New York University’s Applied Psychology Online Publication of Undergraduate Studies, also known as OPUS, was established in 2009. OPUS provides Applied Psychology undergraduate students with a forum for sharing their independent work. This publication is entirely written, edited, and designed by Applied Psychology undergraduates, and is one of the only undergraduate psychology journals in the United States.
We are thrilled to present our Spring 2020 issue this year. The themes of this issue reflect the diverse clinical and research interests of our contributing writers and demonstrate an overarching desire to understand the nuances of psychological
phenomena in a wide range of communities, thus embodying the ethos of Applied Psychology. For the first time ever, OPUS has published album reviews—reflecting the unique creative interests of our department and our drive to push the boundaries of previous OPUS issues.
To our readers: we hope this issue provides a brief escape from the current situation and demonstrates the excellence of our writing staff, all of whom made this release possible. Our issue this semester contains distinct explorations of psychological theories with real-world applications. Utilizing the Bilingual Inhibitory Control Advantage (BICA) hypothesis, Maggie Zhang explores how early childhood bilingualism enriches the relation between two crucial cognitive processes, inhibitory control and emotional regulation development. Sarah Khullar also examines how cultural values among Muslims living in the Middle East influence openness to seeking professional mental health services.
Kasane Tonegawa tackles a fascinating, novel avenue of research, considering how alternative forms of treatment, such as professionally administered low doses of ketamine, can be used for treatment resistant depression. Olivia Matthes Theriault investigates the effectiveness of restraint and seclusion practices in aiding patient recovery in psychiatric in-patient hospitals. To close her piece, she interviewed a Project Coordinator at Bellevue Hospital Child and Adolescent Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit about a groundbreaking framework, known as Trauma Informed Care (TIC), a promising approach to replace the use of restraint and seclusion practices in clinical settings.
Oana and Andrew also conducted an interview with Dr. Karthik Gunnia, a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Applied Psychology department, who is teaching a new course, entitled “Mental Health in Contemporary Music,” which explores on how music can serve as a tool to support destigmatize and promote mental health. In their album reviews, Will Olesiewicz and Andrew Han dive into Frank Ocean’s Endless and Lorde’s Melodrama, respectively, exploring prevalent themes seen during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Similarly, Oana Groza reviewed each of Kehlani’s projects to date, examining Kehlani’s narrative as she goes through emerging adulthood and motherhood. We hope to see future writers and Editors-in-Chiefs with new ideas that continue to explore the intersection of their creative and psychological interests.
Thank you so much to our enthusiastic and talented writers for your contributions. This semester presented unprecedented additional challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team worked tirelessly not only to release the issue, but also make it incredible! We would also like to thank our talented Layout & Design team—Chloe, Grace, and Sydney—for their hard work and commitment to bringing the journal to life. Special shoutout to Kylie McManus, who illustrated this issue’s cover, and Olivia Bowen for their beautiful artwork.
We are grateful to Dr. Gigliana Melzi, the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Applied Psychology, and Erica Rodriguez, the OPUS advisor for their continuous support of OPUS. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Adina Schick, our faculty mentor, for her guidance, wit, and dedication to OPUS, without which this issue would not be possible.
Best,
Oana Groza and Andrew Han
Click here to return to the Spring 2020 Issue Contents page.
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