Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Examining The Addictive Qualities Of Smartphone Usage, Daniel J. Pasquini

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Individuals in today’s society, both nationally and globally, have become exceedingly reliant on their smartphones, i.e., cellular devices with the ability to perform many tasks similar to a traditional computer, for both recreational and productivity purposes. As smartphones become increasingly accessible and affordable for the general population, smartphone usage will continue to grow exponentially. As a result, a comprehensive investigation into the possible addictive properties of smartphone usage is warranted. The purpose of this study is to examine and highlight any possible addictive qualities of excessive smartphone usage. The research methodology that will be implemented within the study will be …

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 …

Supports For Mental Well-Being Valued By Healthcare Workers: Qualitative Analysis Of Data From A Canadian Cohort Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Shannon Marie Ruzycki, Anil Adisesh, Quentin Durand-Moreau, France Labrèche, Tanis Zadunayski, Erica Stroud, Nicola Cherry

Études primaires

A prospective cohort of 4964 HCWs from four Canadian provinces was established early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to comment about workplace mental health supports at three time points. We performed a thematic content analysis of responses from 1738 participants using the Social Support Behaviour Code framework to categorize barriers to support as informational, tangible, emotional, social, or expressing esteem. Themes were synthesized into suggestions for healthcare organizations to prepare for future crises. Formal and informal peer support, workplace mental health supports, and one-on-one counseling were most often mentioned as valued. Analysis suggested that workplace social networks as …

“What We Say Matters”: Reducing Drug Use Stigmatization By Healthcare Professionals Through A Narrative-Based Awareness Campaign, Adam M. Traugott

DNP Projects

Background: Stigma towards substance use has been identified as a contributor to poor care and health outcomes amongst people who use drugs (PWUD), a vulnerable population. Healthcare worker stigma negatively affects the outcomes of individual patients and may have greater public health implications. Methods of addressing drug-use stigma have previously been implemented in a variety of clinical settings. Presenting the lived experience of PWUD to healthcare workers via emotionally compelling narratives has been found to be an effective means of stigma reduction.

Purpose: This study utilized two psychometrically validated tools to measure (1) the baseline prevalence of drug use stigma …

The Relationship Between Mental Health Disclosures, Employee Sentiments And Turnover Intention In The Workplace, Steve G. Winkel

Open Access Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between employees’ disclosure of mental health conditions in the workplace and these employees’ sentiments, feelings, and associated outcomes. Utilizing constructs of job satisfaction, affective commitment, normative commitment, motivation, and turnover intentions, the research aims to understand quantifiable differences in the employment experience between employees who disclose and do not disclose (non-disclosure) mental health conditions, as well as the mediating roles of human resources management (HRM), supervisors support, and employee authenticity. Through self-reported data detailing employees’ disclosure experiences, the research also aims to understand the disclosure conversation's specific impact …

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 …

Predicting Mental Health Disparities Using Machine Learning For African Americans In Southeastern Virginia, Ismail El Moudden, Michael C. Bittner, Matvey V. Karpov, Isaac O. Osunmakinde, Akosua Acheamponmaa, Breshell J. Nevels, Mamadou T. Mbaye, Tonya L. Fields, Karthiga Jordan, Messaoud Bahoura

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

This study examined mental health disparities among African Americans using AI and machine learning for outcome prediction. Analyzing data from African American adults (18–85) in Southeastern Virginia (2016–2020), we found Mood Affective Disorders were most prevalent (41.66%), followed by Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders. Females predominantly experienced mood disorders, with patient ages typically ranging from late thirties to mid-forties. Medicare coverage was notably high among schizophrenia patients, while emergency admissions and comorbidities significantly impacted total healthcare charges. Machine learning models, including gradient boosting, random forest, neural networks, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes, were validated through 100 repeated 5-fold cross-validations. …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The January issue sets the tone for February, the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month.

Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry President Jessica Bentoski welcomes readers to this special issue, which features a cover feature on “Approaches to Care for Children with Special Needs in Dental Settings: Desensitization and Teledentistry” and a supporting article on “General Dentists’ Education, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Concerning the Effects …

Female Brain And Endocrinological Research–Veteran (Fember-Vet) Study: A Study Protocol For Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle And Psychosocial Determinants Of Brain Health Outcomes In Female Veterans For Future Intervention Success, Tamlyn Watermeyer, Elliott Atkinson, Glyn Howatson, Gill Mcgill, Christina Dodds, Paul Ansdell, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a greater risk of dementia in female veterans compared to civilians; with the highest prevalence noted for former service women with a diagnosis of psychiatric (trauma, alcoholism, depression), and/or a physical health condition (brain injury, insomnia, diabetes). Such findings highlight the need for increased and early screening of medical and psychiatric conditions, and indeed dementia, in the female veteran population. Further, they call for a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that might confer heightened risk for female veterans, to tailor preventative and interventional strategies that support brain health across the lifespan.

Methods …

Investing In Equitable Healthy Aging: Why Africa Must Reform Social Pension Schemes To Improve Alzheimer's Disease And Dementia Outcomes, Cyprian Mostert, Najat El Mekkaoui, Shehzad Ali, Chinedu Momoh, Olivera Nesic, Karen Blackmon, Thomas Thesen, David Andai, Zul Merali, Mary Karanja

Brain and Mind Institute

The eligibility criteria for social pension schemes in Africa hinder equitable and healthy aging. In 2019, women in 14 sub-Saharan African countries had an average life expectancy of 67 years but a healthy life expectancy of only 57 years, leaving them 5 years in poor health before receiving a pension at age 62. Men had a similar situation—a life expectancy of 62 years and a healthy life expectancy of 53 years, spending 10 years in poor health before becoming eligible for pensions at age 63. Many men do not receive pensions due to early death. Delays and low pension payouts …

Patterns Of Self-Harm Presentations At A Tertiary Urban Hospital In Kenya: A Retrospective 5-Year Study (2018–2022), Willie Njoroge, Catherine Gitau, Everline Onchari, Linnet Ongeri, Linda Khakali, Murad Khan, Zul Merali, Lukoye Atwoli, Jasmit Shah

Brain and Mind Institute

Introduction Self-harm represents a complex and multifaceted public health issue of global significance, exerting profound effects on individuals and communities alike. It involves intentional self-poisoning or self-injury with or without the motivation to die. Although self-harm is highly prevalent, limited research has focused on the patterns and trends of self-harm among hospital populations in low- and middle-income countries, particularly within Africa. This study aims to explore the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients presenting with self-harm and determine the common self-harm patterns at a tertiary facility in Kenya.

Methodology We carried out a descriptive retrospective study and included patients from …

The Female Brain Health And Endocrine Research In Africa Study (Fember-Africa): Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle, Psychosocial And Socio-Cultural Targets For Alzheimer’S Disease Prevention In Women Of African Ancestry, Chinedu Momoh, Rachel Maina, Edna Bosire, Linda Khakali, Sarah Gregory, Karen Blackmon, Thomas Thesen, Samuel Gitau, Anne Njogu, Cynthia Smith, Sylvia Mbugua, Sheila Waa, Jasmit Shah, Kendi Muchungi, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background The Global Dementia Action Plan 2017-2025 specifies key targets, with an emphasis on building research infrastructure and capability across the Global South. However, to date, only 0.1% of total research in Africa constitutes dementia research, the lowest volume of all LMIC regions. Several biomarker and risk models of the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are proposed as optimal junctures for disease prevention, yet they ignore the influence of biological sex/gender on cognitive and disease processes, despite female sex/gender constituting a major AD modifier. Similarly, the application of these models in ethno-racial and culturally diverse cohorts is …

The Wellness Connection January 2025, Roger Williams University School Law Office Of Student Life

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

Barriers To Postpartum Depression Treatment: Availability And Accessibility Of Maternal Behavioral Health-Inclusive Support Groups For Low-Income Populations, Radhika S. Venkatesan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The maternal health crisis is a prevalent and concerning issue in the United States. The lack of efficient availability and accessibility to health care services plays a significant role in augmenting this problem. One health care service that is often understudied is support groups, for prevalent issues like postpartum depression. Considering the socioeconomic burdens of low-income mothers, this paper analyzed the accessibility and availability of maternal health support groups across counties in Florida, with varying amounts of individuals below the federal poverty level (%BPL). Essentially, Florida counties were divided into one of four categories depending on their %BPL. A Fisher’s …

A Quantitative Study Comparing The Effects Of Physical And Digital Mandala Coloring On Anxiety In High School Students, Amy Bainton

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Through the frameworks of Solution-Focused School Counseling (SFSC) and art therapy, this quantitative research paper compared the potential effects of using a physical versus a digital mandala coloring page with high school students experiencing test anxiety before a final exam. Participants took part in one of two experimental tasks before taking their exam, where they either used colored pencils to color a preset mandala or used a cellphone-based website to color in a mandala digitally. Participants completed a brief pretest-posttest State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and answered an independent questionnaire to further understand their experience after artmaking. Data results were analyzed …

Mixed Methods Study On The Impact Of Coloring Mandalas On Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, And Attachment Style In Adults, Rachel N. Faas

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Abstract
This mixed methods study investigates the impact of coloring pre-drawn mandalas on adult emotional regulation, mindfulness, and state attachment style. Drawing from Attachment Theory and Art Therapy frameworks, the research evaluates whether adult coloring interventions—specifically structured mandala designs—can serve as accessible tools for improving psychological well-being. A sample of adult participants engaged in a mandala coloring intervention and completed pre- and post-assessments measuring emotional regulation, mindfulness, and attachment style, including qualitative interviews to capture subjective experiences. Results suggest that mandala coloring may promote increased mindfulness and adaptive emotional regulation strategies, with preliminary evidence indicating shifts toward more secure attachment …

Altered Book Making With Siblings Of Adults With Schizophrenia: A Mixed Methods Approach, Anna-Marie M. Vargas

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects the entire family unit. Due to deinstitutionalization, families are often left to care for their loved ones the best they can without the structured support offered by long-term hospitalization. As parents age and become less able to care for adult children with schizophrenia, the task of ongoing support in various capacities falls to the next of kin, most often, to siblings. There is limited research on the experiences of siblings of adults with schizophrenia, and to date, there have not been any published studies with this population in the field of art …

A Happy Medium?: Using Image Generators To Explore Solution-Focused Art Therapy’S Miracle Question, Daniel A. Hernried

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This mixed methods, randomized, single-session study tested whether integrating text-to-image generations into Solution-Focused Brief Art Therapy alters therapeutic rapport and short-term outcomes relative to traditional artmaking materials. Participants were assigned by coin flip to create using either a text-to-image generator or convention media (23 per group), completing immediate and three-day follow-ups. Alliance was measured using DREAM (Dimensions of Regard, Empathy, and Authenticity Metric), and problems were rated pre/post; groups did not differ significantly on DREAM total or facets, and both modalities produced reliable pre-to-post reductions in problem severity. At the same time, process differences were pronounced: the AI condition showed …

Identity Formation In Adolescents Using Assemblage And Found Objects, Sahar Mozaffar

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore a gap in current research that reveals how art therapy, using assemblage with found objects, empowers adolescents to explore their identity by creating a personal narrative. Identity formation is a critical step in adolescence that involves the development of a coherent sense of self and identity (Erikson, 1968, as cited in Branje et al., 2021). For the adolescent to be successful in this stage, they must synthesize both their personal and social identities (Erikson, 1950, as cited in McLean & Syed, 2014). Using this understanding of adolescent identity, this study utilized a …

Parents With Low Mood And Their Child: Exploring The Effects Of Group Art Therapy, Allison M. Pierce-Gay

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This qualitative study examines the effects of group art therapy on postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms, specifically focusing on reducing isolation and improving parent–child attachment. The participants included two parents with self-reported low mood and one child (aged 2–2.5 years), and insights from eight multidisciplinary experts (clinicians, educators, and parents) were also gathered. Interventions included a somatic body scan, collage-making, and dyadic handprint painting. The results indicated reduced isolation (Likert scores improved from 3.5 to 4.75) and enhanced attachment through nonverbal co-creation; however, structural barriers (e.g., time poverty) limited sustained impact. Expert interviews identified seven themes, including grief, systemic isolation, and …