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Clash Of Convictions: Examining Divergences Among Traditional And Progressive Christians In Contemporary America, Aimee Marie Tarte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Contemporary American Christianity is experiencing a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical interpretations. This study explored the interplay of personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance on biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Florida Christians. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study aimed to explore how personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance influence biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Christians in Florida in the context of a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical worldviews. Cognitive Dissonance and Social Identity theories provide psychological frameworks for understanding individual and group religious behaviors. Data collection involved a survey of 118 …

Can An Equine-Assisted Learning Course Improve Emotional Intelligence In Undergraduate Students?, Danielle Y. Clark, Julia M. Mack, Kenneth G. Mccurdy

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Emotional intelligence, a construct that many experts consider an essential component of life success, is moving in a concerning direction among American college students. Equine-assisted interventions may be an innovative modality for influencing these skills. Purpose: This study explores the effectiveness of a 15-week equine-assisted experiential learning course on emotional intelligence among undergraduate college students. Methodology/Approach: The intervention group consisted of 18 students who participated in a three-credit psychology course entitled Horses for Interpersonal Skills, which involved classroom instruction and an equine-assisted learning (EAL) component. This group was compared to a no intervention sample of 26 students enrolled in …

Gsep Research Symposium Proceedings - 2024

GSEP Research Symposium

The 8th Annual GSEP Research Symposium, was themed "Dismantling Barriers between Research and Practice: Shining a Light on Global Interdisciplinary Solutions," took place on July 18-19, 2024, at the picturesque Château d'Hauteville in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland.

The annual symposium is hosted by the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP). The symposium served as a dynamic platform for students, faculty, alums, and staff to come together and explore innovative ideas across multiple disciplines. Featuring 69 selected presentations under five distinct tracks, the proceedings showcase groundbreaking research, foster meaningful discussions, and promote professional development.

The symposium aimed to bridge …

The Effectiveness Of An Anxiety Intervention On Decreasing State And Trait Anxiety Among University Students, Lea D. Hart

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Anxiety is the most common rising public health concern for college students (Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2023; Haikalis et al., 2022). In 2022–2023, 65% of college students seeking counseling noted anxiety as their primary concern, rising 10% in the last 10 years (Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2023). As a result, higher education institutions are seeking proactive solutions that are efficacious, evidence-based, and proactive for non-clinical university populations to reduce rising rates of anxiety. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore if a population-based intervention could reduce state and trait anxiety immediately and over time. The results …

Understanding The Stressors Of Mothers Who Have Transitioned Out Of Prison, Latoya Cain

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of eight mental health clinicians on the stressors that mothers transitioning from prison face as they try to integrate into the community. The participant sample for this study consisted of eight mental health clinicians who have experience working with mothers who are transitioning out of incarceration. Participants were between 30 and 50 years of age. All eight participants were actively employed as mental health professionals and had experience working with women/mothers that were incarcerated and were reintegrating back into the community. All eight participants had1-11 years’ experience working with women/mothers …

Advancing Consensual Non-Monogamy In Psychological Research, Practice, And Policy: A Guide For Psychologists, Amy C. Moors, Michelle Denise Vaughan, Sharon M. Flicker, Kaiponanea T. Matsumura, Heath A. Schechinger

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In this article, we present a brief overview of the topic of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) as a scientific inquiry, including reviews related to stigma, relationship functioning, and health and well-being. Next, we discuss how psychologists can be more responsive to people who engage in CNM, by (1) conducting research that is inclusive of CNM, including challenging mononormativity in theory and measurement; (2) training clinicians to be more knowledgeable about CNM, including expanding diversity requirements and evidence-based clinical practice; (3) working in advocacy to help shape law and policy, including future directions for research to inform marital/family and antidiscrimination law. Our …

Quality Of Life Changes In Middle-Aged Men After An Acute Stroke Or Traumatic Brain Injury, Angela J. Garner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Surviving a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can bring about life changes and negatively impact future quality of life. Studies that focus specifically on men who suffer these injuries is limited. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore quality of life of middle-aged men who suffered an acute stroke or TBI. The transactional model of stress and coping and the social identity theory were theoretical frameworks. Common themes were established during data analysis. Three research questions explored the narratives of masculine identity and quality of life in middle-aged men who experience a stroke or TBI. How having …

The Lived Experiences Of Developing A Strong Black Woman Schema For Resilient Black Women With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Lindsey Erin Dickson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) encompass a spectrum of adversities that can impact mental and physical health in adulthood, particularly in Black women. Although there was a substantial body of research on the consequences of ACEs and the coping strategies employed by Black women, there remained a gap in understanding the nuanced experiences of those who develop a Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of developing an SBW schema among resilient Black women who had faced ACEs. The research was grounded in resilience theory and SBW schema and provided …

The Holodomor: Death By Hunger, Marco Spann

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The Holodomor was a man-made famine used by Stalin’s regime against the nation of Ukraine. This deliberate famine was both politically and ethnically motivated for the purpose of progressing the Communist Revolution. Stalin believed there was a growing issue of separatism in Ukraine which threatened the unity of the Soviet Union. Stalin’s regime used collectivization, a system of violent seizure of land, people, and resources, to boost industrialization within the Soviet Union as well as to terrorize Ukrainians into submission. The Soviet Union enacted strict censorship of the Holodomor, setting back conversations on it by decades. The attack on the …

Exposure And Connectedness To Natural Environments: An Examination Of The Measurement Invariance Of The Nature Exposure Scale (Nes) And Connectedness To Nature Scale (Cns) Across 65 Nations, 40 Languages, Gender Identities, And Age Groups, Viren Swami, Mathew P. White, Martin Voracek, Ulrich S. Tran, Toivo Aavik, Hamed Abdollahpour Ranjbar, Sulaiman Olanrewaju Adebayo, Reza Afhami, Oli Ahmed, David A. Frederick

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Detachment from nature is contributing to the environmental crisis and reversing this trend requires detailed monitoring and targeted interventions to reconnect people to nature. Most tools measuring nature exposure and attachment were developed in high-income countries and little is known about their robustness across national and linguistic groups. Therefore, we used data from the Body Image in Nature Survey to assess measurement invariance of the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) and the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). While multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) of the NES supported …

Psychophysical And Pharmacological Models Of Visual Hallucination, Nathan H. Heller

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Visual hallucinations are visual experiences that are spontaneously generated by the brain, in the absence of appropriate external stimuli. Understanding the neural processes that give rise to these experiences is a complex challenge that spans the domains of psychology, neuroscience, and clinical practice. Model hallucinations can serve as a valuable tool in this context. They allow researchers to study hallucinatory experiences under controlled conditions, thus providing insights into their behavioral and neural underpinnings, which can facilitate the development of effective treatments. By creating models that emulate different aspects of hallucinatory experience, whether through pharmacological means, sensory manipulation, or cognitive tasks, …

A Laboratory Evaluation Of The Effects Of Empathy Training On Racial Bias, Victoria D. Suarez, Adel C. Najdowski, Angela Persicke, Jonathan Tarbox

Psychology Division Scholarship

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efects of behavioral procedures, including relational training and multiple exemplar training on empathic responding of individuals who display racial bias. In particular, this study used a multielement design with fve adult participants to evaluate whether the presentation of relational frames of coordination and distinction between the participants’ values and the values of a person belonging to a group for which a bias existed altered empathic responses toward people belonging to such groups. The results showed empathic responding was higher when relational frames of coordination were presented and lower when relational …

Behind The Curtain: Recommendations For Neurodiversity Research, Andree Koehler

The Qualitative Report

Researchers have explored neurodiversity in terms of gender, gender identity and expression, masking, and more, yet the focus is often on neurodiversity as synonymous with autism. There remains a challenge to expand the body of neurodiversity research that is broader than autism. In my article, neurodiversity will be discussed as an element of the broad human condition, rather than a singular state or condition of impairment isolated to a portion of the population to delineate the paradigm based on neurological variations from medical and social models. This paper was designed to offer a “how to” for conducting research into neurodiversity …

Perceived Naturalness Biases Objective Behavior In Both Trivial And Meaningful Contexts, Brian P. Meier, Eric Noreen, Michael Fellman, Courtney Lappas, Li-Jun Ji

Psychology Faculty Publications

Research shows that perceived naturalness can bias beliefs about the positivity of items such as food, human talent, and vaccines. Yet, this research focuses on self-reports, which leaves open the implications it has for behavior. In four studies (N = 492), this research team tested if perceived naturalness impacts trivial and meaningful behaviors. Participants were asked to consume a purported natural/synthetic performance drink (Study 1), test a purported natural/synthetic drug that would be injected (Study 2), eat chocolate containing a purported natural/synthetic cocoa described as causing stomach discomfort (Study 3), or choose a sticker purportedly made with natural/synthetic ink …

Why The Elderly Are Targeted For Financial Cybercrimes: A Case Of South Africa, Tanweer Hamdulay, Chimwemwe Queen Mtegha, Wallace Chigona, Zwelithini Mabhena

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Financial cybercrime is growing in South Africa. The elderly population are a particularly vulnerable demographic to financial cybercrime. This research explores the factors contributing to financial cybercrime vulnerabilities among elderly citizens in disadvantaged communities in South Africa. A theoretical model based on Routine Activity Theory (RAT) was constructed. Findings from in-depth interviews show that cybercriminals take advantage of the elderly’s technology inexperience, using clever social engineering tactics and deceit to access personal and financial information. The study establishes a direct connection between low technology literacy and increased exposure to financial cybercrimes in South Africa, showing a dependence on younger family …

The Bonding Experiences Of Mothers Of Children With Sensory Processing Disorder, Natalie Marie Maddison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal bonding is known to involve tactile and proximal components that support the bonding process. In addition, mothers report that feelings of maternal competence and role identity develop by being able to predict and meet their child’s needs. However, research in this area does not consider how sensory processing disorder (SPD) in children affects maternal bonding experiences. This research aimed to address a gap in the literature about mothers’ experiences bonding with a child with SPD, including the impact of SPD on a mother’s felt experience. Mercer’s maternal role attainment was used as the theoretical framework for exploring this topic. …

Predictors Of Statewide Specific Learning Disability Identification Across United States Educational Settings, Elizabeth Fox

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The relationships between response to intervention (RTI) data, cognitive ability, academic achievement, identification methods, and specific learning disability (SLD) identification have been studied extensively in recent years; however, an empirically supported method of identifying a learning disability has yet to be agreed upon. Without a better understanding of the multifaceted relationship between the set of predictors and SLD identification, the challenges of identifying children with SLD may continue. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of state identified tiered support system, RTI approach, academic achievement, free/reduced lunch status, and SLD identification method on the incidence …

Counseling In Virtual Spaces And Into The Metaverse: A Framework For Reflection, Conversation, And Future Scholarship, Staci Hayes, Yahyahan Aras, Kathy Caputo, James Hoag, Lindsay Ibos, Sania Khan, Kelly Smith

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Given the success of Virtual Reality (VR) in the gaming community and strides in mental health, both VR and the Metaverse provide limitless opportunities and possibilities in the field of counseling. This article aims to provide important definitions, an overview of the use of VR in clinical counseling, clinical supervision, counselor education and its potential emergence into the Metaverse. Implications are presented in hopes of prompting conversation on how we may accept technological and cultural shifts and remain true to our counseling roots. Specifically, how to maximize the potential benefits with counseling specific rationale and address the limitations and potential …

Trump, Twitter, And Truth Judgments: The Effects Of “Disputed” Tags And Political Knowledge On The Judged Truthfulness Of Election Misinformation, J. C. Blanchar, Catherine Norris

Psychology Faculty Works

Misinformation has sown distrust in the legitimacy of American elections. Nowhere has this been more concerning than in the 2020 U.S. presidential election wherein Donald Trump falsely declared that it was stolen through fraud. Although social media platforms attempted to dispute Trump’s false claims by attaching soft moderation tags to his posts, little is known about the effectiveness of this strategy. We experimentally tested the use of “disputed” tags on Trump’s Twitter posts as a means of curbing election misinformation. Trump voters with high political knowledge judged election misinformation as more truthful when Trump’s claims included Twitter’s disputed tags compared …

An Integral Approach To Philosophy Of Nature, Carol Richardson

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Abstract

Quantum physicists and quantum biologists enjoy a mathematically-inspired romance with the wonders of nature at the quantum level. Recognizing the romance of mathematics and the quantum-to-cosmic level relational energetics of Nature can lead to a more integral, romantic, and even embodied phenomenology of the intelligence inherent within Nature’s relational and embodied energies. Approaching this quantum nature of Nature from the more romantic, wholistic views of the right hemisphere of the brain, rather than from the fragmenting views of the left hemisphere of the brain, one can begin to discover the self-organizing abilities of the energies of Nature at all …

Individuals With Multiple Tattoos Exhibit Major Depressive Disorder, Dr. Tracy Alan Daniels

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health concern and is the second global leading cause of mental illness that produces disability and disease. Individuals with multiple tattoos who exhibit MDD have not been adequately studied. Individuals with multiple tattoos who exhibit MDD may struggle because of psychosocial associations of the diagnosis. Seven women and three men, ages 18 to 65, participated in this qualitative, phenomenological study. Data obtained from the semistructured; audio-recorded confidential video call interviews were analyzed with Moustakas’ bracketing method. Bracketing as a phenomenological method was instrumental in searching for associations in meanings and understandings with individuals. …

Does Walking Help Creativity? How Isolating Motor Functions To Rhythmic And Obstructed Ambulation Affects Divergent Thinking., Charles Bartholomae

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influence of walking on creativity, specifically how motor activities like rhythmic and obstructed ambulation impact divergent thinking. Previous research suggests walking enhances creativity, but these findings may be confounded by uncontrolled movements of the head, eyes, and arms. Our controlled treadmill experiment, distinguishing between stationary, unobstructed, and obstructed walking, aimed to isolate walking's effects. Results indicated no significant differences in creativity scores across conditions, challenging the hypothesis that complex ambulation directly enhances divergent thinking. This suggests that the cognitive benefits of walking may not stem from the act itself but potentially from associated broader motor activities. …

Integrating Doctrine & Diversity Speaker Series: Breaking Bias: A Conversation With Attorney Anu Gupta 9-10-2024, Roger Williams University School Of Law

School of Law Conferences, Lectures & Events

No abstract provided.

Ethical Dilemmas In Applied Behavior Analysis: Navigating The Information Landscape With Artificial Intelligence, Anna Young

AI Assignment Library

Students will review and analyze a complex ethical scenario and apply 1. a decision making framework that they learned about in the course to propose solutions to the ethical dilemma and 2. a decision making framework generated by AI to do the same. They will then compare and contrast the framework they learned about in the course to the AI- generated framework.

Exploring Generative Ai As A "Study Buddy" For Research Methods In Psychology, Heather Terrell

AI Assignment Library

This assignment asks students to engage with generative-AI as a potential study tool and to explore how prompt modification may impact the output generated. It also asks students to compare material generated to other previously vetted material (in this case, book chapters).

Neighborhood Disadvantage, Parenting, And Dna Methylation During Childhood, Malcolm Barker-Kamps

All ETDs from UAB

Being raised in a disadvantaged neighborhood increases the risk of adult obesity, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic aging even when adjusting for family socioeconomic status (SES). Because little is understood regarding the timing of these outcomes through development and possible moderating effects of the family environment, this project investigated the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and DNA methylation in children and whether this association varies across child age, parenting behaviors, or neighborhood cohesion. The study included 112 parents (Mage=27.5; SD=1.06) and 160 children, ages 0-14 (Mage =3.89, SD=3.29; 54% female; 90% African American; 10% White), from the Birmingham Youth Violence Study. Neighborhood …

Leveraging Ai To Develop And Refine Research Topics In The Counseling Field, Emily A. Brinck

AI Assignment Library

The purpose of this assignment is to utilize AI tools to develop and refine a research topic within the counseling field. By engaging with AI, students will enhance their ability to identify emerging trends, analyze existing literature, and generate innovative research questions. This assignment aims to empower students with the skills needed to integrate AI into their research process, ultimately leading to more informed and impactful studies in counseling.

The Effects Of Intraindividual Factors On Distracted Car Following Behavior In Newly Licensed Teen Drivers, Gabriela Marie Sherrod

All ETDs from UAB

Rear-ending a stopped lead vehicle is the most common motor vehicle crash (MVC) scenario among all drivers. However, novice teen drivers experience a higher rate of rear-end MVCs relative to experienced adults. Given that MVC risk among novice teen drivers is at its highest during the first three months of licensure, it is especially relevant to better understand car following behaviors of novice teen drivers during this critical developmental window, as well as factors that may affect a teen’s attentional capabilities. The present study examined how recently-licensed teens negotiated a simulated car following task with and without cellular phone distractions. …

Experiences Of Discrimination And Stress In People With And Without Hiv: Associations With Experimental Pain Sensitivity And Substance Use, Joanna Hobson

All ETDs from UAB

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk for experiencing not only discrimination, but the adverse health outcomes that are related to discrimination. Specifically, studies have identified direct relationships between HIV, discrimination and substance use, pain, poor sleep (e.g. insomnia symptoms) and depression. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the relationships between discrimination, stress, experimental pain sensitivity, mood and substance abuse. We used various questionnaires to measure mood and health behavior. Lastly, participants underwent a series of pain experiments to measure group differences in experimental pain sensitivity. We found group differences in cortisol levels (p = .031) and …

Measuring Resilience In Black Families, Destiny Shanell Kelly

All ETDs from UAB

Black families play a unique role in navigating risk and adversity, operating as a source of various protective factors to combat challenges faced. Given the historical and current role that racism plays in the everyday lives of Black individuals, culturally specific protective mechanisms have manifested as a defense for these encounters. Many of these protective factors are instilled at the family level, helping all family members maintain healthy functioning or be resilient, such as social support, ethnic-racial socialization, and racial identity. However, current measures of family resilience do not incorporate these culturally relevant protective mechanisms into the measures, preventing Black …