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A Comprehensive Exploration of Challenges Coping Strategies and Organizational Dynamics among IT Teleworkers in the Remote Work Landscape
No full textThis qualitative case study examined the effects of technology-induced microbreaks on the well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction of remote IT workers. While telework is increasingly common in the IT sector, little is known about how brief, often unintentional digital pauses—such as checking emails or notifications—impact performance and health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IT professionals from varied roles and organizations. This study explored four core research questions: the challenges teleworkers face with technology-induced microbreaks, the opportunities these breaks present, how organizations identify and address their harmful impacts, and the advantages organizations may gain from implementing supportive microbreak policies. Thematic analysis, guided by four research questions, explored: (1) challenges faced by teleworkers, (2) perceived benefits of microbreaks, (3) organizational strategies to reduce harm, and (4) policy implications for their integration into remote work. Results showed that unregulated microbreaks can disrupt focus, fragment workflow, and contribute to cognitive fatigue, reducing productivity. In contrast, intentional microbreaks were associated with enhanced mental clarity, creativity, and emotional resilience. Organizational culture, leadership, and policy support were critical in determining whether microbreaks functioned as helpful or harmful. The findings align with the Job Demands-Resources model and digital wellness frameworks, offering actionable recommendations for structured microbreak use. This research concludes that the impact of microbreaks depends on context, intent, and organizational support, and recommends further investigation across industries, cultures, and job types
Exploring immigration-related anxiety through Somatic Therapy and Internal Family System
No full textThis capstone project looks at immigration-related anxiety through the lens of Somatic Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). It examines the role of cultural trauma, employment insecurity, language barriers and housing insecurity in the contributions to anxiety and emotional dysregulation in immigrants. There are many therapies available which target cognitive aspects of the anxious state, however they do not address the somatic and identity-related issues that are relevant for this population. To address these voids, the Somatic-IFS Immigrant Anxiety Support Framework is proposed. This framework combines somatic regulation, internal parts work, and community ties. In this framework, the role of the counsellor is to act as a facilitator and a cultural bridge between the clients and the world of counselling, specifically incorporating trauma-informed and culturally relevant methods. The research established that immigrant anxiety must not be considered in a vacuum, and can't be divorced from systemic inequities or the cultural context. This thesis emphasizes the need for integrated therapeutic techniques which honor both body and identity. It also demands further research on the development of holistic, culturally relevant techniques in "tending to the mental health of the immigranthood.
988 in Crisis: Somatic Experiencing as a Preventive Treatment for Vicarious Trauma in Crisis Line Responders
No full textThe 988 National Suicide Helpline has created a bridge between individuals in crisis and formal care, as it offers a coordinated and free 24/7 low barrier service. Essential to the success of this helpline are crisis line responders (CLRs), individuals who are trained in non-violent crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, and suicide prevention. Preliminary data indicates concerning rates of vicarious trauma (VT), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion fatigue (CF) reported by CLRs (Cahan, 2024; Willems et al., 2020). These statistics have raised concerns about the future of the 988 service, as VT is associated with higher rates of burnout, attrition, and absenteeism (Cahan, 2024). VT presents a complex problem for the mental health profession, as the mechanisms for its development are intrinsically linked to a clinician’s empathic attunement with a client (Rauvola et al., 2019). Evidence suggests that cognitive-based strategies may fail to fully address the physiological roots of empathy-based stress, leading to the exploration of somatic modalities as an adjunctive treatment (Kim et al., 2022). This project provides an overview of the impacts of VT on CLRs, and the potential efficacy of Somatic Experiencing (SE) as both a preventive and post-traumatic intervention. A group therapy intervention based on somatic techniques is proposed to mitigate the effects of VT, while expanding peer support networks, and providing strategies for nervous system regulation
Sexual Misconduct in Islamic Education: A Qualitative Multiple-Case Study Utilizing Document Analysis
No full textThis qualitative multiple-case study explored the phenomenon of educator sexual misconduct (ESM) within Islamic educational contexts by utilizing document analysis of 24 published misconduct reports, supporting documentation, and semi-structured interviews with two experts. This study contributes to educational practice by increasing knowledge related to the nature of ESM, victims’ perceptions and experiences, and institutional responses in the Islamic context. The findings of this study were grounded in a conceptual framework developed from three empirical studies of ESM in the K–12 educational context. The results revealed that, while ESM in Islamic contexts shares qualitative similarities with other contexts, Islamic culture and practices influence certain aspects of ESM in unique ways. Key findings highlighted the existence of a culture of silence, clericalism, insularity, and lack of accountability in Islamic educational settings. This study contributes to the limited body of research on ESM in Islamic contexts and offers insights and recommendations to help educators better protect their students
From Corruption to Connection: An Integrated Perspective on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Recidivism in Forensic Settings
No full textThis capstone, guided by a biosocial framework, examines the question: How effective is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in reducing recidivism factors in forensic settings? The review explored how DBT supports rehabilitation by addressing interconnected psychological, behavioural, and environmental factors associated with reoffending. A systematic search was conducted across major psychology, mental health, and criminology databases in accordance with PRISMA (2020) guidelines. Ten peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 met inclusion criteria, spanning randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, and qualitative designs. Four additional review articles published from 2017 onward were included to strengthen theoretical and contextual grounding. Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021), guided by abductive reasoning, was used to synthesize patterns across the literature. Findings indicated that DBT consistently improves emotion regulation, impulse control, coping, and prosocial decision-making—factors strongly linked to reduced reoffending. Adaptations such as shortened modules, simplified materials, and trauma-informed delivery enhanced accessibility, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities or co-occurring substance-use and mental-health challenges. However, variability in program length, inconsistent follow-up, and limited attention to cultural diversity constrained generalizability. Overall, DBT shows strong potential as an ethically grounded and flexible intervention that promotes relational safety and rehabilitation in correctional settings, though evidence on long-term recidivism and culturally diverse outcomes remains limited
Intensive Mothering Beliefs: Cultural Responsivity in the Treatment of Maternal Burnout
No full textIntensive mothering ideology is a prominent and impactful belief system that influences the experience of motherhood and maternal burnout. Maternal burnout is defined as the experience of emotional detachment, reduced engagement with parenting responsibilities, and perceived parental effectiveness. There is currently a lack of therapeutic approaches that are culturally responsive in treating maternal burnout. This literature review addressed this lack of understanding by synthesizing the findings of research investigating the interplay between intensive mothering beliefs, maternal burnout, and culturally responsive therapeutic treatment. This research will explore the question: how might exploring and deconstructing intensive mothering beliefs improve the cultural responsivity of therapeutic treatment for maternal burnout. A variety of databases and literature repositories were queried for peer-reviewed literature published on the topic within the last 5 years. This research determined that intensive mothering ideology impacts maternal burnout through the mechanisms of socially prescribed perfectionism, maternal guilt, and compensatory behaviors. The investigation suggests that there is therapeutic value in exploring and deconstructing the cultural and personal significance of intensive mothering beliefs in the context of maternal burnout treatment. This literature review provides novel considerations in the treatment of maternal burnout that serve to support cultural responsivity in maternal burnout treatment
Beading the Wounds: The Healing Power of Traditional Arts and Ceremony in Indigenous Men’s Rehabilitation
No full textThis capstone investigates how traditional Indigenous arts and ceremonial practices function as healing interventions for incarcerated Indigenous men. Drawing from narrative inquiry and grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, the research reviews literature, federal evaluations, and community-based reports to examine the impacts of culture-based programming within correctional settings. It explores how colonial systems such as residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and carceral institutions have disrupted Indigenous identities, attachment systems, and wahkotowin (a Cree term meaning “kinship” or “relatedness”) networks across generations.
The research shows that traditional practices, such as beadwork, drum-making, sweat lodges, and Elder-led teachings, support emotional regulation, strengthen cultural identity, and contribute to relational healing. Arts and ceremonies are understood not as supplementary, but as central to restoring balance and well-being. Culturally grounded programs show potential to reduce recidivism, increase self-awareness, and promote community reintegration.
The analysis points out key themes including historical trauma, disrupted attachment, cultural disconnection, and the role of arts and ceremony in identity restoration. It also identifies barriers such as underfunding, limited access, and misaligned evaluation frameworks. Recommendations include expanded investment in Indigenous-led correctional programming, incorporation of land-based healing and cultural mentorship, and shifts in policy to recognize Indigenous knowledge as foundational to justice and rehabilitation. This research examines the need for Indigenous-centered justice approaches that center culture as both prevention and healing
Benefits of Self-Compassion in Therapy for Adults with Chronic Lower Back Pain
No full textThe purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of self compassion in therapy for adults with chronic lower back pain. There is limited scholarly research about the therapeutic effects of self-compassion for adults with chronic lower back pain.. The study is based on a literature review, and a critical analysis of 25 articles was undertaken. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify significant themes from the literature on self-compassion and chronic lower back pain. The synthesis of the research literature revealed that self-compassion in therapy can moderately assist adults with chronic pain in emotional regulation, pain acceptance, and chronic pain management. The research also highlighted the effectiveness of compassion-based therapy interventions for improving the quality of life and daily functioning of adults with chronic lower back pain. From these findings, therapists and researchers are recommended to seek further education and professional development on chronic pain experiences and compassion-based therapeutic interventions
Survey of Dispute Mediator’s Intention to Use the Statistical Methods Convention in Mediation Process: A Correlational Study
No full textAbstract Study concerns the statistical methods convention as applied in organizational dispute mediation processes. The convention are tools including statistical methodology, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality innovations. Focus is on the intention of dispute mediators to use the tools to aid in dispute mediation. Problem was that dispute mediators’ use of the statistical methods convention is not widespread and is met with resistance in mediation, even though it has been demonstrated that the convention can increase efficiency, performance, and provide improvement. Stakeholders are organizations, leaders, mediation personnel, and staff members affected by a dispute. Purpose of research was to understand the dispute mediator’s perspective, and on predicting their behavioral intentions. Theoretical model was theory of planned behavior, extended by constructs of perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use, from the technology acceptance model. Methodology was a quantitative approach with an online survey of 305 dispute mediators, 19 questions, and slider scale to select level of agreement. Design was correlational, and data from survey were analyzed with correlational and structural equation modeling techniques using SmartPLS software. Empirical results showed perceived usefulness of the statistical methods convention had the greater magnitude of causal relation with the intention to use. Dispute mediator’s perception of control on using the convention and the intention to use it also had a significant magnitude of causal relation. Outcome of the research suggest organizational leaders’ campaign for the use of the statistical methods convention to assist their dispute mediators by emphasizing the utility and usefulness of the package. Also, emphasis should be on the ability and control to use it. Future research should address the influence of social norms as the technology is more widespread. Practitioners should further develop educational materials and improve innovation regarding these new tools
Unraveling Control: The Hidden Dynamics of Codependency Under Heteronormative Pressure
No full textThe purpose of this graduate research project is to explore the ways in which heteronormative cultural scripts and power relations shape codependent dynamics within adult romantic partnerships. It begins by uncovering how heterosexual cisgender norms become deeply embedded in our institutions, interpersonal expectations, and internalized ideals of love and belonging. From there, it traces the evolution of the codependency concept—from its early framing in addiction recovery to its contemporary reformulation within family‐systems and attachment theories—as a relational survival strategy rather than an individual pathology. In doing so, this paper highlights key blind spots in prevailing therapeutic models, which often treat codependency as a purely intrapsychic or dyadic malfunction while overlooking the broader sociocultural forces that give rise to and sustain these patterns. Finally, this work lays the groundwork for a more integrative, depth-oriented approach—one that attends not only to personal and relational factors but also to the unconscious and cultural narratives that underlie them. By weaving together social constructionist, systemic, and depth-psychology perspectives, this analysis ultimately points toward therapeutic practices capable of fostering genuine relational autonomy, authenticity, and healing