Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Institution
- Keyword
-
- Children (4)
- Depression (4)
- Gender (4)
- Activism (3)
- Adolescents (3)
-
- African American (3)
- Anxiety (3)
- Attention (3)
- Coping (3)
- Juvenile offenders (3)
- Latino (3)
- Parenting (3)
- Pediatric pain (3)
- Adolescence (2)
- African Americans (2)
- Altruism (2)
- Cerebellum (2)
- Community psychology (2)
- Critical consciousness (2)
- Discrimination (2)
- Emotion perception (2)
- Ethnicity (2)
- Expressive language (2)
- Filial Responsibility (2)
- Grounded theory (2)
- Language (2)
- Memory (2)
- Mental health (2)
- Parents (2)
- Political development (2)
- Publication Year
- Publication Type
Articles 1 - 30 of 90
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Examining Working Memory Precision Estimates As An Individual Difference, Stephen A. Campbell
Examining Working Memory Precision Estimates As An Individual Difference, Stephen A. Campbell
Psychology Theses
Working memory (WM) capacity has remained a central topic of individual differences research due to its ability predict performance in various cognitive domains and higher-cognitive abilities. While studies performing individual differences research with WM capacity are common, there are comparatively few studies investigating individual differences with WM precision. The present study examined WM precision as an individual difference, by examining the psychometrics of the modeled precision parameter derived from the Standard Mixture Model, investigating the relationship between precision for different feature types (e.g., color and spatial location), and looking at the relationship between precision and a well-known correlate of WM …
Stigma And Help-Seeking Differences: Mental Health In The Us And The Uk, Ashley Mcgettrick
Stigma And Help-Seeking Differences: Mental Health In The Us And The Uk, Ashley Mcgettrick
Psychology Theses
The cultures and healthcare systems in the United States and the United Kingdom are very different from each other, though citizens in both of these countries are exposed to stigma surrounding mental health and help-seeking. Examining the differences in stigma predictors and help-seeking behaviors between the two countries offers valuable insight into what cultural and structural factors play a role in whether or not a person in need seeks help. This study involved an online survey that asked college students in both countries to answer questions about their personal experience regarding mental health stigma and help-seeking. Multiple regressions were used …
Sentence Length And Perceptions Of Dangerousness As A Function Of Race, Attributional Complexity, And Ability To Meet Bail, Hannah Baldwin
Sentence Length And Perceptions Of Dangerousness As A Function Of Race, Attributional Complexity, And Ability To Meet Bail, Hannah Baldwin
Psychology Theses
Defendant race and ethnicity impact sentencing length decisions, leading to discrimination in the criminal justice system. Aspects of the pretrial process that strongly correlate with a defendant’s socioeconomic status, the use of cash bail, may also influence sentencing length, given the negative stereotypes about individuals of lower socioeconomic statuses. Relatively few studies have explored the impact of cash bail use on sentencing decisions or sought to understand why use of cash bail might influence these decisions. The current study investigates the impact of defendant ability to meet bail (yes v. no) on judgments of sentence length and dangerousness within the …
The Evolution Of Stereotypes About Alcohol Dependency In Film: Gender, Family, And Treatment, Jordan Sweenie
The Evolution Of Stereotypes About Alcohol Dependency In Film: Gender, Family, And Treatment, Jordan Sweenie
Psychology Theses
When watching films, people seek reflections and depictions of themselves and their experiences, something that they can understand and relate to. Movies are often looked at to decide, either subconsciously or consciously, how we view society, widespread issues, and one another—Oscar Wilde wrote that “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life” (Wilde, 1891). This is particularly true in how we as a society view mental illness, and what kinds of stigma are reinforced or rejected through the film industry. Accurately portraying any form of mental illness in film can be difficult, as experiences are subjective and no two …
The Predictive Effect Of Parent Closeness On Substance Use For Coping In Adoptees: An Application Of Motivational Models Of Substance Use, Alison B. Klein
The Predictive Effect Of Parent Closeness On Substance Use For Coping In Adoptees: An Application Of Motivational Models Of Substance Use, Alison B. Klein
Psychology Theses
To explain a previously observed triad of substance abuse, adoption, and poor mental health adjustment in adoptees, the proposed study applies the Substance Use Motivation Model. This model would suggest that adoptees are motivated to use substances to negatively reinforce (remove or mitigate) depression and anxiety symptomology. Parent closeness is an established protective factor against negative mental health symptomology and substance use, suggesting closeness may influence the relationship between negative mental health symptomology and motivations to use substances for coping. To test this relationship, 100 adoptees were administered the Substance Use Motives Measure (SUMM), the Personal Health Questionaire-9 (Depression), the …
Examining The Effect Of Witnessing Sexual Harassment On School Engagement: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Emily Sgritta
Examining The Effect Of Witnessing Sexual Harassment On School Engagement: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Emily Sgritta
Psychology Theses
The following study investigated the potential relationships between directly or indirectly witnessing sexual harassment, the witness’ gender, school engagement, and psychological distress. Participants from an undergraduate university (N = 168) responded to a survey in which they answered questions relating to witnessing sexual harassment and their psychological distress, burnout, school engagement, and perceived social support after the event. For purposes of analyses, potential relationships on psychological distress and school engagement were examined further. Participants who directly witnessed sexual harassment reported lower school engagement than participants who didn’t report directly witnessing sexual harassment. Direct witnesses reported lower levels of vigor, dedication, …
Personality Assessment Inventory Predictors Of Parole For Adults Who Committed Murder As Juveniles, Karlie Rice
Personality Assessment Inventory Predictors Of Parole For Adults Who Committed Murder As Juveniles, Karlie Rice
Psychology Theses
Previously juveniles as young as 14 guilty of murder were eligible to be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. However, the decision of Miller v. Alabama (2012) declared mandatory life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) unconstitutional. Juveniles sentenced to LWOP were now able to be either resentenced or eligible for possible parole. The current study examined which scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) predict parole outcomes for adult men seeking parole who committed murder when they were juveniles and sentenced to LWOP. The PAI is a 344-item self-report assessment comprised of validity, clinical, interpersonal and treatment …
Applying Theoretical Explanations For Intimate Partner Violence, Sarah Devyn Trifari
Applying Theoretical Explanations For Intimate Partner Violence, Sarah Devyn Trifari
Psychology Theses
In the current study, we examined attributions of betrayal trauma theory, learned helplessness and toxic masculinity within the context of intimate partner violence. Betrayal trauma theory posits that interpersonal violence leads to victim isolation. Learned helplessness describes victim apathy and maladaptive passivity. Toxic masculinity features male aggressiveness, abusiveness, and sexism as a function of internalized gender norms. When examined individually, each theory enhances our understanding of how intimate partner violence unfolds. However, the value of exploring intimate partner violence through a joint theoretical lens, allows us to expand our understanding and interpretation of the merits of each theory. With this …
The Impact Of Contact Experiences On Personality And Mental Illness Stigma In The Uae, Michelle Maria Antonia Tomas Smigura
The Impact Of Contact Experiences On Personality And Mental Illness Stigma In The Uae, Michelle Maria Antonia Tomas Smigura
Psychology Theses
Mental health illness is one of the most stigmatized diseases globally. Mental illness stigma continues to play an important role that shapes societal responses to individuals with mental illness. Owing to the negative consequences of stigma endorsed by the public and thereby internalized by the individual, better understanding is required to identify how these public negative attitudes develop towards people with mental illness. This study examined whether one’s contact experiences with mental illness influenced the role that their personality plays on mental illness stigma. Participants (N = 203) completed the Social Distance Scale, 20-item short form of the International Personality …
Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction And Disordered Eating: Mediating Effect Of Selfesteem And Depression Among Female University Students, Agatha Teni Wunyala-Bukari
Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction And Disordered Eating: Mediating Effect Of Selfesteem And Depression Among Female University Students, Agatha Teni Wunyala-Bukari
Psychology Theses
The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating and to examine whether depression and self - Esteem mediate the relationship. The sample consisted of 186 undergraduate and post graduate female university students. Data collection tools were the Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIQ), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) software and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used for the analysis of data. The findings of this study showed a significant positive correlation between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. In …
Exploring Genetic Biomarkers In A Sample Of Depressed Patients In The Uae, Nailah Mahmood
Exploring Genetic Biomarkers In A Sample Of Depressed Patients In The Uae, Nailah Mahmood
Psychology Theses
This study focuses on exploring the expression of genes associated with depressive and anxiety disorders (AD) among depressed individuals. Anxiety and depression are well known to co-occur with each other. Growing research in the field of genetics has indicated moderate familial aggregation for these disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze gene expression among a depressed population residing in the UAE. The genes were chosen to be studied (PPARGC1A, CAMKMT, HSD11B1, SLC6A4, and MAOA) have previously been linked to depression and anxiety in other populations. The study employed a case-control design, where gene …
The Role Of Early Maladaptive Schemas In The Development Of Depression, Anxiety And Academic Burnout, Caroline Gloria D’Souza
The Role Of Early Maladaptive Schemas In The Development Of Depression, Anxiety And Academic Burnout, Caroline Gloria D’Souza
Psychology Theses
While a number of studies have focused on the morbidity of psychiatric populations, little research has sought to understand the role of stress and psychological health of young people. In the United Arab Emirates, the conceptualization of mental health is still developing. Personal factors resulting from unmet childhood needs that, in turn, affect the extent to which individuals experience elevated levels of stress, burnout and mental health concerns in later life may be a worthwhile avenue to explore. The present study aimed to explore the contribution of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS), derived from the Schema Therapy Model, in the later …
Evaluating The Effect Of Exposure To Challenging Fat Talk Scenarios On Body Disparaging Conversations, Wafa Jamilur Rehman
Evaluating The Effect Of Exposure To Challenging Fat Talk Scenarios On Body Disparaging Conversations, Wafa Jamilur Rehman
Psychology Theses
Disparaging conversations about body shape and weight has become increasingly common among peers. Fat-talk engagement and its predictors are still unclear. The study examined women’s reactions to fat-talk versus feminist-theory inspired challenging fat-talk scenarios via experimental vignettes. Ninety-two undergraduate female students from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) completed baseline questionnaires that assessed their levels of body dissatisfaction (Eating Disorder Inventory-2- Body Dissatisfaction subscale), fat talk engagement (Negative Body Talk Scale) and mood (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). One week later, they were randomized to view one of the two scenarios, followed by assessment of their fat talk engagement (Negative Body …
The Role Of Intellectual And Academic Abilities In Detention Placement Among Dually-Diagnosed Juvenile Offenders, Melissa Mcwilliams
The Role Of Intellectual And Academic Abilities In Detention Placement Among Dually-Diagnosed Juvenile Offenders, Melissa Mcwilliams
Psychology Theses
This study examined the moderating effects of IQ and academic skills in the relationship between dual diagnosis (i.e., co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders) and court-involved, non-incarcerated (CINI) juveniles’ detention placement at 12 months post court evaluation. CINI juveniles who underwent a court clinic forensic mental health evaluation (N = 249) completed a battery of assessments targeting demographic information, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive/academic functioning (i.e., Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2), Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-4)). Previous research demonstrated the predictive ability of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders on CINI juveniles’ recidivism (Tolou-Shams et al., 2014). While we expected that …
The Camera’S Eye: Effects Of Video-Recording Perspectives And Double Blind Procedures On Perceptions Of Eyewitnesses And Lineup Administrators, Geno Salomone
Psychology Theses
Mistaken identification is the leading cause of convicting the innocent. To help reduce erroneous convictions associated with eyewitness error, video recording of the lineup procedure and identification has been recommended. There is little research however, on how video recording influences perceptions of the witness and detective. The present study was a 2 (Administration of Lineup: Single-Blind v. Double-Blind) X 4 (Perspective: Detective focus v. Eyewitness focus vs. Focus on Both v. Audio Only) between subjects design examining the differential impact of camera angle and knowledge of suspect by the detective on perceptions of the eyewitness and detective. Eyewitnesses were perceived …
Predictive Validity Of The Savry Within A Diverse Population Of Juvenile Offenders, Scarlet Paria Woods
Predictive Validity Of The Savry Within A Diverse Population Of Juvenile Offenders, Scarlet Paria Woods
Psychology Theses
The current study examined the predictive validity of the SAVRY in African American and White recently adjudicated juvenile offenders in Louisiana. The sample consists of 267 community-based, male juvenile offenders, whom were tracked for an average follow-up period of 18 months. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses on the overall sample and African Americans, specifically, showed the numeric score predicted recidivism. Chi-square analyses found the SRR did not have a significant relationship with reoffending for general recidivism petitions. However, it was significant for all other forms of recidivism in the overall sample and African Americans. Hierarchical Cox regressions identified significant differences …
Predicting Sexual Satisfaction From Self-Objectification And Alcohol Consumption, Nicole M. Nelson
Predicting Sexual Satisfaction From Self-Objectification And Alcohol Consumption, Nicole M. Nelson
Psychology Theses
This study was conducted to examine if gender, self-objectification and alcohol consumption were predictors of sexual satisfaction. It was expected that females would self-objectify more than males and self-objectification would negatively relate to satisfaction. It was expected that drinking alcohol would also negatively relate to satisfaction. Undergraduate participants (n=235) who reported a heterosexual sexual encounter within the past three months completed an online survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for males and females. It was found that gender was not a predictor of satisfaction; self-objectification did however negatively relate to sexual satisfaction for males and females, and alcohol …
The Multifaceted Relationship Between Narcissism And Aggression: A Path Model, Vanessa Piccirilli
The Multifaceted Relationship Between Narcissism And Aggression: A Path Model, Vanessa Piccirilli
Psychology Theses
The present study examined the complex relationship between narcissism and perceptions of aggression by conceptualizing these constructs using a path analysis model. High levels of affect intensity and low levels of attributional complexity were identified as potential mediators for the relationship between narcissism and perceptions of aggression. Participants first completed four self-report measures and were primed by writing an essay about a time they felt insulted (v. control). They then answered questions regarding a hypothetical situation prompting aggression through action and/or insult. ANOVA revealed overt narcissists more likely to view their behavior as excessive in a hypothetical insult situation in …
Debunking Misconceptions: Do Jury Instructions Influence Comprehension And Verdict Selection, Aryssa Z. Washington
Debunking Misconceptions: Do Jury Instructions Influence Comprehension And Verdict Selection, Aryssa Z. Washington
Psychology Theses
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of jury instructions that debunk common misconceptions versus standard instructions, with regards to verdict choice, comprehension of the legal standard, and reasoning used to support verdict decisions. A case summary was read by 159 participants who then listened to auditory instructions from a judge regarding the legal standards for second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. They then completed measures assessing verdict, comprehension, and reasoning. While the results revealed that the legal instructions did not influence participants’ verdicts or comprehension of the legal standard, the data suggests that participants may have …
The Effect Of Age And Expression Of Affect On Jurors’ Perceptions Of Child Witnesses, Carly W. Hanks
The Effect Of Age And Expression Of Affect On Jurors’ Perceptions Of Child Witnesses, Carly W. Hanks
Psychology Theses
A child witness’s testimony may be an invaluable piece of evidence; therefore, it is essential to study the circumstances under which jurors perceive children as credible witnesses. The current study examined affect while testifying on perceptions of the child’s credibility, the amount of blame attributed to the witness, and case verdict decisions. A case scenario about an aggravated robbery of a girl who was either 6- or 13-years-old and who either cried or remained calm while testifying was read by 186 undergraduate participants. No age effects were found, possibly due to the non-sexual nature of the case. No effects for …
Considering Constitutionally Relevant Evidence: An Assessment Of Childhood Physical Abuse As A Non-Statutory Mitigating Circumstance, Fotine Konstantopoulou
Considering Constitutionally Relevant Evidence: An Assessment Of Childhood Physical Abuse As A Non-Statutory Mitigating Circumstance, Fotine Konstantopoulou
Psychology Theses
The present study examines the role of a specific instruction designed to guide jurors on non-statutory mitigating circumstances in determining sentence recommendation. To date, there is no research examining whether specific instructions provide more guidance, and improve jurors’ discretion compared to the current general instructions. We predicted that specific mitigating instructions would increase confidence in life sentencing compared to generic instructions as well as revised instructions. We also predicted that expert testimony of childhood physical abuse would minimize death penalty recommendations. Contrary to our predictions, we found that exposure to generic instructions increased confidence in a life sentence. In addition, …
Dangerous Criminals Or Misunderstood? Assessing Police Perceptions Of The Mentally Ill, Amy Roach
Dangerous Criminals Or Misunderstood? Assessing Police Perceptions Of The Mentally Ill, Amy Roach
Psychology Theses
People diagnosed with mental illnesses are often confronted with stigmatization and discrimination because they are stereotyped as dangerous and unpredictable. Police officers are typically the first to respond to a potentially dangerous mentally ill person and therefore, it is important to understand how police officers’ perceive mentally ill persons and how they respond to a call regarding a suspect displaying symptoms associated with mentally illness. Sixty police officers read one of six vignettes involving a call to investigate a suspicious male loitering behind a store. The vignettes differed only on the perceived severity of the mental illness (mild or severe) …
Relationship Between Exposure To Familial Violence And Rapists’ Offense Level Of Force, Courtney A. Meyer
Relationship Between Exposure To Familial Violence And Rapists’ Offense Level Of Force, Courtney A. Meyer
Psychology Theses
There has been substantial research on the effects of familial violence on rapists and factors which lead a person to rape (Connolly & Woollons, 2008; Jaffe, Wilson, & Wolfe, 1986; Kitzman, Gaylord, Holt, & Kenny, 2003; Lee, Jackson, Pattison & Ward, 2002). However, there has been no research in identifying the factors which link rapists’ offense level of force and exposure to familial violence. In the present study we investigated how offenders exposed to domestic violence differ from those not exposed in the following factors: rates of physical abuse, rates of sexual victimization by both men and women, rates of …
Life Without Parole: The Influence Of Age And Race On The Sentencing Of Juvenile Offenders, Maria Annabel Mireles
Life Without Parole: The Influence Of Age And Race On The Sentencing Of Juvenile Offenders, Maria Annabel Mireles
Psychology Theses
In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to sentence adolescents charged with non-homicide crimes to life without parole (Graham v. Florida, 2012). Currently, research regarding life without parole is assessed in conjunction with the death penalty, in which life without parole is proposed as a lesser alternative to the death penalty. The current study investigated whether age and race are predictive factors in sentencing juvenile offenders. A sample consisting of 225 undergraduate students were presented with one of six case scenarios adapted from Wilkins v. Missouri (1985) in which the defendant’s age (13, 15, 17) and race …
The Development Of Sense Of Agency, Shaun D. Duggins
The Development Of Sense Of Agency, Shaun D. Duggins
Psychology Theses
Agency, a behavioral and psychological concept, is an individual’s sense of what they can do and what they think they can do. It is imperative to understand how a sense of agency in youths can be fostered and transformed into constructive action. This study builds on previous research to better identify predictors of agency, focusing on social and political involvement and opportunity structure. Additionally, it analyzes and proposes the use of a new measure of agency, the Community Leadership (CL) scale. Eighty-five teens (ages 13 to 18) were administered surveys. Involvement was found to be significantly related to agency. It …
Hiv In South African Youth: Relations With Parenting Quality And Executive Functioning, Christina H. Salama
Hiv In South African Youth: Relations With Parenting Quality And Executive Functioning, Christina H. Salama
Psychology Theses
Black South Africans account for a majority of HIV cases in South Africa, highlighting the need for greater understanding of risks specific to this group. Within the HIV prevention and risk literature, little information exists regarding the familial and neuropsychological contributions to HIV risk in youth. The current study addressed this gap. In a group of black South African parent-child dyads, the researchers investigated the independent and interactive contributions of parenting quality and executive functioning in the prediction of HIV risk. Child report of relationship quality was negatively associated with risky sexual attitudes and externalizing behaviors. Parent report of parental …
The Influence Of Language Preference On Bilingual Children's Expressive And Receptive Vocabulary And Reading Ability, Cortney M. Fritz
The Influence Of Language Preference On Bilingual Children's Expressive And Receptive Vocabulary And Reading Ability, Cortney M. Fritz
Psychology Theses
Given the increase of Spanish- and English-speaking bilingual students in US schools, identifying the predictors of reading in this group of students is of significant importance to developing appropriate screening measures and intervention strategies. Thus, the current study evaluated the pattern of language preference in an elementary school bilingual (Spanish-English) population and its relationship with expressive and receptive vocabulary, and broad reading ability in English and Spanish. Participants were 58 Latino students ranging in age from 7 years, 5 months to 11 years, 1 month (M = 8.98, SD = .98) with 48% born in the United States. Results …
The Investigation Of Prosocial Behavior In A Tool Task By Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus Apella), Audrey E. Parrish
The Investigation Of Prosocial Behavior In A Tool Task By Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus Apella), Audrey E. Parrish
Psychology Theses
Humans are exceptional in their willingness to and frequency with which they help one another. However, nonhuman primates also exhibit prosocial behavior. Recently, a number of laboratory studies examining prosociality among primates have yielded conflicting results. These contradictory findings may be due to a reliance on human interaction, tokens, or interactions in the direct context of food, a highly valued resource for animals. The current study examined prosocial behavior among capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) in a tool task designed to address these issues by examining whether capuchins would transfer a necessary tool to a partner in different payoff …
Jurors’ Use Of Non-Statutory Aggravating And Mitigating Evidence In The Context Of Improper Prosecutor Argument, Alicia Serpa
Jurors’ Use Of Non-Statutory Aggravating And Mitigating Evidence In The Context Of Improper Prosecutor Argument, Alicia Serpa
Psychology Theses
The proposed research examined the affective and cognitive processes involved in jurors’ reactions to comparative value arguments and evidence of non-statutory aggravating and mitigating circumstances in the sentencing phase of a capital trial. The experiment utilized a 2 (Permissible Victim Impact Statements: Present v. absent) x 3 (Non-Statutory Mitigating Evidence: Social Value v. Troubled Life v. Both) x 2 (Comparative Value Argument: Life v. Worth) + 1 between-groups factorial design. Participants exposed to comparative worth arguments were more likely to vote for death than those exposed to comparative life arguments. In addition, participants were differentially influenced by comparative arguments. In …
The Early Parent-Child Relationship And Aggression: The Mediating Role Of Language, Christopher R. Harper
The Early Parent-Child Relationship And Aggression: The Mediating Role Of Language, Christopher R. Harper
Psychology Theses
Multiple theories suggest that the early parent-child relationship plays an important role in development. Past research has shown linkages between parenting style and aggression as well as between language and aggression. Emerging evidence suggests that attachment security is an important predictor of language development. It was hypothesized that there would be an effect of parent-child relationship quality at 36 months on aggression at school entry via language ability at 54 months. To test this hypothesis, path analysis in M-Plus was used. Data for this study were collected as a part of the NICHD, Study of Early Child Care and Youth …