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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger May 2014

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger

Graduate Theses

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) refers to behaviors in which a person intentionally harms and causes tissue damage to oneself, without the desire to end his or her life. There have been contradictory findings with regard to differences in NSSI by biological sex and culture. In this study, I sought to examine if adults with independent cultural self- construals would report more occurrences of NSSI in comparison to those with interdependent cultural self-construals. Furthermore, I was interested in whether females would report more instances of NSSI in comparison to males in independent based cultures, and I examined whether the methods and reasons …


Self-Reporting, Recognition Of Symptoms And Characteristics Of Anxiety And Depression And Seeking Professional Help, Eliana V. Brito Dec 2012

Self-Reporting, Recognition Of Symptoms And Characteristics Of Anxiety And Depression And Seeking Professional Help, Eliana V. Brito

Graduate Theses

This study examined whether adults (age 25 to 50) self-report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and whether these individuals accurately identify the symptoms that are associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Do these individuals believe the symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are severe enough to seek professional help? The participants included 30 females and 20 males. Zung’s Self-Rating Depression (SDS; 1971) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS; 1965) were administered. A third questionnaire was also developed to help identify if individuals are able to accurately identify symptoms, distinguish between the two disorders, and …


Individualism And Collectivism As Moderators Of Affect And Attributional Style In Predicting Life Satisfaction, Jo M. Holmquest May 2012

Individualism And Collectivism As Moderators Of Affect And Attributional Style In Predicting Life Satisfaction, Jo M. Holmquest

Graduate Theses

The present study examined the effect of person-level individualism and collectivism on attributional style and frequencies of positive and negative emotions as predictors of life satisfaction. Participants were 224 individuals (age range 18 to 78, M= 39.63, SD = 13.78; 73% women; 56% Filipinos) who answered an online survey. Results from regression analyses showed that attributional style is not a statistically significant predictor of life satisfaction. The analyses also showed that across all participants, and among those who did not score high in individualism and low in collectivism, the frequency of positive emotions, as compared to the frequency of negative …


When The Therapist Is Homosexual: An Examination Of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction, Lewis G. Busbee May 2011

When The Therapist Is Homosexual: An Examination Of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction, Lewis G. Busbee

Graduate Theses

This study investigated the relationship between client satisfaction and therapist sexuality. The current literature had little or no research on the topic. This article defines psychotherapy, noted that most clients perceived psychotherapy was beneficial, and found research stating therapists should consider all ethical implications when working with clients, particularly in regard to how influential therapist can be on their clients. A questionnaire packet was given to participants, and they were asked to complete: a demographic page, and a vignette that included gender and sexuality of therapist, along with a hypothetical treatment plan, a modified version of the CSQ-8 (Attkisson,1977/2011) which …


Keeping Marriage In The Black: Exploring The Effects Of Budgeting And Money Management On Marital Satisfaction, Kendra Sorey May 2011

Keeping Marriage In The Black: Exploring The Effects Of Budgeting And Money Management On Marital Satisfaction, Kendra Sorey

Graduate Theses

Financial issues are often a major area of contention in any marriage. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised and a series of researcher-created questions were given to 109 married people to ascertain financial behaviors as they relate to marital satisfaction in the marriage. The current research shows that there was no significant difference found between marital satisfaction scores on MSI-R and financial behaviors; however, there was much information to be gained that shows that there may be some relationship between marital satisfaction and financial behaviors. The current research indicates that there may be some relationship between communication skills and good financial practices …


A Funny Thing About Marriage, Genevia R. Slate May 2011

A Funny Thing About Marriage, Genevia R. Slate

Graduate Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between marital satisfaction and the use of humor, and to investigate whether or not this relationship was influenced by the length of marriage. I also examined how humor was appreciated as the couples were married longer and who produced the most humor; the husband or the wife. It was hypothesized that marital satisfaction would be highest among married couples who use higher levels of humor, that couples who had been married longer would have a greater appreciation of humor, and that the male partner would produce the most humor …


Developmental Bibliotherapy In Practice: A Study Of Bibliotherapy Effects On Kindergarten Behavior, Courtney Hawley Dec 2010

Developmental Bibliotherapy In Practice: A Study Of Bibliotherapy Effects On Kindergarten Behavior, Courtney Hawley

Graduate Theses

Bibliotherapy is the use of books and other print media for the purpose of instructing the audience about a certain topic. Developmental bibliotherapy is a form of bibliotherapy in which a teacher or other facilitator presents a book to a group in order to help instruct a desired behavior. This study was conducted to determine the effects of developmental bibliotherapy instruction over the course of a six weeks time period in the Kindergarten classroom. I wanted to determine the effectiveness of the bibliotherapy program as it related to teaching problem solving behaviors for a small group of students. The students …


Secondary School Students' Attitudes Towards Physical Education In Trinidad, Gina Ragbir Dec 2009

Secondary School Students' Attitudes Towards Physical Education In Trinidad, Gina Ragbir

Graduate Theses

It is important to understand secondary school students’ attitudes toward physical education since they will be future members of the workforce who will need to use their knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students’ perceptions and feelings contribute to their attitudes toward specific content areas and toward their school experience in general. The purpose of the proposed study was to examine attitudes that secondary school students have toward physical education in Trinidad. The study also sought to ascertain whether there was a link between gender or race and, activities seen as most liked in the physical education curriculum and students’ …


Knowledge, Attitudes, And Job Satisfaction In Long-Term Care: A Comparison Between Licensed Nurses And Nursing Assistants, Lynne Almand Aug 2009

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Job Satisfaction In Long-Term Care: A Comparison Between Licensed Nurses And Nursing Assistants, Lynne Almand

Graduate Theses

Knowledge, attitudes, and job satisfaction of long-term care workers were examined to determine if a relationship existed between these factors and if differences existed between licensed nurses and nursing assistants. Participants included 36 nurses and 60 assistants from five nursing homes in the Midland/Odessa area. Results indicated that nurses had significantly more positive attitudes toward (t(94) = -5.72, p<.05) and increased knowledge of older adults (t(94) = 2.71, p<.05) than assistants. In addition, more positive attitudes were significantly associated with more knowledge of the elderly (r(96) = -0.36, p<.05) as well as increased levels of job satisfaction (r(96) = -0.53, p<.05).


Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Combat Veterans And The Effect On Their Life And Marital Satisfaction, Amy Rodriguez Alford May 2009

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Combat Veterans And The Effect On Their Life And Marital Satisfaction, Amy Rodriguez Alford

Graduate Theses

Various studies have been conducted within our United States military service members and their problems with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are several factors as to why a combat veteran can develop PTSD (Committee on Gulf War and Health, 2008) , PTSD could effect their life and marital satisfaction. The present study consisted of 15 married couples, in which the husband has served combat duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. The total level of PTSD symptomology was compared to each individual's life and marital satisfaction. There was no significance correlations found between the husbands' PTSD symptoms and their quality of life, …


The Relationship Of Emotional Regulation To Relational And Overt Aggression In Middle Childhood, Allison H. Hartzoge May 2008

The Relationship Of Emotional Regulation To Relational And Overt Aggression In Middle Childhood, Allison H. Hartzoge

Graduate Theses

As female juvenile delinquency for violence increases, the need for understanding the development of aggression as it relates to girls is also increasing. Most often, aggression is described and measured in terms of overt behaviors meant to cause physical harm and these behaviors have been found most commonly in boys. However, more recent research indicates that girls possess a relational aggression that can be best described as behaviors such as gossiping, exclusion and threatening friendships or any behavior that means to harm the relationship. In this research, these aggressive behaviors are studied to determine their relationship to emotional regulation; that …


Masturbation And Sexual Satisfaction In Relationally Committed Men, Micha T. Ballard Dec 2006

Masturbation And Sexual Satisfaction In Relationally Committed Men, Micha T. Ballard

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between masturbation frequency with and without the use of pornography, and sexual satisfaction in men in committed relationships. One hundred and twelve participants ranging from 23 to 70 years of age completed a sexuality survey and an Index of Sexual Satisfaction survey. Correlations revealed a significant negative relationship between masturbation frequency during the last month and sexual satisfaction. When clinical participants were factored out, correlation between masturbation frequency and sexual satisfaction dropped. This study found that using themes of incest or homosexuality, while masturbating, was significantly associated with higher ISS …


The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley Dec 2006

The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley

Graduate Theses

The present study examined whether adult women in therapy who have been physically abused express anger differently than their counterparts who have been sexually abused, and whether they are aware that they express anger in noticeable ways. The first hypothesis stated that physically abused women express anger directly and physically, whereas sexually abused women express anger indirectly, avoiding direct confrontation. The second hypothesis proposed that they are not aware how much they express their anger outwardly. Participants were female clients at a local counseling agency, with issues stemming from physical and/or sexual abuse. They voluntarily completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) …


Paved With Good Intentions: A Definitional Study On The Issue Of Psychological Child Abuse, Anita Renee Fromm Dec 2006

Paved With Good Intentions: A Definitional Study On The Issue Of Psychological Child Abuse, Anita Renee Fromm

Graduate Theses

Definitional issues concerning child abuse have long plagued the identification and treatment of this malady. This study examined the role of perpetrator intention in categorizing adverse parenting skills, as well as psychological child abuse potential. Exploitative parenting styles were displayed and rated in a variety of vignettes. Social service professionals and university students were participants in this vignette style questionnaire study. Results indicated that with a few exceptions, a constant perpetrator intention did not appear to alter subject perceptions that the scenarios presented adverse parenting skills and child abuse potential. The participants were indecisive concerning scenarios that represented excessive athletic …


The Relationship Between Childbirth Experience And Psychological Functioning In The Postpartum Period, Dena Dian Daniel Dec 2003

The Relationship Between Childbirth Experience And Psychological Functioning In The Postpartum Period, Dena Dian Daniel

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between the mother's perception of the birth experience, symptoms of the post-traumatic stress, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Sixty-seven participants ranging from 17 to 40 years of age completed a self-report questionnaire containing items from three instruments including the Perception of Birth Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale. The findings reveal a more negative perception of the birth experience is significantly related to a greater frequency and/or. severity of. post- traumatic stress and postpartum depression symptoms following childbirth., These findings support the conclusion that an …


Public Displays Of Affection With Relation To Comfort Levels And Culture, Janice R. T. Bryden Aug 2002

Public Displays Of Affection With Relation To Comfort Levels And Culture, Janice R. T. Bryden

Graduate Theses

To determine the tolerance levels of public displays of affection between males, females, Hispanics, and White Non-Hispanics (Whites), a total of 152 participants completed the Attitudes Toward Public Displays of Affection Inventory. While the hypothesis that males would be significantly more tolerant than females of observing public displays of affection was statistically supported for certain settings and certain levels of affection, overall, results may not be clinically meaningful. The second hypothesis, that there would be a significant difference between Hispanics and Whites and their tolerance levels for watching public displays of affection, was not supported. Overall trends indicate passionately kissing …


Affective Development Of Battered Women Subsequent To Leaving Abusive Partner, Cheryl Harrah May 2002

Affective Development Of Battered Women Subsequent To Leaving Abusive Partner, Cheryl Harrah

Graduate Theses

The present study consisted of semi-structured interviews of formerly battered women who have been out of the relationship for at least one year. The interviews focused on the women’s narratives concerning their experience leaving the relationship and were coded for affect using an Emotional Adjective Checklist. A total of 10 women were recruited from the campus of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. While each story was unique, a pattern did emerge whereby the women expressed feelings of fear and relief, followed by depression, numbness, and resolve to survive. Long term emotional consequences of the abuse that persisted …


The Effects Of Experiential Therapy On Adolescent Self-Esteem, Blair Kemp May 2001

The Effects Of Experiential Therapy On Adolescent Self-Esteem, Blair Kemp

Graduate Theses

The present study attempted to determine the effects of Experiential Therapy on emotional intelligence and self-esteem in adjudicated males and females aged 13 to 17. Twenty-four individuals participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. It was predicted that participants in the experimental group would display improvements in general self-esteem and emotional intelligence. The individuals in the experimental group received approximately 40 to 45 hours of Experiential Therapy. The control group continued with the normal JCC program. The Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory 2 (CFSEI-2) and the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (BarOn …


Age And Violent Sexual Abuse: Does Victim's Age And Violence Associated With Sexual Abuse Influence The Risk Of Suicide?, Debra A. Keel May 1998

Age And Violent Sexual Abuse: Does Victim's Age And Violence Associated With Sexual Abuse Influence The Risk Of Suicide?, Debra A. Keel

Graduate Theses

Previous research on childhood sexual abuse has indicated an increased risk of suicide for children who experience more severe sexual abuse and children who experience sexual abuse accompanied by physical abuse. This study investigated the difference in suicide risk associated with varying severity of sexual abuse, and the difference in suicide risk associated with age at the time of sexual abuse. Data was collected from the psychological records of a state juvenile correctional facility for boys. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between those who experienced penetrating sexual abuse versus non-penetrating sexual abuse; however, an overall significant difference was found …


The Relationship Between Childhood Aggression And Impulsiveness, Mary Gail Glover Dec 1997

The Relationship Between Childhood Aggression And Impulsiveness, Mary Gail Glover

Graduate Theses

Previous research on the relationship between children's levels of aggression and impulsivity have been inconclusive. Studies of each of these behaviors independently have shown that they are correlated with many of the same factors. However, no studies have been found in which aggression and impulsivity have correlated specifically with each other. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a relationship exists between aggression and impulsivity in children. The participants of this study consisted of 115 children who had been tested at a center for behavioral analysis to determine diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. They had been referred for …


Dating Violence Among Adolescents: When Does It Begin?, Kelly S. O'Hearn May 1997

Dating Violence Among Adolescents: When Does It Begin?, Kelly S. O'Hearn

Graduate Theses

Research has investigated dating violence (DV) in high * school populations- yet no studies have examined adolescents in the 7th and 8th grades. The present study investigated the prevalence of DV in the Permian Basin area of West - Texas. Comparisons of the prevalence of DV between junior high (7th & 8th grades), freshman high 4Sth grade)* and senior high school -(lOth, 11th, & 12th-grades) -found no significant differences of used or received DV. The prevalence of DV in the Permian Basin was similar to those found in some studies that used college-student -samples. Significant interactions effects and main effects …


Implementation And Evaluation Of Parental Involvement Programs, Cindy Tucker Harbour Nov 1996

Implementation And Evaluation Of Parental Involvement Programs, Cindy Tucker Harbour

Graduate Theses

This report examines many recent cultural and family unit changes that have affected the home-school relationship. It addresses reasons for implementing parental involvement, the different programs available and assessment procedures. There are several key components in a parental involvement program: promoting parents as educators, training teachers to cooperate with families, promoting cooperation among families, involving the larger community and presenting family learning activities. These aspects have shown significant benefits to school staff members, students, and parents. How these relate to each other, identifies the positive expectation of the responsibility of education for all concerned. There are a variety of ways …


Student Satisfaction With The Counseling Education Program At The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin, Christy Hamilton Dec 1995

Student Satisfaction With The Counseling Education Program At The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin, Christy Hamilton

Graduate Theses

A survey was conducted to assess student satisfaction of the Counseling Education program at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The survey was given to currently enrolled counseling education students. Fifty-seven out of 68 students completed the survey. Several recommendations were made based on the results. Overall, the program is perceived as adequately meeting the satisfaction of the students.


Moral Judgment In Abusive Relationships: Implications For Interventions, Robert Marshall Masterson Aug 1995

Moral Judgment In Abusive Relationships: Implications For Interventions, Robert Marshall Masterson

Graduate Theses

Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Interview and parallel dilemmas depicting abusive domestic situations were used to compare moral development of two groups of couples. Twenty men from a program for abusive men and their wives were compared to 20 couples selected by convenience sampling from university students, two church congregations, and friends. The Conflict Tactics Scale for couples was used to determine the validity of the responses of the male partner. No differences in Global Stage Scores were found between abusive or non-abusive men. None were found between genders. Weighted Average Scores on traditional Kohlberg stories and spousal abuse dilemmas were similar …


Crisis Of Infertility: Effects Of Length Of Treatment On Emotional And Marital Adjustment, Christie L. Markestad May 1995

Crisis Of Infertility: Effects Of Length Of Treatment On Emotional And Marital Adjustment, Christie L. Markestad

Graduate Theses

Twenty infertile couples participated in the present study to investigate whether infertile couples receiving medical treatment experience changes in their emotional, marital and sexual adjustment as a result of the length of time they have been in treatment. The couples were divided into three groups based on how long they had been seeking medical attention for infertility. The instruments administered were: SCL-90-R (Symptom Checklist), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). It was predicted couples who were in the initial stages of treatment would experience increased levels of emotional, marital and sexual distress, however those levels would …


Martial Adjustment Among Nontraditional Graduate Students, Virginia Siegfried May 1995

Martial Adjustment Among Nontraditional Graduate Students, Virginia Siegfried

Graduate Theses

This study used a pretest-posttest design to examine the marital adjustment of 108 nontraditional graduate students as-compared with 42 adults in the general population. Participants' scores on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale showed no significant differences between the two groups, contrary to the study hypothesis. It was also hypothesized that the marital adjustment of graduate students would be better at the beginning of the semester term rather than at the end of the term, and that male graduate students would have a higher level of marital adjustment than female graduate students. Neither of these hypotheses were supported by the data. Overall, …


The Effects Of Educational Kinesiology On The Self-Esteem Of At-Risk Students, Julian W. Thrasher Iii May 1994

The Effects Of Educational Kinesiology On The Self-Esteem Of At-Risk Students, Julian W. Thrasher Iii

Graduate Theses

A study was performed on at-risk students in the Midland Independent School District, Midland, Texas utilizing Educational Kinesthetics as an alternative counseling technique for improving the self-esteem of the students. Students were divided into control and experimental groups and pretested and posttested with the School Attitude Measure. The experimental group was given twelve sessions of treatment utilizing Educational Kinesthetics. Results of the study showed a trend toward improved self-esteem at the conclusion of the study.


The Occurrence Of Alexithymia In Children And Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Michael S. Routh Dec 1993

The Occurrence Of Alexithymia In Children And Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Michael S. Routh

Graduate Theses

Previous studies of the relationship between alexithymia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have utilized samples of combat veterans with PTSD. However, children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and are diagnosed with PTSD exhibit similar or identical symptomology. The current study examined alexithymia in a sample of children and adolescents diagnosed with PTSD. It was hypothesized that the sample, when compared to non-PTSD and control samples, would reveal a significantly greater severity of alexithymia and PTSD. Although overall results were not consistent with previous research, trends of group means supported a relationship between alexithymia and PTSD. 1


The Attributes Of Leadership In Southern Baptist Churches In West Texas, Tim Winn May 1992

The Attributes Of Leadership In Southern Baptist Churches In West Texas, Tim Winn

Graduate Theses

This study deals with leadership attributes in Southern Baptist churches in West Texas. A review of literature indicated that leadership in the congregations would tend to reflect the perceived purposes of the group, would be elected by the church or arise to counter poor leadership by the elected leader(s), probably be relationship oriented, and that the selection of leaders would be affected by the size of the churches and the length of tenure of the pastors. The study attempted to determine if there were characteristics that set leaders apart from non leaders in the churches. Six variable clusters of characteristics …


At-Risk Students' Reports Of Teachers' Instructional Behavior, Virginia E. Rios Aug 1990

At-Risk Students' Reports Of Teachers' Instructional Behavior, Virginia E. Rios

Graduate Theses

This study investigated secondary teachers' instructional behavior from the at-risk students' perspective. The research concentrated on three areas— teaching styles, teacher encouragement, and homework assignments. A series of interviews with at-risk students yielded the following results: When dealing with at-risk students (1) most teachers use only two of four modalities (auditory and visual) in their teaching approach, (2) teachers do not encourage these students, and (3) teachers assign homework less than half of the time. When homework is assigned it is completed by students approximately half of the time.