Digital Commons Network^™

Reactions To Ostracism And Their Predictors, Kelly J. Sanderson '07

Honors Projects

This study was conducted to examine how individual differences in personality predict variance in reactions to ostracism, and to explore the effects of re-inclusion on ostracism reactions. Participants completed five personality measures before the ostracism was delivered in a chat-room paradigm. The chat-room consisted of phases during which participants were included, excluded, and re-included in the discussion, and enjoyment and participation were measured after each chat-room phase. Enjoyment and participation decreased during exclusion and increased during re-inclusion. Throughout all phases of the chat-room, enjoyment and participation were positively correlated with social competence and negatively correlated with loneliness and social isolation. …

Social Ostracism And The Effect On Electroencephalogram Waves, Genevieve Nehrt '07

Honors Projects

Twenty one female Illinois Wesleyan students participated in an experiment examining changes in brain activity following social ostracism in a chat-room environment. More specifically theta EEG activity was recorded from three frontal areas (the Fz, F3, and F4 sites) and theta power and frequency were compared during three phases: inclusion, exclusion, and re-inclusion. The social ostracism paradigm was successful in creating a feeling of exclusion in participants. Participants had a lower level of interest, participation, and enjoyment during the exclusion phase than the inclusion and re-inclusion phases. Participants also typed fewer lines during the exclusion phase than in the other …

Provocative Enactments As Regulators Of Underarousal And Its Associated Affects, Steven Bashkoff

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This theoretical/clinical-case study explores the function of provocative enactments as a means to regulate underaroused states and the affects associated with underarousal. A great deal of psychoanalytic literature emphasizes the function of provocative enactments as destructive or as a way to devalue others or disconnect from them; this function certainly exists in one class of such enactments where the actor’s goal is to destroy interpersonal ties or enhance self-esteem by kindling negative affect in the other person. However, this dissertation proposes that there exists another, distinct class of provocative enactments where their function serves to activate or reengage another person …

The Process Of Seeking Treatment For Mental Health Problems, Stephen M. Saunders, Nicholas W. Bowersox

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

A model of the process of seeking treatment for mental health problems is presented that explicates much previous research in this area. A process comprising seven steps is proposed (recognize that there is a problem, decide the problem is mental health related, decide change is needed, make efforts to effect change, decide professional help is needed to effect change, decide to seek professional help, and seek help). Activities or decisions that interrupt the process, barriers encountered at each step, variations of the proposed sequence, and the experience of social support across the process are presented. Implications for improving access to …

The Role Of Meaning In Past-Tense Inflection: Evidence From Polysemy And Denominal Derivation, Shoba Bandi-Rao, Gregory L. Murphy

Publications and Research

Although English verbs can be either regular (walk-walked) or irregular (sing-sang), “denominal verbs” that are derived from nouns, such as the use of the verb ring derived from the noun a ring, take the regular form even if they are homophonous with an existing irregular verb: The soldiers ringed the city rather than *The soldiers rang the city. Is this regularization due to a semantic difference from the usual verb, or is it due to the application of the default rule, namely VERB + -ed suffix? To gain a new source of insight into …

Error Training: An Examination Of Metacognition, Emotion Control, Intrinsic Motivation, And Knowledge As Mediators Of Performance Effects, Natalie T. Bourgeois

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Error Management Training (EMT) is a method of training that encourages trainees to make errors during training and to view those errors as beneficial for learning. Previous research has shown support for the benefits of EMT on metacognition, emotion control, intrinsic motivation and transfer performance compared to traditional error avoidant training. Also, previous research has found support for the mediating effects of metacognition and emotion control on the training type (i.e., EMT vs. error avoidant) and transfer performance relationship. However, previous research has not determined whether the increased metacognition, emotion control, and intrinsic motivation of EMT individuals has its effects …

The Depression Scale For Severe Disability: A Diagnostic Tool For The Assessment Of Depression In Adults With Severe And Profound Intellectual Disabilities, Christopher Cooper

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The Depression Scale for Severe Disability(DEPRESSED) is a clinically and empirically derived informant-report behavioral rating scale designed to measure depression in persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities by assessing behavioral symptoms of depression. Behavioral symptoms of depression and item and factor analyses were used to construct the scale resulting in a 20-item four-factor solution producing factors that were labeled "Sleep"(F1), "Mood"(F2), "Skills"(F3), and "Motor"(F4). The DEPRESSED identified the core symptoms of depression including mood, anhedonia, sleep, appetite, fatigue, and psychomotor agitation and retardation. Internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability of the DEPRESSED scale were excellent. The DEPRESSED also demonstrated …

Physical Activity And Physical Activity Adherence In The Elderly Based On Smoking Status., Theodore Cooper, M. Resor, C. Stoever, P. Dubbert

Departmental Papers (Psych)

No abstract provided.

“Nicotine Deprivation Effect” In Rats With Intermittent 23-Hour Access To Intravenous Nicotine Self-Administration, Laura O'Dell

Departmental Papers (Psych)

No abstract provided.

Urge To Gamble In Problem Gamblers Exposed To A Casino Environment, Matt G. Kushner, Kenneth Abrams, Christopher Donahue, Paul Thuras, Randy Frost, Suck Won Kim

Psychology Faculty Work

Cue-reactivity has received increased attention in addiction research, though not for gambling in particular. We examined cue reactivity in 18 problem gamblers by accompanying them to a gaming casino and measuring their subjective urge to gamble over a 1-h period. Half of the sample was additionally exposed to a gambling-specific negative mood induction (NMI) manipulation via guided imagery. Overall, about two-thirds of the sample reported moderate to high-gambling urges during the casino exposure. Additionally, the NMI reduced cue-reactivity. Finally, gambling urges in both groups decreased over the course of the exposure sessions. These findings suggest that a majority of problem …

Sex Differences In The Onset Of Seasonal Reproductive Quiescence In Hamsters, Annaliese K. Beery, Justin J. Trumbull, Jyeming M. Tsao, Ruth M. Costantini, Irving Zucker

Neuroscience: Faculty Publications

Day length is the primary cue used by many mammals to restrict reproduction to favourable spring and summer months, but it is unknown for any mammal whether the seasonal loss of fertility begins at the same time and occurs at the same rate in females and males; nor it established whether the termination of mating behaviour in males and females coincides with the loss of fertility. We speculated that females, owing to their greater energetic investment in reproduction, are the limiting sex in terminating offspring production in short days (SDs). Oestrous cycles and production of young were monitored in Syrian …

Psychological Effects Of Not Having Equal Rights And Privileges In The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community: Activism As An Antidote?, David E. Baker

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Despite the prevalence of discrimination in American society, little is known about the effects of equal rights activism on mental health. Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, discrimination against marriage, adoption, employment, and other rights and privileges given to heterosexual individuals is still legal and socially accepted in most American communities. Previous research has suggested that these individuals have higher incidences of depression, anxiety, and substance use than the general population. The experience of discrimination and punishment responses learned from societal messages is believed to contribute to these clinical issues within this community. This qualitative study found that equal …

Examination Of One District's Identification, Assessment Practices, Preventative Interventions, And Longitudinal Literacy Learning Of At-Risk Readers, Lori J. Lennon

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to profile Reading Recovery students in one district to examine: (1) the content and predictability of the district’s early intervention screening assessments and progress monitoring tools, (2) the initial and (3) sustained effectiveness of the Reading Recovery preventative program relative to student achievement in first through third grades (4) rates of identification of educational disabilities and special education placements and (5) common variables in intellectual, process, and achievement characteristics of those students who were slow to respond to reading interventions. Participants consisted of students from fifteen elementary schools, within the years 2000 to …

The Development Of Intergroup Bias In Children To Ambivalent Sexism In Adults: A Study Of The Role Of Self-Esteem, Noel E. Thomas Wrend

HIM 1990-2015

Gender differences play an important role in the diversity that exists in our world today. Evan as infants, our young minds are able to grasp that there are large differences in the roles and expectations for males and females and that these differences contribute to the variety of experiences that we encounter in our interactions with the two genders. As we grown from children into adults, it is clear that the biased opinions we form regarding the opposite sex in childhood are too simplistic in their ideologies, and during the time that we mature into young adults, our opinions mature …

Friend/Foe Identification Accuracy And Shooting Performance: Effects Of Prior Task Loading And Time Pressure, Kelly Ann Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current dismounted soldier and the soldier of the future will be "loaded" with more information processing tasks while they perform shooting tasks. It is conceivable that some increased level of cognitive tasking may be performed simultaneously with required shooting tasks. The effect of cognitive load on shooting performance has been previously examined (Scribner and Harper, 2001). This study concentrated on the effect of various cognitive workload demands on a friend-foe discrimination shooting task in a single- and dual-task scenario. In light of this, it is imperative that the soldier not be overburdened mentally, which may result in decreased survivability …

Transportability Of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy : A Case Study With Adolescents In A Residential Treatment Setting, Susanna A. Carew

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Because of the increase in the numbers of adolescents presenting in residential care, the challenge and difficulty posed to therapists in treating this age-group, and the prevalence of chronic stress and complex trauma symptoms found in this population, the research conducted was a clinical case study investigating the transportability and effectiveness of using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a manualized treatment format, with adolescent clients in a residential treatment setting. A doctoral candidate was trained to engage each of three residential clients in 12 individual sessions of TF-CBT. The Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Jesness …

The Effectiveness Of Rating Scales And Semi-Structured Interview In Diagnosing Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Carolyn Mae Cofrancesco

Dissertations

Problem and purpose. There are few standardized tools for diagnosing ADHD in adults. The purpose of this study was to compare a standardized rating scale (CAARS) used by different observers, with a comprehensive diagnostic interview (CAADID) with respect to their ability to diagnose subtypes of ADHD.

Method. Subjects for this study came from baseline data of 98 patients (18 to 60 years ofage) participating in a drug trial for adult ADHD. The CAADID interview results in a yes-no decision as to whether the patient meets DSM-IV criteria for the subtypes ADHD. A t -test was used to compare the CAADID-diagnosed …

Building Relationships To Support Self-Regulation, Sherice Hetrick-Ortman

Graduate Research Papers

Discouraged students come to school unable to learn. Emotional and social factors affect their intrapersonal and interpersonal awareness and place them at high risk for school failure. This paper discusses the application of strategies influenced by; sociomoral atmosphere, trust development, self regulation, emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and cultural awareness.

The research addresses the question: Will emotionally discouraged children be able to regulate their emotions through positive relationship building with the classroom teacher? The results contribute to our knowledge of how to support children's ability to regulate themselves in the absence of external devices.

Variables That Influence The Quantity Of In-Home Services For Children, Adrienne A. Bean

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

There are many reasons in-home services are being implemented and having success with young children. Part of this success may be due to the practitioners’ access to the family and home environment. Previous studies have addressed the quality of these services; however, few studies examine how the quantity of services is dispersed and/or how quantity of services is related to various characteristics of, or surrounding, the child. This dissertation attempts to examine factors that may influence the amount of time practitioners are willing to spend in homes when children have comparable concerns or delays. Parental qualities, environmental conditions, and other …

Behavior Problems Exhibited In Institutionalized Persons With Intellectual Disabilities And Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Ryan Thorson

LSU Master's Theses

Although our understanding of dual diagnosis has improved in recent years, a deficit exists in our knowledge of how schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) manifest themselves in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). We also know very little about the behavioral problems present with the ID population based on the existence of psychopathology. The present research attempted to extend the literature by comparing behavior problems of individuals with intellectual disability with SSD, any form of psychopathology, and no psychopathology. Utilizing the Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI), three areas of problem behaviors were examined (self-injurious behavior, stereotypic behavior, and aggressive/destructive behavior) and a total …

A Comparison Of Social Skills Profiles In Intellectually Disabled Adults With And Without Asd, Jonathan Wilkins

LSU Master's Theses

Although there has been a recent increase in research directed toward autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the study of intellectually disabled adults with ASD has gone relatively neglected as efforts have focused largely on young children. Current diagnostic and assessment procedures were created for and validated on this latter group. Many intellectually disabled adults with ASD have not been diagnosed due to the novelty of such instruments and the overlap between symptoms of ASD and severe intellectual disability (ID). A new assessment instrument, the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic Scale for Intellectually Disabled Adults (ASD-DA) has been shown to make this fine distinction. …

Deficits In Social Skills And Feeding Behaviors Associated With Adults Diagnosed With Autistic Disorder Living In An Institutionalized Setting, Cindy Terlonge Graham

LSU Master's Theses

Autistic disorder, a syndrome beginning in infancy and persisting into adulthood, has captured the attention of researchers and clinicians alike. Although this disorder has been studied since the mid-1940s, there is a lack of literature addressing certain adaptive skills in adults with autism. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in social and feeding skills between individuals with and without autistic disorder. Given the importance of acquiring these skills to facilitate proper adjustment and decrease potential health risks, better understanding of these behaviors in persons with autism is warranted. Participants comprised three separate groups: an autism group, …

Evaluating The Psychosocial Effects Of Two Interventions, Tai Chi And Spiritual Growth Groups, In Women With Breast Cancer, Sarah M. Rausch

Theses and Dissertations

One in seven women will develop breast cancer. Most will suffer medically and psychologically from the disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions such as tai chi and spiritual growth groups have proven to be beneficial for this population, however, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action in these techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial effects and mechanisms of two 10-week interventions (tai chi and spiritual growth groups) within the context of a larger randomized, controlled NCI-funded study (R01 CA114718, Nancy McCain, PI) in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The present study evaluated …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Sense Of Belonging And The Possible Impact On Adolescent Development, Debra E. York

Theses : Honours

The nature of adolescence has been identified as a time of vast biopsychosocial changes that take place within a dynamic environment. The interplay between the individual developmental changes and the surrounding changing environments has been considered in relation to the development of depression during adolescence. Research has indicated that depression elevates during adolescence (Cicchetti & Toth, 1998). Both normative and non-normative changes pertinent to the adolescent have been identified as risk factors. Social support from family, peers and teachers has been found to facilitate positive influences to the adolescent's psychological and emotional well being. Particularly the role teachers' play in …

School's Out: Adolescent 'Leisure Time' Activities, Influences And Consequences, Lillian M. Fawcett

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The current study investigated the out-of-school activities in which adolescents participate categorised in terms of structure, type (creative, physical, passive) and level of interaction (individual, group), the developmental, psychological and social consequences of such involvement, and the factors influencing participation. Questionnaires completed by 1280, 12 to 17 year old Western Australian metropolitan, high-school students provided information on adolescents' out-of-school time use, their perceptions of parental values and behaviours, friends' behaviours and relationships and their own behaviours and beliefs. A model, based on the research literature, indicated that parent support and intrinsic motivation were the two factors contributing most to adolescent …

A Comparison Of Intragroup Greeting And Reassurance Behaviors Across Four Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) Social Groups In American And African Sanctuaries, Trijntje Laurel Marburg

All Master's Theses

In this study, gestures performed in the greeting and reassurance context were investigated in four groups of chimpanzees living in American and African sanctuaries. Over 85 hr of video recording at three African sanctuaries and 798 hr of video recording at an American sanctuary were analyzed for greeting and reassurance gestures. The four chimpanzee groups demonstrated various differences in both greeting and reassurance gestures. Groups differed in the proportion of time spent in each context, the gesture frequency per minute, and the gesture types used. Some gestures were group specific, meaning they occurred only in one group; some gestures were …

Working Alliance For Clients With Social Anxiety Disorder: Relationship With Session Helpfulness And Within-Session Habituation, Sarah A. Hayes, Debra A. Hope, Melanie M. Vandyke, Richard G. Heimberg

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

It has been suggested that a strong working alliance encourages clients to take risks during therapy (Raue, Castonguay, & Goldfried, 1993). This encouragement may be important for clients who fear negative evaluations as they engage in risk-taking elements of therapy. This study examined the relationship between working alliance, session helpfulness, and measures of emotional processing in 18 clients undergoing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder. Results indicate a positive correlation between client-rated, but not observer-rated, working alliance and session helpfulness. Moderate levels of working alliance were associated with higher initial anxiety and deeper within-session habituation. Overall, a strong …

Codependency In Master's-Level Counseling Students, Terri Lynne Pardee

Dissertations

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to examine codependency in master’s-level counseling students, to determine if there was a significant difference between incoming and exiting students, and to investigate codependency as related to age, gender, and religious preference.

Method

The Codependency Assessment Tool was administered to 275 Spring Arbor University master’s-level counseling students to measure codependency in five core areas: Other Focus/Self-Neglect, Low Self-Worth, Hiding Self, Medical Problems, and Family of Origin Issues.

Results

Respondents’ CODAT mean score showed a minimal level of codependency. There were no significant differences between incoming and exiting students on the …

The Use Of Play Therapy With Adult Survivors Of Childhood Abuse, Mary J. Roehrig

Dissertations

Problem. A growing trend among therapists is the use of play therapy interventions with adult clients to facilitate resolution of early childhood trauma and to promote emotional and spiritual growth. The purpose of this study was to explore the use and effectiveness of play therapy techniques with adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Method. In an exploratory approach, therapists were invited to participate in an online survey. Of the participating therapists, 21 agreed to a subsequent in-depth interview. The Theme Analysis for Word-Rich Data was used to identify themes from the interviews.

Results. Play therapy with adult survivors of childhood abuse …

Student Satisfaction And Program Evaluation For The First Three Psy. D. School Psychology Cohorts At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Ronald M. Deguffroy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

There is a noticeable absence in the professional literature regarding what school psychology doctoral students believe leads to satisfaction during their advanced training. Consequently, a general review of available research was conducted to ascertain what other closely related fields say about student satisfaction during doctoral training. As the document progresses, a variety of issues including funding and mentoring as well as considerations for multicultural and ethical issues as they relate to the topic are investigated. A theoretical model of what constitutes a satisfying experience for doctoral training in school psychology is provided. A program specific evaluation was conducted of the …