Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Proximate And Evolutionary Insights Into The Epigenetics Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Levent Sipahi

Wayne State University Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important medical and social condition. Although the vast majority of individuals are exposed to traumatic events within their lifetime, a minority subsequently develop diagnosable PTSD. What underlies differential risk and resiliency in the face of trauma is an ongoing research and clinical question with implications for prevention and treatment. Recent work has revealed a putative role of epigenetic variation and modification - most notably DNA methylation - in the etiology of PTSD. That DNA methylation is stable, yet modifiable in response to lived experiences, makes it a strong candidate to mechanistically explain the ontogeny …

Causality Is Logically Definable-Toward An Equilibrium-Based Computing Paradigm Of Quantum Agents And Quantum Intelligence (Qaqi), Wen-Ran Zhang, Karl E. Peace

Biostatistics: Faculty Publications

A survey on agents, causality and intelligence is presented and an equilibrium-based computing paradigm of quantum agents and quantum intelligence (QAQI) is proposed. In the survey, Aristotle’s causality principle and its historical extensions by David Hume, Bertrand Russell, Lotfi Zadeh, Donald Rubin, Judea Pearl, Niels Bohr, Albert Einstein, David Bohm, and the causal set initiative are reviewed; bipolar dynamic logic (BDL) is introduced as a causal logic for bipolar inductive and deductive reasoning; bipolar quantum linear algebra (BQLA) is introduced as a causal algebra for quantum agent interaction and formation. Despite the widely held view that causality is undefinable with …

The Influence Of Exercise Environment And Gender On Mood And Exertion, Thomas G. Plante, Marily A. Opezzo, L. Aislinn Diaz, Selena Pistoresi, Michael Santos, Jacqueline E. Fahey, Elizabeth Kay, Briana Britton, Suheel Khan

Psychology

This study examined the influence of exercise environment and gender on post-exercise mood and exertion. College student participants (55 females, 49 males) were instructed to pedal a stationary bike at a moderate pace for 20 minutes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three laboratory conditions: (1) exercising in front of a mirror and posters showing ideal fit body types (i.e., celebrity male and female personal trainers), (2) exercising in front of a mirror only, or (3) a control condition in which participants exercised without a mirror or posters. The Activation- Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD-ACL), measuring exercise-induced mood states, …

Social Networks, Drug Use, And Drug Abuse Help-Seeking: A Test Of The Network Episode Model Among African American Women, Erin L. Pullen

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

Untreated substance use disorders are a major public health concern that has costly consequences at both the societal and individual level. Identifying the characteristics and resources of those who seek help for substance abuse problems in order to inform more effective intervention and treatment techniques is therefore an important research objective. Using the Network Episode Model (NEM) as a theoretical framework, this dissertation examines both substance abuse help-seeking (i.e. inpatient/outpatient treatment and 12-Step meeting attendance) and patterns of drug use over time among low-income African American women, with a special focus on the role of the social network system in …

Implementation Of A Depression Screening Protocol Specific To Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients; A Quality Improvement Project, Kendra M. Kratzwald

DNP Projects

Background: Depression in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is a problem that has not been well addressed by providers. In 2012 the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement that recommended structured and routine depression screening of these patients. The AHA statement also recommended further research on depression screening instruments and their use with this population. Aims: 1.) To develop and implement an evidenced based depression screening protocol appropriate for patients with an ICD seen in an outpatient setting. 2.) Evaluate provider knowledge about depression screening (? Is this what you mean) and depression screening practices before and …

A Vision Of Capitalism, As It Was Meant To Be: A Social Purpose Business Plan For Foodshed Productions, August Miller

Capstone Collection

FoodShed Productions, a social enterprise is pursuing a mission: to raise the caring capacity of communities and resilience of our local environments through resident education in organic backyard farming. As a social enterprise, FoodShed Productions, a for-profit, earns its economic viability doing work more often associated with non-profits, measuring its worth by the social, environmental, and economic benefits of its operations. The communities in Boulder County, CO. are served by FoodShed Productions through a social process in which “We Build, We Coach, You Keep Growing,” toward the goal of self-reliance.

The topic of this CLC is a Social Purpose Business …

Staying Together: The Journey Of Healing After Infidelity, Jennifer Bolick, Stephen Fife

McNair Poster Presentations

Relationships are an important aspect of a fulfilling life. They can bring joy and pleasure or pain and devastation. One of the most detrimental issues within the context of committed relationships is infidelity, and subsequently it is one of the most prevalent issues seen in therapy. Although it is a common presenting problem in couples therapy, research on the treatment and healing of infidelity is limited. A majority of the literature is focused on the clinician’s point of view rather than the couples’ perspective. The purpose of this study is to present the results of a qualitative study of eight …

Pre-Traumatic Factors Of Career-Related Ptsd: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Michael G. Curtis, Russell T. Hurlburt

McNair Poster Presentations

This paper examined and synthesized the (limited) available literature on the pre-traumatic predictors of PTSD, specifically targeting populations in which traumatic events are experienced frequently because of the requirements of their positions, i.e., firefighters, police, and military personnel. A total of 21 articles were included in the final literature review and were used to assess the current available knowledge of the pre-traumatic traits of career-related PTSD, and address potential gaps in the literature. The culmination of this research was used to create specific risk profiles for each of the high risk careers included in this review, firefighters, police, and military …

Where Should Baby Sleep?: An Examination Of Discourse Regarding Bed Sharing In The United States, Kari Mcclure Mentzer

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Correlates Of Gambling Disorder, Brittaney Benson-Townsend, N. Clayton Silver

McNair Poster Presentations

Gambling disorder is an addictive behavior in which valuables are wagered in neglect of financial losses and delusions of financial gain. To predict problem gambling behavior, a survey of Machiavellian personalities, money attitudes, and impulsive/compulsive buying behavior was administered to 410 students at UNLV. The results suggested that disordered gambling behavior may be predicted by Money Status scores. Specifically, amorality, money worship, and money vigilance were significant in predicting African-American pathological gambling. For Asians, only money vigilance loaded significantly.

A Computational Perspective Of Schizophrenia, Ernesto H. Bedoy, Geoff Powell, Jefferson Kinney

McNair Poster Presentations

The etiology of schizophrenia remains largely elusive, thus dampening the effectiveness of current treatment strategies. Abnormal neural migration and neurogenesis in the hippocampus have been suggested to be involved in schizophrenia (Jakob & Beckmann, 1994). A few approaches, including computational modeling, have investigated schizophrenia as a network disorder. Computational modeling uses mathematics to predict the behavior of biological systems based on the input of a set of parameters collected from laboratory experiments. In this study, we constructed a computational model to explore the ramifications of additional PV neurons migrating to an aberrant location in the hippocampus and interfering with a …

Stress Management For Cancer Survivors Using A Technologically Adapted Psychosocial Intervention: A Randomized Trial Determining The Effect Of Expressive Writing On Psychoneuroimmunology Based Outcomes, Utkarsh B. Subnis

Theses and Dissertations

Patients with cancer transitioning from completing their final cancer treatments to survivorship are particularly at risk for experiencing psychosocial stress, and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has referred to these cancer patients as “lost in transition.” In this study, patients with cancer in their transition phase after completing their final radiation treatment were defined as cancer survivors (CS). CS must deal with chronic stressors such as the fear of cancer recurrence as well as the resumption of their roles in their family and work lives. Chronic stress impacts the nervous system and increases secretion of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) from …

College Student Perceptions Of Mental Health Counseling At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Holly Barkeim

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Counseling Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato offers mental health counseling services to MNSU students that are free, confidential, and conveniently located on campus. Despite the range of services, the affordability and confidentiality, as well as current marketing strategies used by the Counseling Center, services appear to be significantly underutilized by students on campus. This study examines student perceptions of on campus mental health services and barriers that may prevent students from accessing services. The goal of the project is to assist the Counseling Center in improving their marketing strategies to students identified as being underserved.

Toolkit For Mental Health Professionals, Social Workers, And Guidance Counselors Working With Immigrant And Refugee Students, Rojina Maya Mccarthy

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone project is to develop a best practices toolkit for social workers and mental health professionals working with immigrant and refugee students in school setting. The toolkit is intended to be disseminated by The Advocates for Human Rights to social workers, guidance counselors, and other mental health professionals who work with immigrant and refugee children. This toolkit will also be used by the staff in the organization.

Cpt Vs Pe For Ptsd? Literature Review On Efficacy Of Cpt And Pe Based On Gender, Chronicity, And Race/Ethnicity, Christelle C. Sackey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can be diagnosed on veterans who have been exposed to traumatic events. PTSD not only has negative physical symptoms, but it also compromises veterans’ chances of living a productive live. Efforts to find effective treatments for PTSD has led to the development of a few form of therapies, including Prolonged Exposure(PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which have received special attention for military related PTSD. After more than 20 years of research, it has been proven that CPT and PE are the best treatments of choice for PTSD. However, …

Expanding ‘Family Education’ Programs For Intensive Residential Treatment Services (Irts): A Study Of Minnesota Irts Programs, Abby Sharp

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) programs provide mental health treatment to adults with a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). The programs are required by the state of Minnesota to offer family education and support to clients and their families while the clients are receiving IRTS treatment. The purpose of this project was to assess IRTS programs across the state, and in conclusion, provide an expansive family education program at Horizon Homes, Inc. IRTS program in South Central Minnesota.

Responding To A Community Need: Mobile Crisis Program Training Manuals, Kelsey Tollefson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a training curriculum for the South Central Mobile Crisis Program, which is a part of Horizon Homes, Inc. Continued education and training is required for all mental health professionals, mental health practitioners, and rehabilitative staff. Because of the requirements outlined in Minnesota statute 256B.0944, 256B.0624,and the Department of Human Services, all staff within this program must receive at least thirty hours of crisis-related training prior to working with clients.

Factors That Promote And Inhibit Client Disclosure Of Suicidal Ideation, Robert William Orf

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Approximately 36,000 people commit suicide in the U.S. each year, making it the fourth leading cause of death for adults between 18 and 65-years-old. Clients participating in psychotherapeutic treatment are at elevated risk for suicide, due to the emotional distress that drives their entry into psychotherapy. Therapists cannot know the full extent of their clients’ risk for suicide if clients do not fully confide their thoughts and intentions. The current study sought to discover factors that inhibit and promote client disclosure of these thoughts and behaviors. The study utilized the Suicidal Ideation in Psychotherapy Questionnaire (SIPQ), a questionnaire developed for …

Drinking Buddies: Who Are They And When Do They Matter?, Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ashley N. Linden

Psychology Faculty Publications

The present study sought to further examine the role of peers on alcohol use and problems among young adults. In particular, we focused on a specific subset of peers in one's social network mostly for activities related to alcohol use called "drinking buddies." The presence of drinking buddies in one's social network has been shown to predict heavy drinking uniquely over time but few studies have focused on potential factors moderating the relationship. Consequently, an aim of present study was to examine the influence of drinking buddies on alcohol outcomes and the extent to which the relationship may be dependent …

Caffeinated Alcohol Consumption Profiles And Associations With Use Severity And Outcome Expectancies, Cathy Lau-Barraco, Robert J. Milletich, Ashley N. Linden

Psychology Faculty Publications

Growing evidence suggests that the consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CAB) may be riskier than alcohol alone. Efforts to identify patterns of CAB use and the correlates of such drinking patterns could further our conceptualization of and intervention for this health issue. Consequently, the current study aimed to (1) identify distinct classes of CAB users, (2) examine differences between classes on measures of alcohol and caffeine problems, and (3) compare distinct classes of CAB users on caffeine and alcohol outcome expectancies. Participants were 583 (31% men) undergraduate students from a psychology research pool. Latent profile analysis models were derived using …