Brockport Counselor Education Master's Theses and Capstone Projects: Recent submissions
Now showing items 1-20 of 240
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Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools: A Literature ReviewYouth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or any other diverse sexual or gender identity (LGBTQ+) face many challenges in terms of their mental health and wellness. These youth spend most of their adolescent life within a school setting. This review aims to analyze the risk and protective factors of these youth to determine adequate recommendations for setting appropriate supports within schools to help LGBTQ+ youth. Furthermore, this review aims to analyze the role of a school counselor in supporting these youth. By considering state and national laws, best practice, roles, risk and protective factors, and contributing outside factors, LGBTQ+ youth can be better supported in school settings.
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PERSPECTIVES OF WELLNESS AMONG INDIGENOUS IMMIGRANTS FROM LATIN AMERICAI dedicate this thesis to my parents, who came to this country after the Mexican economic collapse caused by the 1994 NAFTA enactment. My parents, as immigrants, know the struggles of leaving their land, their customs, and their families behind without forgetting their ancestral indigenous roots. My parents taught me the value of hard work, community, interdependence, and family. Thanks to them, I continue transmitting these values to the next generations. And to my wonderful husband, I want to thank him for his unconditional support and encouragement, for believing in all my projects, and for being present and reassuring in my worst moments. Finally, I want to thank my wonderful teenage child and best friend, who always motivates me to continue growing and helps me believe that this life is worth living despite our adversities.
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Mental Health: A Growing Concern in Collegiate AthletesMental health is a topic that has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. Unfortunately, this topic has not gained as much traction in the athletic community. Mental health can affect anyone at any time. Collegiate athletes are constantly faced with stigmas and barriers when it comes to mental health, and oftentimes do not get the support they need. Analysis of previous research shows that mental health issues are just as prevalent in collegiate athletes and in some cases more prevalent than their nonathlete counterparts. Barriers that collegiate athletes face, especially the stigma that is in the athletic community in relation to mental health is a major factor when considering why collegiate athletes don’t get the help they need. Additionally, colleges and coaches can have a major contribution to the help-seeking behaviors of their athletes. Furthermore, previous research will support that strategies like resilience or resilience training, and mindfulness can have a very positive effect on a college athlete’s psyche and should be considered moving forward if colleges want to lower the prevalence of mental health issues in their athletes. The purpose of this synthesis project was to review the literature on the mental health of collegiate athletes.
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Collegiate athletes’ coping behaviors to deal with stress and anxietyThe purpose of this synthesis project was to review the literature on collegiate athletes’ coping behaviors to deal with stress and anxiety. The research shows that there's a big need for better mental health resources that fit the specific needs of athletes. It also points out how important strong support systems are in college sports programs. Many studies found that stress and anxiety are common problems for college athletes, affecting their performance and well-being. This project aims to highlight these findings and push for better mental health support for student-athletes.
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The Prevalence of Depression Disorders in Retired Adult Athletes who have been Exposed to sub–Concussive Head Impacts Throughout their Playing CareersThis literature review examines the prevalence of depression disorders among retired adult athletes who have been exposed to sub-concussive head impacts throughout their playing careers. The study aims to synthesize existing research findings on the association between concussion history, repetitive head impacts, and depressive symptoms in retired athletes across various sports contexts. A systematic review of relevant literature yielded a critical mass of ten articles, which were analyzed to address the research questions. The review highlights several key themes, including the increased risk of depression associated with multiple concussions, the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of repetitive neurotrauma, and the need for further research to inform preventive measures and support strategies for athletes at all levels. Limitations of the studies reviewed, such as small sample sizes, retrospective reporting biases, and cross-sectional designs, are also discussed. Despite these limitations, the findings of the review provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between concussion history and mental health outcomes in retired athletes. The conclusions drawn from the literature review have implications for real-world applications, particularly in informing interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of retired athletes. Recommendations for future research include conducting longitudinal studies with larger cohorts, validating findings in diverse populations, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions targeting mental health outcomes in this population.
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Opioid Overdose Experiences: A Thematic StudyQualitative research studies play a crucial role in understanding the experiences and responses of individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose. In this qualitative, thematic study, structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six adults in an Upstate New York inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) facility. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive thematic content analysis approach regarding participant’s reflection on what could have been done differently to avert the overdose incident(s), the impact of such experiences on their overall well-being, suggestions on enhancing public education about the risks and consequences of opioid use, and proposed specific resources, programs, and interventions that could effectively prevent overdoses and support individuals in their journey of recovery. Such an analysis informs comprehensive strategies for prevention and support. The study's outcomes offer valuable implications for developing targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address the opioid crisis and promote healthier outcomes for individuals affected by opioid use.
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Suicide and Family DynamicsThis paper focuses on the effects of suicide on family dynamics, drawing on theory, data, and evidence from real-life practical applications. The paper defines suicide as a global public health challenge that transcends spatial borders. Its impact on people from various cultural backgrounds is profound. The essay shows how complicated grief affects survivors of suicidal individuals, leading to emotional disorders like guilt, indictment, and spiritual questioning. When families lose a loved one, they may struggle to share their difficulties and get the help they need due to the societal stigma surrounding suicide. According to Sandage (2010), suicide is not a clear-cut way to die. Its causes are complicated, multifaceted, and not fully known. This lack of clarity makes sharing duty in a social network more critical. People who have survived suicide are judged more negatively than people who have survived other types of loss. The issue of suicides is complex and not easy to resolve. Most importantly, emotional issues like hidden family history, blaming others, and feeling alone contribute to mental anguish and hinder the healing process. After the suicide, each family member becomes an independent actor, leading to the fragmentation and loss of cohesive power within the family unit. It is essential to help individuals who have experienced trauma through therapy and counseling. The article highlights the importance of a two-pronged strategy for addressing the issue of suicide among loved ones. These strategies emphasize sympathy, understanding, and community help in the face of misfortune.
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The Effects of Oppositional Culture on the Academic Success of Low-Income Black Males in Higher EducationThis capstone thesis urgently addresses the adverse cultural development of low-income Black males and their lack of academic success in higher education. Throughout the nation, the retention and graduation rates for Black males in higher education institutions remain low despite higher education diversity initiatives and internal resources to assist them during their college careers. This research will examine the historical systemic factors that contributed to Black males' academic struggles and how these factors shape their culturally opposing behavior toward the U.S. educational system. In addition, I will explore the national and community-based organizations that strategically implement core value solutions suggested by scholarly experts in this thesis paper.
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African American Women and Mental HealthAfrican American women and mental health is an issue that is a struggle today. From being a minority and a woman, African American women face many struggles that other races and genders do not face. From racial discrimination, sexism, and different pay rates, African American women often suffer more from unfair practices and inequality. This frequently leads to mental health challenges. African American women are also looked at as always having to “be strong” and “deal” with whatever life throws at them. In addition to getting maltreated, African American women might try and get help but are often overlooked or overdiagnosed. African American women are usually not willing to seek mental health treatment because of how they are viewed and treated. Why are African American women viewed and treated differently than other races? Is there a correlation between how African American women deal with being oppressed and their mental health?
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Perspectives of Wellness Among Indigenous Immigrants From Latin AmericaIndigenous people from Latin America face unique challenges that differ from those experienced by mestizos or white Latinos. However, they also possess important characteristics, strengths, intersections, and cultural backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented, misrepresented, and overlooked in research, demographic classifications, and clinical settings. As a result, their worldviews and conceptualization of mental health are not adequately addressed and understood. This paper explores the concept of emotional wellness that indigenous immigrants from Latin America have, hoping that the information may shed light on how to offer better services through a decolonial process. This paper proposes a decolonial alternative based on scholarly articles. Hence, it considers the need for social justice and multicultural perspectives of emotional wellness as it questions Western parameters of treatment, illness, and normality.
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Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools: A Literature ReviewYouth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or any other diverse sexual or gender identity (LGBTQ+) face many challenges in terms of their mental health and wellness. These youth spend most of their adolescent life within a school setting. This review aims to analyze the risk and protective factors of these youth to determine adequate recommendations for setting appropriate supports within schools to help LGBTQ+ youth. Furthermore, this review aims to analyze the role of a school counselor in supporting these youth. By considering state and national laws, best practice, roles, risk and protective factors, and contributing outside factors, LGBTQ+ youth can be better supported in school settings.
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Opioid Overdose Experience: a Thematic StudyQualitative research studies play a crucial role in understanding the experiences and responses of individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose. In this qualitative, thematic study, structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six adults in an Upstate New York inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) facility. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive thematic content analysis approach regarding participant’s reflection on what could have been done differently to avert the overdose incident(s), the impact of such experiences on their overall well-being, suggestions on enhancing public education about the risks and consequences of opioid use, and proposed specific resources, programs, and interventions that could effectively prevent overdoses and support individuals in their journey of recovery. Such an analysis informs comprehensive strategies for prevention and support. The study's outcomes offer valuable implications for developing targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address the opioid crisis and promote healthier outcomes for individuals affected by opioid use.
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Suicide and Family DynamicsThis paper focuses on the effects of suicide on family dynamics, drawing on theory, data, and evidence from real-life practical applications. The paper defines suicide as a global public health challenge that transcends spatial borders. Its impact on people from various cultural backgrounds is profound. The essay shows how complicated grief affects survivors of suicidal individuals, leading to emotional disorders like guilt, indictment, and spiritual questioning. When families lose a loved one, they may struggle to share their difficulties and get the help they need due to the societal stigma surrounding suicide. According to Sandage (2010), suicide is not a clear-cut way to die. Its causes are complicated, multifaceted, and not fully known. This lack of clarity makes sharing duty in a social network more critical. People who have survived suicide are judged more negatively than people who have survived other types of loss. The issue of suicides is complex and not easy to resolve. Most importantly, emotional issues like hidden family history, blaming others, and feeling alone contribute to mental anguish and hinder the healing process. After the suicide, each family member becomes an independent actor, leading to the fragmentation and loss of cohesive power within the family unit. It is essential to help individuals who have experienced trauma through therapy and counselling. The article highlights the importance of a two-pronged strategy for addressing the issue of suicide among loved ones. These strategies emphasize sympathy, understanding, and community help in the face of misfortune.
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Sexual Assault in Greek Life: A Literature ReviewAn informative literature review covering various aspects of sexual assault within greek life on college campuses. The goal of the literature review was to find the best ways one could prevent this kind of assault entirely. Several questions are discussed such as, are drugs and alcohol the main cause of sexual assault within Greek life, are sexual assault prevention methods being taught correctly or with impartial bias, and what are the best ways to prevent sexual assault from happening within Greek life, what is fraternity culture and how does it influence sexism through a ‘pack mentality,’ how much more likely are women within sororities to be sexually assaulted than those that are not, how many sexual assaults within Greek life are reported and how many are not, is pornography a huge influence on sexually exploitive behavior, and what happens in the aftermath of sexual assault for the perpetrator and for the victim and how it relates to title IX.
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It Takes a Campus: Evolving How We Address Mental Health on College CampusesThis paper aims to promote awareness regarding the state of mental health on college campuses. Attention is brought to trends seen over recent years regarding students' concerns, and ideas for making campus-wide changes that promote awareness, and use of existing mental health services. Recommendations for improvement include enlisting the student body to take up peer support and mentoring roles. Further, it provides ideas for promoting a mental health-friendly culture on campus by means of creating designated student spaces that promote wellbeing involving educators and campus staff address mental health issues faced by students.
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Considerations and Factors that Impact Eating Disorders in Males: A Literature Reviewhis paper explores numerous published articles that report on results from research exploring the differences between men with eating disorders and women with eating disorders. Many treatment centers have not adapted their approaches or recognized the gender differences that exist. This paper examines the gender differences between males and females with eating by examining the societal stigmas and gender-based issues that males face, including body image, trauma, chemical dependency, and social media. Many of the eating disorder instruments highlight these differences, and a male-specific approach to treatment should be considered to fully understand and recognize the barriers males with eating disorders face.
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Providing Mental Health Counseling Services at Harm Reduction Programs: A Review of the LiteratureThis paper examines the need for mental health counseling services at harm reduction programs and seeks to answer the question of why mental health services may be beneficial to harm reduction programs and how best to implement and enact these services. It covers the rationale for providing these services, such as the lack of integrated substance use and mental health services and harm reduction programs' ability to engage hard-to-reach populations. The paper also summarizes the available research on existing counseling services at harm reduction sites and the broader field of harm reduction psychotherapy. From this literature, best practices for program design and therapeutic process for mental health counseling at these locations are identified.
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Children of Incarcerated Parents: The Role of The School CounselorChildren are some of the most vulnerable of our population due to their dependency on safe adults. The research suggests that the vulnerability of children can increase when their parent or parents become incarcerated. The following literature review will seek to uncover the effects on children whose parent is incarcerated. The research seeks to conclude the effects of parental incarceration on the parent-child relationship, the child’s finances, and the emotional health of the child. Incarceration of a parent can place strain on the child and the effects can be life altering. The literature review will also discuss the implications for school counselors working with this demographic of children, and the support that can be offered during a potentially challenging time during childhood. Counselors working with children who have an incarcerated parent have a duty to be informed of the impact.
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Philosophy of Teaching and LearningAs both a student and a future teacher, my personal philosophy of teaching and learning is constantly changing and evolving. The experiences that I go through and the learning that I encounter all contribute to the way that I view myself as a teacher and the goals that I set for my future.
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The Potential Impact of Differences in Client-Counselor Perceptions of Police-Inflicted ViolenceThis paper emphasizes the importance of the counselor’s awareness of personal biases and understanding of how police-inflicted violence impacts marginalized populations. The impact of loss of life and trauma from enduring police-inflicted brutality disproportionately impacts communities of Color and those with mental health challenges. Due to individual experiences and volatile political discourse, there are widely divergent views on the state of current policing in the U.S. Counselors, given the nature of their work with populations at risk for experiencing police-inflicted violence, must be equipped to address such traumatic events with their clients.
