Cassidy Canfield

Presbyterian College senior Cassidy Canfield is leveraging her academic journey to make a difference for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Inspired by personal ties and a desire to help others, Canfield’s psychology capstone project focuses on reducing stigma faced by veterans with PTSD in her hometown of Columbia, S.C. Her dedication to understanding mental health and her enriching college experience exemplify the transformative impact of a Presbyterian College education.

A Mission Rooted in Personal Inspiration

Canfield’s passion for her capstone topic stems from a deeply personal place. Her father, a 28-year veteran of the Air National Guard, often shared stories about the challenges veterans face, particularly the stigma surrounding mental health care. These conversations ignited her desire to address the issue.

“Veterans with PTSD experience stigma not only from society but also internally, which often deters them from seeking treatment,” Canfield explained during her capstone presentation on Wednesday. “I wanted to find a way to reduce both public and self-stigma so that veterans can feel supported and understood.”

Her project proposes establishing a peer support group in Columbia specifically for veterans with PTSD. Facilitated by veteran mediators who are also licensed counselors, the group aims to create a safe space for veterans to share experiences, foster understanding, and diminish stereotypes.

“The lack of peer support groups in Columbia, despite its large veteran population, was disheartening to discover,” Canfield said. “I was surprised at how little research exists on using peer support groups to address stigma among veterans with PTSD.”

Research Backed by Science

To evaluate the effectiveness of her proposed program, Canfield would administer self-report surveys to participants before and after attending the peer support sessions. Using a paired samples t-test, she would analyze changes in stigma levels based on the Military Stigma Scale.

“If successful, this project could pave the way for similar programs across the country, ultimately encouraging more veterans to seek the help they need,” she said.

Her project underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of veterans. “Veterans are more likely to open up to someone who understands their experiences,” Canfield said, emphasizing the significance of using veteran mediators.

A Foundation Built at PC

Canfield’s time at Presbyterian College has played a pivotal role in shaping her academic and personal growth. She cites PC’s small class sizes and close-knit community as integral to her success.

“I chose PC because I wanted to build relationships with my professors and classmates,” she said. “The psychology program here has not only provided me with the skills needed for graduate school but also opened my eyes to the many career paths available in this field.”

Set to graduate early in December, Canfield plans to apply for graduate programs in clinical psychology. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching and developing interventions that improve mental health outcomes.

A Multidimensional Student

Canfield’s contributions to campus life extend beyond her academic achievements. As a double major in psychology and history, she is a member of both Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, and Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society. She also works 15 hours a week at the campus library as part of her work-study responsibilities.

Her involvement in multiple disciplines has enriched her academic perspective.

“Studying history alongside psychology has helped me better understand the social and cultural factors that influence behavior,” she said.

A Welcoming Community

Canfield speaks highly of the support she has received from PC’s faculty and staff, particularly in the psychology and history departments.

“The professors here genuinely care about your success,” she said. “They’ve made me a better student and person, and I know I wouldn’t have had the same experience at a larger university.”

When asked what advice she would give prospective students, Canfield emphasized the transformative nature of the PC experience. “This is a place where you’ll grow not just academically but personally,” she said. “The diverse student population and the contemplative curriculum really prepare you for life beyond college.”

A Future of Advocacy

As Canfield prepares to leave PC, she reflects on how her undergraduate journey has set the stage for her future. Her capstone project is more than an academic requirement—it’s a testament to her dedication to helping others and addressing critical societal issues.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” she said. “Studying psychology has given me the tools to do that, and PC has given me the foundation to make a difference.”

Through her capstone research, academic accomplishments, and campus involvement, Canfield embodies the values of Presbyterian College: service, leadership, and a commitment to making the world a better place.