Psychology Commons^™

Strategies For Recruiting, Retaining, And Developing The Knowledge And Skills Of Behavioral Health Technicians, Shirley Ann Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To be effective, behavioral health organization leaders must recruit and retain behavioral health technicians (BHTs) to provide nonclinical services. The focus of this case study was on identifying strategies to promote the recruitment and retention of BHTs and to help these workers develop the knowledge and skills they need for effective job performance. The Baldrige Framework for Excellence was used to guide this case study of a behavioral health organization located in the southeastern United States. The organization had one residential substance use facility serving men and five serving women and experienced a constant shortage of BHTs. Data were collected …

A Qualitative Study Of Moral Distress In Physicians During The Covid-19 Pandemic, William Washington

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) created a pandemic and had a world-shattering effect on healthcare organizations. As a result, many healthcare professionals were exposed to health situations that stretched them beyond their professional ethics, mental health, and emotional capacity. Throughout the last 30 years, moral distress has been understood as the type of stress that medical professionals experience. Research has substantially grown regarding COVID-19 and moral distress, exposing gaps in the ability of experts to care as they should. Moral distress was a term created to define the emotional disruption that occurs when a professional cannot work within their …

American Women's Motivations To Join Overseas Terrorist Groups, Zuri Sushil Birla

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An increasing number of American women are actively engaging in overseas terrorist organizations and networks. Their motives, though, are little understood by researchers, although familial relationships and other associations, gender roles, and social media propaganda may play a role. The purpose of this qualitative narrative case study was to better understand the motives, decision-making, and behaviors of radicalized American women. The theoretical framework was social behavior theory and the research design, narrative case study based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Motivation. The research question addressed American women’s immersion into terrorism through social media outlets and familial partnerships that emphasize …

Lived Experiences Of Employees Working With Homeless Veterans In Transitional Housing Programs In New Jersey, Ieshia C. Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homelessness among veterans has been a widespread concern for over three decades. Individuals employed in transitional housing settings play a pivotal role in helping veterans overcome homelessness. There is a lack of qualitative studies that explores the experiences of these employees, which limits understanding of what is needed to help homeless veterans regain their place back in society and the ability to develop and implement better programs for the population. In this phenomenological study, semi-structured interviews were used to help understand and describe the lived experiences of employees who work directly with the homeless veteran population in transitional housing settings …

Comparing Motivation And Ambition Between Adolescent Mothers And Child-Free Women, Deirdre Lynn Jones Lowman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent studies have concluded that adolescent pregnancy and subsequent motherhood can contribute to mental health stressors, acting as potential barriers to ambition and motivation. Researchers have explored motivation and ambition; however, there is little or no research comparing motivation and ambition between adolescent mothers and child-free women. The purpose of this casual-comparative study was to compare motivation levels and ambition values between adolescent mothers, age 18-24, and women of the same age range who are child-free. Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory as the theoretical lens, and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and Aspirations Index, were used as data collection instruments. Recruitment …

Women Veterans’ Social Experiences, Challenges, And Responsive Strategies During Civilian Reintegration, Amanda Najar-Cabrera

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this study, women veterans’ reintegration experiences, challenges, and responsive strategies with social identity, social connection, and social support were explored. Military discharge is a significant life change that disrupts the lives of women veterans in ways different from men and the scientific community is only beginning to research the long-term implications of social determinants of health in different populations. As the U.S. military women veteran population continues to increase, their social experiences, challenges, and responsive strategies during civilian reintegration have remained unexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore the social experiences of women veterans during reintegration to …

The Relationship Between Perceived Occupational Stress, Gender, Education, And Job Skill Level, Rumena Hm Kabir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractOccupational stress is a common problem among workers, and it may have implications for productivity, job satisfaction, and employee wellness. The purpose of this study was to explore different skill levels related to perceived occupational stress and whether gender and education influence it. Publicly available secondary data for this study came from the Public Library of Science at-risk and intervention thresholds of occupational stress using a Perceived Stress Scale 14 survey from June 2017. The 500 participants in the secondary data were a random sample of workers from five occupational health centers recruited during annual work medical examinations. Findings indicated …

Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, ,Adverse Childhood Experiences, And Self-Management Of Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes, Deserie J. Otoole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractPoorly controlled diabetes is the result of lack of self-care, which contributes to complications, ill quality in life, the rise in health care costs, and early death. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to examine the extent to which diabetes type (Type 1 and Type 2), childhood trauma, and adverse childhood experiences predict diabetes self-management (glucose management, dietary control, physical activity, health care use, total self-management). Contemporary trauma theory suggests that early childhood trauma results in negative health-related consequences in adulthood. Standard multiple regression analyses showed that (a) higher levels of physical neglect and emotional abuse predicted poorer …

Exploring Perspectives Of African American Pentecostal Clergy Scripture Teachings Regarding Mental Illness, Phyllis Bethea Foye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous literature has noted that African American Pentecostals (AAP) avoid seeking secular care for mental health concerns. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of AAP pastors’ beliefs and teachings associated with mental health care as well as stigmas regarding that care, using Niebuhr’s synthesis theory, Arnheim’s convergence theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory of human development. Sixteen AAP senior pastors were interviewed to explore four research questions regarding their beliefs about secular mental health care, Bible Scripture teachings, seeking support from clergy, and mental health education that may impact the acceptance of secular …

Factors For Lgbt College Students That Predict Academic Success, Jonathan Mccormick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Much research has been done on LGBT students in relation to campus climate and academic achievement, which suggested that a positive campus climate may positively influence students’ academic success. However, no research has yet been done to understand the value of campus climate, student levels of depression anxiety and stress, and student level of outness for predicting academic success. This quantitative study examined campus climate, depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and student level of outness together in their ability to predict self-reported grade point average of LGBT college students. Basic Psychological Needs Theory, a sub theory of Self-Determination Theory, was …

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Stratified By Age In Primary Care, Robin E. Mccoy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little is known as to the age-related presentation of somatic complaints of those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in primary care settings. A retrospective medical records review sought to identify the affective symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by age as recorded by primary care providers and to test the association of these symptoms by age. Guided by Engle’s (1977) biopsychosocial (BPS) model, a large administrative claim database system was used to derive a sample of 1,336, including 500 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder between 2018 to 2021. Binary logistics regression, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, correlation, and logistical regression with …

Effective Revenue Planning For Small Minority-Owned Mental Health Organizations, Beonko Alejandro Sampson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractRevenue planning for minority-owned organizations is vital for sustainability. This is a significate concern for behavioral health practitioners who must deal with the changing landscape of mental health and the financial worries of sustaining a successful organization. This case study examined effective revenue planning for a minority-owned behavioral health organization located in the mideastern part of the United States. The organization provides several different behavioral treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults. The Baldrige excellence framework for healthcare guided a system-based approach to assessing the minority-owned organization. The systems approach identified noted organizational components of leadership, strategy, and operations. Themes …

Mental Health Professionals’ Perceptions Of Referrals To School-Based Mental Services Among Elementary Students, Dr. Adrienne L. Stephens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractBarriers exist to the referral process for mental-health services among elementary-school students from the perspective of school-based mental-health service professionals. The problem addressed in this study was that lack of mental-health referrals can delay or prevent treatment of mental-health issues, causing those mental-health problems to worsen over time. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of school-based mental-health service professionals regarding these barriers to mental-health referrals. Pescosolido’s theory of the revised network model was the guiding conceptual framework for this study. The study was guided by research questions focused on how school-based mental-health professionals perceived …

Examining Psychosocial Characteristics Of Female Serial Murderers, Rachael Strebel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous studies of serial murderers have focused primarily on male serial murderers.The reason for this is unknown, but is primarily reflective of media patterns, gender roles, and social norms that often exclude females from conversations surrounding female serial murder. This study focused on the psychosocial characteristics of female serial murderers. Both solo female serial murderers and serial murderers who worked with one partner were studied. Using a grounded theory approach, based on the review of 11 secondary data case studies, 12 female serial murderers were studied; six who murdered individually and six who murdered within a team. Six main themes …

Parenting From Juvenile Confinement: Adults’ Reflections On Their Juvenile Experience, Lakeasha R. Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMass incarceration in the United States has resulted in an estimated 19.7 million youth living in fatherless homes. Incarcerated juvenile fathers are contributing to that number. Juvenile fathers who are incarcerated is a socially pertinent topic with significant implications, yet child developmental scholars understudy it. This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of adults who, as juveniles, were incarcerated fathers and how they coped with social and emotional stressors while attempting to balance adolescence and defining fatherhood. Five adult males were interviewed and asked a series of four demographic and 18 semistructured …

Measuring Spiritual Well-Being In International Contexts, Rodger K. Bufford, Raymond F. Paloutzian

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) is a 20-item measure of self-perceived wellness. Developed in the 1980s, it includes two subscales with 10 items each. Responses are made on a 6-point continuum from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree with no neutral point; 9 of the items are negatively worded to minimize response biases. US samples show good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Content validity was established in construction. Expected correlations with religion and spirituality indices, social and psychological measures, and physical functioning and demonstration of expected group differences support criterion validity. Factor analysis commonly shows 2 factors corresponding to the religious …

Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Swbs): Measuring Spiritual Well-Being In International Contexts, Rodger K. Bufford, Raymond F. Paloutzian

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) is a 20-item measure of self-perceived spiritual health. Developed in the 1980s, it includes 2 subscales with 10 items each. Responses are made on a 6-point continuum from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree with no neutral point; 9 of the items are negatively worded to minimize response biases. The US samples show good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Content validity was established in construction. Expected correlations with religion and spirituality indices, social and psychological measures, and physical functioning and demonstration of expected group differences support criterion validity. Factor analysis commonly shows 2 factors corresponding to …

Dynamic Risk As A Predictive Of Sexual Offense Treatment Outcomes, Kaylee Bartnes Ma, Jessica Cantley Ms, Jaycee Hallford Ms, Cameron Stumpf Ma, Nicholas Rodgers Ma, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Past Research  Those with higher criminogenic needs are more likely to recidivate (Andrews and Bonta, 1998).  Mandated therapy services have shown to have lower completion rates due to the lower intrinsic motivation (Rosenfeld, 1992).  Individuals mandated to treatment as a consequence of a previous sexual offense find engaging in treatment more challenging to complete as stigma, bias, social norms, and risk factors complicate and hinder their success (Olver et al., 2011). Current Study. We explored how dynamic risk factors differ between individuals who do and do not successfully complete mandated sexual offense treatment.

Parental Affect Profiles Predict Child Emotion Regulation And Classroom Adjustment In Families Experiencing Homelessness, Madelyn H. Labella, Rebecca Distefano, Jillian S. Merrick, Jyothi L. Ramakrishnan, Eric L. Thibodeau, Ann S. Masten

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Parenting shapes the development of emotion regulation skills in early childhood, laying a key foundation for social-emotional adjustment. Unfortunately, high adversity exposure may disrupt parental emotion socialization practices and children's regulatory development. The current study used variable- and person-centered approaches to evaluate links among parental emotion expressiveness, children's observed emotion regulation, and teacher-reported adjustment among 214 4- to 6-year-old children experiencing homelessness, an indicator of high cumulative risk and acute adversity. Structured parent-child interaction tasks were recorded on site in emergency shelters over the summer and micro-socially coded for parent and child expressions of anger, positive affect, and internalizing distress. …

Pilot Study: The Effects Of A Mountain Wilderness Experience On Combat Veteran Psychosocial Wellness, Elizabeth J. Vella Phd, Taylor Lyman, Taylor Lovering

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 3.5day outdoor wilderness program (Huts for Vets, HFV) for reducing psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improving positive mood states. It was hypothesized that participation in the HFV program would predict improvements in psychosocial well-being in addition to reductions in PTSD symptomatology relative to a waiting-list control group. Participants included 51 adult veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or some other combat-related disability (Mage = 36.8, SD = 8.19). The experimental group (n=32) participated in the HFV program, which included hiking and group discussions. Data collection via psychosocial scale …

An Exploration Of Differences In Perceptions Of Gerotranscendent Behaviors Between Younger And Older Adults, Gabrielle E. Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The theory of gerotranscendence was developed as a means of addressing limitations in current developmental theories. It is defined as the natural developmental process in which people gradually change their fundamental views of themselves, the world, their relationships, and reality in general. Research has shown that gerotranscendent behaviors are viewed as pathological by younger adults. The purpose of this study was to further explore differences in perception of gerotranscendent behaviors between college students and older adults. An additional goal was to better understand how and why these behaviors are interpreted differently by younger and older adults. Perceptions of gerotranscendent behaviors …

The Satanic Ritual Abuse Panic: Correlates And Implications For Therapists, Mariah Severud

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The goal of the current study is to examine the belief in SRA and correlating variables among the next generation of psychologists. 26 participants completed the full questionnaire to be included in the analyses. Pre-doctoral internship sites were selected from the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers’ (APPIC) directory that were located in the United States, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and offered training opportunities in the areas of sexual abuse, empirically-supported treatments, evidence-based practice, and/or evidence based research. Interested interns could click on the questionnaire’s link, which connected them to Qualtrics, an online survey platform. Generally, …

Substance Use And Trauma Among Adult Education Students In The United States, Brittany Miller-Roenigk, Michael Awad, Maria C. Crouch, Derrick M. Gordon

Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications

Adult basic education (ABE) programs in the United States serve millions of students annually to help them achieve high school equivalency, English proficiency, and other skills. These skills are necessary for upward mobility and competitiveness in the labor market, which is important for ABE students who are disproportionately affected by racial/ethnic disparities and poverty. Among learners who are not in ABE programs, substance use and trauma affect student outcomes. Similar research is limited among ABE students. Understanding the influence of these factors among ABE students can better inform interventions. The current study, grounded in Stress and Coping Theory, examined rates, …

An Exploration Of Athlete Thoughts And Perceptions Of Cohesion In Coacting Sports, Jared Scott Hrabcak

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Cohesion is a central element in group dynamics that contributes to a team’s functioning and performance. Most of the cohesion research to date has focused on the dynamic within interacting sport teams (i.e., football, basketball, soccer) but has looked past coacting teams (i.e., golf, tennis, cross-country running). While interacting sports command worldwide popularity, a significant portion of student athletes compete in coacting sports and represent the bulk of NCAA affiliated participants on the world stage at the Olympics. Thus, with such status on the world stage of competition, the investigation of coacting sports is justified. Therefore, the purpose of this …

The Scientific Study Of Positive Psychology, Religion/Spirituality, And Physical Health, Kevin S. Masters, Julia K. Boehm, Jennifer M. Boylan, Kaitlyn M. Vagnini, Christina L. Rush

Psychology Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Humans have long been interested in relations among religion/spirituality (R/S), positive psychological constructs, and physical health. Furthermore, many religions attempt to influence behavior through health-related prescriptions about food choices, sexual activity, substance use, and resting. Similarly, positive psychological constructs have been discussed in light of their presumed benefits on both mental and physical health (Ryff & Singer, 1998). However, R/S and positive psychological constructs have only recently become objects of scientific investigation of their associations with physical health.

Parent Anger Relates To Cortisol Elevations For Children Attending Head Start Preschool, Jamie Gensbauer

West Chester University Master’s Theses

A robust research literature suggests that the impact of early adversity on child developmental outcomes is partially mediated or explained by the physiological stress response functioning. Economic hardship, for example, has been linked to dysregulation in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as has negative parent emotion expression. Whereas a number of studies have examined links between parent depression and anxiety and child stress levels, the present study is the first we know of to examine parent anger in relation to child cortisol. Participants were 370 children attending Head Start preschool, and their parents or primary caregivers. According to federal …

Development Of A Reinforcer Assessment: A Measure Of Potential Reinforcers In The Lives Of Older Adults, Nicole A. Praska

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to create a new measure that assesses potential reinforcers in the lives of older adults residing in assisted living facilities. It is important to assess what an individual finds rewarding since individuals have a greater quality of life if they are doing activities that they enjoy. The study involved a two-step process. First, a list of potential reinforcers was created and evaluated by professionals in the field. Then this list was formatted into a survey and presented to 612 older adults. Participants rated these potential reinforcers on a Likert scale. Results were then evaluated …

Religiosity, Family Sexual Communication & Gender As Predictors Of Attitudes Toward Oral Sex Among College/University Students In The United States, Antoinette Napier

Dissertations

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether religiosity, family sexual communication and gender were predictors of attitudes toward oral sex among college/university students in the United States.

Method

Participants completed several surveys, which measured participants' personal religiosity, family sexual communication, and attitudes toward oral sex. A path analysis model was used to analyze the relationship between the proposed variables.

Results

The path analysis hypothesized model resulted in a poor fit for the data. The model was respecified by removing three items which showed weak beta weights. The respecified model produced a good fit for the data. The …

Attachment Security Moderating The Effects Of Social Media Use On Body Dissatisfaction In Adolescent Girls, Jenna Walters

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Social relationships are important for the vast majority of people, especially adolescents. Social media has become increasingly common in people under the age of 30 and has been associated with body dissatisfaction and stress; furthermore, insecure attachment styles have also been associated with body dissatisfaction in adolescents. Using the survey results from 104 adolescent girls from a Midwestern metropolitan area, this study examined how attachment style potentially moderates the relationship between three social media variables (frequency of use, emotional investment in social media, and pressure felt from media) and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls. Controlling for age and body mass …

The Impact Of Belief In A Just World And Social Dominance Orientation On Reactions To Pay Inequities, Sydney Rae Dhue

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Prior work has examined how racial prejudice can lead to the acceptance of unjust pay toward women and minorities. Other work has found that people who are high in the belief in a just world (BJW) often accept the outcome of events and situations despite differences in outcomes for certain individuals or groups. This research examined if BJW and social dominance orientation (SDO) contributes to the acceptance of pay discrimination toward African Americans. In the research participants read a description of a job applicant and an offer of employment toward that applicant. For the description, participants received explicit information that …