The Role Of Ect In Ocd: A 10-Year Review (2014-2024), Mariana Sales, Tainiz Polanco, Amy Nguyen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population with significant impacts on everyday functioning and relationships. First-line treatment includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cognitive behavioral therapy; however, studies have found that up to 40-60% of patients do not respond to SSRIs. ECT is an alternative approach that has demonstrated limited efficacy in OCD.

Objective: The current review aims to summarize the results of published work between 2014-2024 to assess the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of OCD.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using eight studies from 2014-2024 to assess the effectiveness of ECT …

Effect Of A Mindfulness State Induced By Marconi Union’S Weightless On Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study, Ayman Khatib, Richard Jermyn, Judith Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Loneliness is associated with increases in risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, there is an urgent need for treatments that can help reduce loneliness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness techniques may help reduce the experience of loneliness. Digital sound therapy that incorporates biofeedback can help individuals enter a mindfulness state with minimal effort by simply listening to sound. One song titled Weightless by Marconi Union has been called the most relaxing song in the world with the capacity to reduce anxiety by 65% and equivalent to midazolam6. We hypothesize that watching the “Weightless” …

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

An Examination Of The Role Of Recreational Therapy In Forensic And Correctional Settings, Sarah R. Fischer

All Dissertations

The estimated prevalence of adults, age 18 and older, with serious mental illness (SMI) in the United States is approximately 6% (NIMH, 2022a). Having a mental illness places individuals at higher risk for arrest and incarceration (NAMI, n.d.b) where they receive treatment, including recreational therapy (RT) in state hospitals, jails or prisons. The purpose of this multi-method study was to gain a better understanding of the role of RT in treating adults with SMI in forensic and correctional settings. A non-standardized 122-item cross-sectional survey (n=49) was used to identify what interventions recreational therapists are using, for what intended outcomes; and …

Social Program For Adults Living In Group Homes, Kailee Oram, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) living in group homes have lower quality of life outcomes, particularly for the domain of social inclusion, compared to adults with IDDs who live alone or with family. This capstone experience aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a social program for this population to promote community engagement and interpersonal relationships. The 8-week social program was planned for participants living in group homes led by Trinity Services in suburban IL. A needs assessment included interviews with clients and staff about supports and barriers to social participation and ideas for community activities. The program was …

Opening The Outdoors: Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Adults In Outdoor Occupations To Support Mental Health, Jasmine Reynoso, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) adults in exploring and engaging in outdoor occupations to support mental health. Through 15 survey responses and 2 semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflective thematic analysis. The findings revealed three overarching themes: Barriers to Outdoor Occupations, Facilitators to Encourage Participation, and Personally Experienced Benefits. Participants explained how outdoor activities contribute to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and a sense of holistic well-being. By addressing the gap in research on nature-based occupations within BIPOC communities, this study highlights the need …

Family-Centered Care In Pediatric Oncology, Olivia B. Hope, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pediatric cancer is a medical condition defined by the development of cancerous cells in children and adolescents. Play is a child’s job; it creates a sense of belonging, fills their internal desire to participate in various environments, and allows them to develop sensory, motor, and cognitive skills. The PEOP model further structured this study by providing a comprehensive framework that considers the interactions between the child, their environment, and their occupational participation. This research project used a qualitative, exploratory design to understand how play-based interventions may enhance FCC in the pediatric oncology setting. Thematic analysis was utilized to create five …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Evaluation Of An Occupational Therapy Intervention In Prisons To Prepare Incarcerated Individuals For Successful Community Reentry, Dalenna Bellum, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, R. Curtis Bay, Angela Zhu, Jeremiah Fine, Bruce Kotter, Abbey Glenn, Rebecca L. Wolf

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Literature suggests that to reduce recidivism and facilitate successful community reintegration, incarcerated individuals need life skills training before release. This study evaluated the effectiveness of such an occupational therapy (OT) program.

Methods: We provided and evaluated a 12-session pilot OT program with incarcerated men providing life skills education for community reentry. We used forced-choice and open-ended questions with pre/post Employee Self-Assessment Tool (ESAT), assessing interpersonal, self-management, analytical skills, and skills used in an organization, and Life Skills Program Daily Surveys (LSDS) assessing participants’ perceptions of program effectiveness.

Results: Ninety-three of the residents participated; 69 completed …

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

Combating The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Self-Esteem And Emotion Regulation: An Art-Based Intervention Program, Kaileigh Kirk, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an art-based intervention program developed and designed to positively impact self-esteem and emotion regulation in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based intervention activities and group discussions. This program was created with the hopes of expanding occupational therapy's knowledge and utilization of potential interventions for children with ACEs.

Support Group Development For The Mental Health Of Parents Of Children With Complex Diagnoses, Sarah G. Bonner, Lakesia Boykin, Dana Madalon

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation covers support group program development for the mental health of parents of children with complex diagnoses. It outlines the need for emotional support, describes the group activities used to promote coping and resilience, and explains how the program was implemented and evaluated using pre- and post-surveys.

Implementing Self-Regulation Practice And Handouts For Parents And Educators At Linden Waldorf School For The Neurodivergent Student Population​, Samantha Thompson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The invention, application, and advocacy of occupational therapy approaches for the neurodivergent student population were the main objectives of this research. This project aimed to empower Linden Waldorf educators and staff to more effectively address the needs of their kids by offering direct observations, educational presentations, and a range of educational resources on an assortment of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses. Executive dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulties with emotional regulation, autistic spectrum disorders, and anxiety are among the diagnoses and deficiencies discussed in this …

Fostering Autonomy And Self Efficacy: An Informal Caregiver's Guide To Encouraging Participation In Self-Care, Jade A. Evans, Steven M. Gerardi, Precious Osuoha

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Helping Hands and Active Lives is a practical guidebook designed to empower informal caregivers to support senior independence and well-being. It offers evidence-based strategies to enhance communication, mobility, and daily function while emphasizing the impact of caregiving approaches on occupational success.

Mindfulness In Motion: Development Of A Post-Operative Protocol For Rotator Cuff Repair Using Reformer Pilates, Carrington M. Lee

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Reformer Pilates, based on values of breath, whole-body health, whole-body commitment, and whole-body encompassing mind, body, and spirit, is a form of low-impact exercises using a specialized machine with springs and straps to gauge resistance, primarily targeting core and postural strength. Evidence demonstrates the use of Reformer Pilates in rehabilitation, signifying improvement in chronic pain, physical health, and mental health compared to traditional therapies. Local adult outpatient clinic prioritizes movement in rehabilitation by using Reformer Pilates, incorporating this into treatment during occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) sessions. The clinic has a significant number of patients with post-op …

A Wellness And Social Engagement Program For Post-Lower Limb Amputees, Graciela Gonzalez, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

A wellness and social engagement program was developed and implemented to provide education relating to the mental health impacts, decrease in health management, and lack of social participation after a lower-limb amputation amongst adults, 18 years or older. The program provided a manual with educational information, external resources, and visual aids to enhance independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Optimizing Interventions For Major Depressive Disorder And Provider Burnout: Self-Speak Exercise Dosing (Sed), Laureen Maloney-Gepfert

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is ranked highest among mental illnesses in the United States (US) and significantly contributes to the mental health care crisis. Patients experience resistance to pharmacologic interventions, side effects, co-morbidities, and mental health provider shortages. Subsequently, 33 % of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs) are being redirected to Primary Care Providers (PCPs). Concurrently, prescriber mental health is in crisis. Growing workloads for physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) have increased provider burnout syndrome (BOS). Major Depressive Disorder and BOS are positively affected by exercise, Cognitive Restructuring (CR), and Behavioral Activation (BA). Sports medicine and psychology research shows …

Scaling New Heights: A Prospective Survey Of Rock Climbing's Impact On Mental Health, Kathy Chen, Swetha Sundaram, David F Lo, Ahmed Gawash, Charalampos Papachristou, Altamash E Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Sport climbing, officially added to the 2020 Summer Olympics, has grown rapidly, with U.S. climbing gyms increasing from 310 in 2013 to 591 in 2021. Over the past decade, European research has identified bouldering as a potential psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety and depression. Randomized controlled trials have compared bouldering psychotherapy (BPT) to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), showing that BPT produces comparable results and positively impacts mental health.

PURPOSE: There have been very few studies dedicated to the use of rock climbing as a therapy in the United States; further, there are few surveys that investigate whether American climbers would …

They’Re Faking It! Diagnosing Mtbis Using A Multimodal Approach, Dakota Muth, Priya Choudhary, Giovani Gourial, Cheryl Vanier, Alan Rodriguez, Travis Snyder

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects 69 million people annually worldwide. A significant subset of those affected will develop long-term sequelae that can seriously impact quality of life and lead to other health problems. Clinical diagnosis of mTBI is complicated by patient malingering, subjective symptomatology, and variable patient reporting. This review aimed to evaluate the potential effectiveness of combining advanced neuroimaging techniques with psychometric testing and blood biomarker analyses for developing a more objective and comprehensive mTBI assessment protocol.

Methods: A review was conducted using PubMed as the primary database, analyzing studies published between 2015 and 2023. Included studies …

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …

Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement: Social Emotional Wellness Through Yoga, Gianna R. Delfino

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

This doctoral capstone program, Social-Emotional Wellness Through Yoga: Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement, aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a family-centered occupational therapy (OT) program designed to enhance emotional connection, co-regulation, and wellness in caregiver-child dyads at a pediatric outpatient clinic. This project was guided by a systematic review of literature on the effects of yoga on the mental health of children 3-10 years old, which suggests that yoga has positive outcomes on the mental health and wellbeing of children (Khunti et al., 2022). Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care, the 10-week group was designed for children ages 3–11 and their …

Developing Staff Training Modules To Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care In An Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are admitted to psychiatric hospitals at higher rates and for longer durations compared to neurotypical individuals (Kuriakose et al., 2018). Externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, significantly increase hospitalization risk, yet standard psychiatric interventions (e.g., traditional process groups) are often ineffective for this population. A key barrier is the lack of ASD-specific training among hospital staff (Siegel & Gabriels, 2012). This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing an educational training program to improve patient-centered, neurodiversity-affirming care across all inpatient psychiatric units. The primary aims were to: …

Students Obtaining Tools To Achieve Regulation (Soar), Lacey D. Sanguinito

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Students Obtaining Tools to Achieve Regulation (SOAR) is a doctoral capstone project that addressed the need for integrated social emotional learning (SEL) in elementary education. SEL is an evidence-based approach shown to improve academic outcomes, behavior, and long-term life success, yet implementation barriers remain in school settings. This project aimed to enhance student regulation, classroom engagement, and teacher confidence in SEL techniques through a multi-tiered approach. A scoping review of SEL literature identified the implementation methods and barriers to SEL curricula in elementary education, which informed the development of SOAR. SOAR consisted of (a) a 20-session, movement-based SEL curriculum targeting …

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Special Needs And Complex Medical Diagnoses In Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities living all over the world are constantly faced with additional barriers. In low-income countries, such as Nicaragua, there is often a gap in access to resources and education, for both individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. Access is essential to provide high quality care to meet unique needs. This occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was created to support individuals providing care to children with special needs and complex medical diagnoses in Nicaragua by providing community-based education and sustainable resources to caregivers to enhance wellbeing in daily life. The deliverable was presented in country in Nicaragua to …

Supporting The Social Emotional Needs Of Preschoolers, Giorgi Morrone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Social-emotional competence is a prerequisite to school performance and participation in daily tasks. Children in West Virginia face social and emotional barriers including the effects of the opioid epidemic leading to children placed in foster care, born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, and being exposed to toxic stress in the home environment. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children's social-emotional functioning due to isolation periods. Social-emotional programming can improve children's well-being, school performance, relationships, and outcomes later in life. Occupational therapy practitioners can use data-driven decision-making and relationship-centered practice to develop group-based, health-promotion social-emotional programming in the preschool setting. The purpose …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

Return To Driving For Clients With Tbi: A Guide For Caregivers To Navigate Emotional Barriers Experienced By Clients, Brianna Dorsey, Mary Greer

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The project describes the building of an online resource for caregivers to have easily accessible resources regarding information about brain injuries, emotional barriers, and return to driving programs. Each section provides further resources for caregivers and is intended to help improve their care and medical literacy.

Breast Cancer Survivorship, Jayde Mosley, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Activities of daily living become difficult for clients during breast cancer survivorship due to the physical and emotional alterations that take place in the body. A program will provide clients with a guide on what to expect during breast cancer survivorship. This guide will also be distributed to clients who undergo mastectomy procedures and other forms of treatment. It will provide them with information regarding dos and don’ts, symptoms, long-term effects, outreach and support groups, adaptive equipment, and more information on ways to improve their quality of life.