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Full-Text Articles in Psychiatric and Mental Health

Locus Of Control And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Schizotypy, Rachael Paulbeck Sep 2013

Locus Of Control And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Schizotypy, Rachael Paulbeck

Theses and Dissertations

The present study collected data from 200 undergraduate students (106 male, 94 female) and sought to examine the relationship between levels of stress, cognitive processes related to stress management (Locus of Control- LOC; Sense of Coherence; SOC), and quality of life (QOL) across varying levels of risk for developing schizophrenia. Results indicated that high-risk individuals are significantly more likely to have an external locus of control (F=4.121, p=.018) supporting hypothesis 1. Counter to our second hypothesis, locus of control was not directly associated with QOL. However, LOC was correlated with both stress and level of risk for schizophrenia which (in …


The Freshman Experience, Stephanie Mannon Sep 2013

The Freshman Experience, Stephanie Mannon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory research was to investigate if change in sexual risk-taking behavior between high school and college can be predicted as a function of the interaction of person and situation traits. College, conceptualized as a backspace (situation) construct, and personality traits (sensation-seeking, neuroticism, extraversion) conducive to deviant behavior were examined. While significant risky behavior was reported for all students (n = 252), hierarchical regression analyses revealed that higher levels of the specified personality traits in combination with on-campus backspace residential status was not predictive of greater change in engagement in sexual risk-taking behavior. Implications for future research …


Content Analysis Of Cognitive Distortions In Pedophiles' Online Forum Posts, Lyndsie Johnson Jul 2013

Content Analysis Of Cognitive Distortions In Pedophiles' Online Forum Posts, Lyndsie Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, sexual encounters between adults and children were rarely reported to authorities, and thus considered a rare problem. However, as many as 33% of girls and 14% of boys experience sexual encounters with adults and as a result may experience consequences such as aversive feelings regarding the act of sex, substance abuse, and self-mutilation. Such consequences lead research to examine pedophile's cognitive distortions. This exploratory study examined pedophiles' website forum posts to determine if any posters demonstrated cognitive distortions. Four independent raters used content analysis to determine which cognitive distortions were demonstrated by the examined pedophiles. Results suggested that cognitive …


An Exploratory Investigation Of Teacher Job Satisfaction And Involvement In Extracurricular Programming, Winfield Thompson May 2013

An Exploratory Investigation Of Teacher Job Satisfaction And Involvement In Extracurricular Programming, Winfield Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this exploratory study were to (a) examine secondary teachers' overall job satisfaction and satisfaction specific to extracurricular programming involvement, (b) ascertain whether extracurricular involvement affects overall job satisfaction, and (c) identity the factors that are most influential over teachers' satisfaction specific to extracurricular involvement. A review of the existing literature presents factors previously implicated in affecting teacher job satisfaction. Extrapolations are made regarding the presence of these same factors in the extracurricular programming setting. To investigate these extrapolations, data was collected via secondary teachers' completion of the Extracurricular Programming Questionnaire, a survey developed by the principal researcher. …


Prevalence Of Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Disaster Relief Volunteers, Erica Ballard Apr 2013

Prevalence Of Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Disaster Relief Volunteers, Erica Ballard

Theses and Dissertations

Secondary Traumatic Stress is a stress response brought about by working with or having a close relationship with a person or population affected by a traumatic event. It has been found in doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and aid workers. The purpose of this study was to further understand the prevalence of STS in disaster relief volunteers. Thirty-five former and current volunteers for various disaster relief organizations filled out a survey about their experience, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale and the Compassion Fatigue Scale-Revised. Out of 35 participants, 91% were found to have at least one symptom of STS or …


Understanding The Risky Sexual Behaviors Of Study Abroad Students, Ashley Schaffer Nov 2012

Understanding The Risky Sexual Behaviors Of Study Abroad Students, Ashley Schaffer

Theses and Dissertations

Using the Triandis Model of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) this study examined the influence of environmental and individual characteristics on predicting risky sexual behaviors of study abroad students. This study utilized a two-stage, qualitative and quantitative methodological framework. First, focus groups with previous study abroad students were held in order to gather data that informed the development of assessment. Second, data was subsequently collected from 128 study abroad students. The TIB significantly predicted a participant's intentions to engage in risky sexual behavior with the construct labeled subjective social norms emerging as a significant predictor. The model also significantly predicted engaging in …


Interpersonal Control In Dating Relationships: How Is It Affected By Trust In One's Partner And Adult Attachment Style?, Melissa Franz Sep 2012

Interpersonal Control In Dating Relationships: How Is It Affected By Trust In One's Partner And Adult Attachment Style?, Melissa Franz

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. spends billions of dollars each year treating victims of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. A majority of college women (up to 75 percent) reported having experienced psychological or emotional abuse. These acts are intended to demean, criticize, and dominate one's partner. Control is one facet of psychological abuse and is intended to regulate one's partner. Control and psychological abuse are related to numerous negative outcomes in its victims. This study examines the influence of attachment style and trust on one's use of IPC in a relationship. One hundred forty seven participants were recruited (1) via a social networking …


The Impact Of Sexual Self-Esteem On Sexual Risk Detection In College Women, Lauren Lucente Sep 2012

The Impact Of Sexual Self-Esteem On Sexual Risk Detection In College Women, Lauren Lucente

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual assault victimization has been associated with poor risk recognition and low sexual self-esteem (Gidycz, McNamara, & Edwards, 2006; Schwartz & Shipiro, 1997). Evidence suggests that sexual self-esteem may precede risk recognition subsequently impacting victimization (Mayers, Heller, & Heller, 2003; Zeanah & Schwartz, 1996). The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct predictive impact of global and specific components of sexual self-esteem on risk recognition. Participants engaged a laboratory analog to measure risk detection and completed a series of questionnaires to measure sexual self-esteem. Results indicated that global sexual self-esteem is not predictive of risk recognition. In regard …


Schizotypy And The Role Of Coping Behaviors In The Experience Of Positive And Negative Affect, Jessica Hayes Aug 2012

Schizotypy And The Role Of Coping Behaviors In The Experience Of Positive And Negative Affect, Jessica Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether (a) schizotypy is positively related to negative affect and negatively related to positive affect, (b) whether individuals with high levels of schizotypy use more maladaptive coping behaviors than those low in schizotypy, (c) that maladaptive coping behaviors will mediate the relationship between schizotypy and negative affect, and (d) that adaptive coping behaviors will mediate the relationship between schizotypy and positive affect. A sample of 435 undergraduate participants completed self-report measures including The Brief Cope, The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Bivariate correlations resulted in levels …


Intrapersonal Deficits & Revictimization: Factors Predicting Risk Recognition, Kari Mastromonica Jan 2012

Intrapersonal Deficits & Revictimization: Factors Predicting Risk Recognition, Kari Mastromonica

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory research was to identify whether intrapersonal factors, specifically sexual assertiveness and sexual self-esteem, would predict an individual's ability to detect risk for being sexually revictimized. A previously validated laboratory analogue (Angelone, Mitchell, & Carola, 2009), in which female participants are led to believe that they are engaging in a speed date with a man, was used to measure risk recognition. Additional measures were included to assess sexual victimization history and the intrapersonal factors. Of the total sample, 30.2% (N = 16) had no sexual victimization history, while 69.8% had some form of sexual victimization history. …


The Development And Initial Validation Of The Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (Gifts), Andrew Assini Dec 2011

The Development And Initial Validation Of The Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (Gifts), Andrew Assini

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present research was to collect qualitative data regarding twelve-step programs which was then used to inform the creation of a new measure of twelve-step engagement. Focus groups were conducted, consisting of twelve-step members, to ascertain an insider perspective on the twelve-step experience. Results showed that "successful recovery" was considered more than just time abstinent by these insiders. These findings were then used to guide the creation of the Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (GIFTS), a new measure of twelve-step engagement which improves upon previous twelve-step measures. The GIFTS was validated against the Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement (AAI; Tonigan, …


An Investigative Study Of The Influence Of Religion On Help Seeking Behaviors In The Field Of Mental Health, Kristen Darroch Dec 2011

An Investigative Study Of The Influence Of Religion On Help Seeking Behaviors In The Field Of Mental Health, Kristen Darroch

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of religion on help seeking behaviors regarding mental health. Participants (n = 167) were volunteers from three different churches of Christian denominations who anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their religiosity and their attitude toward seeking help from a mental health professional. Analysis of the data found that subjects who belonged to liberal denominations of Christianity were more likely to seek help from a mental health professional for mental health issues than subjects belonging to more traditionally conservative denominations of Christianity. The study also found that subjects belonging to conservative denominations of Christianity …


Treatment Of Anxiety Using Manualized Protocol: A Case Study, Deborah Stevenson Nov 2011

Treatment Of Anxiety Using Manualized Protocol: A Case Study, Deborah Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations

This case study evaluates the effectiveness of a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in an adult female with comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Social Phobia. The client voluntarily participated in outpatient individual psychotherapy offered in a private counseling facility. The client's psychosocial assessment is presented and the literature on empirical treatment and developing treatment models for Generalized Anxiety Disorder is reviewed. The client's progress in treatment and a comparison with what might be considered "best treatment" is presented. The client's Generalized Anxiety Disorder was treated using the manualized program Mastery of Your Anxiety and Worry …


The Effects Of Expert Witness Testimony On Juror Verdict: Psychiatry Versus Psychology, La Shonine Gandy-Smith Oct 2011

The Effects Of Expert Witness Testimony On Juror Verdict: Psychiatry Versus Psychology, La Shonine Gandy-Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of expert witness testimony on juror verdicts. We, further, assessed whether there would be a difference in the relative influence of MDs and PhD expert witnesses. Undergraduate and graduate students served as mock jurors and were presented with an insanity case which either (a) a PhD testified for the defense and a MD testified for the prosecution or (b) an MD testified for the defense and a PhD testified for the prosecution. After analysis of verdicts, an Insanity Defense Attitudes Survey, and specific witness credibility evaluations indicated no bias toward …


A Study In Religious Worldview And Subjective Well-Being, Julian Affrime Sep 2011

A Study In Religious Worldview And Subjective Well-Being, Julian Affrime

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between religious worldview and multiple measures of subjective well-being, including: the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (Chamberlain & Haaga, 2001a), the Orientations to Happiness Questionnaire (Peterson, Park, & Seligman, 2005), the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999), the Purpose in Life Test (Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, et al., 1985) among a sample of 272 college students. Participants were divided into six worldviews (Monotheism, Polytheism, Eastern Pantheism, Modern Humanism, Empiricism, and Naturalism) based on the factorial analysis computed by Spearman, the developer of the Personal Philosophical Belief Statements Scale (2006). …


Reduction Of Anxiety In College Students With Asperger's Disorder Using Behavioral Relaxation Training, Jaclyn Bechtler Sep 2011

Reduction Of Anxiety In College Students With Asperger's Disorder Using Behavioral Relaxation Training, Jaclyn Bechtler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to reduce levels of anxiety in college students with Asperger's Disorder. Two students from Rowan University were taught Behavioral Relaxation Training over a period of four weeks. Measurements of anxiety and relaxation were gathered during biweekly sessions and those results were graphed. Results showed that a) behavioral relaxation training was quickly learned by participants and b) anxiety levels decreased on some measures with the use of behavioral relaxation. Issues facing those with Asperger's Disorder were discussed as well as the wide variety of populations that have demonstrated positive change with behavioral relaxation training.


Early Maladaptive Schemas And Negative Life Events In The Prediction Of Depression And Anxiety, Lindsay Anmuth Sep 2011

Early Maladaptive Schemas And Negative Life Events In The Prediction Of Depression And Anxiety, Lindsay Anmuth

Theses and Dissertations

This study tested the relationships between Young's (1990, 2003) model of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs), negative life events occurring over the past 4 months, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms. We also replicated a design testing the ability of EMSs, negative life events, and their interaction to predict depressive and anxious symptoms and extended the design to include specific categories of negative life events (interpersonal and achievement). Results of this study showed that EMSs are predictive of depressive and anxious symptoms, but that negative life events account for a greater prediction. The EMS model was just as highly associated with and …


Can Positive Self-Talk Alter One's Happiness?, Elizabeth Armetta Jul 2011

Can Positive Self-Talk Alter One's Happiness?, Elizabeth Armetta

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibilities of positive self-talk and the effect it can have on people and their happiness level. In this study there were a total of thirteen subjects who attended classes to exam their self-talk and develop skills in using positive self-talk. The subjects took a pretest to establish the degree of their happiness and they took a posttest to see if there is an improvement in their level of happiness. Using a Paired Sample t-test the result showed a significant finding. The result suggests that people using positive self-talk can improve the …


Smoking Cessation In Those Living With Schizophrenia, Angela Bradbury Nov 2010

Smoking Cessation In Those Living With Schizophrenia, Angela Bradbury

Theses and Dissertations

The study was conducted at a group home located in Salem County where 6 people with severe mental illness reside. 4 of the 6 people are smokers and diagnosed with schizophrenia. The 4 people in the study all showed interest in quitting smoking. The subjects were given questionnaires weekly and were monitored daily to record the amount of cigarettes smoked. The questionnaires that were administered are the Intention to Quit/ Interest in Quitting, Withdrawal Symptoms, Relief of Craving, and a Smoking Related Symptoms Score. The scores and answers were measured to see the likelihood and the motivation of the participants …


Perceptions Of The Long-Term Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Cynthia Mellitz Jun 2010

Perceptions Of The Long-Term Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Cynthia Mellitz

Theses and Dissertations

The perceptions of how Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivors perceive themselves and are perceived by others was evaluated. The aims of the study were to use Attribution Theory and the Traumagenic Model in evaluating whether perceptions were mediated by assertiveness, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally examining if CSA survivors differ in perceived levels of these attributes from non-CSA individuals within a college sample was of interest. 35% of the sample exhibited a variety of CSA experiences, with the majority being minimal contact experiences (i.e. sexual invitations or sexual hugging/kissing). Regression analyses indicated that CSA survivors did not differ in their …


The Effects Of Parental Divorce On The Views Of Romantic Relationships And Marriages Of The Children Involved, Melissa D'Agostino May 2010

The Effects Of Parental Divorce On The Views Of Romantic Relationships And Marriages Of The Children Involved, Melissa D'Agostino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the occurrence of parental divorce resulted in negative views and experiences regarding the romantic relationships of the offspring. Four surveys were administered to undergraduate students enrolled in psychology courses at Rowan University. The first survey was used for informational purposes to group participants into two group (those from intact families and those from non-intact families) and to determine the current relationship status of all participants. The following three surveys addressed avoidant behaviors, anxiety level, the presence of conflict, and satisfaction regarding past or present romantic relationships. The data was analyzed for …


Chronic Self-Injury And Suicidality In Borderline Personality Disorder And Its Treatments, Megan Perry May 2010

Chronic Self-Injury And Suicidality In Borderline Personality Disorder And Its Treatments, Megan Perry

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the ethical considerations and ways of treating chronic suicidality in people with Borderline Personality Disorder. A sample of 62 clinicians working in the mental health field was surveyed. As predicted, the degree held by the participant, the type of organization the participant worked for, their occupation/title, type of treatment modality and years of experience were all related to how they responded to the questions on the survey. Unexpectedly, the sex of the participant was also related to how participants responded.


Forecasting Mental Health Care Cost For Oif And Oef Veterans, Phil Andrew L. Bernal Jun 2006

Forecasting Mental Health Care Cost For Oif And Oef Veterans, Phil Andrew L. Bernal

Theses and Dissertations

The war in Iraq has been the longest sustained ground combat that the US military has engaged since the Vietnam War. With the ongoing battle against the global war on terrorism, many military personnel will be deployed to hostile areas in support of these operations. The effects of multiple deployment and combat engagement on the mental health of military personnel have been extensively studied. The impacts of mental illnesses, such as PTSD, are tied to longer period in the combat zone. Meeting the psychiatric needs of these veterans will be costly: rehabilitation, retraining, post combat counseling, long-term medical treatment, and …


Mental Health Status Of Vietnamese Refugees In Utah County, Utah, David A. Acree Jan 1981

Mental Health Status Of Vietnamese Refugees In Utah County, Utah, David A. Acree

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to measure mental health status of Vietnamese refugees in Utah County, Utah. The test instrument used was the Cornell Medical Index (CMI). Two subproblems were considered: First, to see if refugee complaints on the CMI were predominantly physiological or psychological. Second, to see if there was a relationship between CMI scores and a related list of demographic variables.

Results showed the mean CMI score for the sample under study was well above the suggested score indicative of possible psychological dysfunction. For 80% of participants, psychological complaints were predominant over physical complaints. The only variables showing a relationship …