Psychology Commons^™

Emotional Stroop Effects: Eating Disorders And Obesity, Kristy Anne Kuehfuss

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study addresses the effects of emotional valence on selective processing of body-shape related words in young women who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or obesity, and non-clinical controls. Research in the area of emotional Stroop interference has indicated that persons with eating disorders, particularly anorectics, show elevated latencies in naming colors of words related to food or body-shape, in contrast to either neutral words, or to non-clinical control groups. One intriguing issue regarding the emotional Stroop interference among various clinical populations relates to the question of whether the interference is due to the emotionality of the relevant words or to …

The Relations Of Pain, Religious Coping, And Depression In Fibromyalgia Patients, Derek O. Bacchus

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study attempted to examine the relationship between Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) pain, religious coping, and depression. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), RCOPE, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess these constructs in 50 participants. The sample was primarily middle aged and female, which is typical of the FMS population. This study used multiple regression to make assumptions about the causal progression of the variables. Study findings show that religious coping does not appear to significantly mediate the strong relationship between FMS pain and depression. This research served to uncover …

Female Patients’ Perspectives On The Stages Of Eating Disorder Recovery, Cherish C. Knoll

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Eating disorders are severe psychiatric disorders that most commonly begin in the female population during adolescence and across ethnicity (Lucas, 2004). However, the face of eating disorders is changing as they become more apparent across cultures and lifespan, impacting both young and aging women as well as males. In the past few decades progress has been made in the diagnostic, treatment, and recovery phases of eating disorders. These gains have contributed to a better understanding of eating disorders, assisting in the decrease of mortality and morbidity rates seen in eating disorder patients. Nevertheless, there are significant challenges that still remain …

The Effects Of Communication On Adolescent Sexual Behavior In Eastern Europe, Sharon Mieras Perugini

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

HIV/AIDS rates have continued to rise in Eastern Europe where adolescents are particularly vulnerable. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) has successfully been applied to understanding adolescent sexual risk behavior and provides a theoretical framework for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. According to TRA, attitudes and subjective norms predict behaviors via the mediating role of intentions, and in order to have an impact on behavior, changes must occur at the attitude and subjective norm level. Because parents have been found to influence their children's attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions, the moderating effects of parent communication on sexual risk behavior of adolescents …

Electromagnetic Differences In The Brain During Memory Retrieval, Warren Scott Merrifield

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The primary objectives for this experiment were to analyze the neuroanatomical correlates of autobiographical, episodic and semantic memory, use a different paradigm to promote episodic memory retrieval, and employ a different analysis technique to understand retrieval processes. Autobiographical and episodic memories are personal memories from the past. Autobiographical is more general (e.g. a street name of a house growing up) and episodic is more specific to time (e.g. 13th birthday party that took place on a street). For autobiographical and episodic memory retrieval operations, there is no general consensus as to the localization of function, but bilateral activation of the …

Asymmetric Discounting In Intertemporal Choice: A Query Theory Account, E. U. Weber, E. J. Johnson, K. F. Milch, Hannah H. Chang, J. C. Brodscholl, D. G. Goldstein

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

People are impatient and discount future rewards more when they are asked to delay consumption than when they are offered the chance to accelerate consumption. The three experiments reported here provide a process-level account for this asymmetry, with implications for designing decision environments that promote less impulsivity. In Experiment 1, a thought-listing procedure showed that people decompose discount valuation into two queries. Whether one considers delayed or accelerated receipt of a gift certificate influences the order in which memory is queried to support immediate versus delayed consumption, and the order of queries affects the relative number of patient versus impatient …

A Role Of Problem-Solving In Complex Intraverbal Repertoires, Rachael A. Sautter

Dissertations

kinner described intraverbal behavior as verbal behavior with no point-to-point correspondence between the stimulus and the response. This verbal operant encompasses a wide range of response topographies ranging from answering simple questions to complex conversational exchanges. Previous interventions for teaching complex responding to questions about category membership have focused primarily on transfer of stimulus control procedures to teach specific intraverbal responses. These procedures have proven effective at establishing basic intraverbal responses but have consistently produced small and somewhat restricted repertoires. Theoreticians have hypothesized that effective use of problem-solving strategies rather than simple stimulus control may account for the performance of …

Análisis Molecular Del Gen Gabrb3 En Pacientes Con Autismo: Estudio Exploratorio [Molecular Analysis Of The Gabrb3 Gene In Autistic Patients: An Exploratory Study], Ernesto Solís-Añez, Wilmer Delgado-Luengo, Lisbeth Borjas-Fuentes, William Zabala, Nailet Arráiz, Lennie Pineda, María Gabriela Portillo, Sandra González-Ferrer, José Antonio Chacín, Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment of social interaction, language, communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behavior. Genetic predisposition to Autism has been demonstrated in families and twin studies. There is evidence (linkage and genetic association, biochemical, neuropathological, functional and cytogenetic) that the gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor beta 3 subunit gene (GABRB3) at 15q11-q13 is a susceptibility candidate gene for Autism. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify new variants of this gene. We performed the molecular analysis (SSCP/Sequencing) of 10 exons and its intronic flanking regions of GABRB3, using a candidate gene screening approach in 18 idiopathic …

Physiological Responding In A Two-Dimensional Social Interaction Simulation, Sean Brannon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although there were no observed effects, several suggestions were made to inform researchers in designing a study of fluid interaction. With the increasing usage of computers in the conduct of research, there is ample evidence to suggest that some emotional or physiological responses may be reliably measured using two-dimensional computer simulations.

It was predicted in accordance with the previous aggression literature that when the participant was in the role of aggressor that autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses would decrease as a function of concentration or cognitive load. It was also predicted that when the participant was in the role of …

The Correlation Between The Eating Attitudes Test And Body Shape Questionnaire, Maren L. Kanekoa

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the relationship between eating attitudes and body image dissatisfaction using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Three cohorts of almost 2,000 undergraduate females from Brigham Young University were given the EAT and BSQ twice a year for two to four years, depending upon their year of entrance to BYU. The data collected were analyzed using correlational statistics. Results indicated that a high positive correlation between the EAT and BSQ existed across semesters and cohorts.

The Expectancy-Value Theory Of Achievement Motivation And The Enumeration Of Possible Selves: Evidence For Outcomes During Emerging Adulthood, Janet M. Roberts

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation (Eccles, Adler, Futterman, Goff, Kaczala, et al., 1983; Wigfield & Eccles, 2000) posits that an “individual’s choice, persistence, and performance can be explained by their beliefs about how well they will do on the activity and the extent to which they value the activity” (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000, p. 68). Related research has focused on the enumeration of possible selves and how one’s hoped-for and feared possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986) influence motivation and engagement in activities related to goal choices. Most studies of motivation and achievement have focused on children and adolescents …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of The New Jersey Access Initiative Mentorship Program On Drug Using Behavior In Clients With Opiate Dependence, Jennifer Ingegneri

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between mentoring services and reported illicit drug using behavior for opiate-dependent individuals. Data used in this study were part of a larger project by New Jersey Access Initiative (NJAI). Participants were 2,424 individuals were addicted to opiates. Results indicated that none of the participants reported receiving mentoring services. In addition, large amounts of incomplete and missing data in the dataset made statistical analyses impossible. Instead, descriptive results on drug usage, living conditions, education, employment, and social support are described. Implications regarding how mentoring services could have impacted participants' drug use are also …

Stanford-Binet Profile Differences Between Normative Children And Those With Learning Disabilities Or Adhd, Seth Michael Tippin

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The prevalence of learning disorders (LD) and attention-deficit disorders (ADHD) in school-aged children has received a great deal of interest for decades. The history, defining characteristics and methods of assessment remain relevant as many school-aged children continue to receive these diagnoses. The assessment of LD and ADHD can be a difficult and time-consuming process which involves numerous testing instruments and clinical interviews. Both diagnoses typically require intelligence testing, achievement testing, personality assessment and behavioral or syndrome specific testing. The current study sought to develop subtest profiles for the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition that would serve to streamline the assessment …

Stanford-Binet Profile Differences Between Normative Children And Those With Learning Disabilities Or Adhd, Seth Michael Tippin

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The prevalence oflearning disorders (LD) and attention-deficit disorders (ADHD) in school-aged children has received a great deal of interest for decades. The history, defining characteristics and methods of assessment remain relevant as many school-aged children continue to receive these diagnoses. The assessment of LD and ADHD can be a difficult and time-consuming process which involves numerous testing instruments and clinical interviews. Both diagnoses typically require intelligence testing, achievement testing, personality assessment and behavioral or syndrome specific testing. The current study sought to develop subtest profiles for the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition that would serve to streamline the assessment battery …

Evaluation Of The New Jersey Access Initiative Mentor Program, Tasha R. Binet

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of the New Jersey Access Initiative Mentor Program and (b) determine if an increased number of sessions of ancillary, psychosocial services was related to improved treatment retention, periods of abstinence and decreased number of relapses with opiate-addicted participants. Correlational analyses were planned utilizing data collected and recorded in the NJAI database by program staff; however, analyses were unable to be performed due to a large amount of incomplete and missing data. For those participants with data, descriptive results are reported on alcohol and illegal substance usage in past 30 …

Influencing Adaptive Functioning In School-Age Children: Implementation And Program Evaluation Of The Coping Power Program, Aaron Russell

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Up to 20% of children have a diagnosable mental disorder, but only a small percentage of them actually receive treatment. The developmental trajectory of psychopathology suggests that children who show early signs of behavioral or emotional problems are likely to experience a continual increase in those problems as they grow. Caregivers, attempting to seek assistance for their children, must often navigate a complex mental health maze, obtain funding for treatment and negotiate additional treatment barriers. School-based interventions can remove many of these potential treatment barriers. Coping Power (CP), a school-based Empirically Supported Treatment (EST) intervention created by Lochman, Wells, and …

Examining The Effect Of Random Student Drug-Testing In A High School Setting, Jacqueline Amonette

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to ascertain the effectiveness of decreasing drug use in a high school setting by implementing a random student drug-testing program. High school students who were involved in any athletic or extracurricular activities or who were applying for a parking permit in one local school were required to obtain parental permission to participate in a random student drug-testing program. Approximately once a month, an outside agency performed confidential and private urinalysis screening at the high school on 10-14 students whose names were chosen randomly using a computer program. If a urine test was positive …

Immunological Effects Of Written Disclosure In Athletes, Kristen Thatcher

Honors Theses

Many studies have demonstrated the health benefits of written disclosure of traumatic or stressful events. These benefits include improved psychological well-being, fewer health clinic visits, shorter hospital stays after surgery, and increased immune function. In athletes, high immune function is necessary to ward off illness during training and competition, but much research has shown that athletes tend to have lowered immune function. Therefore, writing about traumatic events may be a way for athletes to remain healthy during their seasons. To test this hypothesis, 21 varsity athletes and 15 individuals who exercised less than three hours per week participated in the …

A Study Of The Effects Of Pet Ownership On Mental Health Among Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens In Northeast Tennessee., E. Marie Southerland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between pet ownership, attachment, and psychological health among community-dwelling senior citizens and evaluated the impact of the placement of an aquarium into a regional senior center. General health, depression, social support, pet attitudes, pet attachment, pet relationships, and attitudes about the aquarium were assessed among 104 members of a senior center.

Symptoms of depression were identified in 17.3% of the participants. Pets were a significant form of social support and attachment to pet owners. No significant relationship was observed between pet ownership, pet attachment, and psychological health. Positive health effects were reported among participants …

Noun-Sense: Short-Term Memory And Correct Recall Of Concrete, Abstract And Nonsense Words, Mindi E. Lovelady

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

Retrieval of items from short-term memory is a repeat phenomenon in an individual’s everyday life. Recall of some information from short-term memory is more readily available than others, but learning to maximize the amount of information that is retrieved is possible. Using retrieval techniques that involve word concreteness could be of utility in retrieval of information. 81 undergraduate participants were recruited at Lindenwood University. Each participant was asked to complete a task involving the STM recall of words from a list. The list incorporated concrete and abstract nouns, with nonsense words. Participants demonstrated, with significance, the ability to recall more …

The Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse And Posttraumatic Stress On Levels Of Self-Efficacy, Lary L. Anderson

Graduate Theses

Sexually abused children often develop posttraumatic stress disorder, a distressing and potentially debilitating condition that renders children to feelings of helplessness. Past studies have explored these effects in adults concerning sexual abuse, health issues, war, and natural disaster but not much research has been done for children. This study examined childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, and the relation that exists with self-efficacy. Thirty-nine children, 7 males and 32 females, participated in the study. The ages ranged from age eight through age eighteen, with a mean age of 12.5. Each participant was tested for levels of PTSD, using the Trauma Check list …

Memory Recall: Cued Or Free, Meghan Thomson, Wendy Stamps

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

Cues may be helpful to aid a person in memory recall. Two experiments were conducted in order to test the hypothesis that recall is enhanced with the presentation of cues. In Experiment 1, the recall performances for the same forty-eight participants were compared under cued and free recall conditions. A paired t-test was performed on the participants who received both cued and free recall questions. In Experiment 2, thirteen participants were given either cued only or free only questions to recall. An independent t-test was performed on the participants who received only cued recall questions or only free recall questions. …

The Sexual Image Of Women In Television: The Effect On Young Women In America, Amanda Reed, Rachel Rogers

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

The purpose of this study was to look at the portrayal of the sexual image of women on television from 1970 through 2000 by rating the main female character on an appearance and communication score, which was done by the two experimenters. We hypothesized that the stereotypical appearance and communication score would increase from 1970 to 2000. However, the trend analysis showed that the appearance score decreased, implying that the stereotypical appearance of women has lessened through the years. The communication score increased from 1980 to 2000, implying a more stereotypical portrayal of women. If future, more thorough research finds …

Classical Recall: Analysis Of The “Mozart Effect” On Basic Mental Tasks, Matthew Black, Steven Carter, Adam Rose

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

Researchers conducted a study based on the theory of the Mozart Effect to determine how well students at Lindenwood University performed on cognitive tasks when certain variables were manipulated. There were a total of twelve different conditions, in which the order of tasks, music, and hypothesis instructions were varied. It was concluded that no significant difference was found between any of the assigned conditions. Further research needs to be performed to determine if other variables would be better predictors of cognitive achievement, instead of the presence of classical music and priming participants with different hypotheses. If the Mozart Effect is …

Similarities Between Etiological Models Of Eating Disorder Symptomatology And Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology, Jennifer Jonda

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) has recently been conceptualized as the male form of Eating Disorders (ED), although it is not currently classified as an ED. The current study compares etiological models of MD symptomatology (based on Grieve's [2007] conceptual model of MD) and ED symptomatology (based on Stice's [1994] conceptual model of Bulimia Nervosa). In both models, it was hypothesized that sociocultural influences on appearance (SIA) would predict body dissatisfaction (BD), and that this relationship would be mediated by self-esteem (SE) and perfectionism (P); that BD would predict negative affect (NA); and that NA would predict MD and ED symptomatology. Two-hundred-forty-seven …

Students Sharing Feelings Of Grief: An Elementary Curriculum On Loss, Kristen Gloumakoff

Senior Honors Projects

“It is only natural that we and our children find many things that are hard to talk about. But anything human is mentionable and anything mentionable is manageable.The mentioning can be difficult, and the managing too, but both can be done if we’re surrounded by love and trust.” ~Fred Rogers This quote could be talking about many different things that parents find difficult to talk to their children about, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, divorce, and sex. I was introduced to this quote as a one about parents talking to their children about death. Death is a part of life, …

Prologue, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

No abstract provided.

Racial Stereotyping And Physical Perception Of Crime, Jenn Malzone

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

A statistical analysis conducted by the United States Department of Justice stated that from 1976 to 2002, a surprisingly large number of murders committed were intra-racial, rather than inter-racial. The results claimed that 86% of Caucasian murder victims were killed by other Caucasians, and 94% of African American victims were killed by other African Americans. The present study was conducted to see if the average person perceives interracial crime to be more of a threat. Thirty-seven participants were given the task of assigning photographs of men from the two most prominent ethnic groups in the United States to various negative …

Spring 2007, Full Issue

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

No abstract provided.

How Preference Plays A Role In Gender And Details, Jennifer Anstead, Brittni Martin

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

How preference plays a role in gender and details was examined and evaluated in this experiment. We used Lindenwood University's Human Subject Pool to recruit 30 participants, 16 females and 14 males. Our purpose was to see whether the participants found more differences between the pairs of pictures they preferred over the less preferred pictures. We used gender stereotypical pictures with the hope that participants would prefer the picture that best fits their gender. We did not find statistical significance, F(2,58)=2.126, p=.129(p<.05), in that the participants discovered more differences in their preferred picture. However, we did find statistical significance between picture type and number correct, and the order the pictures were given and the number correct in each picture.