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- ItemFactors predicting internet gaming disorder: the role of congruent communication(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Chen, Yulin; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Lee, Bonnie K.Previous research has highlighted separate associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), family satisfaction, emotion regulation, psychological distress in relation to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). However, the role of communication was under-examined. Further, the specific pathways and interactions among relevant variables remain under-explored. This study aims to introduce congruent communication as a new variable and its role in internet gaming disorder and determine its relationship with other salient variables found in earlier studies correlated with IGD. This cross-sectional study recruited 179 Canadian emerging adults (ages 18–29) identified as at risk for IGD who were examined for ACEs, family satisfaction, psychological distress, emotion dysregulation, and congruent communication. Pearson correlation analyses revealed that higher ACE scores were significantly associated with greater emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, congruent communication, and lower family satisfaction. IGD severity (GAS-7) was positively correlated with emotion dysregulation and negatively associated with congruent communication and psychological well-being. Multiple regression analysis showed that the combined model of psychosocial predictors significantly accounted for variance in IGD severity, R² = .094, F (5, 173) = 3.575, p = .004. However, only congruent communication was a significant predictor of IGD severity, suggesting an interactive effect of variables and the importance of congruent communication in predicting IGD. These findings suggest that while ACEs and emotion dysregulation factors are significantly associated with IGD, their predictive power may operate in complex, overlapping ways with family dissatisfaction, psychological distress, and congruent communication. The result of this study indicates that congruent communication is a potentially significant variable for IGD in addiction counselling.
- ItemThe factors associated with suicidality among Canadian youth: a cross-sectional secondary analysis(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Doctor, Jenessa; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Sanders, JamesThe focus of this thesis was to examine the association between vulnerable youth and suicidality. This was done by conducting a secondary analysis on youth aged 15 to 29. A secondary data analysis took place utilizing the Statistics Canada 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey for two separate papers. In the first paper exposure to childhood maltreatment was examined as an exposure variable for the outcome suicidality among the age group 18 to 29. Results indicated that those exposed to childhood maltreatment were more likely to experience suicidality than those not exposed. Additionally, the odds of suicidality increased with the number of maltreatment types experienced, suggesting a potential dose-response relationship. This association showed evidence for being partially mediated by mental health conditions, specifically meeting diagnostic criteria for depression or anxiety. In the second paper, minority status was created as an exposure variable for the outcome suicidality by combining racialized minorities (including Indigenous groups), and sexual identity minorities for the age group 15 to 24. These results showed minorities were more likely to experience suicidality compared to non-minority youth. This association appeared to be partially mediated by childhood maltreatment, which consisted of experiencing any form of maltreatment in the past. Findings from both studies suggest that vulnerable youth are more likely to experience suicidality, placing them at an increased risk for negative health outcomes. This emphasizes the importance of reducing systemic inequalities and developing context specific interventions to support these groups of youth. Policy makers, governments, and the community should aim to use proactive measures for prevention rather than implementing more crisis interventions in the future.
- ItemUnderstanding Indigenous data governance when collaborating with post-secondary institutions(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Shouting, Melissa A.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Vogelsang, Laura; Rice, JackieBackground: The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH), with support from the Blood Tribe’s Chief and Council, are moving toward self-determination by establishing a collaborative partnership with a local post-secondary institution to create sustainable models of governance. This thesis is a small but essential piece of the work being conducted to determine best practices for developing data collection tools to assess and evaluate the community needs of Kainai Nation while understanding the resources needed for BTDH to enact the Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) Principles of data storage and management. Objective: This scoping review aimed to explore and describe what exists in the current literature on Indigenous Data Governance principles, and how the information is understood and utilized in collaborative health research initiatives. A goal and purpose for this review are to explore and understand the role that Indigenous populations or communities assume in collaborative research with academics and scholars. Methodology: The search was conducted using nine databases from inception until May 2024. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion and exclusion using the Arksey & O’Malley (2005) scoping review framework. The principal investigator conducted the final review for full-text articles, based on content and findings, with additional criteria added. Results: Fifteen reports were included. Our included reports consisted of qualitative research (n=7), mixed methods approach (n=6), and quantitative studies (n=2). Findings are presented within a framework that discusses IDG in six areas: 1) study characteristics and demographics; 2) study objectives, designs and theoretical frameworks; 3) Indigenous data governance: an overview of community engagement; 4) ethical practices in research and data governance; 5) enacting community collaboration to guide and support Indigenous data governance; 6) limitations. Conclusion: Themes identified related to Indigenous Data Governance (IDG), as well as challenges and barriers to implementing IDG in collaborative health research projects that are situated within universities. A collaborative approach involving stakeholders, culturally competent training and capacity building are approaches to move forward, but the establishment of Indigenous-led research institutes, a source of stable funding, and further collaborative research opportunities focusing on building and supporting IDG through building nation-specific data ecosystems are needed.
- ItemThe effects of generation anxiety on post-secondary mental health outcomes: Implications for service providers and educators(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2025) Tahir, Aleena; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Brenner, Charlotte; Gunn, ThelmaDespite increased access to mental health services, Generation Z reports the highest rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Guided by Life Course Theory, this study examined how environmental, technological, and socioeconomic conditions influence youth mental health, with a focus on generation-specific anxieties related to climate change, artificial intelligence, and financial concerns. A mixed-methods design was employed, drawing on quantitative data from 586 post-secondary students using standardized mental health and anxiety scales, along with qualitative responses to open-ended questions. Pearson correlations and stepwise linear regressions revealed that financial anxiety was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Eco-anxiety and AI anxiety also contributed to mental health outcomes in nuanced ways. Although proposed moderators did not significantly alter these relationships, factors such as social isolation, social support, and daily internet use were independently associated with mental health outcomes. Qualitative data reinforced these findings, with students expressing concern about financial insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impact of AI on job security. These findings highlight the need for clinicians, educators, and policymakers to develop targeted supports and policy responses that address the broader structural pressures affecting the psychological well-being of Generation Z.
- ItemGood grief?: The impact of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) on grieving experiences in rural Southern Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2025) Trottier, Maegan Gisela; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Brassolotto, JuliaMedical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has introduced new ethical, clinical, and social considerations in Canada’s healthcare system since its legalization in 2016. While research has explored the legal, policy, and practical implications of MAiD, less is known about the grief experiences of those closely involved in the process—particularly within rural communities. This thesis explores the grief experiences of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals involved in MAiD within a rural Southern Alberta context. Using a reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative interview data, this study investigates how participants described grief and what factors influenced their experiences. Through this analysis, I generated three primary themes: (1) MAiD as a means to avoid a ‘bad death’; (2) bureaucratic processes and institutional policies that complicate the MAiD experience and related grief; and (3) the role of stigma and secrecy in shaping grief and limiting access to support. While many participants identified MAiD as enabling a more dignified and controlled end-of-life experience, the grief that followed was not always straightforward. Experiences were shaped by personal and professional relationships, the perceived legitimacy of MAiD within communities, and systemic barriers—including final consent policies and restrictions in faith-based facilities. This research contributes to growing evidence that grief related to MAiD can be multifaceted and influenced by more than the nature of death itself. Findings underscore the importance of considering how rurality, cultural context, and stigma intersect to shape bereavement. The thesis concludes with recommendations for improving policy, support services, and future research, especially regarding the role of rural social norms and institutional restrictions in the experience of MAiD-related grief.