Psychology Commons^™

Teachers And Administrators' Perceptions Of School Resource Officers, Shameka J. Duncan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School Resource Officers (SROs) play a significant role in middle and high schools in Metro Atlanta; however little research has included the perceptions of school administrators and teachers about their roles. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding the roles of SROs and their perspectives on the practices that could enhance collaboration among these stakeholders in ensuring school safety. Informed by Gregory’s theory of perception, the study investigated how educators and administrators described their interactions with SROs. Data was gathered via semi-structured interviews with three teachers and three administrators and …

Determinants Of Clinical Supervisor Self-Efficacy In Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Victoria A. Nagel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use disorder counselors face increasing challenges in responding to a growing and more severely affected population, often presenting with co-occurring mental health conditions and complex clinical needs. Clinical supervision plays a critical role in supporting counselor development, yet little is known about the factors that contribute to clinical supervisors’ self-efficacy in providing supervision for alcohol and drug counselors. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether years of counseling experience, years of substance use disorder (SUD) counseling experience, years as a clinical supervisor, professional counseling credentials, and supervisory credentials predicted self-efficacy among clinical supervisors. This study …

The Moderating Role Of Self-Esteem In The Relationship Between Perceived Gender Bias And Job Satisfaction Among Women In The Technology Industry, Roberta L. Minicola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Women employed in the technology industry continue to experience gender-based bias that may adversely affect job satisfaction. Although the deleterious impact of gender bias on women’s job satisfaction has been well documented, the potential of self-esteem to mitigate this impact has not yet been examined. Informed by social dominance theory, the purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was to examine the moderating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between perceived gender bias (i.e., insufficient support, devaluation, hostility) and job satisfaction among women working in the U.S. technology sector. Data were collected from 138 female technology professionals recruited through Amazon …

Cv: Matthew Domico (Clinical Psychology), Matthew Domico

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Psychological Correlates Of Audiological And Self-Report Indicators Of Hyperacusis In Adults With Misophonia, Mercedes G. Woolley, Karen F. Muñoz, Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Anderson Clements, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Purpose:

Misophonia and hyperacusis are distinct sound sensitivity conditions that can co-occur and are linked to heightened emotional distress and impaired functioning. This study investigated the convergence between audiometric-based and self-reported indicators of hyperacusis and examined how each related to misophonia severity and psychological outcomes in adults with misophonia.

Method:

Participants (N = 60) completed self-report measures and underwent loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing.

Results:

Analyses revealed discrepancies between self-reported and LDL-defined hyperacusis, with no significant associations between LDL-based classifications and psychological or misophonia-related outcomes. In contrast, hyperacusis identified via a standardized self-report measure was significantly …

Preventing Burnout In School-Based Behavioral Health Clinicians: Organizational Strategies For Mitigating Work-Related Mental Health Impairment, Virginia W. Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This is a qualitative case study on Organization X that used the Baldrige Framework to investigate employee burnout, a growing concern associated with staff turnover, reduced job satisfaction, depression, and disengagement. The goal was to examine how organizational leaders assess the effectiveness of burnout prevention strategies, identify organizational factors and leadership practices that either mitigate or increase burnout, and discover key factors that contribute to burnout. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Baldrige Framework, were conducted with three leaders at Organization X. The themes resulting from interviews included burnout, open-ended communication, team cohesion, real-time protection, ethical leadership and authenticity, restoring norms, …

Community Reintegration Programs For Successful Reentry For Individuals Deemed Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity, Joanna Baker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Very little research has been conducted on the institution of community reintegration programs for individuals deemed not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). In the United States, each state can determine the path for community reentry with the NGRI population. California has a strategic and supportive reentry program that requires services such as drug testing, individual therapy, and close monitoring. Other states, including North Carolina, do not have a reentry program in place for the NGRI population. No research exists comparing states with conditional release programs and states without these programs. Consistence in community reintegration programs among all states can …

Utility Of The Wasi–Ii 2-Subtest Full Scale Iq For Identifying Impaired Cognitive Functions, Joseph J. Ryan, David S. Kreiner, Samuel T. Gontkovsky

Archives of Assessment Psychology

This study focused on how accurately the WASI–II 2FSIQ predicts the 4FSIQ. If two subtests can identify intellectual disability, a low score might prompt a switch to the WAIS–IV or WISC–V prior to completing the four WASI–II subtests. Participants were 94 individuals with psychiatric or neurological disorders (age M = 49.04 yrs, education M = 13.48 yrs) seem for clinical evaluation. The correlation between the 2FSIQs and 4FSIQs in the total sample was high, r(92) = .96, p < .001, but the former cannot be relied upon to predict 4FSIQs. It overestimated 4FSIQs in 69.1% of the cases, with only 50% of the 2FSIQs falling within + 3 points of the 4FSIQs. However, classification accuracy statistics indicated that the 2FSIQ effectively screened for the presence of intellectual disability. A 2FSIQ standard score cutoff of ≤ 79 yielded a high probability that the 4FSIQ was also at or below the cut score.

Potential Mediators In The Relationship Between Racial Identity And Neuropsychological Performance In A Retired Nfl Cohort, Claire Stafford, Charles Golden, Ryan Bennett

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Historically, Black Americans have consistently performed more poorly than White Americans on various neuropsychological tests, with debates surrounding the causes of these differences ranging from genetic to societal factors. These differences have been documented across various cognitive domains, including memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Findings from previous research suggest that individuals with higher levels of education and stable marital relationships tend to exhibit better cognitive functioning, while certain football positions are linked to differences in cognitive abilities. However, the specific effects of these factors on neuropsychological performance require further investigation. The present archival study was derived from a …

Victims Of Bravery (1): Impacts Of Acts Of Bravery On Australian Civilian Bravery Award Recipients, Tom Voigt, Angela Dew, Susan Balandin

Heroism Science

We admire those who perform acts of bravery involving physical risk and life-threatening trauma, yet little attention is given to civilians who experience negative consequences following such acts. This study examined unintended consequences through qualitative interviews with 24 Australian civilian bravery award recipients using constructivist grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: (1) Direct impacts, including high psychological distress, physical and health impacts, financial and employment consequences, and lack of formal counseling support; (2) Changes within, including hypervigilance, avoidance behaviours, anger, alcohol misuse, and social isolation; (3) Then and now, encompassing relationship difficulties, changed life approaches, and regret. …

Emotion Regulation And Stress In Adult Learning Through Social Media Platforms, Jennifer Irocky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social media platforms have become significant contexts for informal learning among adults, offering access to information and peer exchange outside of formal educational settings. These platforms are also emotionally complex environments in which stress and emotion regulation may shape learning outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between social media use and informal learning in adults, with perceived stress and emotion regulation examined as moderating variables. Secondary data from the Stress in America: The State of Our Nation, 2007–2018 surveys were analyzed, using binary logistic regression with moderation while controlling for age, gender, and …

Incarceration’S Impact On Young Adults’ Psychological Development, Well-Being, And Reintegration Into Society, Monica Murrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how individuals who experienced incarceration during emerging adulthood understood and made meaning of their developmental, emotional, and psychosocial experiences. Emerging adulthood, defined as ages seventeen through twenty-five, is a critical developmental stage, and incarceration during this period may disrupt identity formation and emotional maturation. The purpose of the study was to examine the perspectives and coping mechanisms of individuals incarcerated during this stage to better understand how early adult imprisonment shapes trauma responses, identity development, and reintegration. Social learning theory served as the conceptual framework. Data was collected through interviews with six formerly incarcerated adults …

Energy And Fluid Balance During A 214-Km Winter Ultraendurance Race: A Case Study, Kyle W. Wehmanen, Brent C. Ruby, Timothy C. Shriver, Michele N. Ravelli, Shalaya Kipp, John Mcdaniel, Erich Petushek, Steven J. Elmer

Michigan Tech Publications

The upper limits for total energy expenditure (TEE) and water turnover (rHO) in humans have been reported during several continuous single-day ultraendurance races (running, cycling, and triathlon). Currently, the upper limits for TEE and rHO during continuous single-day activity in cold weather (< 0 °C) remain unknown. The Arrowhead Ultra is one of the coldest ultraendurance races in North America and provides a unique opportunity to answer these questions. Racers select a bicycle, cross-country skis, or foot travel to traverse a 214-km snow-covered trail (altitude range: 345-426 m, 2,030-m elevation gain). Historically, approximately one-half of the racers complete the event. In this case study, we assessed TEE and rHO from the racer [cyclist: age: 22 yr, height: 1.84 m, body mass: 87.7 kg, and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o): 5.0 LO·min] who won the 2025 Arrowhead Ultra (17.9 h, -13 to -1 °C) using the doubly labeled water method. Total energy and fluid intake were recorded to assess energy and fluid balance. Mean heart rate was 141 beats·min (71% of maximum heart rate). TEE was 63.9 MJ (15,273 kcal, 9.6 times basal metabolic rate) while total energy intake was 33.2 MJ (7,941 kcal). Mean carbohydrate intake was 88 g·h. Water turnover was 17.7 L, yielding a rHO/TEE ratio of 0.28 L·MJ for the race. The cyclist demonstrated high TEE and rHO that were comparable to values from other ultraendurance athletes competing in a range of temperatures (3-34°C). Notably, rHO from this cyclist was higher compared to athletes performing other ultratype endeavors in cold weather conditions (-25 to -19 °C). Our observations shed light on energy and fluid demands during continuous single-day activity in the cold and have endurance training and performance implications. In this short report, we detail new data on the upper limits of human energy expenditure (9.6 times basal metabolic rate) and water turnover (10.5 L·12 h) during continuous single-day exercise in the cold. Our results indicated elevated energy use, and impressively, water turnover comparable to exercise in warmer conditions. These findings have implications for training and endurance performance of strenuous exercise in cold weather environments.

The Predicting Value Of Grit And Helicopter Parenting On Relational Satisfaction, Ashley Ann Puga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Helicopter parenting has been extensively studied within the emerging adult population. However, previous studies have recruited their participants solely from a university setting. The current literature on grit and emerging adults is limited. Therefore, this study sought to add to the current literature by recruiting emerging adults through multiple platforms, such as multiple social media platforms, to allow non-university participants. This study also sought to add to the current literature on emerging adults and grit. Utilizing the theories of social learning theory and self-determination theory, the purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine if helicopter parenting and grit …

Cv: Gregory Benson-Flórez (Counseling Psychology), Gregory Benson-Flórez

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Self-Esteem And Interpersonal Trust In African American Women, Elizabeth Omorodion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is known to affect survivors’ subsequent self- esteem and interpersonal trust levels, its long-term impacts among African American women were not fully understood. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, which was grounded in attachment theory and trauma theory, was to explore how CSA shapes African American women’s self-esteem, interpersonal trust, and healing processes in adulthood. To answer the study’s seven research questions, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight African American women. The use of Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach yielded seven themes: (a) impaired trust, (b) disrupted self-esteem, (c) resilience and strength …

What Is Happening In The World Today And Why: Humanity’S Evolving Consciousness And The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

What is happening in the world today and why? Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels. Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say. However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born--to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be. That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an …

Solvability Factors And Psychological Stressors In Cold Case Sexual Homicides: Insights From Investigators And Detectives, Jamie Borba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore solvability factors and psychological stressors experienced by investigators and detectives who work on cold case sexual homicides. The study includes eight participants’ perspectives of conditions that influence case solvability and psychological challenges inherent in investigating unresolved sexual homicide cases. Guided by the resource-based theory, the research involved examining how investigative techniques, organizational support, and available resources contribute to the successful closure and clearance of cold cases. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. This involved understanding how resource and institutional constraints affect their ability …

Associations Between Big Five Personality Traits, Facets, And Sexual Fantasies, Emily Cannoot, Amy C. Moors, Wiliam J. Chopik

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The present study investigated associations between Big Five personality traits, their facets, and the frequency and variety of sexual fantasies in a sample of 5,225 adults (M = 58.30 years old; 56.5% men). People high in conscientiousness and agreeableness report fewer sexual fantasies across exploratory, intimate, impersonal, and sadomasochistic domains; these effects were primarily driven by respectfulness and responsibility facets. Negative emotionality, particularly the depression facet, was associated with more frequent sexual fantasizing. Extraversion and open-mindedness showed minimal relationships with sexual fantasy frequency. These results underscore the importance of personality dimensions in understanding sexual thoughts, emphasizing the heterogeneity of …

Role Of Depression And Anxiety On Brain Care Scores In A Primary Care Setting: A Preliminary Analysis Of The Bham Registry, Terina Lane Myers

ETDs from 2020-2029

While the field of brain aging research continues to grow at a rapid pace, there is still much to learn about how certain factors influence brain aging as well as when and how these factors can be intervened upon. Cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases continue to pose a major obstacle to healthy brain aging and the better we understand the risk factors of these diseases, the greater chance we have at mitigation strategies and prevention. Previous research has identified key factors, consisting of physical, lifestyle, and socio-emotional aspects of life, which have the greatest impact on brain aging. These factors overlap …

Experiences Of Stigma And Barriers To Care Among Transgender And Gender Expansive Populations Seeking Mental Healthcare, Amanda Veldorale-Griffin, Elizabeth Banks, Elizabeth Patrick, Judith Cannon, Caidan Thomas Smith

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Transgender and gender expansive (TGGE) people experience increased risk for mental health issues and suicidality, as well as significant barriers to mental healthcare, due to stigma and discrimination, including from mental healthcare providers. A sample of 945 TGGE participants completed self-report surveys, measuring experiences of stigma and barriers to care, and counselor competence. Data were divided into two groups by age and analyzed through linear regressions and one-way ANOVAs. Across groups, participants (approximately 58% of younger participants and 49% of older participants) reported experiencing stigma from a healthcare provider, and all reported some barriers to care, with more than half …

Daily Coping Strategies, Unmet Needs And Daily Health Outcomes Among Family Caregivers Of Persons Living With Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias, Henrietta Armah Bennett

ETDs from 2020-2029

Providing care for an individual with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is considered the most stressful type of family caregiving that impacts caregivers’ health. More than one in five ADRD family caregivers report their overall health as poor to fair. These adverse health outcomes are often exacerbated when caregivers’ emotional, informational, and practical needs remain unmet throughout the caregiving trajectory. Numerous studies have shown that the ways in which caregivers cope to caregiving-related stressors significantly shape their health outcomes. Despite this evidence, a clear and consistent understanding of caregivers’ own appraisals of their unmet needs, coping strategies and mental …

Mom Is Developing Too: Preliminary Evidence For The Reciprocal Effects Of Infant Sensory Reactivity And Maternal Behavior, Emily C. Sweiss, Vincent Berardi, Elysia Poggi Davis, Curt A. Sandman, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Caregiver sensitivity to infant cues is well-established as a predictor of child development. Infants also actively influence their social environment, especially their caregivers, even from their earliest days. Sensory reactivity, characterized as hypo- (under) and hyper- (over) responding to environmental stimuli, is one domain of development that is likely to influence caregiver-infant interaction, due to its role in regulating emotions and responses to both physical and social stimuli. Although sensory reactivity could be an important target for improving caregiver-child interaction, the longitudinal, reciprocal relations between infant sensory reactivity and caregiver behaviors are currently unknown. In the present proof-of-concept study, we …

Trump Country: The Role Of Alienated Voters In Alabama And Georgia, Scott E. Buchanan, Bruce L. Blair

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

Abstract Since 2016, U.S. politics has galvanized by the Trump presidency. During his two previous, and now third, campaigns for president, Donald Trump has been successful in appealing to rural white voters through the nation, but most especially in the South. Methods. Using a variety of socioeconomic variables, we examined the 2016 and 2020 election cycles to see where Donald Trump was performing the best, and worst, in Alabama and Georgia. Results. Our analysis indicates that the oft-discussed rural/urban divide is alive and well in both states, with rural counties being much more supportive of Donald Trump in …

Bare-Knuckled Public Service: Donald Rumsfeld’S Political Ideology Before The War On Terror, Chris Paskewich

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

Abstract Donald Rumsfeld (1932-2021) is perhaps most well known for being Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush. However, he had a nearly fifty-year career in public and private sector work at the highest levels. Research into his political ideology, especially prior to his time under Bush, has never been undertaken. This article outlines Rumsfeld’s ideology for the first time, and shows it is a distinct strain of limited-government conservatism that I term “managerial conservatism.” Managerial conservatism aims to manage public resources well, maximize the gains from the public’s tax dollars, and make sure the federal government is only …

Gardening As A Psychosocial Well-Being Activity For Adults: Integrating Eco-Wellness And Developmental Theory, Christopher T. Belser, Helene Tavormina, Ann O'Hanlon

Adultspan Journal

Prior research has demonstrated the myriad of benefits that gardening can offer individuals, ranging from physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. Though the counseling literature has begun to address the nature-wellness connection via EcoWellness theory (Reese & Myers, 2012), little attention has been paid to the benefits of gardening as a psychosocial well-being activity for adult populations. In this manuscript, authors offer a conceptual framework built on EcoWellness theory, psychosocial development theory, life-span, life-space career theory, and selection, optimization, and compensation theory that contextualizes gardening as a beneficial activity for young adults, middle adults, and older adults. Authors present specific …

Supporting Latine Older Adults’ Nutrition And Physical Health Goals In Counseling, Zachary Mcniece, Jacqueline Bergman

Adultspan Journal

Latine older adults face disproportionate risk of chronic nutrition-related conditions and food insecurity, which can exacerbate or contribute to mental health-related concerns. Cultural stigma toward mental illness can result in Latine clients, especially older adults, somatizing symptoms and focusing on physical health goals in counseling. Despite these intersecting needs, counselors often overlook their clients' physical health goals due to limited training and the assumption that medical providers alone should address these needs. This article advocates for the integration of basic, culturally responsive nutrition information into counseling practice to support client well-being while remaining within the scope of practice. We offer …

The Naturalness Bias, Brian P. Meier, Amanda Dillard, Courtney Lappas

Psychology Faculty Publications

Research shows that people have a natural-is-better belief whereby things described as “natural” are perceived as better than artificial, synthetic, or human-made items. For example, people report they would prefer a host of items when they are described as natural versus synthetic including drugs, vaccines, food, cigarettes, human talent, and lighting. Some people report preferring a natural item like a drug even when it is objectively less safe or effective than a synthetic counterpart. This naturalness bias is may become more widespread given the political climate in the U.S. and elsewhere in 2025 and beyond. However, there are many instances …

Texture Density Discrimination Is More Precise Than Number Discrimination, Frank H. Durgin, Nichole Suero Gonzalez , '27, P. Wen, A. C. Huk

Psychology Faculty Works

Density information is a possible primitive for the perception of numerosity. It has been argued, however, that the perception of numerosity is more precise than density perception at low numbers, whereas density is more precise for high numbers. An interpretive problem with the stimuli used to make those claims is that actual stimulus density was often mis-specified owing to an ambiguity regarding the idealized versus actual filled area. This ambiguity had the effect of underestimating density precision at low numerosities. Here we used a novel method of stimulus generation that allows us to accurately specify stimulus density independent of patch …

Nostalgia's Impact On The Perception Of The Past And Future, Sara Lazo

The Kean Review: Journal in Student Research

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects nostalgia may have on the perceptions of the past and future. Nostalgia has always been perceived as a positive psychological tool for hope and fulfillment, but is also viewed negatively for its distortions of the past. To observe its effects, a survey was sent via Microsoft Teams which included 7 statements where participants were asked to either agree or disagree using a number scale of 1-5, with1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. Results yielded that nostalgia perceives the past more positively and the future negatively. Additionally, results …