Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons^™

Examining Physical Activity Behaviors And Psychometric Beliefs Of College Students Before And After The Covid-19 Shutdown, James White Iii

Graduate Theses

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine PA behaviors, social support and self-efficacy for PA, Rosenberg self-esteem, and perceptions of body weight before and after the COVID-19 shutdown (March 15, 2020) among the college demographic.

Participants: 311 college students from a four-year, comprehensive, southeastern university in the United States were included in the study from December 1, 2020 until March 5, 2021.

Methods: Surveys were conducted via Qualtrics, an online survey system, and consisted of approximately 40 items, including demographic information, PA behaviors, social support and exercise, self-esteem, self-efficacy to exercise, and perceptions of body weight and self-image. …

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger

Graduate Theses

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) refers to behaviors in which a person intentionally harms and causes tissue damage to oneself, without the desire to end his or her life. There have been contradictory findings with regard to differences in NSSI by biological sex and culture. In this study, I sought to examine if adults with independent cultural self- construals would report more occurrences of NSSI in comparison to those with interdependent cultural self-construals. Furthermore, I was interested in whether females would report more instances of NSSI in comparison to males in independent based cultures, and I examined whether the methods and reasons …

The Effect Of Gender Role And Males' Attitudes Toward Receiving Mental Health Therapy, Christina H. Thomas

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this research study was to build upon previous research pertaining to gender role and young adult male attitudes towards receiving mental health therapy. An additional purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between media exposure and attitude toward mental health therapy. The first hypothesis was that there would be a positive correlation between gender role scores and attitudes with the BEM Sex- Role Inventory (BSRI) and with scores on attitudes with the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) in young adult males. The second hypothesis was that young adult males who watched a …

Examining The Relationships Between Parental Efficacy, Parenting Styles And Repetitive Behaviors In Children With Autism, James R. Carrillo

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between parental efficacy, parenting styles and stereotypical behaviors exhibited by children with autism. Fourteen mothers and their children with autism (ages 14-21) were recruited from local schools and the rehabilitation center. Surveys used in this study included the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), Parents Sense of Competence (PSOC) and the Parents Locus of Control (PLOC) scale. Also incorporated was the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Even though there was no correlation between the PLOC and stereotypical behaviors of the RBS-R, results revealed a significant relationship between the PSOC and the RBS-R. …

The Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse And Posttraumatic Stress On Levels Of Self-Efficacy, Lary L. Anderson

Graduate Theses

Sexually abused children often develop posttraumatic stress disorder, a distressing and potentially debilitating condition that renders children to feelings of helplessness. Past studies have explored these effects in adults concerning sexual abuse, health issues, war, and natural disaster but not much research has been done for children. This study examined childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, and the relation that exists with self-efficacy. Thirty-nine children, 7 males and 32 females, participated in the study. The ages ranged from age eight through age eighteen, with a mean age of 12.5. Each participant was tested for levels of PTSD, using the Trauma Check list …

The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley

Graduate Theses

The present study examined whether adult women in therapy who have been physically abused express anger differently than their counterparts who have been sexually abused, and whether they are aware that they express anger in noticeable ways. The first hypothesis stated that physically abused women express anger directly and physically, whereas sexually abused women express anger indirectly, avoiding direct confrontation. The second hypothesis proposed that they are not aware how much they express their anger outwardly. Participants were female clients at a local counseling agency, with issues stemming from physical and/or sexual abuse. They voluntarily completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) …

The Relationship Between Childbirth Experience And Psychological Functioning In The Postpartum Period, Dena Dian Daniel

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between the mother's perception of the birth experience, symptoms of the post-traumatic stress, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Sixty-seven participants ranging from 17 to 40 years of age completed a self-report questionnaire containing items from three instruments including the Perception of Birth Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale. The findings reveal a more negative perception of the birth experience is significantly related to a greater frequency and/or. severity of. post- traumatic stress and postpartum depression symptoms following childbirth., These findings support the conclusion that an …

Public Displays Of Affection With Relation To Comfort Levels And Culture, Janice R. T. Bryden

Graduate Theses

To determine the tolerance levels of public displays of affection between males, females, Hispanics, and White Non-Hispanics (Whites), a total of 152 participants completed the Attitudes Toward Public Displays of Affection Inventory. While the hypothesis that males would be significantly more tolerant than females of observing public displays of affection was statistically supported for certain settings and certain levels of affection, overall, results may not be clinically meaningful. The second hypothesis, that there would be a significant difference between Hispanics and Whites and their tolerance levels for watching public displays of affection, was not supported. Overall trends indicate passionately kissing …

Affective Development Of Battered Women Subsequent To Leaving Abusive Partner, Cheryl Harrah

Graduate Theses

The present study consisted of semi-structured interviews of formerly battered women who have been out of the relationship for at least one year. The interviews focused on the women’s narratives concerning their experience leaving the relationship and were coded for affect using an Emotional Adjective Checklist. A total of 10 women were recruited from the campus of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. While each story was unique, a pattern did emerge whereby the women expressed feelings of fear and relief, followed by depression, numbness, and resolve to survive. Long term emotional consequences of the abuse that persisted …

Age And Violent Sexual Abuse: Does Victim's Age And Violence Associated With Sexual Abuse Influence The Risk Of Suicide?, Debra A. Keel

Graduate Theses

Previous research on childhood sexual abuse has indicated an increased risk of suicide for children who experience more severe sexual abuse and children who experience sexual abuse accompanied by physical abuse. This study investigated the difference in suicide risk associated with varying severity of sexual abuse, and the difference in suicide risk associated with age at the time of sexual abuse. Data was collected from the psychological records of a state juvenile correctional facility for boys. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between those who experienced penetrating sexual abuse versus non-penetrating sexual abuse; however, an overall significant difference was found …

The Relationship Between Childhood Aggression And Impulsiveness, Mary Gail Glover

Graduate Theses

Previous research on the relationship between children's levels of aggression and impulsivity have been inconclusive. Studies of each of these behaviors independently have shown that they are correlated with many of the same factors. However, no studies have been found in which aggression and impulsivity have correlated specifically with each other. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a relationship exists between aggression and impulsivity in children. The participants of this study consisted of 115 children who had been tested at a center for behavioral analysis to determine diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. They had been referred for …

Rape Survivors: The Effects Of Post-Traumatic Stress And Locus Of Control On The Hoping Process, David Lester Rhoads

Graduate Theses

The current study examined the relationship between hope. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and locus of control in a sample, of 18 rape survivors and 18 non-raped females over 18 years of age. Instruments utilized were Herth Hope Scale, Structured Interview for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Impact of Events, and Locus of Control Scales. It was hypothesized that rape survivors would exhibit a lower level of hope, higher levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and an external locus of control. Independent t-tests revealed that rape trauma impacts Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Independent t-tests were inconclusive among the hope, impact of events, …

The Impact Of Social Support On Long Term Adult Psychological Functioning: Study Of The Role Of A Confidant In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Danny Ray Russell

Graduate Theses

This project examined the effects a confidant had on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The subjects were volunteer adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse solicited from undergraduate and graduate psychology classes at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Volunteers completed a childhood sexual abuse questionnaire, a confidant questionnaire, the Jaloweic Coping Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory in a structured interview. The Jaloweic Coping Scale determined the coping styles and the Brief Symptom Inventory determined the symptom level. Those subjects that had a confidant were expected to have more successful coping styles and fewer symptoms as adults. …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Sexually Abused Children And Implications For Therapy, Robbie Jones

Graduate Theses

This study examined the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in sexually abused children. Sixty-seven children volunteered to participate in this study. Of the 67 children, 33 (26 female and 7 male) were sexually abused and 34 (22 female and 12 male) were non-sexually abused. Several instruments were employed to assess the severity of the symptoms of PTSD including the Children's PTSD Inventory, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Children's Depression Inventory, as well as others. The results of this study showed that sexually abused children have more symptoms of PTSD than non-sexually abused children. Early diagnosis and treatment of …

The Effects Of Two Models Of Positive Feedback Of Children's Motivation, Judith Margaret Lynch

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the type of written or verbal positive comment regarding a child's accomplishment influences subsequent interest in a task. A preliminary investigation of literature revealed that often rewards and praise negatively alter children's behavior. The writer tested the hypothesis derived from this investigation that non- evaluative descriptive comments, commonly called encouragement, positively affect children more than evaluative praise comments. 32 kindergarten and 36 third grade children received evaluative praise comments and 31 kindergarten and 42 third grade children received non- evaluative descriptive comments on drawings for three days. The fourth day, children …

Increasing The Self-Esteem Of Junior High Emotionally Disturbed Boys, La Rue Eaton Richey

Graduate Theses

Emotional disturbance can be viewed as an inability to manage one's behavior. This inability to maintain self-control in stressful situations represents a serious problem not only for the individual but for family and school personnel. In this study, Reasoner's (1984) Building Self-Esteem program was used with seventh and eighth grade emotionally disturbed boys in a West Texas community. Their self-esteem scores did increase as measured by Coopersmith (1984) Self-Esteem Inventory. *

The Efficacy Of Biofeedback In The Treatment Of Tension Headaches, Micahel Earl Waters

Graduate Theses

Fifteen adults from the general population with chronic tension headaches were divided into four groups. Four were assigned to relaxation instructions, biofeedback (EMG and temperature), and home relaxation practice; four were assigned to relaxation instructions and biofeedback; four were assigned to biofeedback alone; and three were assigned to a no-treatment group. Subjects completed a ten-day baseline period followed by a three-week treatment period. Measures were taken of headache frequency, duration, intensity, frontalis EMG, and temperature recordings. Comparisons of pre- and post-treatment data indicated that not one treatment group was significantly different from any other treatment group, including the no-treatment group, …

Modification Of Aggressive Behavior In An Adolescent Through The Use Of Imagery Therapy, Julie Jackson Underriner

Graduate Theses

This case study explored the effects of using 12 sessions of Guided Affective Imagery (GAI) as advocated by Leuner to diminish aggressive behavior. The subject for the study was a thirteen-year-old female who resides in a group home facility. Overt behavior change was analyzed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and' the Direct Observation Form (DOF) in a pretreatment, posttreatment, and delayed posttreatment design. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the CBCL revealed no significant change in the subject’s aggressive behaviors. However, the DOF revealed a decrease in the subject’s problem behaviors on three other rating scales and an …

The Effects Of Three Schedules Of Reinforcement On Stimulus Generalization, John L. Sanders

Graduate Theses

The effects of three schedules of reinforcement on stimulus generalization in rats were investigated. In the presence of a 2000 hz tone the subjects were trained to bar press on one of three schedules: CRF, VR 25, or VR 50. Three animals started in each condition. After tone/no-tone discrimination training they were tested for generalization. Generalization took.place over six,31.5 minute sessions. This tested the subjects* response rate to each of seven tones: 250 hz, 500 hz, 1000, hz, 2000 hz, 4000 hz, 8000 hz, and 16000 hz. During a 31.5 minute generalization test every tone was presented randomly nine times …

The Effect Of Interpolated Continuous Reinforcement Following Variable Ratio Reinforcement On Resistance To Extinction, Christine Miara

Graduate Theses

The effect on response rates during extinction of interpolating seven continuous reinforcement sessions after varying numbers of VR-25 sessions was investigated. Rats received either seven, fourteen, or twenty-one sessions of a VR-25 schedule followed by seven sessions of continuous reinforcement. There were three rats in each group. The rats then experienced seven sessions of extinction. All sessions were 30 minutes long." The results showed that rats that received the VR-25 schedule for 21 sessions made the roost responses over the seven extinction sessions. * Rats that received seven sessions of VR-25 made the least number of responses during extinction. The …

Relationship Between Attribution And Conditions Of Reward In Children, Rhonda Miles

Graduate Theses

Thirty-eight third grade students were given the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility (lAR) Questionaire in order to determine their internal and external attribution scores. From those scores, 28 subjects were chosen to test the hypothesis by performing two separate but related tasks under the conditions of self-and external rewards. A correlation using the Pearson Product- Moment Correlation Coefficient was computed in order to determine the relation between the subject's attribution level and performance under different conditions of reward. The results showed a higher relationship between attribution and self-reward when self-reward followed external reward. A Chi square test was also computed to determine …

Biofeedback As An Alternative Treatment For Raynaud's Disease, Marianne Patricia Strawk

Graduate Theses

A case of Raynaud's disease, a functional disorder of the vascular system resulting in the hands and feet being abnormally sensitive to the vasoconstrictor influences of cold and emotional disturbance, was treated with thermal biofeedback in order to train the subject to increase her finger temperature and thus reduce the onset of Raynaud's attacks. In addition to biofeedback training to raise digital skin temperature, the experimental conditions included: no-feedback control phases to control for expectancy effects, and relaxation training combined with biofeedback to provide the subject with specific strategies to use when raising finger temperature. It was hypothesized that: 1) …

Patterning Of The Electromyographic Response On A Simple Verbal Conditioning Task, Truman G. Reid

Graduate Theses

Twenty-four subjects from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin volunteered to participate in an experiment designed to determine if patterning of EMG responses occur when recorded from the Frontalis, or the Flexors of the preferred arm on a paired-associate verbal conditioning task. Six groups of four subjects each were provided either positive, negative reinforcement, or no reinforcement depending on their respective group. Groups one (PRF), and three (PRA) were positive reinforcement groups. Groups two (NRF), and four (NRA) were provided negative reinforcement. Groups five and six were control groups. Positive and negative reinforcement con sisted of subjects being …

The Effects Of Fixed-Ratio And Fixed-Interval Schedules Of Reinforcement On Generalization Gradients, Christy L. Sutton

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fixed-ratio and fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement on generalization gradients. The subjects were four female rats from the Fischer strain. All subjects v/ere conditioned in the presence of a 2000 hz tone to press the bar for reinforcement. Each subject was then trained to one of the following-schedules of reinforcement: FR-5, FR-30, FI-5, or FI-30. After maintenance on this terminal schedule for three days the subjects were tested for generalization. The generalization test consisted of variations in the frequency of the original SD. Response rate was recorded and gradients of …

The Motivation Of Self-Investment, Dan Nunley

Graduate Theses

A game of chance void of feedback was played by 36 adults to determine the motivational properties of various degrees of self-investment. The levels of self-investment were created by altering the extent to which subjects were involved in making one of the symbols used in the game. A practice trial was used to establish each subjects base score and a final trial to determine behavior changes induced by self-investment. The gains between trials yielded significant results (p<.01) due to subject participation in the experimental process.