Psychology Commons^™

Cook's "The Asperkid’S Secret Book Of Social Rules:The Handbook Of (Not-So-Obvious) Neurotypical Social Guidelines For Autistic Teens (10th Anniversary Edition)" (Book Review), Amber C. Wessies

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Checking In On "Check-Ins": A Phenomenological Look At Personal Disclosures In Quasi-Supervision Groups, Aaron Stusser

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how clinical psychologist trainees experience personal disclosures within an academic, clinical supervision-style groups (labeled quasi-supervision). Centering around an initial call-for-disclosure present in supervision environments colloquially called a check-in, this two-phase qualitative study utilized interviews and a member-checking survey with sixteen 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year doctoral psychology students attending quasi-supervision groups. These groups, structured like group clinical supervision settings but differing in primary focus (practitioner versus client) and lack of access to client records, offered valuable insight into the purpose of personal disclosure within supervisory settings. Questioning centered around obtaining phenomenological …

The Wisdom In Questions, Dane C. Joseph

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay reflects an educational psychologist's thoughts on pursuing wisdom during a pandemic and multiple social and economic justice crises through their lived experiences. These experiences eventually place people, circumstances, and faith at the center of wisdom while embracing questioning over certainty and answers.

Impact Of A Recreational Outdoor And Adventure Program On Adolescent Well-Being, Mitchell J. Fritz

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study used an archival dataset to investigate the effects of a recreational outdoor and adventure program (ROAP) on overall adolescent well-being. Successful ROAPs have been found to increase overall well-being as well as other factors such as increased self-efficacy, peer involvement, connectedness to nature, and decreased stress. This study examined 34 high school to college age individuals who participated in a summer ROAP. Five crews completed a 28-day canoe trip in northern Minnesota, and one crew completed a 37-day canoe trip near the Brooks Range in Alaska. Participants completed pre-trip, post-trip, and 45-day follow-up surveys measuring overall well-being, self-efficacy, …

Agenesis Of The Corpus Callosum: Developmental Trajectories Through Childhood, Kristin Eddy

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) is a congenital brain malformation that affects the area of the brain responsible for interhemispheric transfer of information (Paul, 2011). Individuals with AgCC tend to have specific deficits resulting from reduced interhemispheric transfer for sensory-motor information, cognitive processing speed, and deficits in complex reasoning and novel problem-solving (Brown & Paul, 2019; Mangum, 2018; Miller et al., 2018). There are indications that those with AgCC also struggle with communication skills during early stages of life (Badderudin et al., 2007) and social interactions during adolescence (Paul et al., 2007). The purpose of this study is to …

Mental Health Literacy Among University Educators, Danni Ewing

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Mental health literacy is a term originally coined the in 1990s that refers to the recognition, prevention, and management of mental illness. Poor mental health literacy can delay or prevent treatment (Godfrey Born et al., 2019; Tay et al., 2018). Higher mental health literacy increases help-seeking behaviors, positive attitudes towards treatments, and improves health outcomes (Jorm, 2012; Rüsch et al., 2011). The current study aimed to explore the mental health literacy of university educators to support student mental health. The study used an electronic survey to collect demographic data, information related to teaching and mental health experience, and responses to …

Shaul's "The Asd And Me Picture Book: A Visual Guide To Understanding Challenges And Strengths For Children On The Autism Spectrum" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Relational Variables Associated With Self-Reported Political Idealogy, Dalton Young

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This dissertation examined the relationship between self-reported political ideology and the relational variables of attachment, shame, and grace. Previous research on political ideology has focused on conservatism, as well as morality and personality differences across the political spectrum. This study combined two samples of 155 adult participants gathered through Qualtrics and 79 undergraduate students. Each participant completed a demographics questionnaire, Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; Feeney et al., 1994), Dimensions of Grace Scale (DGS; Bufford et al., 2017), Duke University Religion Index (DUREL; Koenig et al., 1997), and Internalized Shame Scale (ISS; Cook, 1988). Additionally, 19 of the undergraduate students completed …

Personality And Behavioral Characteristics: A Study Of Court Populations, Markayla Shattuck

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Despite the growing body of research for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) within adults, there remains a lack of research addressing the prevalence of FASD in the legal system. Over the last several decades it has become apparent that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have devastating long term impacts on the developing fetus including facial abnormalities, cognitive deficits, adverse life outcomes, and behavioral challenges (Brintnell et al., 2019; O’Neil, 2011; Sarman, 2018; Streissguth et al., 2004). Within the legal system, FASD is about 30 times higher than the general population (Lange et al., 2017). Initially, the prevalence of FASD was …

Resilience, Spirituality And Cultural Connectiveness Within The Native American/American Indian Indigenous Population, Lindsay Price

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Native Americans, also known as the American Indian or Indigenous population, were colonized over four centuries ago by Europeans who brought many diseases which decimated this population. This immense trauma continued for generations as the settlers continued to violate Native American life and identity on every level. Hundreds of indigenous tribes endured massacre, annihilation of traditional culture, forced religious assimilation, stolen land, broken treaties, betrayal of rights, removal of identity, neglect, and constant abuse without any recompense. These violations still widely occur, yet the strength and flourishing of Native Americans remain ever-present. Their deep-rooted protective factors within resilience, like cultural …

Vicarious Trauma And Doctoral-Level Trainees: Self-Care Practices, Elisabeth B. Gibson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Research reflects correlations between trauma history and motivation to pursue a career in clinical psychology and mental health professions. Professional longevity is a concern for clinicians in general, especially for clinicians with a trauma history who work with people suffering with trauma conditions. Trauma histories measured by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), are likely to be present within students of doctor of psychology training programs, and may influence doctoral trainee readiness and ability to engage clients in clinical work. Self-care is thought to not only support overall well-being, but to also mitigate the negative consequences of stress associated with clinical work. …

Lazarus's "Adhd Is Our Superpower: The Amazing Talents And Skills Of Children With Adhd" (Book Review), Amber C. Wessies

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Nature And Perspective On God: The Differential Impact Of Long Versus Short Adventure Programming For College Students, Alexandra Heinle

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This clinical dissertation focused on the shift in one’s perception of God after time spent in nature in the context of a spiritual adventure program. There are studies that find spiritual adventure programs increase a participant’s spirituality (Bobilya, 2011). However, there is a gap in the literature surrounding how spiritual outdoor programs, specifically the one in this study, influences a person’s God-image. This dissertation aims to close the gap in research regarding spiritual adventure programs and shift in God-image by studying if a person’s image of God shifts after time spent in nature, and if it shifts differently depending on …

Psychological Factors That Interfere With Provider Use Of Medication Assisted Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Courtney Spencer

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Since the implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), providers have struggled to obtain the necessary waiver (X-waiver) due to required federal applications, training, and guidelines around prescribing. Nevertheless, prescribers have gone through this arduous process to gain their X-waiver, but a unique phenomenon has occurred where some providers with an X-waiver are not utilizing their ability to prescribe MAT. The current study sought to uncover trends in providers prescribing practices while assessing possible factors involved including personality, compassion, compassion fatigue, personal connection, and confidence factors that may be associated with a willingness to …

Physiological Coregulation Intervention Over Video Call In New Relational Dyads, Zachary G. Buckles

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Physiological linkage, the degree to which physiological behavior of one partner in a relationship is related to the physiological behavior of the other partner, is a well-documented process. Electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) are two physiological measures for which physiological linkage has been observed (Timmons, et al., 2015). A more specific term, coregulation, has been proposed to specify a process of mutual physiological regulation within a relational dyad towards a homeostatic set point (Butler & Randall, 2013). While an important construct, there is a present lack of intervention studies seeking to increase the capacity for coregulation in …

Growing In Grace, Rodger K. Bufford, Kenneth Logan, Michael Vogel, Marshal George

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

A Meta-Analysis: The Relationship Between Connectedness To Nature And Well-Being, Naomi Wu

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Ecotherapy and nature-based interventions have been shown to be evidence-based treatment for physical and mental health. The rekindling of the human and nature relationship helps cultivate a bi-directional, reciprocal circle of healing. The resulting benefit is the increased well-being of individuals, society, and the earth. This study is a meta-analytic review of 13 articles (22 studies) to examine the relationship between connection to nature and various domains of well-being, including emotional, psychological, social, and overall. Eligibility criteria for the study were the inclusion of at least one measure of connectedness to nature, one measure of well-being or life satisfaction, and …

Psychological And Spiritual Factors Affecting Well-Being Among Military Personnel Engaged In Remote Combat, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Remotely piloted aircraft (RP A) require multiple crewmembers to successfully operate the aircraft RPAs shape modem warfare and pose challenges for the spiritual-emotional health of RPA personnel. This study explored whether (a) RPA crewmembers could be separated into groups based on their experiences, (b) the groups differed in psychological health outcomes, and (c) they differed in aspects of spiritual wellbeing. Method: Participants included 354 United States Air Force personnel involved in RPA duty. Participants provided demographic information and completed the Work Role Strain Scale as a predictor. Outcome measures included job satisfaction, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Outcome Questionnaire-45.2, Posttraumatic Stress …

A Time For Wisdom (Introduction), Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

The Psychological And Physiological Markers Of Christian Meditation: A Quasi-Experimental Study Of Centering Prayer, Sean E. Robertson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Research seeking to understand the various practices of meditation has expanded greatly in frequency and quality in the past century. Many have documented the effects of secular and eastern forms of meditation on psychopathology, well-being, executive functioning, and physiological changes of brainwaves, heart rate variability, and stress reduction (Cahn & Polich, 2006; Kok et al., 2013; Newberg et al., 2010). However, few have attempted to understand meditation in a Christian context. This study seeks to delineate the effects of a Christian form of meditation, known as Centering Prayer, on novice, college undergraduate practitioners as compared to non-practicing peers in areas …

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Chinese Adults: Patterns And Comparison Between Adults Who Grew Up As Single And Left-Behind Children, Yuan Qu

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Over the last 40 years, China implemented many socioeconomic policies, among which the “open-door” and “single-child” policies were two of the most noteworthy. Therefore, in China, the study of child maltreatment requires understanding the impact of family constellation changes that resulted from national policies. This study sought to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACE) differences among Chinese adults who grew up as left- behind children (LBC) and single-children (SC). In addition, as a response to the Ho et al. (2019a) call for “further investigations on cultural specific patterns of ACEs” (p. 187), this study examined patterns of ACEs among the Mainland …

Bipolar Screening Among Spanish-Speaking Us Residents Using The Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Emanuel T. Recinos

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-report screening instrument used to detect Bipolar Disorder (BD). Psychometric properties of Spanish translations of the MDQ are from communities where both language and cultural differences are present. A Spanish version of the MDQ not been validated among United States individuals who identify Spanish as their preferred language of communication.

Objective

We propose that the validation of a Castilian Spanish version of the MDQ is needed for cross-cultural adaptation, determining optimal cut-off scores, and as an aid to the literature on BD prevalence, specifically BD among Spanish speakers of the United States.

Methods …

Predicting Sexual Offense Treatment Completion Through Specific Responsivity Factors, Blain Cameron Stumpf

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sexual offending is a serious, harmful, and costly behavior that impacts the safety of a community (Barros et al., 2020; Peterson et al., 2017; Severson & Pettus-Davis, 2013). To improve community safety and reduce further harm, several specialized treatments have been developed to rehabilitate individuals convicted of a sexual offense (ICSO). Recent meta-analytic studies have suggested that specialized cognitive-behavioral treatments for ICSO do in fact lead to a reduction in sexual recidivism (Gannon et al., 2019; Harrison et al., 2020; Kim et al., 2016). To increase engagement with and completion of treatment programs, and subsequently to reduce the risk of …

Mcculloch And Mccullochs' "Why Can't You Hear Me?: Our Autistic Daughter's Struggle To Be Understood" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Dennis' "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diary: A Self-Help Diary With Cbt Activities To Challenge Your Ocd" (Book Review), Alice B. Ruleman

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Gumbrell's "The Amazing A-Z Of Resilience: 26 Curious Stories And Activities To Lift Yourself Up" (Book Review), Meredith Ader

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Shaul's "Our Brains Are Like Computers!: Exploring Social Skills And Social Cause And Effect With Children On The Autism Spectrum" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Sagan And Witheys' "What I Do To Get Through: How To Run, Siwm, Cycle, Sew, Or Sing Your Way Through Depression" (Book Review), Jennifer M. Brady

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Religion's Impact On Sexual Experiences And Attitudes Among Women: Exploring Sexual Satisfaction And Sex Guilt, Maria Lytle

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sexual satisfaction has been linked to higher self-esteem, marital stability, and general relationship satisfaction. The combination of religious values, sex attitudes, and experiences of sex guilt have been shown to significantly impact women’s sexual satisfaction. Two theories of religious values have been defined: identification, a religious perspective which considers sexuality to be a valuable and sacred experience, as well as introjection, which views sexuality as inherently sinful and a symptom of human weakness. This study included 85 female participants; they completed a survey on their experiences of sexual satisfaction, sex guilt, religion (identification or introjection), and sex values. The findings …

Preventing Burnout: The Role Of Personality And Awareness In Early Career Mental Health Professionals In Acute Settings, Whitney J. Standal Schollars

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Burnout among health professionals had been increasing over the last decade, but amidst the global impact of COVID-19, burnout has contributed to a national health care crisis (Bednar, 2019; Sklar et al., 2021). Due to increased demand and patient acuity, entry-level mental health professionals (MHPs) in acute settings are specifically at risk (Morse et al., 2012; Simpson et al., 2018). Moreover, unique variables related to personality disposition and emotional vulnerability from trauma can create a predisposition for burnout (Alarcon et al., 2009). This study explored the impacts of personality and emotional awareness curriculum on managing stress amidst crisis work and …