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Stress In Mothers Of Newly Diagnosed Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Barriers To Care, Use Of Support Services, And Child Behavior, Michelle Petrongolo
Stress In Mothers Of Newly Diagnosed Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Barriers To Care, Use Of Support Services, And Child Behavior, Michelle Petrongolo
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
A reasonable amount of parenting stress is not only expected, but often adaptive (Deater- Deckard, & Scarr, 1996); however, in the presence of chronically high levels of stress, negative outcomes are common. Parents of children with special needs, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are especially vulnerable to the presence of clinically significant levels of stress, making this group an important focus in the prevention of negative outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contribution of barriers to care, social support, and child behavioral problems to stress levels of parents with a child newly diagnosed with ASD. …
Exploring Perceived Benefits Of And Barriers To The Use Of Pet Therapy Dogs In A Private School For Children With Special Needs, Sarah Wodder
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Evidence-based psychotherapy is becoming an increasingly accepted way for individuals to manage a variety of clinical disorders and psychosocial stressors. Complementary therapies are designed to support, facilitate, or enhance existing treatment strategies. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is one such complementary treatment, in which animals are deliberately included in psychotherapeutic treatment plans in order to facilitate pre-designed treatment goals. Current literature suggests that AAT could have a multitude of benefits for both adults and children for an array of disorders and disabilities. Currently, there is a limited understanding of how AAT might contribute to learning and development for children with special needs. …
The Therapeutic Relationship And Alliance-Building Behaviors: Treatment Implications For Childhood Social Phobia, William La Valle
The Therapeutic Relationship And Alliance-Building Behaviors: Treatment Implications For Childhood Social Phobia, William La Valle
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The importance of alliance in therapy has been well documented. This study explored specific therapist behaviors and their relationship to child perceived alliance and outcome in a randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral treatment for youth anxiety disorders. Participants included 42 youth (male = 24; female = 18; Caucasian = 37; African American = 4; Hispanic = 1) between the ages of 7 and 13 years who met criteria for a principal anxiety diagnosis. The study examined the sample as a whole, as well as focused specifically on youth diagnosed with social phobia. Videos of the first session of treatment …
Lqts: Gender Differences And Mother-Son Vs. Mother-Daughter, Thea Gallagher
Lqts: Gender Differences And Mother-Son Vs. Mother-Daughter, Thea Gallagher
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Long QT syndrome is a chronic disorder, and one of the most common genetic arrhythmia syndromes that can cause unexpected cardiac arrest and death in individuals. Treatment options include medications, use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and restricting activities of daily life. Minimal research exists exploring the specific psychosocial aspects of the illness and/or the impact on the quality of life of individuals and families coping with the management and diagnosis of this illness. Furthermore, little research has attempted to understand the role of gender differences and mother-child perceptions among individuals with Long QT syndrome. The current study used data …
A Self-Regulated Learning Approach For The Remediation Of Behavioral Issues In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Richard G. Allen
A Self-Regulated Learning Approach For The Remediation Of Behavioral Issues In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Richard G. Allen
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Behavioral-based interventions have long been demonstrated to be effective for
addressing behavioral difficulties for children with ADHD; however, such interventions do not always include explicit procedures to develop self-regulated learning. This is surprising, considering the strong evidence-based literature related to behaviorally-based self-management interventions. Considering the neurocognitive basis of ADHD, current assessment and intervention practices should emphasize the identification of self-regulatory deficits and evidence-based interventions to build such capacities. The current outcome study examined archival data from 12 cases to determine the clinical effectiveness of a function-based self-management intervention model for children diagnosed with ADHD in a community behavioral health program. …
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 …
Integrated Health Care Collaboration And Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated With Streptococcal Infections: A Working Model For Case Consultation, Tara M. Habecker-Tumilty
Integrated Health Care Collaboration And Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated With Streptococcal Infections: A Working Model For Case Consultation, Tara M. Habecker-Tumilty
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Historically, integrated health care, often referred to as interdisciplinary health care, has been an approach characterized by a high degree of collaboration and communication among health care professionals. While numerous researchers have explored the benefits of including clinical psychologists as team members, a limited body of research has explored the partnership between school psychologists and physicians, even though school health services can be an effective venue for integrating psychosocial care and education with medical care. As more chronically ill children are reintegrated into school, school psychologists must be prepared to work with these children at school. Children
diagnosed with complex …
Examining Levels Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms And Treatment Attendance Amongst Children Living In Different Caregiver Settings, Danika S. Perry
Examining Levels Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms And Treatment Attendance Amongst Children Living In Different Caregiver Settings, Danika S. Perry
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment attendance rates amongst a sample of children and adolescents who engaged in treatment for PTSD. The purpose was to determine if there was a difference in the level of PTSD symptoms or the number of sessions attended between those children living in foster care and those living with their primary non-foster caregiver(s). In addition, the treatment attendance rates of foster care children were examined to determine if there was a relationship between the level of the PTSD symptoms and the child’s treatment attendance rates. Results revealed that there was …
Cultural Differences Between Parent And Teacher Report Of Adhd Symptoms: Implications For Disparities In Diagnosis, Elisabeth Troffo
Cultural Differences Between Parent And Teacher Report Of Adhd Symptoms: Implications For Disparities In Diagnosis, Elisabeth Troffo
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Despite lack of empirical support for differing incidence of ADHD, African American children are diagnosed with ADHD at significantly lower rates than Caucasian children. Research suggests that parents of African American children report ADHD symptoms less frequently than parents of Caucasian children; however, teachers are more likely to report more symptoms and more behavioral problems for African American children than for Caucasian children. The present study attempted to discern what some of these differences can be attributed to by controlling for the variables of age, gender, IQ score, diagnosis, and socioeconomic factors. The present study did not find differences in …
Play And Treatment Outcomes In A Cognitive-Behavioral Program For Children With Anxiety: The Role Of Child Involvement And Collaboration, Enid S. Flagg
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined a mediation model of the relationship between play, process variables (child involvement and collaboration), and treatment outcome in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of CBT for childhood anxiety disorders. Additionally, it explored the use of play in CBT for children. Participants (N=43; M age = 10.09) took part in a RCT which evaluated the effectiveness of an individual cognitive-behavioral treatment (ICBT) versus a family cognitive-behavioral treatment (FCBT), for childhood anxiety disorders. Archival data (videotaped treatment sessions) at a university based clinic for childhood anxiety disorders was coded for treatment interventions (play and cognitive-behavioral) and process variables (child …
An Examination Of The Comorbidity Between Externalizing Disorders And Reading Disabilities In School-Age Boys, Victoria Loughman Fortuna
An Examination Of The Comorbidity Between Externalizing Disorders And Reading Disabilities In School-Age Boys, Victoria Loughman Fortuna
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Our current education system uses a global method that does very little to address the concurrent cognitive, academic and social-emotional needs of the special education student. By using a single analysis, we fail to address specific deficits, including comorbidity of cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional deficits. Generalized assessments do little to address the source of the student’s problems. If these comorbid learning and social-emotional problems are addressed early on, this might reduce the incidence of antisocial and/or delinquent behaviors and lead to greater academic success. In an attempt to further investigate the relationships between academic, (i.e., reading) and emotional/behavioral systems, the …
Effects Of Early Intervention Services On Adaptive Functioning, Osslyn Sam
Effects Of Early Intervention Services On Adaptive Functioning, Osslyn Sam
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
In 1986, Congress enacted Public Law 99-457, Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law, currently referred to as Part C, was established in response to the growing number of children born with developmental delays. Infants born prematurely, addicted to drugs, or with conditions such as Down Syndrome face challenging lives. Part C allows for eligible infants, ages birth to three years to receive free early intervention services to address their individual delays. Previous studies have shown that children who have participated in early intervention programs have benefited in various areas of their overall development. The …
Social Skills And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Liberi
Social Skills And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Liberi
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Children on the autistic spectrum display significant social deficits that negatively impact daily functioning and may lead to serious mental health problems. Research on the effectiveness of school based social skills programs and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically children identified with Asperger Disorder (AS) and high functioning Autism (HFA), has yielded limited positive outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school based social skills program, the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS), over a 7 month period with six 8th grade middle school students who had been identified with autism or a social disability. Outcome data and program …
Cognitive Profiles And The Impact Of Medication On Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Lucy J. Wimpenny
Cognitive Profiles And The Impact Of Medication On Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Lucy J. Wimpenny
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in children and adolescents. Individuals with ADHD often display behavioral symptoms, including inattention and/or impulsivity, which can also lead to struggles in the school setting. Current research has suggested that deficits in processing speed and working memory are common in individuals diagnosed with ADHD and are often seen on measures of cognitive ability. Positive outcomes have been associated with the use of psychostimulant medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD, although little research has supported this form of treatment to improve cognitive functioning in individuals diagnosed with …
Selective Mutism: Identification Of Subtypes And Influence On Treatment, Christy A. Mulligan
Selective Mutism: Identification Of Subtypes And Influence On Treatment, Christy A. Mulligan
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Selective Mutism (SM) is a psychiatric disorder with a relatively low incidence that impairs social communication in some settings. There are many characteristics that appear similar in some children but are absent in others. Therefore, it was hypothesized that there may be distinct SM subtypes that warrant differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. In this study, 442 Selective Mutism Comprehensive Diagnostic Questionnaires (SM-CDQ) were analyzed to help identify children with specific characteristics that made their SM unique. Participants ranged in age from 3 to18 years old and met criteria for SM. The data were coded based on 203 variables and were …
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 …
Sensory Processing In Children With Adhd: A Classroom Study And Rational Item Analysis, Jason Mathison
Sensory Processing In Children With Adhd: A Classroom Study And Rational Item Analysis, Jason Mathison
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
In the classroom, distinguishing between sensory modulation disorder (SMD), one proposed subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult given their similar behavioral manifestations. The overlap between these two disorders and the prevelance of rating scales used for gathering diagnostic information warrant a closer look at items on commonly used rating scales to ensure discriminative validity. This pilot study examined specific patterns of SMD in 24 children with ADHD using the Sensory Profile School Companion (SPSC), which includes four components of SMD, namely, Seeking, Avoiding, Registration, and Sensitivity. As hypothesized, the majority of teacher …
Program Evaluation Of An Executive Functions Intervention At A Middle School Setting, Minu S. Poulose
Program Evaluation Of An Executive Functions Intervention At A Middle School Setting, Minu S. Poulose
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Executive functions play an important role in children’s cognitive, academic and social functioning. The present study investigated the changes in executive functions in students who were enrolled in an academic support period everyday for forty-five minutes. Participants included twenty-six eighth-grade students eligible for Special Education and Related Services in a suburban middle school in New Jersey. The study used archival data consisting of items from the 44-item Executive Functions (EF) Rating Scale, a questionnaire that was completed by middle school special education teachers. To examine differences within groups, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to examine teacher ratings …
Understanding The Thoughts And Attitudes Related To Participation In Youth Sports, Jeanine A. Johnson
Understanding The Thoughts And Attitudes Related To Participation In Youth Sports, Jeanine A. Johnson
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study was designed to examine the thinking and attitudes that may be associated with elementary and middle school students participating in youth sports. Girls benefit physically, socially, and educationally from ongoing participation in sports. However, compared to boys, girls tend to start later, quit sooner, and participate less often in sports, despite the numerous advantages that athletics provides. The external barriers that contribute to girls’ decreased involvement in sports as they increase in age and grade are well researched. However, there is a lack of information about the possible cognitive variables related to a girls’ decision to play …
An Examination Of The Catch Nurture Program In The Treatment Of Children's Mental Health Disorders, Jessica Avart
An Examination Of The Catch Nurture Program In The Treatment Of Children's Mental Health Disorders, Jessica Avart
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
School-based mental health services are in high demand due to the increased prevalence of diagnosable mental health disorders among the pediatric population, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) foremost among them. The majority of research examining school-based services has been conducted in highly controlled settings and there has been a lack of research investigating such services within the actual school environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the Catch Nurture Program, a school-based intervention, in the treatment of school-aged children with behavioral and/or emotional disturbances in the real-world setting. This study also examined the impact of gender and diagnosis on …
Exploration Of The Effects Of Direct And Indirect Exposure To War On The Educational Performance Of Refugee Children, Paulinus C. Nwoga
Exploration Of The Effects Of Direct And Indirect Exposure To War On The Educational Performance Of Refugee Children, Paulinus C. Nwoga
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
In the past decade, African continent have experienced multiple armed conflicts which have sparked a rapid exodus of refugees seeking asylum (temporary protection) in the United State and other Western countries. In recent years, United State has become the preferred country for Africans who seek temporary protection due to wars and other conflicts in their homeland. This study is an attempt to document degree of adjustment difficulties experienced by refugee children upon acceptance by host country and enrolled into the schools. To further understand the adjustment processes of the refugee children, an archival data from Community Outreach Agency that provides …
Neuropsychological Instruction: A Process Related Approach In Early Reading Skill Development, Karen Boyle Donahue
Neuropsychological Instruction: A Process Related Approach In Early Reading Skill Development, Karen Boyle Donahue
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Proficient and fluent reading ability for all Americans continues to be a highly prioritized, yet under achieved aspiration in current educational institutions. The acquisition of proficient reading fluency and comprehension are, undoubtedly, the most essential priorities in the academic development of school aged children, yet a discouraging number of students continue to struggle with the reading process throughout school aged years. Research has targeted key instructional areas that must be implemented in successful reading curriculum in the early childhood years. Namely, phonological awareness, phonics instruction, reading fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension are core components that must be incorporated into …
School Psychologists' Knowledge And Self-Perceived Competency In Identifying, Assessing, And Treating Childhood Anxiety Disorders In The School Setting, Jaime Moldovan
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in the school setting but highly under-recognized, compared with the more outward behavioral disorders. Because of the many negative consequences of anxiety going unnoticed in children, school psychologists should be able to identify, assess, and treat children with anxiety in the school setting. This study utilized survey research to explore whether or not school psychologists felt knowledgeable and competent in identifying, assessing, and treating anxiety disorders in the school setting. Specifically, it explored whether or not there was a relationship between years of experience and levels of degree on knowledge and competence with identifying, assessing, …
A Qualitative Analysis Of Homeless Women With Children In Transitional Housing: What Are Their Needs?, Urmi B. Jani
A Qualitative Analysis Of Homeless Women With Children In Transitional Housing: What Are Their Needs?, Urmi B. Jani
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
In 2004, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty indicated that approximately 3.5 million people experienced homelessness. The literature indicates that families, specifically female-headed ones, are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The development of transitional housing has shown promise by seeking to move these homeless families towards independent living. A qualitative study based in grounded theory was utilized to explore the experiences of 10 female homeless participants at two regional transitional living facilities. Consistent themes that emerged included dissolution of relationships and a lack of personal supports as being the primary pathways that lead to homelessness. …
A Comparison Of The Parenting Dimensions That Lead To Positive Social Problem Solving In The Children From Traditional Versus Children From Same-Sex Parent Families, Karen Joan Taratuski
A Comparison Of The Parenting Dimensions That Lead To Positive Social Problem Solving In The Children From Traditional Versus Children From Same-Sex Parent Families, Karen Joan Taratuski
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Building social competence is an important task of childhood. Effective social problem solving is a vital skill in the development of social competence. Although there are myriad factors that influence a child’s learning of social problem solving skills, the quality of the interaction between parents and children has been found to be a pivotal influence. Although much research focuses on the effects of parenting in the context of a traditional family (two parents of opposite gender), little more than half of all children are living in this type of family. Same-sex parent households draw particular criticism. However, research suggests that …
Efficacy Of A Self-Monitoring Technique To Improve Academic Skill Production, Carrie L. Winfield
Efficacy Of A Self-Monitoring Technique To Improve Academic Skill Production, Carrie L. Winfield
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined archival data from an assisted self-graphing intervention for improving early literacy skills in first grade students from one elementary school. The purpose of the investigation is to examine the use of a self-graphing supplemental intervention that occurred outside of the class-wide first grade reading instruction. The participants included first grade students from three classroom settings in one predominately middle class, suburban school district in southeastern Pennsylvania. The participants formed three groups: (1) 8 students in a DIBELS Progress Monitoring and Self-Graphing Intervention group (PM + SG group); (2) 9 students in a DIBELS Progress Monitoring-only group (PM …
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 …
Improving Validity Of Referrals For Comprehensive Autism Evaluation : A Tier-2 Direct Autism Observation Checklist, Mary Heim Elberson
Improving Validity Of Referrals For Comprehensive Autism Evaluation : A Tier-2 Direct Autism Observation Checklist, Mary Heim Elberson
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Early identification of autism has received national attention and can lead to positive treatment outcomes. Research has demonstrated that qualitative impairments in social and communicative behaviors can be detected within the first two years of life. Unfortunately, many children with autism will not receive an autism diagnosis until they enter preschool. Professionals within school settings have not often received extensive training on assessment of autism spectrum disorders. Expectations, however, are that school-based teams can identify students who demonstrate characteristics associated with autism and refer those students for a comprehensive autism evaluation. Currently, autism screening tools are limited to rating scales …
Integrity Of Neuropsychological Processes In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Comorbid Conditions, Julie N. Henzel
Integrity Of Neuropsychological Processes In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Comorbid Conditions, Julie N. Henzel
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study investigated the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles seen in children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type (IA), inattentive type plus an internalizing disorder (IA + INT), combined type (CT), and combined type plus an externalizing disorder (CT + EXT). Subjects were 63 unmedicated children aged 6 to 16 who had been assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT–II), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Group differences were found for the WISC–IV Digits Backward subtest (IA + INT IA and IA + INT), and externalizing behavior scales on the CBCL and TRF …
Link Between Executive Functioning And Teacher Referrals For Gifted Testing, Amanda Veronica Kenney
Link Between Executive Functioning And Teacher Referrals For Gifted Testing, Amanda Veronica Kenney
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
It is possible that teachers are more likely to refer for gifted support students who are highly productive in class rather than students with classroom production difficulties such as those commonly exhibited by students with ADHD or other executive function-related difficulties. Some research support has been found for this hypothesis. In a study by Zentall, Moon, Hall, and Grskovic (2001), students diagnosed with ADHD, whether identified as academically gifted or not, were described as underachievers by their teachers (Zentall et al., 2001). There can be similar behavioral characteristics between ADHD and giftedness, including hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, and a tendency to …