Digital Commons Network^™

Bonded Or Broken? An Expansion Of Goodman And Gotlib’S Depressive Symptom Transmission Model Extended To Foster Parents And Grandparent Caregivers, Acacia Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

Current literature establishes a relationship between maternal depression and offspring depression. Goodman and Gotlib’s “Developmental Model for Understanding Mechanisms of Transmission” suggests possible mechanisms including attachment. Prior research also demonstrates a link between fathers’ depression and pediatric psychopathology risk, but further research is needed to elucidate the effect of other non-parental caregivers. Children raised by both types of non-parental caregivers are vulnerable to attachment disruptions due to separation from their parental caregivers and the prevalence of children residing with these caregivers is on the rise in recent years. Using the Goodman and Gotlib framework, this study examined the relation between …

Nicu Experiences Of Adoptive Parents & Desired Preparation, Catherine J. Howe

MSU Graduate Theses

Parents who have newborns admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have multiple experiences and emotions. Additional social and emotional layers are experienced by adoptive couples when the infant they wish to adopt needs specialized care. This research study was completed to find out what adoptive parents experience in the NICU and what preparation would have been helpful. The method included semi-structured, open-ended interviews with seven couples who adopted a newborn at a Midwestern adoption agency within the past three years and had a NICU experience. The results described adoptive couples’ experiences on the unit, bonding and attachment, fears …

Characterization Of The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rsv) Attachment Protein Mucin Domains, Molly Kathleen Roe

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is currently a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). Despite contributing to a significant mortality rate in young children and immunocompromised populations, it still lacks a vaccine. Live-attenuated vaccines are the preferred vaccination model for RSV, but achieving attenuation, immunogenicity, and stability can be difficult. Previous studies have indicated that deletion of the RSV G protein attenuates viral replication, but the role of the protein’s mucin domains has not been fully explored. We generate two new RSV strains here with varying G protein deletions: A2-line19F-G155 with deletion of the G-protein mucin domains, and A2- …

Exploring Locus-Of-Hope: Relational Tendencies, Self-Esteem, Attachment, And Gender, Sereena Dargan, Kristi Baerg Macdonald, Julie Aitken Schermer

Management and Organizational Studies Publications

Background: As little research has been devoted to examining associations between the four locus-of-hope dimensions (internal, external—peer, external—family, and external—spiritual) and individual differences, the current study explores the correlations with individual-level individualist and collectivist relational tendencies, self-esteem, insecure attachment, and gender within a culturally diverse sample of university undergraduate students. Methods: questionnaires were completed by a culturally diverse sample of undergraduate students measuring locus-of-hope, individualist and collectivist relational tendencies, self-esteem, insecure attachment, and gender. Results: State and trait locus-of-hope were significantly correlated. Individualism showed positive correlations with internal and external—family locus-of-hope. Collectivism positively correlated with internal locus-of-hope and the three …

Generations Of Pain: A Transgenerational Examination Of Trauma, Parenting Styles, And Attachment Of Black Women, Latoya Hampton

Dissertations

Historically, Black women have experienced horrendous acts of violence throughout the centuries and generations. The transmission of transgenerational trauma has impacted this community’s mental health, physical well-being, educational performance, and interpersonal interactions. Prior research has focused on general trauma and its effect on Black women; however, this review sought to explore transgenerational trauma and the implications of attachment and parenting styles of Black women. Previous studies have examined the majority population’s attachment, trauma, and parenting styles consecutively, though not simultaneously. With limitations found in the research of diverse populations, it is imperative that clinicians are culturally competent to implement effective …

An Integration Of Attachment And The Investment Model: Joint Predictors Of Accommodation In Romantic And Friendship Dyads, Samuel Y. Chung

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present two-wave research examines two frameworks for predicting relationship maintenance: adult attachment theory and the investment model of commitment. Expanding upon past work, I test models that integrate the two theories such that relationship satisfaction, alternatives, and investment size mediate the relationship between avoidance and commitment, and attachment anxiety moderates the investment model factors’ relationships with accommodation in romantic relationships and friendships. In romantic relationships, increasing partner anxiety reduced the relationship between actor relationship satisfaction and commitment whereas in friendships, increasing actor anxiety increased the relationship between actor relationship satisfaction and commitment. Further, increasing actor anxiety increased the relationship …

In Search Of A Simplified, Objective Attachment Style Assessment: The Attachment Implicit Measure, Lisa Savage

All NMU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

IN SEARCH OF A SIMPLIFIED, OBJECTIVE ATTACHMENT STYLE ASSESSMENT: THE ATTACHMENT IMPLICIT MEASURE

By

Lisa M. Savage

Attachment is a lasting bond between two people (Bowlby, 1958). Bonding starts at birth and lasts through the lifetime (Bowlby, 1958). Emotional and social development is impacted by attachment (Bowlby, 1976). Measuring attachment is beneficial to clinical psychologists and psychological research. There are both implicit and explicit measures of attachment. Explicit measures are subject to social desirability and other bias and require a person's honesty and understanding of self. Current implicit measures are lengthy and expensive to administer and score. The development …

Attachment And Intimate Partner Violence In Predominantly Hispanic Young Adult Couples, Deanna Pollard

Theses and Dissertations

Some research suggests that conflicting insecure attachment needs between romantic partners exacerbate the association between insecure attachment dimensions and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in men and women. However, the current literature examining this association are not without their limitations (i.e., small sample sizes, collapsing both partners' reports together to create their IPV variables, predominantly White samples, and utilizing attachment instruments that do not assess attachment dimensions directly). The present study aimed to address some of the limitations in previous research by examining the association between partners' opposing insecure attachment dimensions and male and female-perpetrated physical IPV in a …

Attachment Quality Across Contexts: The Mediating Role Of Cognitive-Affective Traits, Christian Ammons

Dissertations

Attachment quality throughout the lifespan has been found to be impacted by a variety of factors including prior attachments with parents and other adults (Rholes, Simpson, & Friedman, 2006). The mechanisms that impact the transmission of attachment to parent-child attachment quality has not been fully explored. Individual differences such as traits involving appraisal of self and others and affective components have been found to be important in relationship functioning across contexts (Eisenberg, 2000). Thus, the current study evaluated the relationship between adult attachment quality and parent-child attachment quality and specifically examined the mediating effects of cognitive-affective traits (i.e. trait forgiveness, …

A Case Study Exploring Student-Teacher Relationships Two Years Later In The Aftermath Of A School Shooting In A Rural South-Central United States School, Lee Joseph Guidry Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single instrumental case study was to explore student-teacher relationships 2 years later in the aftermath of a school shooting at a rural south-central United States school. Children should feel safe within the walls of their school campuses. The central research question follows: How do teachers describe their experiences regarding student-teacher relationships two years later in the aftermath of a school shooting at a rural south-central United States school? The theory guiding the research was Bowlby's attachment theory. The study's focus was student-teacher relationships, and Bowlby's theory on attachment was pertinent to understanding the effects a school …

The Role Of Counseling Trainee Adversity, Attachment Style, And Trauma-Informed Principles In Clinical Supervision, Nicole Hurless

Dissertations

Current supervision literature suggests that supervisees with insecure attachment styles may perceive a poorer relationship with their supervisor and feel less satisfied with supervision. Studies across disciplines indicate a relationship between traumatic and/or adverse experiences and insecure attachment; however, this association has not been studied within the context of supervision. This dissertation explores a structural equation model assessing the associations between student’s adverse experiences, insecure attachment, and quality of the supervision relationship. It was hypothesized that greater prevalence of adverse experiences would negatively relate to supervision relationship quality, and this relationship would be mediated by insecure attachment. The results of …

The Experience Of Sex Guilt: The Roles Of Parenting, Adult Attachment, And Sociosexuality, Jana Michelle Hackathorn, Esther Malm

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Sociosexuality, comfort with sex outside the confines of a committed relationship, and parent–child dynamics have been associated with experiences of sex guilt. However, the mechanisms through which family dynamics are related to sociosexuality and sex guilt are still unclear. Using a developmental framework, in a cross-sectional study, we examined whether attachment styles and parent–child relationships would be associated with the development and maintenance of sociosexuality. We hypothesized that insecure attachment styles and sociosexuality would independently and positively mediate the relationship between parent–child relationship quality (accepting/rejecting) and sex guilt. Findings support past research and suggests that parental rejection predicts insecure attachments, …

Attachment, Emotion Dysregulation, And Physical Ipv In Predominantly Hispanic, Young Adult Couples, Deanna L. Pollard, Arturo L. Cantos

Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Insecure attachment has been found to be a risk factor for perpetrating physical intimate partner violence (IPV). However, this association is likely exacerbated by additional factors, such as conflicting insecure attachment in one’s partner and difficulties with overall emotion regulation and impulse control. The present study aimed to examine the associations between insecure attachment and physical IPV perpetration in male and female partners, as well as to examine whether these associations are exacerbated by involvement with a partner with opposing attachment needs and overall emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Additionally, this study examined whether partners’ emotion dysregulation interacted to predict IPV. …

Pet Parenting In The United States: Investigating An Evolutionary Puzzle, Shelly Volsche

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Fertility rates continue to decline globally amidst the second demographic transition, marked by urbanization, increased educational attainment, and most importantly, a new flexibility in life-course organization. As a result, some individuals are choosing to bring companion animals in the home rather than raising children. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore whether these transitions result in differential companion animal attachment and caregiving behavior in the homes of parents (or those who desire to become parents) and nonparents or childfree “pet parents.” Methods A total of 917 respondents completed an online survey via Qualtrics that included demographic questions, the …

Tears Evoke The Intention To Offer Social Support: A Systematic Investigation Of The Interpersonal Effects Of Emotional Crying Across 41 Countries, J. H. Zickfeld, N. Van De Ven, O. Pich, T. Schubert, J. B. Berkessel, J. J. Pizarro, B. Bhushan, N. J. Mateo, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Tearful crying is a ubiquitous and likely uniquely human phenomenon. Scholars have argued that emotional tears serve an attachment function: Tears are thought to act as a social glue by evoking social support intentions. Initial experimental studies supported this proposition across several methodologies, but these were conducted almost exclusively on participants from North America and Europe, resulting in limited generalizability. This project examined the tears-social support intentions effect and possible mediating and moderating variables in a fully pre-registered study across 7007 participants (24,886 ratings) and 41 countries spanning all populated continents. Participants were presented with four pictures out of 100 …

Parent-Infant Bond: The Connection Between Parents And Infants In The Nicu, Megan Casselberry, Anita Fagotti, Ava Gambucci, Emma Sardinskas, Carly Scheiner

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Define the challenges of parent-infant relations in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting
• Discuss the role of occupational therapy in fostering parent-infant bonding in the NICU
• Interpret evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to promote familial relations and social interactions amongst infants and parents

PICO Question
For infants in the NICU, what are evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that increase parent-infant bonding?

Space Suit Attachment Quick Release System, Elyse C. Gillis-Smith, Andres I. Elzaurdia, Cole H. Stanton, Michael T. Roth

Mechanical Engineering

NASA plans to make it back to the Moon by 2024 with their Artemis Program, and stay there for a longer period of time to conduct research which will support the future of space exploration. While on the lunar surface, astronauts need to maximize their efficiency by carrying tools on their Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU), and to accommodate this need, the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tools Team is pursuing a utility belt concept. The objective of this project is to develop a system capable of interfacing between the utility belt and any given tool, while also accommodating numerous restrictions and …

The Impact Of The Transgenerational Cycle Of Prison On Attachment Among Black Individuals, Meagan Scott

Dissertations

This empirical study assessed the impact of incarceration on an individual’s attachment style and explored protective factors that moderate these overall outcomes. The study sought to answer the following questions: (a) Are there differences related to the gender of Black participants and the gender of their incarcerated parent? and (b) Will affective expression and/or sense of community serve as protective factors and mediate the attachment style of Black individuals who have been incarcerated? The sample consisted of 98 adults (45 of whom indicated being a part of the transgenerational cycle of prison) ranging from 18 to 68 years old. Participants …

Benefits Of Creative Therapies With Adoption And Complex Trauma: A Literature Review, Rosellen Boucher

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the history of modern adoption and the effects on the adopted from a developmental, emotional, and behavioral standpoint. The review aims at addressing these specific needs through the use of art therapy. To become better acquainted with the concept, the history of modern adoption, as it pertains to the United States, is summarized with three subcategories as a focus points: domestic, international, and the foster care system. Building off of the history is a reflection on the past research surrounding adoption by considering adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, attachment, and identity formation as it relates. Legislation …

The Value Of Parental Involvement In Play Therapy With Children Exposed To Trauma: A Literature Review, Kellie Difederico

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores current research focusing on parent, caregiver or guardian involvement in therapy for children exposed to trauma. This research differentiates parent as a safe space, or systemic work with family dynamics, from parent as an important role within the healing process. Current methods inspired from the attachment approach to therapy including trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), filial therapy, child parent psychotherapy (CPP), parent child dyadic art therapy, child parent relationship therapy (CPRT), and child centered play therapy (CCPT) are explored, helping to gain a better understand of both clinical and parental perspectives of parental involvement in therapy. …

Art Therapy With Children And Adolescents Experiencing Obesity: Embracing An Object Relations Approach, Rohan Roberts Goldman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis looked at how art therapy can help identify problems in attachment between children and adolescents living with obese bodies and their parents. In this literature review, I examined the dynamics of child-parent/caretaker relationships and the way object relations and attachment play a significant role in the child’s mental health development. Incorporating art therapy into the treatment for this population has shown some signs of improving the dynamic between children and their caretaker. Through this research, I concluded that children need a consistent caregiver to be attuned to their needs. If they lack attuned and consistent care, the child …

Optimizing Treatment For Preterm Infants Through Music Therapy: A Critical Review Of Literature, Lauren Ciccarelli

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explores music therapy treatment for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The first section outlines developmental considerations and interventions for preterm infants which include minimizing stress, prioritizing sleep, developing feeding behaviors, and promoting strategies for self-regulation of the infant. Both standard care and music therapy interventions are included in this discussion. The second section includes considerations and interventions for attachment and social development. These include skin- to-skin contact between infant and caregiver, the importance of emotional closeness in the infant-caregiver relationship, and supporting parents as they interact with their child in the hospital environment. The …

Promoting Secure Attachment In Parent-Child Dyads: A Head Start Approach, Summer Annette Bradley

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

This grant proposal focuses on a partnership with SIUE Head Start centers in providing educational child-rearing resources, community building and parent-child dyad work to promote a more secure attachment in parent-child relationships. This proposed art therapy program will serve up to fourteen parent and child dyads within an academic year period at the estimated cost of $91,005. This program utilizes the existing Head Start staff members and enrolled families who have already expressed the need for attachment-based work.

SIUE Head Start currently serves 1,181 students who are 3-5 years of age under the curriculum and program outline of the National …

Device Development For Long-Term Systemic Oral Biologic Drug Delivery, Benjamin Wankum

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A biologic drug is a drug that is produced by a living organism. Biologic drugs are used to treat various medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or certain forms of cancers due to their high potency and high selectivity of action. Drawbacks of biologics include their poor stability in the gastrointestinal tract and their poor absorption. In effect, this gives the drugs very low bioavailability and short therapeutic half-lives. To combat these obstacles, current delivery methods include subcutaneous injections at home or intravenous or intramuscular injections in a medical facility.

The overall scientific goal of the research was to utilize …

An Investigation Of Developmental Precursors And Consequences Of Self-Sacrificing Behaviors In Young Adult Romantic Relationships, Emme Lis

Masters Theses, 2020-current

It has been well established that the early attachment relationship a child forms with their parent or caregiver is foundational in influencing subsequent relationships throughout life. Adolescence itself is also a critical developmental period for future relationship development. The current study therefore was interested in examining ways in which attachment orientations youth carry into adolescence combine with parental influences to shape teens’ future relational behaviors and attitudes in young adulthood. Specifically, the parental influences of promotion of autonomy and positive relatedness, as well as parental valuing of prosocial behaviors and self-directed behavior during adolescence were investigated in interaction with early …

A Closer Look At Relationship Structures: Relationship Satisfaction And Attachment Among People Who Practice Hierarchical And Non-Hierarchical Polyamory, Sharon M. Flicker, Flavia Sancier-Barbosa, Amy C. Moors, Lindsay Browne

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Although polyamorous relationships have received increasing attention from researchers over the past decade, little attention has been paid to differences in relationship configurations: some individuals arrange their relationships hierarchically, prioritizing a primary partner; other relationship structures are non-hierarchical with no relationships prioritized over others. Across two samples (N_Study1= 225; N_Study2= 360), we compared relationship satisfaction and attachment security between individuals in hierarchical and non-hierarchical configurations. Greater variability in attachment security was found between partners in hierarchical relationships than those in non-hierarchical relationships; no significant differences were found in variability in relationships satisfaction across these groups. …

Supporting Low Income Parents In The Early Years: Group And Dyadic Intervention Programs For Mothers And Babies, Eve Atkins

Child Development Theses

The study of infant mental health has developed significantly over the last three decades. Now there is greater knowledge that the early years of life are vital for social and emotional development across the lifespan (Brazelton, 1990; Zeanah et al, 2000). It has become widely accepted that the parent child bond is now understood to be highly predictive for healthy childhood development. So, as a result, it is critical to understand the development of Attachment Theory, and the ways in which it has guided our foundational knowledge of the importance of the early years, and the interactions between caregivers and …

The Relationship Between Parental Personality, Attachment, And Subjective Well-Being, Mia Nguyen

Psychology | Senior Theses

Parents play a critical role in helping children develop into happy and well-adjusted adults. Factors such as secure attachment, parental rearing behaviors, and parental personality all interact to create a developmental context that impacts a child’s experience. Attachment between parent and child, for instance, is the foundation of later relationships in life. However, a variety of other parent factors including parental rearing behaviors and parenting style can influence attachment (Roelofs et al., 2006). Parenting styles that are nurturing, authoritative, and emotionally involved have not only demonstrated more secure attachments in children but have also been reflective of parents who score …

Attachment Injury-Related Responses From The Offending Partner And Forgiveness In Romantic Relationships, Shruti Pillai

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Attachment injuries in romantic relationships carry the potential for several negative outcomes for the injured partner, the offending partner, and the relationship. Forgiveness can serve to repair the damage caused by such an injury. The concept of forgiveness, however, has predominantly only been studied as the responsibility of and of primary interest to the injured partner. There is a growing need for closer examination of what the offending partner can do to promote forgiveness. The Attachment Injury Resolution Model (AIRM) proposes eight distinct steps including actions for each partner that can lead a couple towards recovery. This study examined the …

Cultural And Psychosocial Moderators Of The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Alcohol And Marijuana Use Among Latinx College Students On The U.S./Mexico Border, Claudia J. Woloshchuk

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been historically associated with negative life outcomes among the general population. There has been no research, to the author's knowledge, on psychosocial and/or cultural moderators of the associations between ACEs and substance use among Latinx college students living on the U.S./Mexico border. This study assessed how specific constructs within the socioecological framework moderate the association between ACEs and alcohol and marijuana use. Participants (Females: N = 283, Mage = 20.86, SD = 3.71, Males: N = 111, Mage = 20.65, SD = 3.13) completed an online survey which included: demographics, the Center for Youth Wellness …