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 A Psychedelic-Informed Framework to Perinatal Counselling: An Approach to Obstetric Violence, Birthing Consciousness, and the Reclamation of Birth(2026-05)The current crisis in postpartum mental health is inextricably linked to systemic factors that have removed the sacred, initiatory process of modern birth. The purpose of this capstone is to examine how modern birth has become a medicalized event filled with pathologization, intervention, and coercion. Research on Obstetric violence (OBV) is synthesized to demonstrate the systemic, objective, subjective, and personal subcategories of violence. Then, emerging research on birth state consciousness is presented as influential factor in birthing experiences. In chapter three, a new clinical framework is proposed: Psychedelic Informed Perinatal Counselling (PIPC). This transpersonal model considers the altered state of consciousness that occurs during labor, specifically, transient hypo frontality and seeks to prepare the birthing person and their partners to identify, trust and protect this neurophysiological state. While global awareness and systemic reform in obstetric care slowly occurs, PIPC offers therapists a way to respond to the shifting needs of birthing people. Therapists can support consciousness raising about the transformative nature of birth, challenge subconscious beliefs that could impair physiological birth processes, equipped the birth person and partner(s) with effective advocacy techniques for protecting birth state consciousness within medicalized settings, and plan for the critical step of integrating the birth experience within the postpartum period. Remembering and preparing for birth as a sacred ceremony, not emergency medical event, has the potential to reduce postpartum mental health distress, support maternal-infant bonding and the attachment formation, and lay strong foundations for long term physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother-baby dyad.Item From Narrative to Knowledge: Early Cannabis Use and Its Potential Role in the Development of Substance Use Disorder(2026-06)Addiction is a devastating disease that affects more than just the individual. Friends, families, coworkers, and society are all touched by another's addiction. But why and how does one become trapped in that never-ending vortex of pain, isolation, and the desire to escape through substances? Just like any behaviour, relying on substances as a form to alter mood and cope with life takes time to develop. Early cannabis use during formative years, when the brain is still developing, is linked to a higher susceptibility to developing a substance use disorder later in life. Relying on cannabis to alter one's mood instead of developing healthy coping mechanisms can impact one's own development and, in turn, may reinforce reliance on artificial reward pathways over time. Additionally, society's and individuals' own perceptions on cannabis use are divided, with politically led changes to laws and mixed messaging being sent to youth. This capstone examines the neuroscience of brain changes associated with cannabis use during formative years, examining how clinicians can utilize psychoeducation to inform today's youth.Item Employee Challenges and Their Impact on Organizational Culture During Acquisitions in Midlevel Beverage Distributors in the Cental United States(2026)The purpose of this qualitative single-case study was to explore how mergers and acquisitions (M&As) impact organizational culture and performance. The study focused on a midlevel beverage distribution company located in the central United States. An acquisition brings two different cultures together and can lead to operational inefficiencies. The culture clash at this company raised the question of how employees experienced the transition, creating a need for this study because there has been limited research focused on midlevel beverage distributors located in the central United States. Organizational culture is an important factor in the success or failure of M&As, as integrating cultures between two organizations can lead to operational disruptions, decreased morale, and resistance to change. In this study, interest was placed on the employees and how the acquisition affected organizational practices, leadership styles, and resulting performance. The data collection process included 15 face-to-face semistructured interviews. Additional sources of data used in the study consisted of organizational documents and a reflective research journal. Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study supported recommendations for midlevel acquiring organizations to manage cultural issues, improve process integration, and achieve organizational effectiveness. The recommendations included improving communication and training processes and increasing the visibility of leaders during acquisitions. Future research should examine different leadership styles for distributors of different sizes, the geographic presence of the distributor and the cultural influence it presents, and how identity and belonging can shift with employees during the transition periods of the acquisition.Item Adverse Childhood Experiences and Brain Development: Investigating the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Brain Development and Utilization of Trauma-Informed Care(2025-10-25)This capstone investigates the neurodevelopmental impacts, relational outcomes, and interventions caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACES) through a qualitative integrative literature review. The theories guiding this capstone include the following: biopsychosocial, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care framework. The findings suggest that childhood is a critical period of development and can have impacts on the biopsychosocial outcomes of an individual. Through this review I will identify protective factors, interventions and best practices to help inform clinicians practice when working with those affected by ACES. Key findings include brain development, attachment, resiliency, protective factors, and trauma informed care interventions. This paper helps to bridge existing gaps in literature regarding ACES development and trauma-informed care. The paper concludes, with a discussion that provides limitations, challenges, clinical implications, and recommendations.Item How Can We Empower Women and Girls Through Domestic Violence in a Sustainable Way?(2026-03)This capstone explores the widespread violence and abuse experienced by women around the world, most often perpetrated by men they know and within their own homes. The paper examines why this violence persists, why it is often accepted or minimized, and why so many women remain silent or are unable to leave. It reviews the impacts of domestic violence, the supports currently available, the unique challenges marginalized women face, the influence of technology, and the significant gaps that remain unaddressed. Trauma-informed practices are highlighted, along with sustainable strategies to empower women and girls. The primary recommendations include creating an anonymous online platform where victims can share their experiences without shame, and offering empowerment workshops designed specifically for women and girls. While this project focuses on supporting women and girls, it acknowledges that fully addressing domestic violence will also require engaging men through education, workshops, and targeted supports in future work
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