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The Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Mental Health in the African American Community While Being a Single Parent Who is Parenting Young Children Under the Age of Five: A Grounded Theory
No full textIn response to the impact of COVID-19 on African American single mothers’ mental health, this study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on maternal mental health in the African American community, while being a single parent who was parenting young children under the age of five. This qualitative study employed grounded theory methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss & Corbin, 2015) as described in Creswell and Poth (2018, 2025). The problem that was addressed in this study was that the pandemic adversely affected the mental health, daily routines, and struggles of African American single mothers. The interpretive theoretical framework for the study was the intersectionality theoretical framework. The framework was interconnected to the study because of the intersectionality of racism and sexism. The research questions were: How do AA single mothers describe their experiences of depression or anxiety while raising young children during the COVID-19 pandemic? How did COVID-19 affect AA single mothers' daily routines and struggles while raising young children? All 15 participants volunteered to participate in the study and were from Northern California. The emerging theory that resulted from this study was that as a result of the vulnerability of being a single AA female parent and the environmental and historical factors, such as systematic racism and the COVID-19 pandemic, AA single mothers who were parenting young children under five were disproportionately at a higher risk of personal obstacles. The obstacles included mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological concerns; problems concerning physical wellbeing for themselves and their children; struggles with childcare, and fretting about finances and employment
An Assessment of Cyber Threats Targeting Robotic Systems: A Quantitative Study
No full textOrganizations have embraced robotic systems as a necessity due to their numerous benefits. These systems are, unfortunately, increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. A cyber-attack on these entities can have serious consequences for companies. The problem addressed in this study is assessing organizations' security practices in preventing cyber threats to robotics systems. This quantitative correlation study examines whether organizations that adopt these systems effectively implement proper security measures to utilize this technology. This study employed the technology-organization-environment framework to examine how its components can aid in assessing organizations' security practices by adopting this technology for successful implementation. Data were collected from 88 cybersecurity professionals with at least three years of experience in protecting robotic systems using an online survey. The study used an original instrument, validated through preliminary pilot testing and Cronbach's Alpha test to establish reliability. Pearson's correlation and linear regression were utilized to test the data collected in SPSS. The results of the Pearson correlation indicated a positive correlation between network security, information security, application security, and organizational cybersecurity skill sets and the implementation of robotic systems. The p-value was less than 0.05, indicating rejection of the null hypothesis for all variables. The linear regression results indicated that network security and organizational cybersecurity skill sets were predictive variables with a p-value less than 0.05. The overall model was statistically significant, with an ANOVA score of p < .001. The findings underscored the importance of organizations implementing effective security practices to enhance their ability to prevent cyberattacks. The successful implementation of their robotics systems depends on this endeavor. Organizations can build resilience and ensure these systems achieve the goal that motivated their adoption within the organization by enforcing the recommendations
Nature-based therapy: Leverage the healing power of nature in the treatment of anxiety and depression
No full textThis capstone project explores the therapeutic potential of nature-based interventions in addressing contemporary mental health challenges, with a focus on depression and anxiety. Drawing on empirical research, the review synthesizes evidence that highlights nature’s ability to reduce symptom severity, improve mood, and enhance psychological well-being. Particular attention is given to the ways in which natural environments support emotional regulation, decrease ruminative thought patterns, and encourage adaptive coping. The project also examines considerations for applying these interventions in everyday contexts, acknowledging both opportunities and limitations in practice. This capstone emphasizes the healing power of nature, the accessibility of nature-based practices, and the importance of continued research to strengthen the integration of these approaches within the health care field
The Efficacy of Therapeutic Factors Associated with Memory Reconsolidation in Trauma Therapy
No full textIn this capstone, I examine the efficacy of therapeutic factors from memory reconsolidation (MR) research that can be applied in trauma therapy. In this context, trauma therapy includes only the treatment of memories affectively encoded in fear. Furthermore, this capstone focuses on behavioural interventions as opposed to drug interventions and on clinical trials in human populations as opposed to animal studies. Primary studies are synthesized and analyzed to explore the efficacy of specific therapeutic factors that induce MR through behavioural intervention. I elaborate upon an emergent understanding of how to theoretically access MR in trauma therapy for fear-based memories by exploring four inductive themes from this topic. Firstly, MR itself is briefly introduced. This introduction is followed by an inductive thematic analysis, which describes prediction error, taxing working memory, emotional schemas, and timing considerations as the four therapeutic factors that can theoretically elicit MR, as measured by symptom reduction, in clients who are experiencing trauma symptoms connected to fear-based memories
Interprofessional Collaborative Practices Enhance the Overall Benefits of Mental Health Services Provided to Counselling Clients
No full textThis paper examines how interprofessional collaborative practices can be utilized by psychologists to enhance the benefits of mental health services to their clients. This paper will examine the literature surrounding interprofessional collaborative practices, theoretical frameworks, outline a proposed study to examine the benefits of interprofessional collaborative practices, ethical concerns, cultural factors, future research recommendations, and highlight implications and recommendations for psychologists to incorporate interprofessional collaboration into their practices. The aim of this paper is to explain interprofessional collaborative practices and how these practices can benefit clients' overall health, as well as show the benefits to psychologists' inclusion of these practices
Gap in Perinatal Mental Health in South Asian Immigrants in Canada: Exploring the Prevalence of Perinatal Depression
No full textThe purpose of this Capstone was to explore the prevalence in perinatal depression among women who have immigrated to Canada from South Asian countries. While there is information about this population, this paper intends to address the gaps found within the literature regarding the mental health challenges South Asian women experience which may be emphasized due to immigration. After reviewing the relevant scholarly literature, bearing in mind intersectionality and environment, this project summarizes the gaps and encourages therapists to practice mindfulness and open-mindedness with cultural diversity. This Capstone addresses an underrepresented group of people who need support and the facts to support the lack of care they have been receiving, leading to their increased mental health challenges. Most importantly this project encourages therapists, counsellors, practicing professions, and all people to stay curious especially about the things that might not be so obvious
Social isolation in older adults: Understanding emotional and structural disconnection through counselling psychology
No full textSocial isolation and loneliness among older adults are increasingly recognized as urgent public health concerns with significant mental, physical, and emotional consequences. This capstone project explores how social isolation affects the well-being of adults aged 60 and above, with particular attention to South Asian and other culturally diverse elders who face additional barriers such as migration stress, stigma around mental health, and systemic inequities in healthcare access. Grounded in attachment and Systems Theory, this project integrates a literature review with reflective practice to highlight how isolation is shaped both relationally and structurally. An applied psychoeducational toolkit is presented, offering practical strategies for counsellors, including life story mapping, intergenerational dialogue, cultural humility practices, and systemic advocacy tools. The project emphasizes that addressing elder isolation requires both relational healing and broader systemic change. Implications for counselling psychology include the importance of culturally responsive care, advocacy beyond the therapy room, and the recognition that connection, dignity, and belonging remain essential across the lifespan
Text and Audio Classification Enabled Diagnosis for Treatment Applications by Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL)
No full textText and Audio Classification Enabled Diagnosis for Treatment Applications by Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL
Breaking Open the Bone: Mad Grief and Re-membering Through Youth-Centered Grief and Death Education and Support
No full textCritically exploring the cultural, social, and political dimensions of death and grief, this capstone paper focuses on youth experiences and the transformative potential of a grief support and death education curriculum. Beginning with an examination of the language used to describe grief and death, the paper interrogates the myths that shape individual experiences of death and loss. Drawing on critical theory, the paper then analyzes how sanism and capitalism shape dominant discourses, pathologizing grief experiences and reinforcing the expectation of productivity in the face of profound loss. Centering youth experiences and voices, the paper explores how grief can appear in young people, and how they are often underserved and silenced within existing support structures. A review of the current landscapes of grief support and death education reveals promising practices and significant gaps. To address these, this paper advocates for the integration of Mad Grief and Re-membering practices, resistance-based, relational, and narrative approaches that value and validate emotions, and reclaim collective mourning. These practices are presented as foundational to building a grief-informed and death-affirming culture that fosters connection, agency, and solidarity among grieving youth, ultimately serving as hope for a changed future. The final chapter presents an overview of a 10-week grief support and death education curriculum rooted in the resistance practices of Mad Grief and Re-membering, designed to be co-created with grieving youth. Ultimately, this paper envisions a reimagined approach to grief support and death education that centers the voices of youth, challenges dominant discourses, and co-creates a compassionate and inclusive future
Emotional and Physical Changes During the Perinatal Period: Implications for Counsellors
No full textThis capstone project aims to synthesize the current research focusing on the emotional and physical changes that occur during pregnancy and post-partum on current mental health interventions and counselling practices. The project contributes to the counselling field by identifying the gaps and highlighting the importance of having culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches for maternal mental health care. Relevant studies on interventions and longitudinal research are organized around four central themes: physical, emotional, sociocultural factors, and current mental health support strategies. These four themes highlight key issues such as post-partum-related anxiety, depression, post-birth complications, and sociocultural factors leading to barriers for effective assessible care and counselling supports. Guided by an attachment and feminist perspective to reach its conclusions, this review examines changing relational dynamics, sociocultural expectations, and relevant counselling interventions. Research consistently demonstrates that the perinatal period has a significant impact on a mother's emotional and physical well-being, while highlighting the need for additional specialized support to prevent further psychological and physical distress. However, limitations in current literature highlight significant gaps in representation of diverse populations, culturally sensitive care, and small sample sizes limit the scope within the results. Findings from this capstone project aim to enhance current counselling and healthcare practices through the application of effective evidence-based and inclusive therapeutic frameworks for maternal mental health needs