Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of A Statewide Suicide Awareness And Prevention Program, Darien Collins

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health challenges are prevalent among young people in South Carolina, with suicide being a leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 24. Ending the Silence (ETS) serves as a gatekeeper training to engage students, school staff, families, and community members in conversations surrounding mental health challenges and suicide awareness. The University of South Carolina School Behavioral Health Team (SBHT), led by Dr. Mark Weist, with funding from the South Carolina (SC) Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation (BCBS), worked with the South Carolina National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on a three-year evaluation of their ETS program. Results …

Promotion And Personality In Military Officers As Moderated By Race, Margaret Raia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Career progression of U.S. military officers into the senior officer corps remains a difficult objective. Current research focuses on the lack of diversity in the senior officer corps and systematic factors inhibiting officers from promotions. This study was grounded in McCrae and Costa’s five-factor model of personality, to examine U.S. military officers’ personality characteristics and their relation to promotion while moderating for race. This quantitative study used binary logistical regression of survey data to establish whether the personality characteristics of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism predict promotion. U.S. Army and Naval officers in ranks O4–O10 were sampled from social …

Motivation And Persistence In Long-Term Educators Of Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders In The Specialized Program, Nancy Wesselmann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although few educators choose to work with students with behavioral difficulties, some decide to work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Special education teachers who work with students with EBD have a high turnover rate because those students are one of the most challenging populations to teach. Separate day programs (SDPs) are the most restrictive settings for students with EBD but are also the most restrictive settings for educators. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the motivation of these educators and the factors that lead to their longevity in the field from the perspective …

Judicial Perspectives On Sentencing Mentally Ill Violent Offenders In New York, Vinita Puri

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mass incarceration is a public health crisis in the United States. Scholarly research has shown that incarceration may lead to exacerbated psychiatric conditions and increased recidivism risk. Lawmakers and policymakers have turned toward therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) to develop and implement trauma-informed crime prevention and intervention strategies that focus on diverting individuals from prisons and into community-based treatment. New York legislators have expanded problem-solving courts (e.g., mental health courts), psychiatric treatment facilities, public housing supports, and law enforcement training. In this generic qualitative study, five criminal court judges in New York shared their perspectives on TJ and trauma-informed approaches to sentencing …

Archetypal Energies And Global Mental Health, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

As a keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Conference 2024, held at Sophia University, Costa Mesa, CA, in-person and virtually, August 16-18, 2024, my topic was "Archetypal Energies As A Framework for Self-Empowerment and Well Being". The theme of this 2024 global conference was: Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom. To supplement my keynote address, I wrote this blog article titled "Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health".

Navigating Eating Disorders Through Counseling, Alyssa Pelella

The Kabod

Honors Petition submitted to PSYC365-001: Psychological Foundations of Learning.

Social Learning In Individuals With Autism, Benjamin Ellis

The Kabod

Honors Petition submitted to PSYC 365-001: Psychological Foundations of Learning.

Long-Range White Matter Fibres And Post-Stroke Verbal And Non-Verbal Cognition, Rebecca W. Roth, Deena Schwen Blackett, Ezequiel Gleichgerrcht, Janina Wilmskoetter, Chris Rorden, Roger Newman-Norlund, Souvik Sen, Julius Fridriksson Ph.D., Natalie Busby, Leonardo Bonilha

Faculty Publications

Among stroke survivors, linguistic and non-linguistic impairments exhibit substantial inter-individual variability. Stroke lesion volume and location do not sufficiently explain outcomes, and the neural mechanisms underlying the severity of aphasia or non-verbal cognitive deficits remain inadequately understood. Converging evidence supports the idea that white matter is particularly susceptible to ischaemic injury, and long-range fibres are commonly associated with verbal and non-verbal function. Here, we investigated the relationship among post-stroke aphasia severity, cognition, and white matter integrity. Eighty-seven individuals in the chronic stage of stroke underwent diffusion MRI and behavioural testing, including language and cognitive measures. We used whole-brain structural connectomes …

Maternal-Child Cortisol Attunement Differs In Preschoolers With Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, And Neurotypical Development, Rachel Hantman

Theses and Dissertations

Early maternal-child attunement sets a critical foundation for later social development. While maternal and child cortisol attunement in neurotypical (NT) development has been clearly established, little research has examined these relations in neurodevelopmental populations, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Given their elevated-risk for disrupted maternal-child attunement and given elevated stress and dysregulated cortisol patterns in both children with ASD and FXS and their parents independently, this is a critical gap. This study addressed this gap in the literature by examining early maternal-child cortisol attunement in 97 mother-child dyads (_nNT = …

Associations Between Infant Vagal Regulation, Early Social Communication, And Socidemographic Risk, Tessa Djiko

Theses and Dissertations

Respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA), a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activation, has been linked to socioemotional and language development (Porges, 2007; Thayer & Lane, 2000). Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show lower RSA (Patriquin et al., 2011) while both children with ASD and children from lower SES backgrounds show differences in early social-communication development (Jones-Mason et al., 2018). However, little is known about interactions between sociodemographic risk and physiological regulation within the context of ASD and social-communication development. The present study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between RSA (as indexed by RSA suppression and resting-state RSA), …

Evaluating Gender Bias In An Early Reading Screener Of Word Identification Abilities, Donna Perazzo

Theses and Dissertations

Children who have difficulty learning to read, particularly those with a specific learning disorder in reading (SLD-R) are at risk for an array of adverse outcomes. However, children who are identified and receive reading interventions early perform better on social, emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes relative to those who do not receive early identification and intervention. In response to the growing body of research that has developed on the importance of the early identification of children have difficulty reading, many states have mandated the screening of all children for reading difficulties, specifically dyslexia. However, with the development of new reading …

Development Of An Examiner-Examinee Rapport Scale For Neuropsychological Testing: The Barnett Rapport Questionnaire – 2, Jenna Moore

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Rapport in the context of neuropsychological testing refers to the interpersonal interaction between the examinee and examiner. The purpose of this study was to improve upon the original Barnett Rapport Questionnaire. Participants consisted of college students (n = 55), middle-aged adults (n = 30), and older adults (n = 99) at a university-affiliated neuropsychology clinic, who were administered a brief neuropsychological battery. After testing, both examinees (n = 184) and examiners (n = 24) completed items regarding the nature of the interpersonal interaction. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor model consisting of 13 items found on both the examinee and …

The Importance Of Sense Of Community In Recovery For Individuals Living With Serious Mental Illness, Natalia Gomez

Theses and Dissertations

People with serious mental illness face a variety of barriers to participating in community life. Some of these barriers include limits in social functioning which can then affect social relationships and life satisfaction (Sanchez et al, 2016). Devaluation based on mental health status is an important barrier to address due to its connection to stigma and relationships. The more an individual fears that they will be undervalued and discriminated against, the more they may fear interacting with others. They may hide that they are in mental health treatment or avoid social encounters that they consider as possibly rejecting. These behaviors …

Mindfulness And Perceived Stress Among English Language Students In Uzbekistan, Laurie A. Wolfe, Rakhmatullo Akhmedov

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

The current study investigated the effective of mindfulness training versus study skills training on perceived stress among Uzbek English language students. The researchers conducted a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sample of sixty 2^nd year students studying English as a foreign language at a large public university in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. One group of students (n = 30) received mindfulness training while the other group served as an active control group (n = 30) and received study skills training. Both groups received 20-minute training in their English classes, four days a week, for 4-weeks. All participants completed pre- …

Workplace Bullying And Its Relation To Anxiety About Professional Futureالتنمر الوظيفي وعلاقته بقلق المستقبل المهني دراسة ميدانية على عينة من العاملين في جامعة دمشق, Ezzat Arabe Katbee

Association of Arab Universities Journal for Education and Psychology

This research aims to identify the relationship between workplace bullying and anxiety about professional among a sample of Damascus university employees. The sample consists of 500 employees, (235) females and (265) males.The results came as follows:There is a significant statically relation between workplace bullying and anxiety about professional among the sample.There are no significant statically differences in the scores of the sample at anxiety about professional future questionnaire according to the gender variable.There are significant statically differences in the scores of the sample at questionnaire according to the gender variable. workplace bullyingTo investigate the hypotheses the researcher used workplace bullying …

Healing A Broken Spirit: A Look Into Institutional Trauma And Spiritual Resilience, Christian Cederstrom

Master of Arts in Human Services

This paper focused on the relationship between spirituality, therapy, and those who are affected and traumatized by religious institutions. It sought to cover the hypothesis that exposure to positive spirituality can help those who have been affected by religious institutional trauma to recover. Studies have shown a positive correlation between religiosity and recovery from traumatic experiences and that therapy can also increase one spirituality and relationship with God or other higher powers. This article sought to highlight that this strength of a spiritual coping mechanism may be increased by a person’s education in the field of theology and spirituality meaning …

The Deep Darkness And Impact On Domestic Violence Victims, Lauren Bludworth

Master of Arts in Human Services

Domestic violence is a prevalent challenge worldwide, and the domestic violence statistics are overwhelmingly high. Domestic violence creates many high-risk challenges for victims, which leads to lifelong consequences and negative impacts on victims. Negative consequences for domestic violence include women's physical, mental, and psychological health. These impacts on victims lead to adverse health effects, such as social and economic challenges for the victims.

This paper aims to take a closer look at the current literature that has proven negative impacts on victims, both children and women. It will move to cover the gaps in literature and then how to apply …

Supportive-Leadership Training To Improve Social Connection: A Cluster-Randomized Trial Demonstrating Efficacy In A High-Risk Occupational Context, Cynthia Mohr, Leslie Hammer, Jennifer Dimoff, Shalene Allen, James Lee, Sarah Arpin, Sheila Mccabe, Krista Brockwood, Todd Bodner, Luke Mahoney, Multiple Additional Authors

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The high, and rate of loneliness is a threat to public health (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023), with negative mental and physical health consequences (e.g., Holt-Lunstad, 2021). Given that loneliness is a risk factor for poor mental health, efforts to address loneliness are urgently needed. Workplaces can facilitate an employee's social connection through supervisor support training, which can help mitigate loneliness. Among occupational groups, the military is at higher risk for mental health disorders, suicide, and loneliness (Fikretoglu et al., 2022; Naifeh et al., 2019). This study evaluated the efficacy of an evidence-based supportive-leadership training intervention targeting active-duty U.S. …

Understanding Mental Health Provider's Experiences Of Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, And Vicarious Resilience From The Provider Perspective, Lauren Beheler-Romero

Doctoral Dissertations

The physical and psychological impacts on mental health providers as a result of burnout, vicarious trauma, and vicarious resilience have not been researched extensively. This study examined burnout and vicarious trauma among mental health providers in New Mexico given the high need population and low access to resources. This qualitative study, employed individual interviews, examined the lived experiences of seven mental health providers who are currently employed in the state of New Mexico in order to better understand the impact of burnout, vicarious trauma, and vicarious resilience. Inclusion criteria for participants included providing mental health services to children and families …

Psychosocial And Spiritual Predictors Of Mental Health Among Protestant Christian Latino Clergy, Ingrid M. Granados Ms

Doctoral Dissertations

Research relating to the experiences of Protestant Christian Latino clergy in the United States is scarce. This study sought to explore the role of religion and spirituality on depression, burnout, and suicidality in Protestant Christian Latino clergy using multiple regression analysis. The study consisted of 212 Protestant Christian Latino clergy participants who completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire online that included measures for religious commitment and spiritual well-being, burnout, depression, and suicidality. Participants also completed a measure of ethnic/cultural identity and self-reported gender that were used as moderators in this study. The study revealed that stronger spiritual well-being-Daily (CSWS-Daily) and lower …

Themes In Help-Seeking Of Female Military Sexual Assault Survivors, Priscilla Phan

Doctoral Dissertations

While large efforts have been made to address military sexual assault, there are still barriers in the help-seeking journey that need attention. This study aimed to examine barriers and facilitators to formal and informal help-seeking behaviors and to understand the role of stigma in survivors' help-seeking behaviors for female military sexual assault survivors. Through semi-structured interviews, the study explored the help-seeking experiences and mental health sequela of fourteen female military sexual assault survivors. This study focused on cis-gender women over the age of eighteen who experienced a military sexual assault, by another military service member, while on active-duty. Women shared …

Age-Related Differences In The Discounting Of Combination Outcomes In Which Immediate Gains Are Followed By Delayed Losses, Ke Ning

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Past research on age differences in delay discounting overwhelmingly has focused on simple delayed rewards. Many everyday choices faced by the aging population, however, involve delayed losses and also are more complicated, involving combination outcomes of both gains and losses. Additionally, income might moderate the effect of age on discounting but has not been evaluated. Here, we examined the discounting not only of simple delayed losses but also of combination outcomes in which immediate gains are followed by delayed losses in a sample of middle-aged and older adults of varying income level. We found that when controlling for income, older …

Gender Differences In Relations Between Social Comparison, Social Support, And Sleep Disturbance Among Midlife And Older Adults., Iris Bercovitz, Gabrielle M Salvatore, Jacqueline A Mogle, Danielle Arigo

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between sleep disturbance, social support, and social comparison among midlife and older adults, including the moderating role of gender.

METHODS: Adults ages ≥40 years (N = 557, MAge = 57, 53% men) completed a cross-sectional survey including validated measures of sleep disturbance, perceptions of social support, and social comparison orientation.

RESULTS: Sleep disturbance was negatively associated with social support (rs = −0.42 to–0.33, ps = 0.001) and associations were stronger for men than women–particularly perceived support from friends (η 2= 0.01). Sleep disturbance was also associated with upward comparison orientation (r = 0.12, p = 0.003), …

Beyond Mindset : Investigating Neural And Psychological Mechanisms Of Strategic Mindset, Growth Mindset And Feedback Learning, Yaqi Yang

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

Extensive research has explored the benefits of the growth mindset over the past decades. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to the strategic mindset, a new concept with the potential to positively impact cognitive and behavioural change. While some literature suggests that both mindsets are associated with feedback learning, robust evidence is lacking, and the relationship between the three factors remains unknown. This thesis aims to investigate the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying the strategic mindset, growth mindset, and feedback learning through three distinct studies.

In Study 1, utilising a self- and other-rating paradigm, we examined neural and behavioural evidence …

Adaptation And Evaluation Of Guideline-Based Family-Based Behavioral Treatment For Overweight And Obesity In Childhood Survivors Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And Lymphoma, Jessica Jakubiak

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Children who survive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma are at considerable risk for chronic, treatment-related medical complications known as “late effects.” Not only are these late effects significant in and of themselves, but many are exacerbated by excess weight, a particularly concerning combination given the elevated rates of overweight and obesity within this population. Although the therapeutic regimens (e.g., steroid “pulses”) endured by children who survive ALL and lymphoma may contribute to excess weight, accumulating evidence also demonstrates the development of poor dietary habits and inadequate levels of physical activity during cancer treatment. Such weight-related health behaviors appear to …

Factors In Understanding Students Who Want To Become Psychology Professionals And Choose Not To Attend Graduate School, Katie Rubedor-Green

Theses and Graduate Projects

Due to the worsening mental health crisis in America, there is a need for more psychology professionals. Becoming a psychology professional requires a graduate-level education. Past research has explored the college and graduate school choice process for individuals enrolled in undergraduate and graduate education programs. This research project aims to understand individuals who aspire to become psychology professionals but have decided not to apply to graduate school. Eight undergraduate psychology seniors were interviewed about the factors they considered in their decision not to pursue graduate education in psychology, their knowledge about their education options, and their preferred program factors. The …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Depression And Anxiety Among Idaho Adults, Melissa Marie Henbest

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic had negative repercussions on the mental health of U.S. citizens. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on depression and anxiety on a population aged 18 years and older. Using a quantitative correlational repeated design, archival data were analyzed to evaluate the change in depression (as measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (as measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) indices from a non-pandemic year (2019) to the 1st pandemic year (2020) among patients of an outpatient community health care center. The study took into …

Barriers To Healthcare Faced By Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Their Families, Jennifer Lu

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive behaviors or interests that can affect daily functioning. ASD individuals are also more likely to experience poor physical and mental health along with reduced life expectancy compared to non-autistic people. Thus, it is crucial that those with ASD are able to obtain adequate healthcare. However, there is limited research on the barriers to medical care access faced by those with ASD and their families.

Purpose: Due to the lack of autism awareness in the general population and …

Predictors Of Antisocial Behavior Among Hispanic Adults, Mara Page

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Antisocial behavior can lead to serious social and legal consequences such as long-term involvement in criminal activities. Although there has been much research on predictors of antisocial behavior, such as perceived economic status, parental communication, impulsivity, substances, parenting styles, and parental involvement, little has been researched on how these apply to the Hispanic population. Grounded in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general crime theory, the purpose of this nonexperimental correlational survey design study was to assess whether sensation-seeking behavior, self-control, parental monitoring, religious coping, perceived social support, and rugged resilience predicted antisocial behavior among Hispanic adults. A sample of 167 Hispanic adult …

Adhd And Chronic Anhedonia: Antecedents Of Treatment-Resistant Depression And Suicidality In Adults, Tia Sternat

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a chronic and debilitating disorder. Approximately 280 million people live with depression, and more than 700,000 lives are lost due to suicide each year. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a severe form of depression which is highly correlated with comorbid psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and associated with increased suicidality. Anhedonia, the reduced ability to experience pleasure, is associated with various psychiatric conditions, including ADHD. The theoretical framework for this study was the biopsychosocial model. Depression may be diagnosed in accordance with a defined cluster of symptoms, and/or how symptoms are experienced vary by individuals …