Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Barriers And Facilitators To Accessing Mental And Physical Health Care Among Sexual Minority Women: A Qualitative Exploration, Charlotte A. Dawson, A. Moulder, Kristin E. Heron

Department Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Cisgender sexual minority women (SMW, e.g., lesbian, queer) are at greater risk for poor mental and physical health compared to heterosexual women and face challenges when accessing health care. Previous research has largely focused on general sexual and gender minority barriers to health care, but more research is needed on the experiences of specific subgroups, including cisgender SMW. The current study qualitatively explored barriers and facilitators for cisgender SMW seeking health care. Twenty cisgender SMW aged 18-40 recruited using Meta advertisements and past participant lists completed 45 min semi-structured interviews and a brief survey. Thematic analysis conducted by two coders …

Igf-1 As A Biomarker For Symptom Severity In Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence From An Observational Study, Justin Weppner, Kimberly Rosenthal, Jennifer Bath, Tonja Locklear, Melissa Martinez

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Faculty Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related growth hormone deficiency is often undertreated, despite documented physical, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric effects. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), with neuroreceptors located in brain regions responsible for learning, memory, and mood, regulates cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. The aim of this study was to determine associations between IGF-1 levels and post-TBI symptom severity, anxiety, and depression. This retrospective observational study at an Academic Brain Injury Center included participants evaluated 3-12 months post-TBI with available IGF-1 values and complete Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ-13), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) responses. Patients under 18 or …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Developing Staff Training Modules To Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care In An Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are admitted to psychiatric hospitals at higher rates and for longer durations compared to neurotypical individuals (Kuriakose et al., 2018). Externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, significantly increase hospitalization risk, yet standard psychiatric interventions (e.g., traditional process groups) are often ineffective for this population. A key barrier is the lack of ASD-specific training among hospital staff (Siegel & Gabriels, 2012). This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing an educational training program to improve patient-centered, neurodiversity-affirming care across all inpatient psychiatric units. The primary aims were to: …

Understanding The Experience Of Survivorship: Self-Efficacy, Emotional Wellbeing, And Post-Traumatic Growth Across A 6-Month Period In Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Shannon N. Hiscock

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, leading to declining physical and psychological health, but also a process of psychological evolution known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Self-efficacy is a factor that is associated with positive outcomes in breast cancer, including emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. The purpose of this study was to examine changes across 6-months in biopsychosocial variables (self-efficacy, PTG, and emotional well-being), as well as the relationships between these variables, in an effort to identify areas for intervention early in breast cancer treatment to promote positive mental …

Distinguishing Narcolepsy Hallucinations From Drug-Induced Hallucinations In An Adolescent With Comorbidities, Avidor Gerstenfeld, Biwy Emmanuella Cadet, Salma Alkhatib, Annette Santiago

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Comparing Efficacy Of Psychotropic Classes To Control Aggression Among Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Orestes Hadjistamoulou, Sindhura Kompella, Melissa Ricardo, Samuel Neuhut

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Lifetime History Of Concussions In Relation To Blind Perceptual Distance Estimation Ability, Mackenzie K. Miller

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examined the relationship between visuospatial estimation and a lifetime history of concussions. Current literature on concussions investigates visuospatial working memory and estimation ability separately, but not conjointly. In order to examine this relationship, a novel neuropsychological task was designed to measure visuospatial estimation ability in working memory, named the Perceptual Estimation Test (PET). This novel task was designed with three variations that would increase in complexity as they progressed, and each variation would include three trials. Participants were scored on their accuracy performance during the PET. Participants aged 18-25 were recruited from students attending the University of Central …

Finding Love On The Spectrum: An Analysis Of Social And Romantic Relationships Of Autistic College Students, Kaylee Spinner

Masters Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in socialization, communication, and developing relationships with others. While many autistic individuals desire to start relationships with others, many do not have a very strong understanding of the use of nonverbal communication or how to develop these connections organically. As autistic individuals have become more open about wanting these resources to form social and romantic relationships, there has been more of a push in the literature to include social skills training for forming social relationships. However, the research on the desire for or development of romantic relationships for autistic individuals is still …

Video Games In The Management Of Adhd: A Novel Approach To Adjunct Traditional Treatment, Lekhya Kintada, France Leandre

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Cocaine Induced Agranulocytosis And Neutropenia, Maria Gomez Alvarez, Ashish Govan, Raymond Larocque

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction: Cocaine use in the United states is seen in many cases within the hospital system. Typically, they present with tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, even heart attack. Due to the uncontrolled sale and distribution of drugs, patients can be exposed to other additives in drugs which can lead to unexpected complications. Cocaine laced with levamisole (an antiparasitic drug used in veterinary medicine) can lead to agranulocytosis and neutropenia. Cocaine being the second most used illegal drug following marijuana it may be much more common than we think. Millions of individuals use cocaine yearly and develop a heavy addiction with use of …

Emerging Role Of Liafensine In The Treatment Of Treatment Resistant Depression: Insights From The Enlighten Trial, Karla Narvaez, Saad Masud, Richard Callahan

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a significant unmet need, affecting about one third of patients with major depressive disorder who fail to respond to two or more antidepressant trials. There is a need for new pharmacological approaches. Liafensine (also known as DB104) is a first-in-class triple reuptake inhibitor targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters, whose development has recently incorporated a precision medicine approach. Mechanism of Action: Liafensine inhibits reuptake of all three major monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) distinguishing it from existing SSRIs, SNRIs, or other agents which typically target one or two systems. A genetic biomarker, ANK3 (also called …

Ministry Organization Response To The Mental Health Crisis, Bryn L. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

The mental health crisis has been negatively affecting individuals across the globe for about half a century, only growing in its impact each year. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health crises skyrocketed. This is especially true for youth and young adults as physical isolation has altered many facets of their lives. This thesis will explore the mental health crisis, as well as the way it has impacted youth and young adult organizations. Specifically, it will discuss research on recommended ways for these organizations to respond to the mental health crisis through unique programming and how these practices have been …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern for adolescent mothers, especially those without a reliable support system. The current research demonstrates the importance of a support system, effective interventions, and prevention strategies for easier navigation of postpartum depression. Some effective interventions researched were therapy groups, personalized home visits, and using social media platforms to deliver therapy. This research proposal aims to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention for postpartum adolescent mothers without support. A quasi-experimental design will be used, with pre-and post-test assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD symptoms in 100 …

Shadows Of Self Doubt: Exploring The Dual Threat Of Impostor Syndrome On New Nurses And Quality Care, Siona Patel

Nursing | Senior Theses

Every nursing student goes through a transition period after nursing school where they step into the role of a new graduate nurse, and adapt to the demands of the clinical setting. Their acquired knowledge and skills taught to them are now applied to high stake situations of the real world. This critical time period is often paired with a mental phenomenon known as imposter syndrome in which competent people feel doubt or fraudulently of their skill set which can affect patient care and cause burnout. This thesis explores the connection between imposter syndrome and burnout and their impact on patient …

Distinguishing Symptoms Of Racial Trauma From Conventional Trauma, Michelle Yoong

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Trauma research in psychology has traditionally been shaped by a White-centric framework, leading to the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority experiences. This study aims to establish racial discrimination as a distinct traumatic stressor with significant psychological consequences by exploring the distinction between racial and conventionally recognized traumatic stressors and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). It also aims to address inconsistent and exclusionary assessment methodology involving underrepresented racial minority (URM) populations, including the neglect of racial trauma and discrimination measures in trauma research. Participants consisted of URMs who sought enrollment in a clinical trial for opioid use disorder at a community …

Reunion With A Peer Partner Reduces Pvn Oxytocin Neuron Immunoreactivity In Socially Selective Voles, Nastacia L. Goodwin, Al M. Licata, Kelley C. Power, Kara M. Reitz, Yasmin Kamal, Annaliese K. Beery

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Friendships—i.e. selective peer relationships—are an important aspect of human behavior, but are rare in rodent species. Meadow voles are seasonally social rodents that form non-reproductive social groups in winter/short day lengths that are selective in nature. Across rodents, oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus are typically active during socially salient events, including interaction with novel individuals as well as social separation. To assess whether familiar and novel peer interactions produce different patterns of immunolabeling in a species that forms bonds with familiar individuals, we measured oxytocin neuron immunoreactivity and colabeling with the immediate early gene product …

The Contributions Of Language And Inhibitory Control To False Belief Reasoning Over Time, Jill De Villiers, Peter A. De Villiers

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Introduction: The role of language in false belief reasoning has been much debated for twenty-five years or more, especially the relative contributions of general language development, complement syntax, vocabulary, and executive function. However, the empirical studies so far have fallen short, in that they generally have too few participants for adequate statistical modeling; they do not include control variables; or they are cross-sectional rather than longitudinal, making inferences about causal direction much more tenuous.

Methods: The present study considers the role of these different variables in the development of false belief reasoning over several months of testing, with 258 children …

A Spectroscopy Study Of The Brain: Exploring Sex Differences In Healthy Older Adults, Angela Gushue

CMC Senior Theses

Cognitive decline and aging-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, disproportionately affect patients based on sex, but the mechanisms underlying these skewed effects are unknown. This proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) study seeks to understand if sex disparities in aging exist in neurometabolite concentrations of older adult brains. Sixty-seven participants, ranging from 60 to 85 years of age, underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and H-MRS of the brain. Concentrations of myo-inositol, total creatine, total NAA, and total choline were calculated in the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, left hippocampal cortex, left medial temporal gyrus, left primary sensorimotor cortex, and right dorsolateral prefrontal …