Tag: William Johnson

Postpartum Depression In Argentina’s Public Health Sector 

Presenter(s): Sejal Asher – International Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): William Johnson, Kristin Yaris

Poster 93

Research Area: Global Health

Globally, Argentina has the highest population of psychologists per capita and is succeeding increasing psychiatric social acceptability; yet, the lack of maternal mental health programs and education is questionable and troublesome. The research presented focuses on the treatment and education of postpartum depression in the public healthcare sector of Argentina and why access to care is almost nonexistent in a nation openly invested in mental health care. The primary research was collected over four weeks and methods included formal interviews, informal conversations, and participant observation. A majority of this research was conducted while volunteering in Maternidad Martin, a public maternity clinic in Rosario. During the time in the clinic, the researcher interviewed many staff members, volunteers, and patients about maternal mental health. The conclusion was made that the lack of information and education surrounding maternal mental health is high because of the lack of government enforcement for a set standard of care in the public health system. In provinces further from the capital, the quality of care is progressively lower. This is not due to discrimination but rather to the lack of education amongst medical workers. In addition, the structure of the Argentine family adds to the widening informational gap surrounding the stigma of maternal mental health. Though general mental health is openly discussed, negative mental health issues associated with motherhood are taboo as women fear being labeled as an inadequate mother. This research is critical because it expands upon an issue affecting one in seven women globally. It is imperative to strengthen maternal mental health care because ignoring issues within the topic is not only detrimental to the quality of life for the mother, but also negatively affects the future of the child and stability of the family structure as a whole.

Investigating Human Rights and Peace Studies in the Western Balkans

Presenter(s): Cassidy Kenney

Co Presenter(s): Meredith Gusky

Faculty Mentor(s): William Johnson

Oral Session 1 C

Introductory Sentences: Our research studied the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, and the subsequent tensions inherent in peaceful rebuilding and international human rights practices. Our research examined the role of art in peace building, religion in peace building, and public perception toward refugees.

Research Question: How have peace and human rights mechanisms transformed society in the Western Balkans?

Methods: Students conducted qualitative research through interviewing citizens, experts, leaders and activists and by attending museum exhibits, sites of memorial, places of worship, and political and legal organizations. The research was conducted over a four-week period following two five-week long courses on these subjects.

Key findings: Our key findings include a realization that the abstract aims of most religious communities inherently build peace, that art is a powerful healing mechanisms, and that refugee policy and perception in the Balkans continues to be impacted by the conflicts of the 1990s. Because our areas of research varied in discipline and many of the human rights mechanisms continue to evolve today, much of our research is incomplete and only represents the time frame from July 2018 to now. Despite the constant evolution and limited scope of the research, it is essential in creating a larger understanding of human rights and peace-building mechanisms, their successes and shortcomings.

Significance: Our research offers pieces of a complex and growing narrative of the Western Balkans and analyzes the ways in which human rights and peace mechanisms can be improved upon now and in the future.