Psychology Commons^™

Health Motivation In Health Behavior: Its Theory And Application, Xiaoyan Xu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The present research proposed a definition and a theoretical model of health motivation that consists of four stages: development of health motivation tendency, formation of health intention, initiation of health related action, and persistence in actions to achieve goals developed at the first stage. Based upon this model, two health motivation scales - the Health Motivation Scale in Physical Activities (HMS-PA) and Health Motivation Scale in Healthy Eating (HMS-HE) were developed. Two studies were conducted to validate the validity of the scores obtained by these two scales. Study 1 proposed a definition and a theoretical model of health motivation, as …

Mental Illness, Co-Occurring Factors And Aggression As Examined In An American Prison, Stephanie Leigh Sullivan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the relationship between several factors which have been identified in previous research as co-occurring and risk relevant to aggressive behavior. Although many factors have been addressed independently for various reasons in other studies, this study looks at the unique combination of a select few of these variables and their relationship for propensity towards aggression. The results of this study show propensity towards aggression is significant for two specific mental health issues; anxiety, and history of severe head injury. Results also indicate that co-occurring factors are prevalent in this sample and those inmates with prior mental illness are …

Evaluating The Response Styles Theory Of Depression Using Descriptive Experience Sampling, Theresa A. Scott

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Response Styles Theory of Depression states that there are two main responses to depression: distraction and rumination. Though it is believed distraction helps to alleviate feelings of dysphoria, the theory suggests rumination actually prolongs and intensifies episodes of depression (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1990, 1991). Rumination is also believed to play a role in the higher rates of depression seen in women (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1990, 1991). In 1987, Nolen-Hoeksema created the Response Styles Questionnaire (RSQ) as a measure to identify those who tend to use distraction or rumination as a psychological response to feelings of sadness or depression. The goal of this study …

Rape Myth Acceptance In A Dynamic Environment: Application Of Social Impact Theory To Rma, Zebbedia G. Gibb

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examines conditions under which attitudes related to sexual assault, commonly known as rape myths, may be transmitted through culture by applying the tenets of Social Impact Theory (Latane, 1981). Social impact theory suggests that three forces influence attitude change, namely the immediacy of the source to the target, the strength of the source, and the number of sources of a message. It was hypothesized that participants who chatted with a confederate who was similar to them and endorsed rape myths would report accepting those beliefs at a higher rate than participants who chatted with a confederate who was …

Contemporary Perspectives On Spirituality And Mental Health, Pulkit Sharma, Ruby Charak, Vibha Sharma

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

The paper strives to elucidate the complex yet intimate relation between spirituality and mental health from contemporary perspectives. The diverse and constantly evolving views that spiritualists and mental health professionals have held toward each other over last century are discussed with special accent on the transpersonal spiritual framework within psychology. The role of spirituality in promoting mental health and alleviating mental illness is highlighted. The paper is concluded with an increasing need to integrate spirituality within the mental health field albeit there are several impediments in achieving the same, which need to be worked through circumspectly.

Understanding Best Practices For Community Engagement In Municipal Contexts, Sherry Mcgee

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Engaging citizens in decision making has long been understood as part of the democratic process, most commonly recognized as electoral votership. In recent decades, the benefits of providing citizens a variety of opportunities for community engagement (CE) have been documented. Currently, few studies have explored the role of municipal government in engagement processes, and how engagement should be contextualized within municipal policy structures and practices. The City of Kitchener, located in Ontario, Canada is in the process of formalizing engagement practices through policy. In partnering with the City of Kitchener, five interviews were conducted with four Canadian municipalities and one …

Ask For It: The Impact Of Self-Esteem, Situational Characterization, And Gender On The Propensity To Initiate Negotiation, Anna Beninger

CMC Senior Theses

This study analyzes the impact of self-esteem (high vs. low), situational characterization ("negotiate" vs. "ask"), and gender (men vs. women) on the likelihood an individual initiates negotiation (n = 140). Self-esteem was primed with a prompt and the participants were told they could either "negotiate" or "ask" for more money after completing two tasks. A main effect of situational characterization was found such that negotiation was more likely in the "negotiate" condition than in the "ask" condition. Neither self-esteem nor gender produced significant results. A significant interaction showed that men were more likely to negotiate in the "ask" condition, but …

Social Cognitive Career Theory As Applied To The School-To-Work Transition, Mary E. Kelly

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Impact Of Spiritual Well-Being And Stressful Life Experiences On Traumatic Stress, Mariannette Bonet

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Relationships Between Executive Functions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Comorbid Disorders, And Familial History In A Nonclinical Population, Sara M. Sachjog Velez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity and often lasts into adulthood. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are often diagnosed as comorbid disorders with ADHD. Adults with ADHD may also display executive functioning deficits. The current study sought to identify whether symptoms of executive functioning were related to symptoms of ADHD in adults. It also identified comorbid disorders in the participants. Questionnaires assessing executive functioning, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar spectrum disorders were given to participants. Demographics were obtained regarding their own background and comorbid disorders in their first-degree relatives. Results indicated that symptoms of executive …

Curriculum-Based Measures Of Reading And Student Performance On State-Wide Achievement Tests, Brian L. Dorshimer

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

With increasing pressure and accountability for schools to produce higher scores on statewide achievement tests, the use ofCurriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) methods for monitoring student progress, identifYing at-risk students for failing state tests, and providing appropriate interventions to increase student performance could prove to be very beneficial (McGlinchey & Hixson, 2004). Research has indicated that CBM can be an effective tool in predicting success on state-wide reading achievement tests (Shapiro, Keller, Lutz, Santoro, & Hintze, 2006; Wood, 2006; Hintze & Silberglitt, 2005; McGlinchey & Hixson, 2004; Barger, 2003; Shaw & Shaw, 2002; Stage & Jacobsen, 2001). Determining whether or not a …

The Interaction Between Personality Traits And Contextual Disadvantage On Criminal Behavior: A Longitudinal Study Of High Risk-Females, Lauren C. Gudonis

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

This investigation examined several dimensions of personality functioning in a longitudinal sample of females. These data are part of an existing project evaluating female development across 3 different time points starting in adolescence and transitioning into adulthood. Subjects were categorized into a clinical group (females with a high degree of psychiatric comorbidity) and a normal control group. All participants were initially recruited when they were between 14-18 years of age, and were followed up twice when they were 19-23, and 24-28. In an attempt to explore possible heterogeneity in personality trait development, the research is presented as three separate studies …

Exploring Lesbian And Gay Experiences With Individuals, Systems, And Environments: Patterns Of Response To Heterosexist Prejudice And Discrimination, James Russell Couch

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

While the general social climate in the U.S. has become more accepting and tolerant of sexual minority individuals, heterosexist discrimination, prejudice and violence continues to affect LGBT individuals, families and communities. While much research literature exists on the experience of minority stress and the psychological consequences of minority stress on sexual minorities, little research has been produced that examines sexual minority coping. Within the last decade, heteronegativity has been suggested as a possible coping response to heterosexism. The goal of the present study was to understand sexual minority responses to heterosexism (including heteronegativity) in a variety of contexts and circumstances. …

Teaching Women With High Body Concerns To Become The Teachers: A Two-Pronged Cognitive Dissonance Intervention, Rachael E. Kroening

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Women with high levels of body dissatisfaction have repeatedly demonstrated significant improvements in body image following cognitive dissonance-based interventions. The current research project consisted of a two-pronged intervention. One intervention closely replicated previous studies by using the process of cognitive dissonance to improve body image among female college students. The second aspect of the study required the women to develop and implement a body image intervention with 3rd-4th grade children. The goals of these intervention included improving body image among college women and increasing positive body image in young children through a peer-led intervention. Seven female college participants with high …

Kindergarten Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies With English Language Learners : An Empirical Dissertation, Shirley R. Mackley

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The Kindergarten Peer-Assisted Literacy Strategies (K-PALS) program is a supplemental, collaborative intervention designed to complement the current curriculum within schools (Mathes, Clancy-Menchetti, & Torgesen, 2001). The K-PALS program has been cited as a "best practice" by the National Reading Panel (National Reading Panel, 2000). This study utilized a supplemental cooperative learning intervention with 48 Kindergarten students and answered the following questions: (1) Did students make gains in basic reading skills?; (2) Did the K-PALS ESL students make more gains than the Control group ESL students?; (3) Did the K-PALS non-ESL students make more gains than the Control group non-ESL students?; …

Difference Between Parents Modeling During Children's Social Problem Solving, Sheryl Markulin

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Social problem solving is a vital aspect in children's social development. Parents play a role in influencing their children's social problem solving styles through modeling. Mothers and fathers model different social problem solving styles; this may be explained by the "maternal gatekeeping theory." This is a situation in which the mother's beliefs about the father inhibit his involvement. If there are differences in the ways in which mothers and fathers model social problem solving skills, these may influence their children's social development in a negative or positive manner. This study investigated how mothers impact the fathers in joint problem solving …

Caretaker Ratings Of Attention Problems In Maltreated Children : The Effects Of Gender, Age, And Type Of Maltreatment, Dawn M. Mcdonald

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Child maltreatment is a severe stressor which is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, including attention, learning, and behavior problems. Attention problems are common in maltreated children, with rates of ADHD in samples of abused and neglected children consistently higher than those found in the general population or in clinical samples of children without abuse histories. Despite the association between ADHD and maltreatment, attention problems in maltreated children remain poorly characterized and not well understood. In an attempt to better delineate the nature of attention problems in maltreated children, this study examined the effects of age, gender, type of …

Adolescents With Aspergers Syndrome And Self-Perceived Social Competence, Shawn M. Mullen

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study explored the self- perceived social competence of adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome (AS). The study's participants were 14 adolescents (11 male, 3 female) between the ages of 10 and 17 years old who were diagnosed with AS. The participants were questioned, using a scripted set of seven questions involving their own perceptions of their interactions with their peers; the study also involved what adults (parents and teachers) think of their ability to get along with peers. The answers to these questions were analyzed qualitatively, and six common themes that the participants found important to them or to their peers' …

Reading Development In At-Risk Kindergarten Students: A Tier 2 Response-To-Intervention Rti Program Using Research-Based Principles In Early Literacy, Kathleen T. Pickard

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Early identification of struggling readers and direct instruction for these readers are effective in the prevention and treatment of reading problems (Torgesen, 2002). The practice of "wait-tofail" is being challenged by the responsiveness to intervention (RTI) models, which promote early identification of at-risk students, progress monitoring, and implementation of researched-based tiered interventions. The prereading skills that have been identified as being necessary for future reading achievement include phonological awareness, letter identification, the alphabetic principle, orthography, and rapid automatized naming. The purpose of this CUl1'ent study is to examine the effectiveness of a Tier 2 intervention program that targets these essential …

Memory Aging: Deficits, Beliefs, And Interventions, Jane M. Berry, Erin Hastings, Robin West, Courtney Lee, John C. Cavanaugh

Psychology Faculty Publications

Of all mental faculties, memory is unique. It defines who we are and places our lives on a narrative continuum from birth to death. It helps to structure our days, it guides our daily tasks and goals, and it provides pleasurable interludes as we anticipate the future and recall the past. As a core, defining feature of the self (Birren & Schroots, 2006), memory takes on heightened meaning as we age. In the face of other losses that accumulate with age, memory can serve to preserve our sense of self and place in time. In normal aging, memory loss is …

Context-Based Assessment And Intervention For Problem Behavior In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sanja I. Cale, Edward G. Carr, Audrey Blakeley-Smith, Jamie S. Owen-Deschryver

Peer Reviewed Articles

The present study used a context-based model of assessment and intervention to explore whether interventions that modify context result in reduction of problem behavior in ecologically valid settings (i.e., typical routines implemented by typical education personnel in neighborhood schools). The Contextual Assessment Inventory (CAI) and a post-assessment interview were administered to parents and teachers of eight children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to identify problem contexts. Then, environmental modification techniques were implemented in three priority contexts: namely, transitions, termination of preferred activities, and presence of a feared stimulus. Our results demonstrated an almost complete elimination of problem behavior in the priority …

Algoritmo De Tratamiento Multimodal Para Preescolares Latinoamericanos Con Trastorno Por Déficit De Atención Con Hiperactividad (Tdah), Juan David Palacio, Matilde Ruiz-García, José J. Bauermeister, Cecilia Montiel-Nava, Gloria C. Henao, Guillermo Agosta

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Introduction During the first Latin American ADHD consensus held in Mexico in 2007 a treatment algorithm for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers was proposed. Since then, some studies have emerged regarding not only pharmacological treatment but also psychosocial managing strategies for this population that require a review. The main objective was to review the recent literature on preschool ADHD clinical management in order to update the treatment algorithm and to include together both psychopharmacological treatment and psychosocial management strategies into the decision tree.

Method A task force with six experts from five Latinamerican countries was constituted. The task force included …

A Situational Model Of Sexual Assault Prevention Through Bystander Intervention, Shawn Meghan Burn

Psychology and Child Development

Bystander intervention is a potentially potent tool in the primary prevention of sexual assault but more information is needed to guide prevention programs (Banyard 2008). Undergraduates (378 women and 210 men, primarily White) at a central coast California university completed an anonymous questionnaire measuring five barriers identified by the situational model of bystander intervention (Latane and Darley 1970) and bystander intervention behavior. As expected, the barriers were negatively correlated with intervention, were greater for men than for women, and intervention likelihood was affected by perceptions of victim worthiness, especially for men. Hypotheses predicting a positive relationship between having a relationship …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Elementary School Children In A Rural Illinois School District, Amy M. Miller

Masters Theses

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders, adversely affects children's academic, social, and emotional functioning. There were three purposes for this study. First, this study attempted to determine the number of students diagnosed with ADHD in the three elementary schools of a rural Midwestern school district as reported by parents. Secondly, the study attempted to discover discrepant practices in the methods of diagnosis and treatment ofADHD for students from a lower socioeconomic status than for those from the middle or upper class as reported by the parents. Thirdly, this study assessed teachers' knowledge and …

Socioemotional And Task Behavior, George R. Goethals

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

In problem-solving groups, individual members engage in different types of behavior, including task behavior, which focuses on the external problem to be addressed, and socioemotional behavior, which addresses the feelings that arise as a result of group interaction. This entry describes these two types of behavior and examines the leadership styles of group leaders who focus on each one.

A Three Part Study Exploring Psi-Conduciveness And Psi-Defensiveness In Groups, Gretchen M. Conner

Masters Theses

The current study examined three separate experiments, conducted during the Spring semester of 2006, designed to explore variables related to telepathy performance. The common theme which runs through all studies in the parapsychology laboratory including the three experiments covered in this document is the exploration of variables related to psi-defensiveness and psi-conduciveness within groups of participants. In Part I, groups of participants were rated by research assistants on the dimensions of friendliness and enthusiasm. It was hypothesized that as friendliness and enthusiasm ratings increased or decreased for a session, hit rates would correspondingly increase or decrease. Results indicated that as …

Adult Children As Possible Barriers To Parental Sexuality In Nursing Homes: A Literature Review, Crystal D. Wanek

Masters Theses

Sexual interest and activity continue across the entire lifespan, but multiple barriers make ~xual behavior difficult for those in nursing homes. With increases in nursing home populations occurring during the last three decades, the anticipation of the baby boomers entering retirement and beginning to enter nursing homes over the next 10 to 30 years suggests that more knowledge is needed to assist nursing homes with making policies that are protective and reverential of sexuality. This literature review seeks to take a comprehensive look at the issue of sexuality for the elderly in nursing homes and identify whether adult children serve …

The Reliability Of The Factor Structure Of The Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale In Both A Spanish-Colombian And French-Canadian Version, D. C. Jarrin, J. J. Mcgrath, C. L. Drake, W. M. Bukowski, J. O'Loughlin, Jonathan Bruce Santo

Psychology Faculty Publications

Daytime sleepiness is characterized by an increased likelihood of falling asleep and adversely impacts youth’s academic performance, behavior, and mood. The National Sleep Foundation Sur­vey (2006) found almost 50% of youth sleep 1 to 2 hours less than the recommended 9 hours per night and 60% report daytime sleepiness. The Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS; Drake et al., 2003) is a self-report questionnaire used to evaluate the likelihood of youth falling asleep in various everyday situations. The original PDSS was developed with an English-speaking American sample (Mage=11.8; SD=.6 years), and the measure was thought to assess a …

Using The Web To Effectively Attract Volunteers To Non-Profit Organizations, Adrian Goh, Joseph A. Allen, Steven G. Rogelberg, Anna Currie

Psychology Faculty Publications

Non-profit organizations often rely on volunteers to help staff and sustain organizational services, functions, and programs. The web is a critical vehicle for attracting these needed volunteers. The authors searched the available literature and reviewed close to 100 non-profit organizational websites to identify best practices of note. Fourteen best practices in web site design are forwarded and discussed.

A Genome Scan For Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Male Reproductive Traits In A White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian Resource Population, Dongren Ren, J. Ren, Y. Y. Xing, Y. M. Guo, Y. B. Wu, G. C. Yang, H. R. Mao

Psychology Faculty Publications

Chinese Erhualian boars have dramatically smaller testes, greater concentrations of circulating androgens, and fewer Sertoli cells than Western commercial breeds. To identify QTL for boar reproductive traits, testicular weight, epididymal weight, seminiferous tubular diameter at 90 and 300 d, and serum testosterone concentration at 300 d were measured in 347 F₂ boars from a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian cross. A whole genome scan was performed with 183 microsatellites covering 19 porcine chromosomes. A total of 16 QTL were identified on 9 chromosomes, including 1% genome-wide significant QTL for testicular weight at 90 and 300 d and seminiferous tubular …