Educational Psychology Commons^™

Snap Challenge In Teacher Education, Eric Hogan, Sean Forbes, Carey E. Andrzejewski

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

Training pre-service teachers often focuses on educating them about issues they will see in their own classrooms. One such issue is food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined by limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (Rabbitt et al., 2023a). This article focuses on pre-service teachers' experiences while engaging in the SNAP Challenge to learn more about food insecurity while also learning how food impacts student learning and motivation. Participants in the study discussed how living off the …

Impulsivity In Nrcam Ko Mice Is Reduced By Nmdar Antagonist Mk-801 But Not By Ampar Antagonist Cnqx, Mona Buhusi, Catalin V. Buhusi

Psychology Faculty Publications

The neuronal cell adhesion molecule NrCAM is widely expressed in the nervous system across the lifespan and has important physiological functions in the development of neuronal circuits through axonal growth and guidance and formation and maintenance of synapses in the cortex. NrCAM gene polymorphisms are associated with vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as vulnerability to substance use disorders. We investigated the effects of acute and chronic stress and the effects of systemic administration of AMPAR antagonist CNQX and NMDAR antagonist MK-801 on delay discounting in male NrCAM knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type littermate controls (WT). …

Psychological Flexibility As A Mechanism Of Change In Online Act Among Adults Living With Chronic Health Conditions, Francesca M. Knudsen, Marissa L. Donahue, Korena S. Klimczak, Ty B. Aller, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Living with a chronic health condition (CHC) can negatively impact quality of life (QoL) through a complex interaction of mental health challenges, functional limitations, and disease management demands. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic approach that shows promise in addressing shared challenges across various CHCs by fostering psychological flexibility (PF). PF has been associated with improved QoL and functional outcomes and reduced psychological symptoms in individuals living with specific CHCs; yet its mediating role in these outcomes remains underexplored. This secondary analysis examined whether changes in PF mediated improvements in QoL, psychological symptoms, and functional impairment among individuals …

The Paradox Of Choice: User Preferences And Completion Rates In Single-Session Vs. Multi-Session Digital Mental Health Interventions, Emily M. Bowers, Korena S. Klimczak, Ty B. Aller, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer scalable solutions for addressing mental health needs, but low adherence remains a significant challenge. Single session DMHIs may offer a feasible alternative to address this issue, providing an accessible and low-effort option for users. The present study examines whether adding the choice of a single session DMHI in addition to a multi-session DMHI provides a feasible alternative for users who might otherwise disengage. This study examined naturalistic data from 509 university students who registered for a 12-session DMHI, single session DMHI, or both. The majority (58%) chose only the multi-session DMHI, while 24.2% chose …

Audiological Characteristics And Associations With Psychological Inflexibility, Karen Muñoz, Bailey Sorensen, Aryn Kamerer, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

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Adapting The Comprehensive Assessment Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Processes (Compact) Questionnaire For Contextual Relevance In Uganda: A Comprehensive Approach, Joseph Mugarura, Khamisi Musanje, Michael E. Levin, Ronald Asiimwe, Morris Ndeezi, Simon Kizito, Ross G. White, Rosco Kasujja

Psychology Faculty Publications

The global utility of acceptance and commitment therapy highlights the need for adapting measures that can effectively capture the richness of psychological flexibility. One such instrument is the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT). We translated the CompACT into Luganda and adapted it for use in Uganda. The original CompACT was translated into the Luganda language and reviewed through a series of evaluations. Nine mental health professionals participated in one-on-one interviews, while a focus group of eight culturally competent laypersons provided further insights. Their feedback resulted in revisions to enhance the instrument’s clarity, relevance, acceptability and completeness. …

Tacting The Functions Of Behavior And College Mental Health: A Mobile App-Based Approach To Developing Psychological Flexibility, Benjamin G. Pierce, Michael P. Twohig, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

This study evaluated a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Matrix app to improve college student mental health in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial. It was hypothesized that participants assigned to the ACT Matrix app would report greater improvements than the waitlist condition on measures of psychological inflexibility (e.g., Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II; Tacting of Function [TOF] scale), distress (e.g., Patient Health Questionnaire), and functioning (e.g., Satisfaction with Life Scale) as well as that changes in psychological inflexibility variables would predict improvements in distress and functioning at post-intervention and 4-week follow up. The sample included 106 students reporting elevated depression or …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy-Enhanced Behavior Therapy As An Intervention For Trichotillomania And Excoriation Disorder (Skin Picking): A Review, Michael P. Twohig, Leila K. Capel

Psychology Faculty Publications

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – enhanced behavior therapy (A-EBT) is the most empirically supported treatment for trichotillomania. The data supporting A-EBT for excoriation disorder (skin picking) is small but growing. In this paper we review the model behind A-EBT including support for targeting psychological inflexibility as well as the use of more traditional behavioral procedures to reduce non-focused behaviors. To date there are 15 studies investigating A-EBT for trichotillomania and skin picking across ages and treatment delivery methods (individual, group, telehealth, and asynchronous web-based delivery). The work has occurred by multiple research teams. Data on process of change is …

Self-Perception As A Predictor Of Eating Disorder Severity In A Residential Sample Of Women And Girls With Eating Disorders, Emily M. Bowers, Julie M. Petersen, Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Benita Quakenbush, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with significant negative health outcomes, high mortality rates, and comorbid mental health conditions. Despite many available interventions for eating disorders, treatment remains challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining treatment gains. Understanding effective treatment processes is crucial. This study aimed to examine the role of self-perception components in predicting eating disorder severity in a residential sample of women and girls. Participants (N = 175) completed measures assessing eating disorder severity, self-kindness, self-judgment, and self-esteem at admission. Correlational analyses and structural equation modeling were used to explore these relationships. Results indicated that self-judgment and …

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Single-Session Digital Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention, Michael E. Levin, Miriam N. Mukasa, Emily M. Bowers, Korena S. Klimczak, Ty B. Aller

Psychology Faculty Publications

Adherence challenges are common among digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). Single-session DMHIs may help by providing a low-intensity intervention that takes less time to complete. This pilot randomized controlled trial sought to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a single-session DMHI based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a non-clinical sample of college students. The trial was pre-registered (NCT06139718). A total of 61 students were recruited, which was below the target of 100 participants. The participants were randomized to the single-session ACT DMHI or to a waitlist condition, with assessments completed at 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. The vast …

Act For Ocd: An Example Of Act And Values-Based Exposures, Leila K. Capel, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Exposure exercises as seen in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are standard in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the last two decades, additional research has been conducted on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and the ways that exposure exercises are conducted from an ACT model. Empirical support for conducting exposures from an ACT model exists. Group level statistics suggest that ACT with ACT-based exposures is as effective as traditional ERP or CBT. A key component of ACT and values-based exposures is the focus on teaching psychological flexibility to allow for engagement with values-based …

A Review Of Research On Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Anxiety And Obsessive Compulsive And Related Disorders, Michael P. Twohig, Leila K. Capel, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

This paper reviews acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, hoarding, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Measurement of psychological inflexibility and its relationship to pathology is reviewed. Outcome work in all disorders listed is reviewed with results supporting ACT for anxiety disorders, OCD, and trichotillomania, but there is limited evidence for excoriation disorder, hoarding, and BDD. Future research should focus on processes of change in addition to outcomes.

When Connecting With Lgbtq+ Communities Helps And Why It Does: A Meta-Analysis Of The Relationship Between Connectedness And Health-Related Outcomes, G. Tyler Lefevor, Sydney A. Sorrell, Samuel J. Skidmore, Kiet D. Huynh, Rachel M, Golightly, Elanor Standifird, Kyrstin Searle, Madelyn Call

Psychology Faculty Publications

We conducted a multilevel meta-analysis of 390 effect sizes from 167 studies with 157,923 participants examining the relationship between connectedness with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and health-related outcomes, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted our initial search in January 2023 in APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, and Open Dissertations, selecting studies that (a) measured LGBTQ+ community connectedness, (b) measured health, and (c) provided an estimate of the relationship between LGBTQ+ community connectedness and health. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes mental health (r = .11), well-being (r …

Zoographics In The Journal Of The Experimental Analysis Of Behavior: Increasing Inclusion Of Female Animals, Amy L. Odum, Kiernan T. Callister, Mariah E. Willis-Moore, Daniel S. Da Silva, David N. Legaspi, Lucy N. Scribner, Josephine N. Hannah

Psychology Faculty Publications

We examined the zoographics, or the characteristics of nonhuman animal subjects, reported for the entirety of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) through the most recent complete year (1958–2023). Animal sex in particular was evaluated to determine whether the lack of inclusion of female subjects in other disciplines extends to JEAB. Through systematic coding of all nonhuman empirical articles, we found consistent underreporting of most zoographics and a disproportionate use of male subjects relative to female subjects. Additionally, animal sex was commonly unreported and the inclusion of both male and female subjects was sparse. …

Audiological Characteristics Of A Sample Of Adults With Misophonia, Karen F. Muñoz, Mercedes G. Woolley, Doris Velasquez, Diana Ortiz, Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the audiological test results from a sample of 60 adults with self-reported misophonia.

Method: Audiological testing was completed prior to participant randomization in a controlled trial for misophonia treatment. Participants completed the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms Survey (IHS), the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS), the Misophonia Questionnaire (MQ), and behavioral and objective audiometric measures.

Results: Hearing thresholds were less than 25 dBHL for 97% of the participants. Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDL) for tonal stimuli suggested hyperacusis in 25% of the sample. Total scores on the IHS indicated 12% met the clinical …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Versus Progressive Relaxation Training For Misophonia: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol, Interventions, And Audiological Assessments, Emily M. Bowers, Mercedes G. Woolley, Karen Muñoz, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Misophonia is a disorder characterized by an intense emotional reaction to specific sounds, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising psychotherapy for treating misophonia, but has only been previously tested in case studies. This paper presents a protocol for the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy and feasibility of ACT supplemented by audiological interventions for misophonia versus progressive relaxation training (PRT).

Methods: The outlined protocol is a RCT with 60 adults with misophonia. After undergoing a comprehensive psychological and audiological evaluation, participants were randomly assigned to …

Instruments For Dual-Factor Mental Health Screening In Elementary Schools: Implications In Mental Health Classification, Mei-Ki Chan, Michael J. Furlong, Emmy Ruff

Psychology Faculty Publications

This research study holds practical significance for educators, school administrators, and mental health professionals. The study utilized structural equation modeling on two samples of elementary school students in grades three to five to create and validate condensed versions of the Social-Emotional Health Survey-Primary and the Me and My School questionnaire. These abbreviated scales exhibited strong internal validity and reliability across grade levels and genders, allowing for the assessment of wellness and distress among a diverse range of elementary school students. Furthermore, data from a longitudinal sample investigated dual-factor mental health profiles and their consistency over one year. Based on the …

Thought-Shape Fusion In Residential Eating Disorder Treatment: Cognitive Defusion As A Mediator Between Thought-Action Fusion And Treatment Outcome, Mercedes G. Woolley, Sarah E. Schwartz, Francesca M. Knudsen, Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

An understudied cognitive bias within eating disorder (ED) psychopathology is Thought-Shape Fusion (TSF), which involves irrational beliefs about the likelihood and moral implications of feared outcomes within the context of ED treatment, with little known about potential process of change to address TSF and ultimately promote ED recovery. We propose cognitive defusion as a process of change, a metacognitive process that emphasizes observing thoughts objectively rather than appraising thoughts as absolute truth. We explored whether cognitive defusion, that is, reductions in body image-related cognitive fusion, mediated the relationship between trait-level TSF and treatment outcomes in a transdiagnostic ED sample of …

Development And Validation Of The Identity Negotiation Experiences And Strategies Scale, Renee V. Galliher, Joshua G. Parmenter, Lee Pradell, Theo Klimstra

Psychology Faculty Publications

A rich theoretical and empirical literature captures experiences of identity conflict and tension at the nexus of identity domains that feel incompatible. The Identity Negotiation Experiences and Strategies (INES) scale was developed to provide a quantitative tool for capturing experiences of identity strain or conflict, and strategies for responding to or managing strain. Focus groups with college students from the United States, the Netherlands, and Finland were used to develop a pool of items capturing students' identity negotiation experiences. Subsequently, two college student samples from the United States and the Netherlands were used to refine the scale and assess psychometric …

Serial Mediation Analysis Of Psychological Inflexibility And Daytime Insomnia Rumination In The Relationship Between Dysfunctional Beliefs About Sleep And Insomnia In College Students, Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Mercedes G. Woolley, Eric B. Lee, Brooke M. Smith, Demi Culianos, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Emerging research suggests that psychological inflexibility may be a factor contributing to the development and maintenance of insomnia. However, less is known about the potential cognitive pathways that may explain this relationship. In this study, we investigated the serial mediating effects of psychological inflexibility and daytime insomnia related rumination on the association between dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS) and insomnia symptoms. The sample included 490 college students who underwent assessments at two time points over a one-month period. The results of our mediational tests yielded significant indirect effects, supporting the prediction that psychological inflexibility and daytime insomnia rumination …

One Size Does Not Fit All: A Multifaceted Approach To Educate Families About Newborn Screening, Marianna H. Raia, Molly M. Lynch, Alyson C. Ward, Jill A. Brown, Natasha F. Bonhomme, Vicki L. Hunting

Psychology Faculty Publications

All families deserve access to readily available, accurate, and relevant information to help them navigate the newborn screening system. Current practices, limited resources, and a siloed newborn screening system create numerous challenges for both providers and families to implement educational opportunities to engage families in ways that meet their needs with relevant and meaningful approaches. Engaging families in newborn screening, especially those from historically underserved communities, is necessary to increase knowledge and confidence which leads to overall improved outcomes for families. This article describes three strategies that the Navigate Newborn Screening Program developed, tested, and implemented in the United States, …

A Consideration Of Racial/Ethnic Diversity Conceptualization And Measurement: Clarifying Ambiguities And Advancing Scholarship, Mei-Ki Chan, Aprile D. Benner

Psychology Faculty Publications

There has been little discussion of racial/ethnic diversity conceptualization and measurement in educational and psychological research. With the surge of research on school diversity and its significant social meaning, the lack of clarity on how diversity is conceptualized and operationalized warrants a systematic review. This article 1) reviews diversity concepts in the literature, 2) describes potential conceptual and methodological concerns, 3) proposes an alternative method to measure two specific types of diversity, and 4) highlights considerations for future research and methodology when studying diversity. More specifically, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the available measures that quantify diversity, mapped …

An Overview Of Research On Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Michael E. Levin, Jennifer Krafft, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

This review summarized recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses on randomized controlled trials evaluating ACT. Although the strength of evidence varies, overall there is plausible evidence for the efficacy of ACT for a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, psychosis, substance use disorders, chronic pain, coping with chronic health conditions, obesity, stigma, and stress and burnout. ACT is also efficacious when delivered in digital self-help formats. Emerging evidence indicates the potential efficacy of ACT for children and adolescents and when applied across diverse populations. Reviews of mediation research indicate ACT works through increasing psychological flexibility.

Resurgence Of Destructive Behavior Following Decreases In Alternative Reinforcement: A Prospective Analysis, Brian D. Greer, Timothy A. Shahan, Casey Irwin Helvey, Wayne W. Fisher, Daniel R. Mitteer, Ashley M. Fuhrman

Psychology Faculty Publications

Basic and retrospective translational research has shown that the magnitude of resurgence is determined by the size of the decrease in alternative reinforcement, with larger decreases producing more resurgence. However, this finding has not been evaluated prospectively with a clinical population. In Experiment 1, five participants experienced a fixed progression of reinforcement schedule-thinning steps during treatment of their destructive behavior. Resurgence occurred infrequently across steps and participants, and when resurgence did occur, its clinical meaningfulness was often minimal. In Experiment 2, five new participants experienced these same schedule-thinning steps but in a counterbalanced order. Resurgence occurred most often and was …

Neurocognitive Functioning In Adults With Trichotillomania: Predictors Of Treatment Response And Symptom Severity In A Randomized Control Trial, Kathryn E. Barber, Douglas W. Woods, Thilo Deckersbach, Christopher C. Bauer, Scott N. Compton, Michael P. Twohig, Emily J. Ricketts, Jordan Robinson, Stephen M. Saunders, Martin E. Franklin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Trichotillomania (TTM) is associated with impairments in response inhibition and cognitive flexibility, but it is unclear how such impairments relate to treatment outcome. The present study examined pre-treatment response inhibition and cognitive flexibility as predictors of treatment outcome, change in these domains from pre- to post-treatment, and associations with TTM severity. Participants were drawn from a randomized controlled trial comparing acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy (AEBT) to psychoeducation and supportive therapy (PST) for TTM. Adults completed assessments at pre-treatment (n=88) and following 12 weeks of treatment (n=68). Response inhibition and cognitive flexibility were assessed using the Stop Signal …

Examining Processes Of Change For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy And Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Books With Depressed College Students, Carter H. Davis, Michael P. Twohig, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Given the prevalence of depression, it is worthwhile to consider a variety of treatment approaches to reach as many sufferers as possible, including highly accessible formats such as self-help books. Books based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) propose to treat depression through distinct processes of change, though the degree to which these treatments are distinguishable in this format is unclear. Furthermore, it is possible that some individuals may respond better to therapeutic processes from one approach over the other based on personal preferences. We tested the effects of ACT and CBT self-help books on …

The Influence Of Religious Affiliation On The Political Views Of Lgbt Americans, G. Tyler Lefevor, Sydney A. Sorrell, Kelsy Burke, Andrew R. Flores

Psychology Faculty Publications

With a nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional sample of over 250,000 Americans from 2016-2019, we investigate the role that religious and LGBT identities play in influencing Americans’ political attitudes, centering the narratives of religious LGBT Americans. We find that nearly half of LGBT Americans affiliate religiously. Logistic regressions show that identifying as religious is related to more conservative views on LGBT rights and abortion while identifying as LGBT is related to more liberal views on both of these issues. We failed to observe interaction effects, suggesting that religious affiliation influences LGBT individuals’ political views in a manner similar to the way …

Predictors Of Adherence To A Publicly Available Self-Guided Digital Mental Health Intervention, Mercedes G. Woolley, Korena S. Klimczak, Carter H. Davis, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Low adherence to self-guided digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have raised concerns about their real-world effectiveness. Naturalistic data from self-guided DMHIs are often not available, hindering our ability to assess adherence among real-world users. This study aimed to analyze 3 years of user data from the public launch of an empirically supported 12-session self-guided DMHI, to assess overall program adherence rates and explore predictors of adherence. Data from 984 registered users were analyzed. Results showed that only 14.8% of users completed all 12 modules and 68.6% completed less than half of the modules. Users who were younger, had milder depression, …

Retrospective Consecutive Controlled Case Series Of Outcomes For Functional Analyses Of Severe Destructive Behavior, Jessie K. Weber, Katherine R. Brown, Billie J. Retzlaff, Alyssa M. Hurd, Heather J. Anderson, Kendra Smallwood

Psychology Faculty Publications

Functional analysis methods allow clinicians to determine the variable(s) that maintain destructive behavior. Previous reviews of functional analysis outcomes have included large samples of published and unpublished datasets (i.e., clinical samples). The purpose of this review was to conduct a large retrospective consecutive controlled case series of clinical functional analyses. We sought to identify the prevalence of differentiation, procedural modifications for undifferentiated and differentiated cases, and identified function(s) of destructive behavior. In addition, we extended the existing literature by determining whether functional analysis differentiation and function varied when single or multiple behavior topographies were consequated in the functional analysis. We …

Efficacy Of Patient Education And Duloxetine, Alone And In Combination, For Patients With Multisystem Functional Somatic Disorder: Study Protocol For The Edulox Trial, Cecilia Pihl Jespersen, Heidi Frølund Pedersen, Maria Kleinstäuber, Per Fink, Kaare Bro Wellnitz, Eva Ørnbøl, Andreas Schröder, Johanne Liv Agger, Lene Vase, Nanna Brix Finnerup, Lise Kirstine Gormsen

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background

Multisystem functional somatic disorder is characterized by specific patterns of persistent physical symptoms with a complex biopsychosocial etiology. The disorder can lead to disability and personal suffering. Current treatment options require specialized settings, therefore patients often wait a long time to receive specific treatment.

Patient education is considered important in most treatment programs, but has only been investigated sparsely as a stand-alone treatment. Pharmacological treatment is limited to tricyclic antidepressants in low doses with not antidepressant properties. Duloxetine has been found effective in single organ functional disorders. As a treatment for multisystem functional somatic disorder, duloxetine could reduce symptoms …