Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Cross-National Longitudinal Insights Into College Alcohol Beliefs And Consequences: The Role Of Food And Alcohol Disturbance, Javiera A. Hernandez Puelma, Katherine A. Berry, Luke Herchenroeder, Alison Looby, Adrian J. Bravo, Christopher C. Conway, Fermín Fernández-Calderón, James M. Henson, Lee Horgarth, Manuel I. Ibáñez, Debra Kaminer, Matthew Keough, Oleg Medvedev, Laura Mezquita, Yanina Michelini, Generós Ortet, Ricardo Pautassi, Matthew R. Pearson, Angelina Pilatti, Mark A. Prince, Jennifer P. Read, Verónica Vidal Arenas, Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team

Psychology Faculty Publications

The present study examined the mediational role of FAD-intoxication (i.e., restricting calories to increase or quicken alcohol intoxication) in the relationship between college alcohol beliefs (CABs) and negative alcohol-related consequences. A sample of 2543 student drinkers from six countries completed the baseline survey, and 505 drinkers completed at least one follow-up. Two models examined whether frequency of FAD-intoxication mediated the relationship between CABs and alcohol-related problems, and structural invariance testing was conducted across sex and countries. FAD-intoxication was concurrently and prospectively associated with greater endorsement of alcohol-related consequences and significantly mediated the effects of CABs on alcohol-related consequences. The relationship …

Advancing Models Of Ptsd-Aud Comorbidity: Protocol For A Multimethod Framework Using Genetics And Ecological Momentary Assessment, Elizabeth A. Stinson, Samhita Lellapalli, Sage E. Hawn, Natalie Merrill, Lance M. Rappaport, Christina M. Sheerin, Vasiliki Michopoulos, Silviu-Alin Bacanu, Roseann E. Peterson, Abigail Powers, Ananda B. Amstadter

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), which are moderately heritable, frequently co-occur and contribute to significant public health burdens, particularly among economically disadvantaged urban communities. There are noted sex differences in PTSD and AUD outcomes, with evidence suggesting women have heightened susceptibility to stress-related alcohol use. Preliminary PTSD-AUD ecological momentary assessment (EMA) findings support bidirectional associations across clinical outcomes. However, no studies to date have used PTSD-AUD comorbidity models as organizing frameworks to examine the temporal ordering and stability of within-person symptom dynamics underlying the maintenance or exacerbation of PTSD and AUD symptoms, including bidirectional and …

Measuring Mental Health Promoting Behaviours: Development And Psychometric Properties Of A Danish Act Belong Commit-Mental Health Promoting Behaviours (Abc-Mhpb) Scale, Line Nielsen, Ziggi Ivan Santini, Malene Kubstrup Nelausen, Carsten Hinrichsen, Frederik Schou-Juul, Vibeke Jenny Koushede, Robert J. Donovan, Charlotte Bjerre Meilstrup

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Act Belong Commit-ABCs of Mental Health campaign is the world’s first comprehensive, population-wide, community-based initiative to promote mental health. In response to a growing demand for valid tools to monitor mental health promoting behaviours, this study presents the development and psychometric evaluation of the ABC-Mental Health Promoting Behaviours (ABC-MHPB) scale in a Danish population-based sample. Methods: A 10-item scale was developed, based on the ABC framework, to assess mental health promoting behaviours. A total of 119,221 randomly selected participants aged 18+ filled out an electronic survey, including the scale to measure the underlying construct of mental health promoting …

Comparison Of Mental Illness Comorbidity Pre-Pandemic Vs. Pandemic-Era And Associations With Clinical And Demographic Characteristics For Virginia Public Hospital Inpatient Discharges With A Substance Use Disorder, Marilyn Bartholmae, Tharidu Gunawardena

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The rise in mental illnesses after the COVID-19 pandemic is well documented. However, it is not known whether the rates of mental illness comorbidity increased. The objectives of this study were to compare mental illness comorbidity rates before and after the pandemic among inpatients with SUD and to test associations between mental illness comorbidity, physical illness, and demographics. We used a retrospective cross-sectional design in a sample of inpatient discharges (N = 233,017) at Virginia public hospitals from January 2018 to December 2022. We used Z tests to compare rates of mental illness comorbidity pre- and post-pandemic and Chi-square tests …

Accessing Campus Mental Health Services In A Nigerian Southwestern University: Barriers To Academic Success, Caroline Dada

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health disorders are a significant health concern among higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. A substantial treatment gap exists in the Nigerian healthcare system, and this gap is further worsened by cultural and religious barriers, which reinforce stigma that discourages students from seeking professional help. This qualitative narrative inquiry explored the barriers students encountered when accessing mental health services at a university in Southwestern Nigeria, to increase service access. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with seven professional mental health providers at a university counseling center between March and April 2025. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify …

Lived Experience Of Secondary Vicarious Trauma Among The Tegaru Australian Diaspora In The Postwar Context Of Tigray, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Fauk, Kiflu Gebremicael Tesfamicael, Gebremeskel Mamu Werid, Lillian Mwanri, Amanuel Gebremedhin, Kidane Gebremariam, Semira Hailu, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Michael Musker, Fisaha Haile Tesfay, Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema, Paul Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The war in Tigray has caused humanitarian and public health crises in North Ethiopia in addition to a high prevalence of mental health symptoms among the Tegaru (people from Tigray) diaspora in Australia. To date, there have been no studies that have explored mechanisms of vicarious mental health and resilience among Tegaru diasporas in Australia. Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with Tegaru people living in South Australia from September 2023 to June 2024. Data analysis involved an initial stage of open coding, followed by conceptual coding. We also applied “interanalyst validity” to validate the code of framework. Results: …

Towards A Person-Centred Holistic Consultation Framework For Paramedics Attending Non-Acute Presentations: A Multidisciplinary Commentary, Robbie King, Angela Martin, Alan M. Batt, Sonia Louise Martin, Nigel Barr, Caroline Hwang, Bill Lord, Peter O’Meara, Louise Reynolds, Staffan Hammarbäck, Shaun Hosein, Julie Kempton, Brendan Shannon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Traditional rapid-assessment models may not be fully suited for the complex non-acute presentations that paramedics commonly encounter. As paramedicine evolves to meet non-acute patient needs, extended practice community paramedic roles are emerging to deliver holistic and collaborative community-based healthcare. Purpose: This commentary outlines the need for a person-centred holistic clinical consultation framework for paramedics attending complex non-acute presentations. A framework that provides a structured and systematic process for paramedics, particularly those who are transitioning into extended practice community paramedic roles, to guide them in conducting holistic person-centred assessments. This commentary highlights the importance of understanding the biopsychosocial factors influencing …

Patients’ And Health Professionals’ Perspectives On Transforming The Burden Of Haemodialysis (Hd) Treatment To An Opportunity: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation, Haseeba Shouket, Eyal Gringart, Deirdre Drake, Ulrich Steinwandel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most patients with End Stage Kidney Failure (ESKF) in Pakistan must undergo maintenance haemodialysis (HD) to survive. Session duration and the often lifelong nature of this treatment, along with other factors associated with HD, make it difficult to tolerate. This study took a positive psychological perspective and considered that HD sessions’ duration, which has been a major challenge for HD patients, can be turned to an opportunity for patients’ meaningful engagement. Such meaningful engagement can positively transform Pakistani patients’ experience of HD and extend into their lives outside HD. Twenty-four HD patients and six healthcare professionals were interviewed to explore …

Correlates Of Recovery Capital Among Women In Jails: Leveraging A Dimensional Recovery Framework, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Martha Tillson, Jaxin Annett, Hartley Feld, Michele Staton

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Recovery capital encompasses internal and external factors that support recovery from substance use disorder, such as employment, social support, and physical and mental health. There is a need for more research on recovery capital among women who are incarcerated, who often face complex barriers to recovery, such as poverty, unemployment, and histories of trauma.

Methods: Women (N ¼ 900) were recruited from Kentucky jails as part of the broader NIDA-funded Kentucky Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) cooperative project. Measures from baseline interviews (during incarceration) were selected in alignment with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)’s four …

The Effects Of Meditation On Compassion And Cultural Humility In Mental Health Professionals, Jamie Kostek

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a brief, secular, Buddhist-inspired meditation program on self-compassion, compassion for others, and cultural humility on mental health professionals. Using a single-group pretest-posttest design, licensed clinicians (N = 13) participated in a five-week Anytime Anywhere Meditation (Tergar International, 2024) program. Results indicated statistically significant increases in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural humility. Additionally, strong positive correlations were found between mindfulness and self-compassion, and between self-compassion and compassion for others. Findings suggest that brief, secular meditation programs rooted in traditional Buddhist practices may support both clinician well-being and culturally responsive practice.

The Lived Experience Of Tenders Of Community Grief Rituals, Margaret Y. Wilson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this research study is to gain an understanding of the lived experience of tenders of community grief rituals, and how tenders make meaning of their experiences. This study utilized photo elicitation and a reflexive thematic analysis. Participants (N = 11) provided one to three photographs that captured their experience of grief and/or tending grief rituals. The results identified 10 themes supported by subthemes: (a) Grief Tender Wisdom About the Nature of Grief, (b) Life’s Many Experiences are Sources of Grief, (c) The Multifaceted Impacts of Grief-Body, Anger, Compassion, Empathy, Resilience, Gratitude, Joy, and Love, (d) The Nuances …

The Lived Experience Of Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Jessica Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of narcissistic abuse survivors through a grounded theory approach to generate a model that can assist people in recognizing patterns and traits of narcissistically abusive relationships. Guided by relational-cultural theory, this study further seeks to examine the ways narcissistic abuse damages relational connections and to highlight elements of healthy, growth-fostering relationships. The population of focus included self-selected narcissistic abuse survivors who are adults over the age of 18 (N = 8). The results indicated three themes, each with additional subthemes, which include: (a) early behavior – performative displays and …

The Use Of Mindfulness In Empirically Supported Treatments In Psychology, Timothy Stewart

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

After gaining popularity in the United States of America (USA) in the 1960s and 1970s, Buddhist mindfulness was introduced to clinical psychology and investigated for its potential psychological healing effects. In the years since, mindfulness has been widely used in empirically supported treatments (ESTs) in clinical psychology in the USA to treat a wide variety of psychological conditions and disorders. This dissertation examines and compares conceptualizations and implicit understandings of mindfulness in early (Theravāda) Buddhism and in ESTs in clinical psychology in the USA. Through textual narrative analysis of two Buddhist sutta and 10 clinical psychology journal articles, this study …

Beyond The Rabbit Hole: Dmt, Death, And The Hereafter, Abby Molina

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores a proposed relationship between death and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) within the context of contemporary clinical psychology and the current psychedelic renaissance. Building on Rick Strassman’s hypothesis that DMT may be released at the moment of death and Imants Barušs’ conceptualization of death as an altered state of consciousness, this project examines the phenomenological similarities between DMT-induced experiences (psychedelic “trips”) and near-death experiences (NDEs). Through review of neurobiological research, psychedelic-assisted therapy literature, religious and cultural ceremonial practices, and documented DMT trip and NDE reports, this work evaluates the plausibility that endogenous DMT contributes to altered states of consciousness observed …

The Interplay Between Loneliness, Cortisol, And Nk Cell Function: The Role Of Cortisol In Nk Cell Dysfunction, Abhinav Saurabh, Yvonne Baumer, Laurel G. Mendelsohn, Elizabeth M. Aquino Peterson, Dana Sadler, Shirley J. Lopez De Leon, Ayushi Dave, Andrew S. Baez, Lola R. Ortiz-Whittingham, Mario A. Pita, Manuel A. Cintron, Hannatu A. Tarfa, Sandy T. Reynolds, Shelby R. Hicks, Sonal Sharda, J. Eleanor Seo, Maria Lopez-Ocasio, Pradeep K. Dagur, Skyler A. Kuhn, Neelam R. Redekar, James F. Troendle, Ayanna L. Wells, Marie Marah, Katherine J. Tolentino, Michael J. Corley, Alika K. Maunakea, Lynnette K. Nieman, Marcus R. Andrews, Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Chronic psychosocial stressors contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors, particularly in under-resourced communities. Psychosocial stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to sustained cortisol action on immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are altered in distribution and function in cardio-metabolic diseases; however, pathways linking cortisol as a marker of chronic stress to NK cell dysfunction remain understudied. We recruited 186 African American women from the Step It Up Community-Engaged, Digital Health Physical Activity Intervention study and collected cortisol, NK cell measures, and psychosocial stress measures using validated questionnaires, including chronic stress and loneliness. Plasma cortisol levels were …

The Effects Of Abused Drugs On Ferroptosis Pathways: Potential Therapeutic Targets For Substance Use Disorders, Tamara Bouchard, Brooke Russell, Liam Liyang Guo, Tina Nguyen, Yan Cheng, Yan Y. Sanders, Ming-Lei Guo

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain major public health concerns worldwide, particularly in developed countries. SUDs are characterized by persistent neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction in the brain. Despite decades of extensive investigation, the detailed mechanisms underlying SUDs remain elusive. Ferroptosis is a highly regulated cell death process deeply affected by iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant systems. It has been implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic stroke. Recently, emerging evidence has highlighted the role of ferroptosis in drug-induced pathological changes. Various types of abused substances including alcohol, cocaine, …

Prevalence Of Clinically Relevant Nightmares And Their Differences By Sex And Diagnosis In Psychiatric Inpatients, Katrina A Rufino, Michelle A Patriquin, Courtney B Worley, Michael R Nadorff

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Nightmares have been shown to be associated with numerous forms of psychopathology, but the vast majority of this research has taken place in the general population and very little is known about their relation with psychopathology in those requiring inpatient hospitalization. In a sample of 1170 voluntarily admitted psychiatric inpatients, this study explores the frequency of reported nightmares in psychiatric inpatients with the aim of examining the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis in those with and without clinically relevant nightmares. Participants completed the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID-5) at admission. …

Role-Playing For Rehabilitation: Enhancing Empathy Among Juveniles In Correctional Facilities, Nina Permatasari, Muhammad Arsyad, Muhammad Andri Setiawan, Hendro Yulius Suryo Putro, Muhammad Fajar Riva’I, Wiwik Widyanti

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study examines the effectiveness of role-playing-based counseling services in enhancing empathy among children at Juvenile Rehabilitation Center Class I Martapura. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilized a one-group pre-test post-test experimental design to measure changes in empathy levels before and after the intervention. A total of 32 children participated in the study. Data were collected using two instruments: the Empathy Scale and the Role-Playing Engagement Questionnaire. The intervention consisted of structured role-playing sessions designed to improve both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Data analysis using paired sample t-tests revealed a statistically significant increase in empathy scores, with …

Bibliometric Analysis: Publish Or Perish And Vosviewer For Research Trends On Online Violence (2023–2025), Indriyana Rachmawati, Widya Juwita Sari, Sesya Dias Mumpuni

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Cases of online violence have become increasingly widespread since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which individuals began to grow dependent on the digital world. The digital realm has become a fundamental aspect of human life, bringing with it new forms of online violence. Online violence such as threats, hate speech, harassment, and bullying has emerged as a new weapon to control, isolate, and even torment affected victims. However, only a small body of literature has explored the changing nature of online violence following COVID-19. This study aims to review the literature on patterns of online violence post-pandemic, focusing …

Harmonizing Hope: An Idea Of Music Therapy Interventions For Schizophrenia, Dominikus David Biondi Situmorang

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Schizophrenia is typified by a wide range of symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, cognitive decline, and social disengagement. Even with improvements in pharmaceutical and psychosocial therapy, many people with schizophrenia still require supplementary treatment methods due to their chronic symptoms and functional limitations. Utilizing music's therapeutic capacity to address a variety of symptoms and enhance general well-being, music therapy has emerged as a possible supplementary intervention for schizophrenia. In this study, the author used a literature review with a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT); this research is a summary of the best available evidence regarding the focused aims. This CAT looks …