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Clinical Psychology

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Theses/Dissertations

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Understanding The Influence Of Childhood Experiences On The Development Of Female Sexual Perpetrators Against Underage Individuals, Cassandra Marie Hershman Jan 2021

Understanding The Influence Of Childhood Experiences On The Development Of Female Sexual Perpetrators Against Underage Individuals, Cassandra Marie Hershman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Females who are perpetrators of sexual offenses are an understudied population. Due to societies’ failure to recognize that female perpetrators exist and to recognize their abuse when it occurs, sexual abuse completed by females often goes unreported. As a result, females engaging in sexual offenses, particularly pedophilia, is seen as a rare occurrence. However, research suggests that the actual rate of female pedophilic behavior is occurring at a rate three-four times higher than what is actually reported (Cortoni, Babchishin, & Rat, 2017). This study used anonymous data from 2,828 adult females in the IRB approved study [127810-11] Effects of Recalled …


The Use Of Postural Aggression In Intimate Partner Relationships: What Is It And Is It Being Recognized As "Abuse" By Intimate Partners, Elizabeth Gentry Myers Jan 2020

The Use Of Postural Aggression In Intimate Partner Relationships: What Is It And Is It Being Recognized As "Abuse" By Intimate Partners, Elizabeth Gentry Myers

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The use of aggression towards an intimate partner has been an increasingly concerning topic in the violence literature over the last five decades; however, many dimensions continue to lack clarity. Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains the most common form of violence committed against women worldwide with about 30% of women reporting a lifetime prevalence of physical and/or sexual violence by a partner (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019), often accompanied by psychological aggression (Larsen, 2016; Williams et al., 2012). Postural aggression is defined as a subtype of psychological aggression which consists of both direct and indirect forms of non-physical abuse; although, …


Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Rural Emergency Medical Services Personnel, Nicole Elizabeth Bailey Jan 2019

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Rural Emergency Medical Services Personnel, Nicole Elizabeth Bailey

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have undergone multiple revisions over the past few decades which have substantially refined our understanding of PTSD. Upon the publication of DSM-5, occupational exposure is now officially recognized as satisfying criterion A (exposure to a traumatic event) for the diagnosis of PTSD. First responder populations - particularly EMS personnel - have been historically understudied and warrant additional attention. The present study examines PTSD symptomology in a rural EMS population, as well as considering barriers to treatment. A total of 437 participants from West Virginia and western Pennsylvania completed a survey that included demographic …


An Analysis Of Personality On Legal Substance And Behavioral Addictions, Elise Stephanie Edwards Jan 2018

An Analysis Of Personality On Legal Substance And Behavioral Addictions, Elise Stephanie Edwards

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This dissertation examined the relationship between personality traits and addiction to legal substances and behaviors. Speranza et al. (2012) found that people who were addicted to illegal substances had similar personality traits, such as impulsivity and sensation-seeking. In addition, substance addiction has also been found to have a relationship with negative affect (Davis, Cohen, Davids, & Rabindranath, 2015). This study applied these findings to addictions of legal substances and behaviors. Caffeine and Internet addiction were specifically analyzed due to their common excessive use in this modern world (Marsh, Snell, Allen, & Wakefield, 2001; Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). Participants were selected …


The Effects Of Community Type And Sexual Orientation On Adolescent Alcohol Abuse: A Retrospective Exploration, Karla Beth Moore Jan 2017

The Effects Of Community Type And Sexual Orientation On Adolescent Alcohol Abuse: A Retrospective Exploration, Karla Beth Moore

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Considerable research has demonstrated that adolescents, as a whole, are experimenting with alcohol at alarming rates (Biddle, Bank, & Marlin, 1980; Donath, et al., 2011;King, Chassin, & Molina, 2009). However, research is very mixed on findings identifying which groups of adolescents tend to be most at risk for using alcohol, as well as the reasons these groups identify for such experimentation (Carlo, Crockett, Wilkinson, & Beal, 2011; Coomber, Toumbourou, Miller, Staiger, Hemphill, & Catalano, 2011). The current study examined participants from various community types and sexual orientations, in a retrospective manner. Participants (ages 18 and over) answered questions on a …


Effects Of Partner Attachment Quality On Ptsd Severity With Combat-Exposed Veterans, Robert Desmond Shura Jan 2013

Effects Of Partner Attachment Quality On Ptsd Severity With Combat-Exposed Veterans, Robert Desmond Shura

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a response to a traumatic stressor encompasses re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Although many individuals will experience a traumatic stressor in the course of a lifetime, only a fraction fully develop PTSD. The purpose of this dissertation was to inform the question as to why some develop PTSD as a response to combat exposure and others do not. This study used the PTSD Checklist – Military Version (PCL-M), Trauma Symptom Inventory - 2 (TSI-2) and the Attachment and Clinical Issues Questionnaire (ACIQ) to test if secure partner attachments predict PTSD severity, anger, and somatization. These models …


Examining Social Anxiety And Depression Among Excessive Online Gamers, Nathan Sharer Jan 2012

Examining Social Anxiety And Depression Among Excessive Online Gamers, Nathan Sharer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The main purpose of this study was to examine the correlations between social anxiety, depression, and other psychological factors among online gamers in order to better understand the differences between excessive gamers (whose habits interfere with relationship, occupational, social, or health issues) and enthusiastic gamers (who spend much of their free time playing games but do not report any significant functional impairment as a result). A literature review revealed diverse conceptualizations of excessive gaming as well as differing opinions of what classifies gaming to be excessive/addicting/problematic, suggesting a need to more specifically analyze gaming habits in terms of coexisting pathology …


Attachment Patterns And The Development Of Depression: Path Analysis Of Avoidant And Ambivalent Models, Jessica Lynn Taylor Jan 2012

Attachment Patterns And The Development Of Depression: Path Analysis Of Avoidant And Ambivalent Models, Jessica Lynn Taylor

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two attachment-based models of depression were tested with path analysis. In the first model, it was proposed that avoidant attachments to one’s father and mother and a family milieu supporting the suppression of feelings would influence one’s attachment to partner and level of shame, making one susceptible to depression. In the second model, it was proposed that ambivalent attachments to one’s father, mother, and partner would influence one’s levels of rumination and shame, making one susceptible to depression. Data were from a previous study and consisted of 126 participants’ de-identified Beck Depression Inventory-II and Attachment and Clinical Issues Questionnaire scores. …


Gendered Perceptions Of Batterer Intervention Co-Facilitation, Dorothy Lynne Boston Jan 2010

Gendered Perceptions Of Batterer Intervention Co-Facilitation, Dorothy Lynne Boston

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the experience of co-facilitating male batterer intervention groups as reported by male and female facilitators and to identify how that experience differs along gender lines, given that dual-gender facilitation is an expectation of licensing standards that has not been researched. The following research questions were asked: 1) are there notable differences in how co-facilitation of male batterer intervention groups is experienced by males and females, 2) are females more sensitive to and affected by issues of power and control within the facilitation process than their male peers, and 3) is it more …


Autobiographical Memory Specificity, Negative Mood State, And Executive Control: Implications For Clinical Depression, Billy J. Rutherford Jan 2009

Autobiographical Memory Specificity, Negative Mood State, And Executive Control: Implications For Clinical Depression, Billy J. Rutherford

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Reduced autobiographical memory specificity and executive control have been associated with clinical depression; however, evidence is inconclusive as to whether these impairments represent trait-like qualities of individuals with clinical depression or are associated with changes in mood state. The present study employed a mood induction procedure and a digit-recall task derived to interfere with working memory to test the role of current mood and executive functioning in the autobiographical memory of nondepressed college students. Non-depressed subjects recalled significantly fewer specific memories on an autobiographical memory test following an induced, negative mood state and also with a concurrent digit-recall task. Thus, …


Effects Of Father Absence On Adolescent Depression, Sexual Attitudes, And Substance Use, Nicole M. Hurtack Jan 2008

Effects Of Father Absence On Adolescent Depression, Sexual Attitudes, And Substance Use, Nicole M. Hurtack

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between father absence and depression, sexual attitudes, and substance use on adolescents. Data were collected from forty-nine high school students (28 males, 21 females) from ninth to twelfth grade from a private high school in Pennsylvania. The Beck Depression Inventory-II was used to measure levels of depression. A sexual attitudes and substance use, and family demographic survey were also administered. The results of this study provided no support for the hypothesized relationship between adolescent adjustment and father absence. Father absence did not significantly predicted sexual attitudes, depression or substance …


Differentiating Young Adult Social Smokers On Psychological Constructs, Stacy M. Saunders Jan 2008

Differentiating Young Adult Social Smokers On Psychological Constructs, Stacy M. Saunders

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A number of researchers have sought to examine psychosocial correlates of smoking behavior and identify differences amongst proposed smoker sub-groupings on measures of psychological constructs; however, few studies to date have investigated the subset of smokers commonly known as social smokers. The recent emergence of the social smoker subtype has led to an upsurge in research on smoking patterns and cessation programming. This dissertation attempts to explore psychosocial differences that may exist between regular smokers and those who identify themselves as social smokers. Further, this study investigated the levels of cigarette dependence, addiction, smoking frequency, perceived health threat of light …


A Comparison Of Traditional Versus Computerized Anxiety Assessment Using Personal Digital Assistants, Wesley Alan Smith Jan 2003

A Comparison Of Traditional Versus Computerized Anxiety Assessment Using Personal Digital Assistants, Wesley Alan Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The usage of the personal computer has become more prevalent in the field of psychology. The advent of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has opened a new area of possible clinical application. These pen-based devices allow for a more natural interface and more mobility. The feasibility and application of the PDA for personality assessment will be examined in this study. Does having a test administered by a PDA lead to a significant change in response patterns compared to a test administered by the traditional pen and paper method? The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the anxiety …


Comparing Behavior Assessment Measures With Behavior Specific Responses To Assess Aggression In First-Time Expectant Fathers, Lynn Allen Jan 2003

Comparing Behavior Assessment Measures With Behavior Specific Responses To Assess Aggression In First-Time Expectant Fathers, Lynn Allen

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty- four randomly recruited first-time expectant fathers, ages 20 years to 40 years, were administered a battery of survey questions each trimester of their wives’ pregnancy. This study compared Behavior Assessment Measures (Clinical Anxiety Scale, Selfism-Scale, and the Index of Self-Esteem) to Behavior Specific Measures (Non-Physical Abuse of Partner Scale and the Aggression Inventory) to see if any correlations exist among the test data. The study is trying to identify specific test or survey questions that measure attitudinal or behavioral changes in first-time expectant fathers over the nine months of their spouse’s pregnancy. The results indicated a statistically significant correlation …


Attitudinal And Behavioral Changes Demonstrated By Expectant Fathers As Measured By The Index Of Self Esteem, Terry G. Savage Jan 2002

Attitudinal And Behavioral Changes Demonstrated By Expectant Fathers As Measured By The Index Of Self Esteem, Terry G. Savage

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty married men who were expecting their first child were tested in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy with the Index of Self Esteem to see if the subjects experienced a significant drop in self esteem during the course of pregnancy. The current study focused on the attitudinal and behavioral changes in the subjects as measured by the index of self-esteem. A decrease in self-esteem of the expectant fathers was not found, however the lack of diversity within the sample may account for the results. It would be necessary to conduct more extensive research to be more representative …


The Relationship Between Age, Years Of Service, Gender, Education, And Job Satisfaction Among Mental Health Professionals, Veria L. Hicks Jan 2000

The Relationship Between Age, Years Of Service, Gender, Education, And Job Satisfaction Among Mental Health Professionals, Veria L. Hicks

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study explored the relationship between age, years of service, gender, education, and job satisfaction among mental health professionals. Thirty subjects (15 males and 15 females) were involved in the study. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant relationship between age, years of service, gender, education and job satisfaction among mental health professionals. Recommendations for future research are discussed.


Comparing Aggression Between Young-Adult And General Admission Patients In A State-Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Jill Kridle Jan 1999

Comparing Aggression Between Young-Adult And General Admission Patients In A State-Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Jill Kridle

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Because of the inherent danger surrounding violence, aggression studies are particularly important for those working in a health care setting. A constant variable in aggression studies that poses many risk factors is age. This study examined characteristics of aggressors contained on state psychiatric hospital, located in West Virginia. Included on the unit was the neo-adult program and some general admission patients. The study evaluated all aggressors on the unit between September 1997 and August 1998. Comparisons were made to distinguish any possible differences or similarities between the two groups. The results indicated some differences relating to age of aggressor. Young-adult …


The Effects Of Music Therapy On Reducing Depression Among The Hospitalized Elderly Diagnosed With Dementia, Alan J. Blosser Jan 1999

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Reducing Depression Among The Hospitalized Elderly Diagnosed With Dementia, Alan J. Blosser

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Music therapy was implemented as an affordable and accesible intervention for the hospitalized elderly diagnosed with dementia to reduce depression. Thirty hospitalized, elderly individuals diagnosed with dementia were randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions. The experimental group were involved in six one-half hour music therapy sessions over a three week period. Music was selected according to group preference. No intervention was provided to the control group. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to measure depression. The instrument was administered orally to both groups one week prior to treatment, within two days after treatment had been completed, and two …