Digital Commons Network^™

Qualitative Exploration Of Hallucinations Among Adolescents With Suicide Ideation And/Or Attempts, Rebecca E. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative study exploring and characterizing how psychotic experiences (PEs), specifically hallucinations, may affect suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Thematic analysis revealed eight key themes within the connection, capturing unique perspectives and nuanced meanings. Exploring this intersection may increase the understanding of adolescent PEs and help inform more targeted interventions.

Effects Of Ai Transparency On Perceived Fairness In Ai-Driven Selection Tools: The Mediating Roles Of Ai Literacy And Attitudes Towards Ai, Tony Mellek

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Dissertations

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly prominent feature of modern hiring, creating opportunities to enhance efficiency and consistency in selection. This study examined how AI transparency, AI literacy, and attitudes toward AI shape applicants’ perceptions of fairness when engaging with AI-scored pre-hire assessments. A sample of 290 U.S. adults were randomly assigned to either a high- or low-transparency hiring scenario and then completed measures of AI literacy, attitudes toward AI, and procedural fairness. Results indicated that both AI literacy and attitudes toward AI were strong and significant predictors of perceived procedural fairness, suggesting that applicants who feel knowledgeable about AI …

Nasionalisme Di Era Artificial Intelligence: Scoping Review, Mudita Vidyananda, Angelina Regina Halim, Patricia Irene, Muhammad Firliansyah Maliki, Ivana Suryaprawira, Bonar Hutapea

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

This paper aims to map and thematically present the existing literature on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), identity, and AI Nationalism, following a scoping review approach. A systematic search was conducted across the Scopus, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies. The selected studies, published between 2020-2025, focus on the impact of AI on identity and geopolitics, resulting in six papers included in the final synthesis. The analyzed studies employed various methods, including conceptual, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Data extracted from each study included author, publication year, objectives, methodology, and key …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Delivery Of Trauma-Informed Services To Hospital-Based Clients Ot, Frank Czuba

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Hospitalization can traumatize clients and impact overall health outcomes, leading to increased hospital readmission rates and resulting in a negative impact for both clients and providers. Limited information exists regarding how hospital-based occupational therapists evaluate and address trauma, even though incorporating trauma-informed principles into professional practice can enhance the occupational therapy process. The study explored the comprehension and perceived significance of trauma-informed tenets among occupational therapists delivering services in hospital-based settings. A quantitative research study with an exploratory design was implemented to explore how occupational therapists (OT) understand and utilize trauma-informed practices with their clients in a hospital setting. An …

Prevalence Of Sexual Harassment Among Nurses And Nursing Students In A Culturally Conservative Country, Hanadi Mohamad Nur Steitiyeh, Fatin Ahmad Safa, Jana Daoud Al Hajj Daoud, Adam Tarek Ikkawi, Sahed Ali Fawaz, Hiba Deek

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The prevalence of sexual harassment among nurses and nursing students in Lebanon is an unidentified social concern. This study aims to identify this prevalence and assess the related factors. Using a self-administered questionnaire the sociodemographic characteristics, workplace variables, physical appearance, and the Sexual Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) were assessed, the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. A total of 380 participated with 71.8% being female and 63.9% aged between 18 and 25. Sexual harassment was experienced by 91 participants (23.9%) and occurred mainly in the patients’ rooms and during procedures. Policies were absent or …

The Relationship Between Celebrity Worship And Psychotherapy Preferences, Sean Frydman M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Celebrity worship (CW) is defined as an increased admiration toward a celebrity figure which may lead to excessive interest in their lives (McCutcheon et al., 2021). Intense CW has been found to be associated with a variety of pathological traits, suggesting that individuals with higher CW might benefit from psychotherapy (Sansone & Sansone, 2014). However, no research is available regarding psychotherapy preferences for this population. Research to date has found positive correlations between accommodating patients’ treatment preferences and greater treatment satisfaction and outcomes, stronger alliance, and reduced attrition (Iacoviello et al., 2007; Lindhiem et al., 2014; Swift et al., 2011, …

Psychotherapy Technique And Emotional Communication: The Relationship Between Technique Use In Psychotherapy And Patient Speech Styles Associated With The Referential Process, Sorrel Johnson M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Linguistic analysis is a growing field within psychotherapy process research. Computerized measures have been developed to quantify qualities of speech associated with the Referential Process (RP), a construct describing the way in which people communicate emotional experience by cycling through different language styles (Bucci, 2021c). The three phases of RP are arousal, referential activity (RA), and reflection/reorganizing (R/R). Examining the latter two, the current study aimed to determine if therapists’ use of techniques was associated with immediate levels of patient RA and R/R in a sample of three archival psychotherapy sessions. Sessions were coded moment-by-moment (N=263 therapist speech turns) for …

Enhancing Resilience And Reducing Burnout In Oncology Nurse Practitioners Through The “Three Good Things” Intervention, Ernestine A. Muanya

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Burnout among oncology nurse practitioners (NPs) threatens clinician well-being, care quality, and workforce retention. The World Health Organization (2019) defines burnout as a workplace condition caused by chronic unmanaged stress. Nationally, over half of healthcare professionals report burnout symptoms, with high rates in oncology (Deriglazov et al., 2025). In Texas, nearly 48% of advanced practice providers report emotional exhaustion and job-related stress (Patel et al., 2024). Objective: This single-group pre–post quality improvement project evaluated an eight-week, app-based Three Good Things (3GT) intervention to reduce burnout and enhance resilience among 19 breast medical oncology nurse practitioners at a comprehensive …

The Unspoken Workweek: Understanding The Impact Of Menstruation On Work Experiences, Cherie Kuriakose

Psychology Theses

Menstruation remains an underrecognized factor in workplace well-being, despite affecting a large portion of the workforce. Existing research shows significant gaps in understanding employees’ lived experiences and organizational responses. This qualitative study aims to explore how menstruation influences work life, productivity, and perceptions of support within U.S. workplaces. Thirty menstruating employees were recruited using convenience and purposive sampling to participate in semi-structured virtual interviews, and data were analyzed thematically, guided by grounded theory principles. Findings revealed three central themes: (a) stigma and non-disclosure, shaped by internalized norms and workplace culture; (b) invisible effort and struggles that impact work, including productivity, …

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

The Kids Are Alright: A Preliminary Investigation Of The Effectiveness Of A Microaggression Training Series For Adolescents, Brea M. Banks, Bianca Sierra, Khyati Verma, Giselle Rivera

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Microaggressions are identity-based indignities that lead to significant negative consequences for receivers. Although most research has focused on the microaggressive experiences of adults, adolescents experience these transgressions in schools, and they find these experiences offensive. As such, preparing high school students to address microaggressions when they receive or witness them and to respond appropriately when they receive feedback about their microaggressive behaviour is imperative. Using a quasi-experimental design, we conducted a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of a microintervention training for adolescents at a high school in the Midwestern United States. The intervention was effective in producing improvement in assessed …

Maintaining Balance And Wellness In Remote Work, Michelle Bartlett

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

In today's rapidly evolving work environments, remote work has become more than a trend; it is now a mainstay and rising (Ewers & Kangmennaang, 2023). This shift has necessitated a re-evaluation of traditional work paradigms, particularly in the realms of work-life balance and employee wellness. This chapter details the core strategies for thriving in remote work settings by setting boundaries, combating isolation, and fostering supportive corporate cultures. Transitioning from offices to remote work can blur the lines between personal and professional lives (Bella, 2023; Beňo, 2023). This section provides practical advice on how remote workers can effectively delineate these aspects. …

The Effects Of Coping Motives On Alcohol Use Consequences, Madisyn E. Feliciano, Samantha Pelfrey

UROP Posters

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in alcohol use consequences between those who drink to cope with anxiety or depression symptoms and those who do not. Our research aimed to expand on earlier studies by placing emphasis on how coping with anxiety and depression influences alcohol consequences using constructs aligned with DSM-V symptom criteria. Research has consistently shown that those who drink to regulate distressing emotions experience more harmful consequences, making this an imperative area for prevention efforts. It was hypothesized that coping motivated drinking would be associated with an increased amount of alcohol related consequences. …

Measurement Invariance Of Transtheoretical Model-Based Measures For Covid-19 Vaccination Readiness, Allegra Opiela

Open Access Dissertations

Purpose. To assess the measurement invariance of four novel Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based measures for readiness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Design. Cross-sectional.

Setting. Online survey study in the United States (US).

Participants. 1169 US-based adults aged 18-85.

Measures. Demographics, Stage of Change, Vaccination History, Decisional Balance, Self-efficacy, Myths, and Barriers to COVID-19 vaccination.

Analyses. Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses with increased restraints on model parameters to assess configural (no constraints), metric (factor loadings constrained), and scalar invariance (factor loadings and item intercepts constrained) in a sequential manner.

Results. Decisional Balance, Myths, and Barriers demonstrated scalar …

Protective Behavioral Strategies On Alcohol And Cannabis Co-Use Occasions, Sabrina Todaro

Open Access Dissertations

Simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis, or co-use (i.e., the use of both substances so that effects overlap), is an increasingly significant public health concern among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 in the U.S. (SAMHSA 2025; Terry-McElrath & Patrick, 2018). Protective behavioral strategies (PBS; i.e., tactics used to modify or limit substance use related harm; Pearson, 2013) have been robustly linked to fewer negative outcomes (e.g., lower use quantity, frequency, and consequences) for alcohol- and cannabis-only occasions (Bravo et al., 2016; Bravo et al., 2017; Bravo et al., 2019; Pearson, 2013; Pedersen et al., 2016; Pedersen …

Therapist Self-Disclosure And Therapeutic Alliance: A Survey Of Psychologists, Miriam Smith M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Of the various forms of therapist self-disclosure, immediate self-disclosure (ISD) refers to the therapist’s sharing of immediate thoughts, feelings, and reactions with the patient in real time. In previous research, ISD has been positively associated with the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance has been conceptualized as agreement on goals, agreement on assignment of tasks or a series of tasks to achieve those goals, and the quality of the emotional bond. Non-immediate self-disclosure (NISD) is defined as the therapist divulging personal or biographical information about themselves or their life outside treatment. NISD has been found to be risky and potentially harmful …

Cv: Susan Sheffer (Social Psychology), Susan Sheffer

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Utilizing A Genetically Diverse Species To Investigate Gene-Drug Interactions And Drug Efficacy, Jerry Nawongbay Gbarlea

Theses and Dissertations

Gene-drug interactions are fundamental to understanding variability in drug response and therapeutic efficacy. In this project, we leverage the natural genetic divergence between ecotype morphs of the blind Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) to investigate differential responses to neuroactive compounds—specifically, the convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and the anxiolytic Buspirone Hydrochloride. Astyanax Mexicanus is a tetra species consisting of both surface-dwelling (ancestral) and cave-dwelling (mutant) populations that have highly variable genetic backgrounds. Independently evolved populations of cavefish exhibit a suite of convergent traits that can be functionally interrogated to discover new genetic functions and interactions. These attributes make A. mexicanus an ideal model …

The Latent Lens: Exploring Hetereogeneity In The Use Of Physical Restraints Via Latent Class Analysis And The Lens Model, Andrew Miele

Theses and Dissertations

Research on the use of physical restraints has revealed high rates of heterogeneity between clinical settings and an array of potential risk factors at both the patient and provider level. This is most evident in general medical hospitals, where patient populations are more heterogenous than other settings and physicians often can rely only on observable characteristics of patients to assess safety risks. More recent work has shown that coherent subgroups of restrained patients can be derived from demographic and clinical indicators. Identification of coherent patient subgroups may aid in understanding both the heterogeneity of the restrained patient population and differences …

Emotional Valence In Sustainable Fashion Advertising And The Cognitive And Affective Drivers Of Consumer Response As Determinants Of Digital Engagement Behavior, Cassidy Jane Cisz

Theses and Dissertations

The dominance of the linear value chain and its perpetuation of overconsumption create persistent barriers to sustainable fashion brands in their effort to articulate a value proposition that justifies the price premium associated with ethical and sustainable production. To address this challenge and remain competitive within a marketplace dominated by low-cost fast fashion, these brands must differentiate through appeals that clearly reflect their values, mission, and climate commitments. While advertisements for sustainable goods use a broad set of persuasive strategies, this study evaluates two dominant emotional appeals, Positive Environmental Appeals (PEA) and Negative Environmental Appeals (NEA), both of which are …

Patient-Identified Reasons For Premature Termination: A Systematic Review, Jack N. Mizrahi M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Premature unilateral termination has been estimated to occur in approximately 20% of patients seeking psychotherapy. Research has identified a variety of factors including patient, therapist and treatment variables that may contribute to psychotherapy dropout. There is currently quite limited research on patients’ perspective of premature termination, with much of our understanding based on therapist’s perspective. Although therapist perspectives are an important source of information regarding premature termination, therapist judgments about patient progress are often inaccurate, and therapists consistently struggle with foreseeing unilateral termination. In addition, therapists have been found to attribute premature termination more to patient factors than their own …

Emotional Intelligence In Blended Vs. Non-Blended Families With Childhood Trauma, Rose Johnson Rodriguez M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This study examined whether family structure (blended vs. non-blended) influenced changes in emotional intelligence (EI) among adults, while controlling for baseline EI and childhood trauma. Participants were 420 adults (292 from non-blended families and 128 from blended families) who completed pre- and post-treatment assessments of emotional intelligence using the Assessing Emotions Scale and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) at baseline. Multicollinearity diagnostics revealed some overlap between emotional and physical abuse on the CTQ, but no severe violations. The overall model was significant, F (7, 412) = 16.95, p < .001, R2 = .224, explaining 22% of the variance in EI change. Baseline EI significantly predicted change (p < .001), while CTQ subscales were non-significant. Family structure had a small but statistically significant effect on EI change, F (1, 412) = 4.79, p = .029, partial η2 = .011, with adults from blended families showing slightly greater increases in EI than those from non-blended families. Findings suggest that while family context may shape emotional growth, baseline emotional functioning remains the strongest predictor of change. Future studies should recruit larger samples to enhance power and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations.

Know Your Worth: A Qualitative Study Examining Factors That Psychologists Consider When Setting Their Fees, Emily Rispoli M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Fee-setting in psychotherapy is a routine yet complex aspect of clinical practice that shapes access to care, the sustainability of private practice, and the therapeutic relationship. Despite its importance, limited research has examined how psychologists determine their fees in modern practice. Existing literature has largely focused on ethical guidelines, economic considerations, and the meaning of money in therapy, with less attention to how clinicians navigate fee-setting in real-world contexts. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the factors licensed psychologists consider when setting and adjusting their fees in self-employed, out-of-network private practice. Fourteen psychologists (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) participated …

Mental Health Stigma And Its Associations With Depression, Suicidality, And Help-Seeking Among Muslims Living In The United States, Tarnem Amer M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Muslims living in the United States (MLUS) have higher rates of depression (Sloan & Haner, 2023) and are more likely to report a history of suicide compared to other faith groups (Awaad et al., 2021). Nonetheless, help-seeking rates among Muslims remain lower than those among non-Muslims (Ahmad et al., 2023). Mental health stigma has been identified as a key barrier to seeking care, but its mechanisms and outcomes have been understudied among MLUS. The present study examined three types of stigma (mental health public stigma, mental health self-stigma, and mental health help-seeking stigma) and their associations with psychiatric symptoms and …

Sink Or Swim: Standard Swim Lessons As A Novel Intervention For Reducing Generalized Anxiety In Children, Joseph S. Brier

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in children ages 6–18, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 6.5% (Rapee et al., 2023; Polanczyk et al., 2015). Although psychological interventions are highly effective, only about 60% of children with anxiety receive professional help within 12 months of symptom onset (Ghandour et al., 2019). Swimming lessons may represent a widely available, low-cost, and naturally motivating alternative intervention for anxiety. Learning to swim targets mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of anxiety, including avoidance and maladaptive cognitions (Mowrer, 1951; Dymond & Roche, 2009), and emerging evidence suggests that treating one …

The Relationships Among Maternal Stress, Disordered Eating, Depressive Symptoms, And Infertility In Women Throughout The Postpartum Period, Christina Shoshilos

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The perinatal period is a critical time of psychological, physiological, and social transition that can increase vulnerability to mental health challenges, particularly during the first year postpartum. This study examined the relationships among maternal stress, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating behaviors in postpartum women, with additional focus on differences by postpartum stage (0 to 6 months vs. 6 to 12 months) and infertility history. Participants (N = 248) were cisgender women who had given birth within the past 12 months and completed validated self-report measures of maternal stress, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating behaviors. A multiple regression analysis revealed …

Exploring The Feasibility And Acceptability Of The Calm Kitty Curriculum For Promoting Emotional Regulation In Preschoolers, Tabitha A. Irizarry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This exploratory mixed-methods study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived usefulness of the Calm Kitty Curriculum, a classroom-based emotional regulation program for preschool-aged children ages 3–5, delivered through a teacher-facing orientation. Emotional regulation in early childhood is an important foundation for school readiness, social competence, and later academic outcomes. Because children from historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by emotional dysregulation and exclusionary disciplinary practices, accessible and developmentally appropriate classroom-based supports are needed. This study represented an initial phase of curriculum development and focused on implementation readiness rather than child-level effectiveness. A secondary data analysis was conducted using previously collected, …

Pediatricians’ Approach To Addressing Developmental, Behavioral, And Social-Emotional Concerns In Children, Jessica Baer

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined factors influencing pediatric primary care providers’ adherence to recommended guidelines for developmental, behavioral, and psychosocial screening, surveillance, and referral practices. Although early identification is emphasized in pediatric care, implementation remains inconsistent. A cross-sectional survey was administered to pediatric primary care providers in the United States with at least one year of independent practice experience. Variables examined included provider and practice demographics, training, confidence, caseload, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons were used to evaluate patterns in screening and referral practices. Results indicated variability in adherence across domains, with greater consistency in developmental and behavioral practices …

A Brief Measure Of Decisional Balance For Health Equity Engagement Among Health Professionals, Amanda Lee Almond

Publications and Research

Racial health and healthcare inequities are sustained in part by health professionals’ beliefs about the benefits and costs of equity-focused action, yet no validated decisional balance measure exists for this domain. This study introduces and evaluates the Health Equity Decisional Balance (HEDB) scale. Eighty-eight health professionals completed the scale of ten proposed items assessing perceived pros and cons of engaging with health and healthcare equity work, along with a measure of Anti-Racist Efficacy (ARE) (Eschmann et al., 2023). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the latent structure of the scale and its predictive validity. A …

Impact Of Social Media On Self Esteem And Body Image, Sunayana Sri Acharya Goribidnur Sudheendra

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

This study examined how idealized self-presentation on social media relates to self-esteem and body image in young adults, and whether body dissatisfaction, general distress, or symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress help explain that relationship. Ninety-eight undergraduate students from two universities completed an online survey measuring idealized online self-presentation (Presentation of Online Self Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), body esteem (Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults), general distress (Distress Questionnaire-5), and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (DASS-21). Contrary to expectations, greater idealized self-presentation was associated with higher, not lower, self-esteem. Idealized self-presentation was not significantly related to body esteem, …