Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Factors Associated With A Longer Length Of Stay And Minimal Improvement In An Inpatient Headache Unit, Kristen Wenrich

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of the present study is to identify psychological factors that predict a longer length of stay (LOS) and minimal improvement in a headache inpatient unit. Research shows that some psychological factors associated with headache disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and maladaptive coping skills, can complicate the disorder. The present study theorized that psychological factors that complicate the headache disorder would predict a longer LOS and minimal improvement. The present study used a quasiexperimental, prospective, cross-sectional survey research design, with multiple regression analyses. There was a total of 51 completed protocols. Of those completed protocols, 78% of participants were …

Social Problem Solving And Factors That Contribute To The Consideration Of Hastened Death Among Als Patients, Kristen Labin Bekelja

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine social problem-solving characteristics and other factors that contribute to the desire to hasten death among ALS patients. Participants completed six measures including: the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, two item Hopelessness Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being Scale, ALS Specific Quality of Life Instrument-Revised, Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, and the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death. Data gathered was analyzed, using hierarchical multiple regressions, and a Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that the factors of hopelessness, global quality of life, bulbar function, and negative emotion significantly predicted the desire to hasten …

Is Methylphenidate Transdermal System (Daytrana®) Safe And Effective For Managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms In Children?, Pamela Cassidy

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not methylphenidate transdermal system (Daytrana®) is safe and effective for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three English language studies published from 2006-2010. Includes two randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and one randomized, controlled crossover study.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children were located using the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary measures of effectiveness used were the …

A Pilot Study Examining The Effect Of An Intensive Skills-Based Training In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Impact On Graduate Students' Competence, Lauren Lane-Herman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Given the movement toward and increasing need for training in evidence-based practice, this study aims to examine the competence of graduate-level students in cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) after an intensive, skills-based training in CBT. The participants, who were psychologygraduate students, were randomized into two groups. Both groups received the same intensive training in CBT. The groups differed in that the control group underwent a videotaped intake session prior to the training and the training group underwent a videotaped intake session after the training. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences between these groups in terms of competence and skills in …

An Examination Of The Comorbidity Between Externalizing Disorders And Reading Disabilities In School-Age Boys, Victoria Loughman Fortuna

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Our current education system uses a global method that does very little to address the concurrent cognitive, academic and social-emotional needs of the special education student. By using a single analysis, we fail to address specific deficits, including comorbidity of cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional deficits. Generalized assessments do little to address the source of the student’s problems. If these comorbid learning and social-emotional problems are addressed early on, this might reduce the incidence of antisocial and/or delinquent behaviors and lead to greater academic success. In an attempt to further investigate the relationships between academic, (i.e., reading) and emotional/behavioral systems, the …

Effects Of Early Intervention Services On Adaptive Functioning, Osslyn Sam

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In 1986, Congress enacted Public Law 99-457, Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law, currently referred to as Part C, was established in response to the growing number of children born with developmental delays. Infants born prematurely, addicted to drugs, or with conditions such as Down Syndrome face challenging lives. Part C allows for eligible infants, ages birth to three years to receive free early intervention services to address their individual delays. Previous studies have shown that children who have participated in early intervention programs have benefited in various areas of their overall development. The …

Programming Serving The Needs Of Homeless Adults And Families: A Survey To Determine Current Practices In Transitional Housing Programs Within The Interfaith Hospitality Network, Nathan A. Paro

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Over the last decade the rate of homelessness has continued to rise, putting an increased demand on services for the homeless such as transitional living programs. There appears to be little information about the standards of practice within the field of transitional living programs for the homeless. The current study surveyed directors of transitional living programs that serve women and children within the Interfaith Hospitality Network across the country, in order to compile information such as programing offered, services offered, and outcome measures which are used by the programs to determine success. The results of the survey suggested that there …

An Examination Of The Interactive Effects Of Mindfulness And Stress On Negative Health Habits In A Primary Care Population, Christina J. Dichiara

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The overarching goal of this study was to better understand relationships between health habits, stress, and mindfulness. In doing so, this research examined the interaction of mindfulness with responses to stress as it affects negative health habits. There was also a psychometric development study conducted, using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to test the applicability of the two-factor model of the PHLMS to a primary care population. Data were collected from 198 adult patients in a primary care medical practice. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 89 years old, were 51% female, and 92% Caucasian. For CFA analyses, three fit …

An Evaluation Of A Group Nutritional Program In A Population Of Obese Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities, Jamie Via

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Individuals with serious mental illnesses are at high risk for obesity. The increased risk of obesity and comorbid medical conditions among individuals with serious mental illnesses has increased the need to seek and utilize effective treatments to address obesity in this population. In efforts to address the need for effective treatment, Eli Lilly and Company developed the Solutions for Wellness program. The aim of this study was to examine if the Solutions for Wellness nutritional program was effective in increasing wellness knowledge and increasing healthy lifestyle choices within a small sample of obese individuals with serious mental illnesses. The nutritional …

Social Skills And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Liberi

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Children on the autistic spectrum display significant social deficits that negatively impact daily functioning and may lead to serious mental health problems. Research on the effectiveness of school based social skills programs and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically children identified with Asperger Disorder (AS) and high functioning Autism (HFA), has yielded limited positive outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school based social skills program, the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS), over a 7 month period with six 8th grade middle school students who had been identified with autism or a social disability. Outcome data and program …

Functional Outcomes In A Postacute Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, Esther Brahmstadt

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes among individuals with acquired brain injury who received treatment at a postacute brain injury rehabilitation program over a 3-year period (2008 to 2010). Participation in community and/or social roles, supervision required, and adaptive functioning outcomes were evaluated in a sample of 109 adults (71% male, 29% female; 88.1% White, 11.9% non-White; 67.9% injured at 18 years of age or older, 32.1% injured at under 18 years of age). Contrary to the hypotheses, there was a statistically significant increase in adaptive functioning and supervision required scores, suggesting increasing impairment over time. …

An Analysis Of The Self-Reported Ethical Competencies Of School Psychologists Across The Continuum Of Professional Development, Laura Williams Monahon

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

School psychologists have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about and sensitive to the ethical principles and guidelines of professional conduct. This study sought to determine if there is a relationship between gender, race, age, dates and types of ethics training, number of years of experience, types of credentials and membership in professional school psychology organizations and school psychologists' knowledge and self-perceived skills regarding ethical practices in school psychology. School psychology graduate students and practicing school psychologists were invited to complete a survey that assessed their knowledge of ethical principles. Data also were collected regarding ethics training and ethical problem-solving practices. …

Attention To Psychosocial Concerns Related To Lqts: A Survey Of Medical Providers, Elizabeth Conlin

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a heritable condition characterized by syncopal episodes, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy individuals. Current research, although underrepresented, on the quality of life and psychosocial stressors indicate that some individuals experience depression and anxiety as a result of this chronic medical illness. A survey was created and administered to cardiologists and allied professionals, who offer medical services to LQTS patients, and belong to the Pediatric Arrhythmia and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES). A Likert scale survey was developed for selfadministration and posted in an email for PACES members to complete voluntarily. This survey study …

Evaluating The Mindfulness-Based And Cognitive-Behavior Therapy For Anger Management Program, Brett Pellegrino

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Problems related to adolescents who present with extreme anger, disruptive behavior, and aggression is an ever increasing concern for school officials (Christner, Friedberg & Sharp, 2006). There continues to be a need for effective interventions that can be utilized within the school setting to assist adolescents with anger management difficulties. This study examined changes in anger management difficulties and mindfulness for four high school students who participated in the Mindfulness-Based and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Anger Management Program (Kelly, 2006). The data were generated through pre and post assessments with the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Second Edition Child and Adolescent …

Relational Aggression: What Does It Look Like And How Does It Feel For Girls With Language-Based Learning Disabilities?, Christine M. Barbone

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the context and occurrence of relational aggression in adolescent girls with learning disabilities, as described by their personal experiences and observations. A discussion of psychosocial adjustment and relational aggression with respect to the unique characteristics of children with learning disabilities will be presented. This study will provide a qualitative description of the social problem solving skills of children with learning disabilities as reflected in their responses to common social scenarios.

The Role Of Cognitive Insight, Hope, Self-Stigma, And Symptomatology In Predicting Treatment Engagement In Individuals Diagnosed With Serious Mental Illnesses, Patrick D. Boyle

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Adherence to and engagement with treatment is a complex and multifaceted issue encountered throughout many medical and helping professions, particularly in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. Adherence to treatment/service engagement is especially an issue in the treatment of serious mental illnesses; studies have shown that up to 80% of individuals do not adhere to their treatment (Tait et al., 2003). This study investigated if cognitive insight, as measured by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale ([BCIS] Beck et al., 2004), and clinical insight are related to the recovery concepts of hope and self-stigma as well as symptomatology in predicting treatment …

Instructional Technology Usage And Implications For Student Academic Achievement And Further Success, Bradley D. Petry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The digital divide was once a term used to indicate disparity between socio-economic classes and access to digital devices. The digital divide may now more accurately indicate differences in the types of usage between members of different socio-economic classes. Differences in usage among the middle school student population may play a role in the development of critical thinking and collaborative communication. The Maryland results of the 2010 Speak Up survey – a national student survey regarding the usage of technology - were used in comparison with student respondent school district differentiation and were also compared with student state standardized test …

Help-Seeking Attitudes And Behaviors Of African International Students: Examining The Relationship Between Social Connectedness, Acculturative Stress, And Length Of Stay, Daisy Chebbet

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study explored the relationship between help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, acculturative stress, social connectedness, and length of stay of African international students in the US. A web-based survey was sent to approximately 300 school officials and individuals from various colleges and universities. Forty-eight African international students met criteria and completed the study. Measures utilized in the survey assessed for social connection, acculturative stress, and attitudes towards seeking help for psychological concerns. Help-seeking behaviors were assessed in the demographic questionnaire. Results indicated that higher levels of social connectedness were associated with positive mental health help-seeking attitudes. Among students who reported experiencing …

The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions And Risk To Sexually Re-Offend In Adolescents: Comparing Three Levels Of Treatment, Christina D. Haldaman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between cognitive distortions, risk to sexually re-offend, and length of time in treatment, and psychopathy. This study investigated differential treatment effects across three different treatment modalities to gain a better understanding of cognitive distortions in the treatment of adolescent sexual offenders. Literature has theorized that a fundamental aspect of sex offender treatment is addressing these cognitive distortions. Archival data from an existing database were collected from 99 adolescent males between the ages of 12 and 18. Of these adolescents, 51.5% were Caucasian; 28.3% were Latino; 10% were African American; 8.1% were Bi-racial, and 2% were …

The Effects Of Cultural Competence And Racial Identity Development On The Working Alliance In African-American And Caucasian Counseling Dyads: A Preliminary Analysis, Peter J. Scoma

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Multicultural considerations in behavioral healthcare rightfully remain a point of interest for practitioners, administrators and educators alike. Attention to culturally sensitive practice as a core competency for mental health practitioners has become rooted in academic curriculum and clinical trainings (Bussema & Nemec, 2006; Schottler et al., 2004). Despite this increased awareness of culturally competent practice, the results of these efforts are unclear as minority utilization of behavioral healthcare services continues to decline (Flaskerud, 2007). Racial biases and prejudice are still apparent in administrative and institutional settings that aspire to integrate cultural competencies into their organizations (Sue & Sue, 2007). Literature …

Positive Behavior Support And Intervention Programs Vs Responsive Classroom Programs: Impact On Perceptions Of School Climate, Erica M. Rell Backenson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

School climate is an aspect of school life that has been examined closely in recent literature as it related to student interactions, behavior, and student achievement. A number of factors that affect school climate have been identified; these include student/teacher relationships, school safety and student relations, clarity of a school’s expectations, perceived fairness of school rules, and the presence of a strong, welldeveloped and widely-accepted behavior program in a school. Both Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) programs and Responsive Classroom (RC) programs have been identified as having a positive impact on school climate at multiple grade levels and across …

Predictor Variables Associated With Disclosure And Concealment Of Sexual Orientation, Annmarie Panarello

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined variables associated with the disclosure and concealment of sexual orientation. A non-experimental correlational design with a regression analysis used to test the following hypotheses: 1) The following independent variables, latter stage of identity development, lower internalized homophobia, more perceived social support, higher self-esteem, and lower presence of cognitive distortions will account for a statistically significant amount of the variance in the disclosure of sexual orientation. 2) The following independent variables, earlier stage of identity development, higher internalized homophobia, less perceived social support, low self-esteem, and higher presence of cognitive distortions will account for a statistically significant amount …

Cognitive Profiles And The Impact Of Medication On Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Lucy J. Wimpenny

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in children and adolescents. Individuals with ADHD often display behavioral symptoms, including inattention and/or impulsivity, which can also lead to struggles in the school setting. Current research has suggested that deficits in processing speed and working memory are common in individuals diagnosed with ADHD and are often seen on measures of cognitive ability. Positive outcomes have been associated with the use of psychostimulant medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD, although little research has supported this form of treatment to improve cognitive functioning in individuals diagnosed with …

The Relationship Between Parental Stress, Cognitive Distortions, And Child Psychopathology, Daniel Kennedy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

While there are a number of factors that may contribute to maladaptive parenting behaviors, parental stress has consistently been related to the increased risk of child maltreatment and, ultimately, the development of childhood. The question then is what drives parental stress and what are those key factors? Based on previous research, there are multiple parental, child, and environmental factors that lead to parental stress, but there is not a clear understanding of what initially drives parental stress. Based on cognitive behavioral models of stress and Abidin’s theory of parental stress, it is theorized that parental cognitions play an important role …

Selective Mutism: Identification Of Subtypes And Influence On Treatment, Christy A. Mulligan

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Selective Mutism (SM) is a psychiatric disorder with a relatively low incidence that impairs social communication in some settings. There are many characteristics that appear similar in some children but are absent in others. Therefore, it was hypothesized that there may be distinct SM subtypes that warrant differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. In this study, 442 Selective Mutism Comprehensive Diagnostic Questionnaires (SM-CDQ) were analyzed to help identify children with specific characteristics that made their SM unique. Participants ranged in age from 3 to18 years old and met criteria for SM. The data were coded based on 203 variables and were …

Examining Gender And Socio-Economic Status On The Emotional Intelligence Of Early Adolescents, Alicea J. Davis

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine emotional intelligence and its impact on the maturational process of male and female early-adolescent youth. Demographic variables, such gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and educational status were, valued against emotionality factors such as intrapersonal stress, interpersonal stress, adaptability, general mood, and overall emotional intelligence (EQ). The study utilized a non-experimental, correlational design examining archival data. The participants consisted of approximately, early adolescent fifth-grade students aged 10-13 years. The participants were administered the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (BarOn EQ-I:YV) and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population sample. A Pearson …

Death Anxiety Amongst Medical Facility Staff Working With Medically Fragile Individuals, Jacqueline Anne Chambers-Klein

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Death, an inevitable concept that connects us as humans, can cause significant anxiety in individuals. Literature suggests that some medical professionals choose the field because of their own inner struggles with death (Neimeyer et al., 2004). Archival interview data were utilized in this action- oriented research to explore the notion of death anxiety in professionals who are working with medically fragile children. Twenty-six employees were individually interviewed at a residential medical facility. Additionally, a retrospective journal was utilized to understand the author’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences during internship. In order to examine the potential categories and themes that the author …

Sensory Processing In Children With Adhd: A Classroom Study And Rational Item Analysis, Jason Mathison

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In the classroom, distinguishing between sensory modulation disorder (SMD), one proposed subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult given their similar behavioral manifestations. The overlap between these two disorders and the prevelance of rating scales used for gathering diagnostic information warrant a closer look at items on commonly used rating scales to ensure discriminative validity. This pilot study examined specific patterns of SMD in 24 children with ADHD using the Sensory Profile School Companion (SPSC), which includes four components of SMD, namely, Seeking, Avoiding, Registration, and Sensitivity. As hypothesized, the majority of teacher …

Traumatic Stress Responses In Mothers And Fathers To Pediatric Intensive Care Treatment: The Role Of Beliefs, Carla Cirilli

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of traumatic stress responses in parents of children treated in a pediatric intensive care unit, specifically parental beliefs about their child’s illness and their own coping self-efficacy as related to the severity of parental acute and posttraumatic stress. Archival data from a study conducted August 2004 through July 2005 in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia PICU were used. Two hundred and forty-five parents were assessed at 48 hours after admission, and 180 parents were assessed 3 months postdischarge. At Time 1, parents completed a screening measure assessing psychosocial factors and …

Traumatic Brain Injury Knowledge And Perceived Competence Among Practicing School Psychologists, Melissa Santaguida Delucca

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a common occurrence in school-aged children. The epidemic of TBI is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults (Harris, Mishkin, & Ross, 2010). Children who suffer head injuries frequently experience behavioral, adaptive, and educational deficits (Taylor et al., 2002). As child study team members, under the provisions set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school psychologists are responsible for the identification, classification, assessment, and implementation of proper school-based treatment for children who sustain a TBI. This study sought to determine New Jersey school psychologists’ endorsement of common …