Psychology Commons^™

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 …

The Relation Between Self-Compassion, Body Image, And Mood: How Do Women Internalize Weight-Related Feedback?, Nicole Helverson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Objective: Body dissatisfaction has been identified as a risk factor for depression and eating pathology, whereas, self-compassion has been associated with higher quality of life. This study sought to examine the relationship between negative body image and self-compassion as risk or protective factors for weight and body composition related feedback mood changes.

Method: This deception study used a true-experimental, pre- and post-test design in a sample of 117 female graduate and medical students and college staff, aged 18 to 45 years; women diagnosed with eating disorders were excluded. After completing baseline questionnaires (including mood, body image, and self-compassion), …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Homeless Women With Children In Transitional Housing: What Are Their Needs?, Urmi B. Jani

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In 2004, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty indicated that approximately 3.5 million people experienced homelessness. The literature indicates that families, specifically female-headed ones, are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The development of transitional housing has shown promise by seeking to move these homeless families towards independent living. A qualitative study based in grounded theory was utilized to explore the experiences of 10 female homeless participants at two regional transitional living facilities. Consistent themes that emerged included dissolution of relationships and a lack of personal supports as being the primary pathways that lead to homelessness. …

Experiences Of Gay Women Across Generations: Have Times Really Changed?, Kristen T. Nosti

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Society’s awareness of homosexuality has greatly increased over the past several decades. The current study sought to examine the experiences of lesbians in different age cohorts / generational groups utilizing an independent-measure research design. Survey data was used from 129 anonymous self identified adult lesbians who belonged in the Silent Generation, Baby Boomer, Generation X, or Millennial group. Significant generational differences (p < .05) were found regarding researched sexual minority milestones in relation to ages of self-identification, first same-sex sexual act, and self disclosure / coming out. Results showed that 50% of the women had tried to ignore or change their sexual orientation. Forty-one percent reported that they had felt discriminated against due to their sexual orientation and several women endorsed mental health and relational concerns related to their sexuality. As society’s position continues to evolve, it is important that research in this area reflects these changes.

Social Support As A Moderator Between Health Status And Self-Esteem, Psychosocial Stress, And Mood In Old Order Amish Women, Christina L. Abbott

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The Amish population is growing in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Kraybill, 2008) and Amish use of medical and psychological services provided by the outside world is increasingly common (Cates & Graham, 2002; Weyer et al., 2003). Yet, little is known about how Amish women perceive their health status or how these variables interact in this population. This study revealed an identifiable relationship between health status and psychological functioning in 288 Amish women, ages 18 to 45. As health improves, self-esteem and mood also improve. Of greater importance is the fact that when good social support is available, even Amish women in …

Predictors Of Large Women's Satisfaction With Health Care, Virginia M. Koutsouros

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This cross-sectional observational study identifies specific predictors of large women's satisfaction with health care and participation in preventive care as measured by pelvic screening examinations. A total of 87 large adult women completed a survey, including measures of self-objectification, affective experience, satisfaction with health care, and health care locus of control. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze results. The hypotheses of this study were as follows: (1) BMI, self-objectification, negative affect and locus of control will predict satisfaction with medical care; (2) pelvic screening examinations and patient satisfaction with medical care will be positively related (3) self-objectification and negative …