Psychology Commons^™

An Evaluation Of Exercise-Related Self-Efficacy Metrics Following A Resistance Training Program In Individuals Treated For Cancer, Kayla S. Adler

Senior Theses

As the number of cancer survivors grows, managing treatment side effects and promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity is crucial. Low exercise self-efficacy, an individual's belief in their capability to perform exercise, is a significant barrier to physical activity adherence. This study assessed if an 8-week supervised resistance training program could improve self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) and outcome expectations of exercise (OEE) in individuals treated for cancer. Participants (n=25) attended twice-weekly, one-hour sessions. SEE and OEE scales were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results indicated a significant increase in SEE scores (mean difference = 8.96 ± 19.87, p = 0.041), demonstrating …

Methods Comparison For Collecting Subjective Valence And Arousal Judgements, Esha Gandhi

Senior Theses

Human emotion and affect are critical for regulating behavior, guiding decision-making and facilitating social communications. In everyday language, emotion and affect are interchangeable. However, in psychology, they are conceptualized as two distinct constructs. Emotion refers to discrete, prototypical subjective experiences elicited by specific stimuli. Affect, in contrast, refers to more elementary feelings that can be described along two continuous dimensions: valence (positive-negative) and arousal (low-high). According to the circumplex model (Russell, 1980), emotion can be represented within a two-dimensional core affective space defined by valence and arousal. Although valence and arousal are conceptually interrelated, most studies measure them separately using …

Between Healing And Harm: An Analysis Of Residential Treatment Centers For Youth, Virginia B. Finch

Senior Theses

Residential treatment for children and adolescents has evolved greatly. Today, a therapeutic individualized treatment approach is standard. Despite past and present improvements in care, this paper examines the persistent challenges faced by residential treatment centers (RTCs) serving youth with mental health issues. This paper argues that residential treatment, while sometimes necessary, has the potential to cause more harm than good due to systemic issues like overdiagnosis, inappropriate medication, and the troubled teen industry’s (TTI) profit-focused approach.

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …

Investigation Of Coordinated Visual Attention Using Head-Mounted Eye Tracking In Infants With An Elevated Risk For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Edith L. Violi

Senior Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Coordinated visual attention (CVA), the ability to share attention with others through gaze coordination, is a key component of early social development, and differences in CVA may serve as a potential early marker of ASD. Given the increased likelihood of ASD among siblings of diagnosed individuals, research has focused on studying CVA differences to improve early detection and intervention strategies. The thesis aims to examine group differences between elevated likelihood (EL) and low likelihood (LL) infant-parent dyads in toy-directed attention and …

Distinct Neuropsychological Profiles Of Acute Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Mary Ursula Simons

Dissertations (1934 -)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause significant impairment in a child’s life, particularly impacting their cognitive and psychological functioning. Despite these significant consequences, there are currently no validated treatments to alleviate or mitigate the negative impact of TBI. Failed clinical trials in pediatric TBI are thought to be due to simplistic diagnostic criteria and coarse classification nomenclature (i.e., mild, moderate, severe), which results in significant variability in recovery within a classification category. Furthermore, other variables, such as age, preinjury functioning, social determinants of health (SDOH), and post-injury cognitive functioning, more effectively predict long term outcomes than classification nomenclature, highlighting the …

Perceptions Of Reactions To Trauma Disclosure And Posttraumatic Growth, William David Ewing

Dissertations (1934 -)

This dissertation explores the associations between trauma disclosure likelihood, perceptions of positive and negative social reactions to trauma disclosure, trauma impact, trauma type, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The study aimed to clarify the ability of these variables to predict PTG, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of positive and negative social reactions to trauma disclosure in the relationship between trauma disclosure likelihood and PTG. Using a cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 184 participants recruited primarily through an undergraduate participant pool, as well as through various trauma-related organizations and online forums. The findings suggest survivors of Type 2 …

Understanding The Experiences Of Nonprofit Leaders In Psychotherapy, Anna Bramlett

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nonprofit leaders are at the helm of organizations that contribute significantly and meaningfully to society. Nonprofit organizations provide a range of services across sectors that include healthcare, education, mental health, civic engagement, and many others. Existing literature attends to the challenges nonprofit leaders face in their work roles, with managing boards and fundraising frequently cited as stressors. Little is known about the mental health experiences of nonprofit leaders, including common mental health diagnoses they experience, prevalence of mental health symptoms, or effective interventions for mental health concerns. The present study sought to explore the experiences of nonprofit leaders who attend …

A Factor Analytic Investigation Of The Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory - Second Edition In Justice Involved Youth, Mary Alicia Tait

Dissertations (1934 -)

The Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory – Second Edition (MACI-II; Millon et al., 2020) is an adolescent self-report measure of personality and psychopathology. Its predecessor, the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI; Millon et al., 1993) is one of the most frequently used measures in forensic evaluation of justice involved youth (Archer et al., 2006; Baum et al., 2009; Viljoen et al., 2010). The factor structure of the MACI has been evaluated in diverse psychiatric and juvenile justice samples (e.g., Adkisson et al., 2002; Newman et al., 2015; Romm et al., 1999, Salekin, 2002; Woodland et al., 2014) and inconsistent findings have …

Psy 321 The Psychology Of Immigration And Acculturation Syllabus, Marjorine Henriquez-Castillo

Open Educational Resources

This course is all about understanding how immigration (moving to a new country) and acculturation (adapting to a different culture) shape who we are. Together, we’ll explore the history, theories, policies, and research surrounding these processes, focusing on how they influence the physical and mental development of individuals and communities in the U.S. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how these experiences impact both you and the world around you.

On The Provenance Of Software Systems: Automating Software Traceability With Knowledge Graph And Large Language Model Synergy, Tyler Procko

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The present dissertation delineates a system that enables those engaged in software development to automatically generate and maintain project life cycle provenance. All projects are implemented and made manifest with the development of artifacts, e.g., papers, code files, etc. Tools exist to accelerate artifact creation, but little focus is paid to the processes that produce them. In terms of Ontology, or, from Ancient Greek, the study of being, the two most basic entities in reality are Continuant and Occurrent, or, roughly, “Artifact” and “Process”. This dissertation posits that for any created artifact, its process of creation, i.e., its life …

Rookies To Aces: Investigating The Intuitiveness Of Pilot Interaction For Operating Evtol Aircraft, Shivani J. Patel

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft introduce unique movement dimensions beyond traditional fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft, requiring novel control interfaces for pilot operation. This study examines the compatibility of gesture-based control movements across participants with varying flight experience levels. This study included a total of 60 participants across four groups; novices (no real or virtual flight experience, n=30), flight simulator gamers (n=10), fixed-wing pilots (n=10), and rotor-wing pilots (n=10). Participants viewed eighteen simulated first-person eVTOL aircraft movements (e.g. pitch, roll, yaw, heave, translations) assessing their intuitive gesture inputs for the different aircraft motions. Additionally, they were asked to sketch …

Ethical Ai Use And Classroom Integration Training Modules, Daniel Boudon

Open Educational Resources

This project focuses on developing comprehensive training modules to equip students and faculty with the knowledge and skills necessary to ethically and effectively use AI tools in academic settings. The training consists of interconnected modules that cover a wide range of topics, including the ethical use of AI, evaluating AI-generated content, integrating AI tools into curriculum design, and creating AI-enhanced classroom activities. Additional modules emphasize fostering digital literacy, staying updated with AI advancements, and collaborating on best practices for AI in education.

Designed for flexibility, the modules cater to diverse academic disciplines, making them suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses, …

Discrimination And Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Latina Women: The Protective Role Of Social Support., Sabrina R. Liu, Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez, Curt A. Sandman, Elysia Poggi Davis, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Interpersonal discrimination has been associated with adverse birth outcomes among Black populations, but few studies have examined the impact of discrimination among Latinx/Hispanic populations in the United States, especially in conjunction with resources that could be protective. The present study examined (a) if exposure to discrimination is associated with adverse birth outcomes for Latina/Hispanic women and (b) if prenatal social support buffers these links. Method: In two independent prospective studies of Latina/Hispanic women in Southern California (N = 84 and N = 102), the relation between maternal experience of discrimination and birth outcomes (length of gestation and birth weight) …

Arab American Well-Being And Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rawan H. Atari-Khan, Katrina S. Rbeiz, Lawrence H. Gerstein

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Americans experience various forms of racial–ethnic trauma in the United States, including historical and intergenerational trauma (IGT). The population has been migrating to the United States since the 1800s, and the number of migrants has risen in recent decades due to war, persecution, and family reunification. As a result, the children of these migrants may be exposed to IGT, with research suggesting that descendants of individuals who have experienced trauma are more susceptible to poor mental health outcomes. Using semistructured interviews, alongside the art of storytelling and empowerment through critical consciousness, this study investigated …

Commentary: Caring About Caregivers And The Importance Of Refining Methodology In Caregiver-Focused Studies, Johanna Michlig, Astrida S. Kaugars

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Significant progress has been made in advancing caregiver wellbeing research and clinical application in the last decade (Salley et al., 2024). This commentary on the work of Badovinac et al. (2024) will highlight the importance of more comprehensively examining context in caregiver responses. Caregivers live within the push and pull between social and family demands, and it is vital to expand our view to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their experience. Consequently, the methodology of future studies with caregivers must reflect those demands and complexities.

Pandemic-Related Stress Increases Ptsd And Depression Risk In Traumatic Injury Patients: A Comparative Study Of Pre- And Peri-Pandemic Trauma Cases, Juan Pablo Zapata, Carissa W. Tomas, Sydney Timmer-Murillo, Terri A. Deroon-Cassini, Christine Larson, Lucas Torres, Amber Brandolino, Timothy J. Geier, Hason Khan, Andrew T. Schramm

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the psychological well-being of the general population. However, there are limited studies that examine its mental health effects on patients who have experienced traumatic injuries and tracked their recovery over time. This study aimed to: (1) compare the rates and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression between patients who sustained traumatic injuries before the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-pandemic) and those injured during the pandemic (peri-pandemic); and (2) assess whether the degree of pandemic-related stress (e.g., worry about infection, social isolation, loss of home/job) predicted the severity of PTSD or depression symptoms. Participants (N …

Understanding The Stereotypes, Emotions, And Behaviors Towards Introverts In The Workplace, Kristen M. Fisher

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present study utilizes the SCM and the BIAS Map to understand perceptions of introverts within the workplace and highlight potential approaches to mitigate introversion mistreatment. It was hypothesized that, when compared to extraverted employees, introverted employees would be perceived as lower in warmth and competence, receive more emotional responses of contempt, more behavioral responses of passive harm, and that contempt would mediate the relationship between competence and passive harm. Conversely, it was hypothesized that extraverts would be perceived as higher in warmth and competence, receive more emotional responses of admiration, more behavioral responses of active facilitation, and that admiration …

Acculturation Experiences Of International Students In The U.S. Cacrep-Accredited Counselor Education Programs: Challenges, Support Systems, And Systemic Barriers, Nargiza Amirova

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

International students significantly enrich U.S. counselor education and supervision programs by contributing diverse cultural perspectives that inspire teaching, research, and professional growth. Yet, these students often face complex challenges including cultural adjustment, language barriers, social isolation, and the academic demands of counseling academic programs that impact their educational outcome s and psychological well-being. Systemic barriers, such as visa restrictions and institutional unawareness, further complicate their experiences. This study explored acculturation experiences of international students enrolled in CACREP-accredited counselor education programs in the United States.

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with seven international students on J1/F1 visas, …

The Contribution Of Task Difficulty And Adult Reliability On Children's Academic Task Persistence, Ella M. Wheelbarger

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Task persistence plays a crucial role in children's academic success and achievement of long-term goals. Contextual variables may influence child persistence such as reward source reliability, task difficulty, or task arrangement. We evaluated the effects of reward source reliability on children's academic task persistence with task difficulty. The perception of the reliability of the reward source was manipulated by making a commitment to provide a reward after completion of the task, but upon completion, delivery was delayed to the next day. The study was designed to examine the extent to which experiencing prior disappointments would decrease persistence times on subsequent …

The Effect Of Psychological Variables Associated With Aging On The Psychological State Of Seniors In Jordan According To Gender And Exercise Habits, Walaa Aliswed, Saad Al-Dabas, Mohammad Al-Hindawi

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This research aims to identify the level of psychological variables associated with aging (depression, anxiety, and stress) and their impact on the mental health of older adults in Jordan, based on gender and physical activity variables. The researchers used a descriptive approach, and the sample consisted of 63 older adults, including 30 males and 33 females, aged 60 years and older. The research tool employed was the DASS-21 scale to measure depression, anxiety, and stress. The results showed that the level of psychological variables associated with aging among older adults in Jordan was moderate. Statistically significant differences were found in …

Dei From The Perspective Of Racially And Sexually Minority Social Work Students, Ilse Ivonne Trejo, Miguel Gabino Lopez, Annette Clarke Jones, Octavio Ramirez

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This explanatory sequential mixed-method research study examined the experiences and perspectives of racially and sexually minority social work students enrolled at Fort Hays State University. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study aimed to uncover the unique challenges these students face, such as feelings of belonging, microaggressions, and a lack of culturally competent mentorship. It also highlighted resilience strategies and institutional supports that contribute to their academic and personal success. The findings offer valuable insights for social work educators and administrators seeking to foster more inclusive and supportive environments for minority and sexual students in rural PWIs.

The Efficacy Of Informal Mindfulness Practices Towards Enhancing Psychological Well-Being And Life Satisfaction Among College Students, Tianhui Xie, Carol Patrick

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Embarking in an era marked by innovation and progression, US college students frequently encounter psychological challenges related to intense academic pressure and socialization. Informal mindfulness practices have been suggested to be capable of reducing stress levels, state mindfulness, study engagement, and psychological well-being. While prior research has investigated the efficacy of informal contemplative practice in various daily settings, no study has specifically examined skincare as a potential form of informal contemplative practice. This study aims to measure the efficacy of integrating informal mindfulness practices with skincare practices to enhance psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and state mindfulness among US college students. …

Overcoming Challenges To Student Belonging At A Majority-Minority Hispanic Serving Institution: A Competing Demands Framework, Christopher Donoghue, Richard S. Reinschmidt, Lauren Chow, Junius Gonzales

eJournal of Public Affairs

Sense of belonging is a fundamental human need that can raise the chances of self-actualization and academic success in college. Latine and other historically underrepresented student groups may experience greater challenges in this area than White students due to a greater propensity for feelings of belonging uncertainty, perceptions of inequality or experiences with microaggressions, or greater struggles with food and housing insecurities, even when they outnumber White students on campus. In this study, we utilized a person-centered approach to explore the heterogeneity in belonging in a large sample of undergraduate students (N=2,003) between the ages of 18 and 25 at …

Understanding How Family Dynamics Affect Mental Health Communication In Inside Out: A Content Analysis, Kataryna Morton

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This study examines the impact of open communication between family members on mental health and a child’s sense of belonging in the film Inside Out. Previous research has shown the impact of media on children’s socialization, which can influence stigma and make it less likely for vulnerable communication to occur. It is crucial for children to learn to communicate their emotions, and the media can play a key role in shaping these beliefs. Inside Out provides a positive example of mental health communication, which is specifically explored through Riley’s communication with her parents throughout the film. Using a content analysis, …

Bridging The Gap: Stress And Support Systems For Underrepresented Students Pursuing Graduate Education, Carlos A. Tavira-Villegas

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Embedded within the United States educational system lies a history that is marked by centuries of exclusion, where students of color were denied the right to an equal education. Despite this legacy of injustice, a story of resilience and bravery also exists, as countless individuals fought for the right to access and succeed in an equal education. This literature review examines the historical exclusion of Mexican American, Asian, and Black students in the United States. Important legal cases will be explored to trace the progression of educational equity in America. Several theories will be reviewed, including social identity theory, ecological …

Impacts Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Proactive Coping On College Adjustment And Risky Behavior, Isabella Kester, Will Stutterheim, Jisook Park

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have garnered recent attention in psychological and educational research due to their significant and lasting effects on an individual’s ability to cope and adjust to the demands that are part of the college experience. The trauma experienced in childhood can influence key aspects of psychological and emotional development, shaping how adults conceptualize and cope with stressors later in life. These developmental disruptions also increase one’s susceptibility to risky behaviors, especially during transitional periods in life, such as entering college (Allem et al., 2015; Campbell et al., 2016). This study aims to explore the interplay between ACEs …

Positive Illusions And Their Mental Health Implications, Caleb L. Ashley

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Positive illusions, defined as overly optimistic self-evaluations, exaggerated perceptions of control, and unrealistically favorable outlooks on the future have been the subject of a breadth of research due to their implications in mental health and resilience. Empirical evidence suggests that, in moderate amounts, positive illusions can help support resilience and persistence and are correlated with overall well-being. However, their benefits may become detrimental if they are absent or excessively pronounced. By synthesizing existing research, this presentation seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of positive illusions and to offer insights into how their existence may inform treatment in clinical settings.

Review Of In A Human Voice, Jean Keller

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

The Overlooked Dynamics Of Sibling Violence: Sociological Perspectives And Intervention Strategies, Rowland Edet

The Journal of Social Encounters

Sibling violence (SV) represents a pervasive yet underexplored dimension of family violence, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. This paper critically examines the intersection of gender dynamics, societal norms, and family structures in shaping SV behaviors. Using social learning theory (SLT) as a foundational framework, the analysis explores how gendered expectations and traditional roles influence the prevalence and forms of aggression, with boys more likely to exhibit overt physical aggression and girls engaging in relational aggression. The paper critiques the deterministic tendencies of SLT, highlighting the agency of individuals in rejecting modeled behaviors, and incorporates intersectionality to address the interplay …