Psychology Commons^™

Is Ego Strength A Trait That Contributes To Trauma Resilience?, Matt Hiltebrand,

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Given the ubiquitous experience of trauma among first responders, there is a critical need to understand the traits that contribute to resilience in experiencing traumatic events. Strength of identity is associated with resilience in several meaningful life events including negative peer review, adjustment to significant change, and recovering from depression or anxiety (Kim & Choi, 2013). There is a scarcity of research that has examined ego strength as a trait that contributes to trauma resilience. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ego strength and the experience of trauma among veteran first responders (including, paramedics, firefighters, …

Psychological And Spiritual Factors Affecting Well-Being Among Military Personnel Engaged In Remote Combat, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Remotely piloted aircraft (RP A) require multiple crewmembers to successfully operate the aircraft RPAs shape modem warfare and pose challenges for the spiritual-emotional health of RPA personnel. This study explored whether (a) RPA crewmembers could be separated into groups based on their experiences, (b) the groups differed in psychological health outcomes, and (c) they differed in aspects of spiritual wellbeing. Method: Participants included 354 United States Air Force personnel involved in RPA duty. Participants provided demographic information and completed the Work Role Strain Scale as a predictor. Outcome measures included job satisfaction, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Outcome Questionnaire-45.2, Posttraumatic Stress …

The Acute, Systemic Effects Of Aerobic Exercise In Recently Concussed Adolescent Student‑Athletes: Preliminary Findings, P.R. Worts, J.R. Mason, Scott O. Burkhart, M.A. Sanchez-Gonzakez, J.S. Kim

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Objectives Examine the acute effects (pre-, during, post-intervention) of two different intensities of aerobic exercise or rest on autonomic, oculomotor, and vestibular function and symptom burden in patients with a recent sport-related concussion (SRC) and compare their responses to sex-matched, age-stratified, non-concussed (HEALTHY) student-athletes.

Methods Student-athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 that presented to the sports medicine clinic within Day 3–7 post-SRC and from local schools were recruited for a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The participants were administered the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS), King-Devick (K-D), and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) before and after the intervention. Heart rate variability …

Exploring Vestibular/Ocular And Cognitive Dysfunction As Prognostic Factors For Protracted Recovery In Sports-Related Concussion Patients Aged 8 To 12 Years, August Price, Gregory Knell, Todd Caze, John Abt, Dustin Loveland, Scott Burkhart

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Objective: To explore the prognostic ability of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS), King–Devick (K-D) Test, and C3 Logix Trails A and B to identify protracted recovery from sports-related concussion (SRC) in patients aged 8 to 12 years. Design: Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting: Specialty pediatric sports concussion clinic. Participants: A total of 114 youth athletes aged 8 to 12 years who were diagnosed with an SRC within 7 days of injury. Independent Variables: A positive screen on the VOMS, K-D, and C3 Logix Trails A and Trails B. Combined positive screens on multiple tests (ie, 2, 3, or all 4 positive …

Comparison Of Prescribed Physical Therapy To A Home Exercise Program For Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion Patients, August M. Price, Nicholas Arvin, Benjamin Seagraves, Scott O. Burkhart, Gregory Knell

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to compare sports-related concussion (SRC) recovery time in protracted recovery (≥28 days) patients who were prescribed physical therapy (PPT) with those who were only provided a home exercise program (HEP). We hypothesized PPT would be associated with shorter recovery times relative to HEP. Associations were evaluated with multivariable zero-truncated negative binomial regressions. Among the 48 (30.2%) PPT and 111 (69.8%) HEP patients, the majority were female (57.9%), the mean age was 15.3 ± 1.4 (PPT) and 14.2 ± 2.8 (HEP), and time to clinic was a median 6.0 (IQR = 3.0–27.0; PPT) …

The Psychological And Physiological Markers Of Christian Meditation: A Quasi-Experimental Study Of Centering Prayer, Sean E. Robertson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Research seeking to understand the various practices of meditation has expanded greatly in frequency and quality in the past century. Many have documented the effects of secular and eastern forms of meditation on psychopathology, well-being, executive functioning, and physiological changes of brainwaves, heart rate variability, and stress reduction (Cahn & Polich, 2006; Kok et al., 2013; Newberg et al., 2010). However, few have attempted to understand meditation in a Christian context. This study seeks to delineate the effects of a Christian form of meditation, known as Centering Prayer, on novice, college undergraduate practitioners as compared to non-practicing peers in areas …

Bipolar Screening Among Spanish-Speaking Us Residents Using The Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Emanuel T. Recinos

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-report screening instrument used to detect Bipolar Disorder (BD). Psychometric properties of Spanish translations of the MDQ are from communities where both language and cultural differences are present. A Spanish version of the MDQ not been validated among United States individuals who identify Spanish as their preferred language of communication.

Objective

We propose that the validation of a Castilian Spanish version of the MDQ is needed for cross-cultural adaptation, determining optimal cut-off scores, and as an aid to the literature on BD prevalence, specifically BD among Spanish speakers of the United States.

Methods …

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Chinese Adults: Patterns And Comparison Between Adults Who Grew Up As Single And Left-Behind Children, Yuan Qu

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Over the last 40 years, China implemented many socioeconomic policies, among which the “open-door” and “single-child” policies were two of the most noteworthy. Therefore, in China, the study of child maltreatment requires understanding the impact of family constellation changes that resulted from national policies. This study sought to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACE) differences among Chinese adults who grew up as left- behind children (LBC) and single-children (SC). In addition, as a response to the Ho et al. (2019a) call for “further investigations on cultural specific patterns of ACEs” (p. 187), this study examined patterns of ACEs among the Mainland …

The Virtue Of Solidarity: A Profile And Intervention, Marshal P. George

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The lack of communal warmth and increased polarization across the globe add urgency to the call for renewed efforts to develop relationally-focused persons and communities. Solidarity, understood as a virtue, is conceptualized to cultivate group-minded individuals able to embody values, motivations, and behaviors inherent to developing social harmony and equity. After conceptualizing solidarity as a virtue, this study implemented an intervention to increase the solidarity virtue trait. The intervention was a 5-day educational and reflective exercise. Analysis of results assessed the relationship between individuals pursuing community flourishing and the intervention via multiple regression. Results were consistent with the theory of …

Prayer Of The Body: Reflections On Archetypal Divine Feminine Figures In Embodied Spirituality, Sarah Bond

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Archetypal figures of divine femininity exist within Judeo-Christian faith traditions, yet their presence has historically been neglected in Western cultures and religions. These feminine archetypes are thought within Jungian theory to bridge the spiritual and physical worlds, thereby unifying bodily and spiritual wisdom. As such, these figures have important implications for furthering current conceptualizations of embodiment. While embodiment research has recently expanded, little has focused on the intersection of spirituality and embodiment. Archetypal divine feminine figures appear to be located at this intersection. Therefore, the present study examines the experiences of individuals participating in Judeo-Christian traditions who have encountered divine …

Predicting Sexual Offense Treatment Completion Through Specific Responsivity Factors, Blain Cameron Stumpf

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sexual offending is a serious, harmful, and costly behavior that impacts the safety of a community (Barros et al., 2020; Peterson et al., 2017; Severson & Pettus-Davis, 2013). To improve community safety and reduce further harm, several specialized treatments have been developed to rehabilitate individuals convicted of a sexual offense (ICSO). Recent meta-analytic studies have suggested that specialized cognitive-behavioral treatments for ICSO do in fact lead to a reduction in sexual recidivism (Gannon et al., 2019; Harrison et al., 2020; Kim et al., 2016). To increase engagement with and completion of treatment programs, and subsequently to reduce the risk of …

A Time For Wisdom (Introduction), Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Learning Integration: Knowledge Outcomes Of A Course Integrating Psychology And Christian Beliefs, Rodger K. Bufford, Robert Wingerter, Whitney Standal Schollars

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Several studies of student perceptions found students reported their integration learning is best in a supportive academic setting with faculty mentors who are “bulwarks” of the faith and emotionally transparent sojourners (e.g., Sorenson et al., 2004). However, little is known about integration learning outcomes. In Study 1, twenty-two participants provided definitions of integration at the beginning and end of a single-semester graduate Christian integration course in clinical psychology. Large significant differences (Cohen’s d = 1.49) were found between pretest and posttest scores, indicating a large gain in integration knowledge. Study 2 also utilized a pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design for a sub- …

Gumbrell's "The Amazing A-Z Of Resilience: 26 Curious Stories And Activities To Lift Yourself Up" (Book Review), Meredith Ader

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Mcculloch And Mccullochs' "Why Can't You Hear Me?: Our Autistic Daughter's Struggle To Be Understood" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Sagan And Witheys' "What I Do To Get Through: How To Run, Siwm, Cycle, Sew, Or Sing Your Way Through Depression" (Book Review), Jennifer M. Brady

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Dennis' "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diary: A Self-Help Diary With Cbt Activities To Challenge Your Ocd" (Book Review), Alice B. Ruleman

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Shaul's "Our Brains Are Like Computers!: Exploring Social Skills And Social Cause And Effect With Children On The Autism Spectrum" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Preventing Burnout: The Role Of Personality And Awareness In Early Career Mental Health Professionals In Acute Settings, Whitney J. Standal Schollars

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Burnout among health professionals had been increasing over the last decade, but amidst the global impact of COVID-19, burnout has contributed to a national health care crisis (Bednar, 2019; Sklar et al., 2021). Due to increased demand and patient acuity, entry-level mental health professionals (MHPs) in acute settings are specifically at risk (Morse et al., 2012; Simpson et al., 2018). Moreover, unique variables related to personality disposition and emotional vulnerability from trauma can create a predisposition for burnout (Alarcon et al., 2009). This study explored the impacts of personality and emotional awareness curriculum on managing stress amidst crisis work and …

Religion's Impact On Sexual Experiences And Attitudes Among Women: Exploring Sexual Satisfaction And Sex Guilt, Maria Lytle

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sexual satisfaction has been linked to higher self-esteem, marital stability, and general relationship satisfaction. The combination of religious values, sex attitudes, and experiences of sex guilt have been shown to significantly impact women’s sexual satisfaction. Two theories of religious values have been defined: identification, a religious perspective which considers sexuality to be a valuable and sacred experience, as well as introjection, which views sexuality as inherently sinful and a symptom of human weakness. This study included 85 female participants; they completed a survey on their experiences of sexual satisfaction, sex guilt, religion (identification or introjection), and sex values. The findings …

Prenatal Polysubstance Exposure (Ppe) And Adhd: Comparison Of Behavior Profiles In Children And Adolescents, Rana Tanios

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Previous research reveals pervasive polysubstance use during pregnancy, with widespread neurological, cognitive, and behavioral deficits that have lasting implications for both adults and children with prenatal polysubstance exposure (PPE; Behnke et al., 2013; Forray, 2016). Early PPE identification leads to improved long-term outcomes. However, identifying PPE is difficult due to underreported use, absent dysmorphic features, and behaviorally similar profiles to other psychiatric conditions, with ADHD identified as the most common referral and most prevalent diagnosis assigned for children with PPE (Chasnoff et al., 2010). Despite similar behavioral symptoms, emerging data reveal a specific neurological profile for PPE distinct from ADHD, …

The Role Of Hope, Resilience, Religious Coping And Religious Problem Solving In College Students’ Development, Vanessa M. Campo

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

As students attend their chosen college or university day to day stressors and challenges can become overwhelming. The stressors that come with new collegiate expectations and demands can increase the importance for colleges and universities to foster students’ development. Programming or courses that increase students’ hope, resilience, and religiousness could make their college experience much better and more enjoyable. This study hypothesized the following: a will be positive correlation between hope, resilience, and positive religious coping, a positive correlation between religious coping and the collaborative subscale of the religious problem-solving scale, and that religiousness will be higher at George Fox …

Awe In The Helping Professions: Approaching Well-Being For Graduate Trainees Through Transcendent Emotion, Anna Forcelle

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Graduate school is a unique season of life involving high demands and high pressure, leaving adult degree-seeking students vulnerable to stress and negative health outcomes. Students seeking degrees in helping professional programs face additional risks due to the unique amounts of compassion required to engage in others-oriented work, leaving them susceptible to compassion fatigue and burnout. With a recent resurgence in the literature on the self-transcendent emotion of awe, which is associated with greater well-being, this present study sought to examine if experiences of awe can help sustain well-being and reduce the risk of compassion fatigue in helping profession graduate …

Deployment Stress And Parenting Self-Efficacy Among Spouses Of Members Of The Armed Forces, Luisa E. Miller

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Deployment in the Armed Forces has a ripple effect on the family unit. Research suggests deployment impacts the psychological well-being of military spouses and children. The spouse who stays behind plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis while adapting to the absence of the deployed servicemember. The present study aimed to understand whether there is an association between deployment stress and parental self-efficacy. The study examined these variables in 115 military spouses of active and reserve units whose servicemembers are currently on deployment or deployed within the last two years and who are parents to children between the ages of …

The Effects Of Psychoeducation On Emotion Regulation In High School Athletes, Kami Naber

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Approximately one in five adolescents between ages 12 and 18 suffer from at least one diagnosable mental health disorder. Health professionals have referred to the current rising need for mental health treatment as an epidemic. Current approaches to meeting the rising psychological needs of adolescents are proving to be insufficient. Emotion regulation has been identified as a key element in lowering levels of psychological stress, yet many adolescents have inadequate emotion regulation skills. A particularly appropriate modality to train adolescents in the skills necessary to regulate distressing emotions, may be psychoeducation, an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that provides training and information …

The Effect Of The Political Climate On Latinos’ Wellbeing, Magda E. Mendoza Soto

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The presidential election of Donald Trump significantly influenced various aspects of the population of the United States. Given Trump’s emphasis on anti-immigrant policies, it is essential for professionals and practitioners to better understand how the Latin population is experiencing and responding to today’s political climate. Participants in this study ranged in age from 18 to 64 and were from Latin descent, which consists of persons, cultures, or countries related to the Spanish language, culture, people, or to Spain in general. Ninety-six participants completed the quantitative measures including The Adult Hope Scale (HS), Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the …

Experience Of Loss And Resilience In Persons With Chronic Pain, Lauren Abshire

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Chronic pain is one of the most common concerns people seek medical treatment for, yet it is historically difficult to treat. The current best evidence practice in chronic pain treatment is through a multidisciplinary team with psychologists implementing cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance commitment therapy. These approaches are efficacious in decreasing pain-related behaviors and improving mood and quality of life. Resilience has also been shown to mitigate the impact of chronic pain. However, the sense of loss or grief related to the experience of chronic pain has been inadequately explored in the research literature and may be related to poor …

Psychometric Validation Of The Brief2 Spanish Version On A Latin Community, Natalia Rich-Wimmer

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Since the early 2000s, the Hispanic population residing in the United States has dramatically grown by 55% (Puente et al., 2015), which increases the importance of understanding how cultural differences may affect neuropsychological test performance. Research demonstrates that pervasive differences exist between the Hispanic community and the dominant culture (Burton et al., 2012). Thus, altering the perception of normative behavior among children (Kärtner et al., 2011). The relative differences in developmental expectations may unfairly disadvantage Hispanic children and potentially lead to the over-pathology of minorities (Burton et al., 2012). The present study aimed to address the potential differences on the …

C.H.A.N.G.E.: Strengthening Resiliency In Pregnancy, Joanna L. Harbets

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Pregnancy and childbirth is a biologically, socially, and psychologically complex period in a woman’s life (Anda, 2010). Carrying an infant in the womb is made even more difficult if a mother has endured her own trauma, potentially transmitting a vulnerability to her child’s development through maternal behavior and emotions (Hudziak, 2018). Additionally, the transition to parenthood is a general life stressor which often activates her attachment system. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma may also interfere with her ability to bond with her child (Main, 2000). Although the complexity of pregnancy and motherhood can be daunting, a mother’s resilience may …

Evaluation Of The Vestibular And Ocular Motor Screening (Voms) As A Prognostic Tool For Protracted Recovery Following Paediatric Sportsrelated Concussion, Gregory Knell, Todd Caze, Scott Burkhart

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Objective To understand the relationship between initial vestibular and ocular motor screening (VOMS) and recovery time, and the utility of VOMS to screen for protracted recovery in youth/adolescent patients with sport-related concussion (SRC). Methods Participants (8–18 years) who were diagnosed with an SRC within 7 days of the injury were administered the VOMS test by certified medical personnel. Recovery time (days) and protracted recovery (>30 days) were the primary outcomes. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the association between VOMS symptom provocation and (1) recovery time (days) and (2) protracted recovery. Measures of VOMS validity, predictive ability and …