Digital Commons Network^™

The Ddhd2-Stxbp1 Interaction Mediates Long-Term Memory Via Generation Of Saturated Free Fatty Acids, Isaac O Akefe, Saber H Saber, Benjamin Matthews, Bharat G Venkatesh, Rachel S Gormal, Daniel G Blackmore, Suzy Alexander, Emma Sieriecki, Yann Gambin, Jesus Bertran-Gonzalez, Nicolas Vitale, Yann Humeau, Arnaud Gaudin, Sevannah A Ellis, Alysee A Michaels, Mingshan Xue, Benjamin Cravatt, Merja Joensuu, Tristan P Wallis, Frédéric A Meunier

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The phospholipid and free fatty acid (FFA) composition of neuronal membranes plays a crucial role in learning and memory, but the mechanisms through which neuronal activity affects the brain's lipid landscape remain largely unexplored. The levels of saturated FFAs, particularly of myristic acid (C14:0), strongly increase during neuronal stimulation and memory acquisition, suggesting the involvement of phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity in synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that genetic ablation of the PLA1 isoform DDHD2 in mice dramatically reduces saturated FFA responses to memory acquisition across the brain. Furthermore, DDHD2 loss also decreases memory performance in reward-based learning and spatial memory …

Effects Of Foster Children’S Epigenetics In Abusive Environments, Shamika Ellis, Theresa Moore

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Abstract: Effects of Foster Children’s Epigenetics in Abusive Environments

Shamika Ellis, Theresa A. Moore, Hannah B. White, PhD

This presentation will review the literature on the epigenetics of abused foster children, and the subsequent acute, delayed, and long-term physiological, cognitive, and behavioral effects. One study experimentally investigated the effects of sexual and physical abuse on 150 foster children from 8 to 19 years of age and found post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was diagnosed in 64% of children who experienced sexual abuse and 42% of children who experienced physical abuse Further, of the foster children who had not experienced either form …

Exploring Best Practices In Umsl’S Collaborative Laboratory Internship And Mentoring Blueprint (Climb) Program, Dakota Warren

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The Collaborative Laboratory Internships and Mentoring Blueprint (CLIMB) was inspired by the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Jennings School District’s desire to address the opportunity gap among minority students in the St. Louis region. Since its inception in 2015, CLIMB has expanded to meet the needs of local students to reduce the opportunity gap facing disadvantaged local school districts.

2023 Ulm Student Research Symposium Proceedings, Burton Ashworth

Multidisciplinary Psychology: A Journal of Collaboration

This is the results and proceedings from the 2023 ULM Student Research Symposium.

Blood Epigenome-Wide Association Studies Of Suicide Attempt In Adults With Bipolar Disorder, Salahudeen Mirza, Camila N C Lima, Alexandra Del Favero-Campbell, Alexandre Rubinstein, Natasha Topolski, Brenda Cabrera-Mendoza, Emese H C Kovács, Hilary P Blumberg, Jenny Gringer Richards, Aislinn J Williams, John A Wemmie, Vincent A Magnotta, Jess G Fiedorowicz, Marie E Gaine, Consuelo Walss-Bass, Joao Quevedo, Jair C Soares, Gabriel R Fries

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Suicide attempt (SA) risk is elevated in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD), and DNA methylation patterns may serve as possible biomarkers of SA. We conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of blood DNA methylation associated with BD and SA. DNA methylation was measured at >700,000 positions in a discovery cohort of n = 84 adults with BD with a history of SA (BD/SA), n = 79 adults with BD without history of SA (BD/non-SA), and n = 76 non-psychiatric controls (CON). EWAS revealed six differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and seven differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between BD/SA and BD/non-SA, with multiple immune-related …

The Phenomenology Of Abstract Awe: A Qualitative Study Of Lived Experiences In Psychedelic Virtual Reality, Jacob Spinks

Psychology ETDs

This thesis investigates individuals' experiences with SoundSelf, a virtual reality (VR) program inspired by psychedelic experience, focusing on its capacity to evoke awe and other self-transcendent experiences. Conducted with fifteen participants, the study involved a single VR session followed by in-depth phenomenological interviews. Through a thematic analysis, three primary themes were constructed: (a) emotions and feelings, the good and the bad; (b) non-reflective engagements, directly living experience; and (c) reflective engagements, exploring curiosity and wonder. The findings indicate that while SoundSelf can elicit a wide array of emotions and self-transcendent experiences, it does not consistently induce awe. This research contributes …

Determining The More Effective Behavior Analytic Intervention For Children With Autism Who Exhibit Pica Behaviors, Jennifer J. Lanham

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Determining the More Effective Behavior Analytic Intervention for Children With Autism Who Exhibit Pica Behaviors. Jennifer J. Lanham, 2024: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: autism, pica, eating disorders, intervention, applied behavior analysis

This dissertation was designed to determine which behavior analytic intervention was more effective in the treatment and reduction of mouthing non-nutritive substances in children diagnosed with autism. This study included four participants in an A-B-A reversal design with a component analysis across four intervention phases. The study participants were enrolled in a center-based treatment environment …

The Effect Of Yoga On Affect And Optimism In Adolescents, Philip Allessi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Female Medical Students’ Lived Experiences Of Financial Stress And Coping, Untara Shaikh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Literature Review Nature-Based Art Therapy Exploring Connections And Relationships, Janell Lopez-Curtis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy is a modality used in clinical psychotherapy. It is supported through both quantitative and qualitative research. Branching out from art therapy is nature-based art therapy. This branch of expressive therapies holds the potential to be beneficial as art therapy due to the interconnected access to the scientific fields of ecology, ecopsychology, art therapy, expressive therapies, and other nature-based therapeutic activities; this includes intersectionality in ecological theories such as ecofeminism and deep ecology as well. Through an exploration of literature, this paper will provide definitions and theory-based support through reviewing clinical psychotherapy, evidence-based practices, and art therapy theories. The …

Grit, Resilience, Well-Being, And Family Structure’S Relationship With College Attendance, Joshua Ireland

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Bullying Involvement And Depression Among Youth With Adhd: Is Positive Parenting Protective?, Jessica A. Simmons

Dissertations - ALL

Abstract Background: Youth with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased independent risk for bullying involvement or depression yet the topic of bullying involvement and depression in ADHD is poorly understood and largely considered without a guiding theoretical framework. Research on the relation between ADHD and bullying is still in its early stages and less is known about the risk and protective factors that may contribute to the development or buffering of depression in these youth. Family factors such as positive parenting promote resilience in children with ADHD, help reduce the risk for youth depression and help to …

Pediatric Chronic Pain And Anxiety And Depression Symptoms: The Association With Parenting Stress, Alison Vrabec

Theses - ALL

As many as 38% of children experience chronic pain, and of these children about 26% have a comorbid mental health diagnosis. Parents of children with a chronic health condition demonstrate elevations in stress when compared to parents with healthy children. It is likely that when chronic pain is comorbid with mental health disorders, parents may experience greater stress. Social isolation and financial burdens may be associated with parenting stress, which may be even higher in parents of children with chronic pain compared to parents of children without chronic pain. While most pediatric chronic pain literature focuses on how parenting behaviors …

The Moderating Effect Of Ethnicity On The Relationship Between Type Of Healthcare Professional And Antihypertensive Medication Adherence, Oluwaseyi Oluwadamilola Adebayo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between South Texas Latino High School Graduation And Acculturative Stressors, Selmo Cristo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Sleep Attitudes As An Indirect Predictor Of Risk For Metabolic Syndrome In First Year College Students, Sophie Hirsch, Hannah Peach, Trudy L. Moore-Harrison, Philip Zendels, Aria Ruggiero, Jane F. Gaultney

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Background: Habit formation can be a challenge for first-year students. Research has suggested that regardless of sleep knowledge, favorable sleep attitudes predict better sleep.

Aim: Our aim was to investigate whether sleep attitudes directly or indirectly predicted risk for metabolic syndrome via sleep.

Method: Students completed self-report and physiological measures. Participants wore wristwatches to collect sleep data. Path analyses investigated the direct or indirect effect of sleep attitude on risk for metabolic syndrome via subjective sleep (sleep quality, duration, risk for apnea) and objective sleep (sleep efficiency, duration, subjective risk for apnea).

Results: In our subjective analysis that sleep attitudes …

Chronic Pain Interventions: Considering Hypnotherapy As A Viable Treatment Option, Madelyn Isom

Student Works

Chronic pain is a widespread and debilitating condition, demanding advancements in current interventions. Conventional medical paradigms have traditionally treated the mind and body separately, but advancement has advocated shifts toward more integrated mind-body approaches to address holistic health. Despite prevailing skepticism and friction within patient-doctor relationships surrounding hypnosis, there is substantial support for its use as a pain management tool (Declercq, 2023; Thompson et al., 2019). This analysis explores the potential of hypnosis as a viable treatment for chronic pain, highlighting its merits and addressing current research limitations. Noteworthy findings underscore hypnosis’ distinctive influence on the physical body through mental …

Sense Of Belonging Of Underrepresented Students: Role Of Faculty Inclusiveness And Online Versus Campus Learning, Elisavet Chaoua Intoumpor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Physician Nonverbal Immediacy And African American Patient Treatment Adherence Moderated By Gender, Ariana Salena Mcarthur

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Perceptions Of Single Parents Raising A Child Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder With Behavioral And Emotional Concerns, Peterann Marie Blackstock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Phenomenology Of Incels With Aggrieved Entitlement Who Participate In Online Communities, Catherine Patterson-Sterling

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Peer Recovery Support Effects On Substance Abuse In Rural Outpatient Community Behavioral Health, Melissa Bruce

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

An Existential-Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experience Of Being A White Undergraduate Psychology Student In A Multicultural Counseling Course, Mona Lynnette Swallow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This existential-phenomenological study sought to explore the experiences of White undergraduate psychology students enrolled in a multicultural counseling course to gain an understanding of how White students described their lived experiences while enrolled in the course. This was accomplished by conducting virtual interviews with nine participants recruited through an online university announcement. Three key experiential constituents emerged from the data supporting previous research of the conflicts White students experience as they process understanding their racialized identities as members of the dominant ethnic-racial group in U.S. society in context to the topics discussed in the course. This lack of understanding was …

Unveiling The Cognitive Impact: An Exploratory Study On Food Insecurity And Value-Driven Attentional Capture, Nichole S. Hogoboom

Master's Theses

Food insecurities have been shown to lead to serious negative health outcomes such as increased risk for diabetes and obesity in adulthood, food-related mental health and behavioral issues, all of which can have a crossover effect in many areas of a person’s life. This experiment explores whether previous history of food insecurity is associated with how people allocate attention to pictures of food; whether they are prioritizing or ignoring food stimuli in their environment. We hypothesized that the severity of food insecurity experienced in childhood would correlate with attentional bias towards food images, and that how hungry or thirsty participants …

Examining The Role Of Mononormative Beliefs, Stigma, And Internalized Consensual Non-Monogamy Negativity For Dehumanization, David L. Rodrigues, Thomas R. Brooks, Rhonda N. Balzarini, Amy C. Moors, Diniz Lopes

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Interest in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships has been increasing in the general population in recent years. However, given the cultural dominance of monogamy and the normative expectations often imposed through socialization (i.e., mononormativity), people in CNM relationships may experience negativity, which can become internalized and harm their individual and relationship health. The present study investigated if mononormativity beliefs and CNM relationship stigma were associated with more dehumanization and if internalized CNM negativity was an underlying mechanism for these associations. Results showed that participants who endorsed more mononormative beliefs and CNM relationship stigma also reported more internalized CNM negativity. In turn, …

Supportive Supervision And Resiliency Ohio - Resilience Alliance Facilitator Manual, Quality Improvement Center For Workforce Development (Qic-Wd)

Intervention Summaries

No abstract provided.

Supportive Supervision And Resiliency Ohio - Resilience Alliance Participant Handbook, Quality Improvement Center For Workforce Development (Qic-Wd)

Intervention Summaries

No abstract provided.

Trauma, Hostile Attribution Bias, Substance Use, And Aggression Among Justice Involved Individuals With Severe Mental Illness, Emily Sarah Miller

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Previous literature has supported the significant impacts of trauma on aggression as well as the exploration of various other complex, multidimensional factors that maintain the mechanisms of this relationship. This study aimed to further understand the relationship between trauma experiences and aggression, while also examining the possible strengthening impact of hostile attribution bias (HAB), substance use, and severe mental illness (SMI) on this cycle of violence among justice-involved individuals (JII). This study seeks to add to the limited literature of HAB within adult, forensic populations. A total of 82 participants were recruited from an alternative-to-incarceration program and completed a survey …

The Image Of Schizophrenia In Spain's Healthcare System, Meghan Webb

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

Schizophrenia affects thousands of people in Spain and is one of the most serious mental health disorders in existence. Despite its this characteristic, schizophrenia did not always get the proper attention it deserved within the country’s healthcare system. This was largely due to the influence that the Spanish government had, and continues to have, over the healthcare system, giving it the power to choose how the disorder was represented. Therefore, what does that mean for schizophrenia in Spain’s healthcare system today? This essay will explore the ways in which schizophrenia was represented in Spain’s healthcare system through an examination of …

The Efficacy Of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Compared To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Drug Counseling For Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Morris D. Franco, Ma, Ms

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

In 2021, drug overdoses were the leading cause of death in the US for those under age 50, with a toll of 100,306 lives, an increase of 28.5% from 2020 (Center for Disease Control, 2021). This increasing toll makes it imperative to identify effective research-based treatments. Psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) is an option for treating substance-use disorder (SUD); however, few studies have examined its effectiveness. This meta-analysis builds on Warshaw’s 2022 meta-analysis of studies on the efficacy of PDT in treating SUDs. We conducted a between-groups analysis of randomized controlled trials, analyzing post-treatment and follow-up differences between PDT and cognitive behavioral …