Description:

Career decisions, family dynamics, education, and navigating identity are just some of the monumental transitions that commonly occur between the ages of 18-29. Emerging adulthood is a unique developmental stage full of excitement and opportunity. However, the drastic psychological and interpersonal changes that occur during this time can also increase emerging adults’ risk for mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. This presentation offers a nuanced understanding of the unique developmental considerations that impact mental health and risk-taking behavior during this pivotal life stage. Participants will learn about both risk factors and protective factors in the emerging adult population and be given practical strategies for supporting mental health needs. 

Description:

Emerging adults face unique risk factors for mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Understanding the psychological and interpersonal changes that occur during this phase is crucial to supporting effective treatment and coping skills. This presentation offers an overview of emerging adulthood as a developmental stage and practical recommendations for supporting the mental health of emerging adults. 

Presented methods for research in progress at the APA's Virtual Convention 2021 Poster Session 

Abstract:

Perspective-taking is a crucial skill for navigating relationships and personal identity.  The benefits of perspective-taking are likely relevant to identity formation among college undergraduates as they make decisions about career and personal commitments associated with adulthood.  We hypothesized a positive correlation between perspective-taking and identity development stage.  Our second hypothesis anticipated a predictive relationship between identity development stage and academic success, with less advanced identity stages predicting lower rates of college success and more advanced identity development stages predicting higher rates of college success.

Abstract:

The ability to actively consider another person’s point of view is considered an important skill for navigating both interpersonal relationships and personal identity.  Researchers have found that perspective-taking enhances creativity and learning as well.  The benefits of perspective-taking are likely relevant to the challenges faced by college students as they navigate changes to their environments and psychosocial development.  This account argues that students with high aptitudes for perspective-taking will reap benefits to their stress management and social adjustment to college life.  Results of this study supported the hypothesized relationship between perspective-taking and college success, finding a significant correlation between these two variables.  Results also suggest that perspective-taking may play a role in helping college students manage personal distress. These benefits will promote academic success, making these students more likely to maintain passing grade point averages and remain enrolled in college than their peers who have more limited perspective-taking.

Co-created and delivered presentation at WCIPCA governing council meeting

Description:

The presentation was designed to examine multiple factors related to the co-occurrence of alcohol use disorders and suicidality. Both issues are prevalent on college campuses and in general mental health practices. We discuss how gaining an enhanced understanding of the interrelatedness of alcohol use disorders and suicidality can better practitioners’ abilities to assess for these issues and treat clients effectively. Factors related to the effects of alcohol, demographics, risk factors, and mental health are addressed in the presentation.

Co-created and delivered presentation at WCIPCA governing council meeting

Description:

The presentation evaluates the prevalence of sleep disorders among college students and the associated risk factors for mental health. We discuss the impact of sleep disorders on diagnosis and symptom severity. Implications for effective mental health treatment are also discussed. Factors related to the effects of sleep disorders, other risk factors, demographics, and mental health treatment are addressed in this presentation..