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 is to investigate the association between trauma symptoms, emotional dysregulation and socioeconomic deprivation of marginalized youth. This dissertation utilizes data from a prior thesis study involving 151 youth between the ages of 11 and 17 enrolled in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). The study investigates the spatial distribution of trauma symptoms and their association with neighborhood-level inequities in mental health access using a geospatial approach. Three hypotheses guide this work: (H1) Low-income neighborhoods with greater deprivation will show statistically significant spatial clusters (“hotspots”) of post-traumatic stress symptoms among DAEP-involved youth; (H2) Spatial mapping will demonstrate that areas of elevated trauma symptoms align with structural inequities in mental health access; and, (H3) Mental health accessibility factors will be associated with greater emotional dysregulation beyond individual demographics. Findings will highlight 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.
Location Online:
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82661613815?pwd=jbIb0yVb9tamCZGOnfRK5g6bShFU4p.1
Meeting ID: 826 6161 3815
Passcode: 890722