Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With A Depressed Outpatient: Assessing Change In Cognitive Distortions As Measured By The Inventory Of Cognitive Distortions, Detta S. Tate

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This single subject case study was conducted to determine the usefulness of a new measure, the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (lCD). The main purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the ICD in noting changes in dysfunctional thinking during cognitive behavioral therapy. Because of the high incidence of depression in the population, a subject diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder was determined to be the most appropriate choice for assessing the effectiveness of this measure in the clinical setting. The cognitive behavioral treatment implemented was a manualized approach using Gilson and Freeman's (1999), Overcoming Depression. This treatment was a collaborative effort …

The Quality Of The Sibling Relationship Of Children Diagnosed With Autism, Kelly C. O'Laughlin

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Seldom has the quality of the sibling relationship between children with disabilities and their siblings without disabilities been explored, particularly via firsthand accounts from the non-disabled sibling, rather than from parental observations and reports. Furthermore, research has shown mixed results regarding whether or not the siblings of children with disabilities have increased internalizing (anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder) or externalizing (attention deficits, hyperactivity, and oppositional) behaviors, psychosocial maladjustment, or impaired developmental stages, as opposed to siblings of children without disabilities. This study attempted to determine whether or not there was a correlation between the severity of autism disability; as …

Examining Vicarious Traumatization, Anna Zacharcenko

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors correlated with vicarious traumatization in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) clinicians. One hundred and sixty clinicians were surveyed. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if a relationship existed between variables, such as current and cumulative exposure to client trauma and clinician endorsement of disrupted cognitive schemas and intrusive imagery. Variables such as clinician involvement in professional and personal support activities as well as participation in leisure ·and spiritual activities were also examined. Study results suggested that a longer work history and utilization of peer support served as protective factors against …

The Role Of Expectancies In Binge Eating Behavior, Jessica Larose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The central aim of the present study was to examine the role of expectancies in binge eating behavior. Two distinct statistical techniques were used to accomplish this goal. First, regression analyses were conducted using variables previously identified in the literature, as well as eating expectancies as measured by the Eating Expectancy Inventory (EEI). For both females and males, regression equations including expectancies accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in binge eating behavior. Second, memory modeling techniques were used to model the probable organization of eating expectancies. Memory modeling of hypothetical expectancy networks has lead to successful interventions in …

Hispanics' Attitudes Toward Seeking Counselingas A Function Of Psychosocial And Demographic Variables, Angela Rojas-Vilches

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Using variables identified in the social science literature believed to influence attitudes toward seeking professional counseling, an attempt was made to develop a model for predicting Hispanics' willingness to obtain professional help. A second purpose of this study was to compare college students (n = 158) with their parents on their attitudes toward mental illness and toward seeking counseling. Among predictor variables, social stigma and the belief that mental illnesses are untreatable were the primary variables predicting attitudes toward seeking counseling. The more college students and their parents perceived there to be social stigma attached to those seeking therapy, and …

The Impact Of Meditation Cds On College Students' Sense Of Wellbeing, Angela Carter

HIM 1990-2015

The present study examined the effects of use of mindfulness meditation CDs on college students' stress levels. It was predicted the use of meditation can positively affect student's sense of well-being and decrease student's stress levels. A convenience sample of 44 undergraduate students (n = 44) was divided and randomly assigned to either mindfulness meditation group (MT group) or delayed treatment control group (CTL group). All subjects completed three stress symptom surveys (SC1-90R, PSS-14, & CHIPS) to establish baseline measures. After a 6-week intervention, the MT group showed significantly greater improvements in reduction of stress related symptoms, specifically in Somatization …

Working Memory, Search, And Signal Detection: Implications For Interactive Voice Response System Menu Design, Patrick Commarford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many researchers and speech user interface practitioners assert that interactive voice response (IVR) menus must be relatively short due to constraints of the human memory system. These individuals commonly cite Miller's (1956) paper to support their claims. The current paper argues that these authors commonly misuse the information provided in Miller's paper and that hypotheses drawn from modern theories of working memory (e.g., Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) would lead to the opposite conclusion – that reducing menu length by creating a greater number of menus and a deeper structure will actually be more demanding on users' working memories and will …

Predicting Anxiety From Parent And Childhood Variables, Brian Fisak

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The high prevalence rate, significant distress and impairment, and persistence of childhood anxiety disorders highlight the need for continued theoretical conceptualization and research into the developmental pathways associated these disorders. In response to this need, one goal this project was to examination and identify variables associated with the development and/or maintenance of child anxiety disorders. A second goal of this project was to examine the potential role of learning from parents as a risk factor in the development of child anxiety, with a particular emphasis on three learning mechanisms: modeling, information transfer, and reinforcement of anxious behaviors. The third goal …

The Relation Between Optimism And Job Performance: An Applied Setting, Mary Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research on cognitive ability measures consistently concludes that they are predictive of employee performance. While accounting for only about 9% of the variance in performance, however, cognitive ability measures are not sufficient. Alternative measures, such as measures of personality constructs, must be included to fully predict employee performance. The research on personality measures suggests that they are marginally predictive of employee performance. Research also suggests that predicative accuracy of personality measures can be enhanced when the measure is specific to the situation (i.e., stress measure are more predictive of performance in high stress situations compared to moderate or low stress …

Predictors Of Perceiving Racism In Ambiguous Situations, Teresa Marino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study used a mixed-experimental analog design to examine 858 undergraduate students' reactions to a scenario depicting a store clerk being mildly rude to a customer. The ethnicity of the clerk and customer were manipulated. Results indicated that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism and the degree to which they identify with their respective ethnic group significantly predicted the extent to which they perceived the clerk's behavior as being racially motivated. It also was found that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism, levels of cynicism, and attributional style significantly predicted the extent to which they …

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Chronic Stress And Divided Attention Performance, Diane Petrac

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While previous research has extensively examined the effect of acute stress on cognitive performance, relatively little research has explored the relationship between chronic stress and cognitive performance. The current study aimed to control for current state anxiety to better isolate more chronic stress, when examining the relationship with performance on divided attention tasks. Fifty-four university undergraduates, who self-reported a wide range of perceived chronic stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale), completed the Trail-Making Test and a dual (auditory and visual) Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Hierarchical regressions were performed to explore cognitive predictors of chronic perceived stress. After covarying for state anxiety …

Setting The Pole: Critical Factors In Nascar's Success, Matthew N. Maisano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examines the critical factors that make NASCAR so successful. Now known as the fastest growing sport, NASCAR started out as a limited funding, dirt track racing sport to a multimillion dollar, super speedway sport. Just like every sport, NASCAR has gone through many changes and this study will further discuss how it went from a sport to a business and then to entertainment and now a lifestyle. In the beginning NASCAR drivers were renegades with ties to moonshining; today drivers are considered role models and are active in Pop Culture. Constant changes in the sport have allowed it …

The Horror Is Alive: Immersion, Spectatorship, And The Cinematics Of Fear In The Survival Horror Genre, Jay Mcroy

Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture

The video game genre known as survival horror resembles contemporary horror cinema in that both increasingly popular forms of entertainment allow audiences to experience fear resulting from the development of suspense coupled with the dread and shock of encountering monstrosity. One need only note the remarkable success of next generation video game franchises like Resident Evil (1996) and Silent Hill (1999) to realize that, more than ever before, game players in their late teens and beyond long to immerse themselves within interactive nightmares that offer the kind of thrills and chills once available exclusively through horror literature and films. However, …

Is This A Mirror I See Before Me?: Adolescent Girls Use Imaginal Writing To Re-Vision Life Experience: A Dissertation, Cameron L. Marzelli

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This participant observer collective case study was an investigation of the ways in which an imaginal writing process might facilitate resilience in adolescent girls who had previously used writing to respond to challenging life experience.

Relational Fathering: How Fathering Sons Affects Men's Relational Growth And Development: A Dissertation, Carol Watson-Philips

Educational Studies Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore how fathering sons impacts men's relational growth and development. This qualitative study examines the meaning fathers make of their experience and describes their process of growth and development in connection with their sons. Twenty, mostly middle-class fathers, ages thirty-three to forty-six with sons ranging from one year to twelve years, were interviewed. Relational-Cultural Theory provides a theoretical framework. A grounded theory approach, a constructivist lens, and feminist analysis and research methods are employed. The data reveal that the fathers' connection with their sons and their perceptions of their sons' unconditional love …

Parent-Adolescent Involvement: The Relative Influence Of Parent Gender And Residence, Daniel Hawkins, Paul R. Amato, Valarie King

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The 1995 wave of the Add Health study is used to investigate the relative influence of parent gender and residence on patterns of parental involvement with adolescents. Adolescent reports (N = 17,330) of shared activities, shared communication, and relationship quality with both biological parents are utilized. A multidimensional scaling analysis reveals that parent gender explains most of the variance in parent-adolescent involvement, with residential status playing a secondary yet fundamental role in accounting for these patterns. Resident mothers who do not live with adolescents’ biological fathers engage in the broadest range of activities with their children. Unpartnered resident fathers display …

Assessing The Need For Dual Diagnosis Training For Mental Health Workers Serving Youth In Michigan, Kathleen "Lucy" Mcgoron

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Dual diagnosis is the co-occurrence of substance use and another psychiatric disorder. Research has shown that people with dual diagnosis have worse outcomes than those with only substance use or another psychiatric disorder. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on training programs which help better serve adults with dual diagnosis, but there have been minimal efforts for training mental health workers who serve youths. This project examines the need for training in community mental health workers in Michigan who work with youths. Results indicate that a quarter of youths being seen for treatment need substance use services, however …

The Price Of Social Perception: Effects Of Positive And Negative Feedback In Public And Private Spheres, R.D. Dvorak

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study examined how feedback affects choice behavior in public and private spheres. Seventy-five undergraduate students (19 men,56 women) participated. Two conditions were presented on a concurrent schedule of MIXED VR30-FR1. Under Condition 1, 5 points were awarded after completing theVR30. Following the FRl, 0-4 points were subtracted and participants received negative feedback. Under Condition 2, 1pointwas awarded following completion of the VR30. Participants received an additional 1point and positive feedback following the FRl. The private group wore headphones; the public group had feedback broadcasted in public. The presupposition that feedback in public would cause more responding in the second …

Study Of The Cognitive Functioning Of Medicated And Non-Medicated Elementary School-Aged Children Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Janet Friedman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious disability that has been shown to adversely affect cognition, affect, and behavior. Research using traditional measures of cognitive functioning, such as intelligence tests has shown that children diagnosed with ADHD perform poorly on cognitive measures of processing speed, and on working memory in particular (Kerns, Mclnerney & Wilde, 2001; Weiler, Bernstein, Bellinger & Waber, 2000). Mahone, et al. (2003), note that reviews involving the Wechsler Scales for children suggest that Full Scale IQ scores (FSIQ) on the WISC-III average 5 to 6 points lower than scores in the WISC-R. It was hypothesized …

Evaluation Of A Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy Program For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Female Juvenile Delinquents In Residential Placements, Janet Heesen Knapp

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Female juvenile delinquents have a high incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Residential treatment programs for female juvenile offenders typically lack gender-specific programming and empirically supported treatment protocols. This study attempted to examine the effectiveness of the Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, Inc., Group Therapy Program for Female Juvenile Delinquents with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Alternative Rehabilitation Community, 2004). This manual-based treatment program was conducted in 5 residential treatment agencies in Pennsylvania. Two comparable agencies served as comparison sites. Data was obtained from a larger study performed by the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development Division of Planning and Evaluation, which had …

Development Of An Internet-Based Disease Management Program For People With Diabetes , Robert L. Mailliard

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Diabetes is a chronic illness that currently has no cure. Quality of life can be improved by the person’s own adherence to treatment and motivation to manage their diabetes. Both of these factors are difficult maintain and access to patient education materials is limited. This study developed an Internet-based disease management program for people with diabetes. This diabetes disease management program followed the PRECEDE health program planning model. Focus groups and key informant interviews people with diabetes were run in order to obtain feedback for this program. Cognitive-behavioral and health behavior change theory were integrated in to the program to …

The “Mozart Effect”: Musicological And Scientific Perspectives, Donald J. Polzella, Richard P. Benedum

Psychology Faculty Publications

The “Mozart effect” suggests that merely listening to Mozart’s music enhances human cognitive processing. Although the “Mozart effect” has generated a great deal of attention since it was first proposed, replicating the Mozart effect has proven elusive, and it has been argued that the effect is attributable not to the music, but rather to changes in arousal and mood. Even so, it may be that the music of Mozart increases arousal and improves mood to a greater degree than do other stimuli, including the music of other composers.

Phd And Psyd Graduates: More Alike Than Different, Elizabeth N. Wood

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study seeks to measure the attitudes and contributions of professional psychologists who have earned a PsyD degree. Initially developed as a degree to emphasize training in clinical practice over academia or research, the Doctor of Psychology degree follows the "Vail Model," also known as the "practitioner-scholar model." A random sample of practicing clinical psychologists was surveyed to determine if practicing c linical psychologists with a PsyD versus a PhD degree differ in attitude regarding serving diverse populations, public advocacy, and scholarship, and whether these attitudes are confirmed in practice. A questionnaire with practice-based questions was administered to 600 licensed …

Shame In Body Image In Children's Literature, Joy Mauldin

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Even though children's books have been around for centuries, no research has addressed shame dynamics in children's literature. Psychologists can play an important role in the illumination of shaming content in literature, which will shape a child's perception of the world around her. In this qualitative study, five volunteers, non- psychologist adults ranging in ages 26-58 years, discovered that shame exists in children's books. The volunteers noted that shame can be both explicit and implicit in fashion. This study informs us that when given an understanding of shame, a non- psychologist layperson can identify shaming content in children's literature. This …

Fármacos No-Estimulantes Para El Tratamiento Del Trastorno Por Déficit De Atención-Hiperactividad En Niños [Non-Stimulant Drugs For Treatment Of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd)], Joaquín A. Peña, Cecilia Montiel-Nava, Juan D. Velásquez

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Existe una gran cantidad de estudios que ofrecen soporte a la utilización de medicación noestimulante para el tratamiento de los síntomas del TDAH. A pesar de las diferencias entre los compuestos empleados en esta entidad clínica, todos comparten una actividad noradrenérgica y dopaminérgica común. En aquellos pacientes que no toleran o presentan una respuesta limitada a los psicoestimulantes, o en las familias que prefieren otras alternativas terapéuticas; se han realizado ensayos clínicos con medicación no-estimulante. En este trabajo se revisa la literatura acerca del tratamiento no-estimulante para el manejo de los síntomas de falta de atención, hiperactividad e impulsividad propios …

Differences In Enjoyment, Motivation, And Perceived Athletic Competence Between Sport And Fitness Physical Activity Participants, Andy Briggs

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to determine if differences existed in level of exercise enjoyment, motivation, and perceived athletic competence between college students that exercise using sport activities and college students that exercise using fitness activities. Data were collected from 188 college students from a midsize comprehensive university in the Midwest. The questionnaire was designed to tap enjoyment, motivation, perceived athletic competence, and amount of physical activity. The participants were divided into four groups according to their exercise habits: high sport/high fitness, high sport/low fitness, low sport/high fitness, and low sport/low fitness. A MANOV A test compared the four …

Links Between Late Adolescents’ Tendency For Mild To Moderate Violence And School Shooters, Elizabeth Ruth Strey Christenson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Violent crimes committed by youth in their school environments have been a focus of concern in recent years. Since the tragedy at Columbine High School and the subsequent copycat efforts many questions have been raised by the public regarding how and why these school shootings occurred. In response to these questions, the Federal Bureau of Investigation produced a report listing 46 characteristics from four main categories (Personality Traits and Behavior, Family Dynamics, School Dynamics, and Social Dynamics) that they determined to be common characteristics of school shooters. However, since school shootings occur so rarely there is no completely accurate way …

Coping Strategies And Personality In Schizophrenia: Can These Two Factors Influence Relapse Rates And Quality Of Life?, Amanda Collins

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Many schizophrenia patients never fully recover from their illness, despite being relatively stable. Therefore, research is beginning to go beyond symptom treatment and focus on patients' quality of life. Coping strategies and personality are two factors that may influence quality of life. This study investigated the effects of specific coping strategies and personality on the outcome of schizophrenia as measured by psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and relapse rates. Results showed that symptomatology was associated with coping strategies that entailed creating a plan of action, while relapse rates were negatively associated with coping strategies that entailed mental and behavioral distraction. …

The Import Of The Sensation Of The Abyss, David J. Prescott-Steed

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research argues the significance of the concept of the abyss as a means to understanding key contemporary ideas such as the self, identity, reflexivity, indeterminacy, ideology, radical doubt, lack, and xenophobia. Proposing the analysis of interpretations of the abyss as informative in developing an understanding of ourselves in terms of our cultural, geographical and historical contexts, I draw on a range of visual images, explorations of language use, research into cultural constructs, religious practices and historical events. The reflections on the abyss contained in this thesis contribute to broader research by connecting the developing concept of the abyss to …

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …