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The Impact Of Hope On The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Context And Career Exploration, Hunter Christian Vincente Montoya
The Impact Of Hope On The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Context And Career Exploration, Hunter Christian Vincente Montoya
Dissertations
Economic instability in the United States has significant mental health implications for populations who experience limited occupational autonomy. Literature has demonstrated that career exploration plays an important role in positive occupational outcomes, and research has begun to establish a relationship between hope and career exploration. Hope has been further associated with myriad positive outcomes in the fields of career development and counseling psychology. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between socioeconomic status, hope, and career exploration as guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory, and to ascertain whether hope may moderate between socioeconomic status and career exploration. …
College Sexual Assault, Career Adaptability, And Grit: A Moderation Analysis, Patricia Danielle Sparks
College Sexual Assault, Career Adaptability, And Grit: A Moderation Analysis, Patricia Danielle Sparks
Dissertations
Sexual assault rates are a rising concern, particularly on college campuses. The impacts of being a victim of sexual assault were well documented in the research and spread from academic decline to negative mental health outcomes to career path derailment. Career construction theory suggested a critical developmental time period for young adults where pieces of their environment, past experiences, and personal characteristics informed their career decisions. Career adaptability is a foundational piece of career construction theory that consists of psychosocial, internal resources developmentally related to how a person learns and advances in their career goals. Grit was identified in the …
Men’S Feminist Identity Development: The Process And Critical Influences, Tiana Alexandria Kioko Johnson
Men’S Feminist Identity Development: The Process And Critical Influences, Tiana Alexandria Kioko Johnson
Dissertations
Research has historically focused on feminist women, leaving a gap in the literature for exploring men’s feminist identity development. Given that feminist identity is a strong predictor for engaging in gender-justice activism, more research is needed on the experiences of feminist men and how they come to identify as feminists. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theory of men’s feminist identity development process, as no widely accepted model currently exists. Additionally, the study sought to investigate feminist men’s experiences of privilege as well as guilt in shame in their feminist identity development, as these factors …
The Intersection Of Queer And Atheist Identities: A Critical Inquiry, Jennifer Geiman
The Intersection Of Queer And Atheist Identities: A Critical Inquiry, Jennifer Geiman
Dissertations
The purposes of this study were to explore the lived experiences of queer atheists, to examine how they were impacted by various oppressive systems, and how to assess their needs might be better met by counseling psychologists and other mental health clinicians. The two research questions of focus were: Q1 What are the lived experiences of individuals who hold intersecting queer and atheist identities? Q2 How might individuals who hold intersecting queer and atheist identities be better served by counseling psychologists? While extant literature on the experiences of queer people and how to support them clinically has grown in the …
A Moustakas Phenomenological Analysis Of How Counseling Master’S Students Experience Instructor Use Of Humor In The Classroom, Claire Gabrielle Critchlow
A Moustakas Phenomenological Analysis Of How Counseling Master’S Students Experience Instructor Use Of Humor In The Classroom, Claire Gabrielle Critchlow
Dissertations
The following dissertation presented the findings from the first known Moustakas Phenomenological Analysis study exploring the experience of seven counselors-in-training (CITs) in the classroom with an instructor who utilized humor. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experience of counseling students who had participated in master’s classrooms in which the instructor used humor. Previous research has explored the use of humor within counseling, though no research has explored the experience of CITs in a classroom with an instructor who utilized humor. Moreover, no literature has explored the experience of CITs within their instructor-student relationship with an …
Exploring Clinical Supervisors’ Experiences With Indirect Exposure To Trauma, Maya Kirsten Schmidt
Exploring Clinical Supervisors’ Experiences With Indirect Exposure To Trauma, Maya Kirsten Schmidt
Dissertations
In the United States, community-based victim services agencies commonly offer therapy services to survivors of interpersonal violence (Globokar et al., 2019; James & Eyjolfson, 2020; Langton, 2011). For mental health counselors and therapists working in victim services agencies and/or with survivors of interpersonal violence, indirect trauma is a known risk (Baird & Jenkins, 2003; Dworkin et al., 2016; Globokar et al., 2019; Kulkarni et al., 2013; McCann & Pearlman, 1990; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995; Sommer & Cox, 2005). Consequently, clinical supervisors of clinicians working with survivors of interpersonal violence must be prepared and able to effectively support clinicians in managing …
Examining The Effect Of Gratitude On Intolerance Of Uncertainty And Loneliness, Adam John Paul Mackenzie
Examining The Effect Of Gratitude On Intolerance Of Uncertainty And Loneliness, Adam John Paul Mackenzie
Dissertations
Loneliness has been demonstrated to have significant negative effects on overall well-being in the general population. Previous literature has demonstrated a significant association between loneliness and various demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, relationship status, living arrangements and income. Because of the unique impact that the disease caused by the coronavirus, COVID–19, has had on a global scale in relation to physical distancing and increasing physical and psychological distress, the purpose of this study was to examine the role that gratitude played in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness among the general adult population of the …
Getting Them To The Chopper: An Empirical Study Of Man Therapy, A Public Health Campaign Designed To Encourage Men To Utilize Psychological Services, David Gretz
Dissertations
This study examined the effects that the Man Therapy website may have on men’s attitudes and intentions toward seeking professional psychological services, factors that play a role in deciding if they will eventually engage in the behavior of seeking of professional psychological services according to the theory of planned behavior. A large number of men die by suicide every year, and many men struggle with mental health concerns. Various components of masculinities can serve as barriers that dissuade men from seeking treatment for these concerns. Man Therapy is a novel approach that attempts to better engage men with professional psychological …
Lived Experience Of Reintegration Among Involuntarily Separated Operation Enduring Freedom (Oef) And Operation Iraqi Freedom (Oif) Era Veterans, Austin Deshon Hamilton
Lived Experience Of Reintegration Among Involuntarily Separated Operation Enduring Freedom (Oef) And Operation Iraqi Freedom (Oif) Era Veterans, Austin Deshon Hamilton
Dissertations
The present study is the first known attempt to explore what reintegration is like for those who separated from the military against their will. The primary purposes of this study were to (a) assist counseling psychologists, other mental health care providers and administrators who work with involuntarily separated veterans in better understanding the unique difficulties and psychological stressors associated with leaving the military community against one’s will; and (b) highlight potential barriers to accessing mental healthcare among involuntarily separated veterans. Finally, the secondary objective was to identify whether interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner 2005)-related constructs were present among this sample …
Disability Identity: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Stigma, Quality Of Life, And Psychological Distress, Tyler Ray Anderson
Disability Identity: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Stigma, Quality Of Life, And Psychological Distress, Tyler Ray Anderson
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate disability identity and the role that it may play in moderating the effect of disability-related stigma on both quality of life and psychological distress among persons with disabilities (PWDs). With respect to this purpose, it was hypothesized that disability identity would significantly moderate both the relationship between disability-related stigma and quality of life and the relationship between disability-related stigma and psychological distress. Further, this study aimed to investigate various aspects specific to one's life experience that may impact the presence or absence of disability identity. To this regard, it was hypothesized that …
The Experiences Of Mental Health Service Providers Adapting Counseling Treatments For Refugee Clients, Gurusewak Singh Khalsa
The Experiences Of Mental Health Service Providers Adapting Counseling Treatments For Refugee Clients, Gurusewak Singh Khalsa
Dissertations
This study examined the perceptions of mental health professionals through their experiences of adapting counseling treatments to meet the cultural needs of their refugee clients. For this interpretative phenomenological study, 11 licensed clinicians participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews that utilized multicultural counseling and vicarious trauma theories. Results were presented in superordinate and subordinate themes. This study added to the literature and exploration of the unique experiences of mental health providers culturally adapting their counseling approaches in order to provide more effective services to refugee communities. Participants discussed the influences of their cultural backgrounds, the challenges, supports, and areas of growth …
Anxiety, Depression, And Perceived Barriers To Adherence Among Parents Of Pediatric Transplant Patients, Alice Marie Wille
Anxiety, Depression, And Perceived Barriers To Adherence Among Parents Of Pediatric Transplant Patients, Alice Marie Wille
Dissertations
Before being listed for an organ transplant, pediatric patients and families undergo a psychosocial pre-transplant evaluation to determine familial strengths and risk factors that may impact the success of transplant. Adherence is considered to be one of the primary factors in the survival of the transplanted organ and existing research has suggested a link between parental functioning and post-transplant adherence. To better understand the relationship between parental mental health and perceived barriers to adherence, this study examined whether parental symptoms of anxiety and depression significantly predicted parent and patient perceived barriers to adherence in the pre-transplant phase (n=65 parents and …
Interpersonal Trauma, Adult Attachment, And Self-Compassion: A Relational Model Of Shame, Abigail J. Kimm
Interpersonal Trauma, Adult Attachment, And Self-Compassion: A Relational Model Of Shame, Abigail J. Kimm
Dissertations
The purpose of the present study was to examine the interrelationships among cumulative interpersonal trauma (IPT), the dimensions of adult attachment anxiety and avoidance, self-compassion, and shame based on an integrative theoretical framework in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 310). The results of this structural equation modeling analysis with bootstrapping supported the primary model which showed that higher degrees of exposure to IPT in childhood, adolescence, and the first two years of emerging adulthood directly related to increased levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance as well as decreased levels of self-compassion. The findings further demonstrated that higher levels …
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of How Transgender And Gender Expansive Youth Experience Their Gender Identities, Michelle N. Saltis
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of How Transgender And Gender Expansive Youth Experience Their Gender Identities, Michelle N. Saltis
Dissertations
This dissertation presents findings from the first known Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study of how nine transgender and/or gender expansive youth, aged 13-17, experienced their gender identities and additional intersecting identities. The purpose of this study was to share how transgender and/or gender expansive youth experienced their gender identities, additional intersecting identities, and how they made meaning of these experiences within the contexts of current social, cultural, political, and historical factors. Additionally, this study sought to share the participants’ stories within their own words. The primary research question for this study was: how do transgender and gender expansive youth (TGEY) experience …
Military Life Narratives And Identity Development Among Black Post-9/11 Veterans, Deon Marcell Hall
Military Life Narratives And Identity Development Among Black Post-9/11 Veterans, Deon Marcell Hall
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenological experience of veteran identity development in post-9/11 veterans who identify within the Black diaspora. Given that current research suggests that behavioral health providers lack the sufficient training necessary to meet the unique clinical needs of post-9/11 veterans, this study aimed to examine military culture and experience in the context of intersecting cultural identities so as to more effectively frame the services offered by counseling psychologists working with Black military veterans and service members. More specifically, this study strengthens the existing empirical framework for addressing the behavioral health needs of post-9/11 …
The Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Perceived Social Support, And Depression In Chinese College Students With Different Life Experiences, Yuge Guo
Dissertations
Guo, Yuge. The Relationship between Adult Attachment, Perceived Social Support and Depression in Chinese College Students with Different Life Experiences. Published Dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, August 2020. The population of left-behind children in China face great challenges in daily life and serious concern has been raised over their physical and psychological health. The current study examines whether childhood left-behind experiences have a long-term impact on the mental health of college students in comparison to their peers without such experiences. The current study explored if there were difference in the level of insecure attachment to a parent figure, perceived social …
Drunkorexia And Gender Role Conformity, Sarah Zwetzig
Drunkorexia And Gender Role Conformity, Sarah Zwetzig
Dissertations
Zwetzig, Sarah. Drunkorexia and Gender Role Conformity. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. Drunkorexia, a behavior involving binge drinking and compensatory eating or dieting behaviors, has been found in approximately 15-39% of college-aged individuals (Burke, Cremeens, & Vail-Smith, 2010; Giles, Champion, Sutfin, McCoy, & Wagoner, 2009; Roosen & Mills, 2015). Its prevalence, along with increased risk of negative consequences, make drunkorexia a particularly risky behavior (Giles et al., 2009). The current study examined the relationship and predictive power of gender role conformity, both feminine (as measured by the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory-45 [Parent & Moradi, …
The Experience Of Affectional And Gender Minority Students At Cacrep Accredited Counseling Programs Housed Within Conservative Christian Institutions: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Matthew S. Tis
Dissertations
Tis, Matthew S. The Experience of Affectional and Gender Minority Students at CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs Housed within Conservative Christian Institutions: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis was to explore the lived experiences of affectional and gender minority students who currently attend or previously attended CACREP accredited counseling programs housed within Conservative Christian Institutions (CCIs), and the sense they make of those experiences. Eight themes emerged from individual interviews conducted with five participants, with most themes existing across all participant accounts. Participants described discriminatory environments …
From Invisibility To Belonging: Supports And Challenges Of First-Generation College Students Who Identify As Racial Or Ethnic Minorities, Megan Nichols Martinez
From Invisibility To Belonging: Supports And Challenges Of First-Generation College Students Who Identify As Racial Or Ethnic Minorities, Megan Nichols Martinez
Dissertations
Martinez, Megan N. From Invisibility to Belonging: Supports and Challenges of First- Generation College Students who Identify as Racial and Ethnic Minorities. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. The experience of navigating through college is fraught with challenges, and within six years only 20 percent of first-generation college students graduate with their bachelor’s degree (RTI International, 2019b). Additionally, these students experience notable academic difficulties during college when compared to peers, including lower GPA (Chen & Carroll, 2005; D’Amico & Dika, 2013; Lohfink & Paulsen, 2005), decreased academic engagement (Soria & Stebleton, 2012b), and greater likelihood of …
Perceptions Of Challenges And Resiliences Of Of Post 9/11 Combat Veterans’ Wives, Kaitlin N. Ohde
Perceptions Of Challenges And Resiliences Of Of Post 9/11 Combat Veterans’ Wives, Kaitlin N. Ohde
Dissertations
Ohde, Kaitlin N. (2020). Perceptions of Challenges and Resiliencies of Post 9/11 Combat Veterans’ Wives. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. This study examined the perceptions of challenges and resiliencies of post 9/11 combat veterans’ spouses. For this phenomenological study, 12 female, heterosexual, Caucasian, post 9/11 combat veterans’ wives participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews that utilized family systems and secondary traumatic stress theories. Results were presented in themes and subthemes. This study added to the literature and exploration of the unique challenges experienced by post 9/11 veterans’ wives and how they cultivated resiliency in their marriages. …
The Wounded Healer: A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Counselors-In-Training With Complex Trauma Histories, Jessica Leigh Manson
The Wounded Healer: A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Counselors-In-Training With Complex Trauma Histories, Jessica Leigh Manson
Dissertations
Thirty percent of the general population report one or more traumatic experiences (National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, 2019), and samples of mental health professionals report rates of traumatic experience as high as eighty percent (Pearlman & Mac Ian, 1995). Research on the neurobiological effects of trauma highlights the possibility of a trauma history uniquely impacting counselors-in-training (CITs) in their professional development and counseling work. This study focused on understanding the experiences of counselors-in-training (CITs) with complex trauma histories. Complex trauma is defined as a form of trauma that is chronic in nature and/or timing- specifically, an event perceived as …
A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences And Perceptions Of Counselor Education Students Who Have Completed An Intensive Social Justice Retreat, Aaron James Henderson
A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences And Perceptions Of Counselor Education Students Who Have Completed An Intensive Social Justice Retreat, Aaron James Henderson
Dissertations
The intention of this phenomenology research study was to better understand the experiences and perceptions of counseling students who attend a weekend intensive social justice retreat. This examination may shed light on whether an intensive social justice experience is a valuable and worthy training modality to compliment the traditional classroom learning environment often found in counselor preparation programs. The data from two semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and research participant journals were utilized from 10 counseling students from CACREP accredited counseling programs in a mid-Western mountain state. Seven themes emerged from the data including: Increased Awareness, Desired for Prolonged Training, …
A Phenomenological Exploration Of Moral Injury Among Female Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, Tricia Mercaldi Steeves
A Phenomenological Exploration Of Moral Injury Among Female Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, Tricia Mercaldi Steeves
Dissertations
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was to investigate the construct of moral injury among a female Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veteran sample. Moral injury has been defined as the “lasting psychological, biological, spiritual, behavioral, and social impact of perpetrating, failing to prevent, or bearing witness to acts that transgress deeply-held moral beliefs and expectations” (Litz et al., 2009, p. 697). Moral injury also includes experiences of feeling betrayed by others (e.g., leaders and/or peers) while serving in high-stakes situations such as theater (Drescher et al., 2011; Litz, Leslie, Gray, & Nash, 2015; Shay, 1994). A …
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents And Young Adults Of Color: How Racial Identity Impacts Self-Harm Use, Chloe Ayesha-Marie Hinton
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents And Young Adults Of Color: How Racial Identity Impacts Self-Harm Use, Chloe Ayesha-Marie Hinton
Dissertations
This dissertation study was written and conducted to explore the connections between racial identity and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) that people of color experienced during adolescence. This was explored through the use of a phenomenological, qualitative methodology. The researcher accessed individuals of color through online websites, forums, and blogs, and additionally through contacting diversity related cultural centers on university campuses. Individuals completed a prescreening questionnaire, and were then contacted to take part in semi-structured, individual interviews. Eight individuals described at length their experiences with their racial identity development and their experiences with NSSI. The following six themes regarding their experiences with …
Afterlife Beliefs, Attachment, And Continuing Bonds In Predicting Complicated Grief, Kiersten Michele Eberle Medina
Afterlife Beliefs, Attachment, And Continuing Bonds In Predicting Complicated Grief, Kiersten Michele Eberle Medina
Dissertations
This study examined the possible moderating effect afterlife beliefs and attachment have on the impact of continuing bonds on complicated grief. Although research has examined the relationship between attachment and complicated grief, and between afterlife beliefs and complicated grief, little is known about how these constructs interact with continuing bonds to affect complicated grief symptomatology. Research questions asked: (a) Does complicated grief symptomology (CGS) severity differ between individuals who hold afterlife beliefs versus those who do not? (b) Does the presence of internalized continuing bonds (ICB) expressions differ between individuals who hold afterlife beliefs versus those who do not? (c) …
Latinos’ Intention To Seek Mental Health Services: A Cultural Adaptation Of The Theory Of Reasoned Action, Jesse Andrew Valdez
Latinos’ Intention To Seek Mental Health Services: A Cultural Adaptation Of The Theory Of Reasoned Action, Jesse Andrew Valdez
Dissertations
Latinos are at unique risk for experiencing untreated mental illness. These men face structural, cultural and gender specific barriers that may inhibit their use of counseling services. The current study provided greater insight into the factors that positively influence Latinos intention to seek these services. Building upon previous research, the current bi-lingual study recruited participants from Northern Colorado. Using an empirically supported model for explaining human behavior, the influence of traditional machismo, caballerismo, and attitudes as they relate to Latinos intention to seek counseling services were examined. In addition, the current study included measures of psychological distress, acculturation and enculturation, …
Sexual Minority Identity And Religious Styles: How Sexual Identity Development And Religious Schemata Explain Experiences Of Religious And Spiritual Struggles And Life Satisfaction, Jeffrey Allen Paul
Sexual Minority Identity And Religious Styles: How Sexual Identity Development And Religious Schemata Explain Experiences Of Religious And Spiritual Struggles And Life Satisfaction, Jeffrey Allen Paul
Dissertations
A growing body of research indicates both potentially positive and negative experiences for sexual minorities with religious/spiritual (R/S) experiences. The current study sought to answer calls for larger samples and quantitative research methods at this intersection of identities by investigating the relationships between sexual minority identity development, religious schemata, R/S struggles, and life satisfaction among a sample of sexual minority adults with R/S experiences (N = 655). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine the variance explained by sexual identity development factors and religious schemata above and beyond the variance explained by demographic differences when explaining the outcome variables of …
Supervision Of Sex Counseling In Counselor Education: A Phenomenological Study From A Sex Positive And Multiculturally Sensitive Perspective, Reka K. Farago
Supervision Of Sex Counseling In Counselor Education: A Phenomenological Study From A Sex Positive And Multiculturally Sensitive Perspective, Reka K. Farago
Dissertations
While existing literature indicates the importance of supervision in counselor training (Bernard & Goodyear; 2003; Harris & Hayes, 2008; Lofrisco, 2013) and counseling efficacy with sexual topics (Bidell, 2005; Harris & Hayes, 2008), counselor educators’ role with supervising client sexual issues is unknown. Currently, 50% of American Counseling Association (ACA) members report uncertainty in how to address sexual concerns with clients (Blount, Booth, Webb, & Liles, 2017). As supervision is paramount in counselor training (Bernard & Goodyear, 2003) and Counselors in Training (CITs) increasingly inquire about working with sexual topics, a study in supervisor experiences with sexual topics is timely. …
The Relationship Between Emotional Competence And The Supervisory Working Alliance: A Study Of Doctoral Counselor Education Supervisors And Master’S-Level Counselors-In-Training, Elizabeth Gilchrist Tolliver
The Relationship Between Emotional Competence And The Supervisory Working Alliance: A Study Of Doctoral Counselor Education Supervisors And Master’S-Level Counselors-In-Training, Elizabeth Gilchrist Tolliver
Dissertations
Emotional competence (EC) is an individual’s ability to skillfully embark into emotionally-laden interactions (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2008). Counselors rely on EC to build a therapeutic alliance with clients, while supervisors rely on EC to build a supervisory working alliance (SWA) with counselors-in-training. A strong SWA impacts counselor development (Ellis, 2001). Previous research suggests that SWA may be impacted by multicultural competency, supervision style, gender, and age (Bhat & Davis, 2007; Crockett & Hays, 2015; Doughty & Leddick, 2007). EC and SWA have been studied independently, but not in the context of the master’s level counselors-in-training (CITs) and doctoral education …
Development And Validation Of A Measure Of Social Alienation For Student Veterans, Nicole Marie Justice
Development And Validation Of A Measure Of Social Alienation For Student Veterans, Nicole Marie Justice
Dissertations
The number of veterans who return to college and university campuses following separation from the military is the highest since World War II and those numbers are expected to continue to rise (McBain, Kim, Cook, & Snead, 2012). Important to note is student veterans are a distinct sub-population of students on college and university campuses who have unique experiences and challenges--both as a result of their military experience as well as challenges that accompany transitioning from military to institutions of higher education. Given that unique challenges for this population often have a profound impact on social or interpersonal domains for …