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An Examination Of Predictors Of Relational And Physical Aggression Among African American Early Adolescent Girls : The Role Of Father Involvement, Temperament, And Self-Regulation, Nakia Maureen Hamlett

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

The Use Of Messages In Altering Risky Gambling Behavior In Experienced Gamblers, Bianca Jardin

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The present study examined a fundamental assumption of a cognitive model of gambling: that gambling-related irrational beliefs are directly associated with risky gambling behavior. A total of 80 high-frequency gamblers played a chance-based computer game with play money. While playing this game, a pop-up screen repeatedly displayed one of four types of messages (accurate, inaccurate, neutral or none). Consistent with a cognitive model of gambling, accurate messages decreased risky gambling behavior compared to the other three message conditions. Contrary to predictions, however, inaccurate messages did not lead to more risky gambling behavior, nor was the hypothesis that participants in the …

Examining The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy And Stimulus Processing, Peter J. Rosen

Honors Projects

Stimulus processing is an essential cognitive process that plays a vital role in our decision making and task execution. Since stimulus processing has been shown to be an important factor in task performance and cognitive well-being, it is necessary to explore the relationship it has with other psychological variables related to performance, as well as assess ways in which stimulus processing may be enhanced. The authors hypothesized that self-efficacy (SE) may improve performance by enhancing stimulus processing during task completion. To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationships between SE, behavioral measures of task performance, and neural indices of stimulus …

Crossing The ‘Uncanny Valley’: Adaptation To Cartoon Faces Can Influence Perception Of Human Faces, Haiwen Chen, Richard Russell, Ken Nakayama, Margaret Livingstone

Psychology Faculty Publications

In this study we assessed whether there is a single face space common to both human and cartoon faces by testing whether adaptation to cartoon faces can affect perception of human faces. Participants were shown Japanese animation cartoon videos containing faces with abnormally large eyes. The use of animated videos eliminated the possibility of position-dependent retinotopic adaptation (because the faces appear at many different locations) and more closely simulated naturalistic exposure. Adaptation to cartoon faces with large eyes significantly shifted preferences for human faces toward larger eyes, consistent with a common, non-retinotopic representation for both cartoon and human faces. This …

Psychometric Comparisons Of The Reasons For Living Inventory For Young Adults And The College Student Reasons For Living Inventory In A College Sample, Ashley A. Heck

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the psychometric properties of two self-report measures designed to assess suicide-related behaviors in college-age populations. Screening for suicidality is important to identify and support individuals who may be at risk for suicide-related behaviors (Joe & Bryant, 2007). Both the Reasons for Living Inventory for Young Adults (Osman, 1998) and the College Students Reasons for Living Inventory (Westefeld, Cardin, & Deaton, 1992) were developed to assess the reasons that young adults may have for refraining from self destructive acts. These measures were analyzed in terms of their factor structure and …

Learning Statistics Using Concept Maps: Effects On Anxiety And Performance, Patrick Francis Cravalho

Master's Theses

The aim of this thesis was to study the use of concept mapping in an

undergraduate statistics course in order to examine the effects on statistics anxiety and

academic performance by means of a two-group quasi-experimental design. Two

undergraduate statistics classes were recruited for this study with one serving as the

treatment (concept map) group and one serving as the control (standard instruction)

group. It was hypothesized that the use of concept mapping would decrease the statistics

anxiety and improve the academic performance of students in the concept map group

when compared with the control group. The statistics anxiety of …

Social Interaction In Pain: Reinforcing Pain Behaviours Or Building Intimacy?, Annmarie Cano, A. C. De C. Williams

Psychology Faculty Research Publications

To date, pain research has focused almost exclusively on operant models to interpret the function and predict the consequences of pain-related interaction in chronic pain couples. However, evidence suggests that intimacy models of interaction may provide additional and alternative explanations for pain interaction. Specifically, intimacy models conceptualize verbal complaints about pain-related distress as emotional disclosure, which the partner may validate or invalidate. This review compares and contrasts models of pain-related interaction in chronic pain couples, describes limitations of the existing research, and offers directions for future research drawing upon a social support framework.

Does Disinhibition Mediate Alcohol Use And Risk Taking?, Brian J. Klassen

Wayne State University Theses

The relationship between alcohol use and risk-taking is well-documented in the psychological literature. Although this area has attracted an enormous amount of research and interest, the mechanisms that underlie this relationship are not well understood. A model whereby executive functioning (disinhibition, specifically) mediated the relationship between alcohol use and risk-taking/impulsivity was proposed and tested. Although alcohol use and self-reported impulsivity were related on a number of different measures, alcohol use was largely not related to disinhibition, nor was disinhibition related to impulsivity/risk-taking. Therefore, full-fledged tests of mediation could not be performed. Study limitations and directions for future research were also …

The Contribution Of Genes And Hormones To The Sexual Differention Of The Zebra Finch Song System, Jessica Bayley Thompson

Wayne State University Theses

Recent studies in the zebra finch suggest the sexual differentiation of the song system and singing behavior may not be solely driven by steroid hormones organizing the brain, and may be genetically driven. In fact, genes and hormones might act together to produce sexual differentiation of the brain. To test this hypothesis, animals were implanted with a 1mm pellet containing 50ug of 17b-estradiol or a blank pellet on the third day post-hatching. At post-hatch day 25, the brains were collected and a double label fluorescence in situ hybridization protocol using biotin and digoxigenin-tagged mRNA probes was used to simultaneously label …

Towards A New Measure Of Playfulness: The Capacity To Fully And Freely Engage In Play, Rebecca Cornelli Sanderson

Dissertations

The current study involved the development and validation of a new measure of playfulness, the Project Joy Playfulness Scale (PJPS). The PJPS was designed specifically as a brief teacher-report measure for use in the preschool classroom. Playfulness was hypothesized to include four dimensions: Active Engagement, Internal Control, Joyfulness, and Social Connection. Blending academic knowledge with on-the-ground clinical experience, the measure was collaboratively developed and then tested in two separate phases of data collection.

In the first phase of the study, two hundred and twenty-two preschool students aged three to five were rated by two classroom teachers on the alpha version …

Alcohol Use In College Students As A Function Of Reinforcement Sensitivity, Life Events, And Affect, Hyoung S. Lee

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Mood has been commonly viewed as an important determinant of drinking, but studies of positive and negative affect and alcohol use have reported inconsistent results. It has been suggested that the relationship between negative affect and heavy drinking or drinking problems depends on individual vulnerability dimensions such as personality. Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) may provide a particularly useful framework in studies about alcohol use, connecting personality, motivational processes, and responses to environmental stimuli. In past studies, the sensitivity of Gray's Behavioral Activation System (BAS) has been linked to alcohol use, but results have been less consistent for the Behavioral …

Examination Of The Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Evaluative And Semantic Priming Effects By Varying Task Instructions: An Erp Study, Jennifer Hilda Taylor

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the cognitive processes that underlie stimulus identification and the activation of attitudes by investigating behavioral and psychophysiological effects in a priming paradigm. Cognitive mechanisms were investigated by examining evaluative and semantic priming effects on behavioral response times, the N400, and LPP event-related potential (ERP) components by varying tasks between-subjects. Participants either completed an evaluative task, a semantic task, or a feature-detection task. It was hypothesized that the behavioral evaluative priming effect would occur in the evaluative task and that the behavioral semantic priming effect would occur in the semantic and feature-detection tasks. The N400 was hypothesized to …

Functional Assessments In The Rodent Stroke Model, K.L. Schaar, M.M. Brenneman, S.I. Savitz

Psychology

Stroke is a common cause of permanent disability accompanied by devastating impairments for which there is a pressing need for effective treatment. Motor, sensory and cognitive deficits are common following stroke, yet treatment is limited. Along with histological measures, functional outcome in animal models has provided valuable insight to the biological basis and potential rehabilitation efforts of experimental stroke. Developing and using tests that have the ability to identify behavioral deficits is essential to expanding the development of translational therapies. The present aim of this paper is to review many of the current behavioral tests that assess functional outcome after …

Examining Manual And Visual Response Inhibition Among Adhd Subtypes, Zachary W. Adams, Richard Milich, Mark T. Fillmore

Psychology Faculty Publications

This study compared inhibitory functioning among ADHD subtype groups on manual and visual versions of the stop task. Seventy-six children, identified as ADHD/I (n = 16), ADHD/C (n =42), and comparison (n = 18) completed both tasks. Results indicated that both ADHD groups were slower to inhibit responses than the comparison group on both tasks. Comparison children were faster to inhibit than activate responses on both versions of the task. Children in the ADHD groups also demonstrated this robust pattern on the manual task. However, on the visual task, children in the ADHD groups evidenced slowed inhibition …

Understanding The Impact Of Physical Functioning On The Experience, Desire, And Satisfaction Of Physical, Emotional And Social Intimacies In Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als), Jamie Lee Rodriguez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The understanding of intimate relationships in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not yet understood. A review of the current literature, including an overview of ALS and the development and maintenance of intimate relationships using psychological theory, is included. Comparisons to multiple sclerosis, acquired physical disability, and older adults are included to gain a greater understanding of how changes in physical functioning may impact an intimate relationship. This study used archival data, in which participants completed the following measures: ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships, and ALS Specific Quality of Life Measurement–Revised. Results suggest high …

Gender Differences Of African American Adolescents When Exposed To Race Related Stress, Sharmon Saunders James

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

For African Americans, issues of discrimination, oppression, and belonging to a minority group may significantly impact their identity formation, and their cognitive and subjective beliefs regarding racial issues. Racism-related stress as it affects African American adolescents has become an area of concern for African American researchers. Racism related stress can be characterized as the negative psychological or physiological response to a perceived instance of a racism related attitude or behavior. African American adolescents, because of their race, continue to be subjected to various social stressors that lead to negative stress that depletes them of their abilities to cope in response. …

Experiences Of Gay Women Across Generations: Have Times Really Changed?, Kristen T. Nosti

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Society’s awareness of homosexuality has greatly increased over the past several decades. The current study sought to examine the experiences of lesbians in different age cohorts / generational groups utilizing an independent-measure research design. Survey data was used from 129 anonymous self identified adult lesbians who belonged in the Silent Generation, Baby Boomer, Generation X, or Millennial group. Significant generational differences (p < .05) were found regarding researched sexual minority milestones in relation to ages of self-identification, first same-sex sexual act, and self disclosure / coming out. Results showed that 50% of the women had tried to ignore or change their sexual orientation. Forty-one percent reported that they had felt discriminated against due to their sexual orientation and several women endorsed mental health and relational concerns related to their sexuality. As society’s position continues to evolve, it is important that research in this area reflects these changes.

Integrity Of Neuropsychological Processes In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Comorbid Conditions, Julie N. Henzel

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study investigated the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles seen in children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type (IA), inattentive type plus an internalizing disorder (IA + INT), combined type (CT), and combined type plus an externalizing disorder (CT + EXT). Subjects were 63 unmedicated children aged 6 to 16 who had been assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT–II), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Group differences were found for the WISC–IV Digits Backward subtest (IA + INT IA and IA + INT), and externalizing behavior scales on the CBCL and TRF …

The Relationship Between Prenatal Alcohol Exposure And Special Education Eligibility For Children In New Jersey: Early Intervention Is Key, Jacquē L. Jones

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Depending upon the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy and when the consumption occurred during fetal development, a child may develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related birth defects, or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, all of which are under the umbrella category of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Children in whom a presumptive diagnosis has been made, such as FAS, are automatically eligible to receive early intervention services, regardless of whether the child demonstrates developmental delays. The purpose of the current study is to provide support for the notion that the Early Intervention System should broaden its FAS automatic …

Multiple Determinants Of Sexualized Behavior In Middle Childhood: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective, Natasha Elkovitch

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In order to adequately and appropriately intervene with children exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, a comprehensive understanding of etiology is imperative. Although sexually abused children are observed engaging in more problematic sexual behaviors than their normative or psychiatric counterparts, it is clear that such behaviors may be the result of factors other than, or in addition to, sexual abuse. The goal of the present study was utilize a developmental psychopathology perspective in broadening our understanding of mechanisms associated with the development of problematic sexual behaviors in childhood. Participants for the study include 1, 149 children (51.8% female) drawn from the Longitudinal …

Adaptive Feedback In Simulation-Based Training, Deborah Billings

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Feedback is essential to guide performance in simulation-based training (SBT) and to refine learning. Generally outcomes improve when feedback is delivered with personalized tutoring that tailors specific guidance and adapts feedback to the learner in a one-to-on environment. Therefore, emulating by automation these adaptive aspects of human tutors in SBT systems should be an effective way to train individuals. This study investigates the efficacy of automating different types of feedback in a SBT system. These include adaptive bottom-up feedback (i.e., detailed feedback, changing to general as proficiency develops) and adaptive top-down feedback (i.e., general feedback, changing to detailed if performance …

Trust On The Web: The Impact Of Social Consensus On Information Credibility, Katherine Del Guidice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Models of the need-driven information search and the information appraisal process were formed from a comprehensive literature review of factors affecting perceived credibility and trust in online information. The social component of online credibility has not, to date, been thoroughly researched. This component's impact on the development of the perceived credibility of online information was examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, the impact of positive, mixed, and negative social feedback on the development of the perceived credibility of a web page was evaluated. In the second experiment, the effect of social feedback on credibility was examined under two …

Does Chronic Stress Accelerate Late-Aging Cognitive Decline In Memory And Executive Functioning?, Diane Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Few studies exist examining the relationship between self-reported stress and cognitive function in healthy nonpsychiatric older adults, and even less studies have examined whether high levels of self-reported stress accelerate the cognitive decline found in normal late-aging populations. A group of older nonpsychiatric adults, ages 54 years and above, were asked to complete three measures assessing their self-perceived stress over the past month, past year, and their lifetime. Sixty-one adults between the ages of 54 and 88 (52% female) participated in a second phase in which neuropsychological tasks were administered to assess three cognitive domains; memory, learning, and executive functioning. …

Young Adults' Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage And Polygamy As A Function Of Demographic, Gender, And Personality Variables, Catherine Pearte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Based on a sample of 814 university students, pro- and anti-same-sex marriage and polygamous marriage groups were established based on students scoring >1 SD above (n = 145; n = 132, respectively) and > 1 SD below the group mean (n = 127; n = 126) on the Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage Scale (ATSSM: Pearl & Paz-Galupo, 2007) and Attitudes Toward Polygamy Scale, which was generated by modifying the ATSSM (ATPM). Compared to pro-same-sex marriage students, anti-same-sex marriage students were significantly more prejudiced against gays and lesbians, authoritarian, religious, and politically conservative. Anti-same-sex marriage students also had less contact with and …

Program Evaluation Of Integrated Primary Care In Two Primary Care Clinics , Jeri Turgesen

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Can Teaching Social Rhythm Therapy To Primary Care Physicians Increase Their Confidence In Treating Bipolar Patients? , Todd S. Hilmes

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Gender In Professional Psychology : Differences In Professional Activities And Perceived Benefits , Rachael D. Kerns

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Psychosocial And Physical Health Variables As Predictors Of Weight Loss Six Months Post Roux-En-Y Bariatric Surgery, Alexander L. Patterson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular intervention for obesity, and psychologists have seen a growing role in the evaluation of surgery candidates. Studies of pre-surgery psychosocial and physical health variables that are predictive of post-surgical outcome have been inconclusive. In the present study, pre-operative health status, psychological testing results, and support group attendance were measured to determine their relationship with weight-loss outcome at 6 months post-surgery. The Health Perception scale of the Health Status Questionnaire was a significant predictor of weight loss outcome. This suggests that individuals who endorse more negative perceptions of their physical health are more likely to …

Shades Of Optimism: The Future Of Professional Psychology As Seen By Clinical Trainers , Ryan D. Kuehlthau

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Regional Differences In Jurors’ Attitudes And Knowledge, Heather M. Caspers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Dynamic social impact theory (DSIT; Latane, 1996) suggests that social influence leads to four phenomena: clustering (regional differences in attitudes), correlation (emergent relationships between attitudes), consolidation (reduction in attitude variance), and continuing diversity (whereby minority opinions persist). These phenomena have been shown in a variety of settings (Harton & Bourgeois, 2004; Harton & Bullock, 2007), but geographic clustering in attitudes about crime have not been examined. These attitudes have the potential to affect a verdict in a trial if a defendant has a change of venue to a different area of the state or the country. Two datasets, the National …