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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Contextual Influences On Peer Acceptance And The Social Behavior Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Caroline Brooke Green Jan 2011

Contextual Influences On Peer Acceptance And The Social Behavior Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Caroline Brooke Green

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Much attention has been paid to the social behavior of individuals with Intellectual Disability (IDs) due in part to its relevance to quality of life. Deficiencies in social skills are comamong persons with IDs and may include problem behaviors such as withdrawal, aggression, and difficulty communicating with others and social skills training programs have been developed to improve social functioning. However, these programs have generally assumed that the social behavior of persons with IDs should be the same as that of individuals without IDs, yet, relatively little is known about the nature of the relationships among individuals with IDs and …


Comorbid Depression And Anxiety As Predictors Of Adolescent Substance Use In A Rural And Ethnically Diverse Community Sample, Michael James Mcdermott Jan 2011

Comorbid Depression And Anxiety As Predictors Of Adolescent Substance Use In A Rural And Ethnically Diverse Community Sample, Michael James Mcdermott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Drug use among adolescents is one of the nation's most significant public health concerns, with an estimated 47% to 56% of adolescents engaging in illicit substance use before completing high school. Negative consequences often associated with adolescent substance use frequently result in severe emotional and physical problems and serve to illustrate the growing importance of identifying associated risk factors. It is likely that psychological risk factors play an important role in the initiation and continued use of drugs among adolescents. In particular, mood and anxiety disorders have emerged as two such psychological risk factors. Unfortunately, studies examining this relationship have …


Do Multicultural Experiences And Biculturalism Promote Creativity In International Students?, Patricia Ofili Jan 2011

Do Multicultural Experiences And Biculturalism Promote Creativity In International Students?, Patricia Ofili

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The 2009–2010 academic school year in the United States boasted a record number of enrolled international students. An estimated 690,923 students attended universities and colleges across the country (Open Doors, 2011). World markets and educational systems have become more connected and internationally focused. As a result, academic settings around the globe now encourage students to step beyond what is culturally familiar in order to become creative, knowledgeable, and competitive graduates. An empirical study by Maddux and Galinsky (2009) provides pioneering data that supports the connection of increased creativity through extended multicultural experiences. Individuals who are able to effectively incorporate customs …


Psychological Factors In Hiv-Related Headaches, Kale Edney Kirkland Jan 2011

Psychological Factors In Hiv-Related Headaches, Kale Edney Kirkland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Headache is one of the most commedical complaints reported by individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS, but conflicting data exist regarding their prevalence, prototypical characteristics, and relationship to HIV severity. A well-established field of research indicates a strong association between psychiatric comorbidities/psychological factors and headache disorders, but this association has not been explored frequently among HIV patients with headaches. Data on headache symptoms and psychological factors were collected on 200 HIV/AIDS patients from two outpatient clinics using structured interviews and self-report measures. Of these, 107 patients (53.5%) endorsed problematic headaches, most of which (n = 103; 51.5%) were consistent with characteristics of …


Examining The Sleep Hygiene Behaviors Of Migraineurs In A University Setting, Ashli Brooke Walters Jan 2011

Examining The Sleep Hygiene Behaviors Of Migraineurs In A University Setting, Ashli Brooke Walters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Migraine is a commonly-occurring primary headache disorder that is often comorbid with many conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Previous research has shown that sleep problems are comamong migraineurs, with insomnia being the most prevalent. Insomnia in migraineurs has many possible causes, including inadequate sleep hygiene, or participating in behaviors that are not conducive to sleep. Modifying sleep hygiene behavior has been shown to be effective in reducing migraine intensity and frequency, but research characterizing the specific sleep hygiene behaviors of migraineurs is limited. The present study sought to identify problematic sleep behaviors and their association with episodic migraine …


Impact Of Relationship Context On Evaluations Of The Sexual Behavior Of Men And Women, Olga Vadymovna Berkout Jan 2011

Impact Of Relationship Context On Evaluations Of The Sexual Behavior Of Men And Women, Olga Vadymovna Berkout

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A number of gender differences have been found in early studies of human sexuality with males following more permissive norms for engagement in sexual behavior. More recently, male and female sexual behavior has become more similar, although literature examining attitudes towards sexual behavior has found mixed support for the idea that similar standards were used to evaluate men and women. This study examined the potential moderating roles of relationship context and traditional gender role adherence on evaluations of sexual behavior among 307 undergraduates at a public Southeastern university. Both men and women having sex within committed relationships were vieas more …


Meaning In Life, Depression, And Alcohol Use In A College Sample, Lindsay Wilson Schnetzer Jan 2011

Meaning In Life, Depression, And Alcohol Use In A College Sample, Lindsay Wilson Schnetzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The meaning construct has been researched over the last several decades, yielding important empirical advancements in our understanding of its impact on psychological well-being. Comdenominators among various definitions of meaning and life purpose are (1) an emphasis on the significance of life (2) an awareness of coherence, and (3) the fulfillment of unique purpose. Research suggests that meaning and depression are related yet distinct variables, that depression and alcohol abuse are comorbid, and that meaning and alcohol use are significantly associated. Because there is minimal research examining relations among all three variables, and because there have been inconsistent findings with …


Fit Of The Tripartite Model With Residential Youth Referred For Externalizing Problems, Eu Gene Chin Jan 2011

Fit Of The Tripartite Model With Residential Youth Referred For Externalizing Problems, Eu Gene Chin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The tripartite model of anxiety and depression (Clark & Watson, 1991) has received strong support among adult, adolescent, and child populations. Clinical samples of children and adolescents in these studies, however, have usually been referred for treatment of anxiety and depression. This study investigated the fit of the tripartite model for children and adolescents in a large, inpatient facility who were referred primarily for externalizing problems. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the tripartite model relationship between negative affect, positive affect, and mood symptoms. Multiple fit indices were used to provide a reliable and conservative evaluation of the model. …


Positive Youth Development Among Latino/A Youth In A Service Learning Program, Christopher Fox Drescher Jan 2011

Positive Youth Development Among Latino/A Youth In A Service Learning Program, Christopher Fox Drescher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the potential of a service-learning program to cultivate positive developmental strengths among Latino/a youth participating in a school-based program in Los Angles County. Youth (N=112) in grades 5–12, who were primarily from low SES backgrounds, participated in an environmental and humanitarian education program, the Jane Goodall Institute's, Roots & Shoots (R&S) program. Three positive youth development (PYD) variables, including civic responsibility, ethnic identity, and connection to nature were assessed before and after participation. Challenges in program implementation and data collection resulted in a small subset of participants that completed measures at the pre and posttest (n = …


The Relationship Between Discrimination, Acculturation, And General Psychological Functioning In International Students, Michael J. Hirschel Jan 2011

The Relationship Between Discrimination, Acculturation, And General Psychological Functioning In International Students, Michael J. Hirschel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

International students come from all over the world to study in the United States. Cultural differences they experience can make the transition difficult, resulting in acculturative stress. Encountering discrimination is, unfortunately, a comconcern for international students which may compound acculturative stress. The aim of the current study was to better understand discrimination felt by international students, and how it is related to pre-contact factors, acculturation factors, and adjustment factors. A more thorough understanding of this important, but often overlooked, aspect of acculturation could lead to future interventions designed to improve international student experiences while abroad. Pre-contact factors such as place …


Cognitive Defusion And Psychological Flexibility With Self-Relevant Academic Distress Stimuli, Laura Ely Jan 2011

Cognitive Defusion And Psychological Flexibility With Self-Relevant Academic Distress Stimuli, Laura Ely

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A distinctive feature of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is cognitive defusion. Rapid word repetition is one of the exercises used in ACT to promote defusion. Previous research has examined the effect of this exercise with the general population, using words representing negative self-referential thoughts. Studies have found that discomfort and believability of these thoughts decrease more following this defusion exercise as compared to a thought distraction task. The present study evaluated the effects of the word repetition defusion exercise using content reflecting academic distress, in an undergraduate sample primed to feel academic anxiety. The defusion exercise was compared to …


How Group Leaders Rate The Frequency Of Practice And Level Of Importance Of The Asgw Principles For Diversity-Competent Group Workers, Daphne Ha Ingene Jan 2011

How Group Leaders Rate The Frequency Of Practice And Level Of Importance Of The Asgw Principles For Diversity-Competent Group Workers, Daphne Ha Ingene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The establishment of multicultural counseling competencies evolved over a decade. In 1992, Sue, Arredondo, and McDavis published the influential Multicultural Counseling Competencies and Standards. The Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) is one of the counseling professional organizations that incorporated these standards into their own professional guidelines, as well as Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development, AMCD; Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, CACREP. However, the Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers have never been empirically studied to determine whether these multicultural group standards in fact offer helpful information for group workers. Such studies can provide evidence of the …


Friends On The Playground: Associations With Physical Activity Levels In A Preschool Sample, Kevin Francis Karl Jan 2011

Friends On The Playground: Associations With Physical Activity Levels In A Preschool Sample, Kevin Francis Karl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Child obesity rates have reached an all-time high in the United States; with rates doubling over the past 30 years for children ages 2-5 (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, 2004). This increase in obesity rates has led to increased research directed at understanding the causes in order to begin to reverse the trend and prevent our children from becoming obese. The literature shows that several key variables, including child physical activity level, parent physical activity level, and peer influences on the playground are related to childhood obesity (Epstein, 2005; Salvy, 2008; Trost, et al., 2003). Much of this …


The Role Of Mental Health Professionals In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse As Seen Through The Eyes Of Judges, S. Lynn Etheridge Jan 2011

The Role Of Mental Health Professionals In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse As Seen Through The Eyes Of Judges, S. Lynn Etheridge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The involvement of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) is complex and intimidating. There are legal rules and academic suggestions to guide the MHP in this endeavor, but in experience, these rules and suggestions are lacking. Current literature and research indicates that there is little if any direct knowledge on how judges perceive MHPs who testify before them in court. A qualitative phenomenological inquiry that directly interviefive judges about their perceptions of MHPs in cases of CSA was undertaken. The results indicate that MHPs should be more intentional about their choices regarding involvement in court, …


A Study In Texture Segmentation: Investigating The Role Of Template Retuning In Perceptual Learning, Kurt Douglas Streeter Jan 2011

A Study In Texture Segmentation: Investigating The Role Of Template Retuning In Perceptual Learning, Kurt Douglas Streeter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Quantifiable differences are recognized in observers performing perceptual tasks that may be the product of practice or the observer's familiarity with the task. These differences suggest the possibility of perceptual learning (PL), which could be linked to first-order information. The purpose of the present study was to establish learning and test for cases of PL in a perceptual task involving texture segmentation. Changes in contrast threshold measurements from fourteen naïve observers were analyzed based upon their performance in a texture segmentation task presented in periphery. Tests of general learning involving orientation contrast modulations within textures were measured and were found …


Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar Jan 2011

Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Written disclosure participants have experienced numerous psychological and physiological benefits, as compared to those who wrote about neutral topics (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005; Corter & Petrie, 2011; Frattaroli, 2006; Pennebaker & Chung, in press). Given the beneficial results of expressive writing commonly found among healthy participants, exploration of this method was expanded to broader populations with mixed results. Researchers have attempted to provide a rationale for why, when, and with whom written disclosure works. As emotional clarity and experiential avoidance have been linked to psychological well-being, this study examined their relative contributions to written disclosure benefits. Participants self-reported on measures …


Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar Jan 2011

Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Written disclosure participants have experienced numerous psychological and physiological benefits, as compared to those who wrote about neutral topics (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005; Corter & Petrie, 2011; Frattaroli, 2006; Pennebaker & Chung, in press). Given the beneficial results of expressive writing commonly found among healthy participants, exploration of this method was expanded to broader populations with mixed results. Researchers have attempted to provide a rationale for why, when, and with whom written disclosure works. As emotional clarity and experiential avoidance have been linked to psychological well-being, this study examined their relative contributions to written disclosure benefits. Participants self-reported on measures …


Searching For Success: Predictors Of Academic Adjustment Of International Students, Gilberte Bastien Jan 2011

Searching For Success: Predictors Of Academic Adjustment Of International Students, Gilberte Bastien

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over recent decades, the number of international students enrolled in American universities has continued to increase. International students face a number of challenges in adapting to a new cultural milieu. The process of transitioning from one cultural environment to another is known as acculturation. Previous studies of acculturation have identified acculturative stress, English proficiency, and social support as key factors associated with the overall adjustment of international students (Mori, 2000; Pedersen, 1991; Sandhu, 1995, Sandhu & Asrabadi, 1998). Of particular significance for international students are the challenges stemming from pedagogical differences between foreign and U.S. institutions of higher learning. Despite …


The Influences Of Gender And Race On The Attachment Styles Within A Criminal Population, Morgan Litchfield Bryant Jan 2011

The Influences Of Gender And Race On The Attachment Styles Within A Criminal Population, Morgan Litchfield Bryant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study utilizes tenets of attachment theory to examine how patterns of relating to parental figures vary according to the race and gender of subjects residing in a correctional facility. The study can perhaps influence rehabilitation services within the prison system and modify anti-recidivism programs attended by individuals released from a correctional facility. Second year doctoral students originally collected the data. The participants in the study were given the Adult Scale of Parental Attachment (ASPA) and a general questionnaire in an effort to gather information regarding race, gender, and patterns of relating. The participants were above the age of 18, …