Psychology Commons^™

Rule Breaking In Corporations: Does Leadership And Seriousness Make A Difference?, Marissa T. Montagna, Ellen S. Cohn

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Traditional (Non-Affirming) Black Church Affiliation On Exploration Of Sexual Identity For Black Assigned Female At Birth Lgbq+ Individuals And The Associated Mental Health Risk, Aurielle J. Sutton

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explored the impact of Black traditional church upbringing on the sexual and religious identity development, including the subsequent mental health risk, for Black assigned female at birth (AFAB) LGBQ+ individuals. Studies conducted on Black AFAB LGBQ+ individuals are limited, especially in terms of  assessing their experiences in sexual identity development based on religious upbringings. Studies have overlooked the experience of LGBQ+ Black AFAB individuals navigating sexual orientation development and religious and racial identities. Studies have greatly favored Black gay men and supported health risks such as HIV. In the present study, twelve Black AFAB Queer individuals participated in …

White, Heterosexual, Cisgender Male Experiences With Contemporary Masculinity Language, Marcus D. Kako

Doctoral Dissertations

Studies suggest that rigid adherence to tenets of traditional masculinity (e.g., dominance, restrictive emotionality, aggression) can lead to adverse physical and mental health outcomes in men and marginalized groups (e.g., Burke, 2002; Jampel et al., 2020; Jewkes et al., 2011; Mesler et al., 2022). However, literature demonstrates that many men have an aversion to changing thoughts, values, and behaviors related to traditional masculinity, and that the language used to discuss these changes affects men’s willingness to engage in adopting new perspectives and values (e.g., Smedley & Croffie, 2023; Stein, 2018). Thus, this dissertation focuses on understanding how White, heterosexual, cisgender …

A Qualitative Exploration Of The Attitudes And Perceptions Of Female Immigrants Of Chinese Descent Regarding Access To Mental Health Services, Ming Wai Myra Kan

Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the lived experiences and meaning-making of Chinese immigrants’ attitudes and perceptions of mental disorders and mental health-seeking behaviors in the US. This study also explored the cultural and structural barriers to mental health services in the US. A total of six participants were interviewed in this study, and the interviews were conducted in English and Cantonese. Eligible participants identified as being of Chinese descent who immigrated to the US from Hong Kong or Mainland China and were over the age of 18. IPA analysis revealed seven themes: Cultural Identity, Post-Migration Adjustment …

Association Between Anxiety And Rrbs In Autistic Youth: Role Of Ethnicity, Catherine Rita Callaci

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Autistic youth are at elevated risk for developing co-occurring anxiety symptoms (Zaboski & Storch, 2018), which are shown to be related to restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs; Rogers et al., 2012). Despite similar rates of autism in Latinx as in non-Latinx White youth, limited research has been conducted in the Latinx population. Participants were autistic youth and youth with developmental delays (DD; N = 199, Mage = 4.98 years, Latinx = 66.3%, Male = 66.3%) from two larger randomized controlled trials investigating parenting stress. Child anxiety was measured via the Spence Anxiety Scales total anxiety T-scores. RRBs were measured via Repetitive …

Associations Between Sexual And Gender Minority Stress Exposure And Schizophrenia-Like Experiences In The South, Lillian A. Hammer

Dissertations

Background: Negative experiences related to one’s minority identity serve as stressors contributing to mental health concerns for those identifying as a sexual and/or gender minority (SGM). SGM groups have greater severity of some mental health symptoms than non-SGM individuals, yet it is poorly understood whether these findings extend to schizophrenia-like experiences (SLEs). SLEs are associated with significant distress and may indicate risk for the development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Associations between exposure to minority stress and SLEs are underexplored. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing whether exposure to SGM-related minority stress was related to SLEs using ecological …

Familismo: Exploring A Culturally Sensitive Correlation Between Parentification And Relationship Satisfaction Amongst First Generation Mexican-American Adults Through An Attachment Theory Lens, Ana K. Perez

Dissertations

Parentification refers to the role reversal of children who take on adult responsibility to care for family members. This role is often filled by Mexican-American children as a result of immigration and assimilation. This study explored the relationship between parentification and adult romantic relationship satisfaction among first-generation Mexican-American adults, with particular attention to the moderating roles of attachment styles and perceived unfairness. While earlier research has linked parentification to mental health challenges, few studies have examined its long-term impact on intimate relationships, including relationship satisfaction and experiences of intimate partner violence. A total of 132 participants completed an online survey …

Combat And Beyond: Predictors Of Post-Traumatic Growth In War Zone Veterans, Gabriela Crucianu

Dissertations

Veterans returning from combat often face psychological challenges, but many also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG), which refers to positive changes that can emerge after trauma. This study explored whether coping strategies, personal characteristics, social support, and combat exposure were associated with PTG in a sample of 42 war zone veterans using quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants completed validated measures assessing combat exposure, coping strategies, social support, personal characteristics (e.g., optimism), and PTG. Regression analyses showed that combat exposure, coping strategies, and optimism were not significant predictors of overall PTG. However, combat exposure was associated with appreciation for life, a dimension …

Childhood Emotional Maltreatment And Its Associations With Internalizing And Externalizing Symptoms In Emerging Adults, Amira C. Wallace

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This study examines how childhood emotional maltreatment influences mental health symptoms among college students aged 18 to 25, specifically exploring its association with increased prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression symptoms in emerging adulthood. The relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment and internalizing and/or externalizing mental health symptoms will be assessed using questionnaires. This study aims to provide recommendations for the development of supportive and inclusive academic environments that facilitate informed conversations and interventions regarding childhood maltreatment. Findings could provide valuable information about students with histories of childhood maltreatment to academic institutions, which could in turn be used …

Impact Of An All-Gender Cabin Intervention At A Residential Summer Camp On Self-Esteem And Perceived Social Support In Lgbtq+ Youth, Suzanne D. Dinubile

Doctoral Dissertations

This study is a program evaluation with a mixed-methods design that evaluated the impact of Camp Tawonga’s All-Gender Cabin Intervention and LGBTQ+ programming showed no statistically significant changes, likely due to small sample size, but descriptive trends indicated improved outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth in All-Gender cabins. Semi-structured interviews with six LGBTQ+ campers revealed increased self-awareness and acceptance, empowerment, self-confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community, along with positive interactions with non-LGBTQ+ peers. Notably, the three campers in All-Gender cabins highlighted unique themes of identity affirmation, emotional and behavioral growth, and relief from minority stress. Findings support …

Mindfulness And Anxiety Symptoms: The Role Of Cognitive Reappraisal In Community Adults, Calla L. Pritulsky

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition worldwide and contributes to substantial societal costs, personal distress, and impairment (World Health Organization, 2023). Given its high prevalence, low treatment utilization, and modest response rates, identifying protective factors to inform prevention efforts is critical (Mamede et al., 2022; Mendelson & Eaton, 2018). Mindfulness, or the ability to nonjudgmentally pay attention to the present moment, comprises five key facets: observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging, and nonreactivity (Baer et al., 2006b). Although mindfulness is inversely associated with anxiety, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Desrosiers et al., 2013). Cognitive reappraisal, defined …

Medical Distrust And Willingness To Engage In Mental Healthcare: The Moderating Roles Of Mental Health Literacy And Stigma Among Rural Populations, Alex Cudd

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Healthcare and mental healthcare disparities among rural communities in the United States remain a persistent and growing public health concern, driven by both structural barriers and sociocultural factors that continue to compromise rural community members’ utilization of healthcare services. Though structural barriers to rural healthcare are well-documented, there are continued gaps in the literature related to the understanding of sociocultural mechanisms contributing to these disparities. The present study investigated the influence of medical distrust, mental health literacy, and perceived public stigma on attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among rural adults living within the United States. A sample of 240 …

Turning To The Sacred: The Role Of Religious/Spiritual Coping In Psychological Outcomes Of Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Vanessa S. Tomasik

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are widespread and associated with significant and lasting psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and dissociation. Much of the existing literature has focused on adult trauma or narrowly examined childhood abuse and neglect, with comparatively limited attention given to other forms of childhood adversity such as witnessing intimate partner violence, parental separation, or household dysfunction. As a result, the differential psychological impact of distinct types of ACE exposure (i.e., maltreatment vs. household dysfunction) remains insufficiently understood. Emerging literature on coping identifies religious and spiritual (R/S) coping as an important factor in trauma adaptation. Positive R/S …

Telling Her Story, Reclaiming Her Power: A Narrative-Based Group Intervention For Women Impacted By Intimate Partner Violence, Marisa E. Busquets

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Intimate partner violence (IPV) constitutes a significant public health concern, adversely impacting women’s physical health, psychological functioning, and narrative identity. While existing group interventions, such as The Power to Change manual, provide structured psychoeducational and empowerment-based programming, few adequately address the disruptions to identity and meaning-making processes that often accompany experiences of abuse. The present doctoral specialty project proposes the development of a manualized group intervention for adult women impacted by IPV, grounded in the theoretical and clinical principles of narrative therapy. Narrative therapy conceptualizes identity as an evolving life story shaped by sociocultural and political contexts, and its techniques, …

Embracing Social Media In Identity Exploration And Treatment, Sharon G. Stalions

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

In recent years, Americans are utilizing social media, and particularly video-based social media like TikTok. At the same time, and potentially in response to the ease of access to mental health information online, Americans are increasingly seeking diagnoses. This can be seen not only for mood disorders, but of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Clinicians are no longer the gatekeepers to information on mental health diagnosis, and some communities question the relevance and validity of a professional diagnosis at all. As digital natives become adult therapy consumers, it is important that clinicians …

Braiding More Than Sweetgrass: A Proposed Support Group Model For (Non)Tribal Native Americans In Recovery, Sara Cannon

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Native Americans (also referred to as American Indian/Alaska Natives or Indigenous persons) have too often been neglected in mental health interventions. This is a disservice, as they are disproportionately affected by challenges such as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Interventions directly speaking to AI/AN culture are rare to non-existent (at least in a published form), with the exception of White Bison’s Wellbriety (White Bison, 2002, 2024). It is not all together uncommon for individuals with Native roots to seek to (re)learn these traditions while in recovery from alcoholism and addiction. The aim of this project is …

The Roles Of Trauma, Secrecy, And Epistemic Mistrust In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder On Socioemotional Outcomes, Rina Goldstein

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Former research has shown that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has significant negative implications for people’s socioemotional functioning. Additionally, trauma and ADHD have been biologically and bidirectionally connected in the literature. A notable gap exists in the literature regarding how ADHD and trauma interact to affect socioemotional functioning. The following study sought to examine epistemic mistrust as a potential mediating factor between ADHD and socioemotional functioning, when moderated by trauma. Specifically, childhood interpersonal trauma was expected to amplify ADHD’s negative impact on socioemotional functioning, partially explained by epistemic mistrust. Additionally, disclosure of trauma and others’ reactions to disclosure were examined as …

Evaluating Suicidal Ideation Measures: A Comparative Review Of Characteristics And Accessibility, Eliza Hope Laves

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

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Measures of suicidal ideation have been included within both research and clinical settings to help medical and mental health professionals alike address and prevent suicide related deaths, especially since the rise of suicide as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. However, many people across different …

The Benefits Of Mindfulness And Nondual Awareness In Tibetan Mind-Body Practices, Michael E. Szczechowski

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

There is abundant research on the various benefits of different mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in both clinical and non-clinical populations, but research investigating variables related to the beneficial effects on wellness often linked to mindfulness has been limited to investigating a select few MBIs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Additionally, little research exists currently on non-dual awareness (NDA) (Hanley et al., 2018). In many traditions from which mindfulness practices are derived, NDA is conceptualized as an experience in which one achieves a transient state of profound awareness, often through meditation practice. Although NDA is often seen as a powerful and …

Shadow Garments: Costume Creation For Integrating Alienated Parts Of The Self, Mega M. Galvin

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study explores costume creation as a narrative-based intervention for integrating "shadow" parts, or aspects of the self that are repressed or alienated due to shame, trauma, or social pressure. Grounded in Jungian analytic psychology, narrative therapy, and expressive arts theory, the research addresses the limitations of traditional talk therapy in accessing somatic memory and proposes costume making as a pathway for externalization and re-authorship. Using a qualitative, participatory study inspired by Pat B. Allen’s Open Studio Process, four adult participants engaged in a three-session workshop to design, construct, and wear costumes representing their identified shadow aspects. Data was collected …

The Impact Of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention In Rolling-Admission Format On Mental Health Outcomes Of Adults In Residential Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Alice Laughlin

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Opioid use disorder is associated with serious psychological, social, and public health consequences. Co-occurring mental health difficulties further complicate recovery, underscoring the need for interventions that address psychological well-being alongside substance use. This study examined the impact of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention adapted for rolling admission (MBRP-RA) on trait mindfulness, global mental health, and abstinence self-efficacy among adults in residential treatment for opioid use disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to adjunctive MBRP-RA plus treatment as usual (MBRP+TAU) or treatment as usual (TAU) only. Two-way mixed analyses of variance indicated significant treatment condition × time point interactions for trait mindfulness and global …

Breaking The Silence: Investigating The Impact Of Stigma On Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Adults With A History Of Adverse Childhood Experiences In Ghana, Deborah Amoako-Atta

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

In Ghana, cultural beliefs often silence open discussion about mental health. Many view emotional struggles as spiritual weakness, leading to stigma and avoidance of care. For adults who experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), this silence can worsen the long-term impact of trauma. While Western research links stigma to reduced help-seeking and shows that trauma knowledge can promote openness, little is known about how these relationships function within Ghana’s cultural context. This cross-sectional study examined how stigma and trauma knowledge influence help-seeking behaviors among 103 Ghanaian adults (ages 19-62, M = 30.0; 49% women) with childhood adversity histories. Participants completed anonymous …

The Relation Between Stress, Self-Esteem, University Belongingness, And Disciplinary History In Undergraduate Students, Emily R. Brown

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

This study examined the relation between student conduct history and psychosocial characteristics, including university belongingness, perceived stress, and self-esteem, among undergraduate students at West Chester University. A total of 392 students ages 18–25 completed self-report measures via Qualtrics, including the University Belongingness Questionnaire (UBQ), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Participants were recruited through the SONA system and in collaboration with the Office of Student Conduct to include students with and without a documented conduct record. Results from independent samples t-tests indicated that students with a conduct record reported significantly higher levels of university belongingness …

Evaluating Measurement Models Of Problematization: Connections With Identity Empowerment And Community Connectedness, Angel Long

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Consistent with Liberation theory, problematization is the process of creating critical reflection, a means by which critical consciousness occurs. It is a method for understanding issues faced by oppressed populations, while centering the perspective of these populations. Within Liberation spaces, problematization is critical for fostering critical consciousness, disrupting oppression, and promoting strength. However, problematization is a theoretical concept frame from narrative responses and lived experiences of marginalized individuals. There are few resources highlighting depictions of problematizing/critical consciousness and cultural strengths captured by measures of BIPOC community functioning. Therefore, there is a need to empirically evaluate major tenets of the concept …

The Impact Of A Play-Based Nature Camp On Self-Regulation In School-Age Children, Margaret Berkemeyer

Doctoral Dissertations

This study is a program evaluation with a mixed-methods design that evaluated the effectiveness of Y Rangers, a summer camp offered by the YMCA of San Francisco, in increasing the self-regulation abilities of school-age children. A total of 18 caregivers completed the quantitative portion of this study that included pre/post-test analyses of self-regulation measures. There were no statistically significant changes between pre and post assessments of self-regulation. A subset of seven caregivers and three Y Rangers counselors participated in interviews, the transcripts of which were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Caregivers experienced Y Rangers as a unique opportunity for their …

The Relationship Between Acculturative Stress, Body Dissatisfaction, And Disordered Eating Behavior Among Latina Women In The United States, Emily Lillian Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations

The majority of research on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors focuses predominantly on the experiences of white women, neglecting the significant impact of acculturative stress on these issues, especially among understudied groups like Latina women. The present study seeks to address the gap in the literature by obtaining data that explores the extent to which acculturative stress, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behavior have a relationships. Additionally, it investigates the roles of cultural values and ethnic identification in protecting against body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior within this population. To determine whether acculturative stress is predictive of body dissatisfaction …

Beyond Symptoms: Examining Perinatal Mental Health Care Among Black, Indigenous And People Of Color With Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, Vinaya Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are as a public health concern in the United States. Individuals from minoritized racial/ethnic groups face a significantly elevated risk of maternal morbidity, mortality, mental health disorders, and associated adverse outcomes. Emerging studies also reveal a higher likelihood of experiencing perinatal mental health concerns in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), currently known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). People who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC) face unique healthcare challenges given the added structural and social burdens. This online survey study aimed to 1) understand the relationship between PMOS …

Perceptions, Attitudes, And Experiences Of Persons Who Work In Forensic Mental Health Systems, Abigail Wiser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The forensic mental health system serves clients with dual needs —serious mental health concerns like psychosis and suicidality, and management of risk. Experiences and perceptions of professional and direct care staff may impact daily and therapeutic interactions and client success. These experiences may be marked by stigma, such as beliefs about what led to hospitalization, treatability of mental health concerns, and intentionality of behavior. Understanding this stigma, as well as the role of vicarious trauma, workplace burnout, and other relevant individual factors, may help us understand staff experiences and guide training, thus improving client care. 146 staff members across three …

Ring Ring Goes The Telephone, Answer That Email: The Immediacy Of Information Communication Technologies And Their Effects On Employee Well-Being, Concepcion Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Rapid technological advances have resulted in information communication technologies (ICTs) with revolutionary capabilities, allowing employees easy access to the workplace without the impediments of time or space. Initial inception of ICTs in the workplace were expected to increase autonomy (Heller, 1989), but the ability to be reachable at any time proved disadvantageous to employee well-being by creating a culture in which immediate responses were expected and precipitating the psychological phenomenon of workplace telepressure, an overwhelming preoccupation and urge experienced by workers to respond to work-related messages (Barber & Santuzzi, 2015; Mazmanian et al., 2013). The current study centered on exploring …

Effects Of Social Comparison Instructions On Affect, Motivation For Healthy Behavior, And Health Behavior Selections: Guidance To Identify Or Contrast, Raj Harsora

Theses and Dissertations

Engaging in healthy behaviors early in life is crucial for preventing noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. College is an optimal period to establish these habits, yet students often engage in poor dietary and physical activity practices; thus, identifying effective health behavior change techniques for this population is essential. Social comparisons are known to influence health behaviors, yet no research has tested comparison instructions as a behavior change technique, particularly identification versus contrast with upward and downward targets. Using a preregistered protocol (https://osf.io/z29en), we tested whether guiding college students (N=664) to identify with or contrast …