Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Hpa Axis Genetic Variation And Life Stress Influences On Functional Connectivity In Resting State Networks, Tara Ann Miskovich

Theses and Dissertations

Stressful or traumatic experiences are a key risk factor for developing psychopathology, primarily through the impact that chronic stress has on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. The HPA axis regulates the stress response but can become dysregulated with chronic activation and impact brain functioning. In addition to environmental stressors, genetic variation in genes in the HPA axis appear to influence HPA axis functioning and is also related to disruption in brain functioning, particularly in the context of high life stress. The current study focused on examining potential mechanisms through which trauma and stress interacts with HPA axis genes to impact key …

Baked And Buzzed: Investigating The Influence Of Co-Use Of Cannabis And Alcohol On White Matter Integrity In Emerging Adults, Natasha E. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Growing evidence suggests alcohol and cannabis use independently alter neural structure and functioning, particularly during sensitive developmental time periods such as adolescence and emerging adulthood. However, there has been minimal investigation into the effects co-occurring use of these two substances, despite preliminary evidence of unique acute and psychopharmacological changes due to using alcohol and cannabis together.

Method: Data drawn from the IDEAA Consortium was utilized to assess white matter integrity as measured by FreeSurfer’s TRACULA in emerging adults (n=192; 16-27 years old). Timeline Follow-Back was used to calculate past month cannabis use, alcohol use, co-use days, binge alcohol episode, …

An Examination Of Response Inhibition Deficits In Symptoms Of Obsessive-Compulsive And Related Disorders, Ashleigh Marie Harvey

Theses and Dissertations

Response inhibition (RI; the ability to inhibit a pre-potent response) has been proposed as a cognitive vulnerability underlying a wide variety of psychological disorders. In particular, RI deficits have been proposed as an underlying factor in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) given that they are characterized by largely involuntary and compulsive behaviors. While some OCRDs have been examined alongside RI capabilities, others have not. Further, the current body of literature has a paucity of work examining the three subprocesses of RI (cancellation, withdrawal, and interference control) as they relate to these symptoms. The present study assessed OCRD symptoms and the …

Structural And Functional Brain Connectivity In Middle-Aged Carriers Of Risk Alleles For Alzheimer's Disease, Laura Korthauer

Theses and Dissertations

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in APOE, COMT, BDNF, and KIBRA have been associated with age-related memory performance and executive functioning as well as risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize differences in brain functional and structural integrity associated with these SNPs as potential endophenotypes of age-related cognitive decline. I focused my investigation on healthy, cognitively normal middle-aged adults, as disentangling the early effects of healthy versus pathological aging in this group may aid early detection and prevention of AD. The aims of the study were 1) to characterize SNP-related differences in functional connectivity …

Moderating Effects Of Harm Avoidance On Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of The Anterior Insula, Ashley Ann Huggins

Theses and Dissertations

As an index of behavioral inhibition and an individual’s propensity to avoid, rather than seek, potentially dangerous situations, harm avoidance has been linked to internalizing psychopathology. Altered connectivity within intrinsic functional neural networks has been linked to internalizing psychopathology; however, less is known about the effects of harm avoidance on functional connectivity within and between these networks. Importantly, harm avoidance may be distinguishable from trait anxiety and have clinical relevance as a risk factor for psychopathology. To this end, the current study aimed to examine associations between harm avoidance and resting state functional connectivity. A sample of undergraduate students (n=92) …

Impact Of Perceived Health Competence And Current Living Situation On The Quality Of Life Of Emerging Adults With Chronic Health Conditions, Amy Coral Lang

Theses and Dissertations

As emerging adults with chronic health conditions navigate the process of assuming greater responsibility regarding their own healthcare during this transitional period of life, they may encounter increased stress, which is known to exacerbate the symptoms and worsen the prognosis of their conditions. The results of the current study add to emerging evidence in the literature that health competence is positively associated with quality of life, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. Higher quality of life is associated with better health outcomes, highlighting the importance of interventions aimed to promote quality of life. Future research should focus on the …

Risk Reduction Programming: Understanding Feasibility And The Role Of Rape Myths, Cari Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Although risk reduction programming is a promising approach against college sexual assault, we need a better understanding of what makes the programming effective including understanding the role of rape myths. Additionally, it is unclear how college women perceive the programming which may affect feasibility. The present study evaluated a novel risk reduction program that utilizes Group Motivational Interviewing. Eligible college women with a sexual assault history were randomized to complete the program or to a control condition. Feasibility results indicated that students were interested in participating, were eligible at high rates, and had positive reactions to the program. Difficulties with …