From Trauma to Resiliency integrates research and practice of trauma-informed care, reviewing the neuroscience of trauma and highlighting relationship-based interventions for diverse populations that have faced multiple traumas. Chapters explore the experiences of oppressed grou…
This quantitative correlational study examined if, or to what extent, depression was a mediator between spiritual functioning and PTSD. Cognitive theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Variables were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to…
The current study investigated how characteristics of victim-perpetrator relationships, specifically trust and betrayal, explain the relationship between CSA and PTSD, while controlling for non-supportive disclosure. It was hypothesized that 1.) Perceptions of increased trust, p…
Background: Approximately 6% to 14% of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many continue to experience symptoms with conventional treatment. To improve patient care outcomes, the Veterans Health Administration set forth a complementary and integrative …
This thesis examined how inner healing can be guided when dance is treated as a vessel to explore the root of our private selves by identifying and exposing the inner struggles that shape our moral identity. This study provided an understanding of how the pillar foundations of l…
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious public health concern, affecting approximately 15.1 million US adults, or 11% of those that consumed alcohol within the past month. There are several risk factors that can increase the risk of developing an AUD, such as comorbid post-traum…
Trauma survivors conceptualize and experience life differently than the typical church congregant. The purpose of the ministry transformation project was to pilot a sermon series designed to help evaluate the preaching effectiveness of a trauma-informed Gospel message, delivered…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious diagnosis that plagues many men and women who have served in the United States military. With high veteran suicide rates, an overwhelmed VA system, and a host of treatments that are often ineffective; it is important to find affordable…
The current study is the first known research to investigate the association of the freezing response with PTSD and traumatic stress in the military veteran student population. Current understanding of the freezing response are primarily based in comparative psychology, with som…
Workplace bullying is common in the military. This study involved an exploration into workplace bullying experiences of military personnel and whether these experiences contributed to PTSD symptomology. This study also attempted to extend previous research findings that women, e…
High rates of comorbidity between depression and alcohol use are well documented in the existing literature, but little is understood about how the relations between these conditions may develop over time. Whereas some theoretical models propose that symptoms of depression prece…
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a multifaceted disorder comprised of distinct symptom clusters and is commonly diagnosed in military service members/veterans (SM/Vs), particularly in those with history of military sexual trauma (MST). Evidence and theory suggest that fem…
Previous research suggests impairment in the regulatory capacities of individuals with trauma histories in the affective, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological domains (e.g., Cook et al. 2005). Although research addresses these factors in veterans, studies only examine the ef…
Exposure to childhood maltreatment is a significant public health concern due to its high prevalence as well as its impact on psychological and physical health. Gender specific stress responses to adverse childhood experiences are associated with detrimental health outcomes. Yet…
The mental health impacts of combat trauma are well documented and include PTSD, Depression, and addiction. One of the under studied areas of impact is spirituality. Spiritual distress may manifest in a number of ways such negative coping strategies, cognitive distortions, and l…
This dissertation examines the clinical utility of mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as an intervention to minimize and alleviate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore studies that addressed …
Having a history of sexual trauma has been connected with a number of long-term challenges related to mental health, physical health, and quality of life. For many years most of the research on this topic has been focused on female-identified individuals, which neglects the expe…
The wars in Afghanistan (OEF) and Iraq (OIF) represent the most sustained American combat operations since the Vietnam War. A wealth of research has shown the frequency and intensity of exposure to combat experiences is positively correlated with risk for chronic PTSD and associ…