Clinical Psychology Commons^™

Sources Of Sexual And Romantic Education: Associations With Sexual Minority Men’S Sexual Experiences And Romantic Relationship Quality, Charlie Huntington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with sexual minority identities experience a variety of poorer mental and physical health outcomes, including those related to sexual and romantic quality, relative to heterosexual individuals (Beaulieu et al., 2017; CDC, 2021). These poorer romantic, sexual, and psychological outcomes may be attributable in part to lacking access to affirmative and relevant modeling of sexual minority experiences, such as through sex education (Gillespie et al., 2022; Keiser et al., 2019). This study aimed to understand how sexual minority men learn – in ways potentially both helpful and unhelpful – about romantic relationships and sexual activity, and how these experiences are …

Neverland Theory: An Introduction To A Childish-Positive Framework, Daniel M. Gardner

University Honors Theses

Proposes, defines, and defends the beginnings of an original theoretical approach (Neverland Theory) which advocates for the revitalization of psychotherapy through embracing and incorporating more of the "Childish" in clinical practice. Three formal aspects of Childishness are proposed and briefly defined. A literature review of three existing psychotherapies which effectively incorporate the proposed Childish aspects are highlighted and shown to be effective and efficacious. It is argued that prioritization of these aspects contributes to treatment outcome in a way which goes beyond what can be empirically evidenced.

Exploring The Relationship Between Organized Sports Participation And Alcohol Experimentation In Children Aged 9 And 10, Kristina Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Children experimenting with alcohol is a phenomenon that has been occurring for decades, with the assumption that most children begin to experiment during adolescence. Research has addressed children over the age of 12 in numerous studies; however, little research has been directed at children between the ages of 9 and 10. In this study, the relationship between alcohol experimentation and sports participation was explored in children between the ages of 9 and 10 years old through a social learning theory lens. The study sample consisted of children aged 9-10 from across the country participating in the ABCD study. Many factors …

Exploring The Relationship Between Organized Sports Participation And Alcohol Experimentation In Children Aged 9 And 10, Kristina Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Children experimenting with alcohol is a phenomenon that has been occurring for decades, with the assumption that most children begin to experiment during adolescence. Research has addressed children over the age of 12 in numerous studies; however, little research has been directed at children between the ages of 9 and 10. In this study, the relationship between alcohol experimentation and sports participation was explored in children between the ages of 9 and 10 years old through a social learning theory lens. The study sample consisted of children aged 9-10 from across the country participating in the ABCD study. Many factors …

Classifying Traumatic Brain Injury: Associations With Executive Functioning And Externalizing Behavior, Lauren F. Fournier

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves a head injury that is, for some individuals, associated with long-term behavioral difficulties, including externalizing behaviors. The literature on TBI and its links to externalizing is limited in several important ways. First, there is evidence that current classification system of mild, moderate, or severe is imprecise and contains important variation within TBI categories. Second, TBI and externalizing are understudied among high functioning individuals, such as undergraduate students, despite rates of TBI among this population that are similar to those of the general population. Third, while it is theorized that executive functioning deficits explain the association …

Internalized Binegativity, Alcohol Consumption, And Expectancies Following An Experience Of Binegativity: An Experimental Study, Alexander P. Rivera

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Individuals who identify as bisexual have repeatedly been found to consume alcohol at higherrates than individuals who identify as heterosexual or homosexual and are at greater risk for developing AUD. Per the Minority Stress Model, this heightened risk for bisexuals’ poor alcohol outcomes may be attributed to experiences of bisexual-specific stressors (i.e., experienced binegativity) and beliefs about their own bisexual identity., which have previously been associated with increased alcohol use. To date, however, no studies have examined if experiences of binegativity are associated with changes in internalized binegativity and alcohol outcomes in an experimental design. The current study aimed to …

The Extent That Self-Compassion And Well-Being Predict Burnout In Online Clinical Psychology Phd Students, Tiffany Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Online clinical psychology doctoral students simultaneously experience stressful environments while managing school and life. These stressful experiences can lead to burnout. The concepts of self-compassion and well-being are intertwined with success and burnout. Previous research has indicated that burnout is likely to occur; however, a lack of research has identified specific factors that collectively predict burnout in online clinical psychology doctoral students. Thus, a gap in the current literature regarding burnout using these variables and within clinical psychology PhD students remains to be addressed. This quantitative study investigated the impact of self-compassion and well-being on burnout levels among online clinical …

The Extent That Self-Compassion And Well-Being Predict Burnout In Online Clinical Psychology Phd Students, Tiffany Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Online clinical psychology doctoral students simultaneously experience stressful environments while managing school and life. These stressful experiences can lead to burnout. The concepts of self-compassion and well-being are intertwined with success and burnout. Previous research has indicated that burnout is likely to occur; however, a lack of research has identified specific factors that collectively predict burnout in online clinical psychology doctoral students. Thus, a gap in the current literature regarding burnout using these variables and within clinical psychology PhD students remains to be addressed. This quantitative study investigated the impact of self-compassion and well-being on burnout levels among online clinical …

The Rainbow Wave: Rethinking Lgbtq Representation In Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research, Tyler King

University Honors Theses

This thesis critically evaluates the representation and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ populations in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) research from 2000 onwards, amidst the resurgence of interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment. Through a quantitative analysis of published studies, it investigates the prevalence and depth of gender identity and sexual orientation data collection, revealing a significant gap in demographic data pertinent to these populations. This research aims to highlight the ethical and scientific necessity for more inclusive study designs that incorporate the unique psychological experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Recommendations are proposed for enhancing inclusivity in research methodologies, including organizational buy-in, …

The Psychological Significance Of Cultural And Religious Values Among The Arab Population, Michel Sherif Mikhail

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Values, which are the guiding principles and beliefs of our lives, have an influence over one’s psychological health. This study aims to investigate how Schwartz’s four higher-order values (conservation, openness to change, self-transcendence, and self-enhancement) and religious values influence psychological health among the Arab population. Methods: A total of 1,023 respondent from nine Arab countries aged 18 to 71 filled an online survey with measures of the following constructs: Schwartz’s four higher-order values (Portrait Value Questionnaire-21), religious values (Sahin’s Index of Islamic Moral Values), and general psychological health (General Health Questionnaire-28). Results: Two models of multiple regression were …

Repetitive Thinking, Social Connectedness, And Distressing Sexual Experiences In Autistic And Non-Autistic Students: Examining Social-Cognitive Risk Factors And Mental Health During The College Transition, Erin Elizabeth Mckenney

Theses and Dissertations

The prevention and treatment of mental health concerns are consistently named among autistic adults’ highest clinical and research priorities. While several theories have been proposed to explain the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in autistic populations, virtually no longitudinal research has evaluated causal mechanisms. The first study in this dissertation aims to explore how known contributors to depression and anxiety identified by general population research – namely, rumination, dissatisfaction with social connectedness, and distressing sexual experiences – relate to the development of internalizing symptoms in autistic individuals during the transition to college. The second study explores potential contributors to …

Mexican American Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cultural Factors And Substance Use, Michael L. Garcia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown substance use affects sexual minority communities disproportionately. Studies have shown when individuals are part of ethnic or sexual minority groups, negative attitudes and risk behaviors that can lead to substance use are experienced at a greater scale compared to their majority counterparts. There have not been significant investigations regarding relationships between cultural values and sexual and ethnic minority subpopulations within the United States. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify relationships between religion, family structure, traditional gender roles, and substance use in terms of Mexican American men who have sex with men (MAMSM) populations. This …

Mexican American Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cultural Factors And Substance Use, Michael L. Garcia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown substance use affects sexual minority communities disproportionately. Studies have shown when individuals are part of ethnic or sexual minority groups, negative attitudes and risk behaviors that can lead to substance use are experienced at a greater scale compared to their majority counterparts. There have not been significant investigations regarding relationships between cultural values and sexual and ethnic minority subpopulations within the United States. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify relationships between religion, family structure, traditional gender roles, and substance use in terms of Mexican American men who have sex with men (MAMSM) populations. This …

Relationships Between Parenting Styles And Oppositional Defiant Disorder In African American Families, Sierra Savedge

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a mental health disorder that is seen throughout adolescent populations; however, limited research has been conducted on African American adolescents. Based on the parenting theory, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine relationships between parenting styles, African American cultural influences, and ODD. A sample of 125 parents with adolescents in Virginia was surveyed. The Parenting Styles Questionnaire was used to measure parenting styles. The African American Acculturation Scale Revised was used to measure African American cultural influences. Symptoms of ODD were measured using the Child and Adolescent Disruptive Behavior Inventory. Chi-square tests, independent …

Relationships Between Parenting Styles And Oppositional Defiant Disorder In African American Families, Sierra Savedge

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a mental health disorder that is seen throughout adolescent populations; however, limited research has been conducted on African American adolescents. Based on the parenting theory, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine relationships between parenting styles, African American cultural influences, and ODD. A sample of 125 parents with adolescents in Virginia was surveyed. The Parenting Styles Questionnaire was used to measure parenting styles. The African American Acculturation Scale Revised was used to measure African American cultural influences. Symptoms of ODD were measured using the Child and Adolescent Disruptive Behavior Inventory. Chi-square tests, independent …

Neuropsychological Intra-Individual Variability In Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinical Utility, Classification, And Associations With Outcomes, Jeremy A. Feiger

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors experience a range of sequelae including neurobiological brain changes, cognitive impairment, psychological difficulties, and functional changes. Neuropsychological assessment after injury is used to characterize current strengths and weaknesses to inform prognosis and interventions. There is currently no reliable and consistent method of assessing and classifying injuries in the post-acute and chronic phases of moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) that is associated with long term psychosocial outcomes. This study aimed to combine the use of within-person variability on neuropsychological test batteries and in cognitive response latency, known as intra-individual variability (IIV), with a novel cognitive phenotyping …

The Mental Health Experience Of Transgender And Gender Diverse Colombians: Que La Diversidad No Cueste La Vida, María Natalia Acosta Canchila

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Experiences of TGD people in various countries reflect difficulties accessing mental health services and significant mental health needs. In Colombia, experiences in broader healthcare systems suggest various barriers to care that include experiences of discrimination. However, specific experiences in mental health services have not been thoroughly examined. The current study aimed to understand the experiences, perceptions, and needs of TGD people in Colombia in mental health systems. Qualitative data was collected via 40 semi-structured interviews with TGD people in Colombia, data was analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. Findings suggests great mental health needs related to needing support in the process …

Family Fragments: Pressure And Proximity In First-Episode Psychosis, Cassandra B. Seltman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study explores the value of assuming a position that decenters the identified patient in families with a member with schizophrenia. Instead, a systemic view of the family is taken, as subject to pressures from without and within, and utilizing observable processes for the management and discharge of tension. It attempts the difficult balance of thinking dynamically without sacrificing scientific rigor, considering the social without discounting the biological, and exploring the functionality of the family without collapsing into blame, reductive cause-and-effect thinking, and the search to prioritize one true origin.

When treating family members as discrete units around an identified …

A Modified Grounded Theory Analysis Of Luke’S Understanding Of His Thought Disorder, Daniel Dresher

Dissertations

This current Clinical Research Project examines patterns of therapeutic processing in “Luke”, a male diagnosed with schizophrenia, and how his understanding of his psychotic breaks and mental illness evolved over the course of person-centered psychotherapy. A modified grounded theory approach was used by multiple coders to analyze transcribed text samples from selected archival therapy sessions selected between 1996 and 2019 to develop further hypotheses as to how "Luke" uses schizophrenic language to process experience in ways that are clinically effective as well as ways that hinder his understanding of his experience. Results of this study demonstrated that while Luke’s use …

Drug Use And Harm Reduction: Community Readiness As Pathway To Well-Being And Reintegration, Lauretta Ekanem Omale

Dissertations

Drug abuse negatively impacts the life and well-being of those who use drugs; this harm often extends to their loved ones, communities, and society. One presumptive set of psychological explanations for drug abuse is an addictive personality, a psychological susceptibility resulting from challenging family relationships, inadequate reinforcement, the absence of healthy role models, conflicting parental expectations, and a lack of love and respect. Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on minimizing the harmful effects of drugs and reducing judgment. It aims to meet people where they are in life and provide judgment-free, empathetic, supportive, and needed medical …

A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Examination Of The Impact Of Graduate Student Loan Balances On Overall Quality Of Life Among Clinical Psychologists With Psyd Degrees, Lekai James

Dissertations

Graduate student loan debt in psychology, particularly for those with Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) degrees in clinical psychology, is highly problematic. Previous research has shown that student loan debt negatively impacts quality of life (QOL) by affecting subjective well-being (SWB) and life satisfaction (LS). This study used a convergent parallel mixed method approach, guided by bottom-up spillover theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, to explore the relationship between QOL and total graduate student loan balances, as well as the effects of income and monthly student loan payments on QOL among PsyD graduates. Participants (N = 16) completed a survey with …

Relational Changes In A Study Of Youth Diagnosed With Cancer, Emily C. Larsen Avnet

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This dissertation explores the relational experiences of youth with cancer within a metropolitan hospital. Through archival interviews with 10 participants, the study identifies seven themes that encompass the youths’ experiences of how a life-limiting illness impacts their relationships and the role it plays. The findings reflect the complexity of a life-limiting illness, particularly during the adolescence and/or pediatric phases of life. The study highlights the importance of relationships, perceived support, and the impact of a cancer diagnosis in youth’s lives and the lives of their loved ones. The results can inform caregivers, loved ones, medical teams, and mental health care …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Parent-Adolescent Communication, Social Media Use, And Psychological Well-Being In Adolescents, Johannah Smith

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Adolescents, particularly teenage girls, use social media substantially more than any other age group (Boneva et al., 2006; Gross, 2004; Padilla-Walker et al., 2020). Greater social media use has been linked to internalizing and externalizing problems; however, specific social media behavior and the relation to internalizing and externalizing problems is unknown. Additionally, how parent-adolescent communication impacts the relationships has not been explored. This is concerning as specific social media behavior, such as ruminating with peers and general social media addiction, has been linked to adolescents’ psychological well-being. (Sarmiento et al., 2020; Shensa et al., 2017; Nesi et al., 2020). The …

Pain Beneath The Surface: Emotional Self-Control & Trauma In Central Sensitization Among Asian Americans, Yasmin Banga, Lisette Thurlkill, Munyi Shea

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Research has established the links between trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and central sensitization. Yet, few studies have specifically examined this mechanism in Asian Americans with chronic pain. This study aims to examine how culture-specific factors, such as emotional self-control, as well as underlying PTSD symptoms play a role in this mechanism among Asian American adults. A sample of 160 Asian Americans with chronic pain was surveyed. Results suggest that PTSD symptoms significantly mediated the impact of trauma exposure on central sensitization, whereas emotional self-control was a non-significant mediator or moderator. Study limitations and implications will be further discussed.

Employment Role Change And Resilient Coping On Affective Well-Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hatun Almuhanna, Penelope Seminario, Lynette Bikos

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of employment related role change directly upon affective well-being and indirectly through resilient coping in the first year-and-a-half of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (N = 197; age M=48.85, SD = 15.28) completed up to 24 waves. Results suggested that the direct effect of role change on affective well-being was statistically significant (B = 0.037, p < 0.024). Although there was a significant effect of resilient coping on affective well-being (B = 0.227, p < 0.001), the indirect effect passing from employment role change through resilience coping to affective well-being was not (B = 0.002, 95CI -0.006, 0.010, p 0.574). The results speak to the centrality of the employment role.

The Lived Experience Of Parents With Newborns In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu): A Heuristic Inquiry, Abigail Bilyk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parents with newborns who require medical care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) immediately following birth are at an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress. While quantitative research studies have determined that a NICU admission can have detrimental effects on parents, a better understanding of the lived experience for both mothers and fathers is necessary to ensure adequacy in the standard of care given to parents while their newborn is admitted to the NICU. The phenomenon has not previously been explored using the phenomenological approach of heuristic inquiry. Constructivism, social constructivism, and the transactional model of stress and coping …

The Impact Of Irrational Beliefs On Dysfunctional Decision-Making In B2b Salespeople, Barron W. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

The complexity of the contemporary business-to-business (B2B) sales landscape requires salespeople to respond faster, be more knowledgeable, and add more value to buyer interactions than ever before. As such, B2B salespeople must carefully consider the impact of their decisions since they have the potential to directly impact organizational revenue and bottom-line outcomes. The present research utilizes rational-emotive behavior theory to examine judgment and decision-making in B2B salespeople. Research questions are presented and tested with a sample of 306 B2B salespeople using structural equation modeling. The results of the analysis reveal that irrational beliefs lead to dysfunctional emotions, and in turn, …

Impact Of Toxic Leadership On The Mental Health Of Employees In Texas State Agencies, Dr. Monika Diaz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study investigated the impact of toxic leadership on the mental health of employees within Texas state agencies, utilizing betrayal trauma theory (BTT) as the theoretical framework. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, specifically through semi-structured interviews with eight employees who have experienced toxic leadership firsthand. These interviews aimed to uncover the psychological effects of such leadership on employees, with particular attention to symptoms of stress, anxiety, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that toxic leadership was significantly associated with increased psychological distress among employees. This distress manifested as heightened anxiety, depression, …

Sexual Abuse: A Multi-Faceted Problem, Marcus Venable

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

On average, US citizens have experienced approximately 400,000 sexual assaults per year, which results in enormous immediate and long-term consequences for individuals, as well as society in general.

In the U.S., the principal method of combatting this crime has been the creation of Sex Offender Registries used to notify the public of the identity and location of convicted sex offenders who may be living in proximity to their residence. In addition to the Registry, laws have been passed forbidding convicted sex offenders from residing within buffer zones around areas of high child concentration [schools/parks/etc.].

The efficacy and consequences of these …

Grief Like Mine: A Literature Review Exploring Culturally Informed Grief Work For Black Youth Using Dance/Movement Therapy, Darrell Hyche

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Black American youth are exposed to more death related circumstances than their peers yet are severely underrepresented in literature focused on the broader scope of children’s bereavement. More research and analysis are required to develop and implement culturally relevant interventions as they embark on their grief journey. Dance/movement therapy has the capacity for providing support that is culturally specific and able to meet the developmental levels of children, yet its grief focus work is limited. This literature review aims to bridge the gap between Black grief and dance/movement therapy as a culturally informed practice. An analysis of various forms of …