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For some nursing students, the stress of preparing for and taking the NCLEX can lead to maladaptive behaviors such as poor test performance and inadequate preparation. A different approach to NCLEX preparation for at-risk seniors is described. A 3-credit course that combines cognitive behavioral techniques, metacognitive strategies, test-taking strategies, and simulated NCLEX experience with practice questions is presented. Students also develop an individualized plan of preparation from graduation until they take the NCLEX.

Background: Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that can have negative effects on the new mother and her infant. Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of all women after childbirth. A majority of women with postpartum depression do not seek help from any source. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between attitudes toward help seeking and actual help seeking in postpartum women with and without depressive symptoms. Method: A convenience sample of 130 postpartum women from northwestern Pennsylvania completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF).The relationship between help seeking attitudes, presence of depressive symptoms, and actual help seeking was examined using quantitative analysis. Results: In this sample of postpartum women, approximately 50% reported minor or major depressive symptoms. Postpartum women with depressive symptoms had more negative attitudes toward seeking professional help than women without depressive symptoms. Postpartum women with depressive symptoms that sought help had more positive help seeking attitudes than women with depressive symptoms that did not seek help since the birth of their infant. Presence of depressive symptoms significantly predicted the help seeking attitudes in this sample of women. Conclusion: Given the significant impact of postpartum depression on maternal and infant outcomes, it is imperative to be consistent and thorough in detecting and treating postpartum depression. Since a majority of women with depression do not seek help, it is important to predict which postpartum women have attitudes that hinder professional help seeking. Depression and help seeking in postpartum women iii Dedication I dedicate this dissertation first to my grandfather, Thomas L. Corey (1907-1981), who received his Master's degree in engineering from Carnegie University despite great adversity and proceeded to teach engineering at a local university. He was very supportive and encouraged me to continue my education. I hope he is looking down on me and sending a nod of approval for taking his advice! I would also like to dedicate this to my son, Shawn. He is my proudest accomplishment and I thank him for his sense of humor, love, and support through the last 11 years of education. He was the only Kindergarten student that knew what a Master's degree was! Now, as he graduates with a diploma from high school and I graduate with a PhD from West Virginia University, I hope he recognizes and appreciates the value of advanced education and the hard work involved to achieve one's goals. Make your own path in this world, be passionate about all you do, and always find the sunshine in your day! Depression and help seeking in postpartum women iv Acknowledgements I would never have been able to complete this dissertation without the guidance of my committee members, help from my friends, and support from my family. I would like to first thank my parents for th...