Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2006, Graduate School

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2006, Graduate School

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

The present study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in order to examine the lived experiences of young adult, cisgender women and the development of internalized sexism. Eight participants completed semi–structured interviews focused on their relationships with other women and subsequent views of womanhood. Themes found were (a) womanhood is taught by women throughout the lifespan, (b) women are sexually responsible for men, (c) women are emotional caregivers, (d) there are biological bases of womanhood, (e) women are expected to “do it all,” (f) expectations of women are fueled by media portrayal, (g) traditional femininity is seen as oppositional to the feminist movement, and (h) womanhood is a community. The results of the study found that young adult women hold similar beliefs and attitudes surrounding what it means to be a woman. Additionally, young adult women's perceptions of womanhood are similarly influenced by common external factors that stem from society's sexism and misogyny and lead to behaviors of internalized sexism. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a critical period characterized by significant psychological, social, and developmental changes. The prevalence of mental health issues for teens and young adults has risen significantly over the past decade, yet there is a shortage of licensed professionals to treat the growing number of transitional-aged youth who are struggling. While mentoring programs exist for lower socioeconomic youth, few programs service affluent adolescents and young adults. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review, this program proposal identifies the unique challenges faced by affluent adolescents and young adults and proposes a unique therapeutic mentoring model to aid this specific demographic. This dissertation explores the efficacy of clinical mentoring programs designed specifically for adolescents and young adults to address their mental health needs and facilitate their journey into independent adulthood. The proposed program incorporates evidence-based practices and theoretical frameworks from developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and mentoring literature. It aims to provide structured support, foster resilience, and promote the development of critical life skills. Key elements include personalized mentoring relationships, promoting healthy coping skills, individuation, and continuous assessment to tailor interventions to individual needs. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the importance of tailored clinical mentoring programs in helping emerging adults launch into self-efficacy. It provides a scalable model that can be adapted for various settings, offering a practical solution to the pervasive gap in mental health care. Through this research, I propose the potential of clinical mentoring as a critical element in empowering young individuals, fostering a smoother transition to adulthood and promoting long-term psychological well-being for the entire family system. This diss (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic form of anemia that disproportionately impacts Black Americans. Treatment options for adolescent and young adults (AYA) with SCD include curative treatments (hematologic stem cell transplants and gene therapy); however, these treatments are costly with limited availability. As such, many AYA must manage their SCD with medications or blood transfusions. Adherence to medications has positive benefits such as decreased hospitalizations and pain crises; however, AYA with SCD struggle with adherence. As such, researchers have sought to identify areas in which adherence can be improved for AYA with SCD. While perceived racial bias has been cited as a barrier to treatment for Black Americans and AYA with SCD, research is limited on the impact perceived racial bias by the medical team has on adherence. As such, the current study sought to explore the relationship between trust in the medical team and adherence, and to explore whether trust in the medical team mediates the relationship between perceived racial bias with the medical team and adherence. Participant recruitment consisted of recruiting AYA with SCD and caregivers of AYA with SCD. Participants were excluded if they were not English speaking, had significant disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, did not live with their parent or legal guardians, or had received a hematologic stem cell transplant. Recruitment took place over the course of seven months. Eligible participants were emailed the study information, consent, and surveys; two follow-up emails were sent for individuals who had not completed the surveys. Thirteen caregivers and seven AYA were recruited and completed the surveys. All participants were Black, and none of the participants identified as being Hispanic/Latinx. The majority of AYA were taking medication to manage iron overload from blood transfusions (N=5), and only two were taking hydroxyurea. Parents reported a variation of medication management (open full item for complete abstract)

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Background: Readiness for transition to the adult healthcare system is critical for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and yet most receive limited support for planning this important healthcare step leading to negative health outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. College students in particular are often tasked with healthcare transition, but many do not utilize healthcare services. Identifying factors and mechanisms that can be modified to increase transition readiness could have important treatment and long-term health implications for young people. AYAs with medical conditions often have greater healthcare transition readiness skills than those without medical conditions, but it is unclear why this difference exists. The current study executed a cross-sectional design to elucidate the complex relationships between individual factors (i.e., preventive healthcare behaviors, healthcare knowledge, and self-efficacy) predicting healthcare transition readiness and medical conditions. Specifically, it was hypothesized that presence of a medical condition would moderate the relationship between individual factors and transition readiness. It was also hypothesized that individual factors would mediate the relationship between presence of a medical condition and transition readiness. Method: Participants were 1,437 AYAs (18-24 years old) with or without medical conditions enrolled at a large midwestern U.S. university. Participants were recruited through an online research participation system utilized by undergraduate courses at the university and received course credit for their participation. AYAs completed measures through an online survey assessing demographic information, healthcare transition readiness (Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire 5.0), preventive healthcare behaviors (College Student Health Survey Questionnaire), healthcare knowledge, and self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale). Moderation analyses (N = 3) were computed using P (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Wittenberg University, 2024, Nursing

This study examined how social media screen time related to self-esteem, anxiety and depression in university students. This study used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to measure self-esteem and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure anxiety and depression. Overall social media screen time was measured using screen time monitoring features on smartphones. Results found non-significant relationships between social media screen time, self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Self-esteem was negatively associated with anxiety and depression; higher self-esteem scores were associated with lower anxiety and depression scores. These findings contribute to our understanding of the media interactions of college students. In addition, this study indicated that social media screen time and self-esteem are independent factors for anxiety and depression symptoms. Further investigation is needed to establish an association between social media screen time and mental well-being of young adults.

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, School Psychology

The current study examined the experiences of young adults who sustained concussions, with regard to their encounters with interdisciplinary treatment approaches and the subsequent impact on their recovery process. Young adults often pursue post-secondary education, working, or both, and return to learn/work protocols are often not well managed or non-existent for individuals with concussions. There is also a general lack of understanding as to how a concussion may manifest in the young adult's life, both with short-term and long-term difficulties. Using a mixed method research design, the effectiveness of interdisciplinary concussion treatment methods on participant quality of life was investigated by measuring quality of life before and after injury using the Quality of Life After Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to analyze mean differences in six quality of life domain scores pre- and post-interdisciplinary treatment. Findings suggest that quality of life for young adult participants statistically significantly increased in the areas of cognition and daily functioning and independence, while other areas (view of self, social relationships, physical problems, and current feelings) were not statistically different post-treatment. Qualitative analysis of individual interviews with young adults who have undergone such treatments identified several broad themes related to challenges and successes in their recovery journeys. When identifying challenges, themes included a decline in functioning after injury, delays in or lack of care, and feeling the need to push through difficulties. When identifying facilitators, themes included receiving helpful interdisciplinary treatment strategies, feeling empowered by recovery progress, and receiving support from family, friends, and professionals. Implications regarding the findings and continued concussion research are discussed.

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Public Health

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to explore HIV risk perception, the meaning of HIV testing, and HIV risk behavior among college students following a negative HIV test. An extended version of the theoretical framework of the health belief model (HBM) aided in the exploration of college students' perceptions of HIV, rationales for HIV risk behavior, and the meaning they attached to HIV testing. Following the sequential explanatory mixed methods design, the initial phase involved collecting quantitative data to assess HIV risk perception among college students who received a negative HIV test in the last 12 months. In the second phase, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied to gather data through individual semi-structured interviews to help explain HIV risk behavior in the context of HIV testing. Findings indicated that college students' perception of their HIV risk is aligned with their risk behavior. Results showed a statistically significant difference in HIV risk perception based on sexual orientation. Before HIV testing, college students justified their HIV risk behavior based on partner trust, not wanting to feel restrained, and acting on the need to fulfill their desire, lust, or temptation. After receiving a negative HIV test result, college students still experienced fear of contracting HIV. However, some students became more cautious and adopted preventive measures, while others continued with previous behavior patterns. Implications of the research findings include examining risk perception across college students of different sexual orientations to understand the impact of risk perception in HIV testing and exploring the differing needs of college students to remain HIV-negative. Participants recommended that colleges address access to free HIV testing, increase information dissemination regarding HIV risk and HIV testing services, and continue research that explores college students' lived experiences (open full item for complete abstract)

MA, Kent State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences

Heart disease (HD) remains the leading cause of death (LCOD) in America. Despite public health campaigns, awareness of this fact decreased from 65% in 2009 to 44% in 2019 among women over the age of 25 and was only 10% for women aged 15-24. Declines were greater for women younger than 65, Hispanic, and Black. In 2021, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) issued a notice of special interest in promoting cardiovascular health earlier in life. The current cross-sectional study compared awareness of HD as the leading cause of death (LCOD) and greatest health problem among Black and White women and men aged 20-39. Given that Black women have a higher risk of HD than White women, we were particularly interested in possible race and sex differences in HD awareness among young adults. We hypothesized that women would be less aware that heart disease is the LCOD and the greatest health problem for people of all ages. We also expected Black women would be less likely to identify heart disease as the LCOD and the greatest health problem and would report lower levels of motivation to improve their CVH and reduce their risk for CVD compared to young White women. The online survey was conducted using QualtricsXM panels. Respondents (n = 404) included Black women (25.0%, 29.0 ± 6.1 yrs), White women (24.3%, 26.4 ± 4.3 yrs), Black men (24.8%, 30.6 ± 5.2 yrs), and White men (25.9%, 32.8 ± 4.5 yrs). Correct identification of HD as the LCOD was similar for women and men whether choosing from a list (24.1% vs. 26.8%) or by ranking the top 5 LCODs (17.6% vs. 20.0%) [χ2(1, 404), p ≥ .53]. Whereas 31.7% of males correctly identified HD as the LCOD for people whose birth sex is male, only 15.6% of females correctly identified HD as the LCOD death in people whose birth sex is female [χ2(1, 404) = 14.5, p < .001]. Likewise, only 13.6% of females correctly identified HD as the greatest health problem for people whose birth sex is female, compared to 29.3% of males that cor (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Medicine: Genetic Counseling

Although guidelines historically recommended children wait until the age of 18 to decide about learning genomic information for conditions not actionable in childhood, youth have increasing access to personal genomic information through research, clinical, and direct-to-consumer testing. However, little is known about youth's reactions to and perceived future utility of learning genomic information actionable in adulthood. We conducted qualitative interviews with 23 “healthy” adolescents and young adults (AYA) ages 15-22 who, through enrollment in a genomic decision-making research study, learned they were carriers of an autosomal recessive condition or anticipated being carriers but received negative results. Interview transcripts were coded with deductive and inductive coding using an interpretive description methodology. Of the 23 participants, 16 participants received positive carrier results and seven had negative results. All five participants under the age of 18 received a positive carrier result. The remaining 18 participants were 18 or older: 11 positive carriers and seven with negative results. Carriers felt surprise and relief and overall did not feel worried about their result. Participants with negative results also felt relief about their results. None of the participants regretted learning their carrier status. Overall, participants felt it important to learn genomic information about themselves to know themselves better and to better understand risks to their future children. Participants who perceived their carrier trait as more severe and/or had past experiences with the condition were more likely to consider future reproductive options. AYA felt that people who want carrier testing should be able to get testing regardless of their age but included comprehension ability, emotional maturity, and independence as factors that were important characteristics to consider before offering testing. Every participant correctly described what a carrier result (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2024, Psychology

Despite statistically low help-seeking among younger and older adults, no studies to date have analyzed how age may impact the likelihood of recommending help-seeking to others suffering depression, particularly following bereavement, with the likelihood of pursuing help-seeking for oneself . The current study aimed to address this problem by investigating the correlates of recommending help-seeking for others, the correlates of personal help-seeking, and examining how the presence of bereavement, and age of both the bereaved and potential recommender affect perceived need for services. The final sample (N = 358) consisted of both young adults (n = 128) and older adults (n = 230). Results indicated both older and younger adults were more likely to recommend help-seeking for others than for themselves, p < .001. A 2x2x2 ANOVA found that both older and younger adults were more likely to recommend that those experiencing depression in the context of bereavement should seek help than those experiencing symptoms of depression outside of bereavement, p = .018; both older and younger adults recommended help seeking more to the young protagonist in the context of bereavement than to the older adult protagonist, p = .019; both young and older adults were equally likely to recommend help-seeking to each protagonist, p = .835, and younger adults were no more likely to recommend older adults seek help than the older adults themselves, p = .935. Finally, regression results indicated perceived depressive disorder in the protagonist predicted increased help-seeking recommendations across all conditions after controlling for participant age, p < .001. These findings provide evidence that advocacy efforts to increase mental health utilization among young and older adults should focus on why these patterns are occurring (e.g., ageism, stigma, etc.).

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

Study One Introduction: E-cigarette use is a major public health problem among young adults in the U.S. ACEs have been associated with increased tobacco product use, but less is known about e-cigarette use. This study explored the associations between ACEs and current e-cigarette use among U.S. young adults. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, and included 2,537 young adults ages 18 to 24 years. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Unadjusted model results indicated that participants who experienced one, two ACEs, three ACEs, and =4 ACEs were at increased odds of reporting current e-cigarette use compared to participants who experienced 0 ACEs. Adjusted model results indicated that participants who experienced three ACEs or =4 ACEs were at increased odds of reporting current e-cigarette use compared to participants who experienced 0 ACEs. Discussion: Young adults who experienced a higher cumulative number of ACEs are at risk of currently using e-cigarettes. Study Two Introduction: Current cannabis use is a significant public health issue among young adults, and understanding factors related to this risk behavior will provide information for prevention messaging. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between ACEs and current cannabis use among U.S. young adults. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2021 BRFSS, which involved 498 U.S. young adults 18-24 years old. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were conducted. Results: Unadjusted and adjusted model results indicated that participants who experienced =1 ACE were at increased odds of reporting current cannabis use compared to participants with no ACEs. Adjusted model results also revealed that the particular ACEs of experiencing sexual abuse or living with a household member who had a mental illness, used illicit drugs, or engaged (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Medicine: Genetic Counseling

At the age of 18, young adults have the legal capacity to make medical decisions for themselves, including the decision to undergo genomic testing. Young adults have increasing opportunities to engage in genomic testing, research, and practice; however, there is no current understanding of how equipped young adults feel about making decisions to learn genomic information about themselves. We conducted qualitative interviews with 19 young adults, ages 18-21 years old, who enrolled in a research study where they were given the opportunity to learn about different categories of genomic information. The categories were: preventable conditions, treatable conditions, adult-onset conditions, and carrier status for autosomal recessive conditions. During the initial research study, young adults were given the option to include a parent in their study visit and the decision-making process. The goal of this project was to explore the reasons young adults chose whether or not to involve a parent in their study visit and to assess young adults' perspectives about parental roles in their healthcare. Nine of the participants included a parent in their initial study visit and 10 did not include a parent. Eleven participants received their results before the interview took place, while eight participants did not know their genomic test results at the time of the interview. Interview transcripts were coded inductively and deductively using a coding guide developed by the study team. An interpretive descriptive approach was used for analysis. Participants who did not involve a parent mostly mentioned logistical issues as to why they did not involve a parent; whereas those who involved a parent often cited having a close relationship with the parent and the parent's previous involvement in the participant's healthcare as reasons for involving them. Both groups of participants described a gradual transition to independent healthcare decision-making with age, and felt their desired level (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, 2023, Psychology

India, a middle-income country with the world's second-highest population, is home to more than 57 million individuals affected by depression (WHO, 2017). Higher rates of depression have been reported among urban, educated, young adults compared to individuals in rural areas and those that are older or younger (Joseph, 2011; Satyanarayana et al., 2017). Despite its prevalence, there is limited published literature on factors elevating the risk for depression in this population. The present study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal (after six months) associations between poor quality of interpersonal relations (lower support and depth, higher conflict) with parents and other family members (e.g., sibling, grandparent) and youth depressive symptoms among urban, educated, young adults in India. Additionally, we examined the moderating effects of inclusion of others in one's definition of self and lack of family cohesion with parents because of COVID-19 pandemic in the association between poor quality of interpersonal relations and depressive symptoms. A total of 548 young adults (Mage=21.4 years, 67% women) completed online questionnaires on Qualtrics at two time points separated by six months. Slightly more than half of our sample reported clinically significant depressive symptoms at both time points (Time 1 = 52.3%, Time 2 = 55.7%). Poor quality of relations with mother, father, and other family member were associated with greater symptoms of depression within time-points, above and beyond the effects of other relations. For women, poor quality of relations with other family member at Time 1 predicted lower depressive symptoms at Time 2, controlling for Time 1 depressive symptoms, above and beyond the effects of relations with parents. There were no significant moderating effects of inclusion of others in self or lack of family cohesion. Concurrently, lower cohesion due to COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher depressive symptoms, above and beyond p (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2023, Translational Health

The goals of this study were to 1) determine the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on health and health-risk behaviors and 2) assess body composition, salivary cortisol, and phase angle (PhA) with high, moderate, low, or no exposure to ACEs in college-aged Appalachian adults (≥18 y). Methods. College students completed an anonymous questionnaire (Phase 1) about ACEs, positive experiences, adult resiliency, perceived stress, food insecurity, and health. A subsample participated in the Phase 2 in-person portion to measure body composition, PhA, and resting/reactive cortisol. One-way ANOVAs and correlation analyses were used to analyze the sample. Results. In Phase 1 (N=611, 86.3% ≤25 y, 64.0% female, 81.0% Caucasian, 52.4% heterosexual), only 3.6% (n=22) reported no ACEs, while 34.7% (n=212) reported ≥8. Positive experiences (r=-0.62), perceived stress (r=0.37), resiliency (r=-0.53), and food insecurity (r=0.25) were significantly correlated with ACEs score (p<0.001). In Phase 2 (N=42, 78.6% ≤25 y, 64.3% female, 40.5% Caucasian, 78.5% heterosexual), body fat percentage was significantly correlated with ACE level (r=0.31, p=0.044). ACEs scores were not correlated with PhA (r=-0.08), resting or reactive cortisol (r=-0.04), or visceral adipose tissue (r=0.28) (p>0.05). Conclusions. The prevalence of ACEs is high amongst this sample of young adults and though significant physiological changes were not seen, health perceptions and behaviors were impacted. Future research should focus on a slightly older age group to identify when specifically physiological changes due to ACEs begin to manifest.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2023, Psychology

Despite the relative newness of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), research demonstrates that the use of ENDs among college students has markedly increased over the past decade (Demissie, Jones, Clayton, & King, 2017; Loukas, Batanoya, Fernandez, & Agarwal, 2015). The current study explored the effectiveness of three different anti-vaping social media advertisements/messaging in increasing perceived harm of ENDs and decreasing intended future use of ENDs amongst college students. The three anti-vaping advertisements/messaging were based on previously successful anti-tobacco campaigns and new anti-vaping social media campaigns and included fear-based advertising, deception-based advertising, and the Ditch Juul campaign. One hundred fifty-six college students completed measures assessing perceived harm of nicotine products, current substance use, intended future use of nicotine products, readiness to quit ENDs, social media use, and exposure to anti-vaping advertising. Data from participants was collected from a psychology participant pool and via snowball sampling. Results identified a significant difference in perceived harm across conditions with participants who viewed the ditch Juul messaging/advertising reporting significantly greater increased perceived harm of ENDs compared to participants who viewed fear or deception messaging/advertising, p = .046. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in intent to use ENDs in the future across conditions, p = .122. However, results indicated that viewing any anti-vaping advertising/messaging resulted in decreased intent to use ENDs in the future, p < .001 and increased perceived harm of ENDs, p = .002. These findings demonstrate the complexities associated with social media-based anti-vaping advertising/messages in altering beliefs or behaviors.

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2023, Speech Pathology and Audiology

Sentence repetition is a useful way to identify differences in language skills between typical individuals and those at risk for developmental language disorder (DLD). However, current measures do not have adequate diagnostic accuracy when identifying adult populations. This study examined verbal working memory performance on a sentence repetition task in 30 young adults with typical language and English as a first language. Sentences were 8-16 words, 1-3 clauses in active or passive structures, controlled for word frequency and plausibility. Number of words (x2(1) = 42, p < .001) and judgments of accuracy (JOA) (x2 (1) = 177.7, p < .001) predicted repetition accuracy, but number of clauses and structure did not. Variability in JOA peaked at sentences with 11 words, and beyond 11 words, repetition accuracy precipitously declined. The lack of repetition accuracy difference by active versus passive structure was unexpected. Sentences centered on 11 words may approach adults' capacity limit for repetition, eliciting more uncertainty regarding their performance accuracy. The limits of sentence repetition ability can be used to make predictions about the performance accuracy of those with both typically developing language as well as those with DLD in order to better formulate sentence stimuli used within assessment measures.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Nursing

Transgender and gender diverse individuals (TGD), those whose gender identity is incongruent with their sex assigned at birth, experience significantly disproportionate rates of minority stress and suicide. While growing, the body of research examining the relationships between minority stress and suicide, particularly within TGD groups, remains in its infancy. Thus, it is imperative researchers identify population-specific factors for the development of effective prevention strategies. Established research in the area of TGD suicide often focuses on adolescents (12-18 years old) or adults (18+ years old), infrequently identifying the distinct group of young adults (18-24 years old). As the adult age group most often demonstrating the highest risk for suicide, young adults cannot continue to be overlooked in suicide research. Further, though many research agendas include the social determinants of health, studies inadequately incorporate measurement of minority stress that is inclusive of the socioenvironmental contexts through which these experiences occur and those contexts most proximal to the individual (family, school, religious/spiritual community, and work). Thus, this dissertation aims to advance the science of suicide among TGD young adults by elucidating the associations of sociodemographic variables, context-specific, and cumulative microsystem minority stress experiences with suicide outcomes. The goal of the study is to characterize suicidality among TGD young adults using an approach that integrates sociodemographic and minority stress factors with an ecological systems perspective. The primary aims are to: (1) summarize the established relationships between contextual minority stress factors and TGD young adult suicide outcomes, (2a) examine the associations between sociodemographic factors and 12-month and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA) among TGD young adults, (2b) examine the associations of sociodemographic (open full item for complete abstract)

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

The incidence of alcohol misuse globally continues to be a significant problem with copious adverse health and social causes and implications. The prevalence of alcohol misuse in Jamaica, British West Indies, instigated the trifold objective of this study. The ecological systems model provided a framework for conceptualizing multilayered biological and social processes that interact to determine mental health. This study examined anxiety and depression, family structure, and perceived parental warmth and control as predictors of alcohol misuse among young adults ages 18 to 30 residing in Jamaica. The current study revealed a correlation between alcohol misuse and higher levels of anxiety and depression, with women reporting higher anxiety and depression than men. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between parental warmth and alcohol misuse. Parental warmth was correlated with the AUDIT; however, no significant correlation between alcohol misuse and family structure or parental overprotection was observed. Medical and mental health professionals should champion efforts to reduce the prevalence of alcohol misuse on a societal level by advocating for the implementation of community-based interventions that provide education around the deleterious effects of alcohol misuse on physical and mental health.