Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Variables Associated With Patient Activation In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Marie-Christine Rutter Goodworth, Lara Stepleman, Judith Hibbard, Lisa Johns, Dustin Wright, Mary D. Hughes, Mitzi J. Williams

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Identifying variables associated with patient activation in the multiple sclerosis population could serve to facilitate better multiple sclerosis self-management behaviors. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 199 participants were recruited from a multiple sclerosis center in the Southeastern United States. Depression, multiple sclerosis quality of life, and multiple Sclerosis self-efficacy were all significantly correlated with patient activation. Results of a hierarchical regression indicated that patient activation was significantly related to educational attainment, depression, and self-efficacy but not to quality of life. The results suggest several possible targets for intervention to increase patient activation, including health literacy, depression symptoms, and self-efficacy for …

Physician–Patient Communication About Sexual Functioning In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Lara M. Stepleman, Eliot J. Lopez, Lauren A. Stutts, William H. Hudson, Marie-Christine Goodworth, Rebecca Han

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Sexual dysfunction is quite common among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, severity of dysfunction alone does not account for the tremendous variation in sexual satisfaction across individuals living with MS. Individual characteristics, relationships with intimate partners, and environmental factors all likely contribute to the multidimensional experience of sexual satisfaction. Health care provider variables, including how one communicates with providers about sexual concerns, may also be influential. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that are associated with patients’ sex-related communications with their MS physicians and to overall patient sexual satisfaction. Individuals in an MS clinic (n = …

Perceptions Of Caregiver Distress, Health Behaviors, And Provider Health-Promoting Communication And Their Relationship To Stress Management In Ms Caregivers, Lauren Penwell-Waines, Marie-Christine Goodworth, Rhonda S. Casillas, Lara Stepleman

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This study applied the Stress/Health Model to examine a novel approach for promoting stress management among 67 caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis, who often face unique caregiving challenges. Hierarchical regressions indicated that caregiver distress (i.e., emotional burden) and engagement in other health-promoting activities (i.e., controlling alcohol use) were the best predictors of caregiver stress management. Communication with the MS care recipient’s health provider about caregiver engagement in health-promoting activities was associated with caregiver stress management, but not significantly more so than explained by the other factors (i.e., caregiver distress and engagement in health-promoting behaviors). A more controlled study would …

Ethics And Multicultural Contexts: Understandings And Applications, Winston Seegobin, Sally Canning, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This article focuses on the interaction of ethics with multicultural understandings of people and practice. We explore the place of biblical narratives, and their usefulness and application to understanding diversity and our work in multicultural contexts. Biblical stories suggest that diversity reflects an enduring aspect of God's kingdom, the continued presence of sin, and an arena for divine intervention and restoration. We also examine some of the ethical dilemmas that arise when applying ethical codes to clinical work with people from multicultural backgrounds. These include multiple relationships, informed consent, self-disclosure, and worldview perspectives. We use case examples to illustrate some …

Social Emotional Learning In A Guatemalan Preschool Sample: Does Socioeconomic Status Moderate The Effects Of A School-Based Prevention Program?, Leihua Edstrom, Heather A. Mildon, Lesliann Davila, Amanda B. Clinton

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a universal social skills program and compared social emotional knowledge on individual skills interviews with 100 Guatemalan preschool children from resource rich (N = 47) and resource poor (N = 53) backgrounds. Participant ages ranged from 3- to 6-years-old. SEL was evaluated prior and subsequent to receiving a school-based social emotional educational program. Results were analysed in terms of effectiveness of SEL by error type. Data show that preschool children from both poor and wealthy families made significant gains in social-emotional knowledge as a result of SEL instruction. In order to better understand …

Sexual Interdependence Theory (Sit)/Sexual Progression Approach (Spa), Rodger K. Bufford, Albert Pace, Brett Copeland

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Grace, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Encountering Grace, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Analyses Of Three Measures Of Grace: Can They Be Unified?, Rodger K. Bufford, Amanda M. Blackburn, Timothy A. Sisemore, Rodney L. Bassett

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Grace is an interesting and potentially significant domain within positive psychology, but remains largely neglected. The present study examined the relationships among three known grace scales to evaluate the potential for creating a stronger single measure. It also explored their relationships to several other religious/spiritual measures to examine whether the three scales are measuring the same construct, to explore the implications for our understanding of grace, and to provide insights for further study. The three measures had moderately strong correlations with each other (r= .55 to .66), had similar relationships to other measures of religion/spirituality, and had distinct relationships to …

Studying Wisdom: Toward A Christian Integrative Perspective, Paul Mclaughlin, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Wisdom is both a current topic of empirical investigation and a vital part of religious thought. What is the proper relationship between the science of wisdom and religious tradition? We suggest four possible approaches: remove the study of wisdom from its religious moorings, disregard the science of wisdom, look for commonalities in wisdom traditions, and look for particular contributions with religious faiths. Whereas the first two approaches introduce a number of problems for those committed to the integration of faith and psychology, the latter two approaches create a number of intriguing possibilities. Three potential areas of wisdom investigation are offered …

The Benefits Of A Grief And Loss Program With A Unique Technological Intervention, Carolyn Mcgurl, Winston Seegobin, Elizabeth Hamilton, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The grief process, difficult for anyone, is especially challenging for children and adolescents because they integrate loss differently from adults both in terms of cognition and emotion (Webb, 2011). Studies have found that bereaved children and adolescents are at high risk for depressive symptoms, anxiety, somatic complaints, and academic difficulties, compared with children and youth who are not grieving (Cohen & Mannarino, 2004; Dowdney, 2000). It is therefore important to provide effective intervention. While researchers have found age-appropriate and developmentally relevant strategies that help children and adolescents navigate the grief process (Rosner, Kruse, & Hagl, 2010; Sandler et al., 2010), …

Religious And Spiritual Diversity Training In Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs: Do Explicitly Christian Programs Differ From Other Programs?, Mark R. Mcminn, Michael J. Vogel, M Elizabeth Hall, Alexis D. Abernethy, Ryan Birch, Timofey Galuza, Jacqi Rodriguez, Kathryn Putman

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits several explicitly Christian doctoral programs in clinical psychology. To what extent do these programs offer training in religious and spiritual diversity that students may nor receive at orher APA-accredited programs? A total of 353 students from 5 explicitly Christian programs were surveyed using the same questionnaire used in a more general national sample of APA-accredited doctoral programs a year previously. Students in explicitly Christian programs reported receiving more training in religious and spiritual diversity and more training in advanced competencies regarding religious and spiritual issues in professional work d1an students in the general sample …

A Longitudinal Study Evaluating The Effects Of Interferon-Alpha Therapy On Cognitive And Psychiatric Function In Adults With Chronic Hepatitis C, Marilyn Huckans, Bret Fuller, Viva Wheaton, Sarah Jaehnert, Carilyn Ellis, Michael Kolessar, Daniel Kriz, Jeanne Renee Anderson, Kristin Berggren, Hannah Olavarria, Anna W. Sasaki, Michael Chang, Kenneth D. Flora, Jennifer M. Loftis

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Objective: To prospectively evaluate for changes in objective cognitive performance (attention, memory, and executive function) and psychiatric symptom severity (depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain) in patients before, during and after interferon-alpha based therapy (IFN) for chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV).

Methods: 33 HCV+ adults were evaluated two months before IFN initiation (baseline), three months into IFN, and six months following IFN termination (IFN+ Group). 31 HCV+ adults who did not undergo IFN therapy were evaluated at baseline and six months later (IFN− Group). At each evaluation, participants completed the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) Attention, Memory and Executive Functions Modules, …

Measuring Grace, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Notes From The Field: Delivering Trauma And Disaster Mental Health Services In Dangerous Places, Rodger K. Bufford, George F. Rhoades

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The second presentation will describe findings from a series of empirical studies conducted in zones of persistent and cumulative exposure to traumatic stress. The zones under examination include Sri Lanka, India, Sudan, Haiti, Japan, and the West Bank of the Jordan River. The findings are discussed in terms their implications for public health (both “physical” and “mental”), spiritual and emotional wellbeing, and the reciprocal influences of culture and traumatic experiences.

Cultural Competence And Trauma: Applying Ethical Codes In Culturally Sensitive Ways, Rodger K. Bufford, Winston Seegobin

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Worldview Foundations For A Christian Psychology, Rodger K. Bufford, Timothy A. Sisemore

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Grace, Rodger K. Bufford, Timoth Sisemore, Amanda Blackburn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Religious And Spiritual Diversity Training In Professional Psychology: A Case Study, Mark R. Mcminn, Rodger K. Bufford, Michael J. Vogel, Tyler A. Gerdin, Brian Lee Goetsch, Michelle M. Block, Jason K. Mitchell, Mary A. Peterson, Winston Seegobin, Carlos Taloyo, Nicholas R. Wiarda

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Teaching Christian Faith Integration In Psychological Assessment Courses, Wayne Adams, Mark R. Mcminn, Nancy S. Thurston

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Within the existing literature that emphasizes the integration of faith and psychology, topics related to psychological assessment are rare inclusions. Yet, it is commonly recognized that assessment measures provide useful clinical infonnation. This article highlights the domain of psychological assessment as fertile ground for integrating psychology with spirituality. Three graduate-level faculty members who each teach psychological assessment courses in a clinical training program describe specific ways they integrate Christian faith and psychological assessment in the classroom. Foci for future efforts that would bring the areas of faith and psychological assessment together arc described along with some of the benefits such …

Use Of Technology For Note Taking And Therapeutic Alliance, Nicholas R. Wiarda, Mark R. Mcminn, Mary A. Peterson, Joel A. Gregor

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Is psychotherapeutic alliance helped or harmed by using an iPad or computer during an intake session? Two studies are reported where psychotherapists use one of three different technologies in semistructured initial interviews: paper and pen, iPad, or a computer. The studies were conducted at a Primary Care Clinic and a Community Mental Health Clinic to provide a broader context to account for recent behavioral health integration into medical settings in addition to a traditional psychotherapy setting. The Primary Care Study consisted of 60 participants from a behavioral health service at a primary care clinic. The Community Mental Health Study involved …

The Parent-Child Relationship - Chapter 4 From "Christianity And Developmental Psychopathology: Foundations And Approaches", Winston Seegobin

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of Group Cohesion In Inpatient Treatment Of Combat-Related Ptsd, Carilyn C. Ellis, Mary A. Peterson, Rodger K. Bufford, Jon Benson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most widespread mental illness resulting from exposure to combat, necessitating an increase in the provision of group therapy. This pilot study examined the efficacy of, and treatment outcome predictors associated with, group inpatient treatment of combat-related PTSD. Participants included 38 active duty military personnel deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), diagnosed with PTSD, and consecutive admissions to an inpatient PTSD treatment facility. A paired samples t-test revealed significant change in symptom severity and global functioning between pre- and post-treatment. Multiple regression analyses supported the predictive utility of baseline symptomatology …

Reflections On Lothstein’S Review, Carilyn C. Ellis, Mary A. Peterson, Rodger Bufford, Jon Benson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Grace: Factor Analysis Of Three Grace Scales, Rodger K. Bufford, Timothy A. Sisemore, Amanda M. Blackburn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Measuring grace is challenging. Prior research found the Grace Scale (GS), Richmont Grace Scale (RGS), and The Amazing Grace Scale (TAGS) to be reliable, have promising convergent and divergent validity, and to inter-correlate strongly. However, they may tap different constructs, or grace may be multidimensional (Bufford, Blackburn, Sisemore, & Bassett, 2015). Here two exploratory factor analyses of the combined items showed five factors: experiencing God’s grace, costly grace, grace to self, grace from others, and grace to others, partially paralleling Watson, Chen and Sisemore (2011). Items from all three scales loaded on Factor 1, only items from the RGS loaded …

Act, Values, And Christian Psychology: A Response To Sisemore, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

“Amen, brother” is probably too brief a response for an academic journal, but it would be a fitting summary for my observations of Sisemore’s (2015) article, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Christian Translation.” Sisemore demonstrates both a good understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Christian wisdom. Rather than repeating all our points of agreement, I limit my observations to two anecdotes about ACT and Christianity, a few positive reflections regarding Sisemore’s article, and two suggestions for further translation work.

Healing Thyself: What Barriers Do Psychologists Face When Considering Personal Psychotherapy And How Can They Be Overcome?, Jennifer L. Bearse, Mark R. Mcminn, Winston Seegobin, Kurt Free

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Most mental health professionals seek personal psychotherapy at least once in their careers (Phillips, 2011), and at a much higher rate than the general population (Norcross & Guy, 2005). While one-fourth of the general adult population has received mental health services, three-fourths of mental health professionals have done so (Bike, Norcross, & Schatz, 2009; Norcross & Guy, 2005).

A wealth of studies have explored why psychologists have sought personal psychotherapy — often for the same reason that the rest of the world seeks therapy, such as coping with loss, dealing with depression or anxiety, or struggling with a personal crisis. …

Chapter Four Of Overcoming Adversities: Resilience In Rural Southeastern Montana, Kristie Knows-His-Gun, Rodger K. Bufford, Winston Seegobin

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The current study evaluated the amount of adverse childhood experiences the employees of St. Labre Indian School, St. Charles Mission School, and · Pretty Eagle Catholic School (collectively called St. Labre) experienced, along with their religious functioning, and current levels of resilience. We will examine childhood adversity, spiritual wellbeing, and resilience, in turn, and then will address overall conclusions.

Human Or Natural Trauma: What’S Worse?, Heather Merrell, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Stanford-Binet 5 Nonverbal Subtests Item Fairness In A Latina/O Sample: No News Is Good News, Rodger K. Bufford, Simone C. Harlow, Gale H. Roid

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Examines the effects of acculturation (as measured by years in the U.S.) on performance on the SB5 Nonverbal scales in three population samples.