Psychology Commons^™

Neuropsychological Prediction Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Functional Abilities Using Brief Screeners, Ashley Bennett

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is primarily characterized by memory impairment and decline in function. Patients often undergo lengthy neuropsychological evaluations that create testing fatigue and, ultimately, affect their validity. There are brief assessment options to assess probable AD that are not commonly explored in research and clinical settings. This study investigated the predictive ability of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with the addition of a semantic fluency measure compared to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-13-Item Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog-13) in diagnosing AD. Additionally, this study examined the potential use of the …

Examining Obsessive-Compulsive Symptomatology And Maternal Functioning During The Postpartum Period: Implications For Disclosure And Assessment, Meghan Collins

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Maternal mental health is a significant global health concern, with nearly one in five new mothers experiencing a mental health disorder during the perinatal period. Timely screening, assessment, and treatment are critical for the well-being of both mother and infant, given the potential adverse effects of unaddressed mental health concerns. While much of the existing literature has focused on perinatal depression and anxiety, research specifically examining obsessive-compulsive symptoms and unwanted or intrusive thoughts remains limited. The present study investigated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and maternal functioning, as well as experiences related to the assessment and disclosure of intrusive thoughts. …

The Impact Of Long Covid On Mental Health, Marzena Podkalicka

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus, a significant portion of the global population has transitioned from acute infection to Long COVID, a multisystemic condition characterized by persistent symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer. This study investigated the psychological impact of Long COVID, to explore rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and quality of life in people with Long COVID compared to those without it. A quantitative survey-based design was employed with a sample of 310 adults (Aged 18 to 90; M = 48.2). Participants completed validated instruments, including the Long COVID Questionnaire, Short Form Health Survey, General …

Impact Of Borderline Personality Features On Menstrual Phases And Pain Perception, Morgan Maples

Dissertations and Theses

Pain is a pervasive global health concern that affects approximately one in five adults worldwide and carries substantial psychological and economic costs. Chronic and persistent pain often co-occurs with emotional dysregulation and maladaptive coping behavior, suggesting the involvement of complex biopsychosocial mechanisms including personality pathology. Specifically, borderline personality disorder (BPD) features, have been associated with altered pain perception, increased emotional reactivity, and higher engagement in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Further, hormonal fluctuations across menstrual cycle phases have been linked to variability in pain sensitivity, though findings remain inconsistent. Despite the growing body of literature on pain and personality, little is known …

Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Exceptional Parental Longevity: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Approach, Deepak Seshadri M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

The specific determinants and mechanisms of genetic longevity are an intriguing area of research. There is evidence to show that longevity and associated phenotypes of successful aging are partially determined by genetic factors (Adams et al. 2008; Barzilai et al. 2006; Barzilai et al. 2003; Murabito et al. 2013; Newman et al. 2011). Further research shows that offspring of parents with exceptional longevity (OPEL) may age more successfully and be protected from age related decline than the offspring of parents with usual survival (OPUS) (Ayers et al. 2014; Barzilai et al. 2006; Barzilai et al. 2003). Studies demonstrated an inverse …

Associations Between Cognitive Scripts Of Insecure And Anomalous Attachment And Psychopathology Symptoms In A Normative-Risk Community Sample, Andrea “Andie” Youniss M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Adult insecure and disorganized attachment representations have been shown to be consistently associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adulthood. A recently validated coding system (Groh & Haydon, 2024) was developed to assess insecure (i.e., deactivating and hyperactivating) and disorganized (i.e., anomalous) scripted attachment representations via the Attachment Script Assessment (ASA; Waters & Waters, 2006) – a word prompt task traditionally designed to assess secure base script knowledge. Deactivating scripts reflect minimized or ignored attachment-relevant problems; hyperactivating scripts entail exacerbated attachment-relevant issues; and scripts with anomalous content contain disorganized or contradictory attachment-relevant concerns that shape how caregiving interactions are expected …

Culturally Responsive Dialectical Behavior Therapy With Chinese Sexual And Gender Minority Individuals: A Qualitative Study, Weiyi Liao M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Professional guidelines emphasize the importance of adapting evidence-based treatments to the cultural and contextual needs of minoritized populations. Although substantial research has examined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) mental health, comparatively little is known about the psychotherapy experiences of Chinese sexual and gender minority individuals or how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be delivered responsively with this population. DBT is an evidence-based treatment for emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal behavior that explicitly addresses the effects of invalidating environments. Because Chinese cultural contexts and LGBTQ-related minority stress may both shape emotional expression, help-seeking, and treatment experiences, this qualitative study …

To Use Silence Or Not Use Silence? A Qualitative Study Of Psychoanalysts’ Experience With Silence In Psychotherapy, Topaz Baumvoll M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Silence plays a multifaceted role within psychoanalytic theory and practice, yet remains understudied in therapeutic communication. While existing literature acknowledges silence as a significant aspect of therapeutic interaction, empirical studies specifically focusing on how psychoanalysts employ silence are scarce. This qualitative study addressed this gap by exploring how psychoanalysts understood and utilized silence in psychodynamic psychotherapy, identifying factors that influenced their perceptions of its use, and examining whether silence was experienced as conducive or obstructive to therapeutic interaction. Thirteen psychoanalysts (10 women, 3 men), aged 43 to 70, with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and representing heterosexual and gay/queer orientations, …

The Utility And Application Of Exposure And Response Prevention For Religious Scrupulosity In Orthodox Jews: A Critical Literature Review, Michael (Avi) Gurell M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Religious scrupulosity is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by obsessions and compulsions related to religious beliefs and observances (Abramowitz et al., 2002; Miller & Hedges, 2008). Exposure and response prevention (E/RP) is the most effective psychological intervention for OCD and is also the recommended treatment for religious scrupulosity (Abramowitz, 2006; Abramowitz & Buchholtz, 2020). Orthodox Judaism has a set of beliefs and observances, some of which may challenge the appropriateness of using E/RP in this population (Huppert et al., 2007; Huppert & Siev, 2010). Although studies (e.g., Bonchek & Greenberg, 2009; Greenberg & Shefler, 2008) have examined aspects …

The Impacts Of Outside Friendships On Marital Satisfaction In The Orthodox Jewish Population, Rebecca Elberger

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

There is robust literature that supports the idea that maintaining a strong network of friends and social ties can help reduce the pressure on marriage and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Additionally, George et al. (2023) found that friendships significantly impact relational satisfaction, across individual, family, and mutual friend groups. A regression analysis in their study revealed that family support for the relationship and liking the partner were the greatest predictors of satisfaction. There are approximately 2 million Jewish people in the Greater New York area and there has been a steady increase in the Jewish population …

Mothers' Perspectives Of Behavioral Parent Training: A Qualitative Study, Ryan Schare M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Externalizing disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the most common difficulties children face, with only half of children with these diagnoses receiving mental health treatment (Ghandour et al., 2019). Behavioral parent training (BPT) has been shown to be effective for treating externalizing disorders, yet parents exhibit low attendance and high dropout rates (Chacko et al., 2016). Researchers have examined parental acceptability of specific BPT skills (e.g., Calzada et al., 2013); however, no studies have focused on parents’ perceptions of BPT as an overall treatment package prior to participating in BPT. The present …

Experiences Of Jewish Women In Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy And The Conceptual Alignment Of Treatment Goals Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Stages 3 And 4, Elisabeth Zigelstein

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Stages 1 and 2 of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which emphasize behavioral control and emotional experiencing, have received considerable operational and empirical attention, unlike the latter two stages of DBT which are meant to help individuals develop meaningful and fulfilling lives. CI-CT is a novel 12-week manualized group-psychotherapy intervention designed to enhance individuals’ connection to their life stories, future selves, and positive identities, while supporting the development of meaning-making and goal-directed behavior following suicidal crises and/or in the context of severe mental illness. This qualitative study explored 13 Jewish women’s experiences participating in a 10-session adaptation of CI-CT, following completion …

Visual Aids And Numeracy In Healthcare: Leveraging The Drawing Effect, Zephyr J. Markley

Capstone Showcase

Healthcare decisions often require patients to interpret numerical risk information under stress, yet many struggle with low numeracy, which can distort comprehension and undermine informed consent. Well-designed visual aids can improve diagnostic inference, calibrate confidence, and support better choices, especially for patients with limited numeracy, but their impact depends on whether users can actually interpret the format accurately. Drawing may further enhance these tools by adding a tactile, generative layer that engages visual, semantic, and motoric processing while helping patients organize information into concrete models.

Passive visual aids appear useful but limited because they often position patients as observers rather …

Bilingual Beginnings: Expressive Language And Socio-Emotional Development In Early Childhood, Molly C. Mccormick

Scripps Senior Theses

Although research on bilingualism has expanded rapidly in recent years, the majority focuses on cognitive advantages or receptive vocabulary, or the words children understand. Far less attention has been given to how expressive language, the words children produce, and its potential role as the mechanism linking bilingual exposure to socio-emotional development. Although dual-language learners sometimes appear to have relatively limited expressive vocabularies in one language, these differences tend to reflect patterns of language use and input quality rather than true developmental delays. Even so, temporary differences in expressive skills can be especially meaningful during children’s formative years, when they rely …

Assessing Diagnostic Overshadowing For Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Eating Disorders (Ed), Eden Sweet

Scripps Senior Theses

Significant behavioral overlaps in feeding patterns are observed among individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These behavioral similarities can blur diagnostic boundaries, contribute to diagnostic overshadowing, and consequently increase the risk of misdiagnosis and the implementation of ineffective treatment approaches. The proposed study addresses the risk of diagnostic overshadowing as it relates to the ambiguous distinction between autism-driven feeding behaviors and clinically significant eating disorders (ED) within the autistic population. Although the literature has acknowledged behavioral similarities between ASD and EDs, limited research has systematically examined how they impact diagnostic practices and influence the likelihood of …

Campus Sexual Assault: Cybersex At Bucknell, Rebecca Bonomo

Master’s Theses

Campus sexual assault continues to be a prevalent problem, particularly at Bucknell. The present study is the first study out of Bucknell Campus Sexual Assault Research team to explore the new module of the Sexual Experiences Survey - Victimization (SESV) Cybersex (Koss et al., 2024). This is a mixed methods approach to exploring cybersex at Bucknell. The study explored prevalence rates, differences between gender binary, sexual orientation, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The first hypothesis was that cybersex victimization will be prevalent at Bucknell. The next hypothesis was that women and sexual minorities would have higher rates of cybersex scores than …

Breaking The Cycle: Substance Use Disorders, Recidivism, And The Role Of Reentry Programs, Sophia R. Veloz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Research Paper examines the relationship between substance use treatment and recidivism among justice-involved individuals, gathering from my academic background as a dual major in psychology and national security and my internship at Oriana House in Akron, Ohio. Oriana House is a private nonprofit organization that provides inpatient and outpatient services for adults with substance use disorders, including detoxification, motivational interviewing (MI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling, telehealth, and 12-step facilitation. Their mission emphasizes reducing recidivism by addressing substance use and supporting long-term recovery. The main research question in this study is whether taking part in structured, community-based treatment …

The Implementation Of A Token Economy On The Behaviors Of Children With Adhd, Dominic M. Hritsko

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Saturday Treatment Program (SatTP) is a ten-day treatment program that was designed through the Cleveland Clinic and takes place at a middle school on Saturdays during the school year. The program design follows that of the Summer Treatment Program, where counselors utilize a comprehensive point system that is part of a token economy to evaluate children’s behaviors (ADHD summer treatment program). I will be working with other counselors led by Dr. Hallie Fetterman Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist, to deliver the program and evaluate the behaviors of sixteen children. The program is split into three age groups: six through …

Moving Positively: A Review Of Positive Psychology Interventions In Counseling, Spencer M. Fleming, Ingrid Weigold Ph. D

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Positive psychology is a relatively new and developing subfield of psychology which examines the machinations and roles of various character strengths and traits such as growth, well-being, meaning, life satisfaction, character strengths, and more. Positive psychology holds various implications for counseling, therapy, individual growth, and self-determination. However, current literature on positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are scattered, nuanced, and lack overall consensus. Thus, encompassing research is necessary to identify common trends, areas for improvement, and a clear direction moving forward. The present review analyzes positive psychology interventions (PPIs) within psychology and counseling. This review examined forty-eight articles, including fifteen meta-analyses, on …

Words Taking Root: The Psychological Effects Of Eco-Poetry On Eco-Anxiety And Connectedness To Nature, Erika Anderson

Psychology | Student Research Posters

Eco-anxiety is fear and disorientation about climate change (Budziszewska & Jonsson, 2022) and is related to nature connection and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB; Curll et al., 2022; Jalin et al., 2024). Poetry therapy has aided a patient in developing new perspectives for coping with their eco-anxiety (Raile, 2024), but there is no research on the effects of eco-poetry on eco-anxiety. In the present study, participants read eco-poetry and reported their eco-anxiety, connectedness, and emotions relating to nature. I hypothesize that an optimistic eco-poem will lower eco-anxiety and increase nature connection, and the more participants engage in eco-poetry, the higher their eco-anxiety …

Words Taking Root: The Psychological Effects Of Eco-Poetry On Eco-Anxiety And Connectedness To Nature, Erika Anderson

Psychology | Senior Theses

Eco-anxiety is fear and disorientation about climate change (Budziszewska & Jonsson, 2022) and is related to nature connection and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB; Curll et al., 2022; Jalin et al., 2024). Poetry therapy has aided a patient in developing new perspectives for coping with their eco-anxiety (Raile, 2024), but there is no research on the effects of eco-poetry on eco-anxiety. In the present study, participants read eco-poetry and reported their eco-anxiety, connectedness, and emotions relating to nature. I hypothesize that an optimistic eco-poem will lower eco-anxiety and increase nature connection, and the more participants engage in eco-poetry, the higher their eco-anxiety …

Resilience In The Wake Of Faith-Based Trauma: Investigating The Role Of Social Support In Complex Posttraumatic Stress And Well-Being After Religious/Spiritual Abuse, Ellen Murphy

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Religious/spiritual (r/s) abuse involves the mistreatment of individuals within religious or spiritual contexts, often resulting in psychological and spiritual harm (Ellis et al., 2022; Johnson & VanVonderen, 1991). Although research examining the potential benefits of religion and spirituality has proliferated, harm stemming from religious/spiritual experiences remains relatively understudied (Ward, 2011). This study investigated associations between r/s abuse severity, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms, and psychological well-being. To identify potential protective factors, the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationships between r/s abuse and CPTSD and well-being outcomes was examined. Additional exploratory variables included current spirituality and religiosity, …

Substance Use Behaviors And Treatment Engagement In Individuals With Severe Psychopathology With And Without Comorbid Obesity, Rachel M. Madera-Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

Research has found significantly higher rates of both substance use and obesity among individuals with SMI compared to population samples which in turn can lead to worsening health outcomes. Despite this, there is limited research on the co-occurrence of obesity, substance use, and SMI and how these conditions may interact to affect patient outcomes. In addition, there are many gaps in the research regarding the relationship between substance use and body weight, appetite and/or eating behaviors. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the NSDUH 2021 survey that characterized substance use and disorders among individuals who had severe psychopathology, examined …

Examining Bidirectional Associations Between Mothers’ Beliefs About Emotions And Child Social-Emotional Outcomes, Sydney Sumrall

Theses and Dissertations

Social-emotional (SE) skills encompass the ability to recognize and regulate emotions, manage behavior to act on goals, and maintain social relationships (Abrahams et al., 2019). Parents play a crucial role in child SE skill development. According to theories of emotion socialization (ES), the beliefs parents hold about emotions shape parents’ ES behaviors, including teaching children how to understand and express feelings (Eisenberg et al., 1998; Gottman, 1996). Because emotion socialization practices are influenced by cultural values (Raval & Walker, 2019), the parent beliefs and ES strategies that best support children’s SE skill development may vary across families’ racial backgrounds. Although …

An Investigation Of The Impact Of Gender And Race On The Stigmatization Of Borderline Personality Disorder, Joshua Samet

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Stigma surrounding mental health reduces treatment-seeking behaviors and can worsen symptoms. Research on stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder (BPD) has shown that race and gender can impact the nature of the stigma associated with the disorder; however, less is known about the interaction between the two. This study investigated if stigma varies when considering both the race and gender of the stigmatized individual simultaneously. 218 undergraduate students read one of four vignettes describing either a Black male, White male, Black female, or White female, then completed the Attribution Questionnaire-20 (AQ-20) stigma scale. The results indicate that there is a statistically …

Expanding Assessment Of Adverse Childhood Expereneces(Aces) To Include Childhood Disabilties And Medical Trauma., Cassidy E. Chergi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are considered a fair predictor of future physical and mental health outcomes. However, historically, the ACEs framework has not fully incorporated chronic stressors associated with childhood physical disabilities and health conditions. This study proposes an expansion of ACEs to include serious childhood medical issues and events as well as disability-related adversity—such as early experiences of functional limitations, social adversity, and system-wide barriers. This study also explores the correlation between these serious medical issues and disability-related adversity in childhood and psychological issues in early adulthood, including signs of trauma, depression, and anxiety. Understanding these relationships can contribute …

Barriers To Mental Health Care Among Emerging Adult Women Across Racial, Ethnic, And Lgbtq+ Identities, Tikyla M. Euline

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Emerging adulthood is a developmental period characterized by increasing mental health concerns, yet many young adults do not seek professional psychological services. The present study examined barriers to mental health care among undergraduate women, with particular attention to the intersecting identities of sexual minority status and racial/ethnic minority status. Guided by intersectionality theory, the study investigated whether LGBTQ+ women, women of color, and individuals holding both identities reported greater perceived barriers to treatment, higher levels of medical mistrust and discrimination in healthcare settings, and lower mental health service utilization. Participants included 373 undergraduate women between the ages of 18 and …

Individual Differences In Personality Traits And Anthropomorphic Tendencies, Olivia S. Young

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Anthropomorphism is broadly defined as the attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman entities. Those with higher levels of neurodivergent traits, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may struggle to maintain eye contact with and interpret the emotions of others. Anthropomorphic interaction patterns between both those with and without ASD differ between various entities such as cars, cartoon characters, animals, and humans. Results of this study have implications across domains including human factors, cognitive science, and human-animal interaction. This study employed the use of unique stimuli in combination with various scales to measure personality traits and anthropomorphic tendencies. Participants were asked …

The Implicit Perceptions Of Asian American Adoptees And Their Clinical Implications, Cai Li L. Franckewich

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Asian American adoptees occupy a unique “in-between” space, shaped by societal perceptions of race, culture, and family context. This study examined how family composition and racial pairings influence perceptions of an Asian American adoptee. Undergraduate students completed an online survey in which they were randomly shown one of five images depicting the adoptee with different family compositions, without being told she was adopted. Participants then read a story describing the adoptee experiencing common college stressors, and rated statements on a 7-point Likert scale regarding the adoptee’s well-being, factors influencing her behavior, and behavioral descriptors. Results indicated that participants perceived stronger …

The Psychological Effect Of Maternal Separation From A Child During Incarceration: A Survey And Critique Of Risk Needs Assessments, Samantha Yearwood

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examines whether frequently used correctional assessment instruments adequately capture the psychological impacts of maternal-child separation among incarcerated women. This research was conducted in response to growing criticisms that traditional risk and needs assessments fail to account for gender-specific experiences, specifically those related to caregiving roles and pregnancy. Using a qualitative analysis content analysis to assess four widely used instruments, the Women’s Risk and Needs Assessment (WRNA), Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS), Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), and Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R), the thesis  examines the inclusion of pregnancy-related variables, caregiving responsibilities, and separation-related psychological factors. …