Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining How Adolescents From Underrepresented And Minoritzed Backgrounds View And Navigate Their Racial Ethnic Identity: Exploring The Impact Of Dominant Narratives And Counternarratives On Racial Ethnic Identity, Jesus Eduardo Ramos

Dissertations

This study delves into the impact of dominant narratives on the perceptions of Racial Ethnic Identity (REI) among adolescents from underrepresented, minoritized backgrounds and assesses the effects of counternarrative interventions. It explores how racially oppressive messages in education and media shape self-perception and examines the potential of counternarratives in challenging stereotypes, promoting critical thinking, and advancing social justice. Utilizing a qualitative cross-case study design, the research involved 8 participants aged 12-14 who identified as Hispanic/Latino or Black/African. Data collection methods included demographic questionnaires, semi-structured pre- and post-intervention interviews, and reflection logs. The analysis employed constant comparison techniques and data triangulation …

Identifying And Characterizing Cognitive Profiles In Midlife Females: A Latent Profile Analysis, Hannah Hagy

Dissertations

Females are at two-thirds greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than males. Due to this notable sex difference in cognitive aging and disease burden, there has been an increased focus on understanding the critical role of the menopausal transition (decline in fertility during midlife) as it relates to cognitive functioning across midlife. Thus, the present cross-sectional study used a sample of midlife females at different stages in the menopausal transition (N=202; Age 40-60 years) as part of a larger, multimodal design study, to elucidate distinct cognitive profiles while accounting for education, which were then characterized by other demographic factors, …

Generations After Us (Undergoing Stress): An Exploration Of Interpersonal Violence And Loss On Psychosocial Functioning At The Parent, Child, And Family Level, Kaleigh Valencia Wilkins

Dissertations

Previous studies propose that interpersonal violence and loss, parenting, and attachment each individually contribute to child and family distress. The following studies aimed to further explore these effects across and within various generational groupings. The first study explored exposure to community violence at the parent level and at the child level in an attempt to understand how such stress impacts parents’ perceptions of family functioning in African-American and Latine families. Findings suggested that family functioning is weakened the most when both a parent and adolescent are exposed and when just a parent was exposed. The second study examined differences in …

Napping, Sleep, And Affect In Adolescents: A Daily Diary And Actigraphy Study, Elizabeth Rea

Dissertations

Adolescents in the United States do not typically attain enough quality sleep at night due to a combination of biological maturation and academic and social commitments, leading to poor cognitive, mental, and physical health outcomes. Naps may compensate for inadequate sleep; however, little is known about how napping affects nocturnal sleep and mood over time among adolescents who are poor sleepers. The present study used daily diary and actigraphy data collected over 15 days in a sample of evening-chronotype, poor sleeping adolescents (n=99; Mage=15.85 (SD=0.99); 44% Male, 55% Female; 46% White, 30% Black, 12% More than one race, 8% Other, …

Resiliency And Positive Childhood Experiences: Implications For Black Youths' Mental And Behavioral Health And School Engagement, Sharnequa Nashay Hunter

Dissertations

Two independent studies were conducted to examine the buffering impact of positive childhood experiences on Black youths’ mental and behavioral health and school engagement outcomes. The purpose of Study 1 was to investigate the potential moderating effects of positive childhood experiences on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the occurrence of mental or behavioral health conditions (anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, and/or a behavioral/conduct problem) and school engagement, using secondary data from the 2020 National Survey of Children’s Health, a survey completed by primary caregivers. The study sample included 2,201 Black youth ages 6-17 across the United States. Logistic regression and …

Understanding Stress, Strengths, And Strategies To Support Immigrant Youth: A Bundled Dissertation, Sarah Jolie

Dissertations

In the study of child development and mental health of Latine and immigrant and refugee youth, it is necessary to understand their cultural experiences and stress experiences in the U.S. The present project aims to address culture, stress, and the development of internalizing outcomes among Latine, immigrant, and refugee youth across two important stages of development: middle childhood and adolescence. The first study provides a comprehensive review of Latine children’s immigration experiences, the effects of exposure to multiple stressors, cultural factors, and intervention implications. The second study provides a focused examination of the impact of two culturally relevant stressors among …

Asian Americans’ Experiences Of Covid-Related Discrimination: Collective Identity, Critical Consciousness, And Intergroup Solidarity, Han Na Lee

Dissertations

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has stirred fear and panic with a surge of anti-Asian hate in the United States. Racial discrimination was exacerbated by labeling COVID19 as “the Chinese virus” and blaming Asians and Asian Americans as the source of the virus. Within the exacerbated xenophobic and racist rhetoric since the COVID outbreak in 2019, racial discrimination was amplified towards anyone who phenotypically presented as “Asian.” It is unclear how various Asian ethnic individuals identify with their Asian American identity while experiencing the intensified discrimination. Specifically, experiencing COVID-related racism and group-based rejection may increase or decrease Asian …

Comparing Caregiver-Teacher-Adolescent Mental Health Reporting: Examining Changes Over Time And Related Outcomes Among Youth Involved In The Child Welfare System, Jennifer Osborne

Dissertations

The benefits of psychological assessment are particularly salient for children and youth in the child welfare system, as youth in contact with the system are more likely to experience mental health symptoms, disorders, and comorbidities as compared to youth in the general population. These assessments often utilize multiple reporters, as emerging evidence indicates that utilizing multiple more effectively captures the mental health experiences of children and youth. However, the extant literature has consistently observed only low-to-moderate (i.e., .2-to-.3) agreement across informants, including among dyads in contact with the child welfare system. Several factors are associated with level of agreement across …

Associations Between Neighborhood Factors And Adherence In Youth With Spina Bifida: The Mediating Role Of Parental Stress And Youth Internalizing Symptoms, Breana Lyn Bryant

Master's Theses

Spina bifida (SB) is a birth defect that impacts physical, medical, and neuropsychological functioning. Physical complications like hydrocephalus and bladder dysfunction require daily adherence to complex medical regimens. Additionally, youth with SB are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression which can impact their ability to master their regimens. Evidence in other pediatric populations have examined the impact of family factors, like parental stress, and individual-level predictors of self-management outcomes, yet few have examined how the broader context, like neighborhoods, impact outcomes. Therefore, the current study examined (1) the level of the neighborhood vulnerability and acute healthcare services …

Covid Lockdown Impact On Education: Analyzing Test Scores By State And Age, Angel Watson, Abby Jenson, Hannah White

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The COVID pandemic lockdowns gave rise to profound changes around the world. From remote jobs to mask mandates, the US had to find ways to combat the pandemic. One of these ways was to enact lockdowns where people had to stay home if they were not “non-essential workers” and remain at least 6 feet away in public spaces. Some states implemented longer lockdowns with stricter mask mandates while others had no rigid mandates or lockdowns. This led to the mass shift to remote learning in school around the US. This study examines the relationship between lockdown length in the different …

Cognition And Inflammation In Youth With Perinatal Hiv, Megan Niehaus, Julie Mannarino, Jacob Bolzenius, Tori Frerichs, Robert Paul

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Background: Perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) remains a major global health challenge. Approximately 90% of the global population of PHIV reside in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) where access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains incomplete, particularly for PHIV. With PHIV, the brain is exposed to the virus during critical periods of brain development without the immunological benefits from ART. Unlike adults with horizontally acquired HIV whose nadir CD4+ Tcell count is a strong correlate of cognitive difficulties that persist after sustained use of ART, cognitive symptoms among PHIV youth are independent of traditional HIV disease metrics. Prior studies indicate that PHIV …

Employment Status & Opioid Use Frequency, Muhammad Mirza, Jake Sauer, Ryan Carpenter

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Previously submitted; simply submitting poster

Emotional Design Of Lecture Slides During Anatomy Lectures: Effect On Mood, Cognitive, Load And Memory Retention, Joshua Raj Narayanan

Student Works (2020-2029)

This study investigates the efficacy of emotional design in Anatomy and Medical education, a subject hitherto unexamined in emotional design studies. Further, unlike previous studies, this study utilised a natural learning environment rather than computer-based lessons. We investigated how the emotional design of lecture slides impacts mood, cognitive load and memory retention in first-year anatomy students studying medicine and dentistry in Universiti Malaya across three separate lectures. The control group (medical students) were exposed to emotionally neutral slides, while the experiment group (dental students) were exposed to emotionally positive slides. Questionnaires were used to assess changes in participants' mood, as …

Association Between Unmet Needs And Happiness In Women Living With Breast Cancer In A Multiethnic, Middle-Income Setting, Nithiya Sinarajoo

Student Works (2020-2029)

While improved breast cancer survival rates are commendable, healthcare professionals and stakeholders must acknowledge potential strains on the healthcare system and society if optimal support and survivorship programs are not established. A global shift towards personalized, holistic patient care is crucial. However, implementing such care in a low- and middle-income country like Malaysia faces significant barriers. Positive psychology, which focuses on fostering positive emotions, has shown promise in promoting better health and longevity in healthy populations. However, research on the concept of happiness, both as a predictor of health outcomes and as a patient-reported outcome in cancer settings, remains limited. …

Interoception In Pregnancy: Implications For Peripartum Depression, Paul W. Savoca, Laura M. Glynn, Molly M. Fox, Misty C. Richards, Bridget L. Callaghan

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

"In this perspective piece, we propose a novel mechanistic framework for peripartum depression in which improved interoceptive functioning in pregnancy and postpartum typically protects against depressive symptoms, but when there is a failure to improve interoception, the result is an inability to maintain metabolic efficiency, which ultimately poses risk for depression. First, we will review an emerging theory that links the modeling and predictive regulation of metabolic resources as central to the expression of many depressive symptoms. Then, focusing on the period of pregnancy to articulate the framework, we will discuss the physiological changes induced by pregnancy that place an …

Homeless Individuals’ Experiences Of Access To Personal Hygiene And Sanitary Products And Processes During Menstruation, Chele Taylor-Jennifer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homelessness and period (menstruation) poverty are recurring global phenomena. In the United States, approximately 220,000 women experience homelessness annually. Studies have shown that approximately 35% of individuals who menstruate experience period poverty while living in Baltimore, Maryland. The theoretical foundation was Wollstonecraft‘s theory of feminism. To better understand this phenomenon, a general qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 18 people who were once homeless while menstruating. Through data collection and analysis, five themes emerged: (a) women have had to find creative ways of addressing menstruation; (b) women have had to find creative ways of addressing the personal hygiene …

Relations Among Degree Of Bilingualism And Bilateral Information Processing In Children And Adults, Francisco J. Sierra, Amy A. Weimer, Yu-Cheng Lin, Jerwen Jou, Nayda Castillo, Cedar Garcia, Michelle Suarez, Flor I. Garcia, Gabriela Aleman, Edson Ortiz, Francheli Romero

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Aims and objectives:

The primary goal of this study was to examine whether degree of bilingualism related to dichotic listening accuracy, a measure of bilateral processing, after controlling for age and income.

Methodology:

Participants included 59 children ages 6–11 years (M = 7.86, SD = 1.81) and 61 adults (18–83 years) (M = 34.02, SD = 15.70). Participants completed demographic surveys, vocabulary assessments in English and Spanish, and a dichotic listening test.

Data and analysis:

Multiple linear regressions examined whether the degree of bilingualism predicted bilateral processing.

Findings:

Degree of bilingualism predicted bilateral processing in the whole sample …

What We Mean When We Say Semantic: Toward A Multidisciplinary Semantic Glossary, Jamie Reilly, Cory Shain, Valentina Borghesani, Philipp Kuhnke, Gabriella Vigliocco, Jonathan E Peelle, Bradford Z Mahon, Laurel J Buxbaum, Asifa Majid, Marc Brysbaert, Anna M Borghi, Simon De Deyne, Guy Dove, Liuba Papeo, Penny M Pexman, David Poeppel, Gary Lupyan, Paulo Boggio, Gregory Hickok, Laura Gwilliams, Leonardo Fernandino, Daniel Mirman, Evangelia G Chrysikou, Chaleece W Sandberg, Sebastian J Crutch, Liina Pylkkänen, Eiling Yee, Rebecca L Jackson, Jennifer M Rodd, Marina Bedny, Louise Connell, Markus Kiefer, David Kemmerer, Greig De Zubicaray, Elizabeth Jefferies, Dermot Lynott, Cynthia S Q Siew, Rutvik H Desai, Ken Mcrae, Michele T Diaz, Marianna Bolognesi, Evelina Fedorenko, Swathi Kiran, Maria Montefinese, Jeffrey R Binder, Melvin J Yap, Gesa Hartwigsen, Jessica Cantlon, Yanchao Bi, Paul Hoffman, Frank E Garcea, David Vinson

Psychology Publications

Tulving characterized semantic memory as a vast repository of meaning that underlies language and many other cognitive processes. This perspective on lexical and conceptual knowledge galvanized a new era of research undertaken by numerous fields, each with their own idiosyncratic methods and terminology. For example, "concept" has different meanings in philosophy, linguistics, and psychology. As such, many fundamental constructs used to delineate semantic theories remain underspecified and/or opaque. Weak construct specificity is among the leading causes of the replication crisis now facing psychology and related fields. Term ambiguity hinders cross-disciplinary communication, falsifiability, and incremental theory-building. Numerous cognitive subdisciplines (e.g., vision, …

Promoting Leadership Wellbeing In Behavioral Health Organizations, Mychalbrianne Chatigny

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this case study the strategies and hindrances in the well-being for leaders in a behavioral health organization located in the southern United States were explored. The study was framed around the Baldrige Excellence Framework focusing specifically on the components of leadership, workforce, and strategy. Data were collected including semi-structured interviews, analysis of numerous internal documents, and secondary sources of peer reviewed articles, and organizational websites and media. The results of this study revealed the organization demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a positive working environments and promoting their workforce’s well-being. Themes that emerged from data analysis revealed leaders’ recognition in …

Effective Methods In Communicating Assessment Results To Individuals With Limited English Proficiency: A Survey Of Current Psychologists’ Practices., Dee Vang

Theses and Graduate Projects

The use of language interpreters is a primary solution for providing inclusive language services when conducting psychological assessments for people with limited English proficiency. However, this approach has limitations that have negatively affected the ability of clients with limited English proficiency to comprehend assessment results and adhere to recommendations. The purpose of this study was to improve the current understanding of effective methods for communicating assessment results to persons with limited English proficiency (PLEP) and working with language interpreters. Eight participants were interviewed about their current methods of communicating results and working with language interpreters during a feedback session. Consensual …

Social Change Requires More Justification Than Maintaining The Status Quo, John C. Blanchar, Scott Eidelman, Eric Allen

Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Three studies demonstrate that, all else being equal, the threshold for justifying social change is higher than the threshold for maintaining the status quo. Higher standards for justifying change were observed across institutional requirements (Study 1), political candidates (Study 2), and city ordinances (Study 3). In all studies, lopsided standards increased as status quo preference increased. Study 1 revealed higher standards for novel entities lacking precedence, Study 2 demonstrated increased information-seeking about non-status quo alternatives to scrutinize them, and Study 3 showed biased interpretation of evidence toward maintaining the status quo, even when evidence skewed toward advocating change. The robustness …

Impact Of A Suicide Prevention Learning Module For Firearm Training Courses In Louisiana, Claire Houtsma, Lauren Reyes, Katherine Macwilliams, Gala True

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Firearm suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide prevention experts have advocated for upstream interventions that can be implemented prior to the development of suicidal thoughts, particularly those that focus on lethal means safety (LMS; e.g., increasing secure firearm storage). To reach firearm owners with LMS messaging, researchers have developed suicide prevention training content which can be incorporated into firearm training courses. However, no study to date has evaluated impact of such training on firearm course students’ subsequent knowledge, attitudes, and openness related to secure firearm storage. Thus, the current study sought to examine …

Exploring Ai Technology And Consumer Behavior In Retail Interactions, Maria Petrescu, Anjala S. Krishen, John T. Gironda, J. Ricky Fergurson

Publications

This research systematically reviews artificial intelligence (AI) effects in customer-interfacing retail applications based on an ecosystem value co-creation framework. We conduct a bibliometric and conceptual mapping analysis study, focusing on AI-related implications for consumers’ and other stakeholders' well-being, social interaction, and societal welfare. A co-citation network visualization of critical AI journal articles is generated, and a network visualization of AI keyword relationships and clustered topic areas is presented and discussed, along with a conceptual map of the relationships between key concepts and substantive AI themes. In an ecosystem context, the multidisciplinary-based bibliometric and conceptual mapping findings of our analysis reflect …

Expanding On The Factor Structure And Construct Validity Of The Short-Term Assessment Of Risk And Treatability (Start), Haomin Chen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research finds better reentry/recidivism program outcome when individuals receive service that matches their risks and needs. It is thus essential to measure recidivism risks and needs appropriately. The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) is a clinically-oriented instrument that assesses risks of future violence/offending and identifies areas for treatment. We see its potential use as an assessment tool for reentry/recidivism programming. More empirical evidence is needed to identify the psychometric properties of the instrument in this setting before it may be used in practice. The current thesis explored the factor structure of the START strengths and vulnerabilities scales using …

Exploring College-Aged Student Anxiety: Aggravating Factors And Coping Strategies, Julie E. Volkman Phd, Bianca M. Wolf, Chris Morse, Ella Browning, Andrew High, Heather P. Lacey, Joseph J. Trunzo, Wendy Samter

Communications and Language Studies Faculty Journal Articles

Undergraduate college-aged students are increasingly experiencing anxiety. Yet, many struggle to cope effectively, resulting in poor school performance and compromised health and well-being. Our goal was to identify common anxiety-inducing and aggravating stressors, as well as preferred adaptive coping strategies, in this exploratory study to inform anxiety intervention development. A total of 19 undergraduate students (17 female and 2 male) were recruited. Students previously diagnosed or treated for anxiety by a clinician participated in a two-week, daily diary entry study. A total of 219 diary entries were transcribed and thematically analyzed for student reports of awareness variables and associated coping …

Emerging Adult Perceptions Of Costs And Benefits Of Using Information And Communication Technology In Dating Relationships, Ishita Munshi, Evan J. Basting, Marissa Dongarra, Jessica Harangozo, Liz Goncy

Psychology Faculty Publications

Rapid technological advancements have revolutionized the dating experiences of emerging adults. This study explored perceptions of information and communication technology within emerging adult romantic relationships and examined what young adults perceived to be the costs and benefits of using technology to communicate in dating relationships. Emerging adults (N = 118) from diverse backgrounds completed a semi‐structured interview and thematic analysis was conducted on the interview responses. Several themes were identified that highlighted the positive influence of technology on relationship communication (e.g., greater efficiency), relationship development, and relationship maintenance. Despite several benefits, broad negative impacts of technology were also identified, including …

Improving Educator Readiness To Support Student Mental Health, Anna Dabrowski, Michelle Hsien, Tamara Van Der Zant, Syeda Kashfee Ahmed, Amy Berry, Maya Conway, Yung Nietschke

Wellbeing

This project used a mixed-method approach to understand educator readiness to support student mental health across early childhood, school based, and tertiary settings. The study features educators and relevant support staff working with children, adolescents, and adults in formal learning settings. Relevant experts such as mental health care workers, youth wellbeing support staff, counsellors, psychologists, and other professionals involved in education settings were also invited to take part in the study. Three research questions guided the focus of the study: How does educator anxiety and worry impact on their ability to support student mental health? To what extent are educators …

Burnout: Half A Century Of Controversy, Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld

Publications and Research

Burnout has become a focal point of concern in the contemporary workplace. The syndrome has elicited undiminished interest among occupational health specialists. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome "resulting from chronic workplace stress." Burnout is said to comprise three components: (i) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; (ii) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism toward one’s job; and (iii) a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. This definition mirrors the conceptualization of burnout embodied in the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the ‘gold standard’ for the assessment of burnout. However, controversies …

Defining Resilience In Young People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Theory Informed Approach, Barbara Storch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal illness for which there is no existing cure. There is significant literature documenting the increased likelihood of adverse biopsychosocial outcomes in young people with IBD (e.g., Greenley et al., 2010); however, many individuals with IBD respond by either maintaining or increasing outcomes categorized as positive. These trajectories can be thought of as characterized by a resilient response. The study of resilience in young people with IBD is nascent. Given the unique disease-specific and developmental contexts young people with IBD experience, the first step in understanding the process of resilience in young people …

Investigating The Impact Of Affect In Suicide-Specific Attentional Biases, Beverlin Rosario-Williams

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: Biased processing of suicide-related information has been implicated in risk of future suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Although previous studies have classified this biased processing, the tasks used to examine these biases cannot definitely specify which attentional processes are related to risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Therefore, via two independent studies, this dissertation sought to distinguish suicide-specific attentional engagement and disengagement biases from other forms of cognitive processing, such as accessibility of suicide-related stimuli and threat bias toward and away from socially threatening stimuli. Additionally, this dissertation investigated under which affective conditions suicide-specific engagement and disengagement biases emerged. …