Psychology Commons^™

The Effects Of Parental Modeling On The Health-Related Behaviors Of American Indian Adolescents: A Culturally Specific Investigation Of Social Learning Theory, Amy Jo Williams

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Health-compromising behavior is a leading cause of death among American Indian (Al) adolescents. Examples of these behaviors include: smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and lack of seatbelt use. Theories that predict which Al youth are most at risk for executing these behaviors are needed.

Social learning theory (SL T) has shown adolescents' behaviors are sometimes highly correlated with their parents' behaviors across different ethnic groups. However, there has been little previous research done with Als.

The present study attempted to determine if SLT was applicable to Al adolescents and their parents with regard to four health-related behaviors: cigarette smoking, alcohol …

A Longitudinal Study Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms In Preschool-Age Children, Jessica Nicole Greenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common reasons for referral to children's mental health clinics, with an estimated prevalence of 3% to 5% in the general population of school-age children. Children who exhibit the requisite behaviors may obtain a diagnosis of ADHD at any age; however, symptom onset must occur before age 7 and persist for at least 6 months. Despite these temporal requirements for diagnosis, little empirical information about the manifestation and stability of ADHD symptoms in preschool children exists. This study provides information about the initial presence and stability over one academic year of ADHD behaviors …

Mothers' Eating Beliefs And Behaviors And Their Relationship To Daughters' Bulimic And Anorexic Symptoms, Colette M. Candy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The present study examined whether there was a relationship between daughters' eating disorder symptomology and maternal food control and health-conscious eating attitudes. Eighty-eight females with a continuum of eating disorder behaviors (DSM-IV eating disorders through nondieters) and 74 of their mothers participated. Participants completed the Anorexia Bulimia Inventory, two subscales from the Eating Disorder Inventory, the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Family Environment Scale, the Maternal Food Control and Meal Preparation Scale, and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale.

Results indicated that, in general, daughters' reported eating disorder symptomology and perceived familial control were related. Some of the more specific …

Comparison Of Utah And Dodpi Scoring Accuracy: Equating Veracity Decision Rule, Chart Rule, And Number Of Data Channels Used, Stuart M. Senter, Andrew B. Dollins, Donald J. Krapohl, Department Of Defense Polygraph Institute Research Division

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

The performance of scorers using the University of Utah and Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoD PI) physiological detection of deception chart evaluation rules were compared to discover if differences in laboratory-based decision accuracy rates are due to chart evaluation rules. Four scorers (two based at the DoD PI , two based at the University of Utah) evaluated the charts from 100 polygraph examinations (50 deceptive, 50 nondeceptive). We attempted to isolate scorer ability by equating the rules for making veracity decisions, number of charts used, and number of data channels considered. There was no evidence, when these variables were …

Is It Time For Cooperative Learning To Enter American Classrooms?, Donna Sewell

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Education's raison d'etre is to prepare students with the skills necessary for a productive and happy life within society. The fact that many educational institutions are experiencing a disconcerting number of students dropping out of school (and sometimes life itself) may be an indicator that this preparation is less than adequate in meeting their needs. In fact, the needs of a high school graduate today are so different and far-reaching than what they were 30-50 years ago, it will be easier to group them according to a change in economics, transformed demographics and changes in social situations and practices. Each …

Treatment Of Separation Anxiety Disorder And School Refusal: A Comprehensive Review Of The Literature, Nicole Petersen

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which a child or adolescent experiences severe anxiety when separation from a parent or caregiver is imminent. A possible symptom of separation anxiety disorder or other psychological conditions is that the child may refuse to attend school or run away from school during the day, an occurrence commonly referred to as school refusal. Children with separation anxiety disorder or school refusal may, as a result, be limited in their social and educational opportunities. Therefore, a review of published studies on the treatment of separation anxiety disorder and school refusal was completed. To adequately …

The Relationship Of Human Psychological Characteristics With Athletic Performance, Grant P. Murray

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a literature review summary on the topic of the relationship of human psychological characteristics with athletic performance. Two research questions guided its development: (1) Is there any evidence that there is a relationship between individual human psychological characteristics and athletic performance? (2) If there is any evidence that there is a relationship between individual human psychological characteristics and athletic performance, is there further evidence that those individual characteristics translate in some way into group dynamics or attributes that may similarly influence team performance?

The Efficacy Of Group Bereavement Interventions: An Integrative Review Of The Research Literature, Jim D. Sharpnack

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study involves a meta-analysis of the extant English language literature reporting studies of the effectiveness of bereavement therapeutic interventions. Twenty-six studies (20 adult studies; 6 child studies) were located and served as the database for the current meta-analytic study. Questions asked of the studies in this meta-analysis included:

1. Describe background variables of subjects seeking bereavement group interventions.
2. Describe leader variables of persons leading bereavement group interventions.
3. Describe intervention variables in bereavement group interventions.

The major finding of the meta-analysis was that children and adult experimental subjects benefitted from the grief interventions in comparison to their control counterparts. The ratio …

School-Based Primary Prevention Of Internalizing Disorders, Carol M. Moore

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This paper provides an overview of childhood internalizing disorders, including the symptomatology, prevalence rates, comorbidity of other psychopathologies, correlated factors, treatment, and prognosis. Previous research in the area of primary and secondary prevention of depression and anxiety is reviewed, and the need for school-based prevention programs discussed. Several curricular and comprehensive elementary-level programs that are currently available and supported by research are reviewed to highlight their efficacy, theoretical rationale, targeted risk factors, and implementation concerns. Conclusions and recommendations for implementation and future research are presented.

Adolescent Suicide: A Review Of School-Based Suicide Prevention In Middle And High School Settings, Stephanie Anne Alberico

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Suicide has been named a leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds and it is evident that this public health concern warrants specific attention. The purpose of this paper was to review school-based suicide prevention programs. Prior to this review, background information on suicide including prevalence rates and general information on suicide is presented. It has been determined that adolescent males are four times as likely than females to complete suicide while females are twice as likely to attempt suicide. The most common methods of adolescent suicide completion are firearms and explosives while the most common mean of …

The Influence Of Parental Attributions And Parenting Behaviors On The Attributions Utilized By Children With And Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Brent R. Collett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research suggests that the causal attributions utilized by children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differ from those of nonclinical children. Additionally, research indicates differences among the mothers of children with and without ADHD regarding parenting behaviors and attributions for child behavior. In this study, children's attributions, maternal attributions, and maternal discipline styles were examined in ADHD and non-ADHD populations. Participants included 26 children diagnosed with ADHD and their mothers as well as a nonclinical sample of 24 children who had never been diagnosed with ADHD and their mothers. The results support the hypotheses that child and maternal attributions would differ between …

A Follow-Up Study Of A Primary Prevention Program Targeting Childhood Depression, Norman Chris Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Children have not historically been the subject of research focusing on internalizing disorders (i.e., childhood depression), even though childhood depression continues to be viewed as one of the most prevalent affective problem within this population. Over the past two decades, a small portion of that literature describes prevention efforts in public schools. There has been a growing body of literature centered on childhood depression. However, there are only three studies that report on longitudinal findings that have taken a primary prevention approach.

The present study was a follow-up investigation to delineate the effects of a school-based primary prevention program. The …

Use Of The Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Rating Scale With Preschool Children, Penny Ladee Phillips

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder among children and is usually diagnosed during the school years, although symptoms must be present before age 7. As more children enter into preschool programs, there is great opportunity for early identification and treatment of behaviors related to ADHD. The earlier children with symptoms of ADHD are treated, the better their chances of having successful school experiences. Unfortunately, diagnosing ADHD during early childhood is difficult, in part because there is a lack of adequate assessment instruments designed for this age group. The instruments that are available generally do not focus specifically on …

Eating Disorder Risk Factors: A Prospective Analysis, Anne C. Dobmeyer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The current study examined whether elevations on four variables (drive for thinness, depressed mood, maladaptive cognitions, and ineffectiveness) were related to increased risk of developing an eating disorder over a 4-year prospective interval. Subjects (N = 191) were female undergraduates who were assessed with the Anorexia-Bulimia Inventory (ABI), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), and a structured clinical interview.

Results indicated that individuals with elevated scores on each of the four variables at the initial assessment did not show higher absolute eating disorder incidence rates over the 4-year interval. However, initial scores on the four variables together explained approximately 13% of both …

A Case Study Of The Undergraduate Biomedical Research Component Of A Federally Funded Minority Student Development Program, Nancy A. Drickey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Tremendous growth in the biomedical science workforce has increased the need for trained scientists. The current workforce is severely underrepresented by minority groups, particularly Native Americans. To address this issue, the federal government funded programs that encouraged Native American students to participate in undergraduate biomedical science courses and research. One such program, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is the Minority Student Development Program at Northern Arizona University. Little research has been done on educational programs for minority populations.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe qualities and characteristics of the undergraduate research component of the …

The Impact Of The Ideal Thin Body Image On Women, Nicole Hawkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Researchers and clinicians have postulated that the thin-ideal image portrayed in the media leads to body dissatisfaction and negative self-appraisals among women; however, there is little research that has directly examined the effects of these images on women. The purpose of this research investigation was to experimentally examine the effects of exposure to the thin-ideal on women's affect, self-esteem, body satisfaction, and level of internalization of the thin body image. This study also assessed how the thin-ideal image differentially impacted women with a diagnosed eating disorder. College women (N = 145) were randomly exposed to photographs from popular magazines …

The Effects Of Gender And Behavior On Elementary Teachers' Attributional Assumptions About Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Lisa Rollins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Questionnaires compromised of (a) a description of a child (either male or female) exhibiting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviors (either predominately hyperactive/impulsive or predominately inattentive) and (b) 13 questions about the description were completed by 562 regular elementary education teachers in the state of Utah. The questions, which offered teachers a range of responses on a 5 point Likert scale, were designed to assess the extent to which the gender and behaviors of the child described affected the extent to which teachers were able to identify the child as being representative of a child with ADHD, teachers' attributional assumptions …

Latin American Immigrants' Perceptions Of Discrimination And Acquisition Of English As A Second Language As A Result Of Using A Community Social Support Center, Holly Mcfarland

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The associations between Latin American immigrants' use of a community social support center and perceived discrimination and language acquisition were investigated. All variables were measured by respondents' self-reports on a questionnaire designed to obtain demographic data as well as describe the needs of the Latin American community in rural Northern Utah. Chi-square analyses indicated a statistically significant association between use of the center and acquisition of English as a second language. No relationship was found between use of the center and perceived discrimination. The results of this study provide valuable demographic data as well as describe some of the experiences …

The Efficacy Of Treatments For Childhood Depression: An Integrative Review, Kurt David Michael

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Prevalence estimates of child depression are substantial and morbidity leads to an increased risk of recurrence during adolescence and adulthood. Further, early-onset depression is associated with a number of negative outcomes including: poor physical health, social and interpersonal impairments, academic problems, substance abuse, future maladjustment, and suicidal behavior. In light of the prevalence, persistence, and negative outcomes associated with depression in children and adolescents, several treatments ranging from psychosocial to pharmacological interventions have been developed and evaluated. However, the overall efficacy of treatments remains equivocal because the majority of existing reviews of the child and adolescent depression treatment literature are …

A Model Of Freshman Use Of Microcomputers Related To Intellectual And Social Development, Daniel R. Judd

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between freshmen's use of microcomputers and their social and intellectual development in a university environment. A review of related literature describes the theoretical foundation of this research and identifies questionnaire items for measuring the critical variables of microcomputer use and student development. To conduct the study, data obtained from 400 freshman students prior to entering Utah State University (USU) in the fall of 1996 were compared to data collected from the same students during Spring Quarter of 1997. Correlational analysis was used to study changes in freshman students' use of …

Navajo Adolescent Pregnancy: Identifying Ecocultural Factors Among Adolescent Mothers And Their Infants, Jessiline Anderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Understanding the adaptational responses and ecocultural niche of the Navajo adolescent mother from her perspective provides a richness of information about a little-studied population. The overall purpose of this study was to explore the ecocultural factors determined to be significant in the decision of a Navajo adolescent mother to remain in high school or drop out of high school. Thirty Navajo adolescent mothers recruited from two small reservation towns in eastern Arizona participated in the study. Navajo adolescent mothers in the study participated in a one and one half hour semistructured accommodations interview, and completed a Family Resource Scale and …

The Relationship Between Parental Employment Stability And Child Outcome Measures, Thomas Michael Wolfe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The present study investigated the relationship between mothers', fathers', and parents' employment stability and five child cognitive and social outcome measures. A total of 179 children who attended Head Start between 1991 and 1995 participated in the study with their parents. Child outcomes were examined to determine if they varied as a function of employment stability categories. Children of parents possessing stable employment histories had significantly higher Woodcock-Johnson broad knowledge cluster scores than children of parents possessing unstable employment histories. Child outcomes generally did not vary as a function of employment stability categories. Number of employment changes was used to …

Effects Of Perceived Sugar Or Chocolate Intake On Self-Reported Food Cravings, Mood States, And Food Intake: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Lara J. Schultz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Many dieters and compulsive overeaters report that sugar and chocolate are the most commonly craved foods. Further, many individuals have proclaimed themselves to be "addicted" to sugar or chocolate. It remains unclear, however, what factors lead to report of specific food addictions. A number of researchers have suggested that highly repetitive consumption of sugar and chocolate may result from various physiological processes (e.g., neurochemical imbalances, glucose/insulin malfunctioning). However, there is also considerable evidence that psychosocial factors (i.e., expectancies, classical, and operant conditioning) play the major role in the development and maintenance of excessive sugar/chocolate intake. Empirical studies examining factors that …

The Perception And Analysis Of Authentic Graphical Elements : An Empirical Study Of Perceptual Skills And Analytical Tasks That Affect Graphicacy, Derek G. Borman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In this study, the idea that authenticity should be integral to graphicacy research was advanced. That is, graphicacy researchers should use graphical stimuli that most closely approximate graphs as they might be encountered in the real world (i.e., in text books, newspapers, journals, etc.). It was contended that because of the lack of task authenticity and experimental control inherent in past studies of the analytical tasks and perceptual skills underlying graph reading, there was a need for further study of these issues. To this end, a 24-item graphicacy test was devised, such that key graphical elements and specifiers were more …

Estimating R2 Shrinkage In Multiple Regression: A Comparison Of Different Analytical Methods, Ping Yin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of various analytical methods used for estimating R² shrinkage in multiple regression analysis. Two categories of analytical formulae were identified: estimators of the population squared multiple correlation coefficient (ρ²), and estimators of the population cross-validity coefficient (ρ_c²). To avoid possible confounding factors that might be associated with a real data set such as data nonnormality, lack of precise population parameters, different degrees of multicollinearity among the predictor variables, and so forth, the Monte Carlo method was used to simulate multivariate normal sample data, with prespecified population parameters such as …

Interpersonal Aspects Of Attribution And Emotion, Chris L. Treadwell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In Weiner's attributional perspective on emotion, recipients appraise outcomes in terms of three attributional dimensions--locus, controllability, and stability. The specific pattern of inferred attributions determines the nature of the resulting emotional experience. Weiner further claims that a sender's own emotion may serve as a precipitating event for a receiver's resulting attributions and emotions. Parkinson critiques the notion that there are inflexible or unique links among senders' emotions, the attributions conveyed by senders' emotions, and the resulting attributions or emotions aroused in recipients. Parkinson implies instead that the nature of the interpersonal relationship between senders and receivers, independent of attributional inferences, …

The Nonuse Of Figurative Language In Conduct Disordered Adolescents, Mike Berger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationship between the literal language and conduct problems among conduct disordered adolescents was examined in 109 subjects. The inability to use figurative language was found to be positively related to ratings of conduct problems. Both the parents' discipline style and nonuse of figurative language were related to conduct problems in conduct disordered adolescents. The possible role of other variables, for example, age, sex, and IQ, was examined. Possible mechanisms that could relate the lack of figurative competence and conduct problems were explored.

The Effect Of The Estimate Of Resting Metabolic Rate On The Correlation Between Energy Expenditure As Estimated Using Self-Reports Of Physical Activity And Food Intake Records In Older Adults, Judy Hurd

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study measured total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in adults at least 50 years of age. The goal was to determine the effect of the estimate of resting metabolic rate (RMR) on the relationship between energy expenditure estimates made using (a) self-reports of physical activity and (b) food intake records. The objectives were to determine if (a) RMR estimates based on body composition, body weight, and the metabolic cart were strongly related to each other, and (b) TDEE estimates based on a 7-day physical activity diary and a 7-day food intake record were more strongly related to each other when …

An Evaluation Study Of Site-Based Managed Behaviors In A Rural Utah School, Barbara R. S. Soriano

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Site-based management (SBM) in schools can trace its roots back to two phenomena, citizen's movements in large cities such as New York in the late 1960s and decentralization efforts of business in the 1970s. Both were done in the belief that achieving a better result can be done 11 through decisions made by the people closest to the process. Site-based management programs are diverse. Some stress one aspect, the restructuring of the school administration and program to affect achievement. Other schools stress a second aspect, the empowerment of teachers and stakeholders to make administrative decisions.

Whichever emphasis chosen, several changes …

The Effect Of Biofeedback Training On Marital Communication And Physiological Arousal, Kent E. Nabers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is well documented that the communication patterns of distressed couples are characterized by more negative and fewer positive behaviors. It has also been postulated that there is an association between physiological arousal and negative behaviors. According to this theory, as individuals become increasingly aroused, the number of negative behaviors also increases. This study explored the relationship between physiological arousal and marital communication. The three couples participating in the study received intensive biofeedback training with the hypothesis that an ability to control physiological arousal would result in improved marital communications. The Rapid Couples Interaction Scoring System was employed as a …