Clinical Psychology Commons^™

Addressing Disproportionality In School Discipline Through Universal School-Widepositive Behavior Support, Kelly Lane

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Suspensions are the most commonly used discipline strategy in schools and in many cases these lead to poor academic and behavioral outcomes for students. Suspensions are also implemented inconsistently as a consequence of disciplinary infractions; this has resulted in the disproportionate suspension rates of minority and special education students. Recently, school-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) has emerged as an alternative model to suspension. SWPBS is a proactive, school-wide approach to discipline, which focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior to all students. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effectiveness of SWPBS on reducing disproportionate rates of …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Homeless Women With Children In Transitional Housing: What Are Their Needs?, Urmi B. Jani

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In 2004, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty indicated that approximately 3.5 million people experienced homelessness. The literature indicates that families, specifically female-headed ones, are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The development of transitional housing has shown promise by seeking to move these homeless families towards independent living. A qualitative study based in grounded theory was utilized to explore the experiences of 10 female homeless participants at two regional transitional living facilities. Consistent themes that emerged included dissolution of relationships and a lack of personal supports as being the primary pathways that lead to homelessness. …

Changes In Appetite And Eating Behavior Associated With The Combination Of Sibutramine And Behavior Therapy, Raymond Carvajal

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This archival-data study assessed the potentially complementary mechanisms of action of sibutramine and behavior therapy (also known as lifestyle modification) believed to be responsible for the greater weight loss observed with combining the two approaches than with either approach alone. One hundred and seventy-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg of sibutramine per day alone, delivered by a primary-care provider in five brief office visits; behavior therapy alone, delivered by a psychologist in

18 group sessions; and sibutramine (15 mg/day) plus 18 group sessions of behavior therapy (i.e., combined therapy). Mixed effects linear model analysis was used to …

Predictive Nature Of Commitment Language In Relation To Outcome Of Prolonged Exposure Therapy For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Aaron P. Brinen

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Sessions of prolonged exposure therapy, an extensively studied treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder, were coded for client verbalization in favor of maintaining or changing the focal behavior of the treatment. The frequency of client verbalization was used to attempt discrimination of group membership based on treatment completion and diagnosis remission. Client language was not predictive of group membership. However, for treatment completers, average frequency of verbalization against the status quo was twice as high as noncompleters when reviewing common reactions experienced following a trauma. Implications for treatment conceptualization and delivery are discussed.

Understanding The Impact Of Physical Functioning On The Experience, Desire, And Satisfaction Of Physical, Emotional And Social Intimacies In Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als), Jamie Lee Rodriguez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The understanding of intimate relationships in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not yet understood. A review of the current literature, including an overview of ALS and the development and maintenance of intimate relationships using psychological theory, is included. Comparisons to multiple sclerosis, acquired physical disability, and older adults are included to gain a greater understanding of how changes in physical functioning may impact an intimate relationship. This study used archival data, in which participants completed the following measures: ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships, and ALS Specific Quality of Life Measurement–Revised. Results suggest high …

The Relationship Between Therapeutic Alliance And Treatment Outcome In Prolonged Exposure Therapy For Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Sandy Capaldi

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study focused on the therapeutic alliance in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for adolescent girls with sexual abuse-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two major questions were investigated. First, how does the therapeutic alliance act as a moderating variable between outcome and three predictor variables (homework compliance, habituation to the trauma memory, and number of sessions completed)? Second, how is the relationship between outcome and these same variables affected by the strength of the therapeutic alliance? The data used in this study were taken from an existing database of information on 40 sexually abused adolescent girls with PTSD (mean age = …

School Accommodations To Support Psychosocial Functioning And Self-Esteem In Adolescents With Long Qt Syndrome, Betsy E. Feinberg

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The current manuscript, as part of a larger program of research, intended to examine whether long QT syndrome (LQTS), a chronic and life-threatening genetic cardiac illness, impacts adolescents' psychosocial functioning. After 2 1/2 years of involvement in the study and 13 months of attempted data collection, it was determined by the research team that the benefits of proceeding with an intervention plan outweighed the costs of waiting for data. Although the study was not able to be conducted within the anticipated time frame due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the study hypothesized that adolescents with higher ratings of self-reported social and …

Integration Of Spirituality And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For The Treatment Of Depression , Jennifer J. Good

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health problem that is treated by many mental health practitioners. Cognitive-behavioral therapies have proven to be effective in helping restructure the cognitions of the client, which in turn reduces depressive symptom. Research has shown that individuals with MDD who value spirituality tend to view the world in a different way than those individuals that do not hold spirituality as an important value in their life. Spiritual individuals have religious schemas, and therefore, it would be important to incorporate spirituality into the treatment setting. This pilot study utilized a manualized treatment approach that …

Enhancing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Hispanic/Latino Clients With Depression : Recommendations For Culturally Sensitive Practice, Elizabeth Suarez Kuneman

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the process of developing treatment suggestions for adding cultural sensitivity to an empirically supported, group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment manual for Hispanic/Latino clients with depression. Suggestions were formulated through the implementation of one vignette centered on a male character, addressing Hispanic/Latino cultural values as described in the literature. This researcher sought bilingual mental health providers (English-Spanish/Spanish-English) who worked with Hispanic/Latino clients; four from a group of ten who responded, reviewed the researcher’s suggestions and answered a seven item semi-structured questionnaire, which was developed to elicit their comments. Analysis of the data revealed themes …

Effect Of Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Depression And Anxiety In Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : A Feasibility Study, Eileen Lightner

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults has been associated with a high prevalence of depression and anxiety (Kunik et al., 2005). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a COPD-specific individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention on depression and anxiety in older adults with COPD. Three older adult patients with moderate to severe COPD and comorbid depression and anxiety were recruited from a large hospital affiliated pulmonary practice to participate in this single subject multiple baseline feasibility study. Pre-test-post test assessments were conducted utilizing the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the State …

Addressing Negative Effects Of Psychotherapy During The Informed Consent Process : The Licensed Psychologists' Perspectives , Neshe Sarkozy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This survey study investigated attitudes and practices of 161 licensed psychologists from a nationwide sample, relative to addressing negative effects of psychotherapy during the informed consent process. Results revealed discrepancies in attitudes toward risk of negative treatment effects in psychotherapy and in addressing risk during the process of informed consent. Information obtained from this study may contribute to research in the area of clinical implementation of the American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also addressed.

Gender Differences In Symptom Presentation Of Sexually Abused African American Children Ages 8 Through 12, Tania Czarnecki Wismar

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

A well-documented connection exists between child sexual abuse and psychological symptoms that may persist into adulthood. Because of the significant public health implications of child sexual abuse, it is critical to examine the many variables related to such a potentially traumatic event, including its psychological effects and effects on gender, so that treatment providers are able to gain a better understanding of how males and females are affected by their abuse experiences. This study examined the role of gender on psychological symptoms in a largely understudied population of inner city African American children; it also examined gender roles regarding the …

Spirituality As A Mediator In The Relationship Between Self-Care Practices And Perceived Stress Levels Among Lutheran Clergy, David W. Brant

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

There is currently a shortage of ordained ministers to fill the current vacancies in Lutheran churches due, in part, to the multiplicity of pastoral roles, the stressors clergy encounter in their vocation, and poor self-care. This exploratory research found a statistically significant, small, negative relationship when examining the relationship between clergy self-care practices and perceived levels of stress. The research did not support a relationship between clergy self-care practices and perceived levels of stress when mediated by clergy spiritual maturity. Other predictor variables such as first vocation, gender, spousal financial contributions and stress also did not yield statistically significant results …

A Comparison Of The Parenting Dimensions That Lead To Positive Social Problem Solving In The Children From Traditional Versus Children From Same-Sex Parent Families, Karen Joan Taratuski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Building social competence is an important task of childhood. Effective social problem solving is a vital skill in the development of social competence. Although there are myriad factors that influence a child’s learning of social problem solving skills, the quality of the interaction between parents and children has been found to be a pivotal influence. Although much research focuses on the effects of parenting in the context of a traditional family (two parents of opposite gender), little more than half of all children are living in this type of family. Same-sex parent households draw particular criticism. However, research suggests that …

The Development Of The Measure Of Perceived Overscheduling (Mops), Aaron S. Pollock

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

It has been suggested that extracurricular activity involvement can lead to later behavioral or developmental challenges for children, particularly when children are pressured or overscheduled. Research, however, has shown mixed results in attempts to find a relationship between overinvolvement in activities and emotional/behavioral challenges. However, previous research did not take into consideration the individual’s perception of being overscheduled. The Measure of Perceived Over-Scheduling (MOPS) was developed to assess if a difference exists between adolescents who believe they are overinvolved in activities and adolescents who do not hold this belief. The MOPS was subsequently utilized to assess the relationship between perceived …

A Cultural Competency Program For Psychologists: Clinical And Supervisory Practices With Latino Culture And Language, Marie C. Weil

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study was designed to develop and evaluate an online cultural competence training program for psychologists (N = 6). Psychologists who supervise clinical psychology graduate students were recruited via their affiliations with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP), the Association of Psychology Training Clinics (APTC), the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA). The purpose of the study was to address multicultural training gaps between supervisors and doctoral students in psychology and to meet the psychological needs of Latinos, the largest …

Feasibility Of Brief Hospital-Based Interventions For Postpartum Depression : Effects On Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Support, & Treatment Utilization, Sabra N. Abboud

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

It is estimated that 10-20% of childbearing women develop postpartum depression (PPD), affecting up to 400,000 women in the United States each year. As many an 82% of women diagnosed with PPD decline recommended treatment, primarily due to a lack of knowledge about PPD, to societal stigma and to practical barriers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a large-scale study examining the impact of screening measures and a supportive approach immediately postpartum on utilization of recommended care, levels of depression and perceived social support. Women were randomly assigned (N=40) on a maternity unit to …

Differential Effects Of Personality Disorders On Treatment Outcome For Adult Patients With Adhd, Emily M. Tomer

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Approximately seven million adults meet the diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the prevalence rate is between 3.3 and 5.3%; however, these are likely underestimates because the diagnostic criteria are based on those originally devised for children, aged four to 17 years. Not only does this underdiagnosis cause a problem in making an accurate diagnosis, but also the high rate (65-89%) of psychiatric comorbidity complicates the situation, resulting in poorer treatment outcome for individuals with comorbid diagnoses, when compared with those who have no comorbid diagnoses. Therefore, the current study was designed to examine whether or not the …

The Effect Of Homesickness On Air Force Academy Cadets, Earl J. Banning

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

A slightly modified version of the Homesickness Questionnaire (HQ) was administered to 176 Air Force Academy cadets during the spring semester of 2010. Total HQ scores were positively correlated with cadet somatic complaints. Total HQ scores were negatively correlated with cadet Grade Point Average (GPA), but only for male cadets. Factor analysis of the HQ revealed two factors, as in previous studies, disliking the Academy and attachment to home. There were no significant correlations found between cadet HQ total score and Military Performance Average (MPA), Physical Education Average score (PEA), or number of demerits received. Cadets were less likely to …

A Qualitative Study Examining Factors Related To Treatment Adherence In Persons With Long Qt Syndrome, Alison B. Steinhauser

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an electrophysiological disorder of the heart affecting as many as 1 in 2,000 persons. LQTS can result in potentially catastrophic and fatal arrhythmias in infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Maintaining adherence to treatment can decrease these negative outcomes and result in favorable quality of life in this population. The present study utilized a qualitative research design to examine and understand nonadherent and adherent behaviors in persons with LQTS. This study was part of a larger study and used a sample from an existing online LQTS user group message board consisting of 780 international members. A …

Relationships Between Executive Functions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Comorbid Disorders, And Familial History In A Nonclinical Population, Sara M. Sachjog Velez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity and often lasts into adulthood. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are often diagnosed as comorbid disorders with ADHD. Adults with ADHD may also display executive functioning deficits. The current study sought to identify whether symptoms of executive functioning were related to symptoms of ADHD in adults. It also identified comorbid disorders in the participants. Questionnaires assessing executive functioning, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar spectrum disorders were given to participants. Demographics were obtained regarding their own background and comorbid disorders in their first-degree relatives. Results indicated that symptoms of executive …

Examining Cultural Competence Among Osteopathic Medical Students , Sooni Lee

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

With the growing number of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, there also has been a rise in health disparities. Ethnic minorities have been experiencing an overabundance of medical issues, particularly chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Although these chronic diseases are preventable, ethnic minorities are at greater risk for death from them. Possible contributing factors to the increase in health disparities include limited medical attention and follow-up appointments with physicians and the physician-patient relationship. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine cultural competence among osteopathic medical students and to examine their attitudes toward …

A Feasibility Study Of An Intervention Designed To Create Cooperative Communication For Couples: A Sociolinguistic Approach To Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy , Lee Wood Morand

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Researchers and clinicians recognize relationship distress as one of the most frequently presented problems in psychotherapy. Relationships themselves depend on language and sociolinguistic skills. However, despite the passionate interest and relevance imparted to success in relationships, little attention is paid to sociolinguistic skills. This study is an evaluation of a feasibility study designed as a couple’s communication program. Overcoming communication problems and improving marital satisfaction is the intent of this program. The design of this program is to overcome communication problems and improve marital satisfaction. Cooperative communication is the framework for the communication skills training. One voluntary couple participated in …

Perception Of Control And Awareness Of Deficit In Individuals With Neurological Impairment In A Clinical Sample , Donna Marie Struck

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Acquired brain injury is considered to be one of the most important public health concerns in the United States, with approximately 1.2 million adults that meet the criteria for chronic brain disease, brain disorder, or injury each year. Medical costs directly related to injury, in addition to the indirect costs related to job loss, totaled an estimated 60 billion dollars in the year 2000. Subsequent impairment following brain injury yields a complicated neurobehavioral sequelae of deficits. Anosognosia, specifically, the deficit of the patient's inability to acknowledge, or even recognize impairments, is common following brain injury. In a review of the …

Exploratory Factor Analysis Of A Relational Aggression Self-Report, Kimberly S. Carlson

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Relational aggression (RA) represents a distinct form of bullying and refers to behaviors that harm others through damaging their friendships, their inclusion in social groups, and their feelings of acceptance. RA has been recognized as a significant problem, which has psychosocial and academic consequences for perpetrators, victims and bystanders. This study evaluated a self-report inventory that examined RA in 219 females ages 10 through 18 from Central Pennsylvania. Inter-item correlations revealed that none of the scale’s items were highly correlated and therefore repetitive. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with an oblique rotation was used to identify the factors within the …

Program Evaluation : The Clinical Programming Of An Adolescent Psychiatric Residential Program And Adherence To Clinical Best Practice Guidelines, Michael K. Colbert

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The structure and delivery of clinical services at an adolescent psychiatric community residential program (PCR), located in New Jersey, was evaluated and compared to national clinical guidelines in order to determine the effectiveness of the services being delivered. A multitude of demographic and clinical variables were examined through the review of 70 closed medical records over a 5-year period. An exploration of the history, rationale, and effectiveness of residential treatment services for adolescents is also presented, along with recommendations for the delivery of more effective clinical services.

Everyday Magic : A Depressed Mother's Guide, Diana Coulson-Brown

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation project was threefold: to develop a cognitive-behavioral manual for therapists, a self-help manual for depressed mothers, and a guide to assist children, aged 6 to 11, through the risks of depression was paramount in the design of this project. Given a paradigm shift in the field of psychotherapy towards resilience, this manual is timely in that it is a valuable resource for promoting resilience outcomes in both mothers and their children. This manual includes a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral activities for mothers and children, allowing mothers to be at the forefront of establishing …

Relationship Between Social Problem-Solving Skills, Quality Of Life, And Family Adjustment In Caregivers Of Children With Developmental Disability, Bonita Ellen Fisher

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study focused on the relationship between a caregiver's problem solving skills, their perceived quality of life, their family's adjustment to their child's disability, and the potential for mediation of those relationships by the child's behavior. A total of 111 parents completed the Social Problem Solving Skills Inventory-Revised, short form (SPSI-R:S), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Family Impact of Childhood Disability Scale (FlCD), the Nisonger Child Behavior rating Form (NCBRF) and a demographics questionnaire. Analyses of the data by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient identified significant correlations between scores on the problem orientation components …

The Power Of The Mind : The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Quality Of Life And Anxiety For Older Adults With Chronic Illness , Tracy Elizabeth Ransom

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This dissertation examines the relationship between mindfulness training and older adults with chronic illness and a documented clinical anxiety diagnosis. Six subjects (mean age = 69 years) who met criteria for a DSM-IV-TR anxiety condition and who endorsed one or more chronic illnesses participated in an 8-week customized mindfulness training program. The research evaluated the impact of mindfulness training and practice on depression, quality of life, health satisfaction and anxiety. This dissertation's findings suggest that of these variables, state and trait anxiety were significantly reduced at the conclusion of the program. Given these findings, this research proposes that anxiety in …

Caregiver Religiosity, Spirituality, And Positive Emotion As Predictors Of Psychological Well-Being In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients, Andrea Beth Weller

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in degeneration of motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS has no conclusive etiology and no known cure. The disease is ultimately fatal within approximately 3 to 5 years and robs individuals of all physical functions while leaving their intellectual capacity and personalities intact. Therefore, patients’ quality of life (QOL) becomes increasingly important in their lives and in the lives of their caregivers. Patients with ALS and their caregivers face a number of psychological, psychosocial, and existential …