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Navigating Self-Discovery: The Interplay of Social Media and Adolescent Identity Formation
No full textThis capstone uses a comprehensive review of the literature to examine the psychological impacts that social media has on the interplay of adolescent development in regards to their identity formation. The rationale for writing this capstone was to better identify how the insights from the literature could contribute to the understanding of impacts made on adolescent development for clients and their families. Having an understanding of the development of adolescents is imperative to understanding basic mental health support while offering effective treatment for those seeking support for their mental health. This research project’s methodology was a critical analysis of current and past literature that addresses adolescent development and the evolution of social media’s interplay with adolescents. This capstone notes how families with unstructured, limitless, and unsupervised use of social media content has led to increased psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression, body dysphoria, anger, suicidality, and self-harm. Interventions which include skill development, open lines of communication and acceptance were discussed as helpful commonalities appearing in the quantitative research. Additionally, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are presented as a theoretical model for application in the clinical setting. The recommendations for future research included interdisciplinary research which would address the environmental, psychological, and social nature of the impacts leading to psychological concerns. Further research conducted within the Canadian context was recommended, with an emphasis on heterogenous samples, and finally, a recommendation was made for research to apply different theoretical models to determine their effectiveness in treating youth with psychological concerns that are related to the context of “phone hygiene.” This final recommendation was made emphasizing the need to adapt theoretical models to integrate awareness in how families are adapting to the presence of technology in the home and healthy structure for use of phones with adolescents. The capstone concludes with a personal reflection highlighting areas of growth in both clinical and research perspectives and the impact on future professional practice
Behind the Lens: Sharenting, Family Vlogging, and the Psychological Impact of Growing Up Online
No full textThis capstone synthesizes research on the psychological, developmental, and systemic impacts of sharenting, the practice of parents sharing children's images and information online. This work explores how early and ongoing digital exposure influences autonomy, identity formation, and relational boundaries. Guided by Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory, Bowen Family Systems Theory, and Goffman's Dramaturgical Approach, the literature review synthesizes research on the ways curated online portrayals shape self-concept, disrupt family dynamics, and create lasting digital legacies. The review also evaluates four intervention models, Circle of Security Parenting, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Mindful Parenting, and psychoeducation, as potential frameworks for guiding caregivers toward ethical, developmentally informed sharing practices. The capstone addresses implications for mental health professionals, caregivers, policymakers, technology platforms, and community organizations, recommending stronger legal safeguards for child influencers, integration of digital ethics into counselling practice, and platform-level measures to protect minors' privacy. These recommendations aim to support child-centred, ethically responsible approaches to online content creation involving children
Multimodal Pathway Impact of Resistance Training on Depression and Anxiety
No full textThe counselling experience may include a lot more than talk therapy. The experience can include discussions, strategies and action-oriented planning of lifestyle adjustments to better support clients in achieving their goals. Along with physical initiatives such as yoga or walking, resistance training may be one lifestyle addition that can be suggested by counsellors. The purpose of this capstone is to examine the impacts of resistance training (RT) on depression and anxiety. RT is the act of using resistance to employ force requiring muscle contraction. A biopsychosocial lens is used to explore the different pathways that RT impacts mental health. Using psychological, social and medical perspectives, this capstone brings together data from experimental studies, as well as meta-analyses to create a fulsome view of the positive impacts of resistance training on depression and anxiety. This research may provide evidence-based rationale for counsellors to discuss RT as an adjunct intervention for clients dealing with depression and anxiety. There are also challenges in the study of RT and mental health outcomes which results in the need for longitudinal studies, maintenance of controls allowing for natural setting versus a laboratory setting, and adherence to long-term routines. The aim of this project is to also put forth direction and ideas to further this area of study
Fostering Connection in the Face of Ecological Crisis
Get PDFAn increasing number of individuals are experiencing psychological distress related to the climate and ecological crisis, which has been identified as the “greatest global health threat of the 21st century” by the International Psychoanalytical Association. Mental health practitioners are increasingly encountering clients who present with concerns such as ecological grief, climate anxiety, solastalgia, and post-traumatic stress following climate-related disasters (Baudon & Jachens, 2021). Although these phenomena are becoming more prevalent, the field of counselling has only recently begun to articulate therapeutic frameworks that adequately address the intersection of ecological crisis and mental health. This capstone examines the existing literature on the psychosocial impacts of ecological crisis, with attention to both individual and collective dimensions. It situates ecological distress within broader contexts, including socio-political contexts, the theory of dislocation, and systems of inequity, and considers how these dynamics contribute to client experiences of distress. The capstone also includes an evaluation of counselling approaches that integrate an ecological lens, highlighting interventions that are responsive to the unique emotional, cultural, and existential dimensions of climate concerns. Particular attention is paid to decolonizing and politicizing therapeutic practice, fostering resilience among both clients and clinicians, and supporting diverse climate-affected populations. The capstone culminates in a primer for climate-aware therapy that contributes to the advancement of counselling theory and practice in an era of ecological crisis
Mental Health Benefits of Stripping for Sex Workers And Therapeutic Implications
No full textThe goal of this capstone is to both explore and propose the mental health benefits of stripping. Gaps in research will be addressed by putting forward valuable input based on personal experience, emerging studies and sex worker community collaboration. A brief look at North American colonial history rooted in systems of oppression sets the foundation for understanding the problem of why negative beliefs about women who engage in stripping have been perpetuated across centuries. In the literature review, an analysis of recent empirical research and psychological literature about sex workers underscores the field's focus on unhelpful pathology and stigma. A critique is made of inaccurate, biased research that has compounded over time, highlighting the need for resilience-focused research informed by stripper and sex worker participation and meaningful consultation. The result in chapter 3 is a bold redefining of stripping through its experienced mental health benefits compiled by an award-winning stripper with 20 years in the industry along with contributions from sex worker colleagues. The proposed benefits of stripping may be employed as an educational resource to inform counsellors, future researchers, the larger field of psychology and anyone seeking to be a sex worker ally, including pole dance hobbyists. Implications for counsellors working with this population are provided towards clinical practice that is anti-oppressive, grounded in client-centered care and sex worker advocacy
Instructor Perceptions of Ancillary Curricula in Cannabis Studies: A Qualitative Case Study
No full textAs the legal cannabis industry grows, colleges remain unprepared to train the workforce needed to sustain it. This qualitative case study examined instructors’ perceptions of the structure and workforce alignment of cannabis ancillary education programs in post-secondary institutions. The study addressed a widening gap between institutional offerings and industry realities, where unclear program design and limited support continue to disadvantage students, particularly those impacted by the collateral consequences of the War on Drugs. The study evaluated whether existing cannabis programs prepare students for real-world participation and how faculty navigate instructional design within decentralized or unsupported environments. Grounded in adult learning theory, the research also explored how instructors adapt content, provide relevance, and compensate for the lack of formal curricular models. Twelve instructors from post-secondary institutions across multiple states participated in semi-structured interviews. Using numerous rounds of coding and member checking, the analysis revealed three themes: fragmented program structures influence legitimacy and outcomes; limited experiential learning weakens student preparation; and narrow access pathways exclude the very learners cannabis policy reform claims to serve. Participants described building courses from scratch, relying on personal experience to fill institutional gaps. These findings confirm that cannabis education remains underdeveloped, leaving students uncertain, disconnected from workforce opportunities, and unsupported by systems meant to help them succeed. This study offers institutions a roadmap to shift from siloed course offerings to structured, intentional programs that embed applied learning and repair historical harm. The findings point to new possibilities for coordinated cannabis education that builds equity, fosters economic mobility, and reflects the communities it aims to serve
Young Black Women's Social Support Needs While Transitioning Out of Foster Care: A Case Study
Get PDFYoung Black women aging out of the foster care system encounter significant challenges as they transition to adulthood. This qualitative exploratory single case study examined whether the social support services provided to young Black women transitioning from the North Carolina foster care system were effectively matched to their perceived needs. Optimal Matching Theory served as the guiding framework for the study. Participants included four young Black women who had aged out of foster care and nine stakeholders with professional experience supporting this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the alignment of perceived needs and services. The young women were asked whether the support they received met their needs, while stakeholders were questioned about their perspectives on service alignment. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed eight themes: four from each participant group. Themes from the young Black women included: (1) participation in social support programs, (2) social support needs, (3) relationships with support personnel, and (4) unaddressed needs. Stakeholder themes included: (1) available social support services, (2) determining support needs, (3) engaging with young women to meet their needs, and (4) challenges in service delivery. Findings indicate the need for personalized and culturally responsive services. Recommendations include cultural competence and trauma-informed training for providers, exploration of culture-specific trauma responses and attachment patterns, addressing substance use as a coping mechanism, and supporting young women recovering from human trafficking. The study highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive assessment tools, personalized interviews, and strong stakeholder relationships to identify and address needs effectively. A holistic, integrated approach, emphasizing stable adult relationships, culturally informed and mental health services, can foster a successful transition to adulthood for young Black women
ADHD in Women: A Relational Approach to Treatment
No full textAndrocentrism in research and psychology has created gaps in diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations. Women with ADHD represent an underserved minority population whose typical symptom profile are not accurately represented in common diagnostic criteria leading to late, under or mis diagnosis. Women are more likely to present with the inattentive subtype of ADHD and are more like to internalize symptoms, contributing to the challenges of identifying and treating girls and women. Undiagnosed girls and women are more likely to experience comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorder as well as challenges to interpersonal relationships and academic success. There are significant and lasting psychological consequences to being un-diagnosed, mis-diagnosed or late-diagnosed that women often face alone without the formal support available to those diagnosed in childhood
Children and Youth and the Negative Effects of Social Media
No full textThe purpose of this capstone is to determine the negative psychological, emotional, and developmental effects of social media use on children and youth. Research was directed to learn how social media use contributes to increased rates of anxiety and depression, and low self-esteem. What role does self-comparison on social media play in shaping their self-image and emotional well-being? Research was conducted to investigate the impact of social media use on peer relationships, exposure to cyberbullying, and social isolation among children and youth, as well as its effects on academic outcomes. Additionally, the study examined whether social media use influences sleep patterns and daily functioning. With social media use consistently on the rise among children and adolescents, and upgraded technologies targeted towards children and youth, as well as new platforms to join, meet new people, create content, and communicate it, it is important to get a broad understanding of the dangers and negative impact that social media can have on the development and lives of young people. Parents, caregivers, educators, youth workers, and counsellors must be fully aware of how social media affects children and youth and be aware of the dangers and signs that indicate young people may be consuming harmful content or being cyberbullied or harassed online
The Psychological Outcomes of Self-Silencing in Women as Compared to Men and Emotion-Focused Therapy
No full textSelf-silencing is a strategy used by women to maintain affiliation and security in their relationships. It is a way of avoiding conflict and meeting sociocultural expectations to be a "good woman"—that is, kind, passive, and submissive (Maji & Dixit, 2019). This capstone employs a constructivist paradigm, silencing the self theory, and attachment theory to understand the psychological impacts of self-silencing in women and provide a therapeutic framework that offers insight into the process of emotion-focused therapy for individuals and groups and the principles and interventions that may support women’s empowerment and subjective well-being