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An Investigation of the Factors Contributing to Internet Addiction
No full textThis Capstone project examines the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of the phenomenon commonly referred to as internet addiction (IA). While the internet provides many opportunities for people including access to information, communication, and entertainment, the excessive use of such technologies can lead to problematic and addictive behaviours. Although IA is not recognized as a mental health disorder, the adverse effects of excessive and problematic internet-related behaviours are well documented, and the prevalence of these behaviours appear to be rising. The primary objective of this Capstone project was to gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of IA. The literature review consisted of empirical, peer-reviewed studies on IA published between 2013 and 2023. Using a model of generalized IA and a biopsychosocial framework of addiction, the findings of the literature review were organized into broader themes of biological, psychological, and social factors. The results of this literature review indicate that IA is a multifaceted condition which is influenced through various biological, psychological, and social factors that drive the development and maintenance of IA. Due to the multifaceted nature of IA and its determinants, these findings emphasize the importance of developing holistic approaches and strategies for working with individuals who may be struggling with problematic or excessive internet behaviours. Furthermore, these findings indicate the need for future research to investigate the natural progression of IA and explore effective treatment and prevention strategies
Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Healthcare Workers' Mental Health During Pandemics and Its Implications on Patient Care
No full textThis paper explores the profound impact of compassion fatigue on the mental health of healthcare workers during pandemics and its consequential effects on patient care. As frontline responders to global health crises, healthcare workers face unprecedented challenges and stressors that can lead to compassion fatigue, a complex phenomenon characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. This paper reviews existing literature and synthesizes findings to provide insights into the prevalence and contributing factors to compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals during pandemics. The research underscores the intricate relationship between compassion fatigue and healthcare workers' mental health, emphasizing the critical need for effective interventions and support mechanisms. We also examine the direct and indirect implications of healthcare workers' mental well-being on patient care quality and safety during pandemics. Factors such as decreased empathy, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction among healthcare workers are explored as potential consequences of compassion fatigue. Furthermore, this paper discusses evidence-based strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating compassion fatigue, promoting healthcare workers' resilience, and enhancing their ability to provide quality patient care during pandemics. Ultimately, this paper underscores the complex link between healthcare workers' mental health and patient care quality during pandemics and highlights the urgency of addressing compassion fatigue as a significant public health concern
Addressing Weight Bias in Clinical Counselling Practice
No full textWeight bias is a pervasive issue in North American society and includes harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards people living in larger bodies. Despite its damaging effects, weight bias is widely accepted, normalized, and rarely challenged in North American society. This paper specifically explores the role of weight bias in clinical counselling. The purpose of this capstone is to determine strategies for reducing weight bias in the field of counselling and establish best practices for working with clients living in larger bodies. To better understand this topic, both the weight-centric and non-weight centric perspectives on weight bias are examined. Furthermore, a review of the literature on the existence of weight bias in psychotherapy and existing strategies for reducing weight bias in the field is provided. Finally, a proposal for counsellor education and training that targets weight bias reduction in clinical counselling practice is outlined
How Stigma Impacts the Treatment Access-ability of Psychedelics for Mental Health
No full textIn this paper, I will discuss the therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine in order to give a breadth of understanding throughout psychedelic categories, prior to understanding the stigma impacting them, and their therapeutic applications. The purpose of this paper is to further understand how psychedelics may be helpful within counselling and uncover how stigma seems to impact their treatment access-ability. To fully understand the uses of psychedelics, I have included a section on the Indigenous uses as well, to allow for a deeper understanding within the history and stigma sections. I have also included quotes from participants of published psychedelic-assisted therapy studies, to infuse an experiential aspect into the literature review. I have done this because it became very clear to me that a comprehensive understanding of psychedelics is necessary to add to the rich data collection and synthetization of findings
Impacts of Parent Attributes in High Conflict Coparenting Relationship and the Effect on Child Adjustment
No full textDivorce and separation are global issues that affect both the parents and children involved in this situation and can leave children with internal and external symptoms arising from the adjustment to a new family unit. These symptoms can happen immediately and can be long-lasting. Many risks can affect a child's adjustment, such as the child's resilience, coparenting relationship, and intimate partner violence. Despite divorce and separation risks, families often break up in societies. It is imperative to know these risks. Clinicians are able to understand and explore with these families how they can create better adjustments for their children. This review explored the multi-layered barriers that can contribute to children's adjustment. This critical review involved a methodological analysis of eleven key studies. An examination of many additional studies revealed the complex nature of children adjusting to divorce and separation. It is recommended that clinicians in this population utilize a Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory lens to support this population. As well as clinicans participate in community psychoeducation around divorce, separation, and children's adjustment
