Psychology Commons^™

How Demographics Influence Self-Image, Stephanie Yu, Amy Whitmarsh, Leyla Rakshani, Aaron Schurger

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

When creating psychological research surveys, demographics are typically recorded at the end of the primary survey. Psychologists suggest placing demographic questions at the end to omit any biases from the participants (Hughes et al., 2016). Does the placement of these types of questions influence people without them knowing? How does this apply across different ethnic groups? Can demographic question placement prime individuals in their self-rating of attractiveness and the overall impact of demographic placement on survey results? After an initial round, we wanted to see if ethnic groups would be primed differently when viewing people of the same race. We …

Change Of Perception And Positive Attitudes Toward Therapy: A Comparative Analysis Conducted On Veterans Of The United States Of America, Hailey Buitrago, Desiree Crevecoeur-Macphail

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Active duty military members can be subjected to significant amounts of stress, trauma, and physical and mental exhaustion during their service periods. It is vital to recognize the extent of these mental health disorders because they affect 27% of veterans, and when not adequately treated, they can lead to increased functional disability, even more so than physical illnesses (Philips, 2016; Wells et al., 1989). This study aims to examine how different types of information influence the perceptions of therapy for veterans. Veterans of all branches of the United States military between the ages of 18 and 100 were asked to …

Critical Race Theory: An Empirical Investigation Of Its Benefits, Saba Lily Modaressi, Desiree A. Crevecoeur-Macphail

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Within the last decade, discussions regarding the implementation of critical race theory in education have gained significant controversy among educators and politicians. Although empirical research on critical race theory is limited, conservative states continue to place bans on the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in K-12 schools (Carter, 2021). The purpose of this study was to build empirical research on CRT, specifically examining whether a course utilizing a critical race curriculum is effective in reducing negative stereotype beliefs and improving attitudes toward critical race theory. Nineteen undergraduate students who were enrolled in the course, IES 102: The Social Construct …

How Single Parent Households Affect The Sociability Of Children, Roland Jonathan Casiquin

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Family dynamics that differ from the traditional nuclear family have become increasingly common in the home. When examining differences between single parent households and two-parent households in terms of sociability, research has shown that children in single parent homes displayed less social competence than children in two-parent homes, based on the children’s interaction with their peers in school. However, less research has explored the effect of reintroducing a second parental figure after the separation of children’s parents. This study retrospectively examined children’s sociability as a result of their parents’ relationship status as well as several aspects of the children’s living …

Exploring The Relationship Between Participation In Hookup Culture And Attachment Style, Tanshi Mohan

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The taboo around casual sex has been decreasing over the years, especially on college campuses; it is estimated that around 60-80% of college students engage in hookups (Garcia et al., 2013). Hookup culture is a college campus phenomenon that encompasses the social scripts, beliefs, and norms around casual sex among college students (Allison, 2019). The term “hooking up” includes a range of sexual behaviors, from kissing to intercourse, that have no expectation of a committed relationship after the encounter (LaBrie, 2012). The goal of this study is to understand how differences in an individual’s attachment styles and sociosexuality (attitude towards …

Microaggressions Versus Blatant Discrimination And Their Effects On Mental Health, Ian Lock

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This study examined the relationship between types of discrimination and its effect on mental health. Specifically, comparing microaggressions and blatant discrimination to see which variable had a significant impact on depression and anxiety. Microaggressions, derogatory slights/insults directed at members of an oppressed group, are a primary focus for researchers looking at racial discrimination. The impact of microaggressions is prevalent across a myriad of different marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Microaggressions have a large negative impact on mental and physical well-being in individuals, with research finding that it has a negative impact on symptoms …

The Effects Of Trauma On Holocaust Survivors After The War, Natalie Braker

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This paper will examine the effects of trauma among Holocaust survivors after the war, including Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), triggers, nightmares, and anxiety. It will review clinical research by comparing it to the range of experiences of Holocaust survivors as described in videotaped interviews during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Upon reviewing existing literature, it becomes clear that PTSD is life-long for Holocaust survivors. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event or a series of events. There are four general types of PTSD symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking …

Engagement In Diverse Sexual Behaviors And Desire For Different Types Of Relationships Among Single Heterosexual People When Covid-19 Vaccines Were First Available, Manya Dhupar, Emily Foster, Amanda Gesselman, Justin Garcia

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Background Decades of research have found a consistent gender difference in sexuality: men tend to desire short-term and casual relationships, and women desire monogamous relationships (Petersen & Hyde, 2010; Moors et al., 2013). The COVID-19 pandemic provides a context that may shift a person’s desires for sexual activities or types of relationships. Recent research suggests that the pandemic allowed people to reevaluate their intimate lives, including lowered interest in monogamy and increased exploration of sexual activities (Lehmiller et al., 2021; Masterson et al., under review). Method: In the present study, we analyzed data from a national sample of single …

Reconnecting With Exes And Having Sex With Platonic Roommates During The First Five Months Of The Covid - 19 Pandemic, Valentyna Simon, Alex Kraft, Amanda Gesselman, Justin Garcia

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic limited people’s interactions as a result of social distancing and stay-at-home orders across the U.S., and research documented declines in partnered sex during this time (Hensel et al., 2020). It is unclear if people who were single during the first few months of the pandemic found sexual connections with ex-partners or roommates. In the present study, we examined the prevalence of people contacting ex-partners and non-romantic roommates to engage in sex.

We analyzed data from a national sample of people who were currently single in the U.S. as part of The Kinsey …

How Demographics Influence Self-Image, Leyla Rakshani, Melissa Brillhart, Stephanie Yu, Aaron Schurger

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

When creating psychological research surveys, demographics are typically recorded at the end of the main survey. The reasoning behind psychologists placing demographic questions at the end can be to omit any biases from the participants (Hughes et al., 2016). However, does the placement of these types of questions influence people without them knowing? This research project will answer these questions to find the effects of demographic question placement on participants. Specifically, can demographic question placement prime individuals and their self-rating of attractiveness and the overall impact of demographic placement on survey results? To test this question, this project will conduct …