Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Sexual Activity And Functioning After Breast Cancer Treatment: Perspectives On The Importance Of Pleasure From A Radiotherapy Cohort, Melanie Besculides, Lauren Carney, Ksenia Gorbenko, Sheryl Green, Melissa Brito, Jezelle Lynch, Carly Feldman, Cindy Munoz, Madhu Mazumdar, Deborah C. Marshall

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects millions of women and while treatment can be lifesaving, it also has numerous side effects, including those related to sexual function, which often impact the ability to experience pleasure from sex. This study aimed to understand how breast cancer survivors define sexual activity, identify important aspects, and ascertain perceived impacts of treatment on sexual activity and function, particularly related to pleasure.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who were breast cancer survivors at least one-year post-radiation. Priority populations were oversampled (racial/ethnic/sexual/gender minorities, those aged over 65 or under 45). The sample included 23 participants: 11 …

Probiotic Intervention In Managing Chronic Stress, Bianca Opdenbosch

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Chronic stress can induce gut dysbiosis which contributes to the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and leads to anxiety and depressive-like symptoms. The gut-brain axis relies on nervous, immune, and endocrine interactions. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbiome, disrupts gut-brain communication, impairing gut barrier integrity, inflammation regulation, and hormonal and neurotransmitter production. These gut changes contribute to mood disorders resulting from stress, and thus it is important to implement dietary interventions, like probiotics, to help mitigate these effects. Research highlights the potential of probiotics to act as an intervention to combat stress-induced gut dysbiosis and replenish beneficial bacteria …

Adherence To Integrative Care, Oncology Healthcare Utilization, Opioid Use And Hospitalization, Eran Ben-Arye, Dan Greenberg, Noah Samuels, Ana Maria Lopez, Tzahit Simon-Tuval

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Research on the relationship between integrative oncology (IO) programs and dispensing of chemotherapy agents and supportive care drugs, and hospitalization rates is limited. The present study examined these outcomes in chemotherapy-treated patients with cancer, comparing patients highly adherent to integrative care (high-AIC) to those with low adherence (low-AIC). Data from patients with cancer treated with taxane and/or platinum-based agents participating in an ongoing prospective, controlled pragmatic trial were examined retrospectively. Patients were referred to an IO consultation and weekly treatments at 3 medical centers in Northern Israel, with high-AIC defined as attending ≥4 sessions at 6 weeks; low-AIC, 0-3 sessions. …

Modeling Surgeon Belief Updating Under Bias: A Bayesian Simulation In Shoulder Arthroplasty, Mariano Menendez, Michael Moverman, Surena Namdari, Frederick Matsen, David Ring

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Shoulder surgeons often offer markedly different treatment recommendations for a given patient and pathophysiology within the context of a common body of evidence. Prior beliefs and cognitive bias may contribute to this variability. Using Bayesian decision theory informed by principles of behavioral science, we modeled how surgeons with different initial beliefs and degrees of bias update their treatment preferences in response to new evidence comparing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) when making surgery recommendations for advanced primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

METHODS: We developed a Bayesian simulation involving 3 hypothetical surgeons with distinct initial beliefs: …

Psychologist-Federal Agent Approaches To Supporting Veterans And Police With Mental Health Challenges, Ismith Bocaille

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored how federal agents and psychologists collaborate to assist veterans and police officers receive offer mental health care. The study paid attention to the potential interplay of artificial intelligence and faith-informed models. Following IPA-based qualitative interviews with federal agents and psychologists and an extensive literature review, the study pointed out some barriers to seeking mental health services, including stigma, rigidity inside organizations, and less peer support. Intervention models that involve patients intensely have emerged as more effective ideas, which are used sparingly. The results indicate that peer support should be incorporated into departmental policies, and closer contact and …

Developing Empathy In Paramedic Students Using Didactic And Deliberate Practice Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study, Nick J. Waltrich, Jade Sheen Phd, Mathew Ling, Melissa O'Shea

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Paramedics often attend to patients presenting with a mental illness, however research suggests paramedics have difficulties when attending to this patient cohort. Conversely, clinical psychologists receive training that focuses on developing strong therapeutic relationships with their patients through the use of empathy. As research has highlighted that paramedic students are known to demonstrate low levels of empathy, this study aimed to investigate the utility of two education methods used in clinical psychology training, didactic teaching and deliberate practice (DP), to develop the skill of empathy in paramedic students. Method: Students currently enrolled in an Australian paramedic university degree were …

Prevalence, Patterns, And Factors Influencing Decision To Sport Specialize During High School In Current Division-I And Sport Club Ice Hockey Athletes, Emily C. Srygler, Eric A. Caloud, Laura A. Zdziarski-Horodyski, Masaru Teramoto, Madison N. Renner, Stephanie N. Adler, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Young athletes are continuing to choose high levels of sport specialization despite growing evidence of associations with chronic injury. Perceptions of specialization leading to greater athletic success have been found to be a motivator for these athletes and their parents, but little is known about its prevalence in ice hockey. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence, patterns, and factors influencing sport specialization during high school in current Division-I and sport club ice hockey athletes. This information can assist in filling in the knowledge gap in high school sport specialization in ice hockey athletes, specifically …

Occupational Balance Of Occupational Therapy Students Before And After Occupational Disruption Caused By Covid-19, Juan Pablo Saa, Georgia King, Kylee Lockwood, Tamara Tse

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions have caused occupational disruption, yet little is known about their relationship with occupational balance, student satisfaction, and stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occupational balance of occupational therapy students in the state of Victoria, Australia, and its association with measures of life satisfaction and distress.

Method: Participants completed the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) twice (once rating their occupational balance before COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and again during the time these restrictions were in place); the Global Life Satisfaction Questionnaire; and the Depression, Anxiety and …

Factors In The Relationship Between Rural Cancer Patients And Mental Health, Jordan B. King

Theses and Graduate Projects

Cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress, yet many do not access mental health services, particularly those residing in rural areas. The present study examines what factors contribute to utilization of mental health services and attitudes toward seeking mental health services in rural cancer patients who are actively receiving cancer treatments. Participants (N = 102) completed a paper and pencil survey. A logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between five predictor variables (anxiety, depression, social support, geographic location, and number of barriers) on the outcome variable (utilization of services). The model was statistically significant, X²(4) = …

The Academic, Psychological, And Physical Impact Of Motor Skills Difficulties On College Students: A Scoping Review, David Gaul Phd, Suzanne Mccarthy Wolf

Articles

Purpose of Review

This scoping review examines the extent and quality of research literature to determine the impact of motor skills difficulties on college or university students. It assesses the adequacy of current institutional supports and identifies opportunities for more inclusive educational practices.

Recent Findings

Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched for English-language studies published since 1970. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria: 12 empirical, 4 descriptive, and 2 program evaluations. Six papers from the UK addressed support, social isolation, and academic confidence; six Israeli studies focused on handwriting, dysgraphia, and accommodations; three US studies examined …

Neighborhood Social Cohesion Associated With Chronic Liver Disease Prevalence And All-Cause Mortality, Tiange P. Zhang, Jennifer L. Dodge, Divya Ayyala-Somayajula, Norah A. Terrault

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Background and Aims: Neighborhood social cohesion (NSC)—the degree of trust and solidarity within a community—may influence health through multiple pathways including shaping healthy norms, perception of safety, and stress. Whether NSC influences chronic liver disease (CLD) prevalence and associated mortality in the United States is unknown. Methods: Using 172,047 adults from the 2013–2018 National Health Interview Survey with linkage to National Death Index mortality data, NSC was measured using questions on help availability, accountability, trustworthiness, and connectedness among neighbors, with composite scores (4–16) categorized as minimal (4–7), low (8–10), moderate (11–13), and high (14–16). Logistic and Cox regression tested the …

Program For Teachers To Address The Needs Of Students With Adhd, Ashton R. Wagner, Wendy Tremaine, Dr. Mary Jan Greer, Phd, Otr

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project focused on supporting teacher participants from Eden Gardens Fundamental Magnet Elementary by providing practical strategies to address students who struggle with attention, regulation, and daily classroom routines. After completing a needs assessment, it was clear that many teachers faced similar challenges, including difficulty with transitions, staying on task, and responding when students became overwhelmed. To address this, created an OT-led teacher-training program that uses the PEOP model and focuses on simple, practical strategies teachers can implement right away. This included visual cues, sensory and movement supports, and minor changes to the classroom setup. As teachers began using …

Venezuelan Migrants In Prostitution: A Personal Decision?, Yazmin Maria Lucila Cadena Camargo, Izara Maite Mondragon Moreno, Isabela Osorio Jaramillo, Paula Angélica Suárez Álvarez, Andrés Duarte Osorio, Carlos Gómez-Restrepo

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

This paper explores the multifaceted experiences of Venezuelan migrant women engaged in prostitution, framed through three critical moments: the “decision to enter in prostitution,” the unique abuses faced, and the resultant consequences on mental, physical, and social health. The study highlights how socioeconomic vulnerabilities—exacerbated by migration and poverty—significantly influence the likelihood of entering prostitution. It also shows how traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood and adolescence, coupled with a lack of support networks, contribute to a heightened risk of exploitation. Eleven life stories were collected through a phenomenological approach, revealing a common narrative of abuse, poverty, and the search for survival …

The Efficacy Of Emdr Therapy Compared To Tf-Cbt In Adopted Children To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review, Grace Ann Steiner

Senior Honors Theses

This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma Of Liver In A Child : A Case Report, Neha Devendra Bhongale, Sumeet Baheti, Poonam Wade, Omkar Khandkar, Meenakshi Balasbramanian

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of liver (UESL) is a rare malignancy of liver originating from primary mesenchymal tissue with overall poor prognosis. Around 220 pediatric cases of UESL have been reported in the literature. The lack of characteristic clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging studies pose a diagnostic challenge and the preoperative misdiagnosis rate is high. Historically, treatment was limited to surgical resection with poor survival rate. In recent times, combination of chemotherapy and surgical resection has improved survival.

Case Presentation: We report a case of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of liver in a 6 years old boy who presented …

Hungry Minds: Analyzing The Impact Of Food Insecurity And Food Assistance Programs On Neurocognitive Development And Childhood Mental Health, Kayla A. Davenport

Senior Theses

Introduction: Food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for poor nutritional intake and adverse health outcomes. However, less is known about how the experience of food insecurity disrupts healthy development and well-being, particularly among American youth. This thesis had two aims: (1) to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and children’s neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and (2) to evaluate how major food assistance programs address, or fail to address, these developmental risks.

Methods: This thesis uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a narrative literature review, a cross-sectional …

Measurement-Based Care For Depression In Youth: Practical Considerations For Selecting Measures To Assess Depression, Associated Features And Functioning, Cynthia Garza, Diana Chapa, Catherine Hernandez, Hayley Aramburu, Taryn L. Mayes, Graham J. Emslie

School of Medicine Publications

Identification and management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents remains a significant area of public health need. The process for identifying depression (e.g. screening) and management (e.g. measurement based care [MBC]) is substantially enhanced by utilization of clinical measures and rating scales. Measures can be self- or caregiver reported or clinician rated. They can aid recognition of at-risk individuals for future assessment and assist in clinical diagnosis and management of depression. In addition to assessing symptoms of depression, rating scales can be used to assess important associated features (e.g. anxiety, trauma) and functional outcomes (e.g. quality of …

Is Bedtime Use Of Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) A Sleep Aid Or Disruptor? Examining Its Daily Effects And Individual Differences, Chung Jung Mun, Patricia Timmons, Leigh V Panlilio, Christopher D Verrico, Ynhi T Thomas, C Austin Zamarripa, David H Epstein, Kirsten E Smith

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a psychoactive botanical native to Southeast Asia increasingly used in the U.S. for various self-reported benefits, including sleep improvement. However, empirical evidence concerning kratom’s effects on sleep is limited. Here, we examined the association between bedtime kratom use and self-reported sleep outcomes in naturalistic settings across consecutive days, while also exploring sex and chronic pain status as potential moderators. A secondary analysis was conducted using the data from a 15-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study of 357 U.S. adults who reported regularly using kratom. Participants made daily reports of their bedtime kratom use and …

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Gejala Depresi Pada Pasien Insomnia Usia Lanjut Di Rawat Jalan, Amalia Nur Pratiwi, Edy Rizal Wahyudi, Profitasari Kusumaningrum, Hamzah Shatri, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Rino Alvani Gani, Ika Prasetya Wijaya, Adityo Susilo, Kaka Renaldi

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. The elderly population is increasing globally, including in Indonesia, where 10.7% of the population in 2020 were elderly. Insomnia is a common health issue among older adults and has been identified as a predictor of depression. This study aims to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in elderly outpatients with insomnia.

Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on patients aged ≥60 years at the outpatient unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, Indonesia, using consecutive sampling to select participants. Elderly patients were screened using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and those with a score …