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A Systematic Review Of Bottom-Up And Top-Down Psychotherapy Methods For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Kristen Sievert
A Systematic Review Of Bottom-Up And Top-Down Psychotherapy Methods For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Kristen Sievert
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
While numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of either Top-Down or Bottom-Up modalities in reducing PTSD symptoms, there is a paucity of research focused on comparing differences in treatment effects of Bottom-Up and Top-Down therapies. Top-Down interventions are built on an individual’s ability to become conscious of their thoughts and their subsequent capacity to change those thoughts, while Bottom-Up interventions rely on an individual’s body sensations an/or movements to access and process trauma. We investigated this gap by conducting a systematic review of Top-down and Bottom-up treatments for PTSD. To be included in the review, studies needed to examine adults …
Effectiveness Of Couples-Based Exposure And Response Prevention (Erp) Therapy Vs. Individual Erp Treatment For Ocd Symptom Reduction And Overall Couple Satisfaction, Priscilla Nguyen, Shana O'Connor-Wolf
Effectiveness Of Couples-Based Exposure And Response Prevention (Erp) Therapy Vs. Individual Erp Treatment For Ocd Symptom Reduction And Overall Couple Satisfaction, Priscilla Nguyen, Shana O'Connor-Wolf
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating, chronic condition characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts followed by persistent behavioral urges and time-consuming rituals that attempt to neutralize anxiety and distress caused by those unwanted obsessive thoughts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This research study aims to explore the effectiveness of Couples-Based ERP in decreasing individual symptoms of OCD and evaluating the impact of treatment on relationship satisfaction. Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Dyadic-Adjustment Scale (DAS) to measure our constructs, we hypothesize that Couples-Based ERP will be effective in not only decreasing OCD symptoms, but also increasing overall relationship satisfaction.
Efficacy Of Solution Focused Therapy With At Risk Youth, Garret Patterson
Efficacy Of Solution Focused Therapy With At Risk Youth, Garret Patterson
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Dating back to the 1980’s, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapy approach that helps clients put problems in their life into context as measurable, manageable, and fixable. For many, this solution forward approach helps to improve symptoms and resolve stuck behavior patterns often stemming from childhood. This client driven, not knowing approach helps clients discover their own autonomy and understand that not only are their problems solvable, but that they themselves have the internal resources by which to solve them. However, there is still much interest as to who can benefit most from this form of therapy. However, …
Engagement In Religious Activity Compared To Peer Support: An Intervention For Suicidal Ideation Among High School Students., Meradythe Edson, Natalie Goobes, Danielle Thayer
Engagement In Religious Activity Compared To Peer Support: An Intervention For Suicidal Ideation Among High School Students., Meradythe Edson, Natalie Goobes, Danielle Thayer
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Suicidal ideation (SI) can lead to suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among adolescents ages 15-24 (CDC). This study compares active engagement in religious activities versus peer support as an effective resource in decreasing SI among high school students in the United States. The research explains how active engagement in religious activities will produce better results than peer support alone for decreasing SI in the targeted population. Semi-structured interviews of high school students and self-report questionnaires are utilized in this study. Our research hopes to support …
The Effectiveness Of Combining Play Therapy With Emotionally Focused Family Therapy For The Treatment Of Children, Ages 3-6., Britney Roark
The Effectiveness Of Combining Play Therapy With Emotionally Focused Family Therapy For The Treatment Of Children, Ages 3-6., Britney Roark
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Present literature on emotionally focused family therapy (EFFT) overlooks treatment involving young children (Willis et al., 2016). Because preschool-aged children learn and express emotion best through the medium of play (Schaefer & Drewes, 2011), I hypothesize that EFFT will prove most effective with children ages 3-6 when combined with play therapy techniques. Marriage and family therapy interns, trained in EFFT concepts, who treat children in this age group will complete a training course on combining play therapy with EFFT. A control group will not. Initial and final measures will determine the success of treatment over a 12-week period.
The Effectiveness Of Video Game Therapy In Helping Adolescent Clients To Build Connections With Their Families, Qichang Yang
The Effectiveness Of Video Game Therapy In Helping Adolescent Clients To Build Connections With Their Families, Qichang Yang
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study explores the role of video game therapy in enhancing family connections among adolescents. Using a mixed-methods approach, we use surveys and interviews to assess changes in family relationships for adolescents undergoing video game therapy. Preliminary findings indicate that video game therapy could be a great tool for improving familial bonds. This research adds to the understanding of non-traditional therapeutic interventions and their potential impact on family dynamics and adolescent mental health.
A Comparative Study Of Emdr And Prolonged Exposure For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Does Interoception Moderate Differences In Symptom Reduction?, Kristen Sievert
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to compare the efficacy and efficiency of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and prolonged exposure (PE) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Both interventions are standardized treatments for PTSD, however, each intervention’s mechanism of action are different, with EMDR being classified as a bottom-up psychotherapy model and PE being classified as a top-down psychotherapy model. A second aim of this study is to investigate whether differences in treatment response to EMDR compared to PE is moderated by interoception, a person’s ability to be aware of their internal states of their body. To …
Are Telehealth Interventions Efficacious In Reducing Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety?, Megan Hoback, Mario Gaspar De Alba
Are Telehealth Interventions Efficacious In Reducing Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety?, Megan Hoback, Mario Gaspar De Alba
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to explore the efficacy of therapeutic interventions via telehealth on reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. The focus will be on individuals living in the United States diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Subjects will participate in 12 individual telehealth sessions conducted across three months with a pre-test, immediate post-test, and 3-month follow up including completion of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7), and the Telehealth Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) to measure efficacy. We hypothesize therapeutic interventions via telehealth will be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Effectiveness Of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Efft) On Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (Nssi) Vs Dialectical Behavioral Therapy For Adolescence (Dbt-A), Aneta Merlino
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) in reducing the incidence of adolescent Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI). 80 adolescents who meet the NSSI criteria, age 13-19, will be randomized to participate in a total of 12 weekly, in-person EFFT sessions, or 16 weekly in-person Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescence (DBT-A) sessions. It is hypothesized EFFT will be more effective in long term reduction of NSSI frequency, measured post treatment, and at 12 month follow up, due to an increase in interpersonal protective factors as compared to DBT-A.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy And Couples From Collectivistic Cultures: Impact On Relationship Satisfaction, Jacob Cain, Stephen Lee
Emotionally-Focused Therapy And Couples From Collectivistic Cultures: Impact On Relationship Satisfaction, Jacob Cain, Stephen Lee
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to explore the efficacy of EFT in increasing marital satisfaction in couples of a non-Western, collectivist origin. Our treatment group, consisting of 30 couples of a non-Western, collectivist origin will participate in 14 sessions of EFT in which their marital satisfaction will be measured pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 6 and 12 month follow-ups. Utilizing a control group consisting of 30 couples of a Western, non-collectivist origin receiving the same treatment, we seek to explore how cultural factors such as a collectivist mindset and the de-emphasis of individual’s feelings and emotions might affect the efficacy of EFT in …
Impact Of Narrative Therapy On American Interracial Couples’ Marital Satisfaction., Emily Knutzen
Impact Of Narrative Therapy On American Interracial Couples’ Marital Satisfaction., Emily Knutzen
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
In the United States, the number of interracial couples has continued to rise since 1967 when miscegenation laws were overturned. Interracial couples face unique challenges related to racism, discrimination, and the complexity of blending cultures. The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of Narrative Therapy (NT) in increasing interracial couples’ reports of martial satisfaction. Twenty couples experiencing low marital satisfaction will be chosen using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. Pre-test, post-test, and two-month post-test follow up scores on the Index of Martial Satisfaction will be analyzed to assess for effectiveness of treatment.
Impacts Of Receiving An Autism Spectrum Diagnosis As An Adult On Relationship Satisfaction And Relationship-Specific Attachment, Erika Fisch, Molly Hammond, Katie Roberts
Impacts Of Receiving An Autism Spectrum Diagnosis As An Adult On Relationship Satisfaction And Relationship-Specific Attachment, Erika Fisch, Molly Hammond, Katie Roberts
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Our research will explore how receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis impacts adult relationship satisfaction and relationship-specific attachment. Previous research has demonstrated benefits of ASD diagnosis for individuals. We hope to expand this body of research by examining the effects of ASD diagnosis on couples. We will survey adult couples with one partner on a waitlist for an ASD evaluation using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire. After evaluation, we will ask adults diagnosed with ASD and their partners to take the survey twice more. We hypothesize that both relationship satisfaction and attachment will improve.
School Shootings And Preventative Strategies: An Examination Of Surviving, Learning, And Preparing For School Shootings' Impact On The Depression, Anxiety, And Behavioral Dysfunction Of Children And Adolescents., Julia Wakeham, Jamilah Andrews
School Shootings And Preventative Strategies: An Examination Of Surviving, Learning, And Preparing For School Shootings' Impact On The Depression, Anxiety, And Behavioral Dysfunction Of Children And Adolescents., Julia Wakeham, Jamilah Andrews
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Since the modern era began, humanity has seen a stark increase in mass shootings, where four or more people are killed. Furthermore, many of the shootings occur in vulnerable communities, like schools. With an increase in school shootings, schools have taken precautions to prepare children, using increased security, school police officers, lockdown drills, and restricting children’s clothing, which is intended to keep children safe, but reinforces the fear of shootings and associated stress responses. Our research would examine the impact of surviving and preparing for school shootings on the anxiety, depression, and general functioning of children, adolescents, and young adults.
Socioculturally Informed Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: Impacts On Biracial Couples, Angie Lai
Socioculturally Informed Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: Impacts On Biracial Couples, Angie Lai
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This quantitative study aims to explore the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) for biracial couples using a randomized controlled trial with a control group and an experimental group. Each group will consist of 15 biracial couples who will receive 20 sessions of EFCT. The experimental group’s treatment will also include the 5 Practice Guidelines of Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy (McDowell et al., 2018). Using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DSA), the Trust Scale, and the Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) questionnaire to measure efficacy, I hypothesize that couples who receive the socioculturally informed EFCT will show greater improvement.
Exploring The Therapeutic Alliance In Eft When Addressing Race And Cultural Differences., Ashley Kortman, Deyja Kauffman
Exploring The Therapeutic Alliance In Eft When Addressing Race And Cultural Differences., Ashley Kortman, Deyja Kauffman
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to explore the therapeutic alliance in EFT when addressing race and cultural difference between a non-white client and a white therapist. This quantitative study will survey 100 non-white clients receiving therapy from a white therapist. Subjects will participate in 10 sessions of therapy with a white therapist practicing EFT. Half of the clients will see a traditional EFT therapist, while the other half will see an EFT therapist who has gone through specialized training in cultural attunement. Using a modified Helping Alliance Questionnaire (Luborsky, et al. 1996), with additional questions concerning race and culture, we will measure …
Life Satisfaction In Family Caregivers Taking Care Of Someone With Dementia: A Comparison To Informal Caregivers And Non-Caregivers., Raelynn Johnston
Life Satisfaction In Family Caregivers Taking Care Of Someone With Dementia: A Comparison To Informal Caregivers And Non-Caregivers., Raelynn Johnston
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
There are an estimated 30 million individuals with dementia and that number is likely to doubles every twenty years. Individuals with dementia typically need additional support, which comes from caregivers. It is important to look at the life satisfaction of caregivers, both family and informal, compared to non-caregivers (Brodaty & Donkin, 2009). Caregivers experience higher rates of depression, stress, health complications, and lower rates of life satisfaction (Borg & Hallberg, 2006). This has clinical implications as it can demonstrate how therapists can provide resources and tools for caregivers to reduce depression, stress, and burden. This study aims to explore the …
Cultural Values And Sexual Satisfaction In Interracial Relationships, Alisha Le Beau, Sierra Phelps
Cultural Values And Sexual Satisfaction In Interracial Relationships, Alisha Le Beau, Sierra Phelps
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This research aims to investigate cultural values in interracial couples and its impact on sexual satisfaction. Participants will be recruited to volunteer from interracial couple support groups in Washington state. Based on self-report, we will gather demographic information about our participants’ gender, race, age, relationship status, identified cultures, and faith background. We predict that the greater the differences between cultural value sets and expectations within an interracial couple, the more communication and potential compromise will be needed in order to achieve sexual satisfaction. Therefore, we hypothesize that increased differences in cultural values will decrease sexual satisfaction within interracial couples.
Impact Of Racism On The Use Of Intrusive Interventions, Marissa Mackey
Impact Of Racism On The Use Of Intrusive Interventions, Marissa Mackey
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
The American law enforcement’s disproportionate maltreatment and violence against the BIPOC community has become a mainstream social issue. Since racism and discrimination have been interwoven into American society since the country’s origin it is negligent to think that differential and unfair treatment starts and ends with police. Using the data from this study we will examine the relationship between racial minority status and the rate of use of intensive interventions such as restraints and seclusion in inpatient mental health facilities. The results of this study can be used to inspire future research into how to create equity within inpatient organizations, …
Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy In School-Based Settings Effective In Reducing Self-Harm Tendency Behaviors In Adolescents?, Enas Albar, Violet Ohsiek
Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy In School-Based Settings Effective In Reducing Self-Harm Tendency Behaviors In Adolescents?, Enas Albar, Violet Ohsiek
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
About 16% of adolescents have engaged in deliberate self-harm (Muehlenkamp et al., 2012). These adolescents will experience a range of negative effects and can possibly engage in other high-risk behaviors (Westers & Plener, 2020). Solution-focused brief therapy is known to be cost-effective and applicable in school-based settings (Szlyk, 2018). Since teens are more likely to receive support in school settings, examining the effectiveness of SFBT is beneficial. Applying solution-focused brief therapy in a school-based setting will decrease self-harm tendency behaviors in adolescents. Our sample size will include both male and female participants ages 12-18 years old. Using data from collected …
Implications Of Cultural Awareness On Healthcare Access In Marginalized Communities, Allison Davis, Diana Melman
Implications Of Cultural Awareness On Healthcare Access In Marginalized Communities, Allison Davis, Diana Melman
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
While the Covid-19 pandemic has had global effects, community inequalities have led to a diversity of specific impacts. Covid-19 has specifically impacted marginalized communities at a higher rate, and a common theme has emerged highlighting a disparity in healthcare access, leading to these communities being left behind. As current literature is being released during the pandemic, data has uncovered some technical details of new challenges in healthcare access. In addition, individuals from marginalized communities may place a higher importance of cultural competency in their health care. This proposal aims to identify the ways in which access to telehealth has impacted …
Narrative Therapy Effectiveness In Adult Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Cancer Treatment, Gretchen Hoyum
Narrative Therapy Effectiveness In Adult Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Cancer Treatment, Gretchen Hoyum
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
It is very common for cancer patients to experience depression while undergoing treatment (Vega et al., 2014). Previous studies have tested the effectiveness of several types of therapeutic interventions for depression in cancer patients. However, few studies have focused on the use of narrative therapy specifically in this population. This study seeks to test the effectiveness of narrative therapy for cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment using the PHQ-9 and White's maps of narrative therapy (Kroenke et al. 2001; 2007).
Measuring Countertransference And Self-Care For Therapists During Covid-19 And Telehealth, Elliott Duea
Measuring Countertransference And Self-Care For Therapists During Covid-19 And Telehealth, Elliott Duea
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
The sudden onset of a global pandemic put therapists in a unique position; therapists that have always practiced in an office found themselves providing therapy from their homes. With this change, this study seeks to measure two things: the first goal of this study is to determine if therapists have encountered more instances of countertransference since practicing in their homes. And the second goal of the study is to determine if it has been more difficult to practice self-care since seeing clients at home over telehealth.
Integration Of Systemic Family Therapy And Attachment-Focused Approach With Adoptive Families: Impacts On Attachment In Child-Parent Interactions, Julianne Park
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Attachment deficits are prevalent among adoptive children especially after their first year in adoption (van den Dries, 2009). While treatment with the focus on the attachment needs of adopted children and adoptive parents’ attunement has been increasingly discussed, not much has been researched on the effectiveness of the family systems approach, including the exploration of the parents’ emotional experiences around adoption. In addition, more studies that strictly focus on treating adoptive children’s attachment issues after their first year of adoption are needed. By incorporating the Taking Care of Adoption (TCA) model, which is based on the integration of a family …
Effectiveness Of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Efft) In Adults Experiencing Anorexia Nervosa., Lea Fingerhut
Effectiveness Of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Efft) In Adults Experiencing Anorexia Nervosa., Lea Fingerhut
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most lethal and debilitating psychiatric disorders with a long recovery rate, underscoring the need for efficacious treatment. Although research has made significant advances in individual and systemic treatment options for AN, none have examined the use of family-based treatment options with adults experiencing AN. The following study aims to explore the efficacy of emotionally-focused family therapy (EFFT) in the treatment of AN.
Effectiveness Of Telehealth In Treating Eating Disorders, Kylee Hellstern, Julia Robison
Effectiveness Of Telehealth In Treating Eating Disorders, Kylee Hellstern, Julia Robison
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Eating disorders have been increasing in severity and frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals are experiencing lockdown, isolation, increased fear of exposure and contraction, and disruption in regular routine. Clients and clinicians are being encouraged to conduct therapy virtually and through a screen. While almost all treatment has been moved online, little to no research has been done on telehealth’s effectiveness on treatment of eating disorders. The purpose of this proposed study is to collect quantitative data on the effectiveness of telehealth as a means of treatment for eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects Of Trauma-Informed, Culturally Adaptive Efit Among U.S. Cambodian Refugees, Liane Whang
Effects Of Trauma-Informed, Culturally Adaptive Efit Among U.S. Cambodian Refugees, Liane Whang
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of culturally adaptive, trauma-informed Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) on Cambodian refugees with PTSD, depression, and/or somatic symptom disorder. Participants will be drawn from a geographical area with the largest concentration of Cambodian Americans in the Seattle, Washington area. Eligible participants are adults who have been diagnosed with PTSD, major depression, and/or somatoform disorders who have lived in Cambodia at some point during the Khmer Rouge regime before resettling in Seattle. Half of the participants will be offered trauma-focused EFIT while the other half will receive their usual psychiatric and …
How Effective Is Polyvagal Theory On The Long-Term Reduction Of Ptsd Symptoms In Adolescents?, Kristyna Richards
How Effective Is Polyvagal Theory On The Long-Term Reduction Of Ptsd Symptoms In Adolescents?, Kristyna Richards
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This longitudinal study is focused on using the Polyvagal theory and identifying its efficiency in reducing PTSD symptoms in adolescents between the ages of 13-18. Launching into early adulthood with a dysregulated nervous system presents challenges for the client both physiologically and psychologically. While talk-therapy is effective in helping a client psychologically process the trauma, it often does not address the clients physiological state of the stored trauma. Without intervention to the clients physiological system, symptoms of the PTSD can persist and increase risk for psychological and physical comorbidities as well as increase the likelihood of intergenerational trauma within relational …
They Used Expressive Writing With Their Therapist, Lindsay Mccue
They Used Expressive Writing With Their Therapist, Lindsay Mccue
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
This study aims to explore the effect that expressive writing could have as an intervention for improving self-compassion, anxiety, depression, and stress associated with relational distress in a therapeutic environment. Participants will be split into two groups, and both will attend therapy with a focus on a relational problem in their life. The control group will receive 8 talk therapy sessions, while the intervention group will receive 5 talk therapy sessions and 3 sessions focusing on an expressive writing assignment. Participants will be screened for recent traumatic events, will need to be over the age of 18, and will need …
Assessing Effectiveness Of Minecraft-Based Interventions To Improve Interpersonal Skills Of Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Linh Truong, Susan Dorn
Assessing Effectiveness Of Minecraft-Based Interventions To Improve Interpersonal Skills Of Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Linh Truong, Susan Dorn
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience bullying and social exclusion more than typically developing teens which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. These consequences are related to significant impairments in social reciprocity, a core feature of ASD. Face-to-face social skills training (SST) like the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) for Adolescents (PEERS) has been found to increase social skills for youth with ASD. Can these SSTs be brought online? Minecraft, a versatile online platform and a shared language among teenagers across the globe has been used therapeutically to increase social skills (i.e. social …
Equine Therapy’S Effect On Attachment For Former Foster Children, Joanna Frazier, Bryn Knapp
Equine Therapy’S Effect On Attachment For Former Foster Children, Joanna Frazier, Bryn Knapp
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference
Research has shown the importance of secure attachment, and the negative impact that insecure or disorganized attachment can have, especially for foster or adopted children. Attachment interventions have helped improve behavior problems and increase emotion regulation. Studies have shown that equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) can help participants increase emotion regulation and decrease behavior problems. In this study, 50 adolescent former foster children will participate in weekly psychotherapy or EAP for one year. The primary aim of this study is to measure the effectiveness of EAP against traditional psychotherapy within this population, measuring outcomes on emotion regulation, behavior problems, and attachment.