Psychology Commons^™

Dietary Approaches To The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dhira Patel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This chapter reviews the literature surrounding autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their relation to gastrointestinal (GI), behavioral, neurological, and immunological functioning. Individuals with ASDs often have poor GI health, including bowel motility issues, autoimmune and/or other adverse responses to certain foods, and lack of necessary nutrient absorption. These issues may be caused or exacerbated by restrictive behavioral patterns (e.g., preference for sweet and salty foods and/or refusal of healthy foods). Those individuals with GI issues tend to demonstrate more behavioral deficits (e.g., irritability, agitation, hyperactivity) and also tend to have an imbalance in overall gut microbiome composition, thus corroborating several …

Validation Of A Serotonin Depletion Checklist In Parkinson’S Disease, Kelly Diane Darby Holder

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The distinctive pathological marker of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the progressive death of neurons that produce dopamine; however, there are also major alterations in the production of quantities of other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin that contribute to the signs, symptoms, neuropsychological manifestations of the diseases. PD patients can be divided into classes based on the manifestation of motor symptoms, type A, classified as tremor dominant, and type B PD, classified as akinetic. Type B PD patients, often manifest symptoms in which serotonin deficiency plays an important role, such as frontal cognitive impairments, which often includes a history of …

The Psychological Characteristics Of Obese Children, Thomas Taylor Mitchell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several studies along with the surgeon general of the United States have identified obesity as a national health issue. Research indicates that adult obesity treatment has relatively poor long-term effects. Consequently increased attention has been given to addressing obesity in children. This focus is particularly vital due to the fact that children are one of the populations showing the most rapid increase in overweight and obesity. The purpose of this study was to identify the some of the unique psychological characteristics of obese children by analyzing the intake data of children and adolescents attending the Loma Linda University Growing Fit …

Predicting Milk And Soft Drink Consumption Among Female Adolescents Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Nada Osman Kassem

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A total of 756 female adolescents, aged 13 to 18 years, from five public high schools in Antelope Valley Union High School District located in North Los Angeles County participated in this study between February 1999 and March 1999. The ethnic composition was 53.3% White/Anglo Americans, 19.3% Hispanics or Latinos and 10.2% Black/African Americans. The constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control and their underlying beliefs) were assessed to determine the predictors of low-fat milk and regular soda consumption. A cross-sectional design with group-administered questionnaires was utilized.

Most participants (89.6%, n = 636) …

A Survey Of The Breakfast And Snack Habits Of Adventist And Non-Adventist Adolescents, Consuelo A. Bustista

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A study was undertaken to survey by questionnaire and interview methods the breakfast and snack habits of Adventist and non-Adventist adolescents. The purposes of the study were: (I) to find out if there is any difference in the practices of Adventist and non-Adventist teenagers, and (2) to determine their attitudes toward snacking and omission of breakfast.

Results of the questionnaire were coded, punched onto IBM cards, and fed into computing machines for item and statistical analysis. Chi-square test analyses were done on denominational classification against some questions of interest to show any significant differences between Adventist and non-Adventist students' responses. …

A Study Of The Effect Of Varying Serum Phenylalanine Levels On Changes In Intelligence Quotient, Darlene Imai Manullang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Data from thirty medical records of phenylketonuric children under treatment were investigated to determine at which serum phenylalanine level (0-3.9 mg. %, 4-7.9 mg %, 8-11.9 mg. %, greater than 12 mg. %) there would be the greatest increase in intelligence. The children involved in the study were divided into the following groups according to the age dietary treatment was initiated: 0 through 5 months, 6 through 11 months, 12 through 23 months, and over 2 years of age.

Among 6 patients who were placed on the diet during the first 5 months of life, it appears that the optimal …