Counseling Commons^™

A Phenomenological Study Of Guam Public-School Elementary Teachers’ Transitional And Mental Health Experiences During The Covid-19 Global Pandemic In 2020, Jessica Fausto Villaverde

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences that may have impacted the mental health of public-school elementary teachers in Guam as they entered an unfamiliar period of teaching during the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. The theories guiding this study are Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory and social constructivism which was originated by Lev Vygotsky and John Piaget. The philosophical assumption of this study is ontology which assisted in reporting the different realities of its participants. Schlossberg’s transition theory guided this study for understanding teacher transitions and changes, and the social constructivism worldview captured various mental …

School Counselors’ Lived Experiences During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Katie M. Guzman Dunn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how school counselor perceptions of their roles may have been permanently impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological Systems Theory, which relates to the interactions of an individual and the environment around them, guided the study. The study’s central research was: What are public school counselors’ lived experiences regarding their role perception during the COVID-19 pandemic? Data was collected through virtual semi-structured interviews and photo elicitation with 10 school counselors who were members of the Kentucky School Counselor Association. The data collected from the interviews was analyzed using bracketing to …

A Qualitative Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Individuals Whose Parents Or Grandparents Had/Have Substance Abuse Issues In The Midwest, Brandie Lee Gaudet

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on the lived experiences of individuals being raised by individuals who had/have substance abuse issues in the Midwest region of the United States of America. A closer look at this topic offered new insight into treatment and resources for adult children raised by parents/grandparents (collectively “parents”) with substance abuse issues (“SAI”) and how the parents’ substance abuse issues compromised the behavioral health outcomes of the adult children and affected the parents’ parenting outcomes. Understanding the role of family systems theory in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors is essential when formulating a plan to help individuals’ negatively impacted by …

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 …

Revealing Roots: Examining The Intersection Of Trauma, Mental Health, And Bioecological Impact On Pentecostal Black Male Pastors, Dreama Delicia Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe Pentecostal Black male pastors in their understanding of (or experiences with) trauma and mental health in the context of the inclusion of bioecological effects and any thoughts about the potential impact on their congregations in California. The chosen theories complement the lived experiences of these pastors. Based on the research questions, interview questions, and data analysis, the following themes and one subtheme emerged: Their Roots Tell a Story: Lived Experiences of Identity Formation and Early Trauma with subtheme Rejection: Lived Experience of Exclusion and Emotional Wounding, Revelation: Lived Experiences of …

Experiences Of Forgiveness With People Who Have A Problematic Use Of Pornography: A Phenomenological Study, Clarence E. Chapman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of participants in early recovery from self-perceived problematic porn use (PPU). The theory guiding this research study was attachment theory, which was developed by John Bowlby, a physiatrist who focused on the overall development of a child’s emotional development. The study aimed at trying to discover if there are barriers to a person for receiving forgiveness from God when in early recovery. Research indicated there are guilt and shame that can be reasons to these barriers for those who struggle with self-perceived pornography use as Christians. Methods used …

Direct And Mediating Relationships Between Divine Grace, Legalism, And Mental Health, Branwyn H. Mccormick

Senior Honors Theses

Positive psychology has popularized the integration of religious ideas into psychological treatment. According to the literature, the experience of divine grace is correlated with favorable mental health outcomes, whereas legalistic attitudes are correlated with adverse mental health outcomes. It has also been found that the experience of divine grace is a mediator between legalism and mental health. However, the constructs of divine grace and legalism have both been relatively unexplored aside from a few studies using Latter-day Saints (LDS) populations. The current study seeks to analyze relationships between divine grace, legalism, and mental health using a conservative evangelical Christian population. …

Unveiling The Multidimensional Impact Of Sex Trafficking: Insights From Survivors, Claudia G. Interiano-Shiverdecker, Devon E. Romero, John J. S. Harrichand, Jessica Martin, David J. Thompson

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

This transcendental phenomenological study delves into the lived experiences of 10 women who experienced sex trafficking. Through in-depth individual interviews, participants unveiled a narrative marked by coercion, manipulation, and multifaceted abuse. Despite variations in the duration and onset of their ordeals, participants uniformly expressed the profound and lasting impact of sex trafficking across numerous facets of their lives. Psychological distress, physical ailments, disrupted vocational trajectories, strained relationships, and spiritual upheaval were recurrent themes, illustrating the pervasive nature of their trauma. This research highlights the urgent necessity for holistic support and intervention strategies tailored to the intricate and multidimensional needs of …

When Grief Comes To Court: Supporting Bereaved Court Involved Youth, Lane Pease, Erin Richter

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Youth who are court involved have higher rates of bereavement than the general population. Learn how grief impacts youth involved in the Juvenile Court. This session will focus on how bringing together court stakeholders and partnering with outside experts to provide grief support can decrease further court involvement and lead to positive outcomes.

Importance Of Principal-School Counselor Relationship, Moya A. Pope Ed.S, Monica Y. Pace Ed.S

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Principals and School Counselors - y'all alright?!? What's your relationship like: Good? Bad? Ugly? The relationship between the school counselor and principal can affect the school as a whole - and when they have a strong relationship, the school community is stronger. This presentation will give you tips on how to strengthen your relationship, become better leaders and positively affect student achievement and school climate.

A Phenomenological Study Of Syrian Refugees’ Experiences Seeking Mental Health Care In Lebanon, Mark Christopher Todd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experience of Syrian refugees living in Tyre, Lebanon as it related to seeking mental health care. The theory guiding this study is the phenomenological approach of Moustakas (1994) as informed by the transcendental phenomenology of Husserl (Moustakas, 1994) in that it seeks to describe the essence of the phenomenon by putting aside all preconceptions and looking anew at the phenomenon through the lens of human experience. This study was also strongly influenced by transformative frameworks (Creswell & Poth, 2019) and decolonization theory (Smith, 2021) as it looked for answers …

Ethnic Identity And Acculturation: Mental Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of College-Age Students With Sikh Punjabi Immigrant Parents, Manreet Kaur

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents who were considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was ethnic identity theory, which was developed by Jean Phinney. There were four research questions addressed: (a) How do college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents describe their experiences when considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania? (b) How do participants describe the impact of their parents’ perceptions regarding mental health when contemplating seeking mental health treatment? (c) How do participants describe their experiences discussing mental health–related topics with …

Centering Black Resource-Poor Adolescent Voices: A Critical Phenomenological Study Of Lived Mental Health Struggles While Enduring The Covid-19 Pandemic, Paulette Dispagna

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

There is a dearth of research in general and qualitative research specifically about the mental health experience of resource-poor Black adolescents living in Boston. This has implications for the field in terms of how adolescents experiencing mental health issues can be supported and how professionals can create more useful mental health treatment. Drawing from the theoretical lens of critical race theory and more specifically, intersectionality, this hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry examined the ways in which experiencing multiple levels of inequality, especially from racism and poverty, affected a Black adolescent’s mental health. Eleven adolescents were interviewed via Zoom. Six major findings included: …

Mindfulness & Mental Health: Balanced Time Perspective As A Mediator, Eddie Trueblood

Masters Theses

Mindfulness is a practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. Being more mindful can decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, among other mental and physical health improvements. (Donald et al., 2016; Hofmann et al., 2010; Kabat-Zinn et al.,1992). This study examined if balanced time perspective (BTP) is one of the mechanisms of action of mindfulness in its relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress. BTP refers to a person’s ability to flexibly adapt their time perspective (attention to the past, present, or future, and positive or negative attitudes toward each) to suit the current …

Multidisciplinary Lethal Means Safety Counseling Design And Implementation: Training And Identifying Barriers In A Children's Hospital, Cassandra L. Stegall, Brendon Carnell, Jaime M. Golden, Rupa Kapoor, John H. Fanton, Paul C. Mullan, Alexandra P. Leader

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

Access to lethal means contributes significantly to suicide completion. Lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) is an injury prevention strategy to limit access to firearms, medications, and other means of injury. Not previously evaluated in the trauma setting, this study aims to design and implement a standardized LMSC protocol for pediatric patient discharge education in emergency (ED), trauma, and inpatient psychiatry settings.

Methods

A single-center quality improvement study at an academic pediatric urban tertiary Level-one trauma center was performed from July 2023 to February 2024. Protocol was implemented for pediatric patients discharged from three departments: ED, surgery trauma service, and …

Studying Associations Among Mental Health And Psycap In Persons With Stuttering, Jasmine Lydia Selvaraj, James R. Spears, Priscilla Rose Prasath, Gayathri Purushothaman

Counseling Faculty Publications and Presentations

This cross-sectional, psychometric validation and comparative analysis study investigates the associations between mental health and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in persons with stuttering (PWS; n = 60) and fluent speakers (FS; n = 60), while validating the Tamil translations of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). Exploratory Factor Analyses, Cronbach’s alphas, and item-total correlations were used to evaluate the scales with a sample size of 120 participants. The conducted factor analyses demonstrated that the translated MHC-SF aligns structurally with prior studies, as compared to the PCQ, which diverged in factor loadings. The study also applied Independent …

Exploration Of Mystical Experiences And Relationship Changes: An Ayahuasca Study, Ginny Jo Reyes

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This mixed-methodology dissertation explores how participation in ayahuasca ceremonies at Rythmia Life Advancement Center (Costa Rica) influences relationship dynamics within couples. Looking at this in combination with self-reported mental health changes, the connection to mystical experiences are navigated. Statistical significance and narratives are explored; this study steps into the gap between ancient plant medicine traditions and the modern search for meaning, healing, and connection. Grounded in a social constructionist lens, the study combines pre- and post-surveys (CAGE-AID pre-only; MAT, KMS, RHS, PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9; MEQ-30 post-only) with semistructured interviews. Quantitatively, participants showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with …

Exploring The Mental Health Of Korean-American Elderly Immigrants, Iris Minkyung Kim

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study sought to understand the mental health of Korean-American elderly immigrants using the theoretical frameworks Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Theory (IPT). To achieve this purpose, this study incorporated a qualitative thematic analysis and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 elderly Korean immigrants living in the United States. From these interviews, eight themes were identified: (a) multifaceted immigration experiences, (b) immigration challenges, (c) complex language barriers, (d) personality constructs impacting experience, (e) the importance of relationships, (f) limited information and access to support, (g) life satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and (h) advice for future immigrants. These themes indicate …

Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc)., Phebe Brako

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing …

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …

Experiences Of Civilian Mental Health Providers Who Work With Military Clients: A Dissertation, Lydia P. Perry

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Using a qualitative survey design, this study sought to understand the experiences of fully civilian providers who had achieved self-perceived military cultural competence when working with military or veteran clients or their families. This study also sought a better understanding of what pathways fully civilian providers took in this process, as well as their perceptions of how to better equip other fully civilian providers for work with military and veteran clients and their families. The results of this study yield recommendations for changes in graduate training programs; for example, through more inclusion of the military as a culture in cross …

The Importance Of Adopting A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach: A Training For School Counselors, Emily Bauer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Consisting of a literature review and a training presentation, this project investigates the concerning mental health crisis affecting the autistic community and educates school counselors on how to shift to a neurodiversity-affirming approach to better support student needs. Research shows that autistic individuals subjected to applied behavioral analysis (ABA), social skills training (SST), and other behaviorist treatments experience significantly poorer mental and physical health outcomes as well as lower quality of life, indicating a critical need for change (Aral et al, 2023; Cassidy et al, 2020; Stewart et al, 2023). Supported by modern research, a neurodiversity-affirming approach is a better …

A Phenomenological Study On The Mental Health Stigmatization And Faith Of Christian African American Genx Men, Kenneth Jerlette Mickie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary goal of this study was to examine the Mental health stigmatization and the faith of Christian African American GenX men. Mental Health within the African American community is a topic that is often considered taboo and seldom discussed. African faith plays a prominent role, many still experience contradictory feelings about receiving mental health treatment due to the worry of being judged and stigmatized. Therefore, it is critical to understand African Americans' perceptions of depression and views of depression treatment, including cultural stigmas and religious, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers that may deter individuals from seeking or accepting treatment in …

Military Members Mental Health And Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Mediating Role Of Mental Toughness, Maureen Kenyon James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military members’ mental health has been in the spotlight for many years. Although Australia and the United States have strong, robust forces, exposure to this high-stress environments can take its toll. This study is important to keep our armed forces in top mental and physical health and look after them post-service. We need to know what can protect mental health and how to minimize the risks to health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to ask the question, “To what extent are Adverse childhood experiences related to military members' mental health status, and is this relationship mediated by …

Disproportionate Rate Of Mental Health Care For African American Service Members, Amy Tesla Kingjones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study understands and describes the disproportionate rate of mental health care for African American Service Members in the US military. With minorities making up less than 20% of the US armed forces, fitting into predominantly white spaces is necessary for continued success and can cause stress, depression, and anxiety. The theory guiding this study is critical race theory, as it uncovers and challenges how laws, policies, and societal norms perpetuate racial hierarchies and disadvantage marginalized communities. It emphasizes the social construction of race, highlighting that it is not an inherent biological category but a product of historical, political, …

A Legacy Of Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Of African American Pastors' Perspectives On Mental Health In Delaware Churches, Donell M. Winder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and practices of african american evangelical pastors in delaware regarding mental health care within their congregations. the study sought to understand how pastors integrate their spiritual beliefs with mental health practices and how cultural factors influence their roles as mental health advocates. anchored in social constructivism, the research examined the cultural and contextual factors that shape pastors' approaches to mental health issues. eight senior pastors from evangelical churches across delaware were selected through purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews served as the primary data collection method. thematic analysis identified several key …

Barriers To Help-Seeking Behaviors And Interventions For Adolescents With Co-Occurring Disorders, Hannah A. Fisher

Counselor Education Capstones

Adolescent mental health problems have become an extremely prevalent topic for discussion since the coronavirus pandemic. Adolescents experience five major barriers to obtaining mental health professional services including stigma, access to services, mental health professional mistrust, adolescent lack of mental health knowledge, and lack of support. These barriers create obstacles for adolescents seeking proper, affordable, high-quality, and culturally specific mental health care for their mental health needs. There are many different approaches to take to combat the identified barriers. Four different types of approaches are important to consider including what youth can do, what the family of the youth can …

Study Abroad Angst: A Literature Review On The Mental Health Of International Students During Covid-19, Daisuke Akiba, Michael Perrone, Caterina Almendral

Publications and Research

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique and unprecedented challenges for international students, those studying at institutions of higher education outside of their home countries, due to their distinct circumstances and vulnerabilities. This literature review examines the multifaceted mental health burdens they experienced and highlights the need for targeted support and interventions. Methods: A rigorous search across three databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC) yielded 50 empirical studies for inclusion in this literature review. A six-phase thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and synthesize key themes. Results: Seven prominent themes emerged: (1) academic and professional disruptions; (2) challenges navigating international …

The Implications Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Adult Health Perceptions, Angela Cleshette Revis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidents or circumstances children face before age 18 that often manifest as physical and mental health illnesses in adulthood, disproportionately affecting survivors from lower socioeconomic classes, specifically communities of color. This study examines the prevalence and type of illnesses stemming from ACEs in adult patients sampled from a North Carolina public health center, where patients are of lower socioeconomic classes, including those from communities of color. Semi structured interviews among 14 participants were conducted using the Zoom meetings platform to obtain responses from the participants. The results show significant mental health consequences, including early …

Identifying The Benefits Of Black Owned Barbershops In The African American Community, Tanya Elizabeth Greene

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate why African American men are less likely to seek mental health support in conventional settings. Black-owned barbershops are a substantial presence in the Black community as they offer a dual purpose. Barbershops not only create a sense of male confidence internally and externally but offer an unorthodox way of healing. Insight into the perceptions, attitudes, and insights were gathered to acquire helpful information to contribute to more positive outcomes for African American men in mental health. Semi-structured interviews provided data to find common themes among 10 African American male participants to …