Browsing by Subject "Adverse Childhood Experiences"

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    Ranking and Visualizing Clusters of the US States by Adversity Childhood Experiences
    (2023) Do, Anh Phuong; Rashid, Mamunur; Sarkar, Jyotirmoy; Rashid, Maieasha Shifa; Mathematical Sciences, School of Science
    Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic childhood events like emotional, physical, sexual abuse, and other forms of household dysfunction. ACEs are associated with biomarkers for chronic diseases resulting in early mortality and increased morbidity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACEs are common: Around 61% of adults across 25 US states reported having experienced at least one type of ACE. Ranking and finding clusters of the US states on ACEs provide a better understanding of the situation and helps prevent or reduce the occurrence of ACEs. The paper aims to apply a Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Model called the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method and calculate the overall Composite Index‘ to rank the states. Furthermore, the study uses the K-Means Cluster algorithm to identify and visualize clusters of states experiencing similar ACEs. The BRFSS 2019 data set was used for all analyses. The TOPSIS method suggested that Tennessee had the worst status of ACEs (ranked first) and North Dakota performed the best (ranked last). The elbow method determined that four clusters were present out of the 21 states. Many states ranked with the highest ACEs were clustered together: Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Delaware, Michigan. To better understand the current performance of the US regarding ACEs, it would be best to collect data from all states. Diagnostic studies, such as this study, can create the foundation for addressing and eradicating child maltreatment and ensuring healthy and nurturing childhoods.
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    Understanding First-Generation College Students’ Barriers: An Examination of Art Therapy Accessibility
    (2024) Cook, Kaylin; Misluk, Eileen; McCullough, Shannon
    The following study focused on first-generation college students (FGCS) and their relationship to art therapy, specifically asking the question, “How accessible is art therapy for first-generation college students, and what potential barriers do they face when seeking services?”. The study was conducted with 141 FGCS using a mixed methods approach of both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing for the collection of demographic data and insights into FGCS’ experiences. Participants were individuals whose parents had not obtained a four-year degree, were full-time students, and currently enrolled in a large urban midwestern university. Although FGCS reported a high number of barriers, including time availability and financial constraints, participants remained open to art therapy as a mental health service. A combination of high adverse childhood experiences and low mental health service utilization rates within predominately low-income FGCS showcases a high need for the push of art therapy interventions within the community. Future research should explore integrating art therapy services into community-based university engagement events to promote art therapy, analyzing the cost and benefit of such services, and eventually conducting a resiliency-based art therapy group study.