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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

A Qualitative Study Examining Factors Related To Treatment Adherence In Persons With Long Qt Syndrome, Alison B. Steinhauser Jan 2010

A Qualitative Study Examining Factors Related To Treatment Adherence In Persons With Long Qt Syndrome, Alison B. Steinhauser

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an electrophysiological disorder of the heart affecting as many as 1 in 2,000 persons. LQTS can result in potentially catastrophic and fatal arrhythmias in infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Maintaining adherence to treatment can decrease these negative outcomes and result in favorable quality of life in this population. The present study utilized a qualitative research design to examine and understand nonadherent and adherent behaviors in persons with LQTS. This study was part of a larger study and used a sample from an existing online LQTS user group message board consisting of 780 international members. A …


Feasibility Of Brief Hospital-Based Interventions For Postpartum Depression : Effects On Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Support, & Treatment Utilization, Sabra N. Abboud Jan 2010

Feasibility Of Brief Hospital-Based Interventions For Postpartum Depression : Effects On Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Support, & Treatment Utilization, Sabra N. Abboud

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

It is estimated that 10-20% of childbearing women develop postpartum depression (PPD), affecting up to 400,000 women in the United States each year. As many an 82% of women diagnosed with PPD decline recommended treatment, primarily due to a lack of knowledge about PPD, to societal stigma and to practical barriers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a large-scale study examining the impact of screening measures and a supportive approach immediately postpartum on utilization of recommended care, levels of depression and perceived social support. Women were randomly assigned (N=40) on a maternity unit to …


Examining The Effectiveness Of A Social Learning Curriculum For Improving Social Skills And Self-Regulation Behaviors In Middle School Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder Or Social Skill Deficits, Jessica Beth Bolton Jan 2010

Examining The Effectiveness Of A Social Learning Curriculum For Improving Social Skills And Self-Regulation Behaviors In Middle School Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder Or Social Skill Deficits, Jessica Beth Bolton

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Social skill deficits are hallmark characteristics noted in children with autism. The behavioral indicators of autism, including language impairments, display of preservative behaviors, and restricted interests contribute to the social difficulties experienced by children with autism. The current paper provides a review of the relevant literature on theoretical contributions to social skill deficits in autism. A review of the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and social skill training programs and curriculums that have been shown to be efficacious at targeting deficits and improving social skills is provided, with a focus on treating children with high functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger’s …


A Comprehensive Investigation Of Variables Related To Children's Self-Perceptions, Renee Payton Cahill Jan 2010

A Comprehensive Investigation Of Variables Related To Children's Self-Perceptions, Renee Payton Cahill

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In recent decades much has been revealed regarding children’s self-perceptions and sense of worth. Children engage in social comparisons to gauge their strengths and weaknesses relative to those around them. Thus one’s environment plays a critical role impacting one’s perceptions of self. Other variables suggested as contributing to children’s formulation of self-worth, include academic achievement, perception of victimization by peers, and academic placement. However, findings have been inconsistent in regard to the extent to which these variables relate to self-worth. The present study sought to discern if these variables relate to children’s self-perceptions. Results revealed a positive correlation between students’ …


Integration Of Spirituality And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Depression , Jennifer J. Good Jan 2010

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 …


Preschool Teachers' Perceptions Of Obesity At Ages 3-5 Years, Jessica D. Mackinney Jan 2010

Preschool Teachers' Perceptions Of Obesity At Ages 3-5 Years, Jessica D. Mackinney

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was not only to investigate the knowledge of preschool teachers on the topic of obesity, but also to determine whether or not they find obesity to be a significant problem facing 3-5 year old children. Results indicate that preschool teachers agree that obesity is a concern; however, they are unclear on the causality of obesity. Preschool teachers feel the long-term consequences of being obese at ages 3-5 years affect future academic, social, and physical growth, but they do not feel intervention should take place at the preschool level. This study contributed to a better understanding …


Understanding The Impact Of Physical Functioning On The Experience, Desire, And Satisfaction Of Physical, Emotional And Social Intimacies In Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als), Jamie Lee Rodriguez Jan 2010

Understanding The Impact Of Physical Functioning On The Experience, Desire, And Satisfaction Of Physical, Emotional And Social Intimacies In Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als), Jamie Lee Rodriguez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The understanding of intimate relationships in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not yet understood. A review of the current literature, including an overview of ALS and the development and maintenance of intimate relationships using psychological theory, is included. Comparisons to multiple sclerosis, acquired physical disability, and older adults are included to gain a greater understanding of how changes in physical functioning may impact an intimate relationship. This study used archival data, in which participants completed the following measures: ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships, and ALS Specific Quality of Life Measurement–Revised. Results suggest high …


A Case Study: Use Of Applied Behavior Analysis With An Austistic Adolescent, Evan Jaffe Jan 2010

A Case Study: Use Of Applied Behavior Analysis With An Austistic Adolescent, Evan Jaffe

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Socialization between individuals is an important characteristic in human development. In individuals with autism, there is a profound deficit with social skills and with social reciprocity. Interventions and techniques are utilized to help enhance these skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that Applied Behavior Analysis using discrete trials can have on the ability to elicit a spontaneous greeting in various settings by an adolescent male diagnosed with autism. This study analyzed data collected during a ten week intervention program. Behavior ratings reflected some uneven progress over the ten weeks, but significant improvements in the targeted …


The Effect Of Homesickness On Air Force Academy Cadets, Earl J. Banning Jan 2010

The Effect Of Homesickness On Air Force Academy Cadets, Earl J. Banning

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

A slightly modified version of the Homesickness Questionnaire (HQ) was administered to 176 Air Force Academy cadets during the spring semester of 2010. Total HQ scores were positively correlated with cadet somatic complaints. Total HQ scores were negatively correlated with cadet Grade Point Average (GPA), but only for male cadets. Factor analysis of the HQ revealed two factors, as in previous studies, disliking the Academy and attachment to home. There were no significant correlations found between cadet HQ total score and Military Performance Average (MPA), Physical Education Average score (PEA), or number of demerits received. Cadets were less likely to …


An Examination Of Academic Resilience Among High-Achieving Hispanic-American Male Inner City Adolescents, Aida A. Ismael-Lennon Jan 2010

An Examination Of Academic Resilience Among High-Achieving Hispanic-American Male Inner City Adolescents, Aida A. Ismael-Lennon

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Identifying risk and protective factors has been at the cornerstone in resilience research in education. Although this focus has contributed to our understanding of the personal traits inherent in academically resilient students, it fails to expound relationships existing outside of the individual. This study aims to uncover the interrelationship between individual characteristics and the environments that help create academic resilience. Twelve Hispanic-American male inner-city at-risk students, considered resilient, were interviewed about perceived factors leading to their academic success. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data, using Strauss & Corbin's (1998) Grounded Theory Approach. The themes that emerged were …


Integrity Of Neuropsychological Processes In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Comorbid Conditions, Julie N. Henzel Jan 2010

Integrity Of Neuropsychological Processes In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Comorbid Conditions, Julie N. Henzel

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study investigated the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles seen in children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type (IA), inattentive type plus an internalizing disorder (IA + INT), combined type (CT), and combined type plus an externalizing disorder (CT + EXT). Subjects were 63 unmedicated children aged 6 to 16 who had been assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT–II), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Group differences were found for the WISC–IV Digits Backward subtest (IA + INT IA and IA + INT), and externalizing behavior scales on the CBCL and TRF …


The Relevance Of Executive Functions In Academic Production In Middle School, Norina Bobik Jan 2010

The Relevance Of Executive Functions In Academic Production In Middle School, Norina Bobik

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study investigated the role that executive function plays on academic production in middle school from a prototype perspective. It was hypothesized that middle school teachers' prototypical ratings of the executive function capacities of middle school students who are academically successful would differ significantly from these same middle school teachers' prototypical ratings of the executive function capacities of middle school students who are academically unsuccessful. The study used archival data consisting of items from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), a questionnaire that was completed by middle school teachers during a professional in-service workshop at four large …


The Relationship Between Prenatal Alcohol Exposure And Special Education Eligibility For Children In New Jersey: Early Intervention Is Key, Jacquē L. Jones Jan 2010

The Relationship Between Prenatal Alcohol Exposure And Special Education Eligibility For Children In New Jersey: Early Intervention Is Key, Jacquē L. Jones

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Depending upon the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy and when the consumption occurred during fetal development, a child may develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related birth defects, or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, all of which are under the umbrella category of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Children in whom a presumptive diagnosis has been made, such as FAS, are automatically eligible to receive early intervention services, regardless of whether the child demonstrates developmental delays. The purpose of the current study is to provide support for the notion that the Early Intervention System should broaden its FAS automatic …


The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions And Psychological And Behavioral Factors In A Sample Of Individuals Who Are Average Weight, Overweight, And Obese, Christina Berchock Shook Jan 2010

The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions And Psychological And Behavioral Factors In A Sample Of Individuals Who Are Average Weight, Overweight, And Obese, Christina Berchock Shook

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between the frequency of cognitive distortions, as measured by the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), and psychological and behavioral factors, as measured by the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD), which includes negative health habits, psychiatric indications, and treatment prognostics among a sample of individuals who were average weight, who were overweight, and who were obese. The sample of 385 men and women was recruited primarily from a health and fitness center. The results of this study indicated that negative health risk behaviors such as inactivity and overeating, as well as depression …


A Comparison Of The Parenting Dimensions That Lead To Positive Social Problem Solving In The Children From Traditional Versus Children From Same-Sex Parent Families, Karen Joan Taratuski Jan 2010

A Comparison Of The Parenting Dimensions That Lead To Positive Social Problem Solving In The Children From Traditional Versus Children From Same-Sex Parent Families, Karen Joan Taratuski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Building social competence is an important task of childhood. Effective social problem solving is a vital skill in the development of social competence. Although there are myriad factors that influence a child’s learning of social problem solving skills, the quality of the interaction between parents and children has been found to be a pivotal influence. Although much research focuses on the effects of parenting in the context of a traditional family (two parents of opposite gender), little more than half of all children are living in this type of family. Same-sex parent households draw particular criticism. However, research suggests that …


Assessment Of Teachers’ Core Beliefs Related To Key Features Of Response To Intervention, Jacqlyn Tumolo Zarabba Jan 2010

Assessment Of Teachers’ Core Beliefs Related To Key Features Of Response To Intervention, Jacqlyn Tumolo Zarabba

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act require that schools are accountable for the outcomes of all students. Response to Intervention (RtI) provides a framework to assist in the actualization of this goal. This educational reform effort requires dramatically different functioning on the part of all school personnel, particularly teachers. In order for this model to be successful, researchers must acknowledge the primacy of teacher level factors, such as beliefs and attitudes related to core components of RtI. The purpose of this study was to examine the core beliefs of elementary-level teachers relative to foundational components of RtI, …


Investigation Of Working Memory Across Behavioral And Executive Function Variables In Adolescents With Emotional Disturbance, Eleazar Cruz Eusebio Jan 2010

Investigation Of Working Memory Across Behavioral And Executive Function Variables In Adolescents With Emotional Disturbance, Eleazar Cruz Eusebio

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Newer insights into working memory may have important implications for understanding varying cognitive abilities in adolescents and their corresponding degrees of success and efforts to accomplish real-world goals. It is important to investigate the construct of working memory in relation to academic, behavioral, and emotional success at school for students classified with an Emotionally Disturbance (ED). In the educational system, students are classified as ED, based upon IDEA regulations present within a multiplicity of these cognitive, behavioral, socio-emotional, and academic difficulties. The associated cognitive deficits often involve poor working memory skills thought to be related to frontal lobe processes. Considering …


School Accommodations To Support Psychosocial Functioning And Self-Esteem In Adolescents With Long Qt Syndrome, Betsy E. Feinberg Jan 2010

School Accommodations To Support Psychosocial Functioning And Self-Esteem In Adolescents With Long Qt Syndrome, Betsy E. Feinberg

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The current manuscript, as part of a larger program of research, intended to examine whether long QT syndrome (LQTS), a chronic and life-threatening genetic cardiac illness, impacts adolescents' psychosocial functioning. After 2 1/2 years of involvement in the study and 13 months of attempted data collection, it was determined by the research team that the benefits of proceeding with an intervention plan outweighed the costs of waiting for data. Although the study was not able to be conducted within the anticipated time frame due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the study hypothesized that adolescents with higher ratings of self-reported social and …


School Psychologists' Knowledge Of Tourette Syndrome Characteristics And Awareness Of Appropriate Interventions, Jesse Usher Glassman Jan 2010

School Psychologists' Knowledge Of Tourette Syndrome Characteristics And Awareness Of Appropriate Interventions, Jesse Usher Glassman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder consisting of multiple involuntary motor tics and one or more vocal tics. The duration of the disorder is at least one year and not more than three consecutive tic-free months (APA, 2000). The tics associated with TS are frequently more severe than other tic disorders on the spectrum. There are varying degrees of severity of TS disorder, requiring maximum to no treatment. Children and adolescents diagnosed and who are showing signs of TS are referred for school evaluations in order to identify various learning difficulties and /or emotional issues which are often associated …


Enhancing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Hispanic/Latino Clients With Depression : Recommendations For Culturally Sensitive Practice, Elizabeth Suarez Kuneman Jan 2010

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 …


Age At Kindergarten Entrance And Its Relationship To Early Academic Achievement, Joanne E. Perry Jan 2010

Age At Kindergarten Entrance And Its Relationship To Early Academic Achievement, Joanne E. Perry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study investigated whether age at kindergarten entrance has any effect on future language arts and literacy, using a sample of 340 students entering kindergarten in one largely white, middle-class, New Jersey, suburban school district. Students were grouped by age into two age categories: young (56-59 months) & on-time (60-72 months). Achievement was studied through archived measures of academic performance using correlations and chi square analyses to determine differences in literacy and language arts functioning related to age at school entrance. Results indicated young students were weaker in literacy and language arts achievement in first and second grade, but this …


Differential Effects Of Personality Disorders On Treatment Outcome For Adult Patients With Adhd, Emily M. Tomer Jan 2010

Differential Effects Of Personality Disorders On Treatment Outcome For Adult Patients With Adhd, Emily M. Tomer

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Approximately seven million adults meet the diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the prevalence rate is between 3.3 and 5.3%; however, these are likely underestimates because the diagnostic criteria are based on those originally devised for children, aged four to 17 years. Not only does this underdiagnosis cause a problem in making an accurate diagnosis, but also the high rate (65-89%) of psychiatric comorbidity complicates the situation, resulting in poorer treatment outcome for individuals with comorbid diagnoses, when compared with those who have no comorbid diagnoses. Therefore, the current study was designed to examine whether or not the …


Gender Differences Of African American Adolescents When Exposed To Race Related Stress, Sharmon Saunders James Jan 2010

Gender Differences Of African American Adolescents When Exposed To Race Related Stress, Sharmon Saunders James

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

For African Americans, issues of discrimination, oppression, and belonging to a minority group may significantly impact their identity formation, and their cognitive and subjective beliefs regarding racial issues. Racism-related stress as it affects African American adolescents has become an area of concern for African American researchers. Racism related stress can be characterized as the negative psychological or physiological response to a perceived instance of a racism related attitude or behavior. African American adolescents, because of their race, continue to be subjected to various social stressors that lead to negative stress that depletes them of their abilities to cope in response. …


Link Between Executive Functioning And Teacher Referrals For Gifted Testing, Amanda Veronica Kenney Jan 2010

Link Between Executive Functioning And Teacher Referrals For Gifted Testing, Amanda Veronica Kenney

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

It is possible that teachers are more likely to refer for gifted support students who are highly productive in class rather than students with classroom production difficulties such as those commonly exhibited by students with ADHD or other executive function-related difficulties. Some research support has been found for this hypothesis. In a study by Zentall, Moon, Hall, and Grskovic (2001), students diagnosed with ADHD, whether identified as academically gifted or not, were described as underachievers by their teachers (Zentall et al., 2001). There can be similar behavioral characteristics between ADHD and giftedness, including hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, and a tendency to …


Effect Of Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Depression And Anxiety In Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : A Feasibility Study, Eileen Lightner Jan 2010

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 …


Addressing Negative Effects Of Psychotherapy During The Informed Consent Process : The Licensed Psychologists' Perspectives , Neshe Sarkozy Jan 2010

Addressing Negative Effects Of Psychotherapy During The Informed Consent Process : The Licensed Psychologists' Perspectives , Neshe Sarkozy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This survey study investigated attitudes and practices of 161 licensed psychologists from a nationwide sample, relative to addressing negative effects of psychotherapy during the informed consent process. Results revealed discrepancies in attitudes toward risk of negative treatment effects in psychotherapy and in addressing risk during the process of informed consent. Information obtained from this study may contribute to research in the area of clinical implementation of the American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also addressed.


School Psychologists' Confidence Level With Suicide Intervention And Prevention In The Schools, Jodi L. Stein-Erichsen Jan 2010

School Psychologists' Confidence Level With Suicide Intervention And Prevention In The Schools, Jodi L. Stein-Erichsen

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Schools psychologists are often called upon to work with suicidal students regardless of previous training or the comfort levels that they possess in this area (Debski, Spadafore, Jacob, Poole, and Hixon, 2007; Oordt, Jobes, Fonseca, and Schmidt, 2009). This study evaluates the results of a survey created by this study’s investigator. It was disseminated to members of the National Association of School Psychologists’ Listserv (NASP-Listserv) and gathers general and demographic data as well as information that contribute to the assessment of suicide intervention and prevention experience and training received by the participants. Also investigated was whether or not suicide intervention …


Efficacy Of A Self-Monitoring Technique To Improve Academic Skill Production, Carrie L. Winfield Jan 2010

Efficacy Of A Self-Monitoring Technique To Improve Academic Skill Production, Carrie L. Winfield

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined archival data from an assisted self-graphing intervention for improving early literacy skills in first grade students from one elementary school. The purpose of the investigation is to examine the use of a self-graphing supplemental intervention that occurred outside of the class-wide first grade reading instruction. The participants included first grade students from three classroom settings in one predominately middle class, suburban school district in southeastern Pennsylvania. The participants formed three groups: (1) 8 students in a DIBELS Progress Monitoring and Self-Graphing Intervention group (PM + SG group); (2) 9 students in a DIBELS Progress Monitoring-only group (PM …


Gender Differences In Symptom Presentation Of Sexually Abused African American Children Ages 8 Through 12, Tania Czarnecki Wismar Jan 2010

Gender Differences In Symptom Presentation Of Sexually Abused African American Children Ages 8 Through 12, Tania Czarnecki Wismar

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

A well-documented connection exists between child sexual abuse and psychological symptoms that may persist into adulthood. Because of the significant public health implications of child sexual abuse, it is critical to examine the many variables related to such a potentially traumatic event, including its psychological effects and effects on gender, so that treatment providers are able to gain a better understanding of how males and females are affected by their abuse experiences. This study examined the role of gender on psychological symptoms in a largely understudied population of inner city African American children; it also examined gender roles regarding the …


Improving Validity Of Referrals For Comprehensive Autism Evaluation : A Tier-2 Direct Autism Observation Checklist, Mary Heim Elberson Jan 2010

Improving Validity Of Referrals For Comprehensive Autism Evaluation : A Tier-2 Direct Autism Observation Checklist, Mary Heim Elberson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Early identification of autism has received national attention and can lead to positive treatment outcomes. Research has demonstrated that qualitative impairments in social and communicative behaviors can be detected within the first two years of life. Unfortunately, many children with autism will not receive an autism diagnosis until they enter preschool. Professionals within school settings have not often received extensive training on assessment of autism spectrum disorders. Expectations, however, are that school-based teams can identify students who demonstrate characteristics associated with autism and refer those students for a comprehensive autism evaluation. Currently, autism screening tools are limited to rating scales …