Psychology Commons^™

Pilot Study: The Effects Of A Mountain Wilderness Experience On Combat Veteran Psychosocial Wellness, Elizabeth J. Vella Phd, Taylor Lyman, Taylor Lovering

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 3.5day outdoor wilderness program (Huts for Vets, HFV) for reducing psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improving positive mood states. It was hypothesized that participation in the HFV program would predict improvements in psychosocial well-being in addition to reductions in PTSD symptomatology relative to a waiting-list control group. Participants included 51 adult veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or some other combat-related disability (Mage = 36.8, SD = 8.19). The experimental group (n=32) participated in the HFV program, which included hiking and group discussions. Data collection via psychosocial scale …

Moral Values, Social Ideologies, And Threat-Based Cognition: Implications For Intergroup Relations., Brandon D. Stewart Phd, David S. M. Morris

Faculty Publications

Moral foundations theory (MFT) has provided an account of the moral values that underscore different cultural and political ideologies, and these moral values of harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity can help to explain differences in political and cultural ideologies; however, the extent to which moral foundations relate to strong social ideologies, intergroup processes and threat perceptions is still underdeveloped. To explore this relationship, we conducted two studies. In Study 1 (N = 157), we considered how the moral foundations predicted strong social ideologies such as authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) as well as attitudes toward immigrants. …

What About The ‘R’ In Riot? : A Comprehensive Examination Of School Psychologists’ Record Review Processes, Hannah Luken

Thinking Matters Symposium

This poster aimed to describe part of a doctoral dissertation research study that comprehensively investigated school psychologists’ record review practices. Record reviews are a crucial part of the psychoeducational evaluation process (i.e., RIOT method), and there is relatively little previous research literature on this topic. This poster describes the following results: when record reviews are conducted, the amount of time is spent on each part of the RIOT method for initial and reevaluations, and record review approaches. The survey was distributed to school psychologists across the United States via school psychology state associations and Facebook. Results were analyzed via measures …

Police Brutality Against Those With Mental Illness: How To Protect Maine's People, Lauren Darge

Student Scholarship

It is reported that around 61.5 million Americans will experience mental illness at some point in their lifetime, and 3-6% of law enforcement encounters involve those with mental illness. That is anywhere from 184,500-369,000 people with mental illness that may encounter law enforcement. In 2016, 25% of those killed by police were linked to mental illness, and the numbers are only rising. It is important to consider if all mental health crisis encounters with law enforcement are dangerous. A simple answer is no, not all. Though, those with mental illness are disproportionately involved in critical police encounters including use of …

Effect Of Nutrition On Resilience In Adults With Childhood Trauma, Carrie Merrill, Nicole Wickstrom, Katie Munn, Timothy Mclaughlin

Thinking Matters Symposium

While previous studies have shown that healthy nutrition has a positive effect on our physical and emotional well-being (Marsman et al., 2018; Harbottle, 2019), it is unknown whether those benefits extend to individual levels of resilience among those who have suffered childhood trauma. The purpose of this research is to better understand how nutritional habits influence the relationship between childhood trauma and resilience. A Qualtrics survey design was used to collect data related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resilience, and nutritional intake, and was sent via email to University of Southern Maine students and faculty of the school of social …

Black-Capped Chickadee (Parus Atricapillus) Food Preference, Isabelle Gilbert

Thinking Matters Symposium

All animals must make decisions on where to find, select, capture, and eat food. These factors contribute to a species’ food preference, such as making decisions on what food to eat based on calories. Optimal foraging theory predicts how an animal behaves when searching for food, including optimization of food type, patch choice, time spent in patches, and movement. All animals also make decisions based on predation risk by avoiding predators and making trade-offs on time spent searching for, pursuing, and handling food. The objective of my study is to examine food preference of black-capped chickadees (Parus atricapillus). Birds may …

Moving Morality Beyond The In-Group: Liberals And Conservatives Show Differences On Group-Framed Moral Foundations And These Differences Mediate The Relationships To Perceived Bias And Threat., Brandon D. Stewart Phd, David S. M. Morris

Faculty Publications

Moral foundations research suggests that liberals care about moral values related to individual rights such as harm and fairness, while conservatives care about those foundations in addition to caring more about group rights such as loyalty, authority, and purity. However, the question remains about how conservatives and liberals differ in relation to group-level moral principles. We used two versions of the moral foundations questionnaire with the target group being either abstract or specific ingroups or outgroups. Across three studies, we observed that liberals showed more endorsement of Individualizing foundations (Harm and Fairness foundations) with an outgroup target, while conservatives showed …

Transitioning From Youth To Adulthood: Mapping The Impact Of Systems & Places On Youth Pathways, Danielle Layton, Erica King Msw, Jillian Foley Mppm, Sophia Mcmullan, Mara Sanchez Mppm

Justice Policy

This report seeks to lift up the voices of Maine’s youth and place their lived experiences with homelessness, educational pushout, child-welfare and juvenile justice system involvement, and interactions with the healthcare system at the center of public discourse and decision making. This study collected life stories from 35 youth (age 14-24) using arts-based narrative inquiry methods to map their journeys from childhood to adulthood. The report offers a deeper look at the firsthand experiences of Maine’s systems-involved youth and recommends creating more opportunities for young people to be involved with decisions made by the organizations and systems that serve them, …

Psychosocial Factors In Coronary Heart Disease, Elizabeth J. Vella Phd

Faculty Publications

Cardiovascular disease represents the leading cause of death globally, which includes mortality due to stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD); of these two forms of cardiovascular disease, CHD accounts for more deaths annually (World Health Organization, 2015). The primary features of CHD include plaque development in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack (myocardial infarct), and acute chest pain (angina; Labarthe, 1998). The traditional risk factors for CHD include age, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history of the disease (World Heart Federation, 2015). Epidemiologic evidence suggests that traditional risk factors of CHD …

Op-Ed On The Need To Protect Reproductive Rights, Hannah Mistler

Student Scholarship

Reproductive rights have continued to be threatened all across the country. This Op-Ed discusses the psychological research behind why we need to protect reproductive rights and the services provided. The different ways to take action and advocate for the protection of reproductive rights are also discussed.

The Benefits Of Affordable/Free Education Op Ed, Julian Moran

Student Scholarship

It has been well established that people with more education live longer, healthier lives and report having higher levels of both eudaimonic and hedonic subject well being. Higher education is also linked with other health benefits, such as having an increased sense of control and learned effectiveness, having more ambition, finding more satisfaction in their jobs, living situations, communities, families, and having more autonomy. Having a more educated population could translate into better decisions being made throughout our social structures, which in turn could lead us to progressing towards a more functional, healthier, and happier society. Although, the benefits of …

Professional Impressions And Experiences Of The Complex Needs Of Human Trafficking Survivors, Jackie Klock, Kelsey Haynes

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Abstract Human trafficking is a monumental and pervasive human rights issue, and one that carries immense physical, psychological, and psychosocial repercussions to its survivors. This project explores the complex needs and service gaps that exist for survivors of human trafficking. Through a qualitative study, with six in-person interviews of professional providers in Maine, we gain access to important information regarding complex needs of human trafficking survivors. Using thematic analysis we analyze common themes throughout the interviews in relation to previous literature. Recommendations for practice are also presented.

Child Poverty, Physical & Mental Health In Maine, Katelyn Malloy

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Children who live below the national poverty line account for nearly one fifth of Maine’s overall population. Child poverty is a determinant of health that can lead to negative health outcomes that affect childhood development, educational achievement, as well as physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to identify five Maine counties with the highest rates of child poverty according to the national average. Comparison of poverty rates between counties were analyzed along with two leading health indicators – mental and physical distress. This study used 2016 county-level childhood poverty estimates, assessed by the American Community Survey …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Effects On Teachers' Beliefs About Classroom Behavior Management, Hilarie Fotter Kennedy Psyd

All Student Scholarship

The aim of this survey research pilot study was to determine if there is a relationship that exists between a teacher’s perceptions about their disciplinary style and early life exposure to adverse experiences. The method consisted of two brief questionnaires (the Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire and the Behavior and Instruction Management Scale) which was completed electronically by 2,149 teachers (response rate 16.51%) practicing within the state of Maine.

Op-Ed On Our Current Educational Inequalities, Cristin K. Mcdonough

Student Scholarship

There is a lack of equal opportunities in education across levels of socioeconomic status. This Op-Ed discusses current research and potential ways to lessen the gap in opportunities for students.

Further Evaluation Of The Pls Program: Reduced Consultant Involvement, Kelly Ann Pelletier Psyd

All Student Scholarship

This study evaluated the effects of the preschool life skills program (PLS; Hanley, Heal, Tiger, & Ingvarsson, 2007) on the acquisition of pro-social skills and reduction of interfering classroom behavior in a public special education pre-school in the Pacific Northwest. The rationale for the current study is based on the reality that consultants and trained assistants may not be a common element available to the average preschool setting. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether gains in pro-social skills and reductions in challenging behavior would occur under conditions of reduced consultant or supervisor involvement in this setting. In …

Therapeutic Riding And Psychological Health In Older Adults, Alyssa Pattison, Craig Ashford

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

This project explores the available quantitative and qualitative research to see if there is a link between therapeutic horseback riding and the reduction in symptoms of depression in older adults. Currently, there is a gap in evidence based research surrounding older populations with depression and therapeutic riding. However, research gathered on adolescents and adults suggest that therapeutic riding may alleviate depressive symptoms in persons over 65 years of age. Studies included in this project reveal groups of themes. The first is assessments, tools and evaluations. The second is animal assisted therapy, equine assisted therapy, therapeutic riding, and the barn environment. …

Social Exchange Theory: What Is It, And How Can It Be Applied To Everyday Situations?, Miriam Deauseault

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

In all forms of relationships between people, the concept of ‘give and take’ is central. You spend time with a friend because you offer each other mutual support and have fun with them. You pay to take your significant other out on a date or buy them a nice gift because their affection and presence in your life makes you feel good. When these balances get shifted so one person is consistently taking more and the other is giving more, it tends to turn friendships, romantic relationships and other types of social bonds sour quickly. This is all common knowledge. …

A Comparison Of Curriculum Based Measures Of Oral Reading Fluency, Trish Merrill Psyd

All Student Scholarship

Curriculum Based Measurements (CBM) are a widely-used tool for Response to Intervention (RTI) progress monitoring. In addition, they can be used in the determination of learning disabilities and special education qualification. The most widely used type of CBM is a measure of oral reading fluency (ORF). This type involves having a student read out loud for 1 minute while the examiner records any errors. Also known as reading curriculum-based measures (RCBM), various published forms of RCBM have been documented to be reliable and valid measures of all aspects of reading skills. Nonetheless, not all RCBM forms are the same, and …

Mediodorsal Thalamic Neurons Mirror The Activity Of Medial Prefrontal Neurons Responding To Movement And Reinforcement During A Dynamic Dnmtp Task, Rikki L.A. Miller Phd, Miranda J. Francoeur, Brett M. Gibson, Robert G. Mair

Faculty Publications

The mediodorsal nucleus (MD) interacts with medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to support learning and adaptive decision-making. MD receives driver (layer 5) and modulatory (layer 6) projections from PFC and is the main source of driver thalamic projections to middle cortical layers of PFC. Little is known about the activity of MD neurons and their influence on PFC during decision-making. We recorded MD neurons in rats performing a dynamic delayed nonmatching to position (dDNMTP) task and compared results to a previous study of mPFC with the same task (Onos et al., 2016). Criterion event-related responses were observed for 22% …

The Implications Of Using A Broad Versus Narrow Set Of Criteria In Research, Leonard A. Jason, Kristen D. Gleason Phd, Pamela Fox

Faculty Publications

The Fukuda et al. criteria is the most widely used clinical case definition for diagnosing patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Despite the frequency with which the Fukuda criteria are applied, the list of symptoms outlined in this case definition were not well enough specified to be easily applied to research settings. In 2005, Reeves et al. laid out a set of standards for operationalizing the Fukuda definition, specifying scales and cutoff scores for measuring the symptom criteria. This operationalization, often known as the empirical criteria, has been shown to identify an unexpectedly large number of patients, seemingly widening the …

Connecting The Unconnected: Understanding Creativity At Work, Kate Rogers

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

To explore the diversity of creativity in the minds of individuals from a spectrum of occupations.

To understand the value of creativity in society and in education.

The Effects Of Behavioral Momentum On Increasing Expressive Writing Behaviors In Children Resistant To Writing Tasks, Hannah D. Batley Psyd

All Student Scholarship

Within this study, the author aimed to expand the research on high-probability/lowprobability (high-p/low-p) interventions to examine the effects of behavioral momentum on the academic behavior of expressive writing. Two second-grade students were selected based on a history of avoidance of with writing tasks, where motivation was determined to be the primary variable impacting expressive writing engagement. An alternating treatments design was used to compare the effects of a traditional expressive writing prompt to the utilization of a high-p/low-p response sequence where instructions to engage in high-probability writing tasks preceded the prompt to complete lowprobability writing tasks. Two dependent variables were …

Urine Cotinine In Children And Parental Behavior Modification: A Pilot Study, Teresa Lachance

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

“Urine Cotinine in Children and Parental Behavior Modification” was designed by Dr. Deirdre Burns, a pediatrician at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH). It was implemented as a pilot study to determine whether urine cotinine testing in children who are admitted to the hospital for respiratory illness and tracking parental smoking behaviors over time was feasible. Parents were given a brief survey to assess their current smoking behaviors and to understand their readiness to quit smoking. They received smoking cessation materials provided by the Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine. These materials outline information about second-hand and third-hand smoke, and encourage …

The Reliability And Validity Of The Task Analysis Recording Procedure (Tarp), Russell Brown Psyd

All Student Scholarship

Task analysis data collection typically focuses on the acquisition of skills by recording the percentage of steps in the response chain completed independently and correctly. While useful as a measure of skill acquisition, percentage correct does not promote a step based analysis of factors that may promote or interfere with skill acquisition, including necessary prompts and the occurrence of challenging behavior. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Task Analysis Recording Procedure (TARP) in recording physical stereotypy, a behavior often emitted by participants with autism or other developmental disabilities, by comparing TARP obtained physical stereotypy data to that …

A Pilot Investigation Of A Multi-Tier System Of Mathematics Instruction For Prekindergarten Students, William Benjamin Roy Psyd

All Student Scholarship

A Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) for academic skills is widely recognized as the best practice framework for supporting all students. Additionally, the recent shift from constructivist pedagogy toward more intentional teaching of mathematics at the preschool level has encouraged more explicit mathematics instruction with younger children. In spite of these advances, there are no published best practice guidelines for implementing MTSS for mathematics at the prekindergarten level. The current study sought to investigate one possible way to implement effective instructional practices for preschool mathematics within a multi-tier system, including the use of validated screening and progress monitoring instruments. A …

A Comparison Of A Discrete Trial Teaching Procedure And An Incidental Teaching Procedure To Help Children With Developmental Disorders Acquire Sight Word Reading Skills, Adam Golonka Psyd

All Student Scholarship

Knowing how to read words that are relevant and important has the potential to help individuals with developmental disorders gain independence within both school and community settings. The current study compares the effectiveness of two teaching procedures targeting reading skills in children with developmental disorders. Discrete trial teaching (DTT) is a commonly used method of teaching multiple pre-academic and academic skills to individuals with developmental disorders. It involves a systematic presentation of stimuli, a teaching procedure, and delivery of reinforcement, and is often delivered in a mass trial format. Incidental or naturalistic teaching, on the other hand, takes place in …

Exploring Differing Experiences Of Homelessness In Hawai‘I: Full Report To Stakeholders Part Ii, Kristen D. Gleason Phd, John P. Barile, Charlene Baker

Faculty Publications

Because high rates of homelessness have become a growing concern across the U.S., a number of policies, programs, and strategies have been developed to prevent homelessness and to addess the needs of those without a home (Culhane, Park, & Metraux, 2011). As it is unlikely that a one sizefits-all approach to homelessness can be effective, it is important for there to be a wide range of service approaches available to address the issue (Yuan, Vo, & Gleason, 2014). As important is determining how to best target the available services to meet the varied needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Interdisciplinary Social Action, Leonard A. Jason, Damani Mcclellan, Kristen D. Gleason Phd

Faculty Publications

In this article, we will first consider the starting point for change. Social change is more likely to occur when we have a passionate interest in a particular area. Often the beginning of social change occurs when we have a passionate interest in a particular area. Often the beginning of social change occurs with the recognition that something is wrong and unfair. This recognition may take the form of a flash of outrage, but the feeling is clear: this needs to change. We may not even know why we feel this way, but our intuition can steer us in …

Exploring Differing Experiences Of Homelessness In Hawai‘I: Full Report To Stakeholders Part I, Kristen D. Gleason Phd, Charlene Baker, John P. Barile

Faculty Publications

In many cities and towns across the U.S., homelessness has arisen as a prominent and difficult problem to address (Quigley, Raphael, & Smolensky, 2001). It has become a public health and humanitarian concern at both the national level and at the state level in Hawai‘i. The recent Homeless Service Utilization Report for Hawai‘i State, which tracks administrative data related to homeless service usage across the state, shows that the number of homeless individuals in Hawai‘i has steadily grown since 2007, with a record 14,954 individuals receiving services in the last fiscal year (Yuan, Vo, Gleason, & Azuma, 2016). Hawai‘i is …