National University System Repository
Not a member yet
5119 research outputs found
Sort by
What Key Barriers Prevent International Students from Using Mental Health Services, and How Can These be Addressed to Improve Engagement?
No full textInternational students often face significant mental health challenges exacerbated by barriers that limit access to support services. This paper explores these barriers and recommends strategies to improve students' well-being and academic success. Given international students' economic and cultural contributions, it is ethically and practically important to effectively support their mental health needs. Research in counseling psychology would tackle the following question: What barriers prevent international students from accessing mental health services, and what would increase engagement? This paper will review how counseling professionals might tailor approaches and build on culturally sensitive interventions by considering acculturative stress, linguistic barriers, and stigma. The paper uses a comprehensive literature review methodology to discuss issues related to underutilizing mental health services among international students. This study does a wide database search through the City University library, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, using certain keywords to include only relevant, recent peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024 and focus on international students from non-Western backgrounds. The literature review reveals significant barriers to service utilization, including stigma, linguistic challenges, and limited access to culturally competent resources. Additionally, a deeper understanding of students' help-seeking behaviors and support needs is crucial for promoting engagement. These findings show the necessity of counseling services to address the unique experiences of international students. By having culturally responsive interventions, mental health professionals could significantly enhance mental health outcomes for this populatio
Exploring the Relationship Between Adolescent Sleep, Excessive Technology Use and Mental Health
No full textThis research project delves into the complex relationship between sleep, technology use and the mental health of adolescents. Teenagers often find it challenging to obtain sufficient sleep, and with the increase in technology usage in recent years, it has become even more difficult. This study aims to understand how inadequate sleep and excessive technology usage negatively affects the mental health of teenagers. It also explores connecting factors and provides recommendations for intervention. The research examines how inadequate sleep can impact emotional regulation, depression, and anxiety. The role of technology in disrupting sleep patterns is examined, with a focus on nighttime screen use and social media. By understanding the intricate dynamics of sleep, technology, and mental health, stakeholders, like school counselors, educators, parents, and adolescents themselves, can implement targeted interventions to promote healthy habits to increase sleep and help teenagers to improve their mood and mental health. Ultimately, this will enhance the overall well-being of today’s youth
Loss, Grief, and Resilience: In Children and Youth
No full textThis Capstone, "Loss, Grief, and Resilience: In Children and Youth," discusses how children and youth develop resiliency when struggling with loss and grief on various levels. There are four sections to this literature review which include resilience, grief and loss, children and youth developing resilience, and children and youth coping with grief and loss. The information has been gathered from peer-reviewed articles that address these subjects in the past 5 to 10 years. Information has been compiled from experts in the field reassessing previous research as well as some original research, along with discussion on how to define these topics. While researching this topic, it became very evident that there is information available regarding concerns and strategies; however, there has been no cohesive outcome defined. My conclusion, based on my research and also as a professional nurse clinician working with children and youth, has been that communities and professionals need to merge to address these concerns on a financial and resource level
The Role of Mindfulness in Mitigating Vicarious Trauma Among Mental Health Professionals
No full textThis capstone explores the role of mindfulness in mitigating vicarious trauma (VT) among mental health professionals. VT, a profound emotional and cognitive shift resulting from deep empathic engagement with trauma survivors, poses significant challenges to the well-being and professional efficacy of those in the mental health field. The capstone investigates how mindfulness practices such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can serve as effective interventions to combat the detrimental effects of VT. Findings suggest that mindfulness not only helps reduce symptoms of VT but also fosters vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG), transforming trauma exposure into opportunities for personal and professional development. The research shows the importance of integrating mindfulness into both individual practices and organizational policies to enhance resilience and sustain mental health professionals in their roles. This capstone contributes to the broader discourse on mental health care by advocating for mindfulness as a critical tool for ensuring the well-being and longevity of professionals working in trauma-focused environments
Smartphone Addiction & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence-Based Treatments
No full textThis research project dives into the indicated relationship between Smartphone Addiction (SPA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within the context of counselling. This study looks at evidence-based treatments that psychotherapists and counselling clinicians can utilize to successfully address the interconnected difficulties by combining existing literature and empirical studies. The results show the importance of mindfulness-based therapies (MBI), physical activity, social support, and digital health interventions (DHI) in combating and reducing symptoms of ADHD and SPA. The research intends to provide the counselling profession with practical techniques to support individuals dealing with these complex challenges by conducting a thorough analysis of various treatment modalities. Counsellors can have a significant impact on individuals with ADHD and their SPA by prioritizing a comprehensive treatment approach and taking into account the specific requirements of each individualistic client. This approach is crucial in encouraging recovery and enhancing overall well-being
Comparing the Effectiveness of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT): Improving Attachment Security in Preschool Children who Have Faced Relational Trauma
No full textThis capstone will focus on the effects of relational trauma on preschool children's attachment. Following a review of the literature on the topic will be a discussion on the benefits and shortcomings of both child centered play therapy (CCPT) and cognitive behavioural play therapy (CBPT). A comparison will be done to examine the different approaches regarding improving attachment security for this population. The research question being explored is: is CCPT or CBPT more effective in improving attachment security in preschool children who have faced relational trauma? The area of research will delve into the topics of relational trauma in children, how attachment is developed, the challenges in relationships for children after trauma, and comparative therapeutic options for these children. The research found on these topics will then be brought together to provide guidance on the research question at hand. The literature review suggested that the most significant difference between CCPT and CBPT for addressing attachment and relational trauma is the aim of a directive or child led approach. If a client is needing emphasis on a healthy relationship, then CCPT may be more effective. If the child is needing structure and direction, CBPT may be more beneficial. There are positives and negatives to each method, and it is up to the therapist to decide where their competence lies and what their client needs
Counselling in the Time of Socio-Political Polarization
Get PDFIn the last decade, socio-political polarization has become increasingly strong and prevalent around the world. It manifests as a greater support for extreme views on the political and ideological spectrum and is accompanied by negative feelings towards people with opposite views. Polarization leads to entrenched social and political positions, decreased dialogue, and deteriorated social cohesion. As such, it poses significant challenges to individuals and communities in the realm of public discourse, workplaces, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. In counselling settings, polarization presents as clients heightened emotional distress, interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts, social isolation, and decreased overall wellbeing. In this light, counsellors are tasked with addressing diverse political perspectives, supporting clients with exploration of their values and alleviating their emotional and psychological distress. At the same time, socio-political polarization can impact counsellors on a personal and professional levels and present them with ethical dilemmas inherent to politically sensitive and emotionally charged issues. This paper explores multidimensional dynamic of socio-political polarization in its current state, its implications for counselling practice, the role of counselling in this context, and strategies of navigating therapeutic work with politically diverse clients
Diagnosis During Adolescence: Mental Health Among Individuals Diagnosed with Epilepsy
Get PDFIndividuals diagnosed with epilepsy are vulnerable to issues with mental health. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that although primarily known for its medical treatment, also has psychological symptoms that need to be addressed. As such, this literature review looks at the factors associated with epilepsy and mental health in adolescents. Findings indicating that epilepsy management requires a holistic approach inclusive of significant lifestyle changes. This capstone paper provides a detailed look into the various ways adolescence, epilepsy and mental health intersect
Evaluating Effectiveness of Somatic Experiencing in Treating PTSD
Get PDFThis Capstone research project focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach, to treating post-traumatic stress disorder. I used a systematic review method, a scientific and rigorous approach, in establishing and evaluating the evidence regarding the effectiveness of somatic experiencing to add to the evidence-based decision-making research in health care. I discussed a variety of treatment approaches to treatment of PTSD and how each of them works neuroscientifically and the advantages and drawbacks of the two established approaches. Finally, I used a systematic review approach to collect information, synthesize it, and analyze it to establish evidence on whether somatic experiencing is effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder among diverse populations, located in various settings
The Influence of Social Stigma, Catholicism, and Morals on Post-Abortive Distress
No full textThis capstone investigates the influence that social stigma, Catholicism, and morals have on the development of post-abortion distress in post-abortive women. Despite living in the 21st century, there are still a number of topics that are ostracized and taboo within modern day society. One such topic happens to be abortion. Particularly when it comes to the reproductive rights of women and the right to fetal life. Despite the abundance of literature on abortion, there is limited information pertaining on women who experience post-abortion distress. In order to expand on the current literature, it would be crucial to understand the impact that stigma, religion and morals have on an individual and determine the role each plays in the development of post-abortion distress. The research question addressed "How does social stigma, Catholicism, and morals influence post-abortive distress?". In order to answer the research question, a literature review was conducted by selecting and analyzing specific studies as a way to identify key themes that address the research question. The methodology of the selected articles were critiques through a systematic process, where the writer investigated and analyzed each of their strengths and limitations. A few findings included the influence that social stigma has on post-abortive women who experience distress, in addition to how morals and religious views on abortion may impact an individual's response to their own abortion experience. Furthermore, there are effective intervention's that could be used to support women who experience post-abortive distress, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), art therapy and faith-based approaches. The findings highlighted each intervention’s efficacy in aiding those who experience post-abortion distress, with CBT being one of the most promising within the literature, however art therapy and faith-based approaches show promise for when working with post-abortive women