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).

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2024, Psychology

Ensuring access to effective mental health (MH) care for youth is a public health priority, yet challenges remain in the delivery of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Treatment fidelity (i.e., delivery as intended and with quality) is associated with better outcomes but is highly variable in community-based agencies. Factors such as organizational climate impact uptake of EBPs, but additional research is needed to identify modifiable variables that can inform dissemination and implementation initiatives designed to improve fidelity. The present study examined agency, provider, and family factors that impact fidelity to a specific EBP (i.e., Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF- CBT), with a focus on MH agency type. Fidelity scores (i.e., adherence, dosage, and competence) were based on observational data from 115 families receiving TF-CBT from 63 clinicians across 27 MH agencies. Using multilevel modeling, differences in treatment fidelity between agencies–community mental health clinics and specialty clinics–were assessed. Results did not support a difference in fidelity between MH agencies, though other factors emerged as significantly linked to fidelity, namely providers' attitudes towards EBPs. Findings may inform future implementation efforts and highlight opportunities for further study of novel solutions to improve access and quality of child mental health services across diverse treatment settings.

Master of Arts, Marietta College, 2024, Psychology

Tattoos may be one variable that influences the quality of the client therapist relationship. Previous researchers have found some evidence of public stigma and negative attributes toward health professionals displaying tattoos. The present study investigates people's impressions of clinical counseling job candidates with varying sizes and locations of tattoos. In addition, participant's eye movement duration on the candidate's tattoos was measured using a Tobii Pro Fusion eye-tracker. As hypothesized, the counseling candidate with large tattoos received more negative ratings of professional competency compared to the candidate with no tattoos. Unexpectedly, there were no significant associations between participants' competency ratings and eye-movement measures. The results from this research suggest that impressions of mental health counselors may be trending in a more positive direction, although some negative impressions of people with large tattoos still exists. Other findings are discussed in the context of the client-therapist relationship.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

The aim of this study is to better understand, from the perspective of Critical Race Theory, the experiences of adolescent males who are Black and living in the United States and to examine how they build resilience and survival skills. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 26 and asked to recall adolescent experiences as part of a semi-structured interview with a Black Storytelling approach. There were six participants and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. According to the results, there were seven themes: (1) Policing In the United States of America Comes in Many Forms, (2) Recognizing Racism and that It's Real, (3) How You See Me: I Was Born This Way, (4) Perceptions About Racism, (5) Finding Ways to Cope, (6) Sharing Stories from Generation to Generation, and (7) Perceptions About Mental Health Treatment. The subthemes and connections to literature and the professional counseling field are also considered. 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 Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Mental health has been a topic that is slowly gaining more acknowledgement and awareness over time. However, despite the elevation in awareness, there are many cultures where mental health issues remain subject to stigma, which discourages an individual from seeking, or even acknowledging, mental health treatment and services. This study focuses upon varying perceptions of mental health by exploring in-depth the perception of mental health within the Punjabi community and how Punjabi culture affects such perceptions. Specifically, this research study examines how young adults who immigrated from Punjab, India to British Columbia (B.C.) perceive and respond to mental health concerns. This study uses a qualitative approach through the lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) that aims to provide a detailed examination of personal lived experience. Participants included five young adults who recently immigrated from Punjab to British Columbia within the past five years. Stigma and shame, relationships, international student status, and cultural awareness were the four superordinate themes generated from the interviews. All participants shared the importance of establishing a sense of community and having a support system that fostered feelings of understanding and acknowledgment. Participants also shared the criticality of working with a competent mental health professional who understands the specific experiences and struggles that immigrants face. Providing support, resources, and mandatory mental health information sessions as immigrants arrive to B.C. would be beneficial as they navigate through the complexities of the health care system. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Master of Arts, Marietta College, 2024, Psychology

Couples therapy can be extremely effective, as it promotes healthy communication and conflict management for struggling couples. However, not everyone has a positive perception of therapy. Men and women may feel differently about couples therapy because of social norms. Differences in family history and attachment styles may also affect how one perceives couples therapy. The current study evaluates factors (i.e., gender, family history, and attachment styles) that can contribute to perceptions of couples therapy among college students. Participants include college students who were currently in a long-term relationship (i.e., six months or longer) or have been in a long-term relationship since starting their time in college. Findings indicate that self-identified gender did contribute unique variance to perceptions of couples therapy while family history, attitudes towards gender, and attachment style did not. There were no significant relations between perceptions of couples therapy, parental separation, and family functioning. These findings suggest that it is important to further examine what other variables could contribute to one's attitudes towards couples therapy (i.e., partner compatibility, communication style, social circle, etc.).

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

The effects of highly visual social media (HVSM) on the body image of users is a widespread concern amongst consumers and popular topic of research. While numerous studies have explored the effects of HVSM on women's body image, the literature on men's body image, particularly among cisgender heterosexual men, is comparatively sparse. The present study utilized constructivist grounded theory methodology to develop an explanatory model illustrating how HVSM engagement by cisgender heterosexual emerging adult men influences their body image. Data analysis revealed how specific HVSM platform attributes, a user's behavior on an HVSM platform, a user's perception of an ideal male physique, and the appearance-related content they viewed on HVSM platforms contributed to deleterious effects on their body image. The findings of the study offers insight to an understudied demographic group comprising a large share of social media users and suggest areas of future inquiry to better delineate HVSM effects on men. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

This qualitative study aimed to examine the lived experience of clinical mental health counselors working with adolescents. Participants included pre-licensed (associate) or licensed counselors who predominately work with and have a strong preference for working with adolescent clients. Data was collected through individual interviews and analyzed with a descriptive-interpretative approach. Ten domains were identified as part of data analysis: (a) Understanding Adolescent Culture and Building a Therapeutic Alliance, (b) The Intersection of Counselor and Adolescent Emotions, (c) Transference and Countertransference, (d) Clinical Challenges and Barriers, (e) The Multifaceted Role of Parents, (f) Nuances of Confidentiality, (g) Adolescent Development and Strengths, (h) Reasons Why Counselors Work with Adolescents, (i) Counseling Recommendations and Techniques Utilized with Adolescents, and (j) Counselor Sustainability. Implications for the counseling profession are included.

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)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Journalism (Communication)

This research assesses the effects of media richness on journalism students' attitudes and readiness to report on mental illness ethically and accurately. Due to the ongoing inaccurate and sensationalized depictions of mental illness in media, future journalists must be trained to combat these issues. This study engaged 280 U.S. journalism students in a posttest-only experimental design. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions through Qualtrics: rich media with a narrated slide deck, moderate media with a non-narrated slide deck, and lean media with a static text page. Results indicated no significant difference in attitudes, self-efficacy, or intentions between the groups, challenging the predicted educational advantage of rich media. These findings suggest alternative factors – such as individual motivation – might also influence learning outcomes. This study calls for further inquiry into rich media educational methods to prepare journalism students to tackle subjects like mental health in their future careers.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program in Population Health Leadership DNP, Xavier University, 2024, Nursing

Objective: Acts of aggression and violent behaviors are common in acute health care settings. Violence risk assessment tools are used in healthcare settings to screen patients for the risk of violent behaviors. This project focuses on the use of the V-RISK-10 violence screening assessment tool in an inpatient mental health care facility in the United States. The purpose of this project was to improve consistent use of the V-RISK-10 tool and improve communication of the V-RISK-10 results to the staff providing direct care. Methods: A literature review of violence screening tools was completed. The specific aims of the project were to monitor the V-RISK-10 completion rate in the electronic health record (EHR), provide education on the V-RISK-10 tool, evaluate effectiveness of staff education on the tool, improve communication of the tool by adding a column to the whiteboard in the report room which identifies the violence risk level, monitor completion rates of documentation of the violence risk level on the whiteboard, and monitor rate of code violets occurring over time. Results: Ninety-six of ninety-eight staff completed the e-Learning module and scored the minimum of 80% to pass the test. Total compliance of writing the V-RISK-10 result on the whiteboard was 85% or higher. Thirteen patients had a code violet called during the project period. Six patients had more than one code violet. Five of the six patients (83%) were assigned a V-RISK-10 assessment of moderate or high risk for violence. Conclusions: The V-RISK-10 assessment did correlate for the most part for the patients with one or more code violet incidents. The V-RISK-10 screening tool is helpful in identifying patients at risk for violence while in the inpatient mental health setting.

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership), Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Students at the collegiate level face chronic stress due to the lifestyles of heavy workloads, schoolwork, and adjustment to campus life. Being in prolonged periods of stress could negatively affect students' well-being, which can adversely affect other psychological areas such as mindfulness, motivation and engagement, and sense of belonging, as they are related through Seligman's (2011) Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) model. Large-animal activities, such as equine-facilitated learning activities (EFLA), are unique and innovative strategies to lessen the stress of college endeavors. The current mixed-methods investigation focused on implementing an EFLA program with college students at Youngstown State University. The study aimed to determine the impact of a four-week EFLA program on college students by assessing mindfulness, well-being, motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Results from the current investigation can inform researchers and educators about the impacts an EFLA program on college students. Quantitative data results suggest that there were significant differences amongst the control and treatment groups from pre- and post-survey administration on mindfulness and well-being, along with suggesting no statistically significant differences in the sense of belonging, motivation, and engagement. However, the treatment group's mindfulness, well-being, motivation, engagement, and sense of belonging scores increased after the EFLA program, while the control group's scores decreased. Additionally, qualitative accounts suggested themes and favorable responses in students who felt their well-being, mindfulness, motivation, engagement, and sense of belonging increased from the program. Participant perceptions regarding the EFLA program aligned with the quantitative results in the belief that it improved their well-being, mindfulness, sense of belonging, motivation, and engagement. Additionally, well-being (open full item for complete abstract)

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch New England: Marriage and Family Therapy

The double bind of Black womanhood has been long documented in Black feminist literature. This dissertation seeks to greatly contextualize how Black women experience make sense of, and heal from, sexual trauma given the nature of gendered racism in the United States (U.S). Utilizing a convergent parallel design grounded in Black Feminist Theory and hermeneutic phenomenology, the lived experiences of 98 Black women from across the U.S. were investigated. Regression analyses revealed that the frequency of gendered racial microaggressions and the associated appraisal were not significant predictors of participants' PTSD symptoms. Additionally, PTSD symptoms were inversely predictive of current perceptions of healing and healing progress. A mediation effect of negative alterations in cognitions and mood on the relationship between sexual objectification, specific to Black women, and progress in healing was also evident. Gendered racism did moderate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and perceived healing at the lowest point but not healing progress. The major themes that emerged from the interviews included “Negative Consequences of Sexual Assault,” “Pathways of Healing,” “Barriers to Help and Justice-Seeking,” “Dimensions of Racial-Ethnic Socialization,” and “Dimensions of Gendered Racial Socialization.” Combined, these findings highlight the unique sociocultural and historical context of Black female survivorship and amplify the necessity for clinicians to integrate Black feminist therapeutic praxis to inform treatment assessment, goal, and intervention. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu/) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

Antisemitism has a long and troubling history in the United States, often manifesting in various social settings, including organized sports. This study investigates the experiences of Jewish-American youth athletes in Central Ohio, focusing on how modern antisemitism affects their participation in sports and overall well-being. Recent data shows a resurgence of antisemitic incidents, which has prompted a need for detailed exploration of its impacts on young athletes. The problem addressed in this study is the increasing prevalence of antisemitism in youth sports and its detrimental effects on Jewish teenagers in Central Ohio. Through a Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) methodology, this research combines qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. Surveys conducted with Jewish teenage athletes reveal experiences of verbal abuse, exclusion, and other forms of discrimination leading to heightened psychological distress, and negative impacts to Jewish identity and sense of belonging. This study underscores the urgent need to address antisemitism within youth sports in Central Ohio. By implementing targeted community interventions, harm can be mitigated and a supportive environment for Jewish athletes can be fostered. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how antisemitism affects minority youth in sports and provides a framework for future studies on marginalized groups. Continued efforts and collaboration among community organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers are essential to combat antisemitism and promote inclusivity in youth athletics.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2024, Health Programs

Thousands of teenagers and young adults are confirmed victims, and many more are at risk of maltreatment and neglect. Foster care is a temporary solution by providing 24/7 care for these victims in kinship and non-kinship foster boarding homes. The study examined child welfare social workers in New York State in the child welfare field on their experiences that impact the delivery of quality healthcare and mental health services for teenagers and young adults in foster care. The qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of child welfare caseworkers in New York's child welfare system regarding providing psychological and medical services to teenagers and young adults. By conducting interviews with professionals from various child welfare non-profit organizations, the research aimed to identify common themes and subthemes that impact the delivery of quality healthcare and mental health services to this vulnerable population. The researcher interviewed 15 child welfare caseworkers who coordinated providing needed psychological and medical services for teenagers (ages 13-19) and young adults (ages 20-21) in the state of New York's child welfare system. The Zoom media platform was utilized while all security protocols were followed by the researcher. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The interview transcriptions were coded using ATLAS.ti to assist in identifying common themes and subthemes pertaining to the key issues affecting child welfare caseworkers and the delivery of psychological and physical medical services to teenagers and young adults.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Kinesiology

Background: Nutritional ketosis achieved by the consumption of a well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) may benefit individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) but limited ketogenic intervention trials have been conducted, and none in college students. We examined if a WFKD can be implemented in a university counseling treatment program as an adjunctive therapy for MDD, and whether such a program improves symptoms of depression and metabolic health. Methods: Students (n=19) with MDD receiving standard of care counseling and/or medication treatment participated in a 10-12 week WFKD intervention. Food and dietary counseling was provided, and daily tracking of ketones were used to personalize the diet formulation and assess adherence. Participants completed a series of assessments including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), body composition, cognitive performance, and blood metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory markers. Results: Completers (n=13) had a mean capillary ketone (R-beta-hydroxybutyrate) 0.6 mM. There were significant improvements in PHQ-9 at week 2 (a mean score of 15.6 + 5.1 at BL and a mean score of 9.5 + 3.6 at week 2) that continued to improve through the end of the trial (mean of 4.5 + 3.5) (p<0.001). Similarly, HRSD decreased at week 6 from a mean score of 13.9 + 4.9 to a mean of 5.2 + 3.1 and remained lower at the end of the intervention (mean of 3.6 + 2.8 at post) (p<0.001). Participants lost body mass (-6.6%; p=0.004) and fat mass (-12.1%; p=0.004). Insulin and leptin significantly decreased compared to BL (p=0.01 and 0.04 respectively). Participant performance in one cognitive tests, pattern comparison, improved after the intervention (p = 0.002). Conclusion: These pilot data indicate that implementation of a WFKD for 10-12 weeks is a feasible adjunctive therapy for students undergoing standard of care treatment for MDD. The intervention was associated with rapid, consistent, and (open full item for complete abstract)

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Nursing: Nursing - Doctoral Program

Background: Veterinarians are a high-risk population for mental health issues and suicide. These individuals often experience stressors unique to their practice that may impact their mental health and psychological wellbeing. Outcomes such as burnout have potential to exacerbate mental health problems such as substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. These mental health problems may then contribute to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Methods: This dissertation used a manuscript format. Project 1 was an integrative review that sought to identify major salient factors contributing to mental health issues and suicide among veterinarians. Project 2 was data-based, using a cross-sectional survey design in order to explore mental health and suicide among veterinarians while looking specifically at prevalence rates of burnout, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations and comparing between veterinary specialties, career stages (establishment, maintenance, or decline), and role (practice owner or associate veterinarian). Project 3 was a policy-based in order to explore health policy pertaining to suicide prevention. Findings: In Project 1, five main themes surrounding mental health issues and suicide among veterinarians were found: (1) occupational stress and burnout; (2) increased risk of mental health issues and suicide; (3) risk factors for the development of mental health issues and suicide; (4) mental health stigma and access to care; and (5) euthanasia and access to means. Project 2 identified that personal burnout, work-related burnout, client-related burnout, substance use, anxiety, depression, and suicide risk are prevalent among veterinarians. It also determined that there is a relationship between career stage and personal burnout; career stage and work-related burnout; career stage and alcohol use; veterinary practice specialty and alcohol use; and veterinary role and alcohol use. Project 3 identified the importance of u (open full item for complete abstract)

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

School psychology continues to experience professional shortages in the face of increased need. Burnout and other sources of job turnover have been researched; however, there are limited studies on the specific factors influencing retention. The present study investigated sources of job satisfaction among experienced school psychologists. Seven school psychologists with at least 10 years of experience in the state of Ohio were interviewed regarding their reasons for remaining in their roles. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis to identify themes across participant experiences. Results indicated both intrinsic and extrinsic sources of job satisfaction in the field of school psychology. Common themes across participants included the value of meaningful work, professional autonomy, supportive work environments, and positive staff relationships. This study provides insight regarding drivers of motivation for school psychologists to remain in the field long-term, which contains implications for improving the current shortage of these professionals in the state of Ohio. Educational agencies seeking to retain professionals should foster supportive environments, clear roles, professional development, and work-life balance.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

There are five developmental areas: gross motor, fine motor, communication, adaptive behavior, and social-emotional. If social-emotional skills are delayed, all other developmental areas are negatively impacted. Preschool-aged students are incapable of kindergarten readiness if they have a delay in social-emotional development as it impacts their ability to gain and retain academic knowledge. An integrated public preschool in Ohio expressed concern of increased delays in social-emotional skills following the COVID-19 shutdown. Staff noticed an increase in classroom disruptions and emotional dysregulation. To counteract this, the social- emotional program, The Zones of Regulation, was adapted and implemented throughout the preschool environment. Through the theoretical framework of street-level bureaucracy and a bottom-up approach, this qualitative participatory action research study examined the staffs' perspectives on the ease of implementation and effectiveness of the adapted version of The Zones of Regulation. The data that was collected and analyzed revealed that, in the opinion of the participants, the building-wide implementation of this program was successful and improved classroom management. Areas of the program that need improvement were revealed and an action plan was developed.

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2024, Sociology

The mental health of Black Americans is surely impacted by complex racist practices and systems, with ample research on connections between social inequalities and mental health disparities, revealing how social disadvantages and stressors have the power to impact one's mental health. However, within research that is engaging the Black community, there remains a lack of a way to gauge mental health that is inclusive of Black opinions, culture, and expression: Hip-hop music. Given this gap in the existing literature, the current study seeks to answer the following overarching question, “How does hip-hop music discuss and portray the mental wellbeing of the Black community?”. To understand how Hip-hop music engages with mental health dialogues, I qualitatively coded 550 songs from the Billboard “Year-end charts: Hot Rap songs” from 2013 to 2023. Results revealed twelve overarching dialogues related to the causes and consequences of mental well-being among Black Americans including specific outcomes (e.g. depression, suicide, anxiety/stress), race-related stressors (work, court cases, criminal legal contact, death), and coping mechanisms (e.g. substance use, addiction, and religion/spirituality). Results suggest that Hip-hop music serves as a critical site in gauging narratives on negative mental health symptoms and stressors, and strategies used to mediate the impact of both for Black Americans, which requires deeper attention.