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.
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Item A Community-Based Approach: Concurrent Disorders Services for At-Risk Youth(2024-08-23)Accessing mental health and substance-use services for at-risk young people comes with its own challenges (Graves et al., 2024). Looking at studies that discuss community-based programs and services targeting this population, reveals that outreach programs and peer support workers improve the chance of adolescents getting the care they need (Tuaf & Orkibi, 2023). By exploring and turning into the community, it was discovered that including young people in the creation and development of youth programs ensures their relevance and effectiveness (Settipani et al., 2019; Henderson et al., 2019). This capstone research highlights the importance of community-based youth services in providing hope and help to vulnerable young people. By finding studies on what works, we shed light on how increasing awareness of community-based approaches, the integration of peer support has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance mental health and substance-use services (Englander et al., 2020; Lennox et al., 2021). The limitations that were addressed include a variety of barriers, such as financial constraints, social stigma, cultural disparities, and geographical obstacles (Castillo et al., 2019; Graves et al., 2024). The purpose of exploring these complexities is to deepen our understanding of the issues that vulnerable youth experience. Additionally, it highlights potential strategies that might be useful to help young people, like community-based initiatives and joint efforts with peer support workers (Castillo et al., 2019). The purpose is to support young people through these barriers and improve health equity (Castillo et al., 2019).Item Barriers in Accessibility to Psychotherapy for South Asian People Residing in Canada(2024)Canada is a diverse country that has welcomed immigrants for centuries. As society changes, members of society should question whether our structures need to change as well. South Asian people are one of the major immigrant groups in Canada. Research has shown that this group has different mental health problems than those of mainstream society. The goal of this study is to find out what mental health problems impact the South Asian community in Canada the most. Another goal is to is to find the culturally specific reasons why certain mental health problems plague this community more intensely. The last major goal of this study is to find the barriers that prevent these South Asian people in Canada from receiving mental health care. Finally, in searching for these answers, this paper will also recognize the factors that make receiving mental health care more accessible for this community.Item The Impact of Racial and Cultural Discrimination on the Mental Health of Canadians From an Asian Descent After the COVID-19 Pandemic(2024-08-26)The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of Asian individuals worldwide, exacerbating pre-existing racial tensions and discrimination. This capstone project examines how the pandemic has intensified xenophobia and racism towards Asians, driven largely by misinformation and fear. Findings indicate that Asians have faced heightened levels of scapegoating, verbal and physical abuse, which have significantly affected their mental health. Increased experiences of racial discrimination have been linked to higher incidences of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The dual fear of contracting the virus and being targeted due to racial biases has compounded these effects, leading to feelings of alienation, social isolation, and a reluctance to seek help due to stigma. The erosion of trust in societal institutions and increased economic insecurity further aggravate these mental health challenges. This review highlights the urgent need for culturally competent mental health support, educational campaigns to combat stereotypes, and systemic changes to address the root causes of racism. These measures are crucial for improving mental health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive society for Asian communities.Item Factors Influencing Outcomes for Indigenous Peoples Seeking Treatment for Addiction(2024-08-29)This capstone project details the factors contributing to the disparities in both addiction prevalence and outcomes for Indigenous clients seeking and receiving addiction treatment. Research has identified factors both past (colonialism, intergenerational trauma) and present (systemic racism, lack of culturally-specific care) that contribute to this disparity. This capstone begins by exploring these factors in detail and presenting an overview of the current treatment options available to Indigenous clients and their effectiveness. There is also a discussion of the ethical implications of working with this population, the best practices indicated by research up to the present, and the gaps in care that currently face Indigenous clients seeking addiction care. Findings consistently point to the need for more opportunities for Indigenous peoples to develop and provide care within their communities autonomously, with governments and other stakeholders taking a supportive allyship role. Recommendations are offered for current and future counsellors working with this population to best serve these clients through culturally- competent care and collaboration.Item The Effects of Caregiver Self-Compassion on Children’s Mental Health(2024-08-19)Previous research has demonstrated the impressive mental and physical health benefits of self- compassion for individuals. However, it is not yet well understood how individual self- compassion may positively impact others in close relationship to the individual. One of the most important relationships in family systems therapy is the caregiver-child relationship. Through the lens of attachment theory, it is understood that caregivers have great influence on children's mental health and overall wellbeing. This study sought to explore the research question: How does caregiver self-compassion impact children’s mental health? Caregiver self-compassion was examined for its impact on caregivers' internal and external factors and how these may act as pathways to exert influence on factors related to children’s mental health. Using a systematic review process, ten articles were identified as fitting the scope established by the research question. These articles were reviewed and analyzed in order to identify key themes. Three themes that emerged highlighted some ways in which caregiver self-compassion may impact children’s mental health. These themes included the internal influence of caregiver self- compassion for caregivers, the external influence of caregiver self-compassion on parenting approaches, and the potential for caregiver self-compassion to be used as an intervention within a family system for improving children’s mental health. The articles were also critiqued for overall methodological practices and ethical approaches, including strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, clinical practices were recommended based on the research findings, including key takeaways and possible intervention practices for including caregiver self-compassion as a component of parenting programs aimed at improving children's mental health.
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