Child Psychology Commons^™

Navigating Multiracial Identity Development In The Digital Ages: An Intersectional Exploration, Diana Mccullough

National Cross-Cultural Counseling and Education Conference for Research, Action, and Change

In the 2020 U.S. Census, 33.8 million individuals reported multiracial identities, which increased since 2010 from nine million (US Census, 2020). Despite the substantial growth in multiracial individuals, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the unique challenges and determining factors shaping their identity. This session aims to equip counselors and counselor educators with evidence-based strategies to navigate and support the intricate identity development of multiracial clients and students.

Pornography: Social, Emotional And Mental Implications Among Adolescents, William K. Canady

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation will explain the historical development of pornography. It will highlight three segments: 1- Porn’s impact on brain development of reward pathways, ultimately increasing the appetite for more porn. 2- Porn can be a false substitute for real intimacy, resulting in decreased sexual satisfaction with a real person and increased verbal and physical aggression. 3- Porn promotes sex trafficking, promotes multiple sex partners and reduced STD prevention.

Healing Childhood Trauma Through Improvisation & Theater, Vira Salzburn, Garrett Zajac

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation will discuss the development, implementation, and techniques of the unique Savannah-based Front Porch ACTS program that uses empirically-supported, theater-based, and trauma-responsive Trauma Drama intervention providing an effective therapeutic alternative to serving children and adolescents affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and complex trauma.

Usri Summer Experience - Psychological Intern, Jessica Ierullo

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

I had the pleasure of working with Colin King under the Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic to aid in their new research project. Studying children, the goal for the project is to assess the psychological impacts that long-term, intensive PCCU care has on the youth. Throughout the summer, I worked as an intern, helping to establish a base from which the project can stem from. This short slide show highlights the current progress that has been made towards setting up the study. I am looking forward to inspecting the study results once it is completed.

Self-Reported Sexual Behavior In A Pediatric Gender Clinic Sample, Mirae J. Fornander

Research Days

Watch recording of live presentation

Background: Previous studies of transgender/gender diverse (TGD) youth indicate differences in rates of sexual behaviors between TGD youth and their cisgender peers. However, few studies have reported the sexual behavior and preferences of TGD youth in a large clinic sample, and no studies, to our knowledge, have utilized questionnaires that do not assume the sex or gender of one’s sexual partner.

Objectives/Goal: The current study aims to explore the self-reported sexual behavior of TGD youth presenting for gender-affirming medical care.

Methods/Design: Retrospective chart review of 589 patients (ages 12-22, M= 15.92, SD= 1.54; 72.9% assigned …

Trauma-Informed Teaching: Professional Development For School Staff, Heather Roesinger, Chelsea Williams, Tammy L. Hughes

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Trauma is defined as a response to a negative event that includes both an emotional and physiological component. Two thirds of children experience some form of a traumatic event by the age of 16 (Cavanaugh, 2016). Many youth with disabilities, particularly emotional and behavioral, have experienced trauma and show visible signs of difficulty in the classroom (Cavanaugh, 2016). Trauma-informed schools take a strengths-based approach and focus on building safe, positive environments and relationships. Research has provided evidence that a trauma-informed approach can be instrumental in supporting positive outcomes of children exposed to trauma, but school staff feel ill-equipped to support …

Trauma-Informed Programming For Incarcerated Youth, Chelsea Williams, Hailey Murray, Jay Moser, Heather Roesinger, Tammy Hughes

Graduate Student Research Symposium

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (n.d.) “…more than 80% of justice-involved youth report experiencing trauma, with many having experienced multiple, chronic, and pervasive interpersonal traumas.” Justice-involved youth at the Academic Institute -- a school within Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) that is tasked with educating children who are incarcerated at the facility -- sought guidance on how to support youth who have a history of trauma. The curriculum from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network called ‘Complex Trauma: A Guide for Youth and Those Who Care About Them’ was implemented with 25 students in small groups. Psychoeducational materials …

A Girl Named Sue: A Child's Journey From Complex Trauma To Hope, Healing & Recovery, Jamie Like Ms.

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Audience would include any school staff, counselors, social workers, parents and community members. Many children who experience complex trauma struggle emotionally, physically and behaviorally. In this session, participants learn to never underestimate the impact they can make in the life of a child, that damage from childhood trauma can be mitigated and that relationships, relationships, relationships are the key to everything!

A Pilot Study Investigating Adopted Children’S Cultural Identity From Adopting Parents’ Perspective, Alyssa Mcveigh

Symposium of Student Scholars

Adopted children are faced with challenges of identity and a sense of belonging within their adopted family and environments. Research regarding adopted children suggests that their cultural identity is developed by the experiences they have within their biological culture such as, participating in holidays, meeting individuals who are from the same background or visiting their biological country. The goal of this pilot study was to explore the perspectives of adopting parents on their adopted children's cultural identity development, laying a foundation for the next study that will examine adopted children’s (college students) perspective. Ten adopting parents from The United States …

The Impact Of Reinforcer Preference And Variation On Response Rates In Preschool-Aged Children, Jason M. Aldridge

Symposium of Student Scholars

The Impact of Reinforcer Preference and Variation on

Response Rates in Preschool-Aged Children

J. Malachi Aldridge1, Allison L. Martin1, Alicia K. Mitchell2

1. Kennesaw State University

2. Appleseeds Behavioral Center

In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, tangible items (i.e. toys) are often used to help learners meet goals in academic, social, and adaptive living skills. While use of high preference reinforcers has been linked to improved performance, repeated use of a single item can cause satiation and reduce effectiveness. Using a variety of reinforcers can allow therapists to minimize these satiation effects (Bowman et al., 1997; Koehler & Iwata, …

The Parallel Pandemic: A Systematic Review On The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Eating Disorders And Ocd In Children And Adolescents, Nasong A. Luginaah

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

In January 2021, Covid-19 had already been diagnosed in over 100 million individuals¹. Due to the high degree of infectivity, many countries all over the globe attempted to counter the virus by instituting nation-wide lockdowns. The effects of the lockdowns resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents have drawn a lot of public health attention with many calling for an increased in the understanding of the potential effects the youth of today may have to endure. Two specific mental health illnesses have seemingly worsened are OCD and eating disorders.

Where Are We With Education About Mental Health And Illness: A Survey Research, Symphony Williams

Symposium of Student Scholars

The purpose of my research is to investigate public awareness of mental health and illness. This study is paramount because of the mental health crisis our world faces today. I conducted a survey research in which I used Google Forms and asked a series of questions about the participants’ education, experiences, and opinions on mental health and illness. The total participants were 67. The analysis of survey responses resulted in several findings. First, 34.3% of the 67 participants had a diagnosed mental illness, and 72% of those participants suffer from some form of depression while 77.8% suffer from anxiety. These …

Emotional And Social Functioning Of Parents Of Youth Presenting For Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment, Jenny Scheurich

Research Days

Background: Parents of youth with chronic pain experience significant emotional distress and social difficulties, and in turn, their distress impacts the health and functioning of youth with chronic pain. However, few studies have examined the specific emotional and social needs of these parents, and even fewer have tested intervention strategies specifically targeting these needs. Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) for youth with chronic pain leads to improvement in the youth’s physical and mental health and has been associated with reduced anxiety and depression in parents. IIPT often include treatment modules aimed at parental pain management strategies, such as psychoeducation, parent …

Changes In Family Functioning During The First Year Of Pediatric Cancer Treatment: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study, Carolyn Bates

Research Days

Background: A new diagnosis of pediatric cancer presents a sudden and tremendous stressor for families of all backgrounds and circumstances (Long & Marsland, 2011; Bemis et al., 2015). Although many families are resilient in the context of new cancer diagnosis, approximately 33% are at risk for negative outcomes due to psychosocial distress and difficulties with effective coping (Kazak et al., 2020; Pai et al., 2008), supporting the need for systematic assessment of psychosocial health as a standard of care in pediatric oncology (Kazak et al., 2015). Alongside heightened stress within the first year of diagnosis, parents may relax family rules …

054— Introducing Young Minds To Topics In Neuroscience, Cole Zsemlye, Karissa Garbarini, Sean Mcbride, Edwin Hugh, Isabel Ross, Terrence Bazzett

GREAT Day Posters

The Applications in Neuroscience (NEUR 215) course allows SUNY Geneseo neuroscience majors to share their knowledge and interests with local elementary-aged children through a partnership with the local R-Kids program. R-Kids is an afterschool program that provides children with homework tutors and interactive enrichment activities. Due to COVID-19, NEUR 215 activities were entirely online and designed to be done virtually by the children at home. Activities were designed to increase interest in STEM-related fields, particularly neuroscience. Topics covered during the enrichment sessions included the neurons’ anatomy, neurotransmitters, learning, memory, brain health, and brain safety. These topics were covered through Google …

Childcare Provider, Holly Majerus

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

This semester, I had the opportunity to conduct my cooperative education coursework at Prairie Lakes Church working as a childcare provider. PLC offers a childcare program to coincide with their weekday women’s ministries. This poster will describe my responsibilities as a caregiver to infants, and how I use research on separation anxiety and secure attachment in my work. It will also explain what I learned about developmental psychology, and how that can be applied to my future career.

Assessing The Needs For Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Upon Return To School After Covid-19, Emily Kurland

Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium

School-based mental health consultation recognizes and understands the importance of children’s emotional and behavioral needs in conjunction with educator/caregiver competencies. In early childhood classrooms, mental health consultation utilizes a problem-solving approach, creating collaborative relationships with educators to build their skills and expertise (Duran et al., 2009). Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) works to maximize the social-emotional skills of all children while minimizing the vulnerabilities of children experiencing behavioral difficulties (Low & Shepard, 2010). As emotional and behavioral challenges are increasing in early childhood settings, it is evident that mental health consultation is becoming increasingly necessary and beneficial (Green, Everheart, …

Adolescent Adjustment: How Social Withdrawal And Number Of Friends Affect Peer Victimization, Afrah F. Rasheed

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

This presentation will discuss a study examining the relationship between social withdrawal and total number of friends on peer victimization, which is when a child or adolescent is outcast, harassed, or bullied by peers. This study took place in Barranquilla, Colombia and Montréal, Canada. 1375 children ranging from 6-15 years of age participated in this study. Social withdrawal, number of friends, and peer victimization was measured through peer nominations. A multiple regression analysis was performed and found that social withdrawal was a positive predictor of peer victimization, β=.41,t(1193)=15.69,p<.05, while a greater number of friends was a negative predictor for peer victimization, β=-.15,t(1193)=-5.78,p<.05. The findings indicate that positive social interaction and a network of friends lessened the likelihood of being victimized by peers. Future directions could look at parent/guardian relationships on peer victimization and effective intervention strategies to reduce victimization.

Act To Save A Life: Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention, Meghan Diamon

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Youth suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur when children's mental health needs are unmet. Participants will discuss published research on risk factors for youth suicide, how to implement an evidence-based prevention program, and how to tackle common obstacles encountered. Participants will be prepared to mobilize school staff, parents, and community members to address the critical issues of depression awareness and suicide prevention.

Disparities In Access To Services For Children Undergoing Routine Autism/Developmental Screening In Primary Care, Caroline Pittard, Laura Hansen, Cy Nadler, Sarah Nyp

Research Days

No abstract provided.

039— Gender, Partner, And Task In 7-Year-Olds’ Assertive And Affiliative Language With Siblings And Friends, Molly O'Brien, Mikaela Freeman, Shreya Mishra, Emily Salvemini, Aria Elling, Ganie B. Dehart

GREAT Day Posters

As part of a longitudinal study following sibling and friend interactions from early childhood through adolescence, we focused on the use of assertive and affiliative language by 7-year-olds during play with siblings and friends. Children were taped during free-play, board game, and construction tasks with a sibling and a same-age friend. Contrary to results of past research, task and interaction partner mattered more than gender in girls’ and boys’ use of assertive and affiliative language.

143— Mothers' And Children's Perceptions And Observed Aggression And Rough-And-Tumble Play In 7-Year-Olds' Sibling Relationships, Niki Lam, Elijah Lorah, Isabella Echeverria, Kiara Maher, Adriana Murtha

GREAT Day Posters

The purpose of this study was to compare mothers’ and children’s perceptions of sibling relationships with observed aggression and rough-and-tumble play (RTP). 64 White, middle-class 7-year-olds were videotaped performing three separate tasks with their siblings. Coded videotapes of the three tasks and questionnaires were used to collect data about perceived and observed aggression and RTP. Results suggest that the accuracy of mothers’ and children’s perceptions vary.

Act To Save A Life: Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention, Meghan Diamon

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Youth suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur when children's mental health needs are unmet. Participants will discuss published research on risk factors for youth suicide, how to implement an evidence-based prevention program, and how to tackle common obstacles encountered. Participants will be prepared to mobilize school staff, parents, and community members to address the critical issues of depression awareness and suicide prevention.

The 5 Love Languages Of Children, Latifah J. Potter, Joan C. Day, Craig M. Kahn, Kristen Boyd, Hollisha Bridgers

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Do you know what the 5 Love Languages are? Everyone has a unique way of feeling loved. Based on the #1 NY Times Best Selling book, “The 5 Love Languages of Children,” this session offers information/strategies into the secret of incorporating effective and loving teaching/administrative practice that enables children to achieve their greatest potential. We will discover the “5 Love Languages of Children,” and the importance of ensuring all students’ social/emotional love tanks are full!

The Impact Of A Heroism-Themed Outreach With Title I Summer Program Students, Nathan Adams, Lori Fernald, Conway Saylor, Mike Akers

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Is it possible to teach students about heroism? This presentation will examine how a five-session intervention influenced at-risk students’ understanding of a hero. Outcomes from the study may be of interest to educators, administrators, and counselors who encourage students to find positive role models in the community.

Treatment Of Comorbid Anxiety Disorders In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa Trout

Capstone Showcase

The research question under investigation in this paper is in regard to the treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The investigation focuses on which treatment method is most effective in the treatment of the anxiety symptoms. While there are many methods to choose from, from psychosocial therapies to pharmacological therapies to alternative therapies, but the focus of this paper was on psychosocial therapy options. The research has shown that a modified version of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment program is the most effective in treating anxiety in children with ASD. Much of the …

Depression In Adolescence: Risk Factors, Prevention, And Intervention - An Argument For Trauma-Informed Care In The Community, Beauty Davis

Capstone Showcase

BEAUTY DAVIS

Depression in Adolescence: Risk Factors, Prevention, and Intervention - An argument for trauma-informed care in the community

Depression is an unfortunately common mental illness that can lead to negative life outcomes such as substance abuse, suicide, lower quality of life, and anxiety. The stage of adolescence is known as a pivotal, transitional time of life as there are many changes in an individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. The research reviewed throughout this paper discusses risk factors that contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in adolescence. Observing how genetic, physiological, environmental, and social components contribute to …

Personal Standards But Not Maladaptive Evaluative Concerns Perfectionism Predict Exercise Dependency Over Time, Sarah E. Ernst, Irina A. Vanzhula, Cheri A. Levinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Exercise is generally thought to be beneficial for physical and mental health; however, when done in excess, exercise can lead to damaging physical, psychological, and social health consequences. This type of exercise is known as exercise dependency and is frequently associated with eating disorder pathology. Perfectionism (high or personal standards and maladaptive evaluative concerns) is a risk factor for eating disorders and is also associated with exercise dependency. However, no studies have examined longitudinal relationships between perfectionism and exercise dependency. The current study used a sample of adolescent females (N = 444) from a Southeastern United States high school, …

How Internalized And Externalized Behaviors In Adolescents Impact Academic Achievement In Faith-Based Institutions, Subira Brown, Chioma Tait, Jade Callahan, Deyana Cox

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The purpose of this literature review is to address how internalized and externalized behaviors in adolescents impact academic achievement in faith-based institutions. This research intends to bring awareness to the prevalence of mental health concerns faced by adolescents, as well as the need for mental health services in the education system. This research will also identify the relationship between internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and academic achievement. Based on the findings, the next steps will be to evaluate the deficits within the Adventist school system and begin developing programs and resources necessary to support the mental health needs of children and …

Family Entropy: Understanding The Organization Of The Home Environment And Impact On Health Behaviors And Weight In School-Age Children, Carolyn Bates

Research Days

No abstract provided.