Digital Commons Network^™

Role Of Feedback And Social Anxiety In Dating Situations, Kanika Singh

Masters Theses

Social anxiety has been linked to both the Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) and the Fear of Positive Evaluation, suggesting that receiving feedback (whether positive or negative) is difficult for persons with social anxiety. However, little research has examined whether receiving feedback in an evaluative setting (e.g., dating) can directly affect social anxiety levels. Thus, this study examined whether varying types of feedback (negative, positive, and neutral) can affect the levels of social anxiety for individuals in a dating scenario. Feedback was provided to participants and examined in relation to their levels of FNE and FPE. Participants consisted of undergraduate …

Problematic Social Media Use And Depression In College Students: A Mediation Study, Morgan Hummel

Masters Theses

Recent research has shown a relationship between problematic social media use and depression symptoms in adults in the United States. Social comparison has been identified as a mediator in this relationship in previous studies. Little research has explored the underlying mechanisms in social media use and the onset of depression symptoms in college aged students. The present study examines whether social comparison mediates the relationship between problematic social media use and depression symptoms in 102 college students in the US. The participants completed measures of problematic social media use, social comparison, and depression symptoms. The results indicated a positive relationship …

Ethnic Differences In The Way College Students Cope With Stress, Temavulane N. Motsa

Masters Theses

Stress is one of the key concerns for students and has also been labelled the highest factor impacting students’ academic performance in colleges. A student’s ability to adequately cope with their stressors could determine their academic success or failure. This study examined whether there are any ethnic differences in the way African American and Caucasian American Students cope with stress. Data were collected from Students at Eastern Illinois University which included 45 African American Students and 40 Caucasian American students. The results revealed no significant differences in the way Caucasian American and African American students cope with stress. This paper …

Risk And Protective Factors For Negative Psychological Outcomes In Lgbtq+ Individuals, Emalee Kerr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-

Previous research suggests that suicide is more prevalent among those in the LGBTQ+ community (Abelson et al., 2006), and they are also more likely to experience bullying and psychological symptoms while less likely to have adequate social support. Although many studies have examined risk factors for suicidality, the current study aimed to compare the impact of the risk factors among those in the LGBTQ+ community with those who are not. Further, this study examined the role of identity in conjunction with these other risk and protective factors. College students (N = 501) completed an anonymous online survey battery. Suicidality was …

Examining The Relationship Between Alcohol Expectancies And Behavioral Economic Theory, Tatiana Magri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-

PURPOSE: Alcohol consumption and related problems are common among college students. Prior research links behavioral economic constructs of alcohol demand (relative valuation of alcohol; analyzed using area under the curve) and relative reinforcement (RR; proportionate reinforcement obtained from alcohol-related activities relative to other activities), as well as alcohol expectancies, with alcohol consumption and problems. However, research has yet to examine the associations between behavioral economic and expectancy theories or how they influence alcohol use outcomes. METHOD: College students who endorsed drinking in the past 30 days (n= 287) completed an online survey assessing demand, RR, alcohol expectancies, alcohol problems, and …

Working With Families With Refugee Experiences In The United States: The Impact Of Forced Displacement On Parent-Child Relationships After Resettlement, Sakshi Kapur

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Refugees resettled in high-income countries like the United States have a unique set of challenges ranging from great psychological disturbance to acculturation challenges. With recent changes to policies related to immigration and refugee resettlement in the United States after the 2016 presidential elections, the refugee diaspora was left with resettlement services focused more on ensuring national security and economic independence rather than services that catered to re-integration beyond economics like acculturation stress, family functioning, and cultural adjustment. This systemic literature review explores the impact of forced displacement and migration on individuals, with an emphasis on family systems and parent-child relationships. …

Early Predictors: The Impact Of Childhood Exposure To Interparental Conflict On Developmental Outcomes For Emotion Self-Regulation And Related Problem Behaviour., Katrina Abela

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The capacity to independently regulate emotions occupies a central role in children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing as they progress through their development. The influence of adverse childhood experiences on the absence of attuned emotion self-regulation (ESR) abilities has been recurringly linked to, and coupled with, a range of adverse developmental outcomes for children and adolescents, such as internalizing problem behaviours (i.e., anxiety) and externalizing problem behaviours (i.e., peer bullying and victimization). Although exposure to interparental conflict has been widely associated with such short- and long-term adverse effects for children’s physical, emotional, social, and behavioural development, further investigation is needed …

The Impact Of A Relationship Education Program On Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women, Anne Clara Biermann

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Health disparities amongst pregnant individuals of color have long been documented and yet, they persist. While there is growing recognition, the search continues for solutions to close the health disparity gap between White women and women of color. This research is a follow-up to a 2022 study exploring the impact of the MotherWise program on birth outcomes. MotherWise provides an individual-oriented relationship education program and case management service for minority and low-income pregnant women in Colorado. This research further explores a positive trend of the program's impact on preterm birth rates by examining differential effects of participation by race. In …

Asexuality And Demisexuality: Clinical Implications Of Sexual Identity, Michael Scott Fiorini

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This paper considers demisexuality as an identity and sexual orientation for use by psychologists using historical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. It discusses the clinical implications of demisexuality as an identity and orientation distinct from asexuality. The paper discusses applications and limitations of defining and identifying demisexuality in a clinical population and it's social, scientific, and contextual significance. The paper compares what can be observed with existing diagnostic guidelines present in the DSM-5 for the identification of Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD). The paper proposes guidelines for the diagnosis and the ethical clinical treatment …

Therapist Self-Disclosure With Mandated College Students: A Case Study, Zachary Lattanzio

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Facing the stark reality of a disturbing mental health crisis present in the college populations of the United States, college counseling centers (CCC) must figure out ways in which they can utilize all of their available limited resources, especially regarding potential high-risk students who are unlikely to seek treatment and those that pose a danger to self or others. In certain cases, mandated treatment can potentially mitigate or eliminate crises, and may serve as an effective intervention to students whose risky behavior may be normalized within the culture of colleges across the United States. However, while this course of treatment …

"Stay Strong": Internalized Stigma, Religiosity And Black Mental Health In Colorado, Breigh Jones-Coplin

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

While the societal stigma on mental illness deters people from seeking mental health services, there is limited research on how Black personality and cultural practices may impact stigma and Black mental health (NAMI, 2020). In an attempt to identify protective and risk factors for internalized stigma and Black mental health, the present study examined 416 Black adults in Colorado and identified significant relationships between African Self-Consciousness, internalized stigma of mental illness, religiosity, and mental health functioning. Results showed that having a strong African-centered identity and religious grounding are associated with less internalized stigma and difficulty in functioning and mental health …

Psychologists’ Graduate Training Experience And Attitudes In Religion And Spirituality, Kristi Santiago

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

In a nationwide poll, 76% of the population of the United States identifies with a formal religion of some kind (Gallup Organization, 2021). Despite the prevalence of religion and spirituality (R/S) throughout the country, graduate programs appear to neglect training on this multicultural issue. The purpose of this paper is to better understand psychologists’ attitudes toward the quality and depth of their graduate training in R/S, determine how competent psychologists feel at managing discussions of R/S within psychotherapy, and recommend necessary improvements to graduate training in R/S. Data was collected using a 24-item, online survey, which was circulated throughout college …

Mindfulness And The Relationship Between Connectedness To Nature And Affect, Mathew Stewart

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Exposure to in-vivo and virtual nature has been shown to increase a person’s positive affect from a variety of mechanisms. Natural settings and green-spaces allow for the recovery of attentional resources whereas urban environments elicit opposite effects. Individuals who practice mindfulness in general exhibit greater attentional resources and potentially could see added benefit to their well-being through exposure to natural environments. This research investigated whether those who are more mindful receive greater benefits from exposure to virtual restorative natural environments compared to individuals who do not practice or engage with mindfulness regularly. Subjects viewed an urban, urban/nature, or nature representative …

Filling The Gaaapps: Generating Affirming Asian American Perinatal Psychological Services, Jennifer Yuen

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Women in the perinatal period face a unique set of mental health challenges, as they must navigate both physical changes and transitions in their life. Perinatal mental health has been linked to child outcomes, such as social emotional development, cognitive development, and physical growth. In addition, women of racial and ethnic minority groups are confronted with barriers to accessing services and are therefore less likely to utilize mental health services. While international attention has recently focused on the experiences of women of color in the perinatal period, Asian American women have been largely overlooked. This systemic literature review explores the …

Bipolar Disorder & Substance Use Treatment In Adults: A Tool For Recovery, Kaitlin Vieweg Parker

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Bipolar Disorder is an affective disorder characterized by moderate to extreme lability in emotional states where individuals experience symptoms of mania, hypomania, mixed mood and/or depression. Individuals may be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, which is hallmarked by extreme mood lability between mood states of mania and depression. Alternatively, bipolar II disorder is distinguished by fluctuating hypomanic and depressive episodes (DSM-V, 2014). Cyclothymia is defined by shifting mood states that are less severe than bipolar I or II. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2017), 2.8% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with a type …

The Intersubjective Perspective: An Effective Treatment Model For Incarcerated Clients, Zachary Grant Weiss

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Although there is already a large body of theoretical literature on the utility of Intersubjective Systems Theory in working with more challenging clinical presentations, little has been written about the use of this approach in working with incarcerated clients. In this paper, I will be making the case for the utility and need for the Intersubjective Perspective in working within the forensic system. This paper will first focus on building a general framework for Intersubjective Systems Theory, and its theoretical understanding of clients’ striving towards health, love and connection. Next, this paper will take time to focus on a brief …

Unreality And Loss Of Self: Dissociative Experiences In Buddhist Practitioners, Jill Loving

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

On the surface, the Buddhist idea of emptiness and experiences of depersonalization and derealization seem to have significant overlap. Meditations on emptiness in the Buddhist tradition seek to lead meditators to observe the ego as illusory and empty of inherent content as one step in the journey to liberate oneself from suffering. Conversely, dissociation is generally an involuntary, automatic response to severe trauma that can become more common or chronic in an individual over time. Topographically, these experiences may look similar; both include a sense of unreality of the self and often of the broader world. However, differences in stimulus …

Older Adults And Suicide As Examined Through The Lens Of Joiner's Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide, Pamela Holmes

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Older adults face the highest rates of suicide of all age groups. The older adult population is not a homogenous group, and each age range—young old, middle old, and oldest old—has specific risk factors. Although Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) has been deemed valid among these age groups, it has not been specifically researched in older adults in each older age range. Due to lack of research and low reporting rates, not enough is known to develop specific detection and prevention measures targeting this population. This paper addresses the application of Joiner’s IPTS to both genders in each of …

Attachment Theory To Inform Intervention In Correctional Populations With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Substance Use Disorders, Samantha Mendoza

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Research shows a correlation exists between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and poor mental health such as psychiatric and substance use disorders (Adshead, 2018). Research further suggests a correlation between ACEs and insecure attachment in adults (Adshead, 2018). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020) estimates 85% of the correctional population either has a substance use disorder or was incarcerated for a drug-related offense. This paper theorizes that those involved in the correctional system with a history of high ACE scores and substance use also experience insecure attachment, which is not currently addressed in correctional SUD programs. Attachment theory moderates the …

Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment In Breast Cancer Patients: Guidelines For Neuropsychological Evaluation And Management, Ali Al-Humadi

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Current literature indicates there is still some debate regarding the scope and severity of cancer treatment related cognitive impairment (CRCI), with a wide variety of complex factors contributing to cognitive decline and discrepancies between objective findings and patient self-report. This paper aims to provide guidelines for neuropsychological evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of CRCI in breast cancer patients based on current research. This paper also aims to discuss current research on proposed mechanisms of action for CRCI, the cognitive domains affected in CRCI, and significant bio-psycho-social risk factors impacting CRCI.

Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Be A Viable Treatment Option For Law Enforcement Officers With Ptsd?, Megan Rinderer

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Law enforcement officers (LEO) are more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD when compared to the general population yet are less likely to seek mental health treatment (Jetelina et al., 2020). Given that LEO face unique occupational stressors and repeated exposure to traumatic events, treatment for PTSD among law enforcement populations poses unique challenges for clinicians. The combination of these variables precludes officers from seeking and receiving mental health services. Research regarding the efficacy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) as a psychotherapeutic intervention is limited. To date, no studies have examined the use of BJJ to mitigate symptoms of PTSD …

The Impact Of Parent Training On Epigenetic Age Acceleration In Disadvantaged Children, Alexandra Sullivan

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Early adversity exposure impacts many children annually, putting them at risk of prospective health problems. This study tests whether participating in a behavioral parent training intervention predicts differences in a biomarker predictive of health outcomes, epigenetic age acceleration, in a sample of majority Latinx three-year-old children (n = 62) with developmental delay and elevated behavioral problems. Participation in the parenting intervention was unrelated to a) between-group differences in epigenetic age acceleration at follow-up and b) differences in within-group change from baseline to follow-up. However, some evidence suggested the presence of an effect of parent training on decreased epigenetic age acceleration …

Examining The Interpersonal Psychological Theory Of Suicide In A Sample Of Individuals With Psychosis, Jennifer Villa

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Psychotic disorders confer high risk for suicidality. Previous research has found the symptom clusters of psychosis to have differential relationships with risk for suicidal ideation and behavior. Despite evidence for unique determinants of suicide among people with disorders on the psychosis spectrum, little research has examined theoretical models of suicide that aim to explore the transition from suicidal thoughts to behavior in this population. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) may be particularly useful in delineating this transition, as the constructs underlying the IPTS overlap with symptoms and experiences salient in people with psychosis. We examined baseline data from an …

Age As A Moderator Of Health Outcomes And Trust In Physicians And The Healthcare System, Emma Katz M.S.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Trust is an integral part of the healthcare experience. Patient trust is associated with treatment adherence, patient satisfaction, patients engaging in follow-up care, shared decision-making, and positive health-related outcomes (e.g., Gupta et al., 2014; Mohseni & Lindstrom, 2007; Musa et al., 2009; Tam, 2012; Thom, et al., 2004; Trachtenberg et al., 2005). There are several levels of trust discussed in the literature, including interpersonal trust and institutional trust. The current study examined two levels of trust: interpersonal trust in the form of trust in the physician and institutional trust in the form of trust in the healthcare system. The study …

Humanitarian Workers' Perspectives On Mental Health And Resilience Of Refugee Youth: Implications For School Psychology, Diana Maria Diaków

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Almost half of the 79.5 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide are youth under the age of 18, including refugees. Refugee youth face deliberate threats across all migration stages including violence, abuse, exploitation, poor living conditions, limited or no access to healthcare and education, interrupted family structure, and discrimination. Noteworthy, school psychologists who practice in host countries face new challenges as these diverse youth enroll in public schools. During the migration stage, humanitarian workers are a primary source of psychosocial and educational support for refugee youth and their families. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to inform school psychology …

Hannibal Lecter And A Friend Walk Into A Bar: The Role Of Psychopathy In Peer Drinking Behaviors, Matthew Kramer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-

OVERVIEW: College student drinking remains a concern on campuses, with many interventions for college students not showing the desired effect in lowering alcohol use and problems. Thus, examining possible underlying factors, such as psychopathy, is important. Psychopathy includes elements of callousness, manipulativeness, charm, and impulsivity. Additionally, psychopathy has been associated with increased alcohol use and problems. Despite the overwhelming evidence of psychopathy's role in alcohol pathology writ large, and that psychopathy is considered to include predatory interpersonal skills and antisocial behaviors, there is little research examining the role of psychopathy in peer influence related to alcohol use and protective strategies. …

Bipolar Screening Among Spanish-Speaking Us Residents Using The Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Emanuel T. Recinos

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-report screening instrument used to detect Bipolar Disorder (BD). Psychometric properties of Spanish translations of the MDQ are from communities where both language and cultural differences are present. A Spanish version of the MDQ not been validated among United States individuals who identify Spanish as their preferred language of communication.

Objective

We propose that the validation of a Castilian Spanish version of the MDQ is needed for cross-cultural adaptation, determining optimal cut-off scores, and as an aid to the literature on BD prevalence, specifically BD among Spanish speakers of the United States.

Methods …

The Limits Of Healthy Habits: Exploring The Relationship Between Disordered Eating, Body Image, Mindfulness, Social Media, And Dysfunctional Exercise, Taylor A. Dinkel

Master's Theses

In recent decades, there has been an increase not only in full syndrome eating disorders, but also in subclinical presentations of disordered eating, many of which include dysfunctional relationships with exercise. Although not full diagnosable syndromes, disordered relationships with food and exercise, as well as a preoccupation with body image, can cause severe physical and psychological stress for individuals who present with these dysfunctional patterns. With the growth of fitness-related social media accounts, the increase in social media usage during the pandemic, and the increase in subclinical disordered eating presentations and dysfunctional relationships with exercise, it is important be aware …

The Use Of An Evidenced Based Mobile App For Ptsd Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Stair Coach, Jason Brooks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many individuals experience traumatic events within their lifetime and between 7 and 9% will be diagnosed with PTSD (Kilpatrick et al., 2013; National Center for PTSD, 2018); however, many will not receive treatment due to a variety of barriers, including stigma, limited mental health literacy, high cost, lack of transportation, and other factors (Blais et al., 2014; Chikovani et al., 2015; Hom et al., 2017; Gavrilovic Kantor et al., 2017; Kulesza et al., 2015). Mobile apps may offer a way to overcome some these barriers (Kantor et al., 2017). Prior research demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of mobile apps for …

Capitalizing On Stress: Improving Affect And Self-Efficacy Through An Arousal Reappraisal Intervention, Angel Long

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stress is a non-specific reaction to the body (Jamieson et al., 2018), defined as a feeling of tension when one’s personal resources are taxed or exceeded (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985). Coping mechanisms for stress often focus on reducing associated features (Connor-Smith & Flachsbart, 2007). However, stress can produce challenge states, mindsets where individuals perceive personal resources as greater than situational demands (Jamieson et al., 2013). Challenge states are more likely to elicit positive behavior (Jamieson et al., 2018) and improved cognitive performance (Jamieson et al., 2010). One prospective mechanism to foster challenge states is arousal reappraisal, a cognitive mechanism …