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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy For Blind And Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving, And Cognitive Distortions, Collin D. Mullins Jan 2019

Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy For Blind And Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving, And Cognitive Distortions, Collin D. Mullins

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study sought to explore the efficacy of group Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) adapted for individuals living with visual impairment. Specifically, this study investigated changes in quality of life, levels of acceptance, problem-solving, depression, and cognitive distortions following treatment. A group of ten participants (N = 10) were recruited in a large Northeastern city from a non-profit organization providing programming to individuals with visual impairment. Combined pretest-posttest experimental and qualitative study designs were utilized. Individuals were assessed using measures to acquire baseline and outcomes on depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), acceptance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality …


Student Participation In School Sponsored Extra-Curricular Activities At The Elementary School Level And The Impact Of Student Engagement, Kirsten D. Myers Jan 2019

Student Participation In School Sponsored Extra-Curricular Activities At The Elementary School Level And The Impact Of Student Engagement, Kirsten D. Myers

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Getting students involved in their day to day educational processes is often challenging and, in some schools, systems appear almost unrealistic. Students in school do not often see the value of or make the connection with the importance of education. Students see movie stars such as Jennifer Lawrence drop out of school at fourteen, singers, rappers and others in the entertainment industry who are successful and make millions without an education. The potential of a YouTube posting, turning someone into a star looms in their imaginations and they think it could happen to them. Students today are even more enticed …


The Impact Of Psychostimulants On The Executive Capacities Of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Theresa C. Mcmahon Jan 2019

The Impact Of Psychostimulants On The Executive Capacities Of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Theresa C. Mcmahon

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The current study compared executive-skill and executive-function deficits resulting from teacher ratings of two clinical groups of students diagnosed with ADHD (ADHD-Med, ADHD-NoMed) with ratings of demographically- matched control groups. In addition, teacher ratings of the ADHD-Med group and the ADHD-NoMed group were compared. The data for both clinical groups and their respective matched control groups were part of the data collected during the standardization of the McCloskey Executive Function Scale – Teacher Report (MEFS-TR). Analyses examined teacher responses to all of the items of the seven Self-Regulation, the Self-Realization, and the Self-Determination Clusters of the MEFS. Congruent with the …


The Impact Program: Increasing Employability Skills Of High School Students Through Adventure Based Learning, Titina Finch Brown Jan 2019

The Impact Program: Increasing Employability Skills Of High School Students Through Adventure Based Learning, Titina Finch Brown

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

High school students face unique challenges following graduation such as the rising costs of post-secondary education, demands from employers for a highly skilled workforce, and the desire of employers to hire workers who are not only technologically proficient, but also effective communicators and team players. Soft skills have become a commodity to businesses. High schools find themselves more and more responsible for adequately preparing students for a rapidly changing economy. Engaging instruction in social motional learning (SEL) for secondary students is essential in preparing them for this transition. Research shows that Adventure Based Learning (ABL) could be the vehicle for …


Examining The Impact Of Educational Modules On Self-Care, Burnout, And Professional Impairment On Graduate And Medical Students, Samantha Giangrande Jan 2019

Examining The Impact Of Educational Modules On Self-Care, Burnout, And Professional Impairment On Graduate And Medical Students, Samantha Giangrande

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Graduate school is a time of academic rigor, personal growth, stress, change, fear, and confrontation. It is important for medical and other graduate students to prepare themselves to serve and treat their patients effectively. An important part of this involves learning skills to better manage challenges and demands through ongoing self-care. However, little research has examined what knowledge students have of self-care strategies and burnout or whether education about these constructs is lacking in higher education. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of self-care and impairment modules for medical and other graduate students enrolled in an …


Do Teachers Participating In A Therapy Dog Program Perceive An Impact On Students’ Attitudes And Behaviors Toward Reading?, Jenna M. Dragani-Reagan Jan 2019

Do Teachers Participating In A Therapy Dog Program Perceive An Impact On Students’ Attitudes And Behaviors Toward Reading?, Jenna M. Dragani-Reagan

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Working With Transgender And Gender-Variant Youth: Teacher Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competence, Charla J. Curtis Jan 2019

Working With Transgender And Gender-Variant Youth: Teacher Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competence, Charla J. Curtis

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Despite the fact that research shows that access to supportive adults within the school is consistently associated with better outcomes for LGBTQ students (McGuire, Anderson, Toomey, & Russell, 2010; Kosciw et al., 2018), most teachers do not receive significant training—either preservice or post-certification—about some diversity issues, including gender and sexual orientation (Jennings, 2005). Consequently, many educators lack knowledge about transgender individuals, their needs, experiences, and the unique challenges they face. This survey study explored teachers’ perspectives about working with transgender and gender-variant children and adolescents. A total of 76 teachers in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area, serving students in public …


Messages Of Meaning: African American Ethnic-Racial Socialization Practices Of Fathers And Paternal Definitions Of Academic Success, Sharon Coley-Wilson Jan 2019

Messages Of Meaning: African American Ethnic-Racial Socialization Practices Of Fathers And Paternal Definitions Of Academic Success, Sharon Coley-Wilson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This research explores the unique experiences of African American fathers, their ethnic-racial socialization practices, definitions of academic success and the intersectionality of the three concepts. Through a semi-structured interview, the present study explored how African American fathers socialize their children to understand how being Black fits into the larger context of society. The primary focus is to explore what types of racial socialization messages are used, how they are delivered, and if/how the fathers’ academic expectations are a part of the conversations. Implications for how school systems can utilize African American fathers’ perspectives in supporting positive home-school collaboration and promoting …


The Impact Caregiving And Decision-Making Has On Adult Sibling Relationships, Christina Vroman Jan 2019

The Impact Caregiving And Decision-Making Has On Adult Sibling Relationships, Christina Vroman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Dementia is characterized by a decrease in cognitive functioning, usually characterized by a progressive decline in brain function over time. As the condition progresses, individuals require more assistance from others in order to maintain their activities of daily, independent living and decision-making among other functions of life. The responsibility of caring for the aging population usually falls on adult children, which can cause stress and tension within the family dynamic. Adult siblings tend to believe that the responsibility of caregiving should be equally split among siblings (Amaro & Miller, 2016); however, it is often the case that one sibling takes …


Executive Capacities For Students Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Learning Disability, Kate Boccella-Perras Jan 2019

Executive Capacities For Students Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Learning Disability, Kate Boccella-Perras

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

All students in this study were rated by teachers with the McCloskey Executive Function Scale (MEFS) to identify executive function deficits (EFDs; not knowing when) and executive skill deficits (ESDs; not knowing how). Significantly larger proportions of students in the ADHD-diagnosed (ADHD) group than in the matched control group were rated by teachers as having either an EFD or an ESD within all seven self-regulation clusters, with more deficits identified within the Academic Arena than within the Self/Social Arena. In contrast, significantly larger proportions of students in the LD-classified (LD) group than in the matched control group were rated by …


Stress, Cognitive Distortions, Engagement In Self-Care, And Burnout In Psychology Graduate Students, Lauren Matturro Jan 2019

Stress, Cognitive Distortions, Engagement In Self-Care, And Burnout In Psychology Graduate Students, Lauren Matturro

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Psychology graduate students are tasked with finding a balance between academic responsibilities, clinical training, home life, time constraints, and financial concerns. These competing demands lead to stress, which is well documented in medical students with similar workloads, but understudied in psychology graduate students. Previous studies indicate that perceived stress can be linked to prevalence of an individual’s cognitive distortions. Additionally, stress within the human service fields often leads to burnout. Self-care is widely recognized as a preventative effort against developing burnout. However, as students have limited time, they may find engaging in self-care activities to be difficult. The purpose of …


The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders, Shamyra Marie Shaw Jan 2019

The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders, Shamyra Marie Shaw

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This correlational archival dissertation focuses on the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and criminal recidivism among juvenile sexual offenders. The study examined archival criminal arrest records and self-reported data gathered from a sample of 67 male juvenile sexual offenders in a residential treatment facility. Given the somewhat limited explanations for and research into the causes of juvenile sexual re-offending and the importance of identifying its determinants, this topic may be viewed as having substantial importance to future research and criminal justice policy. Findings did not support the primary hypothesis that prior exposure to domestic violence would be positively correlated …


Impact Of Cognitive Distortions And Perceived Stigmatization On Acceptance Among Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Shanna C. Drinkwine Jan 2019

Impact Of Cognitive Distortions And Perceived Stigmatization On Acceptance Among Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Shanna C. Drinkwine

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that is characterized by many physical and cognitive signs and symptoms. Many of the physical manifestations are widespread and visible, which may cause an individual to be a target of stigmatization. An individual’s perception of this stigmatization could lead to emotional distress and a decreased quality of life. To date, there is no research investigating the underlying cognitive factors that drive emotional responses to these negative events in individuals with NF1. More specifically, a literature review reveals no research indicating that cognitive distortions or acceptance have ever been studied in this population. …


The Association Between Body Esteem And Post-Operative Outcomes In Adult Weight-Loss Surgery Patients, Jennifer Rohr Swetkowski Jan 2019

The Association Between Body Esteem And Post-Operative Outcomes In Adult Weight-Loss Surgery Patients, Jennifer Rohr Swetkowski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery) remains the most effective long-term treatment for obesity, resulting in improved obesity-related comorbidities and increased life expectancy. There remains, however, a limited understanding of predictors and patientlevel factors associated with insufficient weight loss and psychological dysfunction. Body esteem, or feelings of self-worth about one’s body and appearance, is a significant concern for individuals undergoing weight-loss surgery, although the relationship between body esteem and weight loss is complex. Indeed, there is a subset of patients who experience suboptimal weight loss and poor psychological outcomes after undergoing bariatric surgery. This retrospective, longitudinal study examined the relationship between pre-operative …


Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques To Improve Socialization Skills For High School Students With High Functioning Autism, Erika D. Wood Jan 2019

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques To Improve Socialization Skills For High School Students With High Functioning Autism, Erika D. Wood

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The literature on the use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) suggests that it is a well researched and evidenced-based viable intervention in teaching and improving social skills for children with high functioning autism (HFA). Autism is a prevalent diagnosis for children and adolescents as school settings struggle with how to provide effective interventions and support to address students’ deficits with communication and social skills. Students with HFA may not have difficulty with verbal language skills; however, there is the expectation of being able to navigate social relationships, use social communication and be aware of social cues and rules which are …


Predictors Of Stress In Caregivers Of Family Members With Multiple Sclerosis, Lucy Lubinski Jan 2019

Predictors Of Stress In Caregivers Of Family Members With Multiple Sclerosis, Lucy Lubinski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that typically results in cognitive and physical impairment. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, persons with MS often need assistance from caregivers in their daily lives. Research has shown that when a family member is diagnosed with the disease, household members become a source of caregiver support. The relationships between caregiver burden and chronic illness and between stress and health are well-documented. The impact of caregiving on individuals with MS remains a continued clinical concern, particularly because depression is highly co-occurring in those with the disease. Understanding the predictors …


The Role Of Social Comparisons In Perceived Parental Competence, Mental Health, And Relationship Satisfaction, Sarah T. Caverly Jan 2019

The Role Of Social Comparisons In Perceived Parental Competence, Mental Health, And Relationship Satisfaction, Sarah T. Caverly

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The theory of social comparison suggests that all individuals are naturally driven to evaluate and compare their opinions and abilities with those of similar others to varying degrees. Social comparison behavior is associated with negative outcomes impacting mental health and relationship satisfaction, with the prevalence of social-media use providing an increased opportunity to engage in social comparisons. Most of the research on the impact of this behavior has been conducted with young-adult populations, overlooking other populations, such as parents. The limited research in this area suggests that parents, particularly mothers, who engage in social comparisons experience increased depression, are less …


Burnout And Self-Stigma Of Seeking Psychological Help In Military Healthcare Providers, Odelia N. Mcfadden Jan 2019

Burnout And Self-Stigma Of Seeking Psychological Help In Military Healthcare Providers, Odelia N. Mcfadden

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Military healthcare providers (HCPs) are tasked with maintaining the military’s mission readiness while balancing the roles of being providers and military members themselves. As such, military HCPs serve in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, ships, and austere environments. Military HCPs may experience a host of occupational stressors, such as long deployments, being in the line of fire, seeing dead or injured comrades, responding to mass casualty events, having excessive caseloads, and working prolonged hours. These factors make military HCPs susceptible to burnout. Unfortunately, stigma of seeking psychological help is prevalent in the military and may deter individuals from seeking the …


Executive Functioning For Students With Educationally Significant Hearing Impairment Who Use The Auditory-Oral Approach: Program Development, Lauren Walker Jan 2019

Executive Functioning For Students With Educationally Significant Hearing Impairment Who Use The Auditory-Oral Approach: Program Development, Lauren Walker

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Research has suggested that children with hearing impairment have delays and difficulties with several areas of executive function. These deficits are believed to be related to delays in language development and other areas of cognitive functioning impacted by impaired access to language, particularly in the early years of childhood. However, ongoing impaired access in students who access auditory information with cochlear implants may also contribute to these deficits. In order to address these skills, existing research addressing executive functioning in students with hearing impairment was reviewed, and a program was formulated to address the common areas of deficit in these …


Adaptive Skills Training And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults With Autism, Reggie Candio Jan 2019

Adaptive Skills Training And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults With Autism, Reggie Candio

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The current study examines the effectiveness of a group-based adaptive skills training program in improving the perceived quality of life (QoL) of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment Program (AYATP) is implemented by a specialized Autism outpatient treatment facility, with a focus on improving the personal independence and daily living skills of its participants. With the use of archival data from the specialized Autism outpatient treatment a study was conducted utilizing a mixed factorial design by analyzing pre- and post-measures of the participants’ perceived quality of life, as measured by a research-based …


Girl Time: An Enrichment Program Fostering Social And Emotional Well-Being Among Kindergarten Girls, Irene A. Opuka Jan 2019

Girl Time: An Enrichment Program Fostering Social And Emotional Well-Being Among Kindergarten Girls, Irene A. Opuka

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Early identification and intervention are essential in meeting the unique needs of all children and families (Bagdi & Vacca, 2005). In addition to studying the growth of separate emotions and their importance for mature development, researchers have discovered that early-childhood years are a key time for developing capacity to control and regulate emotions (Nuttall, Romero, & Kalesnik, 1999). Schools are designed to promote emotional well-being, and GIRL TIME could be viewed as part of a responsive and collaborative approach to a child-centered service continuum that includes promotion, prevention, and intervention. Effective social-emotional-behavioral interventions have been found to change the balance …


Family Cohesion And Perceived Stress As Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Maternal Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Henry Jan 2019

Family Cohesion And Perceived Stress As Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Maternal Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Henry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study investigated factors that predict maternal caregivers’ quality of life in 115 mothers (25 - 55 years old) who had a child aged 5 to 12 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Caregivers’ perceived stress and family cohesion were assessed to determine each factor’s predictive ability in predicting four domains of quality of life: physical health, psychological health, relationships, and environment. Results indicate that perceived stress significantly predicted all four quality-of-life domains. When adding in family cohesion, modest increases in predictive strength were observed for two domains of caregiver quality of life (i.e., psychological health and relationships). …


Sleep, Communicative Ability, And Diet As Predictors Of Aggression In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rafat Omar Jan 2019

Sleep, Communicative Ability, And Diet As Predictors Of Aggression In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rafat Omar

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Aggression is a common behavioral issue in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aggression is often treated with evidence-based behavioral treatments, such as applied behavioral analysis and functional communication training. Another form of intervention that has grown in popularity is to alter the child’s diet. The most popular dietary intervention, the autism diet, has been used as a form of behavior management by parents and guardians for children diagnosed with ASD to address aggressive behavior; however, its use has not been strongly supported by research. The authors proposed that a more beneficial way of understanding aggression in ASD is to …


Exploring Relationships Between Parenting Style, Perceived Stress, Coping Efficacy And Coping Strategies In Foster Parents, Jason Coleman Jan 2019

Exploring Relationships Between Parenting Style, Perceived Stress, Coping Efficacy And Coping Strategies In Foster Parents, Jason Coleman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Removing a youth from the care of their biological family can place them at heightened risk for behavioral, emotional, social, and academic problems, and contribute to parenting stress. Foster caregivers with a high burden level may be impeded in their ability to function effectively. Our study investigated relationships between foster parent stress, coping efficacy, coping strategies, and parenting style to identify effective coping strategies in 178 foster parents. Current foster parents completed self-report measures assessing parenting styles, Coping Self Efficacy Scale (CSE), Brief COPE, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results indicated foster parents with more than three years of experience …


Medical Students' Knowledge, Confidence, And Empathy Towards Dementia And Caregiver Stress, Courtney Williamson Jan 2019

Medical Students' Knowledge, Confidence, And Empathy Towards Dementia And Caregiver Stress, Courtney Williamson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Early diagnosis of dementia and dementia-related illnesses provides increased time for treatment, which is aimed at maintaining patient function and delaying decline (Teel, 2004). Empirical studies have shown a decline in empathy during undergraduate and graduate medical education (Hojat et al., 2009). This study examines differences between 2nd and 4th year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students’ knowledge, empathy and confidence in working with individuals diagnosed with dementia and addressing caregiver stress. Students from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine completed an online survey which included the Knowledge in Dementia Scale (KIDE), Jefferson Scale …


Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Lupus Patients: A Study Of Coping, Cognitive Distortions, And Social Support, Kyle Osbourne Jan 2019

Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Lupus Patients: A Study Of Coping, Cognitive Distortions, And Social Support, Kyle Osbourne

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive distortions, social support, and/or levels of coping skills predict quality of life (QOL) for women with SLE. The total sample consisted of 62 women ranging in age from 18 to 55 years. This study was conducted online via SurveyMonkey in an effort to reach the specialized SLE female population and recruit individuals who otherwise may not have been able to participate due to limitations in mobility and/or lack of transportation. The measures consisted of the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), the WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQOL), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support …


The Relationship Between Personal Values And Personality Traits In Inpatient Behavioral Patients, Chelsea M. Frank Jan 2019

The Relationship Between Personal Values And Personality Traits In Inpatient Behavioral Patients, Chelsea M. Frank

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Inpatient behavioral-health hospital admission has become an important therapeutic option for severely ill psychiatric patients and accounts for one third of the national mental-healthcare costs. After discharge, approximately 40% of patients with psychiatric problems are rehospitalized within 1 year of release from an inpatient behavioral-health hospital. Currently, no clear agreement exists within the psychology field as to which variables predict readmission. Identifying personal values and personality traits in assessment may be beneficial to help understand individual’s better, thereby informing treatment planning to help reduce the rate of readmission. The present study examined the relationship between personal values and personality traits …


The Effects Of A Guided Imagery Intervention On The Working Memory Of Primary Aged Students, Monica D. Addison-Walker Jan 2019

The Effects Of A Guided Imagery Intervention On The Working Memory Of Primary Aged Students, Monica D. Addison-Walker

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Many practitioners view working memory as the temporary capacity to store and manipulate information. Current findings suggest a developmental trajectory of working memory and other executive functions. Limited research has been effective in improving working memory using short term methods; however, recent findings suggest guided imagery and mindfulness meditation improves working memory in children. This study examined whether or not a 30 day guided imagery intervention affected the working memory of students in the primary grades of an elementary school. Participants from a sample of convenience were randomly assigned to a guided imagery intervention (n = 12) or to a …


Teachers’ Perception Of A Cooking Intervention To Increase Social Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Behavioral Disabilities, Jennifer Malik Jan 2019

Teachers’ Perception Of A Cooking Intervention To Increase Social Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Behavioral Disabilities, Jennifer Malik

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study explored teachers and school staff’s perceptions of the impact of participation in a food-based social skills intervention for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and behavioral challenges. 1st-5th grade students who received special education and related services and were placed in self-contained programs in a suburban school district in New Jersey were eligible to participate in the intervention. The intervention consisted of a food-based social skills intervention in which students prepared food ordered by staff members. The students’ job duties included taking orders over the phone and in person, preparing requested food items, taking payments and counting change, and …


The Effect Of Social Problem-Solving, Health Anxiety, And Psychological Distress On Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Decisions In A Sample Of Healthy Women, Alexandria Muench Jan 2019

The Effect Of Social Problem-Solving, Health Anxiety, And Psychological Distress On Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Decisions In A Sample Of Healthy Women, Alexandria Muench

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women in the United States, with hereditary breast cancers accounting for approximately 10% of the diagnoses. Nevertheless, women can decrease their risk by obtaining genetic testing and are often referred for the test if one or more of their relatives has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has the BRCA/BRCA2 cancer mutation. The purpose of the current study was to examine predictors of healthy women’s (ages 18 to 35) hypothetical decisions about genetic testing and prophylactic treatments for the BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations by measuring social problem solving (SPS) variables, health anxiety, …