Tag: E Mueller

Pornography Consumption: Biopsychosocial Effects and Treatment Implications

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 18 empirical studies and five additional sources from 2011 to 2024 to summarize the currently known research on the negative biological, psychological, and social aspects of pornography consumption. Pornographic content has been traced back to 1524 and has evolved to become a culturally accepted phenomenon in many parts of the world through technological advances. Researchers have found that altered genes and reward pathways in the brain may contribute to the formation of problematic pornography usage. Physical issues, such as erectile dysfunctions, may arise from excessive pornography use. Psychologically, emotional regulation, mental health disorders, and dehumanization also may occur. Common emotions that may arise from pornography use are shame, guilt, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Relationships and social functioning also may be affected by pornography use due to exploitation of other human beings and moral incongruence. Attachment styles between the user and their friends and family have shown to be impacted. Socially, human trafficking also is being supported through the use of pornography, with the majority of women and children shown in online pornography being victims of human trafficking. Treatments for pornography addictions are sparse and consist of different forms of psychotherapy. Because pornography use is culturally acceptable in America, pornography addiction is not seen as an addiction and is not widely addressed. Further research, replication, and attention are needed to uncover the true impact that pornography usage has.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Psychoneuroimmunology in Childhood Abuse Survivors

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I examined 19 empirical articles as well as three additional sources dating from 2008 to 2024 to review the research on psychoneuroimmunology with a focus on stress caused by childhood abuse. Psychoneuroimmunology refers to the study between the connections of the nervous system, the immune system, and psychological factors. It has been studied since the 1970s and recently has gained much traction in healthcare as research continues to affirm the importance of these connections as it relates to trauma. Child abuse is a trauma endured by thousands in the United States each year. Studies have shown that biological and psychological altercations can occur as the result of maltreatment in childhood and if not properly cared for, can result in long-term negative implications on quality of life. To offer a holistic approach to healthcare for those who have survived childhood abuse, it is imperative to continue broadening our understanding and account for each branch of psychoneuroimmunology in trauma recovery. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Social Media’s Role in Suicide

This evidence-based synthesis paper contains topics on suicide. I reviewed 18 empirical studies from 2018 to 2024 and summarized them in order to understand the impact of social media, and its role in suicide. These articles included information and data on the psychological effects that an individual may have when suicide-related content is posted on social media. In addition, some articles included recommendations for individuals who would like to post suicide-related content on social media. From the articles that I have reviewed, it is apparent that there are many ways the internet can influence someone’s mental health: negative self-comparison, social imitation, social isolation, and cyberbullying experiences that could potentially lead to suicide. When studying adolescents, researchers focused on specific mental states that show suicidal ideation and behavior. Furthermore, the evaluation of how suicide-related content is posted and interacted with has been examined. From these studies, it became evident that there are some psychological reasons why individuals who use social media may feel the need to consistently use it. Concepts such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, social learning theory, self-esteem, persona implication, the Werther effect, and the Papageno effect have been identified as reasons that an individual would commit suicide. It is important to address this outside perspective as social media has become normalized in society. Future research should focus on suicide, social media, and the overlapping factors to better understand this complex relationship. Moreover, the understanding of these connections can increase prevention efforts and save lives, decreasing the number of suicides.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Technology in the Workplace

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I have reviewed the findings of 15 current research articles dating from 2019 to early 2024. The focus of this evidence-based synthesis review was on the relationship between growing efforts in the workplace for integration of technology and the relationship between human and machine. These articles included information about changing laws, because of increased technology use, changes regarding personal and work balance having no boundaries due to technology, and the changes of workplace dynamics due to the integration of technology. In many of the articles, there were other common themes, such individuals advocating for technology because of a loss of connection with clients, and many others refusing technology because of the negative outcomes it has had on their personal life and work lives. In my research, I found that there is considerable debate between the benefits of growing technology and the negative outcomes of technology. Relationships have changed, and people crave a connection with others. Companies are forcing the new age of co-existence with Artificial Intelligence, and we no longer have necessary boundaries to promote work-life balance. Future research should address the growing desire for more technology in the workplace. Will this potentially harm companies in the future or build necessary connections between client and professional?

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Mental Health Challenges and Support Strategies Among College Athletes

For this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed the research conducted from 15 empirical research articles dating from 2018 to 2023 covering a wide variety of information about mental health in college athletes. A common approach found in all of the evaluated articles was the use of surveys, which provided a foundation for comprehending the complex nature of mental health issues. This research of college athletes included a range of backgrounds, including differing racial, gender, and age demographics. Researchers were able to obtain complex insights into the unique perspectives and experiences of collegiate athletes by using this methodological technique. In addition, a number of the articles used a comparison approach, contrasting collegiate athletes’ experiences with their peers’ non-athletic or professional experiences in terms of mental health. These comparative studies provide insight into the particular pressures and weaknesses experienced by collegiate athletes in the larger framework of academic life and sports competitiveness. For example, some research found variances in the mental health outcomes of players and non-athletes, and these variations were linked to the unique demands and stresses of collegiate athletics.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

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S100

3 – 3:30 PM

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Comprehensive Review of Comorbidities and Diagnosis 

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies ranging from 2023 to 2010, as well as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 TR). Using these studies, I summarized the current knowledge surrounding complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and its high comorbidity rate with other psychological disorders. CPTSD has been conceptualized as a psychological disorder for many decades targeting individuals who have experienced prolonged and repeated​ trauma(s). There was much debate as to whether this was an evidence-based diagnosis until 2019 when the ICD-11 elected to​ include an adult version of​ CPTSD based on the validation of its ​research. Most researchers have found this a challenging disorder to both study and diagnose due to its symptom complexity, non-linearity origin, and extensive psychiatric​ comorbidity. Researchers have found that CPTSD is most common in clinical samples as it is a debilitating disorder going beyond the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been recognized that there is a crucial need to review the effects of CPTSD and comorbidity with other psychological disorders, improving clinical assessment methods for this newly recognized disorder. Furthermore, researchers in the mental health field recognize the importance of adopting trauma-informed approaches, highlighting the need for accurate assessment methods, and treatment, emphasizing the significance ​of not overlooking the potential impacts of traumatization​ beyond the symptoms of PTSD.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

3:30 – 4 PM

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