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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Development Of A Reinforcer Assessment: A Measure Of Potential Reinforcers In The Lives Of Older Adults, Nicole A. Praska Jan 2023

Development Of A Reinforcer Assessment: A Measure Of Potential Reinforcers In The Lives Of Older Adults, Nicole A. Praska

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to create a new measure that assesses potential reinforcers in the lives of older adults residing in assisted living facilities. It is important to assess what an individual finds rewarding since individuals have a greater quality of life if they are doing activities that they enjoy. The study involved a two-step process. First, a list of potential reinforcers was created and evaluated by professionals in the field. Then this list was formatted into a survey and presented to 612 older adults. Participants rated these potential reinforcers on a Likert scale. Results were then evaluated …


Stress Levels Of Bisexual Individuals In Mixed-Orientation Relationships, Amanda Bartley Jan 2023

Stress Levels Of Bisexual Individuals In Mixed-Orientation Relationships, Amanda Bartley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Binegativity, the negative perceptions, assumptions, and discrimination experienced by bisexual individuals, is associated with adverse health outcomes including higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. There is a growing body of research on bisexuality, but there remains little research investigating the risk and protective factors, and the mental health outcomes of bisexual individuals in mixed-orientation relationships. The current study aimed to fill the gaps of the extant research, investigating if social support, outness of bisexual identity, satisfaction with communication between partners, and centrality of group membership and ingroup ties to the LBGT community moderate the relationship between experiences of negativity …


An Exploration Of Differences In Perceptions Of Gerotranscendent Behaviors Between Younger And Older Adults, Gabrielle E. Anderson Jan 2023

An Exploration Of Differences In Perceptions Of Gerotranscendent Behaviors Between Younger And Older Adults, Gabrielle E. Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The theory of gerotranscendence was developed as a means of addressing limitations in current developmental theories. It is defined as the natural developmental process in which people gradually change their fundamental views of themselves, the world, their relationships, and reality in general. Research has shown that gerotranscendent behaviors are viewed as pathological by younger adults. The purpose of this study was to further explore differences in perception of gerotranscendent behaviors between college students and older adults. An additional goal was to better understand how and why these behaviors are interpreted differently by younger and older adults. Perceptions of gerotranscendent behaviors …


Age-Related Microaggressions: A Follow-Up Descriptive Study, Hannah M. Lewis Jan 2023

Age-Related Microaggressions: A Follow-Up Descriptive Study, Hannah M. Lewis

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Age-related microaggressions are forms of ageist discrimination that occur during day-to-day interactions. The aim of this study was to identify common types of age-related microaggressions as well as to determine how negative affect influences emotional reactions to microaggressions. Using an online survey, participants (n = 200) were asked if they had experienced any of the 20 most common examples of age-related microaggressions reported in previous research (Gietzen et al, 2022). Follow up questions inquired about the frequency, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses to these microaggressions. Participants also rated their physical health and completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS; …


Examining The Effects Of A Behavioral Skills Training Package On The Emotional Regulation Skills Of A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kate Flynn Jan 2023

Examining The Effects Of A Behavioral Skills Training Package On The Emotional Regulation Skills Of A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kate Flynn

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

One of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a difficulty understanding, interpreting, and dealing with one’s own emotions and the emotions of others which often leads to an impairment in regulating emotional experiences. Emotional regulation includes the processes whereby we influence which emotions we have, when we have them, and how we experience and express them. The purpose of the current study is to function as a preliminary analysis to determine if a behavioral skills training (BST) package with video modeling (VM) can be used to increase appropriate emotional regulation skills for …


The Satanic Ritual Abuse Panic: Correlates And Implications For Therapists, Mariah Severud Jan 2023

The Satanic Ritual Abuse Panic: Correlates And Implications For Therapists, Mariah Severud

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The goal of the current study is to examine the belief in SRA and correlating variables among the next generation of psychologists. 26 participants completed the full questionnaire to be included in the analyses. Pre-doctoral internship sites were selected from the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers’ (APPIC) directory that were located in the United States, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and offered training opportunities in the areas of sexual abuse, empirically-supported treatments, evidence-based practice, and/or evidence based research. Interested interns could click on the questionnaire’s link, which connected them to Qualtrics, an online survey platform. Generally, …


Assessing The Appropriateness Of The Cultural Formulation Interview In Conceptualizing Reverse Culture Shock, Katja Nielsen Jan 2022

Assessing The Appropriateness Of The Cultural Formulation Interview In Conceptualizing Reverse Culture Shock, Katja Nielsen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Utilizing the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) to identify social and cultural variables predicting the cross-cultural experience of reverse culture shock, this study aims at clarifying the process of re-acculturation of international students in the United States by comparing quantitative and qualitative measures. Thirty-two participants completed demographics and questionnaires and 18 decided to further partake in the CFI. Results from the Reentry Shock Scale as well as the CFI indicate that a majority of individuals experience problems and distress associated with returning home, yet to varying degrees and intensity. Through assessment of each participant’s experience with reverse culture shock, twelve out …


Examining The Effects Of An Online Social Skills Program Targeting Emotional Regulation Skills For A Young Adult With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Case Study., Danielle Curtis Jan 2022

Examining The Effects Of An Online Social Skills Program Targeting Emotional Regulation Skills For A Young Adult With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Case Study., Danielle Curtis

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Social skills deficits have been identified as a core feature deficit in individuals with autism. Several studies have identified the implications that arise when social skills deficits are ignored, such as poor academic performance and challenges with social adjustment. Therefore, it is imperative that professionals find effective interventions to compete with challenges faced in the social environment. The present study uses a behavioral skills training model to teach emotion regulation through video modeling. The results provide potential support for reducing difficulties with emotional regulation. In addition, there were improvements in reducing problematic internalizing behaviors and increases in self-control behaviors.


The Expression Of Satanist Identity: Does Visible Identification Of Satanism Predict Discrimination And Depression?, Allyson Dudley Jan 2022

The Expression Of Satanist Identity: Does Visible Identification Of Satanism Predict Discrimination And Depression?, Allyson Dudley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The current research examines the relationship between visible expression of religion, identification within Satanism, experiences of discrimination, and depression in a sample of modern Satanists (n = 1,272). Historically, Satanism has been scrutinized as immoral and a threat to public safety. The current research attempts to challenge that viewpoint by employing culturally competent methods and understanding of modern Satanism. Findings indicate a negative relationship between expression of Satanism and discrimination, expression of Satanism and depressive symptoms, in-group ties and discrimination, and identification (in-group ties and in-group affect) and depressive symptoms. Results show a positive relationship between identification with Satanism and …


Examining Jealousy In Mixed-Orientation Relationships: An Experimental Vignette Study, Madison Marie Glende Jan 2022

Examining Jealousy In Mixed-Orientation Relationships: An Experimental Vignette Study, Madison Marie Glende

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Experiences of romantic jealousy, measured by ratings of emotional and sexual jealousy, in same-orientation and mixed-orientation hypothetical relationships were examined among 83 heterosexual cisgender women, 18 years of age or older, who are students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Surveys were distributed through SONA systems and were available to students enrolled in at least one psychology course at the time of participation. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four possible vignettes, of which followed a 2 (partner’s sexual orientation) x 2 (gender of partner’s friend) factorial design, and were instructed to read and imagine themselves in the presented hypothetical …


Satanists’ Sexual Self-Concept, Samuel Danielson Jan 2022

Satanists’ Sexual Self-Concept, Samuel Danielson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The present study examines sexuality within an international sample (n = 908) of modern Satanists. Sociodemographic and religious data from this sample are provided. Frequencies of Satanists’ engagement in different sexual behaviors are also explored. Furthermore, two aspects of Satanists’ sexual self-concept, sexual self-esteem and sexual anxiety, are assessed along with these variables’ relationships with the strength of Satanists’ group identity and the length of time identifying as a Satanist. Results indicate that the strength of Satanists’ identity impacts both their sexual self-esteem and sexual anxiety. Limitations and directions for future research on Satanism and sexuality are discussed.


An Investigation Of The Perception Of Elderspeak Among Community Dwelling Older Adults, Abby L. Teply Jan 2022

An Investigation Of The Perception Of Elderspeak Among Community Dwelling Older Adults, Abby L. Teply

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study aimed to expand the literature on the perception of elderspeak among community dwelling older adults with secondary purposes concerning how these perceptions vary across gender and region. Participants (n = 110) were presented a written vignette that depicted a nursing assistant in an assisted living facility waking a tenant from a nap and assisting the tenant to the bathroom before lunch. The nursing assistant uses elderspeak throughout the vignette. Following the vignette, participants’ reactions to the use of elderspeak and perceptions of the nursing assistant in the vignette were assessed using a series of open-ended questions, the Positive …


Age-Related Microaggressions: A Descriptive Study, Luke J. Gietzen Jan 2022

Age-Related Microaggressions: A Descriptive Study, Luke J. Gietzen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to expand the literature on ageism and microaggressions by defining a novel concept called an age-related microaggression. Participants (n = 51) were presented with explanations of gender and racially charged microaggressions and then were asked whether they had ever had an experience like that but related to their age. Participants described experiences of age-related microaggressions and were further guided through a series of questions via an online survey to determine the topography of the age-related microaggressions, emotional and behavioral reactions to being victimized, perpetrators and settings of the attacks, and perceived intent. A thematic …


Examining The Effects Of An Online Group Social Skills Program On Emotion Regulation Skills For Adolescents And Young Adults With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Breanna Perron Jan 2022

Examining The Effects Of An Online Group Social Skills Program On Emotion Regulation Skills For Adolescents And Young Adults With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Breanna Perron

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Difficulties with emotion regulation and social skills have been identified as core deficits for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (Turcotte et al., 2016). These deficits have been shown to lead to a multitude of social consequences and difficulties across the lifespan when unaddressed (Shattuck et al., 2011). Therefore, it is vital to establish effective interventions to teach the skills necessary to combat those deficits. The present study uses a behavioral skills training model to teach emotion regulation online using video modeling. The results provide potential support for increasing emotion regulation through the teaching of social skills. There were also …


Analyzing The Use Of A Montessori-Based Activity & Its Effect On Engagement & Affect In Persons With Dementia: A Replication Study, Emilee J. Andersen Jan 2021

Analyzing The Use Of A Montessori-Based Activity & Its Effect On Engagement & Affect In Persons With Dementia: A Replication Study, Emilee J. Andersen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Activities are an essential element in institutionalized settings for persons with dementia. Challenges are faced, however, when developing and implementing stimulating and meaningful activities for this population. Over the past two decades, Montessori-based activities (MBAs) have been investigated as a means for meeting the needs of persons with dementia residing in long-term care facilities. MBAs were developed to enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing dementia through maximization of engaging and meaningful activities. The purpose of the current study was to expand on the empirical literature related to the use of MBAs for persons with dementia by replication of …


The Effects Of Therapist Expertise And Concerns Of Involuntary Hospitalization On The Disclosure Of Suicidal Ideations And Behavior, Zane Hensel Jan 2021

The Effects Of Therapist Expertise And Concerns Of Involuntary Hospitalization On The Disclosure Of Suicidal Ideations And Behavior, Zane Hensel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Suicide continues to grow as a complex and multi-faceted problem in prevention and treatment, particularly for college students with an increased predictor of risk of suicidal behaviors. Previous research has indicated that one of the largest concerns for suicide disclosure is a fear of involuntary hospitalization. Over 200 college students participated in examining therapist expertise and understanding information on involuntary hospitalization on their rate of suicide disclosure. A 2x2 MANOVA, a 2x2x2 MANOVA that included gender, and a factor analysis were performed on an ad-hoc 11-question survey assessing suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior disclosure. The results indicated that there was …


A Brief Zoom-Facilitated Mindful And Intuitive Eating Intervention To Decrease Disordered Eating, Jenna K. Anderson Jan 2021

A Brief Zoom-Facilitated Mindful And Intuitive Eating Intervention To Decrease Disordered Eating, Jenna K. Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Clinical eating disorders are psychological disorders that impact a small percentage of the population. In the United States, prevalence rates range from 2-8% with a point prevalence of 4.6% (Galmiche et al., 2019). Subclinical disordered eating is a broader term for eating patterns and behaviors that do not meet clinical threshold, but that still may be life impairing (Burnette & Mazzeo, 2020). Subclinical disordered eating impacts many more individuals than clinical eating disorders do and is often present without the direct awareness of the people affected by it. With the prominence of diet culture in the United States that supports …


Understanding Resident-To-Resident Conflicts In Long Term Care Settings From The Perspective Of Administrative Staff, John F. Walker Jan 2021

Understanding Resident-To-Resident Conflicts In Long Term Care Settings From The Perspective Of Administrative Staff, John F. Walker

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Assisted living facilities are expanding in response to the growing population of older adults in the United States. Assisted living facilities offer a wide array of services including memory care. Research has shown that a majority of assisted living facilities have residents with cognitive impairments living along with non-cognitively impaired individuals (i.e., mixed populations). Little is known about the conflicts that may arise between cognitively and non-cognitively impaired residents in a mixed population. The present study hoped to better understand what conflicts occur, how direct care staff are trained to handle these conflicts, from the perspective of assisted living facility …


Comparing The Acceptability Of Treatment Rationales For Two Psychotherapies, Marin Gail Olson Jan 2021

Comparing The Acceptability Of Treatment Rationales For Two Psychotherapies, Marin Gail Olson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

An effective treatment rationale is important because it can affect whether or not a client decides if they will commit to the therapeutic approach. In recent years, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has developed as an approach that, although related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is philosophically distinct. CBT typically places a greater emphasis on changing/eliminating “symptoms” of psychological disorders and the role thoughts play in directly influencing emotional and behavior problems. ACT, on the other hand, places a heavier emphasis on accepting and changing one’s relationship to aversive private experiences. When comparing the assumptions and goals underlying CBT and ACT, …


Therapist Multicultural Orientation: Client Perceptions Of Cultural Humility, Sexual Identity, And The Working Alliance, Todd L. Jennings Jan 2021

Therapist Multicultural Orientation: Client Perceptions Of Cultural Humility, Sexual Identity, And The Working Alliance, Todd L. Jennings

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Research examining the benefits of cultural humility for diverse clients has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. However, little empirical research has applied therapist cultural humility to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. In a sample of 333 LGB persons, the current study examined whether therapist cultural humility predicted a stronger client-therapist working alliance. LGB identity centrality (IC) and identity affirmation (IA) were considered as possible moderators of this relationship. Therapist cultural humility predicted stronger working alliances in the present sample; however, this association was not moderated by IC or IA. These results suggest that therapist cultural humility is …


Joint Religiosity Among Satanists As A Predicator Of Sexual Satisfaction, Tayler M. Lyng Jan 2021

Joint Religiosity Among Satanists As A Predicator Of Sexual Satisfaction, Tayler M. Lyng

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Modern day Satanism is a sex-positive belief system with a diverse group of members. Exploration of a sample of 578 participants’ relationship styles and joint religious activities along with their self-reported sexual satisfaction has provided insight for couples and sex therapists who see and treat Satanists. Results indicated that sexual satisfaction increases with joint activity in almost all cases, though activity itself does not matter. Results also indicated that the centrality of one’s Satanist identity does not moderate the relationship between joint religious participation and sexual satisfaction and men reporting higher religiosity as not predictive of higher sexual satisfaction, both …


An Evaluation Of A Brief Mindfulness And Values Training On Cyber Bullying Behavior In College Students, Emily M. Boduch Jan 2020

An Evaluation Of A Brief Mindfulness And Values Training On Cyber Bullying Behavior In College Students, Emily M. Boduch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Cyber bullying is associated with many negative outcomes for both the bully and the victim (Fahy et al., 2016; Kowalski et al., 2014; Merrell et al., 2008; Quintana-Orts & Rey, 2018). There has been a large research focus on the causes (Barlett & Gentile, 2012; Mehari & Farrell, 2018) and consequences (Fahy et al., 2016) of cyber aggression, but there has not been as much focus on the evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies (Gaffney et al., 2018). While cyber bullying is primarily targeted in adolescence, Tynes, Rose, and Markoe (2013) showed that online aggression occurs amongst university students as …


Sex Trafficking: A Systematic Review Of Operational Definitions, Firdavs Khaydarov Jan 2020

Sex Trafficking: A Systematic Review Of Operational Definitions, Firdavs Khaydarov

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation constitutes about 59% of detected victims of trafficking, which makes it the most prevalent form of human exploitation globally. In the existing literature, there is a lack of a precise and consistent conceptualization of this phenomenon, which poses a significant challenge in its study. The purpose of this inquiry is to fill in the gap in the existing literature by identifying and analyzing existing operational definitions of sex trafficking pertinent to psychological scholarly literature. Methods: Meta-ethnographic approach to qualitative research was utilized in this study. To identify pertinent literature, a systematic review …


The Effects Of Cognitive Training On Behavioral Functioning In Persons With Dementia, Abigail J. Dye Jan 2020

The Effects Of Cognitive Training On Behavioral Functioning In Persons With Dementia, Abigail J. Dye

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Lack of engagement in pleasant activities and negative mood are two factors that decrease quality of life (QoL) for older adults with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. As enhancing QoL has become a primary treatment outcome for individuals with cognitive impairment, investigation into the ability of nonpharmacological interventions to increase engagement and positive mood has come to the forefront of research. Cognitive training is a nonpharmacological intervention that utilizes manualized techniques with the primary goal of enhancing different areas of cognitive function. Although the cognitive benefits of the programs have been widely investigated and established, the potential benefits that cognitive …


Understanding Communication Dynamics In Group Home Setting, Jacinta O. Anyanwu Jan 2020

Understanding Communication Dynamics In Group Home Setting, Jacinta O. Anyanwu

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Purpose: Limited research has examined the communicative interaction patterns within group home settings between adults with developmental disabilities and their non-disabled direct care staff. There is evidence from studies that improving the communication pattern of caregivers will eventually lead to better interaction with residents. An approach that might clarify this issue is to have direct care staff who currently work in group homes describe their interaction with their residents. This study evaluated the communication pattern of direct care staff and their residents in group home settings by looking at the types of instructions that direct care staff use on a …


Assessing Preferences For Montessori-Based Activities In Persons With Memory Impairment, Katelyn Danielle Smith Jan 2020

Assessing Preferences For Montessori-Based Activities In Persons With Memory Impairment, Katelyn Danielle Smith

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The population of older adults in the U.S is continuously increasing. With this comes an increased number of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related disease (ADRD), along with the need for quality care for these individuals. The use of activities to increase engagement has been shown to have a number of psychological benefits, especially when these activities are tailored to the abilities and preferences of the individual. However, individualizing activity programming is not always feasible for activity and care staff. The purpose of this study was to use a stimulus preference assessment to identify Montessori-based activities that persons with …


A Systematic Review Of The Literature: Defining Child Sex Trafficking, Chelseanne Luella Davidson Jan 2020

A Systematic Review Of The Literature: Defining Child Sex Trafficking, Chelseanne Luella Davidson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Depression, anxiety, and other comorbid psychological conditions are commonly found in child sex trafficking victims (Basson et al., 2012; Cole et al., 2016; Cook et al., 2018; Hargreaves-Cormany & Patterson, 2016; Hossain et al., 2010; Hopper, 2017; Middleton et al., 2018; Pierce, 2012; Reid, 2018; Shaw et al., 2017). Given the likelihood that mental health professionals may encounter victims of child sex trafficking, it is necessary to have a comprehensive and universal understanding of sex trafficking in order to most effectively address victims’ needs through evidence-based practices and inventions. The purpose of this study was to gain a more informed …


The Effects Of A Cognitive Training Program For Healthy Older Adults: A Program Evaluation Study, Jacklyn Gehling Jan 2020

The Effects Of A Cognitive Training Program For Healthy Older Adults: A Program Evaluation Study, Jacklyn Gehling

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

As one ages, some degree of cognitive decline is expected. Despite this, declines in cognitive abilities and the possibility of developing dementia are common concerns among older adults. In response to these concerns, a variety of cognitive training programs have been developed that aim to improve or maintain cognitive functioning. Previous literature has shown mixed or limited findings on cognitive changes after implementation of cognitive training. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive training program designed for older adults with no to minimal cognitive decline. The current study included 19 participants who engaged in two, one-hour long cognitive training …


An Investigation Into The Perceptions Of Elderspeak And How It Effects Mood Among An Assisted Living Population, Paige T. Shoutz Jan 2020

An Investigation Into The Perceptions Of Elderspeak And How It Effects Mood Among An Assisted Living Population, Paige T. Shoutz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study aimed to examine perceptions of ES and its effect on mood among older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Residents (N=6) were exposed to two videos comprised of an interaction of a nursing assistant aiding an older adult resident during activities of daily living. One of the videos demonstrated neutral communication, whereas the other video demonstrated communication with elderspeak. A mood rating was obtained prior to and immediately following exposure to each of the videos. Participants also provided ratings of the nursing assistant, and completed a qualitative interview that gathered their opinions, perceptions, and perceived differences between …


Teacher Awareness And Perceptions Of Social Media Use And Cyberbullying In Belize, Abbey Linderholm Jan 2019

Teacher Awareness And Perceptions Of Social Media Use And Cyberbullying In Belize, Abbey Linderholm

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Intro: Cyberbullying and other problems related to social media are growing concerns across the world with increased access to technology at home and in schools. Several studies have suggested that although instances of cyberbullying have increased in schools, teachers and other school staff members lack awareness of and training in identifying and preventing instances of it from occurring. The current study investigates school staff member awareness and perceptions of social media use and cyberbullying across two districts in Belize. Methods: A written 47-question survey regarding social media use and awareness and perceptions of cyberbullying was given to voluntary participants across …