Psychology Commons^™

Current Adaptive Functioning Of Battle Of The Bulge Combat Veterans, Christopher Bradford Gates

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Effects Of Parental Burden, Teacher Burden And The Student's Request For Counseling On School Psychologists' Decisions To Recommend Counseling, Brian L. Burgess

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Chronic Pain: The Extra Burden On Canadian Women, Marta Meana, Robert Cho, Marie Desmeules

Psychology Faculty Research

Health Issue: Chronic pain is a major health problem associated with significant costs to both afflicted individuals and society as a whole. These costs seem to be disproportionately borne by women, who generally have higher prevalence rates for chronic pain than do men.

Key findings: Data obtained from 125,574 respondents to the Canadian Community Health Survey (2000–2001) indicated that 18% of Canadian women suffered from chronic pain, compared to 14% of men. This gender discrepancy, however, seemed to be linked primarily to differences in age, income, and education between adult men and women in this large sample. Age, income, depression …

Übersetzungs- Und Validierung Der Deutschen Version Des "Teenage Inventory Of Social Skills" (Tiss-D) [Translation And Validation Of The German "Teenage Inventory Of Social Skills" (Tiss-G)]., Patrick Pössel, Bettina Häußer

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Fragestellung: Eine Reihe von Studien konnte die enge Verbindung zwischen geringer sozialen Kompetenz und psychischen Störungen bei Jugendlichen aufzeigen (z. B. Rudolph & Clark, 2001). Methode: Um das soziale Verhalten von Jugendlichen untereinander erfassen zu können, wurde das „Teenage Inventory of Social Skills“ (TISS) von Inderbitzen & Foster (1992) übersetzt und validiert. Ergebnisse: Die faktorenanalytisch ermittelten Skalen „positives Verhalten“ und „negatives Verhalten“ haben eine Interne Konsistenz von  = .86 und .85. Die Retest-Reliabilität über 13 – 18 Tage beträgt für beide Skalen r = .89. Während sich kein Zusammenhang der Skala „positives Verhalten“ mit den Syndromskalen des „Youth Self-Report“ …

The Spiritual Self: Toward A Conceptualization Of Spiritual Identity Development, Timothy B. Smith, Justin B. Poll

Faculty Publications

Both researchers and practitioners have demonstrated considerable interest in identity development, and positive personal identities have been associated with numerous positive mental health outcomes. However, major theories of identity development have neglected the salience of spiritual identity, even though the early work of William James placed this as a central component of personality. This article reviews four major theories of identity development (cognitive, psychodynamic, systems, and narrative) and suggests spiritual identity parallels to these theories. A tentative model of spiritual identity development is presented. Implications for therapy and future research concerning spiritual identity development are discussed.

The Mental Health Court As An Interventionist For Criminal Recidivism Among Mentally Ill Defendants, Jacquline D. Bethany

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Academic Persistence Among Native American College Students, Aaron P. Jackson, Steven A. Smith, Curtis L. Hill

Faculty Publications

Qualitative interviews with 15 successful Native American college students who grew up on reservations identified the following themes related to their persistence in college: (a) family support, (b) structured social support, (c) faculty/staff warmth, (d) exposure to college and vocations, (e) developing independence and assertiveness, (f) reliance on spiritual resources, (g) dealing with racism, (h) nonlinear path, and (i) paradoxical cultural pressure. The results indicated a need for stable mentoring relationships and programmatic support.

Religiousness And Depression: Evidence For A Main Effect And The Moderating Influence Of Stressful Life Events, Timothy B. Smith, Michael E. Mccullough, Justin Poll

Faculty Publications

The association between religiousness and depressive symptoms was examined with meta-analytic methods across 147 independent investigations (N = 98,975). Across all studies, the correlation between religiousness and depressive symptoms was –.096, indicating that greater religiousness is mildly associated with fewer symptoms. The results were not moderated by gender, age, or ethnicity, but the religiousness–depression association was stronger in studies involving people who were undergoing stress due to recent life events. The results were also moderated by the type of measure of religiousness used in the study, with extrinsic religious orientation and negative religious coping (e.g., avoiding difficulties through religious activities, …

Using Journal Writing To Promote Reflective Practice In The Counseling Practicum: A Multiple-Case, Narrative Study Of Counselor Development, Jean Mauriello Germain

Dissertations

The present study investigates the development of reflective practice for beginning counselors. A review of the literature provides support for the benefits of counselors developing reflective practice, and for the use of tools such as portfolios and written journals in order to assist counselors in the development of reflection. However, because these tools have not been systematically implemented and investigated, little is known about the nature of counselors' development of reflective practice. A narrative, multiple-case methodology is used in order to examine the process of development in depth. Methods were employed to achieve trustworthiness of the data. Four participants took …

Group Processes In Group Supervision: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Jeremy M. Linton

Dissertations

Although group supervision is widely employed with counselors during their training (Holloway & Johnston, 1985; Prieto, 1998) little research concerning its practice has been offered in the literature. The fact that group supervision practices appear to be based on assumptions that lack empirically-based support has led some researchers to raise ethical concerns regarding its continued use (Hess, 1997; Prieto, 1996). In particular, many have raised concerns regarding counselor educators and supervisors' lack of understanding regarding the role of group processes in group supervision. Accordingly, this exploratory studysought to investigate counselor-trainees' experiences of group processes in group supervision. The study also …

Affective Expression And Behavior In Sex Offenders, Peter F. Rausch

Dissertations

This analytic variable study examined potential differences that exist among juvenile and adult sex offenders on the emotional expressiveness variables of alexithymia and affective orientation, and three behavior variables including self-defeating behavior, risk taking, and reckless behavior. In addition, the adult sex offenders' attachment style in current relationships was examined.

Research questions were tested by t -tests. The significance level for all analyses was set at the .05 level. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the primary attachment style of the adult sex offenders in current relationships.

Participants in this study were 47 juvenile sex offenders from …

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: …

Ethnic Identity And Racial Attitudes In A Minority Group Of Mixed Racial Origin, Timothy B. Smith, Joy Stratton, Christopher R. Stones, Anthony Naidoo

Faculty Publications

Limited information exists on the racial attitudes and ethnic identities of groups of mixed racial origin. The present research tested the hypotheses that the construct of ethnic identity is valid among such groups and that ethnic identity is related to out-group prejudice, as predicted by social identity theory. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, the Anti-White Scale, and the Subtle Racism Scale were administered to 70 South Africans of mixed racial decent, the so-called Coloureds. A factor analysis supported the structural validity of the measure of ethnic identity with this sample, but correlations between scales did not support the prediction that …

Racial Attitudes Among South African Young Adults: A Four-Year Follow-Up Study, Timothy B. Smith, Christopher R. Stones, Anthony Naidoo

Faculty Publications

Due to many social changes that have occurred in South Africa since the first democratic elections in 1994, careful scrutiny must be given to the racial attitudes of South Africa’s young adults. Their degree of acceptance of the doctrine of deracialisation and reconciliation represents a hope or a warning in regard to a stable future. A follow up study was thus carried out in order to update data collected in 1995, with the hypothesis that, over time, greater acceptance of other racial groups would be reported. The authors examined the differences among the 180 Xhosa-speaking black, 89 so-called coloured, and …

Examination Of The Efficacy Of Behavioral Activation In The Treatment Of Co-Morbid Major Depressive Disorder And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Patrick S. Mulick

Dissertations

This study investigated the efficacy of 10-weeks of Behavioral Activation (BA) in the treatment of co-morbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in six adults using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants design. This study is an attempt to expand empirical knowledge regarding BA, co-morbid PTSD and MDD, and the treatment outcome research specifically relevant to these co-morbid diagnoses. All participants met full DSM-IV criteria for both MDD and PTSD at the outset of the study. Duration of baseline for each subject varied and ran for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks. Self-report data were gathered …

Building Self-Esteem With Bibliotherapy, Jennifer L. Law

Graduate Research Papers

This paper offers an explanation of what bibliotherapy and self-esteem are, and how they can be connected to one another. This paper discusses who uses bibliotherapy and who it can be used with. It also describes two types of bibliotherapy and the steps in using them. The goals of bibliotherapy are explained. Children's needs in order to benefit from bibliotherapy are discussed. Advantages and limitations of bibliotherapy are also included in this paper. Self-esteem will also be defined. Finally this paper will describe how to use bibliotherapy in a school setting.

Gender Bias Among Mental Health Professionals, Joan B. Schroering

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The frequently cited Broverman study (Broverman, Broverman, Clarkson, Rosenkrantz, and Vogel, 1970) has motivated a great deal research in the area of gender bias, particularly investigations into the attitudes of mental health professionals. After a review of the literature referencing the Broverman study, the current study, utilizing the research patterns set forth in that research, examines if and to what degree gender bias affects mental health professionals in the state of West Virginia. The results of this study indicate that mental health professionals across the state hold fairly equitable and balanced views of the male and female gender, with one …

Self-Management And Social Skills Training For Persons With Developmental Disabilities: Tools For The Rehabilitation Counselor To Facilitate Success In Community Settings: A Literature Review, Tina M. Anctil Peterman, Charles Edmund Degeneffe

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

People with developmental disabilities often display deficiencies in self-management and social skills in community based settings. Difficulties with self-management and social skills tend to pose particular difficulties for performing valued adult roles. Tools from behavior therapy have the potential to assist rehabilitation counselors in their work with consumers with developmental disabilities to overcome the negative impacts of functional limitations on expressing behaviors needed for success in community-based settings. This article presents a review of the behavior therapy literature regarding self-management and social skills training techniques rehabilitation counselors can use in their work with consumers with developmental disabilities in areas including …

Project Peace Revisited: An Evaluation Of A Violence Prevention Program For East Coast Adolescents, Sophia L. Kary

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Effect Of Post-Marital Co-Habitation With In-Laws On Level Of Acculturation And Marital Satisfaction Of Chinese American Women, Louisa F. Lam

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Dysthymia And Major Depression : Distinct Conditions Or Different Stages Along A One-Dimensional Continuum?, Patrick Pössel

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Until recently researchers have discussed whether dysthymia and major depression represent distinct conditions or rather different stages along a one-dimensional continuum. This study addresses this question by examining the belief systems of normal, dysthymic, and depressed participants. We explored participants‘ beliefs and differentiated between positive and negative as well as between core and peripheral beliefs. Normal participants showed fewer negative beliefs and negative peripheral beliefs than the dysthymic group, whereas normal participants had more positive beliefs and positive core beliefs as well as fewer negative core beliefs than the depressed group. The hypothesized one-dimensional continuum could not be demonstrated for …

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

Faculty Publications

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 implicitly contradict the teachings ofJesus 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.

Prävention Von Depression Bei Kindern Und Jugendlichen (Prevention Of Depression In Children And Adolescents)., Patrick Pössel, Martin Hautzinger

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Depressive Störungen in Kindheit und Jugendalter sind unter anderem durch die hohe Prävalenz und Persistenz depressiver Störungen bis ins Erwachsenenleben, bedeutenden Komorbiditäten mit anderen psychischen Störungen und psychosozialen Problemen von hoher individueller und gesellschaftlichen Bedeutung. Aufgrund dieser Erkenntnisse haben verschiedene Autoren weltweit damit begonnen Präventionsprogramme zu entwickeln und zu evaluieren. In diesem Artikel werden die Probleme der Präventionsforschung und die Effektivität von Prävention bei Kindern und Jugendlichen dargestellt. Den Schwerpunkt bildet dabei ein Überblick über derzeit vorliegenden Programme und deren Evaluationen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Programmen, die in deutscher Sprache vorliegen. Abschließend werden mögliche Entwicklungsrichtungen der zukünftigen Präventionsforschung aufgezeigt.

Depressive …

Erste Ergebnisse Eines Programms Zur Schulbasierten Prävention Von Depressiven Symptomen Bei Jugendlichen (First Results Of A School-Based Prevention Program Of Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents)., Patrick Pössel, Andrea B. Horn, Martin Hautzinger

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Depressive Störungen im Jugendalter sind ein weit verbreitetes Problem mit weitreichenden psychosozialen Folgen. Um beidem vorzubeugen wurde ein universales schulbasiertes kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutisches Präventionsprogramm entwickelt, das in Anlehnung an das Multifaktorielle Depressionsmodell aus einem kognitiven und einem sozialen Trainingselement besteht. Im kognitiven Teil werden dysfunktionale Gedanken bearbeitet und im sozialen Programmteil werden selbstsicheres Verhalten und Kontaktfähigkeit trainiert. Es wurde erwartet, dass die Teilnahme am Präventionsprogramm direkt nach Beendigung noch keinen signifikanten Effekt auf die depressiven Symptome zeigt, während geringer ausgeprägte dysfunktionale Gedanken und eine Verbesserung der sozialen Unterstützung erwartet wurden. Die Ergebnisse direkt nach Beendigung des Präventionsprogramms (Trainingsgruppe n = 187; Kontrollgruppe …

Universelle, Schulbasierte Prävention Der Depression Im Jugendalter : Ergebnisse Einer Follow-Up-Studie (Universal, School-Based Prevention Of Depression In Adolescence : Results Of A Follow-Up Study)., Gunter Groen, Patrick Pössel, Susanne Al-Wiswasi, Franz Petermann

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Zahlreiche internationale empirische Befunde belegen heute, dass depressive Symptome und Störungen im Jugendalter ein weit verbreitetes, oftmals folgenreiches und ernst zu nehmendes Gesundheitsproblem darstellen. Depressive Jugendliche zeigen in vielen Fällen erhebliche Alltagsbeeinträchtigungen und verschiedene komorbide psychische Probleme. Sie tragen ein deutliches Risiko, auch in ihrer weiteren Entwicklung – bis in das Erwachsenenalter – unter anhaltenden oder wiederkehrenden depressiven Episoden, anderen psychischen Störungen und psychosozialen Beeinträchtigungen zu leiden (vgl. Groen & Petermann, 2002). Neben der persönlichen Leidensgeschichte der Betroffenen ist davon auszugehen, dass bereits depressive Störungen im Jugendalter mit hohen und längerfristigen öffentlichen Kosten zusammenhängen, die etwa durch notwendige Behandlungsmaßnahmen oder …

Young Children’S Responses To Conflictual Adult Conversation, Jessica A. Cartozian

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current study evaluated relationships among children's cognitions following exposure to scripted conflictual interactions between adults. Thirty- five mother-child dyads were assessed using self-report measures, and continuous measures of behavioral and physiological distress (cardiac function, skin conductance). Four hypotheses were investigated: Exposure to conflict would be related to greater distress following the conflictual script; attributional errors would be related to greater distress; child distress would be positively correlated with parental conflict at home; maternal psychopathology would be positively related with distress responses to the stimulus. All hypotheses were found to be non-significant. Explanations for non-significance include the normative sample, the …

The Effect Of Background Information On The Identity Formation And Self-Concept Of Adoptees, Molly Susan Dye

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adoptees are over represented in clinical populations. Issues of self-concept, identity formation and the search for background history may be of particular relevance to adoptee clients and could be addressed as a focus of treatment. This study attempted to assess if lack of knowledge about background information is related to poorer selfconcepts and increased difficulty with identity formation in adoptees. Adults (N=299) who were adopted prior to 6 months of age were recruited from adoption related sites on the Internet. Measures of self-concept, identity formation and adoption related factors were completed on a web page designed for this study. Results …

Teaching My Son To Be A Father: The Plight Of Unmarried Adolescent African American Fathers, Michael George Till

Dissertations

A quantitative research design was utilized to examine and understand the perceptions of fatherhood and manhood held by unmarried African American adolescent fathers. In face-to-face 60-90 minute interviews using a semistructured interview guide developed by the researcher, participants were asked open-ended questions to provide these young men with a voice and an opportunity to express their needs, support, neglect, understanding, and perception of how society views them and its impact on the functioning of the family unit. Using purposeful sampling, 10 unmarried African American adolescent fathers, located in the southwestern area of Michigan, were interviewed for data collection.

Interviews were …

Testing The Effectiveness Of Behavioral Activation Therapy In The Treatment Of Acute Unipolar Depression, Jenifer M. Cullen

Dissertations

The present study sought to investigate the clinical effectiveness of Behavioral Activation (BA) Therapy, the behavioral activation component of Beck's Cognitive Therapy (CT; Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979). Seventeen adults seeking mental health services for Unipolar Depression were recruited from the Kalamazoo and Southwestern Michigan regions. All participants were randomly assigned to either (a) an Immediate Treatment Group, or (b) a waitlist control group, while both received 10 weeks o f BA therapy. Depressive symptomatology for both conditions were assessed at pretreatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, Ball, & Ranieri, 1996), the …

The Effectiveness Of Behavioral Activation Group Therapy: Treating Comorbid Depression On A Specialized Inpatient Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Unit For Combat Veterans, Theodore P. Wright

Dissertations

The comorbidity of depression and PTSD has been shown to be relatively prevalent. Researchers have found a 70% lifetime prevalence o f comorbid PTSD and depression among combat veterans. This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral activation (BA) group treatment when administered to combat veterans with comorbid depression and PTSD in the residential treatment program at the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Forty-five veterans participated in the study. Twenty-four veterans participated in a BA treatment group while in the treatment program. Twenty-one veterans attended the treatment program, but did not participate in the BA treatment group and served …