CityU Scholarly Work (Open Access)

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/2
Contains open access scholarly work from City University of Seattle students, faculty, and staff.

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    Adolescent Mental Health Supports for Males
    (2025-07-30) Kulczycki, Kelsey
    Adolescent male mental health is a topic that is rarely discussed in the psychological world due to its stigma and lack of representation within the literature. This Capstone analyzes and reviews supports for mental health professionals to address adolescent male ages 13 to 17 mental health concerns. Although mental health is a new topic that is continuously being researched, it is evident that there is a lack of support for adolescent males who have significant mental health problems. There is a stigma associated with male mental health that is prominent in society that cause males to hide their mental health conditions due to fear of societal pressures. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and utilizing peer support as an influence for behaviors and decisions. It is a time where individuals discover who they are, and males often feel the societal pressure to behave a certain way which leads to significant problems in adulthood. This Capstone will highlight the best theoretical approaches to working with adolescent males as well as the incorporation of physical activity to provide an alternative support. This Capstone will introduce a lesson plan for schools or community centers to support adolescent males by incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy and physical literacy to support mental health.
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    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Educational Leadership for a More Inclusive Future
    (2025-06-25) Prusko, Jayna
    This capstone study examines the past and present environments in which women are both pursuing and leading in educational leadership. The purpose of this capstone study is to draw awareness to the experiences of women as system education leaders, as well as identify the barriers and challenges that they face in the male-dominated field of educational leadership. Recommendations such as intentional female hiring, focusing on female leadership characteristics, and implementing female mentorship programs identified in this capstone study aim to support education systems and school authorities in ensuring that women are better represented across educational leadership. By increasing the representation of women in educational leadership, students and their families, as well as all school staff, will be positively affected by the inclusion of these educators who have a strong set of skills and characteristics. These changes can positively impact the educational journeys of all students and foster an environment of growth and intellectual challenge for a new generation of female leaders within education.
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    Enhancing Adolescent Resilience: The Role of Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Practices
    (2025-07) Murray, Chelsea
    This capstone project explores how mindfulness and self-compassion practices can enhance resilience and improve coping strategies among adolescents. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress in youth underscore the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based interventions that support emotional well-being. Drawing from research in contemplative traditions, psychology, and neuroscience, this paper examines the theoretical foundations and practical applications of mindfulness and self-compassion in adolescent mental health. It presents a 12-week school-based group counselling program designed to cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and selfkindness among high school students. Pre- and post-program assessments using the Self Compassion Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Child and Youth Resilience Measure to provide quantitative measures of program impact. The proposed intervention offers educators and school counsellors a practical, developmentally appropriate framework to embed mindfulness and selfcompassion practices into school environments, equipping adolescents with tools to navigate life's challenges with greater emotional regulation, resilience, and self-understanding.
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    Polyvagal Theory and Trauma: Providing School Counsellors with Practical Guidance on How to Integrate Principles of Polyvagal Theory to Foster Trauma-Sensitive Environments in Elementary Schools
    (2025-07-02) Johal, Hardeep
    This capstone explores how Polyvagal Theory can inform trauma-sensitive practices in schools. Drawing on recent literature, this paper outlines the impact of trauma and principles of Polyvagal theory-neuroception, the hierarchy of states and coregulation-on student behaviour, learning and relational needs. Through this lens, schools can create environments that are supportive of student empowerment and resilience, contributing to healthier communities grounded in safety, connection and healing. This capstone includes infographics and practical strategies for educators to support safety, emotional regulation/state change, connection through co-regulation and resilience in students-fostering healing, learning, and growth for those impacted by trauma.
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    Unseen and Unheard: Mental Health Challenges for Justice-Involved Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    (2025-08-01) Grewal, Jessica
    Justice-involved youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face significant barriers in accessing adequate mental health care. Despite their heightened vulnerability, research on their experiences—particularly regarding access to meaningful mental health services—remains limited. This literature review examines existing research on the intersection of justice system involvement, I/DD, and mental health care, highlighting systemic challenges that contribute to ongoing cycles of disadvantage. Key themes include the underidentification of I/DD within the justice system, gaps in appropriate mental health interventions, and structural barriers to equitable care. By synthesizing current findings, this review aims to identify critical gaps in the literature and underscore the need for more targeted research and policy development. Addressing these issues is essential to improving mental health outcomes for this population and promoting more just, inclusive systems of care.