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- Title
- INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS REGARDING MENTALLY ILL OFFENDERS: PERCEPTIONS OF COLLABORATION FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRACTITIONERS.
- Creator
-
Sharp, Christopher, Surette, Raymond, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The federal program of deinstitutionalizing psychiatric facilities has resulted in a well documented, ever-increasing mentally ill population in the nation's prisons and jails. Historically, the criminal justice system has maintained a laissez-faire attitude toward the mentally ill, and only became involved with the mentally ill when a crime had been committed. As such, the President's Mental Health and Criminal Justice Consensus Project was developed to explore ways that the two...
Show moreThe federal program of deinstitutionalizing psychiatric facilities has resulted in a well documented, ever-increasing mentally ill population in the nation's prisons and jails. Historically, the criminal justice system has maintained a laissez-faire attitude toward the mentally ill, and only became involved with the mentally ill when a crime had been committed. As such, the President's Mental Health and Criminal Justice Consensus Project was developed to explore ways that the two systems could work together to address the growing problem of the mentally ill offender. However, challenges arise because the criminal justice system has typically been viewed as a loosely coupled, fragmented system that is unwilling or unable to address the social issue of the mentally ill offender. The concept of coupling between agencies has serious ramifications for the ability of agencies to successfully collaborate. Theoretical foundations for collaboration between mental health and criminal justice agencies lie partly in labeling theory and the drive to avoid the negative stigmatization of the mentally ill by the formal criminal justice system. A second theoretical foundation is found in developmental theories, which seek to explain the development of organizational knowledge and skills, in handling mentally ill offenders, through interaction between the mental health and criminal justice systems. In this study, it is asserted that agencies that are appropriately coupled and have experience with collaboration will perceive greater benefits from the collaborative exchange. Furthermore, this leads to the main hypothesis of the current study that agency coupling and collaborative experience will increase the perception of benefits of collaboration and support of collaborative efforts that deal with mentally ill offenders. To assess the main hypothesis of the current study, a modified Dillman methodology was utilized. The research population consisted of a complete enumeration of the 20 Florida State's Attorneys Offices, the 66 County Sheriffs, the 54 Probation Office Managers, and the 313 municipal law enforcement agencies for a total study population of 453 possible respondents, of which 49% responded. Overall, the findings of the current study illustrate a willingness of agencies to couple with outside agencies to address the phenomenon of the mentally ill offender. The results provide theoretical support for the need to reduce the negative stigma of a mentally ill individual being additionally labeled a criminal offender. The results additionally bolster the belief that the knowledge and skills to do this can best be accomplished through interaction with outside agencies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001328, ucf:46982
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001328
- Title
- BSN STUDENTS' OPINIONS OF MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS.
- Creator
-
Chugh, Kavika, Dever, Kimberly, Loerzel, Victoria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Compassionate care, or humanism, should be available to all patients, but the stigma associated with mental illness is a barrier to many people receiving the appropriate care. Views held by Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students can vary from custodial, or the belief in a traditional medical model which involved a highly controlled setting for all mentally ill patients, to humanistic, or viewing the hospital as a therapeutic community for the human needs of a patient. This study...
Show moreCompassionate care, or humanism, should be available to all patients, but the stigma associated with mental illness is a barrier to many people receiving the appropriate care. Views held by Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students can vary from custodial, or the belief in a traditional medical model which involved a highly controlled setting for all mentally ill patients, to humanistic, or viewing the hospital as a therapeutic community for the human needs of a patient. This study examines the views of BSN students before their psychiatric clinical experience through a pretest and post-test survey and analyzes for a shift in opinion following the psychiatric clinical experience. This study's aim is to identify the effect of exposure to mentally ill patients on BSN students' opinions of mental illness. A convenience sample of 56 BSN students from the University of Central Florida College of Nursing was used; recruitment happened through an announcement made during the psychiatric mental health lecture. An online survey was distributed before the psychiatric mental health clinical experience, and a post-test survey was done following the conclusion of this clinical experience. Results showed an overall shift toward humanistic views following exposure to mental illness. These results demonstrate the value of the psychiatric mental health clinical experience in developing humanistic views among BSN students. The results of this study complement past research, which has shown that people who have not had experience with mentally ill persons tend to show more negative, custodial views. However, knowledge and experience can shape one�s view in a more humanistic way, opening up nurses to provide compassionate care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000287, ucf:45759
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000287
- Title
- PREVENTING REINCARCERATION OF WOMEN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.
- Creator
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Dolmovich, Anne M, Dever, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since deinstitutionalization of state hospitals began almost 50 years ago, there has been an increase in the population with mental illness seen in the prison system. A combination of factors were looked at when studying causes behind incarceration, including active symptoms of mental illness, socioeconomic status, social support systems, history of trauma, history of drug abuse, police education on mental illness, and public perspective on mental illness. This study is a literature review...
Show moreSince deinstitutionalization of state hospitals began almost 50 years ago, there has been an increase in the population with mental illness seen in the prison system. A combination of factors were looked at when studying causes behind incarceration, including active symptoms of mental illness, socioeconomic status, social support systems, history of trauma, history of drug abuse, police education on mental illness, and public perspective on mental illness. This study is a literature review focusing on people with mental illness in the prison system, with particular attention to women. It is costly to house inmates for any extended period of time. Specialized housing, needed for people requiring greater supervision, including those with mental illness, is particularly expansive. These funds were intended to go into community programs supporting those with mental illness after release from the institutions of the past. Without this support, many people with mental illness wind up homeless and turning to substance abuse, which leads to opportunities for incarceration. While further research is needed, there is evidence of promise shown in the combined efforts of increased case management and social support systems along with increased education of law enforcement officers on the symptoms and handling of cases of people with serious mental illness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000004, ucf:45576
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000004
- Title
- EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDES ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS, ABOUT GUNS, AND PERSONALITY VARIABLES.
- Creator
-
Chavez, Rachel N, Mottarella, Karen, Whitten, Shannon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explores relationships among attitudes about mental illness and guns in order to shed some light on two issues often mentioned in the same realm: mental illness and gun violence. This study also explores if personality variables relate to these attitudes about guns and mental illness. The results of this study found that those who reported more positive attitudes toward guns will have more negative attitudes toward mental illness. The data supported another part of the hypothesis...
Show moreThis study explores relationships among attitudes about mental illness and guns in order to shed some light on two issues often mentioned in the same realm: mental illness and gun violence. This study also explores if personality variables relate to these attitudes about guns and mental illness. The results of this study found that those who reported more positive attitudes toward guns will have more negative attitudes toward mental illness. The data supported another part of the hypothesis that males would report more positive attitudes towards guns and more negative attitudes towards mental illness than females. This study did not support one part of the hypothesis that those participants with higher ratings of openness to experiences and conscientiousness will have more positive attitudes towards mental illness. Exploring these attitudes may advance our understanding of misconceptions, stereotypes, and stigma. This may also increase understanding of what leads to polarizing and divisive opinions on these issues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000411, ucf:45819
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000411
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF BELIEFS ON PEOPLE'S PERCEPTION OF ILLNESS IN THE SPANISH GOLDEN AGE.
- Creator
-
Cruz, Nicole, Garcia, Martha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Medicine is a field of science that is always changing and promoting new ideas and innovations. Throughout history, medicine has been an important factor in the lives of people around the world since the beginning of civilizations. This study focused on the literature of medicine as it relates to the Spanish Golden Age period. By looking at the history and critical studies in medicine during sixteenth and seventeenth century Spain as well as during the pre-colonial period in America, this...
Show moreMedicine is a field of science that is always changing and promoting new ideas and innovations. Throughout history, medicine has been an important factor in the lives of people around the world since the beginning of civilizations. This study focused on the literature of medicine as it relates to the Spanish Golden Age period. By looking at the history and critical studies in medicine during sixteenth and seventeenth century Spain as well as during the pre-colonial period in America, this thesis overviews the effects and influences in regards to health and illness in Spain and the Americas during the Spanish Golden Age era.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004319, ucf:45038
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004319
- Title
- MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE PRISON SYSTEM: EXPLORING THE ISSUES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
- Creator
-
Pacecca, Melinda, Saunders, W. Steven, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research was to explore the issue of mental health in the prison system. A large portion of the prison population is mentally ill. The prison environment poses special challenges to these individuals. Treating mental illness in a prison environment can be difficult as there are many factors that must be considered in deciding the best way to handle mentally ill offenders. Mental health courts show promise in dealing with these issues, but methods vary quite significantly...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore the issue of mental health in the prison system. A large portion of the prison population is mentally ill. The prison environment poses special challenges to these individuals. Treating mental illness in a prison environment can be difficult as there are many factors that must be considered in deciding the best way to handle mentally ill offenders. Mental health courts show promise in dealing with these issues, but methods vary quite significantly from region to region. A literature review was conducted to provide an overview of the types of mental illnesses seen in prison populations, the types of crimes committed by those with a mental illness, treatment options, efficacy of treatment, and recidivism of mentally ill offenders. Data from a 2000 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation report on California prisoners and parolees and data from the California Department of Mental Health were used to run a Pearson R correlation matrix. It was predicted that there would be a higher correlation between mental illness in the general population and incarceration than socioeconomic class, in this case individuals below the poverty level, and incarceration. The results supported the hypothesis which highlights the prevalence of the issue of mental illness in the prison system. It is important to ensure that those with mental disorders are receiving appropriate treatment while incarcerated. Effective treatment may have the potential to help the individual better adapt to prison life and possibly have a better outlook upon release into the community and more research should be done to explore this possibility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004402, ucf:45126
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004402
- Title
- Pre-service teacher perceptions on the education of children with critical illness and preparation to teach mathematics to children with critical illness.
- Creator
-
Fralish, Bethany, Nickels, Megan, Bush, Sarah, Kelley, Michelle, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research study presents data on three pre-service elementary teachers in an ethnographic study outlining the experiences of the pre-service elementary teachers during the semester of their first education internship. During the first internship semester, the three pre-service teachers completed a 12-week internship placement, 6-weeks at a hospital-based school program and 6-weeks at a brick-and-mortar public school, and three co-requisite courses (i.e., elementary mathematics methods,...
Show moreThis research study presents data on three pre-service elementary teachers in an ethnographic study outlining the experiences of the pre-service elementary teachers during the semester of their first education internship. During the first internship semester, the three pre-service teachers completed a 12-week internship placement, 6-weeks at a hospital-based school program and 6-weeks at a brick-and-mortar public school, and three co-requisite courses (i.e., elementary mathematics methods, diagnostic and corrective reading, and teaching exceptional students). The data collected includes the pre-service teacher applications to participate in internship at the hospital-based school program, pre-interview questionnaire, end-of-day reflections, post-interview questionnaire, and background information questionnaire. The questions of study were: (1) How prepared do pre-service teachers feel to educate children with critical illness and address the needs of children with critical illness in the classroom as a result of completion of a 6-week internship at a hospital-based school program? (2) How prepared do pre-service teachers feel to teach mathematics to children with critical illness after completing a 6-week internship at a hospital-based school program? The results show that the participants' reported an increase in preparation to teach children with critical illness and teach them mathematics, but their views about the education of children with a critical illness and mathematics remain consistent. Thus, the results illuminated two themes across all participants: 1) children as a homogenous group 2) procedural mathematics. Study implications include the need to add specific professional learning on the educational impacts of a critical illness and the need to involve pre-service teachers in reflective practices of what they learn and observe and how that informs actions in the classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007804, ucf:52354
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007804
- Title
- VIEWS OF REALITY: PERCEPTIONS OF POLICE RESPONSES TO MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE.
- Creator
-
Gonzalez Cruz, Kiara L, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Society's views about mental illness can influence their views regarding police-response strategies used with the mentally ill. The purpose of this study is to analyze the question: does mental illness impact perceptions of delinquent behavior and police responses? It is important to understand the effects of these interactions to better assist those affected by mental illness and avoid uncertain risks/injuries to the police and citizens involved in an incident. Labeling theory suggests that...
Show moreSociety's views about mental illness can influence their views regarding police-response strategies used with the mentally ill. The purpose of this study is to analyze the question: does mental illness impact perceptions of delinquent behavior and police responses? It is important to understand the effects of these interactions to better assist those affected by mental illness and avoid uncertain risks/injuries to the police and citizens involved in an incident. Labeling theory suggests that people may come to identify and act in ways that reflect how others label them as well as come to define mentally ill individuals in accordance with the label. My interest in understanding how police label mentally ill individuals as either deviant (out-of-the-norm) or criminal because of their condition motivated me to explore what other people thought about this. This study used survey analysis to collect data from 349 Facebook participants. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 scenarios (excerpt A and excerpt B). The only difference between these two scenarios is that excerpt B directly relates to mental illness while excerpt A does not mention mental illness. In relation to labeling theory, I predict mental illness will impact the perception people have about how police may respond to situations involving the mentally ill. Further studies should expand this research to examine this connection more thoroughly. The broader implications of this research is that it could create awareness as to ways in which to improve police training tactics that could in turn result in better support between mental health services and law enforcement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000180, ucf:45958
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000180
- Title
- PHYSICAL HEALTH OUTCOMES OF THE STIGMATIZER.
- Creator
-
Butler, William, Mouloua, Mustapha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis explores physical health outcomes of individuals that hold stigma against those with mental illness. The stigmatizer is mentioned in the literature as an individual that holds a stigma towards another group. In this thesis, stigma refers to those that hold prejudice and may express discrimination towards a targeted group. Two studies were conducted that looked at multiple demographic variables as well as symptomology and degree of stigma towards those with mental illness. The...
Show moreThis thesis explores physical health outcomes of individuals that hold stigma against those with mental illness. The stigmatizer is mentioned in the literature as an individual that holds a stigma towards another group. In this thesis, stigma refers to those that hold prejudice and may express discrimination towards a targeted group. Two studies were conducted that looked at multiple demographic variables as well as symptomology and degree of stigma towards those with mental illness. The first study looked at overall stigma without the stereotypical psychosomatic symptoms (chest pain and abdominal pain). The second study looked at a second dimension of stigma (social distance) and included the traditional psychosomatic symptoms. In the first study, results indicated that stigmatizers were more likely to be male (M = 1.53, SD = .51; r = .216, p < .01) and have higher socioeconomic status (M = 3.06, SD = .91; r = .22, p < .01). Health outcomes were not correlated in the first study. In the second study, results indicated that those with higher levels of stigma (M=45.13, SD=13.52) also had more symptoms (including chest pain and abdominal pain; M = 4.92, SD = 5.64; R2=.06, F(1,98)=6.58, p=.01). This trend was also true for stigma as determined by social distance (M=18.31, SD=7.02) and health (R2=.10, F(1,98)=10.74, p<.01). These results were consistent with the proposed hypothesis and the current literature of the stigmatizer as well as the biopsychosocial model of mental health.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004678, ucf:45305
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004678
- Title
- EXPLORING THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION.
- Creator
-
Gold, Amanda, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explored whether depression is stigmatized, and whether these perceptions of depression vary by gender, a person's own experience with depression, or knowing other people with depression. These questions were examined through the use of an online survey, which included questions measuring demographics, personal history of depression, tolerance of depression, and stigma toward depression. Responses from 106 participants were analyzed using t-tests. The study found that depression is...
Show moreThis study explored whether depression is stigmatized, and whether these perceptions of depression vary by gender, a person's own experience with depression, or knowing other people with depression. These questions were examined through the use of an online survey, which included questions measuring demographics, personal history of depression, tolerance of depression, and stigma toward depression. Responses from 106 participants were analyzed using t-tests. The study found that depression is stigmatizing. There is also more stigma for a male with depression than a female with depression. In regards to personal history with depression and stigma, it was found that personally dealing with depression lessened the amount of stigma imposed on depressed persons. There was no significant difference between men's ratings of stigma and women's rating. The study also found no significant difference between knowing people with depression or coming into contact with depressed individuals and the likelihood of stigmatizing those with depression.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004753, ucf:45355
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004753
- Title
- BLANKETS OF MEMORY: SHORT STORIES.
- Creator
-
Kubik, Kyle S, Telep, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The collection of short stories presented in this thesis seeks to form a counter-narrative to the stigmas associated with mental illness and trauma through the portrayal of protagonists suffering from or affected by such issues. Individuals influenced by mental illness and/or trauma are not "others" deserving ostracization but fellow human beings searching for hope in a world too often touched by sorrow. The first three stories within this thesis address protagonists directly impacted by...
Show moreThe collection of short stories presented in this thesis seeks to form a counter-narrative to the stigmas associated with mental illness and trauma through the portrayal of protagonists suffering from or affected by such issues. Individuals influenced by mental illness and/or trauma are not "others" deserving ostracization but fellow human beings searching for hope in a world too often touched by sorrow. The first three stories within this thesis address protagonists directly impacted by mental illness. "Twin Magnolias" follows Maggie Briggins, an elderly woman battling both paranoia and Alzheimer's simultaneously in a search for reality. "Faberge" explores Candy Friedman's depression and relationship to her past as a ballerina. In "A Few Flowers to Hold," Leo Berns finds closure from a past filled with trauma and guilt through the connections his schizophrenia provides him. In contrast, the final two stories depict the lives of protagonists indirectly affected by mental illness. After the stillbirth of his daughter, Richard Glim finds hope in an unlikely place, a nursing home. Finally, the title piece of the collection explores and compares differing views of caregiving through the lives of Maggie Briggins' daughter and granddaughter. These perspectives demonstrate that mental illness and/or trauma are not what define a person but are simply a part of their lives. The number of individuals seeking help with mental health issues and trauma, especially among the younger generations, seems to be skyrocketing. Therefore, a larger body of literature that deals with such topics in a respectful and humanizing way is needed if our culture is to lovingly embrace individuals whose lives have been changed by these issues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000355, ucf:45806
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000355
- Title
- Relationships Between Information Adequacy, Illness Perceptions, and Distress Among Survivors of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.
- Creator
-
Wiener, Chelsea, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Gupta, Rema, Paulson, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Patients and survivors of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) report experiencing significant distress despite excellent disease prognosis. Predictors of distress in this population, however, are largely unexplored. Two factors that relate to distress in other cancer populations are patient subjective experiences with information provision and patient illness perceptions. Thus, evaluation of information experiences and illness perceptions among survivors of DTC is warranted. In particular,...
Show morePatients and survivors of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) report experiencing significant distress despite excellent disease prognosis. Predictors of distress in this population, however, are largely unexplored. Two factors that relate to distress in other cancer populations are patient subjective experiences with information provision and patient illness perceptions. Thus, evaluation of information experiences and illness perceptions among survivors of DTC is warranted. In particular, the unique prognosis and treatment associated with DTC invites investigation of the relationship between patient subjective experiences with information quantity (termed (")information adequacy(") in this study) and distress in this population. Thus, the primary goals of this thesis are 1) to examine how information adequacy and illness perceptions relate to distress in survivors of DTC, and 2) to investigate illness perceptions as a mechanism by which information adequacy and distress are related. Further, research suggests that distress and reduced emotional functioning among survivors of thyroid cancer extend years after initial diagnosis; however, the relationship between time and distress among survivors of DTC remains unclear and understudied. The extent to which time moderates relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress also remains unexplored. Thus, secondary goals of this thesis are 1) to examine the relationship between time (specifically (")years-since-diagnosis(")) and distress, and 2) to examine time as a moderator of relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress in survivors of DTC.A sample of 284 participants identified in the Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial Treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry were included in structural equation modeling. Relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress were evaluated in Model 1. Results largely supported the hypothesized model: greater information adequacy was associated with better illness perceptions, better illness perceptions were associated with less distress, and greater information adequacy was indirectly related to less distress via better illness perceptions. A direct relationship between information adequacy and distress, however, was not observed. Secondary thesis aims were explored in Model 2. Results did not support moderation hypotheses, and a direct relationship between years-since-diagnosis and distress was not demonstrated. A revised model yielded ancillary findings that having fewer years-since-diagnosis was associated with worse illness perceptions, and with greater distress via worse illness perceptions. Thus, overall study results revealed a notable relationship between illness perceptions and distress among survivors of DTC. Future research should investigate whether interventions to address illness perceptions result in decreased distress in this population. The demonstrated link between information adequacy and illness perceptions invites further investigation of informational interventions in particular as a method to address illness perceptions. Future research should also investigate the extent to which illness perceptions mediate relationships between information experiences and distress in other cancer populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006197, ucf:51100
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006197
- Title
- PERCEPTION OF MENTAL ILLNESS BASED UPON ITS PORTRAYAL IN FILM.
- Creator
-
Hanley, Erika, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Perceptions can be influenced by the media concerning different groups of people. As a result of the importance of the media in how individuals obtain information and formulate opinions, how different groups are presented whether negatively or positively is important. This research examines the portrayal of mental illness in films and the impact that such portrayals have on the perceptions of mental illness of the viewers. Mental illness representations can be found quite prevalently among...
Show morePerceptions can be influenced by the media concerning different groups of people. As a result of the importance of the media in how individuals obtain information and formulate opinions, how different groups are presented whether negatively or positively is important. This research examines the portrayal of mental illness in films and the impact that such portrayals have on the perceptions of mental illness of the viewers. Mental illness representations can be found quite prevalently among film and the way in which it is represented can be important as to how populations perceive those with mental disorders. This thesis looks to explore perceptions of mental illness and beliefs from those who have viewed films that portray characters with mental disorders. Through the use of an online survey, one hundred and ninety five participants provided data for this study. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that individuals who had seen more films portraying mental illness would have more knowledge and sympathy regarding mental illness compared those who had seen less films portraying mental illness. It was also hypothesized that social stereotypes surrounding mental disorders would be present in the knowledge that individuals had more so than factual data about mental disorders. Women were predicted to express more sympathy than men. A statistical analysis program was used to analyze the resulting data including the use of correlations and t-tests. Evidence indicated that the amount of films viewed portraying mental illness did not have an impact on knowledge or sympathy regarding mental illness. Perceptions of mental illness are still a relevant topic and the awareness of facts surrounding mental disorders should continue to be spread.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004848, ucf:45441
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004848
- Title
- ANYTHING BUT CRAZY: HOW AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE CAN CHANGE SOCIETAL STIGMAS AGAINST MENTAL ILLNESSES.
- Creator
-
Walton, Benjamin, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
There is a societal stigma that villainizes or degrades anyone diagnosed or associated with any mental illness. While many different forms of media have attempted to destroy this stigma through psycho-centric narratives, I wanted to argue that musical theatre has the greatest potential as a live entertainment source to deconstruct and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. For my research, I theorized that musical theatre can most effectively change societal stigma about mental illness...
Show moreThere is a societal stigma that villainizes or degrades anyone diagnosed or associated with any mental illness. While many different forms of media have attempted to destroy this stigma through psycho-centric narratives, I wanted to argue that musical theatre has the greatest potential as a live entertainment source to deconstruct and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. For my research, I theorized that musical theatre can most effectively change societal stigma about mental illness by communicating a clear understanding of the disease through music, and achieving popularity in the public eye longer than other live forms of theatre. I chose to focus on four of those musicals: Lady in the Dark by Moss Hart, Kurt Weill, and Ira Gershwin which talks about depression and anxiety in the 1940s; Spring Awakening, adapted from Frank Wedekind's original play by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, which discusses depression and suicidal tendencies, specifically in students; Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt which revolves around bipolar disorder; and Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul which talks about the prevalence of anxiety disorders in society. With this thesis I wanted to further the progression of destigmatizating mental illnesses through the medium of musical theatre. Through an analysis of these well-known musicals that focus on mental illnesses and the psychological research that follows, I proposed a short song cycle that continues this evolution of mental illness musicals. Through this process, I theorized that musical theatre will decrease the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and will promote treatment and care when dealing with mental illnesses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000321, ucf:45842
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000321
- Title
- FAMILY SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE QUALITY IN NURSING HOMES SERVING RESIDENTS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY.
- Creator
-
Frahm, Kathryn, Gammonley, Denise, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with...
Show moreThe prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with a mental health history and to determine if family support influences the quality of their mental health care accounting for other facility resident and facility organizational characteristics. The study utilized a retrospective, cross-sectional design with 2003 national Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) facility data merged with the resident-level Minimum Data Set (MDS) resulting in N=2,499 nursing homes. Guided by the convoy model of social support and socioemotional selectivity theory, descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis were used to create a profile of facility level data of nursing home residents with a mental health history, explore the role of family support, and determine if items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could respectively be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Overall, it was found that families have a positive relationship with their relatives and are involved in their lives. Additionally, items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Finally, facility organizational characteristics explained more variation in the quality of mental health care than did facility resident, family support, or market characteristics. In sum, to enhance the quality of mental health care in nursing homes, partnering with families may be an important tool to meet resident needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002529, ucf:47670
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002529
- Title
- THE ROLE OF CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONICALLY ILL SIBLINGS.
- Creator
-
Mathis, Jenna, Culp, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to explore the needs and concerns of siblings of children hospitalized with a chronic illness and to discuss the role that Child Life Specialists play in helping these siblings cope. With there being very few research studies in the fields of child development and child life regarding psychosocial development of siblings of chronically ill children, I felt it pertinent to conduct an exploratory study that would provide relevant and factual information to both...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the needs and concerns of siblings of children hospitalized with a chronic illness and to discuss the role that Child Life Specialists play in helping these siblings cope. With there being very few research studies in the fields of child development and child life regarding psychosocial development of siblings of chronically ill children, I felt it pertinent to conduct an exploratory study that would provide relevant and factual information to both fields that could inspire further research in both fields. I predicted that my results would show many similarities among Child Life Specialists' perceptions related to their experiences with siblings and would solidify the role that they play in meeting the needs of siblings, furthermore validating their worth in the hospital setting and in aiding in the psychosocial development of hospitalized children and their families. Face-to-face and telephone interviews, with 10 Child Life Specialists from three central Florida pediatric hospitals, were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed. Through this study, I have discovered that Child Life Specialists employ a variety of methods in meeting the needs of siblings of children diagnosed with a chronic illness. I have also discovered that Child Life Specialists perceive themselves as being able to make a positive impact in the life of children with chronically ill siblings in regard to their psychosocial development and coping. Further research in this area is needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004777, ucf:45379
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004777
- Title
- THE LABEL OF MADNESS: THE EFFECTS OF CAREER CHOICE AND GENDER ON PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL ILLNESS.
- Creator
-
Vanella, Angela, Whitten, Shannon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
People with creative abilities have often been stereotyped as insane, neurotic, and prone to addiction (Kaufman, Bromley, & Cole, 2006; Corrigan, 2005). These labels have perpetuated the stigma for many generations (Ludwig, 1995). In addition, females have often been stereotyped as "bad at math," but are assumed to be more verbal and creative (Quinn & Spencer, 2001). The present study hypothesized that creative writers would be stereotyped as more mentally ill, neurotic, and addicted to...
Show morePeople with creative abilities have often been stereotyped as insane, neurotic, and prone to addiction (Kaufman, Bromley, & Cole, 2006; Corrigan, 2005). These labels have perpetuated the stigma for many generations (Ludwig, 1995). In addition, females have often been stereotyped as "bad at math," but are assumed to be more verbal and creative (Quinn & Spencer, 2001). The present study hypothesized that creative writers would be stereotyped as more mentally ill, neurotic, and addicted to substances compared to scientists. It was also predicted that gender would exacerbate the phenomenon such that females would be particularly vulnerable to this stereotype. Statistical analyses revealed some interesting gender by major interactions: female creative writers were perceived as the most mentally ill, but were closely followed by male science majors. Male creative writers were actually perceived to have a relatively low level of mental illness. Interestingly, male scientists were rated as having the highest levels of drug and alcohol abuse, whereas male creative writers were perceived to have relatively fewer symptoms of substance abuse. The reverse pattern was true for females. This research confirmed the stereotype of insanity among artists for females but also revealed a tendency towards pathology-based stereotyping of male scientists. Stereotypes negatively affect the targeted populations and perpetuate the stigmas against them. This research attempted to advance understanding as an initial step towards alleviating unwarranted stereotypes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004384, ucf:44983
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004384
- Title
- Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and School: Addressing the Academic and Social-Emotional Needs of Students with Chronic Illness.
- Creator
-
Eggert, Nicole, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Trimble Spalding, Lee-Anne, Taylor, Dalena, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation in practice examined the literature and a sample of existing programs that addressed the educational and social-emotional challenges of students with chronic illness in order to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and school re-entry. Literature showed that the hospital homebound setting was problematic for chronically ill students due to minimal hours of academic instruction and little interaction with peers. Students with chronic illness were at higher risk for...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice examined the literature and a sample of existing programs that addressed the educational and social-emotional challenges of students with chronic illness in order to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and school re-entry. Literature showed that the hospital homebound setting was problematic for chronically ill students due to minimal hours of academic instruction and little interaction with peers. Students with chronic illness were at higher risk for maladaptive behaviors, lower educational attainment, and higher use of social services. Programs created at other facilities to address this problem were visited and reviewed for pertinent information such as funding sources, location, division of responsibility, and relationships with school districts. Those findings were incorporated into a hospital-based learning center model designed to address both the academic and social-emotional needs of elementary students using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework. The design process included a focus group of hospital professionals (music therapy, child life, and family-centered care), school district partners (literacy), university partners (art), and parents of chronically ill students. The focus group reviewed the model and provided feedback on the design based on their expertise and modifications were made by the researcher to the design. Webex-Teams, an online meeting platform, was used for stakeholders to review modifications to the physical layout and analyze a proposed sample interdisciplinary session plan. The final model design included five components: literacy, art, music therapy, play, and technology, a physical floorplan, and an interdisciplinary session plan to address the academic and social well-being of chronically ill students that can be replicated at any hospital facility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007625, ucf:52529
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007625
- Title
- Evidence of Lives.
- Creator
-
Cummings, John, Bartkevicius, Jocelyn, Rushin, Patrick, Neal, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Evidence of Lives is a novel that deals with themes of childhood abuse, mental illness, and alienated families. The book opens with the main character, forty-two-year-old Mark Barr, who has returned home from New York to West Virginia after eleven years for his older brother Steve's funeral. Steve, having died of a heart attack at forty-six, was mentally ill most of his adult life, though Mark has always questioned what was (")mentally ill(") and what was the result of their father's verbal...
Show moreEvidence of Lives is a novel that deals with themes of childhood abuse, mental illness, and alienated families. The book opens with the main character, forty-two-year-old Mark Barr, who has returned home from New York to West Virginia after eleven years for his older brother Steve's funeral. Steve, having died of a heart attack at forty-six, was mentally ill most of his adult life, though Mark has always questioned what was (")mentally ill(") and what was the result of their father's verbal and physical abuse during their childhood. When Mark discovers that there is to be no funeral, but a cremation without service, he calls his girlfriend, an attorney back in New York, who tells him he has a (")legal responsibility(") to voice his brother's oral will. Just nights before his death, Steve called Mark and conveyed his last wishes to be buried, not cremated. The book unfolds into an odyssey for Mark to discover love for his brother posthumously in a loveless family. Evidence of Lives is a portrait of an oldest brother's supposed mental illness and unfulfilled life, as well as a redeeming tale of a youngest brother's alienation from his family and his guilt for abandoning them.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004530, ucf:49248
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004530
- Title
- Some Girls.
- Creator
-
Napolitano, Sabrina, Poissant, David, Uttich, Laurie, Preston-Sidler, Leandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This novel in stories explores the viewpoint of an unnamed, agender narrator as they navigate their life from childhood into early adulthood. Through the narrator's unique lens, the stories explore gender, sexuality, mental illness, family, and loneliness. The narrator's struggles with belonging and overarching feelings of abandonment intertwine with the sometimes isolating and dangerous landscape of Florida. From their interactions with both Florida and the people who pass through their life...
Show moreThis novel in stories explores the viewpoint of an unnamed, agender narrator as they navigate their life from childhood into early adulthood. Through the narrator's unique lens, the stories explore gender, sexuality, mental illness, family, and loneliness. The narrator's struggles with belonging and overarching feelings of abandonment intertwine with the sometimes isolating and dangerous landscape of Florida. From their interactions with both Florida and the people who pass through their life, the narrator begins to learn how to accept who are they are, without apology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006629, ucf:51272
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006629
