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Articles 1 - 30 of 94
Full-Text Articles in Psychology
An Exploration Of Adult Children’S Attachment To Their Parents Across Two Cultural Groups: Indians In India And Indians Who Immigrated To The United States, Vilasini Meenakshi Arun
An Exploration Of Adult Children’S Attachment To Their Parents Across Two Cultural Groups: Indians In India And Indians Who Immigrated To The United States, Vilasini Meenakshi Arun
Doctoral Dissertations
Typically, attachment theory has been studied and explored with western populations. Individuals seeking mental health treatment within the United States include western and nonwestern cultural groups and research, theories and interventions that apply to diverse populations are necessary. Attachment relationships are often a part of, or reasons for clients to seek therapy either overtly or covertly, thus allowing research on attachment to better inform treatment plans and practice. An attachment relationship between a parent and child can be influenced by several factors and may change over the course of development, but little is known about this process among Indians …
Professional And Personal Humility In Relation To Between-Therapist Differences In Effectiveness, Heather Muir
Professional And Personal Humility In Relation To Between-Therapist Differences In Effectiveness, Heather Muir
Doctoral Dissertations
Objective: Research demonstrates that mental health clinicians vary in their general effectiveness—the “between-therapist effect.” Thus, it is important to identify determinants of such differences in order to understand and cultivate the therapist characteristics or actions that reliably foster better patient outcomes. To date, several of such variables have emerged empirically. For example, therapists who exhibit higher versus lower levels of professional self-doubt (PSD; a critical questioning of one’s skills as a clinician) have been shown to achieve better interpersonal outcomes with their average patient. Although arguably counterintuitive, the beneficial influence of PSD may make sense if, instead of simply reflecting …
Sexual Violence And Psychological Distress: The Roles Of Coping Self-Efficacy, Self-Blame, Shame, Activism, And Feminism, Charlotte Strauss Swanson
Sexual Violence And Psychological Distress: The Roles Of Coping Self-Efficacy, Self-Blame, Shame, Activism, And Feminism, Charlotte Strauss Swanson
Doctoral Dissertations
In the current study, we investigated potential direct, indirect, and moderated relations in the links between exposure to sexual violence and PTSD symptom severity and depression among a sample of 440 United States women who had experienced sexual assault in adulthood. We found that sexual violence exposure was both directly and indirectly related to PTSD symptom severity via less trauma coping self-efficacy, greater behavioral and characterological self-blame, and more shame. Sexual violence exposure was also indirectly related to depression via the same explanatory variables, except for behavioral self-blame. Contrary to our hypotheses, results indicated that involvement in anti-sexual activism and …
A Path Model Of Scct Applied To The Rural Appalachian Community, Sean M. Murphy
A Path Model Of Scct Applied To The Rural Appalachian Community, Sean M. Murphy
Doctoral Dissertations
The current study investigates the relationship between variables in the Social Cognitive Career Theory model as applies to rural Appalachia. A path model was conducted in order to see which variables are significantly related, as well as which paths differ from the hypothesized model, in this population. Results suggest that there is a direct effect of college going self-efficacy (CGSES) on college planning behaviors (CPB), as well as direct paths from barriers and postsecondary supports (PSS) to pursuing a education after high school. Indirect effects were also found from PSS and Barriers to CPB through CGSES. Surprisingly, no direct path …
Sexual Evangelism: Youth Activism And The Fight For Comprehensive Sex Education In East Tennessee, Elena Schuch
Sexual Evangelism: Youth Activism And The Fight For Comprehensive Sex Education In East Tennessee, Elena Schuch
Doctoral Dissertations
In the face of structural oppression perpetuated in part by a conservative U.S. state that limits their access to comprehensive and accurate information about sexual/reproductive health (SIECUS, 2019), each year high school students (aged 14-18) in East Tennessee are recruited by Family Futures to form a peer education/activism group promoting comprehensive sex education awareness. While youth’s participation in activism is often situated in terms of individual empowerment separate from structural forces (Watts & Flanagan, 2007; Bay-Cheng, 2017), our understanding of how youth negotiate their experiences with sex education activism as situated within larger systems is limited, particularly as youth’s voices …
Coping Styles As Potential Mediators In The Relationships Between Morally Injurious Events, Moral Injury, And Meaning-Making, Marjorie A. Perkins
Coping Styles As Potential Mediators In The Relationships Between Morally Injurious Events, Moral Injury, And Meaning-Making, Marjorie A. Perkins
Doctoral Dissertations
Exposure to morally injurious events has consistently been correlated with negative mental health outcomes for military servicemembers and veterans (Bryan et al., 2014; Currier et al., 2015a; Currier et al., 2015b; Currier et al., 2017; Dennis et al., 2017; Jordan et al., 2017; Maguen et al., 2009, 2010; Maguen, Vogt et al., 2011; Nash et al., 2013). However, some servicemembers and veterans may experience a deeper sense of understanding of the event and/or growth after a potentially morally injurious experience through a process called meaning-making (Park, 2013). The present study seeks to examine the relationship between individual coping styles and …
Understanding Help-Seeking In Rural Counties: A Serial Mediation Model Of Self-Reliance, Stigma, And Attitudes Toward Psychologists, Emily M. Keller
Understanding Help-Seeking In Rural Counties: A Serial Mediation Model Of Self-Reliance, Stigma, And Attitudes Toward Psychologists, Emily M. Keller
Doctoral Dissertations
Rural areas in the Southern United States are characterized by certain cultural values, including self-reliance. Prior research has shown that cultural values can affect stigmatizing beliefs about mental health needs and service utilization. The present study examined a four-stage chain of serial mediation where higher levels of general self-reliance would be related to increased levels of public stigma, which would, in turn, be related to greater levels of self-stigma, followed by higher self-reliance about managing mental health problems, and finally, more negative attitudes toward seeking out help from psychologists. Community members who lived in rural counties in the Southern United …
Ambivalent Sexism And Condom Use Self-Efficacy Amongst Men Who Bottom: A Serial Mediation Model, Elliott Nolan Devore
Ambivalent Sexism And Condom Use Self-Efficacy Amongst Men Who Bottom: A Serial Mediation Model, Elliott Nolan Devore
Doctoral Dissertations
The effects of gendered power dynamics between men and women during sexual encounters are well documented in the literature. Specifically, internalizing sexist beliefs about masculine dominance and feminine submission is related to worse sexual health outcomes. Less is known, however, about gendered power dynamics between men having sex. Those who engage in anal sex as the receptive partner (i.e., bottom) are feminized and shamed in various cultures, viewed as submissive, and may have internalized sexist beliefs and, thus, sexual role prejudice. Consequently, bottoms may feel less sexual autonomy, which influences their condom use self-efficacy. This is important given that bottoms …
Self-Objectification And Alcohol Use In Young Adult College Women, Rachel Carretta
Self-Objectification And Alcohol Use In Young Adult College Women, Rachel Carretta
Doctoral Dissertations
Although there is a sizeable body of research identifying the gender convergence of drinking rates, fewer studies have explored factors contributing to women’s increasing alcohol consumption. Consequently, scholars have called for more research on gender-related predictors of women’s drinking behaviors and associated consequences (Iwamoto et al., 2018). One potential gender-relevant factor is self-objectification or the perspective toward the self that the body is primarily valued for its appearance and sexual appeal (Frederickson & Roberts, 1997). Thus, our study investigated the link between self-objectification and young adult college women’s alcohol use and alcohol use prior to casual sexual activity or “hooking …
Adverse Childhood Experiences And College Adjustment: A Moderated Mediation Model, Pamela Rosecrance
Adverse Childhood Experiences And College Adjustment: A Moderated Mediation Model, Pamela Rosecrance
Doctoral Dissertations
Although the effects of adverse childhood experiences have been widely studied in the general population, researchers have just recently begun to examine their effects on college students. Even fewer studies have looked at the impact of adverse childhood experiences on college adjustment. The present study sought to examine mental health concerns as a mediator, first-generation status as a moderator, and the moderated mediation link between adverse childhood experiences and college adjustment. Using this same model, the subconstructs of college adjustment – academic, relational, and psychological functioning – were also investigated. Additionally, we sought to examine differences in the rates of …
Beyond ‘Help-Seeking,’ Toward ‘Engagement’: Understanding Barriers To Mental Health Equity Among Sexual Minority Individuals, Elliot Spengler
Beyond ‘Help-Seeking,’ Toward ‘Engagement’: Understanding Barriers To Mental Health Equity Among Sexual Minority Individuals, Elliot Spengler
Doctoral Dissertations
The finding that 57.4% of adults living in the United States with a diagnosable mental health disorder do not receive mental health care (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2018) opens important questions as to what structural and individual factors contribute to this “treatment gap” and individuals’ willingness and/or ability to seek out traditional mental health care. Sexual minority (SM) individuals experience inequitable mental health outcomes and report more unmet mental health needs and more barriers to health care than heterosexual individuals. Thus, there is a need to understand the process of mental health care engagement (MHCE) for SM …
Experiences Of Latinx's Adult Transition To The U.S. And The Clinical Implications That Arise In Acclimating Into The Dominant Culture: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Gabriela Olavarrieta
Experiences Of Latinx's Adult Transition To The U.S. And The Clinical Implications That Arise In Acclimating Into The Dominant Culture: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Gabriela Olavarrieta
Doctoral Dissertations
There has been a significant gap in the literature regarding the lived experience of the Latinx adult transition to the United States and the clinical implications that arise in acclimating to the dominant culture, particularly under the Trump Administration. The approach for the current research examined Latinxs’ adulthood transitions to the United States, experiences of acculturative stress, including instances of discrimination as well as their experiences acclimating or assimilating into the dominant culture. This study also examined what seeking, or being unable to seek, mental health services looked like in the current sociopolitical climate. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was utilized to …
Decreasing Stress Through An Emotion Regulation And Non-Judging Based Intervention With Trauma-Exposed College Students, Megan Cherry
Decreasing Stress Through An Emotion Regulation And Non-Judging Based Intervention With Trauma-Exposed College Students, Megan Cherry
Doctoral Dissertations
Among college students, trauma and PTSD symptomatology are associated with negative consequences (e.g., poor academic performance, stress sensitivity, and negative coping). College is often a stressful time, and those who have experienced trauma, particularly those experiencing PTSD symptoms, are vulnerable to heightened stress sensitivity and negative outcomes. It is imperative to identify interventions that decrease stress for trauma-exposed college students to reduce the deleterious effects of related outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether emotion regulation and non-judgment could be enhanced in trauma-exposed college students through a short, mindfulnessbased intervention, and whether the intervention would lead to …
Developing A Model Of Sexism-Based Traumatic Stress, Marcus Cherry
Developing A Model Of Sexism-Based Traumatic Stress, Marcus Cherry
Doctoral Dissertations
In contemporary society, women regularly endure sexist microaggressions—messages that convey aversive, demeaning sexist slights toward women. Sexist microaggressions have been associated with anger, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, job stress, increased risky health behavior and trauma. Additionally, sexist microaggressions effects are cumulative and can result in the internalization of sexist beliefs and undermine selfcompassion. Research suggests that these distortions of self-views and self-regard can in part contribute to the development of trauma symptoms. Notably, research has found that prolonged exposure to sexism, in general, has been associated with trauma symptoms. However, the traumatic effects of sexist microaggressions have remained largely theoretical. …
An Examination Of The Relationships Between Message Framing, Regulatory Focus, And Psychological Reactance On Risky Health Decision-Making Among College Students, Mallory B. Garza
An Examination Of The Relationships Between Message Framing, Regulatory Focus, And Psychological Reactance On Risky Health Decision-Making Among College Students, Mallory B. Garza
Doctoral Dissertations
Excessive alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors are common health-related concerns among college campuses throughout the United States. Previous efforts to thwart such risky health behaviors have resulted in limited success. Therefore, it is crucial that researchers learn how to effectively communicate with college students in ways that increase healthy behaviors and decrease unhealthy behaviors among this particular population. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of message framing, regulatory focus, and psychological reactance on motivating college students to take a more proactive approach in regard to their health and wellbeing. Data from this study were …
The Impact Of Ptsd And History Of Involvement In The Criminal Justice System On Medication Treatment Success In Opioid Use Disorder, Kirk Sanger
Doctoral Dissertations
This analysis examined the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), history of trauma, and a history of involvement in the criminal justice system (CJS) on treatment outcomes related to medication treatment for opioid use disorder. This study employed a secondary analysis of data derived from a multi-state, multi-site treatment center focused on substance abuse and more specifically opioid use disorder treatment. The total sample size was 19,970 patients. The majority of the sample received treatment in Massachusetts, was white, and non-Hispanic. Those with PTSD accounted for 9.5% of the sample, while 12% had a history of trauma. Just under 1/4 …
Heterosexist Discrimination And Lgbq Activism: Examining A Moderated Mediation Model, Trevor Lee Dunn
Heterosexist Discrimination And Lgbq Activism: Examining A Moderated Mediation Model, Trevor Lee Dunn
Doctoral Dissertations
Although the negative outcomes of heterosexist discrimination have been well researched in the psychological literature, positive coping mechanisms and outcomes, such as engagement in activism aimed at improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) individuals, are understudied. The present study examined potential mediators (i.e., LGBQ relational connectedness, search for meaning, and heterosexism awareness), moderators (i.e., LGBQ identity centrality and perceived efficacy for collective action), and moderated mediation of the link between heterosexist discrimination and activism among 867 LGBQ adults. Results revealed that heterosexist discrimination was directly and indirectly (via search for meaning and heterosexism awareness) related to …
The Role Of Meaning-Making In Posttraumatic Growth Among Eritrean Refugees With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Yacob Tewolde Tekie
The Role Of Meaning-Making In Posttraumatic Growth Among Eritrean Refugees With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Yacob Tewolde Tekie
Doctoral Dissertations
The study examined the moderating role of meaning made, meaning making and social support on the relationship between negative life events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression as well as the facilitating role of these moderating variables for posttraumatic growth(PTG). Eritrean refugees (N = 135) who were residing in Europe were recruited. The results showed that post-migration living difficulties significantly related with negative outcomes. In addition, the results showed that social support moderated the relationship between the number of traumatic life events and anxiety symptoms. However, meaning made and social support were not significant moderators on the …
Relationships Among Trauma Type, Posttraumatic Stress, And Posttraumatic Growth, Elizabeth Ann Thomas
Relationships Among Trauma Type, Posttraumatic Stress, And Posttraumatic Growth, Elizabeth Ann Thomas
Doctoral Dissertations
The goal of this study was to provide insight into two research questions: 1) Does trauma type (interpersonal versus non-interpersonal) relate to how posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) develop in relation to one another? and 2) Do differences in individuals’ reports of PTS symptoms or PTG domains exist based on trauma type? Adults seeking behavioral health or medical treatment (N = 158) were recruited from a community integrated health care agency and a men’s residential support program located in the Southeastern United States. The results of the study did not show a significant curvilinear relationship between PTS …
An Investigation Of Gender Bias In A Career Assessment For A Stem Field, Shelby Morgan Reyes
An Investigation Of Gender Bias In A Career Assessment For A Stem Field, Shelby Morgan Reyes
Doctoral Dissertations
This study examined whether career counselors differ in their recommendations for a STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career (specifically, computer scientist) based on the gender of the client. In a randomized two group experimental design with a qualitative component, a fictitious student bio was created in order to understand the possible conceptualization differences seen between career counselors in regards to gender bias in the STEM fields. The primary research questions looked at whether participants were less likely to recommend the female student, compared to the male, to a STEM related career and to pursue graduate school. A secondary research …
Instagram Use And Self-Objectification: The Roles Of Internalization, Comparison, Appearance Commentary, And Feminism, Chandra Erin Feltman
Instagram Use And Self-Objectification: The Roles Of Internalization, Comparison, Appearance Commentary, And Feminism, Chandra Erin Feltman
Doctoral Dissertations
The current study examined potential mediators (i.e., internalization of cultural standards of beauty, engaging in upward and downward appearance comparisons, and receiving positive and negative appearance-related commentary) and moderators (i.e., feminist beliefs) of the links between the use of Instagram and self-objectification and body surveillance among 524 young adult undergraduate women from the Southeast United States. Results revealed that internalization of cultural standards of beauty and engaging in upward appearance comparisons uniquely mediated the Instagram usage and self-objectification/body surveillance links. Additionally, findings from the moderation analyses indicated that the direct effect of Instagram usage on body surveillance was contingent on …
An Examination Of Music Majors' Perceived Barriers To Complying With An Exercise Program, Matthew William Seitz
An Examination Of Music Majors' Perceived Barriers To Complying With An Exercise Program, Matthew William Seitz
Doctoral Dissertations
This dissertation focused on a mixed-methods exploration of the barriers and motivation to exercise in a sample of music majors at a large southeastern university. Due to dietary concerns and other obstacles to engaging in regular exercise, musicians are at a greater dietary and cardiovascular risk than the general population. Previous research has revealed music majors, in general, do not identify as exercisers. This comes with its obvious health risks. Self-determination theory and exercise identity literature posits individuals who more strongly identify as exercisers and who are more intrinsically motivated to exercise will workout more often and more consistently than …
Intraracial And Intraethnic Microaggressions Experienced By Korean American Internationally And Transracially Adopted Persons, Karin J. Garber
Intraracial And Intraethnic Microaggressions Experienced By Korean American Internationally And Transracially Adopted Persons, Karin J. Garber
Doctoral Dissertations
This research examined the microaggressions that Korean American internationally and transracially adopted persons (ITAPs) reported based on intraracial/intraethnic interpersonal exchanges. This research tested a conceptual model that: 1) determined the themes of intraracial/intraethnic microaggressions reported by Korean American ITAPs; 2) investigated how psychological symptoms and emotion outcomes were predicted from these microaggressions; and 3) tested specific moderators (i.e., age, engagement coping, disengagement coping, ethnic identity, stigma consciousness, parental racial, ethnic, and cultural socialization, and level of interaction with other Asians) that could change the relationship between these microaggressions and negative psychological symptoms and emotion outcomes. Two studies with different samples …
Therapeutic Aspects Of Tattoo Acquisition: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Connection Between Psychological Trauma And The Writing Of Stories Into Flesh, Everett W. Painter
Therapeutic Aspects Of Tattoo Acquisition: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Connection Between Psychological Trauma And The Writing Of Stories Into Flesh, Everett W. Painter
Doctoral Dissertations
Since the start of recorded history, accounts are replete of individuals being subjected to unthinkable experiences that possess the power to fundamentally disrupt their lives. Survivors of psychological trauma encounter numerous obstacles on the pathway to recovery (Briere & Scott, 2015). Counselors working with this population continue to search for effective strategies in support of restoration (Boxer & Sloan-Power, 2013). One possibility often discussed by trauma survivors in popular media as helpful is tattoo acquisition. However, our understanding of this body modification practice is incomplete due to a social history of stigma and bias (Stein, 2011). The purpose of this …
Lesbian Body Dissatisfaction: The Roles Of Gender Identity, Body-Gender Identity Incongruence, And Internalized Appearance Ideals, Christine Laura Beck
Lesbian Body Dissatisfaction: The Roles Of Gender Identity, Body-Gender Identity Incongruence, And Internalized Appearance Ideals, Christine Laura Beck
Doctoral Dissertations
Given the gendered nature of body dissatisfaction and the especially varied experience of gender identity within lesbian subculture, the current study investigated how lesbians’ gender identities may account for differences in lesbian body dissatisfaction. More specifically, I examined gender identity, body-gender identity incongruence, and lesbian subtype as predictors of lesbian body dissatisfaction. In addition, I examined the potential moderating role of internalization of trait appearance ideals (both thin and mesomorphic ideals) in the gender identityàbody dissatisfaction link. The current study of 427 lesbians revealed that some aspects of gender identity uniquely predict lesbian body dissatisfaction, namely measures assessing stereotypical male …
Developing A Korean Version Of The Experiences In Close Relationships Scale Using Quantitative Methods For Verifying Semantic Equivalence, Ji-Sun Jeong
Doctoral Dissertations
The aim of this study was to verify semantic equivalence of a Korean version of ECRS using quantitative methods. Data were collected from 204 bilingual Koreans. The criterion sample included the 399 American college students surveyed by Mallinckrodt and Wang (2004). After translating the ECRS from English to Korean, five analyses for semantic equivalence were conducted: mean differences, DLSH reliability, internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. First, the English items were equivalent to the Korean items except for the Avoidance subscale from Form B when comparing means differences. In addition, the English and Korean versions of each subscale showed …
Change In “Everyday Multicultural Competencies” As A Response To Resident Advisors Multicultural Training: Association With Five-Factor Personality Traits, Nicole Crystal Chery
Change In “Everyday Multicultural Competencies” As A Response To Resident Advisors Multicultural Training: Association With Five-Factor Personality Traits, Nicole Crystal Chery
Doctoral Dissertations
Residence Life “Resident Advisors/Assistants” (RAs) are an essential component of student affairs staff on many college campuses. They live in residence halls and share important responsibility for the emotional health, physical safety, and student development of the undergraduates living in their residence hall. Because they provide such an important function, RAs often receive extensive training, however, the emphasis on multicultural training varies from university to university. Surprisingly, there is little research to show whether the training makes a difference. This study utilizes the 29-item Brief Everyday Multicultural Competencies Scale (BEMCS) as a tool for measuring the effects of multicultural programming …
A Randomized Controlled Study Examining The Effectiveness Of A Gratitude Intervention And An Optimism Intervention On Well-Being: Moderating Effects Of Personality Disposition And Social Support, J. Brandon Waits
Doctoral Dissertations
Research suggests that engaging in activities that highlight gratitude and optimism can significantly increase well-being. However, additional research is needed to explore characteristics or conditions that optimize the effectiveness of such interventions. The purpose of the present study was to contribute to research in this area by examining the effectiveness each of a gratitude intervention and an optimism intervention on both subjective well-being and psychological well-being among college students. In addition, the current study examined whether personality disposition (i.e., trait gratitude and trait optimism) and social support moderated the effectiveness of these interventions on wellbeing. Data were collected from 144 …
Adult Attachment Style And Inter-Parental Discrepancy On Pediatric Behavior Assessment Scales, Laura Beliech Harris
Adult Attachment Style And Inter-Parental Discrepancy On Pediatric Behavior Assessment Scales, Laura Beliech Harris
Doctoral Dissertations
The process of diagnosing pediatric psychopathology is an important and sometimes complex endeavor. Diagnoses are useful for facilitating communication among providers, setting therapy goals, and intervention selection. However, beyond their utility, diagnoses potentially can influence client-therapist rapport, therapeutic alliance, and therapy outcomes in a negative manner, as well as leading to stigma and discrimination against the client (child). Best practice for pediatric psychological evaluations includes obtaining data regarding the child's behavior in multiple settings and from multiple respondents. This is most often accomplished through administration of standardized objective pediatric behavior assessment instruments. However, collecting data from multiple respondents in this …
The Mediating Influence Of Career Aspirations And Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy On Self-Differentiation, Vocational Identity, And Career Indecision, Jay Justin Middleton
The Mediating Influence Of Career Aspirations And Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy On Self-Differentiation, Vocational Identity, And Career Indecision, Jay Justin Middleton
Doctoral Dissertations
Research indicates that numerous family variables influence the career-development process (Osipow, 1983). Bowen's family systems theory is one model through which to view the development and influence of the family on career development (Bowen, 1972). According to his theory, individuals begin life highly dependent on family members for all forms of support. As people grow into adults, they slowly become independent of their family, or self-differentiated. Adults low in self-differentiation have been found to make decisions in order to appease their families. Further, low levels of self-differentiation have been related to greater mental health problems (Skowron & Friedlander, 1998) and …