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Beneath the Uniform: Understanding the Psychological Toll of Public Safety Work and the Systems that Sustain It
No full textPublic safety personnel (PSP) are faced with a multifaceted array of psychological stressors that extend beyond individual trauma. While many have highlighted operational stress injuries, this capstone examines how identity, culture, and organizational design converge with operational stress injuries to shape long-term mental health outcomes (Carleton et al., 2017). Drawing on the concepts of trauma-informed care (Kim et al., 2021), Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (1979), and the transactional model of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), the discussion turns to the literature for an understanding of how distress is manifested within and outside of the PSP work environment. Trends such as burnout, moral injury, and stigma are more than just individual symptoms; often, they are symptomatic of broader systemic issues. In response, this capstone offers a set of recommendations according to cultural significance and experience: building on peer support; increasing flexibility in service delivery; and involving families more actively. The purpose of this capstone is not to provide one specific final solution, but to help change how care is considered and delivered to those who are responsible for keeping others safe
Secondary Educator Perceptions of Grading Practices
No full textGrading practices in education are overdue for modernization. This qualitative case study explored U.S. secondary educators’ (grades 6 through 8) perceptions of Standards-Based Grading (SBG) implementation, focusing on their training, support, and perceived benefits versus traditional grading practices. Guided by a constructivist paradigm and Kurt Lewin’s theory on resistance to change, this study used online questionnaires and online-mediated interviews to gather the perceptions of 24 secondary educators in the United States. Analysis was completed using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Findings indicated that the successful implementation of SBG requires that educational leadership use a coordinated and unified approach, including all stakeholders in the entire process to promote consistent language and long-term fidelity, and provide educators with ongoing training/professional development, technology tools, and aligned instructional/assessment materials. Finally, although secondary educators believe SBG to be a more equitable, transparent, and meaningful system that shifts the focus away from compliance and toward authentic learning, it was also found that they resist adopting SBG due to perceived barriers or detriments. Recommendations include aligned leadership, phased implementation, ongoing training/professional development, integration of technology and instructional resources, comprehensive stakeholder involvement and shared language, and strategies to address barriers/resistance to successful implementation. These findings provide actionable advice for educational leaders to improve SBG implementation, including fidelity and sustainability, in secondary education
Nature as Nurturer: Outdoor Therapy for Youth
No full textThis capstone paper investigates the potential of nature-based therapies to support youth mental health, addressing the growing disconnection in human-nature relationships alongside rising adolescent well-being concerns. While existing nature-based programs often emphasize wilderness and adventure, this study proposes an alternative model: brief, frequent nature-based sessions within a school counselling context. Integrating the principles of slow pedagogy and narrative therapy, this approach aims to foster nature attachment, awaken youth awareness, and support youth in exploring alternative narratives. Inspired by observations of profound student growth in immersive outdoor experiences, this research seeks to bridge a critical gap in the literature regarding the efficacy and accessibility of regular, short-duration nature interactions for youth wellness. By focusing on local engagement with natural settings, this paper outlines resources for school counsellors to support the integration of nature-based therapeutic practices into a school setting
Faith and Form: Exploring the Impact of Religiosity on Toxic Masculinity in Young Men
No full textThis literature review examines whether and how religiosity influences the manifestation of toxic masculinity among older adolescents and young men. Guided by hegemonic masculinity and Allport’s intrinsic-extrinsic framework, the review synthesizes empirical studies psychology, sociology, and public health, with an emphasis on peer-reviewed work addressing masculinity and religiosity in young men between the ages of 15 and 30. Methods involved a systematic search, selection, and critical evaluation of qualitative, longitudinal, cross-sectional and meta-analytic studies. Findings indicate that religiosity operates through three different pathways: religious socialization, religious coping and community support and the mechanisms of influence. Evidence suggests variable effects, where intrinsic religiosity often buffers discrepancy stress and fosters alternative masculinities, whereas extrinsic religiosity may reduce behavioural risks but can also reinforce restrictive, traditional gender norms. Limitations across studies involve reliance on cross-sectional designs, single-item religiosity measures, and culturally specific samples. Overall, the review highlights the potential of religiosity to both buffer and reinforce toxic masculinity, underscoring the necessity for nuanced clinical assessment and faith-integrated interventions. Future research should employ longitudinal, mixed-methods, and intervention-based designs to gain deeper insights into these dynamics
What Factors Contribute to Women's Mental Health Concerns Realted to the Experience of Menopause?
No full textThe transitional period of menopause continues to be under researched, influenced by gender inequity regarding women's health concerns. This paper examines individual and societal factors that contribute to women’s mental health outcomes during menopause, and sheds light on the underlying and pervasive misunderstanding of menopause globally. Using a feminist theoretical framework, this paper will complete a thematic analysis by reviewing relevant scholarly articles pertaining to women's experience of menopause and will provide recommendation for therapists working with menopausal women. Major findings include how cultural narratives shape women’s attitudes towards menopause, the lack of knowledge regarding menopause, the impact of shifting identities during menopause, and the disconnect between individually preferred and societally accepted preferences of care. Research in this area will aim to identify factors related to the experience of menopause that contribute to women's mental health outcomes. Awareness of these factors will support therapists to incorporate mental health interventions that are culturally conscious, and person centered
Cultivating Self-Compassion to Prevent Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in Mental Health Professionals
No full textMental health professionals are consistently exposed to narratives of trauma and suffering through their clients. This increases their vulnerability to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. This capstone explores the role of self-compassion as a protective factor in preventing vicarious trauma and burnout in the mental health field. Literature highlights that self-compassion is an evidence-based strategy that can be used to counteract the emotional labor that professionals engage in. It further reduces emotional exhaustion, improves coping, and supports professional sustainability. Implications for practice include incorporating self-compassion into education, supervision, and workplaces. Self-compassion can enhance professional well-being and strengthen client care
Mister Lonely: The Male Struggle with Social Connectedness and Friendship in an Increasingly Isolating World
No full textThis Capstone project examines the epidemic of male loneliness and isolation in contemporary Western societies. Supported by extensive literature, the Capstone discusses the root causes and influencing factors of the issue, explores the individual and societal-level consequences, and offers preventative and intervention-based solutions. Numerous North American studies reveal that friendship networks are shrinking and the amount of time that people spend alone is increasing, contributing to a growing phenomenon of social disconnectedness. These trends are especially pronounced, and concerning, for cisgender, heterosexual males, who are generally less likely to form, maintain and prioritize close friendships. A plethora of evidence demonstrates that friendships provide a multitude of emotional and psychological benefits, while unmet social needs – due to severe isolation, superficial connections, or narrow personal networks, for instance – lead to a range of negative mental and physical health impacts. Moreover, research shows the effects of male loneliness extend beyond individual well-being to broader societal consequences such as community fragmentation, the rise of ideological extremism and increased violence. This project analyzes the psychological and cultural factors that perpetuate male social disconnectedness, while encouraging a societal shift towards nurturing and normalizing emotional literacy, vulnerability and interpersonal skills in boys, starting from an early age. For individuals with friendship deficits, practical interventions are presented, with particular attention paid to group therapy and community initiatives that promote social connection among men. By shedding light on the various critical dynamics at play, this Capstone emphasizes the need for significant changes in how boys' and men’s social connectedness is valued, supported and assessed
Building The Alliance: Teaching Emerging Therapists The Skills To Develop Relationships
No full textThis capstone project critically examines the pedagogy of relational skills in counselling training programs. While the history of the therapeutic alliance demonstrates a consistent, reliable correlation between a strong relationship and positive client outcomes, current training models often fail to prioritize the development of these skills. This paper contrasts the limitations of traditional didactic approaches with the necessity of embodied, experiential learning. It further explores how the reliance on academic achievement and subjective expert interviews in candidate selection may reinforce colonial structures and fail to predict clinical efficacy. Recommendations are made for a radical shift in training and accreditation: moving toward objective, evidence-based selection of candidates, mandatory experiential modules for rupture and repair, and a commitment to decolonizing the path to licensure
Isolation During The COVID-19 Pandemic and People with Substance Use and Mental Disorders
No full textAbstract The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes to daily life, including widespread social isolation, disruption of routines, and limited access to healthcare services. These conditions created a particularly challenging environment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), a population already vulnerable to social and emotional instability. Isolation, uncertainty, and increased psychological stress contributed to a rise in substance use and relapse during this period (Czeisler et al., 2020; Panchal et al., 2021). While quantitative data has captured some of the trends in usage and relapse rates, there remains a critical need to understand the lived experiences of those affected. This qualitative study explored how pandemic-induced isolation affected individuals struggling with SUDs, focusing on their emotional, behavioral, and social experiences during lockdown. The aim was to gain deeper insights into the psychological toll of isolation, coping mechanisms employed, and perceived barriers to recovery support, thereby informing future clinical and policy responses in times of crisis. Guided by operant learning theory, this qualitative study explored the impact of pandemic-induced isolation on individuals with SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders, from the perspective of clinicians. Seven mental health professionals who provided care before, during, and after the isolation period in the United States were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured Zoom interviews and analyzed using a generic qualitative method with NVivo software. Three major themes and ten categories emerged, revealing that isolation exacerbated symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use, even in individuals with no prior mental health diagnoses. Clinicians highlighted the importance of adaptability, the rapid implementation of telehealth, and the need for both client and provider training in digital tools. Findings suggest that clinician experience played a critical role in navigating pandemic-related challenges and maintaining continuity of care. The study underscores the necessity of investing in future preparedness, including increased technological training and strategic planning for mental health professionals and clients alike. Recommendations and future research directions include the development of scalable, flexible treatment approaches to be employed during similar public health crises
The hidden challenges of intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury: A multifaceted exploration of women’s personal experiences
No full textApproximately one-third of women suffer from intimate partner violence (IPV) at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, women experiencing IPV are also at risk of sustaining one or several traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This study aims to explore the personal experiences of women with concurrent IPV-TBI factors seeking clinical treatment. To address this, the author conducts a literature review based on studies from the past decade that examine IPV-TBI factors among women. An array of peer-reviewed American journals are employed, providing a combination of research methods including qualitative, quantitative, meta-analysis, and systematic studies. The study’s findings determine increased frustration, a sense of hopelessness, and a negative self-concept to be the main themes for the personal experiences of women with concurrent IPV-TBI factors seeking clinical treatment. Further, the study establishes several subthemes that support its findings, including professional competency issues, cognitive impairment, and stigmatization, to name a few. The study offers several advantages for researchers as well as clinicians, as it displays novel and in-depth insight into the personal experiences of women facing concurrent IPV-TBI factors that can shape clinical treatment