Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Case Study Using Best And Normative Treatments Related To Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol Abuse, And Sexual Abuse Of Child, Lisa Mcconnell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of normative and best therapy techniques with individuals diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol Abuse, and Sexual Abuse of Child using a case study format. The subject of this study was a 15 year old female who presented with a three-week onset of depressed mood. For the purpose of this study she was seen over a four month period. Treatment emphasis was on reducing depression and anxiety related to the sexual abuse. The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children and the Children's Depression Inventory were chosen for this study. Post-testing suggested significant …

Effectiveness Of A Treatment Approach For Comorbid Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, And Alcohol Dependence: A Case Study, Vera Biryukova

Theses and Dissertations

This case study evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy with a focus on therapeutic relationship in the treatment of an adult female who underwent treatment in a community mental health agency. The client was diagnosed with comorbid panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence. In addition, the client experienced a variety of psychosocial stressors. The client's psychosocial assessment is presented, and the empirical treatment literature related to the client's diagnoses is reviewed. A variety of outcome measures were used. Results indicated that the treatment was effective: the client experienced a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms. However, further …

Perceptions Of Height, Attractiveness, And Power, Michelle A. Worth

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how perceptions of physical attractiveness and power changed based on an individual's height and gender. Participants were 117 Rowan University students (53 males and 64 females, mean age = 20.9 years). Students were administered a packet that asked demographic data including their age, sex, height, weight, major, hometown, academic status, and marital status. Upon completion of this data, the students were asked to complete a packet where they viewed 10 target persons that varied in height and sex, then answered a series of questions about their perceptions of the target's attractiveness and …

Family Risk Factors Related To Adolescent Adjudication, Jennifer M. Del Russo

Theses and Dissertations

Family and social relationships have been identified as risk-factors for adolescent adjudication. Ninety-five participants between the ages of 13 and 19 were recruited from the Youth Empowerment System (YES) Shelter & Residential Treatment Facility, Camden Day & Residential Treatment Center, and Camden Catholic High School in Camden County, New Jersey. The participants were administered a survey designed by the experimenter and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Chi-square analyses showed significant relationships between adjudication and who the legal guardian was, marital status of their biological parents and legal guardian, their relationship with their legal guardian, biological parents' criminal record and drug/alcohol …

The Relationship Between Racial Identity Attitudes And The Experience And Expression Of Anger, Kirsten Cristinziani

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the racial identity attitudes of African-Americans and experience and expression of anger. For several decades, theories of racial identity development have been postulated (e.g. Cross, 1971; Helms, 1990). Affective correlates of differing statuses of racial identity development have been hypothesized and widely studied. However, the affect of anger has not been given much systematic attention in the literature, though theoretical models of racial identity development do include assumptions of the role of anger. Specifically, in Helms' model of racial identity development (1990), which this thesis adheres to, anger is …

Psychotherapy Outcome Measures In A Client With A Childhood Disorder, Amy S. Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this case study were to: (1) complete a thorough psychosocial assessment on a psychotherapy client, (2) to attribute the most accurate diagnosis, and (3) explain the most beneficial empirical treatment through research and review. The case study consisted of a single 17-year-old Hispanic male who resided in a group home. Data was obtained through individual therapy sessions and two self-report inventories. Findings indicated that client met criteria for Disruptive Behavioral Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (DBD, NOS). Treatment research was done on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) for two reasons: (1) due to insufficient studies on DBD, NOS, and …

Evaluation Of A Multi-Modal Treatment Approach For Adjudicated Youth, Jennifer K. Swingle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effectiveness of multi-modal treatment on an adolescent with comorbid mental disorders in residential treatment using a case study format. The subject of this study was a 16-year-old girl who suffers from Reactive Attachment Disorder, Conduct Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder as well as multiple traumatic incidents in her childhood. For the purpose of this study, she was seen over a nine-month period. Major emphasis was on reducing aggression and depression and on increasing client participation in treatment. Depression and maladjustment were pre-tested and post-tested using the Beck Depression Inventory II …

The Use Of Habit Reversal Training In The Treatment Of Trichotillomania: A Single Subject Design, Courtney M. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of self-monitoring and a multicomponent behavioral intervention on the treatment of Trichotillomania (TTM). The subject in this study was a 12-year-old African American female who has demonstrated hair-pulling behavior for several years. The interventions that were implemented were journaling and Habit Reversal Training (HRT). The types of measurements that were used were direct observation, daily logs, and standardized questionnaires. The standardized assessments were the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC, March, 1998) and the Trichotillomania Severity and Impairment Scales (Swedo et al., 1989). In the study, the introduction of journaling …

Exploring The Relationship Among Etiological Factors Related To Eating Disorders, Diane L. Cassidy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to explore the cross-sectional relationship between personality, interpersonal problems, coping, and eating disorder symptomology. Participants were undergraduate students at a public university. Results indicated that personality was the strongest predictor of risk factors associated with eating disorders. Neuroticism was the strongest predictor, followed by conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Interpersonal and coping factors significantly predicted only four risk factors associated with eating disorders. Specifically, interpersonal problems related to being cold/distant, socially inhibited, and self-sacrificing, and the coping factors of emotional social support, acceptance, denial, and instrumental social support were all significant predictors. Implications for …

Bullying In College And Relation To Self-Esteem And Parenting Styles, Steven Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates bullying in college and the relationship of bullying and self-esteem in the victims of bullying, as well as the relationship of parenting styles to bullying behavior. The study utilized N = 85 undergraduate students from a midsize northeastern university. The participants were administered a demographic questionnaire, a bullying questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Parental Authority Questionnaire. Frequency percentages were used to report incidence and types of bullying behavior. A correlation matrix was employed to ascertain the relationships between bullying and self-esteem, as well as between parenting style and bullying behavior, and a multiple regression analysis …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Non-Ambulatory Clients In The Treatment Of Depressive Symptoms, Kevin C. O'Leary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to expand the current research on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the treatment of depressive symptoms with a non-ambulatory client experiencing dysthymic depression. Using a single subject AB design, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was implemented during weekly sessions with Beck Depression Inventory and the Leahy Anxiety Checklist for Patients as outcome measures. Results suggest that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used in the treatment of depressive symptoms in non-ambulatory clients. Clients with physical disabilities who experience mental illness have unique requirements suggesting the need for additional research.

The Undecided Student And Self-Assessment: A Journey Toward Decision, Lucia A. Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this single subject study were (a) to create a profile of the undecided student in regard to academic and career direction and (b) to explore the effectiveness of self-assessment tools as aides for the undecided student. An undergraduate student, who voluntarily came to a Career and Academic Planning Center, was chosen based upon (a) her declaration of being undecided regarding the direction of academic and career pursuits and (b) her willingness to explore self-assessment tools. After selection, the student was given (a) a single item questionnaire, to solely determine whether she was decided or undecided regarding career …

A Single Subject Study On Major Depressive Disorder, Ptsd, And Mild Mental Retardation, Jennifer Yvette Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single subject study was to compare best practice and normative practice in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Mild Mental Retardation. A client from a community-based agency was used in the study. The client was an African American woman who resided in a low socioeconomic area and whose income was below the poverty line. The client experienced emotional, physical, and psychological abuse and neglect during childhood. She presented with symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, basic coping skills and parenting skills. Outcome data was obtained through interviewing and observations. The treatment consisted …

Case Study To Evaluate Effectiveness Of A Treatment Approach For Comorbid Anxiety And Depression, Maria Brent

Theses and Dissertations

This case study evaluates the effectiveness of supportive-expressive therapy combined with aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of an adult female who has breast cancer and is diagnosed with comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. The subject had many psychosocial stressors. The subject voluntarily participated in outpatient individual psychotherapy received in a private counseling facility based on the twelve-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. She completed various formal assessments of anxiety and depression periodically during the course of treatment, as well as a satisfaction survey following the termination of treatment. The literature review, which explored empirically supported treatments …

A Case Study In The Use Of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Of Emotional And Behavioral Symptoms Related To A Traumatic Brain Injury, Urszula Kobylinska

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with traumatic brain injury (TBI) individuals using a case study format. The subject of this study was a 54-year-old woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an automobile accident. For the purpose of this study, she was seen over a six-month period beginning in January 2002. Major emphasis was on reducing depression and anxiety related to TBI and increasing her social and vocational functioning. Anxiety and depression were pre- and post-tested using the Beck Depression Inventory and Sheehan Anxiety Scale. Post-testing suggested significant decreases in …

Assessment Of Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy And An Ssri In The Treatment Of A Single Subject Presenting With Major Depressive Disorder And Dysthymia, Jennifer Miller

Theses and Dissertations

After diagnosis, a review of the literature was conducted to determine empirically supported treatments for depression. Based upon this review, this study examined and evaluated the effectiveness of various treatments determined in the current literature to be the best practice in treating depression in adults. The subject was a 44 year old Caucasian woman who initiated treatment voluntarily following a referral made by her primary care physician. This study was conducted in a community-based agency. A diagnosis of depression and dysthymia was reached through an initial intake interview and use of the DSM-IV. Best practice methodology was determined through an …

Evaluation Of A Treatment Program For An Adult Outpatient Client At A Community Mental Health Center, Kristi A. Baese

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to review the literature and determine what treatment modality would best work for the client chosen with the diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder. While reviewing the literature, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appeared to be the treatment that worked the best. This 39 year-old Caucasian female presented with a number of complaints, including difficulties in forming non-abusive relationships, low self-esteem and possible depression, possible panic attacks and difficulty relating to and parenting her 12-year-old daughter. A treatment plan was developed and the client attended weekly sessions with the therapist. CBT was used to work on …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Treatment Program With A Latency-Aged Male Child, Michael Calavetta

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a therapeutic treatment program for a latency-aged male child. This eight-year old child presented with several problem areas. These included poor academic performance, attention difficulties, symptoms of depression and acting out behaviors. The client also had a long standing history of family dysfunction and instability. The client participated in a multimodal treatment program consisting of individual and family counseling, as well as a school-based partial care intervention program. The client also received Adderall and Zoloft. The Connor's ADHD Scales, Children's Depression Inventory, and a Patient Satisfaction Survey were administered …

Memory Functioning In Children Exposed To Domestic Violence Trauma, Deanna Cosgrove

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the memory functioning in children exposed to domestic violence trauma. Research findings suggest that adult participants with a clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) suffer from impairments in memory associated with reductions in hippocampal volume. However, a question arises as to whether children who have been exposed to domestic violence trauma will differ from controls in their memory functioning. A question also arises as to the relationship between the children's parent-reported behaviors and their memory functioning. The Children's Memory Scale (CMS) (Cohen, 1997) was administered …

Case Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Psychotropic Medications As A Treatment Approach For An Adult Male With Major Depressive Disorder And Opioid Dependence, Brian Newman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to assess the treatment effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on a client with a dual diagnosis of major depressive disorder and opioid dependence. The client exhibited severe depressive symptoms along with symptoms of opioid dependence. The client's depressive disorder was the primary diagnosis on Axis I due to onset of symptoms beginning before substance use began. A review of major studies evaluating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with depressive disorders and substance dependence was conducted. Studies which evaluated the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality alone and coupled with psychotropic medications …

The Relationship Of Adolescent Attachment Patterns To College Student Adjustment, Cathleen M. Hutchison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to examine if a relationship exists between attachment to parents and peers and college student adjustment during the freshmen year. Forty-seven undergraduate freshmen students between the ages of 18-19 participated in this study. Each participant completed four questionnaires including a demographic information survey, the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire, the Texas Social Behavior Inventory, and the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. Correlation analyses determined that there was a significant positive relationship between attachment to parents and peers and college student adjustment. Analyses of Variance determined that there were significant differences between gender …

The Correlation Of Compulsive Buying And Binge Eating Behaviors In Female Undergraduate College Students, Michele Z. Clemente

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to extend previous research by Faber et al. (1995) in which comorbidity (two or more disorders existing at the same time) was found between Binge Eating Disorder and compulsive buying behaviors in a clinical sample. Faber et al. explored whether a subset of impulse control disorders could be called "compulsive consumption" disorders. Participants in this study, 51 undergraduate, female students, aged 18-23, were obtained from the Introduction to Psychology subject pool at Rowan University. The subjects completed the Binge Eating Scale and Compulsive Buying Scale and a correlation was completed. The result was that …

A Case Study Illustrating Depression From Interpersonally Related Issues, Cheryl Scheurich

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a single subject case study of a 20 year old, single, white female conducted in a university counseling center setting. This female presented into therapy with symptoms of major depression disorder, single episode, with moderate severity, and some mood congruent distortions. The therapy extended over a nine-week period, but with only six actual treatment sessions. Therapy consisted of an eclectic approach and individualized treatments pertaining to Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and some Interpersonal Theory elements for treating depression. This case was conceptualized through Young's Early Maladaptive Schema Theory (1990) and Bowlby's Attachment Theory (1969, 1973, 1980) in accordance to …

Comparison Of Show-Rates For Telephone And Walk-In Referrals For Substance Abuse Services, Rebecca C. Lafleur

Theses and Dissertations

The investigator attempted to determine if individuals who make in-person (walk-in) referrals would be more likely to keep their initial appointment with a substance abuse counselor at an outpatient mental health clinic than will individuals who refer themselves over the telephone. Participants were 40 adults who had been ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation by the legal system between July and December 2001. The walk-in group consisted of 18 males and 2 females (mean age 34.04). The telephone-in group consisted of 18 males and 2 females (mean age 35.67). The investigator saw all participants for the initial appointment. The …

Case Study To Evaluate Effectiveness Of A Treatment Approach For Major Depression, Jennifer R. Laird

Theses and Dissertations

This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention with an adult diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. A case study design was used to evaluate treatment for an adult male diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Opioid Dependence in Early Full Remission. The subject voluntarily participated in individual psychotherapy, was given the Beck Depression Inventory during the fourth and final sessions, completed a satisfaction survey during the final session and self-reported his substance use throughout his time in psychotherapy. The literature review indicated that the three psychotherapy modalities were most effective in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder are: …

The Effects Of Household Substance Abuse On The Behavioral And Emotional Outcomes Of Child Witnesses To Domestic Violence, Katherine R. Destefano

Theses and Dissertations

Both domestic violence and parental substance abuse are risk factors for childhood developmental delays and emotional problems. The purpose of this study is to determine if child witnesses of domestic violence exhibit greater levels of emotional problems when substance abuse is present in the household, and to determine how both groups of children respond to therapeutic intervention targeting these problems. The results indicate that child witnesses of domestic violence exhibit a greater level of behavioral and emotional problems when alcohol and drug abuse is also a factor. Following treatment both groups show a greater reduction in behavioral and emotional pathology …

Sibling Effects In The Adjustment Of Children Exposed To Domestic Violence, Nicole L. Mccann

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies discuss how the emotional trauma experienced by children of divorcing parents is buffered by the presence of siblings. The present study examines whether there is a similar buffering sibling effect for child witnesses to domestic violence if there is an older sibling present in the household. This study examined the differences between first born children including only children and younger siblings who have witnessed domestic violence. The Trauma Symptom Checklist and the Child Behavior Checklist were administered to 102 children aged 3-11 whose parent received shelter or outreach counseling at a New Jersey battered women's shelter. Demographic information …

Increasing Self-Concept And Developmental Assets In Adolescents Using Behavioral And Psycho-Educational Interventions, Terriana Milne-Beatty

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent high-risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, susceptibility to peer pressure, violence, committing crimes and academic failure are often attributed to low self-concept, resiliency, minimal personal developmental assets, and deficient life skills. Thirty teens (7 males, 23 females) ages 12-15, from diverse cultures, volunteered for 3 groups, and were given a 4-month, 12-session interactive counseling program that incorporated the creative arts, behavioral, and psycho-educational therapy for the purpose of improving teens' self-concept, assets, and life skills. Pre and Posttest measures of The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2 showed mean raw scores being statistically significant for improvements within the entire teen …

School Bullying And Group Processes Survey, Margaret Linn

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this thesis is to determine the extent of bullying behavior in a southern New Jersey school as measured by an adapted version of the Olweus Bully Questionnaire. Four hundred seventy-two fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade middle school students were surveyed regarding bullying behavior in their school. The obtained percentages indicate an increase in the trends found by previous research.

Recently, there has been a shift in bullying research from a dyadic focus on the characteristics of the Bully and the Victim to the recognition of bullying as a whole group process, with the majority of children …