Psychology Commons^™

Perceived Desirability Of Given Names: Identifying A Relationship Between Given Names And Associated Personality Traits, Ellen D. Parks

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This study was designed to determine whether participants would have better recall for names with phonetic properties that matched a paired personality trait. In other words, phonetically attractive names paired with positive traits and phonetically unattractive names paired with negative traits should have higher rates of recall than names whose phonetic properties did not match a paired personality trait, such as phonetically attractive names paired with negative traits or phonetically unattractive names paired with positive traits. Given names were deemed to be phonetically attractive or unattractive based on the number of sonorants (soft consonant sounds such as l, m, n, …

Therapeutic Alliance And Treatment Progress In Couple Psychotherapy, Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders, William M. Pinsof, Barton J. Mann

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

This study examined the ability of the therapeutic alliance to predict treatment progress on individual‐ and relationship‐level variables from the early to middle phase of couple treatment. Although alliance did not predict progress in individual functioning, it accounted for 5–22% of the variance in improvement in marital distress. Women’s mid‐treatment alliance uniquely predicted improvement in marital distress, over and above early treatment alliance. When men’s alliances with the therapist were stronger than their partners’ at session 8, couples showed more improvement in marital distress. Treatment response was also positively associated with women’s ratings of their partners’ alliance. Results confirm that …

A Comparison Of Weight-Control Behaviors In African American And Caucasian Women, Rachel A. Annunziato, Janet N. Lee, Michael R. Lowe

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there are overall differences in help-seeking, in specific weight control behaviors used, and in predictors of seeking professional help for weight loss between African American and Caucasian women.
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Participants were recruited from community sources in Philadelphia.
Participants: One hundred twenty female participants were studied. Of these, 58% were African American.
Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed a packet of measures assessing weight control behaviors, body mass index, co-morbid medical conditions, socioeconomic status, disordered eating behavior, and body image.
Results: Caucasian women were significantly more likely to …

The Theory Of Planned Behavior: Predicting Physical Activity In Mexican American Children, Jeffrey J. Martin, Kimberly L. Oliver, Nate Mccaughtry

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

Theoretically grounded research on the determinants of Mexican American children's physical activity and related psychosocial variables is scarce. Thus, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the ability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict Mexican American children's self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Children (N = 475, ages 9–12) completed questionnaires assessing the TPB constructs and MVPA. Multiple regression analyses provided moderate support for the ability of the TPB variables to predict MVPA as we accounted for between 8–9% of the variance in MVPA. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control accounted for 45% of the …

Perceptions Of Positive Relationship Traits In Gay And Lesbian Couples, Miki D. Skinner

McNair Scholars Research Journal

The following study examined perceptions of positive traits in homosexual relationships. Students (n = 216) and professional counselors (n = 96) read one of three variations of a transcript of a couple’s counseling session that were identical in all aspects except for the names of the couple members and associated pronouns, implying sexual orientation (either John and Amy, Amy and Jennifer, or John and David). Participants then rated the couple’s level of commitment, satisfaction, investment, and closeness. Surprisingly, the student group perceived no differences between the couples, but the counselor group perceived the gay and lesbian couples as having higher …

Tornar-Se Negro & Thinking Beautiful, Ayana Hosten

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In 1990, the census reported that Brazilian’s population was 55.3 percent branco, 39.3 percent parda, 4.9 percent negro, and 0.5 percent Indio. In response to complaints that these racial identities were not sufficient, the IBEG conducted a survey where they asked people “Qual é sua cor?” This survey resulted in a list of 134 different racial identities that reflect the complexities of race in Brazil due to a history of miscegenation. At the two extremes of this racial spectrum is branco and negro. These two extremes have cultural and historical significance that I examine through scholarly research. In the field, …

The Relationship Between Gender, Bmi, Self-Esteem, And Body Esteem In College Students, Adriana Pilafova, D. J. Angelone, Katrina Bledsoe

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body esteem, selfesteem, and Body Mass Index (BMI) for college students. It was hypothesized that men would have higher self-esteem and body esteem than women. It also was hypothesized that lower BMI would be associated with greater self-esteem and body esteem. The sample consisted of 72 men and 81 women from a small northeastern college. In addition to several demographic questions, participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults. There were statistically significant relationships supporting both hypotheses. Compared to women, men had higher …

The Health Implications Of Violence Against Women: Untangling The Complexities Of Acute And Chronic Effects: Part One, Carol E. Jordan

Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women Publications

No abstract provided.

The Question Of Animal Selves: Implications For Sociological Knowledge And Practice, Leslie Irvine

Anthropomorphism and Anthropocentrism Collection

The question of whether sociologists should investigate the subjective experience of non-human others arises regularly in discussions of research on animals. Recent criticism of this research agenda as speculative and therefore unproductive is examined and found wanting. Ample evidence indicates that animals have the capacity to see themselves as objects, which meets sociological criteria for selfhood. Resistance to this possibility highlights the discipline’s entrenched anthropocentrism rather than lack of evidence. Sociological study of the moral status of animals, based on the presence of the self, is warranted because our treatment of animals is connected with numerous “mainstream” sociological issues. As …

Review: An End To Qualia? Dennett's Defense Of Heterophenomenology, Jason A. Williams

Psychology and Child Development

No abstract provided.

Divisions Within The Posterior Parietal Cortex Help Touch Meet Vision, Catherine L. Reed

CMC Faculty Publications and Research

The parietal cortex is divided into two major functional regions: the anterior parietal cortex that includes primary somatosensory cortex, and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) that includes the rest of the parietal lobe. The PPC contains multiple representations of space. In Dijkerman and de Haan’s (see record 2007-13802-022) model, higher spatial representations are separate from PPC functions. This model should be developed further so that the functions of the somatosensory system are integrated with specific functions within the PPC and higher spatial representations. Through this further specification of the model, one can make better predictions regarding functional interactions between somatosensory …

Stability Of Negative Self-Structures: A Longitudinal Comparison Of Depressed, Remitted, And Nonpsychiatric Controls., David J A Dozois

Psychology Publications

To be considered a vulnerability marker for depression, a variable should, in addition to demonstrating sensitivity and specificity, also show evidence of temporal stability (i.e., remain present in the absence of depressive symptomatology). Although many cognitive factors are associated with depression, the majority of them appear to be episode rather than vulnerability markers. This study examined cognitive organization of positive and negative interpersonal and achievement content in clinically depressed, remitted, and nonpsychiatric controls. At initial assessment, a sample of 54 clinically depressed individuals and 37 never-depressed controls completed self-report measures of positive and negative automatic thoughts and two cognitive organizational …

Beauty Ideals & Body Image: Suva, Fiji, Melissa Kong

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Fiji is a country rich with traditions and culture. For many decades, the two dominant ethnic groups in Fiji- Indo-Fijians and Indigenous Fijians- have maintained their distinct cultural values and practices. As a country that is currently experiencing westernization, technological advancement, and the influx of mass media, cultural traditions, lifestyles, and ideals are changing rapidly. One such change from the traditional past is the emergence of a new body ideal and different beauty standards. In this research project, connections will be made between the past and present in regards to body and beauty ideals in Fiji. The differences and commonalities …

Gender Differences In Auditory Perception Of Pure Tone Frequencies And Speech Intelligibility Via Bone Conduction Transducers, Meghan Leigh Hodges

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Two experiments were conducted to see if gender differences exist in bone conduction hearing processes. The first experiment was a pure tone study where hearing thresholds for six pure tone frequencies and four bone conduction skull locations were measured in 15 male and 15 female participants to determine if gender differences exist in auditory signal detection. As frequency of the pure tone signal increased the difference between genders’ hearing thresholds and mean ranks of threshold overall; however, when Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests were performed, significant differences between genders for bone conduction were only found for the mastoid location at 6000-Hz and …

Validation Of World English (We) Listening Comprehension Scale, Yasushi Kyutoku

Psychology Theses - Archive

World English (WE) includes any type of dialectical English spoken around the world (Hinkel, 2005). In the present study, a WE listening test was developed. The original form of the test consisted of six scales measuring, respectively, demographics, exposure to non-native English speakers, self perception of WE fluency, WE listening test, evaluations of non-native speakers' fluency, and attitudes towards non-native English speakers. Internal consistency, dimensionality, correlations among scales, and the effects of demographics on the test scores were analyzed based on the data collected from 32 participants in Study 1. Results indicated moderate to moderately high internal consistency for the …

Alcohol Trends Among Native American Youth: A Look At A Reservation In Nevada, Sancheen Collins

McNair Scholars Research Journal

American Indian Youth living on Reservations are at greater risk to be involved with alcohol and drugs at an early age and are more likely to dropout of school as a result than White, Hispanic and African American Youth.1 The purpose of the study is to identify and compare the current trends in alcohol use among American Indian adolescents in order to understand which services will better serve this population. The review of the literature examines the alcohol trends among the general population of adolescents in living in the United States, as well as the contributing factors and distinct characteristics …

Relationships Between Self-Esteem And Factors Known To Affect College Attendance, Adam A. Torres

McNair Scholars Research Journal

There are many factors impacting student’s decisions to attend college. Researchers investigated selfesteem, perceived academic abilities, and intended college attendance in a group of high school seniors involved in a program aimed at assisting them get into college. Participants were 83 senior high school students (males = 28, females = 55) from various high schools in Idaho. Many students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and were Caucasian (Caucasian = 40, Latino = 28, Asian = 6, African American = 2, and other = 6). Participants were asked 39 questions concerning intended college attendance, self-esteem, perceived academic abilities, and other factors …

Fluency In Pigeons: The Effects Of Response Rate On Learning, Matthew L. Porritt

Dissertations

Instructional procedures that build high response rates are purported to have significant benefits over procedures that do not focus on fast responding (Binder, 1996). However, much of the research exploring rate-building procedures is confounded by two variables: rate of reinforcement and number of exposures (Doughty, Chase, & O'Shields, 2004). In six experiments, the present study examined the effects of three variables, rate of reinforcement, number of exposures, and rate of responding, on learning under rate-building procedures in pigeons. In Experiment 1, rate-building produced significantly better learning outcomes when compared to a rate-controlled condition with number of exposures held constant. In …

Scholarly Art: The Writing Experiences Of Student Affairs Professionals, Wanda L.E. Viento

Dissertations

Special issues of the major student affairs journals recently have reflected on the scholarship of the profession (Blimling, 2001; Roper, 2002). The focus of these recent reflections, as well as prior publications on student affairs scholarship (e.g., Davis & Liddell, 1997; Engstrom, 1999; Hunter, 1986; Hunter & Kuh, 1987), largely has been on mentoring research, describing scholarship trends, critiquing existing patterns, and/or envisioning the shape of future scholarship. While the profession of student affairs acknowledges the critical need to promote scholarship and the dissemination of information, little has actually been done to help people get there. Only a few articles …

Authoritarianism, Hostility Toward Women, Attitudes Toward Violence, Rape Myth Acceptance, And Sexual Aggression, Gina M. Bondi

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Almost one out of every five women has been, or will have been, the victim of sexual aggression and/or rape in their lives (National Institute of Justice, 2000). This staggering statistic exemplifies the importance of speculating which traits are related to, or are predictive of, sexually aggressive behavior. Based on previous research, the current study investigated relationships between authoritarianism, hostility toward women, attitudes toward violence, and rape myth acceptance, as related sexual aggression in undergraduate men It was projected that authoritarianism, hostility toward women, attitudes toward violence, and rape myth acceptance would significantly and positively predict all dimensions of sexual …

An Identity Approach To Understanding Diversity, Inclusion And The Work-Family Interface, Rebekah A. Cardenas

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The salience of one's ethnic identity, the subjective importance of that identity in one's life, was hypothesized to impact the extent to which inclusion predicts work-related outcomes (i.e., strain-based work-family conflict, work-family enrichment, job satisfaction and job stress) among 225 working women. Women who felt included at work (i.e., those who can participate, have influence and can "be themselves") were predicted to experience positive work-related outcomes. Further, belongingness at work was predicted to interact with ethnic identity salience to impact work-related outcomes for working women. Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that inclusion was significantly associated with positive work-related outcomes; yet, …

Influences Of The Family Environment And Parent-Child Relationships On The Executive Functioning Of Children With Adhd, Valarie M. Schroeder

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present study examined the relationships between executive functions, family environment, and parent-child relationships in ADHD diagnosed children as compared to non-ADHD diagnosed children. Participants were parents (N = 134) of children diagnosed with ADHD and children not diagnosed with ADHD. As hypothesized, as compared to reports from parents of children not diagnosed with ADHD, parents of children diagnosed with ADHD reported their children as exhibiting greater problems with behavioral control and metacognitive abilities. Compared to control parents, parents of children with ADHD also reported their family environments as less organized and reported more conflict in their homes. In addition, …

Psychological Distress As Related To Social Support In Single Enlisted Navy Mothers, Michelle M. Tucker

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The primary focus of this study was to examine how psychological distress relates to social support among single enlisted United States Navy mothers. Participants were 50 single active duty enlisted Navy mothers. Participants completed an online survey that assessed social support. life events stressors, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and maternal guilt. It was hypothesized that respondents who reported higher levels of social support (i.e., work support. Family support, friend support, and community support) and fewer negative life events stressors would report lower psychological distress (i.e., fewer depressive symptoms, less anxiety, lower maternal guilt).

Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine how …

College Students' Concerns Regarding Prison Rape, Laura A. Rapp

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

Are People Getting Crazier?, Thomas G. Plante

Psychology

Terrorism, murder, suicide, drunken driving, addictive gambling, pornography, and religiously inspired violence all provide plenty of evidence that behavioral and emotional problems that are ultimately destructive to self and others are often at the root of so many global, national, and local crises. All these troubles in the world prompt several basic and fundamental questions.

The Effects Of A Still-Photo Computer Module Without Feedback On Ergonomic Behaviors, Rhiannon M. Fante

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a still-photo computer training module without feedback on safe positioning of individuals performing an assembly task and a lifting task using a multiple baseline design across behaviors and tasks. The study took place in an analogue office setting and participants were 6 college students. The dependent variable was the percentage of observations scored as safe and each session was recorded via a hidden camera. During each session, participants completed a 5 minute assembly task followed by 2 lifts and this task sequence was repeated a minimum of four …

From Arachne To Charlotte: An Imaginative Revisiting Of Gilligan's "In A Different Voice", Erika Rackley

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Spatial Learning Deficit In The Hiv-1 Transgenic Rat: Discerning Place From Strategy Learning, Abigail Lashomb

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

HIV -1 infection is associated with a constellation of cognitive and motor deficits collectively termed HIV associated dementia. With the onset of HAART treatment, these cognitive effects have become more mild, but also more prevalent. The lack of a proper animal model to study these cognitive effects of HIV has lead to the development of a new transgenic rat. This rat expresses the HIV -1 genome with functional tat and gp 120 viral proteins. These proteins are linked with direct neural toxicity as well as the induction of cytokines and other indirect means of neuronal damage. As part of the …

Peripheral Blood Perfusion Induced By Electrical Stimulation Of The Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Ji Wei He

Psychology Theses - Archive

In the last decade, much research has implicated the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the modulation of both emotion and visceral functions in primates and rats. Rat studies have shown that electrical stimulation of the ACC suppresses animal’s behaviors associated with noxious stimuli, and inhibits spinal cord dorsal horn neuron activity induced by nociception in the periphery. Electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal grey (PAG) is reported to inhibit spinal cord dorsal horn neuron activity induced by nociception, while it generates dorsal root reflex (DRR). This is an important contributor to peripheral vasodilatation, i.e. leading to increased blood flow. The purpose …

The Role Of Spirituality And The Impact On Social Responsibility, Jonothan Ridenour

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Community and social organizations play an important role in developing social responsibility. Religious groups comprise a considerable number of community and social organizations that attempt to foster pro-social behavior. While religion has been proposed to have both a negative and positive influence on social responsibility, spirituality has been largely overlooked. This study between spirituality and social responsibility explores the assumption of a positive correlation. Data were collected from undergraduate students (N = 136) at two Pacific Northwest Universities by a number of scales measuring social responsibility, religiosity, spirituality, and demographic information. The Social Responsibility Scale (Starrett, 1996) was administered and …