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Religion And Risky Sex In A Sample Of Predominately Black Young Adult Men, Jade Seto
Religion And Risky Sex In A Sample Of Predominately Black Young Adult Men, Jade Seto
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
This study examined religion and spirituality as protective factors against risky sexual behaviors among young adult Black and non-Black men while exploring the mediating mechanisms. Participants included 110 young adult men (58.2% Black; 41.8% non-Black). Results revealed that intrinsic religiosity predicted a moderate decrease in total sexual risk-taking, while sexual permissiveness predicted a moderate-large increase. Race/ethnicity was not a significant independent predictor. Furthermore, intrinsic religiosity significantly predicted decreased sexual risk-taking through the indirect effect of sexual permissive attitudes; suggesting religiosity served as a buffer against sexual risk behaviors. Implications are suggested for professionals in educational and clinical setting
Chronic Disease And Its Relationship With Elder Mistreatment, Ryan Wong
Chronic Disease And Its Relationship With Elder Mistreatment, Ryan Wong
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The relationship between chronic disease and elder mistreatment was investigated using a meta-analytic approach, where 48 studies were utilized for the random effects analysis of 178 effect size data. Twelve risk markers were combined into four categories: endocrine disease, heart disease, neurological disease, and other chronic diseases for comparative analysis of elder mistreatment. Neurological disease (OR = 1.51) was found to have a significantly stronger association with elder mistreatment when compared to the heart disease category (OR = 1.17) and the other chronic disease category (OR = 1.26). When specifically investigating emotional abuse, there was a significantly stronger association with …
The Relationship Between Cannabis Experience, Schizotypy, And Psychosis, Kimberly Alexandra Igirio
The Relationship Between Cannabis Experience, Schizotypy, And Psychosis, Kimberly Alexandra Igirio
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
A number of genetic and environmental vulnerabilities precipitate the clinical expression of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Schizotypy and cannabis use are identified risk factors for the development of these disorders (Vaucher et al., 2018; Debanné et al., 2015). Schizotypy is defined as a set of personality characteristics and experiences that fall along the schizophrenia spectrum (Debbané et al., 2015). Individuals with schizotypy exhibit traits that are similar to, but less severe than, those of psychosis including marked differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving (Esterberg, 2010). An increase in severity of symptoms also correlates to impairment in …
The Development Of A Therapeutic Alliance Focused Intervention, Amanda L. Mendez
The Development Of A Therapeutic Alliance Focused Intervention, Amanda L. Mendez
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The therapeutic working alliance is defined as the collaborative relationship between the therapist and the patient. This relationship largely determines whether the patient experiences therapy as helpful or unhelpful in reaching their agreed upon goals. The relationship between the therapeutic alliance and psychotherapy outcome has been well documented in the literature. The therapeutic alliance is considered a “main curative component” in the interpersonal process of therapy, and is the foundation necessary for successful therapy outcomes across various orientations of psychotherapy. Still, far less research has examined the relationship between specific therapist personality characteristics and the quality of the therapeutic alliance. …
Parental Involvement As A Mediator Of Ace Scores And Intelligence Among Children, Shirin Mostofi
Parental Involvement As A Mediator Of Ace Scores And Intelligence Among Children, Shirin Mostofi
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment, domestic violence, household mental illness, household substance abuse and incarceration of parents. ACEs may have negative impacts on children, including brain development and health outcomes. Parents are pivotal figures in children’s lives that contribute significantly to their health, and cognitive development, and may be a critical protective factor, contributing to children’s resiliency and healthy growth. This study focused on the intellectual development of 5-11 year-old children whom may have been exposed to ACEs in their homes. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine parental involvement as a …
Distress Among Parents Of Overweight Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lilit Hovsepyan
Distress Among Parents Of Overweight Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lilit Hovsepyan
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The epidemic of childhood obesity, which occurs at higher rates for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has been shown to have many deleterious health effects for both children and their parents. Previous research has consistently shown that child externalizing and internalizing behaviors are predictive of parenting stress in parents of children with IDD. Less is known about the nature of this relationship when an additional barrier, child weight status, is examined in the context of this relationship. The current study investigated child and parent factors related to parental distress in a sample of children with IDD who present …
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Cigarette Smoking: Demographic Moderators, Taylor Cosanella
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Cigarette Smoking: Demographic Moderators, Taylor Cosanella
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Research suggests that there is a dose-response relationship between ACE score and cigarette smoking, such that as ACE score increases, so does smoking behavior, but little is known about what factors moderate this relationship. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine demographic characteristics as potential moderators of relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and cigarette smoking. A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2013 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. The sample included 2,604 U.S. adults (54.8% female; Age: M = 53.3, SD = 8.10; 83.6%; Caucasian, 6.4% Asian, 5.9% Black or African American, 3.1% American …
Medical And Parental Predictors Of Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Chronic Illness, Naina Mahtani
Medical And Parental Predictors Of Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Chronic Illness, Naina Mahtani
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is particularly important in youth struggling with chronic illness (CI) given its association with poorer adherence and worse prognosis. Parental factors such as income and marital status, and youth factors such as number of hospitalizations have been examined as contributing to self-efficacy in children. The aim of the current study was to assess the extent to which these variables predict self-efficacy in a sample of youth 8-17 suffering from CI. Data were collected from 217 families with a child with a CI aged 8-17, being seen by a medical provider …
The Relationship Between Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression And Cognitive Dysfunction, Bryce Jacobson
The Relationship Between Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression And Cognitive Dysfunction, Bryce Jacobson
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression (SSD), or subthreshold depression, affects roughly 15% of community-dwelling older adults and puts them at increased risk for developing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which represents a risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and may expedite disease progression. While the relationship between MDD and AD has been well established, the interaction between SSD and cognitive functioning has not been explored in depth. Further, clinicians have long postulated that depression is not a monolithic disorder but rather a group of disorders which are heterogeneous in onset, symptoms, course, and treatment. One hundred and six participants, 65 and older were …
Program Evaluation On The Kids First Program, Katherine E. Yamauchi
Program Evaluation On The Kids First Program, Katherine E. Yamauchi
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
This study is a program evaluation of the Kids First program, an eight-week psychoeducation program, on parents and children who have experienced a divorce and/or separation. This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of specific program interventions as it relates to parental insight, co-parenting, and child adjustment. A descriptive analysis was conducted to examine results of the evaluations. Results indicated over 85% of the sample rated program satisfaction as moderately or very valuable, suggesting parents gained some knowledge and saw value in the program. Results also endorsed 95% of parents moderately or highly valued the effectiveness of the program’s …
Meal And Food Selection Patterns Of Binge Episodes In Ethnically Diverse Adults, Abigail Grace Alido
Meal And Food Selection Patterns Of Binge Episodes In Ethnically Diverse Adults, Abigail Grace Alido
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Food selection and associated patterns among ethnically diverse adults with binge eating deserves greater attention given binge eating prevalence among ethnic minorities. The aims of this study were to examine meal patterns, location, and food selection during binge episodes in an ethnically diverse sample of adults seeking binge eating treatment. Participants were 29 adults (86% female) with a mean age of 36.5 (SD = 11.2). Participants had an average body mass index of 32.4 (SD = 8.74). Approximately 41% of participants self-identified as Hispanic/Latino. The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Interview (EDDI) was administered to determine binge eating behavior and to obtain …
Validity Of The Perceptual Ability Test, Brandon Schmid
Validity Of The Perceptual Ability Test, Brandon Schmid
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), a subtest of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), has been used for many years by US Dental Schools to evaluate the perceptual ability of incoming applicants of their program. Perceptual ability is broadly defined as the ability to accurately process and interpret visual sensory information. Perceptual Ability skills are important in the field of Dentistry, as they are critical to the applied use of various dental tools and in surgical skills. It is assumed that performance on the PAT is predictive of dental students’ surgical skill development. However, multiple studies have found that the PAT …
Stage 2 Outpatient Adolescent Recovery (Soar) Program Family Therapy Manual, Sarah Yelim Nam An
Stage 2 Outpatient Adolescent Recovery (Soar) Program Family Therapy Manual, Sarah Yelim Nam An
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Rising suicide rates among adolescents is a serious public health concern. The frequency of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors drastically increases in the transition from childhood to adolescence (Nock et al., 2008; Nock et al., 2013). Suicide was the third highest cause of death between 1999-2006 for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19, following unintentional deaths and homicide (Miniño, 2010). Despite the growing problem of adolescent suicide, treatments that meet Level One criteria, the highest level of research support for therapy as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2006), are lacking. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A), a …
The Effects Of A Polyphenol-Rich Diet In A Fruit-Fly Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Alexandra D. Trofimova
The Effects Of A Polyphenol-Rich Diet In A Fruit-Fly Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Alexandra D. Trofimova
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Inflammation and oxidative stress activated by the TBI can lead to systemic inflammation. Gastrointestinal complications are common secondary injuries to TBI and are associated with elevated levels of common pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress found across the body. Intestinal permeability after TBI has also been established in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Pomegranate polyphenols have strong anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce brain and intestinal inflammation and improve functioning after TBI. This study examined the protective effects of pomegranate polyphenol supplementation in a Drosophila model of TBI. …
Soar (Stage 2 Outpatient Adolescent Recovery) Clinical Interview Manual, Aniel Ponce
Soar (Stage 2 Outpatient Adolescent Recovery) Clinical Interview Manual, Aniel Ponce
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The SOAR (Stage 2 Outpatient Adolescent Recovery) initial interview treatment manual was developed at Loma Linda Behavioral Health Institute (BHI) to assess adolescent participants enrolled in a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) Program and appropriately place them in a treatment group that would meet their mental health needs effectively. The interview manual was developed to address concerns regarding readiness of individuals enrolled in a Stage 1 DBT-A program in progressing into Stage 2 of treatment. In this interview manual, a clinical intake interview and four assessment measures are used to inform group placement in either the Refine and Improve …
Non-Accidental Trauma: Nature Of Subsequent Encounters And Related Outcomes, Marina Bassili
Non-Accidental Trauma: Nature Of Subsequent Encounters And Related Outcomes, Marina Bassili
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Physical abuse results in a wide array of adverse outcomes, and victims of child abuse often require long-term, intensive care depending on the scope and severity of their trauma. The present study is an extension of a study which examined the services provided in the hospital to children with physical abuse that resulted in hospitalization (Kazandjian, et. al., 2016). It will examine the nature of subsequent hospital encounters in pediatric victims of Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT) at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH). Researchers will investigate the short-term and long-term physical, neurological, cognitive/developmental, behavioral, and social emotional effects experienced by …
Religious Doubt As A Mediator Of The Relationship Between Religious Identity And Well-Being, Jedd P. Alejandro
Religious Doubt As A Mediator Of The Relationship Between Religious Identity And Well-Being, Jedd P. Alejandro
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The successful development of an identity is related to greater well-being (Beyers & Luyckx, 2016; Crocetti, 2017; Kroger & Marcia, 2011; Luyckx et al., 2013; Ritchie et al., 2013). Identity development is likely influenced by religious doubt associated with conflicts or contradictions between religion and other domains, such as science (Cook, Kimball, Leonard, & Boyatzis, 2014; Puffer et al., 2008; Ritchie et al., 2013). The aim of the current study was to examine religious doubt as a mediator of the relationship between identity and well-being among emerging adults. Participants (N = 122) included undergraduate students who identified as Christian. Participants …
Mediators Of The Relationship Between Mindfulness And E-Cigarette Use, Denise Dao Tran
Mediators Of The Relationship Between Mindfulness And E-Cigarette Use, Denise Dao Tran
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
E-cigarettes have increased in popularity and production over the years. Although many individuals believe that e-cigarettes are safe for use, there is increasing evidence that e-cigarette use is associated with negative health consequences. Mindfulness is negatively associated with substance use including traditional cigarette smoking. Although there is limited research on the relationship between mindfulness and e-cigarette use, research on the relationship between mindfulness and traditional cigarette smoking may serve as a guide for e-cigarette use research. The objective of the present study is to test whether mindfulness is a protective factor against e-cigarette use through its effect on variables that …
An Examination Of The Neural Basis Of Self-Reflectivity In Schizophrenia, Britan M. Heavrin
An Examination Of The Neural Basis Of Self-Reflectivity In Schizophrenia, Britan M. Heavrin
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Metacognition is a term that refers to the act of thinking about thinking. The self-reflective aspect of metacognition specifically, has been shown to be impaired in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a set of cortical regions that demonstrate coordinated activation during the resting state of the brain. The DMN has been linked with various aspects of self-awareness and has been hypothesized as a possible source of dysfunction in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The current study bridged these findings by using electrophysiological measures to investigate the neural basis of self-reflectivity in a psychiatric group. A Repeated …
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Depressive Symptoms: Protective Effects Of Dietary Flavonoids, Alison Tan
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Depressive Symptoms: Protective Effects Of Dietary Flavonoids, Alison Tan
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) researchers report that childhood adversity is relatively common, often co-occurs with multiple types of exposures, and has a dose-response relationship to many leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Prolonged exposure to stress during early brain development can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress that disrupts brain functioning associated with depressive symptoms. Flavonoids may protect the brain through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and additional mechanisms to assist in the survival, maintenance, and growth of neurons. Thus, flavonoids may buffer depressive symptoms after ACEs exposure. In the current longitudinal study, we will examine the relationship between …
Nonsexual Boundary Crossings In Psychotherapy: Factors In Ethical Decision-Making, Katherine S. H. Wu
Nonsexual Boundary Crossings In Psychotherapy: Factors In Ethical Decision-Making, Katherine S. H. Wu
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Seminal ethics studies in psychology have evidenced significant variance among practitioners in their ethical attitudes toward and engagement in various nonsexual boundary crossings; they have also identified therapist and client factors that account for some of that variance (Borys & Pope, 1989; Pope, Tabachnick, & Keith-Spiegel, 1987). Boundary crossings, as defined by Gutheil and Gabbard (1993), are deviations from common clinical practices that are not necessarily unethical. Examples of traditional crossings include nonsexual touch and nonsexual multiple relationships. This study was designed to update the literature regarding nonsexual boundary crossings in light of contemporary study designs and demographic categories, significant …