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The Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Psychological Resilience In Enhancing Operational Performance Among Air Traffic Controllers, Seda Ceken

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of cognitive flexibility on psychological resilience among air traffic controllers (ATCOs). In the study using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a total of 217 ATCOs from three separate units (APP, ACC and TWR) via a survey. The relationship between cognitive flexibility and psychological resilience was examined using hierarchical regression analysis, controlling for demographic variables such as gender, experience, ATC unit and educational status. In the first stage of the analysis, these demographic factors were included in the model and their effects on psychological resilience were evaluated. The …

A Happy Medium?: Using Image Generators To Explore Solution-Focused Art Therapy’S Miracle Question, Daniel A. Hernried

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This mixed methods, randomized, single-session study tested whether integrating text-to-image generations into Solution-Focused Brief Art Therapy alters therapeutic rapport and short-term outcomes relative to traditional artmaking materials. Participants were assigned by coin flip to create using either a text-to-image generator or convention media (23 per group), completing immediate and three-day follow-ups. Alliance was measured using DREAM (Dimensions of Regard, Empathy, and Authenticity Metric), and problems were rated pre/post; groups did not differ significantly on DREAM total or facets, and both modalities produced reliable pre-to-post reductions in problem severity. At the same time, process differences were pronounced: the AI condition showed …

Cultural Identity In Mental Health Services And Helpseeking Behaviours Among African International Students, Mark Ofosu Asirifi

Theses and Dissertations

Acculturation stress impacts international students’ psychological well-being and academic success, yet research on African students remains limited. For African international students, this stress is intensified by cultural stigma surrounding mental health services, deterring help-seeking due to fears of judgment and ostracization. This identity negotiation complicates their willingness to access support, reinforcing cultural barriers to mental health care. This study explores how cultural identity shapes the mental health perceptions and help-seeking behaviors of African international students in the United States. Grounded in the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), the research examines how acculturative stress, stigma, …

The Menstrual Cycle, Dual-Hormone Hypothesis, And Competition: Implications For Athletic Performance, Camille Burns

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Female athletes perceive that the fluctuating hormones of the menstrual cycle affect their performance. However, research on objective performance is inconclusive, partly due to a lack of studies conducted in real-world competitive contexts. Testosterone is often seen to be elevated near ovulation and is related to social competitiveness. Under the dual-hormone hypothesis, testosterone only predicts competitive behavior when cortisol is low. The current study had two goals: (1) to test whether the dual-hormone hypothesis applied to competitive drive and objective athletic performance, and (2) to examine whether competitiveness and the intensity of one’s response to competition varied across the menstrual …

Exploring The Placebo Effect On The Cortisol Stress Response, Povheng Yam

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The placebo effect is well-studied on pain perception and is often observed to have a pain-reducing effect in patients. A few studies suggest that the placebo effect can influence physiological changes in people. To date, not many studies have examined the placebo effect on stress; thus, the current study explored the placebo effect on participants’ cortisol stress response and self-reported stress while undergoing a modified acute stress task, the Sing-a-Song Stress Test (SSST). The current study includes 44 participants (22 in the control group and 22 in the treatment group). A deceptive stress-reducing tincture (filled with water) was used as …

A Broad Range Of Sexual Misconduct And Associated Mental Health Outcomes, Cory Sanderson

Honors Theses

College women are at a high risk of experiencing sexual misconduct (SM) (Graham et al., 2022). Research shows a connection between sexual victimization and psychological distress (Graham et al., 2022). The lack of research on a broader range of SM and associated mental health outcomes is a lacuna that must be addressed. SM is a widely understudied issue, and approximately 1 in 5 college women will experience it at least once during their time on campus (Muehlenhard et al., 2017). Women are not only at a high risk of experiencing SM during their time in college, but research shows a …

Perceived Credibility Of Allegations Of Sexual Assault Across Victim Race And Mental Health History, Liyah C. Morgan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Previous research examined the effect of victim gender and rape myth acceptance (RMA) on perceptions of victim credibility; however, little attention has been given to the impact of victim race and mental health history, and even fewer studies have explored the intersection of these two identities. The primary purpose of the current study was to identify factors affecting understanding of perceived credibility of victims of sexual assault, specifically in terms of victim race and mental health history. The study also examined the role of RMA on perceptions of credibility and explored participant attitudes related to color-blind racial attitudes and mental …

Exploring Help-Seeking Experiences And Barriers Of Ethnic And Racially Marginalized Individuals With Ocd In The United States, Nayara Aparecida Da Costa Silva Beall

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study explored the help-seeking experiences and barriers of ethnic and racially marginalized individuals with OCD living in the United States through a sociocultural model of OCD. Participants included eight adults who self-identified as members of a racial or ethnic marginalized group and with an OCD diagnosis. Individual interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences and data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (1) OCD Emergence, (2) Barriers to Getting Help with OCD, (3) Desire for Help, (4) Ongoing Challenges with OCD, and (5) The Importance of Finding …

Why Men Join The Incel Community: A Thematic Analysis, Aishwarya Lonikar

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Incels have gained mainstream attention in recent years because of increasing sexism and hatred that have manifested as violent acts committed towards women in the real world. This has led to growing research and discussion on social and political culture. The goal of this study is to understand why men join the incel community, to find ways to mitigate the need for men to join such communities. A theoretical thematic analysis was conducted using a survey to gain a deeper understanding of why men choose to join the incel community. A decolonial feminist interpretive framework was used to analyze the …

Exploring The Perceptions Of Technology Use Of Clinicians And Their Clients, Chase M. Torbergson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The research question guiding this study was: What is the perceived understanding of technology use by clinicians for their work with clients? Fourteen participants completed an online qualitative survey exploring their experiences with technology and media in clinical practice. A thematic analysis revealed four primary themes. The first theme, variations in counselor online media usage, highlighted differences in how counselors engaged with online platforms for education, client connection, and self-care. The second theme, counselor assessment of, and dialogue around, online media use, captured varying levels of intentionality in exploring clients’ digital habits, ranging from minimal inquiry to regular, structured discussions. …

Initial Validation Of The Measure Of Practical Existential Wellbeing, Bryant L. Moore

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

According to the theory of existential psychology, all humans experience existential anxiety, a negative feeling that results from the understanding of certain unavoidable truths. If left unchecked, existential anxiety can lead to symptoms of mental illness. Much work has been done to explore and measure existential anxiety, but little has focused on protective factors within existential theory. This dissertation proposes the construct of existential wellbeing, representing protective factors corresponding to different existential domains. To assess this construct, a new instrument, the Measure of Practical Existential Wellbeing (MPEW), was developed, distributed, and analyzed in relation to other established measures. The MPEW …

Using Theory Of Planned Behaviour And Stigma To Predict Help-Seeking Behaviours For Mental Health Issues Among Thai College Students, Duong Hoang Anh Tran

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

With the high prevalence of mental health issues, especially among college students, research on help-seeking behaviour is needed. This study aims to investigate the theory of planned behaviour, as well as social stigma and self-stigma as extended factors, in predicting help-seeking intention. Help-seeking intention was measured through the intention to use free-of-charge mental health services provided by the university. A sample of 105 undergraduates studying at Chulalongkorn University answered self-reported questions regarding help-seeking intention, attitude toward help-seeking, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), self-stigma, social stigma, knowledge about mental health, knowledge about mental health services, and informal help-seeking. Results from …

Examining Collaborative Healthcare For Substance Use Disorder: A Case Study Of Brigham And Women's Hospital Bridge Clinic, Megan Bidgood

Psychology Honors Papers

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are clinically underserved due to increased health and psychiatric comorbidities, structural barriers to treatment, stigma, and insufficient resources. This suggests that there is a need for an accessible and culturally competent treatment model. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Bridge Clinic is a multi-disciplinary, low threshold SUD treatment to promote collaborative healthcare and the transitioning of patients to longer-term care. The aim of the current study is to better understand personal accounts of patients and various clinical and non-clinical providers to optimize the BWH Bridge Clinic’s approach to treatment. Patients (N=5) and providers (N=6) participated …

Sensory Processing And Anxiety In Bipolar Disorder, Lyric Arvizu

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Past research suggests that individuals with bipolar disorder often experience differences in sensory gating and sensory processing, and similar patterns have been observed in anxiety disorders. Given that anxiety is highly comorbid with bipolar disorder, the present study examined how these conditions relate to self-reported sensory processing differences. A total of 132 participants (88 female), including 43 with bipolar disorder, were included in the final sample. Anxiety symptomatology was measured via the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y. Sensory processing questionnaires included the Sensory Gating Inventory (SGI) and the Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS). Correlations, t-tests, a multivariate analysis of …

Applied And Conceptual Implications Of Relational Density Theory In Machine Learning And Behavioral Economics, Bentley J. Elliott

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Relational Density Theory (Belisle & Dixon, 2020a) is an advanced conceptualization of Stimulus Equivalence (Sidman & Tailby, 1982) and Relational Frame Theory (Hayes et al., 2001) that allows behavior scientists to measure the strength, formation, and malleability of covert behavioral experiences such as attitudes, biases, and probabilities. Relational density combines principles of behavior with the fundamentals of Newtonian classical mechanics to quantify the dimensions of relational framing as a tool for examining behavior. This thesis contains two studies on relational density in context. The first study utilized relational density theory and principles of behavioral economics to measure attitudes and charitable …

The Effects Of Corporal Punishment In Childhood On Early Adulthood Cortisol And Aggression, Tyler Priest

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The current study aimed to see if experiencing corporal punishment led to more aggressive behaviors as well as higher cortisol levels than in those who did not experience corporal punishment. The study also examined whether self-regulation moderated the relationship between corporal punishment and levels of aggression. Morning cortisol levels were collected from participants, and they completed a demographics survey, an aggression index, a corporal punishment index, and a self-regulatory inventory index. A T-test found that there was not a significant difference in morning cortisol levels between those that experienced corporal punishment and those that had not experienced corporal punishment. A …

Learned Helplessness: An Online Replication And Validation, Arshpreet (Sunny) Kandola

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The current study entails the partial replication of a classic learned helplessness two-phase triadic design experiment within an online learning context and aimed to validate a new attributional style self-report measure designed to identify individual differences in tendencies to develop learned helplessness consistent with the original reformulation of the hypothesis. Further, recent innovations in neuroscientific technology have allowed for a deeper examination of the mechanisms at play, finding support for a major re-interpretation of the theory of learned helplessness - suggesting that helplessness is more so the default passive response, while the active ingredient that is detected or expected (i.e., …

Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc)., Phebe Brako

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Dimensional Prediction Of Borderline Personality Disorder Traits: A Cross-Sample Comparison, Savanah Stinnett

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) presents a significant challenge in clinical diagnosis and treatment due to its pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, affects, and impulsivity, often manifesting in early adulthood. Despite its prevalence, issues with categorical personality disorder (PD) diagnosis have been highlighted, leading to the introduction of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Section III of the DSM-5. This doctoral project seeks to address the current mapping of AMPD traits for BPD by evaluating the comprehensive assessment of traits relevant to BPD to determine whether these traits accurately measure the construct or if supplemental characteristics …

What Is The Meaning Of This? A Proposed Assessment Tool For Exploring Meaning Of Life In The Therapeutic Realm, Logan S. Burris

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

It is likely that since man has first learned to communicate with one another, we have wondered what the meaning of life is. Throughout recorded history, groups of individuals with religious, philosophical, and scientific backgrounds have searched for the answer to this deceptively simple question. Previous research has shown that finding meaning in one’s life can render positive psychological and physiological outcomes for individuals presenting with depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic and terminal illness, and many more. There have been numerous attempts of creating assessments intended to measure a person’s meaning in life, however most of them either do …

Evaluating Online Resources: Providing Parents With Reliable Emotional Intelligence Training Tools, Melissa Van Embden

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The rise of online resources has produced a shift in how parents seek guidance in fostering their child’s emotional intelligence (EI). Yet, the quality and accessibility of these resources remain largely unexamined. This study evaluates the top Google search results generated from six prompts designed to reflect the information-seeking behavior of parents looking to develop their child’s EI. Using an incognito browser, the first 20 links for each prompt were recorded, with Google Gemini AI-generated responses specifically marked. The researcher vetted the recorded links by utilizing a comprehensive checklist assessing professional credibility, communication and engagement features, and pricing. The Findings …

Anxiety And Self-Esteem In Adolescents And Young Adults Undergoing Bariatric Surgery, Julia Nikolajuk

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Bariatric surgery, a medical procedure that alters an individual’s digestive system, has gained popularity in the last several years as a weight loss method. After this surgery, many individuals report improvements with their quality of life as they lose weight, change unhealthy eating patterns, experience a decrease in symptoms of depression, and gain a strong sense of self-esteem. However, research has found increased rates of depressive symptoms and patterns of disordered eating associated with obesity and bariatric surgery, but little research exists regarding anxiety and bariatric surgery with adolescents and young adults. The purpose of this study was to clarify …

Acculturation, Self-Esteem, Family Norms, And Disordered Eating Behaviors In South Asian Women, Angela Abraham

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study investigated the relationships among acculturation, self-esteem, family norms, and disordered eating behaviors among South Asian women living in the United States. Although research suggests culture plays a role in the etiology of eating disorders, little information on the experiences of South Asian women exists. This study sought to fill this gap in the literature. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative survey-based design, 151 South Asian women provided insight into their experiences with family norms, acculturation, self-esteem, and eating behaviors. Results indicated that acculturation was not significantly associated with disordered eating. However, self-esteem was found to be negatively associated with disordered …

Identifying Needs Of School-Age Children With Cardiospondylocarpofacial Syndrome, Erin Henning

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Advancements in genetic testing have led to the identification of many rare genetic conditions, yet comprehensive knowledge of their broader impacts remains limited. Most existing research focuses narrowly on medical outcomes. Cardiospondylocarpofacial Syndrome (CSCF) is an ultra-rare genetic condition for which little is known beyond its physical manifestations. This descriptive case series study examined the behavioral, social, emotional, and academic functioning of eight school-aged children diagnosed with CSCF, as well as the experiences of their families. Participants were recruited from North America, Europe, and Australia via a private Facebook group. Data were collected through an open-ended, written questionnaire completed by …

Promoting Perinatal Mental Well-Being: Empowering Healthcare Professionals, Deborah Flam

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This pilot study aimed to address the critical need to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge and shift their beliefs regarding perinatal mental health disorders through the development and implementation of a targeted educational workshop, “Promoting Perinatal Mental Health Well-Being”, designed to improve their understanding and attitudes toward identifying, treating, and supporting affected individuals. Using a qualitative approach, pre- and post-tests were administered to assess changes in knowledge and beliefs. While statistical significance was not achieved, likely due to a small sample size, prior training among participants, and other limitations, the findings revealed a meaningful shift in provider beliefs. Participants reported increased …

(In)Animate: Exploring The Relationship Between Obsessivecompulsive Disorder, Perceived Thought Control, And Anthropomorphism, Kaitlyn O’Neill

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Introduction: Ritual behaviors help manage uncertainty and anxiety by providing a sense of control, but rigid engagement in such behaviors can indicate obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD). Most OCD research has focused on harm-avoidance versus "not-just-right-experiences" (NJREs), with exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) being less effective for those without clear feared outcomes. Anthropomorphizing, or assigning human traits to objects, complicates OCD treatment, particularly for those with hoarding behaviors.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between OCD with and without hoarding behaviors ("saving" behavior) and anthropomorphism. Given ERP’s role in OCD treatment, understanding how anthropomorphism affects OCD is crucial. It was …

Impact Of Pcos Knowledge And Treatment Recommendations On Women’S Quality Of Life, Sydni Yadin

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder affecting 15–20% of women of reproductive age (Krug et al., 2019). Characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, and ovarian cysts, PCOS is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and infertility (Correa et al., 2015). These complications can significantly diminish women’s quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between women’s knowledge of PCOS health outcomes, providers’ use of lifestyle management interventions, and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and participants completed the PCOS Quality of Life Scale (Williams et al., 2018). It was hypothesized that greater knowledge of PCOS …

A Qualitative Study Of Euphemistic Language And Identity Development Involving Sexual Assault, Keena Stewart

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexual violence refers to a situation in which sexual activity occurs and consent is not obtained or freely given. Sexual violence is a worldwide epidemic that impacts individuals of all communities, genders, ages, and sexual orientations. When considering the impact of sexual violence, the use or misuse of language is fundamental. Furthermore, the recovery process following a sexual assault is directly related to the presence or absence of resiliency factors. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the effects of euphemized language on the identity development of individuals …

Theories Of Child Development & Theories Of Religious And Spiritual Development (Rsd) In Children, Marjorie Lindner Gunnoe

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This essay introduces readers to the foundational theories of child development and the ways in which these theories have been applied or extended to children’s religious and spiritual development (RSD). By “foundational theories,” I mean the theories introduced in the opening chapters of developmental textbooks. This essay is not a theological critique of psychological theories (for this, see Gunnoe, 2022), nor a “state of the field” review of RSD (for this, see Boyatzis, 2023). Rather, it is a primer on the broad theoretical approaches that scaffold contemporary research on RSD.