Child Psychology Commons^™

Parent-Child Relations, Sleep, And Externalizing Problems In Clinical Youth, Tiffany Thao Vo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Sleep problems are a major prevailing concern in clinical youth populations. Research has shown that poor sleep is correlated with mental health problems, while parent-child relationships are associated with externalizing behaviors. The aim of this study was to (1) replicate these findings; (2) extend on previous research on the relationships between sleep, parent-child relationships, and externalizing problems; and (3) analyze moderating effects of parent-child relationships on the relationship between sleep and externalizing problems in youth (N = 25) ages 6 to 11 presenting to mental health treatment. Bivariate analyses indicated average objective sleep duration is related to parent-child relations and …

Stress And The Validity Of Parent Report Measures, Katharine Fabro

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Data collected from self-report measures can be problematic as participants may misunderstand questions, misremember information, or misrepresent themselves when answering questions. Bias in self-report data is particularly concerning for parents of children with DD, as these measures are often used as part of diagnostic decisions and service allocations. Parents of children with DD typically experience higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children. Stress has been shown to decrease cognitive functioning and bias parent perceptions, making it more likely that parents will inaccurately respond to self-report measures inquiring about their own parenting behaviors and their child’s maladaptive behaviors. …

Effects Of Parents’ Mbsr On Internalizing Problems In Children: Asd As Moderator, Hadley Mcgregor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at high risk for increased levels of behavior problems and developing internalizing problems. Previous literature has highlighted the impact of parental stress on the development of behavioral problems in children with ASD; however, little research has examined the relation between parenting stress and internalizing problems in children with ASD. The current study utilized data from the Mindful Awareness for Parenting Stress (MAPS) study which consisted of families of 80 preschool children with developmental delays (DD) (N = 31) and children with ASD (N = 49) whose parents reported high levels of stress. Specifically, …

Parent Treatment Manual For Adolescent Self-Harm, Miriam Mokhless Rizk

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This doctoral project is a treatment manual that was created for parents of self-harming adolescents. To date, no treatment manual currently exists to aide these parents in fostering healthy environments for adolescents completing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) intensive outpatient treatments; however, the literature describes the importance of creating validating environments as an important factor in positive treatment outcomes of adolescents who self-harm. This ten-week treatment manual was designed to provide these parents with DBT skills in order to learn the foundations of providing a positive environment in the home. The results of this treatment manual are projected to reduce parenting …

Development And Implementation Of A Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program, Melissa Harris

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The existing literature on youth experiencing challenges with mental health problems throughout their educational journey is growing. These challenges may result in children displaying a lack of social interaction, emotional and behavioral problems. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a school-based mental program for preschool-aged children who are experiencing these challenges. The program will be designed by obtaining feedback from stakeholders within the school district. The participants will be male and female, between the ages of 4 and 5 years within Loma Linda, CA. The program involves the use of doctoral and master’s level marriage and …

Introduction To Infant Early Childhood Mental Health And Trauma Training Program, Irene Rosaly Cortez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This program aims to understand the lack of infant-early childhood trauma-informed care training for mental health clinicians. The current efforts to enhance mental health clinicians’ therapeutic knowledge and awareness through the development of the CCCT with the emphasis on trauma-informed care show significance to treat infant-early childhood trauma. Due to children’s susceptibility to trauma and developmental vulnerability, if trauma remains unaddressed, there are long lasting negative effects throughout their adulthood, as shown through the ACE’s study. Furthermore, the program’s theoretical framework encompasses Attachment Theory with the integration of the Theory of Neuroscience, Bowen family systems theory, Reflective Practice Model, and …

Non-Accidental Trauma: Nature Of Subsequent Encounters And Related Outcomes, Marina Bassili

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical abuse results in a wide array of adverse outcomes, and victims of child abuse often require long-term, intensive care depending on the scope and severity of their trauma. The present study is an extension of a study which examined the services provided in the hospital to children with physical abuse that resulted in hospitalization (Kazandjian, et. al., 2016). It will examine the nature of subsequent hospital encounters in pediatric victims of Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT) at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH). Researchers will investigate the short-term and long-term physical, neurological, cognitive/developmental, behavioral, and social emotional effects experienced by …

Distress Among Parents Of Overweight Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lilit Hovsepyan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The epidemic of childhood obesity, which occurs at higher rates for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has been shown to have many deleterious health effects for both children and their parents. Previous research has consistently shown that child externalizing and internalizing behaviors are predictive of parenting stress in parents of children with IDD. Less is known about the nature of this relationship when an additional barrier, child weight status, is examined in the context of this relationship. The current study investigated child and parent factors related to parental distress in a sample of children with IDD who present …

Parental Involvement As A Mediator Of Ace Scores And Intelligence Among Children, Shirin Mostofi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment, domestic violence, household mental illness, household substance abuse and incarceration of parents. ACEs may have negative impacts on children, including brain development and health outcomes. Parents are pivotal figures in children’s lives that contribute significantly to their health, and cognitive development, and may be a critical protective factor, contributing to children’s resiliency and healthy growth. This study focused on the intellectual development of 5-11 year-old children whom may have been exposed to ACEs in their homes. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine parental involvement as a …

Medical And Parental Predictors Of Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Chronic Illness, Naina Mahtani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is particularly important in youth struggling with chronic illness (CI) given its association with poorer adherence and worse prognosis. Parental factors such as income and marital status, and youth factors such as number of hospitalizations have been examined as contributing to self-efficacy in children. The aim of the current study was to assess the extent to which these variables predict self-efficacy in a sample of youth 8-17 suffering from CI. Data were collected from 217 families with a child with a CI aged 8-17, being seen by a medical provider …

Camp-Based Intervention For Overweight Children With Developmental Disabilities, Allyson Davis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic and results in negative health and psychosocial outcomes. Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience increased rates of obesity compared to typically developing children, but interventions targeting health behaviors in this population have been limited. We examined the feasibility and efficacy of a health behaviors camp for children and adolescents with IDD. We also tested the correlation of child behavior problems and social skills with baseline weight status and health behaviors. Furthermore, we examined these psychosocial risk factors as moderators of camp outcomes. The camp included participants aged 9 – 15 years who …

Multi-Level Model Of Parent-Child Attachment, Depression & Self-Concept In Pediatric Chronic Illness, Natacha Donoghue Emerson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Pediatric patients may be at higher risk for depression and a lower self-concept when difficulties within the family arise. The Mastering Each New Direction (MEND) program is a psychosocial intervention aimed at addressing adherence and family issues in adolescent CI. Methods: Drawing data from 50 MEND participants, we used multilevel modeling techniques to test changes in self-concept over time as predicted by number of weeks in MEND, depression, family cohesion and flexibility, and baseline levels of maternal and paternal attachment. Results: At Level 1, depression negatively predicted self-concept over time. At Level 2, higher baseline maternal and paternal avoidant …

Program Evaluation And Guideline Development For Psychological Treatment Of The Adolescent And Young Adult Population With Cancer, Kayla R. Kraich

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer population suffers from many unique medical and mental health challenges. Both medical, psychological and support services play an important role in the lack of improvement in survival rates of this population. The purpose of this project was to identify the unique mental health challenges and treatment needs of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology population and to evaluate current oncology programs available to this population at Loma Linda University. The project provides guideline recommendations for implementing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate AYA oncology program at Loma Linda University.

Predictors Of Placement Satisfaction For Foster Youth, Shereen Mcfarlane

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Youth in the foster care system are often removed from their biological families because of challenges to their safety and wellbeing and are often at risk for further placement disruption and poor socio-emotional development. Placement stability is a crucial component to establishing permanency and placement satisfaction might be a contributing factor. This study uses an ecological framework to explore the impact of the foster youth’s ecosystem, such as the foster child, foster parent, child welfare worker, and the placement environment on placement satisfaction. This quantitative study uses secondary data to determine the predictability of these factors on placement satisfaction of …

Parent Stress And Social Skills Development In Children With Developmental Delays, Andrea Lewallen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The following dissertation is a compilation of two studies examining the impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on parents of children with developmental delays (DD) and the subsequent effects on child social development. Study one sought to examine whether changes in child social skills occurred after parent stress was reduced through an 8-week MBSR training group, and whether these changes were associated with improvements in parent-child relational factors. Data from 24 families of children with DD (ages 2.5-5) were examined in this study. Paired samples t-tests examining pre-post differences revealed that mothers, secondary informants, and teachers acknowledged improvements in …

Psychological Services For Pediatric Victims Of Non Accidental Trauma, Robyn Finckbone

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Child abuse is a significant problem within our society. In 2010, there were approximately 1,560 fatalities as a result of child abuse; 17.6% of those deaths were the direct result of physical abuse and 80% occurred in children under the age of 4. There is a dearth of research examining severe physical abuse among children and, as a result, the demographics of this population are unclear as are the psychological referrals and services provided to these children. The aims of the current study are to identify the demographic characteristics of child victims of non-accidental trauma (NAT, i.e. physical abuse) as …

Use Of Multi-Informants In Predicting Adolescent Treatment Dropout, David A. Mitchell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

High rates of dropout are common among adolescents in therapy making efforts to reduce adolescent psychopathology and behavioral problems challenging. The present study examined archival data from multiple informants who enrolled in a 16-week intensive outpatient treatment program for self-harming youth. The purpose of this study was to assess potential predictors of treatment dropout. Preliminary analysis indicated that adolescents who dropped out of treatment did not make clinically significant improvements when compared with adolescents who completed the program. This supports the need to retain adolescents in treatment for a complete course of treatment. The study also found that for the …

Parental Stress And Child Behavior Problems In Families Of Children With Autism, Allyson Davis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Studies have shown that parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children or children with other types of developmental disabilities. This relationship appears to be mediated by elevated levels of behavior problems observed in children with ASD. However, little is known about what specific child behavior problems are most common in this population, how these behavior problems relate to parental stress, and/or how these behavior problems may impact the efficacy of a stress-reduction intervention. We examined the relationship between parenting stress and child behavior problems in parents of …

Minority Parents' Narratives Of Living With Their Child With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Monique Willis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Previous studies addressing the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the family focus largely on the Caucasian population (Cassidy, McConkey, Truesdale-Kennedy, & Slevin, 2008; Hebert & Koulouglioti, 2010; N. Johnson, Frenn, Feetham, & Simpson, 2011; Myers, Mackintosh, & Goin-Kochel, 2009; Rao & Beidel, 2009). There is a dearth of research examining the impact of ASD on family dynamics in marginal groups. This study attempts to add to the sparse literature and to increase understanding of the specific experiences of minority parents of children with ASD. Family systems theory, family systems-illness model, and social constructivism frameworks inform this study and …

Parental Depression And Child Behavior Problems: A Closer Examination, Yangmu Xu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have higher rates of depressive symptoms, and parental depressive symptoms are strongly associated with problem behaviors in children. However, the direction of effect between parental depression and child behavior problems is unclear. Additionally, the mechanisms through which parental depression contributes to child behavior problems and vice versa are not well understood. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between parental depression and child behavior problems among families of children with ASD; more specifically to investigate as mediating variables that may explain the mechanisms through which parental depression and …

Integrating The Development Of Children And Gestalt Therapy, Jennifer J. Thompson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There are many theories that have contributed to what we know about the development of children; for instance, theoretical diversity supports the complexities of human nature. A child's developmental level will impact his ability to relate. Gestalt theory supports the child's phenomenological view by focusing on the here-and-now of what is happening in the therapeutic environment. Most of what a child will do is in response to a need or want. The child will work toward fulfilling that need. The child may develop maladaptive ways to fulfill his needs based on the environment in which he lives. Gestalt play therapy …

Parental Influences In Child Obesity, Janel Lynn Calinisan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the greatest concerns in American society is peoples’ health. In the past several years there has been an overwhelming increase in obesity in Americans. This concern relates not only to adults, but also to children, as more are found to be overweight. Many factors have been suggested as to why more children are becoming obese, including parenting, demographics, physical activity, nutrition, and biological factors. Studies have shown that parental influence or involvement can be related to child obesity such that neglected children were more likely to be obese in adolescence and sustain it through adulthood. In order to …

Psychological Distress And Change In A Pediatric Obesity Population, Amy Rebecca Beck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric overweight and obesity is a growing national epidemic with 15 percent of children ages 6-19 considered obese and at least 22 percent considered overweight. While there is considerable research pointing to contributing factors of obesity, there is a paucity of research which elucidates what contributes to successful intervention. Considering that by the year 2050, nearly 50 million Americans may be obese, understanding the factors delineating success of weight loss and prevention is a necessity. The purpose of this study was to utilize archival data from the LLU Growing Fit Program to evaluate the levels of psychological distress experienced by …

Child Sexual Trauma: Testing The Robustness Of Browne & Finkelhor's Theory, Jose Mauricio Ramirez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Trauma has received great attention in the last three decades and a major societal issue today is child sexual abuse. Twelve percent of victims of maltreatment every year are victims of child sexual abuse (CSA). Several studies have suggested that the prevalence of CSA in women is in the range of 6% to 62% depending on how the data was collected (e.g., interviews, surveys) and the nature of the population sampled (e.g., general population, clinical population). Because of CSA, victims are impacted by the experience and encounter a change in the way they perceive the world on both the way …

Impact Of Treatment On Body Image In Obese Children, Danusia Nedilskyj

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric obesity is a national epidemic with serious medical implications. Currently, almost one-quarter of children in the United States are overweight. Without intervention, children typically are unable to outgrow obesity and the majority of overweight children become overweight adults. Further, childhood obesity results in numerous psychological consequences, including dissatisfaction with body image. Thus, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity are crucial to protect children from the resultant physical and psychological risk factors which will impact their future health. The Growing Fit Program is a pediatric clinic in the Department of Pediatrics at Loma Linda University, which seeks to serve the …

Behavioral Compliance And Verbal Intelligence In Children, Jared Jackson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Compliance with parental requests is an important developmental task necessary in the socialization of children. The majority of research has focused on the relationship between child compliance and variables related to age, parental interactions, and child temperament. While these variables account for almost half of the variance related to compliance in children, there is still a large amount of variance unaccounted for. An area that has not been fully explored is the role of verbal intelligence in behavioral compliance of children. This study explored the contributions that verbal intelligence may play in the behavioral compliance of children. Results from this …

Psychosocial Adjustment Among Refugee Children, Nola Ivana Lawrence

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Refugee children are faced with multiple stressors. These stressors include unresolved issues with country of origin, transition to a new country, and long-term adjustment. War is a traumatic situation. For children who have gone through the trauma of war, parents may contribute one of the major influences to their psychosocial adjustment. The purpose of this study was to assess the role that parental mental health, as measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist - 25 (HSCL-25) and parenting sense of competence as measured by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), plays in children’s psychosocial adjustment to war trauma using delinquency …

Effects Of A Parenting Group On Family Relationships And Child Behavior Problems, Patricia E. Fernandez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The current study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Parent Project, a structured parenting group used with the parents of adolescents, 12 to 15 years old, who have been identified as experiencing behavior problems. The Parent Project focuses on improving the parent child relationship and family environment. Participants included 12 caretakers who have completed the 10-week program. Intervention effects were evaluated at baseline and upon completion of the program. It was hypothesized that parents would report significantly greater improvements in the parent-child relationship, family environment, and child behavior problems at completion of the program. Statistical and clinical significant …

Evaluation Of Program Outcomes: Assessment In Children, Cheryl M. Romano

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In an age of increased concern for accountability and the review of services, administrators of health programs should be able to present their clinics effectiveness, and demonstrate their excellent service to the community, along with providing evidence for the continued need of such clinics. Outcome evaluation plays an integral part in providing this information, and is intended to provide information concerning the effectiveness of a particular program, thus allowing for modification, and even better outcomes.

This project addressed pre and post functioning in children referred for academic and/or behavioral difficulties, in a university of health sciences-based clinic. The aim was …

Visual-Spatial & Visual-Motor Function In Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients, Stephanine Dianne Griffone

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Heart surgery is commonly used to repair congenital heart defects and to perform heart transplantation. The associated hypoxia before or during the surgery may cause damage in the parasaggital area of the cerebral cortex, with resulting difficulty during tasks requiring visual-spatial and visual-motor skills. This study compares the performance of children who received a heart transplant during infancy to that of nonclinical children with no medical complications on three visual-motor measures, three visual-spatial measures, and two computerized visual-spatial tasks - a Block Design Matching task and a Mental Rotation task. The children who received a heart transplant achieved significantly lower …