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There’S Cardio And There’S Cardio: How Fitness And Sexual Attitudes Relate To Needs For Approval And Loneliness, Isaac Robertson

Honors College Theses

This study looked to collectively investigate the relationships of both fitness/sexual activity attitudes with a need for social approval, while also determining if biological sex could play a role in either of these relationships. Additionally, loneliness and mental well-being were examined with the aforementioned variables. Predominantly white (82.5%) females (75%) data were analyzed after completing an online survey (N = 40). Significant relationships were found between fitness attitudes and a need for social approval in women only (r (28) = -.50, p = .005) and between sexual activity attitudes and a need for social approval in men only (r (8) …

Bearing The How: Self-Compassion, Religiosity, And Basic Psychological Needs As Predictors Of Meaning In Life, Benjamin Wenndorf

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

While meaning in life (MIL) has been established as a significant contributor to psychologists’ understanding of wellbeing (Pollet & Schnell, 2017; Steger et al., 2008; Steger et al., 2011), some theorists believe MIL to be the fundamental human drive (Frankl, 1946/1962). Despite the significance that has been placed on MIL as a core component of human existence, little research has explored more than one variable at a time in relationship to MIL. Recent literature has explored self-determination theory’s (SDT) basic psychological needs microtheory as a predictive model for understanding MIL within a greater context of positive psychology (Martela et al., …

Journey Through, Cathan B. Tautfest

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Journey Through is the Master's Portfolio for the University of Montana for Author Cathan Tautfest. This paper serves as the capstone graduation requirement for students of the School of Social Work. Over the final semester of the Master's program, this Portfolio was created, reviewed by committee, and defended before its publication. This Portfolio is a culmination of three years and thousands of hours to demonstrate mastery of the ten Social Work competencies, the elements of Social Work Practice, and critically reflect on time spent in the School of Social Work's Master's of Social Work (MSW) program. This Portfolio reflects on …

Learned Resiliency: Lived Experiences Of First Responders, Kevin Francis Sullivan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Scholarly literature has found that post-traumatic stress impacts first responders; however, little attention has been paid to how first responders learn resiliency through post-traumatic growth (PTG). The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore a gap in the literature of first responders who learned resiliency through posttraumatic growth following a critical incident in the line of duty. The research study was grounded in Heidegger’s philosophy of hermeneutic phenomenology, guided by resiliency theory , and informed by post-traumatic growth theory. Seven first responders from multiple disciplines were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews designed to provide rich and reflective …

Netflix And Kill: The Role Of True Crime Consumption In The Development Of Acquired Capability For Suicide, Chandler Jayne Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) identifies acquired capability as a key factor contributing to suicidal behavior. Previous research has shown that violent media exposure can increase suicidal risk through desensitization, imitation, and trauma activation. However, little is known about the role of true crime consumption (TCC), a popular form of violent media engagement, in relation to IPTS constructs. This study examined whether TCC predicts acquired capability for suicide, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. A total of 215 participants were retained after data cleaning. Hypotheses predicted that higher TCC would be associated with higher acquired capability (H1), that TCC would …

Brain–Computer Interface Integration In Mental Health: Clinician Perspectives On Diagnostic Efficacy And Ethical Implications, Serena D. Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the integration of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology into mental health care, focusing on clinicians' perceptions, ethical concerns, and the practical challenges associated with its adoption. As technological advancements in healthcare continue to reshape clinical practices, understanding how emerging technologies like BCI can be incorporated into therapeutic settings is essential. The purpose of this research was to examine clinician perspectives on the potential benefits of and barriers to BCI and to explore the ethical implications of its use in therapy. Guided by the technology acceptance model and the ethical decision-making framework, this qualitative study utilized semi structured interviews …

A Functional Mri Meta-Analysis Encoding In Alzheimer’S Disease, Joanne Ha

Master's Theses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by episodic memory impairment. Numerous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have examined brain activity differences between individuals with AD and age-matched controls during memory encoding. However, small sample sizes and methodological variability across studies have limited the ability to draw meaningful conclusions regarding brain activity underlying encoding impairments. We conducted a meta-analysis to identify consistent patterns of hyperactivity and hypoactivity in AD during episodic memory encoding. Using PubMed to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria, 1,002 studies were screened; ultimately, seven studies were included in …

The Timing Of Pubertal Onset Affects Adults Anxiety Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Evan Raubenolt

Honors Projects

This study aims to look at the relationship between the timing of pubertal onset and its long-term effects on adult anxiety behavior in rats. Though the topic of pubertal onset has been frequently discussed in developmental research, its exact effects have been inconsistent. Human models have shown that early and late maturing males are associated with a notable increase in adult anxiety behavior, while in rat models, similar sex-specific effects regarding anxiety have been demonstrated, though those studies focus on a causal relationship between exposure to stress and age of pubertal onset. This study first aims to examine that relationship …

Closeness, Conflict, And Achievement: The Role Of Parent–Child Relationships In Homeschooled And Public-Schooled Children, Celeste Gonçalves Tomaz

Honors Capstones

The parent–child relationship has been found to be a predictor of children’s academic and socio-emotional outcomes, with parent-child closeness linked to motivation and persistence (Mo & Singh, 2008; Silinskas & Kikas, 2022) and parent-child conflict associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties (Dotterer et al., 2008; Pinquart, 2017). The homeschooling context may increase these associations since children spend more time with their parents, who have caregiving and instructional roles (Padilla, 2021; Thomas, 2016). Even with growing research on academic and socio-emotional outcomes, few studies have examined whether the strength of the parent–child relationship is influenced negatively or positively by schooling type. …

Islamic Prophetic Counseling: An Intervention Strategy In Developing Students' Noble Character, Hardi Santosa, Ahmad Zaki Annafiri, Iin Inawati, Akhmad Fajar Prasetya, Muhammad Sabri Bin Sahrir

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study aims to test the effectiveness of Islamic prophetic counseling in developing students' noble morals. The research method uses a true experiment involving a control group. The selection of the control group uses the waiting-list control group model, with consideration of the ethical aspects of the study. The research sample involved 244 students captured the profile of noble morals and their spiritual activism. While the hypothesis test involved 50 students who were divided into control and experimental groups. The sample selection was carried out randomly with the random assignment technique. The research data were collected using a noble moral …

Development And Evaluation Of The Sex Positivity Inventory For Counselors, M. Ashley Burks, Jennifer Gerlach, Joshua C. Watson

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

The purpose of the study was to clarify the definition of sex positivity and identify sex-positive attitudes, knowledge, and skills through the development and evaluation of the Sex Positivity Inventory for Counselors (SPI-C). The exploratory factor analysis supported a six-factor, 34-item scale, accounting for 32.9% of the variance within the study. The SPI-C had an excellent internal consistency of 0.96 and consisted of the following factors: 1) Procedural Sex Positivity, 2) Comfortability with Sexuality, 3) Perceived Sex Positivity, 4) Fundamental Sex Education, 5) Sexological Worldview, and 6) Unconditional Positive Sexual Regard. Implications for practice, counselor education, and supervision are discussed.

A Quantitative Study Exploring The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Fibromyalgia Symptoms And The Moderating Role Of Attachment To God, Darlene M. Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Fibromyalgia, also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain throughout the body, insomnia, tenderness and inflammation at specific pressure points on the body. This research aimed to explore the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and FMS symptom severity. In addition, this study examined if attachment to God is a moderator of the relationship between ACEs and FMS symptoms, and if adults with four or more ACEs have higher levels of FMS symptoms than those with three or fewer ACEs. The sample consists of 99 (n = 99) participants diagnosed with FMS recruited online. …

A Pilot Study Of Life Model Informed Therapy And Its Efficacy For Reducing Anxiety And Increasing Joy In Adults, William R. Mouer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This pilot study researched Life Model Informed Therapy (LMIT), a modality developed into a six-week treatment targeted to decrease anxiety and increase joy in adults that self-reported as having anxiety. Fourteen participants were recruited by Facebook ads in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Outcome data were collected using the State Joy Scale (SJS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Participants received the same LMIT treatment for six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions. Participants self-reported on their joy and anxiety levels at three periods of time, including a pre-treatment, post-treatment and one month after-treatment test. Two one-way RM-ANOVA tests were conducted. Results of …

Examining The Relationship Between Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (Tbri®), Placement Stability, And The Voluntary Placement Disruption Of Minor Children In Substitute Caregiving Environments, Kelsey Tiernan-Coleman Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Placement stability is associated with positive outcomes for minors in substitute caregiving environments. Numerous variables are related to placement stability, but there is a paucity of data highlighting specific interventions that improve placement stability. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)® has been studied extensively in child welfare populations, with promising results, including improved caregiver-child attachment and decreased child internalizing and externalizing behavior, psychiatric symptomology, and caregiver burnout and stress. However, TBRI® has not been studied exclusively in relation to placement stability. This mixed-methods design study examined the relationship between TBRI®, including the degree and timing of exposure, placement stability, and voluntary placement …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The Relationship Between Diet, Anxiety, And Depression And The Moderating Effect Of Cbt, Deborah J. Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques including cognitive restructuring and positive affirmations affect the relationship between dietary patterns and depression and anxiety symptoms. Research has established that CBT and diet affect depression and anxiety independently, but less research examines their collective impact. The study included 154 adult participants who filled out the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 alongside a Dietary Habits Checklist and a CBT Engagement Checklist during the previous two weeks. The results from multiple linear regressions showed no statistically significant moderation effects of CBT engagement on the relationship between diet and depression …

Changing How Foster Care Begins: A Qualitative Study To Assess The Success Of One Specific Nonprofit, Madeline Ewoldt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Most foster parents feel they do not receive adequate emotional support, funding, and preparation for their foster children in their care, which can lead to turnover, placement disruptions, and additional unnecessary caregiver changes for foster children. Attachment Theory explains children need consistent, warm, and loving caregiver relationships for healthy emotional, cognitive, and social development (Bowlby, 2018). For children in foster care, these relationships are already disrupted, therefore intervention for foster parent resiliency must be analyzed. The Bible calls Christians to care for the orphans, which leaves a large responsibility on Christians to care for those in foster care. There is …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Common Themes Among Individuals Who Have Broken Generational Cycles Of Conflict Avoidance, Codependency, And People Pleasing, Joseph Daniel Mcginnis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many healthy and unhealthy adult behaviors are transmitted from parent to child as generational behavior cycles. Conflict avoidance, codependency, and people-pleasing are all unhealthy relationship dynamics that are generationally passed down in such a way. Breaking these generational cycles of unhealthy relationship dynamics is often difficult. The goal of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the common themes among individuals who have broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, co-dependency, and people-pleasing. The study consisted of 17 participants who were identified as having broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, codependency, or people-pleasing. Each participant was either previously involved …

Investigating Personality Themes And Constructs Among Professional Horse Trainers, Jenny Norton Schamber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The relationship between horses and humans has evolved and now horses are a part of therapy, leisure activities, competitions, and companionship with humans, and this evolution beckons further research into aspects that contribute to positivity in this relationship. This research examined the themes of personality among professional horse trainers by utilizing the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), and semi-structured interviews. To be included in the study, participants needed to be at least 18 years of age, live in the United States, and receive at least half of their yearly income from training horses. There were …

Exploring The Relationship Between Loneliness And Real-Time Measurements Of Gsr And Hrv During Concept Mapping, And Cortisol And Oxytocin Levels, Jangwon Seo

Masters Theses

This study attempts to explore loneliness among college students from a bio-physio-psycho-social perspective, and it utilizes real-time physiological measurements (GSR and HRV) and biomarkers (cortisol and oxytocin) in conjunction with psychosocial assessments. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involve concept mapping exercises, with the aim of comprehending the full nature of how loneliness interacts with physiological and psychological processes. At Time 1 (T1) we found significant positive correlations between loneliness and elevated GSR levels, which is indicative of increased sympathetic arousal (r = .35, p < .01). Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between loneliness and mean RR intervals in HRV that indicated autonomic dysregulation featured by increased sympathetic activities as well as reduced parasympathetic functions (r = -.28, p < .05). However, at Time 2 (T2), these correlations were not significant indicating possible temporal fluctuations due to adaptive responses or extraneous variables such social support systems or coping mechanisms. The qualitative data from concept mapping enriched the analysis by providing deeper insights into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying loneliness. Despite limitations like demographic skewness, funding constraints, logistical challenges, etc., this, therefore, highlights the need for multidimensional investigations of psychological phenomena. This has implications for future research as well as clinical practice, which could include using these integrative measures to develop holistic interventions for mental health disorders.

An Examination Of Psychosocial Factors Related To Male Serial Killers, Rachael Elizabeth Tubbs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, studies on serial murderers have not concentrated in depth on analyzing what psychosocial factors are or how they could influence a man to become a serial killer. The focus of this qualitative study was on the psychosocial characteristics of male serial killers that are from, and based in, the United States. Using a case study analysis approach, the life course of serial killers in the FGCU Radford Database was analyzed to identify themes of adverse childhood experiences such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuse; abandonment by parent or guardian; limited or no social bonds; witnessing abuse; and signs of …

Narratives Of Sexual Self-Esteem As A Domain Of Sexual Well-Being In Cisgender Women’S Long-Term Intimate Relationships, Lisa Criswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Only within the last few decades has female sexual health become a topic of focus for researchers and practitioners to begin focusing on, leading to a gap in research between female sexual health and male sexual health. This has led to lack of knowledge and understanding on female sexual dysfunction and how interventions can effectively address it. An identified gap in knowledge of female sexual health and self-esteem is the lack of understanding of female narratives. This study was developed with the purpose of filling that gap and addressing domains within sexual health and self-esteem through exploration of the narratives …

Sex, The Body, And Learning Gender: Demons In The World Of The Five Gods, Erin E. Mcbrien

Mythopoeic Society Seminar Proceedings

“Sex, the Body, and Learning Gender” analyzes the relationship between the physical body, sexual orientation, and gender as characterized within Lois McMaster Bujold’s World of the Five Gods series, with a particular emphasis on her Penric and Desdemona novellas. Using the framework of Bussey and Bandura’s social learning theory, and a close reading of Bujold’s text, this paper explores how the demonic characters within this series are an example of gender as a learned concept rather than a biological imperative. This is further developed by examining how the demonic characters both imprint on and contrast against the more societally-bound sorcerers …

Behind Closed Doors, Beyond The Cell: Supporting Children Of Incarcerated Parents, Averi R. Amaro

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

This study examines the overlooked population of children affected by parental incarceration and evaluates intervention programs designed to support them. Grounded in Labeling Theory (Becker, 1963), Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (Merton, 1948), and the Restorative Justice framework (Zehr, 2002), this study explores how stigma, expectation, and repair shape the outcomes for the youth affected by parental incarceration. Drawing from qualitative and quantitative research, it analyzes the emotional, social, and educational effects of incarceration on families, identifying protective factors such as attachment, mentoring, and community support that mitigate delinquency risks. Program evaluations of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, Parenting Inside Out, Project Avary, and …

Comparing Profiles Of Impairment Among Children With Dmdd, Adhd, And Odd, Joanna Christmas

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) has a high comorbidity rate with ADHD (Bruno et al., 2019), meaning that many children referred for ADHD evaluation may also meet criteria for DMDD. Additionally, the two disorders can have some similarity in how they present. Thus, clinicians who frequently assess children for ADHD could benefit from being aware of how measures commonly used in ADHD evaluations can also be useful in identifying characteristics of DMDD as well as patterns of impairment more specific to DMDD. The present study explored possible differences in parent and teacher ratings of child peer impairment as well as …

Mi Cuerpo, Mi Salud: A Brief Sexual Health Pilot Intervention For The Promotion Of Latina Sti Testing, Ariana Cervantes-Borges

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Disparate rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) contraction among Latinas and emerging adults highlight glaring public health issues that warrant brief and digital STI testing interventions to promote service acquisition. Latinas may experience a greater negative impact of STIs compared to men, indicating a need to target this population group. Prior studies have noted STI testing intentions and acquisition in Latina populations to be largely impacted by four components: education, stigma, social support, and self-efficacy. Given recent funding cuts for STI research, a brief and digital intervention may circumvent costs associated with traditional intervention implementation. The current study aimed to …

Observed Parenting, Parent-Child Aggression, And Intimate Partner Violence As Predictive Of Family Dysfunction, Paige Munshell

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Family systems theories contextualize violence as occurring across multiple levels of the family, yet much of the existing literature focuses on a single family member’s outcome (i.e., the child) and neglects to include data collected from fathers. This study examined the associations between indicators of functioning at the dyadic-level in the family system—observed parenting, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetration, and Parent-Child Aggression (PCA) risk—and later overall family dysfunction. Participants were 180 mothers and 144 of their male partners evaluated when their child was 18 months old and re-evaluated at 4 years old. Measures of observed parenting, IPV perpetration, and PCA …

Schema, Stigma, And The “We-Them” Divide: Perspectives On Ageism From Everyday Life To Healthcare, Temple D. West

English Theses & Dissertations

Ageism remains a pervasive and often underexamined form of discrimination, affecting older adults across both everyday and clinical contexts. This paper explores how cognitive schemas—mental frameworks that shape perception and experience—and stigma interact to reinforce a “we–them” divide between and older patients and healthcare providers, as well as between older and younger individuals in broader society. Through focus groups and listening to the voices of older patients, this study examines how assumptions of age-based decline are embedded in society and inform schemas of ageism. It considers how those schemas shape the spoiled identity of older people as a stigmatized group, …

Associations Between Trait Mindfulness And Distress In Fertility Patients: Evidence From Two Clinical Samples, Amanda Dillard, Brian Meier, Todd Williams, Michael Wolfe, Mili Thakur

Psychology Faculty Publications

Women who experience fertility problems often report high levels of distress. Trait mindfulness, or the tendency to be present-minded and accepting of one’s thoughts and feelings, could offset this distress. Aims: In two cross-sectional studies, we tested if fertility patients who were higher in trait mindfulness were lower in psychological distress as measured by anxiety and depressive symptoms, fertility-specific distress, and anticipated negative emotions. Method: Study 1 (N = 324; Age M = 34.3; 90% White) included women who had recently sought treatment for fertility problems, and Study 2 (N = 102; Age M = 32.9; …

An Investigation Of Collateral Activity Effects On Behavior Maintained By A Drl 72‑Second Schedule, Cassidy M. Graham

Masters Theses

Impulsivity is a key behavioral trait with broad implications for clinical disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, and substance use disorders SUD, where impaired inhibitory control contributes to maladaptive outcomes. In preclinical research, animal models provide valuable tools for examining behavioral processes associated with impulsivity. The Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL) schedule, offers a precise measure of response inhibition and timing by requiring subjects to withhold responses for reinforcement. This study employed DRL72s schedule to investigate impulsive action in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, with an emphasis on sex-based differences and the potential influence of environmental factors. …

Burden Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders In Kenyan Children, Symon Kariuki, Patricia Kipkemoi, Martha Kombe, Mary Bitta, Jacqueline Phillips Owen, Amina Abubakar, Charles Newton

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Importance: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability contribute to one-tenth of the global burden of mental and neurologic disorders. The burden of NDDs is not well documented in Africa.

Objective:To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities of NDDs in young Kenyan children.

Design, setting and participants: This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 to 9 years residing in the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Kenya. In stage I of the study, children were screened for NDDs from March 16, 2015, to September 14, 2016; those …