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Personal Control Beliefs, Sarah Kurzu, Eric A. Goedereis

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Personal control refers to the degree to which an individual believes one is in control of his or her own life, as opposed to one’s circumstances being the result of factors outside of one’s control. An individual with high personal control has a stronger belief that he or she is able to produce desired outcomes within a designated domain. The beliefs themselves are broken down into two main constructs: external and internal control. Internal control emphasizes the responsibility of the individual and his or her actions on the outcome, while external control determines the outcome as being guided by an …

Adolescent Depression, Skip Kumm

Essays in Developmental Psychology

It is common for teens to experience depression. Researchers have found that up to one in eight youth experience some form of depression during their teenage years. It is also well known that all adolescents face many unique challenges related to school, finding a college, peer pressure, and hormones, which may result periods of sadness, frustration, and despair; however, depression is more than just feeling sad or not being happy, depression is a serious mental condition different from typical adolescent experiences.

Generativity, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

In psychology, the term generativity refers to concern for the future and the need to offer positive contributions to future generations. The term first appeared in stage seven of Erik Erikson’s model of psychosocial development (generativity vs. stagnation). Erikson’s model postulates that generativity occurs explicitly in middle adulthood, but a more recent model of generativity created by Dan McAdams proposes that generativity occurs as a function of increasing cultural demand and concern for future generations, rather than a function of personality change (McAdams, 2001).

Birth Complications, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Complications during childbirth can pose a serious threat to both infant and maternal health. Birth complications can lead to a variety of different health risks, ranging from minor to severe in nature. The following common labor complications can happen even after a standard pregnancy with no difficulties or high risk variables.

Gifted Children, Justin Burgess, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Children can be gifted in a variety of different areas, including musical talent, athleticism, and artistic ability among others. The focus of this entry will be solely on those children who are gifted in intellectual ability and academic achievement. Identification of intellectual giftedness usually requires an individually administered intelligence test, achieving a Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) of 130 or higher, which is a threshold that dates back to Lewis Terman’s research at Stanford in the early to mid 20th century. Although this seems like an arbitrary score, an IQ score of 130 and above is where an individual scores two …

Perception, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Perception is the process through which humans are able to select, organize, and interpret sensory input from the external environment. This process of selection, organization, and interpretation of external sensory stimulation results in our internal representation of the outside world, as well as our conscious experience. Through the process of perception, we are able to gain information and knowledge about our environment, allowing us to safely and effectively navigate in the world.

Nutrition And Growth, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

From a child’s embryonic development in the womb to adulthood, nutrition plays a key role in physical, mental, and social growth and development. Throughout the lifespan, proper nutrition and growth are essential to living a long, healthy life. Nutrition is particularly important in the developmental period.

Durable Power Of Attorney, Carolyn L. Carlson

Essays in Developmental Psychology

A power of attorney is a written document that authorizes an individual (an “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to act on behalf of another individual (the “principal”) in a fiduciary capacity related to matters specified within the power of attorney document. The agent does not have to be a licensed attorney in order to assume the role as agent, but must act with care and in good faith when dealing with the principal’s affairs. An agent’s power can be limited to a specific transaction, such as purchasing a specified piece of real estate, or the agent can be authorized to complete various …

Psychomotor Speed In Old Age, Cheryl Chakranarayan, Nathan C. Weed

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Psychomotor ability is defined in terms of the relationship between cognitive functions and motor activities. It plays an important role in acquiring and carrying out a broad range of physical skills and coordinated behaviors, such as playing a sport, or in everyday activities like pouring a glass of milk or applying makeup. Psychomotor speed therefore is the rate at which a certain psychomotor behavior can be carried out. Because of the relevance of psychomotor speed to many areas of personal functioning, it has been extensively studied in a wide variety of applied contexts including sports performance, personnel selection within the …

Spirituality, Kimberly Diah, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

The concept of spirituality is polysemic and adapts different meaning based on individual experiences, culture, and purpose. For many, spirituality means being a part of a structured religion such as attending church, going to a mosque or synagogue. For others, it is a personal journey that involves meditation, yoga, private worship with a higher power or God and reflection. Spirituality can also be a way of seeking meaning through connections with other people, or nature. Virtually, it is a broad concept that allows multiple perspectives to take hold. While the object or belief may differ, the commonality among spirituality suggests …

Obesity, Sara D. Mcmullin, Eric A. Goedereis

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 in adults and above the 95th percentile for children based on age and sex norms. The prevalence of obesity across the lifespan has increased over the last several decades in the United States. Currently, 17% of children and 36% of adults in the United States meet these criteria, with higher prevalence among racial and ethnic minority groups. Childhood and adult obesity are associated with immediate and long-term medical, psychological, and cognitive consequences. Therefore, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends all children and adults are …

Michael Rutter, Benjamin Lowry, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Michael Rutter was born August 15th, 1933 to Winifred and Llewellyn Rutter in Lebanon, where his father was working as a doctor. He returned with his parents to England when he was 3-years-old. In 1940, at the age of 6-years-old, Rutter and his younger sister were evacuated to North America due to fear of German invasion of the British Isles. He and his sister were taken in by different families in the United States and only living together a few months near the end of their four year stay abroad. Rutter denied feeling separated from his parents during his stay …

Battered Woman Syndrome, Emma Lathan, Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) is a psychological and sociological construct defined as a set of symptoms that develop as coping skills and/or survival mechanisms for repeated physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse by an intimate partner (Walker, 2017). Symptom criteria include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicators of fear, hypervigilance, avoidance, and intrusive memories of abuse, in addition to disrupted interpersonal relationships, body image distortion and/or physical health complaints, and sexual dysfunction. Although historically BWS was considered a female syndrome, it is now known that both men and women can experience severe victimization by intimate partner violence (IPV; i.e., contact sexual violence, …

Bowlby, John, Corey Lieneman, Morgan Simpson, Cheryl B. Mcneil

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Edward John Mostyn Bowlby (February 27, 1907, London, England – September 2, 1990, Isle of Skye, Scotland) was a child psychologist, psychoanalyst, and psychiatrist renowned for his attachment theory. Bowlby was interested in how the caregiver-child bond impacted the child’s personality and emotional bonds formed later in life.

Adolescent Social Development, Randall E. Osborne

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Views about the manner and nature of human development have changed across time (Psyking.net 2016). Some of these views have been religious (e.g., creationism) and some of these views have been more biological (e.g., preformationism).  Regardless of the focus of the view, how we believe human beings develop has a profound effect on our expectations for those beings.  One early view of human development from a biological perspective was Preformationism.  This is explained as, “A notion that was widespread among pioneer biologists in the 18th century was that the fetus, and hence the adult organism that develops from it, is …

Ethical Research, Stephanie Nguyen, Aya Shigeto

Essays in Developmental Psychology

In the early history of empirical research, the ethical code of conduct was only loosely followed and not well regulated. Now, following a proper code of ethics is expected in research with committees from the institutional to the international level strictly regulating and holding researchers accountable for their work. Research ethics address questions, such as whether a study will produce the greatest good; who is intended to benefit from a study at the expense of others; and how research participants, especially those from vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women; minors; people in impoverished circumstances, with disabilities, or from minority groups), should …

Psychological Development During Childhood, Meg Milligan, Kanessa Miller Doss, Sherrionda H. Crawford

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Childhood is a time of tremendous psychological development. Our personalities, cognitive capabilities, and emotions expand and transform us from infants to adolescents. In some ways we exhibit continuous development, while others are more accurately described as stages. The following pages present some of these significant changes that occur during early and middle childhood.

The Role Of Self-As-Doer Identity In The Relationship Between Intentions And Healthy Eating, Hannah G. Casselman, Esther A. Gauerke, Madeline R. Bersch, Ava N. Krolnik, Megan L. Ekern

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: Proper nutrition is critical for a healthy lifestyle. Inadequate nutrition and sedentary lifestyles contribute to high obesity and health concerns, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. Two-thirds of U.S. adults and one-third of children are overweight or obese. Reducing disease rates and improving health can be achieved through a nutritious diet, including consuming more fruits and vegetables. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors, like healthy eating, when they have strong intentions, positive attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Research suggests perceived behavioral control and …

Perceptions Of Psychological Distress By Target Gender And Disorder Type: Preliminary Findings, Alanna Hartman, Amelie H. Pflamminger, Isabelle A. Anderson, Molly Marston, Gabriella Becker

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Previous studies demonstrate that mental health issues are often under-recognized in males, and there are barriers to seeking help that may prevent men from getting necessary mental health treatment. Therefore, this study aims to examine how people perceive psychological distress in those with different genders and mental health disorders. Our sample consisted of around 250 participants who are attending Winona State University at the undergraduate level. In our survey, participants were presented with multiple vignettes of individuals showing symptoms of different mental health disorders, e.g. substance use disorder or social anxiety, for which the character gender was randomized. Following this, …

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Mental Health Disorders In Children, Brianna E. Ryan

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose - The purpose of this project is to highlight the effects physical activity has on children's mental health and to provide evidence-based insights on ways physical activity can and should be incorporated into the developmental stages of children's lives. Ultimately, the goal being to promote healthier and improved mental health statuses for the younger populations.

Introduction - The mental health crises among children are on the rise as more children each year are diagnosed with mental health conditions. It has been found that around 20% of children ages five through seventeen regularly experience symptoms of mental health disorders and …

Romance Scam Victimization: A Survey-Based Examination Of Financial, Psychological, And Reporting Factors, Ld Herrera

Research & Publications

Romance scams are a growing type of cybercrime in which perpetrators develop and exploit fraudulent romantic relationships with victims to obtain financial resources. These schemes cause substantial economic and psychological damage, yet they are significantly underreported. Official 2022 reports indicate only \$1.3 billion lost to romance scams in the US, but the true financial toll is likely much higher.

Using survey data from 366 victims, this study examines the financial and psychological toll of romance scams, reporting patterns, obstacles to seeking help, and victims' perceptions of received help. Most of the victims (60.9\%) did not seek help from any source, …

Work-Life Balance Conflicts Parents Of Early Adolescents Faced During Covid-19 Lockdowns, Rodney Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Measures such as social distancing and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic meant parents balanced their roles as educators, tech support, and employees in shared home offices. This qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate the work-life balance conflicts parents of early adolescents faced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, focusing on how parents managed the challenges of pandemic restrictions and their strategies for coping with cognitive, emotional, and physical fatigue for themselves and their families. This study was guided by the transactional theory of stress and coping. Twelve female parents were virtually interviewed, selected based on their having early adolescent children at home, …

Stuffed Animals And Adults, Anna R. Reed

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Recently, stuffed animals have resurged in interest among children and adults. For example, in 2023, Squishmallows won Plush Toy of the Year at the annual Toy Association Awards. We surveyed 184 adult participants (18 or older) to identify who owns stuffed animals. We were interested in whether certain personality variables predict who has these toys and why adults retain interest in these toys. Among our participants, 71.7% owned stuffed animals. We hypothesized that adults with higher stress/anxiety would report increased likelihood of owning stuffed animals. This hypothesis was supported. An independent samples t-test showed that participants with stuffed animals reported …

Early Birds Or Night Owls: Who Is Getting The Best Sleep?, Josie Davis

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Chronotyping is categorizing individuals based on their sleep schedules. The two chronotypes are morning-types (M-type) and eveningtypes (E-types; Montralu et al., 2021). Heinrich et al. (2021) found that M-type individuals experienced better sleep quality than E-type individuals. Approximately 200 full time working individuals aged 20+ will be surveyed on their chronotype, sleep quality, and preferred exercise time. We hypothesize that M-type individuals will report better sleep quality than E-type individuals and will use an independent samples t-test to assess this. Additionally, we will categorize participants on matching or non-matching of chronotype and preferred exercise timing. The expectation is that the …

Supporting Doctoral Research In Aging: From Exercise Barriers To Geropsychology Competencies, Alexandra Crites

Honors Theses

This thesis explored hands-on experiences supporting ongoing research in behavioral gerontology, addressing the growing need for individualized interventions, and improving professional training to meet the complex needs of aging populations. Through involvement in two primary studies—one examining exercise nonadherence in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and another developing competency standards for professionals entering geropsychology. I contributed to data analysis, research design, and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative literature. My work with Haley Hughes’ study included developing a comprehensive data table that mapped participant responses from focus groups and identifying nuanced themes related to barriers and facilitators for physical activity. For …

African American Adolescent Depressive Symptoms And Caregiver Perceptions, Katerina Marroquin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American adolescents with untreated mental health problems can have symptoms of depression. Depressive symptoms can persist in adulthood if untreated. Caregiver recognition is the strongest predictor of adolescent behaviors and depressive symptom outcomes. Caregivers can identify depressive symptoms in African American adolescents by focusing on met and unmet needs. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to ask about caregiver perceptions of African American adolescent depressive symptoms with focus on physiological needs, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. The theoretical framework for this study is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo to enhance the interpretation …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Cognitive Diagnosis Of Media And Digital Literacy Knowledge Schema In Mexican High School Students, Janneth Trejo-Quintana, Guadalupe E. Morales-Martinez, Betsabe Hernandez-Alvarez

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This research explored the mental representation of media and digital literacy (MDL) in 242 Mexican high school students through a definitional task based on the natural semantic networks technique. The participants defined ten target concepts related to MDL, using verbs, nouns, and adjectives as definers, and then they rated each definer with a scale from 1 to 10. The smaller the number, the lower the quality of the definer to conceptualize the target, while the higher the rating, the higher the quality of the definer to define it. The participants showed a beginner level in MDL despite their daily navigation …

Provision Of Brand Information And Critical Reasoning Predict Advertising Literacy, Eugene Zheng Yao, Alexandra List

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This study investigated students’ critical reasoning about commercials, as an aspect of advertising literacy. Critical reasoning was examined under two different experimental conditions. That is, students were tasked with watching four different commercials with 1) brand information provided or not, and 2) asked to engage in critical reasoning or not. The commercials chosen used various production techniques (e.g., socially conscious marketing) to mask their persuasive message. Students provided with brand information within commercials had significantly higher critical reasoning scores when viewing two, out of the four, commercials, and significantly higher overall Analysis of Persuasive Intent (API) scores and brand recall. …

Self-Stigmatization And Shame Surrounding Ocd Health Outcomes, Emily A. Veasey

Psychology Presentations

Obsession Compulsion Disorder (OCD) is characterized as a disorder with persistent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that sooth these unwanted thoughts. Research has found that OCD, as a mental illness, is considered a concealable stigmatized identity (CSI), an identity that is hidden from others but still carries the burden of stigma. The goal of this review is to explore the negative consequences of stigmatization and its effect on health outcomes for people with OCD. A literature review was conducted using key words, “OCD”, “Stigmatization”, “Shame”, and “Treatment”. Health outcomes include both mental and physical. Our review found that OCD and …