in the pre-clinical years. …

Effects Of Social Isolation On Locus Coeruleus Opioid Receptor Expression And Affective Behavior, John Tkaczynski, Jordan Riser, Maya Patel, Nicole Shellenbarger, Jin Park, Daniel Manvich, Daniel J Chandler

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Social isolation is a stressor that impairs homeostatic neuroendocrine functions and is associated with the development of several mood disorders characterized by persistent negative affect. Persistent feelings of loneliness have been growing public health concerns for several years and were greatly exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem has grown so severe the U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness to be an epidemic health concern that is associated with poor mental and somatic health outcomes. Therefore, identifying mechanisms of neuroadaptation that contribute to the development of persistent negative affect is a critical step in the identifying better …

Challenges In Paediatric Xenotransplantation: Ethical Components Requiring Distinct Attention In Children And Obligations To Patients And Society, Anthony Merlocco, Daniel J Hurst

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

The transplantation of non-human organs into humans, or xenotransplantation (XTx), has recently garnered new attention and is being developed to help address the problem of organ scarcity in transplantation. Ethical issues surrounding XTx have been studied since initial interest arose decades ago and have experienced renewed discussion in the literature. However, the distinct and relevant differences when applied to children has largely been overlooked with few groups attending to the concerns that XTx in children raises. In this paper, we explore ethical challenges to be expected in paediatric XTx, in particular exploring organ sizing concerns, infectious risks, psychological burdens, and …

Unplanned Pregnancy As An Independent Risk Factor For Antepartum Si In A Post Roe Vs. Wade World, Rianna Mcnamee

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Abstract: The objective of this literature review is to determine whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent risk factor for developing antepartum SI. Background: The Supreme Court of the United States of America recently ruled that the constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion to its citizens. As of October 2023, twenty-one states had developed full or partial bans on abortion, resulting in millions of Americans residing in areas where terminating unplanned pregnancy is not a viable option. There is evidence that indicates antepartum suicidal ideation (SI) is higher than that of the general population, however …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Youth Depression Prevention Program In Improving Life Satisfaction, Roshani Patel, Steven M. Brunwasser, Alissa Hochman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, known as the global burden of disease. Incident cases from 1990 to 2017 have increased by 49.86%. Additionally, rates have been seen to dramatically rise in adolescents aged 18-25 (17%) compared to rates in individuals aged 10-14 (1.1%). This makes it beneficial to have prevention programs for middle school aged children. The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) is a youth depression prevention program focused on cultivating healthy thinking styles and behavioral coping skills. In our study, we used archival data from a randomized control trial of PRP to evaluate whether the program led …

Incorporating Ai Tools To Enhance Information Literacy And Critical Thinking In First Year Medical Students, James Martin Ii, Mercedes Byrd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study aims to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention incorporating medical databases, search engines, and generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools on the critical thinking skills and confidence of first-year medical students at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM). Approximately 125 students participating in a three-week pre-matriculation program will be subjects of the study. The intervention will consist of a curriculum focused on developing research questions, using search tools and GAI, evaluating sources, and writing a research paper. Pre- and post-tests, including a CARS assessment and a perceived knowledge and abilities questionnaire, will be administered to measure changes in …

The Effect Of Guided Meditation On Student Doctor-Patient Interactions, Aneela Rampersad, Samantha Plasner

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Healthcare students are under stress and can use different methods to cope with it. Mindfulness techniques such as guided meditation has been used as a way of helping these students reduce their stress levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether guided meditation has an effect on student doctors that translates into more positive interactions with patients. This study found that the student doctors who completed guided meditation felt less frustrated and less impatient while interacting with patients than student doctors who did not perform the guided meditation. Future studies on this topic should recruit more participants so …

Standardization Of Discharge Instructions For Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion In Children Presenting To Ed: A Qi Project, Niralee K. Rana, Nicole Gerber, Michael Alfonzo, Snezana Osorio, Deborah Levine

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) or concussions account for high rates of emergency department (ED) visits. Concussion diagnoses are used less often in young children leading to a variability in parental education and discharge instructions. Lack of discharge guidance may increase parental anxiety, impact recovery, and increase ED visits.

Objectives: To increase the proportion of ED patients discharged with age-appropriate instructions for mTBI by 50% by June 1, 2024, and to determine the impact age-appropriate instructions have on decreasing parental anxiety.

Methods: This observational time series with planned sequential experimentation is in progress at a Pediatric ED affiliated with …

Determinants Of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents And Caregivers, Priya Srivastava

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

•Vaccination efforts in the United States and globally are one of the largest contributors to pediatric preventative health

•Routine immunizations in the U.S for children ≤ 10 years old cover 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. As a result, an estimated 732,000 deaths, 21 million hospitalizations, and 322 diagnosed cases of diseases have been prevented between 1993 and 2013.

•Vaccines remain a point of contention with pediatricians and their patients' caregivers

•Many parents maintain hesitancy to give vaccines; to a number of reasons. Perceived risk and fear of side effects from vaccines more than the disease itself, can cause out-of-proportion concern

•Misinformation spread …

Relationship Between Caregiver Burden And Socioeconomic Status, Nikitha Pappachen, Maithri Goud

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this study, caregiver burden measures the psychosocial strain a caregiver experiences as a result of caring for a person with autism. In addition, this study focuses on the effect of socioeconomic status on caregiver burden. A previous study found an association between lower primary caregiver education level and more sleep problems for children with autism³. Thus, the finding focuses on the child with autism as opposed to the caregiver burden. Other studies focus on elements that affect caregiver burden such as sleep quality, mental health, and cultural aspects. If it is known that socioeconomic status significantly affects …

Factors Affecting Caregiver Burden In Informal Caregivers Of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brian Joseph Mathew, Maduka Gunasinghe, Usmaan Al-Shehab, Samrat Gollapudi, Prince Patel, Maithri Goud

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often require lifelong care to meet their daily needs, which is typically provided by informal sources like family members as well as formal caregivers from home health agencies. The persistent stress of raising a child with ASD can potentially lead to parental burnout, highlighting the importance of understanding the struggles faced by these caregivers. Clinicians must prioritize the well-being of both the individuals with ASD and their dedicated caregivers by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they encounter.

Our research aims to investigate and comprehend the specific challenges faced by caregivers of individuals …

Review Of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Patient-Centered Approaches To Care, Rabeel Ahmad, Rebekah Dietrich, Munaza Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as involuntary experiential and behavioral responses to internal or external stimuli. They are behaviors, not associated with pathological alterations in the physiology of the brain. Although some of them mimic syncope, they have historically been regarded to clinically resemble epileptic episodes.

There is a multiplicity of different names for this condition. PNES is the most widely used term, though the term "functional seizures" is increasingly used. Alternatives such as "psychogenic seizures," "dissociative seizures," "psychogenic nonepileptic attacks" (PNEA), and "nonepileptic seizures" are also used.

Association Between Cultural Factors And Postpartum Depression, Usha Modukuru

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Postpartum depression (PPD) is present in 17.22% of the world population. The negative physical and psychological impacts of PPD impact not only the mother, but also those around her. This raises the importance of identifying factors contributing to its onset. Studies have shown that PPD prevalence rates vary between non-Western and Western regions of the world. Cultural postpartum practices differed significantly region to region. Search terms including postpartum depression and cultures were used to find peer-reviewed articles, primary surveys, and patient interviews between 2013-2023. Qualitative analyses were performed on the results. Ethnokinship cultures, commonly present in non-Western countries, prioritized social …

Social Media Addiction Affecting Mental Health Of College Women, Praneetha Rajkumar, Don D. Shamilov, David F. Lo

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In our digital society, many teenagers and young adults use the many forms of social media, which are applications that enable users to create, share, and view content. Addiction to sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat is a rising concern due to the impact it has on the mental health of young women, particularly those aged 18-25. Addiction can result in spending an unreasonable amount of time on social media, being overly preoccupied with social media content, or having day-to-day activities that revolve around social media usage. Different sources of data were reviewed to understand why mental health concerns …

Impact Of Acceptance Date On Medical Students' Stress & Academic Success, Portia Tasnim Shaheed, Alissa Hochman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Each year, medical school admissions committees use various predictive factors to determine the demographics of their incoming cohorts, including undergraduate or graduate GPAs, MCAT scores, socioeconomic background, gap years, and more. Put together, these factors can paint a picture of how ready an applicant is to face the rigors of medical school. Once applicants are accepted, they face similar life stressors accompanied by the transition to medical school, but the amount of time they have to handle these life stressors is variable depending on when they are admitted. This study aimed to determine if late acceptance into medical school would …

A Review Of Risk Factors, Adverse Outcomes, And Counseling Strategies Among Pregnant Individuals With Eating Disorders, Alexandra Fontaine, Emily Meale

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) among women of childbearing age have become more prevalent on the global level. Identifying at-risk populations of women having EDs before, during, or after pregnancy is essential for clinicians to improve treatment and decrease the likelihood of negative maternal and/or fetal outcomes. Purpose: The purpose is to determine risk factors for women who have EDs throughout pregnancy, to identify negative pregnancy outcomes of women suffering from EDs, and to explore treatment and counseling options through the postpartum period. Methods: This literature review mainly utilizes sources from PubMed and the National Institute of Health databases. An expansive …

Brain Connectivity Pattern Changes Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, Prince Patel, Samrat Gollapudi, Brian Joseph Mathew, Bhaumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has shown promising therapeutic benefits for various psychiatric disorders, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychedelics on brain connectivity patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords related to psychedelics, connectivity, therapy, and fMRI. Only studies involving major psychedelic compounds (LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca) and measuring outcomes via fMRI were included.

The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics induce acute disruptions in normal large-scale brain network patterns, leading to a compromised modular but …

Doxazosin Immediate Release As Alternative Treatment For Nightmares In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report, Danyaal Khan, Christie Richardson, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Nightmares and flashbacks are common debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can disrupt daily functioning in patients. Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, has been commonly used off-label for the treatment of PTSD intrusion symptoms, although its short half-life is limiting. Doxazosin, another alpha-1 antagonist, is starting to be investigated in the treatment of PTSD-related nightmares due to its smaller side effect profile and longer half-life. In our case report, we present a case of a patient with PTSD-related nightmares who was successfully treated with doxazosin following relapse of symptoms after discontinuation of prazosin. The success of doxazosin immediate …

Exploring The Connection Between Diabetes Distress And Diabulimia, Stephen Poos, Misha Faerovitch, Celeste Pinto, Nima Jamalkhani, Fahad Chaudhri, Satara Khan, David F. Lo, Kaitlin Mcgowan, Ashaki Martin, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabulimia is a disordered eating behavior that involves an individual with type 1 DM withholding insulin injection to lose weight. Diabetes distress, a term used to describe the psychological stress associated with managing diabetes, is believed to be the cause of this condition. This review aims to assess whether individuals with diabulimia have measurable evidence of diabetes distress. Studies that described patients qualitative experiences with Diabulimia were matched and compared to the criteria in the Diabetes Distress Scale. Over 40 of the 185 individuals across twelve studies were found to meet one or more criteria from the Diabetes Distress Scale. …

Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression In The Hippocampus Of Patients With Schizophrenia, Shruti Varshney, Ananya Nethikunta, Minjal Patel, Mary Kosciuk, Randel L. Swanson, Venkat Venkataraman, Robert Nagele, Eric Goldwaser, Nimish K. Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a heterogenous psychiatric condition characterized by disruptions in cognition, social activity, affect, and perception often associated with a varied combination of positive and negative symptoms. The pathophysiology behind SZ remains poorly elucidated. Earlier reports have cited the importance of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) in the hippocampus and the receptor’s association with auditory sensory gating and cognitive function. Specifically, variations in the expression and functionality of α7nAChR can be linked to auditory hallucinations experienced by patients with SZ and several therapies have been researched that target α7nAChRs. However, there are very few primary research …

Mental Health Differences In Medical Students Based On Curriculum And Gender, Maxim Jestin, Shelly Sharma, Deval Jhaveri, Brittany Mitchell, Dean Micciche, Venkat Venkataraman, Kathryn Lambert

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health struggles among students in medical school is widely reported; however, little is known about how it is impacted by the medical school curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate differences in anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion in medical students based on gender, class year, and curriculum.

METHODS: An anonymous online survey consisting of questions from established, validated questionnaires about demographics, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and personal health behaviors was sent to 817 medical students who attended Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine during the Spring of 2021. When applying to this school, each of these students …

The Effect Of Perceived Weight Status And Bmi Perception On Food Attitudes And Food Relationships, Sahil K. Patel, Ryan Gericke, Jaime Dougherty, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

CONTEXT: Obesity has been a national epidemic throughout the United States due to the increasingly sedentary western lifestyle, paired with calorically dense abundant low-nutritional food options. Discussing weight necessitates the conversation of not only the numerical value (body mass index [BMI]) associated with obesity but also the perceived weight or how an individual categorizes their weight, irrespective of their calculated BMI classification. Perceived weight can influence food relationships, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and food attitudes among three groups: those correctly identifying as "obese" with …

Tf-Cbt Training Augmented With A Self-Care Focus: Understanding Facilitators And Barriers To Treatment Implementation., Julie P. Harrison, Esther Deblinger, Elisabeth Pollio, Beth Cooper, Robert A Steer

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Clinicians working with youth exposed to trauma may be at increased risk for experiencing elevated levels of stress and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, which can negatively impact clinician wellbeing and ultimately contribute to reduced access to quality care for clients. An innovative Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training incorporating self-care practices (i.e., Practice What You Preach; PWYP) was developed to help facilitate the implementation of TF-CBT and to enhance clinicians' coping and decrease stress. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether the PWYP-augmented training met three Objectives: (1) increase clinicians' feelings of TF-CBT competency; (2) improve …

Biopsychosocial Impacts Of Social Distancing Due To Covid-19 In People Over 65: A Literature Review, Nicole Lacap

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, elderly populations aged 65+ have been deemed at-risk for severe symptoms and poor prognosis. Because it is important to protect this vulnerable population, policies such as social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have been implemented in the United States in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, many older citizens may live alone or may not have access to technology, and therefore may be limited in their ability to maintain important relationships and social interactions throughout shelter-in-place orders and social distancing. Therefore, it is important to understand the cost …

Mental Health Of Medical Students Regarding The Covid-19 Pandemic, Parth Patel, Richard Jermyn, Arvind Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Mental health has taken a global priority as more realize that it is just as important as physical health in the overall health of a person. Medical students have faced mental health issues for decades and have been shown to suffer more than the general population. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only deteriorated this issue. Many primary databases such as PubMed were used. The results indicate that medical students have extremely high rates of depression, burnout, anxiety, and stress that can affect their education but also carry over into their professions. Although many interventions increase mental wellness in medical school, …

The Effect Of Perceived Weight Status And Bmi On Food Attitudes And Food Relationships, Sahil Patel, Ryan Gericke, Jaime Dougherty, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The findings of this study have shed light on the intricate relationship that exists between perceived weight status from a “non-obese/obese” perspective and attitudes towards food and the overconsumption of particular food items. Participants who perceived their weight status as “obese” despite having a calculated BMI below the CDC threshold and classification for “obesity” had poorer relationships with food, consumption behaviors, and on average consumed food items that were detrimental to overall health. Comprehending a patient’s weight status perception and conducting a thorough history of their food intake could play a crucial role in addressing the patient’s overall health and …