Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Development Of 4thekids: An Educational Support Group For Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy, Khrista E. Neville

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Raising a child can be challenging. Raising or caring for an individual with a disability can be even more challenging. Currently, groups exist to support these caregivers for individuals with disabilities. For example, caregivers of children diagnoses with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have groups designed to build community with others in similar positions while they support their loved one. However, there are few to no groups supporting caregivers of individuals with cerebral palsy. This doctoral specialization project aims to provide clinicians with a treatment manual to guide them through running a group that supports caregivers of individuals with cerebral palsy.

The Effectiveness And Feasibility Of Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching With Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study, Mara Sampson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: College students with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience occupational performance barriers, impeding participation. Limited evidence-based techniques are available to therapists working with this population. Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) has been found to be an effective treatment technique for improving occupational performance and self-determination for populations outside of college students with ID.

Purpose: The purpose of this experimental case study was to test whether participation in a telehealth OPC program for college students with ID increases occupational performance, occupational satisfaction, and self-determination.

Theoretical Framework: Self-Determination Theory and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) provide for the theoretical …

Canine-Assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy: Promoting Healing For Veterans Diagnosed With Ptsd Through Canine "Battle Buddies", Shelby L. Meadows

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Trauma related symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have long been recognized for their connection to military and veteran populations and has become a significant barrier to the provision of mental healthcare. This original contribution to practice explores the significance of Canine Assisted Therapy as a novel approach to treating trauma in veteran and military populations. An extensive literature review examines the current research and discussion on trauma-informed care. It begins with a discussion on evidence-based practices for the treatment of PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is followed by a comprehensive …

The Examination Of Suicidal Ideation And Ptsd Among First Responders, Amanda Catalan

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

First responders are vital to our safety and protection, but this does not come without a price. First responders are often exposed to life threatening situations that put them at risk, and are exposed to those in critical condition, and unfortuantely, those who have died. This makes first responders more at risk to develop mental health conditions, particulalrly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (PTSD). First Responders were found to be more likely compared to civilians to develop PTSD. They were also more likely to experience suicidal ideation. First responders who met criteria for a PTSD diagnosis were also more likely to have …

Measures Of Mood: Adaptations For Adults With Developmental Disabilities And/Or Severe Mental Illness, Tara Bord

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic was a source of anxiety and depression for many people, and for some it exacerbated existing mood and anxiety symptoms. Measurement of symptoms of anxiety and depression can play an important role in intervention to decrease these symptoms. However, to ensure validity of these measures, one must be able to understand the language of the screeners. An adapted Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Scale were created for usage with adults with developmental disability and/or severe mental illness who may have difficulty understanding the language of the original versions of these measures. A study was …

Development And Initial Validation Of The Triarchic Model Scales, Jordan A. Organ

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

The term “psychopath” is a word used often, particularly on tv shows, courtroom dramas like Law and Order, and even in everyday language to describe the people we know who may be deviant, cold, and lacking remorse. Although these descriptors may be accurate, they don’t adequately encapsulate the construct of psychopathy entirely. The picture of individuals with actual psychopathy is much more complex, and our field’s history of attempts to parse out psychopathic traits is equally as convoluted, which has led to differences in conceptualization and measurement. Despite the attention paid to the psychopathy construct, a full conceptualization of …

Clinical Challenges And Experiences: Shared Knowledge From Mental Health Clinicians, Tyler Mcqueen

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Though there is an extensive need for mental health practitioners of child and adolescent psychology, there tends to be a significantly lower number of these providers compared to adult clinicians. For this reason, this study sought to provide emerging child and adolescent clinicians with a point of clinical reference to allow for more efficient and competent services to be provided. This was accomplished by increasing the reader’s foundational knowledge of child and adolescent treatment via a brief historical review, while also increasing the reader’s clinical knowledge/readiness by examining participant reported interventions/insights on the most commonly encountered therapy interfering behaviors, clinical …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Interpersonal Psychotherapy Via Telehealth, Damon Tichenor Jr

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt changes for healthcare providers across the globe. As a result of social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders, it was necessary that providers adapted their services to continue to reach their clients/patients. Specifically for the field of mental health, practitioners quickly and extensively adapted from a face-to-face format to providing their services using various forms of technology, otherwise known as telepsychology. Although telepsychology was established prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid adjustment forced practitioners to adapt their interventions to formats in ways that had not been proven to be effective. The purpose of the current …

The Non-Standardization Of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder: A Call To Action, Gabriel L.S Gomez

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most diagnosed disorders in adults and children, yet there is no standardized method to assess for ADHD. The similarity of symptoms shared across other disorders (comorbidity) makes the assessment of ADHD a very delicate process. This is not aided by the fact that the assessment of ADHD is not standardized. This allows individuals able to assess for ADHD to give a test or a combination of tests that they find fitting. This in turn brings into question the quality of testing and disagreement in diagnosing across fields. Lastly, ADHD-focused measures typically …

The Suicide Gene: Examining The Environmental And Genetic Impact Of Someone Who Is Suicidal, Casey Allen

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Abstract

The progress of suicide focused research has been tremendous in recent years. There have been many theories posed that are foundational in understanding suicide. This project will examine the genetic and environmental impact of suicide. Serotonin, family heritability, twin studies, adoption studies, candidate genes, and genetic transmission of psychiatric disorders are key topics in the role genetics plays in suicide. Suicide has impacted many lives across the world. Survivors of suicide face stigma, trauma related symptoms, grief, and a whole host of other experiences. Suicide also poses a threat to the social, physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being on …

Qualities Of A School Counselor And Principal Partnership That Foster Student Learning And School Culture: A Qualitative, Eef Ji Fontanez

Online Theses and Dissertations

The close partnership between school counselors and principals suggested that their work together can influence student learning and school culture. Their roles, while different in nature, could be conducive to collaborating in an effective manner to help achieve their respective goals and the objectives of their employment responsibilities. Ideally, principals should fully understand the role of school counselors and allow them to implement a comprehensive counseling plan to increase student learning, reduce discipline issues, promote attendance, and positively impacts school culture. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), outlined the role of a professional school counselor to incorporate the …

The American University: Attitudes About Safety And The Impact Of Gun Regulations On Campus, April Bixler

Online Theses and Dissertations

An ultimate goal of American universities is to provide a safe and secure environment for all who attend and operate there, but what safety looks and feels like to the individual can vary to a great degree. There are many factors that campus safety departments consider when designing their campus safety policies and regulations. One way universities in the U.S. have chosen to regulate campus safety is by allowing concealed carry (CC) on their campuses. No evidence was found in the state of Kentucky that explains if a CC policy is warranted or being pursued by faculty, staff and students …

Posttraumatic Growth In Inmates: An Exploration Of Cumulative Adverse Life Experiences And Its Relationship To Growth, Rachel Taylor

Online Theses and Dissertations

Trauma is pervasive among incarcerated populations and revictimization is common. Trauma can ripple out, affecting other areas of life—for many inmates, trauma is related to mental health issues and substance abuse, both of which can contribute to increased likelihood of recidivism. This study evaluated cumulative trauma using the Adverse Childhood Experiences survey (ACEs) and the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) to find the effect of cumulative trauma on posttraumatic growth, the positive psychological change that may develop following a traumatic experience. Against the hypotheses and previous research, the results showed a negative relationship between cumulative trauma and posttraumatic growth, a negative …

An Examination Of The Usage Of Grants And Municipal Bonds To Fund Capital Projects For Local Governments, Collin Patrick Davis

Online Theses and Dissertations

Funding for capital projects is a vital need for local governments. This thesis compares two forms of funding, that being debt funding through municipal bonds or funding from state and federal grants. This thesis compares and contrasts these two forms of funding, looking at the economic and political risks that can come with using municipal bonds, as well as the need of resources that local governments need when it comes to securing grants. This project also looks at the case study of one such local government that needs funding for a capital project, that being the city of Richmond, Kentucky, …

From The Governor's Desk To A Bullet In Your Chest: The Fatal Implications Of Anti-Trans Legislation, Iyan Wickel

Online Theses and Dissertations

Proposed discriminatory legislation in the hundreds has resulted in a renewed look at trans communities, both of support and vitriol. Just as new legislation has been proposed in recent years at a rate that is higher than ever before, so has the reported rate of murder of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, seemingly at a similar rate with hate fueled rhetoric and legislation. This general observation was the driving force behind this study; to determine whether or not anti-trans legislation in particular coincided with the rate of murder of trans and gender non-conforming people. The study at hand examined the …

Urban And Rural Comparisons Of Attitudes Toward Medically Assisted Treatment For Pregnant And Postpartum Women With Oud In Appalachia, Anna Reeves

Online Theses and Dissertations

The opioid crisis has plagued the United States but disproportionately affects the often-overlooked Appalachian region. This area faces unique barriers preventing better access to quality Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment facilities despite opioid-related deaths continuing to rise. An especially vulnerable population in this region are pregnant and postpartum women who face even more challenges acquiring proper drug treatment. Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), also called Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), is considered the standard of treatment for OUD and reduces the effects of NAS, yet it is heavily stigmatized and underutilized in populations who could benefit from the medication. This …

How The Drug Trade Is Facilitated Online: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis, Jose Aguilar

Online Theses and Dissertations

The drug trade is part of society and will, therefore, continue to evolve as society evolves. Technology plays a significant role in the evolution of society and the drug trade alike. Technological developments such as the internet have facilitated our lives. Several conditions have contributed to the evolution of the drug trade, including the increased and intensifying criminalization of material spaces, which has led to people engaging in crime in and across cyberspace(s). The transnational nature of the emergent digital drug trade has brought with it unique jurisdictional concerns as the globalized world intersects with the global internet to facilitate …

Emotions As Social Objects In The Justice System: How Feelings Develop In Justice Processes And What They Do., Peyton Alexander Warman

Online Theses and Dissertations

Criminological research on emotionality and emotional demonstration in justice processes remains underdeveloped. One method of approaching the issue of understanding emotions in the justice setting is to conceptualize them as a form of social communication, impacted by the structure of the legal domain yet holding significant influence on their own. This thesis seeks to establish how emotions are rooted in social dynamics, and how the justice system, in both restorative and punitive contexts, including prison environments, creates specific social conditions that guide emotional demonstration and interpretation. The comprehensive review of established literature leads to the initial conclusion that emotions are …

Menstrual Inequality In Women's Correctional Facilities, Tara Lee Sexton

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this analysis is to examine how those who menstruate while incarcerated experience menstrual inequality within correctional settings. This research focuses on vulnerable populations of menstruators most likely to experience menstrual inequality and the underlying causes of this systematic inequality within the prison industrial complex in the United States. The content of this work will focus on how menstruating bodies face stigma, discrimination, and punitive treatment within correctional institutions throughout the United States. Based on the lack of access to feminine hygiene products and adequate restroom facilities within correctional institutions, menstruators face potential issues of privacy, concealment, and …

Telehealth: Visual Adaptations For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act), Caycie Smith

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an influx in therapeutic services provided via web-based “telehealth” platforms. Some therapeutic treatments that were traditionally offered in-person needed to be adapted for telehealth platforms. After virtually beginning ACT with a client who struggled to grasp the material, the ACT PowerPoints were created as an adaptation of an in-person treatment to help the client learn and retain the information. In addition to the ACT PowerPoints, in-session worksheets and homework activities were created as well.

This document examines literature involving the effectiveness and benefits of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), telepsychotherapy, and visual aids. The goal …

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Application Efficacy In The World Of An Athlete: Addressing Special Considerations, John P. Ferraro

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

The current project aimed to analyze the potential that Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training (DBT-ST) could have on the student-athlete population. The project necessitated a research exploration of both DBT and sports psychology treatment. This was accomplished by searching Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Library’s extensive databases, such as Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS, and Psycharticles. Considerations are discussed on athlete-specific concerns, such as stigma, athlete cultural views on mental health, eating disorders, coping through injury, and performance anxiety. Current sport psychology interventions are reviewed, and they are compared with the efficacy of DBT treatment literature. Similarities in sport psychology interventions …

No Safe Spaces: Institutionally Washed Out, Jordan Marie King

Online Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Prior literature has shown that black and brown bodies (BBB) are policed and victimized at higher rates than their white counterparts within the criminal justice system. The criminalization of school discipline is a microcosm of ‘big’ criminal justice. Criminal justice measures were implemented within schools as a means of maintaining ‘safety.’ Policing in schools perpetuates punishment disproportionality and maintains similar disproportionalities as the ‘big’ criminal justice system in terms of for whom and how how severely it is applied. Meaning that regardless of the school's demographics or student backgrounds, black and brown bodies are punished at a higher rate …

Utilizing Interprofessional Collaboration To Assist Clients And Communities With Disaster Relief, Baylen D. Bellamy

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

Hello and thank you for reading my capstone project, which focuses on utilizing interprofessional collaboration to assist clients and communities with disaster relief. My practicum placement was at a crisis center in the next town over. I shadowed and assisted staff with working with clients and the community. A natural disaster had occurred while I was at my practicum placement. Near the end of July in 2022 a massively, devastating flood had hit South Eastern KY and several surrounding counties. The flood happen so sudden people hardly had any warning. People’s homes, vehicles, animals, and personal belongings were washed away. …

Interprofessional Collaboration For Addiction Intervention In A Community College Setting, Cathi Smith

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

Substance abuse has become a major problem in our nation. It is no surprise that a great percentage of people have admitted that prior to their arrest they had either been drinking or using illicit drugs. When they commit these illegal acts, they then begin to cycle through the criminal justice system. It is also not obvious whether they have an AUD or SUD or that they are chemically dependent. In fact, some of them at this stage will still be in denial that there is even a problem, especially if the offense is something that does not come with …

Utilizing An Evidence-Based Treatment Program For Offenders With Mental Health Disorders To Demonstrate Interprofessional Social Work Practice, Erica Kessinger, Ann Callahan

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

Sixty-four percent of jail offenders, 54% of state prisoners, and 45% of federal prisoners have a mental illness (Taylor, 2022). Mental illness increases the risk of recidivism. Individuals with mental illness have limited access to appropriate treatment. They are more likely to respond negatively to the prison environment. This can lead to infractions and solitary confinement. In addition, 51% of incarcerated individuals, whether they received mental health treatment or not, are likely to experience recidivism (Pflueger et al., 2015). The practice of interprofessional social work inside the American prison system is desperately needed. The following paper proposes an evidence-based treatment …

Utilizing Interprofessional Collaboration In An Opioid Addiction Treatment Center, Lindsey K. Centers

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

This paper examines the practicum placement I've held for the duration of this semester. This paper discusses Behavioral Health Group's Level 1 outpatient substance abuse clinic. Behavioral Health Group is located in Richmond, Kentucky's rural Madison County. BHG Richmond offers Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol Medication-Assisted Treatment. This paper explores the function of the social worker as a counselor and member of an interdisciplinary team. This paper examines the ethical models and skills that social workers can use to promote an effective treatment experience for patients who present to BHG Richmond, as well as the close monitoring from the beginning to …

The Genome, Genetic Genealogy Database (3g Database), Salma Obaid Alotaibi

Online Theses and Dissertations

This is a qualitative research paper that used the content analysis method. Thirty-one sources which include journal articles, credible websites, and books were used to discuss the importance of having national and global genetic databases. DNA phenotyping is the technology used in criminal justice to identify crime suspects through observable traits in their DNA. This can play a key role in convicting the right crime perpetrators and avoiding future court appeals. It also helps during disaster recovery, where the victims are identified based on their DNA samples. Law enforcement agencies frequently use DNA to identify victims and solve high-profile cases …

Focusing On Friendship: Online Supported Activities For Adolescents On The Autism Spectrum, Molly King

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

A core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is social skills differences. Social skills groups have received support as an intervention that fosters social skills of those with ASD. However, there is limited information about the use of telehealth-based social skills groups. The proposed ASD adolescent social group design is formatted for telehealth services, and has been conducted virtually since 2020. This ASD social group program features unique virtual teaching and recreational activity curriculum as well as some program evaluation data methods and responses from participants.

Finding Confidence, Balance, And Self-Acceptance: A Clinician’S Guide To Treating Involuntary Celibates, Brian Keller

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Involuntary Celibates (incels) are a new and poorly understood population. In the field of psychology, very little research has been done on the population, and even fewer clinicians have successfully worked with clients from this group. This handbook was created in an attempt to outline the history, belief system, terminology, and common mental health problems of incels and their related groups. This information is distilled down and presented as a primer for anyone looking to understand this new population. Also, possible treatment recommendations are suggested and discussed in detail based on the particular psychological difficulties that incels often face.

Using Interprofessional Collaboration To Assist Refugees, Hannah E. Hoekstra

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

This capstone will demonstrate my competency and ability to use interprofessional collaboration with the nine Eastern Kentucky University (2022a) Master of Social Work (MSW) program interprofessional social work practice competencies. I will begin by describing my practicum setting and learning goals (EKU, 2022b) for the MSW program, as well as the two sub-groups within the agency I primarily worked with. Next, I will do a literature review of previously researched interprofessional collaboration with the two sub-groups, before demonstrating my practice of the nine competencies using my practicum experiences. I will then finally end with evaluating the effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration …