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How does Social Anxiety Affect Adolescents?
No full textThis capstone project explores the impact of social anxiety on adolescents and offers practical, school-based recommendations to support affected students. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Labelling Theory, the study examines how social anxiety influences academic performance, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. This article puts school counsellors' rich efforts towards stigma reduction and mental health literacy development into the limelight through evidence-based practices such as peer mentoring programs, mindfulness training, and widespread curriculum infusion. Special attention is placed on the lived experience of marginalized youth who face systematic barriers in accessing mental health services. Through student leader empowerment, staff training, and family engagement, schools can create caring communities where mental health is the norm, and help is an arm's length away. The project concludes with recommendations on creating inclusive, stigma-free learning environments promoting students' well-being and resilience
Addressing Eco-Anxiety in Youth Through Nature-Based Art Therapy
No full textThis capstone addresses the pressing challenge of eco-anxiety among adolescents, investigating how this emerging form of climate-related distress impacts youth well-being and development. The project explores the potential of a Nature-Based Art Therapy (NBAT) group program to provide emotional support and foster resilience in young people aged experiencing eco-anxiety. The literature review synthesizes research on eco-anxiety and its emotional effects, alongside therapeutic approaches that blend creative expression and engagement with natural environments. It also considers cultural and ecological frameworks that highlight the importance of connection to place and holistic healing. Building on this foundation, the capstone proposes an 8-week NBAT intervention designed to create a safe, supportive space where participants can process complex feelings related to environmental change through art and nature immersion. The study’s findings emphasize the value of integrating nature-based, creative modalities within school and community mental health services to better meet the needs of youth experiencing ecological distress. Recommendations underscore the importance of culturally responsive programming and advocate for continued research to evaluate and refine therapeutic strategies that empower young people to navigate the psychological challenges of a changing environment with hope and agency
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Educational Leadership for a More Inclusive Future
No full textThis capstone study examines the past and present environments in which women are both pursuing and leading in educational leadership. The purpose of this capstone study is to draw awareness to the experiences of women as system education leaders, as well as identify the barriers and challenges that they face in the male-dominated field of educational leadership. Recommendations such as intentional female hiring, focusing on female leadership characteristics, and implementing female mentorship programs identified in this capstone study aim to support education systems and school authorities in ensuring that women are better represented across educational leadership. By increasing the representation of women in educational leadership, students and their families, as well as all school staff, will be positively affected by the inclusion of these educators who have a strong set of skills and characteristics. These changes can positively impact the educational journeys of all students and foster an environment of growth and intellectual challenge for a new generation of female leaders within education
Beyond the Screen: Social Media's Impact on Young Women's Well-Being and Romantic Relationships
No full textThis capstone explores the psychological and relational influence of social media use on young women, with a particular focus on self-perception, body image, and well-being. As social media platforms become significantly popular and central to identity development, young women may experience heightened vulnerability to social comparison, internalized beauty standards, mental health challenges, and relational implications. This paper highlights the intricate ways online engagement can influence emotional and interpersonal outcomes by examining current research on social media use, body dissatisfaction, and relational dynamics. This capstone aims to raise awareness of the extent to which social media use can influence young women while providing practical strategies that foster self-compassion, critical awareness, and healthier online interactions
Rethinking Mental Health in British Columbia: A Trauma-Informed Critique of the Mental Health Act and Western Counselling Education
No full textThis capstone critically examines British Columbia's Mental Health Act (MHA) through a traumainformed framework with specific focus on the deemed consent provision and its impact on Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups. Drawing from abolitionist worldview, decolonial and anti-oppressive perspectives, and lived experience, this paper explores how the MHA positions mental health as an individualized biomedical issue rather than recognizing and addressing the oppressive social systems that contribute to collective mental illness. In doing so, it grants excessive, unchecked authority to healthcare professionals and police officers, perpetuating systems of control and surveillance rather than community- based, culturally
sensitive care. It also critiques the capitalistic and colonial nature of Western-centric counselling education, arguing counsellors must question curriculum and challenge these structures to create cultural safety, autonomy, and community care. By re-evaluating legislation and curriculum through trauma-informed frameworks, we can equip counsellors to disrupt harmful systems and advocate for transformation that address root causes of mental illness rather than pathologizing—and punishing—individuals impacted by systemic harm
Transformational Leadership in Remote and Hybrid Academic Library Work Environments: A Quantitative Predictive Correlational Study
No full textIn recent years, academic libraries have experienced a profound shift toward remote and hybrid work models, redefining traditional approaches to library services and workforce management. This transition has introduced new complexities for leaders seeking to maintain organizational performance and employee engagement in increasingly digital environments. This quantitative predictive correlational study investigates the relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement in remote or hybrid academic library environments. Data were collected via online survey from 108 academic library workers employed in remote or hybrid roles. Participants completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) to assess perceptions of transformational leadership, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) to measure work engagement. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression to evaluate relationships and predictive power. Results revealed statistically significant correlations between several transformational leadership variables and work engagement. Stepwise regression analysis identified idealized attributes and inspirational motivation as significant predictors of work engagement, suggesting that those specific types of leadership behaviors influence employee engagement in remote and hybrid work environments. The study found evidence that transformational leadership remains relevant in remote and hybrid academic library settings, although some elements may manifest differently than in traditional in-person environments. The study also underscores the need for further exploration to illuminate how leaders enact transformational behaviors across digital channels and how remote and hybrid workers perceive and respond to those efforts
The Value of Community Healing for First-Generation Immigrant Women
Get PDFThis capstone addresses how community based healing practices support the mental health, well being, and belonging of first generation immigrant women in North America. The research examines existing literature grounded in community psychology and intersectional, multicultural perspectives, focusing on the unique ways that collective healing practices, such as women’s circles and peer networks promote resilience, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of community for immigrant women. Scholarly findings revealed that mainstream mental health care often fails to account for the cultural, linguistic, and immigration status differences that form these women's experiences, resulting in misalignments between mental health services and community needs. The research demonstrated the importance of recognizing immigrant women's diverse cultural backgrounds, as what constitutes a mental health need, or a coping strategy, may differ across cultures. Through the application of relevant research, this capstone proposes a Community Healing Toolkit that bridges culturally sensitive approaches and gender-empowering programs designed to support immigrant women. It also calls for future research to mitigate gaps in the existing literature, particularly around the impact of immigration status on mental health outcomes and the role of belonging in the acculturation journey. The study concludes by reaffirming the value of culturally responsive and community-led care for the well-being and belonging of immigrant women
Adolescent Mental Health Supports for Males
No full textAdolescent male mental health is a topic that is rarely discussed in the psychological world due to its stigma and lack of representation within the literature. This Capstone analyzes and reviews supports for mental health professionals to address adolescent male ages 13 to 17 mental health concerns. Although mental health is a new topic that is continuously being researched, it is evident that there is a lack of support for adolescent males who have significant mental health problems. There is a stigma associated with male mental health that is prominent in society that cause males to hide their mental health conditions due to fear of societal pressures. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and utilizing peer support as an influence for behaviors and decisions. It is a time where individuals discover who they are, and males often feel the societal pressure to behave a certain way which leads to significant problems in adulthood. This Capstone will highlight the best theoretical approaches to working with adolescent males as well as the incorporation of physical activity to provide an alternative support. This Capstone will introduce a lesson plan for schools or community centers to support adolescent males by incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy and physical literacy to support mental health
Strategies Elementary School Principals Implement to Cultivate a Positive and Inclusive School Culture: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study
No full textThe problem addressed in this study was some elementary school principals do not cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to identify strategies elementary school principals believe cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture that supports a sense of belonging in rural public elementary schools in Northern California. The research was grounded in transformational leadership theory, which emphasizes connection, empowerment, and well-being. Data were gathered through individual interviews with eight elementary school principals and a follow-up mini-focus group. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis process guided the coding and theme development. Three primary themes emerged in response to the first research question: communication and transparency, building relationships and inclusion, and supportive leadership. Two additional themes arose for the second research question: staff and student well-being and empowerment. Findings revealed that principals’ relational practices, especially those that model empathy, clear communication, and shared leadership, play a crucial role in shaping school culture. When leaders prioritize inclusion, emotional safety, and student voice, they foster environments where staff and students feel valued and connected. This study underscores the importance of leadership practices rooted in transparency, empathy, and a commitment to holistic well-being. The findings contribute to the field by offering practical insights into how principals influence school culture. The findings also support the design of leadership preparation programs that prioritize emotional intelligence and inclusive practice. This study confirms that principals play a crucial role in creating schools where all individuals, including students, staff, and families, experience a strong sense of belonging
The Pathway from Grief to Housing for Women Experiencing of Homelessness: A Narrative Therapy Approach
No full textIt is challenging to reduce barriers to permanent housing for women experiencing homelessness and grief. This population is at risk for significant negative social, financial and health, and is vulnerable to violence and isolation. This capstone explores whether narrative therapy is valuable in treating women with disenfranchised grief who are also experiencing homelessness. The literature review draws from research gathered via Google Scholar, City University of Seattle, Athabasca University and University of Alberta databases. The discussion examines the social impacts women experiencing homelessness face, and explores grief as a barrier. There is stigma associated with women experiencing homelessness and disenfranchised grief; this stigma can impact the ability of this population to reconnect in their communities. This paper explores therapy modalities that are currently used to address behaviors and thought patterns associated with women experiencing both homelessness and grief. Specifically, it explores narrative therapy as a way to reframe these patterns and behaviors. This discussion addresses how women can be supported by mental health and social agencies, decreasing barriers to stable, long-term housing initiatives. It concludes by discussing clinical recommendations based on research-informed practices and recommends further research into the efficacy of narrative therapy