Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Mixing Motives: The Relationship Between College Students' Helping Behaviors And Alcohol Use, Randy Lee Halberda

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigates the relationship between volunteer helping and alcohol use and drinking problems in a sample of 396 college students. Two pilot studies were conducted to adapt a measure of helping behavior (Kaskutas, Oberste, & Zemore, 2002) for use with college students. The present study tests the hypothesis that students who help others are less likely to consume alcohol and subsequently less likely to suffer alcohol-related problems than their peers. Additionally, a path model specifying mediators between helping behaviors and drinking outcomes was examined. The proposed path model predicted that volunteer helping affects well being and perceived peer …

Juvenile Fear Of Crime And Attitudes Towards The Police: The Effect Of Implementing A School Resource Officer Program In Alaska High Schools, Sean A. Case

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents data concerning the effect uniformed police officers have on attitudes towards the police and fear of crime within the high school setting. Two identical surveys were administered to 522 high school students at two periods during a school year. The primary purpose was to determine whether placing uniformed police officers, called School Resource Officers, in high schools would improve attitudes towards the police and reduce the fear of crime. Although opinions towards the police were positively affected and the fear of crime was reduced, neither was affected significantly. The primary implication drawn from this research is that …

A Family Systems Approach To Substance Misuse: An Examination Of Risk And Protective Factors, Jennifer Anne Cutchin

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This purpose of this project was to investigate the interrelationships between family structure, classroom stress, sense of belonging, and substance misuse in college students. Some outcomes of the study were an increased knowledge of substance misuse in college students and the impact of risk and protective factors on substance misuse. One model of family structure is the Circumplex Model of Family Systems. This model consists of three components: family cohesion, adaptability and communication fOIson, Russell, & Sprenkle, 1989). This research was conducted at Old Dominion University using 391 undergraduate college students, aged 18 - 25. It was hypothesized that students …

Implicit Cognition And Dissocative Experiences As Predictors Of Adolescent Substance Use, Susan L. Ames, Steve Sussman, Clyde W. Dent, Alan W. Stacy

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

The present study evaluated the mediating role of implicit cognitive processes in the prediction of alcohol and marijuana use and examined the relationships between dissociative experiences, implicit processes, and sensation seeking in models of drug use and problem experiences. Participants were 467 diverse at-risk adolescents in California. Results from latent variable models revealed that implicit cognition independently predicted alcohol and marijuana use and mediated the predictive effects of sensation seeking on drug use. Dissociative experiences did not predict implicit cognition or drug use in this sample, though this factor was a significant predictor of problem experiences and was positively correlated …

The Effect Of Early Psychostimulant Treatment On Abuse Liability And Dopamine Receptors, Steven Wayne Villafranca

Theses Digitization Project

Examines whether the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse were altered in adulthood by methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin. Subjects were 108 rats of Sprague-Dawley descent (Harlan). Methylphenidate, or saline was administered daily to the subjects from the postnatal period (11-20 days old). The rats preference for morphine during early adulthood was measured using conditioned place preference. The number of dopamine D₂ receptors was measured in each rat and the correlation between receptor number and morphine preference was determined. Results indicate that rats pretreated with methylphenidate showed greater preference for morphine than saline pretreated rats and suggests that exposure …

The Effects Of Parental Alcoholism On Children, Ryan A. Flaherty

Graduate Research Papers

Research has examined the effects of parental alcoholism on children and adolescents. This paper will address the different ways teens are affected by parental alcoholism, identifying medical, emotional, and social dangers, while also trying to link specific aspects of parental alcoholism with each harmful effect. In looking at the negative effects that parental alcoholism has on the parents and children, this paper will also examine whether children become victims and suffer, or become resilient and persevere. This paper will also look at physical, social, emotional, behavioral and family structure concerns as they relate to children with alcoholic parents.

Narrative Art Therapy For Families That Have A Child With A Life-Threatening Illness, Andrea A. Seitz

Art Therapy | Master's Theses in Print

Researchers have recognized the importance of meaningful collaboration between family medical and family therapy practitioners. A report published this year (2005) by the American Academy of Pediatrics spells out the need for pediatricians to be cognizant of the entire family’s needs when treating a child. Given the demands on pediatricians it seems almost impossible for them to provide psycho-social support needed by families. Therefore, a partnership between an MFT and a physician is a more realistic alternative. This proposal will offer an intervention model for working with families who have a child with a catastrophic illness. The treatment modality. Narrative …

The Effects Of Divorce On Children And Adolescents, Rachelle A. Haker

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper focuses on the effects of divorce on children and adolescents. Based on a review of literature, there are many short-term and long-term effects including emotional, behavioral, and physical issues. Children and adolescents vary in adjustment to divorce depending on multiple factors such as communication, conflict, and parental adjustment. The stages that children and adolescents of divorce go through depend on one's developmental stage and gender. Counselors can greatly influence how children and adolescents adjust to divorce.

Sequential Super-Stereotypy Of An Instinctive Fixed Action Pattern In Hyper-Dopaminergic Mutant Mice: A Model Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Tourette's, Kent C. Berridge, J Wayne Aldridge, Kimberly R. Houchard, Xiaoxi Zhuang

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Excessive sequential stereotypy of behavioral patterns (sequential super-stereotypy) in Tourette's syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is thought to involve dysfunction in nigrostriatal dopamine systems. In sequential super-stereotypy, patients become trapped in overly rigid sequential patterns of action, language, or thought. Some instinctive behavioral patterns of animals, such as the syntactic grooming chain pattern of rodents, have sufficiently complex and stereotyped serial structure to detect potential production of overly-rigid sequential patterns. A syntactic grooming chain is a fixed action pattern that serially links up to 25 grooming movements into 4 predictable phases that follow 1 syntactic rule. New …

The Clinical Utility Of The Behavior Rating Inventory Of Executive Function (Brief) In The Diagnosis Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Stephen J. Mccandless

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current theories hypothesize that deficits in executive :functioning (EF) are responsible for the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and that specific patterns ofEF deficits may be associated with different subtypes of ADHD. Standard assessment practices for ADHD include behavior rating scales filled out by teachers and parents. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a behavior rating scale designed to assess dimensions of executive :functioning. This study evaluated the validity and clinical usefulness of the BRIEF in assessing for ADHD in a • clinic-referred sample of children and adolescents. This study also examined the effectiveness of …

The Relationship Among Pathological Internet Use, Level Of Social Anxiety, And Degree Of Self-Esteem, Mark Tanner Gibson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the variables of degree of selfesteem, level of social anxiety, level of education, age, and gender can predict whether or not individuals meet criteria for Pathological Internet Use (PIU). The Diagnostic Questionnaire was used to ascertain the degree of pathology in each participant's Internet use. Participants also completed a 25-item Social Anxiety Inventory, a 30-item SelfEsteem Inventory, and several demographic items. The sample consisted of399 individuals, 31 of whom met criteria for PIU (leaving 368 Non-PIUs). A discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data to determine whether PIUs and Non-PIUs …

Coping Patterns Among Perpetrators Of Child Sexual Abuse, Henry Adolphus Beck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the coping and religious coping strategies used by child sexual abuse (CSA) perpetrators. It was hypothesized that (1) Perpetrators of incestuous CSA would show greater use of Emotion-Oriented coping than perpetrators of non-incestuous CSA, (2) perpetrators of non-incestuous CSA would show greater use of Task-Oriented coping than perpetrators of incestuous CSA (3) Perpetrators of incestuous CSA would show greater use of Avoidance-Oriented coping than perpetrators of non-incestuous CSA, and (4) there would be a difference in the use of positive and negative religious coping between groups of incestuous and non-incestuous CSA perpetrators. Participants completed the Coping Inventory …

Quality Of Life In The Chronically Mentally Ill: Impact Of Demographics, Symptomatology, And Coping Styles, Dawn Castner

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are often persistent and disabling conditions that require a wide range ofbiopsychosocial treatments. In recent decades, treatment has largely focused on assisting persons to maintain community tenure, while little attention has been devoted to quality of life. For many, these illnesses have a negative impact on life satisfaction due to their chronic and variable nature, lack of completely efficacious treatments, and social stigma. Some have speculated that various demographic, symptom, or treatment variables influence quality of life, but the nature and amount of influence is uncertain. 111 The purpose of this study was to investigate the …

Antisocial Personality Disorder And Psychopathy: Characterological And Behavioral Criteria, Megan Kay Null

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) have been criticized for being too behavioral and not sufficiently tied to the historical concept of a psychopathic character. Research suggests that clinicians may not find the current diagnostic criteria useful and that a different set of criteria may be more descriptive of the way they conceptualize ASPD. In addition, questions remain as to the relationship between ASPD and psychopathy (PP). The current study examined clinicians' prototypes of ASPD and PP to determine which criteria are most consistent with how clinicians conceptualize these constructs and to determine whether ASPD and PP …

Will Knowledge Of Green Tea Benefits Influence Coffee Consumption?, I-Fang Wang

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many recent studies have focused on the health benefits of green tea consumption. Although there is conflicting evidence, there is a strong trend showing positive effects of green tea to human health. This current study was done to explore whether the knowledge of such green tea benefits will influence the willingness of coffee drinkers to consider switching to green tea consumption. The survey study included a convenience sample of 132 adults who considered themselves regular coffee drinkers. From the statistical analyses of the collected data, results were obtained primarily through frequency distributions and phi coefficients. Data analysis suggested a significant …

Frequency Of Mental Health Service Use In School-Based Health Centers: School Performance And Family Characteristics, James William Depetro

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Public schools and community health organizations have created partnerships to provide mental health services to children. One such collaboration has led to the development of School-Based Health Centers (SBHC). SBHC provide mental health services in an attempt to enhance students' development and performance. The research findings regarding SBHC impact on school performance are mixed (Gall, Pagano, Desmond, Perrin, & Murphy, 2000; McCord, Klein, Foy, & Fothergill, 1993; Weist, Proescher, Freedman, Paskewitz, & Flaherty, 1995; Wolk & Kaplan, 1993 ). The purpose of this research study was to determine if the frequency of use of mental health services at SBHC are …

Predictors Of Participation In Premarital Prevention Programs: The Health Belief Model And Social Norms, Kieran T. Sullivan, Lauri A. Pasch, Tara Cornelius, Ellen Cirigliano

Psychology

The development of effective programs to prevent marital dysfunction has been a recent focus for marital researchers, but the effective dissemination of these programs to engaged couples has received relatively little attention. The purpose of this study is to determine which factors predict couples' participation in premarital counseling. Predictive factors were derived from the health prevention literature, with a particular focus on the health belief model (HBM). Couples' beliefs and attitudes about premarital counseling were assessed at least six months before their wedding, and participation was assessed after their wedding. Results indicate that the strongest predictors of couples' participation were …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring And Religious Self-Discrepancies On Negative Affect, John Parker

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

According to Higgins's (1987) self-discrepancy theory, an individual's selfesteem is based upon fulfilling one's self-expectations or the expectations of significant others (e.g., spouse or parent). Failure to live up to these expectations results in greater levels of depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. Previous research has also found that those low in Snyder and Gangestad's (1986) self-monitoring construct are more influenced by their own expectations, while those high in self-monitoring are more influenced by others' expectations. It was predicted that Christians who are low in self-monitoring will have greater levels of depression and anxiety and lower self-esteem if they fail to …

A Cross-Cultural Study Of Children’S Development As Reflected In Their Artwork: An Investigation Of Children’S Drawings From The African Country Of Benin, Elizabeth Anna Smead

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This research adds to the body of knowledge related to the human figure drawing as a useful tool in assessment and to art therapists’ understanding of children who depict the human figure in cross-cultural settings. This researcher obtained a sample collection of 148 human figure drawings from African children in rural Benin, West Africa to study in comparison to a set of human figure drawings collected under similar conditions in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

In this quantitative study, five of the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scales (FEATS) were modified and used to tally the formal elements of each of the 148 …

Adaptation To Changing Marketplace Conditions By Psychologists In Independent Practice, Keith James Monroe

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent surveys have provided support to the frequently asserted opinion that managed care has negatively impacted psychologists in independent practice. Many recommendations have been made by professional organizations to address the negative impact and most have been directed at guiding practitioners to adapt to changes in health care delivery. However, there is little data on how private practitioners evaluate these recommendations or if they are using these strategies to adapt to the changing practice environment. The focus of this dissertation was to assess the extent that psychologists in independent practice have adopted the recommended strategies. By establishing a representative sample …

An Exploration Into Gender Role Conflict, Attitudes Toward Females, And Relationship Beliefs, Julia M. Wood

Doctoral Dissertations

Gender role conflict and negative attitudes toward females have been areas of increasing concern since the early 1970s. Research has shown that both gender role conflict and negative attitudes toward females cause complications for the person with such perspectives. Relationships are an area that has been impacted by gender role conflict and attitudes toward females. Determining the impact that gender role conflict and attitudes toward females have upon each other and upon relationship beliefs will increase awareness of the seriousness of these complications allowing clinicians to focus therapeutic interventions on methods that will increase relationship quality.

Using the Gender Role …

Psychological Effects Of Martial Arts Training: Fear Of Physical Assault And Self -Esteem, Robert C. Clanton

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in the effects of martial arts training on self-esteem and fear of physical assault. Two studies were performed. The Fear of Physical Assault Scale was developed in the first study in order to measure individuals' perceived vulnerability to attack. Results indicated that the instrument was a reliable measure. Males scored significantly higher on the scale, indicating that they tend to perceive themselves as less vulnerable and more competent at defending themselves against physical assault. The second study examined the effects of martial arts training on the self-esteem and fear of …

Self -Esteem And Sense Of Entitlement In Violent And Nonviolent Criminal Behavior, Susan Frank

Doctoral Dissertations

There are two conflicting theories concerning self-esteem in violent and nonviolent criminal behavior. One theory proposes that low self-esteem is more influential than high self-esteem in an individual's decision to participate in criminal behavior, whereas the other theory proposes the opposite. Limited research is available concerning the role that sense of entitlement has in criminal behavior, beyond its previously explored role in rape. The first purpose of this study was to clarify the role of self-esteem in criminal behavior by having individuals currently incarcerated for both violent and nonviolent crimes complete the Self-Esteem Rating Scale. Using the scores obtained on …

Mindfulness: Foundational Training For Dispute Resolution, Leonard L. Riskin

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.

Relationships Between Personality And Individual Perceptions Of Social Cohesion, James Garrett

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research explored personality correlates of social cohesion. Groups of two were given a task to perform that required cooperation between the two team members. This task exposed each team member to the other's personality. Upon completion of the task, the individual perceptions of social cohesion were assessed by each individual. We hypothesized that extraversion, emotional stability, and agreeableness of one team member will correlate positively with the other team member's perception of social cohesion. These hypotheses were not supported. However an exploratory analysis showed that an individual's level of extraversion and conscientiousness were positively correlated to that same individual's …

The Relationship Between Stress, Satisfaction, And Emotional Intelligence In College Students, Jessica Largen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The relationship between stress and satisfaction has been well documented. However, little is known about the possible mediating effect that emotional intelligence may have on that relationship. This study addressed the role emotional intelligence plays between stress and satisfaction. By collecting measures of stress, life satisfaction, satisfaction with school, and emotional intelligence, this researcher examined the question "Does emotional intelligence serve as a moderator in the relationship between satisfaction and stress?" Results indicated that, after removing the effects of stress, emotional intelligence and satisfaction demonstrated a positive significant relationship. Emotional intelligence was related to the Big Five factors of Conscientiousness, …

A Transdisciplinary Focus On Drug Abuse Prevention: An Introduction, Steve Sussman, Alan W. Stacy, C. Anderson Johnson, Mary Ann Pentz, Elizabeth Robertson

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

This article introduces the scope of the Special Issue. A variety of scientific disciplines are brought together to establish theoretical integration of the arenas of drug use, misuse, “abuse,” and drug misuse prevention. Transdisciplinary scientific collaboration (TDSC) is utilized as a process of integration. Introductory comments regarding the strengths and limitations of TDSC are presented. Then, the relevance of genetics to substance misuse and substance misuse prevention is presented. Next, the relevance of cognition for prevention is discussed. Specifically, neurologically plausible distinctions in cognition and implicit cognition and their relevance for prevention are discussed. At a relatively molar social-level of …

Exposure To Televised Alcohol Ads And Subsequent Adolescent Alcohol Use, Alan W. Stacy, Jennifer Zogg, Jennifer Unger, Clyde W. Dent

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

Objective: To assess the impact of televised alcohol commercials on adolescents, alcohol use. Methods: Adolescents completed questionnaires about alcohol commercials and alcohol use in a prospective study. Results: A one standard deviation increase in viewing television programs containing alcohol commercials in seventh grade was associated with an excess risk of beer use (44%}, wine/liquor use (34%}, and 3-drlnk episodes (26%} in eighth grade. The strength of associations varied across exposure measures and was most consistent for beer. Conclusions: Although replication is warranted, results showed that exposure was associated with an increased risk of subsequent beer consumption and possibly other consumption …

A Measurable Model Of Resilience, Heidi E. Keller

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Early Adolescent Through Young Adult Alcohol And Marijuana Use Trajectories: Early Predictors, Young Adult Outcomes, And Predictive Utility, Kate Flory, Donald Lynam, Richard Milich, Carl Leukefeld, Richard Clayton

Psychology Faculty Publications

The present study takes a developmental approach to subgrouping and examines the trajectories of substance use from early adolescence through young adulthood among a community sample of 481 individuals. The patterns of use were examined, subgroups were identified separately for men and women and for alcohol and marijuana, and psychosocial predictors and psychopathology outcomes that differentiated the groups were identified. The results revealed three substantially overlapping subgroups for both alcohol and marijuana: early onset, late onset, and nonuser. Although the general patterns of which dependent variables were related to group were similar for alcohol and marijuana, a closer examination revealed …