National University System Repository
Not a member yet
5119 research outputs found
Sort by
Impacts of Viewing Pornography
No full textViewing pornography is a universal act that some individuals take part in as early as adolescence, leading into adulthood. The objective of this capstone is to offer an understanding of how viewing pornography impacts individuals across different areas of their lives and in various ways. This capstone reviews existing literature to provide an overarching overview of the impacts of viewing pornography, with a focus on sexual expectations, emotions, sexual acts, sexual experiences, and partnered sex experiences. Factors such as unrealistic sexual expectations, negative emotions, acts of violence, pleasure in partnered sex, and sexual competence in men and women are examined. The literature reviewed showed that there are both positive and negative impacts to viewing pornography. There is also still an impact of viewing pornography regardless of culture and sexual orientation. The capstone concludes with a guiding framework in the form of a questionnaire intended for therapists who may work with clients who voice concerns over their pornography viewing
Empowering Caregivers and Nurturing Growth: An Intervention for Caregivers with ACEs
Get PDFFoundational physical and emotional systems that shape an individual's lifelong well-being develop in early childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can significantly disrupt this development, often leading to physical and mental health challenges in adulthood. Adults who have experienced ACEs may unintentionally expose their own children to similar adversities, perpetuating cycles of intergenerational trauma. This capstone project reviews existing literature to explore the effects of ACEs in adulthood and seeks strategies to interrupt this cycle. In this capstone, I propose the development of a podcast that incorporates psychoeducational content aimed at supporting caregivers in both self-care and child-rearing practices. By empowering caregivers with knowledge and practical tools, this initiative seeks to promote healing, resilience, and the reduction of intergenerational trauma
Complex Childhood Trauma Across the Lifespan: Disruptions, Adaptations, and Opportunities for Recovery
No full textThis capstone project explores how one's experience of complex childhood trauma risks profound disruptions to their brain development, attachment formation, emotional regulation capacities, and interpersonal relationships. Complex childhood trauma negatively impacts certain domains of the brain, leading to deeply embedded challenges for a survivor, including impulsivity, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation as notable examples (McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). Furthermore, complex childhood trauma increases the likelihood for psychological disorders to emerge later in life due to the neurobiological and developmental disruptions caused by its pervasive, reoccurring nature (Danese & McEwen, 2012; McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). However, healing from this life experience is possible, as supportive relationships, co-regulation techniques, and trauma-informed therapies can serve to reduce these negative impacts and rewire unhelpful, maladaptive patterns of living (Calhoun et al., 2022; Frederick et al., 2023). This capstone also includes a three-day workshop for mental health practitioners, integrating and blending knowledge, techniques, and self-care to help bridge the space between theory and application
Examining the Impact of AI-Assisted Language Learning Tools on Second Language Production
No full textSecond-language learners frequently encounter challenges in speaking proficiency, including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, cognitive fluency, anxiety, and cultural nuances. Some students at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) face challenges with confidence and motivation when speaking the target language, which can hinder their development of speaking skills and overall language proficiency. While traditional methods might fall short, emerging technologies like AI-assisted language learning tools offer promising solutions to encourage spontaneous language use. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the impact of AI-assisted language learning tools on DLI students' motivation and confidence in speaking the target language. It drew on theories such as flow theory, mindset Theory, and the Communicative Language Teaching approach. The study surveyed students at the Language Center (LC) School of Language, located in the southeastern region of the United States, during the 19-week language course iteration. The participants were purposefully sampled, consisting of eight DLI linguists who were also language class students. The research method involved surveys and observation sessions where participants individually interacted with the TalkPal AI tool for speaking the Farsi language. The data analysis utilized an inductive and thematic data analysis method without any analysis software. Surveys and observation methods revealed that AI tools can reduce communication apprehension and boost learner confidence, especially for anxious learners. Future studies could investigate the effectiveness of these tools in various settings, utilize advancements in artificial intelligence, and assess their broader influence on language learning to incorporate them into the educational framework better. However, these tools must evolve to facilitate increasingly natural conversations, thus enhancing learner engagement and motivation. Therefore, realistic interaction and tool performance limitations currently suggest that AI tools are best used to supplement traditional methods, not replacements
Los ecos de dos idiomas: Historia de la educación bilingüe en los Estados Unidos.
No full textLanguage: English & Spanish
Bilingual education in the United States has a complex and evolving history, shaped by policy decisions, cultural shifts, and educational needs. *The Echoes of Two Languages: History of Bilingual Education in the United States* is a bilingual (Spanish-English) text designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of this history. It examines key policies, challenges, and successes that have influenced bilingual education, offering valuable insights for those working with diverse student populations. Through historical analysis and educational perspectives, the book highlights the importance of inclusive and equitable learning environments. By fostering an understanding of language as a bridge, it encourages educators to support students in navigating linguistic and cultural identities
Counselling for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Addressing Gaps in Care
No full textAlthough counselling for people with brain injuries is an emerging field, this group continues to receive limited support. An estimated 50 million people globally are affected by TBI, many of whom experience co-occurring psychological conditions such as persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma-induced psychological distress and a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation or behavior. These challenges can greatly reduce people's overall well-being. This capstone seeks to bridge the gap between current counselling strategies and emerging modalities, including eye movement and desensitization and mindfulness. A comprehensive review of current counselling strategies for the TBI population was conducted, and an analysis of emerging research demonstrated significant statistical outcomes. Findings from this capstone suggest that integrating less common modalities and adaptations for individuals' unique cognitive and emotional needs results in better outcomes. Implications for this capstone highlight the need to expand counselling practices to offer holistic and integrative care
Executive Leadership Change in BC Canadian Social Services Nonprofits: Support for Successful Transition
No full textBC community nonprofits have experienced problems of difficult and prolonged leadership transition during executive turnover. During CEO leadership transitions, nonprofits have dealt with low retention and high successive turnovers, causing a decrease in organizational performance, challenges in work culture and disruptions in strategic plans (Stewart, 2016; Stewart et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to understand the conditions that supported successful leadership turnover during executive succession (Stewart et al., 2021). Qualitative methodology and narrative inquiry were used to collect CEOs lived experiences of their transition success (Clandinin, 2023). The population for this study were past or current CEOs of BC, Canadian community nonprofits. The sampling approach was purposive and nonprofit CEOs with a tenure of five years or more, were selected from public listings of BC nonprofits. In the interviews, 13 participants were asked about the conditions that supported their successful executive transition and tenure in their nonprofit. The data was analyzed through the review, coding, categorization, and re-storying of interviews where participant stories were collected into coherent narratives by observing common themes (Creswell & Poth, 2018; Jennings, 2018). Themes in the narratives supporting succession were CEOs' psychological ownership, the transfer of responsibility and the resources required for a smooth leadership transition and retention of CEOs in their BC nonprofit (Stewart et al., 2021). These findings were used to generate recommendations for BC nonprofit Boards to secure the successful integration and retention of new CEOs into their community nonprofit (Li, 2019; Stewart, 2016)
Understanding the Impact of Immigration on Marital Relationships: The Perspective of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy
No full textThis capstone project explores the impact of the immigration experience on marital relationships, focusing on how attachment and identity needs are disrupted during the adaptation process. Using Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) and the theory of acculturation as guiding frameworks, the study examines how immigration-related stressors, such as role shifts and identity conflicts, affect the emotional bonds and interaction cycles between couples. Failure to address these core needs can diminish marital satisfaction and, in severe cases, lead to marital breakdown. By incorporating intersectional perspectives, this research broadens the scope of interventions available to counselors, offering effective strategies to address immigrant couples' unique challenges while considering the complexities of the acculturation process. The findings aim to equip practitioners with nuanced approaches to fostering resilience and nurturing relationship bonds in immigrant couples
Sikh Perspectives on Healing: Integrating Neuroscience and Mindfulness in Creating a Psychoeducational Tool to Aid in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder
No full textSubstance use disorder (SUD) and addictions are a common concern in the Punjabi Sikh community residing in North America. There is very limited research conducted on this population in relation to addictions. This leads to challenges on how to support the Punjabi Sikh community. The Punjabi Sikh community is known to be very spiritual and hold a strong belief in their faith and adhere to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib (GGS). The purpose of this literature review is to examine the efficacy of psychoeducation, neuroscience, spirituality/religion and various forms of mindfulness in recovery from substance use disorder and then study the Sikh religion's practices and principles. The goal is to highlight the commonalities between existing Western research in addictions recovery and the principles and practices of the Sikh religion that align with the research. The areas of psychoeducation, neuroscience, spirituality/religion, various forms of mindfulness and Sikh practices and principles were researched through a literature review. The field of neuroscience has provided substantial insight into recovery through the process of neuroplasticity. The various forms of mindfulness, praying, chanting, breathwork, music therapy and meditation have a positive impact on recovery from addictions. The Sikh religion encompasses all aspects of these mindfulness techniques along with guidance on how to overcome addictions As a result of this study, providing psychoeducation to the Sikh community struggling with addictions and those supporting them would be beneficial. A psychoeducational presentation is created to teach through a neuroscience lens how these aspects of the Sikh religion aid in recovery from addictions. Both behavioral and cognitive tools are suggested in the presentation
Beyond Buzzwords: Trauma Therapy and the Mechanism of Healing
No full textIn Canada, many people will be exposed to a traumatic event at least once in their lives, some of whom will seek counselling to address any subsequent effects. Some clinicians report not feeling prepared to provide adequate care to clients seeking trauma treatment and can even re-traumatize people if not careful. To explore the ways that trauma can be treated, it is important to have a solid conceptualization of what trauma is. The mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder was formalized in the DSM-III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980), but not all experiences of trauma will end up as a diagnosable disorder. Trauma exposure has been shown to cause both neurobiological and physiological effects. Options for treatment can be categorized into cognitive modalities, somatic modalities, and alternative approaches. There is evidence for a variety of trauma treatment methods (Hoppen et al., 2023), and it is recommended that further studies utilize different treatment modalities at the same time to explore the efficacy of a combined approach. Trauma is a deeply personal experience, which can affect people in a variety of ways, and thus healing will also take place through a variety of approaches. Because of the risk of potential re-traumatization, it is important for counsellors to be knowledgeable about trauma-informed practices and to be able to collaborate with clients to help meet their individual needs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014)