Psychology Commons^™

Reflections On Lothstein’S Review, Carilyn C. Ellis, Mary A. Peterson, Rodger Bufford, Jon Benson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Grace: Factor Analysis Of Three Grace Scales, Rodger K. Bufford, Timothy A. Sisemore, Amanda M. Blackburn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Measuring grace is challenging. Prior research found the Grace Scale (GS), Richmont Grace Scale (RGS), and The Amazing Grace Scale (TAGS) to be reliable, have promising convergent and divergent validity, and to inter-correlate strongly. However, they may tap different constructs, or grace may be multidimensional (Bufford, Blackburn, Sisemore, & Bassett, 2015). Here two exploratory factor analyses of the combined items showed five factors: experiencing God’s grace, costly grace, grace to self, grace from others, and grace to others, partially paralleling Watson, Chen and Sisemore (2011). Items from all three scales loaded on Factor 1, only items from the RGS loaded …

A Functional Role Of The Amygdala In Rats Living In A Semi-Naturalistic Risky Environment, Earnest S. Kim

Faculty Publications - Psychology Department

There is considerable evidence that the amygdala is involved in the processing and expression of emotions, particularly fear. It would therefore be plausible to expect that amygdala-coded fear would also influence voluntary decisions on feeding and foraging in animals living in dangerous environments. The studies presented in this dissertation explore a functional role of the amygdala in rats living in a semi-naturalistic “closed economy” setting where all nutritional resources are procured at the risk of receiving random shocks in a foraging area. The first study revealed that amygdala-coded fear influences the animal’s voluntary feeding behavior, but the amygdala is not …

Evaluation Of A Cognitive Training Program, Jenae Ulrich

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Cognitive Training (CT) is beginning to receive a great amount of attention as a treatment option for children and adults who have sustained brain insults, have chronic conditions such as a learning disability, or have other types of cognitively-related difficulties. There are numerous peer-reviewed articles examining CT, and yet there is confusion about what CT is and whether it is effective. The model common to most forms of CT posits that by doing "mind exercises" one produces dendrite growth that eventually leads to improved collaborative functioning of neural pathways in the brain. This study evaluated the efficacy of a CT …

The Rehabilitative Benefits Of A Golf Clinic For Active Duty Military Personnel And Veterans With Disabilities: The Enhancement Of Self-Efficacy And Health-Related Variables, Marcel H. Flores

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Self-efficacy is associated with a person’s level of confidence in adequately performing tasks, and has implications for health behaviors among persons with disabilities who are at higher risk for poor physical and mental health than the general population. Prospective research studies investigating the therapeutic benefits of sports for enhancing self-efficacy, particularly among persons with disabilities, are few. The following prospective study investigated the benefits of adaptive golf for increasing self-efficacy among active duty military personnel and veterans with disabilities, as well as its impact on their physical and mental health.

The study enrolled 41 participants of whom 13 completed an …

Relationships Between Tests Of Visual Memory In Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment And Alzheimer’S Disease, Guy Bernard Debros

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological disorder characterized by cognitive and functional impairment (Budson & Solomon, 2011). Its prevalence is expected to rise in the upcoming decades as the world’s population ages (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical diagnostic entity that may represent very early AD (Morris et al., 2001). Both disorders involve significant impairment in episodic memory, necessitating reliable memory measures when making diagnoses. Although verbal memory is most often impaired in the earliest stages of disease (Budson & Price, 2005), visual memory is also predictor of AD (Kawas et al., 2003). Partly …

Act, Values, And Christian Psychology: A Response To Sisemore, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

“Amen, brother” is probably too brief a response for an academic journal, but it would be a fitting summary for my observations of Sisemore’s (2015) article, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Christian Translation.” Sisemore demonstrates both a good understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Christian wisdom. Rather than repeating all our points of agreement, I limit my observations to two anecdotes about ACT and Christianity, a few positive reflections regarding Sisemore’s article, and two suggestions for further translation work.

Chapter Four Of Overcoming Adversities: Resilience In Rural Southeastern Montana, Kristie Knows-His-Gun, Rodger K. Bufford, Winston Seegobin

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The current study evaluated the amount of adverse childhood experiences the employees of St. Labre Indian School, St. Charles Mission School, and · Pretty Eagle Catholic School (collectively called St. Labre) experienced, along with their religious functioning, and current levels of resilience. We will examine childhood adversity, spiritual wellbeing, and resilience, in turn, and then will address overall conclusions.

Religious And Spiritual Diversity Training In Professional Psychology: A Case Study, Mark R. Mcminn, Rodger K. Bufford, Michael J. Vogel, Tyler A. Gerdin, Brian Lee Goetsch, Michelle M. Block, Jason K. Mitchell, Mary A. Peterson, Winston Seegobin, Carlos Taloyo, Nicholas R. Wiarda

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of Group Cohesion In Inpatient Treatment Of Combat-Related Ptsd, Carilyn C. Ellis, Mary A. Peterson, Rodger K. Bufford, Jon Benson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most widespread mental illness resulting from exposure to combat, necessitating an increase in the provision of group therapy. This pilot study examined the efficacy of, and treatment outcome predictors associated with, group inpatient treatment of combat-related PTSD. Participants included 38 active duty military personnel deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), diagnosed with PTSD, and consecutive admissions to an inpatient PTSD treatment facility. A paired samples t-test revealed significant change in symptom severity and global functioning between pre- and post-treatment. Multiple regression analyses supported the predictive utility of baseline symptomatology …

Human Or Natural Trauma: What’S Worse?, Heather Merrell, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Stanford-Binet 5 Nonverbal Subtests Item Fairness In A Latina/O Sample: No News Is Good News, Rodger K. Bufford, Simone C. Harlow, Gale H. Roid

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Examines the effects of acculturation (as measured by years in the U.S.) on performance on the SB5 Nonverbal scales in three population samples.

Effect Of Religiosity And Combat Exposure On Combat Veteran Posttraumatic Growth, Kurt C. Webb, William Buhrow, Rodger K. Bufford, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Investigates two research questions:

Use Of Social Media In Adolescent Obesity Intervention, Helen Hansen

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Childhood and adolescent obesity strongly predicts adult obesity (Spruijt-Metz, 2011) and literature highlights the transitional period into college as a “high risk weight gain period” (Holm-Denoma, Joiner, Vohs, & Heatherton, 2008). Obesity is associated with poor physical outcomes (Freedman, Dietz, Srinivasan, & Berenson, 1999; Katz & D’Ambrosio, 2010) and psychological conditions are found in 34% of children and adolescents with an obesity-related condition, in comparison to 20% of the children in the general population (Wang & Beydoun, 2007). In the context of obesity programs, growing evidence supports the efficacy of increasing physical activity without calorie restriction to decrease body fat …

Resilience At St. Labre: Childhood Adversity, Spiritual Well-Being, Employment, And Resilience In A Multi-Ethnic Rural Population, Kristie Knows-His-Gun, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal, Winston Seegobin

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Finding Balance: Integration As A Four-Legged Stool, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Measuring Grace: Further Development And Validation Of A Grace Measure, Rodger K. Bufford, Amanda Blackburn, Rodney Bassett, Timothy Sisemore

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Schemas, Core Beliefs, Worldviews, And Clinical Practice, Chad A. Houchin, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Individual And Combined Effects Of Ld And Adhd On Computerized Neurocognitive Concussion Test Performance: Evidence For Separate Norms, R. J. Elbin, Anthony Kontos, Nate Kegel, Eric Johnson, Scott Burkhart, Philip Schatz

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Decreased neurocognitive performance in individuals with self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD) is well documented in the neuropsychological research literature. Previous studies employing paper-and-pencil neurocognitive assessments report lower performance in individuals with ADHD and LD. The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of a self-reported diagnosis of LD, ADHD, and combined LD/ADHD on baseline computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT) used for the concussion assessment. Results revealed athletes with a self-reported diagnosis of LD, ADHD, and/or combined LD/ADHD demonstrated lower performance on baseline CNT and reported larger numbers of symptoms than did control athletes …

The Perceptions Of Behavioral Health Psychology Held By Medical Personnel In Oregon, Carleton H. Lloyd

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The purpose of the current research was to obtain medical personnel perceptions about the role of behavioral health psychology within their medical care practices in Oregon. Four hypotheses were explored. Hypothesis 1 asserted that medical personnel from urban, suburban, and rural locations would hold significantly different views; Hypothesis 2 suggested that the sample would more likely refer the more acute patients; Hypothesis 3 posited that medical personnel would make more referrals if they knew a mental health provider; Hypothesis 4 stated that there would be significant differences between the perceptions and practices of female and male members of this sample. …

Working With Children Using Dance/Movement Therapy, Mariah M. Lefeber

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

Movement is a language. We all learned to relate on a nonverbal level before starting to communicate verbally. Thus, this nonverbal language of the body is especially powerful for children, who communicate, navigate relationships, and interact with their environment through movement. An early, healthy connection with their bodies enables children to develop a strong sense of self and dynamic sense of both their body image and physical boundaries. For all of these reasons, dance/ movement therapy is a highly effective modality for working with children. This chapter introduces the field of dance/movement therapy, specifically as it relates to working with …

Strategies Employed By Clergy To Prevent And Cope With Interpersonal Isolation, Ryan C. Staley, Mark R. Mcminn, Kathleen Gathercoal, Kurt Free

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Numerous studies have affirmed that interpersonal isolation is one of the unique challenges clergy face. This study examined the experience of interpersonal isolation among a sample of clergy serving in a senior pastor role by having them complete a modified form of the Social Support Questionnaire, Short Form (SSQSR), as well as six open-ended interview questions. The interview responses of clergy participants were compared based on a median split of the SSQSR satisfaction scores. Analysis of clergy responses revealed several prominent themes in the following areas: barriers to establishing supportive relationships, strategies for establishing and maintaining supportive relationships, lack of …

Barriers To Psychologists Seeking Mental Health Care, Jennifer Lynn Bearse, Mark R. Mcminn, Winston Seegobin, Kurt Free

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Professional psychologists provide help to people in need, but how freely do psychologists seek psychotherapy themselves when facing personal challenges and struggles? What obstacles make it difficult for professional psychologists to seek psychotherapy? A survey of 260 professional psychologists (52% response rate) was conducted to investigate the frequency of various stressors impacting professional psychologists and the barriers they experience in seeking mental health services. Though none of the stressors were rated with particularly high frequencies, burnout was identified as the most frequent problem. Difficulty finding a psychotherapist and a lack of time were identified as the greatest obstacles to seeking …

The Effects Of A Prayer Intervention On The Process Of Forgiveness, Sarah L. Vasiliauskas, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

A vast amount of research examining forgiveness has now been reported, as has a sizable amount of research on prayer, but these two constructs have rarely been examined together. This experimental intervention study investigated potential benefits of prayer among Christians seeking to forgive an interpersonal offense. Participants consisted of 411 undergraduate students from private Christian colleges across the United States, randomly assigned to a prayer group, a devotional attention group, or a no-contact control group. The prayer group participated in a 16-day devotional reading and prayer intervention focused on forgiveness, whereas those in the devotional attention group meditated on devotional …

Spiritual Formation Training In Christian Psychology Doctoral Programs: Introduction To Special Issue, Mark R. Mcminn, Brian Lee Goetsch

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This article introduces a special issue on spiritual formation training in Christian psychology doctoral programs. The importance of spiritual formation in the integration of psychology and Christianity is discussed, with a focus on the person of the psychotherapist. Student-faculty collaboration was valued throughout the preparation of the special issue, from the initial idea to peer reviewing and final editing. Finally, themes observed in the various articles are summarized and continued dialog is encouraged.

Do Funerals Matter? The Purposes And Practices Of Death Rituals In Global Perspective (Book Review), Kristina M. Kays

Faculty Publications - Psychology Department

Reviews the book, "Do Funerals Matter? The Purposes and Practices of DeathRituals in Global Perspective" by William G. Hoy (see record 2013-10676-000). The purpose of this book, “is to assist in acknowledging the need for those [funeral] rites and understanding them” (p. 3). In the 10 chapters in this 208-page text, Hoy examines such topics as funeral practice history, common symbols, value of community, rituals and heritage, inclusion of the physical body in ceremonies, trends in funeral practices and businesses, and clinical values of funeral practices. Hoy’s book offers a brief history of funeral rituals and traditions, with greatest emphasis …

Determinants Of Child Labor In Malawi And Tanzania, Courage C. Mudzongo, Christopher M. Whitsel

Faculty Publications - Psychology Department

Using the Malawi Integrated Household Survey of 2009 and the Tanzania National Panel Survey of 2010, this study seeks to understand the factors that increase a child`s likelihood of labor participation. A greater percentage of children in the Tanzania sample than those from the Malawi sample participate in child labor. Logistic regression analyses showed that, as hypothesized, the greatest influence on child labor observed at the individual level is the child`s school enrollment status. Enrollment reduces the likelihood of engaging in child labor in both countries. When tested in the combined model older children in Tanzania remain at higher risk …

Life Longing In Older Adults, Tyler A. Gerdin

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Determining The Clinical Utility Of The Merrill-Palmer-Revised Scales Of Development In A Sample Of Children With Autistic Disorder, Meaghan E. Peters

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Psychology And Human Flourishing : Gaining Knowledge For Psychology Through Both Philosophy And Science, Chad A. Houchin

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.