Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

Developing A Nursing Based Support Group For Incarcerated Women Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Assault: Pathways For Healing, Paula Johns

Theses and Graduate Projects

Every year large numbers of women are incarcerated in jail, prisons or other correctional jurisdictions in America. Research has shown that more than half of these women report a history of sexual abuse as a child, many who have rarely told their story. Typical coping mechanisms for those who have been traumatized sexually are attempts to commit suicide, the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, running away, disassociation, becoming promiscuous, or eating disorders, etc. These early adaptations at a young age can influence nearly every parameter of their lives, contributing to numerous other negative consequences, such as increased physical …

A Study Of Expressed Emotion In Psychiatric Nurses And Its Relation To The General Role And Effects Of Emotions In Nursing, Lauren A. Buck

Senior Honors Theses

Nurses play a vital role in the health and care of a patient. Through that care, the nurse has the ability to improve the patient’s experience or ruin it. A vital component influencing the care provided are the emotions the nurse displays toward her coworkers, patients, and patients’ family members. The emotions of a nurse may positively or negatively impact a patient. The studies that examine the impact of the nurse’s emotions on patient’s outcomes are varied and few. The communication and emotion of nurses are likely to impact their care and, from that, the patient’s outcome; however, there is …

Differences In Substance-Related Risk Behavior Between Dual And Triple Diagnosed Severely Mentally Ill Adults, Michelle Hampton, Linda Chafetz, Carmen Portillo

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist between adults with dual and triple diagnoses with regard to substance-related risk behaviors. This secondary analysis was a cross-sectional study. There were 252 subjects with dual and triple diagnoses recruited from residential crisis programs in San Francisco. Using descriptive and logistic regression analyses, subjects in the two groups were compared with regard to demographic data, types of substances, and routes of administration used in the previous 30 days to determine risk for exposure and/or transmission of human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus. When compared to the dual diagnosis group, subjects …

Factors Predicting Exercise Behavior Of Graduate Students, Bibha Gautam

Theses and Dissertations

Graduate school is often experienced as a time of increased demands/expectations resulting in heightened levels of stress due to academic work, family responsibilities, job demands, financial pressure, and other life related issues. Besides stress, graduate school also brings about significant physical inactivity due to the shift of the immediate priority to academic accomplishment. Reports of increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among students highlight that this group may have particular risk not well-identified. Yet, relative risk can be reduced by lifestyle modifications, such as eating well, exercising, and stress reduction. The majority of the risk factors, to a …

The Lived Experience Of Mothers Bereaved By The Suicide Death Of A Child., Cynthia Walker Lynn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide has existed throughout recorded history. It is a phenomenon that has been both culturally and morally defined across time and civilizations. It is estimated that over 34,000 Americans deliberately take their own lives annually. Moreover, according to some experts, between 6 and 28 individuals are directly affected by each completed suicide. These individuals are referred to as suicide survivors. The consequences for suicide survivors are multidimensional in part because relationships to the deceased play a vital role in bereavement. Previous research studies in the areas of suicidology and bereavement have failed to explore the experience of mothers bereaved …

Understanding Autism, Kaileigh J. Sweeney

Senior Honors Projects

Understanding Autism

Kaileigh Sweeney

Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Hames

Autism spectrum disorders are greatly misunderstood in today’s society.  In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  Despite this high prevalence, a great deal of the population is under the impression that a diagnosis of autism is straight forward and indicative of one set of devastating signs and symptoms.  However, the severity of this disorder can range from mild to severe. According to the National Institute of Health, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized …

Assessing The Cultural Competence Of Healthcare Professionals In A Psychiatric Setting, Jean Kulas

Senior Honors Projects

Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities throughout Rhode Island admit patients from a multitude of cultures on a daily basis. As a result, healthcare professionals are often taking care of patients from backgrounds other than their own. Different groups of people have their own set of norms and unique views regarding medical treatment. How knowledgeable are healthcare workers about certain cultural practices, beliefs, and symptomatology?

My goal was to assess the cultural competency of healthcare professionals in a psychiatric and mental health facility in Rhode Island. I chose to focus on the mental health setting instead of a general …

What Is The Caregivers' (Certified Nursing Assistant) Perception Of Their Role While Caring For A Patient In The Household Model?, Daniyele Feaster

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This was a mixed design study that assessed the caregivers' perception of their role while caring for patients in the household model. A sample of 12 caregivers currently employed in a long-term care facility operating in the household model was asked to complete a survey and answer 11 questions during a one on one interview. This interview tool allowed the caregivers the opportunity to rate their personal experiences, environment and express their feelings associated with their role as a certified nursing assistant working in a household model. The results indicated that the caregivers enjoyed working in the household environment and …

An Educational Workshop: Introducing An Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Strategy "Tool Kit" For The Treatment Of Chronic Depression, Kimberleigh Christine Cox

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

No Abstract Available

Double The Outcomes: Employing Sensory Based Approaches To Improve The Quality Of Care And Reduce The Use Of Restraints On Inpatient Behavioral Health Units, Mary Ellen O'Connell Rn, Bsn, Msn, Mba, Jennifer P. Maloney Ms, Otr/L, Stephanie Lenhart Mba, Cphq

Administration & Leadership

No abstract provided.

What Behavioral Effect Does Recess Have On Elemetntary-Age Students Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Disorder And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Add/Adhd)?, Brittany Long

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Race On Mental Health Service Utilization Among African Americans And Whites With Severe Mental Illness, Michelle Hampton, Linda Chafetz, Mary White

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Disparities among African Americans and Whites with severe mental illness have been identified in numerous studies. Yet it remains unknown if disparities are associated with race or other vulnerabilities common to this population. OBJECTIVES: This study used the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to examine mental health service utilization among 155 African Americans and Whites with severe mental illness for 12 months after discharge from a residential crisis program. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial. RESULTS: Race did not emerge as a significant predictor of mental health service utilization. Factors associated …