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Articles 1 - 15 of 15
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Relationships Between Levels Of Mindfulness And Subjective Well-Being In Undergraduate Students, Rikki J. Rosini, Amanda Nelson, Eve Sledjeski, Thomas Dinzeo
Relationships Between Levels Of Mindfulness And Subjective Well-Being In Undergraduate Students, Rikki J. Rosini, Amanda Nelson, Eve Sledjeski, Thomas Dinzeo
Modern Psychological Studies
College is often a period of unique demands and increased autonomy. The heightened stress associated with this period can contribute to mental health difficulties and maladaptive behaviors in a subset of students. The goal of the current study was to examine the role of mindfulness (i.e., awareness of, and appreciation for, the present moment and experiences) in experiencing negative emotions and lifestyle behaviors in 23 male and 19 female undergraduate students. Participants were randomly assigned to a mindfulness meditation condition or a cognitive activity control condition. Results suggest that higher levels of mindfulness are associated with better lifestyle habits, lower …
The Caregiver’S Burden: Psychological Distress In The Younger Adult Caregiver, Kelsey C. Bacharz, Leilani B. Goodmon
The Caregiver’S Burden: Psychological Distress In The Younger Adult Caregiver, Kelsey C. Bacharz, Leilani B. Goodmon
Modern Psychological Studies
Research reveals that informal, adult caregivers (25 years of age and older) of chronically ill loved ones incur psychological stress from the caregiving experience. However, there is little research on the psychological impact on the younger adult caregiver (ages 18-24). Therefore, the focus of this study was to explore the psychological effects of being a younger adult caregiver and what factors contribute to, or insulate the younger adult caregiver from the distress of caregiving. The results indicate that younger adult caregivers are unique in that different factors contribute to or insulate them from distress compared to adult caregivers.
The Problem With Online Data Collection: Predicting Invalid Responding In Undergraduate Samples, Patricia Al-Salom, Carlin J. Miller
The Problem With Online Data Collection: Predicting Invalid Responding In Undergraduate Samples, Patricia Al-Salom, Carlin J. Miller
Modern Psychological Studies
The popularity of online research is increasing but the validity of the results obtained is not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the validity of computerized data collection in an undergraduate sample. Participants were 99 university students randomly assigned to one of three data collection conditions: online survey platform, in-person computerized survey platform, and in-person pencil-and-paper survey. Results from statistical analyses suggest self-reported inattention symptoms, exposure to more stressors, and computerized platforms predict more invalid responding. In contrast, personality, self-reported impulsivity symptoms, and shorter completion times do not predict invalid responding. Overall, …
Age And Gender Differences In Particpation Rates, Motivators For, And Barriers To Exercise, Margot E. Hickey, Susan E. Mason
Age And Gender Differences In Particpation Rates, Motivators For, And Barriers To Exercise, Margot E. Hickey, Susan E. Mason
Modern Psychological Studies
Participants completed a questionnaire about their involvement in exercise and the motivators for and barriers to their participation in physical activities. There was a significant age difference in the total number of barriers reported. There were also significant gender differences in several aspects of exercise, within both a college sample and a sample of community residents. Because of the numerous health benefits of exercise for men and women of all ages, it is important that we understand what motivates individuals to be active. The findings of the present study suggest that the individual’s age and gender are important factors to …
Effects Of An Lgbtq Identity And Support Systems On Mental Health: A Study Of 4 Theories, Aubryn Samaroo
Effects Of An Lgbtq Identity And Support Systems On Mental Health: A Study Of 4 Theories, Aubryn Samaroo
Modern Psychological Studies
Sexual minority adolescents (LGBTQ) are at a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal execution than are their heterosexual counterparts. This study aims to explain four theories – minority stress theory, social ties theory, interpersonal theory of suicide, and structuration theory – and their impact on identity and support systems for LGBTQ youth. Four members of the LGBTQ community at an elite university in the Northeastern United States were interviewed one-on-one for this study (25% lesbian, 50% queer females, and 25% bisexual female; mean age 20 years) and shared their experiences. Without support, LGBTQ youth are victims of harassment, …
Ethical Issues And Attitudes Towards Euthanasia, Christa A. Mastro, Susan E. Mason
Ethical Issues And Attitudes Towards Euthanasia, Christa A. Mastro, Susan E. Mason
Modern Psychological Studies
Case studies describing end-of-life scenarios were used to assess college students’ attitudes toward euthanasia. Students used a five-point rating scale to judge if a case was ethical. Major field of study and religious conviction did not prove to be significant factors. The age of the person described in a scenario did influence ethics ratings, but not in the hypothesized direction. Euthanasia was judged to be more ethical in situations involving younger adults than in situations involving older adults.
Self-Efficacy And Gender In Stem Majors, Katie Jordan, Randy Carden
Self-Efficacy And Gender In Stem Majors, Katie Jordan, Randy Carden
Modern Psychological Studies
This study investigated self-efficacy in men and women studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors at a small private university in order to determine whether women had lower self-efficacy scores than men, as has been suggested by previous research. The study also investigated the possibility of a negative correlation between femininity and self-efficacy. The participants (N=67) were evaluated using the College Academic Self-Efficacy Survey created by Owen and Froman (1988) to find self-efficacy scores, and the women (N=37) were also given the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem,1974) to determine femininity scores. The results found no relationship between gender and …
Hope, Life Satisfaction, And Motivation, Haley K. Mcconnell, Laura G. Stull
Hope, Life Satisfaction, And Motivation, Haley K. Mcconnell, Laura G. Stull
Modern Psychological Studies
This study examined three types of motivation—autonomous, controlled and impersonal (Deci & Ryan, 1985)—in relation to life satisfaction and hope in a sample of persons living in transitional housing in central Indiana. It was hypothesized that life satisfaction and hope would be positively related to autonomous motivation and negatively related to impersonal motivation. Further, the relationship between life satisfaction, hope, and controlled motivation was explored. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses. While hypotheses were not supported, other important relationships were found in the data, such as interesting directional differences and correlations. How these findings may be particularly relevant to …
Psychological Distress, Attachment, And Conflict Resolution In Romantic Relationships, Julie Petersen, Benjamin Le
Psychological Distress, Attachment, And Conflict Resolution In Romantic Relationships, Julie Petersen, Benjamin Le
Modern Psychological Studies
Understanding the correlates of psychological distress has important implications for enhancing clinical treatments and promoting well-being and mental health in daily life. The present study examines the associations between attachment avoidance and anxiety, conflict resolution, and psychological distress in romantic relationships in a large sample (N = 697) recruited online. Anxiety and avoidance were associated with heightened psychological distress, and maladaptive conflict resolution strategies were found partially mediate these associations. Future directions and clinical implications highlighting attachment and conflict resolution are discussed.
Effects Of Attention And Color On Motion Perception In Rorschach Inkblot Interpretation, Renee Hunsberger, Keith Feigenson
Effects Of Attention And Color On Motion Perception In Rorschach Inkblot Interpretation, Renee Hunsberger, Keith Feigenson
Modern Psychological Studies
Visual perception facilitates quick reactions to ambiguous stimuli, a crucial survival characteristic in threat appraisal of unfamiliar circumstances. The current study investigated the impact of attention focusing on motion interpretation of ambiguous Rorschach Inkblot images displayed in black or red. Participants focused attention on three characteristics of 4 discrete priming images: identity, color, and motion. Each combination of prime and attentional focus was presented individually and in random order, and then participants were asked to describe a Rorschach Inkblot in open ended form. Motion interpretation was operationalized by the number of responses indicating that an ambiguous inkblot was perceived as …
From Solitary To Solidarity: Belonging, Social Support, And The Problem Of Women’S Recidivism, Erin M. Schnappauf, Theresa E. Didonato
From Solitary To Solidarity: Belonging, Social Support, And The Problem Of Women’S Recidivism, Erin M. Schnappauf, Theresa E. Didonato
Modern Psychological Studies
This paper addresses the relation between belonging and social support and recidivism of formerly-incarcerated women by reviewing existing literature on their experience re-entering into society. Drawing on recent evidence, this paper considers that belonging and social support, in the form of frequent, positive interactions, may help formerly-incarcerated women overcome obstacles of successful reintegration. Specifically, the review paper supports a hypothesis that if formerly-incarcerated women have more social support as they re-enter into society, the recidivism rate for this population could decrease. The review also examines how different demographics intersect with the experience of reintegration and addresses gaps in the literature …
The Mental Health Benefits Of Having Dogs On College Campuses, Trenton Adams, Catherine Clark, Victoria Crowell, Kolleen Duffy, Margaret Green, Selena Mcewen, Allison Wrape, Frank Hammonds
The Mental Health Benefits Of Having Dogs On College Campuses, Trenton Adams, Catherine Clark, Victoria Crowell, Kolleen Duffy, Margaret Green, Selena Mcewen, Allison Wrape, Frank Hammonds
Modern Psychological Studies
College can be a stressful time for many, especially those dealing with problems like stress, anxiety, and depression. While colleges and universities typically offer counseling services, many students who could benefit do not take advantage of them. Research suggests that animals may play an important role in some forms of treatment for conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. A recent trend on college campuses is to offer opportunities to interact with dogs and other animals as a way to relieve stress and help individuals deal with other psychological issues. In this paper, we discuss the current research regarding using …
The Relationship Of Black Racial Identity And Aggressive Humor, Tina Reifsteck
The Relationship Of Black Racial Identity And Aggressive Humor, Tina Reifsteck
Modern Psychological Studies
Humor is a form of intra-personal and inter-personal communication. Previous scholarship identified the expression of affiliative and self-enhancing humor as beneficial for one’s mental health, whereas aggressive and self-defeating humor can have harmful effects. However, in the African American community, culture specific humor, which often includes aggressive elements, has historically aided in coping with racism, oppression, and social inequality. Similarly, strong racial identification can mediate the detrimental outcomes of negative social experiences. This study evaluates the relationship between black racial identity and the aforementioned humor styles, with a focus on aggressive humor. For this correlational study, 63 African American participants …
Moral Injury And Stress Response Patterns In United States Military Veterans, Emily L. Ferrell, John M. Huyser, Matthew Dykas
Moral Injury And Stress Response Patterns In United States Military Veterans, Emily L. Ferrell, John M. Huyser, Matthew Dykas
Modern Psychological Studies
During combat, veterans encounter situations that violate their moral principles resulting in moral injury. For example, if a soldier fails to prevent, witnesses, and/or performs acts that oppose their values, their moral integrity may be harmed. The present study’s aim was to examine such injuries and their association with stress response patterns in veterans. Participants completed questionnaires as part of a larger study examining PTSD in war veterans. The MIQ was used to assess participants’ degree of cognitive dissonance with their actions during war, the IES- R was used to assess responses to traumatic events, and the SRQ was used …