Moral Incongruence And Internet Gaming Disorder, Regina Tahk

Psychology ETDs

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) lacks clear diagnostic thresholds, with self-reported addiction often serving as the primary indicator of problematic gaming. However, little research has explored factors influencing these self-perceptions. This study examined whether moral incongruence—defined as the interaction between gaming frequency and moral disapproval of gaming—predicts self-reported gaming addiction. Using secondary data from a U.S. census-matched YouGov sample (n = 2,813), moderation analyses found that moral incongruence significantly strengthened the association between gaming frequency and self-reported addiction when using the validated Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), but not when using the unvalidated NIDA-ASSIST gaming item. Robustness checks using censored …

Alexithymia: A Review Of Existing Literature And A Prospective Route For Future Training, Jessica C. Friedman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Alexithymia, a trans-diagnostic construct characterized by a disability to identify and articulate emotions, has received increasing attention within the medical and psychiatric communities due to its profound, negative impact on treatment outcomes. This paper provides insight into its complex and pervasive nature, its conceptualization and assessment, underlying neurobiological mechanisms and acquisition, extensive comorbidities, treatment implications, clinical manifestations, clinical considerations, and analysis of the existing body of research. While previous research assumed Alexithymia to be largely untreatable, recent publications have indicated its ability to be affected by emotional-awareness skill building and relationally based interventions, though no specific treatments for Alexithymia currently …

Performance Optimization-Focused Family Behavior Therapy To Address Verbal And Physical Aggression In An Adolescent Diagnosed With Bipolar I Disorder: A Case Report, Sierra Ann Ramirez Jarvis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by fluctuations in mood that significantly interfere with day-to-day functioning. While symptom onset typically occurs in early adulthood, manifestations can occur at an earlier developmental stage. Early intervention has been shown to be effective in decreasing long-term negative outcomes and decreasing symptom severity in serious mental illness (SMI) populations, and as such, early intervention treatment programs may have particular benefits for individuals who are early in the course of bipolar disorder. However, there is little information regarding the effectiveness of these programs. This thesis reports a case of an adolescent client, …

The Lived Experiences Of Gay Trafficked And Traumatized Men Seeking Psychological And Forensic Restoration Services, Katreace Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Feminine-centric, heteronormative psychological restoration interventions on gay minority men exposed to trauma and human trafficking are poorly understood. This study includes an analysis of forensics and psychological causal factors retrieved from 6 semi structured interviews with gay minority male psychological services providers. The corroboration of the clinical opinions of the participants and the enrichment of data using database reviews reflected poor treatment outcomes for the gay, minority-men population. The qualitative methodology and thematic analysis framework highlighted oppressive factors of structural intersectionality. This results in heteronormativity gender binaries that misalign with self-identified gender perceptions of gay-minority men exposed to trafficking and …

Postpandemic Perspectives Of Teleassessments In Clinical Psychology, Jacklin B. Cardentey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teleassessments gained prominence as a viable means of conducting psychological assessments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was an exploration of teleassessment use catalyzed by the pandemic, with a focus on the postpandemic era. The aim was to identify the factors influencing perceptions and strategies used in effective postpandemic teleassessment adoption, including factors that influence licensed psychologists’ perceptions of effective teleassessments and strategies adopted to maintain quality practices since face-to-face restrictions were lifted. The significance of this inquiry extended to various stakeholders, including mental health care practitioners, policymakers, and the public, all of whom have a vested …

The Relationship Between Positive And Negative Experiences With Sport Culture And Psychiatric Symptoms In Collegiate Athletes, Angelos Tsalafos

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Although mental health professionals have indicated their interest in understanding the relationship between sport culture and mental health, this relationship has yet to be examined using psychometrically validated scales. In this study, the Semi-Structured Interview for Consideration of Sport Culture in Therapy Scale (SSICSCTS; see Donohue et al., 2006) was administered to 59 Club and National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) athletes. This scale assesses how athletes experience importance (Sport Culture Importance Scale; SCIS) and negative experiences (Sport Cultural Problems Scale; SCPS) in sport culture. Participants were also assessed for psychiatric symptomology using a well-established scale, i.e., the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised …

Examining Validity And Reliability Evidence For The Multicultural Neuropsychological Scale (Muns) Party Subtest Scores, Madyson Hernandez

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Neuropsychological tests were developed primarily for Westernized, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations (Henrich, 2020; Fernández & Abe, 2018). According to the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) Relevance 2050 Initiative project, approximately sixty percent of Americans will be deemed unsuitable for neuropsychological testing because test norms are primarily based on European Americans who speak English (AACN, 2015). To aid in effective cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment, The Multicultural Neuropsychological Scale (MUNS; Fernández et al., 2018) was developed to be easily translatable to various languages. The MUNS is a 40-minute neuropsychological test battery that examines cognitive abilities such as reading fluency, …

Family-Based Health Promotion To The Early Phases Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment: A Qualitative Review, Anna Van Asselt, Renee Gilbert, Hide Okuno, Ann M. Davis, Keith J. August, Carolyn R. Bates, Robert C. Gibler

Research Days

Introduction: Excessive weight gain during early phases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment elevates risk for long-term morbidities, late effects, and secondary cancers. Behavioral factors including physical inactivity and poor diet quality play a significant role in weight outcomes. Existing health behavior and obesity interventions do not address challenges that children and families face during cancer treatment. The current study qualitatively investigated caregiver, child, and multi-disciplinary expert perspectives on health behavior engagement and intervention content for the future adaptation of NOURISH-ALL.

Method: Caregivers (N=11) and youth with ALL (N=6) in the first year of treatment completed semi-structured interviews …

Psychologists’ Competency And Training Regarding Treating Transgender And Non-Conforming Youth With Gender Dysphoria, Amydth Chumacero

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is limited evidence-based research on required competency, training, assessment, and treatment practices for psychologists who treat transgender and non-conforming (TGNC) youth with gender dysphoria. Eleven licensed psychologists with at least 5 years of experience treating TGNC youth were recruited through social media and snowball recruiting to participate in this qualitative Delphi study. Using multicultural competency theory as a guide, these experts were asked to develop a consensus regarding the minimum competencies and training to treat TGNC youth, as well as what they thought the standards should be for assessment and treatment. Data were collected in three rounds of online …

Network Analysis Of Biopsychosocial Factors Associated With Trauma Exposure: Impacts On Inflammation, Taryn R. Fitzgerald

Dissertations

This study adds to current understandings of the relationship between trauma exposure and inflammation through network analysis of the sociodemographic sequelae that may influence this relationship. A reductive approach has been helpful in establishing the relationship between a pro-inflammatory state and trauma exposure, however understanding of the role of additional factors in this relationship is necessary to better understand how inflammation may serve as a transdiagnostic factor relating to mental health and biopsychosocial variables. 999 trauma-exposed individuals from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 1994-2018 study at three timepoints (ages 18—26, 24—32, 33—43) were included. …

The Role Of Somatization In Predicting Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Racial And Ethnic Minorities: Examining The Mediating Effects Of Perceived Injustice And Symptom Catastrophizing, Kimi Han Hashimoto

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

There is a pressing need to address the significant health disparities of underrepresented groups such as racial and ethnic minorities (Mills et al., 2020). As of 2019, individuals identifying as a racial or ethnic minority make up 40% of the U.S population as of 2019, yet they fare significantly worse across many health-related measures (Hill et al., 2022). Given these disparities in healthcare and health outcomes, racial and ethnic minorities represent an important group to investigate somatization and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Cognitive appraisals, such as perceived injustice and symptom catastrophizing, may mediate this relationship, influencing how somatization translates …

Gender Differences In Factors Influencing Problematic Sexuality: A Comparative Analysis Using The Midsa Assessment, Brandon Andrew Lozano

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Problematic sexuality among college students is a complex and understudied issue, particularly regarding gender-based differences in affective instability and sexual compulsivity. While prior research has focused mainly on male populations, limited evidence exists about how these factors manifest among female students or whether gender moderates these relationships. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study is to examine whether gender moderates the relationship between factors affecting sexual compulsivity as measured by the Multidimensional Inventory of Development, Sex, and Aggression (MIDSA). The MIDSA, originally developed for male sexual offenders, has since been administered to both male and female populations. Findings from hierarchical …

Fear Of Pain In Migraine: Psychological Factors In Perceptions Of Headache Triggers, Sarah Basha, Todd Smitherman

Honors Theses

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide, with substantial societal and personal burdens. Psychological factors, particularly fear of pain, may influence migraine experience by impacting perceptions of headache triggers. This study investigates the relationship between fear of pain and perceived triggers in individuals with migraine. A sample of 2,959 young adults meeting diagnostic criteria for migraine completed a structured diagnostic interview and self-report measures of fear of pain, headache-related disability, and beliefs about headache triggers (which stimuli triggered headache, most important triggers, and likelihood of developing a headache upon exposure to the most important trigger [trigger potency]). Linear …

Cultural Self-Harm Differences, Erin E. Simmons

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This study is based on the evident cultural differences in self-harm behaviors and what those behaviors look like specifically for individuals that identify as Black or African American. Previous literature suggests that cultural differences in self-harm exist but very little research centers Black experiences and their connection to self-harm. Self-harm is considered a broad term, and it encompasses a variety of behaviors, some more common than others, but these common behaviors are typically exclusively explored within only a few demographics with a low Black participant pool. This contributes to the assumed lack of self-harm among the Black community but through …

An Adaptive Paradox: Improvised Drama Therapy And Dialectical Behavior For Eating Disorders In Teens, Krystany Taylor

Expressive Therapies Theses

The complexity of treating eating disorders compels professionals to investigate collaborative and integrative approaches to address psychological rigidity and emotional aversion in affected individuals. Mindfulness within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and improvisational theater techniques may contribute to advancing emotional flexibility. This thesis study explored spontaneity in expressive therapy and gauged budding adaptive skills related to emotion regulation in minors with eating disorders. At a behavioral health center in Southern California, I held a dual role as a group facilitator and trainee drama therapist; I therein joined DBT and improvised drama therapy methods into a group treatment setting for ages 14 …

Embedded Roots: Exploring Healing Through Digital Storytelling: Application And Training, Joselyn M. Carvalho

Expressive Therapies Theses

This review examines digital and expressive storytelling in a clinical, community-based health center, focusing on its impact and relationship with trauma. Existing research has explored how digital storytelling serves as an intervention for addressing intergenerational trauma, trauma transmission, identity development, and social systems affecting youth. This community engagement project integrates these ideas with reflections from clinicians, exploring how clinicians' involvement in digital storytelling may influence care, confidence, and cultural understanding. Theories central to this research include Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and systems-based awareness maps, which help examine the broader systems that influence youth as they develop their narratives. The transmission …

Collage As A Facilitator Of Connection And Belonging: An Application Of Art Therapy With Sgm Clients, Noa L. Shems

Expressive Therapies Theses

This research explored themes of connection and belonging in SGM clients in individual art therapy sessions through the medium of collage. An arts-based research method was developed utilizing the medium of collage in session with clients, followed with reflective response collages and journaling to analyze the data observed. Across 5 art therapy sessions, clients engaging in collage facilitated deeper therapeutic rapport and safety, enhanced a sense of connection with the self, and helped to process barriers and desires around clients’ close relationships.

Examining Components Of The Interpersonal Psychological Theory Of Suicide In A Clinical Sample Of Children With Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors, Alana Brixner Nunes

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. Despite a need to identify risk factors for suicide among children, there is limited research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in childhood. The interpersonal psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) suggests that the desire for suicide emerges from perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness and that the transition from suicide ideation (SI) to a suicide attempt (SA) results from an acquired capability for suicide. However, no research has examined whether the IPTS applies to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children. The present research examined components of the IPTS in …

Relationship Closeness And Eating Disorder Pathology In Undergraduate Female Friends Dyads, Jessica Nguyen, Maegan Nation

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Eating disorders (ED) are one of the leading mental health concerns among undergraduate students

Rates nearly doubled from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2020 and 2021

Relationship closeness may play a crucial role in both development and recovery from EDs.

Limited research on platonic relationships and ED pathology, specifically relationship closeness.

Narcissists In The Feedback Loop: Status Dynamics And Defensive Responses, Natalie Tal Bederman

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

The rising prevalence of narcissistic traits has sparked interest in how individuals with these traits navigate social interactions. Existing research often emphasizes antagonistic or provocative scenarios, potentially overlooking reactions in everyday contexts. This study examines responses to negative feedback in a less aggressive setting, where 205 undergraduate students wrote about something personally meaningful before receiving critical feedback from either a high-status or low-status evaluator. Emotional responses, including internalization, externalization, and self-protection strategies, were analyzed across varying levels of narcissistic traits. Findings revealed that evaluator status did not significantly influence emotional processing or self-protection strategies, regardless of narcissism levels, potentially due …

Exploring Secondary Teachers’ Mental Health Self-Efficacy, Perceptions Of Supporting Student Mental Health And Well-Being, Sherilyn A. Kile

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Research has indicated that over half of all lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin before the age of 14 years (NAMI, 2024a), making the adolescent period a critical and formative time. The unprecedented effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to more mental health problems in children and adolescent youth (Sayed et al., 2024), particularly affecting southern California school districts that implemented distance or hybrid learning models (K. Brann et al., 2022). Secondary teachers are essential referral sources and gatekeepers for linking adolescent children to mental health support (Owens et al., 2014). Given the essential role teachers play …

Measuring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On Adolescents’ Self-Esteem And Self-Appraisal: How Can School-Based Interventions Help?, Kayla M. Moses

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This paper explores the lasting impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on adolescents’ self-esteem and self-appraisal, with a focus on the role of school-based interventions in mitigating these effects. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) encompass various forms of trauma such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and familial dysfunction during childhood. Due to adolescence being a critical period of identity formation and emotional development, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can significantly undermine adolescents' self-esteem, leading to lasting negative effects. These effects include various emotional, social, and psychological challenges, ultimately changing one’s life trajectory. Based on numerous theoretical foundations, it is supported …

Relationship Between Nutritional Knowledge And Eating Disorder Risk Levels, Valeria Fernandez

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The prevalence of disordered eating is a critical public health concern that often progresses towards the development of a diagnosable eating disorder (ED). This, in turn, has detrimental physical and psychological consequences for individuals. Organizations such as the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) have recognized nutrition education as a crucial component of prevention and recovery. Determining the extent to which nutrition knowledge is related to risk factors for EDs is worth investigating due to its implications for healthcare approaches – especially among adolescent and young adult populations. The goal …

Useful Measures Of Adult Attachment And Object Relations In Psychotherapy, Matilde A. Torallas Huerta

Dissertations

This is a literature review of objective and projective measures of attachment and object relations in adults, with the objective of reviewing outstanding research to identify the key factors for adult attachment assessment considered within attachment and object relations theories, what measures of adult attachment styles and dysfunction work best, and to provide key themes of assistance in the measurement of attachment and object relations in adult clients in psychotherapy. Theoretical foundations of attachment and object relations theory are reviewed as well as objective and projective instruments grouped by format. The 10 themes found to be useful in the assessment …

Tidal Waves Of Mental Health Damage: Effects Of The 2024 U.S. Election, Mary Anne Layden

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Healthy Dietary Patterns’ Impact On Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Angela Encardone

All Theses

As the search for innovative mental health treatments expands, dietary interventions have emerged as a promising approach for alleviating depressive symptoms. This thesis presents a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of whole-of-diet nutritional interventions in reducing depression symptoms among adults. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model and Engel’s Biopsychosocial Model, this study explores the intersection of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health outcomes. A systematic review identified six eligible RCTs assessing the impact of healthy dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet and other plant-based interventions, on depression symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis revealed a significant …

Predictors Of Disordered Eating Among College Students: A Multimodal Approach, Michelle Grazioli

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study investigated potential predictors and risk factors of disordered eating behaviors and attitudes among undergraduate college students, addressing the high prevalence of disordered eating on college campuses. The sample consisted of 85 female undergraduate students who completed self-report measures of impulsivity, emotion regulation difficulties, desire for a sense of control, eating disorder behaviors and attitudes, as well as behavioral (Go/No-go task) and physiological (antisaccade task) measures of impulsivity, using food-related stimuli. Correlational, linear regression, and discriminant function analyses revealed significant associations among the self-report independent variables with eating disorder risk. Detailed findings for specific subscales of eating disorder risk, …

Ex-Gaussian Analysis Of Inhibition In Chronic Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Michelle Mui

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs following injury to head, resulting in disruption of normal brain functioning. During the chronic stages (greater than one year postinjury), those with TBI may experience ongoing symptoms. Executive dysfunction, including inhibition, is often seen. Neuropsychological measures of inhibition applied in basic research utilize response time across several trials, where participants complete trials with and without inhibitory control. Refined measurement approaches include trial-by-trial performance to capture response time inconsistencies or variability within the subject, known as intraindividual variability. Typical methods of measuring intraindividual variability violate statistical assumptions given that response time distributions are positively skewed. One …

The Teaam: The Development Of A Trauma Assessment Measure For Late Adolescents And Emerging Adults, Jessica Wimmer

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Exposure to potentially traumatic events is common among adolescents and emerging adults. While outcomes to trauma exposure may vary, development of maladaptive symptoms and disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is of great concern to clinicians, researchers, and advocates for youth. However, recent research has identified that existing trauma measures and the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition Text Revision criterion for event exposure for PTSD, Criterion A, fail to address specific types of events and experiences that may elicit post-traumatic stress responses. Subsequently, this dissertation aimed to review the existing literature regarding trauma and how it is measured in adolescents …

Filipino American Cultural Beliefs, Perceptions Of Autism, And Help-Seeking Behaviors, Swathi Menon

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Filipinos carry a unique culture that is deeply rooted in ideas of family, community, religion, and honor. When Filipinos immigrated to the United States, these values followed and have organically passed down through generations. Studies have explored how Filipino Americans feel about the healthcare system and how Southeast Asians perceive mental health conditions, such as autism. Current research lacks how Filipino culture has impacted Filipino Americans’ perceptions of autism and their help-seeking behaviors if their child were to receive an autism diagnosis. Methods: Participants were asked questions about their cultural values, presented with a vignette depicting an autistic child …