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Detection Of Traumatic Brain Injury With The Picture Memory Interference Test In College Students, Bryce Erich
Detection Of Traumatic Brain Injury With The Picture Memory Interference Test In College Students, Bryce Erich
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine potential effects of head-injury on individuals’ performance on the Picture Memory Interference Test (PMIT). This study examined differences in the performance of college-aged students with and without a history of head-injury on the PMIT. Data was drawn from an archival dataset of PMIT completions held at UCLA and analyzed with permission. From the total dataset of 12,227 completions, experimental groups were derived and separated based upon assumed severity of head-injury, based upon self-report data. Following exclusions, the final data sub-set for analysis consisted of 6,897 unique completions of the PMIT. Of these, …
Processes And Mechanisms Of Change In Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: A Case Study Of One Couple With Distress Over Child Rearing, Jessica S. Schachter
Processes And Mechanisms Of Change In Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: A Case Study Of One Couple With Distress Over Child Rearing, Jessica S. Schachter
Theses and Dissertations
Marital distress is common and can have a tremendous influence on an entire family. Spousal conflict related to children is known to have a particularly negative impact on both the parenting and marital relationship. A number of evidence-based therapies exist to support couples in need including integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT; Jacobson & Christensen, 1998), which focuses on emotional acceptance and behavior change as mechanisms that improve marital satisfaction. While IBCT is well documented as an effective treatment with lasting outcomes (Christensen, et al., 2004), how and why IBCT works remains less clear. The current study used qualitative methodology to …
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For The Treatment Of Information Processing Biases Associated With Social Anxiety Disorder, Tejal Shah
Theses and Dissertations
The present research is a critical analysis of the psychology literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a treatment for individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). The primary purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing body of literature in the application of ACT for anxiety disorders generally, and for SAD more specifically, in order to examine the potential utility of ACT as a treatment for SAD. This includes critical analysis and synthesis of major themes in the literature pertinent to this area of inquiry. Furthermore, the study explores the connection between the individual …
Utilization Of The Multidimensional Well-Being Assessment To Understand Well-Being In Individuals With Chronic Medical Conditions/Illnesses, Jaqulyn Spezze
Utilization Of The Multidimensional Well-Being Assessment To Understand Well-Being In Individuals With Chronic Medical Conditions/Illnesses, Jaqulyn Spezze
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined multiple dimensions of well-being among adults with chronic medical conditions/illnesses utilizing the Multidimensional Well-Being Assessment (MWA). Specifically, the dimensions of well-being that were assessed included physical, emotional, and relational, as well as dimensions of well-being that have not previously been studied in individuals with chronic medical conditions/illnesses, such as collective and transformational well-being. A non-random sample of 268 participants with chronic medical conditions/illnesses completed multiple measures of well-being as part of a larger psychometric investigation of the MWA. Significant positive correlations were found between physical well-being and measures of subjective well-being assessing satisfaction with life, flourishing, and …
The Relationship Between Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medication Adherence And Negative Symptoms In First-Episode Schizophrenia, Elisha R. Agee
The Relationship Between Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medication Adherence And Negative Symptoms In First-Episode Schizophrenia, Elisha R. Agee
Theses and Dissertations
Adherence to psychotropic medication is a critical aspect of treatment for the management of psychotic disorders. While the literature on the need for medication adherence is extensive, little research has explored the relationship between the negative symptoms of psychosis and medication adherence. Since negative symptoms are enduring, stable, and strongly correlated with poor outcome, it is vitally important for research to explore the role of negative symptoms in regards to adherence to psychotropic medication. Given its potentially significant consequences for treatment interventions, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the exceedingly limited body of research exploring the relationship …
The Nature And Frequency Of Countertransference Reactions In Psychoanalysts, Michelle Walker
The Nature And Frequency Of Countertransference Reactions In Psychoanalysts, Michelle Walker
Theses and Dissertations
Psychotherapist personal factors, often referred to as countertransference reactions, are widely believed to impact the therapeutic process. While the existence of the countertransference is commonly accepted by contemporary psychotherapists, there is continued debate over its nature, quality and therapeutic utility. Further, there have been relatively few empirical studies on the countertransference reactions of practicing psychologists and other mental health professionals. This study aimed to address this lack by examining the frequency and nature of countertransference experiences as reported by psychoanalysts. Additionally, this study sought to explore the relationship between countertransference reactions and patient symptomology as suggested by recent findings (Betan, …
Appraisal Of Caregiving Burden, Expressed Emotion, And Psychological Distress In Families Of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review, Susan L. Sprokay
Appraisal Of Caregiving Burden, Expressed Emotion, And Psychological Distress In Families Of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review, Susan L. Sprokay
Theses and Dissertations
Unpaid family caregivers of people with dementia are faced with a variety of physical, emotional and social stressors. A systematic review of the literature was compiled to summarize existing evidence regarding subjective burden, expressed emotion and psychological distress related to this category of caregiving and to build a multinational representation of these individuals that will facilitate in identifying areas of supportive intervention. A synthesis of 44 data sets that included 5,249 participants from 20 countries indicated that the majority of caregivers are experiencing depression and high levels of distress related to their caregiving role, and that a small number of …
Experiences Of Clinicians Using Mindfulness-Based Therapy With Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis, Nathan Edwards
Experiences Of Clinicians Using Mindfulness-Based Therapy With Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis, Nathan Edwards
Theses and Dissertations
The long-term devastation caused by childhood sexual abuse among adult survivors has been well documented within the literature. Similarly, numerous studies have addressed efficacy of various treatment modalities targeting psychological sequelae associated with such abuse. However, despite the recent rise in popularity of mindfulness within the field of psychology, as well as indication of tremendous psychological benefits associated with such practice, few studies have sought to understand the connection between mindfulness and healing among abuse survivors. The current study attempts to bridge the gap in the literature by examining the experiences of clinicians using mindfulness as a framework for their …
Assessment And Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Latino Children, Gesenia S. Sloan-Peña
Assessment And Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Latino Children, Gesenia S. Sloan-Peña
Theses and Dissertations
There is an increase in the number of children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Based on the literature, Latino children appear to be under diagnosed or misdiagnosed with other psychological disorders rather than autism spectrum disorder. In addition, Latino children are typically diagnosed at a later age than their White peers. There is almost no research devoted to the assessment of autism spectrum disorder with young Latino children and there is insufficient research related to cultural perceptions of symptoms which can influence parental …
The Effects Of Parent-Child Agreement On Academic Achievement, Alea A. Baron
The Effects Of Parent-Child Agreement On Academic Achievement, Alea A. Baron
Theses and Dissertations
Achievement in youth across America has been defined by youth report card grades and standardized test scores, with higher scores typically being the gateway to college, scholarships, and future financial success. There is abundant evidence that shows parenting factors and the parent-child relationship are correlated with high academic achievement in youth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if the effects of high parent-child agreement on youth self-esteem and self-efficacy significantly correlated with high youth academic achievement on classroom achievement scores. Data from Dr. Judy Ho's The STAGES Project in student's entering the 6th grade was utilized in …
On The Validity And Reliability Of The Computerized Memory Interference Test For Primary Spanish-Speaking Individuals, Reneh Karamians
On The Validity And Reliability Of The Computerized Memory Interference Test For Primary Spanish-Speaking Individuals, Reneh Karamians
Theses and Dissertations
In this study, the Computerized Memory Interference Test (CMIT), a derivative of the Picture Memory Interference Test (PMIT) was assessed for reliability, validity and internal consistency with a primary Spanish-speaking sample. Five hypotheses were formulated and tested. For the first hypothesis correlational studies assessing relationships between the CMIT scores and those of the WMS-III, Visual Reproduction subtests were used to establish convergent validity. Hypotheses two and three, produced correlational studies to assess relationships between the CMIT scores and those of the RAVLT and WAIS-III Block Design, Vocabulary and Matrix Resonating subtests. To test the fourth hypothesis, known-group methods were used …
Examining Therapists' Perceptions Of Barriers To Treatment With Youth And Their Families : A Mixed Methods Study, Gimel Rogers
Examining Therapists' Perceptions Of Barriers To Treatment With Youth And Their Families : A Mixed Methods Study, Gimel Rogers
Theses and Dissertations
The present study identified and quantified five main barriers to treatment categories, deducted first from the qualitative dataset, then consolidated with the results of the quantitative dataset. Clinicians (N=36) that worked with youth and their families participated. The main findings suggested five parent themes (practical obstacles, poor alliance with the therapist, therapist's perceptions, socioemotional, and cultural) and seven concept groups (transportation, financial, logistical, attendance, therapeutic relationship, lack of communication, and lack of engagement). Implications provide strategies to ratify some of these barriers, such as gathering data on youth clients and their families. For the purposes of this study, the terms …
Qualitative Analysis Of Expressions Of Gratitude In Clients Who Have Experienced Trauma, Roxana Zarrabi
Qualitative Analysis Of Expressions Of Gratitude In Clients Who Have Experienced Trauma, Roxana Zarrabi
Theses and Dissertations
Although gratitude may seem straightforward, it is a complex construct comprised of cognitive, emotional and behavioral elements. Gratitude has been presented as a positive psychological character trait, coping response, attitude, moral virtue, emotion, and habit (Emmons, McCullough, & Tsang, 2003), and significant overlap exists among these definitional presentations (Lambert, Graham, & Fincham, 2009). Despite definitional limitations, promising evidence indicates that gratitude can help survivors positively process and cope with trauma and contribute to the post-trauma recovery experience (Kashdan, Uswatte, & Julian, 2006; Vernon, Dillon, & Steiner, 2009). Yet, there is a lack of research examining how gratitude is expressed in …
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Specific To Anorexia Nervosa: A Critical Review Of The Literature On Executive Functioning Symptomatology And Cognitive Remediation Treatment Applications Tailored To This Patient Population, Kayleigh Elizabeth Hale
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Specific To Anorexia Nervosa: A Critical Review Of The Literature On Executive Functioning Symptomatology And Cognitive Remediation Treatment Applications Tailored To This Patient Population, Kayleigh Elizabeth Hale
Theses and Dissertations
Engaging, maintaining, and treating patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) remains a significant challenge for clinicians, hypothesized explanations for which are thought to involve specific executive functioning impairments. The neuropsychological treatment paradigm Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) represents the translation of neurocognitive research into practice, and is thought to remediate neuropsychological symptoms and associated maladaptive cognitive processes. Additionally, the etiological model of AN related to executive functioning provides a conceptual framework for this novel approach to treatment. This study identifies and examines such a model, in addition to CRT protocols. Methodology involved a comprehensive synthesis and critical analysis of the literature pertaining …
The Implications Of Moral Injury Among African American Females With A History Of Substance Abuse: A Preliminary Study, Jaimee Silvera Hartman
The Implications Of Moral Injury Among African American Females With A History Of Substance Abuse: A Preliminary Study, Jaimee Silvera Hartman
Theses and Dissertations
Moral injury is a concept that has been applied to the challenges facing veterans returning from combat due to the discrepancy between their moral values and the behaviors they engaged in due to war. In recovery women have expressed similar challenges due to the illicit behavior they engaged in while in their addiction as well as the prevalence of trauma that has impacted their transition into substance use. Thirteen female participants in treatment for substance abuse participated in this qualitative study. The majority of the women experienced a history of childhood and/or adult trauma that perpetuated their use of substances …
Exploring Themes Of Moral Injury And Resilience Among Women In A Transitional Living Center, Kristen A. Otte
Exploring Themes Of Moral Injury And Resilience Among Women In A Transitional Living Center, Kristen A. Otte
Theses and Dissertations
Moral injury is a construct that has primarily been studied in war veterans, police officers, and military nurses. It involves a change in an individual's expectations about their own or another's behavior in the face of events involving a violation of their beliefs about themselves, observation of unethical behavior by others, and/or witnessing human suffering that violates beliefs in the goodness of humanity. Research indicates that moral injury involves at least five major themes: betrayal and trust issues; social problems; spiritual/existential issues; psychological symptoms; and self-deprecation. Moral injury represents an important, emerging area of study that may facilitate a better …
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: A Case Study Focusing On Change Processes, Change Mechanisms, And Cultural Considerations, Hengameh Mahgerefteh
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: A Case Study Focusing On Change Processes, Change Mechanisms, And Cultural Considerations, Hengameh Mahgerefteh
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative discovery-oriented case study sought to examine and describe change processes and change mechanisms related to successful treatment with Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy. The model of psychotherapy change by Brian Doss (2004) was utilized as a framework for this study, which included one couple who experienced marital distress at the outset of therapy and was categorized as “recovered” at the end of treatment. Cultural considerations were also emphasized in this study. Processes of change included, but were not limited to, vulnerability, unified detachment, and empathic joining. Some notable change mechanisms included increases in acceptance and decreases in negative behaviors. …
Conduct Disorder: A Critical Analysis Of The Literature And Implications For Adult Manifestation, Alyssa Saiz
Conduct Disorder: A Critical Analysis Of The Literature And Implications For Adult Manifestation, Alyssa Saiz
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of the current study was to identify the most central risk factors associated with conduct disorder (CD), to delineate three possible developmental pathways of CD that may have predictive validity for adult manifestation of conduct problems, to identify prevention and intervention strategies, to make recommendations for future research directions, and discuss clinical implications of the developmental trajectories of CD. Extant literature was collected and thoroughly analyzed in order to identify risk factors and developmental trajectories of CD, as well as treatment recommendations. The three developmental pathways of CD include: adolescent-onset, childhood-onset with emotional and behavioral regulation problems, and …
The Use Of Reflective Practices By Psychology Interns, Rachel Fried
The Use Of Reflective Practices By Psychology Interns, Rachel Fried
Theses and Dissertations
Despite its importance, little is known about how psychologists are trained to reflect on their conduct of psychotherapy. These abilities are collectively known as reflective practice, which is considered a core competence within the field of psychology. This study examined the use of reflective practice by clinical, counseling, and school psychology interns and looked at how reflective practice is being facilitated by supervisors. The study examined the use of reflective practice in different clinical situations and obtained opinions about which reflective practices are believed to most impact clinical effectiveness. The study also examined barriers that may impede engagement in reflective …
Relationship Between Negative Social Reactions To Sexual Assault Disclosure And Mental Health Outcomes Of Ethnically Diverse Female Survivors, Dehnad Hakimi
Theses and Dissertations
Negative social reactions that sexual assault survivors receive upon disclosure have been correlated with psychological distress such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and problem drinking. However, the impact of ethnicity in the relationship between unsupportive reactions to assault disclosure and the psychological sequelae remains unclear. Using hierarchical linear regressions and a sample of 665 African-American, Latina, and Caucasian female adult sexual assault survivors, the present study examined the role of ethnicity in that relationship. The results suggest that ethnicity moderates the influence of negative disclosure reactions on psychological symptoms, however, the moderation impact was not similar across races and psychological …
Examining Therapists' Perceptions Of Strategies For Overcoming Barriers To Treatment With Youth And Their Families, Lyndsay Brooks
Examining Therapists' Perceptions Of Strategies For Overcoming Barriers To Treatment With Youth And Their Families, Lyndsay Brooks
Theses and Dissertations
Youth who are untreated for mental health problems are at risk for a number of consequences, including academic underachievement, substance use, delinquency, and future mental illness in adulthood. Nearly 80% of youth who need mental health services do not receive them, and of those children and families referred, it is estimated that between 30 and 80% terminate from therapy prematurely. Some common barriers to treatment retention for youth clients and families have been identified in the literature, including financial barriers, transportation and other logistical barriers, as well as therapeutic barriers, such as poor therapeutic alliance. Therefore, it is imperative to …
Music Preference And Its Effects On Emotion Processes And Identity Development In Young Adult Females: An Examination Of The "Emo" Subculture, Marta Orozco
Theses and Dissertations
Average daily listening hours and annual sales figures give testament to the important position that music holds in the personal and social lives of individuals in contemporary cultures (Arnett, 1991; North, Hargreaves, & O’Neill, 2000; Schwartz & Fouts, 2003; Ter Bogt, Raaijmakers, Vollebergh, van Well, & Sikkema, 2003). Youth, especially, dedicate considerable amounts of time and money to music listening (Roberts, Henriksen, & Foehr, 2009). However, it has been suggested that certain music preferences and music subcultures are associated with problem behaviors and/or internalizing distress in youth, particularly females (Miranda & Claes, 2008, 2009; Selfhout, Delsing, Ter Bogt, & Meeus, …
The Rise And Fall Of Self-Esteem: A Critical Review, Reconceptualization, And Recommendations, Tamara Shawn Levy Eromo
The Rise And Fall Of Self-Esteem: A Critical Review, Reconceptualization, And Recommendations, Tamara Shawn Levy Eromo
Theses and Dissertations
Self-esteem, viewed for decades as psychology’s Holy Grail, has proved to be an elusive and surprisingly barren destination. One of the oldest concepts in psychology, self-esteem likely ranks among the top three covariates occurring in personality and social psychology research. Propelled by the self-esteem movement of the 1970s, it was popularly believed that self-esteem played a significant causal role in determining a wide range of both positive and negative social behaviors. However, the results of a 2003 large-scale literature review showed that it is actually not a major predictor of almost anything, with the exception of positive feelings (happiness) and …
Femininity And Sexual Well-Being: Pleasure, Authenticity, And Safety Across The Female Lifespan, Via Strong
Femininity And Sexual Well-Being: Pleasure, Authenticity, And Safety Across The Female Lifespan, Via Strong
Theses and Dissertations
Traditional femininity is a construct that impacts women throughout their development and manifests through inauthenticity in relationships, self-objectification and inauthentic sexuality. Traditional femininity has been associated with greater depression, body shame, dissociation, and negative sexual outcomes. Traits of traditionally defined femininity can impede women’s ability to assert their sexual wants and needs and can increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes and negative psychological consequences, all of which impact relationship satisfaction and sexual well-being. To date, the majority of research in this area has focused on adolescent and college aged women. The current study addressed the gap in existing research …
Using Music-Based Interventions With Adolescents Coping With Family Conflict Or Parental Divorce: A Resource Manual, Lori Meono
Theses and Dissertations
Listening to music is an activity that provides a range of physical and psychological benefits (e.g., tension relief, decreased depression) for people across cultures and age groups. Adolescents, specifically, are among the most active consumers of music, and music appears to be a natural coping strategy for this age group. Research suggests that both music and the family context play important roles during the developmental phase of adolescence. Family transitions such as divorce have become increasingly common experiences for adolescents and may have long-lasting negative effects on an adolescent's emotional well-being. However, research regarding music-based interventions for use with adolescents …
Disclosure Of Personal Reactions That Occur During Therapy To Supervisors And Supervisory Alliance Among Marriage And Family Therapy Trainees And Interns, Anneka Busse
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate the likelihood of disclosure and comfort in disclosure of personal reactions occurring in the conduct of psychotherapy in the clinical supervision of marriage and family therapy trainees and interns/associates. This study replicated and expanded on Pakdaman, Shafranske and Falender's (2014) and Daniel's (2008) analog studies of the effects of supervisory alliance on self-reported comfort and likelihood of disclosure of personal reactions in therapy with psychology interns and trainees. This study also investigated the relationship between working alliance and experiences of isomorphism and parallel process. There were a total of 161 participants; 56 …
Autism Spectrum Disorder And Using Yoga As An Intervention: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Jessica Garcia
Autism Spectrum Disorder And Using Yoga As An Intervention: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Jessica Garcia
Theses and Dissertations
The present study is a critical analysis of literature regarding the utilization of yoga with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This dissertation will provide an overview and critically analyze the existing relevant literature on the utilization of yoga as an intervention for treating mental health conditions. Special attention will also be paid to the implementation of yoga in schools and classroom settings. Based on the existing literature, strengths as well as limitations will be discussed, and suggestions will be made for future research in this area. This dissertation will conclude with recommendations based on the existing literature, as well …
Development Of The Athlete: A Resource Manual For Clinicians Working With Elite Adolescent Male Athletes, Kenneth D. Hartline
Development Of The Athlete: A Resource Manual For Clinicians Working With Elite Adolescent Male Athletes, Kenneth D. Hartline
Theses and Dissertations
Over recent decades, adolescent athletic participation has grown in the United States. The rise in participation means that mental health clinicians who work with adolescents are likely increasingly coming in contact with young athletes facing issues directly related to sports. The issues facing adolescent athletes create additional challenges that should be addressed in treatment to improve overall psychological well-being and to promote healthy development. In order to best meet the general mental health needs of these clients, clinicians need to be aware of the unique stressors and issues they frequently face. A resource manual was created to guide clinicians working …
The Use Of Experiential Acceptance In Psychotherapy With Emerging Adults, Lauren Ford
The Use Of Experiential Acceptance In Psychotherapy With Emerging Adults, Lauren Ford
Theses and Dissertations
Emerging adulthood is recognized as a growing developmental stage that varies within and across cultures. Existing research generally characterizes this period as one of identity exploration, instability, self-reflection, and optimism. For many in this cohort, life events that were once organized into a stable sequence such as entering the workforce, marriage, and having children are increasingly a highly individualized and somewhat unstructured trajectory. This lack of structure provides opportunities and potential challenges to those transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. To this end, experiential acceptance may be an important target skill for intervention in guiding emerging adults through this tumultuous period. …