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Perceived threats to professional autonomy: Exploring mental health counselors’ experiences with AI tools
No full textThe rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into mental health care is reshaping therapeutic practice. This research proposal explores how AI may pose a perceived threat to professional autonomy among Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Researchers warn that increased reliance on AI could undermine clinical judgment (Haber, 2024). Using an exploratory qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will examine how LMHCs define autonomy and experience AI’s influence on their roles. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and relational autonomy, this research aims to inform ethical AI design and contribute to mental health innovation by preserving the integrity and well-being of the clinical workforce
The Impact of School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports on Middle School Behavior Outcomes in a Post-COVID Educational Environment
Full text linkThis study is a program evaluation utilizing a causal-comparative pre/post design to assess the impact of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) on behavioral outcomes in a post-COVID middle school. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, behavioral challenges, including classroom disruption and violence, increased, intensifying the need for structured behavior management systems. SWPBIS provides a framework for promoting a positive school culture through structured behavior expectations and reinforcement strategies. Grounded in behaviorism, social learning theory, and Response to Intervention (RtI), SWPBIS contrasts with zero-tolerance policies and restorative practices, which are also examined for their impact as alternative behavior management approaches. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of SWPBIS in reducing exclusionary discipline, as seen in decreased suspension and office discipline referrals (ODR) rates. Using a causal-comparative design, this study analyzed pre-and post-implementation data to evaluate SWPBIS’s effectiveness in reducing office discipline referrals (ODRs). And exclusionary discipline (suspensions). Notable, no significant racial disparities were found in ODRs, suggesting early progress toward more equitable reporting practices. However, disparities in suspension rates persisted for male students, students receiving special education services, and Black students, emphasizing the need for stronger multi-tiered supports. These findings suggest that SWPBIS holds promise in reducing behavioral incidents and improving equity in student outcomes over time. This study contributes to the literature on school-wide behavior frameworks in post-pandemic education environments and provides practical insight for school leaders seeking to create proactive, positive, and equitable school discipline systems
Reducing Stress Through Music and Meditation: A Low-Barrier Mental Health Intervention for Unhoused Women in Shelter Settings
Full text linkReducing Stress Through Music and Meditation: A Low-Barrier Mental Health Intervention for Unhoused Women in Shelter Settings
Seven nursing students from Seattle Pacific University partnered with a women’s day center in downtown Seattle to support unhoused women experiencing chronic stress and systemic inequalities. The center serves as a safe and welcoming space where women can access essential services including hot meals, hygiene facilities, healthcare connections, and case management, all while fostering a sense of dignity, community, and personal agency. Many clients faced significant trauma and housing insecurity, which contributed to ongoing stress and health challenges, conditions often compounded by social determinants of health and limited access to mental health resources (King County, 2025; Mar et al., 2021). As part of our clinical experience, we sought to understand these challenges more deeply and explore how nursing students could support client wellness in a meaningful and sustainable way. This paper will describe the context of our partnership, the needs we identified through engagement with clients and staff, and the nursing-based intervention we implemented in response.
Background
In King County, over 40,000 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness, and 15% of those identify as Black/African American (King County Regional Homelessness Authority, 2024). Among these individuals, 34% of adults suffer from mental illness, highlighting the urgent need for accessible mental health support within this population. A local Pacific Northwest homeless shelter serves as a critical daytime drop-in center for women navigating the challenges of homelessness. These women are often impacted by the cumulative effects of social determinants of health (SDOH), including limited access to stable housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare. These ongoing barriers increase the risk of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions (The Seattle Times, 2024).
A study by Ket La Mar et al. (2021) emphasizes that both barriers and facilitators related to accessing mental healthcare play a crucial role in either hindering or supporting mental health recovery among homeless women with serious mental illness. Compounding the issue, many women experiencing homelessness remain hidden, often avoiding shelters or staying in unstable situations as a means of self-protection, an observation supported by existing literature on the invisibility and vulnerability of this population (Milaney et al., 2020). In response, our community health initiative is grounded in the belief, supported by participant feedback and aligned with trauma-informed care approaches, that small, consistent acts of care, such as music-guided meditation, may contribute to improved mental well-being. These low-barrier interventions offer a calming space for healing, especially when participants are encouraged to continue them independently within the shelter setting (YWCA Seattle King Snohomish, 2025).
Activities with Rationale
Our project involved facilitating a 30-minute weekly music and meditation coping group for clients at a women’s shelter. Each session began with calming music to establish a welcoming, grounded environment, followed by a brief guided meditation focused on breathwork, mindfulness, or body awareness. Designed to be low-barrier, non-invasive, and trauma-informed, the group aimed to empower clients to participate in safe and supportive ways. These activities were chosen based on responses to our first surveys, which showed that the most commonly favored coping mechanisms were meditation and music. This approach ensured that the intervention reflected client-identified needs and aligned with their preferences.
We implemented a weekly 30-minute coping group centered on music and meditation, informed by the preferences clients expressed during our initial assessment period. This low-barrier, trauma-informed intervention began with calming music and transitioned into brief guided meditation practices focused on breathwork and grounding. Both components were selected for their accessibility and potential to promote relaxation without requiring verbal disclosure. Research supports the use of music and meditation as therapies for individuals dealing with stress from trauma and mental health issues. Studies show that music-based interventions can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while fostering emotional expression and resilience, especially when verbal processing may be retraumatizing (Zhao et al., 2024; Jamil et al., 2023; Maiti, 2017). Meditation practices have similarly demonstrated effectiveness in improving emotional regulation and coping abilities among populations experiencing high psychosocial stress. These evidence-based strategies were essential in guiding the structure of our intervention to ensure it was both meaningful and safe for participants.
To evaluate the impact of our intervention and inform sustainable improvements, we distributed pre- and post-session surveys assessing participants\u27 emotional states. This data collection process facilitates the measurement of perceived stress levels and emotional well-being over time. By offering a consistent space for relaxation and self-regulation, the intervention supports our SMART goal: reducing perceived stress and enhancing coping, with at least 65% of participants reporting a positive emotional effect after each session.
Outcomes
Over an 8-week community health rotation, we implemented and evaluated a low-barrier music and meditation group to reduce stress and support emotional well-being among unhoused women. Two days were dedicated to assessment through surveys, with another two focused on rapport-building through informal activities. Initial surveys revealed higher stress levels in the mornings and a strong interest in music and meditation for relaxation, clarity, and connection, confirming the intervention met participants\u27 needs.
Eight women participated in two 30-minute sessions over two weeks, featuring calming music and guided mindfulness exercises centered on breathwork and deep relaxation. Pre-session surveys showed that 87% of participants reported feeling stressed, and 75% had prior exposure to similar practices. Participants were motivated by connection and curiosity, with relaxation and mental clarity as secondary goals. Post-session evaluations indicated that 60% experienced significant stress reduction, with meditation rated as the most helpful component, followed by music. Others reported neutral or minimal change. Participants also valued the quiet and communal atmosphere. One woman shared, “I feel more connected with myself and my energy. I needed that.” Seven participants desired to continue the group, indicating a strong interest in making it a regular wellness service. Although a few declined participation due to fatigue or personal preferences, and occasional space limitations posed minor challenges, the intervention met our SMART goal of reducing perceived stress and promoting emotional well-being.
Conclusion
We successfully partnered with a women’s day center to support the mental health of women experiencing homelessness through a trauma-informed wellness program using music and meditation. Guided by client feedback, we created a low-barrier space for stress relief and emotional regulation. Despite initial rapport challenges, intentional relationship-building fostered meaningful connections. While attendance and emotional readiness varied, participation and positive feedback affirmed the program’s impact. By centering client-identified needs, we delivered an intervention that strengthened coping skills, offered tools for continued well-being, and provided deliverables to promote sustained resource access and community engagement, emphasizing the value of accessible, sustainable, and evidence-informed mental health interventions tailored to the complex needs of underserved communities.
References
Jamil, A., Gutlapalli, S. D., Ali, M., Oble, M. J. P., Sonia, S. N., George, S., Shahi, S. R., Ali, Z., Abaza, A., & Mohammed, L. (2023). Meditation and its mental and physical health benefits in 2023. Cureus, 15(6), e40650. https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/156473/20240724-319105-6zhq57.pdf
King County (2025). About homelessness and its impact in King County. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/health-centers-programs-services/health-services-for-the-homeless/healthcare-for-the-homeless/about-us#:~:text=About%20homelessness%20and%20its%20impact,family%20to%20avoid%20the%20streets
King County Regional Homelessness Authority (2024). Point in time count. https://kcrha.org/community-data/king-county-point-in-time-count/
Maiti, R. (2017). Meditation, A Highly Powerful Tool to Enhance the Productivity and Happiness of Life in Modern World. International Journal of Bio-Resource & Stress Management, 8(2), 360–368. https://research.ebsco.com/c/4cjrct/viewer/pdf/qbwvme7dvn?route=details
Mar, K. L., Mizock, L., Veazey, C., & Nelson, A. (2021). Mental health care barriers and facilitators experienced by homeless women with serious mental illness. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, 32(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2021.1967646
Milaney, K., Williams, N., Lockerbie, S. L., Dutton, D. J., & Hyshka, E. (2020). Recognizing and responding to women experiencing homelessness with gendered and trauma-informed care. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8353-1
Zhao, N., Lund, H. N., & Jespersen, K. V. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of music interventions to improve sleep in adults with mental health problems. European psychiatry: the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 67(1), e62. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.177
SILLY LITTLE ROMANCE BOOKS: ANALYZING THE VALUE AND FUNCTION OF THE POPULAR ROMANCE GENRE
Full text linkAmidst the increasing popularity of the romance genre, as evidenced by notable growth on online platforms such as TikTok, this project interrogates the perceived value and function of contemporary romance fiction. Drawing on the existing field of romance scholarship, this paper synthesizes key arguments pertaining to romance’s content, readers, form, and market, respectively. Such analysis is grounded in a reading of Ana Huang’s 2021 novel Twisted Love. Furthermore, given the highly gendered nature of popular romance, lenses of feminist critique are used to unpack the cultural significance of these narratives, exploring both the dangers and the merits that they provide for women
Distribution and Habitat Use of Sounders Gray Whales from 1990 to 2023
Full text linkAbstract: Every spring, a small subgroup of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), referred to as “Sounders,” migrate to northern Puget Sound (NPS), Washington State, to forage on small crustaceans, particularly during years of low prey availability in the Arctic, the primary foraging habitat for gray whales. In contrast to gray whales in other locations, Sounders primarily forage on ghost shrimp (Neotrypnea californiensis) while in NPS. These small crustaceans live in the sediment in the intertidal to shallow subtidal zones, so gray whales must wait for higher tides to feed. Gray whale abundance in NPS and time spent in the region have been increasing, especially during gray whale unusual mortality events, which are likely caused by reduced Arctic prey availability due to climate change. This study aimed to identify how gray whales in NPS are distributed between years and throughout the foraging season, and to better understand gray whale abundance in NPS relative to Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whale population dynamics as a whole. ArcGIS and statistical modeling were used to analyze sighting data collected by Cascadia Research Collective from 1990 to 2023 for spatial and temporal trends, specifically regarding gray whale abundance during gray whale high mortality years. I found that Sounders are significantly more likely to start coming to NPS during years of high mortality and that the abundance of gray whales in NPS is positively correlated with mortality count of the ENP gray whale population
Holistic Student Discipline: How a Proactive Empathetic Approach to Discipline Combined with Restorative Practices Can Change the Discipline Landscape
Full text linkStudent discipline in the United States consists of a myriad of methods, including suspension, corporal punishment, isolation, seclusion, and restraint. Since the onset of COVID-19, students and staff have experienced an increase in trauma which has impacted the social-emotional skills of students and teacher burnout. Post-COVID student discipline requires a different approach to discipline combined with restorative practices, which can alter the discipline landscape. This qualitative case study investigates the impact of proactive empathetic discipline and Restorative Practices on student discipline, executive functioning, and school culture.
Grounded in Social Learning Theory, Self-Regulation Theory, and Respect for Children, this study examines discipline trends and the academic impacts of exclusionary discipline. Research on both Collaborative and Proactive Solutions and Collaborative Problem Solving is presented. Finally, research on Restorative Approaches to School Cultures is presented. The data in this study were analyzed utilizing embedded subcases within a holistic case framework. Results demonstrate a substantial decrease in exclusionary discipline incidents, fewer extreme behavioral infractions, and an increase in relational trust among students and staff. While challenges remain, particularly in fostering peer-to-peer relationships, the findings suggest that a proactive, restorative approach can serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional punitive discipline
Invisible Intersections: Race, ADHD, and the Role of Disciplinary Actions in Academic Outcomes
Full text linkRace is a marginalized identity linked to significant achievement gaps for Black and Latino students in the USA (de Bray et al., 2019). These students experience higher rates of exclusionary school discipline (ESD) than White and Asian peers (Aud et al., 2010; de Bray et al., 2019), with suspensions correlating to lower academic performance (Del Toro & Wang, 2022; Wang et al., 2023; Owens & Hinshaw, 2016). Additionally, developmental disabilities like ADHD intersect with these issues; despite narrowing racial disparities in diagnoses (Cénat et al., 2022; Fairman et al., 2020), access to treatment remains uneven (Baglivio et al., 2017; Coker et al., 2016), and teacher perceptions may be biased. Teachers often label behaviors of Black and Latino students as oppositional (Fadus et al., 2020), leading to disproportionate disciplinary actions that hinder academic progress (Cameron & Sheppard, 2006; Cribb Fabersunne et al., 2023).
This study examines whether race/ethnicity predicts teacher-reported externalizing behaviors and disciplinary actions post-ADHD diagnosis. Data are sourced from the TIDAL dataset, a longitudinal NIMH-funded study involving adolescents with ADHD in the STAND intervention, an 8–10 week group therapy focused on executive function and behavior regulation. We used multilevel modeling to assess whether race/ethnicity influenced changes in externalizing behavior ratings and suspensions over time and their impact on GPA. Participants averaged 13.4 years, with 27.5% female (n = 166) and 72.5% male (n = 437). The sample (n = 578) included 77% Hispanic/Latino (n = 444), 16% African American (n = 90), 6% White Non-Hispanic (n = 34), Asian .003% (n = 2), and Mixed Race 1.4% (n = 8). Findings show that Black and Hispanic students consistently received lower GPAs than White students over time, even after controlling for intervention participation. While teacher evaluations of externalizing behavior showed no significant racial differences, Black students faced more suspensions. Higher suspension rates and increased externalizing behavior ratings independently predicted reduced academic achievement. The STAND intervention did not mitigate these effects. These results suggest that the intersection of race and disability continues to affect academic outcomes for youth with ADHD, even after diagnosis and intervention, reflecting the lasting influence of systemic bias in education
Loop with people
No full textPeople out and about in the main loop of SPU campus, seemingly photographed from Alexander Hall (now Alexander and Adelaide Hall).https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/archives_images_seminary/1049/thumbnail.jp
Family, Machismo, & Internalized Homonegativity: Links to Depression in Latino MSM
No full textThis research proposal aims to examine the psychological impact of perceived parental rejection on Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), with particular attention to internalized homonegativity and machismo. Utilizing a moderated mediation model, the study investigates whether internalized homonegativity mediates the relationship between parental rejection and depression. Furthermore, it explores whether machismo moderates the association between parental rejection and internalized homonegativity. The proposed research seeks to advance understanding of culturally specific stressors that influence mental health outcomes in Latino MSM populations
Student Philopolemical Debating Society, Circa 1913
No full textA large group of students sits for a photo.https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/archives_images_seminary/1116/thumbnail.jp