Outcomes of COVID-19: Posttraumatic Growth and Emotion-Focused Coping Among U.S. Veterans

Female veterans are currently the fastest growing population of veterans in the United States (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022) and have a higher prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than male veterans (Na et al., 2021), yet there has been limited research done on this population. Females have also been found to experience more posttraumatic growth (PTG) than males (Kalaitzaki, 2021; Prieto-Ursa & Jordar, 2020; Yildiz, 2021). Furthermore, women’s use of emotion-focused coping strategies has been shown to play a role in increasing experiences of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chu-Si & Yunhwan, 2022). Yet, while research has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among veterans with PTSD and found increased levels of PTG among male veterans (Na et al., 2021), they have not focused on how gender plays into coping strategies among veteran populations that result in increased PTG. This quantitative study compared female- and male-identified U.S. veterans with PTSD, their use of emotion-focused coping strategies, and experiences of PTG within the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic. All analyses showed statistically significant results including a correlation between the use of emotion-focused coping and PTG among the sample. Of note, female-identified veterans endorsed higher levels of PTG and, contrary to the predicted outcome, male-identified veterans utilized more emotion-focused coping strategies. This research examined how to further support effective treatment of PTSD among veterans and the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study the reactivation of trauma among this population. Based on the findings, implications and future research directions were discussed. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)

Creating a General Psychology Curriculum that Embeds Humane Education

Academic freedom is under attack in the United States, hindering the ability of educators to develop critical thinking skills in students to prepare them for their roles as participating members of a democracy. The inquiry that informed the curriculum development is as follows: How to embed Humane Education and Participatory Action Research into a General Psychology class? The theoretical framework of Humane Education was the basis for utilizing the principles of Participatory Action Research in the General Psychology curriculum co-created with rural community college students. The Backward Design Model was chosen because the curriculum was created using an existing General Psychology curriculum and embedding Humane Education into the existing framework. The use of reflective questions allowed students and instructors to evaluate the broad aim of the curriculum and collaborate on the effectiveness of the aims. Embedding Humane Education in a General Psychology curriculum allows for studying human thought and behavior in alignment with introducing the idea of solutionary thinking. It also aids in helping students to identify oppression not only their own lives, but in the lives of others. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)

The Role of Floodplain Complexity in Wood Turtle Habitat Use

Wood turtles occupy cold, low-gradient riverine habitat throughout the northeastern United State and southeastern Canada. Stream alterations, such as dams, channel straightening, and floodplain development have diminished the natural hydrologic and sedimentation regimes that result in complex channel and floodplain geomorphology. Studies throughout the species’ range have quantified many aspects of their habitat, but none have quantified components of geomorphology of wood turtle sites. The goal of this study was to explore the role of stream channel and floodplain geomorphology in wood turtle habitat use, with specific objectives to (1) quantify components of stream channel and floodplain geomorphic complexity, (2) explore the role of floodplain geomorphic complexity in wood turtle habitat use, and (3) explore the role of floodplain vegetation structure in wood turtle habitat use. I calculated metrics of geomorphic complexity for five floodplains along a stream in the White Mountain Ecoregion. Stream channel metrics included gradient, sinuosity, and the number and area of point bars along each floodplain stream segment. Floodplain metrics were calculated using 1-meter resolution bare earth lidar, following a methodology developed by Scown et al. Three metrics of elevational variability (standard deviation, skewness, and standard deviation of curvature) were calculated at 6 scales from 3x3 pixels (4.41 m2) to 13x13 pixels (82.81 m2) to produce 18 elevation variables. Spatial variability was quantified by calculating a Moran’s I value of spatial autocorrelation for each of the 18 variables at 9 scales ranging from 5-meter to 100-meter radius around each point to yield 162 variables of spatial variability. I used these variables to compare geomorphic condition among the five floodplains. In one floodplain with previously collected wood turtle data, I used generalized linear models to test the association between each variable and wood turtle habitat use, represented by a kernel use density (kud) estimate calculated from the wood turtle observation points. I also calculated three components of vegetation structure from classified lidar for this floodplain, and used generalized linear models to test the association between each vegetation variable and wood turtle habitat use, represented by the kud. Elevation variables were similar for the five floodplains, and highlighted geomorphic features within the floodplain, such as scroll ponds, abandoned channels, and steep slopes. These variables were the most useful for predicting wood turtle habitat use within the floodplain. Moran’s I variables were not useful for predicting wood turtle habitat use or highlighting floodplain features but provide a means of comparing patchiness of variability among sites. Vegetation metrics were more useful than the elevation variables for predicting wood turtle presence, suggesting that, as measured in this study, vegetative structure may play a stronger role than geomorphic complexity in wood turtle habitat use. However, combined vegetation and elevation models were the best models overall, indicating that metrics of geomorphic complexity may provide useful information for identifying high value features or areas within the floodplain. Results of this study show that certain metrics of terrain elevational complexity were positively associated with wood turtle habitat use within the floodplain, and these metrics highlighted features, such as scroll ponds and steep slopes, known to be important to wood turtles. Variables of vegetation structure showed positive association with wood turtle habitat use for values representing habitat favored by wood turtles and had stronger predictive value than elevation metrics. However, the best overall model for predicting wood turtle habitat use included metrics of both vegetation structure and geomorphic complexity, confirming the relevance of geomorphic complexity in evaluating wood turtle habitat. Given the current availability of high-resolution lidar, such metrics can be readily calculated for areas of interest, contributing valuable information for identifying and evaluating known and potential wood turtle sites. Metrics of geomorphic complexity also provide a means of evaluating floodplain geomorphic condition across multiple sites and broad geographic regions. These, and other measures of stream and floodplain geomorphic complexity provide a means for establishing a quantitative framework for evaluating geomorphic condition of riverine ecosystems at multiple scales and may be useful in stream restoration efforts. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/, and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu

Bisexuality: An Individual\u27s Direction is Society\u27s Detour

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of self-identified bisexual adults through a qualitative, narrative inquiry approach that centers how folx construct their story of sexuality and individual meaning making capacities based on held intersections of identity. Using Queer theory and intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this study investigates and advocates that sexual orientation is not validated or invalidated by its fluidity but aims to understand how bisexuality is an integrative part of an individual’s identity. This dissertation explores how society’s tendency to view sexuality as divided between heterosexuality and homosexuality erases the complexity and spectrum of sexual orientations that exist beyond these binary categories. Biphobia, invisibility, and discrimination are subtle, yet powerful tools used to uphold heteronormativity, which then limits the understanding of the full spectrum of sexuality. This narrative inquiry consisted of 10 participants. The six major themes that emerged from this data included: the Fluidity of Bisexuality, Gendered Impact on Bisexuality, Intersections of Identity and Meaning-Making, Biphobia, Relational Impact, and Sense of Not “Enough.” The subthemes were categorized as Invisibility and Acceptance. This research cites storytelling as a powerful modality for healing, allowing individuals to reclaim their narratives, build community, and resist systems of oppression. The findings will contribute to a growing body of literature that advocates for greater recognition of bisexual identities at the micro, macro, and meso levels. This iv study affirms the necessity of centering bisexual voices in conversations around sexual identity, mental health, and liberation. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)

Mental Health in the Post-Deployment Transition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study of National Guard Members\u27 Experiences

Objective: National Guard post-deployment and reintegration processes leave servicemembers with a unique urgency to return to their families, homes, and civilian lives due to the timing and location of the post-deployment Transition Assistance Program (TAP); consequently, National Guard members have reported “checking the boxes” on mental health screeners to prioritize a quick and smooth transition (Salahi, 2023). Although researchers have called for data on the experiences of National Guard members undergoing post-deployment TAP since 2005 (Bascetta), no research to date has answered this call. Method: Eight National Guard members who had been deployed and had undergone post-deployment were individually interviewed to better understand their TAP experiences and needs during their post-deployment transition. Results were analyzed using a Consensual Qualitative Research approach (Hill et al., 2005) to develop domains, core ideas, and categories concerning multiple aspects of the TAP experience. Results: Analysis produced a total of 15 distinct domains, and several core ideas and categories, within three primary research questions. An additional 18 distinct domains were identified within three emergent contextual themes. Domains elucidated participants’ general attitudes toward the mental health aspects of post-deployment TAP, factors that servicemembers considered when deciding whether to accurately report mental health symptoms, and perceived impacts of the timing and location of TAP. Participants were also asked how they might recommend a more effective process. Domains included more comprehensive mental v health screening; individualized mental health; destigmatized mental health; and timing, location, and condition changes. Contextual themes emphasized the impact of TAP mental health protocols on future mental health treatment seeking, organizational disillusionment, and mental health stigma. Conclusion: Participants in the current study discussed how the current postdeployment TAP processes and procedures are not effectively achieving desired goals among many National Guard servicemembers. Modifications to post-deployment TAP, informed by the expressed needs and experiences of National Guard members, could improve the experience of National Guard members and their families, while better upholding stated program objectives by considering procedures that encourage the accurate reporting of mental health symptoms, improve mental health support, and increase access to targeted interventions during reintegration. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu

Experiences of Dissertating Students: What works?

This study explores the experiences of doctoral graduates from Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) programs. Guided by theoretical frameworks on student attrition and institutional racism, the research investigates three primary questions: (1) What dissertation- specific programmatic factors influence time to completion for CES doctoral students? (2) What interventions most strongly promote a sense of social integration and belonging? and (3) What interventions most strongly promote academic integration and confidence in students’ ability to succeed? Data were collected anonymously through an online survey, which included demographic and open-ended questions. Twelve participants completed the survey. Thematic analysis identified seven major themes: (1) intersectionality and identity, (2) attrition, (3) relational support within the institutional setting, (4) incorporation of programmatic structure, (5) programmatic barriers, (6) academic-life balance, and (7) emotional and mental health. Findings contribute to the literature on student attrition by highlighting effective interventions, programmatic structures, and persistent challenges within CES programs. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)

Exploring the Use of Somatic Skills and Techniques in Clinical Supervision

This study explores the lived experiences of clinical supervisors who engage in somatically oriented supervision. Informed by relational-cultural theory and polyvagal theory, the research employs a grounded theory methodology to investigate the potential development of a somatic supervision framework. Eleven participants completed semi-structured interviews and data were analyzed using both thematic analysis and grounded theory techniques. Eleven core themes emerged: (a) conceptualizations of somatic supervision, (b) integration of somatic techniques in supervisory practice, (c) theoretical foundations for somatic supervision, (d) attunement to countertransference, (e) the supervisory relationship, (f) trauma-informed approaches, (g) somatic techniques and practices, (h) initiating and structuring somatic supervision, (i) ethical and gatekeeping considerations, (j) supervisor development and competency, and (k) cultural responsiveness and social justice orientation. Findings contribute to the development of a grounded theory of somatic supervision and highlight its potential as an embodied, relational, and socially conscious supervisory model. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)