Psychology Commons^™

Children Of Incarcerated Parents And The Role Of The Elementary School Counselor, Megan A. Petersen

Graduate Research Papers

Of the 72 million minor children in the United States, 2 million of those have a parent who is currently incarcerated. The dynamics of a child's life are greatly altered when a parent is incarcerated, and many children struggle as a result. Without some form of support or intervention, they are five times more likely than other children to become incarcerated themselves. Elementary school counselors must be aware of the characteristics of children of incarcerated parents, while working to address their needs across numerous levels and contexts.

Negative Stereotypes And Childhood Paternal Relationships As Predictors Of Paternal Identity In African American Fathers, Danielle K. Wright

Dissertations

African American men have been widely ignored in the social science literature. When African American men have been studied, it has primarily been from a deficit model. The purpose of this study was to give voice to the African American father, whether he is working-poor, middle-class, or upper-class, biological or non-biological, residential or non-residential. The intent of the study was to explore how African American men view themselves as fathers and their own experiences of being a parent.

One hundred and one men who identified as African American, were at least 18 years old, and who had at least one …

Exploring The Relationship Between Race-Related Stress, Identity And Well-Being Among African Americans, Darrick Tovar-Murray

Dissertations

For almost four hundred years, African Americans have been victims of race-related stress. Race-related stress is defined as the encounters between individuals and their environment that surface from racism and strain an individual's resources or threaten his or her well-being. Despite findings on the negative impact of racism on African Americans' well-being, very little research has focused on the relationships between race-related stress, identity and well-being among African Americans.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between race-related stress, identity, and well-being among African Americans. A total of 196 African American community members and college students participated …

Cultural Patterns Of Social Engagement Among The Elderly After The Loss Of A Long-Term Spouse: Unwrinkled Passion Or A Withering Of Heart, Tara Saltzman Fleisher

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This study examines the cultural patterns of social engagement among the elderly following the loss of a long-term spouse. Even though the cultural patterns and quality of life of the elderly have changed dramatically as compared with previous generations, there has been little research into the question of how today's elderly cope with their increasing longevity. To establish a framework for analysis, this study identifies four key patterns of social engagement: friendship and companionship, sexuality, community networks, and family interaction.

Using a qualitative methodological approach, the importance of each pattern for coping with the loss of a long-term spouse is …

Does Intervention Change Anything? New Directions In Promoting Positive Youth Development, William M. Kurtines, Marilyn J. Montgomery, Lisa L. Arango, Gabrielle A. Kortsch

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

Although a literature on interventions that promote positive development has begun to emerge, important gaps concerning these interventions continue to exist. As part of our program of research, we have made an effort to begin addressing these gaps. An overview of a research project conducted using two sets of multi-ethnic data drawn from the Miami Youth Development Project (Kurtines, Montgomery, Lewis Arango, & Kortsch, 2001) is presented. Though tentative and preliminary, the findings from the project provide preliminary evidence for the success of Changing Lives Program (CLP) in promoting positive qualitative change. Specifically, the results document a relation between participation …

Abuse Experiences In A Community Sample Of Young Adults: Relations With Psychiatric Disorders, Sexual Risk Behaviors, And Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Jonathan G. Tubman, Marilyn J. Montgomery, Andres G. Gil, Eric F. Wagner

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

This study documents significant associations among lifetime abuse experiences, psychiatric diagnoses, and sexual risk behaviors in a multiethnic community sample of young men and women (N = 1803) in South Florida. Self-report data were collected via structured interviews as part of a longitudinal follow-up of a larger school-based study. Participants were grouped according to extent of lifetime abuse experiences. Cumulative lifetime abuse experiences were associated with increased risk for a broad range of individual lifetime psychiatric disorders, as well as cumulative lifetime psychiatric disorders. Both cumulative abuse experiences and cumulative psychiatric disorders were independently associated with (a) higher levels of …

Role-Related Identity Structure In Adult Women, Carolyn W. Graham, Gwendolyn T. Sorell, Marilyn J. Montgomery

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

This study explored women’s role-related identity structures through in-depth inter- views with 60 employed and stay-at-home women married to professional men. The employment, wife, mother, and homemaking roles of these women were examined to understand how married women integrate employment and family roles (i.e., wife, mother, and homemaking roles) within their identity. The women arranged the structure of their multiple roles in a variety of ways: Most structured their roles hierarchically, others intertwined several roles, some perceived their roles as equally important, a few indicated that they were “more than” their roles, and a small group of women were actively …

The Guidance Counselor's Role In Helping Children And Adolescents Deal With Grief And Loss, Brandie Erickson

Graduate Research Papers

Death is a natural part of life. This is a difficult lesson to learn and can be especially confusing for children and adolescents. It is natural for adults to want to protect children for negative emotions and shelter them from the loss. Also, many adults feel uncomfortable or incapable of talking with children and adolescents about death. It is the guidance counselor's role to educate teachers regarding the grief and loss process and to provide support to the student, and well as information and resources to the parents or guardians of the student.

The purpose of this paper is to …

Construction Of Male Identity : The Relationship Between Cancer Support Groups And Identity For Men Who Are Living With Cancer, Kathryn M. Chegwidden

Theses : Honours

A diagnosis of cancer may have many meanings for a man in terms of the impact that cancer has on various aspects of his life, including his identity as a man. Subsequent membership of a cancer support group may support men negotiating their changing identity. A review of the relevant literature examines the impact of cancer and its treatments for men, and the various changes resulting from men's experiences with cancer and cancer treatments. An overview of support groups, their function, composition, and benefits is provided with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of professional and member facilitated cancer …

Hostile Member: "How Dare You!", Edward Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Hostility in a group is usually manifested by some kind of blame game. For instance, hostility can be directed at another group member, the group leader(s), a real person in the individual's life, or an imaginary person or event ("It's all my dad's fault! If he was present when I was a kid my life would have turned out so much better"). Hostility can sometimes result in a group member becoming a scapegoat, particularly if more than one group member is focusing anger toward one particular person in the group. Regardless of the type of hostility being expressed, it …

Experiences And Meanings Of Maternal Ambivalence With First-Born, Early Adolescents, Teresa M. Distefano

Dissertations

A phenomenological method of qualitative inquiry is used to capture the experiences of maternal ambivalence while mothering first-born, early adolescents. From the nave descriptions of seven participants a description of and response to maternal ambivalence are examined. Major findings include three overarching domains: (1) maternal context, (2) shared essence of maternal ambivalence, and (3) participants' responses to maternal ambivalence. Findings relevant to contextual variables identified as influencing mothers' daily lives with their adolescents include: (a) perceptions of their adolescent, (b) perceptions of their adolescents changing context, and (c) participants' marital status. Data comprising the shared essence of maternal ambivalence include: …

From The Individual To Individualism: A Critique Of The Helping Professions, Timothy B. Smith, Matthew R. Draper

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

Individualistic values characterize contemporary society and many popular approaches to mental health treatment. This paper critiques the individualistic values embedded in the helping professions that implicity contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ, the surest foundation for mental health interventions. Members of AMCAP are encouraged to search out and replace problematic values that contradict gospel teachings which have been integrated into contemporary mental health practice.

The Development And Validation Of A Measure Of Identity Distress, Steven L. Berman, Marilyn J. Montgomery, William M. Kurtines

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The most frequently used measures of identity development do not contain a scale to measure the distress that can sometimes be associated with the process. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Identity Distress Survey. The measure was found to have high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Identity distress was related to the constructs of identity style and identity status. Identity distress was positively correlated with identity exploration and associated with the informational style and was negatively correlated with identity commitment. This measure could help identify those people who are having exceptional difficulties …

Recovery From Alcohol Or Drug Abuse: The Relationship Between Identity Styles And Recovery Behaviors, Joseph M. White, Marilyn J. Montgomery, Richard S. Wampler, Judith L. Fischer

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between identity styles and recovery from substance abuse. Consistent findings have established a relationship be- tween identity diffusion and substance misuse, but no research has explored the influence of identity styles on recovery processes. Participants (N = 252) from treatment and recovery-based facilities and groups using a 12-step recovery model were assessed with the Identity Style Inventory (White, Wampler, & Winn, 1998) and self-report measures of pretreatment addiction, length of continuous abstinence, quality of recovery, and recovery progress. Those with a diffuse/avoidant style had shorter lengths of continuous abstinence, fewer …

Grief Counseling With Children And Adolescents, Megan Funke

Graduate Research Papers

There are many causes for the grief children and adolescents suffer in their lives. No matter what the cause, they will need someone to help them deal with their grief and develop the necessary coping skills to live a normal live. This paper discusses how school counselors can help children and adolescents learn to deal with their grief in a healthy manner and develop strong and lasting coping skills.

Borderline Personality Disorder : A Comparison Of Linehan And Kernberg's Treatment Modalities, Janet M. Riley

Graduate Research Papers

About 30% of clients worldwide are diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (Bohus et al., 2000). BPD is a complex disorder and difficult to treat. Therefore, it is necessary for counselors to gain as much knowledge about treatment modalities and their effectiveness as possible. This paper attempts to define BPD by looking closely at its history.and describing the criteria for diagnosis. Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Kernberg's Object Relational Theory (ORT) are compared as to their effectiveness in working with clients who exhibit symptoms of BPD.

Self-Esteem : Cognitive Therapy And Creative Interventions, Barbara J. Fay

Graduate Research Papers

Maladaptive mechanisms due to an impoverished self-esteem have often been seen as part of dual-diagnosis as well as an underlying component in most presenting problems. Since Cognitive Therapy has had excellent results in addressing and elevating most self-esteem issues, a variety of cognitive interventions were explored. However, the Cognitive Therapy framework does not always accommodate specific client needs such as an inability to verbalize due to trauma, intellectual or immaturity levels of cognition as well as cultural or language barriers. Therefore, a multi-modal approach was implemented to provide a framework to integrate Cognitive Therapy and creative interventions. Strengths and weaknesses …

Supporting Grieving Students In Schools, Erin E. Bartholomew

Graduate Research Papers

It is estimated that one out of six children will lose a parent by eighteen (Dutton, 1999). Ninety percent of junior and seniors in high school have experienced loss associated with death, forty percent the death of a friend, and twenty percent have witnessed a death (Dutton, 1999). Children and adolescents are exposed to grief, but they are not equipped to handle the grief process. This paper discusses the many experiences children and adolescents go through when dealing with a loss. It discusses how these experiences are different than that of adults and why it is so important to acknowledge …

Understanding Grief And Loss With Children From Divorced Families, Angela C. Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to present information about how grief and loss affect children from divorced families. Divorce can be just as traumatic as the death of a loved one, and the divorce rate continually increases every year. Two models of grief and how they apply to children of divorce are presented, as well as an explanation the process of grief in relation to divorce. Finally, this researcher identifies prevention and intervention techniques that schools and the whole community can use to aid children through the grief process of divorce.

The Relationship Of Ethnicity Ethnic Identity And Problem Type To Preferences For Counselor Race In College Students: A Survey Of African-American And European-American Students, Sara H. Bausch

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

African-American and European-American participants were surveyed to determine the relationship of ethnicity, ethnic identity, and type of presenting problem on preferences for counselor ethnicity. Participants indicated their preferences for counselor characteristics, including ethnicity, for personal and academic problems. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression techniques. The results indicated that African American participants prefer ethnically similar counselors and all participants with high ethnic identity prefer ethnically similar counselors. The results suggested that participants prefer different characteristics for different problems. Participants indicated more willingness to seek help for academic problems. Ethnicity was a significant predictor of preference for an …

Factors Predicting Distress At Marital Therapy Onset, Joseph J.H. Horak

Dissertations

Higher levels of distress at marital therapy onset predict poorer treatment outcomes in several studies. This study selected nine variables to determine their ability to predict distress at marital therapy onset. The first two predictor variables, shame (measured by the Internalized Shame Scale; Cook, 2000) and expressive atmosphere in the family of origin (measured by the Family of Origin Expressive Atmosphere Scale; Yelsma, Hovestadt, Anderson, & Nilsson, 2000), were chosen from the literature and studies that considered these variables to be related to marital distress. The remaining seven sociodemographic predictor variables—(1) parental divorce as a child, (2) pregnancy before marriage, …

Attachment Disorders And Personality Disorders : A Possible Connection, Jen Sacora

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers now propose that attachment theory can be applied beyond childhood. They believe attachment exists in adulthood and influences adult relationships. Possible connections between personality disorders and well-known approaches to personality development such as attachment theory have been made (Brennan & Shaver, 1998).

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between parent-infant attachment which influence adult relationships and psychopathology. Theories of personality development as they relate to attachment will be explored as well as influence of early childhood experiences on personality. Finally, possible connections between attachment disorders and personality disorders will be speculated.

Similarities Or Differences In Identity Development? The Impact Of Acculturation And Gender On Identity Process And Outcome, Seth J. Schwartz, Marilyn J. Montgomery

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

This study examined the effects of variations in acculturation and gender on identity processes and outcomes. Three hundred fifty-seven students at a culturally diverse university completed measures of identity processes (exploration, commitment, and identity style) and outcomes (identity status). The generalizability of the underlying identity processes across contextual variations was ascertained by evaluating the consistency of factor solutions across immigrant generation and gender. Results suggested that the processes underlying identity development are consistent across variations in acculturation and gender. Supplemental analyses revealed effects of acculturation and gender on the extent to which individuals utilized various identity processes and manifested various …

School Age Bullying : The Victim's Point Of View, Jacquelyn L. Miller

Graduate Research Papers

Bullying is a common problem in schools across the world including in the United States. This paper focuses on the problem of bullying from the victim's point of view. Bullying can be defined in a variety of different ways and occurs in a variety of different situations. Victims of bullies suffer from a wide variety of academic, social, behavioral, and emotional problems. A comprehensive approach that includes school counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents is needed to combat bullying within the school. Bully prevention and intervention programs can help victims more effectively if they change their orientation from focusing on the …

Male Childhood Sexual Abuse : Do Not Overlook It, Elizabeth Soenen

Graduate Research Papers

Male childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is often unrecognized and under-reported; therefore, its symptoms are often left untreated. The research reveals it is more prevalent than previously thought and is accompanied by a variety of maladaptive symptoms. Clinicians' awareness of these findings, along with self-awareness of their own beliefs about male CSA, is likely to lead to identification of its presence and the opportunity to choose appropriate interventions.

Relational Aggression In Early Adolescent Girls, Sara M. Bucknam

Graduate Research Papers

There are differences in aggressive behavior between early adolescent boys and girls. Girls use relational aggressive methods to gain control over their peers. In general, schools do not directly address this form of aggression. School counselors are in the position to reduce relational aggression in schools. Assessment must first be performed in order to address the level of aggression in girls. This can be completed through questionnaires or focus groups. There are several prevention and intervention methods that be incorporated in schools. These methods can reduce relational aggression in early adolescent girls.

Keberkesanan Employee Assistance Program (Eap) Sebagai Kaedah Kaunseling : Satu Kajian Kes Di Syarikat Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Mohamad Fauzi Jusoh

Student Works (2000-2009)

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk melihat tanggapan responden terhadap keberkesanan pengurusan kaunseling Program Bantuan Pekerja (EAP) di Telekom Malaysia. Subjek kajian terdiri daripada 30 orang klien yang mewakili 75% responden yang pernah mengikuti kaunseling Program Bantuan Pekerja (EAP) di Telekom Malaysia. Satu set borang soal selidik yang dibentuk sendiri oleh penulis telah digunakan sebagai alat untuk mendapatkan maklumat kajian. Manakala kiraan kekerapan, peratus dan min digunakan untuk melihat tanggapan responden terhadap penekanan dalam kaunseling EAP, kesesuaian modul, kepakaran kaunselor EAP dan prestasi mereka selepas mengikuti kaunseling. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa penekanan dalam kaunseling EAP telah berjaya dilakulan dalam proses perkhidmatan kaunseling. …

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy As An Intervention For Young Children, Lisa Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

Young children can benefit from therapy to deal with disabilities, abuse, normal developmental issues such as famiily problems, and social-emotional issues. One approach to helping children manage psychological issues is bibliotherapy. In its simplest form, bibliotherapy can be described as the practice of using books in treatment, or helping with books (Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993; Pardeck & Pardeck, 1987). The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on bibliotherapy and to examine its possible applications, its effectiveness, and best practices in carrying out the intervention.

A School Psychologist's Role In Decreasing Eating Disorder Prevalence In School-Aged Children, Natalie Muth

Graduate Research Papers

Eating disorders have dramatically increased over the last 20 years, resulting in prevalence rates exceeding other high-incidence medical conditions treated in the educational setting. Chapter 2 presents a review of literature covering eating disorder identification, history, prevalence and epidemiological data. Theoretical perspectives, risk and protective factors, symptoms, and medical complications are also reviewed. Current assessment measures used for screening and diagnosing anorexia and bulimia is additionally presented along with a summary of school-based primary prevention programs. The second chapter concludes with a brief overview of eating disorder treatment.

A summary is presented in chapter 3 along with implications for school …

The Effects Of A Mother's Incarceration On Her Children, Jane Elizabeth Mayer

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of a mother's incarceration on her children. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with facilitating a mother-child visitation program were discussed. Guidelines were presented for parents, caregivers, children, and prison staff on a successful mother-child visitation program. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for the future facilitation of a mother-child visitation program.