Psychology Commons^™

Will I Be Able To Understand My Mentee? Examining The Potential Risk Of The Dominant Culture Mentoring Marginalized Youth, Jennifer Lindwall

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Most people would agree they want to live in a world where every child has what he or she needs to thrive and grow into a healthy and productive adult. It is estimated that 5,000 mentoring programs serve 3,000,000 youth in the United States alone (DuBois, Portillo, Rhodes, Silverthorn, & Valentine, 2011). In many of these programs, a majority of the mentors are matched with a mentee who comes from a culture and community they know very little about. Many of the youth development programs that were founded and implemented by people of the perceived dominant culture represent their values …

What Is The Key To Culturally Competent Care: Reducing Bias Or Cultural Tailoring?, Adolfo Gabriel Cuevas, Kerth O'Brien, Somnath Saha

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective: To gain a better understanding as to whether disparities in patient– provider relationships arise from ethnic minority patients being treated differently than European American patients while they would prefer to be treated the same, or whether disparities arise when ethnic minority patients are treated the same as European American patients while they would prefer to be treated differently.

Method: African-American, Latina/Latino and European American community members were recruited to participate in one of 27 focus group discussions. Topics included what made a good or bad relationship with a doctor and what led one to trust a doctor. A thematic …

Therapeutic Alliance Between African American Clients And European American Providers: A Phenomenological Study, Dr. Pamela Johnson-Hood

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African Americans do not seek mental health help at the same rate, as do European Americans; furthermore, African Americans who do seek help tend to leave therapy prematurely. A poor therapeutic alliance between African American clients and European American clinicians may be one reason that African Americans do not seek therapy or leave prematurely. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of African American clients in therapeutic relationship with European American clinicians. Rogers' theory of therapeutic alliance, which included empathy as a key concept, served as the conceptual framework of this study. Through purposeful sampling …

The Impact Of Parental Divorce On Orthodox Jewish Marital Relationships, Eliyahu Melen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While there is ample research showing that adult children of divorced parents have more positive attitudes toward divorce and lower marital commitment, there has been no such research focused specifically on the Orthodox Jewish (OJ) population, which tends to view divorce more negatively. Prior to this study, it was thus unclear if the findings of existing research on marital competence applied to OJ children of divorce. Driven by social exchange theory, this study was designed to discover (a) whether OJ adult children of divorce differ significantly from OJ adult children of intact marriages in their marital commitment and marital satisfaction; …

Enterprise Risk Management In Responsible Financial Reporting, Robin B. Ewers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite regulatory guidelines, unreliable financial reporting exists in organizations, creating undue financial risk-harm for their stakeholders. Normal accident theory (NAT) identifies factors in highly complex integrated systems that can have unexpected, undetected, and uncorrected system failures. High-reliability organization (HRO) theory constructs promote reliability in complex, integrated systems prone to NAT factors. Enterprise risk management (ERM) integrates NAT factors and HRO constructs under a holistic framework to achieve organizational goals and mitigate the potential for stakeholder risk-harm. Literature on how HRO constructs promote ERM in responsible integrated financial systems has been limited. The purpose of this qualitative, grounded theory study was …

E-Cigarette Use Among Individuals Diagnosed With An Eating Disorder, Alexa Mary L'Insalata

Honors Papers

BACKGROUND. E-cigarette use has increased exponentially in recent years. Prior research suggests that some adult e-cigarette users vape to lose weight. The current study examined whether rates of vaping to lose weight are elevated among American adults diagnosed with an eating disorder (i.e., Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder [OSFED]).

METHODS. American adult e-cigarette users who reported vaping at least weekly and who either had a history of an eating disorder (n = 205, 86.3% with a current diagnosis, 75.2% female, 83.0% White, 33.54 [SD = 8.90] years, 71.4% cigarette smokers) or …

The Effects Of Ostracism On Seeking Social Situations As Moderated By Narcissism, Julie Odom-Dixon

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In this study, we tested assumptions about the role of personality in situation selection after experiencing ostracism. We did this by examining social situation selection in the context of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability. In this study, students (valid N =97) completed trait measures of narcissism and general personality before being randomly assigned to either experience ostracism or not. Afterwards, they completed measures designed to assess their desire to engage in certain social situations. We predicted that after experiencing ostracism, individuals scoring higher in grandiose narcissism would be more likely to seek out social situations, while those scoring higher in vulnerable …

Effectiveness Of Cognitive Rehabilitation As Memory Intervention For Elderly Adults With Dementia, Luzviminda Salamat Morrow

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although cognitive rehabilitation is not a new field of intervention, as it dates back to the treatment of brain-injured soldiers during World War I, the use of cognitive rehabilitation intervention therapies for individuals with dementia and mild cognitive impairment has yet to draw definite conclusions about its effectiveness. Based on the conceptual framework of biopsychosocial theoretical model, this study explored to what extend cognitive rehabilitation intervention was effective in improving the memory and mood functioning of elderly adults with mild cognitive impairments. An archived data set of 216 elderly adults collected at a midwestern agency in the United States during …

Seniority And Transparency In The Perceived Fairness Of Seniority-Based Police Promotion, Michael Edward Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perception of fairness is a key construct affecting job performance, and perceptions of promotional processes are related to employees' sense of justice in private organizations. In police departments, negative perceptions of procedures can be detrimental to departmental effectiveness. The purpose of this quantitative quasiexperimental study was to compare Louisiana officers' perceptions of fairness of a seniority-based promotion system in relation to Louisiana deputies' perceptions of fairness of a merit-based promotion system. Organizational justice theory, including procedural justice, was the theoretical foundation. The research questions were designed to examine whether seniority, transparency, knowledge of the promotion systems, gender, and race predicted …

Conformity Motives For Alcohol Use Are Associated With Risky Sexual Behavior Among Alcohol-Dependent Patients In Residential Substance Abuse Treatment, Sarah J. Bujarksi, Daniel W. Capron, Kim L. Gratz, Matthew T. Tull

Faculty Publications

Alcohol misuse is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including risky sexual behavior (RSB). In an attempt to better identify the subset of individuals at greatest risk for these negative outcomes, a growing body of research has begun to examine the role of alcohol use motives in risk for alcohol use-related negative outcomes. Although the majority of research in this area has focused on coping motives, conformity motives may be particularly relevant to outcomes such as RSB. Specifically, conformity motives may operate as a proxy risk factor for RSB, reflecting the tendency to engage in interpersonally-oriented risk behaviors in …

Narrating Refuge, Colette Daiute

Publications and Research

As I complete this essay, people across the world are protesting a recent Executive Order banning refugees from entering the United States. Millions of people, organizations, other collectives, and even some corporations are crying out in solidarity that it is a human responsibility to provide refuge to those fleeing inhuman conditions. A detailed analysis of the ban and the reaction is beyond the scope of this essay, but my argument is deeply related to the issue at the center of the protests – refuge. I will argue that considering refuge brings to the analysis of contemporary conflict and displacement a …

Intimate Partner Violence And Women's Cancer Quality Of Life, Ann L. Coker, Diane R. Follingstad, Lisandra S. Garcia, Heather M. Bush

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Purpose

Because intimate partner violence (IPV) may disproportionately impact women’s quality of life (QOL) when undergoing cancer treatment, women experiencing IPV were hypothesized to have (a) more symptoms of depression or stress and (b) lower QOL as measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-SP) Scales relative to those never experiencing IPV.

Methods

Women, aged 18–79, who were included in one of two state cancer registries from 2009 to 2015 with a recent incident, primary, invasive biopsy-confirmed cancer diagnosis were recruited and asked to complete a phone interview, within 12 …

Rest In The Zebrafish, David J. Echevarria, Kanza M. Khan

Faculty Publications

The purpose and function of sleep has been the topic of discussion for several centuries. Though our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the propagation and maintenance of rest states has undergone significant improvement, much remains to be learned with regards to the effects of disrupted sleep on diseased states. A deeper understanding of the neural circuitry and associated phenotypes would allow for the identification of sleep-related pathologies as well as the development of therapies for individuals with sleep disorders. To this end, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) pose a great advantage. Zebrafish are a diurnal animal, and the sleep rhythms of …

Front Matter

Modern Psychological Studies

No abstract provided.

The Problem With Online Data Collection: Predicting Invalid Responding In Undergraduate Samples, Patricia Al-Salom, Carlin J. Miller

Modern Psychological Studies

The popularity of online research is increasing but the validity of the results obtained is not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the validity of computerized data collection in an undergraduate sample. Participants were 99 university students randomly assigned to one of three data collection conditions: online survey platform, in-person computerized survey platform, and in-person pencil-and-paper survey. Results from statistical analyses suggest self-reported inattention symptoms, exposure to more stressors, and computerized platforms predict more invalid responding. In contrast, personality, self-reported impulsivity symptoms, and shorter completion times do not predict invalid responding. Overall, …

Age And Gender Differences In Particpation Rates, Motivators For, And Barriers To Exercise, Margot E. Hickey, Susan E. Mason

Modern Psychological Studies

Participants completed a questionnaire about their involvement in exercise and the motivators for and barriers to their participation in physical activities. There was a significant age difference in the total number of barriers reported. There were also significant gender differences in several aspects of exercise, within both a college sample and a sample of community residents. Because of the numerous health benefits of exercise for men and women of all ages, it is important that we understand what motivates individuals to be active. The findings of the present study suggest that the individual’s age and gender are important factors to …

Effects Of An Lgbtq Identity And Support Systems On Mental Health: A Study Of 4 Theories, Aubryn Samaroo

Modern Psychological Studies

Sexual minority adolescents (LGBTQ) are at a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal execution than are their heterosexual counterparts. This study aims to explain four theories – minority stress theory, social ties theory, interpersonal theory of suicide, and structuration theory – and their impact on identity and support systems for LGBTQ youth. Four members of the LGBTQ community at an elite university in the Northeastern United States were interviewed one-on-one for this study (25% lesbian, 50% queer females, and 25% bisexual female; mean age 20 years) and shared their experiences. Without support, LGBTQ youth are victims of harassment, …

Ethical Issues And Attitudes Towards Euthanasia, Christa A. Mastro, Susan E. Mason

Modern Psychological Studies

Case studies describing end-of-life scenarios were used to assess college students’ attitudes toward euthanasia. Students used a five-point rating scale to judge if a case was ethical. Major field of study and religious conviction did not prove to be significant factors. The age of the person described in a scenario did influence ethics ratings, but not in the hypothesized direction. Euthanasia was judged to be more ethical in situations involving younger adults than in situations involving older adults.

The Relationship Of Black Racial Identity And Aggressive Humor, Tina Reifsteck

Modern Psychological Studies

Humor is a form of intra-personal and inter-personal communication. Previous scholarship identified the expression of affiliative and self-enhancing humor as beneficial for one’s mental health, whereas aggressive and self-defeating humor can have harmful effects. However, in the African American community, culture specific humor, which often includes aggressive elements, has historically aided in coping with racism, oppression, and social inequality. Similarly, strong racial identification can mediate the detrimental outcomes of negative social experiences. This study evaluates the relationship between black racial identity and the aforementioned humor styles, with a focus on aggressive humor. For this correlational study, 63 African American participants …

Self-Efficacy And Gender In Stem Majors, Katie Jordan, Randy Carden

Modern Psychological Studies

This study investigated self-efficacy in men and women studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors at a small private university in order to determine whether women had lower self-efficacy scores than men, as has been suggested by previous research. The study also investigated the possibility of a negative correlation between femininity and self-efficacy. The participants (N=67) were evaluated using the College Academic Self-Efficacy Survey created by Owen and Froman (1988) to find self-efficacy scores, and the women (N=37) were also given the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem,1974) to determine femininity scores. The results found no relationship between gender and …

Hope, Life Satisfaction, And Motivation, Haley K. Mcconnell, Laura G. Stull

Modern Psychological Studies

This study examined three types of motivation—autonomous, controlled and impersonal (Deci & Ryan, 1985)—in relation to life satisfaction and hope in a sample of persons living in transitional housing in central Indiana. It was hypothesized that life satisfaction and hope would be positively related to autonomous motivation and negatively related to impersonal motivation. Further, the relationship between life satisfaction, hope, and controlled motivation was explored. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses. While hypotheses were not supported, other important relationships were found in the data, such as interesting directional differences and correlations. How these findings may be particularly relevant to …

Moral Injury And Stress Response Patterns In United States Military Veterans, Emily L. Ferrell, John M. Huyser, Matthew Dykas

Modern Psychological Studies

During combat, veterans encounter situations that violate their moral principles resulting in moral injury. For example, if a soldier fails to prevent, witnesses, and/or performs acts that oppose their values, their moral integrity may be harmed. The present study’s aim was to examine such injuries and their association with stress response patterns in veterans. Participants completed questionnaires as part of a larger study examining PTSD in war veterans. The MIQ was used to assess participants’ degree of cognitive dissonance with their actions during war, the IES- R was used to assess responses to traumatic events, and the SRQ was used …

Relationships Between Levels Of Mindfulness And Subjective Well-Being In Undergraduate Students, Rikki J. Rosini, Amanda Nelson, Eve Sledjeski, Thomas Dinzeo

Modern Psychological Studies

College is often a period of unique demands and increased autonomy. The heightened stress associated with this period can contribute to mental health difficulties and maladaptive behaviors in a subset of students. The goal of the current study was to examine the role of mindfulness (i.e., awareness of, and appreciation for, the present moment and experiences) in experiencing negative emotions and lifestyle behaviors in 23 male and 19 female undergraduate students. Participants were randomly assigned to a mindfulness meditation condition or a cognitive activity control condition. Results suggest that higher levels of mindfulness are associated with better lifestyle habits, lower …

The Caregiver’S Burden: Psychological Distress In The Younger Adult Caregiver, Kelsey C. Bacharz, Leilani B. Goodmon

Modern Psychological Studies

Research reveals that informal, adult caregivers (25 years of age and older) of chronically ill loved ones incur psychological stress from the caregiving experience. However, there is little research on the psychological impact on the younger adult caregiver (ages 18-24). Therefore, the focus of this study was to explore the psychological effects of being a younger adult caregiver and what factors contribute to, or insulate the younger adult caregiver from the distress of caregiving. The results indicate that younger adult caregivers are unique in that different factors contribute to or insulate them from distress compared to adult caregivers.

Effects Of Attention And Color On Motion Perception In Rorschach Inkblot Interpretation, Renee Hunsberger, Keith Feigenson

Modern Psychological Studies

Visual perception facilitates quick reactions to ambiguous stimuli, a crucial survival characteristic in threat appraisal of unfamiliar circumstances. The current study investigated the impact of attention focusing on motion interpretation of ambiguous Rorschach Inkblot images displayed in black or red. Participants focused attention on three characteristics of 4 discrete priming images: identity, color, and motion. Each combination of prime and attentional focus was presented individually and in random order, and then participants were asked to describe a Rorschach Inkblot in open ended form. Motion interpretation was operationalized by the number of responses indicating that an ambiguous inkblot was perceived as …

From Solitary To Solidarity: Belonging, Social Support, And The Problem Of Women’S Recidivism, Erin M. Schnappauf, Theresa E. Didonato

Modern Psychological Studies

This paper addresses the relation between belonging and social support and recidivism of formerly-incarcerated women by reviewing existing literature on their experience re-entering into society. Drawing on recent evidence, this paper considers that belonging and social support, in the form of frequent, positive interactions, may help formerly-incarcerated women overcome obstacles of successful reintegration. Specifically, the review paper supports a hypothesis that if formerly-incarcerated women have more social support as they re-enter into society, the recidivism rate for this population could decrease. The review also examines how different demographics intersect with the experience of reintegration and addresses gaps in the literature …

Pretrial Attitudes And Their Influence On Interpretation Of Case Evidence And Mock Juror Decision-Making In Insanity Defense Cases, Justine M.L. Gonzales

Honors Papers

Pretrial attitudes (attitudes held preceding any case-specific information) towards the insanity defense are known to influence jurors’ decision-making about a case. However, the impact of pre-trial attitude on decisions across different types of evidence was an open question that the present study addressed. Through Amazon Mechanical Turk, participants indicated their pretrial support for the insanity defense. Participants served as mock jurors and rated the likelihood of giving the defendant not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) as well as perceived responsibility for the defendant’s actions, they gave these ratings after introducing seven different pieces of evidence (baseline case vignette, mother …

Atheists Are Visualized As Untrustworthy, Maria C. Bertrand

Honors Papers

Previous research has found that atheists experience anti-atheist prejudice, which appears to be marked by a lack of trust. However, it is not known whether this prejudice manifests itself in terms of mental images of atheists, especially since atheists lack visual characteristics, they form a non-cohesive group, and their practices are not easily defined. Using a reverse correlation task (RC task), participants viewed pairs of faces that differed in noise superimposed on a base face. Participants chose which face looked more like an atheist. Each participant’s chosen and non-chosen faces were averaged to create a composite “atheist” and “non-atheist” image, …

Reading In Arabic Script: A Cross-Linguistic And Cross-National Study, Asma Amin

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The current study examined within- and cross-language predictors of word reading and reading comprehension among groups of Arabic-English bilingual children in different language learning environments. A total of 80 children were tested, forty Arabic-English bilingual children recruited from Saudi Arabia and forty Arabic-English bilingual children were recruited from Canada. Both groups completed parallel measures of word-level reading, reading comprehension and vocabulary in Arabic and English. Results indicated that the underlying components related to within- and cross-language word reading and reading comprehension varied across groups. Within-language results demonstrate that English morphological awareness was significantly related to English word reading in both …

Executive Control Mechanisms In Bilingualism: Beyond Speed Of Processing, Klara Marton, Mira Goral, Luca Campanelli, Jungmee Yoon, Loraine K. Obler

Publications and Research

The question of interest in this study was whether bilingual individuals show superior executive control compared to monolingual participants. Findings are mixed, with studies showing advantage, disadvantage, or no difference between bilingual and monolingual speakers. In this study, we used different experimental conditions to examine implicit learning, resistance to interference, monitoring, and switching, independently. In addition, we matched our monolingual and bilingual participants on baseline response time. Bilingual participants demonstrated faster implicit learning, greater resistance to interference, more efficient switching compared to monolingual participants. The groups did not differ in monitoring. In conclusion, depending on task complexity and on the …