Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Syllabus Development Of A Mindful Exploration Of Contemplative Chanting Course, Edwin Ebinger

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Contemplative chanting has a long history across a broad cross section of the world’s civilizations. However, with the modern American acceptance and expansion of Eastern-based contemplative practices, chanting has not at present firmly established itself. Within this context, further investigation into the physiological and neurological effects of chanting, the various ritualistic traditions and purported transformational effects of chanting, and the role of chanting within the modern American mindfulness movement is warranted. To this end, a syllabus for graduate level study is developed herein based upon a literature review of the existing English-language discourse, the Lesley University Mindfulness Studies program design, …

An Introduction To The Brahmavihāras: For Lawyers, Law Students, & Judicial Officers, Jill Carnell

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This paper outlines what I have learned about the lawyer well-being movement, the overwhelming suffering that is affecting lawyers, law students, and judicial officers in the United States, how the suffering of each group is similar and different, why this suffering should concern all of us, a review of mindfulness practices in the legal profession, the brahmavihāras and some studies about kindness and compassion training programs, and how these lessons informed the seven module asynchronous online training program created to introduce the brahmavihāras to lawyers, law students, and judicial officers. The training program is freely accessible at http://www.thought-kitchen.com/.

The Experience Of An Intermodal Arts Exploration, Maryellen Mahar

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Abstract

In this study, a sequence of visual, sound, and movement expression was utilized to explore how engagement in the intermodal combination influenced participants’ articulation of tacit, felt sense awareness associated with their creative process. The research questions were, “What are artists’ experiences of engagement in an intermodal expressive arts process?” and “How does engagement in non-verbal intermodal arts (visual art, sound/music, and dance/movement) influence participants’ articulation of tacit, felt sense awareness associated with their creative process?” This qualitative and arts-based study included participants (N = 5) over the age of 18 who were purposefully sampled based upon their …

Bringing Up Buddhas: How Mindfulness Can Impact The Next Generation, Alex Tzelnic

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The following presents both a rationale paper and a creative thesis on the topic of how mindfulness can meaningfully impact the next generation. Given the daunting issues faced by Generation Alpha (those born after 2010), including climate change, social justice, and mental health, understanding how the tool of mindfulness can best support children, as well as inform the caretakers most influential to them such as parents and educators, is crucial.

The following rationale paper outlines how mindfulness can make an impact in the fields of parenting and education, as well as in addressing the pertinent issues mentioned above. In surveying …

Embodied Critical Analysis: Exploring The Impact Of Systemic Oppression On Black, Public School Educators Through Supervisor Relationships, Myisha R. Rodrigues

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

This critical qualitative dissertation aimed to highlight the experiences and amplify the voices of Black, public school educators in the Boston metro area. Grounded in critical race theory and further defined by trauma and organizational/systems theories, this study illuminated the historical foundation of education as well as the dehumanizing treatment and resilience of Black Americans. This illumination provided a socio-political context that shaped the development of institutional injustice as well as Black educator well-being. With a specific focus on Black educator experiences with supervisors in public schools, specified methodology allowed for most impactful practice leveraging creativity through artistic means.

Critical …

The Use Of Digital Mediums In Expressive Arts Therapy, Katherine Mcadams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In recent years, there have been considerable advances in technology, which have made digital devices such as computers and cellphones cheaper and more accessible for most Americans. The Pew Research Center (2019) reports that 96% of adult American’s own a cellphone, with 81% owning a smartphone. Usage rates for cellphones and other digital devices amongst children and adolescents are also high with 95% of teens, aged 13-17, report owning a smartphone (Jiang, 2018). Despite these staggering statistics the field of psychology and creative therapies have been slower to adopt and incorporate the use of digital media and technology into the …

Exploring Gender Identity Through A Camera's Lens: A Literature Review, Mackenzie Ganier

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite a growing number of individuals who identify as non-binary, there is still a lack of understanding, language and acceptance of their identity. Dominant narratives perpetuate the gender binary and often exclude individuals who identify outside of this narrative. With so little representation regarding non-binary identities (spelling), how can therapists support potential non-binary clients? Phototherapy may be used as a viable intervention for non-binary individuals as they continue to explore their gender identity. Through a review of research and literature, this thesis attempts to gain information regarding gender identity development based on environmental factors such as dominant narratives and socialization.

Dance Movement Therapy For Clients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Inman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The overall focus of this thesis study is to take a closer look at how dance movement therapy could beneficially impact people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The literature reviewed focuses on the history of dance movement therapy along with several methods of the therapeutic practice, the beginning stages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder re- search as well as the current treatment methods, and the current work being done with dance movement therapy and clients with this diagnosis. Many of the symptoms considered within this diagnosis are supported by the structure of dance movement therapy, serving as a beneficial …

Exploring The Circle Of Courage Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Kendra Denny Arey

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Circle of Courage is a framework based on Native principles of childrearing that identifies four major components of healthy human development. When fulfilled, these areas of development provide a strong foundation of resilience to life challenges. However, with youth of today these basic developmental needs are often unmet, leaving them at risk for maladaptive coping strategies, behavioral problems, and other challenges as they transition into adulthood. Although extensive work has been done to adapt the Circle of Courage framework to clinical settings, there is little information on how to help youth engage in a process of self-reflection within this …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Asian Communities In The U.S. And A Treatment Intervention For Collective Trauma Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Elena Zhuoqian Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Acknowledging the Asian community’s racial trauma during the COVID-19 is extremely important for the mental health community to understand as the impact of collective trauma can be significant on an individual. Discussions on how racism could play a major role in aggravating collective trauma have been re-ignited due to the COVID-19. This literature review aims to introduce a different perspective from an Asian-identifying person as part of the minority groups that have been amid racial prejudice and hatred in the United States, what they are experiencing during this time, and how the pandemic impacts their mental health. By analyzing existing …

Exploring Identity Development Through The Expressive Arts Among Immigrant Youth, A Literature Review, Jessika De Castro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

According to the APA’s Presidential Task Force on Immigration (2012), the immigrant population within the US increases every year. Immigration to a new country increases risk factors for young immigrants, resulting in a negative impact on their mental health. It has been shown in the literature that arts-based approaches can be extremely helpful in the treatment of mental health issues brought on by the stressors of immigration and when people are dealing with a sense of loss towards their country of origin. For first generation immigrants, coming to the US during their adolescence, as young adults, means that they are …

Drag As A Method Of Expressive Art Therapy For Lgbt+ Individuals, Nicole Soubosky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The field of expressive art therapies utilize the process of creativity to promote therapeutic healing. The focus of this thesis is the mental health concerns that impact the LGBT+ community, and how the art of drag performance can be implemented as an arts-based treatment approach for this population. Traditional forms of mental health treatment reflect majority values that discount the experiences of queer individuals, despite the disproportionately high levels of mental health challenges faced by the LGBT+ population compared to those who identify as heteronormative. The research included in this thesis explores the mental health concerns prevalent within the LGBT+ …

Is It Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?, Ivette Berger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This is a review of the current literature between the comorbidities and physiological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically in adolescents. The method used by this writer was examining peer- reviewed articles and books focused on PTSD and ADHD. Quantitative and qualitative research was reviewed and used to provide support on the comorbidities between PTSD and ADHD. Lastly, this paper discusses and explores how dance/movement therapy (DMT) should be a treatment option when working with this population since dance/movement therapy uses body observations and assessment tools that aid in diagnosing and treating individuals diagnosed …

Giving A Voice To Children In Foster Care Through Narrative Puppetry And Storytelling, Lindsay Beebe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract Children in foster care are typically under the direction of adults and are rarely given a chance to share their voices. Whether it be the confusion they have regarding what led them to be placed in foster care, hopes for their future, or what they require to feel safe and supported in their foster home, it is rare for children in foster care to be given the opportunity to communicate their experiences in a creative and safe environment where they are encouraged to play and be the experts of their experience. The placement of a child into the foster …

Exploring Our Grief: Mindfulness Guide For Survivors Of Suicide Loss, Elaine Y. Ramos-Rodriguez

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Suicide is one of today’s major health issues. Survivors of suicide loss (SOSL) suffer major and very peculiar adversities in their grieving process. It is important to address the needs of this population as a way to prevent suicide. In fact, it is imperative for this population to take part in activities that promote resiliency and healing after experiencing the loss of a loved one by suicide (postvention). This paper mainly argues that SOSLs are a population poised to benefit from mindfulness practices. A dearth of information exists concerning this particular population and the possible benefits of mindfulness practices for …

Mindfulness As A Personal Strategy To Combat The Negative Effects Of The Attention Economy, Alison Magee

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This paper argues the importance of a personal mindfulness practice as an antidote to the concerning effects of the attention economy. Modern technology is becoming more powerful every day and is giving individuals access to an unprecedented amount of information at the touch of a button. Many technology companies are profiting from gaining and selling the attention of their customers and are contributing to the attention economy. These very technologies have been shown to hijack the attention of consumers and keep them in an addictive feedback loop. Early research suggests mindfulness practices may be an effective strategy for strengthening attention …

The Pursuit Of Housing: Chronically Homeless Men And Their Experiences Seeking Affordable Housing, Serena Cardoso Ma, Lmhc

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

Homelessness, or the lack of consistent and safe shelter, is a byproduct of nearly every social justice issue in the United States, including racism, sexism, income disparities, and inadequate education and healthcare. Chronic homelessness is a term used to describe an individual who has spent at least one year or repeated events totaling one year in homelessness, coupled with a disabling condition such as mental illness, physical disability, or substance use. Chronically homeless men deserve study because they make up the largest subgroup of the homeless population, are disproportionately men of color, and experience significant levels of traumatic stress. While …

Centering The Voices Of Transgender Supervisees Through Critical Inquiry, Kimberly Cherry

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

Reflecting the systemic cisgenderism within dominant culture, transgender perspectives have been historically silenced in psychological literature. There is growing research regarding therapy with transgender clients; however, transgender therapists have not been the subject of substantial study. This critical narrative dissertation explores the experiences and insights of transgender therapists during clinical supervision. Drawing from intersectional feminism, queer theory and liberation psychology, this study utilizes a critical, relational approach in attending to issues of power, oppression, and social change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight transgender therapists regarding their experiences in supervision.

Employing the Listening Guide method, a feminist narrative voice-centered approach, …

Examining The Experience Of White Privilege For Human Service Providers Using The Expressive Therapies, Melanie Carbonneau

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

There is significant need for white human services providers to have awareness of their racial identities, privilege, racism, biases and understanding impacts to client care. Yet in the United States, people who are white often demonstrate little awareness of their racial identities due to living in a white supremacist society. When confronted with issues of race, it is common for people who are white to demonstrate difficulties with topics including denial, discomfort, and defensiveness. This research examines the experience of using the expressive arts therapies to explore personal racial identity, personal biases, and issues of racism in the workplace for …

Mindful, Aware Parenting: The Pathway To Raising Emotionally Regulated Children, Brid Martin, Bridget C. Martin

Mindfulness Studies Theses

To address several key elements in raising emotionally regulated children, this paper reviews existing literature on social-emotional skills and traits essential for children’s development, including emotional intelligence and self-regulatory skills as well as morality, compassion, and kindness. Parents play a crucial role in helping these skills to evolve, beginning with parental self-awareness and the ability to review how early experiences shape current practices. The research presented examines key parental competencies, styles, and practices influential in the process of raising emotionally regulated children. The practice of mindfulness by parents is considered, and evidence suggests, that it can be foundational in developing …

Mindfulness Workshop For Airline Pilots, Eric Miller

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The science on mindfulness as it relates specifically to aviation is sparse. It has only been in recent years that mindfulness has been examined as it relates to aviation. That being the case, this paper draws connections from areas that are already well studied with mindfulness; stress, anxiety, attention, and communication. Evidence exists that even short duration mindfulness interventions can have positive effects on mindfulness. The one-day workshop created with this thesis gives pilots a cursory overview of mindfulness as it relates to various areas of commercial aviation. Furthermore, the workshop will teach pilots how these different mindfulness techniques can …

Fostering Resiliency During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Mindfulness And Compassion Training, Jess Okanya Patel

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought tremendous and abrupt challenges to various aspects of our daily lives, from school and work to interpersonal relationships. Given the high rates of stress and anxiety brought on by COVID-19, solutions to help ease uncertainty are warranted. This study is intended to provide support, from research on neuroscience, collected from scholarly peer reviewed journals, for the contention that compassion practice may be a potent strategy to reduce caregiver burnout and buffer the adverse mental health impacts of COVID-19 related threats. This study examines mindfulness and compassion, as well as attending to their interrelatedness, so …

Mindfulness Practices For Women’S Midlife Transition, Patricia A. Chilangwa

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Every major period of life brings a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Midlife remains a mostly uncharted territory in the field of human development. Given that women of middle age currently comprise over 17 % of the total population, it is essential that we seek a better understanding of middle age and what may or may not be beneficial during this stage of life. The purpose of this work is to present a supportive academic rationale paper and a creative project consisting of a book with a journal component on mindfulness practices for finding ease and grace in the …

The Impact Of Mindfulness On Healthcare Provider Burnout During Covid-19, Natasha Johnson

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Healthcare providers are subject to unique stress as part of their job in a helping profession and regularly suffer the effects of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Mindfulness-based interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing burnout and addressing the impacts of secondary traumatic stress, however the current COVID-19 pandemic poses a new, more debilitating type of stress to healthcare providers. This paper seeks to examine the existing evidence on the effects of mindfulness in reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress, incorporate new evidence on the unique stress of COVID-19, and determine if mindfulness interventions remain effective. It also …

A Place To Keep The Chaos: Using Expressive Arts To Mitigate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Disaster Recovery, Julie Grebenau

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this capstone thesis, the author reviews current holistic research and methods around treating and understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using expressive arts therapy (ExAT) as a framework. The nature of a natural disaster is complex, in that it is both a process and an event. With ExAT’s emphasis on process, it is an appropriate approach to trauma as a result of natural disasters. The population focus is on earthquake survivors, specific to their early recovery, including traumatic stress and PTSD related to the event. I then apply research based on trauma and expressive arts therapy to this population, concluding …

The Need For School-Based Trauma-Informed Drama Therapy Interventions: A Literature Review, Nicole Ventura

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this capstone thesis, the author explores the availability and accessibility of school-based trauma-informed drama therapy interventions as a means to address the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). A significant amount of research exploring the impact of ACEs is focused on the long-term negative effects they have on adults, reflecting back on how the adverse childhood experiences impacted their continued development (Brown et al., 2009; Chapman et al., 2004). However, less attention has been paid to the impact of such experiences on children during their childhood. Rather than waiting for ACEs to turn into lifelong physical and mental health …

Singing For Speech: A Choral Program For Communication Skills For Clients With Parkinson's. A Review Of The Literature, Carol Smolenski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative condition that impacts motor functions, causing tremors, postural instability, and difficulties initiating or coordinating movement. The resulting loss of oral-motor coordination, decline in respiratory function, and impacts on gait and posture all can affect the voice, leading to declines in effective expressive language. Challenges with communication can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. This literature review provides rationale for the establishment of a highly structured choir program, to be jointly administered by a certified music therapist and a licensed speech pathologist, to support speech and communication goals. The proposed protocol includes techniques derived from …

Developing A Movement-Based Group For High Schoolers With Anxiety During Covid-19, Samantha Harding

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with negative mental health outcomes, including increased rates of anxiety among adolescents. Adolescents with social-emotional disabilities experience additional challenges adapting to disruptions in routine and coping with feelings of anxiety caused by the pandemic. While effective treatments for reducing symptoms of anxiety exist, a large proportion of adolescents with clinical or sub-clinical levels of anxiety lack access to such treatment or do not seek out treatment on their own. Schools are seen as an ideal setting to implement programs that teach adolescents effective coping skills, however, the pandemic has drastically altered school settings and …

Applying Dance/Movement Therapy Elements Using An Emotion-Based Approach With Chinese Bilingual Children Via Telehealth: Development Of A Method, Florenca Chong

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The current study examined the effect of applying dance/movement therapy elements using an emotional-based approach on Chinese bilingual children in the telehealth format. Previous research showed that Asian American children and bilingual children were at higher risk of developing mental health problem. Several effective emotional regulation programs for children have incorporated body-based elements, emotion storybooks, and different types of creative arts. Neuroscience research revealed that dance/movement therapy could activate mirror neurons and generate feelings of being understood and empathized with to reach therapeutic effects. Language/ethnicity match of therapist and client was found to be important variables affecting the outcomes of …

The Implementation Of Mindfulness And Dance/Movement Therapy For Women With Postpartum Depression: A Literature Review, Angel Nga Ying Chan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review discusses the impact and effectiveness of using mindfulness-based interventions and a dance/movement therapy approach on mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) to promote their holistic well-being. The experience of giving birth and the transition to motherhood can be rewarding and remarkable, yet challenging and overwhelming. It is widely suggested if a mother who suffers from postpartum depression is left untreated and unattended, the ongoing depression and emotional distress can have negative impacts on their child’s well-being and development. The practice of mindfulness with women with PPD is suggested to be significant in reducing depression and improving psychological well-being …