Please use the attachment below they help build-up to this point and they are crucial in making this paper.

 You will create the Methodology section of your hypothetical study. This assignment is going to allow you to present your research design and develop and present the details of how your hypothetical study would be conducted. 

Next, make sure you include the following essential information that pertains to the Method elements: 

Reiterate your research question. What is the purpose of your hypothetical study?

• ·  Determine an appropriate research design that addresses your research question regarding your chosen topic and explain why this design was chosen. Also, what will your dependent (DV) and independent (IV) variables be for this study?

·  For your Participants section describe the following:

• o  How many participants do you envision having for this hypothetical study and how will you select them (where will you be gathering your participants from)?
• o  What type of sampling method will you use and why?
• o  Will you be assigning participants to groups? Yes, no and explain why
• o  What will the demographics of your participants be (gender, ethnicity, age range(s), SES, educational criteria (if relevant), history of medical and/or mental health diagnosis (if relevant) )?

·  For your Procedures section describe the following:

• o  Where the study will take place (e.g. online, a lab, a university, a medical or mental health setting, a natural environment, etc.)? Explain why you have selected that particular setting.
• o  Over what period of time will data be collected?
• o  If you are using an intervention, you must describe it in terms of content and also dose parameters (e.g. groups will meet once per week for 60 minutes for 10 consecutive weekly sessions).

·  For your Measures section describe the following:

• o  You MUST include at least one survey (make sure to include relevant citations and references if you are employing existing measures)

§  To find surveys, go to PsychTESTS

1. Explain what the measure’s purpose is and what it studies
2. Explain what type of measure it is (self-report, therapist, rating, teacher rating, parent rating, etc.) and explain why you consider it appropriate for your research study
3. Describe how many items the measure has and any subscales it might include
4. How/when will this measure be used and why (e.g. at the beginning of the study (pre-test), at the end of the study (post-test), etc.)
5. Explain how you will account for ethical issues associated with your proposed research. In other words, how will you ensure that ethical guidelines will are followed appropriately and adequately?

 It must follow APA paper guidelines. Your submission should not exceed 3-4 pages (excluding the cover and reference pages). It should include a cover page and reference page, be written with 12-point Times New Roman font and double spacing, and you will follow proper APA citation and reference format.

Mental Health Beliefs

Mental Health Beliefs

1. What is the title of the article? Provide the citation for the article in APA format

Tittle: Mental Health Beliefs and Their Relationship With Treatment Seeking Among U.S. OEF/OIF Veterans.

Dawne, V., Annie, B. F., & Brooke, A. l. D. (2014). Mental Health Beliefs and Their Relationship with Treatment Seeking Among U.S. OEF/OIF Veterans. In the Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27 (307-313). Boston University, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

2. Explain how you determined the credibility of the research provided.

The research provided is credible since the sources used are reliable and can be verified. There are different ways through which the credibility of this research can be determined. First, it is established why the study was conducted and how the different phases of the research were conducted about the objectives to be achieved. Assessing whether the researcher has an interest in specific outcomes will also help determine credibility. The second approach is finding out who funded the study. If there is a third party that has sponsored the research, this could affect its reliability and goals. It is also essential to examine the ways through which research data was gathered. How the sample is collected is vital in achieving the study objectives. Methods of data collection determine the quality of the data to be collected. The size of the sample and the response rate play a significant role in the credibility of the research. When the sample is big, just like in this research, the reliability of the results is high. The response rate is also essential as it shows the number of respondents who have provided the researcher with usable responses.

3. What is the purpose of the article?

The purpose of this article is to show the mental health beliefs that exist among veterans and how it may affect their access to medical treatment. According to this research, veterans who are likely to benefit from mental health treatment programs do not always seek care. The study has provided an in-depth examination of beliefs that are related to mental health. It also shows the stigma that people have towards mental illness. The key reasons why individuals with mental illness may fail to seek care include shame and the treatment process they have to go through. The high levels of stigma among the people are an indication of how negative individuals view this disorder. In military and veteran, stigma is the biggest barrier as indicated by the article.

4. What is the hypothesis of the study? In other words, what claims do the authors make in the article?

The study hypothesizes that many veterans who might benefit from mental health treatment do not seek care. It predicts the outcome of the research basing on the population. In Operation Iraq Freedom, a survey was conducted on the veterans, and the results showed that over 50% of the population experienced either stress or depression and had not bothered to seek for medication or help. Stigma and beliefs are the most significant barriers that hinder veterans from seeking medical care. Many feel that the treatment process is very complex and too demanding. This study aims at documenting about stigma and personal beliefs regarding mental illness and mental health treatment. The chosen population is ideal for the research since veterans are exposed to traumatic and stressful events. The study will also find out how beliefs on mental health differ between veterans with mental illness and those without mental disorders.

5. What variables (factors) are being looked? How are these factors assessed or measured in the article?

Different variables have been used in this research. They include personal beliefs, stigmas towards mental illness, stress, depression and severity of alcohol abuse. The stigma was measured by interactions and personal experience from loved ones and from the workplace. Personal beliefs were also measured by collecting the surveys about mental illness, psychiatric treatment and their beliefs about seeking medical care. A scale consisting of eight statements was used with a 5-point Likert-type response. The size ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The 17-item PTSD Checklist-Military version was used to measure the level of stress. Depression on the other hand was determined using 7-item Beck Depression Inventory-Primary Care. The scale also ranged between 1 and 5.

6. What type of research design is used in the study? What instruments or measures did the researchers use to collect data?

The type of research design used in this study is the experimental research design. This is because it involves field experiments and actual collection of first-hand data from the samples. The experimental research design involves using samples to test for a particular result among a large population. It is crucial to this study as it helps in increasing its credibility. The method or instrument they used for data collection are surveys. Surveys are important for this study as they provide the characteristics of the whole population. This increases the chances of the researcher gathering more accurate data.

7. Do you think the research in this article was conducted in an ethical manner? Why or why not?

The research was conducted ethically since all principles of ethics were considered. No harm was caused to respondents both mentally and physically. Before emailing the survey questions to participants, the researcher first asked them if they were willing to take part in the study. They obtained informed consent so that participants understood what the research was taking part in and why the researcher required their responses. The veterans voluntarily took part in the study, and they were not deceived or forced. Another ethical aspect that was considered is the confidentiality of the respondents. Data collected was well stored in databases to prevent access to third parties. Veterans who participated in the study were allowed to withdraw if they felt that the research was violating their rights. It is the right of the respondents to willingly withdraw. To ensure that no respondents were disrupted from their normal work schedule, the survey questions were sent to through emails. They were also given ample time to go through the questions so that they could give their most appropriate responses.

Running head: VETERANS PTSD CAUSES, TREATMENTS, AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS 1

VETERANS PTSD CAUSES, TREATMENTS, AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS 3

Veterans PTSD Causes, Treatments, and Support systems

Veterans PTSD Causes, Treatments, and Support systems

Evaluations on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among veterans is imperative for a positive health outcome. The evaluations and analysis of the results ensure that barriers to treatment are addressed and have access to the available support systems. Studies carried out have depicted the successes of the treatments and support programs in the health systems to veterans. Modifications on the systems have also been recommended to combat and control PTSD. Alternative approaches such as computerized systems, natural treatment methods, and home-based systems are also essential in providing a holistic approach in PTSD treatments. Treatment methods success ensures that veterans do not fall victim to depression, which can result in chronic diseases. This can be as a result of negative health behaviors and lifestyles. Understanding the consequences of PTSD among veterans will ensure that approaches utilized offer not only treatment methods but also offer support systems for general wellbeing.

The first source focuses on the treatment and success of three-week outpatient program by “evaluating patterns and predictors of symptom change during a three-week intensive outpatient treatment for veterans with PTSD.” The study is evidence-based on statistics drawn from the program and modifications for optimal success rates. 191 veterans were the participants in the research comprising of a daily group and individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (Zalta et al., 2018). The data was analyzed from the sample cohorts in accordance with military and demographic characteristics. Measures in the study involved treatment engagement as well as comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment changes (Zalta et al., 2018). The results showed progress in the evaluation of predictors and patterns in treatment changes. Procedures utilized involved group sessions with daily activities for the development of the treatment program. Self-report metrics were also applied in the procedures as control groups were challenging in the study. Modified and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment to veterans showed high success levels in the program (Zalta et al., 2018).

The second source examines a new treatment in exploring the feasibility of computerized, placebo-controlled, and home-based executive function training (EFT) on psychological and neuropsychological functions. The source titled “Computer-based executive function training for combat veterans with PTSD” shows trials in assessing feasibility and predictors output. The study shows how the functions can be useful in brain activation combating PTSD in veterans. Symptoms experienced after treatment on PTSD cases are stimulated through neural and cognition reactivity, which can be controlled through the new methods (Clausen et al., 2019). The study comprised of 52 male combat veterans from a community sample. The participants were recruited via advertisements and informational flyers. Procedures involved neuropsychological assessment and fMRI scans (Clausen et al., 2019). Data logistic regression models were utilized for data analysis. Additionally, linear mixed models were integrated into the analysis to assess changes in brain processing. The research designs enabled the researchers to create evidence-based arguments on EFT integration and acceptance in PTSD treatment.

The third source on “nature-based therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD” provides an alternative in PTSD treatment methods. The holistic approach can be used successfully instead of strong medications to veterans (Poulsen, 2017). Nature-based Therapy (NBT) can be effective in reducing conventional treatment methods used. Negative outcomes can be recorded from data analysis on medical intervention approaches (Poulsen, 2017). The study used search papers published between 1995 and 2016. Procedures in the approach involved review and testing of medical intervention effectiveness. Reviews on the papers included qualitative data assessment before analysis following various documented recommendations. Literature review from existing research data on veterans involved an examination of different interventions used. The deeper insights provided through the papers contributed to different perspectives (Poulsen, 2017). Frequency, length, and outcome measures of medical interventions were effective in the research design. The methodologies also utilize comparison of therapies in different target groups according to diagnosis to provide results.

The fourth study, “screening and treatment of moral injury (MI) in veterans/active duty military with PTSD,” articulates the new form of PTSD. Moral injury is referred to “as the spiritual, emotional, and moral consequences of committing or observing others’ transgressions” and their impacts (Koening et al., 2019). Combat experiences and military-related trauma as a new syndrome requires more evaluations and studies. New approaches in treating the syndrome as it is associated with PTSD can be essential in the reintegration of veterans to civil life (Koening et al., 2019). The study involved a review of veterans, investigators, clinical officers, and nurses in identifying the syndrome in clinical practice. 427 veterans were chosen to evaluate combat-related PTSD syndromes, which result in Moral Injury. The procedures involved the review of Koening articles in the identification and addressing the syndrome. The methodology is effective in explaining why forgiveness healing moral injuries are entwined for positive mental health outcomes (Koening et al., 2019).

The last article is based on “PTSD is associated with poor health behavior and greater body mass index through depression, increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk among U.S veterans.” The authors depict how PTSD can worsen other health aspects of the veterans due to adopted health behaviors. Poor health behaviors act as risk factors in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (Hoerster et al., 2019). Depression results in unhealthy behaviors increasing body mass, smoking habits, reduced physical activity, and poor diets. Research methods involved sampling of veterans with the chosen been emailed surveys. 1804 participants were selected with, 717 veterans completing the surveys. $10 canteen coupons were awarded to veterans who completed the survey. Data analysis was through “descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations among variables.” Procedures involved measures variable selection as hypothesized in the parent study. Additionally, the variables were categorized as exogenous or endogenous against the time frame and score ranges (Hoerster et al., 2019). This methodology provided evidence on depression symptoms, which can trigger poor health behaviors in negative health outcomes.

I find the studies to have observed ethical standards in the research. Participants’ confidentiality, as well as anonymity, is retained in all studies. Additionally, researchers were able to join efforts with other organizations concerned with veterans to obtain data in an ethical manner. Participants are also able to participate willingly in the sample population. Approval and consent to participate are obtained on study assessments as part of ethical care in procedures. Offering the veterans, a canteen coupon for participation is within the ethical approvals of research. The coupon is given on the consent of the participant to offers information to contribute towards the study. Additionally, data sets in the sample population are not made available as only the authors of the articles have the right to utilize them.

In my opinion, evaluations of PTSD symptoms among veterans can result in different treatment methods that are more effective and successful in health. This will involve understanding the consequences and burdens the veterans bear in overcoming events witnessed during the serving period. The integration of both medical and conventional intervention methods can be useful in improving cognitive and neural performances. Clinical symptoms also have to provide appropriate predictions for effectiveness in treatment and support systems. This will require more investigations and reviews on the cognitive processing of veterans through post-treatment and pre-treatment tests. The evaluations will enhance the consistency of approaches adopted to deliver treatment to veterans who have PTSD.

Causes, treatments, and support systems in veteran PTSD clinical settings utilize different approaches for success. Through the studies reviewed, different symptoms are displayed in different sample population members. Evaluation of the approaches is imperative in ensuring consistency and quality in treatment delivery services as well as modifications in the programs. Different responses are expected from the programs as each veteran is unique in terms of neural and cognitive processing. The integration of interventions with support and care can be effective in improving accessibility to treatment. Additionally, identification of Moral Injury symptoms is essential in helping the veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Emotional and spiritual wellbeing matters in the integration process. This can be through forgiveness programs as supported by churches and families. Depression, due to PTSD, can result in poor health behaviors. Such behaviors impact lifestyles negatively, resulting in chronic diseases that are challenging to manage. Treatment adherence is also promoted through the success of the programs reducing dropout rates in medical interventions. Therefore, treatment and support programs are essential in reducing PTSD and depression symptoms among veterans.

References

Clausen, A., Thelen, J., Francisco, A., Bruce, J., Martin, L., McDowd, J. & Auppperle, L. (2019). Computer-based executive function training for combat veterans with PTSD: a pilot clinical trial assessing feasibility and predictors dropout. Frontiers in psychiatry. Retrieved from

https://doi-org.ucamia.cobimet4.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00062

Hoerster, K., Campbell, s, Dolan, M., Stappenbeck, C, Yard, S., Simpson, T. & Nelson, K. (2019). PTSD is associated with poor health behavior and greater Body Mass Index through depression, increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk among U.S veterans. Preventive medicine reports 15. Retrieved from

https://doi-org.ucamia.cobimet4.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100930

Koening, H., Ames, D. & Bussing, A. (2019). Editorial: screening for and treatment of moral injury in veterans/active duty military with PTSD. Frontiers in psychiatry. Retrieved from

https://doi-org.ucamia.cobimet4.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00596

Poulsen, D. (2017). Nature-based therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD: what do we know?journal of public mental health 16(1). Retrieved from

https://doi-org.ucamia.cobimet4.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2016-0039

Zalta, A., Held, P., Smith, D, Lofgreen, A., Brenna, M., Rydberg, T., Boley, R., Pollack, M. & Karnik, N. (2018). Evaluating patterns and predictors of symptom change during a three-week intensive outpatient treatment for veterans with PTSD. BMC psychiatry 18(242). Retrieved from

https://doi-org.ucamia.cobimet4.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1816-6