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Meg Coherence Imaging In Dyslexia: Activation Of Working Memory Pathways, Alfred Mansour Dec 2012

Meg Coherence Imaging In Dyslexia: Activation Of Working Memory Pathways, Alfred Mansour

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The aims of this dissertation are to 1) review the genetic, neurodevelopmental, structural, and functional brain imaging studies that are the foundations of our understanding of dyslexia and 2) investigate the pattern of activation and functional connectivity of neuronal networks critical in working memory in dyslexics by means of magnetoenchephalographic (MEG) coherence imaging. Dyslexics showed an early onset of activation in the precentral gyrus and the superior frontal gyrus, which differed from controls where activation was initiated in posterior cortical regions (supramarginal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus). Further, dyslexics showed lower normalized amplitudes of activation in the right superior temporal …


The Enduring Impact Of One-Session Exposure Treatment On Selective Processing Bias And Explicit Memory Avoidance In Snake- And Spider-Fearful Participants, Karen Stanley-Kime Dec 2012

The Enduring Impact Of One-Session Exposure Treatment On Selective Processing Bias And Explicit Memory Avoidance In Snake- And Spider-Fearful Participants, Karen Stanley-Kime

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in the general population makes clarification of variables that contribute to the onset or maintenance of these disorders essential. Two such contributory variables are anxiety-induced selective processing bias and theorized subsequent explicit memory avoidance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of one-session in vivo exposure treatment on selective processing bias and explicit memory avoidance immediately following successful treatment of stimulus-specific anxiety as well as at one-week and one-month follow-up. Participants (N = 60) were assigned to one of three groups: (1) the treatment group, composed of individuals who were fearful …


Gendered Governing: Leadership Experiences Of Seven Women Former Governors, Deborah A. Havens Nov 2012

Gendered Governing: Leadership Experiences Of Seven Women Former Governors, Deborah A. Havens

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Fifty years ago, Second Wave feminists theorized that American culture was dominated by patriarchal systems that subordinated women to second class citizenship status (Brown, 1988; Dolan, Deckman & Swers, 2010). In the 21st century, women have become highly visible candidates for office on a national level. Since 1925, 31 women have served as governors; 20 were elected to office, three replaced their husbands, and eight became governor by Constitutional succession (CAWP, 2012). Many women of the Third Wave generation, or Post-feminists, reject the theory that male oppression continues to influence women’s life choices, some claiming that there is no need …


The Development Of A Dyadic Assessment For Families Experiencing, Sarah Cline Nov 2012

The Development Of A Dyadic Assessment For Families Experiencing, Sarah Cline

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a chronic disease involving curvature of the spine that is typically diagnosed in late childhood and early adolescence. The timing of most AIS diagnoses and subsequent treatment occur at a critical point developmentally and may place strain on the parent-adolescent relationship. The present study developed a measure, The AIS Dyadic Assessment, of the parent-adolescent relationship affected by AIS. This measure assessed three aspects of the parent-adolescent relationship: Communication Skills, Emotion Regulation, and Mutual Agreement about AIS. Twenty-six female adolescents who were currently prescribed a brace as part of their AIS treatment, and their mothers, participated. …


The Effects Of Response Interruption And Redirection On Language Skills In Children With Vocal Stereotypy, Tamara Leigh Perry Oct 2012

The Effects Of Response Interruption And Redirection On Language Skills In Children With Vocal Stereotypy, Tamara Leigh Perry

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Vocal stereotypy is a common, skill-disruptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Response interruption and redirection (RIRD), the delivery of demands contingent on the occurrence of vocal stereotypy, is an intervention that is gaining empirical support for reducing vocal stereotypy and increasing appropriate language. However, little is known about the efficacy of RIRD when combined with early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), the recommended treatment approach for children with ASD, and its effects on the acquisition of language skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of RIRD when delivered during EIBI programming. Participants were …


Relationships Between Food Reinforcement And Eating Behaviors To Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Substance Abuse Outcomes, Summar Reslan Aug 2012

Relationships Between Food Reinforcement And Eating Behaviors To Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Substance Abuse Outcomes, Summar Reslan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Bariatric surgery is rapidly gaining acceptance among the morbidly obese population, yet studies assessing variables associated with post-surgical outcomes have yielded inconsistent findings. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the association between the relative reinforcing value of food (RRV-F), delay discounting for food (DD-F), and other eating-related and non eating-related variables to post-bariatric surgery percent total weight loss (%TWL) and substance-related outcomes. Participants were a convenience sample of 147 adults with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Using online survey methodology, variables that may contribute to post-surgical %TWL and substance use outcomes were assessed: the RRV-F, DDF, …


Obesity And Outcomes Of Bariatric Surgery: A Focus On Patients With Postoperative Substance Use Disorders, Melissa Pulcini Aug 2012

Obesity And Outcomes Of Bariatric Surgery: A Focus On Patients With Postoperative Substance Use Disorders, Melissa Pulcini

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Recent evidence suggesting post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) has brought to light the importance of understanding how the postoperative development of a SUD may affect weight loss and psychosocial outcomes. The present investigation used a quasi- experimental, non- equivalent, matched pair between subjects group design to compare these outcomes in post-RYGB patients in inpatient treatment for SUDs with post-RYGB patients who reported no significant post-surgical substance-related problems. Participants were matched on sex, age, and time since surgery. Average weight losses of the two groups were not significantly different, …


Deconstructing Children's Expectations For Psychotherapy: Understanding How Parents Prepare Their Children For Mental Health Treatment, Heather Nix Jun 2012

Deconstructing Children's Expectations For Psychotherapy: Understanding How Parents Prepare Their Children For Mental Health Treatment, Heather Nix

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Little research has investigated the effects of stigma on child psychotherapy. Because parents are a primary factor in determining whether children receive psychotherapy and how therapy progresses, understanding how parental perceptions of psychopathology and psychotherapy are associated with children’s mental health treatment seems to be an important step in investigating how stigma impacts child psychotherapy. Researchers have not closely examined, however, how parents might influence children’s experiences of psychotherapy. To address this topic, the current study examined how parents’ views of psychotherapy were related to how they prepared their children for psychotherapy and how this preparation was related to children’s …


The Impact Of A Group-Based Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention On Parents Of Children Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer D. Kowalkowski Jun 2012

The Impact Of A Group-Based Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention On Parents Of Children Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer D. Kowalkowski

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Parents of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder face significant stressors and challenges; however, little research has investigated ways to effectively address their psychological distress and adjustment issues. This study used a between-subject and withinsubject repeated measures design to test the effects of an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or treatment as usual (TAU) group. Treatment completers included 13 mothers in the ACT condition and 4 mothers in TAU. They were assessed three weeks before the intervention, one week after, and three months post-intervention. Limited data for between-group comparison demonstrated only a significant difference on the frequency scale …


A Pilot Study Of The Effects Of Mentoring On Disordered Eating Behavior, Marya Mccarroll Apr 2012

A Pilot Study Of The Effects Of Mentoring On Disordered Eating Behavior, Marya Mccarroll

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Subclinical levels of disordered eating are problematic for both adolescent girls and young women. Not only could subclinical disordered eating lead to full threshold eating disorders without intervention, it is also associated with higher levels of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Unfortunately, most current interventions for subclinical eating disorders demonstrate limited effectiveness in creating lasting changes in disordered eating thoughts and behaviors. This study contributes to the literature by investigating a novel intervention for addressing subclinical disordered eating in both adolescent girls and undergraduate women. Specifically, this study attempted to detect changes in measures of …


An Exploration Of Communication And Bullying Behavior, Danielle M. Ensch Apr 2012

An Exploration Of Communication And Bullying Behavior, Danielle M. Ensch

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This communication study examined in-depth interviews, the situational perceptions and self-awareness of individuals who bullied in middle school and/or high school. Research statement one is what motivates an individual to engage in bullying behavior and/or become a bully. Research statement two is the bully’s situational perceptions of bullying. Quantitative and qualitative research was implemented to set up the context and situation for underlying themes from the in-depth interviews. Results showed that children do not take responsibility for their bullying and will not stop unless forced to. Furthermore, the adults perceived parents and school officials to have an important role in …


Differences Between Post-Bariatric Patients And Controls In A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program: Implications For Treatment, Ashley A. Wiedemann Jan 2012

Differences Between Post-Bariatric Patients And Controls In A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program: Implications For Treatment, Ashley A. Wiedemann

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A comprehensive substance abuse treatment facility began observing increased admissions who reported histories of bariatric surgeries. The present study examined what unique variables may pose risk for substance abuse among bariatric surgery candidates and what issues may affect prognosis or treatment outcome for those currently in substance abuse treatment. Participants completed a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicate that post-bariatric patients developed problematic substance use significantly later in life, during a time that is not normative of new development of substances; were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorders; and reported a significantly poorer …


Gamma Oscillatory Activity In Autism Spectrum Disorder During A Face Cueing Task, Annette E. Richard Jan 2012

Gamma Oscillatory Activity In Autism Spectrum Disorder During A Face Cueing Task, Annette E. Richard

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Joint attention is a social interaction skill that normally develops in infancy and involves following another’s gaze to a stimulus. This skill is absent or developmentally delayed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), causing cascading effects on development. Neural synchrony in the gamma frequency band is thought to be involved in cognitive functions such as joint attention. The current study investigated differences in gamma power between neurotypicals and ASD as measured by magnetoencephalography (MEG) while performing a gaze cueing task simulating joint attention. Results support lower frontal gamma power in ASD, suggesting that impaired generation of gamma activity in the prefrontal …


An Examination Of Psychological Risk Factors For The Development Of Substance Abuse Among Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients, Valentina Ivezaj Jan 2012

An Examination Of Psychological Risk Factors For The Development Of Substance Abuse Among Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients, Valentina Ivezaj

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Bariatric surgery is a clinically effective tool that commonly results in sustained weight loss changes for the majority of patients. While bariatric surgery is generally associated with a number of positive health outcomes post-operatively, some popular media outlets and clinical anecdotes have presented concerns about the notion of “addiction transfer” and substance abuse post-bariatric surgery. There is a lack of research, however, in this area. The present study examined the rate of substance abuse in a broad sample of postbariatric surgery patients and examined potential risk factors for the development of substance abuse post-surgery. It was hypothesized that documented risk …


Visuomotor Adaptation In Young Adults With And Without Motor Difficulties, Chi-Mei Lee Jan 2012

Visuomotor Adaptation In Young Adults With And Without Motor Difficulties, Chi-Mei Lee

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD) have shown motor learning deficits in visuomotor adaptation tasks, and the failure of detecting errors seems to be the key that impedes motor learning. Recent studies suggested that presenting larger feedback improves the rate and extent of motor learning in healthy subjects and stroke patients. The present study recruited young adults with and without motor difficulties and aimed to examine their adaptability in visuomotor adaptation tasks with either regular (30° rotation) or enlarged (30° + double error) visual feedbacks. Results revealed that participants with lower motor ability showed less adaptability than those with higher …