Psychology Commons^™

Intermittent Versus Continuous Reinforcement: Which Is More Effective For Skill Acquisition In Children With Adhd Using Precision Teaching?, Samantha Pulling

Masters Theses

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can experience challenges learning academic skills, possibly because of altered reinforcement and learning processes. Reinforcement is commonly used to support learning and adaptive behavior; however, research examining continuous and intermittent reinforcement schedules for children with ADHD has produced inconsistent findings. Precision Teaching (PT) is a fluency-based, data-driven instructional approach that emphasizes rate and celeration of behavior and has been shown to effectively support academic learning for individuals with ADHD. This study compared the effects of a continuous reinforcement schedule with a small reinforcer and an intermittent reinforcement schedule with a larger reinforcer on …

Forward Chaining And Emotion Regulation: Exploring The Effects Of Forward Chaining On Emotion Regulation Skills, Celoine Akouri

Masters Essays

Emotion dysregulation places the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at risk. The current research on emotion regulation teaching strategies after emotion recognition training is limited. This study explored the effectiveness of forward chaining on teaching emotion regulation skills to an adult with ASD who engaged in a long history of self- injurious, property destruction, and screaming behaviors. The emotion regulation intervention used forward chaining procedures to teach a three-step sequence of behaviors to the participant in their adult day program setting using a multiple baseline across time design. The results showed that as the participant’s …

Counselors' Lived Experiences Of Moral Injury: A Social Ecological Perspective, Lisa M. Belknap

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explores the lived experiences of counselors who encountered moral injury when sociopolitical, institutional, and organizational conditions constrained their ability to practice in alignment with their personal morals, professional values, and the counseling profession’s code of ethics. Participants (N = 15) included licensed counselors who self-identified as having experienced moral injury in response to directives from legitimate authorities that conflicted with professional ethics, social justice commitments, or client welfare. Grounded in social ecological systems theory, this phenomenological study employed a confidential, cross-sectional online survey. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes: (a) Profit Over People, (b) Structural Forces Contributing to …

Bridging Worlds Of Care: A Qualitative Exploration Of Integrating Non-Western Healing Modalities With Mental Health Counseling, Douglas Valdez

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of practitioners who treat individuals presenting with depression and anxiety using culturally integrative non-Western healing modalities. Participants included 15 experienced practitioners (minimum five years of practice) who identified as Traditional Chinese Medicine providers (e.g., acupuncturists, herbalists) and/or Curandero/x/as. The approach was qualitative, utilizing open-ended survey responses collected electronically and analyzed with thematic analysis. Results indicated six primary themes: (a) Philosophies in Healing, highlighting culturally grounded conceptualizations of depression and anxiety; (b) Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions, including acupuncture, botanical, nutritional, manual, and movement-based practices; (c) Curanderismo Pláticas and Integrative Western Healing …

"Why Don't I Talk To A Therapist?": Motivations And Reflections Of Female-Identifying Chinese Immigrants Seeking Psychotherapy For Depression, Qiuyi Wei

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Chinese immigrants and temporary residents struggling with depressive symptoms and their process of seeking and accepting psychotherapy support. The study aimed to describe the factors that motivated participants to enter therapy for depression while also addressing their internal concerns about treatment. Nine female-identified Chinese immigrant adults with such experiences were recruited. Participants’ perceptions of their depressive symptoms and the factors contributing to their decision to seek professional therapy were explored through in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted in Mandarin. The interview transcripts were analyzed in Mandarin using interpretative phenomenological analysis, through which four …

Navigating Family, Culture, And Well-Being: A Qualitative Study Of First-Generation Adult Children Of Middle Eastern Immigrants In The United States, Ramona Amely

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of first-generation adult children of Middle Eastern immigrant parents/caregivers living in the United States. This was a phenomenological study with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants (N=10) were interviewed via Zoom, and transcripts were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). The results included four themes: (1) Migration Contact and Cultural Formation, (2) Bicultural Identity Development, (3) Family System Adaptation, and (4) Emotional Socialization and Psychological Impact. This study highlights how first-generation adult children of Middle Eastern immigrants navigate complex, interwoven processes of bicultural identity development, family adaptation, and emotional socialization shaped …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Counselor Traits And Wellness Practices, Emily Velidow

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study is a qualitative thematic analysis of counselor wellness practices as well as how selfidentified personal traits are part of how a counselor practices and prioritizes wellness. Theoretical underpinnings of the study integrate trait activation theory (Tett & Burnett, 2003), Martin Seligman’s wellbeing theory (Seligman, 2011), and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1977). Participants included nineteen licensed counselors (N=19). Analyzed responses lead to four main themes, each with two to four subthemes. Resulting themes included (1) intentional caseload and workday structure, (2) deliberately emphasizing physical wellness, (3) setting boundaries attending to mental and emotional energy, and (4) the …

A Wellness Approach To Aging, Retirement, And Suicide Risk: Gerontological Considerations, Seth T. Robinson, Derek J. Lee

Adultspan Journal

Suicide risk in older adulthood represents complex interactions between developmental transitions; changing social contexts; and interactions between ecological context and individual perceptions of belongingness, burdensomeness, and hope. This paper presents an integrative,developmentally appropriate framework for conceptualizing and addressing suicide risk in older adulthood, which is grounded in the Indivisible Self model of wellness. Drawing on current empirical knowledge of wellness, suicidality, and older adulthood, this paper presents risk and protective factors associated with older adulthood through life transitions, changing social contexts, and other relevant factors. We present a novel integration of suicide intervention, wellness, and holistic care as a suitable …

Retirement As A Psychosocial Transition: A Social Determinants Of Mental Health Framework For Counseling Practice, Janelle L. Jones, Lauren Robins, Melanie Calhoun, Aaliyah Bond-Richardson, Latesha S. Holloman, Zoe N. Stuckey

Adultspan Journal

Retirement is commonly framed as a normative and voluntary developmental milestone; however, access to a psychologically healthy retirement is unevenly shaped by social, economic, and structural conditions. This conceptual article applies a social determinants of mental health (SDMH) framework to retirement, conceptualizing it as a complex psychosocial transition involving identity change, shifts in purpose and meaning, relational adjustment, and emotional variability. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship, the manuscript examines how socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, gendered work histories, caregiving responsibilities, health status, and access to benefits influence both the ability to retire and the experience of retirement itself. Particular attention is …

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 …

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 …

The Effectiveness Of Behavioral Skills Training In Improving Digital Fraud Identification Among Older Adults In Low-Income Housing, Catharine Mohar

Masters Essays

Older adults, particularly those residing in low income housing facilities, are increasingly targeted by digital scams via text and email. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Behavioral Skills Training (BST) in improving fraud identification skills among this vulnerable population. BST is a structured method involving instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. A checklist was utilized in individual BST sessions with five participants aged 60 or over living in a low-income senior residential facility in the Midwest of The United States. The intervention aimed to increase participants’ ability to accurately discriminate between legitimate and fraudulent digital communications. A single case design was …

An Evaluation Of Teaching Emotion Identification And Regulation Skills Through Behavioral Skills Training On Tantrum/Challenging Behaviors In A Preschool-Aged Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Julia Petty

Masters Essays

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges in regulating their emotions, which can present as challenging behavior, aggression, tantrum, and more. This research aimed to teach individuals coping skills/mindfulness techniques, using aspects of behavioral skills training (BST) to help regulate their emotions and reduce challenging behaviors. The use of behavioral skills training includes instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback to teach the skills. The intervention included the Incredible Five Point Scale for indicating emotions with mindfulness techniques to promote emotion regulation. The outcome was an increase in engagement with mindfulness techniques/coping skills, mastery of emotion identification, and a decrease …

From Prompt To Practice: Designing Custom Ai Bots For Interpersonal Skill Development, Alaina Michelle Schrader

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Concurrent Session Papers

Developing strong interpersonal, leadership, and professional communication skills is foundational in counselor and education preparation programs (Fecke et al., 2023; Lateef, 2010; Stamer et al., 2023). Despite this reality, students often have limited opportunities for repeated, low-stakes practice before engaging with real clients, students, families, administrators, and other stakeholders (Lateef, 2010; Maurya, 2024; Stamer et al., 2023). This session describes a teaching practice that uses custom AI bots as simulated clients, parents, group members, and school administrators to create realistic, structured practice environments where students can rehearse counseling skills, consultation conversations, advocacy, boundary-setting, and professional decision-making without the pressure or …

A Third Way: An Unlikely Professional Portfolio, Sami C. Pack-Toner

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Academic Satisfaction Of Graduate Students In Mental Health Professions: Mediating Roles Of Burnout And Engagement, Yu Ying Li

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Academic satisfaction for students is as critical to their retention and well-being as job satisfaction for working adults; however, it has received limited empirical attention particularly among graduate students in mental health-related programs. One of the barriers to mental health trainees’ satisfaction with their academic training is burnout. The current study evaluated the applicability of Study Demands-Resources (SD-R) framework (Lesener et al., 2020) to trainees. Specifically, this study examined the relations between study demands (i.e., perceived stress), study resources (i.e., supervisory alliance and social support), student burnout, student engagement, and academic satisfaction. It also tested if student burnout and engagement …

Social Class Differences Between Client And Therapist: A Grounded Theory Study Of Working-Class Clients' Perspectives, Micah Herman

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Although a substantial body of research highlights the importance of broaching differences related to race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation in psychotherapy, considerably less attention has been paid to social class, a dimension of socio-cultural identity that profoundly shapes individuals’ life circumstances, their sense of self, and their relationships with others. In recognition of our limited understanding of how working-class clients perceive and respond to class-based cultural differences between themselves and their therapists, the present grounded theory study addressed (1) how working-class clients experience and make meaning of social class differences in the therapeutic relationship and (2) what clients see …

Exploring Relational Leadership And Psychological Safety During Ai Integration In The Workplace, Solmaz Kaynama

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explores employee psychological safety, or its lack, during artificial intelligence (AI) integration in the workplace through a relational leadership lens. The population included employees of for-profit business corporations currently integrating or adopting AI technologies (N = 14). Participants completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results showed eight themes: relational leadership creates a psychologically safe workplace climate; unsupportive and dysfunctional leadership erodes trust and psychological safety; psychological safety determines whether employees speak up openly or hold back; employees’ experience daily work through workplace culture, pace, and remote or hybrid conditions; AI may delivers immediate productivity benefits while introducing new psychological and …

Between Self, Family, And Becoming: Mindfulness And The Transition Experiences Of Latinx Clinical Counseling Graduate Students, Orlando R. Alvarez

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Latinx graduate students transitioning into their first semester of clinical counseling master’s programs often navigate substantial challenges as they embark on their academic journeys. While transitions into any new role can be difficult, the changes that accompany the beginning of a graduate program have been associated with increased role and identity strain, anxiety, depression, and feelings of fraudulence and imposterism, negatively impacting student success, performance, and attrition rates (Halladay et al., 2019; Murphy, 2021; Vidic & Cherup, 2019). Although mindfulness practices provide benefits for graduate student wellbeing, there is no current scholarship that has examined how mindfulness practices support Latinx …

Beyond The Diagnosis: A Qualitative Exploration Of Men Living With Hiv, David R. Romanelli

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of men (18+ years old) living with HIV to better understand how they navigate identity, mental health, relationships, and healthcare systems after diagnosis. The method included a qualitative thematic analysis with 10 participants. Eight themes emerged from the data: (1) reactions, reflections, and meaning-making after diagnosis; (2) managing medication, treatment, and co-occurring conditions; (3) stigma, disclosure, and negotiation of identity; (4) substance use, housing instability, and socioeconomic stressors; (5) navigating the changing HIV landscape; (6) experiences with family and intimate relationships; (7) implications for mental health counseling; and (8) the role of community …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 School Shutdown On Standardized Test Scores In Rural And Nonrural Areas, Cory Laflamme

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The novel Coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19; Gillings School of Global Public Health, n.d.) caused an extensive disruption of education systems worldwide. Elementary and secondary schools began to close to students and staff to protect them from potential exposure to the virus (Masonbrink & Hurley, 2020). Nearly 1.6 billion students in over 200 countries had their learning impacted on some level, causing changes in traditional educational practices (Pokhrel & Chhetri, 2021). One profound change in educational practice was the shift from face-to-face learning to online learning alternatives. Using the State of New Hampshire data allowed for a unique analysis of how …

The Effect Of Paternal Engagement On The Sexual Self-Concept Of Black Female Adolescents, Amelia Flynn

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Black women in the U.S. continue to experience disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancies, with a 64% rate reported in 2011 (Finer & Zolna, 2016). Positive sexual self-concept (SSC) is linked to healthier sexual behaviors, yet research on SSC development has largely overlooked the role of fathers and systemic influences, particularly within Black families. Grounded in an ecological framework, this study examines the impact of father-daughter engagement on SSC among Black female adolescents, considering paternal residential status and socioeconomic class as key contextual factors. The study revealed that when middle class father-daughter engagement is high, daughters’ sexual self-esteem is lower. …

Experiences Of Title Ix Investigations For Bipoc Survivors Of Sexual Violence, Tiffini Vo

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Sexual violence is among the most common crimes on college campuses. Nearly one in four undergraduate women experience sexual violence during college, yet reporting remains low (Spencer et al., 2020). Some students avoided reporting because of fear of criticism, backlash, blame, and shame (Lorenz et al., 2023). These responses not only influence reporting decisions but can also contribute to persistent psychological harm. A common consequence of sexual assault is the survivor developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality, demonstrating the severity of the crime perpetrated against them (Rothman et al., 2021). Even more so, those who …

Personality-Based Clinical Predictors Of Transdiagnostic Suicidality In Emotional Disorders, Harshini Arun

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Medicaid Policy Limitations On Access To Eating Disorder Treatment: Uncovering The Consequences Of A System Built To Fail, Meghan Frost

DSW Capstone Projects

Individuals who rely on Medicaid face major barriers when trying to access eating disorder (ED) treatment, reflecting broader patterns of structural disadvantage in publicly funded health care. Research shows delayed diagnosis, limited access to ED specialists, and frequent denials for recommended services. These gaps occur because Medicaid policies do not match the needs of evidence based ED care, resulting in delayed or incomplete care for many individuals with eating disorders.

This issue is highly relevant to social work practice because the policies shaping these barriers are complex and difficult for clients and ED providers to navigate. Social workers across clinics, …

Bipoc Supervisors And Their Cross-Ethnoracial Supervisees: An Exploratory Dyadic Interdependence Study On Cultural Humility, Ethnocultural Empathy, Supervisory Alliance And Ethnoracial Identity Development, Karen Andal Neri

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

There is an ongoing need for more relational, process-oriented multicultural supervision training models and research to address multicultural issues through a sociocultural perspective in cross-ethnoracial supervision. BIPOC therapists have often reported inadequate multicultural education and training as well as responsiveness from their White supervisors. As supervisors themselves, BIPOC therapists are often overlooked and understudied in the couple/marriage, family therapy (C/MFT) field, which remains predominantly Eurocentric. As a process-oriented model, multicultural orientation (MCO), especially its primary organizing pillar, cultural humility, appears highly relevant to BIPOC supervisors working across ethnoracial and cultural lines with their supervisees. However, neither the MCO nor broader …

The Effects Of Auditory Stimulation On Vocal Stereotypy In An Individual With Autism In A Classroom Setting, Natalie Pastor

Masters Theses

Vocal stereotypy, which includes non-functional vocal behaviors such as babbling, grunting, or repetitive phrases, is often seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although this behavior is not harmful, it can interfere with learning and social interaction, especially during leisure time. When engaging in vocal stereotypy is disruptive to those around them, it may limit opportunities for meaningful social engagement with peers. The current study builds on prior research by examining the effects of different types of noncontingent auditory stimuli on vocal stereotypy in a classroom setting. This study seeks to answer the question: What is the impact of …

Accessing Campus Mental Health Services In A Nigerian Southwestern University: Barriers To Academic Success, Caroline Dada

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health disorders are a significant health concern among higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. A substantial treatment gap exists in the Nigerian healthcare system, and this gap is further worsened by cultural and religious barriers, which reinforce stigma that discourages students from seeking professional help. This qualitative narrative inquiry explored the barriers students encountered when accessing mental health services at a university in Southwestern Nigeria, to increase service access. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with seven professional mental health providers at a university counseling center between March and April 2025. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify …

A Qualitative Study Of Existential Paralysis As A Pathway To Meaning And Purpose Among Generation Z, Oksana V. Panchenko

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examines the lived experiences of emerging adults from Generation Z (N = 26) with a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. Data was collected with an online survey and open ended prompts. Twelve themes were identified as part of data analysis: (1) Feeling Lost, Immobilized, Isolated and Overthinking, (2) Feeling Depressed and Experiencing Identity Erosion and Functional Disruption, (3) Anxiety, the Struggle for Authentic Connection, and Fear About the Future, (4) Social Media, Comparison, and Fear of Missing Out, (5) Cultural and Sociopolitical Pressures on Self-Expression, (6) Ambiguous Loss and Disconnection in Social Presence, (7) Social Skills, Self-Confidence, and Adaptation …

The Effects Of Pornography On Romantic Relationships, Jade A. Green

McNair Scholars Research

This study examined the relationship among pornography use, attitudes toward pornography, and romantic relationship outcomes among adults in the United States. The hypotheses are as follows: 1. Pornography use is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. 2. Positive attitudes toward pornography are negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. 3. Men will report more positive attitudes toward pornography than women, 4. Higher pornography use is associated with being single.  A convenience sample of 165 adults from central Arkansas completed measures assessing pornography use/acceptance and relationship satisfaction. Statistical analyses included a correlation matrix, an independent-samples t-test, and a chi-square analysis. Results showed that pornography …