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Blake Law Center
No full textShot of the front entrance to the Blake Law Center through the branches of a blossoming tree.https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/ua_buildings/1012/thumbnail.jp
Mapping the Path Forward: A Dual Approach Using OT Assessment & Mentorship to Support the Well-Being of Youth in DCF Custody
Get PDFThis literature review investigates the external relationship needs of foster youth, with particular focus on the prevalence of attachment disorders and trauma-related symptoms resulting from adverse childhood experiences. The Doctoral Experiential (DEx) Capstone Project centers on the development of an occupational therapy-based assessment tool designed to evaluate emotional and environmental safety for youth in residential care. In collaboration with Gandara Mental Health Center and direct care staff, the project also includes the implementation of a training program aimed at enhancing staff understanding of trauma-informed care, youth development, and the role of meaningful mentorship. Foster youth often lack stable, supportive external relationships, which are critical for emotional regulation, identity formation, and engagement in meaningful activities. This capstone project seeks to bridge that gap by equipping care teams with tools and education that promote emotional safety and foster participation in daily life, ultimately supporting the well-being and long-term success of youth in residential settings.
Keywords: Foster youth, trauma-informed care, residential care, emotional safety, occupational therapy, assessment tool, mentorshi
The Impact of Learning Environment Modifications on Physical and Mental Health
Get PDFUniversity students are at heightened risk of chronic pain and mental health challenges due to academic stress, poor sleep, and inadequate ergonomics in classroom settings. Musculoskeletal pain is especially common among students in healthcare fields, including occupational therapy, where the demands of the profession increase the importance of proper body mechanics. Despite being taught ergonomic principles, many students lack access to ergonomically appropriate learning environments. This study aims to explore how ergonomic modifications and education affect the physical and mental well-being of occupational therapy graduate students. A four-week randomized control trial was conducted with 19 students from Western New England University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program. Participants were assigned to either a control group (n=9) or an experimental group (n=10) using stratified randomization. The experimental group received ergonomic equipment (lumbar cushion, armrests, footrests, wrist pads) and education on proper posture and workstation setup. Weekly surveys measured physical health (pain and fatigue) and mental health (perceived stress, motivation, focus) using validated Likert scales and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data was analyzed using t-tests to compare outcomes between groups. Compared to the control group, the experimental group reported lower perceived stress scores (p\u3c.05), higher motivation (p\u3c.10), and reduced pain levels (p\u3c.10). These findings support the hypothesis that ergonomic interventions positively influence both physical and mental health outcomes in university students. The study demonstrates that ergonomic modifications combined with educational programming can effectively reduce stress and pain while improving motivation among occupational therapy students. These findings highlight the critical role of ergonomic design in educational settings and support the inclusion of occupational therapists in planning and implementing these interventions. Ergonomic awareness and accessibility are essential for preventing musculoskeletal disorders and promoting student well-being, particularly in healthcare education programs