Digital Commons Network^™

Coping Styles And Levels Of Depression, Anxiety And Stress Among Siblings Of Alcohol And Other Drug Users, Nadia Zaccaria

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

This study examined the coping style adopted (tolerate, engage and withdraw) and levels of depression, anxiety and stress among those negatively affected by their sibling’s AOD use. In total, 164 participants who were first year psychology students at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup were included in the study. Of these, 78 (47.6%) were male and 86 (52.4%) were female. Through the assistance of a psychology lecturer, participants were recruited during a first year psychology lecture at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Participation was voluntary and each participant was provided with an information letter and a copy of the questionnaire. All participants ( …

Working The Companion Animal In The Context Of New Interpersonal Relationships, Steven Remic

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

Companion animals are found in the majority of western households. In surveys it has been found that companion animals are often viewed as family members. There is debate in psychological literature on what people mean when they describe companion animals in familial terms, with three theoretical frameworks posited to help explain the pets-as-family phenomena. Attachment theorists suggest that pets meet all four criteria for psychological attachment. Other researchers have suggested that companion animals are positioned within family systems, and are part of the dynamic interplay between human family members. Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that companion animals take advantage of in-built …

Pathways To Care : The Experience Of New Mother’S Perinatal Mental Health In Rural Areas, Belinda Butler-O’Halloran

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

This qualitative study sought to explore the lived experience of new mothers in rural areas. Specifically the experience of the women’s perinatal mental health was studied to understand the type of care they required in the early stages of motherhood. Findings indicate the women were unprepared for the difficulties of new motherhood which was isolating and lacking in support. New mothers found little help from the health care professionals such as GPs, CHN and Midwives due to professional time constraints and inability to develop a relationship. In addition new mothers were uncertain how unwell they needed to be before seeking …

An Examination Of The Nonresidential Stepmother Role, Jenine Rocca

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

Stepmothers are consistently underrepresented in stepfamily research (Orchard & Solberg, 1999), particularly nonresidential stepmothers (Johnson et al., 2008). The present research investigated how nonresidential stepmothers conceptualise, construct, and evaluate their roles, and to identify factors leading to their role adoption. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight nonresidential stepmothers residing in Perth, Western Australia, who had contact with their stepchildren for fifteen days or less per month. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, and results indicated that in terms of their role conceptualisation, the participants perceived their role to have changed, compared their roles to existing roles, and also …

Parents Raising Adolescents Diagnosed With Low-Functioning Autism And Their Perceptions Of The Level And Quality Of Support They Receive, Jayne Armstrong

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that currently affects 1 in every 110 Australian children. Research indicates that raising an individual with such a disorder can be very psychologically and physically demanding and that parents need to be fully supported during this time. Despite such evidence however, it would appear that very limited studies have been conducted to determine whether this support is actually being provided. This purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of parents raising an adolescent with low-functioning autism with regards to the support which they currently received from a.) The government and b.) The …

Is There A Tiger Mother Effect? : An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Immigrant Vietnamese-Australian’S Parenting Experience, Tony Nguyen

School of Psychology and Social Science Presentations

Current census data reports that more than a quarter of Australia’s population is from overseas (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2007). With respect to the Vietnamese population, the 2006 Census has reported over 150 thousand Vietnamese-born people in Australia (ABS, 2007). While there has been a steady rise in the immigrant Vietnamese population, few studies have examined this population and this is extended to the parenting and acculturation literature (Nguyen & Cheung, 2009). The research literature has also tended to lump together distinct ethnic groups that make up the “Asian” designation, thus obscuring the inter-cultural diversity of research (Liu, Pope-Davis, …

Characteristics In The Home That Contribute To Childhood Obesity, Amanda Nicole Ferguson

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the relationship between rates of childhood obesity determined by children's body mass index, childrens socio-economic status, and their home characteristics (i.e., frequency of meals eaten as a family, fruit and vegetable consumption, and fast food consumption). This thesis takes an ecological perspective which is an integrative way to research the environment that children develop in.

The Effect Of Neglect In Infancy On The Ability To Attach To Adoptive Caregivers, Lisa Marie Christoffer

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between neglect in infancy and the child's ability to form attachments in an adoption context. Most of the current research assesses the effect of all forms of maltreatment on attachment behavior. However this study aimed to investigate one type of maltreatment, neglect, on attachment behavior.

Developmentally-Appropriate Practice In The Classroom, Rayna Kailynn Prothro

Theses Digitization Project

Early childhood research literature has shown that develpmentally-appropriate practice (DAP) has a multitude of positive effects on young children's development including emotional, social, cognitive, and neurological benefits. When DAP is practiced by teachers, children are engaged in low stress learning activities, their social development is supported, and their classroom envirornment supports their cognitive and brain development. DAP provides an environment that supports all children academically.

Weiser Carrots And Sticks: Motivation Beyond Money At The Shakedown Café, Julian A. Martinez

CMC Senior Theses

It is generally assumed that monetary incentivization is the most effective means of motivating organizationally-beneficial behaviors. Individuals, under this line of thought, pursue their own objective self-interest above all else. However, evidence is being uncovered that indicates that human motivation may be a much more complicated facet of the human psyche. The purpose of this study is to examine the deeper underpinnings that drive people work that might lie beyond financial rewards. In order to do this, the Shakedown Café, a student-run restaurant on Pitzer College’s campus, will be examined. This specific organization is of particular interest because it does …

The Neuroanatomical Functions Of Tourette Syndrome And A Treatment Analysis, Kacie L. Curd

CMC Senior Theses

The etiology of Tourette syndrome has been elusive for researchers ever since its discovery, making treatment especially difficult. After proving the disorder was organic in the second half of the 20^th century, researchers have been creating theories of the underlying neural basis for Tourette’s symptomatology. These theories include abnormalities in brain structure, dysregulation of the dopamine system, dysregulation of the serotonin system and overall neurotransmitter system interactions. The etiology is likely a complex combination of all of these. Treatments for this disorder include pharmacological, behavioral and surgical. I believe the best approach for treatment is behavioral first, followed by …

Understanding And Exploring Narcissism: Impact On Students And College Campuses, Emily J. Hudson

CMC Senior Theses

"Narcissist" is a term that may be used lightly to describe or label someone that is self-centered. However, research that suggests a possible increase in narcissistic personality tendencies among college-aged American students has a very real and serious impact on society. The goal of this paper is to examine the evolution of the concept of narcissism and its detrimental effects on society. This will then be applied to the impact that narcissism has on college students and campus environments. It is important to note that individuals high in narcissistic traits encounter many problems including difficulties with interpersonal and professional relationships, …

How Men And Women Differ: Gender Differences In Communication Styles, Influence Tactics, And Leadership Styles, Karima Merchant

CMC Senior Theses

This paper lays the historical background for why women and leadership is an important topic today in order to discuss gender differences in communication styles, influence tactics, and leadership styles. This paper also outlines barriers women face when trying to attain and succeed in leadership positions. The analysis should provide a greater understanding of how men and women differ, especially in leadership and management positions, and what companies can do to help women overcome gender bias and discrimination in the workplace.

Systematic Evaluation Of Variables That Contribute To Noncompliance: A Replication And Extension, Paige M. Mckerchar, Layla Abby

Research, Publications & Creative Work

The effects of time-out and escape extinction were examined with 2 preschoolers after we identified variables that may have resulted in noncompliance. Results of a functional analysis showed that noncompliance was highest in the escape condition for both participants. During the treatment evaluation, escape extinction resulted in greater reductions in noncompliance relative to time-out.

Theory Building Through Praxis Discourse: A Theory- And Practice-Informed Model Of Transformative Participatory Evaluation, Michael Allen Harnar

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Stakeholder participation in evaluation, where the evaluator engages stakeholders in the process, is prevalent in evaluation practice and is an important focus of evaluation research. Cousins and Whitmore proposed a bifurcation of participatory evaluation into the two streams of transformative participatory and practical participatory evaluation (T-PE and P-PE respectively). T-PE stems from a social justice perspective and P-PE has more of a use orientation. T-PE is an underdeveloped evaluation theory with relatively low operational specificity. Case examples provide some understanding of it in practice, but comprehensive empirical support is still forthcoming. This study aims to develop a greater understanding of …

Links Between Alcohol And Other Drug Problems And Maltreatment Among Adolescent Girls: Perceived Discrimination, Ethnic Identity, And Ethnic Orientation As Moderators, Calonie M.K. Gray, Marilyn J. Montgomery

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

Objectives: This study examined the links between maltreatment, posttraumatic stress symptoms, ethnicity-specific factors (i.e., perceived discrimination, ethnic identity, and ethnic orientation), and alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) problems among adolescent girls.

Methods: These relations were examined using archived data from a community sample of 168 Black and Hispanic adolescent girls who participated in a school-based substance use intervention.

Results: The results revealed that maltreatment was linked to AOD problems, but only through its relation with posttraumatic stress symptoms; maltreatment was positively related to posttraumatic stress symptoms, which were positively related to AOD problems. Both perceived discrimination and ethnic orientation were …

The Impact Of A Video Game Intervention On The Cognitive Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, And Video Game Attitudes Of Older Adults, Giovanni W. Sosa

CGU Theses & Dissertations

While a well-established body of empirical work indicates that engaging in mentally stimulating activities is linked to positive physical and mental health outcomes, relatively few studies have specifically examined the impact that video game training can have on cognitive functioning and well-being. Given the substantial implications that such work has for an ever-growing older adult population, this area of research has begun to pique the interest of researchers world-wide. The present study employed an experimental paradigm to explore the impact of a Nintendo DS video game, Brain Age, on the cognitive functioning, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and video game attitudes of …

Investigating Young Children's Music-Making Behavior: A Developmental Theory, Paul G. Morehouse

CGU Theses & Dissertations

We have many developmental theories contributing to our understanding of children as they meander steadfastly toward maturation. Yet, none have reported on how young children interpret the qualitative meaning and importance of their own music-making experiences. Music created by average, not prodigious, young children is perceived by adults as “play” music rather than “real” music. But do young children take the same view as adults? When Piaget speaks of the young child’s qualitatively unique view and experience of the world (Ginsberg & Opper, 1988), can we assume that his statement encompasses young children’s predispositions related to music-making?

Music is understood …

The Significance Of Developing Core Counseling Competencies In Pastoral Care Ministry, Craig L. Younce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to present the importance of developing four specific core competencies in the area of pastoral counseling. It is problematic that most pastors have received minimal or no training in counseling resulting in inadequate therapy when parishioners seek pastoral counseling during times of crisis. The material presented in this thesis project enables pastoral care givers to become proficient counselors through a series of learning objectives, best practices, critical tasks, and accomplished practices directed toward improving counseling competencies in the area of personal, marriage, and family counseling. Additionally, this project addresses the problem of pornography, …

The Ethical Implications Of Bartering For Mental Health Services: Examining Interdisciplinary Ethical Standards, Joel A. Lane

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The present paper discusses literature concerning the practice of bartering for counseling, psychological, or social work services in lieu of traditional monetary payment. The author contrasts the language concerning the practice of bartering found in the respective ethical codes for each profession, and presents literature describing both risks and potential benefits of bartering arrangements. The primary risks of bartering include liability concerns and the potential for harmful or exploitive dual relationships. The primary benefits are that bartering makes mental health services available to those who cannot afford traditional fees, and allows for a culturally relevant compensation method for those whose …

Women, Alcoholics Anonymous, And Related Mutual Aid Groups: Review And Recommendations For Research, Sarah E. Ullman, Cynthia J. Najdowski, Ericka B. Adams

Psychology Faculty Scholarship

Recent literature reviews and meta-analyses have supported the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in helping members stop drinking and maintain sobriety. Despite the extensive body of research on AA, less attention has focused on differences in the efficacy of the program for and experiences of women as compared to men. Such a focus is warranted given that there are significant gender differences in the development and progression of alcoholism, impact of drinking, and response to treatment. This review synthesizes results of extant research on women in AA and similar mutual aid groups focused on problem drinking to describe the state …

Training Evaluation In Virtual Worlds: Development Of A Model, Richard N. Landers, Rachel C. Callan

Psychology Faculty Publications

Many organizations have adopted virtual worlds (VWs) as a setting for training programs; however, research on appropriate evaluation of training in this new setting is incomplete. In this article, we address this gap by first exploring the unique issues relevant to evaluation faced by training designers working in VWs. At the macro-organizational level, the primary issue faced is an organizational culture unreceptive to or otherwise skeptical of VWs. At the micro-organizational level, two major issues are identified: individual trainees unreceptive to VWs and general lack of experience navigating VWs. All three of these challenges and their interrelationships may lead to …

Drinking Buddies And Their Prospective Influence On Alcohol Outcomes: Alcohol Expectancies As A Mediator, Cathy Lau-Barraco, Abbly L. Braitman, Kenneth E. Leonard, Miguel Padilla

Psychology Faculty Publications

The process by which peers or the social network influence individual alcohol use, particularly among adults, remains a necessary area of research. The purpose of the present study was to examine the longitudinal influence of "drinking buddies" on alcohol outcomes (i.e., alcohol use, heavy drinking, and alcohol-related problems) as mediated by alcohol expectancies of social facilitation. Participants were 1347 (men = 660, women = 687) newly married individuals recruited from the community. They were assessed at the time of marriage and through the fourth wedding anniversary. Longitudinal mediation across time was evaluated using latent growth modeling. Overall, the prospective association …

An Opposing Self, Christine M. Gamache

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

People have always been both frightened and fascinated by the unknown, and themes touching on the existence of things beyond human understanding have longevity in the literary arena as well as in popular culture. One such theme is that of the doppelgänger, or double, which has been around for centuries but was first made popular by Jean-Paul’s (Johann Paul Friedrich Richter) work Hesperus in 1795. Due to a resurgence in the nineteenth century in the popularity of Gothic literature, doppelgängers, or variations of this double motif, found their way into some of the most famous works of literature …

Sociology And Anthrozoology: Symbolic Interactionist Contributions, Leslie Irvine

Human and Animal Bonding Collection

This essay examines the sociological contributions to anthrozoology, focusing on research from the United States that employs a symbolic interactionist perspective. In particular, the work of Arluke and Sanders highlights the importance of understanding the meanings that animals hold for people. Using a selective review of their research, this essay outlines how a focus on understanding meaning can inform anthrozoological research. Arluke’s research on animal abuse reveals how harm must be defined in context. Sanders’s research on canine–human relationships documents how people come to understand companion dogs as persons. Both bodies of work rely on careful observation and listening to …

Attachment Styles And Anorexia Nervosa: A Literature Review, Lauren Battaglia, Carolyn Mcnamara Barry

Modern Psychological Studies

Anorexia nervosa affects about 1.8 million women in the United States of America. Aside from the direct effects of the disorder, which includes detrimental weight loss, there are a number of related physical effects that are strongly correlated, some of which can be fatal (Birmingham & Treasure, 2010). Research on the etiologies of the disorder has indicated numerous factors ranging from neurobiological to psychological to social. In this paper we focus on the link between parent-child attachment styles and anorexia nervosa. In particular, parental care, connectedness, and control are examined. We also explore the mediating variables (e.g., core beliefs and …

The Changing Nature Of Friendships Over The Lifespan, Emily Pica, Karri Verno

Modern Psychological Studies

The current study examined differences in friendships between younger adults and older adults. One hundred and fifty eight participants completed various measures, which examined the importance of specific friendship qualities. Peer nominations were used to examine the number of close friends, with an additional component added to assess proximity of one's closest friends. Results indicated that both demographic variables and proximity of equal importance for both younger adults and older adults. Results also indicated that both cohorts chose friends close to their own ages. The researchers conclude there are few cohort differences in what younger and older adults value in …

The Art Of Work Autonomy: A Test Of Its Influence On Job Embeddedness, Qian Jiang, Chris W. Wright, Amy Smith

Modern Psychological Studies

Mitchell, Holtom, Lee, Sablynski, and Erez (2001) demonstrated that Job Embeddedness is connected to intent to leave and voluntary turnover in employment. Previous researchers have also found that Work Autonomy predicts variables similar to Job Embeddedness (Mitchell et al., 2001). We investigated the factors that impact why people stay at their jobs by examining the relationship between Work Autonomy and Job Embeddedness. Data from 190 currently or previously employed participants were collected. As hypothesized, Work Autonomy was strongly correlated with on/off-the-job fit, on/off-the job sacrifice, on-the-job links and overall Job Embeddedness. However it was not correlated with off-the-job links. Implications …

New Therapies, Old Problems, Or, A Plea For Neuromodesty, Stephen J. Morse

All Faculty Scholarship

This article suggests that investigational deep brain stimulation (DBS) for mental disorders raises few new bioethical issues. Although the scientific basis of the procedure may be both complex and largely unknown, addressing informed consent in such situations is a familiar problem. After reviewing the legal and moral background for investigating DBS and the scientific difficulties DBS faces as a potential treatment for mental disorders, the article focuses on informed consent and makes two primary suggestions. The study of DBS may proceed, but "hyper-disclosure" of the complexities should be required for competent subjects or proper surrogates if the candidate is not …

The Crossover Effects Of Supervisor Work-Family Positive Spillover On Employee Sleep Deficiency: Moderating Effects Of Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (Fssb), Tori Laurelle Crain

Dissertations and Theses

The majority of literature on the work-family interface has focused on, and provided evidence of, the conflict associated with engagement in both work and family roles (Eby, Casper, Lockwood, Bordeaux, & Brinley, 2005). Research examining the positive aspects of work and family participation remains limited. The current study investigated how work-family positive spillover is transferred between members of the supervisor-employee dyad and subsequently how this affects employee sleep outcomes. It was hypothesized that work-to-family affective positive spillover experienced by supervisors would crossover to employees and increase their experiences of work-to-family affective positive spillover. In turn, this would allow for better …