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Parsimony, Parallelism, And Presentation: The Impact Of Presentation On Evaluation, Peter Mclemore

Psychology Theses - Archive

In professional and academic settings, support for creative ideas often hinges on how effectively those ideas are communicated in writing. This study examined how two sentence-level rhetorical features—parsimony and parallelism—influence the evaluation, support, and recall of written proposals featuring creative restaurant concepts. Using a 2×2 within-subjects design, 211 undergraduates reviewed proposals manipulated to vary in parsimony (high vs. low) and parallelism (high vs. low). Participants rated each proposal on quality, originality, elegance, support, and completed a recall task. Contrary to expectations, proposals with low parsimony and low parallelism received the highest evaluations across all three creative indicators (i.e., quality, originality, …

Excitation And Polarization Of Isolated Neurons By High-Frequency Sine Waves For Temporal Interference Stimulation, Iurii Semenov, Vitalii Kim, Giedre Silkuniene, Andrei G. Pakhomov

Bioelectrics Publications

The capacity of temporal interference (TI) stimulation to target deep brain regions without affecting nearby surface electrodes remains uncertain. Using artifact-free optical recording, we compare excitation patterns and thresholds in hippocampal neurons stimulated by “pure” and amplitude-modulated sine waves, representing TI waveforms near electrodes and at the target, respectively. We show that pure 2- and 20-kHz sine waves induce repetitive firing at rates that increase up to 60–90 Hz with stronger electric fields. Beyond this limit, action potentials merge into sustained depolarization, resulting in an excitation block. Modulating the sine waves at 20 Hz aligns firing with amplitude “beats” and …

The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Childhood Memories And Resilience Building, Nathaniel Paredes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

One of the most significant agents of shaping children early in life is their parental figures. There has been extant research into parenting styles and outcomes later in life. The current study sought to understand how parenting styles can influence the formation of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PCEs and ACEs), which in turn lead to the development of resilience later in life. It was expected that participants who reported higher levels of authoritative parenting would be significantly correlated with higher levels of positive childhood experiences, and lower levels of adverse childhood experiences. Secondly, authoritarian and permissive parenting would be …

Personality Assessment Inventory: The Treatment Rejection Scale & Treatment Variables, Ashlee Bradley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The present study aimed to identify the role and validity of the Treatment Rejection Scale (RXR), one of the treatment consideration scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991), and its relationship with treatment variables in an outpatient clinical setting. The study used archival data involving 200 client files. The current study evaluated RXR scores in relation to premature, situational, and mutual terminators. Therapist-rated process variables, such as client cancellations, the number of sessions attended, client “no-shows,” and any barriers to completing treatment from the clinician’s point of view, were also considered. Additionally, the treatment outcome variable, in the …

Collaboration In Practice: Perspectives On Interprofessional Care Teams For Treating Children With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Morgan E. Heiser

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

With increased focus on interprofessional collaboration in healthcare and education, best practices for patient and student care are often top priority. However, little is known about the effectiveness of using team-based approaches when working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study examined professionals' perspectives on their team practices, burnout, and attitudes towards collaboration. Additionally, the research looked at practitioners’ ability to identify their team. A survey was conducted using input from various healthcare and education professionals across multiple settings and education backgrounds who work with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The survey found considerable differences in team …

Romantic Beliefs And Their Effect On Relationship Satisfaction, Psychological Well-Being, And Psychological Distress, John D. Pinsky

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Relationship satisfaction has been shown to have a powerful effect on both individual psychological well-being and psychological distress. One factor that influences an individual’s relationship satisfaction is their endorsement of romantic beliefs. This finding has not been replicated in the U.S. in the past 20 years and the influence of romantic beliefs on relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, and psychological distress has not been studied in depth. This study implemented a quasi-experimental design using online self-report measures to test whether level of endorsement of romantic beliefs can predict relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, or psychological distress. It was hypothesized that romantic beliefs …

Examining The Relationships Among Childbirth Satisfaction, Maternal Functioning, And Psychological Flexibility In Postpartum Mothers, Ryanne N. Schaad

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Childbirth dissatisfaction, defined as a woman’s negative evaluation of the labor and delivery experience, is common and can have significant consequences for women and their infants, particularly in terms of maternal functioning. Given that childbirth satisfaction is related to maternal functioning in the postpartum period, a better understanding of modifiable factors that could be targeted to bolster maternal functioning is warranted. Psychological flexibility, a construct from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has gained increasing empirical support as a modifiable factor for psychological distress and could serve as a potential construct to further examine the relationship between childbirth satisfaction and maternal functioning. …

We Know The Odds Aren't Ever In Our Favor: Toward An Understanding Of White Privilege Deprivation Amongst Black Individuals And The Initial Validation Of The White Privilege Deprivation Scale, Jennifer Burris

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Social science scholarship acknowledges that disparities affecting Black people in the United States are rooted in historical race-based oppression (Black & Stone, 2005; Borell, Barnes, & McCreanor, 2018; Harrell, 2000; Mills, 1997). Yet little is understood about the ways Black people psychologically experience being denied the social privileges conferred upon Whites (i.e., White privilege). The belief that White privilege exists, along with the perceptions that Black people as a group are systematically deprived of benefits conferred upon Whites, could expose Black people to negative psychological and psychosocial experiences. As such, White privilege deprivation (the belief one is denied the social …

Relationship Partners’ Experiences Of Managing Conflict With Individualist And Collectivist Cultural Perspectives: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Rebecca Alithia Payan

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, the increasing number of multicultural marriages leads to the individualistic traditional American nuclear family colliding with ideals from a collective culture. This conflict over individualistic and collective nature can lead to martial conflict, including divorce. In this context, this study seeks to answer an important question: How do relationship partners experience managing conflict, considering individualist and collectivist perspectives in the United States? The methodology utilized the Medium-Q of Reflexive Thematic Analysis of data gathered from qualitative open-ended interview questions and a brief survey. Findings reveal engaging themes, leading us to understand that individualism and collectivism influence …

Beyond The Surface: Lgbt+ Minority Stress & Social Safety, Violet Lewis

A with Honors Projects

Presentation about minority stress in the LGBT+ community surrounding the recent political climate and how we can use social safety to deter the impacts.

Social Anxiety And Cannabis Use Context, Brooke Beckius

Dissertations and Theses

Cannabis use is highly prevalent among young adults in the United States, with many experiencing associated problems. Social anxiety has been identified as a significant risk factor for cannabis use and related consequences; however, it remains unclear whether cannabis facilitates or inhibits social engagement among socially anxious individuals. Solitary cannabis use is consistently linked to use-related problems, but the term “solitary use” may encompass distinct contexts—such as social preparatory use, use to aid sleep, or use while spending time alone. The present study aimed to examine how cannabis use influences social engagement among socially anxious individuals and test how specific …

Voices From Within: Understanding Native American Student Journeys In Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological & Autoethnographic Study, Collette Bowman

Dissertations and Theses

This study explored the lived experiences of Native American undergraduate students at a small Midwestern university, with particular attention to how identity development, systemic challenges, and culturally grounded support systems shape their academic and personal paths. Using a phenomenological approach paired with an autoethnographic lens, this research amplifies Native student voices while drawing on the reflections of the Indigenous researcher who shares similar lived experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field notes. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: Identity Development, which captured how students negotiated cultural identity, intergenerational impact, and a sense of belonging; Barriers and Challenges, …

The Effects Of A Game-Based Social Skills Intervention On Social Skills Acquistion For Autistic Youth In Training And Generalized Settings, Sales Libby Ann

Dissertations and Theses

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly have difficulties with social communication which is often targeted using social skills teaching (SST) (Mikami et al., 2014). These programs are effective, however, many lack evidence of social validity measures or procedures as well as generalization of the skills targeted in intervention. The current study investigated the skill acquisition of three participants through the use of social skills teaching embedded within a role-playing game. The primary dependent variable was the skill acquisition of each participant within the RPG setting. Immediate increases in level and trend were noted across participants for most skills following …

Personality Functioning And Sexual Aggression: How Criterion A Of The Alternative Model Of Personality Disorders (Ampd) Relates To Sexually Aggressive Cognitions In Men, Ryan Van Fossen

Dissertations and Theses

This study investigated how personality functioning and maladaptive traits contribute to sexually aggressive cognitions (SAC) in men, extending existing research on personality pathology. Three primary aims were examined. Aim 1 explored the relationships between SAC and the four components of personality functioning (identity, self-direction, empathy, intimacy). Aim 2 evaluated the structure of personality functioning as measured by the Levels of Personality Functioning Scale-Self Report (LPFS-SR). Confirmatory factor analyses tested four competing models: unidimensional, two-factor, four-factor, and bifactor. Aim 3 assessed the combined influence of maladaptive traits and personality functioning on SAC. Participants included 469 heterosexual cisgender men, ages 18–24, drawn …

Mobility-Stress Dynamics: What Audit Scores Can Tell Us About Mobility Patterns And Stress, Mason Hatwan

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation, leveraging secondary data from the Colorado EMA Project, investigates the dynamic relationships between mobility patterns, stress, and alcohol-related negative consequences among undergraduate college students (N=182, Mage 18.47). Grounded in Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), the study explores daily variations in mobility and stress using a Dynamic Structural Equation Model (DSEM). The analysis aims to understand how these variables interact within and between individuals, focusing on the role of baseline alcohol-related negative consequences as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Findings reveal a significant autoregressive effect for stress, indicating that higher stress on one day predicts higher …

A Phenomenological Study Of Hispanic And Latinx Community Mental Health Care Providers, Sara Zare

Dissertations and Theses

Despite experiencing similar rates of mental health disorders, Hispanic/Latinx individuals are less likely than other ethnic/racial groups to access mental health services. There is a growing need for culturally responsive mental health services that address the unique barriers to access and unmet needs faced by Hispanic/Latinx communities. Community mental health organizations are critical to providing care to underserved populations who experience a wide range of resource-related barriers. The representation of bilingual and bicultural Hispanic/Latinx providers within these settings has become invaluable to addressing unique barriers not historically addressed by community mental health organizations. The present study utilized a phenomenological approach …

Sights And Sounds Of Veteran Identity: The Use Of Photovoice Technique And Lyric Analysis In A Community-Based Participatory Action Research Framework, Stephanie Jett Ph.D., Laurie Peebles

Academic Affairs

Researchers often attempt to define what it means to be a Veteran; however, there is a dearth of research where that question is directly asked of Veterans. Instead, a traditional approach to research is taken where the experimenter defines the variables and asks the participants to provide responses without being included in the research process or reaping any direct benefit from participation. We assert that in order to better understand this unique population, it is vital that we elevate their voices by employing more qualitative, community-based participatory action research (CbPAR) models where Veterans are empowered to use their voices to …

“A Safe Place”: Exploring Black Couples’ Perceptions Of Black Love And Relationship Coping In The Context Of Their Lived Experiences With Racism, Melinda Murdock

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

Historically, Black couples have not been studied within the context of their lived experiences as it relates to the effects of racism on relationship health. Only in the last decade have relationship scholars begun to consistently link racism-related stressors to relationship processes and outcomes. Despite the growing literature, recent studies are primarily quantitative in method and rely on samples, theoretical models, and measures that predominantly represent White couples’ experiences. It remains unclear how Black couples’ perceptions of love and relationship coping lead to resilient outcomes despite the negative effects of racism.

Therefore, the goal of the present study is to …

Liking Gap(S) In Getting-Acquainted Interactions, Susan Sprecher

Faculty Publications – Sociology and Anthropology

In first interactions, people often think about how much they like the other and how much the other likes them in return. Recently, a liking gap has been identified, which is the tendency for people to underestimate how much a new acquaintance likes them. With data from a compiled sample of pairs of strangers interacting for the first time, this investigation contributes to knowledge on how common it is to experience this perceived liking gap (versus no gap or an overestimation of how much one is liked). Also examined is an actual liking gap, the difference between how much people …

Internet Gaming Disorder Among Malay Players: An Examination Of Age, Gender, Gaming Hours, And Psychological Factors, Nur Laila Azzwa Nordin, Nor Ba’Yah Abdul Kadir, Rusyda Helma Mohd, Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf, Normaliza Ab Malik

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

Gaming has become a popular pastime and an expanding industry, creating a growing community of gamers. Conversely, excessive engagement in online gaming may limit individuals’ participation in real-life experiences, thereby exerting negative effects on their well-being. Concerns regarding Internet gaming disorder (IGD) have also emerged as a study topic in Malaysia. The present study examines the association and predictors of demographics, gaming hours, psychological aspects, and IGD among Malay players. The data were obtained through a cross-sectional study employing an online survey questionnaire. A total of 343 Malay players (18-39 years old) were selected using non-probability techniques, specifically purposive and …

Career Aspirations Of Indonesian College Students: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Perspective Through A Cultural Lens, Novi Qonitatin, Dian Ratna Sawitri

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

Using the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) framework through a culturally sensitive perspective, this study investigated the several elements affecting the career aspirations of Indonesian college students. Acknowledging the notable disparity in applying SCCT in collectivist, non-Western settings like Indonesia where familial and cultural influences are prominent, the study used a qualitative design with a mixed-format questionnaire (rating scales followed by open-ended reasons) administered to 133 undergraduate students at Universitas Diponegoro. Complementing descriptive rating summaries, thematic study of the qualitative data revealed a complex interaction of elements. One of the main conclusions was the widespread and multifarious influence of family, …

Influencing Factors Of Selfie Psychological Demands In The Post-Epidemic Era: A Cross-Cultural Perspective On Chinese Female Fitness Enthusiasts, Wang Xinyu, Lin Yuran, Gao Yang

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

With the popularization of 6G technology and the maturity of generative AI, social media has evolved into a core digital ecosystem for self-expression, reshaping the selfie behaviors and psychological demands of female fitness enthusiasts globally. This study integrates Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Guilford’s Theory of Personality Traits, and Higgins’ Self-Discrepancy Theory to explore the influencing factors of selfie psychological demands among Chinese female fitness enthusiasts in post-pandemic era and their cross-cultural differences with Western counterparts. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, including a quantitative survey N = 528 and semi-structured interviews N = 30. Quantitative data were analyzed via …

Refugees’ Post-Arrival And Displacement-Related Perceptions In Malaysia And Portugal, Ling Ling Tai, Rita Guerra, Kinga Bierwiaczonek

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

Countries receiving refugees can vary dramatically in their policies toward this group (e.g., recognition of refugee status, legal protections), but the role of the receiving country context for refugee adaptation process is under investigated. This cross-sectional study (N = 318) investigates refugees’ perceptions of the forcedness of their displacement and perils related to it, perceived discrimination, and subjective well-being in two different country contexts: Portugal and Malaysia. Results showed perceptions of discrimination and displacement-related perils were significantly higher among refugees in Malaysia, while subjective well-being and perceptions of forcedness were significantly higher for refugees in Portugal. For both groups, …

Attachment And Delusional Ideation: A Systematic Review And Proposed Model Of The Association Between Attachment Insecurity And Delusion Symptoms, Ryan Sparks M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Early repeated child-parent experiences impact the emergence of children’s reality testing by providing them with secure, trusting relationships with reality-oriented caregivers in which beliefs can be evaluated and refined. These relationships facilitate open and reciprocal communication about thoughts and feelings. Caregivers facilitate the development of children’s reflective capacities by helping them connect their inner experiences to their behavior. This process encourages them to assess whether their thoughts and feelings accurately reflect reality by remaining attuned to the perceptions of reality that are shared with others. Given the centrality of early caregiving experiences to one’s development of reality testing, attachment theory …

A Perspective On Imbalance: A Memoir Through The Lens Of Eating Disorders Anonymous, Samantha C. Lasky

Scripps Senior Theses

A Perspective on Imbalance uses a crab shell essay format within the adjusted framework of Eating Disorder Anonymous’ “Perspective on Balance” letter. This original letter speaks to how physical, social/emotional, and spiritual balance came to exist in the founder’s life after working the 12 steps of the program, but the author of this thesis felt more inclined to examine what life looks like in each of those categories before the 12 steps, as well as what happens when you choose not to work them (as this has been her experience thus far). The resulting linear prose essay includes themes of …

Convinced Or Pressured: Investigating The Effect Of Self-Esteem Levels And Majority Opinion Size On Jurors Conformity In Deliberations, Mia Draisin

Scripps Senior Theses

Conformity has been shown to influence decision-making due to informational (knowledge seeking) and normative (social pressure) influence. Majority size is also related to conforming tendencies. In addition, self-esteem has been found to have a relationship with conformity. Individuals with low self-esteem have a fear of social rejection and partake in conforming behaviors. This study will illuminate the juror decision-making process and how external factors impair jurors' impartiality. This study will investigate how a juror's self-esteem level and the size of the majority opinion influence their likelihood of conforming during deliberations. It is hypothesized that individuals will be more likely to …

The Efficacy And Usability Of Motivational Interviewing Just-In-Time Trainings For Youth Mentors, Mackenzie J. Hart, Samuel D. Mcquillin, Aidyn Iachini Ph.D., Msw, Lsw, Daniel K. Cooper, Mark D. Weist

Faculty Publications

Using youth mentors to deliver evidence-based psychosocial services has been proposed to increase the reach of treatments, in part given the affordability and ubiquity of mentors in youth settings. Further, tests of mentor-delivered motivational interviewing (MI) have shown increases in youth mentees' academic performance and wellbeing. Yet, traditional methods of training mentors to use MI can be costly and time-consuming. Previous work has suggested the value of asynchronous, brief, just-in-time training (JITT) to help offset these challenges; however, MI JITT for mentors has not yet been formally evaluated. As such, here, we report on a preliminary study of MI JITT …

Preliminary Evaluation Of A Brief Intervention To Enhance Trauma-Informed Attitudes Among Educators And School Mental Health Counselors, Cheri Shapiro, Kara Lee, Courtnie Collins, Tristan Collier, Carl Sorensen

Publications

Professional development training designed to advance knowledge of the impacts of trauma and trauma-responsive practices for educators and counselors in schools and mental health settings have become common. Given the popularity of these training approaches, it is important to understand the potential impact on trauma-informed attitudes and beliefs. This descriptive, exploratory study examined changes in traumainformed care attitudes as a function of participating in a novel intervention designed to support trauma-informed practices in a sample of elementary school educators, administrators, and school mental health counselors (n=194) from one state in the Southeastern US. Positive changes in trauma-informed attitudes from pre …

Cohesive Model Of Supervision: An Empirically Based Approach, Gülşah Kemer

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Supervision models are fundamental to our supervision practices and criticized for lacking empirical support. As a data-driven approach based on research with expert supervisors, Cohesive Model of Supervision unifies existing models’ central premises in a meaningful manner and emphasizes the understated areas of supervision practice.

Ally With Ai: An Icebreaker To Unlock Career Aspirations For Online Or Hybrid Organizational Behavior Cohorts, Jyro B. Triviño

Leadership and Strategy Faculty Publications

Modern organizational behavior classroom, which are increasing in size, diversity, and complexity, are shifting to online and hybrid learning environments, challenging the use of traditional icebreaker activities. This paper introduces a 15-minute icebreaker designed to address these issues while integrating the principles of Kolb's experiential learning theory and fostering social capital through peerr engagement in an online setting. By leveraging the availability of generative AI, students prompt a template code to unlock their career aspirations and stimulate social connections among their classmates. This provides an innovative teaching model for meeting the foundational icebreaker goal while serving a suitable tool for …