Discrimination has become a significant presenting concern among college students that is strongly correlated with distress, social isolation, and suicidal ideation, even after counseling treatment (Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2023). Over the past several years, the surge in reported incidents of antisemitism on college campuses has…

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine if and to what extent a correlation exists between the stress and resilience of graduate students enrolled in an online master's degree program and their intent to persist at a large university in New England. The theoretical foundation for this study was the metatheory of…

As Wingate University has grown, it has also experienced challenges with declining student retention and graduation rates. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about abrupt changes in the higher education landscape, including effecting students' mental wellbeing. This quantitative study examines the relationship between student engagement at…

Purpose: This study examined whether there was a significant negative relationship present between engaging in physical activity and the variables of anxiety sensitivity and self-esteem. In addition, it was determined whether aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, or stretching exercises were most strongly correlated with anxiety sensitivity and…

The growing prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among mental health professionals (MHPs) has contributed to an ongoing mental health workforce shortage in the United States. Literature has shown strong evidence of workforce and organizational risk factors for STS, with inconsistent conclusions about the role of personal trauma. Previous…

In 2020, the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious and deadly respiratory disease, quickly spread into a worldwide pandemic. This study investigated posttraumatic growth (PTG) among K-12 educators in the United States after teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research problem is that educators experienced trauma that is unique to…

Adolescence is a period of growth, independence, and exploration, with increased curiosity and risk-taking behaviors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021b). Evidence has shown an increase in mental health concerns during adolescence, including suicidal behaviors (CDC, 2023b; Plemmons et al., 2018; Yard et al., 2021), as well as…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare mental health and stress in K-5 teachers at a Southeast Texas elementary school based on gender, years of experience, and race. It was guided by the following research questions: How does the relationship between gender among male and female elementary teachers relate to stress assessment…

While it is well understood that teachers are leaving the profession, what is less discussed is the why behind teachers choosing to leave. In 2023, 44% of teachers surveyed said they were likely or very likely to leave their job within the next two years. By 2025, unfilled teaching positions are expected to approach 200,000 (Mielke, 2023). This…

This dissertation investigates the relationship between stigma, knowledge, and help-seeking attitudes among high school students in two New York City Jewish day schools: a Modern Orthodox all-boys high school and a Sephardic Orthodox Jewish all-girls high school. The primary focus is on understanding how these factors: stigma about mental illness…

Graduate school can be a challenging and demanding experience, with many students facing considerable stress and adversity throughout their academic journey. For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) graduate students, the challenges may be amplified due to systemic and social factors, which can increase stress levels, potentially…

Previous studies have examined stress' potential impact on undergraduate college student academic outcomes. The existing literature has defined the populations' lived experiences of stress as a significant factor that can often destabilize a student's physical and mental health, as well as detract from a student's ability to achieve targeted goals…

College students' mental health can be compromised by the exceeding demands of academia and other life stressors that can aversively impact their mood, sleep quality, and academic performance (Jordan et al., 2020; Silisteanu et al., 2022). Moreover, chronic exposure to high stress can increase risk of developing mental illness and other long-term…

The initial transition to college is a pivotal moment for emerging adults, often influencing whether a student will remain successful. Students face a significant challenge adapting to the new environment that has been compounded by their experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, a sense of belonging for students has…

The social-emotional needs of students have increased, and schools currently are responsible for providing a majority of the mental health support for youth (Fact Sheet, 2012). This study addressed the reliance on school-based social-emotional support and the impact caused to School Mental Health Specialists by utilizing an explanatory, sequential…