Honors Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/239506
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Item Open Access Mental health misconceptions and stigma(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Paruszkiewicz-Philson, Kathryn, authorMental health advice is everywhere, from social media influencers promoting their latest health brands to mainstream media highlighting new research findings. While the internet is full of tips on maintaining well-being, far less attention is given to the lived realities of individuals struggling with mental disorders. Despite increasing awareness, pervasive myths and misconceptions continue to circulate. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions, sometimes helping to spread awareness, but often perpetuating misinformation that reinforces harmful stigmas and stereotypes. These misunderstandings contribute to discrimination and systemic barriers that limit individuals' quality of life and negatively impact society. To challenge these narratives, my project aims to dispel common myths and increase awareness through a podcast series focused on three groups of mental disorders. Normalizing conversations and integrating mental health education into schools, communities, and professional settings can promote greater understanding, reduce stigma, and enhance access to support for those affected.Item Open Access The Barbie movie and the psychological experience of gender inequality(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-10-24) Nolan, Eden, E., authorAs societies reach toward gender equality, it is often assumed that issues of gender inequality and discrimination are rare. However, instances of gender discrimination and inequality have become more subtle than overt, and still cause harm across individuals. The transition of gender discrimination from overt instances to subtle instances has caused society to be dismissive of statements that claim gender inequality is still a significant issue today. In this work, the 2023 Barbie movie is evaluated as a statement of gender inequality in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how subtle gender inequality manifests itself, and to explain this manifestation through the psychological explanations of gender inequality. The thesis addresses questions such as, "How is gender discrimination seen today?", "How does gender discrimination impact people?", and "Why does gender discrimination still exist today?" through the analysis of the Barbie movie. The purpose of the thesis is to highlight examples of gender discrimination, and thoroughly analyze a piece of media that acknowledges gender inequality, and address that gender inequality is a problem that is continuously experienced across cultures. The movie is separated by scenes, where each scene is explained and evaluated through psychological studies that explain the specific experience of the related scene. The investigation of gender inequalities represented in the Barbie movie culminates in an artistic reflection that elaborates on the author’s experience with gender.