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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Preparing Counselors To Meet The Needs Of Transgender Clients, Kristy Carangi Sep 2023

Preparing Counselors To Meet The Needs Of Transgender Clients, Kristy Carangi

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This exploratory quantitative study tests the effectiveness of a three-hour Transgender Training Intervention for increasing the gender identity competence of counselors and counselors-in-training. Participants (N = 4) were recruited online and completed the 20-item Counselor Competence Gender Identity Survey (CCGIS) before and after the virtual training intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that mean total CCGIS scores increased from 127.0 in the pretest to 138.75 in the posttest, a 9.25% increase. The largest gains were made on the Gaining Knowledge/Skills to Counsel Gender Diverse Individuals subscale (CCGIS-KS). Mean scores on the CCGIS-KS increased from 24.25 in the …


Examining The Relationship Between Counselor Professional Identity And Burnout, Jessica Gaul Sep 2023

Examining The Relationship Between Counselor Professional Identity And Burnout, Jessica Gaul

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examines counselor professional identity and burnout for clinical mental health counselors. The population of focus included licensed or license-eligible Clinical Mental Health Counselors, who were post-grad (N=53). Participants then completed the Professional Identity Scale in Counseling - Short Form and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. When examining the findings regarding the relationship between Counselor Professional Identity and Burnout for this study, the initial observation revealed the validity and applicability of the MBI-HSS to clinical mental health counselors. Though a relationship between Burnout and Counselor Professional Identity was not identified, relationships between sub-scale items were noteworthy. Implications for …


Internalized Transphobia And The Development Of Disordered Eating Behaviors In Gender Diverse Adults, Bonnie Kester Jan 2023

Internalized Transphobia And The Development Of Disordered Eating Behaviors In Gender Diverse Adults, Bonnie Kester

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Gender diverse individuals experience a multitude of oppressive interactions within our society and receive incessant messages of invalidation, oppression, and aggression. These chronic stressors have been shown to increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors within this population. The current study aims to explore how internalized transphobia may affect the development of disordered eating behavior as viewed through the Minority Stress Framework. This study explored the lived experience of being gender diverse in our society and how this may relate to the development of disordered eating behavior while also investigating protective factors. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological methodology, …


Growing Therapeutic Horticulture In The Field Of Clinical Psychology, Kelli Woodson Jan 2023

Growing Therapeutic Horticulture In The Field Of Clinical Psychology, Kelli Woodson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The connection between nature and well-being has been recognized across cultures for centuries. One way in which people have facilitated this connection over the years has been through their interactions with plants and the practice of horticulture. Research over the years has further substantiated a connection between horticultural practices and overall well-being. However, a significantly disproportionate amount of this research has been conducted within the field of clinical psychology, despite the notable clinical implications. The current dissertation aims to address this gap in the current literature by exploring this connection from the lens of clinical psychology. More specifically, the current …


The Impact Of Poorly Facilitated Anti-Racist Conversations, Brandon Kirkwood Jan 2023

The Impact Of Poorly Facilitated Anti-Racist Conversations, Brandon Kirkwood

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

It is well established that the graduate school experience is significantly different for students of color; on top of a rigorous training program, they face additional distinct challenges including racism, discrimination, and feelings of isolation. Insidious Trauma theory provides the framework for this quantitative exploration assessing the impact of poorly facilitated anti-racist conversations on the physical and emotional wellbeing of clinical psychology graduate students of color. George Floyd’s murder, among many other incidents of racial injustice, was a powerful catalyst that propelled academic institutions into action. Anti-racist dialogue became the intentional focus of graduate classes almost overnight. Well-meaning but insufficiently-prepared …


Protective Behavioral Strategies And Negative Consequences Of Alcohol Use Among College Athletes, Nirmala Jayaraman Jan 2023

Protective Behavioral Strategies And Negative Consequences Of Alcohol Use Among College Athletes, Nirmala Jayaraman

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Alcohol use is associated with a variety of negative consequences among young adults (Benton et al., 2004). Current studies are considering how protective behavioral strategies (PBS), such as acting as a designated driver, alternating with a non-alcoholic beverage, or watching out for a friend at a party, can be analyzed to better understand what factors contribute to alcohol consumption and drinking behavior (Borden et al., 2011). The purpose of this study was to further understand the relationship between the use of specific protective behavior strategies and negative consequences related to drinking alcohol among college athletes. The present study used survey …


Exploring The Intersection Of Dementia And Violence Risk Assessment, Jamie S. Klugiewicz Jan 2023

Exploring The Intersection Of Dementia And Violence Risk Assessment, Jamie S. Klugiewicz

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This is a mixed-method study exploring Designated Forensic Psychologists’ (DFPs) experiences with the violence risk assessment (VRA) of individuals diagnosed with dementia. DFPs (N = 23, 69.6% female, 87% White) completed an online survey investigating the frequency of VRA and dementia, potential change in VRA method in response to dementia, application of existing VRA instruments, and perceived benefit of tailored guidelines and VRA instruments. Most in this sample (84.2%) endorsed cases involving VRA and dementia that typically comprised 5% or less of lifetime cases. The presence of dementia had a variable impact on the approach to VRA, and thematic analysis …


Meeting The Client Halfway: A Relational Revision To Account For Intra-Actions In Psychotherapeutic Space, Lara Pirro Jancetic Jan 2023

Meeting The Client Halfway: A Relational Revision To Account For Intra-Actions In Psychotherapeutic Space, Lara Pirro Jancetic

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This post-qualitative study branching from new-materialist, post-humanist epistemology and ontology examines relationality through the lens of three different theories: agential realism, John Shotter’s communication theory, and relational mindfulness. These theories each describe the dynamics involved in relationships, how they each make sense of these dynamics, and what they entail for human relations. Using a post-qualitative diffractive methodology, this study examines these theories and how they intersect to bring about new insights in our understanding of relationships and how this information can support therapy practice. The results are a series of nine principles of orientation, which were applied to marriage and …


Binge Drinking And Protective Behavioral Strategies Among Greek And Non-Greek College Students, Maria Niitepold Jan 2023

Binge Drinking And Protective Behavioral Strategies Among Greek And Non-Greek College Students, Maria Niitepold

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

One of the most problematic habits of college students, binge drinking, has been of particular interest among researchers as a result of the increased risk of harm experienced by students engaging in this high-risk behavior. Fraternity and sorority students have also come under scrutiny for habitually engaging in binge drinking and experiencing significant levels of negative consequences as a result. Little is currently understood about the differences between Protective Behavioral Strategy (PBS) use of Greek and non-Greek students. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in rates of binge drinking and PBS use among Greek and non-Greek …


How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Taught In Graduate Counseling Programs?, Laura Smestad Jan 2023

How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Taught In Graduate Counseling Programs?, Laura Smestad

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate how OCD is taught in graduate counseling programs. A quantitative approach with a qualitative element was used to explore the experiences of master’s-level counseling students learning about OCD as well as to examine specific information taught about OCD in graduate counseling programs. Participants completed the OCD Counselor Education Questionnaire to assess how OCD was taught in their diagnosis coursework. Quantitative survey questions were analyzed using a frequency analysis, and qualitative answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed significant gaps in graduate counseling curriculum related to OCD symptomology, misdiagnosis, and evidence-based treatments, …


Metaphor And Intersubjectivity: The Use Of Metaphor Within A Metaphor, Sara Jalbert Jan 2023

Metaphor And Intersubjectivity: The Use Of Metaphor Within A Metaphor, Sara Jalbert

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Psychotherapists experience encounters in psychotherapy that present the opportunity for metaphor and imagery to be utilized as methods of intervention that enhance attunement in the therapeutic dyad. Working within imagery, tropes, and metaphor may facilitate experiential processing and integration of information. Metaphor has been used across cultures for many years to describe abstract concepts and to apply deeper meaning to the confines of logical thought. This paper discusses the literature on metaphor as an object of shared language, enhancing the space which minds share in the therapeutic dyad, and posits that metaphor has the ability to enhance intrapsychic levels of …


A Theoretical Basis For Understanding And Researching The Relationship Between Music, Stress, And Biofeedback, Frederick Wang Jan 2023

A Theoretical Basis For Understanding And Researching The Relationship Between Music, Stress, And Biofeedback, Frederick Wang

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Music’s ability to influence emotional states and physical arousal has become an increasingly popular area of study. The wealth of literature around music and stress suggests a significant amount of interest in leveraging music to manage stress. However, as attention increases, the robustness of research becomes an increasing concern. This study investigates the current literature and proposes recommendations for the future studying of the psychological and physiological impacts of music as it relates to stress reduction. Existing literature was reviewed with a focus on the operationalization of key concepts of music and stress. The analysis showed considerable discrepancies in research …


Psychoanalytic And Psychodynamic Practitioners Survey, Rebecca Moussa Jan 2023

Psychoanalytic And Psychodynamic Practitioners Survey, Rebecca Moussa

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

There has been little consensus in the field of psychology in what defines a psychoanalytic/psychodynamic (PA/PD) practitioner or psychologist. This dissertation analyzed the data from the 2021 Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Practitioner’s Survey. The analyzed data was used to further understand who these practitioners are and how they practice by exploring (a) practice patterns, (b) education and training experiences, (c) demographics of practitioners, (e) practice settings and populations, (f), clinical problems addressed, and (g) needs and interest assessment for new specialty and subspecialty board certification. The results were analyzed and revealed relevant information about individuals’ ethnic/racial identification and the intersecting factors …


A Case Study On Factors Influencing Retention Of Mental Health Clinicians In A New Hampshire Community Mental Health Center, William E. Keating Jan 2023

A Case Study On Factors Influencing Retention Of Mental Health Clinicians In A New Hampshire Community Mental Health Center, William E. Keating

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examined the perspectives of master-level clinical mental health providers and members of leadership at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in New Hampshire, to understand clinician and leadership perspectives as to why master-level providers choose to continue working at CMHCs. Most prior research on turnover in such organizations has focused on why so many leave their positions, however this study instead focuses on factors related to the decision to stay at a specific CMHC in an urban area of New Hampshire. A single case study method was utilized to focus on masters-level mental health care providers with additional …


Black Mental Health Clinicians' Experiences And Lessons From The Intersecting Crises Of Black Mental Health, Covid-19, And Racial Trauma: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study, Chanté Meadows Jan 2023

Black Mental Health Clinicians' Experiences And Lessons From The Intersecting Crises Of Black Mental Health, Covid-19, And Racial Trauma: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study, Chanté Meadows

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explored the experiences of African American mental health clinicians’ during the intersecting crises of the Black mental health crisis, the highly publicized racial tension tied to extrajudicial violence and over-policing of Black Americans, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic started a global crisis that affected millions of people’s physical and mental health and overall well-being. Shared trauma explores the duality of mental health clinicians’ personal and professional experiences. Grounded in critical race theory and models of trauma, this study explores Black mental health clinicians’ lived experiences and lessons. This is an interpretive phenomenological study with narrative interviews of …


Finding Body Appreciation Through The Weight-Neutral Framework, Hannah Goehner Jan 2023

Finding Body Appreciation Through The Weight-Neutral Framework, Hannah Goehner

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Body dissatisfaction is a critical risk factor for well-being; however, it can be considered normative in women. Body dissatisfaction is exceptionally high for women in larger bodies (Murnen, 2011). Due to body dissatisfaction’s prevalence and risk, mental health providers must assist higher-weight women in developing body appreciation. This qualitative study aims to comprehend how weight-neutral treatments promote body appreciation among higher-weight women. Utilizing a feminist and positive psychology framework, the study explored how higher-weight women developed body appreciation, how weight-neutral treatment promoted this development, and what outside factors assisted their progression. Comparison analysis between the weight-neutral and weight-focused samples was …


How Cultural Believes Support And Perpetuate Relational Violence: A Delphi Study For Violence Prevention, Alisha D. Guthery Jan 2023

How Cultural Believes Support And Perpetuate Relational Violence: A Delphi Study For Violence Prevention, Alisha D. Guthery

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study solicited experts in relational violence across the United States using the Delphi methodology and grounded theory. This research was conducted in two phases and designed to answer two primary questions: (1) What cultural beliefs are involved in relational violence in the United States? And (2) How are the beliefs about relational violence maintained? The findings showed agreement from the experts on the societal beliefs that hold relational violence, the specific beliefs held by the abuser, and the impacts of these beliefs on the survivor. The experts offered ideas for intervention and prevention, which are important contributions to professional …


Exploring The Definition Of Resilience: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study In Adults Over The Age Of 65, Sara J. Blessington Jan 2023

Exploring The Definition Of Resilience: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study In Adults Over The Age Of 65, Sara J. Blessington

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The definition of a word helps us understand its context and how it is meant to be used in daily life or research. When a word lacks a universal definition, it is hard to know how to use it. “Resilience” is that type of word. The resilience community in psychological research does not have a concrete, universal definition for this word. It takes on whatever characteristics are useful to the investigator. This study began with seeking a universal definition for the domain known as resilience. This study used a convergent parallel design with adults aged 60 and older living independently …


Bringing Light To The Unconscious: A Theoretical Examination Of Racism Through The Adlerian Lens Of Social Interest, Elle R. Harris Jan 2023

Bringing Light To The Unconscious: A Theoretical Examination Of Racism Through The Adlerian Lens Of Social Interest, Elle R. Harris

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This theoretical paper posits that racial oppression ensues in part due to a lack of social interest, manifested by excessive self-interest in the projection of negative white attributions onto people of color. Excessive white self-interest not only divides whites and Black people but within people groups and among individuals; all are negatively impacted by racism, and to believe otherwise is to succumb to the dangerous falsity of zero-sum thinking. Furthermore, a scholarly case is made for the amplification of social interest by a lowering of white defenses and a reclamation of one’s authentic parts of self. Specifically, one must acknowledge, …


Diving To New Depths: An Exploration Of Aquarium Visitors' Reflection At A Shark Exhibit, Nicole Leigh Conklin Jan 2023

Diving To New Depths: An Exploration Of Aquarium Visitors' Reflection At A Shark Exhibit, Nicole Leigh Conklin

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Zoos and aquariums (Z/As) are conservation-oriented free-choice learning institutions. In order to support their mission of advancing wildlife conservation, Z/As deliberately design opportunities and experiences to meaningfully engage visitors in understanding, caring for, and acting on behalf of exhibited species. Conservation psychologists and practitioners have applied values-based and models of human behavior to design and evaluate experiences aimed to influence myriad cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes. However, there is little research exploring the role of and opportunity for reflection within these institutions. Models of reflection and reflective practice, which are rooted in both theory and empirical data, stress the importance …


Examining The Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury And Attachment Styles, Larissa Grundmanis Jan 2023

Examining The Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury And Attachment Styles, Larissa Grundmanis

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI, can be defined as the “intentional, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue performed without suicidal intent using methods that are not socially sanctioned” (Martin et al., 2017, p. 425). Lifetime prevalence has been found to be between 5.9% and 18% (Cassels et al., 2019; Klonsky, 2011), indicating that there is a need to understand NSSI so that individuals can be helped to reduce the frequency of their harming behaviors. There is reason to believe that one’s attachment style is associated with the engagement of NSSI (e.g., Wrath & Adams, 2019). Research shows mixed results regarding the types …


Navigating Conflict During Periods Of Change In Higher Education: Deconstructing Academic Leaders’ Construction Of Meaning, Tyler Guy Olson Jan 2023

Navigating Conflict During Periods Of Change In Higher Education: Deconstructing Academic Leaders’ Construction Of Meaning, Tyler Guy Olson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Navigating departmental and organizational conflict is an essential function and responsibility of an academic unit leader (dean, associate dean, director, or chair) in higher education institutions (HEIs). During periods of organizational change, conflict tends to increase in complexity and difficulty—in part due to resistance to change—making it more difficult to manage in a constructive manner (Marcus, 2014). Much of the literature that looks at the academic unit leader and conflict focuses on personal conflict styles (or modes), types of conflicts encountered, and training on techniques and skills for conflict resolution and management. Missing from the literature is research that examines …


Once More, With Feeling: Partnering With Learners To Re-See The College Experience Through Metaphor And Sensory Language, Taran Cardone Jan 2023

Once More, With Feeling: Partnering With Learners To Re-See The College Experience Through Metaphor And Sensory Language, Taran Cardone

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study focuses on better understanding students and their internal worlds through conceptual metaphor theory and sensory language. Using a phenomenological and arts-based approach, I examined students’ metaphorical constructions of their college experiences and the sensory language and information informing those constructions. By engaging participants in a multimodal process to re-see their experience through connoisseurship and criticism, I explored the following research questions: How do students metaphorically structure their college experience? What sensory language do college students use to describe the metaphorical dimensions of their college experience? How does sensory information shape the metaphorical structuring of their college experience? Through …


Deconstructing Orthorexia In An Age Of Healthism And Social Media, Maddison Paul Jan 2023

Deconstructing Orthorexia In An Age Of Healthism And Social Media, Maddison Paul

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Orthorexia, a pathological fixation with healthy eating, has recently emerged as a construct of interest in the field of clinical psychology. Despite its growing recognition, the origin of this construct remains unclear. This dissertation aims to contribute to the understanding of orthorexia by examining its emergence and contextual factors through a constructivist lens. The study found that the cultural, economic, and moralistic landscape of healthism and social medially have played a role in the development of orthorexia. The dominant clinical perspective of orthorexia was also deconstructed, revealing potential biases that may lead to pathologizing the experiences of those who demonstrate …


Would You Offer Your Heart To The Wolf With The Red Roses? The Lived Experience Of Women In Relationships With Violent And Incarcerated Men, Amber R. Silverwood Jan 2023

Would You Offer Your Heart To The Wolf With The Red Roses? The Lived Experience Of Women In Relationships With Violent And Incarcerated Men, Amber R. Silverwood

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Relationships with incarcerated individuals can be complex and complicated for the partner outside the prison walls. These relationships are seldom discussed and are poorly studied overall, with minimal information available about the people who start romantic relationships with people in prison. This study aimed to better understand the lived experiences of the women who engage in romantic relationships with men and specifically examined romantic relationships that started after their partner was incarcerated. The participants for this study were located on the website Reddit, in a designated subreddit for women in such relationships. In total, nine women responded and spoke candidly …


"The Power To Heal And Cure": Adaptations Of Western Therapy By American Indian And Alaska Native Therapists, Calleaghn B. Kinnamon Jan 2023

"The Power To Heal And Cure": Adaptations Of Western Therapy By American Indian And Alaska Native Therapists, Calleaghn B. Kinnamon

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The legacy of colonialism has created a modern-day reality where Indigenous populations of the United States (US) experience mental, physical, and emotional distress at disproportionately higher rates than other cultural groups in the country. Increased distress translates to an increased need for supportive services. Because the field of Western Psychology is based in colonialistic EuroWestern worldviews which positions that worldview as superior, Indigenous clients and communities have often experienced further harm in their encounters with mental health services. In recent decades, there has been increasing attention to adapting research, training, academic and clinical work in ways that are culturally appropriate …


Autism Paradigms And Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration, Libbey Walker Jan 2023

Autism Paradigms And Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration, Libbey Walker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Autistic populations experience significant mental health challenges. A growing body of research supports addressing autistic mental health problems using the framework of minority stress theory, the social model of disability, and the neurodiversity paradigm (e.g., Botha & Frost, 2018; Cage et al., 2018). This quantitative study explored how identification with the neurodiversity paradigm versus the pathology paradigm related to mental well-being in autistic adults. Participants (N = 135) completed an online survey in which they rated their identification with autism descriptions representing both paradigms. Participants also completed measures of psychological distress, self-esteem, personal autism acceptance, and internalized autism stigma. Most …


With Liberty And Justice For All: Psychological And Functional Consequences For Service Members Acquitted Of Sexual Assault, Jamie Leavey Jan 2023

With Liberty And Justice For All: Psychological And Functional Consequences For Service Members Acquitted Of Sexual Assault, Jamie Leavey

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Policy makers are tasked with changing laws and improving systemic processes in response to evolving moral standards. As societal outrage grew regarding sexual assault in the military, those in power sought to balance what was perceived as a system that ignored, retaliated against, or unfairly burdened victims. However, as the pendulum swung toward victims’ rights and privileges, those accused of this crime inherited the burden of an imbalanced system. In the military context, the experience of the accused is impacted by the lack of separation between functional domains of life (e.g., work, home, community), multiple roles of military commanders (e.g., …


When The Bough Breaks: Alcohol Misuse Among Jamaican Young Adults, Marsha Smith Jan 2023

When The Bough Breaks: Alcohol Misuse Among Jamaican Young Adults, Marsha Smith

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The incidence of alcohol misuse globally continues to be a significant problem with copious adverse health and social causes and implications. The prevalence of alcohol misuse in Jamaica, British West Indies, instigated the trifold objective of this study. The ecological systems model provided a framework for conceptualizing multilayered biological and social processes that interact to determine mental health. This study examined anxiety and depression, family structure, and perceived parental warmth and control as predictors of alcohol misuse among young adults ages 18 to 30 residing in Jamaica. The current study revealed a correlation between alcohol misuse and higher levels of …


Mind Wandering In Daily Life: A National Experience Sampling Study Of Intentional And Unintentional Mind Wandering Episodes Reported By Working Adults Ages 25 – 50, Paula C. Lowe Jan 2023

Mind Wandering In Daily Life: A National Experience Sampling Study Of Intentional And Unintentional Mind Wandering Episodes Reported By Working Adults Ages 25 – 50, Paula C. Lowe

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Numerous researchers have investigated thinking that drifts away from what the individual was doing, thinking that is known as mind wandering. Their inquiries were often conducted in university lab settings with student participants. To learn about mind wandering in the daily life of working adults, this experience sampling study investigated intentional and unintentional mind wandering episodes as reported by working adults, ages 25–50, living across the United States. In this age frame, work and family responsibilities have increased in complexity and overlap. Using a smartphone app, participants were randomly notified to answer experience sampling surveys six times a day for …