Psychology Commons^™

Screening For Mental Health Issues: Past Training And Current Practice Ofphysical Therapists, Amy E. K. Aadland

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Given the prevalence of mental health issues in the United States, increased screening measures are necessary to identify and treat individuals affected by mental health disorders. Literature indicates comorbidity between chronic pain, making those who experience chronic pain good candidates for focused screening efforts. Physical therapists are potential screeners since they frequently treat individuals with chronic pain. A survey sent to physical therapists to assess their previous training and attitudes towards mental health issues in the physical therapy environment indicated that the mental health of a patient played a role in the success of physical therapy. Previous training also played …

Training In The Use Of Psychotherapy Outcome Assessment Measures At Psychology Internship Sites, James M. Mours, Clark D. Campbell, Kathleen Gathercoal, Mary K. Peterson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

American Psychological Association accredited psychology internship training programs (N = 407) were surveyed concerning their attitudes, beliefs, and practices with regard to outcome assessment measures. Results indicated that 47% of surveyed sites use outcome measures for assessment, and 66% used these measures for diagnostic purposes. In addition, 79% of respondents supported using outcome assessment measures to evaluate client progress, 61% supported training interns in the use of outcome assessment measures, and 87% felt outcome assessment measures would increase in importance in the future. The discrepancy between support for outcome assessment measures and actual use is discussed and recommendations provided.

Observed Reductions In School Bullying, Nonbullying Aggression, And Destructive Bystander Behavior: A Longitudinal Evaluation, Karin S. Frey, Miriam K. Mirschstein, Leihua V. Edstrom, Jennie L. Snell

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This study was a longitudinal extension of a random control trial of the Steps to Respect antibullying program. Students in Grades 3–5 were surveyed (n = 624) and observed on the playground (n = 360). Growth curve models of intervention students showed 2-year declines in playground bullying, victimization, nonbullying aggression, destructive bystander, and argumentative behavior. Grade-equivalent contrasts indicated group differences in all problem behaviors. Problem behaviors in the control group increased or remained stable across grade. Intervention group students reported less difficulty responding assertively to bullying compared with control students. Within both groups, older students perceived themselves to be more …

Fasd Best: Reliability And Validity Study, C. Joe Robbins, Glena Andrews

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Profiles Of Adolescent Identity Development: Response To An Intervention For Alcohol/Other Drug Problems, Larry F. Forthun, Marilyn J. Montgomery

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The purpose of this study was to examine identity development among adolescents participating in an after-school alcohol/other drug (AOD) abuse intervention program (8 females and 12 males, ages 14–17) to identify how identity development was associated with intervention success. To achieve this goal we (a) garnered information from two identity interviews conducted during the first week of the intervention and 6 to 8 weeks later; (b) adopted a qualitative, person-centered analytical strategy to identify identity profiles; and (c) examined the intervention response of the adolescents, as recorded in intervention documents, in the different identity profile groups. Analyses revealed five identity …

Resisting A Separatist Position As A “Distinctively Christian Psychology”, Anna Berardi, Nancy S. Thurston

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Teaching Integration Outside The Traditional Classroom, Amy W. Dominguez, Mark R. Mcminn, Gary W. Moon

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Today's educational environment is being transformed by online technologies that open new venues for teaching and make education accessible far beyond the traditional classroom environment. How rrught these changes affect the ways we teach the integration of psychology and Christianity? Three faculty members dialogue about such integration opportunities, advantages, and potential disadvantages.

Acculturation And The Body Image Of Alaska Native Women, Travis Williams, Rodger K. Bufford, Nancy S. Thurston, Kathleen Gathercoal

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This study examined the way acculturation affects Alaska Native women’s body perception. A secondary goal was to establish an understanding of interactions of native peoples with the majority society. Little research has been conducted regarding the ways in which indigenous people are affected by societal norms, although much research has identified how immigrant people groups are affected. It was hypothesized that while the ideal body image of both cultures may be similar as a result of adherence to cultural norms, the Alaska Native sample would be more accepting of their bodies than the White Alaskan sample. It was hypothesized for …

Starting Well: Facilitating The Middle School Transition, Mary A. Peterson, Elizabeth Hamilton, Aaron D. Russell

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

School-based mental health programming is a viable intervention because it can provide evidenced-based-treatment (EBT) while avoiding the typical service barriers. In this study, 119 students (ages 10 to 12) were randomly assigned to participate in either a 24-session Coping Power Program (CPP) or a control group. Using the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children-2 (BASC-2), teachers reported significant improvements over time for all students (Attention Problems, Hyperactivity, Externalizing Problems, and Withdrawal, and Study Skills). However, teachers reported that students participating in the CPP showed significantly greater improvement than controls (Learning Problems, School Problems, Behavior Symptom Index, Social Skills, and Adaptive Skills). …

Reading In Graduate School: A Survey Of Doctoral Students In Clinical Psychology, Mark R. Mcminn, Anne Tabor, Bobby L. Trihub, Laura Taylor, Amy W. Dominguez

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

To what extent do graduate students in clinical psychology complete assigned readings? A total of 744 graduate students in American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral programs completed an online survey regarding reading in graduate school (67% response rate, of those viewing the survey). The reported amount of assigned reading varied widely, with an average of 330 pages per week. Compliance ratings suggested that about half the assigned reading is completed thoroughly and that thorough reading is more common than skimming or not reading assigned material. Motivating and hindering factors for reading are reported, and implications for faculty are considered.

Homeschoolers' Perspectives On Homeschooling , Olivia Carson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Self-Perception And Faith Maturity , Ryan Dale Thompson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Ethical Challenges And Opportunities At The Edge: Incorporating Spirituality And Religion Into Psychotherapy, John C. Gonsiorek, P. Scott Richards, Kenneth I. Pargament, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Incorporating spirituality and religion into psychotherapy has been controversial, but recent contributions have argued the importance and provided foundations for doing so. Discussions of ethical challenges in this process are emerging, and this contribution discusses several preliminary issues, relying on the Resolution on Religious, Religion-Based and/or Religion-Derived Prejudice adopted by the American Psychological Association in 2007, as guidance when used with the American Psychological Association’s (2002) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Specifically, this discussion of preliminary challenges addresses competence, bias, maintaining traditions and standards of psychology, and integrity in labeling services for reimbursement. Commentators deepen the discussion, …

What American Psychological Association Leaders Have To Say About "Psychology Of Religion And Spirituality", Mark R. Mcminn, William L. Hathaway, Scott Woods, Kimberly N. Snow

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

What do American Psychological Association (APA) leaders have to say about the new journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality? A survey was sent to 204 current APA council representatives and divisional residents, yielding 63 completed questionnaires (31% response rate). Respondents generally affirmed the importance of religion and spirituality as topics of inquiry in psychology. Although not highly religious themselves, respondents recognize religion and spirituality as important aspects of human diversity. In considering the new journal, current APA leaders who responded to the survey are particularly interested in articles relating religion and spirituality to health and coping and articles considering …

Integration In The Classroom: Ten Teaching Strategies, Mark R. Mcminn, Gary W. Moon, Angela G. Mccormick

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Teaching integration involves engaging students as active participants in the unfolding relationship of psychology and Christianity, with a particular focus on integration. Ten specific teaching strategies are offered to help students enter into the challenges and opportunities of integration. The teaching strategies are organized according to Moon's (1997) four directions for integration: practical, personal, classic, and contemporary.

Cultural Transitions During Childhood And Adjustment To College, Emily Hervey

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Some research has been done on Third Culture Kids (TCKs), those who grow up outside of their parent’s culture and build relationships with the multiple cultures during their developmental years (Pollock & Van Reken, 2001). Steps have been taken to address the needs in preparing TCKs for college (Wyse, 1998), but some still face difficulties in adjustment (Cockburn, 2002). This study was designed to look for correlations between the pattern of transitions during childhood and the success in adjustment into college for Missionary Kids (MKs), a subgroup of TCKs. It is hypothesized that MKs who had more negative experiences in …

Demonic Influence And The Christian: Issues And Implications For Counseling, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The question of whether Christians can be demon possessed is both controversial and complex.The issues involved include the nature of possession, the possibility of demonic deceivers, thefact of two spiritual kingdoms, the fact that Christians are sealed by the Holy Spirit, the activitiesof Satan and demons, the possibility of wolvesappearing in sheep’s clothing, the difficulty ofdiscerning tares and wheat, the possibility ofgrieving and quenching the Holy Spirit, theproblem of Christians walking after the flesh,and the complicating roles of the world and theflesh. As whole beings, spiritual and psychological factors interact; assessment and interventionmust reflect this. Suggested strategies include spiritual disciplines, …

Being Human , Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Sexual Orientation Among Men Associated With Christian Groups: A Discriminant Analysis, Rodger K. Bufford, James Born, Wayne E. Colwell, W Brad Johnson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

The Persistence Of Sleep Disturbance In Children Evaluated For Autism Spectrum Disorders: Predictive Factors And The Impact Of Co-Occurring Diagnoses, Celeste Elana Flachsbart

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Mounting research suggests that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other clinical diagnoses demonstrate a higher prevalence of sleep problems than typically-developing children. Additionally, sleep problems are related to a number of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral concerns in pediatric populations. Limited research exists comparing sleep problems in children with ASDs with sleep problems in other clinical populations, or exploring the length of these sleep problems.

The current study sought to explore the development and improvement of sleep problems over one year, as well as predictors to help identify children at high risk for persistent sleep problem. Impact of age, …

Investigation Of Motivations And Supports For Continued Foster Parenting, Rebekah Cline

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Recent research notes that foster parents, particularly in Oregon, are difficult to retain past a period of eight months. Further, the average stay in the foster care system for a child in Oregon is fourteen months, necessitating an average of two moves during that time for the majority of foster children. Despite this concern, there remains a limited body of literature addressing the problem of increasing foster parents' tenure. The literature that is available notes that the more frequently a child has to move foster homes the greater the likelihood that they will develop mental illnesses such as PTSD. In …

Christian Narratives Of Forgiveness: An Examination Of Components Used By Christian Laypeople In The Process Of Forgiveness, Heath H. Fervida

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

There is rising interest in forgiveness within the social sciences; however, the religious roots of forgiveness are often overlooked. The primary aim of this research was to assess whether those of Christian faith have unique elements in their forgiveness process. Motives and mechanism of forgiveness were assessed in 100 Christian narratives of forgiveness and then considered in light of current process models. The results of this analysis show that Christians incorporate the main components of current process models; however, they also approach them with motives and mechanisms unique to the Christian faith. Their understanding of God and a relationship with …

The Role Of Spirituality And The Impact On Social Responsibility, Jonathan Ridenour, Clark D. Campbell, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Research on social responsibility shows that community and social organizations play an important role in developing social responsibility. Religious groups comprise a considerable number of community and social organizations. The present study explored the impact of spirituality on social responsibility and assumed a positive correlation. Measures included a demographic questionnaire with questions about religious affiliation and social service, the Social Responsibility Scale (Starrett, 1996) which measures global social responsibility and social activism, the Religious Orientation Scale (ROS) by Allport and Ross (1967) which measures Intrinsic (I) and Extrinsic (E) religious orientation, and the Quest scale (Q) by Batson and Schoenrade …

An Exploration Of The Differences In Psychology Faculty And Graduate Students' Participation In Mental Health Legislation And Barriers To Advocacy, Jennifer Marie Gronholt

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

There has been limited investigation into the reasons why, despite positive attitudes toward the concept of activism, psychologists do not frequently participate in advocacy of professional issues. The purpose of this study is to explore the differences between faculty and graduate student participation in legislative advocacy and to identify the barriers to participation in advocacy in general for both faculty and graduate students. Graduate students and faculty members from psychology graduate programs affiliated with the National Council of Schools of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) were asked to participate in an email survey. Faculty members were found to participate more frequently than …

Promoting Positive Youth Development The Miami Youth Development Project (Ydp), William M. Kurtines, Laura Ferrer-Wreder, Steven L. Berman, Carolyn Cass Lorente, Ervin Briones, Marilyn J. Montgomery, Richard Albrecht, Arlen J. Garcia, Ondina Arrufat

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The Miami Youth Development Project (YDP) had its beginnings in the early 1990s as a grassroots response to the needs of troubled (multiproblem) young people in the community (Arnett, Kurtines, & Montgomery, 2008, this issue). YDP is an important outcome of efforts to create positive youth development interventions that draw on the strengths of developmental intervention science outreach research in the development of community-supported positive development programs (i.e., an approach that focuses on meeting community needs as well as youth needs by generating innovative knowledge of evidence-based change intervention strategies that are feasible, affordable, and sustainable in “real world” settings, …

Adolescent Values And Exercise Behaviors, Kameron C. Dill

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in adolescent obesity in America (Mayo Clinic, 2006). Given this, there is a corresponding need to develop targeted adolescent obesity interventions. The current study examined how a psychosocially based intervention impacted adolescents' perceived value, frequency, and amount of exercise. Participants included 55 adolescents, (28 male, 26 female) ranging in age from 15-18. Separated by class, the three groups included one control group and two separate intervention groups. All groups completed an Exercise Checklist (Anshel, 2006), measuring the value, :frequency, and amount of exercise prior to any intervention. Classes then received different …

Attitudes And Practices Of Clergy Members In Rural And Urban Areas, Susan Dutcher

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

As mental health professionals become increasingly aware of the importance of religious values to clients there should be attempts not only to incorporate religion therapeutically but also to develop effective alliances with religious experts, in particular, members of the clergy. Since clergy are often on the frontlines of mental health issues, further research regarding referral patterns and collaboration is necessary. Clergy may be especially important in mental health care for rural communities where there is often a lack of adequate mental health resources and limited education surrounding mental health problems. The purpose of this study encompassed several different objectives. First, …

Escape From Alcatraz : Finding Safety And Peace, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Article published in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 2008, Vol. 27, No. 1, 66-72

An Outcome Evaluation Of Marble Retreat’S Psychotherapy Program, Scott Koeneman, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Clinical Ethics And A Christian Worldview: Imago Dei In Clinical Practice, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Worldviews address five questions of what exists, how we know it, how things work, right and wrong, and who we are. A Christian worldview can subtly or profoundly change our approach to ethical clinical practice. This presentation explores how each aspect of a Christian worldview may shape our practices.