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Diverse Gamers: Resistance Through Video Gameplay
Get PDFWith most of the global population engaging with video games, it is crucial to understand the relationship between gaming and the holistic health of players. However, counseling scholarship exploring the relationship between gaming technology and mental health is nascent. Moreover, ethical guidelines in counseling require professionals to further their awareness and competence while working with underrepresented populations (American Counseling Association; ACA, 2014). To address the preceding statements, this two-study dissertation focused on expanding awareness and clinical understanding of video game technology and human experience. The first study used quantitative methods to examine the relationship between race-related stress, motivations to play online video games, and psychological well-being for gamers of color. Results from this study revealed several significant interactions between racialized distress, motivations for online gaming, and psychological well-being. More specifically, gaming motives for recreational gameplay partially mediated the relationship between racialized distress and psychological well-being for gamers of color. The second study used qualitative methods to explore connectedness with Black Queer men who play video games. Findings from the second study underscored the capacity of video games and gaming communities to be beneficial for soothing distress and building life-enriching relationships. Additional insights, limitations, and suggestions for counseling educators, researchers, and practitioners are also discussed
COVID Lockdown Impact on Education: Analyzing Test Scores by State and Age
Get PDFThe COVID pandemic lockdowns gave rise to profound changes around the world. From remote jobs to mask mandates, the US had to find ways to combat the pandemic. One of these ways was to enact lockdowns where people had to stay home if they were not “non-essential workers” and remain at least 6 feet away in public spaces. Some states implemented longer lockdowns with stricter mask mandates while others had no rigid mandates or lockdowns. This led to the mass shift to remote learning in school around the US. This study examines the relationship between lockdown length in the different states and various standardized test scores including the NAEP (4th grade standardized test) ACT, and SAT. I hypothesized that test scores taken during and after the pandemic will be lower than those pre-pandemic. I also predicted that the longer the lockdown lasted, the lower the standardized test scores would be
Depression Screening and Education for Immigrants to Increase Access to Care
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Problem: Immigrants are at risk for developing mental health disorders due to multiple factors including social, cultural, or economic factors. This can result in a lower quality of life and an increased chance of further disabilities. Although immigrants are at increased risk for the development of mental health disorders, studies show that utilization of available services and resources are low. Additionally, organizations that provide services to immigrants may not be implementing screening and psychoeducation.
Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project followed a descriptive, observational design along with an educational intervention. Using convenience sampling for recruitment, Russian and/or Ukrainian adults ages 18-65 years old who had received services through the partnering organization completed a Patient Health Questionnare-8 (PHQ-8) prior to an educational seminar. Four weeks after the educational seminar, participants completed a follow-up PHQ-8 and survey via email. Data collected included demographics, pre- and post-PHQ-8 results, and whether respondents sought out resources following the education.
Results: Five participants initially screened positive for depression via the PHQ-8. After implementation of the educational intervention, three out of five individuals scoring positive for depression sought out resources (42.9%) and showed a decrease in their PHQ-8 scores.
Implications for Practice: Implementation of screening and psychoeducation is recommended for organizations providing services for immigrant populations to potentially increase access and utilization of existing services
Wildflowers A Novel
No full textAbstract for Wildflowers
Wildflowers is a feminist literary novel that examines the intersection of sex, power, and free will, exploring how these forces shape and define human agency. The story follows a group of women drawn to an enigmatic leader who promises enlightenment and empowerment through embracing their desires. As they navigate the fine line between self-actualization and manipulation, the novel delves into themes of liberation, coercion, and the choices we make to create the lives we long for. Provocative and thought-provoking, Wildflowers invites readers to consider the complexities of desire, the cost of empowerment, and the courage required to claim authority over one’s life
Chemtrails: Deadly Skies or Dangerous Misinformation?
Get PDFA common sight on a clear day is a thin strip of white across the otherwise blue sky: A contrail. Most people do not think anything of these contrails, and assume they have little to no impact on the world at large. Suppose for a moment, however, that they are not as harmless as some believe. Suppose these cloud trails are actually composed of dangerous chemicals, and are being used by sinister forces in a conspiracy to kill off the weak, mind-control the population, or simply dull our minds in preparation for a government takeover. As far-fetched as this may sound, there is evidence both for and against the idea of such a conspiracy. The allegedly toxic “chemtrails,” as they are called, have been a subject of discussion for conspiracy theorists and skeptics alike. This research paper synthesizes many different sources on the topic of chemtrails, in order to discuss the origins of the chemtrails conspiracy theory, varying viewpoints on the theory, and the evidence that supports or opposes these different viewpoints. Considering all of the evidence will help to determine whether chemtrails are truly a danger to public health or just a distraction from the real issues
An Examination of the Impediments to Implementing Student-Centered Teaching Methods in Public Schools
Get PDFIn education, traditional methods have long relied upon static textbooks and blackboards to impart knowledge to students. Unfortunately, the lack of dynamism with this approach has failed to foster creativity, motivation, inquiry, individualization, and other practices crucial to serving diverse learners, especially Black children. We sought to uncover barriers and potential solutions to this problem by elevating the voices of educators, from classroom teachers to building and district administrators, at a predominantly African-American suburban secondary school in the Midwest.
We designed a qualitative research study to answer a single yet layered research question: What impedes Black students from experiencing and gaining access to relevant, student-centered learning (SCL) opportunities in public secondary education? The study seeks to fill gaps in implementing student-centered teaching methods in public schools.
We utilized three primary theoretical frameworks to analyze primary data collected from educators at our chosen site, including critical race theory, liberatory pedagogy, and culturally relevant pedagogy. The three classroom teachers and three administrators who participated in the study identified a myriad of issues, such as state-mandated testing and bias and stereotyping by teachers and other faculty.
Using thematic coding analysis, two themes emerged: systemic issues and cultural relevance. We trust our findings will contribute to addressing disparities that require increased funding for schools in underserved areas, help target support for disadvantaged students, and advance ongoing professional development for teachers to improve their ability to provide student-centered instruction to ensure that all students have equal access to resources and support needed to thrive
Steminism: Analyzing Factors That Improve Retention of Women in STEM
Get PDFOur co-authored research ‘Steminism: Analyzing Factors That Improve Retention for Women as STEM Majors’ analyzed factors that contributed to the retention of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T). Women make up half of the US population, and while careers in (STEM) are an integral part of the US economy, women are underrepresented in these career fields. The purpose of our dissertation is to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM majors. Our methodology included homogeneous sampling to collect qualitative data. More specifically, we consulted with academic advisors and admissions staff to identify women with at least 48 credit hours and completed four semesters of STEM majors at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). We then conducted a basic qualitative study using a purposeful sampling approach. We examined the student’s perceptions of (1) early access programs, (2) the importance of arts integration, (3) and the impact of extracurricular activities as tools for retention and found that the major factors that inhibit the retention of women in STEM is the shortcoming of achieving communal goal congruence. All interviews were conducted with Zoom, and Ottr software was used to transcribe the data. Solution-focused, our research affirmed that to achieve communal goal congruence, students participated in extracurricular activities, student life, and work-study. As practitioners, we used our co-authored research to develop EmpowHer: A Steminists Guide to Cultural Border Crossing, a manual for administrators in higher education and prospective STEM student
Nursing Interventions for Psychosis and Other Mental Health Crises: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study of Nurses’ Experiences
Get PDFThe nursing profession experiences caring for patients suffering psychosis and managing crises events in a way that is unique to all other healthcare providers. A gap in research and literature exists related to this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of nurses caring for patients experiencing psychosis or some other severe mental health issue. By analyzing the common expressions and behaviors of nurses in situations involving care of psychosis, the meaning of the care giving experience and thus, an understanding of the interactions involved with caregivers in psychosis was revealed. Participants provided experiential, firsthand data on the interventive process as it shows itself in everyday practice. This research was undertaken to address the following questions:
1. How do nurses experience psychotic manifestations of confusion, aggression, and violence in patients they encounter?
2. How do nurses express their experiences and preparation when they must intervene with patients manifesting psychosis or other severe mental health issue?
A Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach was utilized to answer these questions. Ten nurses of varying ages and years of clinical experience at the bedside were interviewed. Their narratives gave experience rich accounts to the dataset and contributed to three major patterns and eight sub-themes that were identified from analysis.
The three patterns were Being in an Environment of Sudden Chaos, Guiding the Intervention for Security, and Needing to Prepare for the Unexpected. The eight subthemes were: Facing the Crisis, Deciding the Course, Bearing the Weight, Ensuring Safety, Communicating Therapeutically, Getting Invasive, Beginning Unequipped, and Gaining Experience.
Results from analysis found that educational institutions and employers are doing an inadequate job of preparing nurses to intervene in mental health emergencies. Clinical experience and years in direct patient care made nurses better equipped. Along with better education and training, the processes of adapting interventions for psychosis and other severe mental health conditions needs greater methodological research, rigor, and clarity. Employers and healthcare institutions must do their part to ensure nurses feel supported and safe while they develop the nursing skills necessary to effectively manage these crises events
Implementation of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
Get PDFApproximately 48.1% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. Providers may encourage patients to monitor and log their blood pressure at home. Still, patients often fail to bring this information to appointments, leading to reliance on less comprehensive in-office measurements. This quality improvement project aimed to increase adherence to home blood pressure logs using a Blood Pressure Toolkit. A descriptive, observational design was utilized to record patient adherence of taking home blood pressure measurements and increase the number of patients who brought their blood pressure logs to their healthcare provider visits over two months. A convenience sample of 81 adults was used. There was an 18.4% increase in patient adherence to bringing home blood pressure logs compared to none at baseline. The Patient Questionnaire revealed a discrepancy in blood pressure awareness and home blood pressure log adherence between Baseline and Intervention Groups. There was significance between the adherent group in-office systolic mean and home systolic mean and no significant difference in diastolic mean. A chi-square test did not observe significant associations between sex, race, and age and the likelihood of patients bringing their home blood pressure logs. Home blood pressure monitoring offers providers more information regarding patients’ blood pressure ranges and aid in their hypertension management. Future research should focus on patient barriers to monitoring and bringing home blood pressure logs into the clinic, aiming to sustain adherence through effective strategies promoting patient understanding
Perspectives of College Students with Disabilities Regarding Their High School Transition Experience: Notes for High School Transition Planning
Get PDFStudents with disabilities face many challenges as they transition to postsecondary education. These students are often unprepared for the rigor of postsecondary academics; they often lack self-efficacy skills and have limited awareness of postsecondary supports or cannot successfully access them. This study aims to give voice to college students with disabilities to inform practices of high school personnel involved with transition and higher education professionals supporting them. Using Kohler’s Transition Taxonomy 2.0 (2016), researchers sought to study the perspectives of eleven college students on their high school transition experiences in the areas of academic preparedness, self-advocacy skills, and experiences with college counseling. Each of the eleven participants took part in individual interviews designed to inquire about each of the above areas of focus. This paper confirms the study participants felt they were primarily passive participants in their Individualized Education Plan and their postsecondary transition planning process during high school. They also relied heavily on family support during the transition to postsecondary education. Participants also felt unprepared for the academic rigor of college due to the heavy modifications and support given in high school classes and their inexperience with time management. Students also desired more information from their high school transition team, IEP team, and counselors about support available for students with disabilities in college. Recommendations for high school transition practices and future opportunities for research are discussed