Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Abnormalities In Sensorimotor Brain Function Are Related To Chronicity Of Low Back Pain, Jo Armour Smith, Rongwen Tain, Kelli G. Sharp, Laura M. Glynn, Linda R. Van Dillen, Jesse V. Jacobs, Steven C. Cramer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Maladaptive plasticity in the brain may contribute to chronic low back pain (LBP) and underlie the altered postural control of the lumbopelvic musculature that is evident in some individuals with LBP. We recently described an MRI-compatible leg-raise paradigm to measure brain activity associated with lumbopelvic postural control. The objective of this study was to compare brain function in young adults with and without a history of LBP and to determine relationships between brain function, pain, and postural control characteristics. We recruited 55 participants with a history of LBP, who were asymptomatic when studied, and 30 healthy controls. Postural control during …

Exploring The Impact Of Inpatient Mental Health Care On Adolescents, Alexandria M. Mckahan

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Adolescent psychiatric hospitalizations continue to rise, yet there is limited research on which daily practices inside inpatient units genuinely support engagement and recovery. This project examined how structure, staff tone, and therapeutic programming influence adolescents’ participation and emotional stability within a real inpatient setting. The study focused on three questions: how structured routines affect recovery, what challenges staff face when supporting adolescents with complex needs, and how adolescents’ engagement patterns reflect their perception of care. Using a mixed-methods case study at Mesa Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, I conducted approximately twenty field observations, semi-structured staff interviews, and descriptive engagement tracking across …

Oral Ketamine For Treatment Resistant Depression: A Literature Review, Maeve Buni, Alanna Eisenbeiser

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Objective: Assess the efficacy and safety of oral ketamine as alternative therapy for those with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Design: Literature review. Methods: On November 14, 2024, a search was done in Pubmed and James Madison University’s EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection for the terms “ketamine” and “treatment resistant depression,” excluding parenteral routes of administration and including only randomized controlled trials in adults published in 2018-2024. Results: Three randomized controlled trials that utilized evidence-based surveys to assess antidepressant effects were analyzed. Conclusion: The antidepressant effects of oral ketamine found in these RCTs were somewhat mixed. Oral ketamine did appear …

The Need To Incorporate Polysubstance Use In Neuropsychopharmacology Research: Biological Lessons And New Opportunities, Max E. Joffe, Susan M. Ferguson, Nick W. Gilpin, Melissa A. Herman, Lori A. Knackstedt, Patrick A. Randall, Abigail G. Schindler, Mary M. Torregrossa, Jennifer A. Rinker

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Critical evaluation and refinement of animal models is essential for neuroscientists to understand complex physiological and pathological processes related to psychiatric diseases. In general, preclinical studies modeling drug dependence and problematic substance use have been limited to the administration of a single substance; however, there is a growing appreciation that this approach has failed to capture the complexities of humans and has stifled translational efforts. Polysubstance use represents the overwhelmingly common patterns of alcohol and drug use in humans. For example, epidemiological studies generally determine that between 70–95 % of individuals with alcohol use disorder use tobacco daily, and upwards …

Are E-Cigarettes A Safer Alternative? Revisiting The Cardiovascular Cost Of Nicotine Delivery, Jason D. Gardner

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Expanding Epilepsy Representation: On Education And Awareness, Aliyah Wise

Honors Projects

The present-day American public education system has evolved to try to teach young students about more cultures and people of different lifestyles. However, despite these reforms to push for an inclusive education system, there is still minimal effort to teach students about disabilities and the people who live with them. As a student living with epilepsy, I have observed a lack of education or conversation about this disability. The purpose of this research project is to ask: How does miseducation on epilepsy contribute to harmful stereotypes and lead to real issues for people living with this disability? How should neurotypical …

The Reception Of Neurodiversity Represented Within Netflix’S Wednesday, Anna Stevens

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This paper explores how neurodiversity is represented through popular media - particularly Netflix's show Wednesday - and aims to discuss the effects this representation could have in regards to how it's received by the public, as well as those who are neurodiverse.

Do Games Play A Role In Personal Socialization?, Jasmine Reyna Landry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how online gamers aged 20 to 40 experience the impact of socialization on self-verification and personal purpose. Semi-structured interviews with eleven participants were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to capture the essence of participants lived experiences and the sample population consisted of 12 participants. Findings revealed two overarching themes and in the themes several subthemes that include: Emotional Regulation, Social Presence, Stress Relief, Gaming as Social Connection and Maintenance and lifestyle balance. Participants described gaming as central to sustaining meaningful relationships, regulating stress, exploring identity, and receiving …

Presenteeism Among Health Care Personnel With Covid-19, James C. Crosby, Eliezer Santos Leon, Brian Chinnock, Karisa K. Harland, Anusha Krishnadasan, Nicholas M. Mohr, Ian D. Plumb, Melissa Briggs Hagen, Kelli Wallace, David A. Talan, Project Prevent Network, Anne Zepeski, Tracy Young, Howard A. Smithline, Lilly C. Lee, Stephen C. Lim, Et Al

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE: Presenteeism-defined as continuing to work during an illness-poses a public health risk in the workplace and is especially hazardous within health care institutions where vulnerable patients may be exposed to nosocomial infections. Understanding the frequency and characteristics of health care personnel (HCP) who report presenteeism while ill with COVID-19 may help mitigate SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals and other health care institutions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of presenteeism among HCP with symptomatic COVID-19, and to evaluate the demographic, occupational, and clinical factors associated with it. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is an observational cohort study that uses data from …

Influence And Excess: A Study Of Alcohol’S Governmental, Societal, Biochemical, And Enzymatic Impact In The U.S And Other Countries Around The World, Thomas W. Snider

Senior Honors Theses

The conduct of the thesis is to explore the intricacies of alcohol consumption. The thesis will outline the history of alcohol and the societal pressures and conduct of drinking with relation to the government. After the history of alcohol has been defined, the thesis will move into the chemistry portion, delineating the absorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion of alcohol. This is the portion of the thesis that will contain the quantitative data and source material as much research has already been conducted regarding these components of alcohol consumption. The condition of the research is that the data will be collected …

Ctrl + Alt + Inner Speech: A Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (Vcs) Model Of Pathways To Computational Thinking, Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

This theoretical paper introduces the Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (VCS) Model, a cognitively inclusive framework which proposes the cognitive architectures underlying computational thinking (CT). Moving beyond monolithic theories of cognition (e.g., executive-function and metacognitive control models), the VCS Model posits inner speech (InSp) as the predominant cognitive pathway supporting CT operations in neurotypical populations. Synthesizing interdisciplinary scholarship across cognitive science, computational theory, neurodiversity research, and others, this framework articulates distinct mechanisms through which InSp supports CT. The model specifies four primary pathways linking InSp to CT components: verbal working memory supporting decomposition, symbolic representation facilitating pattern recognition and abstraction, sequential processing enabling …

Per Se Driving Under The Influence Of Cannabis Statutes And Blood Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations Following Short-Term Cannabis Abstinence, Robert L. Fitzgerald, Anya Umlauf, Raymond T. Suhandynata, David J. Grelotti, Marilyn A. Huestis, Kyle F. Mastropietro, Igor Grant, Thomas D. Marcotte

Institute of Emerging Health Professions Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Several US states have per se laws using 2 or 5 ng/mL of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as cutpoints for driving under the influence of cannabis, while some have zero-tolerance statutes. These cutpoints are considered prima facia evidence of driving impairment.

METHODS: In a cohort of people who regularly use cannabis (N = 190) we measured baseline concentrations of THC after instructing participants to abstain from cannabis for at least 48 hours. Baseline driving performance was evaluated using a driving simulator. We also measured blood THC concentrations serially following a smoking session (placebo or active cannabis).

RESULTS: Forty-three percent of the …

Engaging Ukrainian Tf-Cbt Therapists In A Practice Skills Course To Support Their Wellbeing, Elisabeth Pollio, Esther Deblinger, Beth Cooper, Maike Garbade, Julie P Harrison, Elisa Pfeiffer

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Background: Burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are common among therapists working with trauma-exposed clients, which can negatively impact them professionally and personally. The shared trauma of war exposure may put therapists at greater risk. To help support their wellbeing, an eight-session course was offered to Ukrainian therapists following training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This course involves therapists personally utilizing the PRACTICE skills taught to clients in TF-CBT for professional and personal benefit.

Objective: The objective was to gather preliminary evidence on the potential impact of implementing the course with Ukrainian therapists providing TF-CBT during a period of …

Implementation Of An Information Sheet For Pediatric Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder In An Inpatient Setting To De-Escalate Aggressive Behaviors And Reduce Seclusion Rates, Megan R. Castro

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Introduction: Research shows that most seclusion events in pediatric psychiatric settings involve pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A lack of provider expertise contributes to elevated seclusion rates, highlighting the need for evidence-based, ASD-informed care.
Purpose: To reduce seclusion events within a pediatric psychiatric facility in South Texas, by implementing an evidence-based intervention upon admission that could decrease aggressive behaviors and the likelihood of requiring seclusion. Evidence summary: Literature and guidelines underscore the importance of identifying sensory triggers and calming strategies at admission. Collaborative care and personalized interventions, such as a patient information sheet that identifies …

Well-Being And Quality Of Life Of Kenyan Nurses, Midwives And Community Health Volunteers: Measurement Properties And Correlates Of The Bbq And Who-5, Paul Mwangi, Sabina Odero, Rachel Odhiambo, Brenda Nzioka, Constance Shumba, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Healthcare workers’ quality of life (QoL) and well-being is directly linked to the quality of services they deliver. However, there is a shortage of validated measures to assess QoL, well-being and their predictors among healthcare workers in Kenya, as in other LMICs. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) and WHO-5 well-being index (WHO-5) among nurses, midwives and community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya. The BBQ and WHO-5 were selected due to their established psychometric strengths, brevity, and prior use in healthcare settings. Additionally, the sociodemographic, psychological, and health …

The Frontal Assessment Battery In Older Multilingual Kenyan Adults, Anne Njoki Gitere, Anne Nyambura, Karen Blackmon, Levi Muyela, Rachel Maina, Olivera Nesic Taylor,, Jasmit Shah, Dilraj Sokhi, Sylvia Mbugua, Samuel Gitau, Sheila Waa, Juzar Hooker, Zul Merali, Chinedu Momoh, Karen Blackmon

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) was developed as a short (6-item) bedside assessment of executive dysfunction in older adults with suspected neurodegeneration. This study describes psychometric features of the FAB in multilingual Kenyan adults with and without clinical diagnosis of dementia.

Method: The FAB consists of six items assessing verbal abstract reasoning, lexical fluency, motor learning, and inhibitory control. The score on each item ranges from 0-3, with higher scores indicating better performance. Bilingual English-Swahili study personnel translated, blind back-translated, and applied consensus-driven cultural adaptations. FAB was then administered to 95 participants [71 cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls; 24 people …

Relations Between Ethnic-Racial Identity Statuses And Critical Consciousness Among Latine Adolescents, Kristia A. Wantchekon, Esther Burson, Olga Kornienko, Norma J. Perez-­ Brena, Maciel M. Hernández, M. Dalal Safa, Thao Ha

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Ethnic-­racial identity (ERI) development reflects the processes through which adolescents learn about their ethnic-­ racial background (i.e., exploration) and develop clarity about what it means to them (i.e., resolution). Research on ERI has been critiqued for not examining connections between ERI and broader social beliefs, such as critical consciousness (i.e., individuals' level of reflection about social oppression, motivation to take action against it, and the extent to which they take such action). When examining connections to ERI, research underscores the importance of considering individuals' patterns of exploration and resolution in tandem (i.e., ERI status) rather than analyzing them in isolation. …

Perceptions And Attitudes On Biospecimen Sample Collection For Dementia Research In Kenya, Lucy Kamau, Chinedu Momoh, Karen Blackmon, Caroline Kiio, Jasmit Shah, Vaibhav Narayan, Irene Meier, Olivera Nesic Taylor,, Zul Merali, Edna Bosire

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Biospecimen sample collection is crucial in dementia diagnosis and evaluation. Limited research exists from African Countries including Kenya on people's perception on biospecimen sample collection for dementia- a disease that is largely unknown. Our aim was to understand the public perceptions towards collection of biospecimen samples for dementia research in Kenya.

Method: We conducted 8 focused group discussions (FGDs; age and gender stratified) in Nairobi to understand people's perceptions about different biospecimens (urine, saliva, blood, tears, hair, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the brain samples). An open-ended FGD guide was used for the discussions, each lasting about 90 minutes.

Result: …

Vitality Tracking In Kenyan Adults Using Wearable Devices And Ecological Momentary Assessments, Karen Blackmon, Benard Alaka, Catherine Onyancha, Litha Musili, Raechel Kamau, Cyprian Mostert, Mansoor Saleh, Zul Merali, Chinedu Momoh, Thomas Thesen

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Vitality is essential to healthy aging but is elusive to define and measure.Dynamic capture of fluctuations in vitality can uncover abnormal trajectories thatcould be a harbinger of frailty in older adults. Yet, these fluctuations are missed bystatic and/or sparse sampling strategies. To address the need for dynamic and high-density capture of vitality in older adults, we developed a passive sensing and activeprobing digital platform using wearable devices and smartphones. We deployed thisparadigm in older Kenyan adults and evaluated its potential for use in research on thedynamics of accelerated aging.

Method: Cognitively unimpaired (CU) Kenyan adults ≥ 35 years of …

Mental Health In Adult Oncology Patients, Jenna Pope

Capstones

Adults with cancer suffer from mental challenges that frequently go under diagnosed and under treated (Fernando et al., 2023). This can lead to lower quality of life, resulting in reduced adherence to treatment, more frequent hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and increased mortality rates (Matthews et al., 2025). There are currently no policies on mental health screening for adult oncology patients at every outpatient appointment. By consistently utilizing standardized screening tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 during all oncology appointments, this can close the gap in policy to address mental health needs of these individuals. It is vital to …