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Full-Text Articles in Psychology
Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Kristen Hawk-Purcell
Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Kristen Hawk-Purcell
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The postpartum period can be a time of significant change and transition. Little is known about how a history of trauma may impact functioning during this critical time. English-speaking adult women (age ≥ 18 years, N = 61) who gave birth in the United States in the past year, but not in the last month, were in an intimate relationship, and did not use any assisted reproductive technology to conceive participated in the study. Participants were recruited through social media and online forums related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. They completed a demographic questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic …
Examining Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students, Marisa Gretz
Examining Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students, Marisa Gretz
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined the relationship between social media use, sense of connectedness, and depression among graduate students. Graduate students are at risk of depression and often disconnect from their social supports due to their program's demands. Literature on the impact of social media on depression is discrepant. The relationship between a sense of connection, the use of social media, and depression in a graduate student population is a novel area of research. Graduate students at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and other universities, including healthcare and non-healthcare-related disciplines, were included. Participants were recruited via social media or email. …
The Impact Of Gender Minority Stress On Eating Pathology And Body Checking Behaviors In Transgender And Non-Binary Adults, Klaudia Bialy
The Impact Of Gender Minority Stress On Eating Pathology And Body Checking Behaviors In Transgender And Non-Binary Adults, Klaudia Bialy
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) individuals commonly report diminished mental health when compared to cisgender individuals. TNB individuals experience unique stressors due to their gender identity such as gender-based discrimination and victimization, internalized transphobia, and non-affirmation of their gender. Due to these unique stressors, TNB individuals experience elevated rates of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Additionally, TNB individuals report body image issues and disordered eating. This study examined if gender minority stress predicts the relationship between body checking behaviors and eating pathology amongst TNB individuals. Simple linear regression models were used to assess the possible impact gender …
Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying The Relationship Between Social Media Use And Depressive Symptoms, Mary Le
Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying The Relationship Between Social Media Use And Depressive Symptoms, Mary Le
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Social media continues to grow in popularity but has been associated with diminished mental health in some users. Social media provides a platform for social comparison, which influences how individuals evaluate their traits, abilities, and successes in achieving life milestones and, in turn, may impact psychological functioning. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether social comparison and cognitive distortions mediated the relationship between social media use and depressive symptoms in younger adults. In total, 175 adults between the ages of 18 and 29 years were recruited online (64.6% male, 34.9% female; 45.7% Asian). Participants completed anonymous surveys …
Risk And Protective Factors Associated With Psychosocial Functioning In 911 Operators And Dispatchers, Margarett Molina
Risk And Protective Factors Associated With Psychosocial Functioning In 911 Operators And Dispatchers, Margarett Molina
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
911 operators and dispatchers are considered the true “first responders” to life-threatening emergencies. Their responsibilities include responding to individuals in crisis, deciding appropriate emergency responses, gathering vital information, offering emergency instruction, and providing detailed updates about the response to callers and emergency workers. This high rate of exposure to traumatizing events enhances the risk for pathology, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between social supports, coping style, and sleep as it relates to PTSS and depressive symptoms in 911 operators and dispatchers. Multiple linear regression models were computed …
Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy For Blind And Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving, And Cognitive Distortions, Collin D. Mullins
Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy For Blind And Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving, And Cognitive Distortions, Collin D. Mullins
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study sought to explore the efficacy of group Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) adapted for individuals living with visual impairment. Specifically, this study investigated changes in quality of life, levels of acceptance, problem-solving, depression, and cognitive distortions following treatment. A group of ten participants (N = 10) were recruited in a large Northeastern city from a non-profit organization providing programming to individuals with visual impairment. Combined pretest-posttest experimental and qualitative study designs were utilized. Individuals were assessed using measures to acquire baseline and outcomes on depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), acceptance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality …
Predictors Of Stress In Caregivers Of Family Members With Multiple Sclerosis, Lucy Lubinski
Predictors Of Stress In Caregivers Of Family Members With Multiple Sclerosis, Lucy Lubinski
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that typically results in cognitive and physical impairment. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, persons with MS often need assistance from caregivers in their daily lives. Research has shown that when a family member is diagnosed with the disease, household members become a source of caregiver support. The relationships between caregiver burden and chronic illness and between stress and health are well-documented. The impact of caregiving on individuals with MS remains a continued clinical concern, particularly because depression is highly co-occurring in those with the disease. Understanding the predictors …
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo In Latino Youth, Katie Binns Fabius
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo In Latino Youth, Katie Binns Fabius
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is observed in some children and may include daydreaming, inconsistent alertness, mental fogginess, confusion, absentmindedness, behaving or thinking slowly, appearing tired even after a full night of sleep, and lacking energy. The symptoms are said to be multidimensional with two domains: cognitive and behavioral. SCT is often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). High SCT (HSCT) has been shown to impact academic and social functioning and be associated with elevated anxiety and depression symptoms in children. The majority of extant literature focuses primarily on Caucasian children. The primary objective was to examine the prevalence of …
Perceived Self-Efficacy In Individuals With Moderate-To-Severe Brain Injury: The Effects Of Rehabilitation Outcomes And Depression, Leena Patel
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Brain injury represents a major public health issue in the United States, accounting for a largely underestimated figure of 2.5 million cases in 2010. The pervasive effects of this chronic medical condition contribute to a growing economic burden, as the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae of brain injury demand long-term care for those with moderate-to-severe brain injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently proposed new recommendations for improvements in monitoring the incidence of and research on brain injury. The goals of this public health initiative are to better inform health service delivery and ultimately improve quality of …
Perceived Parenting Styles Of Mothers With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Madina Bakhitova
Perceived Parenting Styles Of Mothers With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Madina Bakhitova
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal PTSD symptoms and parenting, specifically the authoritarian and permissive parenting styles, and parental dimensions of nurturance, consistency, control, and physical punishment. Participants included a convenience sample of 84 mothers (40% Hispanic, 35% African American, and 25% Caucasian) from a community behavioral-health agency in Philadelphia. The mothers completed a brief demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL – C), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Parenting Authority Questionnaire – Revised Version (PAQ – R), and the Parenting Dimensions Inventory – Short Version (PDI – S). …
Cognitive Distortions As A Mediator Between Early Maladaptive Schema And Hopelessness, Keith Milligan
Cognitive Distortions As A Mediator Between Early Maladaptive Schema And Hopelessness, Keith Milligan
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of the current study was to examine cognitive distortions as a mediator between maladaptive schema and hopelessness. With hopelessness and suicidal behavior so strongly correlated, an examination of hopelessness is critical. It was expected that this study would shed light on the role of distorted thinking as it relates to beliefs shaped from early maladaptive experiences and hopelessness. First, distorted thinking was not found to partially mediate the relationship between early maladaptive schema and hopelessness. This was likely a consequence of multicollinearity due to the use of a very proximal mediator. Second, a linear combination of the cognitive …
Adult Adhd And The Relationship Between Self-Reported Frequency Of Cognitive Distortions, Anxiety, And Depression, Craig Strohmeier
Adult Adhd And The Relationship Between Self-Reported Frequency Of Cognitive Distortions, Anxiety, And Depression, Craig Strohmeier
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD often includes strategies to address cognitive distortions. Although identifying cognitive distortions as part of a causal chain related to disorders such as anxiety and depression has been well studied, limited research has focused on the relationship between ADHD and cognitive distortions. The goal of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between ADHD, cognitive distortions, anxiety, and depression within a group of adult outpatients from an ADHD treatment center (N = 30). Results indicated that the severity of ADHD symptomatology, identified through a self-report scale, was significantly related to the self-reported …
Overweight, Obesity, And Mental Illnesses: Weight Loss Treatment, Michelle Huang
Overweight, Obesity, And Mental Illnesses: Weight Loss Treatment, Michelle Huang
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
For the past 30 years, overweight and obesity has increased at alarming rates in the general population. This public health crisis has affected persons with mental illnesses as it has those in the general population. Little is known about how individuals with psychiatric problems respond to weight-loss treatment compared to the general population. The current study examines the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group weight-loss intervention with such individuals. The study also examines self-esteem, motivation, and the involvement of a support person in treatment as predictor variables. The treatment was shown to be effective regardless of depression severity. However, while all …
Does The Quality Of The Patient-Physician Relationship Moderate Predictors Of Poor Adherence In Urban, Underserved And Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Illness?, Laura Russo-Innamorato
Does The Quality Of The Patient-Physician Relationship Moderate Predictors Of Poor Adherence In Urban, Underserved And Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Illness?, Laura Russo-Innamorato
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Escalating prevalence rates and rising economic costs of chronic illnesses necessitate a better understanding of factors affecting patient adherence in the primary care setting. Despite technological advances and evidenced-based treatments, clinical outcomes are often poor. Data drawn from archival data of the “A Healthier You” wellness program designed to serve a predominately underserved population were examined to assess whether or not positive predictors of adherence could moderate the impact of negative predictors such as depression. Limitations of the study methodology precluded significant interpretations but suggested significant discrepancies between patient and physician perceptions of trust in the relationship and the satisfaction …
Integration Of Spirituality And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Depression , Jennifer J. Good
Integration Of Spirituality And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Depression , Jennifer J. Good
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health problem that is treated by many mental health practitioners. Cognitive-behavioral therapies have proven to be effective in helping restructure the cognitions of the client, which in turn reduces depressive symptom. Research has shown that individuals with MDD who value spirituality tend to view the world in a different way than those individuals that do not hold spirituality as an important value in their life. Spiritual individuals have religious schemas, and therefore, it would be important to incorporate spirituality into the treatment setting. This pilot study utilized a manualized treatment approach that …
Enhancing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Hispanic/Latino Clients With Depression : Recommendations For Culturally Sensitive Practice, Elizabeth Suarez Kuneman
Enhancing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Hispanic/Latino Clients With Depression : Recommendations For Culturally Sensitive Practice, Elizabeth Suarez Kuneman
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the process of developing treatment suggestions for adding cultural sensitivity to an empirically supported, group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment manual for Hispanic/Latino clients with depression. Suggestions were formulated through the implementation of one vignette centered on a male character, addressing Hispanic/Latino cultural values as described in the literature. This researcher sought bilingual mental health providers (English-Spanish/Spanish-English) who worked with Hispanic/Latino clients; four from a group of ten who responded, reviewed the researcher’s suggestions and answered a seven item semi-structured questionnaire, which was developed to elicit their comments. Analysis of the data revealed themes …
Effect Of Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Depression And Anxiety In Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : A Feasibility Study, Eileen Lightner
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults has been associated with a high prevalence of depression and anxiety (Kunik et al., 2005). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a COPD-specific individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention on depression and anxiety in older adults with COPD. Three older adult patients with moderate to severe COPD and comorbid depression and anxiety were recruited from a large hospital affiliated pulmonary practice to participate in this single subject multiple baseline feasibility study. Pre-test-post test assessments were conducted utilizing the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the State …
Factor Structure And Psychometric Characteristics Of The Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen In A Sample Of Patients With Pain, Robin L. Carosella
Factor Structure And Psychometric Characteristics Of The Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen In A Sample Of Patients With Pain, Robin L. Carosella
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to extend previous literature of the BDI-FastScreen and demonstrate a more empirical clinical utility within a sample of patients with pain. This study utilized existing data found in a large, multiphysician, multilocation pain management practice. The sample consisted of 328 male and female patients with pain. Various psychometric analyses were performed. Results pertaining to the internal consistency of the BDI-FastScreen determined the items most highly correlated were pessimism and loss of pleasure. A factor analysis revealed 49.18 % of the variance of the factor structure of the BDI-FastScreen was comprised of one factor. …
Everyday Magic : A Depressed Mother's Guide, Diana Coulson-Brown
Everyday Magic : A Depressed Mother's Guide, Diana Coulson-Brown
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this dissertation project was threefold: to develop a cognitive-behavioral manual for therapists, a self-help manual for depressed mothers, and a guide to assist children, aged 6 to 11, through the risks of depression was paramount in the design of this project. Given a paradigm shift in the field of psychotherapy towards resilience, this manual is timely in that it is a valuable resource for promoting resilience outcomes in both mothers and their children. This manual includes a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral activities for mothers and children, allowing mothers to be at the forefront of establishing …
Does Alcoholics Anonymous Participation Decrease Learned Helplessness And Increase Self-Efficacy? , Philip John Pellegrino
Does Alcoholics Anonymous Participation Decrease Learned Helplessness And Increase Self-Efficacy? , Philip John Pellegrino
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has long been the major treatment of choice in the United States for individuals with alcohol related problems. Research on AA has had methodological problems and there is no clear evidence that AA in and of itself is effective in treating alcohol problems. Treatment studies on alcohol and substance users have found that abstinence self-efficacy and approach coping skills have been related to improved drinking outcomes. Also, depression and alcohol problems have been shown to be highly correlated with each other. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between participation in AA and improvements in abstinence self-efficacy, learned …
Does Social Problem-Solving Moderate The Relationship Between Physical Functioning And Depression In Als Patients?, Melissa Dillon Horowitz
Does Social Problem-Solving Moderate The Relationship Between Physical Functioning And Depression In Als Patients?, Melissa Dillon Horowitz
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and ultimately fatal neurological disease that interferes with the normative functions of the upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Depression has been found across disease stages in some ALS patients, but not all. Investigations that examined the association between physical functioning and depression in ALS patients produced mixed findings. To date, the role of social problem solving has not yet been explored in the ALS population. Thus, the current study examined the relationship between social problem solving, physical functioning, and depression in …
Analysis Of The Goodwin Sentence Completion Test In The Screening Of Clinical Depression, Karyn L. Goodwin-Tribble
Analysis Of The Goodwin Sentence Completion Test In The Screening Of Clinical Depression, Karyn L. Goodwin-Tribble
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The Goodwin Sentence Completion Test (GSCT) was developed as a screening instrument for clinical depression. This instrument, composed of 25 sentence stems, was designed to indicate the level depression and to assess the strength of negative perceptions associated with dimensions of the cognitive triad (self, world, and future). Although the GSCT follows the typical format of most projective sentence completion tests, an objective scoring method was also constructed in order to evaluate more reliably individual results. The tool was administered to 80 adult volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 72 years of age. Volunteers were randomly selected from a …
Integrative Therapeutic Approach Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Recurrent Depression In An Adult Client , William J. Librizzi, Iii
Integrative Therapeutic Approach Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Recurrent Depression In An Adult Client , William J. Librizzi, Iii
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most often diagnosed psychiatric illness worldwide, with prevalence rates indicating that as many as 25% of the population during their lifetimes will experience symptoms of MDD (Holmes, 1997). Therapies that focus on restructuring the client's cognitions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of this disorder. For some clients, however, reoccurring depressive episodes are common and symptom reduction is infrequent. The research of Worthington (1988) suggests that the highly religious client may actually see the world in a uniquely differently way than does the non-religious. These individuals utilize more religious schema and …
Older Adults And Depression : The Relationships Between Distorted Thinking, Quality Of Life And Depressive Themes, Carissa Y. Ferguson
Older Adults And Depression : The Relationships Between Distorted Thinking, Quality Of Life And Depressive Themes, Carissa Y. Ferguson
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study analyzed the relationships between depression, distorted thinking and quality of life in an elderly population. Ninety non-depressed and 72 depressed individuals were interviewed and administered 3 self report measures. The study results demonstrate that: (a) Those who reported greater numbers of cognitive distortions, reported lower quality of life than those who reported less cognitive distortions; (b) depressed individuals reported lower quality of life than non-depressed individuals; (c) depressed individuals endorsed more distorted thinking phrases than non-depressed individuals and (d) depressed individuals reported more subcategories of cognitive distortions than nondepressed individuals. The results of this study support the ideas …
Relationship Between Discontinuation Of Anti-Depressant Medication During Pregnancy And Development Of Postpartum Depression, Maria Palombo Murphy
Relationship Between Discontinuation Of Anti-Depressant Medication During Pregnancy And Development Of Postpartum Depression, Maria Palombo Murphy
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious and potentially debilitating disorder that frequently goes undetected due to stigma and a lack of understanding about its course and etiology. The factor of particular interest to this study concerns the relationship between discontinuation of anti-depressant medication in pregnancy and the development of PPD. The study examined how the variables of pregnancy mood, child care stress, emotional support, instrumental support, marital satisfaction, history of depression, baby temperament, birth experience, and medication status affect symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in a sample of 202 patients at the six-week postpartum check-up. In addition to a demographic …
Coping And Psychological Hardiness And Their Relationship To Depression In Older Adults , Dianne E. Schellenberg
Coping And Psychological Hardiness And Their Relationship To Depression In Older Adults , Dianne E. Schellenberg
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The roles of coping strategies and psychological hardiness as these affect the relationships to depression in older adults were explored in a population of older adult residents who had recently relocated to long-term-care nursing home facilities. Older adults experience many losses and subsequent stressors as a result of normal aging; therefore, the additional stress that accompanies loss of familiar surroundings and support systems and the relocation to new and unfamiliar surroundings can have a significant impact on physical and psychological well being. A total of 91 residents participated in this study. Coping abilities were evaluated in terms of social problem-solving …
Realism Or Distortion In Predicting And Evaluating Exam Performance Among Depressed And Nondepressed Students, Michael J. Kinney
Realism Or Distortion In Predicting And Evaluating Exam Performance Among Depressed And Nondepressed Students, Michael J. Kinney
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Cognitive behavioral theories suggest that depressed people have negatively distorted and inaccurate perceptions and cognitions. The present study measures the accuracy of cognitions by comparing predictions made by depressed and by nondepressed students when they estimate the scores they will earn on an examination. It also compares depressed and nondepressed students on their levels of satisfaction with their exam scores. No difference was found between depressed and nondepressed students in either their predictions of their exam grades or their level of satisfaction with their exam grades. This study fails to support the notion that depression correlates with negative cognitive distortions. …
Correspondence Of Self- And Observer-Rated Depression Using The Bdi-Ii And Bdi-Ii-O, Linda A. Longan
Correspondence Of Self- And Observer-Rated Depression Using The Bdi-Ii And Bdi-Ii-O, Linda A. Longan
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study describes the development, reliability, and validity of a new observer-rated version of the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition (BDI-II). This measure, called the Beck Depression Inventory – II – Observer (BDI-II-O), is identical in form, content, and scoring to the BDI-II, and allows informants to report on the depressive symptoms of others. The informants for this initial study were clinicians; however, the BDI-II-O is designed for use by a wider range of informants. A group of four clinicians completed the BDI-II-O on each of 36 adult psychiatric patients in an intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program. The patients completed …