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Juror Decision Making: The Impact Of Attractiveness And Socioeconomic Status On Criminal Sentencing And An Examination Of Motivated Reasoning In Mock Jurors, Jennifer M. Kutys
Juror Decision Making: The Impact Of Attractiveness And Socioeconomic Status On Criminal Sentencing And An Examination Of Motivated Reasoning In Mock Jurors, Jennifer M. Kutys
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Individuals are bombarded with stereotypes every day in the United States. It is impossible to eliminate the effect of these stereotypes in any situation; however, the criminal justice system strives to find ways to minimize the impact of these stereotypes in the courtroom. In this study, the effects of socioeconomic status and attractiveness of a female defendant on sentencing severity, perceived recidivism, and deservedness of punishment in a murder trial were examined. The study was also designed to investigate how jurors may engage in cognitive processes such as motivated reasoning when biases are pointed out to them. Attractiveness and socioeconomic …
A Psychoeducational Approach To Improving College Student Mental Health, Harlan Keith Higginbotham
A Psychoeducational Approach To Improving College Student Mental Health, Harlan Keith Higginbotham
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Mental health problems among the college population continue to increase in terms of frequency and severity. At the same time, the number of high school graduates who enroll in institutes of higher learning is also increasing making the college years an ideal opportunity to address existing and emerging mental and psychological challenges. Traditional counseling center services--while shown to be effective--are not appropriate for all students and are too resource intensive to meet the full need of the college population. Creative strategies are necessary to address the growing need for mental health services among college and university students that are resource …
Predicting Premorbid Ability In African American Elders Using Demographic And Performance Variables, Hayley Kristinsson
Predicting Premorbid Ability In African American Elders Using Demographic And Performance Variables, Hayley Kristinsson
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Researchers and clinicians require a method of estimating an elderly individual's premorbid ability level in order to determine the amount of cognitive decline that has occurred. This issue has received a great deal of attention within the research literature; however, little attention has been paid to this issue specifically in elderly African American elderly adults. Although researchers have examined the predictive utility of demographic variables, few studies have examined whether including additional demographic variables (i.e., quality of education) improves prediction of premorbid ability. The current sample consisted of 46 African American elderly adults who did not exhibit any cognitive impairment …
Dating And Relationship Experiences Of Gay And Lesbian College Students, Aubrey D. Morrison
Dating And Relationship Experiences Of Gay And Lesbian College Students, Aubrey D. Morrison
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In response to an identified need in the psychological literature for current research on topics related to same-sex dating and relationships, this Professional Dissertation was developed to gain a better understanding of contemporary gay and lesbian dating and intimate relationships within the college/university student population. A total of 159 self-identified gay and lesbian college/university students in the United States and Canada completed an online survey about their dating and relationship experiences. The survey was developed by the researcher based on a review of the literature and was designed to collect broad-based quantitative and qualitative data on the topic of study. …
The Role Of Relationships In Completed Suicide: A Gendered Analysis Of Suicide Notes, Kolina J. Delgado
The Role Of Relationships In Completed Suicide: A Gendered Analysis Of Suicide Notes, Kolina J. Delgado
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Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States. As such, it has been described as a major health problem. In the United States the male to female suicide ratio is approximately 4:1. Comparative analyses of suicide between men and women are needed to provide a more complete understanding of the suicide phenomenon. The current study built upon the literature related to gender and the role of relationships in suicidality. Through the analysis of suicide notes written by individuals who completed suicide, this study provides new insight into the role of gender and interpersonal dynamics in suicide …
The Sexual Behaviors And Practices Of People With Obesity: A Pilot Study, Akers D. Adam
The Sexual Behaviors And Practices Of People With Obesity: A Pilot Study, Akers D. Adam
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The study was designed as a pilot of an online survey intended to assess the amount and type of sexual behaviors in which members of the obese community engage. Further, the study examined how this population may differ from individuals of typical weight with regard to sexual behaviors and practices, including risky sexual practices and self-esteem. As a pilot study, feedback from members of the population of interest was elicited in a fashion consistent with the principles of Participatory Action Research. The feedback provided by the participants was used to make improvements to the survey for the purpose of future …
Examining Outcomes Following Batterer's Intervention: A Follow-Up Study Of The Path Program, Jessica B. Virzi
Examining Outcomes Following Batterer's Intervention: A Follow-Up Study Of The Path Program, Jessica B. Virzi
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This study will attempt to determine the effectiveness of the Preventing Abuse in the Home (PATH) batterer's intervention program through the collection of qualitative data from interviews completed by men who had previously had contact with the program. Interview questions were created based upon several variables that researchers were interested in gathering information on. Results highlighted differences based on how individuals who had completed the program and those who had not participated in the program spoke regarding their abusive behavior and behavior changes they had made. Results also indicated the importance of working with clients based on which stage in …
An Investigation Of Therapist Gender In The Intake Evaluation Of Male And Female Clients At College Counseling Centers, Harry Pitsikalis
An Investigation Of Therapist Gender In The Intake Evaluation Of Male And Female Clients At College Counseling Centers, Harry Pitsikalis
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The current study examined gender as a potential contributing factor in the increase in psychopathology at college counseling centers. As university and college counseling centers are moving away from a developmental model and toward the medical model, the effect of gender and the increased use of the DSM-IVTR could influence the perception in an increase of psychopathology by mirroring DSM-IVTR base rates. This study attempted to discover if gender influenced therapists to diagnosed depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders differently amongst the male and female clients. Results indicated that neither male therapists nor female therapists diagnosed depression, substance abuse …
The Impact Of Minority Faith On The Experience Of Mental Health Services: The Perspectives Of Devotees Of Earth Religions, Alison Niblick
The Impact Of Minority Faith On The Experience Of Mental Health Services: The Perspectives Of Devotees Of Earth Religions, Alison Niblick
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In response to an identified need in the psychological literature for research on minority religion, especially earth-centered religion, this dissertation was developed to 1) present an overview of the three main branches of contemporary earth religion, 2) illuminate the realities of minority religious identity in the United States of America, 3) collect data regarding the demographic and identity variables of devotees of earth centered religion, and 4) solicit feedback from the earth religious community regarding its understanding of psychological distress, preferred ways of coping with distress, and perceptions and experiences of professional mental health services. A total of 64 self-identified …
The Impact Of Film On The Construction And Deconstruction Of Mental Illness Stigmatization In Young Adults, Michael Perciful
The Impact Of Film On The Construction And Deconstruction Of Mental Illness Stigmatization In Young Adults, Michael Perciful
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The current study examined the impact of film on participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards people with schizophrenia. Films viewed in the current study included a fear-based inaccurate, likeable-inaccurate, and an educational-accurate depiction of schizophrenia. A control group was included. A total of 106 participants were recruited. Participants completed pre and post questionnaires separated by a 45-minute excerpt of a film. A 2 x 4 mixed design ANOVA was implemented to determine the effects of the films on measures of knowledge and attitudes. A Chi-square analysis was used to determine whether or not the films would impact potential behavior. Manipulation …
Focused Brief Group Therapy Treatment Manual, Jennifer Elaine Lotz
Focused Brief Group Therapy Treatment Manual, Jennifer Elaine Lotz
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Focused Brief Group Therapy (FBGT) was developed in a college counseling center in order to meet the mental health needs of the student population effectively within an 8 session limit. The model was developed to address pragmatic concerns by integrating best practice (AGPA, ASGW) and the local scientist model (practice based evidence). The goal of FBGT is measurable change in a focused area of interpersonal distress. The interpersonal circumplex, an empirically derived and scientifically validated model of interpersonal functioning, is used. Assessment is used to inform and guide treatment as well as to measure change. The model has been honed …
The Effects Of A Mindfulness-Based Program On Quality Of Life In African-American Older Adults: A Feasibility Study, Kurt A. Brickner
The Effects Of A Mindfulness-Based Program On Quality Of Life In African-American Older Adults: A Feasibility Study, Kurt A. Brickner
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The present study examined the effect of a modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program on overall quality of life and self-reported medical and psychological symptoms among a sample of ten religious community-dwelling adults over age 65. This study served as a feasibility study to determine the efficacy of conducting similar groups over a longer time period. This 10-session group program was for individuals dealing with stress-related problems, illness, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, and incorporated aspects of religiosity germane to the sample of participants, such as recitation and reflection of scripture passages and the bidirectional relationship between one's religious practices and …
The Concurrent Validity Of The Shipley-2 And The Wais-Iv, John K. Lodge
The Concurrent Validity Of The Shipley-2 And The Wais-Iv, John K. Lodge
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The recently developed Shipley-2 was compared to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th edition (WAIS-IV) in order to determine the former's level of concurrent validity as a test of intellectual ability. A convenience sample of 25 clinical subjects were administered both measures at two participating outpatient clinics, and the sum results of this testing were tabulated and then correlated through the use of a statistical software package. Results showed very strong levels of correlation between the five Shipley-2 scores (Vocabulary, Abstraction, Block Patterns, Composite A, and Composite B) and the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of the WAIS-IV (r = .549 …
Exploring Infidelity: Developing The Gem Rim (Gemmer's Risk Of Infidelity Measure), Stephanie J. Gemmer
Exploring Infidelity: Developing The Gem Rim (Gemmer's Risk Of Infidelity Measure), Stephanie J. Gemmer
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Divorce rates in America have soared with many divorces in the United States caused by infidelity; it is the number one reason cited for divorce. Due to the severe consequences of infidelity, researchers have attempted to determine its causes. For example, researchers from evolutionary theory, socialization theory, attachment theory, and investment theory have attempted to explain infidelity from a theoretical perspective. Conversely, based on a literature review Blow and Hartnett (2005) provided numerous categorical findings for infidelity including attachment and infidelity, attitudes towards infidelity, types of infidelity, and numerous demographic variables related to infidelity. Given the vast amount of research …
Cultural Competence And Clergy Unite: The Need For Multicultural Considerations For Seminarian Applicants, Monica Sue Richards
Cultural Competence And Clergy Unite: The Need For Multicultural Considerations For Seminarian Applicants, Monica Sue Richards
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The evaluation of candidates to Catholic seminaries prior to their admission is not an uncommon practice. However, in the past 40-50 years psychologists have played a vital role by adding psychological measures and their clinical perspectives to this evaluative process. Although these psychological evaluations have gathered insightful information that has better informed individuals in making a choice about a candidate, recent research suggests that many of the psychologists conducting these evaluations have not taken measures to ensure cultural competencies within these evaluations. This project outlined the ethical obligation psychologists have in providing culturally competent evaluations to these applicants and seminaries. …
Assessing Change In Socially Inhibited Interpersonal Subtype Through Focused Brief Group Therapy, David A. Yutrzenka
Assessing Change In Socially Inhibited Interpersonal Subtype Through Focused Brief Group Therapy, David A. Yutrzenka
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An outcome study of effectiveness was completed for the Focused Brief Group Therapy (FBGT) at a college counseling wellness service center concerning individuals who endorsed distress due to a specific interpersonal type, social inhibition. Pre-existing data from the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32 (IIP-32) and the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) was analyzed for these individuals prior to and after completion of FBGT. This researcher hypothesized that through the process of the groups, statistically significant decrease in scores of Social Inhibition, Total Interpersonal Distress, Depression, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety and Academic Distress as a function of the group process …
Executive Dysfunction In Autism And Asperger's Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Review Of Cognitive Planning, Ashley Jones Reno
Executive Dysfunction In Autism And Asperger's Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Review Of Cognitive Planning, Ashley Jones Reno
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One of the most prominent theories of autism and Asperger's Disorder suggests that their symptoms arise from a primary deficit in executive functions (EF). While many researchers have argued that the executive dysfunction profile may be used as diagnostic support, there have been studies to suggest that autism and Asperger's Disorder may not be clearly differentiated from other clinical disorders on the basis of their executive functioning profiles (e.g., Booth, et al., 2003). Therefore, it is important to examine specific aspects of executive functioning (e.g., cognitive planning, etc.) among children diagnosed with autism and Asperger's Disorder in order to determine …
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Childhood Obesity, Erinn J. Wright
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Childhood Obesity, Erinn J. Wright
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In the past two decades, the prevalence of childhood obesity has risen throughout the world. Factors that put children at risk for childhood obesity include genetics, parental weight and lifestyle, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Various disciplines address treatment of childhood obesity differently. For example, the medical community focuses on potential consequences of childhood obesity; the mental health field conceptualizes the issue behaviorally, and social work research highlights the sociopolitical factors of the issue. Results of a needs assessment performed in the Dayton, Ohio and Montgomery County region from 2009-2010 revealed a lack of collaboration between various disciplines involved in …
In Or Out? Ambiguous Loss And Boundary Ambiguity In Families During The Coming Out Process, Tarryn R. Moor
In Or Out? Ambiguous Loss And Boundary Ambiguity In Families During The Coming Out Process, Tarryn R. Moor
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This study investigated the family dynamics that occur following a child's disclosure of his/her same-sex sexual orientation. In particular, this study aimed to gain information regarding the possible presence of boundary ambiguity and subsequent ambiguous loss within families after their child/children comes out. Participants included individuals who identified as caregivers (i.e. parents, guardians) of a gay, lesbian, or bisexual child. Participants were given a survey in which many items were adapted from previous boundary ambiguity scales, in addition to qualitative items to fully capture the participants' experiences. Findings suggested that a majority of participants did not experience ambiguous loss or …
Camp For Childhood Cancer Survivors And Their Families: A Program Conceptualization, Caprice S. Parkinson
Camp For Childhood Cancer Survivors And Their Families: A Program Conceptualization, Caprice S. Parkinson
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The intent of this program conceptualization is to create a theory-driven residential camp program for child cancer survivors and their families. Although the majority of families appear to adjust to the stressors of the cancer experience, it has been identified that there is a significant portion of the cancer population and their families that are experiencing psychosocial issues and are in need of support (Kazak, Boeving, Alderfer, Hwang, & Reilly, 2005; Levin Newby, Brown, Pawletko, Gold, & Whitt, 2000; Zeltzer et al., 2009). Some typical symptoms noted in this group of pediatric cancer patients and families are depression/anxiety; decreased sense …
Examining The Social Distance Between Africans And African Americans: The Role Of Internalized Racism, Adaobi C. Iheduru
Examining The Social Distance Between Africans And African Americans: The Role Of Internalized Racism, Adaobi C. Iheduru
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African immigrants are continuously migrating to the United States and comprise a major part of the immigrant population. In a recent U.S. Bureau of Census report on foreign-born residents in the United States, African immigrants numbered 364,000 out of 1.6 million foreign-born people of African origin living in the United States (Rong & Brown, 2002). Much of the psychological literature about immigration is framed in terms of issues of adjustment. (Ward & Kennedy, 2001). Despite the growing number of African immigrants and the awareness of incidents of acculturative stress and adjustment difficulties among various immigrant groups, there are limited studies …
Suicide As An Escape From Pain: An Analysis Of Suicide Notes And Case Files, Dustin R. Hamilton
Suicide As An Escape From Pain: An Analysis Of Suicide Notes And Case Files, Dustin R. Hamilton
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Schneidman (1957) wrote that acts of suicide were attempts to escape from unbearable and intense psychological pain, or "psychache." In this study, we analyzed suicides wherein we determined that the primary motivation for the suicidal act was escape from physical or psychological pain. The analysis incorporated information regarding the content of suicide notes, investigators' reports, and databases from an urban Midwestern metropolitan area coroner's office. The analysis contained demographics, expressed life problems of the decedents, characteristics of the suicide, suicide note contents and suicide note themes. We found that the samples in which escape was determined as the primary motivation …
Therapist Dialogue Wiith Female Clients About Financial Literacy And Self-Efficacy, Michelle M. Estes
Therapist Dialogue Wiith Female Clients About Financial Literacy And Self-Efficacy, Michelle M. Estes
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This dissertation will explore the connection between emotional well-being, financial literacy and self-efficacy. Specifically, it will delve into a gendered exploration of money, using Bandura's concept of self-efficacy as applied to financial matters. The connection between a client's financial situation and his or her clinical issues will be discussed, as will current practices related to discussing financial matters in clinical practice. Additionally, this dissertation will explore how psychologists frequently do not address the connection between a client's financial well-being and his or her clinical issues. Best practice guidelines will be offered to fill this gap. Finally, suggestions for future research …
Barriers To Group Psychotherapy For African-American College Students, Angela L. Harris
Barriers To Group Psychotherapy For African-American College Students, Angela L. Harris
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There is limited research on African-American college students and their participation in group psychotherapy in a university counseling center setting. This study examined the barriers to group psychotherapy for African-American college students. A 61 item survey was designed to obtain African-American college students' views on their willingness to participate in group therapy, expectations of group psychotherapy, expectations of group members, expectations of group leaders, coping skills when in distress, and multicultural considerations relating to group psychotherapy. Data collected from a sample (N = 108)was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results of the this study found that coping strategies …