National University System Repository
Not a member yet
5119 research outputs found
Sort by
Aces, autoimmunity, and trauma-informed care
No full textTrauma has profound and lasting effects on both psychological and physiological health, yet clinical models often remain narrowly focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), overlooking complex developmental and somatic impacts. This paper explores the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and autoimmune disorders in adulthood, emphasizing the role of autonomic nervous system dysregulation as described by Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2011; Dana, 2018). Drawing from both Eastern and Western populations, it highlights the importance of culturally responsive care, particularly for South Asian and East Asian communities in Canada, where family structures, gender norms, and stigma shape trauma expression and somatic manifestations (Ahmad et al., 2020; Aguilar, Osman, Yeh, & Ghahari, 2025). Evidence indicates that early-life adversity becomes biologically embedded, influencing the HPA axis, autonomic function, and immune responses, thereby increasing vulnerability to chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases (Anda et al., 2006; Dube et al., 2009; Kuhlman, Chiang, Horn, & Bower, 2017; Köhler-Forsberg et al., 2025). Integrating somatic, neuroscience-informed, and culturally contextualized frameworks supports trauma-aware interventions that address both mind and body, offering a more holistic and inclusive approach to care for diverse populations (Fisher, 2021; Van der Kolk, 2014; Sullivan, 2018; Brown, 2021)
Including Harm Reduction Conversation in Substance Use Counselling with Youth
No full textThis capstone explores how incorporating a harm reduction approach when counselling youth who use substances strengthens the therapeutic alliance and prioritizes youth's safety. Youth who are using substances often experience shame, stigma, and barriers when looking for support and connection regarding their substance use. A harm-reduction approach offers a person-centered lens to exploring substance use that places emphasis on choice, autonomy, and dignity when it comes to making decisions about their substance use. Using a person-centered and harm reduction lens, this capstone explores how a harm reduction approach to substance use meets youth where they are at and strengthens the therapeutic alliance. This capstone aims to explore harm reduction as an approach to supporting youth who use substances within a counselling setting
The Influence of Cultic or High-Control Group Involvement on Adult Attachment and Identity
No full textThis project examines how cultic and high-control religious environments impact the attachment systems of their members using attachment theory, constructivist, and trauma-informed frameworks. The literature identifies the themes of attachment disruption, identity fragmentation, relational dysregulation, sexual exploitation, and spiritual injury, highlighting survivors' experiences with shame, intimacy difficulties, mistrust, and struggles with meaning-making from their experience in coercive environments. Empathy, validation, autonomy, and empowerment within therapeutic relationships, along with community-based support and education, are important aspects of survivors' repair and healing processes. Future research on cults should prioritize definitional clarity, the development of standardized methodologies, the exploration of the impact of cults on individuals across diverse contexts, and the identification of evidence-based therapeutic interventions
Including Disability into Sexual Health Education
No full textSexual health education is a vital but often overlooked site of inclusion, justice, and empowerment. Despite being one of the largest minority groups globally, people with disabilities have been historically excluded from comprehensive sexual health discourse. Protectionist policies, cultural stigmas, and systemic ableism have portrayed individuals who are affected by disability as childlike or desexualized, erasing their rights to knowledge, desire, and agency. This exclusion not only perpetuates infantilization but also increases vulnerability to exploitation, misinformation, and abuse. This capstone critically examines the historical and contemporary marginalization of disabled individuals within sexual health education through a feminist and transformative lens. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship, it identifies the consequences of exclusion and explores inclusive practices that center pleasure, autonomy, and access. In doing so, it argues that affirming sexual rights and identities is essential to both personal well-being and collective justice. Ultimately, the work calls educators, practitioners, and policymakers to reimagine sexual health education as a space where individuals with disabilities are recognized as full sexual citizens, who are capable of desire, agency, and self-determination
What Is the Impact of Cannabis on Mental Health Treatment for Depression and Anxiety? A Detailed Examination at Cannabis Use and its Influence on the Outcome of Therapy
No full textThe legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada has dramatically increased its availability and has changed attitudes surrounding cannabis and its usage. However, the impact of cannabis on mental health remains poorly understood despite its legalization, specifically its impact on depression and anxiety while users are in treatment. This paper is intended to synthesize existing literature on cannabis and its impact on therapeutic progress for individuals receiving treatment for depression and anxiety by way of a comprehensive literature review from the perspective of a harm reduction framework. The research reveals that while there are some components of cannabis like CBD that has the potential for therapeutic benefit, other components like THC are more likely to interfere with therapeutic progress. This capstone also proposes a framework for clinicians working with cannabis users who are in treatment for anxiety and depression that integrates harm reduction and clinical approaches, like psychoeducation and strength-based, solution-focused interventions. This paper aims to contribute to the limited amount of literature and knowledge on cannabis and its impact on mental health treatment outcomes, while also acting as a starting point for guidance for clinicians working with such populations
Chinese immigrants acculturating to Canada
Get PDFThis capstone will focus on Chinese immigrants acculturating into Canada. It highlights the various ways individuals acculturate into a dominant culture as well as the formation of new identities. Throughout this, there will be a discussion on the nuances of the Chinese immigrant identity through exploring the rise of biculturalism among Chinese individuals as well as second generation immigrants. Furthermore, various issues that this cultural group experiences will be covered including isolation from the heritage and dominant groups, intergenerational conflict, and weak identity formation. The capstone will then summarize these concepts into a seven-week workshop to support bicultural Chinese individuals living in Canada
Towards a Holistic Healing Model: Applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
No full textHypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder with a profound biopsychosocial impact, such as chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Despite these significant challenges, research exploring psychotherapeutic interventions for individuals with hEDS is limited. This capstone examines the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy, to address the psychological burden and enhance resilience for individuals with hEDS. Research findings are drawn from various disciplines, such as medicine, psychology, and counselling, using the biopsychosocial approach as a guiding framework to study the potential application of ACT for people with hEDS. Current literature indicates that people with hEDS experience significant physical, psychological, and social challenges., ACT has been found to be an effective approach for helping people in managing chronic illness. Although no direct studies of ACT and hEDS exist, evidence from related populations demonstrates ACT’s effectiveness in increasing psychological flexibility, reducing distress, and enhancing quality of life. The findings suggest that ACT’s core principles of acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, and values-based action, align well with the needs of those with hEDS. These insights are synthesized, and recommendations on how to apply ACT in a therapeutic setting for those with hEDS are provided. Further, ethical considerations are addressed, and areas for future research are identified. This study contributes to the understanding of hEDS by offering a holistic and evidence-based perspective that paves the way for future research into ACT’s efficacy for hEDS
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence on Adut Women
No full textThis capstone project addresses the escalating threat of technology-facilitated intimate partner violence (TFIPV) by investigating consequences of TFIPV victimization on women. The same digital technologies that enrich modern life are increasingly leveraged by perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) to exert coercive control and inflict harm. This study was guided by the research question: “What are the emotional and psychological consequences of TFIPV on adult women?” The objective was to thoroughly investigate and synthesize current academic literature to deepen professional understanding of this complex phenomenon. A systematic thematic literature review was conducted, involving a critical assessment of methodological rigor across various studies. The literature revealed four critical themes concerning the emotional and psychological experiences of survivors: the impact of perpetrator omnipresence, adverse mental health outcomes, disenfranchised grief and loss, and the complex coping strategies survivors employed to navigate through victimization. These findings underscore the necessity of professional understanding of TFIPV and employing trauma-informed and survivor-led approaches in clinical practice and safety planning. The author suggests utilizing support groups for healing and recommends future quantitative research on mental health symptomology, diverse demographics, and coping strategy factors. This Capstone is offered with the hope of inspiring advocacy and creating a path toward greater recognition and support for those impacted by technology-facilitated violence
From Screens to Souls: Parasocial Relationships, Mental Health, and Therapeutic Practice
No full textParasocial relationships (PSRs) have become increasingly common. Although they remain under-explored in therapeutic practice, they have meaningful psychological functions. This capstone explores the development, benefits, and risks of PSRs through three theoretical lenses: Attachment Theory, Object Relations Theory, and Social Development Theory. I review the current literature that indicates PSRs can provide companionship, emotional regulation, identity exploration, and a sense of belonging, particularly for individuals experiencing loneliness or relational challenges. At the same time, research shows that PSRs can contribute to negative impacts such as unhealthy media use, body image concerns, social comparison, emotional distress during “parasocial breakups,” and blurred boundaries intensified by the newer interactive digital platforms. I will highlight the importance of recognizing parasocial bonds as a normal part of development. PSRs can offer important insights into clients’ attachment needs, internalized relational patterns, coping strategies, and identity formation. Recommendations highlight psychoeducation, CBT-informed approaches, improving media literacy and ways to manage loneliness while supporting clients in developing balanced offline connections
Exploring Factors Influencing Doctoral Students' Persistence and Completion: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
No full textDoctoral students often encounter a variety of unexpected challenges that hinder their progress toward academic and personal goals. This study addressed the urgent issue of low doctoral completion rates, which were 56.6% in 2021. Guided by self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2008), this qualitative descriptive study examined the factors that influence doctoral student persistence, productivity, and success. Specifically, it looked at how the core psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness shape students’ academic experiences and paths. Data were gathered through semi-structured Zoom interviews with 10 diverse participants who finished their doctoral degrees in 2022 and 2023, were fluent in English, and willing to share their experiences from different disciplines and universities across the United States. Each research question focused on a specific aspect of doctoral students' experiences, offering a comprehensive view of the factors affecting their persistence, productivity, and success. Participants identified various factors (e.g., personal, financial, time management, support systems) that impacted persistence during different stages of the doctoral journey, noting that challenges and motivators vary across academic disciplines (e.g., STEM vs. humanities). They also highlighted the roles of the three components of SDT (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) in shaping persistence, with these roles differing across disciplines and stages of the doctoral path. This research emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as financial support, mentorship programs, and mental health resources, to improve doctoral completion rates and student well-being. It enhances our understanding of the factors influencing persistence and provides practical insights for academic institutions, policymakers, and researchers aiming to improve outcomes in doctoral programs. Future research should focus on diversifying samples, analyzing long-term trends, and exploring how cross-cultural and discipline-specific differences affect the influence of SDT factors on persistence, further deepening the understanding of doctoral student experiences