Psychology Commons^™

Validity, Reliability, And Norming Of The Novel Psychodynamic Diagnostic Inventory Of Personality Organization, Andrew L. Candreva

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The purpose of this study was to develop a psychometrically sound self-report personality assessment derived from the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual’s (PDM-2) diagnostic framework of personality organization. This assessment, the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Inventory of Personality Organization (PDIPO), was developed from the longstanding history of psychodynamic personality theory. The PDIPO provides a comprehensive evaluation of how clients perceive their own level of personality organization, defined as a continuum from healthy to disturbed or impaired personality functioning. The PDIPO was normed on a representative sample of adults (ages 20–70) in the United States through an online participant recruitment service, Prolific. The 78 items …

A Comparative Analysis Of Demographic Characteristics Of Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators, Katherine M. Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence is a significant and widespread social issue with far-reaching personal, societal, and economic consequences. Nonfatal strangulation is an act of violence that is considered a strong predictor of homicide within violent relationships. While research about nonfatal strangulation has improved, there is still limited knowledge about individuals who commit acts of strangulation within violent relationships. This study was an investigation of demographic characteristics of male individuals who commit acts of strangulation within intimate relationships. This research was grounded in the power and control theory, general strain theory, and social learning theory. The research questions for the study examined …

Assessing The Predictability Of Sexual Homicide Subtypes In Serial Homicide Offenders Using Childhood Abuse And The Macdonald Triad, Kevin Dionne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prior research established a positive correlation between childhood abuse and sexually motivated murders, and childhood abuse is considered a risk factor for serial murder, especially for sexually motivated serial murder. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess whether a predictive relationship exists between childhood abuse types (physical, sexual, and psychological) and MacDonald triad behaviors (enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty) in predicting sexual homicide subtypes (sexualized, grievance, and rape murder) in a sample of male serial sexual homicide offenders. The subtypes were derived from the Higgs, Carter, Tully, and Browne systematic review. The theoretical lenses applied in the …

Treatments For Opioid Use Disorder: Perspectives Of Patients In Long-Term Recovery, Robert Florian

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The contemporary landscape of substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, presents a complex and pressing public health concern, marked by escalating rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although extensive research has been conducted on the efficacy of interventions for opioid use disorder, a notable research gap exists concerning the perspectives of individuals in long-term recovery (defined as exceeding 2 years). Specifically, how these individuals view pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches remains largely unexplored in the existing literature. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, this study investigates patients’ perceptions of medication-assisted treatment and abstinence-based therapies. Purposive sampling was utilized, and participants …

The Role Of Positive Psychology Within Professional Athletes’ Performance, Jasmine C. Olsen

ScholarsArchive Data

This literature review delves into the influence of these practice such as mental resilience, coach-to-athlete relationships, and satisfaction in performance within athletes. It’s aim is to voice any needed changes within such research for future studies.

Mommy, When Can I Have My Cookies?, Hayley Stewart, Samantha Desantis

Research Days

Current regret literature suggests a psychological difference in how people cognitively evaluate their own role in suboptimal outcomes regarding (in)actions taken. Initial studies report a robust action effect (Kahneman, 1982); however, subsequent studies have challenged these findings and suggest that the inactions elicit greater regret (Beike, Markman & Karadogan, 2009; Gilovich & Medvec, 1995). The concept of delayed gratification can provide a valuable lens through which we can understand these seemingly conflicting results. A classic study by Walter Mischel (1989) examined children’s ability to wait for a larger reward (e.g., two marshmallows) rather than settling for an immediate reward (e.g., …

Addressing Pain Management Postoperatively From A Multimodal Approach In Response To The Opioid Epidemic, Victoria Pascoe

Best Integrated Writing

This review article explores the four-wave opioid epidemic across the United States and the postsurgical multimodal pain management approaches being implemented to help combat it. Breaking down the mechanistic approach to pain in the form of opioid-alternative analgesics, cryotherapeutic techniques, cognitive approaches, and more, this paper offers insight into how pain can be managed outside of the historical approach, while also exploring the future directions of the field as physicians and researchers alike search for ways to offer more comfort and quality of life to the patients who walk through their clinic doors.

The Effects Of Adult Attachment To God On Mental Health, Megan M. Brodowski

Student Works

Attachment styles and spirituality can greatly affect mental health, therefore, attachments to God can also be an indicator of mental health. This literature review examines all relevant literature regarding attachment styles to God and mental health, using a total of 10 sources. Secure and insecure relationships with God were examined to find correlations with psychological well-being. Secure attachments to God are correlated with higher psychological well-being. Researchers found that anxious and avoidant attachments to God are correlated with psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Further research should be conducted to address limitations of self-report, cross-sectional studies, and underrepresented groups. With …

Lasting Impact Of Friendship: A Group Manual For Meaningful Connections In Adolescence, Kristen M. Hull

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Adolescence brings profound changes in physical growth, emotions, and social interactions. The friendships formed during this time of life play a crucial role in shaping a young person’s sense of self, emotional health, and ability to navigate social relationships well into the future. This group manual examines the importance of friendships in adolescence, offering a research-based approach to understanding how these relationships influence mental well-being, academic success, and personal development. Designed for school counselors and other trained professionals, it provides practical strategies to help students build and maintain meaningful, supportive friendships during this pivotal stage of life.

Keywords: adolescence, friendship, …

Family Drama: Unpacking Your Communication Style In Relation To Authority Figures, Makenzie Boylston, Averie Owens, Abbey Fies, Rose Kores

SPARK Symposium Presentations

An important aspect of our personality is how we communicate. Our expressiveness and communication skills drive our interactions and interpersonal experiences. Previous research has found that a family’s usage of transparent communication and expression influences the children’s future behavior and attitude in terms of leadership and sociability (Huang, 1999).There is additional research that found that one’s communication with authority figures, such as teachers and physicians, is impacted by how the authority figure communicates with them (Drury, 2003; Frymier & Houser, 2000; Kiesler & Auerbach, 2003). Our study examined the correlations between familial expressiveness, authority figure communication skills, and one’s dominance. …

The Impact Of Quiet Quitting On University Students: A Phenomenological Investigation Providing Student Perspectives And Institutional Implications, Molly Caldwell

Honors Theses

This study explored the potential phenomena of quiet quitting in higher education among college students and how they approached their role as a student. The researcher sought to understand if the disconnect observed in current students resembled quiet quitting behaviors and to determine if there was a phenomenon beyond student disengagement. The research questions investigated whether a phenomenon was occurring among college students independent of disengagement, if college students engaged in behaviors indicative of quiet quitting, and if students perceived that quiet quitting had any impact on their educational outcomes such as grades, involvement, graduation, or job prospects. Data collection …

How Childhood Maltreatment Shapes Brain Regions: Considerations For Speech-Language Pathology, Alexa G. Sees

Honors Thesis

Childhood maltreatment is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children worldwide, leading to alterations in key structures such as the limbic system, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, visual cortex, and language areas. These changes result in significant cognitive, emotional, and neurological consequences, such as learning deficits, emotional regulation issues, memory problems, reduced vocabulary size, speech errors, etc. This thesis explores the neurological effects of childhood maltreatment and their implications for speech-language pathology, highlighting how maltreatment-induced brain changes affect areas within the scope of speech-language pathology, such as social communication, language development, and behavior management. These results underscore the importance of …

Trust At The Polls: Examining Perceptions Of Election Fairness And Voting Intentions, Amy L. Nyary

Honors Theses

Leading up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, concerns about electoral fairness and integrity in democratic institutions became central to public discourse. This study examines how perceptions of election fairness and integrity mediate the relationship between political ideology and voting intentions. While prior research has demonstrated the influence of political ideology and trust in electoral processes on voter behavior (Birch, 2010; Stanziani et al., 2024; Schaffner & Streb, 2002), the mediating role of these perceptions remains underexplored. To address this gap, we collected online survey data from 524 participants, measuring political ideology, voting intentions, and perceptions of electoral fairness and …

Using Video Models Plus Feedback To Teach Interview Skills, Zoe Odom

Honors Theses

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is partially characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. These deficits can be displayed by struggles in developing relationships and social-emotional reciprocity (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). In the context of competitive employment, social skill deficits can impose challenges in securing and maintaining an employment position, with 8.1% of adults with disabilities between the ages of 16-65 unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Video-based instruction (i.e., video models and prompts) has been used to teach adults with autism a wide variety of skills up to 100% accuracy, including vocational skills such as …

The Effects Of Leadership On College Student Well-Being, Kate O. Middleton

Undergraduate Research Conference

• Student leaders play an important role on college campuses • However, they can also face increased pressures that may impact their psychological well-being • The purpose of this study was threefold: 1. A purposive sample of student leaders was examined and their investment and satisfaction with their positions were assessed 2. Students' leadership investment was correlated with a variety of psychological variables (i.e., life satisfaction, impostorism) 3. Student leaders were compared to a sample of non-leaders to examine the specific psychological variables on which leaders and non-leaders differ

Parenting Styles And Help-Seeking Behaviors, Magenta Thai

Student Academic Conference

Abstract: Entering college is a major life-changing milestone for many students that may introduce new stressors that have not been experienced before, causing mental or psychological turmoil. In place to combat this are various counseling services free for college students. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a wide variety of student services, including in-person appointments or free memberships with mobile apps that can offer personalized care based on the student's needs or struggles. Although college campuses provide students with these services, there are low usage levels observed in previous research. To explore a potential reason college student do not utilize these …

49 - Speaking Through Art: Leisure As An Act Of Resistance For A Leader, Rowan Williams, Dejaune (Deja) K. Thompson

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Literature and anecdotal experience often depict leadership roles as high-stress positions, in which individuals can neglect the importance of leisure activities for personal development and well-being. This proposed study draws from Laura Ellingson's conceptual framework of crystallization (Ellingson, 2014; Ellingson, 2017) which acknowledges the multifaceted, dynamic nature of human experiences and identities. Additionally, crystallization can provide a rich and contextually sensitive approach to exploring how art is a multidimensional tool for personal reflection, storytelling, and resilience.

This study explores the intersection of leisure, art, and leadership, explicitly examining artistic practices' role in enhancing leaders' mental health, resilience, and identity formation. …

Born To Be Tough: Traditional Masculinity Ideology And Help-Seeking Attitude In Chinese-Indonesian Men, Rachel Theophilia Chandra, Karel Karsten Himawan Dr.

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Despite growing mental health literacy, a gender gap remains in accessing professional assistance, with men often hesitating to seek assistance despite exhibiting poor mental health indicators. This quantitative study investigates the contribution of traditional masculinity ideology to professional help-seeking attitudes among Chinese–Indonesian men using hierarchical regression analysis. Data were collected from 115 Chinese–Indonesian men aged 18–25 years (M = 21.757; SD = 2.050) using the Masculine Role Norms Inventory-Short Form (MRNI-SF) and Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Results revealed that traditional masculinity ideology significantly predicts (11.4%) professional help-seeking attitudes among young Chinese–Indonesian men. This study suggests …

The Psychological Effects Of Childhood Trauma On Adult Relationships, Anna B. Dunford

Student Works

This literature review explores the long-term psychological effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships. Drawing on empirical studies and theoretical frameworks such as attachment theory and the intergenerational transmission of trauma, the review uses findings from recent research on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape adult relationship dynamics. Through a mixed-methods approach, electronic searches were conducted using databases such as PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify relevant literature on the psychological effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships. Specifically, the paper examines three interconnected domains: attachment styles, emotional regulation, and relationship satisfaction. The reviewed literature reveals a consistent association …

The Psychological Effects Of Ice Conditions In Long-Term Space Travel, Jamen W. Barker

Student Works

The psychological effects of long durations spent in space remain largely unexplored, as do potential treatments for these effects. This review compiled data from 19 articles found via searches on the APAPsychInfo and Google Scholar databases, as well as a few ancillary sources. These studies are relevant to the study of the psychological effects of space travel and isolated, confined, or extreme (ICE) environments, and research into means of addressing them, as well as limitations in current literature on the topic. Studies found sleep deprivation, largely due to microgravity, to be a contributing factor to increased stress in space. Social …

Fd&C Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red) Effects On Non-Human Animal Testing: A Systematic Review, Vilate Winfrey

Honors Theses

Artificial food dye is added to foods to enhance their color and appearance for consumers. This systematic review aims to review the literature on Red Dye No. 40 and its effects on non-human animals. Studies were included if (a) exposure to Red Dye No. 40 was the independent variable, (b) nonhuman animals were the subjects, and (c) at least one behavioral, neurological, or physiological dependent variable was reported. An article search was conducted with Scopus Elsevier. An abstract review was conducted to determine whether the articles met all inclusion criteria. The author conducted a multi-stage application of inclusion criteria to …

Coping With Distress In Athletes: Strategies And Barriers, Julianna Cheney

Student Works

Cognitive techniques and mental strategies are utilized by athletes to enhance performance in their sport, particularly when it comes to managing physical distress or discomfort. This literature review aims to both compile the most current literature on the cognitive strategies athletes implement to counter physical distress, as well as address the mental barriers they may face. Searches conducted in Google Scholar and PsycINFO as well as articles drawn from the reference sections of chosen articles yielded a total of 11 peer reviewed articles related to the main focus of this literature review. Within the available literature on mental strategies,, there …

Mental Health Wellness For Female Law Enforcement Executives And Their Perception Of Proactive Mindsets, Cindy Elizabeth Baughman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative study aimed to examine how female law enforcement executives perceive the use of mental health wellness in their professions. The phenomenological design provided an increased understanding of the lived experiences of those interviewed, specifically regarding their use of mental health wellness. The snowball sampling technique was utilized to recruit seven female law enforcement executives at the Sheriff, Under Sheriff, Chief, or Deputy Chief rank. One-on-one interviews were completed, data collected from the interviews was transcribed using NVivo software, and collectively, common themes amongst the participants’ interviews were identified. The gap in the research and the associated qualitative interview …

White Matter Integrity Of Hearing And Cognitive Impairments In Healthy Aging, Samaneh Nemati, Meisam Arjmandi M.Sc., Ph.D., Jean Neils-Strunjas Ph.D, Ccc-Slp, Roger Newman-Norlund Ph.D., Sarah Newman-Norlund B.S., M.A., Laura Droege, Leonardo Bonilha, Julius Fridriksson Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, affects two-thirds of U.S. adults over 70 and is linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. This study examines associations between white matter integrity and hearing and cognitive function in healthy aging using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We recruited 126 participants (92 female) aged 20–79 years () from the Aging Brain Cohort Study at the University of South Carolina (ABC@UofSC). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and hearing was evaluated through pure-tone thresholds (PTT) and words-in-noise (WIN) thresholds. White matter integrity was measured with fractional anisotropy (FA) …

Who Needs More Than 1 Water Bottle? Apparently, Everyone., Jazmyn Weddig

Honors Theses

This research investigates the interplay between a good’s functional durability, and its collectability, focusing on the Stanley Quencher water bottle market as a case in point, which has recently gained widespread consumer interest. It examines the economic and psychological factors driving consumer behavior and the market dynamics associated with durable goods that become collectibles. This paper begins with a comprehensive analysis of Stanley and the history of the company to provide a better understanding of their evolving marketing strategies. This paper takes special interest in collecting behavior, planned obsolescence, market structures and economic utility to help explain consumer behavior within …

“Woman At Point Zero” Challenges Faulty Person Schemas, Josephine Ebersole

KU Inspires! Undergraduate Research Day

This paper explores how literature can challenge faulty-person schemas as defined by Mark Bracher through an analysis of Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi. The paper outlines how Saadawi pushes her readers to question faulty-person schemas and biases and also question the impact these schemas have on institutions and structures that are rooted in bias to oppress and control minorities. The main character in the novel, Firdaus, is a woman who fights against oppressive structures for her protection and freedom, and through humanizing such a character, Saadawi demonstrates how faulty-person schemas place inaccurate judgements on people and encourage …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Divorce And Children Of Divorce’S Romantic Relationships In Adulthood, Carlie Mccleary

Student Works

Divorce is a common occurrence in around 50% of marital relationships, and has profound effects on children born within those unions, particularly in their adult, romantic relationships. In this literature review, I compiled 12 sources from three journals in order to explore the relationship between divorce and children’s romantic relationships in the future. Primarily, findings indicated two major outcomes for children of divorce: lack of respect for the institution of marriage and also a lower level of commitment to their romantic partners. Both of these in turn impact their current and future relationships by lowering their overall satisfaction and investment …

Direct And Mediating Relationships Between Divine Grace, Legalism, And Mental Health, Branwyn H. Mccormick

Senior Honors Theses

Positive psychology has popularized the integration of religious ideas into psychological treatment. According to the literature, the experience of divine grace is correlated with favorable mental health outcomes, whereas legalistic attitudes are correlated with adverse mental health outcomes. It has also been found that the experience of divine grace is a mediator between legalism and mental health. However, the constructs of divine grace and legalism have both been relatively unexplored aside from a few studies using Latter-day Saints (LDS) populations. The current study seeks to analyze relationships between divine grace, legalism, and mental health using a conservative evangelical Christian population. …

Applying Insights From The Enneagram Model Of Human Psychology To Enhance Neutrality And Success In Mediation, Inely Cassía Cesna

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

The ancient wisdom of the Enneagram illuminates the complexities of conflict, offering invaluable insights for mediators and individuals alike. Through various case studies and recommendations on practical applications, this Article illustrates how mediators can leverage Enneagram-based strategies to de-escalate conflict and facilitate constructive dialogues. By understanding the nine Enneagram Points, mediators can foster self-awareness, empathy, and communication among the disputing parties. Meanwhile, the Enneagram encourages mediators to self-reflect and address their own underlying emotions during the various mediation stages. Rather than a strict typological tool, the Enneagram’s inner lines, Wings, and Triadic Approaches allow mediators to easily recognize diverse responses …

Do Undergraduates Get Enough Sleep? Trends From 2000 To 2024 ​ According To The National College Health Assessment, Bianca Welch, Khanh Bui

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The National Sleep Foundation (2020) recommends that adults aim to get 9 hours of sleep nightly. Research (Solan, 2023) shows that inadequate sleep can place individuals at a higher risk for mental health conditions.

Since the Spring of 2000, the American College Health Association has collected data on the well-being of college students through its National College Health Assessment (NCHA), which includes questions broadly related to health and is administered during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Our study examined sleep trends among undergraduates from Spring 2000 to Spring 2024.

More specifically, we examined undergraduates’ responses to the question “How many …