The National University System Repository exists to increase public access to research and other materials created by students and faculty of the affiliate institutions of National University System. Most items in the repository are open access, freely available to everyone.
Recent Submissions
Item Technological Impact on Relationship Formation, Maintenance, Communication, and Satisfaction: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Dyadic Lived Experiences of Couples Who Met Online(2025-11)The increased prevalence of online relationship initiation reflects a shift from traditional face-to-face relationship formation and maintenance to courtship practices that rely primarily on digital communication. Limited information is available on relationships initiated online highlights the need to explore how these relationships develop. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of married couples who initiated their relationship online and understand the impact, if any, of computer mediated communication on relationship initiation, progression, communication, and satisfaction. Ten married couples who initiated their relationship online were recruited to share their lived experiences with the phenomenon. This study presented five research questions: a) What are the lived experiences of couples who initiated their relationship online? b) How do couples who initiated their relationship online perceive partner interaction and relationship progression over time? c) How do relationships that begin online progress from initiation to committed long-term relationships? d) How do their lived experiences conform to, diverge from, or possibly challenge current theoretical conceptions related to traditional relationship formation? and e) How does online dating/long-term experiences influence MFT practice in working with couples who initiated their relationship online? Employing interpretative phenomenological data analysis, four essential themes emerged: (a) Who “we” are; (b) What “we” are doing; (c) How “we” got here; (d) What we overcame and; (e) How “we” fit in. This study was informed by a combined framework of Couple and Family Technology (CFT) and Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT). Participants described relationship processes and the critical nature of communication and technology, and the interplay between them. The findings have research and clinical implications, emphasizing the need to revisit and redefine existing models of relationship initiation and progression for relationships initiated online.Item Exploring Student Veterans Mental Health Stigma Coping Strategies in Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study(2025-10)Veterans who pursue higher education as a pathway to civilian reintegration often encounter unique challenges, particularly related to mental health stigma. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies student veterans employ in managing mental health stigma within the higher education context. Understanding stigma management strategies is crucial to supporting the well-being of student veterans and ensuring their successful academic completion. Guided by Meisenbach’s Stigma Management Communication (SMC) Theory, which categorizes communicative strategies used to manage stigma, this descriptive phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of student veterans through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. Participants reflected on their military background, academic environments, relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, as well as institutional support systems. Findings indicated that military cultural norms surrounding mental health strongly influenced participants’ approaches to stigma management. The predominant coping strategy identified was concealment and avoidance, often resulting in unmet mental health needs. These results underscore the pressing need to challenge stigma, prioritize the well-being of student veterans, and refine institutional practices and resources to better support this population. Additionally, the findings call on higher education policymakers to implement systemic changes that address veterans’ transitional challenges, particularly those linked to mental health. Future research should further investigate the range of coping strategies and their implications for both mental health outcomes and academic performance among student veterans.Item Un Petit Sac à Dos Avec Quelques Viatiques: Object Relations, the Expressive Arts, and the (Re-)Animation of Resourceful, Pleasurable, and Adaptive Object-Life in the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors(2025-10)The torture experience represents a profound affront to both intrapsychological and interpersonal life. The rehabilitation of torture survivors, who often present with complex post-traumatic impairment, has become a sub-specialization of psychotherapeutic practice. Torture survivors often present with significant alterations to what are otherwise believed to be stable personality traits and psychodynamic structures. As such, a psychodynamic approach to the rehabilitation of torture survivors, which targets the psychodynamic structures that subtend the personality, may be reasonably indicated. The purpose of this project is to provide an overview of the core concepts and practices of object relations informed psychotherapeutic modalities and expressive arts therapy. In light of the clinical, psychodynamic, and intergenerational consequences of the torture experience for both survivors and their families, this research project will also integrate core concepts and practices from object relations informed psychotherapeutic modalities and expressive arts therapy in the formulation of a novel psychotherapeutic approach: object relations informed expressive arts therapy (OR-EXAT). The purpose of this innovative psychotherapeutic approach is to advance both theoretical and practical considerations in the rehabilitation of torture survivors.Item Chinese immigrants acculturating to Canada(2025-10)This capstone will focus on Chinese immigrants acculturating into Canada. It highlights the various ways individuals acculturate into a dominant culture as well as the formation of new identities. Throughout this, there will be a discussion on the nuances of the Chinese immigrant identity through exploring the rise of biculturalism among Chinese individuals as well as second generation immigrants. Furthermore, various issues that this cultural group experiences will be covered including isolation from the heritage and dominant groups, intergenerational conflict, and weak identity formation. The capstone will then summarize these concepts into a seven-week workshop to support bicultural Chinese individuals living in Canada.Item Perfectionism Through a Cultural Perspective: Exploring the Relationships Between Culture, Perfectionism, and Psychological Well-Being(2025-10)The increase in perfectionism presentations in the population and the continuous growth in cross-cultural interactions through globalization, calls for an inquiry into the role of culture in the development of perfectionism and psychological outcomes. Current discourse in perfectionistic research shows a gap in understanding around the impact of culture in shaping experiences of perfectionism. This capstone project looks at existing links between cultural orientation and perfectionism presentation, and examines the role of acculturation in shaping perfectionism. Strengths and weaknesses of therapeutic modalities commonly used to treat maladaptive perfectionism are explored in terms of cultural responsivity, and cultural considerations are highlighted for counsellors working with clients of collectivist backgrounds. This capstone will also suggest a framework to working with perfectionism based on the incorporation of collectivist values and relational cultural theory as a mean of offering an alternative culturally responsive care.
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