Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Therapeutic Relationship In Mental Health Therapy With Queer And Disabled Adults, Rachel Womack

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Queerness and disability have been shown to be intimately connected, with members of the LGBTQIA+ community significantly more likely to identify as disabled compared to the general population. Though there are roughly 3-5 million queer and disabled individuals living in the United States, this remains a multiply marginalized and understudied population. Owing partially to stigma, minority stress, and discrimination, these individuals face an increased risk of a variety of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD, and suicidality. Additionally, several barriers to mental health treatment exist, including inaccessible services, lack of provider knowledge, and outright discrimination from providers. Though …

Astrocyte Ca2+ In The Dorsal Striatum Suppresses Neuronal Activity To Oppose Cue-Induced Reinstatement Of Cocaine Seeking, Navid S. Tavakoli, Samantha G. Malone, Tanner L. Anderson, Ryson E. Neeley, Artin Asadipooya, Michael T. Bardo, Pavel I. Ortinski

Psychology Faculty Publications

Recent literature supports a prominent role for astrocytes in regulation of drug-seeking behaviors. The dorsal striatum, specifically, is known to play a role in reward processing with neuronal activity that can be influenced by astrocyte Ca2+. However, the manner in which Ca2+ in dorsal striatum astrocytes impacts neuronal signaling after exposure to self-administered cocaine remains unclear. We addressed this question following over-expression of the Ca2+ extrusion pump, hPMCA2w/b, in dorsal striatum astrocytes and the Ca2+ indicator, GCaMP6f, in dorsal striatum neurons of rats that were trained to self-administer cocaine. Following extinction of cocaine-seeking behavior, the rats over-expressing hMPCA2w/b showed a …

A Validation Study Of The Occupational Depression Inventory In Poland And Ukraine, Krystyna Golonka, Karine O. Malysheva, Dominika Fortuna, Bożena Gulla, Serhii Lytvyn, Leon T. De Beer, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Renzo Bianchi

Publications and Research

This study examined the psychometric and structural properties of the Polish and Ukrainian versions of the Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI). We relied on two samples of Polish employees (NSample1 = 526, 47% female; NSample2 = 164, 64% female) and one sample of Ukrainian employees (NSample3 = 372, 73% female). In all samples, the ODI exhibited essential unidimensionality and high total-score reliability (e.g., McDonald’s omegas > 0.90). The homogeneity of the scale was strong (e.g., 0.59 ≤ scale-level Hs ≤ 0.68). The ODI’s total scores thus accurately ranked individuals on a latent occupational depression continuum. We found evidence of complete measurement invariance …

(Meta-)Physical Artworks: Digital Augmentation In Art Observation, Macy A. Toppan

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Augmented art— the subgenre of art that incorporates physical and digital artwork— is a rapidly growing field driven by advancing technology and a new generation for whom that tech is a given. Yet the presence of media like augmented and virtual reality in exhibition remains a controversial subject. Rather than focusing on the many theoretical debates about whether digital pieces can qualify as "good" art, we study it in practice through the eyes of the casual art observer. This paper highlights the audience in a within-participant study that asked viewers to take in a physical sculpture intentionally built with virtual …

Male Caregiver Strain: The Mental Effects Of Being An Informal Caregiver For A Family Member With Dementia And Alzheimer's Disease, Alessandra M. Barillas, Elijah Rammel B. Borja

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Caregivers are vital in fulfilling patients' primary care needs, and families prefer them over sending their loved ones to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia are prevalent conditions necessitating continuous assistance due to memory and cognition impairments. As a result, support is essential for tasks like mobility, feeding, bathing, and perineal care, as well as emotional and physical challenges inherent in caregiving. Purpose: Upon diving into the mental health impacts of serving as an informal caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, a notable research gap becomes evident, especially concerning male caregivers. This lack of information …

How The Lockdown Of Covid-19 Influenced The Neurocognitive And Psychosocial Development Of Preschoolers, Kay Picson

Nursing | Senior Theses

COVID-19 caused schools to turn to online learning through platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet. The influence and effects caused by the transition to online lessons and quarantine were seen across all patient populations and demographics, but none more so than preschool children, who are regarded as one of the more vulnerable populations due to their susceptibility to change. This research aims to fill gaps in the existing literature by evaluating the similarities and differences of the neurocognitive and psychosocial development of preschoolers exposed to the pandemic and those who were not. This study involves a comparative cohort approach …

Developing Resilience In Early Adolescent Females, Laura Fleetwood

Doctor of Leadership

American stress levels are rising in almost all age groups, especially in females. The medical and mental health response is largely reactionary as practitioners scramble to address the resulting negative impacts on bodies and minds. Traditional avenues for help are overwhelmed and increasingly difficult to access. As a result, there is opportunity for Christian organizations to help communities deal with the impact of the stress epidemic.

The scale of addressing stress-related issues is initially overwhelming, but starting small and supporting a targeted group provides significant opportunity for the development of self- leadership skills and habits to proactively address it. Resilience …

Ethnic-Racial Socialization Experiences Of Mexican American Youth, Katherine J. Bingham, Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga, Timothy B. Smith

Faculty Publications

Research has shown that ethnic–racial socialization (ERS) predicts education and mental health outcomes for adolescents. However, limited research has evaluated the ERS experiences of Latinx students. The current study examined ERS experiences of Mexican American youth in four focus group interviews that were transcribed and analyzed at both the individual and group level using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Main themes included feeling like an outsider, navigating discrimination, encountering social/emotional difficulties, and achieving a positive identity. Each theme contained two to three subcategories that provide further insight into the Mexican Americans' ERS experiences. Participants reported within-group discrimination, motivation to disprove stereotypes, and …

Differences In Mental Health Attitudes, Symptoms, And Help-Seeking Behaviors Between College Student-Athletes And Non-Athletes, Cristian Miralles

Honors College Theses

This study examined differences in mental health stigma, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors between student-athletes and non-athletes. 8 student-athletes and 231 non-athletes from a rural college in southeastern USA took an online survey, and independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine group differences. There were no statistically significant differences in any measure between student-athletes and nonathletes. However, exploratory sex analyses found females had lower stigma and used services more frequently compared to males. Participants then explained any mental health resources they utilize, with most using ‘Personal Relationships’ when needed. ‘No need’, or participants who's mental health concerns were not significant enough …

Intercultural Competence And Personality In Study Abroad Students, Wilkes W. Jones

Honors College Theses

This study aimed to replicate and extend on previous research demonstrating that international study-abroad experiences can alter a plethora of culturally related views and attitudes associated with intercultural competence. Moreover, studying abroad has been shown to make students more knowledgeable of, compassionate toward. and skilled when working with people from other cultures. Additionally, previous research has provided evidence that some Big Five personality traits can predict scores on intercultural competence measures, suggesting that some individuals may be more open to the potential benefits of studying abroad more than others. For this study, I hypothesized that from before to after studying …

Correlates Of Celebrity Worship And Materialism, Caitlin T. Davis

Honors College Theses

The proposed study will further examine the relationship between celebrity admiration and narcissism. The proposed study will also examine the relationship of the variables to materialism. Finally, this study will examine how the extent to which one perceives themselves to be similar in some respect to their favorite celebrity correlates with the aforementioned variables. We expect that there will be positive relationships among the variables such that greater celebrity worship is associated with higher narcissism, materialism, and perceived similarity with one’s favorite celebrity.

Exploring Social Inclusion And Community Participation Opportunities For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Arilyn Jewel Baldowski

Honors College Theses

Social Inclusion and community participation among adults with developmental disabilities (DD) have remained critically underexplored, despite their essential role in promoting equal opportunities and access to fulfilling lives. This study addressed a significant gap in the literature by investigating the experiences of individuals within the population. The research aimed to explore social inclusion and community participation opportunities on adults with DD. Participants were recruited through an organization that offers residential camp programs to adults with developmental disabilities, and an online survey was used to collect data on the availability of opportunities, the extent of involvement, and the perceived impacts on …

What’S The Right Move? The Relation Between Relocating And Psychosocial Outcomes Among Latinx College Students, Lisa A. Lozano, Bianca T. Villalobos, Veronica Castro, Juventino Hernandez Rodriguez

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

The study investigated the role of relocating on the mental health, psychosocial stress, and social support of 159 first- and second-year Latinx college students. Findings revealed students who relocated for college had significantly higher self-reported sense of campus belonging, and social support compared to students who did not relocate. Implications for college readiness organizations and universities with commuter populations are discussed. Future directions to enhance the understanding of Latinx students’ transitionary experiences are also reviewed.

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El estudio investigó la importancia de la reubicación en la salud mental, el estrés psicosocial y el apoyo social de 159 estudiantes universitarios Latinxs …

Reduction Of Elopement Using A Multicomponent Treatment In Young Children With Asd, Zina Eluri, Kimberly A. Zoder-Martell, Ivette Andrade, Noemi Trevino

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Elopement, leaving a caregiver's side without permission or supervision, is a behavior that is more prevalent among children with autism as compared to their typically developing peers. With potentially fatal consequences (e.g., exposure to water, traffic, and strangers), it is reported to cause high levels of stress for caregivers. In the present study, we evaluated the assessment and treatment of elopement using a multicomponent treatment package to address the multiple functions of elopement. Treatment consisted of verbal instructions, blocking, and differential reinforcement of other behaviors with extinction (DRO w/ EXT). An ABAB reversal design was utilized to assess treatment effectiveness. …

The Development Of An Interactive Multimedia E-Learning Module For Functional Cognition, Mckenzie R. Behrendt, Stacy Smallfield

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The rise in technology, social media, and video has led to the desire for short, interactive, and visually appealing instructional materials. Modern learners want flexibility, repeatability, accessibility, and low-stakes knowledge checks. A multimedia e-learning module may meet the learner’s desires. This article describes the conception, development, and implementation of a free, interactive, multimedia e-learning module designed to enhance understanding and application of occupational therapy (OT) theoretical approaches to address functional cognition. We discuss the considerations for choosing a multimedia e-learning module as an instructional tool, drawing from existing research demonstrating its effectiveness. Particularly, a multimedia e-learning module potentially benefits addressing …

Examining The Intersection Of Policing And Mental Health: Analyzing Baker Act Admissions In Davie, Florida, Matthew Goodnow

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the Police Department of the City of Davie, Florida. It analyzed the rate of involuntary admissions under the Florida Mental Health Act, commonly known as the Baker Act, focusing on factors such as officer experience, training, demographics, and other variables. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, the research provides insights into Baker Act admissions to inform policies and interventions to improve mental health services and relieve strain on law enforcement resources.

Key findings indicate that Crisis Intervention Team training significantly increases the likelihood of officers performing Baker Acts. In contrast, more experienced officers tend to perform fewer …

Rhythms That {Bind}: Emerging Through Dissonance, Tessa Hailu

Dance (MFA) Theses

This thesis aims to interrogate systematic approaches to organization(s) and our innate desire for control to achieve a balanced “rhythmic” flow of life to ultimately preserve a sense of security. This investigation challenges the comforts of habits, routine, and order to push up against the binding effects of these predictable cycles that remain structured for reassurance. This research also considers what happens when one doesn’t have the choice to bind themselves TO safety but are otherwise bound BY rhythms of which they have no control. Taking into account our anatomical existence, the ecological systems in which we operate, and life’s …

The Personality Profile Of Nobel Laureate Pearl Buck, Sophia Geng, Aubrey Immelman

Psychology Faculty Publications

This paper presents the results of a psychodiagnostic case study of Nobel laureate Pearl Buck, 1938 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature “for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces.” Guided by the conceptual perspective of personologist Theodore Millon, psychodiagnostically relevant data about Buck were collected from biographical sources and media reports and synthesized into a personality profile using the Millon Inventory of Diagnostic Criteria (MIDC). Then, the personality profile yielded by the MIDC was analyzed in accordance with interpretive guidelines provided in the MIDC and Millon Index of Personality …

Do Selection Tests "Really" Work Better Than We Think They Do?, S. Burak Ozkum

Faculty Publications – Psychology

No abstract provided.

Economic Uncertainty As A Source Of Self-Uncertainty And A Threat To Confidence In Elections, Kaiyuan Chen

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Elections play a central role in building public trust. Yet, ironically, distrust in elections is also pervasive, posing a threat to many political systems. It is therefore important to understand factors that affect public’s confidence in elections. Drawing from work in social psychology, this research proposes that economic uncertainty should undermine confidence in elections, because it could elicit self-uncertainty. Two studies were designed to test this hypothesis. Study 1 ( N = 87,822) was a secondary data analysis of a large-scale multi-nation dataset. The main finding was that economic uncertainty predicted reduced confidence in elections especially among political liberals (vs. …

Reviving The Sleeper Effect, Tehreem Riffat

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The present study was conducted to delve into the cognitive dynamics of the sleeper effect. The study investigated the role of persuasive message repetition (once, twice), the position of a discounting cue, which challenged the stated position of a communication, the cue’s credibility (high/low) and the timing of the cue (presented before or after the persuasive communication) on the outcome of a sleeper effect experiment. Analytically, the study was conceptualized as a 2 (Cue Credibility: high/low) x 2 (Cue presentation: before/after the persuasive message), (Elaboration: Communication was read once or twice) x 3 Test (pretest, posttest 1, posttest 2) design. …

Conceptualizations Of Data Visualization Use Beyond Efficiency In Evaluation, Sarah Douville

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Data visualization (data viz) is a valuable tool within evaluation for its ability to aid cognitive efficiency over text-based presentation of data (Card et. al., 1999; Evergreen, 2017, 2018; Few, 2012; Nussbaumer Knaflic, 2015; Tufte 2001). This exploratory multi-phase mixed methods research study considers purposes for using data viz in evaluation that can be achieved with that increased efficiency through the research question: “What conceptualizations of data viz use do program evaluators have beyond increased efficiency?”

In Phase I, secondary analysis of existing interview data with experts in both data viz and evaluation was used to better understand conceptualizations of …

Good Deeds Gone Wrong: How Leader Self-Sacrifice Morally Licenses Followers Counterproductive Work Behaviors, Christopher Matthew Chow

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Leader self-sacrifice (LSS) plays a key role for many companies today. It involves the leader temporarily forgoing their own interests and privileges for the sake of the collective. By modeling self-sacrificial behavior, leaders hope to create a trickle-down effect, encouraging similar behavior within their workforce. While LSS is typically perceived as a positive behavior that inspires ethical conduct and teamwork, not all employees may respond positively. According to social identity theory, group members might take on the attributes of their close others’ behaviors, as if they had done the behavior themselves. Furthermore, based on moral licensing theory, good behavior may …

A Historical Analysis And Evaluative Review Of Performance Validity Tests, Lena J. Hull, Jodi B.A. Mckibben

Modern Psychological Studies

Invalid performance on tests, which detect neurological symptoms, is a prevalent issue that disrupts neuropsychological evaluations; therefore, validation of tests which detect invalid performance is critical. This review summarizes eleven performance validity tests (PVTs) and reports two aspects of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, as these metrics are commonly reported and act as standardized metrics. PVTs are grouped into three categories: the Rey tests, simple forced-choice tests, and complex forced-choice tests. Rey tests were the first to be developed and, though they provided a good foundation for future tests, they yield low sensitivities and specificities. Simple forced-choice tests establish the forced-choice …

The Impact Of A Pandemic On Education And Mental Health, Jack R. Nadrowski, Susan E. Mason

Modern Psychological Studies

The present study was exploratory in nature. The main goal was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and mental health of students. A questionnaire was used to test whether college students felt their mental health needs were being met, whether they thought schools were safe, and whether their attitudes about online learning changed during the pandemic. Students indicated that they had mental health concerns that were not adequately addressed. They also express concerns about school safety and online learning. The data suggest that more needs to be done to address students’ mental health, to make …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Trafficking In Persons Survivors: A Systematic Review, Gavin C. Newberry

Modern Psychological Studies

This systematic review examines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in adult and child trafficking in persons (TIP) survivors through analysis of 17 studies, including cross-sectional, cohort, and retrospective studies, from PubMed and PTSDpubs. 4,738 participants yielded an overall median PTSD prevalence of 32.63% (IQR = 20.78–54.42). Age stratification revealed median prevalences of 26.45% in children and 31.87% in adult survivors. Sex stratification indicated 22.68% in males and 38.07% in females, aligning with documented sex differences in PTSD prevalence. Further stratification by trafficking type showed 41.60% in commercial sexual exploitation and 30.67% in labor exploitation survivors. Limitations include methodological heterogeneity and …

Effects Of Gameplay Context On Visual Search Performance, Cecelia Stoll, Shannon Proksch

Modern Psychological Studies

Games of all modalities have been found to improve different cognitive skills. This experiment examined the cognitive skills of visual attention and search, and explored whether different modalities of one game would have different effects on visual search abilities. Specifically, we asked whether playing a game alone or with a partner, or playing an analog or digital version of this game would have measurable effects on visual attention and search. Participants (N = 30) completed a visual search task before and after playing the card game SET in three different experimental conditions. SET was chosen because of its focus on …

More Than Sleep Problems? Testing Five Key Health Behaviors As Reasons For Quality Of Life Issues Among Shift Workers, Yuxin Chen, Kaiyi Deng, Ian M. Hughes, Claire E. Smith, Hongdao Meng, Minh Quan Le, Min Sun, Xianyan Zhang, Danping Liu

Psychology Faculty Publications

The shift work schedule is a common work arrangement that can disrupt typical sleep-wake rhythms and lead to negative health consequences. The present study aims to examine the effect of shift work on health-related quality of life (QoL) and explore potential behaviorial mediators (i.e., sleep, eating, exercise, smoking, drinking). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4,449 petroleum workers in southwest China. Data on shift work status, health behaviors, and physical and mental health QoL were collected. We tested our model using path analysis and the Monte Carlo approach among 2,129 included participants. After adjusting for covariates, shift work did not …

Investigating The Novel Effects Of First-Time Wim Hof Breathing: An Experimental Study, Yuhan Kong

CMC Senior Theses

Breathwork, or voluntary controlled breathing exercise, is central around the world for spiritual and well-being purposes. Most extant research has focused on slow breathing techniques and has found a range of benefitsin physiological (e.g., increase in parasympathetic tone) and psychological (e.g., reduction in depression, anxiety, stress) outcomes. Less explored is fast-paced breathwork, which may also be beneficial for mental and physical health. Wim Hof Breathing (WHB), a novel breathing technique that gained popularity in recent years, has been claimed to have a range of health benefits, including improving mental health, autonomic regulation and cardiovascular functioning. However, very limited scientific studies …

Effects Of Priming Independent And Interdependent Self-Construals On Personal And Collective Future Thought, Claire Hou

CMC Senior Theses

Personal and collective future thought refer to the way people conceptualize and think about their own personal futures, and the futures of groups they are affiliated with, such as one’s nation or cultural community, respectively. Previous research has indicated that there are key cultural differences in how American and Chinese individuals think about their personal future and the collective future of their nation. The present study investigated the impact of cultural constructs of self-construal, namely individualism/independence and collectivism/interdependence, on personal and collective future thought. We attempted to experimentally manipulate participants’ self-construals with a priming task, and participants were asked to …