CityU Scholarly Work (Restricted)
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Contains access-restricted scholarly work from City University of Seattle students, faculty, and staff.
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Item The Diagnostic Process and Different Treatment Pathways for Treating Depression(2025-04) Grewal, NavreetIn this capstone research project, I explore the diagnostic process and treatment pathways for depression, focusing on gaps in current mental health practices. Examined are the challenges in accurately diagnosing depression and the treatment of depression. I offer a critique of the premature use of antidepressants, advocating for more thorough assessment and a preference for psychotherapy and psychoeducation over medication in cases of situational depression, grief, or temporary crises. The research I reviewed emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to treatment, where therapists, psychiatrists, and physicians collaborate to provide a more collaborative and comprehensive care. It highlights the role of psychotherapy in managing depression and discusses how integrating therapy with pharmacological treatments can improve outcomes. Through this research, I recognize the need for a more ethical, client-centered approach to depression treatment, encouraging a shift toward a balanced model that considers individual needs and cultural contexts. My hope is that this paper contributes to the field of counselling and psychotherapy by addressing limitations in current treatment practices and advocating for a more well-rounded approach geared with more caution and client-centered care.Item Beyond the Screen: Social Media's Impact on Young Women's Well-Being and Romantic Relationships(2025-10) Tithh, ChandniThis capstone explores the psychological and relational influence of social media use on young women, with a particular focus on self-perception, body image, and well-being. As social media platforms become significantly popular and central to identity development, young women may experience heightened vulnerability to social comparison, internalized beauty standards, mental health challenges, and relational implications. This paper highlights the intricate ways online engagement can influence emotional and interpersonal outcomes by examining current research on social media use, body dissatisfaction, and relational dynamics. This capstone aims to raise awareness of the extent to which social media use can influence young women while providing practical strategies that foster self-compassion, critical awareness, and healthier online interactions.Item Complex Childhood Trauma Across the Lifespan: Disruptions, Adaptations, and Opportunities for Recovery(2025-06-24) Casoria, AntonioThis capstone project explores how one's experience of complex childhood trauma risks profound disruptions to their brain development, attachment formation, emotional regulation capacities, and interpersonal relationships. Complex childhood trauma negatively impacts certain domains of the brain, leading to deeply embedded challenges for a survivor, including impulsivity, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation as notable examples (McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). Furthermore, complex childhood trauma increases the likelihood for psychological disorders to emerge later in life due to the neurobiological and developmental disruptions caused by its pervasive, reoccurring nature (Danese & McEwen, 2012; McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). However, healing from this life experience is possible, as supportive relationships, co-regulation techniques, and trauma-informed therapies can serve to reduce these negative impacts and rewire unhelpful, maladaptive patterns of living (Calhoun et al., 2022; Frederick et al., 2023). This capstone also includes a three-day workshop for mental health practitioners, integrating and blending knowledge, techniques, and self-care to help bridge the space between theory and application.Item Strength in Adversity: Understanding Resilience in Families Raising Children with Developmental Disabilities(2025-06-20) Dhamankar, PrajaktaThis literature review explores the resilience of caregivers raising children with developmental disabilities (DD). The central research question guiding this review is: What are the psychosocial impacts of raising a child with disabilities and what factors contribute to the resilience of families? This review highlights historical perspective of disabilities and its impact on societal views of people with disabilities. Caregivers’ experiences of stress, frustration, grief and loss are discussed, while also investigating the role of societal stigma and cultural differences. This review also highlights the effects on marital relationships and gender differences in the caregiving roles. Despite the challenges, caregivers demonstrate resilience and strength in facing caregiving challenges. The internal factors such as self-efficacy, positive coping strategies, and external factors such as support systems, access to resources were found to be effective. The discussion highlights that resilience is not merely an individual psychological capacity but is shaped by access to healthcare, professional and community support, financial stability, and culturally sensitive practices. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for inclusive policies, expanded support services, and more research that includes the voices of fathers, siblings, and extended family members.Item Help Needed: A Review of Modern Therapeutic Interventions for Party and Play / Chemsex Dependency Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men(2025-06-27) Braun, JamesThis capstone reviews modern therapeutic interventions for "Party and Play" (PNP) / "chemsex" dependency among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). PNP involves the use of substances, primarily methamphetamine, to enhance sexual experiences, posing significant health risks, including increased HIV transmission, mental health challenges, and social isolation. This study evaluates a range of approaches: psychological, community based, holistic, medical, and technology-based, through the lens of Minority Stress Theory, which presents how stigma worsens substance use, and Harm Reduction principles, which prioritize reducing negative impacts. Traditional substance use treatments often lack cultural competence, resulting in poor outcomes and high dropout rates among gbMSM. Effective interventions, such as Gay-specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and community programs offering peer support and harm reduction, address minority stress and cultural needs, improving engagement and efficacy. Emerging methods, including medication-assisted treatments and digital health tools, show promise but require further research. This capstone underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive, accessible, layered care to enhance health outcomes. It advocates for healthcare provider training in cultural competence and future research into integrated, long-term solutions to better support gbMSM struggling with PNP dependency.