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The Inventory Of Cognitive Distortions-Youth Version: The Development And Validation Of A Psychometric Test For The Measurement Of Cognitive Distortions In Youth, Kelsey Jones
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Cognitive distortions are systematic biases in an individual’s thinking that maintain a person’s belief in their negative views of themselves or others, even in the presence of contradictory evidence. The Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), created by Yurica and DiTomasso, measures distorted thinking in adults. Currently, there is not a youth measure of distortions that adequately encapsulates the range of distorted thinking that may be present in youth. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to create and validate a newly designed instrument of cognitive distortions, The Inventory of Cognitive Distortions-Youth Version (ICD-YV), with youth ages 11 to 17. …
Critical Literacy: Meeting Twenty-First Century Literacy Demands For Adolescent Learners, Molly Blew
Critical Literacy: Meeting Twenty-First Century Literacy Demands For Adolescent Learners, Molly Blew
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Adolescents’ critical text interpretation skills are important to college, career, and citizenship demands. At present, the literature reflects concerns with adolescents’ ability to interpret academic and internet-based texts critically. The pedagogical framework of critical literacy is presented as an instructional approach that may support the development of adolescents’ critical text interpretation skills. The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of secondary teachers concerning student proficiency in critical text interpretation, teachers’ current level of implementation of instructional practices consistent with the critical literacy framework, and perceived barriers to implementation. Three hundred thirty four (334) high school teachers were …
Participation In A Positive Education Curriculum And Symptoms Of Anxiety In Students, Aleida Silva-Garcia
Participation In A Positive Education Curriculum And Symptoms Of Anxiety In Students, Aleida Silva-Garcia
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Anxiety is among the most common mental health problems in children and adolescents in the United States (Bhatia & Goyal, 2018). Children and adolescents spend most of their day in the educational setting (Slemp et al., 2017). Positive education curricula may help students increase their well-being while increasing academic performance. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of a positive education curriculum in lowering anxiety levels in high school students. In addition, this study investigated the relationship among anxiety, happiness, optimism, perseverance, and academic outcomes. Through an independent samples t-test, archival data were utilized to determine the relationship between participation …
School Guidance Counselor Perceptions On Reintegrating Students To School After Mental Health Treatment, Maddie Roxandich
School Guidance Counselor Perceptions On Reintegrating Students To School After Mental Health Treatment, Maddie Roxandich
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined the perspectives of school guidance counselors to determine current and best practices in planning and supporting student returns to school after absences for mental health reasons. The literature review highlights the sharp decline in adolescent mental health over the years, the rise in hospitalizations for mental health concerns, and the need for attention to school practices that support student mental health when a student requires hospitalization. The intent of this study was to build upon previous literature that examined practices existing in schools to help reintegrate students after absences. It sought to investigate whether schools have a …
Pediatric Health Care Providers’ Perceptions And Knowledge Of Caregiving Youth, Brianna Bliss
Pediatric Health Care Providers’ Perceptions And Knowledge Of Caregiving Youth, Brianna Bliss
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Many young people younger than the age of 18 years are involved in providing care to family members who are unable to manage their own medical, physical, or mental illnesses. Youth caregivers are an understudied population in the United States. The small yet growing research base has illustrated the relationship between the caregiving role, academic performance, and an individual’s social and psychological well-being. Medical settings are uniquely positioned to identify caregiving youth and provide supportive resources. A survey was created and administered to pediatric health care providers who offered medical and psychosocial support to children and adolescents. Providers were recruited …
Evaluating Antecedents To Treatment Success In Juveniles With Sexually Problematic Behavior, Alexandra P. Pappas
Evaluating Antecedents To Treatment Success In Juveniles With Sexually Problematic Behavior, Alexandra P. Pappas
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The impact of rape and other sexual offenses represents a major problem in society and can lead to chronic and harmful physical, psychological, and social consequences. Juveniles (younger than 18 years old) account for 20% of sexual offense arrests in the United States, with 96% of reported cases committed by male perpetrators. Risk indicators and characteristics of juveniles who sexually offend include demographic factors (e.g., history of sexual abuse), personality factors (e.g., antisocial behavior), and below average intelligence and cognitive functioning. Treatment of problematic sexual behavior in juveniles varies in intensity, structure, and level of supervision, though research investigating unsuccessful …
The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders, Shamyra Marie Shaw
The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders, Shamyra Marie Shaw
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This correlational archival dissertation focuses on the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and criminal recidivism among juvenile sexual offenders. The study examined archival criminal arrest records and self-reported data gathered from a sample of 67 male juvenile sexual offenders in a residential treatment facility. Given the somewhat limited explanations for and research into the causes of juvenile sexual re-offending and the importance of identifying its determinants, this topic may be viewed as having substantial importance to future research and criminal justice policy. Findings did not support the primary hypothesis that prior exposure to domestic violence would be positively correlated …
Adaptive Skills Training And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults With Autism, Reggie Candio
Adaptive Skills Training And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults With Autism, Reggie Candio
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The current study examines the effectiveness of a group-based adaptive skills training program in improving the perceived quality of life (QoL) of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment Program (AYATP) is implemented by a specialized Autism outpatient treatment facility, with a focus on improving the personal independence and daily living skills of its participants. With the use of archival data from the specialized Autism outpatient treatment a study was conducted utilizing a mixed factorial design by analyzing pre- and post-measures of the participants’ perceived quality of life, as measured by a research-based …
Exploring Relationships Between Parenting Style, Perceived Stress, Coping Efficacy And Coping Strategies In Foster Parents, Jason Coleman
Exploring Relationships Between Parenting Style, Perceived Stress, Coping Efficacy And Coping Strategies In Foster Parents, Jason Coleman
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Removing a youth from the care of their biological family can place them at heightened risk for behavioral, emotional, social, and academic problems, and contribute to parenting stress. Foster caregivers with a high burden level may be impeded in their ability to function effectively. Our study investigated relationships between foster parent stress, coping efficacy, coping strategies, and parenting style to identify effective coping strategies in 178 foster parents. Current foster parents completed self-report measures assessing parenting styles, Coping Self Efficacy Scale (CSE), Brief COPE, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results indicated foster parents with more than three years of experience …
Examining How Cardiologists Address Alcohol And Substance Use In Their Adolescent And Young Adult Patients Diagnosed With Cardiac Rhythm Disorders, Nicole Stewart
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
An arrhythmia, or cardiac rhythm disorder, is characterized by a change in the normal pattern of electrical impulses that occur in the heart. Cardiac arrhythmias can be life-threatening. Adolescents and young adults who have arrhythmias experience challenges of youth coupled with the medical challenges associated with their diagnoses. Cardiologists who treat these patients are faced with an ongoing need for decision-making surrounding addressing alcohol and substance use, which can be prevalent in adolescent and young adult populations. This qualitative study explored what guides physicians’ decision-making, as well as physicians’ beliefs and practices regarding how they address alcohol and substance use …
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy As A Supplemental Treatment For Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Peter John Arsenault
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy As A Supplemental Treatment For Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Peter John Arsenault
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study explores cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a supplemental treatment with a sample of adolescents with learning disabilities (LD). Research overwhelming reflects the theory that children and adolescents with LD are more likely to manifest anxious and depressive symptomology. CBT is an evidence based intervention for anxiety and depression. However, there is a gap in the knowledge of treating LD with CBT. The study hypothesizes the theory that maladaptive metacognitive interpretation of the LD diminishes the effects of the evidence based academic intervention. The study sought to explore whether or not adolescents with LD would experience enhanced academic and …
Exploring The Predictive Values Of Self-Evaluations And Cognitive Distortions In Relation To Childhood Anxiety Among Hispanic/Latino Youth, Cristina J. Sperrazza
Exploring The Predictive Values Of Self-Evaluations And Cognitive Distortions In Relation To Childhood Anxiety Among Hispanic/Latino Youth, Cristina J. Sperrazza
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-evaluation and cognitive distortions are predictors of anxiety in Hispanic/Latino youth. Hispanic/Latino elementary- and middle-school students (n = 84) from Grades 4 through 8 (42.9% female; average age = 11.80 years) attending a bilingual inner-city public charter school completed self-reports of anxiety, self-evaluation, and cognitive distortions in their school setting. The selected measure of cognitive distortions, Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (Yurica & DiTomasso, 2005), was revised and factor analyzed for the current child sample. Findings demonstrated that, while taking grade and gender into account, different domains of self-evaluation and cognitive distortions …
Self-Compassion, Body Image Dissatisfaction, And Negative Social Comparisons In Adolescents Utilizing Social Networking Sites, Brian Moran
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This quantitative survey study implemented a cross-sectional, correlational design. The present study explored the relationship between self-compassion, body image, and negative social comparisons in a sample consisting of adolescents who use social networking sites. Despite noteworthy limitations, this study elucidates the benefits associated with higher levels of self-compassion in adolescence. In line with previous studies, adolescents reported frequent use of social networking sites, primarily facilitated by smartphones. Although the constant accessibility of social networking sites via smartphones has been associated with negative outcomes, an important finding in this study was the lack of significant relationship between overall time spent on …
Therapist Knowledge, Attitudes Toward, And Experiences With Social Media Use In Treating Adolescent Females, Kristin Hess
Therapist Knowledge, Attitudes Toward, And Experiences With Social Media Use In Treating Adolescent Females, Kristin Hess
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Recent research on social media use suggest that over 90% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years use the Internet and 73% spend time on social networking sites (Cingel, Lauricella, Wartella, & Conway, 2013). This makes it increasingly important for therapists to be aware of the current social media applications, as well as the risks and benefits that may accompany use. Although there is much literature on the possible benefits and risks to social media use, there is minimal research on how therapists use this information to treat an adolescent population effectively. The present study utilized a cross-sectional web-survey design …
Assessing Outcomes: Evaluation Of A Social Competency Program For Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessie L. Kessler
Assessing Outcomes: Evaluation Of A Social Competency Program For Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessie L. Kessler
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The current study examines the effectiveness of a Social Competency Program, implemented by a local agency specializing in autism diagnosis and treatment, with regard to the development of social skills among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. This study, conducted using archival data from a local community agency, used a within-subjects, repeated measures research design to determine if the Social Competency Program enhanced the overall social performance of enrolled participants, as measured by clinician-completed rating scales. The study also examined the relationship between program effectiveness and variables including age and gender. The results did not support the program’s ability …
A Retrospective Comparison Of Adolescent Inpatients With Guardians Demonstrating Varied Levels Of Involvement In Treatment, Jacquelyn D'Amico
A Retrospective Comparison Of Adolescent Inpatients With Guardians Demonstrating Varied Levels Of Involvement In Treatment, Jacquelyn D'Amico
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This retrospective study investigated differences in engagement between adolescent inpatients aged 13 to 17 whose guardians were involved in their treatment to varying degrees. Specifically, this study examined differences between adolescents whose guardians were involved via in-person contact with staff versus communication with staff solely by telephone in percentage of groups attended, number of restraints, and number of prior hospitalizations. Additionally, unit privileges were examined qualitatively. Data were collected and analyzed from 51 charts at a Mid-Atlantic acute inpatient psychiatric facility. Hypotheses concerning guardian involvement were not supported. A significant relationship was found between number of restraints and percentage of …
A Single Case Study Of Cognitive Remediation Therapy With An Adolescent With Disordered Eating, Carol Lynn Galiano
A Single Case Study Of Cognitive Remediation Therapy With An Adolescent With Disordered Eating, Carol Lynn Galiano
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Picky eating is currently not included in the diagnostic classification system DSM-IV TR as a distinct category of eating disorders in childhood. It can reach clinical significance requiring intervention when it results in chronic nutritional inadequacies and/or harmful impact on social development or family functioning. Studies have shown that patients with eating disorders have difficulties with executive functioning. These findings have been used to develop an intervention based on cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) which targets thinking skills and their role in the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. To further investigate, this study assessed the efficacy of an 8-week, …
Feasibility Of A Nutrition Training Program On Improving Self-Efficacy And Life Skill Development For Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease, Ashara Calisse-Atchley Cashaw
Feasibility Of A Nutrition Training Program On Improving Self-Efficacy And Life Skill Development For Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease, Ashara Calisse-Atchley Cashaw
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for growth and nutritional
deficiencies due to poor dietary intake. Presently, no efficacious behavioral intervention exists to address the nutritional need in SCD management. The Good Nutrition 4Me Living with SCD program is a multi-component intervention, developed to improve knowledge base and the dietary habits of adolescents living with SCD. This report reviews the outcomes for 5 adolescents that participated in this 5-week program. Dietary intake was monitored daily via text messaging and progress with goals was reviewed weekly in the group sessions. Parents were also updated on their adolescent’s progress …
Youth Treatment Adherence At A Rural Community Mental-Health Clinic, Asma S. Ali
Youth Treatment Adherence At A Rural Community Mental-Health Clinic, Asma S. Ali
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined the relationships between youth and adult psychopathology, and sociodemographic factors and treatment adherence for youth attending outpatient treatment at a rural community mental-health clinic. “Adherence” was defined as attending more than five sessions, while “non-adherence” was defined as attending fewer than or equal to five sessions. Results revealed no significant differences between youth adhering or not adhering to treatment depending on the relation of caregiver to youth or the mode of transportation taken to the clinic. Furthermore, caregiver and youth psychopathology and caregiver’s estimated travel time to the clinic did not predict treatment adherence. Incidentally, examination of …
Examination Of Physician Decision Making With Children And Adolescents Diagnosed With Long Qt Syndrome: A Qualitative Study, Julie Radico
Examination Of Physician Decision Making With Children And Adolescents Diagnosed With Long Qt Syndrome: A Qualitative Study, Julie Radico
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Physicians are faced with ongoing challenges in diagnosing long QT syndrome (LQTS) and the uncertainty regarding treatment for specific genotypes and prescription of restrictions regarding physical activity. This study explored what impacts physicians’ decision making with regard to treatment and recommendations for children and adolescents with LQTS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric cardiologists who were currently treating this population. Several themes regarding physician decision making were identified: constant reevaluation of decisions, impact of years of experience/number of LQTS patients treated, differentiating from versus joining with other physicians, variations in recommending patient sports involvement and activity level, and physicians as …
Examining Gender And Socio-Economic Status On The Emotional Intelligence Of Early Adolescents, Alicea J. Davis
Examining Gender And Socio-Economic Status On The Emotional Intelligence Of Early Adolescents, Alicea J. Davis
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine emotional intelligence and its impact on the maturational process of male and female early-adolescent youth. Demographic variables, such gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and educational status were, valued against emotionality factors such as intrapersonal stress, interpersonal stress, adaptability, general mood, and overall emotional intelligence (EQ). The study utilized a non-experimental, correlational design examining archival data. The participants consisted of approximately, early adolescent fifth-grade students aged 10-13 years. The participants were administered the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (BarOn EQ-I:YV) and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population sample. A Pearson …
The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions And Risk To Sexually Re-Offend In Adolescents: Comparing Three Levels Of Treatment, Christina D. Haldaman
The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions And Risk To Sexually Re-Offend In Adolescents: Comparing Three Levels Of Treatment, Christina D. Haldaman
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined the relationship between cognitive distortions, risk to sexually re-offend, and length of time in treatment, and psychopathy. This study investigated differential treatment effects across three different treatment modalities to gain a better understanding of cognitive distortions in the treatment of adolescent sexual offenders. Literature has theorized that a fundamental aspect of sex offender treatment is addressing these cognitive distortions. Archival data from an existing database were collected from 99 adolescent males between the ages of 12 and 18. Of these adolescents, 51.5% were Caucasian; 28.3% were Latino; 10% were African American; 8.1% were Bi-racial, and 2% were …
Self-Regulation: The Link Between Academic Motivation And Executive Function In Urban Youth, Sara Ferry Walker
Self-Regulation: The Link Between Academic Motivation And Executive Function In Urban Youth, Sara Ferry Walker
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study investigated the relationship between academic motivation and executive function skills through teacher reports of prototypical students, perceived to lack motivation. Second, the study examined the effect of grade level (i.e., elementary, middle, high) on both teacher-perceived academic motivation and executive function skills for these prototypical students. It was hypothesized that there were significant relationships between executive function processes and academic motivation. It was also hypothesized that due to the decline in academic engagement during adolescence, middle school and high school teachers would perceive higher levels of executive dysfunction and deficits in academic motivation than would elementary teachers. …
Evaluating The Mindfulness-Based And Cognitive-Behavior Therapy For Anger Management Program, Brett Pellegrino
Evaluating The Mindfulness-Based And Cognitive-Behavior Therapy For Anger Management Program, Brett Pellegrino
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Problems related to adolescents who present with extreme anger, disruptive behavior, and aggression is an ever increasing concern for school officials (Christner, Friedberg & Sharp, 2006). There continues to be a need for effective interventions that can be utilized within the school setting to assist adolescents with anger management difficulties. This study examined changes in anger management difficulties and mindfulness for four high school students who participated in the Mindfulness-Based and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Anger Management Program (Kelly, 2006). The data were generated through pre and post assessments with the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Second Edition Child and Adolescent …
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Bullying Typologies In A Mental Health Population Of Adolescents, Jamie M. Bolton
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Bullying Typologies In A Mental Health Population Of Adolescents, Jamie M. Bolton
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Despite the well documented mental health consequences of bullying behavior, bullying has not been studied in a mental health population. This study has examined psychosocial factors (symptoms of internalizing disorders and cognitive style) in a population of adolescents admitted into a partial hospitalization program. Sixty-four participants completed five self-report measures. This study was not able to differentiate among bully typologies based on internalizing symptoms (PTSD and depression) or self-debasing cognitive style. Instead, a more relevant finding was that more than half of the sample had clinical levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Because this sample was more similar than it …
Profiling Executive Dysfunction In Adolescents With Autism, Nicole R. Rogers
Profiling Executive Dysfunction In Adolescents With Autism, Nicole R. Rogers
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Executive Functions (EF) have been assigned a causative role in a number of disorders, including schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, violent and criminal behavior, and nearly all learning disabilities. While the term executive functions in the professional literature easily yields more than 150 references, empirical research in which executive functions are studied and linked with specific disorders, such as autism, continues to help answer long-held questions about the disorder and adds to the literature base in order to better understand and treat the disorder. The purpose of this study was to review archival data collected using the Behavior …
A Case Study: Use Of Applied Behavior Analysis With An Austistic Adolescent, Evan Jaffe
A Case Study: Use Of Applied Behavior Analysis With An Austistic Adolescent, Evan Jaffe
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Socialization between individuals is an important characteristic in human development. In individuals with autism, there is a profound deficit with social skills and with social reciprocity. Interventions and techniques are utilized to help enhance these skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that Applied Behavior Analysis using discrete trials can have on the ability to elicit a spontaneous greeting in various settings by an adolescent male diagnosed with autism. This study analyzed data collected during a ten week intervention program. Behavior ratings reflected some uneven progress over the ten weeks, but significant improvements in the targeted …
The Relevance Of Executive Functions In Academic Production In Middle School, Norina Bobik
The Relevance Of Executive Functions In Academic Production In Middle School, Norina Bobik
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study investigated the role that executive function plays on academic production in middle school from a prototype perspective. It was hypothesized that middle school teachers' prototypical ratings of the executive function capacities of middle school students who are academically successful would differ significantly from these same middle school teachers' prototypical ratings of the executive function capacities of middle school students who are academically unsuccessful. The study used archival data consisting of items from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), a questionnaire that was completed by middle school teachers during a professional in-service workshop at four large …
The Relationship Between Therapeutic Alliance And Treatment Outcome In Prolonged Exposure Therapy For Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Sandy Capaldi
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study focused on the therapeutic alliance in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for adolescent girls with sexual abuse-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two major questions were investigated. First, how does the therapeutic alliance act as a moderating variable between outcome and three predictor variables (homework compliance, habituation to the trauma memory, and number of sessions completed)? Second, how is the relationship between outcome and these same variables affected by the strength of the therapeutic alliance? The data used in this study were taken from an existing database of information on 40 sexually abused adolescent girls with PTSD (mean age = …
The Development Of The Measure Of Perceived Overscheduling (Mops), Aaron S. Pollock
The Development Of The Measure Of Perceived Overscheduling (Mops), Aaron S. Pollock
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
It has been suggested that extracurricular activity involvement can lead to later behavioral or developmental challenges for children, particularly when children are pressured or overscheduled. Research, however, has shown mixed results in attempts to find a relationship between overinvolvement in activities and emotional/behavioral challenges. However, previous research did not take into consideration the individual’s perception of being overscheduled. The Measure of Perceived Over-Scheduling (MOPS) was developed to assess if a difference exists between adolescents who believe they are overinvolved in activities and adolescents who do not hold this belief. The MOPS was subsequently utilized to assess the relationship between perceived …