Digital Commons Network^™

Mind The Gap: Comparing Asian American And White American Experiences In Integrated Primary Care, Tenzin Miller-Dorjee

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explores Asian American and White American adults’ experiences of integrated primary care (IPC), focusing on patient satisfaction and perceived provider cultural competence. Although IPC models are intended to improve access to behavioral health services, it remains important to examine whether these models are experienced as culturally responsive and equitable across racial groups. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design with 550 adults in the United States who reported experience with IPC. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Experience of Integrated Care Scale (PEICS), and perceived provider cultural competence was assessed using the Iowa Cultural Understanding Assessment–Client …

Youth And Caregiver Expectations In Pediatric Concussion Recovery And Persisting Symptoms, Molly A. O'Reilly

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Concussions present complex diagnostic and treatment challenges, particularly for pediatric patients who may experience persisting symptoms. Psychological mechanisms, including patient expectations and beliefs about recovery and symptoms, play a critical role in shaping outcomes. However, there is limited research exploring these factors in pediatric populations, particularly using qualitative approaches. This study sought to address this gap by employing a qualitative phenomenological design with interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine the recovery expectations of pediatric patients with persisting symptoms following concussion, as well as caregivers’ perspectives. Using the nocebo effect as a conceptual framework, eight pediatric patients and their caregivers participated in …

Into Action: A Twelve Step-Informed Act Group Protocol For Outpatient Substance Use Treatment, Doug Hohenberger

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Substance use disorders remain a prevalent and costly public health concern. Despite this, efforts to disseminate evidence-based practices frequently encounter both practical and philosophical barriers. Language and practices from the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have permeated addiction treatment settings and have become the “common tongue” for addiction recovery discourse. Consequently, most substance use treatment programs feature tenets of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous in their clinical programming, even though the framework was designed for peer support settings. Twelve Step fellowships have made important contributions to the substance use treatment field and have guided individuals through personal recovery through …

“I May Flourish In Spite Of The Obstacles": A Deaf Queer Minority Stress Model, Maya E. Weaver

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The current study explores the intersectional experiences of individuals who identify as both d/Deaf and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer/Questioning, among other marginalized sexual identities. Historically, both Deaf and queer communities have faced significant oppression and discrimination; yet little research has examined the unique challenges encountered by those living at the intersection of these two identities, with most of the existing deaf literature focusing on heterosexual individuals and most of the queer literature centering around non-Deaf individuals. This study sought to address that gap by, within an exploration of their unique form of minority stress, investigating how identifying with both …

Bi+ Cismale Experiences With Straight Cismale Friends, Taylor M. Hardock

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Minority Stress Theory (2006) posits that individuals with a marginalized sexual identity have unique challenges and stressors. Bisexual+, or bi+, individuals have particular stressors related to not holding a monosexual identity, including specific mental health challenges. Research has shown that friendship can have many positive benefits on individuals, though the literature looking at friendship among bi+ identifying people is very limited. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of friendship between bi+ and straight cis men, especially as they may relate to minority stress and experiences of resilience and community belongingness. A thematic analysis was utilized to understand the personal experiences …

Beyond The Rabbit Hole: Dmt, Death, And The Hereafter, Abby Molina

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores a proposed relationship between death and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) within the context of contemporary clinical psychology and the current psychedelic renaissance. Building on Rick Strassman’s hypothesis that DMT may be released at the moment of death and Imants Barušs’ conceptualization of death as an altered state of consciousness, this project examines the phenomenological similarities between DMT-induced experiences (psychedelic “trips”) and near-death experiences (NDEs). Through review of neurobiological research, psychedelic-assisted therapy literature, religious and cultural ceremonial practices, and documented DMT trip and NDE reports, this work evaluates the plausibility that endogenous DMT contributes to altered states of consciousness observed …

Healing Attachment Wounds Through Romantic Love: Exploring Narratives Of Earned Security, Ashlyn Griffith

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explored how earned attachment security is experienced and developed within long-term romantic relationships through couples’ shared narratives. Using dyadic interviews, the study focused on romantic partners in which one individual demonstrated continuous attachment security while the other described a shift toward earned security over time. Although existing attachment research has examined the traits that encourage security in other relational contexts, limited research has explored the lived attachment experiences of couples or their shared understanding of how security develops within romantic love. Five long-term romantic couples participated in semi-structured dyadic interviews designed to elicit shared narratives of relationship development, …

Adverse Childhood Experiences Of Individuals Charged Or Convicted Of Homicide In Their Youth, Marcus Krodel

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) represent a collection of distressful events occurring during childhood and have been shown to have a negative impact on future functioning. ACEs were utilized in the current study to increase our understanding of a unique population among court-involved individuals: juveniles charged or convicted of homicide. Court decisions have established that juveniles convicted of homicide are both distinct from their adult counterparts and present with dissimilar risk and protective factors. The current study explored a sample of 66 individuals who were charged or convicted of homicide while in their youth. Each participant was retroactively assigned an ACEs …

Cross-Domain Identity Development In Bipoc Autistic Adults: A Grounded Theory Study, Ginnylyne Mariano Guisadio

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Racial and autistic identity development both involve navigating stigma, seeking community, and contending with dominant frameworks that constrain authentic self-expression, yet existing research has not examined how these processes interact for individuals holding both identities. These interactions unfold within structural conditions such as diagnostic disparities, culturally specific ableism, and racialized consequences of visible autistic expression, which shape how identity development proceeds for BIPOC autistic adults. This study investigated whether and how the core identity processes of exploration and commitment proceeded for this population. Nine BIPOC autistic adults participated in written interviews analyzed through constructivist grounded theory, with identity status theory …

Dancing With The Void: A Cultural Exploration Of Nihilistic Musical Identities And Their Experience In Psychotherapy, Zachary Marciano

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation examines the profound existential paradox faced by individuals who have identified with nihilistic beliefs and ideas while attempting to seek meaning through therapy. Nihilism, characterized by the belief in the inherent meaninglessness of existence, poses a significant challenge to the traditional therapeutic framework, which often centers on the pursuit of meaning and purpose. This dichotomy poses a unique conundrum for individuals who embrace nihilistic perspectives shaped by identification with nihilistic lyrics and themes in alternative music genres such as metal, goth, grunge, and punk. Alternative music culture often serves as a vehicle for expressing and internalizing nihilistic beliefs, …

I’M A Sucker For You: The Role Of Parasocial Relationships And Celebrity Worship In Predicting Loneliness Among Fans Of The Jonas Brothers, Samantha Lynn D'Anna

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The current study sought to better understand the dynamics between parasocial relationships and celebrity worship in predicting loneliness among the Jonas Brothers fan community. A comprehensive review of existing literature positioned this dissertation within the context of current research. A quantitative, survey-based methodology was used to examine associations between variables through correlational analyses, and a qualitative component invited participants to share written narratives about the impact the Jonas Brothers have had on their lives. Quantitative findings showed that although parasocial relationships did not directly relate to loneliness, they were strongly linked to celebrity worship, which then mediated the connection between …

Improving Parental Self-Efficacy In An Integrated Primary Care Setting, Leo Parini

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

A pediatric mental health crisis in the United States has strained integrated primary care, leaving providers with high volumes of requests for psychotherapy. Low parental self-efficacy (PSE)—reduced caregiver confidence in supporting children's emotional and behavioral needs—may contribute to this demand. This study examined whether a brief, 4-week parent training curriculum informed by Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), targeting child anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and delivered by a clinical psychologist within an integrated primary care setting, would increase PSE. Using secondary, de-identified data, PSE was measured before and after the course with the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale; 19 …

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Entrepreneurial Leadership: A Mixed-Methods Case Study On Fostering Resilience And Sustainable Performance In Chinese Tech Startups, Mei Wang

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence (EQ) and entrepreneurial leadership in Chinese tech startups through an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Guided by a primary research question—how EQ functions within the leadership team under sustained crisis—and a sub‑question examining the specific competencies to Navigate Emotions, Exercise Optimism, Increase Empathy, and Apply Consequential Thinking—the study uses the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence (SEI) Assessment and semi‑structured interviews with five leaders within one company (identified by the pseudonym BTI), a Beijing‑based SaaS startup. The findings reveal that the abilities to manage emotional reactions and maintain a positive outlook serve as the “twin …

Educational Attainment And Symptom Improvement In Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Longitudinal Cohort Analysis Across Treatment Modalities, Marjorie Harrison, Giselli Scaini Msc, Phd, Aspen Viamontes

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A Teacher-Led Coaching Intervention On Paraprofessionals’ Rates Of Behavior-Specific Praise In Secondary Special Education Classrooms, Melanie Urmilla Singh

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The role of paraprofessionals in education is essential as they work alongside teachers to provide additional support to students within classrooms. Their responsibilities may differ based on the needs of the school, classroom, and student, paraprofessionals often play an important role in supporting students’ behavioral needs. While their roles being prevalent in education, paraprofessionals could benefit from additional training in evidence-based strategies, specifically when working with students with behavioral needs and the application of behavior-specific praise. Considering that teachers typically receive more formal training and work closely with paraprofessionals in the classroom, they are well positioned to provide training support …

Racial Discrimination And Racial Identity Among Asian College Students: The Moderating Role Of Interdependent Self-Construal, Foong Yan Lee, Qianyi Wang, Eunseon Gong

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

The current study examined the moderating role of interdependent self-construal in the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and racial group identification among 130 Asian college students at a U.S. institution. Using moderation regression analyses, results indicated that perceived racial discrimination was associated with lower racial group identification, and this relationship was significantly moderated by interdependent self-construal. Specifically, racial discrimination was negatively associated with racial group identification among students reporting lower levels of interdependent self-construal, whereas this association was not significant among those with higher interdependent self-construal. These findings suggest that individual differences in self-construal shape how Asian college students interpret …

Preoperative Patient Sentiment Is Associated With Postoperative Outcomes In Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery, Ross J. Gore, David Mazur-Hart, Mohan K. Sunkara, Aaqib Ali, Qizar Ali, Christopher J. Lynch, Christopher Ames

Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems (CSICS) Publications

Study Design: Prospective observational pilot study of adult spinal deformity surgery patients.

Objective: To determine whether preoperative patient sentiment, quantified using a 21-class valence scale extending the CARP paradigm implemented through an offline Large Language Model, predicts postoperative outcomes.

Summary of Background Data: Predicting adult spinal deformity surgery outcomes remains challenging with traditional clinical and radiographic parameters alone. Although patient psychological factors and expectations significantly influence postoperative satisfaction and quality of life, systematic approaches to capture these factors are underdeveloped. Offline Large Language Models offer scalable, privacy-preserving psychological risk stratification.

Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 18 patients undergoing adult …

Out-Group And In-Group Relational Trust In Group Coaching With First-Grade Teachers: A Single Case Study, Jentry S. Barrett, Rachel E. Schachter, Jungwon Eum, Gwen Nugent, Kathleen M. Rudasill

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Coaching has become a prominent professional learning tool for helping early childhood teachers (birth–8) implement curriculum and research-based practices in their classrooms. One coaching strategy that supports positive changes in teacher practice and child outcomes is building trust between the coach and teacher(s). However, there is limited understanding of the nature of trust-building in coaching, particularly in group coaching configurations. There are two types of trust to consider in the context of group coaching: out-group trust between an outside coach and the teachers, and in-group trust between the teachers experiencing coaching who already have a relationship. This case study aimed …

Heat Misers, Snow Misers, And Cognitive Misers: The 'Nukewarm' Perceptions Of Nuclear Power, Tyler Williams

Dissertations and Theses

Rising energy demand in the United States necessitates alternatives to fossil fuels, yet renewable energy sources alone are insufficient to meet this demand. Nuclear power presents a promising option but faces persistent public hesitancy. This study examines how heuristic-based biases relate to American's risk-benefit perceptions towards nuclear power. Guided by the heuristic-systematic model. Results indicate that competence and affect are related to risk-benefit perceptions, and naturalness shows no relationship with risk perceptions but does correlate with benefit perceptions. Implications highlight the importance of affect-driven communication strategies for nuclear communicators, while also underscoring the need for participatory approaches that foster trust …

Rigidity And Risk: A State Space Grid Analysis Of Parent-Child Interactions, Sleep, And Early Internalizing Symptoms, Brianna Trudeau

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background. Internalizing problems in preschoolers are prevalent, cause significant impairment, and often persist into later development. Emerging research uses state space grid (SSG) methodology to examine dynamic parent-child interaction processes that may contribute to these difficulties. While affective rigidity has been linked to maladaptive outcomes, less is known about behavioral rigidity and its association with child internalizing symptoms.

Objective. This study examined whether dyadic behavioral rigidity could be represented as a latent construct across tasks, whether behavioral rigidity predicted preschool internalizing symptoms, and whether rigidity mediated the relationship between parent and child sleep problems and child internalizing symptoms.

Method. Participants …

Understanding The Intergenerational Transmission Of Risk And Resilience In Black Birthing Parent-Infant Dyads: Physiological Coregulation & Cultural-Contextual Factors, Annabelle Armah

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) are common, particularly for Black birthing parents who may face increased psychosocial risk during the perinatal period. Previous work has demonstrated that PPD can have significant ramifications not only for maternal wellbeing but for infants’ regulatory development. PPD may influence the concordance or mutual influence of biological states between parents and children (i.e., physiological synchrony). Physiological synchrony is thought to be implicated in the development of self-regulation and may be a mechanism through which PPD undermines infants’ emerging regulatory capacities. In Black families, cultural-contextual factors, like racism or cultural practices, may additionally shape birthing parent …

Examining Ketamine's Differential Impact On Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Using The Ptsd Checklist For Dsm-5, Samantha G. Gomez

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating and chronic condition. Current gold standard treatments are effective but face high dropout rates. Ketamine therapy is a promising and alternative treatment for those struggling with PTSD symptoms. Prior research has indicated significant reductions in overall PTSD symptoms. However, research regarding symptom-specific changes following ketamine therapy is limited. The present study aimed to extend previous work by MacConnel and colleagues (2025) regarding significant decreases in total PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores following ketamine treatment at an outpatient ketamine center, as well as examine potential symptom-specific changes. A final sample of 142 …

Psychometric Assessment Of The Facilitative Systemic Intervention Skills Rating System– Spanish Version, Sarah J. Crosky

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Despite the growing understanding of therapist factors in client outcomes, there remains limited understanding of the skills that distinguish effective family therapists. The aim of the present study was to assess the interrater reliabilities and factorial structure of a Spanish version of the Facilitative Systemic Intervention Skills (FSIS; Jones et al., 2023a), an observational rating system for evaluating the skillfulness of family therapists in delivering systemic interventions. The FSIS includes eight empirically and theoretically informed systemic therapy skills (Inclusiveness, Empathy for Relational Difficulties, Responsiveness to Safety Concerns, Collaborative Stance, Conceptualizing Family Problems Systemically, Responsiveness to Disparate Goals, Focus on Family …

Work Analysis And Competency Modeling In Effective Circular Economy Implementation, Katherine C. Wheeler, S. Burak Ozkum

Faculty Publications – Psychology

First paragraph in lieu of abstract:

In their focal article, Schilling et al. (2026) specifically illustrate how interorganizational and intraorganizational cooperation are the most critical areas through which I-O psychology can contribute to a sustainable circular economy (CE) transition. This commentary elaborates on the application of I-O psychology by highlighting how work analysis and competency modeling enable effective CE implementation through organizational cooperation. Transitioning from a linear to a CE represents a major organizational change. During this change, organizations must ensure that their systems remain aligned. Work analysis and competency modeling are crucial to this alignment.

School Psychologists As Advocates: Addressing Microaggressions Targeting Students In Schools, Brea M. Banks, Lourdes D. Concepcion-Cabas, Farhia A. Osman, Kendell Kelly

Faculty Publications – Psychology

The aim of this conceptual paper surrounds a discussion of school psychologists’ role as advocates who can combat the prevalence of microaggressions in schools. The authors first define microaggressions in the context of Critical Race Theory and discuss the negative impact these transgressions have on students. Advocacy is a foundational role of school psychologists, and combatting microaggressions is one way school psychologists can engage in such efforts. Given the goal of this special issues is to highlight how social justice advocacy can address critical issues in school psychology, we use the NASP Practice Model as a framework to describe how …

Social Exclusion, Social Support, And Trauma, Eric D. Wesselmann

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Humans have an inherent need to forge stable and quality social connections. One key benefit of having social connections is obtaining social support for navigating traumatic or otherwise stressful events. Ostracism (i.e. being both ignored and excluded, Williams, 2009) and other forms of social exclusion rob individuals of the opportunity to receive social support and likely contribute to stress-related mental health concerns. My colleagues and I tested this premise in different stress-related contexts, ranging from college students struggling with potentially stigmatizing secrets to community members who have experienced various types of traumatic incidents (e.g., miscarriage, military combat). We examined the …

Fishing For Father Relationships: Motivations, Successes, And Barriers To Participating In A Community-Based Program, Jordan A. Arellanes, Kyle Miller, Travis Hicks, Ryan J.S. Liew, Earl Kloppmann

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Fathers who participate in community programs experience a range of positive outcomes, including improved relationships with their children. However, many community programs struggle to gain fathers’ attendance at local events. To counteract this, we utilized Community-Based Action Research in collaboration with local and state agencies to develop a father-specific community program that capitalized on the traditionally masculine parenting activity of fishing. The program educated families on the basics of fishing and then provided them with all the necessary materials. Over the course of three years of data collection, 48 fathers participated in interviews, designed to gain a deeper understanding of …

The Effects Of A Work-Strengths Affirmation Intervention On Death Anxiety, Begüm Orhan, Margaret M. Nauta

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Meaning Management Theory suggests that engaging with meaning-related resources helps individuals constructively regulate consciously experienced death anxiety. Consistent with that theory, we tested whether a single-session, online work-strengths affirmation intervention reduces college students’ (N = 201) death anxiety. Participants completed baseline measures of death anxiety, meaning in life, and self-esteem. One week later, they were randomly assigned to complete either a work-related strengths reflection exercise or a neutral writing task. We assessed outcomes immediately post-intervention and two weeks later. The intervention did not significantly reduce death anxiety in the full sample. Exploratory analyses showed small, immediate reductions among participants …

Shades Of Stress: Colorism As Minority Stress For Women Of Color, Caitlin M. Mercier, Brea M. Banks, Lourdes D. Concepción Cabán, Michelle Duong

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Women of color often endure indignities shaped by colorism and skin tone discrimination, pressuring them to adhere to racialized beauty ideals (i.e., lighter skin). In response, some women of color may internalize these standards (i.e., through internalized coping and racial self-hatred) which can foster psychological distress. Yet, these associations remain underexplored. Using minority stress theory, in our cross-sectional study we collected online survey data to examine whether internalization and racial self-hatred explained the indirect link between colorist microaggressions and psychological distress among 121 women of color at a Midwestern US historically white institution. Using path analysis, we found support for …

“I Know How To Identify And Communicate My Needs”: A Qualitative Study Of The Self-Perceived Strengths Of People In Polyamorous Relationships, Alexander K. Tatum, Sharon M. Flicker, Nawar Albarak, Jessi M. Schroeder, Ash Moomaw, Idil Ugurluoglu, Alex Whitman, Alysse Wiggins, Danielle Davis, Robyn Fisher

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Little empirical research has adopted a strength-based approach to examine strategies that help offset challenges (e.g., discrimination, internalized stigma) faced by people in polyamorous relationships. The current qualitative study assessed the self-perceived strengths of 63 US-based, adult participants who reported present or former engagement in at least one polyamorous relationship. Participants' responded to the open-ended question, “What particular characteristics do you have that help you navigate the challenges of polyamory?” A thematic analysis identified strengths across eight broad themes: personality traits, a willingness to challenge mononormative socialization, ability to manage difficult emotions, experiencing compersion and/or low levels of/well-managed jealousy, strong …