Clinical Psychology Commons^™

Gender Considerations When Examining The Association Between Military Sexual Trauma And Chronic Pain Conditions, Lily Sarfaraz

Dissertations

Military sexual trauma (MST) amongst veterans is a growing concern for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Veterans who screen positive for MST receive VHA care for any injuries caused as a result of MST, psychological or physical, free of charge. MST is difficult to track, can result in long-term disability, and the burden of illness varies across genders. Current data highlights discrepancies seen across the literature of actual detected MST cases, with rates varying vastly. Efforts to track prevalence of MST identify additional concerns over the various comorbidities seen in MST cases. When examining symptom sequalae of MST, there is …

Motor And Phonic Tic Severity And Its Relationship To Social, Emotional, And School Functioning In Children With Tourette Syndrome From The Caregivers’ Perspective, Courtney C. Thompson

Dissertations

Abstract

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics that is frequently associated with functional impairments. The present study examined the relationship between motor and phonic tic severity, comorbid conditions, academic accommodations, and the social, emotional, and school functioning of children with TS. Caregiver data were collected on tic severity, comorbid conditions, social, emotional, and school functioning, academic accommodations, and grades. Overall, social, emotional, and school functioning fell within the moderate range, with school functioning positively associated with social and emotional functioning. Phonic tics were linked to social functioning, whereas both motor and overall tic …

The Withdrawal From Afghanistan: Impacts On U.S. Veterans Who Served In Afghanistan, Nicole Wall

Dissertations

This study explored the experiences and perspectives of U.S. military veterans who served in Afghanistan regarding their views on the impacts of withdrawal from Afghanistan. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study explored the effects of the immediate and unexpected withdrawal from Afghanistan as it pertains to military veterans' perspectives on the purpose, value, and meaning of their previous military service, and the service of future generations. The study included 10 participants who had previously served at least one deployment to Afghanistan; each participated in a semi-structured interview via phone call, Zoom meeting, or in-person. The interview included 10 demographic …

Understanding Mental Health Crisis Response Through The Lens Of First Responders, Ella Gibson

Student Theses

Responses to mental health crises are becoming an increasingly contentious topic as cases of extreme police violence or fatality during a crisis are publicized in the media. Although first responders’ experiences with mental health crisis response have been explored in prior literature, there remains a lack of research that gathers data from multiple first responder roles and compares their experiences across groups. There is also a significant gap in research examining the perspectives of co-response teams. This study sought to gather qualitative data on the experiences of police officers, EMTs/paramedics, and co-response team members, and to explore their perceptions of …

Cyberbullying Victimization And Suicide Behavior: The Roles Of Social Anxiety And Body-Related Comparison Among Young Latina Adults, Monica Elena Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide behavior rates have increased over the years in the United States among Latinas and adolescents/young adults. Previous research has identified relationships between various body-related concerns, (e.g., body dissatisfaction, appearance comparison, and body shame) cyberbullying, social anxiety, and suicidal ideation, yet minimal research has examined the relationship of these factors and how they interrelate to explain suicide risk in Latina young adults. This study investigated whether body dissatisfaction, appearance comparison, and body shame had indirect effects on suicide behaviors through the interaction of cyberbullying victimization in 194 Latina college students. The results of this study found that cyberbullying victimization mediated …

Learning To Be Trauma-Informed: An Examination Of Individual-Level Factors Predicting Perceptions Of And Response To Trauma-Informed Practice Trainings, Kelly Daniel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trauma is a substantial threat to public health. As such, significant effort has been exerted into developing interventions which mitigate the consequences of trauma. Trauma-informed practice (TIP) aims to alleviate the effects of trauma by building policies and practices focused on safety, trust, transparency, support, collaboration, and empowerment. This study investigated how individual-level factors, including readiness for organizational change, perceived benefit of TIP training, and personal trauma history affect one’s ability to apply a TIP lens in a sample (n =100) of members of a graduate-level college. Further, it explored if one’s perceptions of and response to trauma-informed practice training …

Emotion Regulation Flexibility And Well-Being In College Athletes In Aesthetic Sports, Kaitlyn D. Chamberlain

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined emotion regulation flexibility and well-being (including psychological well-being, physical well-being, perceived sport performance and worth of sport participation) in athletes in aesthetic sports. This population experiences high environmental demands and constraints and thus low control over their environment. Collegiate athletes within aesthetic sports and female athletes experience specific social factors and demands that threaten their well-being, compared to those experienced by male athletes and athletes within non-aesthetic sports. Consistent with the transactional theory of stress and coping, individuals with less power to regulate their environment will require greater ability to regulate themselves in accordance with their changing …

Exploring The Impacts Of Medical Invalidation On Postpartum Parents With Pcos, Shalini Venkat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face an increased risk of poor perinatal health, yet little is known about whether negative healthcare experiences contribute toward these outcomes. Patients with PCOS have reported experiencing invalidation by healthcare providers; however, the effects of these encounters in postpartum populations remain unclear. Using data from an online survey, the current study investigated whether PCOS status moderated the relationships between invalidating communication by healthcare providers, pregnancy and birth complications, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. While experiences of invalidating communication by healthcare providers predicted worse perinatal health, those with PCOS solely experienced an increased risk of …

Differential Substance Use Screening Approaches Among Medical Providers Based On Pregnancy Status, Ericka L. Suarez-Vella

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exploring medical providers’ role in relation to pregnant individuals who use substances is critical. Understanding how screening practices and provider biases influence addiction treatment referrals based on pregnancy status can help address several key issues, including potential disparities resulting from provider bias. It can ensure fair referral practices, promote equitable access to treatment, and ensure timely intervention resulting in better health outcomes. It can influence changes to policy and procedure among healthcare and judicial establishments, ultimately improving the relationship between providers and patients. The purpose of this study was to explore how medical providers’ screening practices of substance use in …

Considerations And Guidelines For Clinical Training And Professional Practice In The Area Of Psychotherapy Termination, Elyssa L. Jampolsky

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Treatment termination occurs, invariably, in every psychotherapy relationship. Closing the therapy relationship is often a complex process and requires targeted training for psychotherapists to terminate treatment competently and in a way that preserves gains made and fosters continued client growth. Discontinuation of psychotherapy services requires practitioners to apply ethical knowledge, clinical expertise, and relational boundaries. Further, the nuances of forced, end-of-year termination in clinical training environments necessitates targeted supervision and explicit guidelines. Surprisingly, termination practices are underemphasized in training programs and in the literature. The current paper will review the extant literature related to psychotherapy termination broadly as well as …

Culturally Aware Mindfulness Training For Army Leaders: A Scalable Solution To Strengthen Mental Readiness, Katherine Dutler (Skowronski)

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This doctoral paper examines cost-effective, easily distributed mindfulness practices as a force-multiplier for psychological readiness in the U.S. Army. Daily mindfulness reduces symptom burden, raises distress tolerance, and sharpens performance—all without added equipment, appointments, or cost. However, stigma, long waitlists, and civilian-centric messaging still deter soldiers from adapting mindfulness practices. Rather than replacing clinicians, the program functions as preventive maintenance and a bridge while soldiers await care, thereby easing load on an overtaxed system. By embedding mental fitness alongside physical PT, the Army can advance its mandate to “deploy, fight, and win” with forces that are both mentally and physically …

Gender As A Moderator In The Relationship Between Crisis Call Responding And Police Job Satisfaction, Krystal Fuller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study was conducted to investigate the relationship between crisis call responding and job satisfaction among police officers and whether gender moderates this relationship. With crisis helpline calls rising over the past decade, officers face increasing emotional labor demands, particularly female officers in male-dominated environments. While past research has explored stress and gender differences in law enforcement, few studies have examined their interaction. Using the job demands-resources model and gender role congruity theory, this study employed a correlational design with simple linear regression and Hayes’ PROCESS macro to test moderation effects. Participants included 78 police officers from central Texas …

Humor As A Predictor Of Life Satisfaction And Burnout Among Firefighters, Kayla Marie Kovach

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Notwithstanding knowledge of the high stress levels experienced by firefighters, little is known about their coping strategies as compared with the general population. To address this gap, the differences in humor styles between firefighters and nonfirefighters in the prediction of life satisfaction and burnout were assessed. The study was grounded in the PERMA theory of well-being and the job demands-resources theory. A cross-sectional, correlational survey research design was used to assess if there are differences between firefighters and nonfirefighters in the types of humor (i.e., self-enhancing, affiliative, aggressive, and self-defeating) used and in the prediction of burnout and life satisfaction …

Our Teens Are Not Okay, But They Can Be: An Application Of The Family Firo Method To Improve Parent-Adolescent Communication About Suicide, Janene Pack Lpc, Cmhc, Peder Schillemat

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

This article explores the critical role of parent-teen communication in the mental well-being of teenagers, with a particular focus on its connection to suicide risk. A particular focus is on teens who live in Utah as the suicide rate for Utah teens and young adults is almost twice the national average. Despite the focus on families and religion in Utah, a significant number of teens continue to struggle with loneliness, hopelessness, and even thoughts of suicide. One key contributing factor to this struggle is the lack of open, supportive communication between Utah teens and their parents. The absence of effective …

Scrupulosity Ocd And How It Can Affect Our Clients’ Relationship With God, Annabella Hagen

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

This article explores various aspects of scrupulosity OCD, starting with the misconceptions about OCD that persist in society and their impact on treatment, along with a discussion of the disorder’s prevalence. It examines common OCD themes, provides a deeper understanding of religious scrupulosity, and clarifies how individuals become trapped in the scrupulosity OCD cycle. Specific triggers within the LDS Church are highlighted, alongside religious considerations such as distinguishing scrupulosity from genuine religiosity and discerning between spiritual promptings and OCD-driven thoughts. The article also addresses barriers to care unique to the LDS community and offers clinician recommendations, including an overview of …

Parental Grief And Loss After Gender Transition: Navigating Ambiguous And Disenfranchised Loss In Latter-Day Saint Families, David Haralson, Chelsea Johnson, Jeff Bennion, Orion Maxfield

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

Parents of transgender or gender nonconforming children sometimes experience profound grief and loss, particularly within religious communities that hold specific doctrines regarding gender. This article examines the unique challenges faced by parents in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) when a child undergoes gender transition. By exploring the concepts of ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief, we aim to provide a framework for understanding these parents' emotional experiences. The intersection of LDS doctrines and policies on gender with contemporary gender theories creates complex emotional environments for families to navigate. We present the Integrity and Investment Model as …

Helping Clients Grieve The Loss Of Their "Happily Ever After", Karen J. Gilmore, Joseph Chamberlain

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

ABSTRACT

Helping Clients Grieve the Loss of Their “Happily Ever After”

One of the most prominent attacks on marriage comes in the form of pornography and sex addiction. In this article I will explore what pornography and sex addiction is, why it can be highly addictive, how pornography and sex addiction can impact the marriage and lead to betrayal trauma, and how to understand the losses that can come from this type of trauma as well as the ensuing grief which may accompany this process. Additionally, I will identify ways to understand how grief presents in betrayal trauma, how to …

What Lies Beneath The Mask Of Sanity: A Comparison Of Ted Bundy And Charles Manson’S Rorschachs, Carl B. Gacono, Jason M. Smith, Tod A. Roy

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Once psychopathy level (PCL-R ≥ 30 = psychopathy) is determined, data beyond what is offered by the PCL-R is needed to fully understand the dynamics which underlie an individual’s overt criminal behavior. As we have empirically demonstrated (Gacono, 2016; Gacono & Evans, 2008; Gacono & Meloy, 1994; Smith et al., 2021), the Rorschach is ideally suited for this task. In this article we demonstrate the utility of the Rorschach Comprehensive System method (Exner, 2003; CS-R, Exner et al. 2022) in ferreting out the dynamics that underlie Ted Bundy and Charles Manson’s masks of sanity (Cleckley, 1941). Ted Bundy’s Rorschach reveals …

Pow, Bam, Snikt: Using Superheroes To Teach Mental Health, Christopher Dabbs

Journal of Thematic Instruction

Undergraduate psychopathology (abnormal psychology) courses traditionally emphasize case vignettes of individuals with psychiatric disorders to illustrate etiology, nosology, and treatment. While pedagogically useful, these depictions can inadvertently provoke distress in students, potentially impeding engagement and learning. To address this dilemma while continuing to center the same learning outcomes, I formulated a course structure which embedded some course topics in superhero-related material with the express intent to create psychological distance between potentially distressing topics and the learners themselves. This commentary provides background for the course, evidenced-based rationale for specific pedagogical choices alongside topical material recommendations, and ends with personal reflections.

Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress And Moral Injury In Adult Male Incarcerated Individuals, Cyrelah Jeanee Raynor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Underutilizing trauma-informed approaches in correctional rehabilitation has had detrimental consequences, particularly for gang-involved populations. Theories of personality, responsivity, and stress suggest that gang-affiliated individuals, shaped by coercive environments, may develop psychological reactions such as fear, guilt, and moral shame that contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI). This study examined whether gang role, psychopathy, and perpetration predicted PTSD and MI among 70 incarcerated adult males. Participants completed the Moral Injury Outcome Scale (MIOS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP). Two hierarchical regressions were conducted. In the PTSD model, only education …

Factors Affecting Public Knowledge About Ocd Mental Health Literacy, Lauren Angell, Aleena Babu, Jimmy Dumont, Lauren Masapollo, Kaitlyn Silva

The Graduate Review

This research project aimed to examine how varying portrayals of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) influence public mental health literacy (MHL). Our research questions focused on the impact of multidimensional vs single portrayals of OCD on OCD MHL, as well as the influence of certain sociodemographic factors on OCD MHL. Additional exploratory questions were investigated and aimed to explain the relationship between OCD MHL and media, as well as OCD MHL and education levels. To investigate these questions, the study employed a combination of experimental and survey-based methods. By fostering greater awareness of misinformation about OCD, the study not only aimed to …

Religion's Role In Shaping Psychopathological Narratives, Andrea Gonzalez Mendoza

The Graduate Review

Understanding the interplay between religion and psychopathology is essential for clinicians navigating the complexities of mental health diagnosis and treatment. This paper explores the nuanced relationship between belief systems and diagnostic frameworks, shedding light on how religious beliefs influence the perception, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. Drawing upon historical and current-day research, this paper examines how religious interpretations shape the presentation and understanding of psychopathological symptoms. In doing so, this paper argues that psychopathology cannot be understood without considering the influence of religion on its conceptualization. The latter is illustrated by looking at historical diagnostic patterns and how they …

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Learning And Satisfaction, Ainsley Smith

Scholars Week

Learning and Satisfaction

Motivation, especially in the world of psychology, is quite the broad and overarching term that relates to various aspects of life. Whether it be motivation in the workplace, classroom, sports, or relationships, our intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive us to do our best on what we set forth to accomplish. Although there is extensive research on methods of learning in correlation to motivation as well as levels of satisfaction impacting these levels, there has yet to be much exploration into the impact an emotional component or personal connection may have on these factors. The purpose of this …

Parenting Under Constraint: How Histories Of Abuse And Sexual Violence Shape Mothers' Caregiving In A Homeless Shelter, Kiera P. Irvin

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Background: Mothers experiencing homelessness often carry extensive trauma histories, yet little work examines how abuse and sexual violence shape day-to-day parenting inside communal shelter settings. This study explored how trauma histories intersect with shelter structures to influence caregiving and feelings surrounding parenting among homeless mothers.

Method: Using a qualitative design, four mothers (ages 30–51) residing in a large Midwestern homeless shelter completed approximately 30-minute, semi-structured interviews in a private room onsite. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with inductive reflexive thematic analysis in Dedoose.

Results: Three interrelated themes were identified. (1) Parenting Under Constraint, in which communal living, limited …

Preferences For And Effectiveness Of Role-Play On The Acquisition Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills, Logan D. Zupko

All NMU Master's Theses

Effective training of clinicians is crucial for ensuring high-quality clinical practices. This study evaluated the effectiveness of and preference for two teaching strategies within a behavior skills training (BST) framework for training novice adults in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) components. College students participated in multiple laboratory sessions across three study phases: Introduction, Choice, and Training. During the Introduction Phase, participants learned CBT Component 1 with either feedback only or feedback combined with brief role-play for incorrect skills. These two teaching strategies alternated across trials to ensure the participant was exposed to each equally. The Choice Phase allowed participants to select …

Associations Between Occupation Of World Trade Center Responders And Ptsd Prevalence And Symptom Expression, Jonah K. Luby

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The World Trade Center attacks on September 11th, 2001, had a drastic impact on American culture across many different mediums. Among those impacted, first responders experienced intense responsibilities beyond the bounds of typical expectation and training, putting them particularly at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD in first responders is often examined on a wide scale, where all types of responder roles are compared to the general population or within their individual groups. This study examined the association between occupation of responders at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and PTSD prevalence and symptom expression. Patterns of symptoms …

Cross-Cultural Perspectives On Psychological Research Practices And Opportunities: Do We All Have The (Same) Chance?, Irena Boskovic, Nisali Perera, Henry Otgaar

Psychological Research on Urban Society

The dominance of "WEIRD" (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) authors might indicate significant differences in research practices between them and non-WEIRD researchers or highlight issues such as inequality and publishing bias. In this survey, using a convenience sample of researchers worldwide (N = 72), we examined current research practices and researchers' views on the feasibility of advancements in employed methodologies among and between researchers in both WEIRD and Non-WEIRD countries. Our results showed that research practices are fairly uniform across cultures, by researchers commonly relying on (student) convenience samples, using statistical packages such as SPSS and R, utilizing …

Exploring The Black Woman Experience Related To Sexual Practice, Sexual Identity, And Sexual Expression: A Qualitative Study, Ashley V. Rodriguez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study revealed the complex interplay between personal identities and social constructs, focusing on Black-identifying women and their lived experiences with sex, sexuality, and sexual expression. Over centuries, societal influences depicted Black women as hypersexual, simultaneously exposing them to criticism, shame, and judgment for their sexual expression and meaning-making related to sex and sexuality. Consequently, Black women remain a high-risk demographic for unsafe sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections. Using intersectionality theory and Black feminist theory, this study explored how Black-identifying women give meaning to sex, sexuality, and sexual expression as they shape the Black feminine experience. I sought to …

Towards A Standard Assessment And Treatment Protocol For Firefighters: A Delphi Study, Amy K Gearhard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Firefighters are 5 times more likely than civilians to experience depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Firefighters have suicidal ideation and attempt rates that are 2 to 3 times higher than the general population, yet most do not seek treatment. The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to develop an expert consensus on psychological assessment and treatment practices with firefighters through the lens of an expert panel of 19 psychologists who work with this population. Siebert’s normative theory was used with the assumption that the panelists would provide feedback based on their clients’ best interests. The expert panel was recruited …