CityU Scholarly Work (Open Access)
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Contains open access scholarly work from City University of Seattle students, faculty, and staff.
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Item The Mental Health Impact of Infertility in Females(2024-06) Van Vliet, ChantelAcross the globe roughly one out of six people will be diagnosed with infertility, defined as difficulties in conceiving a child. This capstone will explore the mental health impact of female infertility, exemplifying that female infertility is linked to the following negative mental health outcomes, depression, suicide, anxiety, stress and grief and loss. Despite these results, the research was not without its limitations such as a lack of consistent definition of infertility, the exclusion of a major population of females, females with pre-existing medical problems that make it difficult to conceive a child, despite not trying to get pregnant, and the research was limited by their sample techniques in a multitude of ways. Considering these limitations, there are a variety of implications for researchers, doctors and counsellors. Researchers should create a new universal definition of infertility, adapt or create a new conceptualization of infertility that includes females with pre-existing medical problems, and prioritize new research that incorporates a more diverse and inclusive population. For doctors, they should increase their fertility support for females with pre-existing medical problems, as well as reflect on how their chosen definition of infertility may exclude certain females struggling with infertility. For counsellors implications range from incorporating a feminist and narrative lens, prioritizing the exploration of the negative mental health outcomes linked to this condition, to exploring biases and assumptions around infertility.Item Embodiment as a Necessity for Healing Trauma(2024-05) Rowe, JenniferTrauma and its ubiquitous impacts invite an embodied approach to healing that integrates self, mind, and body. The prevalence of traumatic experiences and its impacts on individuals, communities, institutions, and societies underscores the urgent need for effective and long-lasting therapeutic interventions. Trauma disrupts physiological and psychological states and identity, leading to a fragmented sense of self and pervasive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, and disembodiment. Traditional cognitive, “talk therapies” may fall short in addressing these complexities, highlighting the importance of somatic approaches that reconnect all aspects of the self, including the body, mind, and relational connection. Embodied practices may offer promising avenues for healing when verbal approaches falter. These modalities emphasize the importance of body awareness, self-regulation, and interoception, enabling individuals to process trauma through physical sensations and movements. The holistic integration of mind and body is crucial for long-term recovery and well-being. Embodiment not only aids in the processing of traumatic memories but also empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their bodies and their lives. By addressing the physiological, emotional, psychological, and relational dimensions of trauma, embodied practices provide a comprehensive framework for healing. Adjunctive body-based approaches foster resilience, support the development of healthy relationships, and enhance overall life satisfaction, underscoring the necessity of embodiment in trauma therapy and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.Item Expanding Our Understanding of Post-Migration Cultural Adjustment: Research-Informed Adaptation Strategies and Therapeutic Approaches(2024-06-30) Suprun, InnaThis research paper addresses the complexities of the cultural adaptation process for newcomers to Western countries through a critical examination of the three clusters of acculturation models. A review of the unidimensional assimilation model points to its increasing inadequacy in understanding the acculturation of newcomers from diverse backgrounds. John Berry's bidimensional acculturation model, particularly the integration strategy (or successful navigation of two cultures), has been shown to benefit individual well-being, psychological health, and cultural adaptation. However, criticism of Berry's model points to its failure to account for social, contextual, individual, and cultural variants that deeply affect integration. This leads to the theoretical inclusion of multidimensional perspectives that consider factors such as social reception context, discrimination, multicultural personality traits, goal setting and motivation, cultural distance, and the role of social networks. The paper also discusses variations of domain- specific integration, an approach that allows for newcomers to navigate across different spheres of life (public, social, personal) according to situational demands and personal benefits rather than acculturating strategies. Utilizing theoretical and empirical research, this paper offers a deeper understanding of the acculturation experience and provides practical guidelines and recommendations for culturally sensitive, multidimensional therapeutic approach. The significance of this research is underscored by future trends indicating an upward trajectory in global Western migration and immigration to Canada. Particularly as Canadian projections indicate that it aims to grow its population, stimulate economic growth, and fulfill humanitarian commitments with foreign migration, making the subject of acculturation increasingly relevant.Item Understanding the Process of Mentalization-Based Therapy for Addressing Low-Level Parental Reflective Functioning Among Parent Survivors of Child Abuse(2024-06-12) Wilson, DerekThe issue that this capstone project addresses is the lack of understanding of mentalization based therapy (MBT) approaches for addressing the development of parental reflective functioning (PRF) among parent survivors of child abuse. To address this issue, the purpose of this capstone project is to provide an in-depth theoretical analysis that will critically explore the strengths, challenges, and gaps of the literature on MBT approaches for addressing parent survivors' PRF. A traditional-narrative approach was utilized to gather data from a variety of theoretical back-grounds (e.g., attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology), and literature of various research methods (e.g., qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods). This data was critically analyzed through an Affect Regulation Theory lens to consider factors of attachment style, trauma history, and interpersonal neurobiology on the context of how parent survivors relate to their children. This analysis led to the following 6 themes: the therapist's mentalizing stance; addressing epis-temic trust; following parent survivors' lead and pace; regulating parent survivors' emotional arousal; handling parent survivors' non-mentalizing modes; and assessing shifts from non-mentalizing to increased PRF. These themes may be beneficial for understanding effective and appropriate ways for therapists to support increased development of PRF among parent survivors.Item Smartphone Addiction & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence-Based Treatments(2024-06-04) Kjearsgaard, RachelThis research project dives into the indicated relationship between Smartphone Addiction (SPA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within the context of counselling. This study looks at evidence-based treatments that psychotherapists and counselling clinicians can utilize to successfully address the interconnected difficulties by combining existing literature and empirical studies. The results show the importance of mindfulness-based therapies (MBI), physical activity, social support, and digital health interventions (DHI) in combating and reducing symptoms of ADHD and SPA. The research intends to provide the counselling profession with practical techniques to support individuals dealing with these complex challenges by conducting a thorough analysis of various treatment modalities. Counsellors can have a significant impact on individuals with ADHD and their SPA by prioritizing a comprehensive treatment approach and taking into account the specific requirements of each individualistic client. This approach is crucial in encouraging recovery and enhancing overall well-being.