Psychology Commons^™

A Re-Examination Of The Motivations For Using Substances Questionnaire: Motives For Alcohol And Simultaneous Alcohol And Marijuana Use, Taylor Altenberger

Dissertations

The growing body of research examining simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use suggests motivations for alcohol-only, marijuana-only, and SAM use, especially among college-aged people, warrant further examination to ultimately tailor interventions to not only specific substances but also the underlying motivations for using those substances. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to test the measurement invariance of a novel broadband motives measure, the Motivations for Using Substances Questionnaire (MUSQ), across alcohol-only, marijuana-only, and SAM users and further test motivations’ relationships to use-related problems. However, due to insufficient sample sizes of marijuana-only users (n = 175), the MUSQ …

Factors Related To Cognitive Reserve In Healthy Older Adults, Ann Tram Nguyen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Physical and cognitive impairments are two of the most prevalent age-related conditions, with evidence that both factors interact prior to or concurrently with the earliest detectable stages of cognitive impairment. Cognitive reserve (CR) allows an individual to cope more successfully with age-related brain and functional changes and is associated with better cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline. However, it remains unclear to date the specific roles of individual markers of CR, and whether or not this relationship is modified by genetic risk (ApoE-4 genotype) and/or physical function. Method. We assessed cognitive functioning (global cognition, psychomotor …

Symptoms, Executive Function, Mentalization, And Functional Capacity In Schizophrenia, Yasmine Kolahi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the core features in schizophrenia is a deficit in real-world functioning as expressed through difficulties in the ability to work, engage in social relationships, attend to self-care, and participate in recreational and community activities. Due to this impact on overall quality of life, experts have investigated possible links between the observable symptoms of the illness, such as negative symptoms, with functional outcomes. Ample research has shown that neurocognition is one possible candidate, although fewer studies have explored the specific contributions of executive functioning, or the cognitive process associated with top-down regulation of cognition and behavior. The links between …

Exploration Of Patient Variables And Characteristics Best Suited For Medical Marijuana Treatment For Anxiety And Depressive Disorders, Corey Gazoo

Dissertations

Individuals with posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depressive disorders are currently being prescribed medical marijuana as a treatment in many states across the United States. However, marijuana is still considered a schedule one narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Administration and federal government, which provides several barriers and challenges to conduct research such as approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and following guidelines from the National Institute on Drug Abuse issued by the DEA. Additionally, individuals prescribed medical marijuana for mental health disorders are not always thoroughly instructed on the type of medical marijuana, the dosage, and how frequently to …

The Influence Of Emotion Regulation, Maladaptive Coping, And Criminal Thinking On Maladaptive Behavior, Alondra Avila

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Emotion regulation is a cognitive process that occurs due to emotional stimuli in the environment that promotes cognitive or behavioral action to soothe negative emotions. Emotion regulation can affect decision making that promotes maladaptive behavior, similar to criminal thinking. Criminal thinking patterns can be categorized as a form of maladaptive cognitive coping that promotes maladaptive behavior. The association between emotion regulation, criminal thinking, and maladaptive behavior is further explored. A total of (N = 227) MTurk workers participated in a cross-sectional study. Maladaptive emotion regulation and coping predicted willingness to engage in maladaptive behavior. Deficits in emotion regulation were further …

In Search Of A Simplified, Objective Attachment Style Assessment: The Attachment Implicit Measure, Lisa Savage

All NMU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

IN SEARCH OF A SIMPLIFIED, OBJECTIVE ATTACHMENT STYLE ASSESSMENT: THE ATTACHMENT IMPLICIT MEASURE

By

Lisa M. Savage

Attachment is a lasting bond between two people (Bowlby, 1958). Bonding starts at birth and lasts through the lifetime (Bowlby, 1958). Emotional and social development is impacted by attachment (Bowlby, 1976). Measuring attachment is beneficial to clinical psychologists and psychological research. There are both implicit and explicit measures of attachment. Explicit measures are subject to social desirability and other bias and require a person's honesty and understanding of self. Current implicit measures are lengthy and expensive to administer and score. The development …

Latent Variables Predicting Drug Use In Adolescents With High Versus Low Protective Factors, Jessica Jorgenson

Dissertations

The present study utilized archival data provided from the Minnesota Student Survey (2013). The study consisted of two levels of analysis. The first level involved the development of measurement models for various latent constructs (i.e., disaffiliation, normalized use, internalizing behaviors, and externalizing behaviors). Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the second level applied the observed (i.e., abuse) and measured latent variables to the prediction of the outcomes of interest (i.e., a latent variable estimate of substance use) for middle- and high school-aged youth. Models for adolescent girls and boys were examined separately based on sex and high vs low protective factors. …

Development And Initial Evaluation Of The Assessment Of Teacher Expectations And Practices (Atep), Kimberly Barajas

Dissertations

Teacher practices and expectations are important factors for students’ academic and behavioral functioning (Andersson & Palm, 2016; Oliver, Wehby, & Reschly, 2011; Rimm-Kaufman, Storm, Sawyer, Pianta, & LaParom 2006; Rubie-Davies, 2007; Sandholtz, 2011). The current measures available require a great deal of resources (i.e., time, money, personnel), have poor psychometric properties, or are not comprehensive (e.g., facets assessed; assessment of teacher practices for different grade levels). Given these concerns, the proposed study aimed to develop a psychometrically sound measure that is time and cost efficient and comprehensively assesses the multi-faceted construct of teacher practices. This measure is expected to allow …

Interpersonal Needs And Suicide Risk: Examining Indirect Effects Of Internal Hostility And Feeling Forgiven, Kelley C. Berto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a national public health concern, and unmet interpersonal needs (i.e., perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness) may contribute to enhanced risk. However, mechanisms of action and certain protective variables are not well understood. The present study examined simple mediation models, with internal hostility as a mechanism of action between interpersonal needs and suicide risk. Additionally, our study examined the moderating role of various aspects of receiving forgiveness on the association between interpersonal needs and internal hostility in these simple mediation models. A community-based convenience sample was surveyed (N=712). Our findings indicated that internal hostility partially mediated the association …

Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, And Spiritual Struggle: Associations With Religious Belief Status And Suicide Risk, Benjamin B. Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Religion is a known contributor to suicide risk, with both positive and negative effects. Negative religious experiences, such as spiritual struggle, can exacerbate suicide risk. Alternatively, religion may promote positive psychological characteristics associated with reduced suicide risk, such as forgiveness, gratitude, and humility. However, research has yet to assess how religious changes, including conversion and deconversion, affect the linkage between religious risk and protective factors and suicidal behavior. We conducted three studies assessing these associations across four belief status groups: life-long religious believers, former religious non-believers who now believe, life-long religious non-believers, and former religious believers who no longer believe. …

Why Am I Like This? An Examination Of The Impact Of Early Childhood Experiences On Adult Attachment Style, Amaris Clay

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Early childhood experiences and parental relationships have a lasting influence on future interpersonal relationships and the associated behaviors (Cortazar and Herreros 2010; Raby et al. 2015; Simons et al. 2014; Treger and Sprecher 2011). The proposed study is investigating the complex links between adverse childhood experiences, parenting style, and attachment style. The purpose of this study was to examine the lasting impact of early childhood factors and how they affect relationships in adulthood. The study intends to replicate previous research on parenting style and attachment style. The results of this study will add to the body of research centered on …

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Measures Of Anxiety And Sensory Processing, Elizabeth R. Troutwine

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Auditory sensory gating, a type of sensory processing, is a physiological mechanism that allows the brain to filter out and respond less to redundant sensory information. Poor sensory gating has been found in clinical groups such as Alzheimer’s dementia (Jessen et al., 2001), bipolar I disorder (Lijffijt et al., 2009), schizophrenia (Patterson et al., 2008), and other anxiety-related psychopathologies such as panic disorder (Ghisolfi et al., 2006), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Orr et al., 2002), and obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD) (Hashimoto, 2007). Research is limited regarding effects of chronic worry and anxiety on sensory gating ability. This study will explore the relationship …

Healing Attachment Wounds: Drama Therapy Within An Interpersonal Theoretical Frame As A Group Treatment Modality, Julia Dobner-Pereira

Dissertations, 2020-current

Drama Therapy is an active and experiential form of psychotherapy that is useful for group and individual therapy with a variety of populations (Dintino & Johnston, 1996; Emunah, 1999; Johnson, 2009; Landy, 1996, 2009; Sajnani, 2010). Often, there is ample work within the therapy process on understanding and shifting interpersonal patterns. Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy (Benjamin, 2006; 2018) offers a set of organizing principles emphasizing how early relationship patterns are copied in present relationships with self and other in order to conceptualize and guide treatment, focusing on in-session processes (Critchfield & Benjamin, 2006). The potential for integrating Drama Therapy and interpersonal …

A Gap Analysis Of Reentry Services For Corrections-Involved Populations In Rural East Tennessee, Alyssa P. Gretak Leal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Returning citizens face a host of barriers when attempting to reintegrate into society; thus, services for these concerns are imperative for successful reintegration. Unfortunately, services are often lacking, particularly in rural communities which tend to be overlooked in reentry research. In order to better determine service need for justice-involved populations in rural communities, the current study completed a gap analysis, both inspired and supplemented, by qualitative information collected from mental health providers (MHPs) in a rural Appalachian region of Tennessee. To complete the gap analysis, an estimation of need was collected via local crime statistics. Using this data, a two-sample …

The Power Of Friendships: Associations Between Friendship Quality, Satisfaction, And Well-Being For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melanie S. Feldman

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit characteristic deficits in the social domain, which can interfere with their ability to form and maintain high quality relationships with their peers. Indeed, children with ASD are generally regarded as having lower quality friendships than typically developing (TD) children. However, based on a small emerging literature, children with ASD, despite reporting having lower quality friendships, indicate that they are satisfied with their friendships at similar levels to their TD peers. This apparent discrepancy between friendship quality and satisfaction for children with ASD as compared to TD children suggests that another factor may account …

Depressive Symptoms And Marijuana Outcomes In College Students: The Mediating Role Of Protective Behavioral Strategies For Marijuana, Nicholas Militello

Master's Theses

The present study evaluated the sequentially mediating role of protective behavioral strategies for marijuana (PBSM) and marijuana use frequency on the relationships depressive symptoms had with hazardous marijuana use and marijuana-related negative consequences in college students Participants were 338 (50.3% male) undergraduate college students age 18 to 25 (M = 22.10; SD = 1.97) who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days. Participants reported their gender and completed measures of depressive symptoms, PBSM use, marijuana use frequency, marijuana-related negative consequences, and hazardous marijuana use through an online survey from a 2018 project. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with …

Severe Behavior And Restraint Use In A Hospital Setting For Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Giovanna L. Salvatore

Theses and Dissertations

Physicians in hospital settings are treating an increasing number of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The occurrence of severe behavior is heightened for patients with ASD in hospital settings. Restraint is a commonly cited strategy to manage severe behavior across hospital departments; however, research on physician management of severe behavior in patients with ASD across the lifespan is lacking. Our sample included 25 participants across three medical trainee focus groups and three physician interviews. We investigated their experiences with severe behavior management and restraint implementation in patients with ASD at an urban teaching hospital. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using …

Understanding The Association Between Loneliness And Callous-Unemotional Traits In Young Adults, Tatiana Michelle Matlasz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

One of the defining features of callous-unemotional (CU) traits is a lack of distress or care about performance in important activities or the negative effects of one’s behavior on others. However, recent research has found a significant relationship between CU traits and loneliness, suggesting individuals with elevated CU traits may be aware of impaired social functioning and care about their performance in social relationships. Given this somewhat surprising finding, the current study sought to identify possible explanations for this association. Specifically, we tested the following potential mediators of the relationship between CU traits and loneliness: peer rejection, relationship quality, social …

Examining Intraindividual Variability As A Predictor Of Cognitive And Functional Decline In Older Adulthood, Alyssa N. De Vito

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Intraindividual variability (IIV) has recently emerged as a promising early indicator of future cognitive decline (Haynes et al., 2017). However, the literature is currently limited in that the majority of studies have only examined IIV in one cognitive domain: reaction time. Explorations into the relationship between IIV and functional status are also sparse, with only one recent study exploring this relationship (Schmitter-Edgecombe et al., 2020). The present study aimed to address gaps in the literature by examining IIV in differing cognitive domains to determine which measure(s) were the best predictors of cognitive and functional status at baseline as well as …

Acceptance Versus Distraction As Coping Strategies For Acute Pain And Pain-Induced Alcohol Urge And Approach Inclinations, Dezarie Jade Moskal

Dissertations - ALL

Excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death and disproportionately affects people with pain. Experimental research has identified pain as a determinant of alcohol use proxies that has its influence via negative affect (i.e. mediation effect). Although experimental research has shown that acceptance coping reduces pain-related negative affect, such effects have not been examined within the context of the pain and alcohol relationship. The purpose of this study was to test acceptance coping (vs. distraction) as a moderator of the previously established mediation model. Based on a randomized 2x2 between-subjects repeated-measures experimental design, pain-free hazardous drinkers (N = …

Division Of Household Labor And The Psychological Wellbeing Of Women In The Middle East And North America, Rawda Tomoum

Psychology and Counseling Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the division of household labor (HL) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and North America. I also examined the impact of gendered division of HL on stress, depression, and anxiety levels. As predicted, division of HL was more gendered in the Middle East than in North America. Also, as predicted, gendered division of household labor was associated with higher levels of psychological distress among women. Looking across regions, there was a moderate association between HL and psychological distress among Middle Eastern women. HL and childcare combined were strongly associated …

Medication Versus Brain-Based Treatment: Evaluation Treatment Preferences Of Parents Of Children With Adhd, Rebecca Recio-Swift

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders across the world. Currently, treatment for ADHD mostly consists of either medication or behavioral therapy or a combination of both. However, research has shown that medication used as therapy for the treatment of ADHD has side effects which parents deem undesirable for their children. Therefore, recent research has focused on patient and parent preferences. Studies have found that behavioral or other treatment options may often be chosen over medications. These same studies have documented the characteristics of parents that prefer certain treatments for their children. The purpose of this …

The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation And Substance Use Treatment Attrition, Melanie Ruth Roys

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Severe substance use disorders are characterized by chronic cycles of relapse; however, individuals who complete substance use treatment are less likely to experience relapse. Research has focused on trying to identify factors that predict treatment dropout to help improve treatment outcomes. Most of this research has focused on examining demographic and patient-specific factors, with little success in reliably predicting treatment attrition. There has been less focus on investigating transdiagnostic factors that span across discrete psychological diagnoses and demographics. The present study sought to determine if self-report and behavioral measures related to emotion regulation predicted inpatient substance use treatment dropout above …

Dominican Identity And The Experience Of Interpersonal Conflict, Yubelky Rodriguez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study explored how ethnic identity and the cultural experiences of second-generation Dominicans living in New York City influenced their understanding of conflict and coping. As a general theoretical framework, collectivism and individualism guided the examination of ethnic and bicultural identity and interpersonal conflict. A thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes of participants’ narratives, cultural affiliations, and preferred conflict styles. A total of 15 participants, ages 19–46, were recruited through social media. All participants self-identified as second-generation Dominican; they were born and raised in New York City to Dominican-born parents. Participants completed a semi-structured interview and a demographic questionnaire. …

Impact Of Aging Information On The Continuing Education Preferences Of Behavioral Health Clinicians, Nicholas Schmidt

Dissertations

The United States population is aging rapidly and the behavioral health workforce is ill-prepared to meet the concurrent rise in demand for services for older adults. Clinicians specializing in working with older adults make up a very small portion of providers and the majority of service provision falls on general practitioners. The discipline of counseling has emphasized multicultural competencies in training and practice but has not specified standards of competence for work with older adults; little is known about the interests and training preferences of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). This study examined the impact of receiving foundational information about aging …

Attachment, Trait Mindfulness, And Expectations In Married Women: A Moderated Mediation Model, Elizabeth Larson

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Historically, the term marital satisfaction has been used to describe the subjective quality of marriage; however, some researchers have proposed that marital satisfaction as a construct overlooks fundamental relational components that could elucidate a more precise portrayal of marital functioning. Utilizing archival data, I examined individual differences in attachment orientation and trait mindfulness predicting marital expectations, a process that informs marital satisfaction. Using a moderated mediation model, I hypothesized that (a) attachment avoidance would negatively predict marital expectations, (b) trait mindfulness would mediate the relationship between attachment avoidance and marital expectations, (c) attachment anxiety would moderate the relationship between attachment …

Development And Initial Psychometric Properties Of The Cannabidiol Outcome Expectancies Questionnaire (Cbd-Oeq), Katherine Walukevich-Dienst

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In the United States, a growing number of adults are using products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid marketed as a treatment for a large number of medical and mental health conditions, despite limited support for the efficacy of CBD for these conditions. Identification of CBD-related outcome expectancies (i.e., beliefs concerning the anticipated effects of using CBD) could be useful in understanding the etiology and maintenance of CBD use. Although there are several measures of cannabis outcome expectancies, no known CBD-specific outcome expectancy measure exists. The current study used a three phase, mixed methods approach to develop and test the …

Social Injustice And Pediatric Health: Pediatric Covid-19 Guidelines Are Exacerbating Health Disparities, Sneha Thamotharan

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Fewer cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations have been reported in children. This has impacted the prioritization of pediatrics in understanding the infection, transmission, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in children. Unfortunately, COVID-19 rates are higher among racial and ethnic minoritized children. Simultaneously unfolding during this pandemic is a national outcry to address systemic injustice, including institutional racism in healthcare which are driving these disparities. Aligned with social justice, this paper reflects on how Pediatric COVID-19 guidelines may be exacerbating existing health disparities among racial and ethnic minoritized youth, as well as urges for and provides possible ways to culturally tailor current …

Clinicians' Use Of Mhealth Applications In Interventions For Substance Use Disorders, James Daniel Bender

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine how clinicians are identifying, evaluating, and utilizing mHealth apps as treatment adjuncts with their clients who have a substance use disorder. A sample of 93 participants (20 males, 72 females, and 1 not listed) completed measures of demographics and inquiries about their use and evaluation of mHealth apps in their practices. Clinicians who work at mental health centers and private practicing clinicians were recruited. The majority of the sample (71%) reported that they had not utilized mHealth apps with their clients who have a substance use disorder diagnosis. Participants who have attended …

Evidence-Based Treatments For Conduct Disorders: A Systematic Review, Brianna Ward

Psychology Capstone Projects

Conduct disorders are one of the most prevalent youth diagnoses, with potentially long-lasting effects. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by defiance and negative emotionality, whereas Conduct Disorder (CD) is characterized by aggression, rule breaking, and confrontational and illegal behaviors, among others. Two identified types of CD are child-onset or adolescent-onset, with child-onset type having the more chronic prognosis due to a higher likelihood of committing violent crimes later in life. While prevention is one of the best methods against ODD and CD, treatment options are available. This review examines four evidence-based treatments: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Multisystemic Therapy (MST), …