Digital Commons Network^™

A Laboratory-Based Experimental Test Of Reasons For Living: Effects On Behavioral Approach Toward A Suicide-Related Stimulus, Sasha Micaella Rojas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are few laboratory-based experiments that examine the effects of suicide-related risk or protective factors on suicide-related outcomes. Consistent with extant evidence-based theoretical models and treatments for suicidal behavior, it appears that increasing awareness of reasons for living may reduce risk for suicidal behavior. Thus, the current study represents an initial effort to experimentally examine the impact of bringing awareness to one’s most important reason for living on behavioral approach towards a suicide-related stimulus. Random assignment was used to assign an unselected undergraduate sample of 78 participants to complete either a script-driven imagery procedure specific to the most important reason …

Personality And Affiliation Involving A Cooperative Task In Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Dyads, Kimberly Bagley

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Cooperation may be related to personality in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) dyads. Five bottlenose dolphin pairs at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), Honduras, were presented with an apparatus released a food reward if opened cooperatively. I created personality profiles of each dolphin with traits grouped in two different contexts: dolphin-dolphin and dolphin-world. I hypothesized that success of the cooperative task would be related to similarities in socialization and dissimilar in interacting with objects. None of the dolphin pairs cooperated to open the apparatus. I then analyzed individual personalities in relation to the dolphins’ individual and mutual interactions with …

Association Between Toxoplasma Gondii Seropositivity And Memory Function In Non-Demented Older Adults, Cynthia Elizabeth Wyman, Shawn D. Gale, Ariana Hedges-Muncy, Lance D. Erickson, Eric Wilson, Dawson W. Hedges

Faculty Publications

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) seropositivity may be associated with decreased memory in older adults. To further investigate the association between T. gondii seropositivity and memory in nondemented older adults, we obtained serum samples from 114 non-demented older adults evaluated by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri, USA. We determined T. gondii seropositivity and anti-T. gondii IgG antibody titer and examined associations with memory function while controlling for socioeconomic status, education level, age, and apolipoprotein E4 status. There were few associations between T. gondii seropositivity or anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and memory, although there …

Minority Stress And Leukocyte Gene Expression In Sexual Minority Men Living With Treated Hiv Infection, Annesa Flentje, Kord M. Kober, Adam W. Carrico, Torsten B. Neilands, Elana Flowers, Nicholas C. Heck, Bradley E. Aouizerat

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Sexual minority (i.e., non-heterosexual) individuals experience poorer mental and physical health, accounted for in part by the additional burden of sexual minority stress occurring from being situated in a culture favoring heteronormativity. Informed by previous research, the purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between sexual minority stress and leukocyte gene expression related to inflammation, cancer, immune function, and cardiovascular function. Sexual minority men living with HIV who were on anti-retroviral medication, had viral load < 200 copies/mL, and had biologically confirmed, recent methamphetamine use completed minority stress measures and submitted blood samples for RNA sequencing on leukocytes. Differential gene expression and pathway analyses were conducted comparing those with clinically elevated minority stress (n = 18) and those who did not meet the clinical cutoff (n = 20), covarying reactive urine toxicology results for very …

Changing Nonhuman Impulsive Choice, C. Renee Renda

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Preference for smaller-sooner over larger-later rewards characterizes one type of impulsivity—impulsive choice. Impulsive choice is related to a number of maladaptive behaviors including substance abuse, pathological gambling, and poor health behaviors. As such, interventions designed to reduce impulsive choice may have therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore two methods to change nonhuman impulsive choice. In doing so, we hope to provide a baseline that future research can use to assess variables that are less amenable to human research (e.g., drug self-administration following reductions in impulsive choice). In Chapter 2, we failed to reduce nonhuman impulsive choice …

Lifetime Estrogen Exposure And Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: Implications For Cognitive Decline In Late Life, Joshua M. Matyi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Cache County Study on Memory in Aging (CCSMA) is a longitudinal population-based study which took place in Cache County, Utah. The study followed 5092 older-adult residents (aged 65+) for approximately 12 years to examine risk and protective factors for dementia. Participants completed dementia screening and follow-up assessments across four triennial visits. Additionally, researchers gathered information regarding demographics, reproductive history (e.g. age of menopause; hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) and other health-related factors, such as physical activity. Genotyping of DNA was completed for a genetic variation of genes for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein found in the brain associated with …

Out In Appalachia: Leaving The Closet In The Mountains, Jeffrey C. Cawood

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts by Jeffrey C. Cawood, Jr. on April 28, 2018.

Detecting Suicide Risk From Wristworn Activity Tracker Data Using Machine Learning Approaches, Pallavi Atluri

Electrical Engineering Theses

Suicide is a prevalent cause of death worldwide and depression is a primary concern of many suicidal acts. It is possible that an individual during depression never has any suicidal thoughts at all. On the other hand, some individuals in stable condition with no apparent symptoms of depression feel urges to commit suicide (suicidal ideation). Many such individuals never let anyone know what they are feeling or planning. Suicidal ideation considered an important precursor to suicidal acts.

Detecting the suicide risk in individuals with mood disorders is a major challenge. The current clinical practice to assess suicide risk in these …

Performance Anxiety And The Benefits Of Proper Breathing For Singing, Kate Zecher

Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to help those with Music Performance Anxiety, or anxiety in general, better understand their anxiety and its causes. They can then use this knowledge to reduce or control their symptoms in order to improve their performance, whether on a stage or in a classroom. One of the main symptoms of Music Performance Anxiety is constriction of the chest. It is one of the most debilitating symptoms to singers as it causes shortness of breath. Therefore, focusing on anxiety in relation to breathing will most benefit those with Music Performance Anxiety. In addition, learning about …

Do Calories Count? Examining The Impact Of Calorie Awareness On Food Selection, April V. Rose

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study examined whether purchasing behavior of patrons in a college campus café changed when calorie information was provided. It compared weekly sales on food items before and after calorie information was posted for a group of target items (n = 6) that had calorie counts posted in fall 2017 and two groups of comparison items. Archival sales data were collected using the existing point-of-sale system. Sales of target items, which had calories displayed next to them, dropped significantly when compared with sales of the same items during the previous year. Sales of target items also dropped significantly when compared …

Do Calories Count? Examining The Impact Of Calorie Awareness On Food Selection, April V. Rose

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study examined whether purchasing behavior of patrons in a college campus cafe changed when calorie information was provided. It compared weekly sales on food items before and after calorie information was posted for a group of target items (n = 6) that had calorie counts posted in fall 2017 and two groups of comparison items. Archival sales data were collected using the existing point-of-sale system. Sales of target items, which had calories displayed next to them, dropped significantly when compared with sales of the same items during the previous year. Sales of target items also dropped significantly when compared …

Heart Rate Variability: The Effects Of Self-Compassion, John Beckius

Psychology Student Work

Psychologists are interested in self-compassion and its effects on our biopsychological well-being. A common method found throughout much research in assessing this is through heart rate variability. In the present study, we attempt to see whether or not self-compassion has an impact on one’s heart rate variability as a higher HRV indicates one is better able to adapt to stress. Self-compassion was measured through a self-compassion survey and we hypothesized that heart rate variability would then be prone to change across three 5-minute test intervals. We unfortunately found no significant change in HRV predicted by our hypothesis. Given the results …

Heart Rate Variability: Impact Of Neuroticism And Social Isolation, John Beckius

Psychology Student Work

Psychologists are interested in self-compassion and its effects on our biopsychological well-being. A common method found throughout much research in assessing this is through heart rate variability. In the present study, we attempt to see whether or not self-compassion has an impact on one’s heart rate variability as a higher HRV indicates one is better able to adapt to stress. Self-compassion was measured beforehand through an online self-compassion survey that contained subscales measuring neuroticism. We also tested to see if social isolation would have an impact on HRV. Social isolation was implemented through a computer program game titled CyberBall, …

Effects Of Social Isolation On Heart Rate Variabilty, Hailey Tanner, Jason Omann, Nathaniel T. Lutmer, John Beckius

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

The present study looked at the interaction and effects of social isolation on
heart rate variability (HRV). Participants in this study included
undergraduate (N=20) students from St. Johns University and the College
of Saint Benedict. This study included an online survey that measured
neuroticism as well as an online program participants played called
CyberBall. After participants took the neuroticism survey they were
attached to a BioPac machine using electrodes that monitored their heart
rate variability while they played two rounds CyberBall. Heart rate
variability was collected for a total of twenty minutes. We hypothesized that
social isolation would decrease heart …

Who Is Really Pulling The Strings? Personality Profile And Threat Assessment Of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, Jacob J. W. Wankel

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

The purpose of this study was to construct a personality profile as a basis for conducting a threat assessment of Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The study was conducted from the conceptual perspective of Theodore Millon, as adapted by Aubrey Immelman for at-a-distance assessment of personality in politics. Psychodiagnostically relevant data regarding Kim were collected from a multitude of open-source media reports and expert analyses. These data were then compiled, categorized, and coded using Immelman’s Millon Inventory of Diagnostic Criteria (MIDC), which yields 34 normal and maladaptive personality classifications largely congruent with the …

Heart Rate Variability And Empathy, Suntina Spehar, Elizabeth Walter, Andrea Molus, Katarina Sulzle

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This study sought to determine if there is a correlation between an individual’s heart rate variability (HRV) and their score on the Empathy Quotient test. This experiment was designed as an ABAB model, where a baseline experiment is run, and then an experimental run follows. A baseline measurement was taken for each participant. Then participants were instructed to either read an emotionally triggering excerpt from Browning’s Reflection on a Massacre first or a neutral excerpt from The Constitution of Liberty by Friedrich Hayek. The participants were then be instructed to stop reading the excerpt to have them return to baseline …

The Political Personality Of President Donald Trump In Office, Meghan Keaveny, Jamie L. Mccarthy, Thomas Baker, Emily Berg, Erin Titus, Cassidy Smith

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Psychodiagnostically relevant data regarding U.S. president Donald Trump were collected from media reports published since his inauguration on January 20, 2017, and synthesized into a personality profile using the Millon Inventory of Diagnostic Criteria (MIDC). The poster summarizes the results of the at-a-distance psychological assessment.

Positive Organizational Leadership: Some Recent Findings In Positive Organizational Scholarship, Lawrence Chan

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

The study of positivity is multifaceted, with roots across psychology, philosophy, and more recently organizational behavior (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997; 2014). This review article highlights the framework from which the study of positivity originates, and then explores positive behaviors in the workplace that have correlated to increases in fulfillment, productivity, engagement, and leadership capacity (Cameron & Dutton, 2003). This essay reveals core components of positive organizational scholarship (POS), notably the interaction of positivity within job demands and job resources, positive employee engagement, and positive deviance, and uncovers some recent findings of these POS components in empirical research and application within human resource …

Parenting Behavior And Child Emotion Regulation During A Delay Task, Hannah Gillespie, Karina Cole, Rachel Mayhaus, Kristy Nine, Rebecca Ashley, Shari L. Kidwell

Celebration of Student Scholarship Poster Sessions Archive

No abstract provided.

Disclosing An Eating Disorder: A Situational Analysis Of Online Accounts, Emily P. Williams, Shelly Russell-Mayhew, Alana Ireland

The Qualitative Report

Disclosing a mental illness can be difficult, especially for those affected by eating disorders. Individuals impacted by eating disorders often worry that disclosing their situation may lead to fear, judgment, and stigmatization. Online eating disorder communities have become increasingly popular, hosting thousands of users worldwide, and may be safe places for individuals with eating disorders to communicate and connect. In this postmodern study, we utilized situational analysis to examine online accounts on publically accessible websites where individuals discussed disclosing eating disorders. Situational Analysis utilizes illustrative mapping techniques to demonstrate the complexity of the situation of inquiry, allowing researchers to highlight …

Psychopathy To Altruism: Neurobiology Of The Selfish–Selfless Spectrum, James W. H. Sonne, Don M. Gash

Neuroscience Faculty Publications

The age-old philosophical, biological, and social debate over the basic nature of humans as being “universally selfish” or “universally good” continues today highlighting sharply divergent views of natural social order. Here we analyze advances in biology, genetics and neuroscience increasing our understanding of the evolution, features and neurocircuitry of the human brain underlying behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. First, we examine evolutionary pressures for selection of altruistic traits in species with protracted periods of dependence on parents and communities for subsistence and acquisition of learned behaviors. Evidence supporting the concept that altruistic potential is a common feature in human populations …

Allopathic Medicine’S Influence On Indigenous Peoples In The Kumaon Region Of India, Eliana M. Blum

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper focuses on the use of western medicine in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. The goal of this research is to understand which healing practices are preferable in rural villages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 53 participants, including two spiritual healers, two doctors, and one pharmacist. Results indicate that allopathic medicine, otherwise known as modern medicine or western medicine, has become the go-to remedy for even the most remote people in India. Nearly all participants use allopathic medicine, but less than half of the participants experiment with other forms of healing, such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, meditation, and yoga. …

13.1

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Moving On: An Investigation Of Dance Movement Therapy In Ptsd Treatment, Sydney Parker

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

This literature review explores the ways dance movement therapy can treat post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. By analyzing and synthesizing the current literature on the relationship between the two, we can more clearly understand how dance movement therapy can treat PTSD, as well as where more research is needed. Looking closer at the w ays dance movement therapy relieves symptoms of PTSD allows its effectiveness to be evaluated. Thus far we have seen many advantages to dance movement therapy, including its inherent connection to the body, how well it works with other therapies, its non-goal-oriented and accepting nature, and its …

Preventing Eating Disorders By Promoting Media Literacy And Rejecting Harmful Dieting Based Mentalities, Mckayla Kagie

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

This review investigates the main contributing factors of an eating disorder and how one can facilitate eating disorder prevention. A brief summary of eating disorders and their history is provided. The diet mentality and the negative consequences associated with that mentality are examined. The term “diet mentality” is used intermittently to describe the behaviors and beliefs that surround fad dieting including the desire to manipulate food and water intake to lose weight. How to reject that diet mentality is discussed as part of preventing eating disorders. Additionally, preventative measures include becoming media literate and promoting body positivity. Media literacy is …

Negative Effects Of Divorce And Possible Intervention Program Development And Improvement, Mariah Eaton

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Current psychological research demonstrates that parental divorce can have negative effects on children (Amato, 2005). This review compiles and compares research regarding the different effects of divorce on emotional, social, physical, and mental wellbeing of children of divorce. The research outlined in this review studies children ages 0-18 in the United States but focuses on children in elementary and middle schools. Present intervention programs for children of divorce are compared and the different goals and methods of each are then identified. These methods are compared based on their effects on the participants. By looking at the improvements in social, emotional, …

The Irony Of Empiricism In The Psychology Of Religion, Alex Calder

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Current researchers are considering the relevant new knowledge that psychological studies in the past 100 years have produced concerning the psychology of religion. Experimental methods typically employed have the aim of producing value-neutral scientific results, especially in the arena of religion. How ever, methods are inextricably tied to assumptions, since how a person investigates something reflects their understanding or belief about that thing (Hood, 2013). Those methods present in psychology today take after the natural sciences in an effort to arrogate psychology to the status of a hard science. Naturalist methods are also based on naturalist presuppositions about the nature …

The Effect Of Sublingual Testosterone On Ischemic Pain Sensitivity, Chance Strenth

Psychology ETDs

Sex differences in pain have been reported for over a half-century with males having higher pain tolerance and lower pain sensitivity than females. Testosterone, a male hormone, is associated with pain perception in humans. However, as of yet no study has directly manipulated a participants’ testosterone to test for causal relationship between testosterone and pain. A double-blind fully-crossed study was conducted using sublingual administration of 0.5 mg testosterone. Twenty female participants completed two 5-hour sessions over a 3-day period. Participants completed an ischemic pain task, behavioral tasks and self-report measures at baseline and at post-administration to explore the effects of …

The Predictors Of Juvenile Recidivism: Testimonies Of Adult Students 18 Years And Older Exiting From Alternative Education, La Toshia Palmer

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative study was to identify and describe the importance of the predictors of juvenile recidivism and the effectiveness of efforts to prevent/avoid juvenile recidivism as perceived by previously detained, arrested, convicted, and/or incarcerated adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education in Northern California. A second purpose was to explore the types of support provided by alternative schools and the perceived importance of the support to avoid recidivism according to adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education.

Methodology: This qualitative, descriptive research design identified …

Inequity For Women In Psychology: How Much Have We Progressed And What Work Still Needs To Be Done?, Caitlin Martin-Wagar

Psychology from the Margins

Despite the higher rate of women in the field of psychology, there continue to be significant inequities that impact women’s career trajectories. This is especially prevalent in academia and leadership roles in psychological organizations. A historical review and analysis of past barriers and obstacles to women’s success in psychology will be provided, followed by current trends. While many have worked to understand the source of these disparities, significant institutional and systemic societal barriers continue to persist. It will be argued that the field of psychology needs to work more diligently to assuage the barriers that result in inequitable treatment and …