Digital Commons Network^™

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

The Importance Of Timing In Repeated Traumatic Brain Injury, Willie L. Hardeman Iii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Repeated closed-head traumatic brain injury (rTBI) can result in serious consequences, such as the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and many others. This study characterizes the consequences of injury timing in a Drosophila melanogaster model of rTBI. Specifically, each fly was subjected to 4 strikes with a modified “high impact trauma” (HIT) device. The strikes were separated by either 5 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, or 36 hours. These inter-strike intervals theoretically provided an opportunity to study outcomes of repeated brain injury during times of unresolved rTBI mechanisms. Half of the flies were …

Factors Contributing To The Recognition Of A Potential Nonsexual Multiple Relationship, Nikki Patel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Clinical psychologists encounter situations for which no prescriptive professional standards exist, necessitating therapists’ judgment to determine an appropriate course of action. This study examines the first step of therapists’ decision-making process—recognition of the potential for a nonsexual multiple relationship. Based on the existing literature and previous empirical findings, our hypotheses are that (1) therapist sex (female), higher scores on the PAQ Expressivity (femininity) scale, higher scores on the VIA-IS-V3 Self-control scale, and participants’ ranking Nonmaleficence as the most important ethical principle would be significantly (positively) predictive of Recognition scores, (2) higher scores on the PAQ Instrumentality (masculinity) scale, higher scores …

Constructing Bicultural Identity And Shame Resilience In Chinese* Americans, Natalie Wei-Mun Hsieh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mental health and family therapy professionals must respond to the resurgence of race-based trauma experienced by Asian Americans during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (Cheah et al., 2020). Yet Asian Americans are the lowest helpseeking group for mental health needs (NAMI, n.d.), often due to shame (Masuda & Boone, 2011). Dominant theories of shame resilience (Brown, 2006; Van Vliet, 2008) assume Western norms of an autonomous self, missing important aspects of Asian American collectivist, bicultural, and minority understandings of self, and the salience of interpersonal shame (Wong & Tsai, 2007; Shih et al., 2019; Yeh & Hwang, 2000). Bicultural …

The Association Between Stigma And Violence Among Individuals With Schizophrenia, Christopher Law

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Individuals with schizophrenia (IWS) are often stigmatized and portrayed as dangerous. While the majority of IWS are not dangerous or violent, this image of the dangerous IWS is still pervasive across different cultures. Apart from the individuals who have exhibited antisocial traits prior to the onset of their psychosis, medication can significantly reduce the risk for aggressive and violent behaviors among IWS. However, as the literature reveals, medication noncompliance has become an significant issue among IWS. Studies show that stigmatization of schizophrenia has significantly contributed to individuals not …

A Review Of Malingering Measures In Psychology, Dylan Faire

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Malingering describes the act of feigning physical or psychological symptoms for external gain, which may include exaggerating symptoms on psychological testing. Thus, standardized measures are needed to detect malingering and invalid responses for accurate interpretation of test results. This review examines existing literature on the most well-known cognitive and psychiatric malingering measures. Optimal contexts, in terms of population and setting, for each measure are examined, and directions for future research and recommendations discussed.

Stage Two Outpatient Adolescent Recovery Program, Kaylin Miller

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Non-suicidal self-harm is a broad term used to describe the intentional injury to oneself. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment, originally developed for adults with Borderline Personality Disorder, that has been adapted for use with adolescents to treat self-harm and suicidal ideation (DBT-A). Stage one of DBT, which focuses on teaching skills to replace self-harm behaviors and reduce suicidal ideation, has been researched extensively. However, there is limited research on stage two of DBT, which focuses on treating the underlying psychological causes that lead to self-harm. Loma Linda University’s Behavioral Medicine Center offers intensive outpatient DBT stage one …

Correlates Of Problematic Gambling As Correlates Of Problematic Video Game Use, Hyo Jin Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Problematic video game use (PVGU), or addiction-like use of video games, affects a significant portion of the population and is associated with various negative physical and mental health problems. Given existing research regarding PVGU and gambling disorder, as well as the recent convergence of gambling and video gaming activities, studying correlates of gambling disorder in the context of PVGU may help identify novel correlates of PVGU that can be used to improve assessment and intervention. The aim of the current study was to examine correlates of gambling disorder, such as gaming fallacies and perceived locus of control, as potential predictors …

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Predictors Of Aggression Among Adolescent Girls, Sarah Joy Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Women and girls will often deny what they feel and think to maintain their relationships. Silencing the self can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of teenage girls. This stifling of the self is related to depression, earlier first intercourse, eating disorders, and less relationship satisfaction. Girls who silence their voices are also likely to have difficulty expressing themselves when they feel angry. In this study we explored the relationship between silencing the self and physical, verbal, and indirect aggression. Our sample consisted of 88 teenage girls from two high schools, with a mean age of 16. They …

Factors Related To Cognitive Reserve In Healthy Older Adults, Ann Tram Nguyen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Physical and cognitive impairments are two of the most prevalent age-related conditions, with evidence that both factors interact prior to or concurrently with the earliest detectable stages of cognitive impairment. Cognitive reserve (CR) allows an individual to cope more successfully with age-related brain and functional changes and is associated with better cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline. However, it remains unclear to date the specific roles of individual markers of CR, and whether or not this relationship is modified by genetic risk (ApoE-4 genotype) and/or physical function. Method. We assessed cognitive functioning (global cognition, psychomotor …

Burnout, Self-Efficacy, And Resilience In Haitian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Marie Therese Georges

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Though nursing burnout is a global problem, research on nurse burnout in Haiti is scarce. Haitian nurses operate in a resource-poor work environment in the context of multiple personal and social challenges. This study assessed burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and identified its influencing factors among a sample of Haitian nurses. A cross-sectional survey in French and Haitian Creole was conducted in five Haitian hospitals using forward and back translated scales measuring burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment), self-efficacy, nursing work environment, resilience, and demographic factors. Haitian nurses (N = 179) self-reported moderate emotional exhaustion (M = …

Food Insecurity On Llu Campus And The Awareness Of Resources Available, Laura Aldama, Holly Lai-Eschen, Hannah Nua

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) on college campuses in the United States was 41% in 2018. However, most studies focus on undergraduate students on public college campuses. Food insecurity has been shown to lead to poor sleep, higher BMI, worse academic outcomes, poor mental health, less physical activity, and the consumption of less fruits and vegetables than their food secure peers.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among students at LLU (a private and predominately graduate university) and their awareness of local food resources.

Methods …

Therapists’ Willingness To Access Client Social Media Accounts In The Context Of Suicide Risk, Jacob A. Vermeersch

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The past two decades has seen a proliferation of social media use, leading to a growing body of research on the potential utility for clinical contexts. In the current study, we examine willingness of psychologists to utilize client social media to inform suicide risk-assessment and risk-related treatment decisions, and the ethical principles they used to guide their considerations. Participants were asked of the likelihood they would engage in 1) a social media-informed risk assessment, where the therapist uses client social media to inform their initial determination of risk level, and 2) a digital welfare check, where the therapist accesses an …

What’S Faith Got To Do With It? Christian Sexual Scripts And The Transition To Marriage, Sandra Abidemi Banjoko

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this research project was to examine how messages from the sociocultural context of conservative Protestant women influence the sexual scripts that inform the beliefs and expression of sexuality in marriage and how they process, navigate, express, and manage their sexuality during the transition from singlehood to marriage. In this grounded theory study interviews were held with 16 married heterosexual conservative Protestant women, all in first marriages of five years or less. The results of this study highlight the gaps in the process of preparation during the women’s premarital experience, exposing the conflict caused by the moral incongruence …

Food Selection And Consumption During The Covid-19 Pandemic/Quarantine, Shawnyse Debaun, Pui Tan Lau

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created an unexpected outbreak that led to a pandemic and the fear of scarcity regarding food. Due to those who shopped in panic, grocery stores began to limit the number of specific items purchased per family. The COVID-19 is a novel disease that has changed society by wearing face-coverings when out in public, temporarily closing indoor dining at restaurants, and converting schools online. The over-purchase of toilet paper and water caused many grocery and department stores to exhaust their inventory. This situation may have instilled fear of scarcity and leave to the over-purchase …

Using Nominal Group Technique Among Resident Physicians To Identify Key Attributes Of A Burnout Prevention Program, Vicki Nelson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physician burnout is a work-related syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment. It is present in epidemic proportions and is estimated to occur in over 50% of practicing physicians and in up to 89% of resident physicians. While there have been numerous burnout studies and many prevention or intervention programs introduced, the rates of utilization in resident physicians remain low and the rate of burnout continues to increase. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to generate an understanding of burnout prevention attribute preferences within a resident physician population using Nominal Group Technique (NGT). …

Wisdom Program As A Treatment For Geriatric Psychopathology, Darrell Gene Rice

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

As the population of older adults continues to rise, the prevalence and incidence of psychopathology in this group will increase as well. The most common psychopathologies observed in older adults include depression, anxiety, and mild cognitive impairment. These conditions are often co-occurring; however, few interventions are designed to simultaneously address all three. We examined whether the LLU WISDOM adult partial outpatient program was effective in reducing depression and anxiety, as well as improving cognitive function in a sample of older adults. We hypothesized that compared to a control group receiving usual clinical care, participants in the WISDOM program will demonstrate …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The National Diabetes Education Program From The Perspective Of Registered Dietitians, Anne Atkinson, Baylee Wilhelmson

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Diabetes is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. While knowledge and awareness of T2DM remains high, the perception of risk is still quite low despite education programs such as the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP). Diabetes treatment centers incorporate this education program into their patient care to address exercise, diabetes management, emotional issues, and healthy eating and cooking.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the National Diabetes Education Program for T2DM populations from the perspective of registered dietitians in the United States.

Design: An anonymous online survey of 24 questions was designed to collect …

Investigating The Rationale Of Registered Dietitians In Selection Of Predictive Equations For Estimation Of Resting Metabolic Rate, Anastasija Avdeyeva,, Yi-Ying Lin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a critical component of appropriate nutrition plans for Registered Dietitians (RDs) in clinical and outpatient care. Many RMR equations can address some variances. The “clinical judgement” is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to decide the best RMR equation. With the discernment of the RD in mind, it was pertinent to delve into the thought-process behind why dietitians used specific energy formulas over other choices.

Objective: To determine which RMR formulas were chosen when calculating caloric needs for patients and assess any trends in rationale for RDs when selecting specific predictive …

The Effect Of Diet On The Variation Of Blood And Urine Heavy Metal Biomarkers Among National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) Subjects: A Secondary Data Analysis, Devineé Lingo, Alyssa Perri

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Heavy metals are non-essential elements that provide no biological benefit to the human body. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are toxic to humans even in trace amounts. Humans are exposed to various heavy metals through ingestion of contaminated food and water supplies. Heavy metals can accumulate in body organs and displace essential minerals leading to detrimental health effects such as neurological, endocrine, and immune dysfunction, that can result in long-term damage.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to examine the effect of diet on the variation of blood and urine lead, …

The Effectiveness Of A Preoperative Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Program On Postoperative Outcomes In Bariatric Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis, Jasmine Westerdahl, Samantha Peebles

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and largely preventable chronic disease. There are many interventional methods that can be used in treating obesity, such as diet and lifestyle interventions. Surgical intervention is also an effective treatment option that is utilized for those that are severely obese. Bariatric surgery helps to achieve weight loss, as well as reduce the risk and/or manage comorbidities. In the U.S., many insurance companies and certain bariatric centers require patients to lose weight prior to surgery. The explanation for preoperative weight loss stems from its potential correlation with reduction in surgical complications, improved adherence to stringent …

The Effectiveness Of A Four-Week Parent Nutrition Education Series In Creating Knowledge And Behavioral Changes, Glencill Taylor, Sally B. Millon

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Recent research has indicated that the diets of many US children are not meeting established dietary recommendations. Parent-based nutrition education has been identified as an option to influence children in adopting healthful dietary practices. This study sought to explore how an online school-supported nutrition program for parents and guardians can address this need.

Objective: To determine if a four-week school supported online parent nutrition education program created knowledge and/or potential behavioral change for participants.

Design: The study was originally designed as a qualitative research study intended to include up to 100 participants. As a result of …

The Influence Of Strength And Mobility On Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting, Christopher S. Patterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Weakness of the lumbar and hip extensors muscles as well as limited hip flexion mobility have been proposed to contribute to greater lumbar spine loading and greater lumbar flexion during functional tasks. The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among hip and lumbar spine extension strength, hip flexion mobility and lumbar spine biomechanics during a squat lifting task. Fifty healthy adults participated in the study. Strength of the lumbar extensors and hip extensors was measured using a motor driven dynamometer. Hip range of motion was assessed using a 3D motion capture system. Participants lifted boxes of …

Overcoming: Resilience In The Face Of Life's Adversity, Loma Linda University Health

Scope

Table of Contents

Features
6 | COVID-19 and our response
10 | Advocating for race equality
20 | 5 questions with Ihab Dorotta, MD
24 | Healing, advocating against acid attacks
28 | Superman's student support
30 | PossAbilities athlete makes U.S. Paralympic team
34 | Overcoming addiction

Departments
4 | From the President: Renewing our commitment
12 | News: Clinical and campus news
40 | Alumni: Serving in the U.S. and abroad
44 | Annual Report: The fiscal year's people and status

Religion And Risky Sex In A Sample Of Predominately Black Young Adult Men, Jade Seto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined religion and spirituality as protective factors against risky sexual behaviors among young adult Black and non-Black men while exploring the mediating mechanisms. Participants included 110 young adult men (58.2% Black; 41.8% non-Black). Results revealed that intrinsic religiosity predicted a moderate decrease in total sexual risk-taking, while sexual permissiveness predicted a moderate-large increase. Race/ethnicity was not a significant independent predictor. Furthermore, intrinsic religiosity significantly predicted decreased sexual risk-taking through the indirect effect of sexual permissive attitudes; suggesting religiosity served as a buffer against sexual risk behaviors. Implications are suggested for professionals in educational and clinical setting

Chronic Disease And Its Relationship With Elder Mistreatment, Ryan Wong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The relationship between chronic disease and elder mistreatment was investigated using a meta-analytic approach, where 48 studies were utilized for the random effects analysis of 178 effect size data. Twelve risk markers were combined into four categories: endocrine disease, heart disease, neurological disease, and other chronic diseases for comparative analysis of elder mistreatment. Neurological disease (OR = 1.51) was found to have a significantly stronger association with elder mistreatment when compared to the heart disease category (OR = 1.17) and the other chronic disease category (OR = 1.26). When specifically investigating emotional abuse, there was a significantly stronger association with …

The Relationship Between Cannabis Experience, Schizotypy, And Psychosis, Kimberly Alexandra Igirio

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A number of genetic and environmental vulnerabilities precipitate the clinical expression of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Schizotypy and cannabis use are identified risk factors for the development of these disorders (Vaucher et al., 2018; Debanné et al., 2015). Schizotypy is defined as a set of personality characteristics and experiences that fall along the schizophrenia spectrum (Debbané et al., 2015). Individuals with schizotypy exhibit traits that are similar to, but less severe than, those of psychosis including marked differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving (Esterberg, 2010). An increase in severity of symptoms also correlates to impairment in …

The Development Of A Therapeutic Alliance Focused Intervention, Amanda L. Mendez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The therapeutic working alliance is defined as the collaborative relationship between the therapist and the patient. This relationship largely determines whether the patient experiences therapy as helpful or unhelpful in reaching their agreed upon goals. The relationship between the therapeutic alliance and psychotherapy outcome has been well documented in the literature. The therapeutic alliance is considered a “main curative component” in the interpersonal process of therapy, and is the foundation necessary for successful therapy outcomes across various orientations of psychotherapy. Still, far less research has examined the relationship between specific therapist personality characteristics and the quality of the therapeutic alliance. …

Parental Involvement As A Mediator Of Ace Scores And Intelligence Among Children, Shirin Mostofi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment, domestic violence, household mental illness, household substance abuse and incarceration of parents. ACEs may have negative impacts on children, including brain development and health outcomes. Parents are pivotal figures in children’s lives that contribute significantly to their health, and cognitive development, and may be a critical protective factor, contributing to children’s resiliency and healthy growth. This study focused on the intellectual development of 5-11 year-old children whom may have been exposed to ACEs in their homes. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine parental involvement as a …