Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Transgender & Gender-Expansive Therapy Participants: A Roundtable Discussion, Gabriel Delong, Logan Harding

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This roundtable is an open, honest, and affirming space for mental health professionals to discuss the current challenges faced by the transgender and gender-expansive community. Using cultural humility, participants will have the opportunity to ask challenging questions, discover new outlooks, and hopefully feel empowered to advocate for the community.

Critical Consciousness, Community, And Systemic Change: Uplifting The Mental Health And Resilience Factors Of Black Trans Women, Matthew J. Kasopsky Ma, Ncc, Imani S. Linton M.Ed, Sharon L. Bowman Ph.D., Hspp, Abpp, Lmhc

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Black trans women face systemic barriers to mental health care, often ignored by traditional counseling models. This roundtable explores developing critical consciousness in psychology, supporting community resilience, and advocating for systemic change. Discussion centers on affirming, trauma-informed care that depathologizes experiences and fosters joy, strength, and self-determination.

Emotion Regulation, Stress, And Negative And Positive Affect In Minority Populations, Laura Torio, Khadeja Najjar, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study examines perceived stress (PS), emotion regulation (ER), and emotional outcomes in a diverse sample (N=282). Results show PS correlates with negative (NA) and positive affect (PA), with adaptive emotion regulation (AMR) linked to PA and maladaptive regulation (MMR) linked to NA. Culture predicted MMR, highlighting the importance of cultural considerations in interventions.

Guidelines For Engaging In Social Justice In Clinical Settings, Liza Cohen, Sydney Majka

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

The need for resources regarding social justice in counseling professions is imperative, but clinicians report that they face barriers to engaging in advocacy (Brown et al., 2020). The following narrative review will present recommendations for practitioners that are grounded in intersectional feminist and liberation psychology frameworks (Moane, 2013).

Promoting Student-Led Advocacy Initiatives In Graduate Programs: A Narrative Review Of The Literature, Nawar Albarak

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Student-led advocacy is essential for driving change, minimizing oppression, and fostering leadership and critical-thinking skills that strengthen socially conscious professionals. This narrative review examines institutional support, intersectionality, and inclusive practices, proposing strategies to overcome barriers, empower diverse voices, and reinforce an ongoing commitment to equitable progress in higher education contexts.

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Therapy Outcomes For Children With Anxiety: A Systematic Review, Jade E. Carriero B.A.

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Childhood anxiety impacts 6.5% of children globally, often persisting without intervention. This review examines the role of parental involvement in therapy outcomes for children with anxiety aged 5-18. Key themes include CBT’s prominence, standardized tools, enhanced outcomes, and varied parental approaches. Findings highlight the need for individualized, culturally responsive strategies.

Beyond Diversity Checkboxes: Creating A Culturally Inclusive Learning Environment, Alex Whitman, Andrea Bugariu

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This poster examines how counseling psychology doctoral programs can transcend traditional diversity efforts, promoting liberation through abolitionist practices. Drawing on a narrative literature review, it addresses barriers like financial inaccessibility and the experiences of minority trainees while proposing strategies to create culturally inclusive learning environments grounded in equity and justice.

Lgbtq+ Youth’S Experiences Of Minority Stress: A Survey, Liz Ballinger B.A., Jesse Chen M.A., Caitlin Johnson M.A., Sarah Kiperman Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This poster will cover a proposed study on LGBTQ+ youths' experiences of minority stress in the current day and context. We used the minority stress theory to evaluate the relationship of stressors to outcomes, and how protective factors moderate the relationship.

Understanding The Unique Experiences Contributing To Outcome Disparities For Black Foster Care Alumni: A Systematic Review, Lilian Hicks

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This systematic review explores outcome disparities among Black foster care alumni in the U.S. across five domains: biopsychosocial, education, employment, housing, and justice involvement. Contributing factors include placement instability and resource inequities. Findings highlight the need for culturally informed, equity-focused interventions and further research centered on Black foster alumni’s lived experiences.

Years Of Mindfulness Practice And Intervention Impacts, Anderson Boatman, Ellary Darling, Mark St. Martin, Zeljka Vidic

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Does prior mindfulness experience influence outcomes in online interventions? This study examined years of mindfulness practice as a predictor of changes in stress, resilience, mindful attention, and mindfulness among 87 participants. Findings explore the potential importance of tailoring interventions to varying experience levels to promote mental health and well-being.

Lgbtq+ Trauma And Dissociation: An Integrative Review, Laci Johnson M.S.Ed.

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

LGBTQ+ individuals have a heightened risk for experiencing trauma and dissociative symptoms. Current research focuses on trauma in LGBTQ+ populations, or dissociation in the general population, but not dissociation and trauma in LGBTQ+ populations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize literature regarding LGBTQ+ trauma and dissociation.

Eating Disorder Etiology In Lgbtq+ Individuals, Nina Michon Ma, Sarah Kiperman Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionate rates of eating disorders. This systematic review examines protective and risk factors associated with eating disorders in LGBTQ+ adults. Findings from 29 studies highlight body image concerns as a key predictor, emphasizing the need for culturally specific interventions emphasizing community, self-compassion, and positive relationship quality.

Lunch Hour, Lunch Time

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Lunch Time!

Public Surveillance And Human Rights: The Chilling Effect Of Surveillance Technologies And Legal Debates In Europe, Anna Calabrese

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The rapid advancement and intense deployment of surveillance technologies pose a profound threat to fundamental human rights and render the balance between national security and rights and freedoms guarantees even more challenging. This paper interrogates the menace that digital tracking such as IMSI-catchers and other sophisticated tools represent to contemporary democracies with a specific focus on their potential to introduce a “chilling effect” to deter individuals in political and social communities from exercising their freedoms of speech, expression, association, thereby endangering the core values of all democracy. This analysis offers an overview of the state-of-the-art in Europe and highlights recent …

Truth Subversion And The Challenges To International Order, David Acosta

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This essay explores the increasing prevalence and impact of truth subversion on the liberal international order (LIO). It examines how modern disinformation campaigns seek to undermine shared epistemological foundations critical for international cooperation, and looks to answer the question: what impact does truth subversion have on international order? Furthermore, it investigates how truth subversion creates uncertainty, challenges alliances, and exacerbates security dilemmas. The essay identifies four core truth subversion tactics: disinformation, double speak, conspiracy theories, and flooding, and applies them to the 2014 Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 tragedy, where Russian actors employed these techniques to distort facts, challenge investigative findings, …

From Shatter Zone To Shatterbelt: The Role Of The Three Seas Initiative In Shaping Central And Eastern Europe, Ian Murphy

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a relatively new political and economic platform aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This initiative seeks to address the region’s historical underdevelopment and lack of north-south connectivity. This paper examines the role of the TSI in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape, where Russia and China are increasingly seeking to exert influence. The central research question is: Does the TSI represent a fundamental shift in the CEE region, and how can it foster interdependence while mitigating the risk of conflict? I argue that the TSI signifies …

Peace Engagement And Non-Negotiable Commitment Through An In-Depth Lens (P.E.N.C.I.L) Theory: A Film Perspective On Un’S Conflict Resolution, Edward Moses Sam Selvaraj

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This paper introduces the P.E.N.C.I.L. Theory—Peace Engagement and Non-negotiable Commitment through an In-depth Lens—as a metaphorical and analytical framework for understanding the United Nations Security Council’s role in conflict resolution. Using the symbolic structure of a pencil, the theory critiques the Council’s decision-making power ("the lead") and its human consequences ("the eraser"), highlighting how failures in peacekeeping and diplomacy disproportionately affect civilian populations. Drawing on constructivist theory, the paper argues that norms and social narratives, especially those shaped by cinema, are critical in holding international institutions accountable. Through close analysis of films such as Hotel Rwanda, Sometimes in April, and …

Ce Eligible Workshop: Implicit Bias Training, Janeé M. Steele Phd, Charmeka M. Newton Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Dr. Steele and Newton's talk is one of two pre-conference CE workshops for the Great Lakes Conference. Please note that the CE workshops require a separate registration process that can found by visiting the main conference webpage.

The Frozen Sleeping Giant: How The U.S. Can Awaken To Arctic Challenges And Advance Its Northern Interests, Daniel White

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

For much of human history, the Arctic Ocean was persistently inaccessible to mass trade and transportation. With warming global temperatures, the ice of the Arctic Ocean is slowly giving way to navigable ocean, and creating new opportunities for states wanting to take advantage of the upcoming maritime access. With U.S. adversaries like Russia and China pursuing their Arctic interests, one would assume that the U.S. is hard at work at reinforcing its Arctic territory. Despite the United States being the global hegemon, scholars have remained puzzled as to why the U.S. has continued an apparent apathy towards the Arctic. This …

Soft Law, Activism, And Climate Displacement: Rethinking International Protections For The Environmentally Displaced, Guljannat Huseynli, Andrea G. Brown

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

Climate change is displacing millions of people globally, yet those forced to migrate due to environmental factors remain unprotected under existing international refugee law. This paper argues that legal recognition for climate refugees can emerge not through immediate treaty reform but through the evolution of soft law and norm creation. Drawing on constructivist theory, it examines how activism, international organizations, and legal precedents contribute to shifting global norms. Through case studies such as Ioane Teitiota v. New Zealand and the Fridays for Future movement, the paper shows how strategic litigation and advocacy can build momentum for future legal protections. It …

U.S. - Azerbaijan Cooperation In The Field Of Security, Malahat Eynalizade

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This research work will explore the security partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan. A key issue in the Western relationship with Azerbaijan is security. The defense and security cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan is a fundamental aspect of their bilateral relations. It serves as a driving force behind their political ties and provides a solid foundation for enhancing the capabilities of Azerbaijan’s institutions through various aid programs. In the late 1990s, the U.S. government concluded that it had significant, albeit ancillary, interests in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Security in the South Caucasus is important to the …

Embedding And Enabling Multi-Domain Combat Capabilities With Partners And Allies: A Joint Concept Proposal, Nathan Colvin, Aljoša Kaučevič, Randall Mercer

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

Future military operations will rely upon a coalition partnership’s ability to conduct regional and global operations across all domains. Currently the US has the most robust multi-domain skill sets of any existing military force, but the US cannot be solely responsible for operations around the globe. To do so would be geopolitically and economically infeasible. An answer may be to build cohesive coalition force units capable of combining localized capabilities and specialized US global competencies. The ability to respond to any type of threat through the synergy of coalition strengths will act to deter regional threats throughout the cooperation, competition, …

Ce Eligible Workshop: New Thinking In Ethical Decision-Making, Mark Leach Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Dr. Leach's talk is one of two pre-conference CE workshops for the Great Lakes Conference. Please note that the CE workshops require a separate registration process that can found by visiting the main conference webpage.

Spasticity And Pain And The Improvement Of Muscle Strength In Athletes With Partial Spinal Cord Injury, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Kinga Łosińska, Magdalena Prończuk, Alicja Markiel, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Spasticity and chronic pain are common secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impacting functional recovery and quality of life. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat has been proposed as an effective rehabilitation method to improve motor function and reduce these symptoms. However, the impact of training frequency on rehabilitation outcomes remains unclear, particularly in athletes and physically active individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lokomat training on spasticity reduction, pain alleviation, and improvements in gait function and lower limb muscle strength in athletes and physically active individuals with partial SCI. A total of 45 …

Esports: Women, Harassment, And Paving The Way For Equity, Becky Harris

International Gaming Institute Faculty Research

It all began with a patent. In 1947, Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device, the first video game, featured oscilloscope graphics similar to World War II radar screens. As targets appeared on the screen, players maneuvered light beans in an attempt to destroy them. Or... maybe it’s not. Whether or not Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device is actually the first video game to be invented depends on your school of thought. Technically, Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device is mechanical and does not rely on programming. It does have the distinction of being the first electronic game to be issued a patent …

Understanding Age Differences In The Effects Of Group Exercise Messaging, Sydni N. Adams

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Motivating people of different ages to exercise is an important step toward ensuring as much of the population reaches the recommended physical activity guidelines for the protection of everyone’s health. Generally, younger and older adults are differentially motivated due to shifts in goals, such that younger adults are focused on preparatory goals for the future and older adults on emotionally meaningful goals in the current moment (Carstensen, 2021). It should then follow that younger and older adults have different preferences for exercise. Understanding these differences is important for effectively designing exercise programs to target messages to various groups across the …

Maintaining Well-Being: Coping Strategies For Prolonged Traumatic Experiences From The Stories Of Ukrainian Educators During The Wartime, Natalya Rakevich

Educational Studies Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological study aimed to better understand how and whether educators can maintain well-being during prolonged trauma. This study examines the experiences of Ukrainian educators living in non-occupied territories during wartime. The following research questions guided the study: What coping strategies do educators use to take care of themselves? What coping strategies do educators use with their students? How do educators perceive mindfulness and storytelling? A conceptual framework was created to better understand the topics of stress, trauma, being, well-being, surviving, suffering, and coping mechanisms through a literature review. Data collection occurred in February and March 2024, two years …

The Importance Of Recruitment Of Low-Income Pregnant Persons In Interdisciplinary Research To Understand The Impact Of Social And Environmental Determinants: Lessons Learned About Implementation And Recruitment, Erika R. Marquez, Amanda Haboush-Deloye, Elizabeth M. Lawrence, Selam Ayele, Courtney Coughenour, Nora Doyle, Wynona Dizon, Lizbeth Perez Rodriguez, Chloe Bombara

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Background: Prior research indicates that enrolling underrepresented populations in clinical research is challenging. Although research has identified some barriers to participation and strategies to overcome them, studies have made little progress in being inclusive and representative. There remains a great need for including racial/ethnic minorities, low-income families, and pregnant women in research. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of enrollment strategies used in our study to understand the feasibility of building a maternal cohort and better understand the relationship between environmental and social impacts on maternal exposure and child outcomes.

Methods: Working across multiple academic units, …

Library Orientation Tours As A Teaching And Learning Activity, Corinne Groble, Nicholas Herbert, Maeve Kerins

Presentations

TU Dublin Library Services offered Library orientation worksheets across all five of our campus locations this past academic term (Autumn 2024). The worksheets serve as a self-paced learning tool that encourages autonomous and peer-to-peer learning. The student-focused worksheets familiarise users with the physical and digital resources that the library provides, while encouraging engagement with library staff as an approachable source of help. This presentation will discuss the collaborative design, development, and delivery process between the Teaching and Learning team and academic faculty across the university. It will highlight future plans to further include: adapting to the new Academic Hub space; …

The Moderating Role Of Loneliness In The Relation Between Perceived Pressure To Be Thin, Perfectionism, And Internalizing Problems Among Latina Girls, Melissa Lopez

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Latina girls are at a high risk of depressive symptoms and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. This study builds on the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model to identify factors that may influence the development of these internalizing problems (Hewitt et al., 2006). Perceived pressure to be thin, perfectionistic self-presentation, and loneliness have all been linked to internalizing problems, including depressive symptoms in youth. This study focuses on Latina girls, specifically, and the ways that these variables combine to affect their well-being. This study highlights the relation between pressure to be thin and both depressive symptoms and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors and explores …