Exploring The Intersection Of Mental Health, Self-Advocacy, And Sense Of Belonging Among Rural, First-Generation College Students,
2024
James Madison University
Exploring The Intersection Of Mental Health, Self-Advocacy, And Sense Of Belonging Among Rural, First-Generation College Students, Sarah Johnson
Dissertations, 2020-current
This dissertation delves into the intersections of social and cultural capital, self-advocacy, sense of belonging, and the experiences of mental health help-seeking among rural, first-generation college students. Rural, first-generation college students face unique challenges throughout their academic journey, this dissertation aims to contribute to the literature by examining the experiences and support mechanisms that are crucial for this population to be successful in higher education. This dissertation follows a triple-manuscript style, including a conceptual manuscript, quantitative manuscript, and a qualitative manuscript. The conceptual manuscript examined how college counselors can build contextual social and cultural capital among rural, first-generation college students …
Cultivating Emotional Competencies In Therapists-In-Training,
2024
James Madison University
Cultivating Emotional Competencies In Therapists-In-Training, Tara Rajagopal
Dissertations, 2020-current
Emotions are central to the process of therapy. This is why it is important for therapists to possess emotional skills to work with their own and clients’ emotions to promote change. While therapeutic competencies have been well-researched, the emotional competencies of student therapists have received limited research attention. The present research aims to understand students’ beliefs regarding emotions in therapy and test strategies to train aspiring therapists’ emotional competencies. Students in a clinical and school psychology doctoral program participated in focus groups to explore their beliefs about emotions in therapy and their needs for emotional training. They also engaged in …
Relationship Between Self-Concept And Self-Compassion Scores And Weight-Loss Surgery Outcomes In Women,
2024
Walden University
Relationship Between Self-Concept And Self-Compassion Scores And Weight-Loss Surgery Outcomes In Women, Christine Curry-Tuthill
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Obesity is a global health concern associated with a multitude of psychosocial issues, including emotional dysregulation, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, and economic issues related to bias. Weight loss surgery is generally considered to be an effective treatment; however, insufficient weight loss and weight regain are not uncommon. Because self-compassion and self-concept are psychological and social constructs that have been shown to influence obesity and health, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between weight loss surgery outcomes and these two concepts to obtain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind suboptimal weight loss. The theoretical framework …
Exploring The Link Between Self-Distancing And “Stress Is Enhancing” Mindsets,
2024
James Madison University
Exploring The Link Between Self-Distancing And “Stress Is Enhancing” Mindsets, Kyle Green
Masters Theses, 2020-current
While stress is generally framed as debilitating, past research has shown that adopting a mindset that focuses on the positive aspects of stress, referred to as a “stress is enhancing” mindset, can improve the ways in which one engages in stressful experiences. Researchers in this area have called for further investigation of the ways in which “stress is enhancing” mindsets are adopted. This study sought to explore the practice of self-distancing as a potential mechanism. It was hypothesized that participants who were instructed to write about a personally relevant future stressor from a distanced, third-person perspective would have more positive …
Experiences Of Outpatient Mental Health Counselors Building Relationships With Clients During Covid-19 In Michigan,
2024
Walden University
Experiences Of Outpatient Mental Health Counselors Building Relationships With Clients During Covid-19 In Michigan, Paulette Gaines
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many individuals and communities and their access to mental health counseling. This study explored the experiences of mental health counselors attempting to build online relationships with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these workers experienced and interpreted relationships with their clients during that period. The transactional theory of stress and coping model provided theoretical foundation to this study. One limited licensed and eight fully licensed professional counselors participated in this study. A generic qualitative design was used, and data were collected by audio recording interviews via …
Coming Out, Letting Go, Getting Naked: A Community Engagement Arts Based Project,
2024
Lesley University
Coming Out, Letting Go, Getting Naked: A Community Engagement Arts Based Project, Tim Aumiller
Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses
Creating a healthy sexual minority identity remains a challenge in the 21st century, despite significant advances in social acceptance and civil rights. Sexual minorities are more likely than cis gender heterosexuals to be exposed to traumatic events, and experience shame and mental and physical health symptoms as a result. Despite this, sexual minorities do overcome obstacles to develop resilience. While the coming out process looks different depending on the background of the individual, many gay men find connection and build community through this often difficult process where even rejection may play a part. The author found connection and community …
The Use Of Music Therapy To Mitigate Trauma-Related Music Associations And Restore Personal Relationships With Music,
2024
Lesley University
The Use Of Music Therapy To Mitigate Trauma-Related Music Associations And Restore Personal Relationships With Music, Courtney Pitzer
Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses
For many people, music is positively associated with nostalgic memories, emotions, and experiences. But for some, it can be a painful reminder of the past. This literature review examines how music serves as a cue for reexperiencing trauma and demonstrates ways in which music therapy may be beneficial in reframing and reassociating those connections. Drawing from existing trauma treatment models such as CBT and exposure therapy, this review highlights the unique potential of music therapy in allowing clients to expose themselves to the activating stimulus while maintaining elements of safety within the music. This thesis prompts further exploration of desensitization …
Can A Course On Sexuality Counseling Increase Empathy When Working With Sex- And Gender-Minoritized Individuals?,
2024
University of Northern Colorado
Can A Course On Sexuality Counseling Increase Empathy When Working With Sex- And Gender-Minoritized Individuals?, Betty Cardona, Robinder P. Bedi
Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education
This study examined whether a sexuality counseling course could increase self-perceived empathy for working with Sex and Gender minoritized (SGM)individuals. Forty-two students enrolled in a sexuality counseling course completed empathy assessments prior to starting the course and after completing it. Statistically significant increases in empathy towards gay/lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals were found (moderate to a large effect sizes). Results indicate that, at least under some circumstances, empathy levels for SGM individuals in counselors-in-training (CITs) could be increased through coursework. Increases in practitioner empathy for SGM individuals can translate into lower uniliteral termination rates and better counseling and psychotherapy outcomes.
Unwanted Pursuit Behaviors & Emotional Reactivity To Former Romantic Partners: An Eeg Study,
2024
University of Mary Washington
Unwanted Pursuit Behaviors & Emotional Reactivity To Former Romantic Partners: An Eeg Study, Ameer Abdel-Muhsin
Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects
Romantic relationships are extremely important connections for humans to make. When these relationships end, one partner will sometimes engage in unwanted pursuit behaviors (UPBs) to attempt to continue communication the other. Although previous research has demonstrated that these UPBs can result in psychological distress among victims, little is known about how they influence one’s emotional reactivity to the perpetrator. This study therefore sought to investigate the link between cyber and in-person UPBs and neural indicators of emotional reactivity when viewing photos of an ex-partner. Participants (n = 18) who experienced a breakup were asked to view pictures of their …
Addressing Burnout, Stress And Self-Care In Graduate Students At Arcadia’S University Counseling Program,
2024
Arcadia University
Addressing Burnout, Stress And Self-Care In Graduate Students At Arcadia’S University Counseling Program, Lorraynne Moura De Amorim
Graduate Theses & Dissertations
Burnout is a threat to both graduate and licensed level clinicians (Warlick et al., 2021). Burnout and stress can lead to professional impairment and result in unethical practice (Daly & Gardner, 2020; Warlick et al., 2021). Self-care is described in the literature as a protective factor to cope with burnout and stress (Butler et al., 2017; Callan et al., 2021; Daly & Gardner, 2020; Warlick et al., 2021). The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics reinforces professional’s ethical duties of monitoring sign and symptoms of impairment, which could interfere with their practice (ACA, 2014). The purpose of this study was …
The Role Of Acculturation In The Professional Identity Of Art Therapy And Counseling International Students,
2024
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
The Role Of Acculturation In The Professional Identity Of Art Therapy And Counseling International Students, Ana Marcela Tobar Chavez
Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects
In a country of immigrants, the concept of acculturation needs to be familiar to almost any professional in the mental health field and it is a reality for immigrants and international students. As international and immigrant students continue to join the Art Therapy Counseling profession, it is important to understand how acculturation plays a role in the development of their counseling professional identity. Unlike most master’s students in the art therapy counseling profession, international and immigrant students go through unique experiences such as being born and raised in a different country with difference in cultures, languages, and immigration statuses that …
Effectiveness Of A Peer-Supported Digital Brief Intervention: Reducing Alcohol Use & Related Harms In Young Adults With Histories Of Interpersonal Trauma,
2024
Western Kentucky University
Effectiveness Of A Peer-Supported Digital Brief Intervention: Reducing Alcohol Use & Related Harms In Young Adults With Histories Of Interpersonal Trauma, Caitlin Mcgettrick
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Alcohol is the most frequently used substance in the United States, and young adults ages 18-25 have the highest rates of heavy alcohol use. Heavy and persistent alcohol use is associated with a host of negative outcomes in young adults, including poor mental health, lower life satisfaction, cognitive impairments, poor academic performance, increased risk for motor vehicle accidents, and substance use disorders. Brief interventions (BI) are low-resource, short-term interventions designed to reduce problematic substance use and mitigate the substantial harms posed by heavy and persistent use of substances such as alcohol. BIs have limited effectiveness in trauma survivors despite trauma …
Efficacy Of Suicide Prevention Trainings: An Analysis Of Gatekeeper And Bystander Intervention Modalities,
2024
Abilene Christian University
Efficacy Of Suicide Prevention Trainings: An Analysis Of Gatekeeper And Bystander Intervention Modalities, Michael E. Arruda
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Many organizations and resources exist to help mitigate the factors leading to the completion of suicide. Yet, the proficient identification of risk factors and warning signs, alongside the impactful intervention by gatekeepers, has emerged as a formidable strategy in the battle against suicide. How best to train these gatekeepers to ensure their efficacy and confidence in intervention is an area of active research and was the primary purpose of the present study. The participants were a sample of 100 undergraduate students from Abilene Christian University and were separated into three training groups. Each was assigned a different suicide prevention training …
Cultural And Structural Barriers Of Utilizing Mental Health Services In A School-Based Setting For Latinx Populations,
2024
California State University - San Bernardino
Cultural And Structural Barriers Of Utilizing Mental Health Services In A School-Based Setting For Latinx Populations, Silvia Lozano, Bridgette Guadalupe Calderon
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
This qualitative research study aimed to reduce mental health service disparities in Latinx communities and helps fill in the gap by addressing cultural and structural barriers to utilizing MHS in a school-based setting for Latinx youth. There is limited research regarding Latinx parents’ perspectives and the reservations they have on utilizing school-based mental health services (MHS) for their children. This study identified six important themes: cultural factors, trust and rapport, reservations, access and awareness, parental involvement and challenges, and school-based resources. Implications for school districts are that they can use these findings to increase early intervention mental behavioral health programs …
Art Therapy For Bereaved Siblings After Pediatric Cancer Death,
2024
California State University, San Bernardino
Art Therapy For Bereaved Siblings After Pediatric Cancer Death, Daniela Ramirez-Ibarra
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Children and adolescents whose siblings die due to pediatric cancer are at an increased risk for several mental health issues and high risky behavior engagement. There is currently very little literature on the topic of a sibling’s grief despite its potentially critical and persisting consequences. Through qualitative research in analyzing art projects made by bereaved siblings, this is an exploratory study of how an art program may help bereaved or grieving children access their feelings using a non verbal modality of expression. The research study was conducted at a community-based non-profit organization which focuses on supporting families of children with …
Utilizing Art Therapy To Address Perfectionism In Patients Suffering From Eating Disorders: The Need To Diversify Treatment Approaches,
2024
Lesley University
Utilizing Art Therapy To Address Perfectionism In Patients Suffering From Eating Disorders: The Need To Diversify Treatment Approaches, Zara Goldberg
Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses
Perfectionistic behaviors are highly common in people with eating disorders. This study investigates the relationship between perfectionism, shame, and the ways in which art therapy can be utilized as a primary tool in eating disorder treatment. Based on the research below and the results of this study, integrating art therapy protocols in combination with talk based theoretical work around perfectionism can improve recovery and decrease struggles with perfectionism in persons with eating disorders. Patients at a residential eating disorder center participated in four consecutive weekly group therapy sessions that integrated art therapy protocols into a preexisting talk therapy based group …
An Experimental Test Of Mental Health Help-Seeking Intentions As A Function Of Demographics And Disorder Type,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
An Experimental Test Of Mental Health Help-Seeking Intentions As A Function Of Demographics And Disorder Type, Alyssa Hartley
Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses
The current study sought to understand help-seeking behaviors for diverse psychological disorders across different demographic groups. Previous literature finds that help-seeking behaviors are greater in non-minority women in higher socioeconomic statuses, and greater for neurocognitive disorders. This study focuses specifically on university students (N= 276). Participants took diagnostic measures and then were told their scores were clinically elevated for either anxiety or ADHD. Participants were then asked qualitative questions regarding their help-seeking intentions. Findings that were consistent with previous literature are that women were more likely to help-seek than men, and participants in the ADHD condition were more likely to …
The Relationship Between Sex Education And Women’S Sexual Liberation And Exploration: A Phenomenological Study,
2024
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Relationship Between Sex Education And Women’S Sexual Liberation And Exploration: A Phenomenological Study, Jessica Ann Boyles
Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–
Sex education in schools is a pivotal yet contentious aspect of adolescent development, with enduring impacts on individuals' sexual exploration and liberation. However, the types of sex education offered have varied over time, often disseminating misinformation, and reinforcing traditional gender norms. Particularly for women, sex education can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, limit sexual agency, and contribute to disparities in sexual and reproductive health. This qualitative study aims to address the gap of intersecting sex education and sexual identity by examining the relationship between women's sexual liberation and exploration in adulthood and the sex education they received. Drawing from a phenomenological approach, …
The Experiences Of Multiracial Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Phenomenological Study,
2024
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Experiences Of Multiracial Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Phenomenological Study, Hali J. Santiago
Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public and social issue in the United States and is highly prevalent among multiracial individuals. This phenomenological study explored the experiences of multiracial IPV survivors. More specifically, utilizing an intersectional theoretical framework, this study explored the experiences during and after an abusive relationship, including the impact from trauma multiracial IPV survivors experienced and their healing processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 multiracial individuals that experienced IPV more than two years prior. Participants were asked questions around their experiences of abuse, leaving the relationship, how their multiracial identity or other social identities impacted …
Witnessing Bullying And Defending Behavior Among Elementary And Middle School Students,
2024
Boise State University
Witnessing Bullying And Defending Behavior Among Elementary And Middle School Students, Matt Peck
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation includes three individual articles that explore the relationship between witnessing bullying and defending behavior among students who are bystanders of bullying. Chapter One provides the rationale and purpose of this dissertation and an overview of the three articles that comprise it. Chapter Two employed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the moderating effect of gender on witnessing bullying, defending behavior, and internalizing symptoms while controlling for previous experiences with bullying perpetration and victimization. Results indicated that students who witness bullying and utilize defending behavior exhibit different internal symptoms based on gender. In a longitudinal study, Chapter Three expands this …
