Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Playing Devil’S Advocate: A Conceptual Replication Of Hirt Et Al. (2003), Bresh Merino, Ed Munnich, Milo Martinez

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In the field of psychology, it is important that we foster unbiased judgments in our students and encourage them to engage with material on a critical level. The proposed study is a conceptual replication of Hirt et al. (2003), investigating whether considering alternative hypotheses about the results reduces explanation and overconfidence biases for questions about psychological research. Our proposed replication will also consider whether the benefits of counterfactual thinking were transferable, meaning once individuals are prompted to think counterfactually in one domain, they should show reduced biases when considering an unrelated domain. If these debiasing effects generalize to psychological information, …

Why Not Both: A Qualitative Analysis Of Alternative Outcomes, Megan Schneider, Dana-Lis Bittner, Milo Martinez, Bresh Merino, Wilson Cobb

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Scientific thinking relies on consideration of alternative possible outcomes to research. We considered whether 1. engaging with psychological research results—some of which were surprising—in a learning phase transferred to consideration of alternative outcomes for a different set of research studies in a test phase, and 2. whether transfer was heightened by predicting results before learning the actual outcomes (foresight), as opposed to indicating what one would have predicted after learning the actual outcomes (hindsight). One indication of transfer would be decreased confidence in the outcome one believed to be true, but we did not observe this trend. However, we did …

The Application Of Biracial And Monoracial Asian American Stereotypes, Tyler Rydeen, Isabelle Moore

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Previous research suggests that the biracial stereotype (across all biracial groups) consists of the following characteristics: biracial people are unusually good looking and they struggle to fit in (Skinner, Perry, & Gaither, 2019). This general biracial struggle to fit in has been also described as “confused over their identity” and has been attributed as the reason for why they are judged as less trustworthy, less socially accepted (Chelsey & Wagner, 2013), loyal to their group (Albuja, Sanchez, Gaither, 2017), and socially awkward (Remedios, Chasteen, & Oey, 2012) and less warm (Sanchez & Bonam, 2009) than their monoracial peers. Compared to …

How Do Children And Adolescents Reason About Excluding An Unhelpful In-Group Member?, Sabrina Ortiz, Madison Badua, Alizée Jean Jacques

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Past research indicates children and adolescents reason about excluding ingroup members by referencing concerns for how the group functions (Hitti, Mulvey, Rutland, Abrams, & Killen, 2013). Less is known about how children and adolescents reason about exclusion of ingroup members whose actions come at a cost to one’s own group. The current study examined reasoning for excluding an ingroup member who helps an outgroup at varying levels of need for each group. / The current study examined 189 responses from 4th and 8th graders, using three scenarios of varying need for water when on a camping trip: 1) in-group needs …

Attitudes And Perspectives Towards Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Nicole Morgan

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Undocumented immigration has been a historically controversial political topic in the United States and under the Trump Administration. This study aims to look at attitudes towards immigration in the context of whether perception is related to ethnicity or rests on moral belief. It is hypothesized that individuals who score more conservative on the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ) are more likely to reflect more anti-immigration beliefs than individuals who score more liberal. It is expected that individuals who have read the Mexican vignette will reflect more anti-immigration beliefs than individuals who have read the Swedish vignette or ethnically ambiguous vignette.

Children’S Evaluations Of Excluding An In-Group Member Who Help An Out-Group, Janel Cuevas, Lily Samiee, Makeda Mayes, Annabelle Farina, Santiago Gonzalez, Ariel Kasoff, Sabrina Ortiz, Aline Hitti Dr.

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What factors contribute to children’s exclusion of in-group members? Past research indicates that children and adolescents are often not willing to exclude in-group members, but might be more willing if in-group members challenged moral group norms (Hitti, Mulvey, Rutland, Abrams, & Killen, 2013). Additionally, it has been found that while children are more likely to help an in-group member but are willing to help an out-group member if they are in need (Sierksma, Thijs, and Verkuyten, 2015). Less is known about exclusion of in-group members who help out-groups in ways that come at a cost to one’s own group. The …

Children Weigh Need And Level Of Disloyalty When Evaluating Disloyal In-Group Members, Lily Samiee, Valentin Gulyas, Jacquelyn Glidden, Angelica Buneno

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The current study extends existing literature about children's views regarding the moral obligation of group loyalty. Findings indicate that children think loyalty to one’s group is not obligatory, and helping one’s out-group is sometimes a moral necessity, however not when it comes at a high cost to one’s in-group.

Moral Obligation And Evaluating Group Disloyalty Among Children, Valentin Gulyas, Lily L. Samiee, Angelica Bueno, Jacquelyn Gildden

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Research on children’s moral obligation has shown that children ages 8 to 13 years believe it is a moral obligation to help the out-group in high need conditions (Sierksma, Thijs, Verkuyten, 2014). In these high need situations, children feel morally expected to offer help independent of group membership. Less is known about children’s’ moral obligation to the out-group in varying contexts and in situations of varying threat to the in-group (Nesdale, Maass, Durken, & Griffiths, 2005). The current study investigates moral obligation to the in-group and out-group in three contexts (disloyalty via psychological harm to the in-group, disloyalty via physical …

Female Risk Aversion: Experimental Evidence In Myanmar, Okkar Mandalay

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While literature shows that female risk tolerance is generally lower than males, it can also be the same as male's under different contexts and types of rewards. We conducted an experiment in Myanmar using a lottery selection method to measure risk over five consecutively paid rounds. We find 1) teenage females are more responsive than adult females to the type of incentive. 2) female risk tolerance matches that of males under cash and school supplies, but fall behind under department store gift card. 3) over five rounds, adult female behavior is most distinct from other groups.

Does The Power Pose Influence Confidence And Competitiveness?, Hannah Cummons, Mahsa Ashabi, Madison Levine, Ashwini Shridhar

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Amy Cuddy's paper on the Power Pose rocked the academic world with its results and controversial fallout. We replicate her experiment with undergraduate students and examine whether performing a Power Pose has an effect on an individual's confidence and competitive spirit. Randomly selected students perform the Power Pose and following that the entire class is invited to participate in a game that can measure their competitiveness. In doing so, we can look at how confidence and competitiveness is affected by physical expressions of power.

The Effects Of Racial/Ethnic And Gender Discrimination On College Students' Self-Esteem, Elizabeth Silva, Colin Silverthorne Phd

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College-aged participants (N=239, 57 men and 182 women) completed two measures, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale—assessing global self-esteem, and the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS)—assessing their perceptions of discrimination based on racial/ethnic stereotypes and/or gender stereotypes. The first hypothesis was that negative racial/ethnic discrimination would have a negative impact on self-esteem. The second hypothesis was that negative gender discrimination would negatively impact an individual’s self-esteem.

Results on the EDS showed that men had more experiences with perceived discrimination than women (t(239)=2.41, pF(4, 234) = 4.275, p = 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between the two measures, ( …

Therapy Outcomes: Difference Between Latino And Non-Latino Foster Youth, Alicia G. Escobedo, Corie E. Schwabenland, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn Ruff

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Children in foster care experience a range of psychological symptoms due to their experiences with maltreatment. Latinos are a growing population within foster care, reflective of their growing numbers in the United States. Latinos often do not seek out mental health services and many face obstacles related to language, transportation, and lack of family support.

The current study describes treatment parameters of Latino and non-Latino foster youth receiving long-term, pro-bono psychotherapy through a non-profit. Telephone interviews were completed with the youths’ therapists at the start and end of treatment. Among the completed cases, nine were identified as Latino patients. An …

Stigma, Abuse, And Hate Crimes: Effects On Mental Health In Transgender Population, Daisy Guerra

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A comprehensive literature review that examines the ways in which stressors unique to the LGBT population affect transgender mental health. Specifically this paper will explore stigma, and various forms of abuse that contribute to depression, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior in the transgender community.

Religiousness, Coping, And Social Support Predict Well-Being Among Cancer Patients, Kathleen Shelton, Manpreet Narwal, John Pérez

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The purpose of this study was to explore the association between intrinsic religious motivation (IRM), coping styles, social support, and well-being among cancer patients. IRM refers to the internalization of faith as the primary motive in a person’s life. Previous research has established a correlation between IRM and well-being; however, little is known about the role of coping style s and social support in this relationship. The sample included 179 predominantly white, Christian, female patients with stage II through IV cancer. We used a cross- sectional, correlational design with self-report measures of the constructs. We hypothesized that higher levels of …

Can Motivated Cognition Exacerbate A Bias?, Luis O. Camacho, Saera R. Khan

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This study examined the relationship between the need for cognition and impression formation, particularly with common biases. Upon listening to a speaker with either a heavy Japanese or Los Angeles accent, participants rated the speaker on how well-informed they believed she appeared to be on the subject she spoke about and on intelligence. Despite the need for cognition, speakers with a Los Angeles accent were rated less favorably on intelligence, compared to Japanese accented speakers. However, the high need for cognition participants utilized a stereotype in impression formation, as their ratings for both speakers resonated with the speaker’s respective stereotype. …

The Importance Of Treatment For Foster Youth, Lyl T. Cartagena

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This presentation provides an overview of mental health interventions including highlights of their outcomes.The summary of the extant findings helps identify the strengths and deficits of what has been done, and supports a call for further research in order to change current methods of care provided along with developing an improved method of treatment for foster care youth.

The Influence Of Moral Concerns On Memory For Individuals And Their Actions, Amy Pekkala, Brittney Aresta, Emmanuel Te, Sarah Levinson, Alec Starzinski, Marisa Knight

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We explore how learning about individual behaviors that violate or uphold moral norms impacts our ability to recognize individuals who engage in them. We also explore how behaviors representing five moral foundations influence facial recognition differently according to whether the behavior relates to moral foundations that are typically emphasized by liberals (harm/fairness) or by conservatives (loyalty/authority/purity). We observed higher associative memory for individuals linked with behaviors that violated liberal principles than for individuals linked with behaviors that violated conservative principles. In addition, we examined the contribution of implicit processes in shaping early impressions and judgments of individuals.

External Vs. Innate: Sources Of Resiliency Among Emerging Adults, Black Gay And Bisexual Men, Caleb J. Banks Mr., Sienna L. Willams, Erika J. Janke, Justine A. Stallings, Ja'nina J. Walker Ph.D.

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The purpose of this research was to examine the main sources and origins of resiliency that are present among Black gay and bisexual men. Resiliency refers to one’s response to adversity and ability to positively adapt to difficult situations. Twenty participants ranging in age between 18-25 years old (M = 22.8 years, SD = 1.7 years) participated in a semi-structured interview. Participants indicated varying sources of resiliency, which they utilize to encounter hardships. Innate sources (i.e., I was born this way) and external sources (i.e., music, my grandmother’s spirit) were conveyed by participants as mechanisms to overcome adversity. The …

Religious Vs. Secular Communities: Sources Of Social Support For Emerging Adult Black Gay And Bisexual Men, Sienna L. Williams, Caleb J. Banks, Erika J. Janke, Justine A. Stallings, Ja'nina Walker Ph.D.

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This research investigates factors that contribute to emerging adult black gay and bisexual men’s sources of social support. Participants were 20 Black, gay/bisexual men between 18-25 years old (M_age = 22.8, SD = 1.7). Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and utilized grounded theory to determine intersectionality between participants’ religious upbringing as well as their racial, spiritual, sexual, and HIV identities. Participants who self-identified as bisexual continued to seek social support within churches despite having endured repeated exposure to negative religious rhetoric pertaining to same-sex behavior in religious settings. Participants who self-identified as queer did not seek social support within …

Attachment To Therapist And Treatment Outcome Among Foster Youth, Tzipporah Dang, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn C. Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

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Compared to non-foster youth, children in foster care are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems due to their experienced maltreatment, separation and loss, and foster care system instability. Research with adults has shown that relationship elements, such as alliance in therapy and empathy, are positively associated with patient progress and secure attachment to the therapist. The current study evaluates the impact of Relationship Based Therapy provided to current or former foster youth. Analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews with therapists indicated a significant change in depression, anxiety, aggression or violence as the perpetrator, and problems in relationship with people …

Ethnic Differences In Therapy Outcome For Foster Youth, Breniel Q. Lemley, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn C. Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

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This study evaluates the impact of relationship-based therapy on a random sample of White and Black foster youth, as reported by semi-structured telephone interviews with their therapists at the start and end of treatment.

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in reported school problems between Black and White foster youth over the course of treatment, F(1,37) = 7.336, p=0.010. Black foster youth had significantly greater school problems (M=3.21, SD=1.35) compared to White foster youth (M=2.05, SD=1.39) at the start of treatment. Although school problems significantly improved throughout treatment (F(1,37) = 9.531, p=0.004), Black foster …

Gender Differences In Foster Youth Who Receive Relationship-Based Therapy, Audrey Rhodes, Rosana Aguilar, Saralyn Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

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Children placed into the foster care system are at increased risk for behavioral, cognitive, and emotional difficulties as a result of their experienced maltreatment. The current study evaluates the impact of open-ended, relationship-based psychotherapy for a small group of adults who were formerly foster children. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with therapists at the start and end of treatment. Age of patients ranged from 18.14 - 25.09 years (M = 21.11 years; SD = 2.52 years). Results indicate significant decreases in several mental health symptoms by the conclusion of treatment. Obstacles to treatment included transportation issues and resistance from patient.

What It Means To Be A Man: How Emerging Adult Black Gay And Bisexual Men Navigate Gender Norms, Justine A. Stallings, Caleb J. Banks, Sienna L. Willams, Erika J. Janke, Ja'nina J. Walker Ph.D.

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Young Black men learn what it means to be a man from different sources, including family, church, school, and the media. Traditional views on masculinity can be difficult for men to adhere to if they do not identify with current gendered social constructions. The current study examined how Black gay and bisexual men navigate masculine ideologies instilled in them and interpret these expectations as emerging adults. Participants, 20 Black gay and bisexual men (M_age = 22.8, SD = 1.7) took part in a semi-structured qualitative interview examining their experiences with religion, sexuality, gender expectations, and HIV. Using grounded …

Negative Religious Coping Styles Predict Greater Depressive Symptoms And Less Life Satisfaction, Kira A. Barros, Hannah Toyama, John E. Perez

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The purpose of this study was to identify negative religious coping methods
 that have an association with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among cancer patients. This study was based on Pargament’s (1997) framework of positive and
negative religious coping styles that specify how an individual makes use of religion to understand and deal with stressors. The sample included 179 predominantly White, Christian, female patients with stage II through IV cancer. We used a cross-sectional design with self-report measures to examine punishing God reappraisal and spiritual discontent as they relate to depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. We hypothesized that both …

The Effects Of Hiv/Aids On The Mother-Child Relationship, Margaret Gross

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39 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HIV+/- mothers living in central Uganda. Interviews were assisted by a translator and recorded manually on paper then coded and analyzed. The majority of HIV+ mothers were found to be single, supported 5+ children, worked longer days to get by, and emphasized the importance of having a counselor. These findings suggest a strong relationship exists between HIV and motherhood. There is a need for further attention to help single mothers and foster programs that encourage economic growth within their families, nutritional improvement, and overall attention to a group that is currently receiving little assistance.

Maternal Employment And The Mother-Child Relationship, Marie Ortega, Margaret Gross, Helena Karnilowicz, Veronica Kreter, Lindsey Butrera, Shirley Mcguire, Nancy Segal

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It has been suggested that a mother’s employment status affects her relationship with her children. This study examined whether children of stay-at-home mothers showed differences in the mother-child relationship than those of employed mothers. Participants were 252 sibling-pairs, 8-13 years, in the Twins, Adoptees, Peers and Siblings Study. Children completed measures on maternal warmth, trust, and conflict. Mothers reported their occupations. Independent t-tests were used to compare mean scores for maternal warmth, trust and conflict. There was no significant statistical difference between the groups, which suggests maternal employment does not affect relationship quality. Follow up analyses will examine biological …

Condom Use As It Relates To Perception And Self-Efficacy, Taryn Larribas

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There is little research that has examined barriers on the part of an individual’s condom use self-efficacy. Furthermore, there is a lack of investigation into whether an individual’s perceptions of their partner’s attitudes have an impact on condom use and whether factors such as an individual’s level of condom use self-efficacy influences a person’s condom acquisition techniques. It is hypothesized that condom use will be positively correlated with higher levels of condom use self-efficacy (CUSE) and positive perceptions of others’ attitudes.

Participants were 104 undergraduates at USF. Hypotheses were tested using the responses to the 28- item Condom Use Self-Efficacy …

Conflict Resolution And Attachment Security: Long Distance Versus Geographically Close Romantic Relationships, Meenakshi Palaniappan

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The adult attachment theory states that physical proximity is vital for romantic relationship stability. Attachment styles are linked to relational conflict resolution, with secure individuals likely to use mutually-focused, and insecure individuals likely to use avoiding strategies. Communication research has shown that long distance couples accentuate positive affect and minimize differences. Therefore, it was hypothesized that long distance couples will engage in greater avoidant conflict resolution than geographically close couples. The participants included 94 college students. A MANOVA revealed a trend opposing the hypothesis. Long distance couples used less avoidant conflict resolution than geographically close couples, irrespective of attachment style.

Termination Of Long-Term Mental Health Treatment With Foster Youth, Kimberlin Borca, Keala Pacheco

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Our previous work has demonstrated the effectiveness of long-term relationship-basedpsychotherapy for children in foster care. The current study examines circumstances inthe last year and at termination of treatment. Patients were seen on a weekly (65.5%) orbiweekly (18.2%) basis. Reasons for termination included patient relocation (14.5%),unexpected patient dropout (12.7%), treatment plateau/goals reached (10.9%), patientresistance to treatment (10.9%), lack of support from family or social services (9.1%),caretaker termination of treatment (7.3%), and transportation issues/scheduling problems(3.6%). Limitations of the study include a small sample size, potential bias from therapistinformants, and lack of a comparison group.

Loneliness In Middle Childhood: Social Connectedness And Genetic Relatedness, Taryn Larribas, Margaret Gross, Meenakshi Palaniappan, Helena Karnilowics, Shannon Mccarthy

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The evolutionary approach argues that genetic similarity contributes to greater social similarity due to their desire to protect their genes. The social perspective model argues that loneliness is impacted by social relationships. It is hypothesized that MZ twins will show support for the evolutionary perspective, having the closest levels of loneliness, and will have levels comparable to FFs (Segal, 2000). It is hypothesized that loneliness means will show the following pattern: MZ < DZ = FS < VT with MZ = FF. Additionally, it is hypothesized that there will be a gender difference in loneliness in that M > F (Junttila & Vauras, 2009).

Participants were 300 pairs of children (8-12 years), who took part in the TAPS Study. The hypothesis was examined using 54 pairs of …