Benjamin Neil Montemayor

Students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their peers in non-STEM fields (Flemmer...

Despite narrowing gender gaps in drinking patterns—largely due to increases in women’s alcohol consumption (White, 2020)—women continue to experience disproportionately greater alcohol-related harm...

Mental health challenges among adolescents represent a critical public health priority. Approximately one in five U.S. teenagers aged 12 to 19 report experiencing depressive symptoms within the pas...

Nearly 20% of U.S. Latinx college students report experiencing depression, representing one of the highest prevalence rates among all racial and ethnic groups (Lipson et al., 2018). This disparity ...

PurposeSubstance Use Disorder (SUD) among young adults is a critical public health challenge characterized by emotional dysregulation and high psychiatric comorbidity. While mindfulness-based exercises (MEs) are effective, young adults often struggle with sustaining the necessary attentional focus for traditional practices. This study evaluated the efficacy of an immersive virtual reality (VR)-delivered mindfulness program in improving depression, anxiety, and physiological emotion regulation among young adults with SUDs.MethodsA single-arm clinical trial was conducted with 11 young adults (Mean age = 21.00, SD = 2.82) recruited from a residential behavioral healthcare unit. Participants engaged in a 30-minute immersive VR mindfulness intervention using the Meta Oculus Quest 2 three times per week for a period of 10 weeks. Psychological symptoms were measured pre- and post-intervention using the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 (GAD-7). Objective emotional regulation was assessed via autonomic nervous system (ANS) coherence levels using an ECG-based HeartMath biofeedback device to capture physiological shifts.ResultsThe intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (Baseline M = 23.63; Endline M = 2.37; t = 2.35, p = .04) with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.71). Physiological data demonstrated robust improvements in emotion regulation: low coherence levels decreased significantly (p = .02), while high coherence levels increased significantly (p = .02). Average coherence rose from 1.71 to 2.30 (t = -4.26, p = .01), yielding a large effect size (Cohen’s d = -1.28). Depressive symptoms decreased from a baseline Mean of 22.01 to an endline Mean of 17.27 (d = 0.61), although this change followed a downward trend without reaching formal statistical significance (p = .069).ConclusionFindings suggest that immersive VR-delivered mindfulness is a feasible and potent intervention for reducing anxiety and enhancing physiological emotion regulation in high-risk young adults with SUDs. By providing a multisensory, engaging environment, VR may overcome traditional barriers to mindfulness practice. These results support the integration of innovative digital therapeutics into standard addiction treatment to address the complex mental health needs of this population and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Rural men are disproportionately impacted by substance misuse, its associated consequences, and the limited access to substance treatment services compared to men living in urban areas (Montemayor ...

College students face multiple stressors that increase vulnerability to mental health challenges and risky substance use, including simultaneous polysubstance use (using multiple substances at once), which poses significant health risks. This study examined the relationship between polysubstance use and depressive symptoms among a quota‑based sample of college students. Data from 2155 students who reported past-year alcohol use were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Measures included self-reported indices of past-month alcohol, cannabis, and non-prescribed stimulant use (individually and simultaneously); depressive symptoms; and adverse childhood experiences. Cannabis and stimulant use were associated with higher depressive symptoms ( p < 0.01). Alcohol-stimulant polysubstance use was associated with depressive symptoms ( p < 0.05), while alcohol-cannabis was not ( p > 0.05). Adverse childhood experiences remained a significant correlate of depressive symptoms across all models. Findings underscore the need for campus mental health prevention and intervention efforts addressing polysubstance use and incorporating trauma-informed strategies for early childhood adversity.

Investigate the demographic, psychosocial, and Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) factors influencing sexual minority undergraduate college students' intentions to seek alcohol-related help. A non-probability sample of sexual minority college students throughout the U.S. (N = 253). Participants completed an online cross-sectional survey of psychosocial and RAA scales. A hierarchical linear regression tested associations with intentions to seek alcohol related-help. Racial/ethnic minority students reported lower intentions to seek help than Non-Hispanic White students. Greater childhood adversity was associated with higher help-seeking intentions, whereas more hazardous drinking was associated with lower intentions. Regarding the RAA, more favorable attitudes, stronger norms, and greater autonomy were associated with higher intentions. There is a need for alcohol screening and brief interventions that integrate racial and sexual minority cultural competency. Universities should implement behavioral health screenings to identify hazardous drinking and incorporate RAA constructs into social marketing campaigns to promote alcohol and other behavioral health help seeking.