Psychology Commons^™

Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Through The Alive Center (A Local Information And Volunteer Exchange), Stacia Wolf

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Risk and protective factors for juvenile delinquency are identified and addressed at national and local levels. A need for an information, referral, and volunteer center to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors in youth was identified in Warren County. The ALIVE Center (A Local Information and Volunteer Exchange) was founded to address this need. Qualitative research of services and programs offered by information, referral, and volunteer centers and a survey to specific local agencies as regards their use of the ALIVE Center was conducted to guide the development of services at the ALIVE Center. Information, resource, and referral centers …

More Than Meets The Eye: The Covert Nature Of Female Aggression In A Kindergarten Through Second Grade Population, Allison Janoski

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The current study addressed the verification of the existence of relational aggression in boys and girls in a kindergarten through second grade population. There has been little, if any, empirical research conducted with children in kindergarten through second grade concerning their use of relational aggression. The current research was conducted with teachers' reports of aggression styles displayed by their kindergarten through second grade students (N = 257). This research was conducted to compare the incidence of Relational aggression in boys and girls and to compare the incidence of overt aggression in boys and girls. This research also examined whether the …

Emotional Intelligence And Social Skills: Studying Students With Emotional-Behavioral Disability (Ebd), Bridget Wilfert

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Students diagnosed with Emotional-Behavioral Disability (EBD) have an inability to successfully interact with peers or adults. This study examined 33 students with EBD to investigate their emotional intelligence, social skills, and the relationship between these two constructs. Participants were classified as either primary (grades 1-6, n = 14) or secondary (grades 7-12, n = 19). Students completed a Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) Self-Report Student Form and a BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Edition (EQi: YV) Form, while special education teachers completed the SSRS Teacher Form on each student. Results indicated that the emotional intelligence and social skills of these …

The Identification Of Factors That Threaten Self-Efficacy And Collegiate Success On The Part Of College Transfer Students, Mark A. Frederick

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to identify factors that could be used to quantify and measure levels of perceived self-efficacy on the part of college transfer students. Previous research on college student retention as well as data gathered from focus group meetings as part of this project provided background information from which items were derived for inclusion on an instrument designed to measure transfer student academic self-efficacy. Factor analysis of the instrument's 25 items, completed by 159 transfer students at a large Midwestern university yielded a four-factor structure which included Community Integration, General Support Structures, Social Supports, and Academic Skills. A …

A Comparison Of The Basc And Cbcl With At-Risk Preschoolers, Sara Murphy

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Behavior rating scales, such as the Behavior Assessment System for Children ([BASC] Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998) and the Child Behavior Checklist ([CBCL] Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000), are often used to assess social and emotional behavior problems. Although a substantial amount of research exists on the previous version of the BASC/6-18 and CBCL/4-18, little research exists on the latest preschool versions of the BASC/2.5-5 and CBCL/1.5-5. The current study examined the overall consistency between the revised BASC and CBCL preschool versions. A sample of 33 parents of preschool-aged children considered "at-risk" participated in this study by completing both the BASC and …

Juvenile Fear Of Crime And Attitudes Towards The Police: The Effect Of Implementing A School Resource Officer Program In Alaska High Schools, Sean A. Case

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents data concerning the effect uniformed police officers have on attitudes towards the police and fear of crime within the high school setting. Two identical surveys were administered to 522 high school students at two periods during a school year. The primary purpose was to determine whether placing uniformed police officers, called School Resource Officers, in high schools would improve attitudes towards the police and reduce the fear of crime. Although opinions towards the police were positively affected and the fear of crime was reduced, neither was affected significantly. The primary implication drawn from this research is that …

Adolescents' Self-Concepts Attending School In A Residential Setting For The Gifted, Teresa Garrett Baker

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between academic selfconcept and academic achievement of gifted students in a residential setting. Adolescence can prove to be a difficult journey for many students and particularly gifted students. To explore the concept of "self' at a multidimensional level the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents ([SPPA], Harter, 1988) was the instrument selected to examine the respondents' perceived competency in specific domains. Harter developed the SPPA as an upward extension of the Self-Perception for Children questionnaire (Harter, 1986). The purpose of the development of this earlier measure was to have an instrument that …

Differences Between Resolved Versus Unresolved Adolescents On Selected Measures Of Behavior And Cognitive Processes, Linda L. Webster, Rachelle K. Hackett

Benerd College Faculty Presentations

This study investigated differences between unresolved attachment, reports of behavior, and associated cognitive processes in a maltreatment sample. Participants were 22 adolescents with a history of maltreatment. Measures included the Adult Attachment Projective (George, West, & Pettem, 1997), the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998), and selected scales from the Woodcock-Johnson Third Edition Tests of Cognitive Ability (Woodcock, McGrew, & Mather, 2001). Results found that parent ratings on five BASC subscales were significantly different for resolved versus unresolved adolescents, and adolescent self-reports were found to differ on four BASC subscales and one BASC composite. Results also found …

Consensual Qualitative Research: An Update, Clara E. Hill, Sarah Knox, Barbara J. Thompson, Elizabeth Nutt Williams, Shirley A. Hess, Nicholas Ladany

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The authors reviewed the application of consensual qualitative research (CQR) in 27 studies published since the method’s introduction to the field in 1997 by C. E. Hill, B. J. Thompson, and E. N. Williams (1997). After first describing the core components and the philosophical underpinnings of CQR, the authors examined how it has been applied in terms of the consensus process, biases, research teams, data collection, data analysis, and writing up the results and discussion sections of articles. On the basis of problems that have arisen in each of these areas, the authors made recommendations for modifications of the method. …

The Role Of Inferential Accuracy In Performance Rating Accuracy: A Field Study Of Teacher Performance Appraisal, Cynthia L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This study first assessed the accuracy of performance appraisal ratings of high school teachers in comparison to the achievement of their students as measured by Virginia's Standard of Learning (SOL) tests. The overall performance rating scores of 145 teachers were compared to the pass rates of their students on SOL end-of-course tests. The rating sub-scores in each of four domains of performance were also compared to the SOL pass rates.

The study then tested the influence of Inferential Accuracy, a model proposed by Jackson (1972), on rating accuracy overall and of individual raters in the study. Inferential Accuracy is comprised …

Factors Predicting Teacher Satisfaction And Retention In The Hampton City Schools Teacher Induction Program, Gale A. Lee

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This descriptive and correlational study used a mixed methodology of both quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies to identify factors that predict new teacher satisfaction and retention in the Hampton City Schools' teacher induction program. In the first phase of the study, a researcher-developed questionnaire was mailed to 657 Hampton City Schools' elementary, middle, and high school teachers with 0–5 years of experience and was returned by 40 percent (n = 226) of the sample. The first phase of the study utilized a 31-item teacher questionnaire. The first section of this questionnaire requested demographic information, which helped to categorize teachers …

Matthew's Gift: Teaching Parents Of Children With Disabilities To Deal Effectively With Their Child's Problem Behavior, Karolyn King Peery

Theses and Dissertations

This study represents a unique collaboration between the State of Utah's Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and Brigham Young University's Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (CPSE) and the Family Studies Center. Families with children with disabilities and problem behaviors may spend 5 to 10 years on the Utah DSPD Family Support waiting list before receiving support services. Families with children with disabilities and problem behavior experience difficult challenges with limited amounts of resources. CPSE graduate students offered behavioral education to 17 families on the DSPD waiting list in the family's homes for 10 weeks. Positive …

The Relationships Among Literacy, Church Activity And Religious Orientation: A Study Of Adult Members Of The Lds Church In Utah County, Bruce R. Brewer

Theses and Dissertations

The study assessed the interplay among literacy, church activity, and religious orientation and examined the extent to which literacy predicts church activity in the presence of private religious behavior. One hundred fifty-seven subjects were administered measures of intrinsic religiousness, extrinsic religiousness, literacy levels and measures of church activity. The findings from this study suggest that literacy is related to activity, but in a way that is more complex than many investigators have considered. The results of the multiple regression analysis helped clarify the ability of literacy to predict church activity in the presence of religious orientation. Results further indicated that …

A Comparison Of The Wj-Iii Test Of Cognitive Abilities And The Wais-Iii, Brittany Leigh Metz

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Since the birth of the intelligence test in the early 20th century, these instruments have gone through tremendous alterations. The revision of such instruments creates an obligation of those who utilize these tests to provide empirical evidence that supports concurrent validity with additional cognitive measures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities, Third Edition and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test, Third Edition. Both instruments were administered to 30 college students attending a Midwest university. The previously collected data was analyzed using a Pearson Product Moment Correlation as well as a …

Differences In Self-Esteem Between Genders: A Look At Middle School, Beth S. Michael

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Most theorists suggest that the developement of self-esteem is found through interactions and experiences. However, these experiences may greatly differ between males and females in early adolescence because of developmental differences between the genders. Socialization may also play an important role in the self-esteem differences between genders. Overall, males and females have different developmental levels at the middle school age. Early or late development may impact the adolescent's self-esteem. This study will examine the differences in self-esteem between genders in middle school adolescents.

The Correlation Between Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Iii And Woodcock-Johnson Iii Cognitive Abilities And Wj Iii Achievement For College Students: Which Is A Better Predictor Of Reading Achievement?, Carrie M. Adkins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The present study is intended to examine whether the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III or Woodcock-Johnson III Cognitive Abilities would better predict reading achievement on the WJ III Achievement in the college student population. Participants included 29 college students attending a university in the Midwest, being evaluated for a learning disability or academic accommodations. Data were analyzed using Pearson r correlation, Fisher z, and t-test for each intelligence test in comparison to achievement subtests. Results from this study indicated that both IQ scores obtained from the WAISIII and the WJ-III COG correlated with reading significantly, but not highly enough to …

The Effects Of An After-School Intervention Program On The Reading And Math Proficiency Scores Of Sixth Graders, Laura Kelley Gleichauf

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In January 2005, a new after-school intervention program was implemented by a public middle school with the desire to raise their students. state proficiency scores. In order to evaluate their program and report the results of their labor, the proficiency scores of these southern Ohio students were studied by comparing the arithmetic means of the March 2003 fourth grade state proficiency scores with the arithmetic means of the March 2005 sixth grade state proficiency scores in the areas of reading and math. Differences in the performances were compared using t-tests. The outcome data of the comparison school was not successful …

Overview Of Attachment Disorder And Effective Treatments For Children, Kathryn H. Hedican

Graduate Research Papers

When children experience extreme chronic trauma as a result of the effects of the disruption of healthy attachment patterns, a disorder known as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) can develop. The importance for mental health counselors to understand the etiology of RAD cannot be overemphasized. Symptoms most often associated with this disorder include the inability to trust, failure to develop intimate relationships, or show affection, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, and anti-social behaviors and attitudes (Levy & Orlans, 1998 as cited in Sheperis, Renfro-Michel, & Doggett, 2003). Highlighting the foundational work of Erikson, Harlow, Bowlby, and Ainsworth includes a brief overview …

Engaging Rural Youth In Physical Activity Promotion Research In An After-School Setting, Nancy O’Hara Tompkins, James A. Rye, Sam Zizzi, Elizabeth Vitullo

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

West Virginia, the second most rural state in the nation, has a higher than average prevalence of chronic diseases, especially those related to physical inactivity and obesity. Innovative educational approaches are needed to increase physical activity among adults and youth in rural areas and reduce rural health disparities. This paper describes West Virginia's Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) Education and Outreach on Healthy Weight and Physical Activity. The project involved teachers and underserved high school students in social science research aimed at increasing physical activity among student and community participants.

Context

The HSTA is an ongoing initiative of …

Weight Loss Practices In Amateur Wrestlers And Its Relationship To Disordered Eating, Lyndsey M. Manderfield

Graduate Research Papers

The premise behind many athletic programs is to encourage wellness, a state of well being in both physical and emotional aspects. This research paper reviews how wrestling and other athletic programs where weight plays a significant role, may affect eating and other weight-related habits. It addresses whether weight loss practices in wrestling play a role in disordered eating patterns of its participants.

A Narrative Group Model To Reduce Gender Role Conflict In Adult Males, Dennis K. Smithe

Graduate Research Papers

This manuscript provides a therapeutic group model to address gender role conflict in males based on a narrative approach. The use of story telling and metaphor are central to the process because they are reflective of how men tend to communicate. This approach reflects a shift away from traditional counseling approach often seen as the antithesis of a masculine ideology. This process provides group members the opportunities to co-create and re-author socially constructed stories of masculinity and maleness that have taught males to abuse and neglect their bodies while at the same time not seek help. Unique to this model …

Oppositional Defiant Disorder : Using Family Therapy And Parent Training Techniques For Effective Treatment Outcomes, Caroline S. Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) clinically affects children and adolescents through the display of unwanted disruptive, hostile, defiant, and oppositional behaviors. Development of these can be linked to parental psychopathology, family and marital dysfunction, poor parent-child interaction, atypical parenting, maternal age, substance abuse, poor supervision, and inconsistent or harsh discipline. The effects of ODD lead to impaired social functioning, depression, low self-esteem, academic failure, substance abuse, delinquency, and family discord. Compared to other treatments ( e.g., medication, behavior modification, punishment, or removal from the home) the most effective course of treatment for ODD is the use of family therapy and parent …

Examining User Acceptance Of Computer Technology: An Empirical Study Of Student Teachers, Will W.K. Ma, Robert Andersson, Karl-Oslear Streith

Support & Other Units (THEi)

The use of computer technology in schools has made slow progress since the mid-1980s even though governments have been generous in funding. It is therefore important to understand how and when teachers use computer technology in order to devise implementation strategies to encourage them. This study investigates student teachers' perceptions of computer technology in relation to their intention to use computers. The purpose is to shed light on more effective ways to motivate the use of computer technology in schools. Based on an expanded variation of the Technology Acceptance Model, 84 completed surveys of student teachers were collected at …

The Testing Effect: Using Retrieval Practice In The Classroom, Karen S. Clifton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Repeated testing was applied in a college classroom setting to determine whether a single intervening test, which allowed for retrieval practice, would improve performance on a final test compared to a single structured rehearsal of the material. Performance was measured using multiple-choice exams and relatedness rating tests. The findings suggest that a test condition which requires retrieval, when compared to a read-only condition, improves performance on a final test of item-specific knowledge but not on a test of relational knowledge of the same material. The difficulty of retrieval was manipulated using hard and easy questions on the intervening test and …

A Program Evaluation Of Tender Hearts, Kensey R. Sheline

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The effectiveness of the Tender Hearts program is examined, based on the perception of participants. Data collection is obtained by a questionnaire developed from the objectives of the program. Frequency analysis and descriptive statistics are utilized to examine the data. Overall, the participants demonstrate satisfaction with Tender Hearts. The study’s limitations are discussed.

The Impact Of Sexual Abuse On Student Performance, Denelle M. Mcwherter

Graduate Research Papers

Child sexual abuse is a prevalent societal problem. Up to twenty five percent of children have been abused by the age of eighteen. Victims are significantly impacted academically, socially, and behaviorally. School counselors assume counseling, consulting, and coordinating roles as they assist victims, present prevention curriculum, and act as a referral source.

This paper addresses how sexual abuse affects victims and how counselors can assist victims in developing coping skills and increasing self esteem. In addition, how counselors can help foster a sense of belonging and safety for victims in the school setting will be described, with emphasis on how …

The Effects Of Divorce On Children And Adolescents, Rachelle A. Haker

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper focuses on the effects of divorce on children and adolescents. Based on a review of literature, there are many short-term and long-term effects including emotional, behavioral, and physical issues. Children and adolescents vary in adjustment to divorce depending on multiple factors such as communication, conflict, and parental adjustment. The stages that children and adolescents of divorce go through depend on one's developmental stage and gender. Counselors can greatly influence how children and adolescents adjust to divorce.

Becoming A Better Me : An Examination Of Character Education At The Elementary Level, Lori D. Dobbin

Graduate Research Papers

The first day of school can be a difficult adjustment for many students. Some . students struggle with new settings and new rules. Each student enters the classroom with personal morals and values. These morals and character traits greatly influence the student's academic and social progress. This paper reviews character building and its unique ability to alter the perception of the student's world. The paper looks at the deficits of character and introduces possible solutions to restoring character in elementary-aged children. A closer look at the history of character education lays the foundation for a better understanding of character.

Play Therapy, Melissa A. Hardman

Graduate Research Papers

Play therapy techniques are valuable tools for a variety of professionals who work with children. One need not be a registered play therapist to implement play techniques when working with child clients. There are many types of clients that would benefit from play therapy. There are several different theoretical approaches, but the researcher chose to focus on Adlerian Play Therapy, Client-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy, and Psychodynamic Play Therapy. The paper considers the best location to implement play techniques, by urging the counselor to be aware of the setting's location within the building, ease of cleaning, available space, and …

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.