Clinical Psychology Commons^™

Anhedonic Features In Effort-Related Reward Processing, Harold Alexander Rocha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Emerging evidence suggests that distinct stages of reward processing uniquely contribute to psychological traits linked to anhedonia, a core mood-disorder symptom characterized by diminished enjoyment of pleasure. However, the relationship between reward-processing stages and dispositional traits related to mood and anhedonia remains unclear. The present study investigated interindividual reward processing differences in a healthy college sample (n = 83) using self-report measures and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) indexing anticipatory and consummatory subprocesses across high- and low-effort conditions using a recently developed effort-doors task. The goal of the study was first to replicate the original ERP experimental effects of the task …

Fostering Interconnectedness And Belonging Within Diverse Communities Through Humanistic And Afro-Centered Perspectives, Courtney Cabell, Jasmine Perin

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

In today’s increasingly diverse yet fragmented society, individuals with traditionally marginalized identities face pervasive disconnection that profoundly affects psychological well-being. This roundtable explores culturally relevant therapeutic interventions rooted in Humanistic and Afro-centered principles, underscoring the critical need for community-oriented strategies that promote belonging and resilience by examining barriers to connection.

The Role Of Coping Strategies On Acculturative Stress, Depression, And Anxiety In An Arab Community, Laura Torio, Khadeja Najjar, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study explores acculturative stress (AS), coping strategies (CS), and mental health in Arab immigrants (N=68). Results show that avoidant-CS are linked to depression and anxiety, while problem-focused-CS are protective. Age correlated with CS and mental health outcomes. Interventions addressing avoidant-CS could improve mental health in minority populations.

Embodiment As Activism: Movement-Based Approaches To Collective Healing, Devon Kardel, Courtney Cabell

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This session introduces somatic and movement-based approaches to foster community healing and critical consciousness. Presenters will explore embodiment practices that enhance connection, resilience, and social awareness, offering practical strategies to integrate body-centered techniques into therapeutic and communal settings for transformative healing and empowerment.

An Examination Of Early Termination From Trauma-Focused Treatment For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Review And Mixed Methods Study Proposal, Laura M. Lathrop

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

The high rate of early termination from evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impedes maximum benefit from trauma-focused treatment, making it an on-going concern for clinicians. This paper consists of a literature review regarding the problem of early termination from evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment for PTSD in adults. It then proposes a mixed methods study to investigate re-engaging veterans in trauma-focused PTSD treatment, analyzing completion rates, and evaluating participants’ experience using qualitative interviews.

Emotion Regulation, Stress, And Negative And Positive Affect In Minority Populations, Laura Torio, Khadeja Najjar, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study examines perceived stress (PS), emotion regulation (ER), and emotional outcomes in a diverse sample (N=282). Results show PS correlates with negative (NA) and positive affect (PA), with adaptive emotion regulation (AMR) linked to PA and maladaptive regulation (MMR) linked to NA. Culture predicted MMR, highlighting the importance of cultural considerations in interventions.

The Moderating Role Of Loneliness In The Relation Between Perceived Pressure To Be Thin, Perfectionism, And Internalizing Problems Among Latina Girls, Melissa Lopez

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Latina girls are at a high risk of depressive symptoms and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. This study builds on the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model to identify factors that may influence the development of these internalizing problems (Hewitt et al., 2006). Perceived pressure to be thin, perfectionistic self-presentation, and loneliness have all been linked to internalizing problems, including depressive symptoms in youth. This study focuses on Latina girls, specifically, and the ways that these variables combine to affect their well-being. This study highlights the relation between pressure to be thin and both depressive symptoms and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors and explores …

Examining The Role Of Cognition And Late-Life Treatment Resistant Depression On Everyday Functioning, Ashlyn Runk

LSU Master's Theses

The capacity to complete instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) is essential to older adults maintaining their ability to age in place and is influenced by factors including depression and cognition. There is evidence to suggest that depression and cognition influence each other in their relationship with everyday functioning. However, much of this work has been done in samples with low overall levels of depressive symptoms. The goal of the current study was to examine these relationships in older adults with a history of moderate to severe treatment resistant depression and determine if the relationship between executive functioning and everyday …

A Creative Introduction To Narrative Therapy: Harnessing The Power Of Stories, Art, And The Person-Of-The-Therapist, Marissa Mueller

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This paper describes a proposed graduate-level academic elective course for mental health practitioners in training. The course content is organized across a total of 10 class sessions. Topic areas include introductions to the theory and techniques of narrative therapy, including expressive art approaches, the importance of social justice work through collective narrative practice and liberation psychology, the construction and analysis of stories of self and personal myths, and a focus on developing the person-of-the-therapist. Each class session will review that week's lecture content, assigned readings, small and large group discussion prompts, and in-class activities. The course prioritizes centering student experiences …

Mental Health Literacy, Education, And Implications For Mental Disorder, Robert Louis Sims Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health literacy (MHL) improves the recognition and treatment of mental disorders. The completion of a bachelor’s degree has been correlated with higher levels of MHL, and higher levels of MHL are reported to improve mental health status (MHS). While educational attainment has a significant positive relationship with MHL, the strength and significance of education in predicting MHL level remains unclear. A health literacy conceptualization and self-efficacy theory underpinned further examination of these variables in this study. A survey was administered to a sample of 105 university graduates in Georgia enrolled in one of five bachelor’s degree disciplines: education, humanities, …

Stress As A Means Of Success: Investigating The Effect Of Stress Appraisals On Willpower, Ego Depletion, And Physiological Responses In College Students, Anna Minor

Honors College Theses

Stress impacts our emotions, cognition, behavior, and health. Although stress is abundant and unavoidable, recent research suggests our perception of stress can strongly influence its outcomes. The Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat (BPS) states that we appraise a stressful scenario in one of two ways: challenge or threat. A challenge appraisal involves a positive perception of stress and is associated with lower physiological output while a threat appraisal involves a negative perception of stress and increased physiological arousal. The current research seeks to apply the BPS to a cognitive task and consider its relation to willpower, ego depletion, and …

A Qualitative Approach To Identifying Obstacles To Mental Healthcare In The Rio Grande Valley From The Perspective Of Mental Healthcare Professionals., Shania M. Linder, Cristian Botello, Raquel Villarreal, Nelda Rodriguez, Mario Gil, Dayana Zamora

Research Symposium

Background: There are many factors that prevent members of the Hispanic/Latino community from accessing mental health resources. This is important to investigate because there is a lack of knowledge on why residents of the Rio Grande Valley, an underserved region of South Texas, are unable to access and/or utilize mental health resources.

Methods: A focus group session was held at a mental health counseling clinic in Cameron County, Texas on February 1, 2024. The participants consisted of mental health professionals, such as two mental health clinicians, a clinical counselor, two school counselors, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, and a …

The Athletes’ Plate: Understanding Influences Of Athletes’ Eating Attitudes, Exercise Behaviors, And Body Image Satisfaction, Delanie Patterson, Brooklynn Raacke, Ryssa Schlaefli

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Delanie Patterson¹, Brooklynn Raacke¹, and Ryssa Schlaefli²

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Faculty Sponsors: Brooke Mann¹, Ph.D. and Jessica Phelan², Ph.D.

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Introduction: Disordered eating (DE), compulsive exercise (CE), and body image satisfaction (BIS) negatively affect male and female athletes. These variables each have a core symptomology but continue to evolve with the increased usage of social …

Perceptions Of Using Exercise As A Self-Determining Motivational Strategy For Gen Z Females With Depression Since Covid-19., Andrea Menhennet

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted individuals' daily routines, which amplified mental health challenges worldwide. A demographic highly prone to depression is Gen Z females. They faced unique struggles during this period, specifically managing their well-being. This study explored the perceptions of Gen Z females with depression regarding the use of exercise as a motivational strategy based on self-determination theory (SDT). The study aimed to understand how physical activity and ways to cope were allocated to manage mental health struggles, focusing on autonomy, competence, and relatedness as pertinent psychological needs. Using the generic qualitative approach, eight female Gen Z participants shared …

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Implementation Experiences Among Mental Health Professionals In Correctional Settings, Angdi Karim Impelee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study investigated the challenges and experiences of mental health professionals implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within forensic populations in the United States, filling a significant gap in research that primarily focused on DBT in non-forensic contexts. Utilizing qualitative methods, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with practitioners from various correctional settings, emphasizing their perceptions of DBT's efficacy, adaptation strategies to meet the cultural and institutional demands of their unique environments, and resultant behavioral outcomes for incarcerated individuals. Thematic analysis revealed key challenges, including resource limitations, institutional resistance, and the necessity for extensive cultural adaptations of therapeutic techniques. Participants highlighted …

African American Women’S Experience Of Wearing Natural Textured Hair, Tammy White-Jolivette

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women’s (AAW’s) experiences of wearing natural textured hair are underrepresented in the literature. This issue, and hair discrimination more broadly, is a form of social injustice that underscores the cultural and social significance of natural hair as a symbol of heritage, identity, and resilience in African American communities. Guided by social comparison and self-concept theories, the purpose of this study was to examine how wearing natural hair influences AAW’s self-perception. The research question was: How do AAW describe their experiences of wearing natural textured hair? The qualitative method featured interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data were collected by conducting in-depth …

Trauma-Informed Bilingual Counselor Education: Factors To Guide Professional Mental Health Training With Spanish-Speaking Students, Fernando Estrada, Miguel A. Arana

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Latine immigrants confront various forms of violence that increases their risk for traumatic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. There is a need to advance the training of counselors who can work with Spanish-speaking clients exposed to trauma. The goal of this study was to articulate a literature-based conceptualization of trauma-informed bilingual counselor education. The results of a content analysis facilitated a synthesis of the relevant scholarship that highlighted four main facets: (i) integrative translanguage pedagogy, (ii) immigrant trauma exposure and reaction, (iii) culturally responsive socio-emotional interventions, and (iv) bilingual supervisory alliance. These factors can help guide professional graduate training. Implications …

Perceptions Of Clinically Depressed Individuals: Social Media Use, Depressive Symptoms, And Interpersonal Relationships, Rachel N. Fullen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent literature has shown an association between social media usage and depressive symptoms, but there remains a gap regarding the perceptions of individuals with clinical depression on their social media usage and their interpersonal relationships. This qualitative study was conducted to uncover how people view social media and their clinical depression as well as the quality of their interpersonal interactions through social media platforms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals who were diagnosed with clinical depression, used social media for 2 hours daily, and lived with their significant other/partner. The theory applied to this study was Blumler and Katz’s …

“I Will Never Be Out With This Campus”: Impacts Of Lgbtq+ Microaggressions, Clara E. O'Brien

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

This study reports on the results of a mixed method analysis on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ microaggressions experienced at a non-affirming Free Methodist affiliated university campus. The impact of religiously based LGBTQIA+ microaggressions on religion-sexuality conflict and, in turn strength of religious faith and sexual identity distress was examined. Further, I explored whether racial identity moderated the relationship between religiously based LGBTQIA+ microaggressions and sexual identity distress. Participants (N = 248) included students, faculty, and staff identifying as LGBTQIA+. Quantitative results suggested that that greater religion-sexuality conflict was associated with greater strength of religious faith (B = .239, …

“But How Do I Start?” A Beginner’S Guide To Your First Qualitative Project, Jason B. Whiting Phd, Bria Nicole Davies

The Qualitative Report

Many new qualitative researchers feel overwhelmed and struggle to find direction in existing books and articles about qualitative methodology. Qualitative methods have a long history that includes different philosophies, practices, and methods, and there are endless ways to interpret and use these tools within these traditions. This article introduces basic qualitative methods with the intent to guide a first-time researcher through a first social science research project, such as a thesis or dissertation. It frames the process as a five-step journey with guidelines to follow and additional resources that can be accessed related to each phase. Although the craft of …

Examining The Role Of Executive Functioning In Self-Care Of Type 1 Diabetes Among Youth, Erin Vogel

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study explores the relationships between youth executive functioning, symptoms of depression, the self-management (self-care) of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and glycemic control, a proxy for diabetes-related health outcomes. Utilizing archival clinical data from a universityaffiliated pediatric diabetes clinic, the study tested a priori hypothesized associations between depressive symptoms, executive functioning, diabetes self-care, and health outcomes. Parent and youth measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess youth depression, the Diabetes Related Executive Functioning Scale-Short Form to assess youth executive functioning, and the Diabetes Self-Management Profile-Short Form to assess youth diabetes-related self-care behaviors. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assays were a secondary …

Exploring Global Research Trends On Smoking And Mental Health: A Bibliometric Analysis, Martaria Rizky Rinaldi, Jelang Hardika

Jurnal Ekonomi Kependudukan dan Keluarga

This bibliometric analysis explores global trends, author productivity, institutional and country contributions, citation patterns, and thematic relationships in the literature linking smoking and mental health. Data from the Scopus database were retrieved using specific keyword combinations related to smoking and mental health, resulting in 1,782 eligible articles after filtering for research quality. The study examines publication trends, identifies high-impact studies, and maps thematic clusters in the field. Results indicate a notable increase in publications after 2000, driven by growing recognition of smoking's impact on mental well-being and the integration of mental health considerations in tobacco control policies. Thematic mapping reveals …

Daily Pain Experiences And Coping Approaches Among Women In Midlife With Elevated Risk For Cardiovascular Disease, Laura Travers

Theses and Dissertations

Millions of adults experience significant pain each year, costing individuals and our economy millions of dollars in lost productivity and negatively impacting quality of life. Pain is more common among women than men and is a known barrier to women’s physical activity (PA) engagement. Yet, PA helps manage pain and buffer against conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). For women in midlife with CVD risk factors (e.g., hypertension), little is known about daily pain fluctuation and the coping skills employed to manage pain. The current study examined daily pain and pain coping experiences among women ages 40-60 with one or …

Ahp's Tribute To Dr. Stan Charnofsky, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

The Association for Humanistic Psychology (AHP) mourns the “transition” of a very dear soul, Dr. Stan Charnofsky. And, while his transition is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, and colleagues, we also want to honor and celebrate a life well-lived. As a former AHP president, Stan provided outstanding leadership. Upon his passing, he also held the distinction of being the longest-serving AHP board member. He was very much cherished and highly respected by all board members throughout his long, dedicated and remarkable service to AHP and its members.

Praktik Mindfulness Pada Dewasa Awal Menggunakan Gantungan Kunci “Mindkey”, Cokki Cokki, Jessisca Meidy, Natalie Ocberta, Cintya Yunetta, Anjeli Febrianti, Wellen Febriani

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

The high level of psychological issues faced by young adults in Indonesia is a pressing problem that needs immediate attention, as it can impact an individual's life satisfaction. The strategy employed in this PKM (Student Creativity Program) is mindfulness practice using a keychain. The keychain, designed for a week-long mindfulness practice, is named "Mindkey." The implementation of this PKM involved four stages: preparation, execution, realization, and evaluation. The execution stage involved 213 young adult participants to select the final design of the Mindkey product from three available designs: one created by the PKM Team, one by a freelance design service, …

Investigating The Role Of Out-Of-School Experiences In Racial And Ethnic Identity Formation For Black Youth Within An Ecological Model, Maureen Burns

Master's Theses

Racial and ethnic identity formation is associated with psychological well-being and this is especially true for youth of color, including Black adolescents. Currently, there is a dearth of literature examining influences on this facet of identity during adolescents, outside of parental socialization and school-related factors. Participation in organized out-of-school activities has been associated with positive outcomes, such as social and emotional well-being, which, in turn, is related to identity formation. The goal of the present study was to better understand the relation between out-of-school experiences and racial and ethnic identity among Black adolescents. Participants included Black identifying adolescents, ages 14-19 …

Examining The Sexual Identity Disclosure Process Among Black Queer Femmes And Their Families, Kaylah Denis

Master's Theses

Existing queer identity development theories often overlook the unique intersectional experiences of Black queer femmes (BQF), limiting their applicability and effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by this population. Traditional models typically emphasize "coming out" to friends and family as a key step towards identity integration and self-actualization. However, these frameworks may not adequately capture the complexities faced by BQF, who navigate tensions between their racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ identities. This study aimed to: 1) explore BQF experiences related to disclosing their sexual minority status to family members, 2) understand family members' responses to these disclosures, and 3) identify factors influencing …

Prospective Receptivity And Acceptability Of Brief Alcohol Interventions Among Women And Racial/Ethnic Minority Veterans In Primary Care, Jacob L. Scharer, Robyn Shepardson, Brandi Roelk, Julie C. Gass, Laura Wray, Stephen A. Maisto, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) are an evidence-based practice for addressing hazardous drinking among primary care patients, yet implementation of BAIs in practice has been difficult and disparities have been identified regarding implementing BAIs with women and racial/ethnic minority patients. Further, patient engagement is a commonly identified barrier to BAI implementation. This mixed methods study aimed to assess acceptability of BAIs among women and racial/ethnic minority primary care patients and to identify factors that may impact their receptivity to engaging in a BAI. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 patients who had screened positive for hazardous alcohol use. Patients reported neutral …

Memory Distortions In Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Study On Source Confusion And Fantasy-Driven Confabulations, Eli Somer Ph.D., Henry Otgaar Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

Although vivid fantasizing involves the creation of imagined realities that share similar processes with memory source confusion, there has been limited research on the connection between these constructs. The current study used a thematic analysis approach to investigate the perceived relationship between an extreme form of dissociative absorption called maladaptive daydreaming (MD), source confusion, and memory errors. We interviewed 41 participants who self-identified as coping with MD, volunteered for MD research, and exhibited elevated MD scores. These questions delved into topics such as instances where they had difficulty distinguishing between daydreams and reality and situations where daydreams influenced their interactions …

The Effect Of Corona Pandemic On Crime Within The Family From The Researchers’ Point Of View In The Ministry Of Social Development In The Southern West Bank, Kifah Manasra, Muhammad Okkeh

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

The study aimed to identify the extent to which the family crimes in the Palestinian society are spread due to the Corona pandemic. It also aimed to reveal the psychological, economic and social effects of the Corona pandemic on the crimes within the family in the Palestinian society in the Southern West Bank. The researcher s used a questionnaire to collect the data and the descriptive approach to analyze it. The purposive sample consisted of (74) researchers from the total population which was (120) researchers from the Ministry of Social Development in the governorates of Hebron and Bethlehem in the …