COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Temilola Salami

TITLE: A GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS AMONG TRAUMA-EXPOSED DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM YOUTH

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial distribution of trauma symptoms and emotional dysregulation among youth involved in disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEP). Additionally, the study explored whether these outcomes were associated with socioeconomic deprivation and neighborhood level access to mental health. The study utilized data from a prior thesis study involving DAEP-involved youth between the ages of 11 and 17. Three hypotheses guided this work: (H1) Posttraumatic stress symptoms among DAEP-involved youth will show statistically significant spatial clusters (“hotspots”) across zip codes, such that geographic hotspots of elevated PTSS severity will be identified; (H2) Spatial mapping will demonstrate that areas of elevated trauma symptoms align with structural inequities in mental health access; and (H3) Longer estimated public transit travel from the nearest bus stop to the closest publicly accessible mental health facility will predict higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Findings highlighted where risk is most concentrated, identify structural barriers to care, and inform trauma-informed planning and policy strategies aimed at disrupting pathways that sustain the school-to-prison pipeline.

Keywords: Disciplinary alternative education program, exclusionary discipline, mental health access, mental health equity, neighborhood adversity, posttraumatic stress symptoms, school to prison pipeline, trauma symptoms.

Location Online:

Zoom Link: Meeting

https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/95431532001?pwd=ljaQavTdepHZwThpdSrh4my1J1iirt.1

Meeting ID: 954 3153 2001

Passcode: 787401