Studying prenatal effects on offspring is vital to understanding the importance of prenatal care both physically and psychologically. Epigenetics is the study of how your experiences can affect your genes. Research has suggested that the prenatal environment has a significant impact on fetal development and lifelong health consequences for the fetus (Haq et al. 2021). Maternal stress is one factor that can impact offspring. When mothers are stressed, they produce high levels of cortisol which passes through the placental barrier and adversely impacts development (Zhang et al. 2021). Through animal studies, it has been discovered that high levels of maternal stress have been linked to psychiatric disorders in offspring (Haq et al. 2021). In another human study, it was confirmed through longitudinal studies that psychological stress is correlated with higher offspring risk for externalizing outcomes (ADHD, ODD, CD, etc). The meta-analysis showed that children had 3x greater odds of externalizing behavior problems with the presence of prenatal distress (Tung et al. 2023). My research is to look at the relationship between maternal prenatal anxiety and their offspring's mental health. I hypothesize mothers with prenatal anxiety will be more likely to have offspring with mental health issues compared to mothers without prenatal anxiety.

This study examined the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and insecure attachment styles in adulthood, with a specific emphasis on how childhood neglect may predict avoidant attachment and how childhood abuse may contribute to anxious attachment. ACEs significantly impact mental, behavioral, and physical health, shaping adult relationships. Anxious attachment involves a need for constant affirmation and fear of rejection, while avoidant attachment involves emotional withdrawal, making it hard to form meaningful relationships. Utilizing data sourced from the CSU Stanislaus library database and other databases, the study recruited 200 participants, aged 18 to 76, through an online survey website called Prolific. This research used continuous measures to better understand attachment patterns and their complexity. The results were significant, showing that anxious attachment is more associated with childhood abuse, while avoidant attachment is more associated with childhood neglect. The study also highlights the role of psychopathology, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation, in connecting ACEs to adult relationship quality. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of supportive childhood relationships in lessening the harmful effects of ACEs. The results will contribute to developing targeted interventions for healthier attachment patterns and psychological resilience and awareness in those with childhood trauma histories. Data analysis is underway to explore these relationships further and refine the findings.

How we perceive the factors that control our lives impacts our behavior and influences our participation in prosocial behavior. Studies have examined how internal and external locus of control impact many facets of our lives, such as well-being, life satisfaction, and how we treat others (Stevick et al., 1980). Little to no research has been conducted on the connection between locus of control and prosocial behavior. The present study will examine the relationship between the two.​ ​ Previous research has demonstrated that an external locus of control can have detrimental effects on individuals, leading to anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors (Guo et al., 2021). Conversely, engaging in prosocial behavior has been shown to elicit positive emotions and reduce stress (Baumsteiger, 2019). This line of research is crucial for understanding the individual differences in how people navigate life, respond to challenges, and plan for the future. By predicting behaviors and outcomes, such as prosocial behavior, we can foster community participation, promote psychological well-being, and enhance positive social interactions. Past research has examined the links between third variables that affect prosocial behavior, such as self-control, life satisfaction, and moral disengagement. However, the present study investigates the link between locus of control and prosocial behavior. In this study, we expect to find a positive relationship between internal locus of control and prosocial behavior.​

Medication use is undoubtedly a crucial issue in colleges and among young adults, including medical or nonmedical use of prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. The misuse of nonprescription drugs or herbal products has also become a serious problem in the young population, raising concerns of incorrect self-diagnosis, drug interaction, and use other than for the original indication. Therefore, the purpose of this study will be to examine medication knowledge and behaviors among college students. Participants were invited to complete a Perceived Wellness Survey, necessitating a sample size of 180 individuals to assess wellness across six dimensions. This observational study emphasizes validity and test-retest reliability, employing the PWS as a robust clinical assessment tool to comprehensively evaluate mental health considerations. Also a Pre and Post of Modified Knowledge and Behavior Survey. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify themes and patterns related to the knowledge and behaviors towards medication. There is often a lack of understanding about how medications can effectively treat health disorders. Recent years have seen a concerning decline in mental health on campuses, prompting the inclusion of wellness classes in school curricula. Medications are viewed as tools that primarily target biological mechanisms, such as neurotransmitter imbalances, to alleviate symptoms and restore balance. While medications are effective for mental health conditions, this study acknowledges the importance of integrating pharmacotherapy with psychotherapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Combining approaches can enhance treatment outcomes by addressing both biological and psychosocial factors contributing to mental health disorders.