Counseling Psychology Commons^™

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 …

Parenting Styles And Help-Seeking Behaviors, Magenta Thai

Student Academic Conference

Abstract: Entering college is a major life-changing milestone for many students that may introduce new stressors that have not been experienced before, causing mental or psychological turmoil. In place to combat this are various counseling services free for college students. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a wide variety of student services, including in-person appointments or free memberships with mobile apps that can offer personalized care based on the student's needs or struggles. Although college campuses provide students with these services, there are low usage levels observed in previous research. To explore a potential reason college student do not utilize these …

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. …

Racial Trauma, Psychosis, And Double Consciousness, Brianna A. Baker

Publications and Research

Key Points

• Black distress is often misdiagnosed as psychosis instead of recognized as a response to racial trauma.
• Double consciousness may explain how racism causes cognitive and emotional strain in Black individuals.
• Racial discrimination is linked to paranoia, dissociation, and hallucinations in Black communities.

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Nurses' Feelings, Stress, Coping, And Motivation In Palestinian Treatment Centers Of Corona, † Wafaa Menawi, Shatha Mari, Ahmad Adel Hanani

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Frontline nurses of COVID-19 found themselves in an unfamiliar new disease work environment, fighting to adapt and control the stress while working at covid-19 centers in Palestine. Aim: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on nurses' feelings, stress, coping, and motivation in COVID-19 Palestinian treatment Centers. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted between Mid of July to the end of October 2021 by recruiting a purposive sample of 390 nurses who worked at the Ministry of Health during COVID-19 pandemic treatment centers. The nurses filled out the COVID-19 Health Personnel Questionnaire with Cronbach's Alpha > 0.9. Results: Palestinian frontline …

Understanding The Wellness Needs Of Black Men Student Athletes, Sephora Abigail Wawa-Egbuche

Dissertations (1934 -)

Race, ethnicity, and gender significantly impact the wellness of Black collegiate athletes, particularly males. However, the literature on the wellness of collegiate-level student-athletes highlights a lack of diversity in gender and racial/ethnic representation, often overlooking Black student-athletes, who form the second largest group in college sports (Boyd et al., 2017; Elder et al., 2014; NCAA, 2012). Notably, there is an underrepresentation of males (Hinton et al., 2004; Stickler et al., 2022). Additionally, the dearth of qualitative research on this issue is troubling, as such studies can provide deeper insights into these experiences (Biggerstaff, 2012). This qualitative, reflexive thematic analysis aimed …

Supervisees’ Responsiveness In Supervision With Doctoral Student Supervisors, Zübeyde Akpakır

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the factors that influence the responsiveness of master’s-level counselors-in-training (CITs) to university-based supervision with doctoral student supervisors. Supervision is an important element and the requirement of CITs' professional development (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019; CACREP, 2024), and many counselor education programs educate their doctoral student to supervise master’s-level CITs (Luke, 2019). Despite its significance, there is no empirical data on how CITs engage with feedback and guidance, particularly in supervision led by novice doctoral supervisors. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, Q methodology (McKeown & Thomas, 2013), to analyze CITs' subjective perspectives and identify factors …

Fostering Cognitive Complexity In Behavioral Health Providers: Perspectives From Supervisors In Integrated Primary Care, Katherina Nako

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The integration of behavioral health into primary care settings, known as Integrated Primary Care (IPC), offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical and mental health needs (Ramanuj et al., 2019). Efforts to expand access to mental healthcare have contributed to the growing presence of IPC settings (Martin 2017), with mental health providers, such as mental health counselors, joining these teams as Behavioral Health Providers (BHPs; Blount, 2017). However, the unique complexities of IPC often leave BHPs feeling underprepared, largely due to the traditional training frameworks emphasized in many graduate counseling programs. The need for BHPs to adapt to the …

Inked Insight: A Consensual Qualitative Research Study Exploring The Perspectives Of Visibly Tattooed Counselors, Megan Ashley Lalonde-Pittman

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the experiences of visibly tattooed mental health counselors (VTMHC) through consensual qualitative research (CQR), examining how visible tattoos were perceived to have impacted the participants (N=14) professional experiences, development, and relationships within the counseling field. Seven domains arose from the data: Prejudices experienced by VTMHC, VTMHC Interactions with others, Culture experienced by VTMHC, Appearances of the VTMHC, Professional therapeutic work of the VTMHC, Workplace environment of the VTMHC, Processing the experience of being a VTMHC The implications for multicultural education and future research are explored.

Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro

Theses and Dissertations

Bibliotherapy is a psychotherapy technique utilized to teach individuals about concepts through the use of literature and the arts. The primary aim of this research was to examine how a bibliotherapy model could be applied to improve diet and treatment adherence for people affected with Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Prior to this research, no paper has proposed a tailored bibliotherapy approach for genetic conditions. Through analysis of the caregiver-child relationship and disclosure process and the perceived support needs of both caregivers and providers caring for children with IEMS, our goal was to propose a bibliotherapy model to improve adherence and …

Perceptions Of Reactions To Trauma Disclosure And Posttraumatic Growth, William David Ewing

Dissertations (1934 -)

This dissertation explores the associations between trauma disclosure likelihood, perceptions of positive and negative social reactions to trauma disclosure, trauma impact, trauma type, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The study aimed to clarify the ability of these variables to predict PTG, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of positive and negative social reactions to trauma disclosure in the relationship between trauma disclosure likelihood and PTG. Using a cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 184 participants recruited primarily through an undergraduate participant pool, as well as through various trauma-related organizations and online forums. The findings suggest survivors of Type 2 …

Acculturation Experiences Of International Students In The U.S. Cacrep-Accredited Counselor Education Programs: Challenges, Support Systems, And Systemic Barriers, Nargiza Amirova

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

International students significantly enrich U.S. counselor education and supervision programs by contributing diverse cultural perspectives that inspire teaching, research, and professional growth. Yet, these students often face complex challenges including cultural adjustment, language barriers, social isolation, and the academic demands of counseling academic programs that impact their educational outcome s and psychological well-being. Systemic barriers, such as visa restrictions and institutional unawareness, further complicate their experiences. This study explored acculturation experiences of international students enrolled in CACREP-accredited counselor education programs in the United States.

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with seven international students on J1/F1 visas, …

Fostering Interconnectedness And Belonging Within Diverse Communities Through Humanistic And Afro-Centered Perspectives, Courtney Cabell, Jasmine Perin

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

In today’s increasingly diverse yet fragmented society, individuals with traditionally marginalized identities face pervasive disconnection that profoundly affects psychological well-being. This roundtable explores culturally relevant therapeutic interventions rooted in Humanistic and Afro-centered principles, underscoring the critical need for community-oriented strategies that promote belonging and resilience by examining barriers to connection.

Career Adaptability In Asd: Investigating The Influence Of Social Self-Efficacy, Logan E. Ankeney

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study will investigate how social communication challenges affect career adaptability in young adults on the autism spectrum. Data from 250 participants will examine measurement equivalence of the Career Futures Inventory (CFI; Rottinghaus, 2005) and test relationships between social self-efficacy, social communication impairment, and career adaptability. Guided by social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Brown & Lent, 2014), this study will use CFA and mediation analyses.

Systematic Review Of Arab American Emerging Adults Mental Health, Sahar Al-Tweej, Sarah Kiperman

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This systematic review examines psychosocial factors influencing mental health in Arab American emerging adults, identifying both protective and risk factors. Utilizing minority stress theory, it highlights key determinants such as ethnic identity, religious involvement, and discrimination. Findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address mental health disparities

Religiosity And Spirituality In Emerging Adults: A Cluster Analysis, Hannah M. Lamack, Ingrid Weigold Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This topic explores religiosity and spirituality among a sample of emerging adults, looking at how individuals naturally group in a person-centered analysis compared to how individuals are sorted through a variable-centered analysis.

Dbt-Art Telehealth Skills Groups With Black Women, Karisse Callender, Callie Koziol

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study piloted a culturally relevant, integrative DBT-Art intervention via telehealth with two Black women using a single-case research design. Findings showed increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotion regulation. Participants discussed telehealth's accessibility benefits, emphasizing the need for innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to improve mental health services for marginalized groups.

The Role Of Coping Strategies On Acculturative Stress, Depression, And Anxiety In An Arab Community, Laura Torio, Khadeja Najjar, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study explores acculturative stress (AS), coping strategies (CS), and mental health in Arab immigrants (N=68). Results show that avoidant-CS are linked to depression and anxiety, while problem-focused-CS are protective. Age correlated with CS and mental health outcomes. Interventions addressing avoidant-CS could improve mental health in minority populations.

R.E.A.C.T.: Relationship Efficacy And Complex Trauma, Mandilyn Graham

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Research on complex trauma has expanded our understanding of the impact of repeated exposure to maltreatment and adversity in childhood or adolescence on adult mental health outcomes. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there is still much to explore on the impact of complex trauma throughout the lifespan as researchers and clinicians work to craft interventions that address the impacts of complex trauma. Given the notable and heightened impact of childhood exposure to adversity among African Americans, this population may be especially prone to experience relational difficulties later in life. The proposed phenomenological study seeks to further explore the impact of …

Counseling Psychology In Action: Community-Rooted Solutions For Mental Health Equity In Lmics, Madeleine Reardon Ms, Kali Rickertsen Bs, Mackenzie Jenuwine Ms, Francesca Pernice Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Mental health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are driven by systemic inequities, limited access to care, and pervasive stigma. This is evident in Bungoma County, Kenya, where in 2023, one psychiatrist served over 1.6 million people, and 78.2% of residents experienced a psychotic or mood disorder in their lifetime (Kisiang’ani et al., 2023). Despite this prevalence, access to consistent treatment and medications remains limited, leaving families to take on caregiving roles without adequate resources or support. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for accessible, community-based mental health solutions to bridge these gaps, particularly in underserved …

Police Brutality Online: Allies’ Movement Towards Anti-Racist Behaviors, Halle Letizio M.A., Casey Hinger Ph.D

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

The proposed study will explore how exposure to police brutality via digital media platforms influences allies’ empathy towards BIPOC and drives them to challenge racist behaviors. Additionally, the study seeks to understand the role of psychological flexibility in sustaining these efforts, with respect to the psychological toll that witnessing police brutality can impose.

How Racial Socialization Shapes Dating Experiences For Black/White Biracial Women, Alexis M. Briggins Bs, James E. Brooks Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study examines how racial socialization affects dating experiences and partner choices among 150 biracial (Black/White) women. Through surveys and thematic analysis, findings revealed that participants face challenges in Black and White spaces, experiencing discrimination and identity invalidation from romantic partners while simultaneously encountering both fetishization and exclusion in dating.

Substance Use And Ipv In Sexual And Gender Minority Relationships, Marissa S. Dongarra

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

The proposed study aims to test whether substance use moderates the association between SGM stress and IPV within LGBTQ+ relationships. By examining alcohol and drug use, the study intends to identify risk factors for IPV in SGM relationships, informing prevention and treatment efforts to reduce IPV occurrence and support victims.

Strong Black Women Schema: Sexual Assault, Identity, Mental Health Outcomes, Ishara Jean-Francois, Cassandra Hinger, Kelly Yu-Hsin Liao

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Sexual violence is a significant issue that is affecting the Black community, and it is leading to negative mental health outcomes for Black women (Zounlome et al., 2019). The proposed study will examine on the Strong Black Women Schema and aspects of identity following sexual violence.

The Psychological And Clinical Implications Of Digital Media Consumption, Julianna Carpenetti M.Ed.

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

With digital media, technology, and the Internet becoming staples of daily life, it is critical for counseling psychologists to better understand problematic digital media usage and “Internet addiction.” I investigated the psychological implications of digital media usage, provided recommendations for clinical practice, and identified future directions for empirical study.

Analyzing Accessible Mental Health Resources For Black Americans In Rural Communities And The Benefits Of Utilizing Telehealth, Jordan Woods

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This systematic literature review was conducted to assess mental health resources available for rural Black Americans. Numerous databases were used to collect articles published between the years 2009 and 2024, with the majority of findings suggesting improvement in mental health outcomes among the population with the inclusion of telehealth.

Exploring Non-Disabled Disability Allyship Development: A Qualitative Exploration Of Motivation, Identity, And Action, Sara J. Conley M.A.

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Research regarding allyship is crucial to understand helpful ways individuals can participate in social change. One way counseling psychology can be effective contributors to social justice aims is through allyship. This study aims to investigate allyship in non-disabled people with a specific focus on allyship for intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mindful Journaling With Women Health Science Graduate Students, Callie Koziol, Karisse Callender

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This N=1 study explored the effects of mindful journaling on stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion with one woman enrolled in a health-science graduate program. A single case research design was conducted to observe the efficacy and impact of a 4-week mindful-journaling intervention for changes across levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress.

Trauma From A Distance, Katelyne Griffin-Todd, Katherine Mcraven, Casey Hinger

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Exposure to suffering, combined with emotional contagion and empathic concern, has been studied as leading to Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) in clinicians. This study proposes the development of STS examined in college-aged social media users who view human rights violations and what implications this has on their intention to be an activist.

Invited Keynote Speaker: Feeling Like A Fraud: The Impostor Phenomenon And Mental Health, Kevin Cokley

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Dr. Kevin Cokley's Keynote Address