Psychology Commons^™

A Comparative Study Of The Availability Heuristic In Risk-Sensitive Foraging, Rachel Donka

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Cognitive biases, or heuristics, are well known and established within psychological literature, but little research exists on whether these biases significantly alter decisions where variability or risk is involved. To date, no research on cognitive bias in animal behavior has been completed. The proposed study seeks to determine if individuals, both human and nonhuman, utilize the availability heuristic to evaluate the probability of outcomes when probabilities are objective and known. Risk sensitive foraging models, in which participants choose between a constant and a variable option, will be utilized to evaluate reliance on heuristics, increasing understanding of cognitive valuation and choice.

A Taxonomy Based Meta-Analysis Of Risk-Sensitive Foraging Models From 1950 To Present, Rachel Donka, Josh Sevigny, Derek Riegel

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Analysis of over 180 articles is being conducted related to risk-sensitive foraging in mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Articles span research conducted from 1950 to present. Articles will be coded to identify the primary models supported by research in addition to experimental methodologies using a formulaic ranking system. Primary goals include identifying trends between and within taxonomic categories in sensitivity, comparing different models of foraging (e.g., optimal foraging, daily energy budget, sequential choice, scalar expectancy theory), specimen origin (e.g., lab reared or wild caught), experimental location (e.g., field or lab), and deciphering key trends within the literature base.

Images Of Aging, Well-Being, And Life Satisfaction Among Independently Living Older Adults, Delaney O'Brien, Jan Anderson, Maddie Grigg, Naomi Isenberg, Samantha Jacobson, Karen Tanzy, Nicholas Van Baak, Nancy Weinbeck, Michael D. Roe

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

The U.S. is an aging country in an aging world, and yet negative age-related stereotypes abound and continue among the most institutionalized of "isms." Such stereotypes in older adults are associated with poor mental and physical health. In contrast, older adults with more positive views of aging experience better mental and physical health, engage in more preventive healthy behaviors, and enjoy greater longevity. These positive aging outcomes are confirmed in the present study of independent living residents in Bayview, a retirement community in Seattle (n=41; 26 females, 14 males; ages 70-94 years). In addition, this study reports findings on such …

We Are Amta: Evidence-Based Strategies For Volunteer Leadership, Sara Cannon

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

The purpose of this study is to provide information and insight about volunteer leadership experiences in the American Music Therapy Association through qualitative data gathered from 35 music therapist volunteer leaders nationwide. Appreciative inquiry, an approach that focuses on what is working well within a system, was utilized to discover (a) what experiences have been meaningful and impactful for music therapist volunteer leaders, (b) how these practices can be enhanced and applied to increase the pipeline of volunteer leaders, and (c) increase positive outcomes for the organization, the field of music therapy, and music therapists seeking leadership skills and experiences.

A Review Of Collaborative Biopsychosocial Healthcare Worldwide, Sadie Teal, John Charleson, Jyssica Seebeck, John Thoburn

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This review calls attention to the importance of collaborative care in international settings and highlight advances in models of care that are emerging globally. As our understanding of physical and mental health increases, healthcare continues to move towards a systemic approach to the mind-body dichotomy. This shift has resulted in increased provider collaboration and formation of multidisciplinary healthcare organizations. We propose that collaborative care is an effective way for providers to meet the physical and mental healthcare needs of patients across cultures. We further propose categorizing collaborative care models on a continuum of the degree of physical and functional integration.

If You Experience Sexual Harassment You Must Report It... Right?, Alejandra M. Rosales

Intersections: Critical Issues in Education

No abstract provided.

International Students In A Faith-Based Institution: An Intra/Interpersonal Spiritual Framework, Sarah-Ann Moh, Paul Kim, Dalton Geil, Sung Hun Ryu

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

International students experience specific stressors that domestic students generally do not encounter. Despite the larger body of research on international students, there has been a lack of attention towards the experience of international students enrolled in faith-based institutions. Hence, this study aimed to highlight the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and spiritual aspects of the international student experience in faith-based institutions. Through the Consensual Qualitative Research method (Hill et al., 2005), we conducted interviews with participants enrolled in a Christian university. We identified domains and some core ideas, and found several culture-specific aspects of the international student experience in faith-based institutions.

Learning To Have A Voice: The Spouse's Experience Of Clergy Sexual Misconduct, Samuel Rennebohm, Fiona Kurtz, Jessa Carlile, Heather Lucas, John Thoburn

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

In the present study, researchers utilized a systemic approach to examine the qualitative experiences of the spouses of religious leaders who engaged in sexual misconduct. Data was collected and analyzed through a process of narrative inquiry using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Multiple rounds of consensus-based coding led to an eco-systemic framework for organizing and analyzing data. Participant descriptions of their experience were organized according to chronology and bio-psycho-social systemic level: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual. These findings highlight the systemic risk factors for sexual misconduct and the need for interventions that extend beyond individuals to address marital, familial, and communal distress.

Mindful Marriage: Exploring The Interaction Between Mindfulness And Length Of Marriage, Honey Williams, Melissa Caris, John Thoburn

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

The purpose of this study was to explore the interaction between length of marriage and trait mindfulness on marital satisfaction. Although previous research has demonstrated that both length of marriage and trait mindfulness positively predict marital satisfaction, research has yet to explore the interaction between the two. Thus, our study adds to the existing literature by exploring the relationship between length of marriage and marital satisfaction, moderated by mindfulness. Because mindfulness has been shown to both act as a buffer against stress and to have a positive relationship with marital satisfaction, we hypothesized that trait mindfulness would moderate the relationship …

Determining The Temporal Direction Of Psychological Distress And Substance Use In Female Expatriate Spouses In Turkey, Lauren Hirsch, Thomas Pankau, Lynette Bikos

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Expatriation has been associated with a number of negative mental health issues within the expats themselves (e.g., depression, substance use). However, expatriate spouses can often face unique stressors, and by gaining a better understanding of the impact expatriation has on these spouses, organizations can more easily plan for the challenges. The purpose of our study is to further explore the direction of the relationship between alcohol use and psychological distress in a sample of female expatriate spouses during their first year assignment in Turkey. By using hierarchical linear modeling and conducting a cross-lead analysis, we will analyze the change over …

Psychometric Evaluation Of The Sexual Assault Coping Self-Efficacy Scale, Desta Gebregiorgis, Caitlin Coyer, Lauren Hirsch, Lynette Bikos

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

The King County Sexual Assault Resource Center's (KCSARC) legal advocacy program assists sexual assault victims through their legal prosecution to hopefully influence their client's coping self-efficacy. We chose 19 items from the Modified Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure (Benight et al., 2004) and modified these items to reflect coping self-efficacy after a sexual assault (Gibbs et al., 2011). The purpose of this study was to analyze the structural validity of the Sexual Assault Coping Self-Efficacy Measure using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. The results provided strong psychometric support for this instrument to be used for continued evaluation of this program.

Emerging Adult Gender Differences In Character Strengths And Sense Of Calling, Delaney O'Brien, Aundra Hernandez, Naomi Isenberg, Alexis Orndorf, Michael Roe

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Emerging adulthood is considered a particularly important period for seeking life roles that provide a sense of purpose or meaningfulness. It is also considered a critical formative period for moral maturity in adulthood, and for personality changes that relate closely to character development. The current research is investigating gender differences and developmental changes in character and vocation/calling in SPU psychology students (n=305; 236 females, 66 males; ages 18 to 35 years) from their early to final years as undergraduates. Early findings include females significantly higher than males in both search for and presence of calling. Measures used were the Calling …

Firefighters: The Emotional Processing Of Physiological Risks, Beth Larson, John Thoburn

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This presentation acknowledges the deficiency and necessity for research regarding emotional processing of firefighters at risk of developing cancer due to occupational risk. The developing research project will use qualitative methodology to gather and investigate subjective detailed descriptions of firefighters' psychological experiences regarding occupational risk. Because the goal of this project is to identify explanatory concepts of emotional processing, we will follow a grounded theory approach. Participants, a minimum of six firefighters, will undergo in-person interviews based on three open-ended questions. All interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for similar themes and patterns.

Effects Of Participation In An Online Course On Undergraduate Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Caitlin Coyer, Megan Fox, Elena Cantorna, Lynette Bikos

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Career decision-making self-efficacy (CDSE) describes beliefs in ability to engage in activities necessary for career decisions (Betz, Klein, & Taylor, 1996). This study assessed the effects of a vocational career development (VCD) online interactive course on students' CDSE. Participants (n = 129) were sophomore undergraduate students at Seattle Pacific University. Participants completed a pretest, posttest, and online VCD modules with three randomly assigned conditions: (ADJ) Adjust to college, (TRAD) ADJ plus traditional career development, (CALL) ADJ plus TRAD plus spiritual discernment. Results indicated participants in all conditions increased in CDSE significantly; no differences between groups were found.

International Students In A Faith-Based Institution: An Intra/Interpersonal Spiritual Framework, Sarah-Ann Moh, Paul Kim, Dalton Geil, Sung Hun Ryu

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

International students experience specific stressors that domestic students generally do not encounter. Despite the larger body of research on international students, there has been a lack of attention towards the experience of international students enrolled in faith-based institutions. Hence, this study aimed to highlight the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and spiritual aspects of the international student experience in faith-based institutions. Through the Consensual Qualitative Research method (Hill et al., 2005), we conducted interviews with participants enrolled in a Christian university. We identified domains and some core ideas, and found several culture-specific aspects of the international student experience in faith-based institutions.

Parents Supporting Their Adolescents’ Independent Remedial Math Practice: The Effects Of A Multi-Component Intervention Package On Math Academic Performance, Mackenzie Sommerhalder

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation examined the effects of high school students’ independent, remedial, home-based math practice while receiving parent support on math computation fluency. The multi-component intervention package encompassed both home-based remedial practice and parent support. Teacher interviews, normative assessments, and a performance-deficit analysis were conducted to identify high-school students who displayed math academic skill deficits. Next, identification and analysis of individual skills (e.g., multiplication, division) to be targeted for intervention occurred for each participant included in the study. A multiple-baseline across participants design was used to examine teaching high school students to choose effective instructional components for math computation and subsequently …

Stop, Meditate, And Listen: A Treatment Modality For Iraqi Refugees With Depression, Katherine Goehring

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purposes: To implement a mindfulness meditation program with Arabic speaking clients as an adjunctive treatment of depression

Background: Depression rates among Iraqi refugees are between 28.3 and 75% compared to 8.6% in the general population (Slewa-Younan, Guajardo, Heriseanu, & Hasan, 2015). Treatment options are limited at Neighborhood Healthcare in El Cajon due to budget limitations, cultural beliefs and language barriers, among other reasons. Individual therapy is intended to be a brief intervention due to limited staffing. Many middle eastern refugees decline group therapy due to stigma surrounding mental health treatment and concerns about privacy. Even though traditional treatment …

Focus On Fitness: Incorporating Exercise Into The Treatment Of Children And Adolescents With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Kristin Lulich

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Psychotropic medications, particularly stimulants are frequently used as the first-line treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many patients and their caregivers have concerns about psychotropic options for treatment. Review of current literature demonstrates the efficacy of physical activity in reducing symptoms of ADHD. Purpose: This evidence based practice (EBP) project introduced regular, scheduled aerobic activity into the treatment plan of children and adolescents with ADHD. The aim of this EBP was to reduce symptoms of ADHD measured by caregivers using the Vanderbilt Ratings Scale. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence Based Practice Model was used to implement this project. …

Social Support, Depression, And Life Stress: A Meta-Analytic Path Analysis, Kayli Ahuja, Melissa Hagerty, Jenny Townsend

Celebration of Learning

Previous research has shown a negative correlation between perceived support and depression. Findings regarding the association between received support and depression have been mixed. Some studies have observed negative correlations between received support and depression. Others have found no correlation or even a positive correlation between received support and depression. This study used meta-analysis to explore the difference between perceived support and received support with regard to their correlation with depression. Results showed that perceived support was negatively correlated with depression. However, received support was not significantly associated with depression. In order to understand the difference between these two correlations, …

Wrongful Convictions By Police-Induced False Confessions, Kayli Ahuja

Celebration of Learning

Wrongful convictions have two main negative effects on society: (1) innocent people are imprisoned, and (2) the real perpetrators are allowed to wander the streets. In order to analyze this issue, this presentation discusses police interrogation tactics (specifically when using the Reid Technique), the association between police interrogation tactics and false confessions, the association between false confessions and wrongful convictions, ways in which wrongful convictions affect communities and their members, and possible ways to mitigate this problem. Although current police interrogation tactics can be useful at eliciting confessions, interrogation methods must be reformed in light of evidence that police-induced false …

Morning Flight Behavior Of Nocturnally Migrating Birds Along The Western Basin Of Lake Erie, Paul Tuck, David Gesicki, Verner Bingman

Psychology Faculty Publications

Many species of birds that normally migrate during the night have been observed engaging in so‐called morning flights during the early morning. The results of previous studies have supported the hypothesis that one function of morning flights is to compensate for wind drift that birds experienced during the night. Our objective was to further explore this hypothesis in a unique geographic context. We determined the orientation of morning flights along the southern shore of Lake Erie's western basin during the spring migrations of 2016 and 2017. This orientation was then compared to the observed orientation of nocturnal migration. Additionally, the …

Green Schoolyards In Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods: Natural Spaces For Positive Youth Development Outcomes, Carolyn R. Bates, Amy M. Bohnert, Dana E. Gerstein

Psychology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Children from low-income families are increasingly growing up in urban areas with limited access to nature. In these environments, strategies that promote access to natural outdoor spaces, such as green schoolyards, may enhance positive youth development outcomes by promoting physical activity (PA) and prosocial behavior, as well as increasing perceptions of safety. The current study examines children’s PA and social interactions, as well as caregiver and teacher perceptions of safety, injuries, teasing/bullying, and gang activity on three newly renovated green schoolyards in low-income urban neighborhoods. A multi-method strategy, including behavioral mapping and caregiver- and teacher-reported surveys, was utilized at three …

Using Discipline To Build Relationship: A Review Of "No Drama Discipline", Kayt E. Frisch

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"What does discipline look like in your house? Do you have an over-arching philosophy, or are you just winging it?"

Posting about ­­­­­­­­the book No Drama Discipline from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation.

https://inallthings.org/using-discipline-to-build-relationship-a-review-of-no-drama-discipline/

Internalizing Outcomes Of Self-Objectification As Predictors Of Behavior In Sexual Situations, Kyla Marie Cary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to examine various outcomes of self-objectification by creating latent variables encompassing several outcomes. Self-objectification was expected to predict self-surveillance, the behavioral manifestation of self-objectification. Self-surveillance was then expected to predict a latent variable termed internalizing states which encompassed: body shame, appearance anxiety, and sexual self-esteem. Finally, the latent variable of internalizing states was expected to predict a latent variable termed behavior in sexual situations which encompassed: sexual assertiveness, control over sexual encounters, and risky sexual behavior. The participants were 383 undergraduate women between the ages of 18 and 25. The majority of participants …

Assessing Working Memory In Mild Cognitive Impairment With Serial Order Recall, Sheina Emrani

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Working memory (WM) is often assessed with serial order tests such as repeating digits backward. In prior dementia research using the Backward Digit Span subtest (BDT) only aggregate test performance was examined. The current research tallied primacy/ recency effects; out-of-sequence transposition errors; perseverations and omissions to assess WM deficits in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Memory clinic patients (n= 66) were classified into three groups - single domain amnestic MCI (aMCI), combined mixed domain/ dysexecutive MCI (mixed/dys MCI), and non-MCI where patients did not meet criteria for MCI. Serial order/ WM ability was assessed by …

Cultivating The Mindset For Creative Output, Alison Akell

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

Changing habits is a common pursuit whether it is in support of one’s creative work or another personal goal. I wanted to take myself more seriously as an artist and to change my procrastination habit towards that work. While solutions can seem simple, the ongoing difficulty of making this change led me seek further understanding of why knowledge of a solution is not always enough. Throughout my study in the Critical and Creative Thinking program at The University of Massachusetts Boston, I started to develop knowledge of the underlying ways of thinking that were affecting my actions. Learning about principles …

Investigating Attitude Change Through Psychoeducational Interventions, Elizabeth Claire Toal

Student Theses

Public perception of individuals charged with sexual offenses tends to be both negative and misinformed, leading to popular support for non-evidence based harsh and punitive sentencing. These fear-based attitudes are often more impactful than research in influencing public policy or legislation regarding individuals charged with sexual offenses. Kleban and Jeglic (2012) observed that discussion-based psychoeducation about individuals charged with sexual offenses resulted in significantly fewer negative attitudes about this offending population. The current study replicated these results with the addition of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) intervention featuring an interactive psychoeducational video addressing myths and misperceptions about individuals charged with …

The Society For Industrial And Organizational Psychology’S Guidelines For Education And Training: An Executive Summary Of The 2016/2017 Revision, Jennifer Lee Gibson, Stephanie C. Payne, Whitney Botsford Morgan, Joseph A. Allen

Psychology Faculty Publications

The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP, Division 14 of the American Psychological Association [APA]) maintains Guidelines for Education and Training to provide guidance for the training of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists. The 2016/2017 revision combines separate documents for master’s- and doctoral-level training into one document, because the competencies required for each degree are not very different. Instead, the degrees differ in breadth and depth. The updated Guidelines were approved as APA policy in August 2017. In this article, we briefly review the revision process and highlight the updates made in the latest version of the Guidelines. (PsycINFO Database Record …

Inherent Multiculturalism: An Ancient Chinese Practice Becomes A Part Of The Indonesian Everyday, Margaret Chan

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Several methods are used to trace cultural transfer between countries. The time-honoured methods are chronicles of early travellers and archaeology. We can also look to epigraphs and loan words. Present-day ethnic communities also suggest earlier settlements. Edward B. Tylor proposed the world distribution of games as anthropological evidence. Tylor's method combined with an archaeology into the Everyday provides evidence of earlier cultural transfer and present-day applications of the game enables analysis to draw socio-cultural knowledge of inter-ethnic, inter-cultural reception to foreign influences in host societies.

A Latent Profile Analysis Of Benefactor And Beneficiary Organizational Citizenship Behaviors Toward Individuals, Seulki Jang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although organizational citizenship behaviors toward individuals (OCB-I) have been studied over decades, the beneficiary side of OCB-I has been understudied. The co-existing and interactive possibility of benefactor OCB-I and beneficiary OCB-I within individuals has been ignored. Therefore, this research adopted a person-centered approach and examined different profiles of benefactor OCB-I and beneficiary OCB-I on the basis of Grant’s (2013) theory. Results from Study 1 data (cross-sectional data) and Study 2 data (multiple waves of data) revealed the three profile groups: vigorous (high benefactor OCB-I and high beneficiary OCB-I), moderate (moderate benefactor OCB-I and moderate beneficiary OCB-I), and passive OCB-I groups …