Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Impact Of Traditional (Non-Affirming) Black Church Affiliation On Exploration Of Sexual Identity For Black Assigned Female At Birth Lgbq+ Individuals And The Associated Mental Health Risk, Aurielle J. Sutton

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explored the impact of Black traditional church upbringing on the sexual and religious identity development, including the subsequent mental health risk, for Black assigned female at birth (AFAB) LGBQ+ individuals. Studies conducted on Black AFAB LGBQ+ individuals are limited, especially in terms of  assessing their experiences in sexual identity development based on religious upbringings. Studies have overlooked the experience of LGBQ+ Black AFAB individuals navigating sexual orientation development and religious and racial identities. Studies have greatly favored Black gay men and supported health risks such as HIV. In the present study, twelve Black AFAB Queer individuals participated in …

Threaded Belonging: Strengthening Cultural Identity Through Armenian Embroidery In The Diaspora, Krysten A. Lee

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

The current study examined the impact of an Armenian textile arts workshop on cultural identity among members of the Armenian diaspora in the Bay Area of California (n = 25). Grounded in relational-cultural theory, it explored how culturally grounded, community-based, traditional art practices may strengthen cultural identity and reduce cultural disconnection resulting from forced displacement following the Armenian Genocide of 1915. A mixed-methods, arts-based design was implemented where participants engaged in an embroidery workshop centered on traditional Armenian textile practices. Data was collected through pre- and post-intervention Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) scale (Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992) …

Art As Activism: Emotional Expression And Collective Empowerment Among Muslim Participants Creating Protest Posters, Menhal Sheikh

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Muslim Americans are among the most underserved populations in mental health care in the United States. In the wake of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, many Muslim Americans have experienced intensified psychological distress, including anxiety, grief, and a heightened sense of helplessness, while continuing to show up in the streets in protest. This mixed-methods study examined whether the collective process of protest poster-making leads to emotional expression among Muslim American participants. Eleven Muslim American participants across two groups in the San Francisco Bay Area completed a pre and post Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure changes in affect, …

Spiritual-Soul Care: Art Sacralization, Active Imagination, And Eco Therapy, Andrea N. Miller

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This thesis reasons that spiritual-soul care is, at times, an ethically necessary dimension of mental health care for many individuals yet remains underdeveloped within the field. In response, this research aims to articulate a foundational, non-dogmatic “baseline” language that is simple and accessible, while remaining nuanced enough to capture the depth and essence of spiritual-soul care. This study proposes a culturally flexible approach for individuals who identify outside of traditional religious frameworks. This multidimensional model includes three domains—the self, spirit-soul, and the transpersonal levels—each contributing to wellbeing through developmental themes.

Using a qualitative design, 9 participants engaged in contemplation, Jungian …

Loneliness And Social Isolation: Finding Connection Through Art, Elijah K. Wong

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study explored whether creativity might help alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary event that significantly impacted people's emotional, physical, psychological, and social health globally. To gain insight into these impacts, the research focused on participants’ creative activities and their experiences of loneliness during and after the pandemic. The aim was to find possible links between making and viewing art and reducing feelings of loneliness and loneliness-related experiences. Ten participants were surveyed and asked about their artistry, their time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their sense of belonging to a community. This investigation …

Shadow Garments: Costume Creation For Integrating Alienated Parts Of The Self, Mega M. Galvin

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study explores costume creation as a narrative-based intervention for integrating "shadow" parts, or aspects of the self that are repressed or alienated due to shame, trauma, or social pressure. Grounded in Jungian analytic psychology, narrative therapy, and expressive arts theory, the research addresses the limitations of traditional talk therapy in accessing somatic memory and proposes costume making as a pathway for externalization and re-authorship. Using a qualitative, participatory study inspired by Pat B. Allen’s Open Studio Process, four adult participants engaged in a three-session workshop to design, construct, and wear costumes representing their identified shadow aspects. Data was collected …

Restorative Environments And Therapeutic Artmaking: A Strengths-Based Art Gallery Workshop To Enhance Well-Being In Emerging Adults, Jeannine Case

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Emerging adults aged 18 to 29 face increased mental health risks yet encounter considerable barriers to traditional care, which highlights the need for accessible, preventive alternatives. This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether an art gallery environment could serve as a supportive setting for a strengths-based, positive art therapy-informed wellness workshop aimed at promoting well-being for this population. Six participants between the ages of 20 and 27, all enrolled in post-secondary education, took part in this study. Five identified as female and one as male. Three participants (50%) identified as Hispanic/Latino, one as Asian, one as White, and one as Hispanic/Latino …

Beyond Symptoms: Examining Perinatal Mental Health Care Among Black, Indigenous And People Of Color With Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, Vinaya Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are as a public health concern in the United States. Individuals from minoritized racial/ethnic groups face a significantly elevated risk of maternal morbidity, mortality, mental health disorders, and associated adverse outcomes. Emerging studies also reveal a higher likelihood of experiencing perinatal mental health concerns in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), currently known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). People who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC) face unique healthcare challenges given the added structural and social burdens. This online survey study aimed to 1) understand the relationship between PMOS …

Psychosocial, Mental, And Suboptimal Health Measures Are Not Affected By Provision Of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Imaging Results: A 12-Week Rct, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Jack Dalla Via, Marc Sim, Abadi K. Gebre, James Dimmock, John T. Schousboe, Richard J. Woodman, Kun Zhu, Pawel Szulc, Ben Jackson, Wei Wang, Markus P. Schlaich, Douglas P. Kiel, Wai H. Lim, Amanda Devine, Moira Sim, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The provision of abdominal aortic calcification imaging results can elicit cardiovascular disease risk–reducing behaviors. However, its impact on psychosocial, mental, and suboptimal health measures is less clear.

Methods: Secondary analyses of a previously reported 12-week, single-blind RCT including 240 community-dwelling older Australian males and females were conducted. Participants were provided with abdominal aortic calcification imaging results and cardiovascular disease risk–reducing educational resources (abdominal aortic calcification+education, n =121) or education alone (control+education, n =119). Psychosocial distress, mental health score, and suboptimal health status were estimated using validated questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to compare changes between groups across 12 …

Lessons Learned From A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Digital Intervention Targeting Eating Disorder Symptoms In Cisgender Sexual Minoritized Men, Emma Austen, Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Siân A. Mclean, Beth O’Gorman, Katie Bishop, Hannah K. Jarman, Susan J. Paxton, Rachel F. Rodgers, An Dang, Emily A. Harris, Felicity Angelopoulos, Wesley Grey, Suku Sukunesan, Alexandra Parker, Adrian Shatte, Long Khanh-Dao Le, Scott Griffiths

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: There is an unmet need for evidence-based and accessible interventions designed to treat eating disorders in sexual minoritized men, given their heightened vulnerability to developing disordered eating. Digital interventions are a promising avenue for eating disorder treatment because of their accessibility and flexibility in delivery. Here, we present a randomised controlled trial of Seed, a 10-week treatment-focussed digital intervention for eating disorders, among sexual minoritized men.

Methods: Participants (N = 126 sexual minoritized men) with a binge-spectrum eating disorder diagnosis (e.g., bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: (1) a waitlist control (2) a …

An Assessment Of Accessibility And Affordability Of Inpatient Psychiatric Care In Tennessee, Kailee Havrda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Access to mental health has seen changes over the past decade, but little research and attention have been given to access to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Inpatient psychiatric care is crucial for patients experiencing mental health emergencies who need immediate access to care. Gaps in spatial accessibility, affordability, and the access and assessment process were identified due to a lack of available information in the field.

Methods: Secondary data from the Tennessee Department of Health were used to assess financial accessibility through payer source charges and patient encounters, as well as through mapping of inpatient psychiatric facilities and conducting drive …

How Should Sincerity Be Measured? A Rasch-Based Validation Of The Adolescent Sincerity Scale, Cicca Kusumawardani, Wahyu Nanda Eka Saputra, Rohmatus Naini, Agus Ria Kumara, Agus Supriyanto

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Although various instruments for measuring sincerity have been developed, limitations remain regarding comprehensive construct validity, sample diversity, and the application of Rasch analysis in psychometric evaluation among student populations in Indonesia. Sincerity is a multidimensional spiritual value that contributes to personal integrity, psychological well-being, and positive social relationships. This study aims to develop a sincerity instrument with adequate psychometric characteristics using the Rasch Analysis approach. The study employed an instrument development method involving 759 high school and vocational high school students in Yogyakarta, selected through stratified random sampling. The analysis results showed a person measure of 1.18 logits, indicating that …

A Correlational Study Of Work Stress And Marital Stability Among Married Female Police Personnel In Kwara State, Nigeria, Haruna Ibrahim

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the relationship between job stress and marital stability among married female police personnel in Kwara State, Nigeria. A Descriptive Research Design of correlational type was adopted. The sample size (Target Population) of the study comprised all the 112 married female police personnel in Kwara State, Nigeria. Based on the relatively small sample size, population census (Total enumeration) was adopted for this study, where all the married female police personnel were sampled. The Operational Police Stress Questionnaire and Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used for data collection. Findings revealed a significant correlation between the independent variables and the dependent …

Analysis Of The Dental Emergency Visits At Fqhcs In Michigan And Recommendations For Change, Xuesi Hua, Martha Mccomas, Elizabeth Hatfield

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This mixed-methods study evaluates emergency dental operations across Michigan's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Utilizing clinician interviews, surveys, and state usage data, the authors examine care delivery models, identify clinician and patient barriers to access, and analyze reasons why patients utilize hospital emergency departments rather than community health centers. System-level recommendations are proposed to optimize emergency triage, expand capacity, and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

Insomnia As A Risk Factor For Depression: Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia, Derrick Bouldin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review evaluates insomnia as an independent, modifiable risk factor for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) within primary care, while assessing the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in improving outcomes, preventing onset, and reducing relapse risk of depression. A literature search conducted between January and April 2026 across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO yielded 42 articles published between 2015 and 2026. Applying inclusion criteria focused on adult populations, comorbid insomnia and depression, and clinical outcomes of CBT-I, 26 articles were selected for synthesis. Findings demonstrate that insomnia is a predictive risk factor for MDD onset, persistence, …

Juvenile Delinquency In Alaska, 2019 And 2023, Gabriel Garcia

AJiC Fact Sheets

This fact sheet examines juvenile delinquency in Alaska, documenting changes in substance use and weapon-carrying among high school students and identifying associated risk and protective factors using weighted data from the 2019 and 2023 Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

Use Of The Well-Star Model And Well-Star Graphic In Healthcare, Fidan Korkut-Owen, Zubeyde Akpakir, Dean W. Owen

Journal of Wellness

No abstract provided.

Youth Experience Of Violence In Alaska, 2019 And 2023, Gabriel Garcia

AJiC Fact Sheets

This fact sheet examines youth experiences of dating violence and sexual violence in Alaska, identifying patterns and factors associated with victimization among high school students. Using weighted data from the 2019 and 2023 Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), it compares the prevalence of physical dating violence, sexual dating violence, sexual violence by anyone, and forced sexual intercourse.

“It Feels Like Your Life Hinges On Me”: Lived Experience Of Being Next Of Kin To Someone Who Self-Harms, Kenneth Haugjord, John-Kåre Vederhus, Tore Dag Bøe, Kristine Dahl

The Qualitative Report

Through previous research, attention has been drawn to the burden experienced by next of kin to someone struggling with self-harm, yet less attention has been given to how they experience and make sense of the relational and existential complexity of this role in their everyday lives. We asked how next of kin experienced and made sense of caring for a loved one who self-harmed. We conducted in-depth interviews with fourteen next of kin, including parents, partners, and siblings, and analyzed the data through reflexive thematic analysis within an interpretive qualitative framework. Our analysis generated an overarching theme, "It Feels Like …

Interpretative Repertoires Of Resilience Among Beginning Teachers In Chile, Paula Villalobos-Vergara, Diego Palacios, Joel Alvarez Ruf, Rodrigo Vergara Ortuzar

The Qualitative Report

In this study, we analyze how beginning teachers in Chile construct meanings around resilience during their first year of professional induction, within a context of intensified teachers’ work and limited institutional support. Drawing on a socioecological perspective and Critical Discursive Psychology, we developed a qualitative design focused on interpretative repertoires. Ten beginning teachers from various subject areas, educational levels, and regions participated, with each being interviewed at two time points, six months apart. Through an abductive analysis, we identified three affective–discursive repertoires. The first construct enters the profession as a generational tension, in which innovation is associated with youth, while, …