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Full-Text Articles in Clinical Psychology

Video Chatting And Eating Disorder Psychopathology, Taylor Rae Perry Aug 2022

Video Chatting And Eating Disorder Psychopathology, Taylor Rae Perry

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Objective: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic video chatting has been widely used in work, education, and social gatherings. When individuals are video chatting, they can see themselves and see how their looks compare to others. Furthermore, video chatting platforms have features that may enhance an individual’s appearance. Thus, this study sought to investigate if (1) where one’s attention was focused during video chatting was uniquely associated with elevated eating disorder psychopathology and (2) if certain video chatting features were uniquely associated with elevated eating disorder psychopathology. Method: Participants were undergraduates (N=391, Mage=19.19, 58.2% female, and 48.8% White) who completed the …


Examining The Influence Of A Negative Affect Induction Task On Self-Reported Cannabis Use, Expectancies, And Problems, Brianna Rose Altman May 2022

Examining The Influence Of A Negative Affect Induction Task On Self-Reported Cannabis Use, Expectancies, And Problems, Brianna Rose Altman

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Substance use disorders and affective disturbances often covary. One commonly endorsed expectancy for substance use is stress relief, and using substances to cope with negative affect (NA) often covaries with greater use and problems. While strong evidence of these relations exists, NA might bias reporting of substance use due to hindered recall processes. This hypothesis warrants further research, as accurate reporting of substance-related variables is crucial in both research and treatment settings. The present study examined the influence of NA on reporting of cannabis variables using an affect-induction paradigm. Over 1,000 individuals recruited from Amazon’s MTurk participated. After reporting demographics …


Therapist Facilitative Interpersonal Skills In Simulated Text-Based Telepsychotherapy With Cultural Minority Clients, Carly Max Schwartzman May 2022

Therapist Facilitative Interpersonal Skills In Simulated Text-Based Telepsychotherapy With Cultural Minority Clients, Carly Max Schwartzman

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Objective: The prevalence of mental health difficulties has increased, yet the availability and use of mental health services remains low, particularly in traditionally underserved groups. Telepsychotherapy via videoconferencing has been advertised as a means of mitigating barriers to accessing mental healthcare for these populations, though less attention has focused on text-based approaches. Indeed, although text-based telepsychotherapy is currently widely available, its efficacy in treating folx from cultural minority identities is unknown. Additionally, no research to date has studied the adaptation of multiculturally competent psychotherapy practice to a text-based platform. Thus, this project aimed to examine therapist facilitative interpersonal skills via …


Evaluating The Relationship Between Orthorexia Nervosa, Eating Disorder Symptomatology, And Related Psychological Constructs In An Undergraduate Mixed-Gender Sample, Kimberly Marie Martinez Jan 2022

Evaluating The Relationship Between Orthorexia Nervosa, Eating Disorder Symptomatology, And Related Psychological Constructs In An Undergraduate Mixed-Gender Sample, Kimberly Marie Martinez

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle has become a central focus of Western societies over the past few decades. As rates of chronic conditions, such as obesity and type II diabetes, continue to rise, so too has the desire to maintain one’s optimal state of health. For some, the pursuit of a healthy diet becomes an obsession that interferes with one’s physical and psychological wellbeing. Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a proposed eating disorder characterized by a pathological fixation on healthy eating. Unlike other established eating disorders (EDs), ON is focused on the quality of one’s diet, rather than the quantity …


Savoring As A Protective Behavioral Strategy For Cannabis Use, Maha Noor Mian Jan 2022

Savoring As A Protective Behavioral Strategy For Cannabis Use, Maha Noor Mian

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) aim to mitigate harms related to substance use. Many individuals use cannabis for relief, but little work has focused on strategies to enhance therapeutic benefit safely. The present paper includes two studies that test a novel theoretical model positing enhancement of subjective effects as a protective strategy against cannabis-related harms. Enhancement was operationalized as savoring, a facet of mindfulness, as a potential PBS to mitigate cannabis-related negative consequences and alter subjective effects associated with use. Study I was a cross sectional survey examining relations of savoring, PBS, and cannabis use outcomes as well as the feasibility …


An Evaluation Of Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Youths Enrolled In Two Residential Treatment Programs, Monelle Shemique Thomas Jan 2022

An Evaluation Of Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Youths Enrolled In Two Residential Treatment Programs, Monelle Shemique Thomas

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

AbstractModern-day residential treatment programs (RTPs) for children and adolescents have been present for over 70 years. These 24-hour treatment programs serve as a more restrictive placement for youths with severe social-emotional and behavioral difficulties that have exhausted the supports provided in the home, school, and community settings. In New York State, there exist two different types of RTPs for children and adolescents, residential treatment facilities (RTFs) and residential treatment centers (RTCs). There is limited research comparing these residential programs and the impact of differential funding on residents’ treatment program entry and outcomes. The current evaluation attempted to explore the similarities …


Factors Influencing Psychotherapy Completion In Children Exposed To Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cheryl Kayleen Best Aug 2021

Factors Influencing Psychotherapy Completion In Children Exposed To Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cheryl Kayleen Best

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Child maltreatment and childhood adversity are associated with a broad range of poor mental and physical health outcomes throughout the lifespan. The consequences of childhood adversity have led psychologists in efforts to identify the most effective therapeutic approaches and interventions with which to address the negative effects of childhood trauma. Even as a number of efficacious treatments have been established as best practices for treating childhood trauma, barriers exist in community mental health settings that oftentimes prevent full implementation of these interventions and practices. A growing body of research has focused on better understanding the high rates of attrition from …


Intergenerational Risk Of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment On Infant Health Concerns In Low-Income Mexican American Mother-Child Dyads, Amanda Flagg Aug 2021

Intergenerational Risk Of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment On Infant Health Concerns In Low-Income Mexican American Mother-Child Dyads, Amanda Flagg

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Childhood maltreatment confers greater risk for psychopathology, health problems, and early mortality in adulthood. Emerging literature suggests that maternal childhood maltreatment exposure may have intergenerational consequences for infant health by interfering with mothers’ abilities to engage in sensitive and responsive caregiving. Although no studies to date have investigated contributions of maternal sensitivity to infant health, parallel bodies of research have shown that sensitive responding is an important predictor of infant physiological regulation, which is also related to immune functioning. The current study examined the associations between maternal childhood maltreatment, infant health concerns, and maternal sensitivity in a low income, Mexican …


The Effect Of Mindfulness On Autonomic Nervous System Coordination In Individuals With Interparental Conflict Exposure, Rachel Clegg Jan 2021

The Effect Of Mindfulness On Autonomic Nervous System Coordination In Individuals With Interparental Conflict Exposure, Rachel Clegg

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Adverse childhood experiences, such as interparental conflict exposure, have long-term negative effects across various domains, including psychological and physiological health. Research reveals a link between interparental conflict and coordination between stress response systems, specifically sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (SNS and PNS, respectively). Despite this knowledge, much less is known about potential protective factors or intervention strategies within this area. Mindfulness interventions have been found to be useful in the treatment of psychological and physical problems, including PTSD and stress-related diseases. The present study examined the effect of a mindfulness intervention on coordination between PNS, as measured by respiratory sinus …


Emotion Regulation And Executive Functioning : A Comparison Of Collegiate Taekwondo Athletes, Other Athletes, And Non-Athletes, Rae Danett Drach Jan 2021

Emotion Regulation And Executive Functioning : A Comparison Of Collegiate Taekwondo Athletes, Other Athletes, And Non-Athletes, Rae Danett Drach

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Emotion regulation and executive functioning are intricate processes that allow individuals to initiate, inhibit, or modulate emotions and behaviors in service of personally-relevant goals in familiar, novel, and ambiguous contexts. Research has demonstrated that exercise improves emotion regulation and executive functioning. Recently, researchers have started investigating whether mindful exercise – physical exercise that incorporates an inwardly directed, non-judgmental, contemplative focus – explicitly strengthens these capabilities. As a martial art and sport that combines training in body movement and mental focus, taekwondo is a globally popular example of mindful exercise that may benefit affective and cognitive processes. The current study examined …


Longitudinal Examination Of Contextual Risk, Promotive Factors, And Psychosocial Functioning Using Structural Equation Modeling With A Sample Of Serious Adolescent Offenders, Daniel J. Knauer Jan 2021

Longitudinal Examination Of Contextual Risk, Promotive Factors, And Psychosocial Functioning Using Structural Equation Modeling With A Sample Of Serious Adolescent Offenders, Daniel J. Knauer

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Mental health problems, including substance use problems, are more prevalent among adolescent criminal offenders than among the general population and are associated with an elevated risk of re-offending. It is important to understand what factors are associated with serious adolescent offenders’ future mental health and re-offending outcomes to promote their positive development. This study examined potential mechanisms behind established relationships between risk factors for mental health and criminal offending and psychosocial outcomes while integrating ecological theory and a risk and protective framework. To do this, a mediation model was examined using structural equation modeling in which contextual risk was hypothesized …


Examining Cognitive And Behavioral Inflexibility : A Transdiagnostic Process Underpinning Maladaptive Exercise Behaviors And Attitudes, Mckenzie Miller Jan 2021

Examining Cognitive And Behavioral Inflexibility : A Transdiagnostic Process Underpinning Maladaptive Exercise Behaviors And Attitudes, Mckenzie Miller

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Objective: Cognitive and behavioral inflexibility, or the inability to respond flexibly and adaptively to changing environmental demands, are hallmark features of eating disorders (ED). Individuals with EDs exhibit inflexibility across domains, often including in exercise behaviors, manifesting as exercise dependence and rigid workout routines. The purpose of this study was to assess how different motives for exercise are differentially associated with cognitive and behavioral flexibility, a marker of EDs. To the extent that inflexibility in exercise is a risk factor and symptom of disordered eating, increasing cognitive and behavioral flexibility as it relates to physical activity may be an effective …


The Effects Of Cumulative Risk And Cross-Domain Risk On Preschooler's Executive Functioning Performance : The Buffering Role Of Parental Autonomy Support, Atara B. Siegel Jan 2021

The Effects Of Cumulative Risk And Cross-Domain Risk On Preschooler's Executive Functioning Performance : The Buffering Role Of Parental Autonomy Support, Atara B. Siegel

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

There is robust evidence that early childhood adversity has wide ranging impacts on mental health, physical health and well-being in adulthood. Executive functioning (EF) deficits may partially mediate these effects, predisposing children to risky behavior and poor decision making. A growing body of research indicates that there is a link between early adversity and EF. However, more research is needed with younger children and with children at higher risk of multiple adversities. Measuring multiple adversities is complex, and researchers differ in their approaches to measuring cumulative adversity. Cumulative risk (CR) scores are an established method to capture important components of …


The Impact Of Problem Behaviors, Parenting And Availability Of Supports On Aspects Of Family Life In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Celia Tam Jan 2021

The Impact Of Problem Behaviors, Parenting And Availability Of Supports On Aspects Of Family Life In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Celia Tam

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

It is well documented that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to exhibit more problem behaviors compared to typical peers; moreover, parents of children with ASD are more likely to report experiencing greater parental and family stress. The current study set out to shed light on the ways and degree to which problem behaviors in children with ASD may impact multiple aspects of family life. The potential moderating role of family resources and perceived support, including emotional, physical, and disability-related support, along with certain parenting behaviors, was also explored. Participants included parents/caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD between the …


Youth With Adhd : The Impact Of The Clinical Anxiety On Neuropsychological Functioning, Elisabeth Jeanne O'Rourke Jan 2020

Youth With Adhd : The Impact Of The Clinical Anxiety On Neuropsychological Functioning, Elisabeth Jeanne O'Rourke

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Children with ADHD demonstrate significant deficits in certain executive functions (EFs), including visual and verbal working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention. Similar deficits have been observed in children with anxiety, however there is less evidence that inhibitory control is worse in these youth. More recently, research has examined the EF of children with comorbid ADHD and anxiety (ADHD + ANX). There is evidence that suggests that anxiety can play both a protective as well as harmful role for EF in these children. The current study sought to explore whether the performance of children with ADHD + ANX …


Developing A Clinician Self-Report Fidelity Measure For A Transdiagnostic, Evidence-Based Protocol At A Residential Eating Disorders Treatment Center, Jennifer M. Oswald Jan 2020

Developing A Clinician Self-Report Fidelity Measure For A Transdiagnostic, Evidence-Based Protocol At A Residential Eating Disorders Treatment Center, Jennifer M. Oswald

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Objective: Fidelity monitoring is a vital component of successful evidence-based practice implementation in routine treatment settings. However, resource-intensiveness and low clinician buy-in pose barriers to traditional observer-report monitoring, highlighting a need to explore the practical utility of self-report approaches. This study used a mixed-methods approach to (a) develop a self-report fidelity measure of a transdiagnostic evidence-based protocol in a residential eating disorders treatment center; (b) tailor the measure for optimal accuracy, acceptability, and ease of use; and (c) assess measure validity via convergence with observer ratings. Methods: N = 10 clinicians participated in cognitive interviewing to refine an initial draft …


Does How One Uses Mindfulness Meditation Matter? : An Experimental Evaluation Of The Acute Impact Of Mindfulness In A Control Vs. Acceptance Context On Anxious Arousal In A Non-Clinical Sample, Eric Daniel Tifft Jan 2020

Does How One Uses Mindfulness Meditation Matter? : An Experimental Evaluation Of The Acute Impact Of Mindfulness In A Control Vs. Acceptance Context On Anxious Arousal In A Non-Clinical Sample, Eric Daniel Tifft

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Mindfulness meditation has existed in Eastern cultures for thousands of years; nonetheless, its introduction to Western society and psychological science is a recent development. Numerous psychosocial interventions now include mindfulness practice as a core therapeutic intervention. Increasingly, mindfulness and other meditative practices are being promoted within popular culture as strategies to regulate stress, anxiety, and other unpleasant emotional or psychological events. Yet, using mindfulness to regulate and control unwanted private experiences is antithetical to the original intended purpose of such strategies, namely, to observe, welcome and accept private experiences just as they are. Research in emotion regulation and thought suppression …


Statistical Fit And Factor Structure Of The Food-Life Questionnaire In Emerging Adult Undergraduate Students, Arielle Wolinsky Jan 2020

Statistical Fit And Factor Structure Of The Food-Life Questionnaire In Emerging Adult Undergraduate Students, Arielle Wolinsky

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The Food-Life Questionnaire (FLQ) is a psychometrically sound measure of beliefs and attitudes towards food that was initially developed and validated for use with a general adult population; however, the psychometric properties of the measure have yet to be examined in an emerging adult population. The constructs captured by the FLQ are particularly relevant in emerging adulthood, because it is a time of increased risk for the development of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Using data from a large, demographically diverse sample of emerging adult undergraduate students (n = 679), the current study evaluated the fit of the original five-factor …


Harsh Parenting And Later Aggression Among Emerging Adults : Moderating Role Of Positive Parenting And Resting Skin Conductance Level, Li Shen Chong Jan 2020

Harsh Parenting And Later Aggression Among Emerging Adults : Moderating Role Of Positive Parenting And Resting Skin Conductance Level, Li Shen Chong

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Parenting plays a crucial role in one’s development and well-being. The association between harsh parenting and later aggression problems is well established. However, harsh parenting may not occur in a vacuum. Harsh parenting may occur within a varying degree of positive parenting. Research has shown that positive parenting can act as a protective factor against the adverse effects of harsh parenting. Moreover, autonomic nervous system activation may moderate the effects of harsh parenting on aggressive behavior. The goal of this study was to examine whether sympathetic nervous system activity, as measured by skin conductance level (SCL), and positive parenting, moderate …


A Default Option For Health : Improving Nutrition With The Financial And Geographic Constraints Of Food Insecurity, Jaime Ashley Coffino Jan 2020

A Default Option For Health : Improving Nutrition With The Financial And Geographic Constraints Of Food Insecurity, Jaime Ashley Coffino

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Food insecurity, the limited availability of nutritionally adequate food, is associated with increased risk for obesity and associated health problems. There is a crucial need for sustainable interventions that improve diet-related health in individuals with food insecurity. In behavioral economics, the default option is the option a consumer obtains if they do not make an active choice. The current study aims to improve the nutritional quality of groceries purchased online by individuals with food insecurity with the use of a prefilled online grocery shopping cart (i.e., a default option). Over the course of five weeks, food pantry users (n = …


Reducing The Impact Of Exposure To Idealized Body Images Across Genders : An Experimental Investigation Of Policy And Media Literacy Interventions, Joseph M. Donahue Jan 2020

Reducing The Impact Of Exposure To Idealized Body Images Across Genders : An Experimental Investigation Of Policy And Media Literacy Interventions, Joseph M. Donahue

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Body image disturbances are associated with increased risk of depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Research has established that exposure to images of idealized bodies can negatively impact an individual’s body image. The digital modification of such images is a widespread practice used by publishers, advertisers, and the general public alike. Recent attention has been focused on the inclusion of disclaimers labels on enhanced images as a way of preserving individuals’ body image. To date, several studies have explored the effectiveness of this intervention in women which have yielded conflicting results. Although evidence suggests that males are increasingly exposed to …


The Evocative Effects Of Child Temperament On Parenting Stress And Behaviors, Laura Welch Jan 2020

The Evocative Effects Of Child Temperament On Parenting Stress And Behaviors, Laura Welch

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Despite recognition that parents contribute to child development, much remains to be clarified about ways child characteristics shape parents’ behaviors. For example, temperamental characteristics such as negative affectivity elicit more parenting stress (Oddi, Murdock, Vadnais, Bridgett, & Gartstein, 2013) and less effective parenting behaviors (Laukkanen, Ojansuu, Tolvanen, Alatupa, & Aunola, 2014). On the other hand, children’s effortful control is known to reduce psychological risks associated with negative affectivity (Gartstein, Putnam, & Rothbart, 2012) yet no studies have investigated whether this may consequently reduce parenting stress. Furthermore, stressed parents are more likely to engage in harsh parenting strategies (Martorell & Bugental, …


The Effect Of Social Support On Physiological Stress Reactivity In Youth Exposed To Community Violence, Rachel Clegg Jan 2019

The Effect Of Social Support On Physiological Stress Reactivity In Youth Exposed To Community Violence, Rachel Clegg

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Research indicates that asymmetry between biological stress response systems is associated with psychological and physiological problems, which negatively affect child development. Asymmetry between these systems is common following childhood exposure to adversity. Furthermore, research shows that social support may act as a buffer against negative effects of stress, specifically for girls. The present study examines the role of social support in the relationship between biological systems among a sample of 49 youth (ages 9-12) with high levels of exposure to community violence. We measured perceived social support within the youth and exposed them to an in-lab psychosocial stressor. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis …


Stress And Support In Health Service Psychology Students : Predictors Of Burnout And Vigor, Dylan Alexander Corp Jan 2019

Stress And Support In Health Service Psychology Students : Predictors Of Burnout And Vigor, Dylan Alexander Corp

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Students in health service psychology (HSP) training programs (i.e., doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, or school psychology) have reported experiencing greater burnout (i.e., energetic exhaustion) and lower vigor (i.e., energetic arousal) than typical workers. Given that greater burnout and lower vigor are associated with negative outcomes like poor health and client care, the purpose of the present study was to understand burnout and vigor in HSP students. Specifically, the present study sought to test the Conservations of Resources theory of stress (CORT) by replicating previous findings that threatening work-related stress and the supervisory working alliance (SWA) predicted HSP students’ burnout …


An Examination Of The Relationship Between Cognitive And Metacognitive Factors And Bulimic Symptoms In Undergraduate Women, Lauren Eileen Ehrlich Jan 2019

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Cognitive And Metacognitive Factors And Bulimic Symptoms In Undergraduate Women, Lauren Eileen Ehrlich

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Rumination, a passive, perseverative, self-focused style of thinking about negative emotions and events, is a cognitive factor that has been empirically linked to a variety of harmful outcomes, particularly negative affect and depression. Recently, rumination has been proposed as a transdiagnostic risk factor that predicts numerous mental health conditions, including eating disorders. Taking into consideration the potential harm of rumination, researchers have sought to explain why individuals continue to ruminate. Metacognitive theories posit that negative and positive beliefs about rumination influence how frequently an individual ruminates and the consequences of repetitive, negative thinking. However, there is a dearth of evidence …


Evaluating The Cognitive Profile Of Autism Spectrum Dsorder, Cortney Janicki Jan 2019

Evaluating The Cognitive Profile Of Autism Spectrum Dsorder, Cortney Janicki

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Previous research on the cognitive functioning of individuals with autism spectrum disorder has mixed findings. It is generally understood that individuals with autism have a unique cognitive profile compared to their typically developing peers; however, capturing the special features of this cognitive profile has been difficult. The present study examines the cognitive profile of individuals with autism from multiple angles including overall Nonverbal and Verbal IQ score differences, differences in age, and differences in sex. The study evaluated data gathered from diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder performed in the Capital Region of New York. A total of 178 children …


Examining How Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Christian Clients' Perceptions Of Therapists' Cultural Humility Contribute To Psychotherapy Outcomes, Kelsey Anne Kangos Jan 2019

Examining How Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Christian Clients' Perceptions Of Therapists' Cultural Humility Contribute To Psychotherapy Outcomes, Kelsey Anne Kangos

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Understanding the intersection between sexual and religious identity has important implications for mental health. The lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community is at high risk for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and poor self-esteem. Religious culture can further these risks when they create homophobic environments, resulting in LGB individuals‘ struggle to integrate religious and sexual identities (Sherry, Adelman, Whilde, & Quick, 2010).


Ayahuasca's Antidepressant Effects Covary With Behavioral Activation As Well As Mindfulness, Maha N. Mian Jan 2019

Ayahuasca's Antidepressant Effects Covary With Behavioral Activation As Well As Mindfulness, Maha N. Mian

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen that serves as a spiritual medicine in South America, has improved depression in at least one placebo-controlled clinical trial. Case studies suggest that dramatic behavioral changes often follow the Ayahuasca ceremony, but most explanations of antidepressant effects focus on observed changes in mindfulness. The present study investigated if both mindfulness and behavioral activation might also contribute to these anti-depressant effects. We surveyed individuals (N = 152) about their changes in depressive symptoms, Behavioral Activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly associated with reduced depression severity (r = -.670, p < .001), while behavioral activation was moderately linked (r = -.474, p < .001). Changes in depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Sciences Depression Short Form [CES-D-10]) covaried with subscales from the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ] and Experiences Questionnaire [EQ], confirming previous findings (beta = -.57, [95% CI (- 5.70) - (- 3.25)], p < .001). In addition, a modification of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form [BADS-SF] accounted for significant unique variance in the improvements in depression (beta = -.16, [95% CI (-6.32) - (-0.08)], p < .05). These results suggest that changes in behavioral activation likely serve as an important mechanism underlying Ayahuasca’s antidepressant effects. Future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation. In addition, a concerted focus on increasing valued, positive activities might enhance Ayahuasca’s anti-depressant effects.


The Cognitive And Contextual Underpinnings Of Food Cravings : A Multi-Method Exploration, Martha Niemiec Jan 2019

The Cognitive And Contextual Underpinnings Of Food Cravings : A Multi-Method Exploration, Martha Niemiec

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The notion of addiction pervades Western vernacular. While firmly established in the substance and drug literature, the concept of addiction is now increasingly associated with other ingested substances (coffee, chocolate, highly processed foods) and a range of compulsive behaviors (gambling, sex, online social networking, gaming). Addiction is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and a greater understanding of its etiology has significant public health implications. The physiological mechanisms thought to contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction (tolerance, withdrawal, and, possibly, craving) are widely considered hallmark features and primary treatment targets, while psychological and contextual factors are often underappreciated …


Barriers To The Implementation Of Effective Transition Services For Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Laura Corona Jan 2018

Barriers To The Implementation Of Effective Transition Services For Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Laura Corona

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In the years following high school, young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report lower rates of employment, post-secondary education, and independent living than do individuals with other disabilities (Newman et al., 2011). Though evidence-based practices exist to support individuals with disabilities generally during the transition from high school to post-school education or employment, little research has focused on evidence-based practices specifically targeting high school students with ASD (Test, Smith, & Carter, 2014). The present study utilized a mixed methods approach to investigate barriers to the implementation of effective transition services for adolescents with ASD. In Phase 1, parents, school …