Counseling Psychology Commons^™

“Being Believed, Being Seen, Not Being Questioned”: Bisexual Women’S Experiences Of Validity While Passing As Heterosexual, Megan E. Ingraham

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

The current study explored bisexual cisgender women’s experiences regarding passing as heterosexual, which Dyar et al. (2014) defined as the perception that one’s bisexual identity can be concealable and that bisexual individuals can choose to appear heterosexual with different-gender partners to avoid heterosexism. Utilizing intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989/1993) and Brown’s (2002) bisexual identity development model as the theoretical framework, the present study related passing as heterosexual to bisexual individuals’ identity validity while exploring factors that facilitate or hinder this process. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 12 bisexual cisgender adult women through semi-structured interviews in the constructivist-interpretivist paradigm (Ponterotto, …

The Use Of Digital Mediums In Expressive Arts Therapy, Katherine Mcadams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In recent years, there have been considerable advances in technology, which have made digital devices such as computers and cellphones cheaper and more accessible for most Americans. The Pew Research Center (2019) reports that 96% of adult American’s own a cellphone, with 81% owning a smartphone. Usage rates for cellphones and other digital devices amongst children and adolescents are also high with 95% of teens, aged 13-17, report owning a smartphone (Jiang, 2018). Despite these staggering statistics the field of psychology and creative therapies have been slower to adopt and incorporate the use of digital media and technology into the …

Trigger Warnings In Psychology Classrooms?: Comparing Sexes From A Diverse Religious Institution, Jasmine Collard, Herbert W. Helm Jr

Faculty Publications

Sensitive, oftentimes unsettling topics are inherent, especially in psychology education (Boysen et al., 2018). Prior notification - also known as trigger warnings - to help students prepare for, or avoid, possibly disturbing, upcoming education topics (Boysen, 2017, p. 164) are being pushed for by college students on potentially disturbing content. We previously replication Guy A. Boysen’s “Trigger Warnings in psychology Classes: What Do Students Think?” and found that students from a diverse, religious institution had few significant differences, but, in general, the results from the two data sets were quite similar (Kim et al, 2020). To expand on this knowledge, …

Mental Health Professionals Serving The Military: Who Has Access?, Nicole Marie Arcuri-Sanders, Kellie Forziat-Pytel

Educational Sciences and Organizations

Licensed counselors are underrepresented as mental health professionals (MHPs) servicing military-connected clients (service member/Veterans and their families). Mixed-methods research, conducted by the authors, highlights key viewpoints of MHPs (counselor, psychologist, and social worker) interested in working with the military and on their level of confidence in working with this population. MHPs' experiences, perspectives of their profession's responsibilities to military clients, and their role in comparison to other MHPs is explored. Findings aid in advocacy efforts for the military population to receive counseling from qualified providers and support counseling program development to increase counselor employability among this group.

Racial And Gender Discrimination Predict Mental Health Outcomes Among Healthcare Workers Beyond Pandemic-Related Stressors: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Survey, Rachel Hennein, Jessica Bonumwezi, Max Jordan Nguemeni Tiako, Petty Tineo, Sarah R. Lowe

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Racial and gender discrimination are risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes in the general population; however, the effects of discrimination on the mental health of healthcare workers needs to be further explored, especially in relation to competing stressors. Thus, we administered a survey to healthcare workers to investigate the associations between perceived racial and gender discrimination and symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and burnout during a period of substantial stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a national racial reckoning. We used multivariable linear regression models, which controlled for demographics and pandemic-related stressors. Of the 997 participants (Mean …

Personalized Depression Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial To Optimize Effects Through Risk-Informed Personalization, Jami F. Young, Jason D. Jones, Robert Gallop, Jessica S. Benas, Christie M. Schueler, Judy Garber, Benjamin L. Hankin

Mathematics Faculty Publications

Objective: To evaluate whether evidence-based depression prevention programs can be optimized by matching youths to interventions that address their psychosocial vulnerabilities. Method: This randomized controlled trial included 204 adolescents (mean [SD] age ¼ 14.26 [1.65] years; 56.4% female). Youths were categorized as high or low on cognitive and interpersonal risks for depression and randomly assigned to Coping With Stress (CWS), a cognitive-behavioral program, or Interpersonal Psychotherapy–Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST), an interpersonal program. Some participants received a match between risk and prevention (eg, high cognitive–low interpersonal risk teen in CWS, low cognitive–high interpersonal risk teen in IPT-AST), others received a mismatch …

The Effects Of Matched And Mismatched Social Support On Anxious And Depressive Symptoms In Women With Multiple Sclerosis, Elena A. Thomopoulos

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

There have been many significant findings and contributions to the literature on multiple sclerosis (MS) concerning both physical and mental well-being of individuals who are diagnosed with this illness. While MS is more commonly known now, more than before, there are many obstacles and challenges individuals diagnosed with MS face than people realize. Symptoms that affect individuals with MS are not easily recognized such as fatigue, blurry vision, issues with dexterity, bodily pain, numbness in extremities, and more. Due to the nature of this disease, and many adaptations in life individuals have to make due to their symptoms, studies …

Mindfulness-Based Intervention And Relapse Rates In Adults With A History Of Substance Use Disorder, Tamieko Ross-Anyaso

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Substance abuse disorder (SUD) has become an increasingly prevalent community health problem worldwide, affecting individuals in all geographical regions regardless of age, race, sex, and socioeconomic status, despite decades of efforts to find a solution (Bowen et al., 2014). A lack of treatment engagement and substance‐misuse crisis calls attention to the effectiveness of relapse‐sensitive care and treatments.

PICOT: The question addressed in this evidence-based project was “ In adults over 18 years of age with substance use disorder (P), how does the effect of mindfulness-based treatment (I), compared with no mindfulness-based treatment (C), reduce the risk of relapse …

Exploring The Impact Of The Achievement Gap On Shame And Resilience In African American College Students, Brittany R. Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The achievement gap refers to the stark difference that occurs between racial or gender groups, as one group performs significantly higher than the other. An achievement gap has the propensity to produce psychological distress, as well as buffering techniques that are necessary for survival and success. Growing research shows that African American college students experience unique levels of trauma, shame, hardship, macro, and micro-aggressions, suggesting that these students learn to self-preserve as early as 10 years old. This study used a Pearson correlation, Independent T-Test, and a Moderated Multiple Regression to explore the impact of the achievement gap on shame …

Depressive Symptoms And Marijuana Outcomes In College Students: The Mediating Role Of Protective Behavioral Strategies For Marijuana, Nicholas Militello

Master's Theses

The present study evaluated the sequentially mediating role of protective behavioral strategies for marijuana (PBSM) and marijuana use frequency on the relationships depressive symptoms had with hazardous marijuana use and marijuana-related negative consequences in college students Participants were 338 (50.3% male) undergraduate college students age 18 to 25 (M = 22.10; SD = 1.97) who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days. Participants reported their gender and completed measures of depressive symptoms, PBSM use, marijuana use frequency, marijuana-related negative consequences, and hazardous marijuana use through an online survey from a 2018 project. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with …

Non-Affirmation As A Moderator Between Social Support And Quality Of Life For Transgender Populations, Michael Evitts

Dissertations

This research builds upon scholarship exploring the quality of life of transgender populations. Knowledge on quality-of-life (QOL) for transgender populations has been limited due to the fact that most studies have focused on gender affirming medical procedures as interventions (Nobili et al., 2018). Other protective factors, such as social support, have been identified in the literature but have been defined in broad terms. The purpose of the study was to better understand additional factors that promote QOL and psychological well-being, specifically social support. It is unclear how non-affirmation of gender identity affects the protective effects of social support for QOL. …

Exploring Generational Difference Of Acculturation, Ethnic Identity And Racial Identity In Liberian Immigrants And Their Children Living In The United States, Breezie J. Gibson

Dissertations

Prior literature on immigrants has focused on the impact of acculturation for groups such as Asians and Hispanic or Latinx immigrants (Orjiako & So, 2014; Sall, 2019). Compared to these two groups, the literature on Black immigrants’ experience of acculturation is scarce. In addition to the minimum visibility of Black immigrants in the acculturation literature, there is also limited knowledge relating to differences in the ethnic identity and racial identity of Black immigrants because these immigrants are often grouped monolithically with minimum attention to their diverse countries of origin. Understanding the influence of acculturation, ethnicity, and race is important because …

Contingent Reinforcement And Instructed Generalization In A Laboratory Analog Of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: A Mixed Within-Group, Between-Group Design, Rebecca Rausch

Dissertations

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy emphasizes using social interactions in the therapeutic relationship to enhance interpersonal outcomes. The proposed mechanism of action in FAP is reinforcement provided by the therapist responding contingently to client improvements as they occur in session. The result is a stronger therapeutic relationship and improved social relating in daily life. Generalization is expected due to functional similarities inherent in interpersonal interactions and explicit attempts to link in-session learning to clients’ life via verbal descriptions and homework. The present study was a laboratory-based analog of the proposed processes occurring in FAP.

Using a modified fast friends’ procedure (FFP) and …

The Relationship Between Sex Role, Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, Anxiety, And Flow In Team Sport Female Athletes, Vanessa Chafos

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In recent years, studies have emerged that support the use of mindfulness interventions to enhance sport performance (Cathcart et al, 2014; Gardner & Moore, 2012; Jekauc et al., 2017; Kee & Wang, 2008; Moen et al., 2015). Among these studies, there is a gap in the literature in regards to sex role and mindfulness, perception of stress, and ability to reach a flow state. This study discusses current sport psychology literature and explores the relationship between sex role, mindfulness, perceived stress, anxiety, and flow among 185 team sport female athletes. Correlational Analyses from this study indicated that there is a …

Implicit Theories As A Moderator Between Religious Commitment And Forgiveness Among Muslims Experiencing A Religious Identity Offense., John Michael Hart Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A recurrent finding in the literature on the relationship between religion and forgiveness is that religious people tend to describe themselves as forgiving while reporting less forgiveness in response to actual offenses (Davis, Worthington, Hook, & Hill, 2013; McCullough & Worthington, 1999). Scholars have suggested moderating factors may explain this discrepancy (Worthington et al., 2010), though the existing literature has been criticized as limited because much of the research is based on Christian samples (Carlisle & Tsang, 2013; Davis et al., 2013). Implicit theories, which have previously been found to be associated with forgiveness and theorized to be related to …

Examining Self-Care Practices From A Sytemic Perspective: Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Hispanic Female Counselors In Rural New Mexico, Melissa C. Henry

Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) explored the experiences of Hispanic female counselors in rural New Mexico conceptualization and practice of self-care and wellness. The aim of the study was to understand the systemic, environmental, and cultural factors that reinforce and prevent resilience and wellness. Data consisted of two interviews: one structured hour-long demographic interview and one semi-structured hour-long interview related to the participant’s experience of identity, professional counseling, and self-care. Participants included 9 Hispanic women practicing professional counseling and living in various rural communities in New Mexico. Six main themes identified systemic, environmental, and cultural strengths and barriers for participants …

Workplace Microaggressions Experienced By Sexual Minorities: Relationships To Workplace Attitudes, Mental Health, And The Role Of Emotional Distress Tolerance, Dylan Richard

Dissertations

Overt discrimination against sexual minorities in the workplace has been a topic of research and current political debate. However, little is known about a more nuanced form of workplace discrimination against sexual minorities: microaggressions. However, research has established clear mental health consequences of everyday microaggressions (e.g., increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, suicidality, lower life satisfaction, and physical health symptoms) against racial and sexual minorities. The current study aimed to explore correlates of microaggressions in the workplace, specifically workplace attitudes (e.g., job satisfaction and job stress) and mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). Further, emotional distress tolerance (EDT) was …

Changing Criminal Thinking: An Examination Of Heterogeneity In Treatment Effects In A Sample Of Justice-Involved Persons With Dual Diagnoses, Michael Lester

Dissertations

Recent studies have indicated variability in cognitive change for justice-involved persons with mental illness exposed to treatments for criminal thinking and psychiatric risk factors. Research suggests that proactive styles of criminal thinking may be more difficult to change than impulsive or reactive styles. To date, however, no studies have identified risk factors for a limited response or modeled observed disparities in responsivity to interventions aimed at reducing criminal thinking. Using an archival dataset comprising 206 probationers with a dual diagnosis who were exposed to active CBT-based treatment, a latent profile analysis modeled unobserved heterogeneity in treatment response per observed changes …

The Power Of Presentation: How Attire, Cosmetics, And Posture Impact The Source Credibility Of The Female Expert Witness, Alexandra Repke

Dissertations

While previous research has examined behavior-based presentation styles of the female expert witness in light of source credibility, further research is required to examine the effect of other modifiable factors on her credibility, since perceived credibility affects the intermediate judgments that lead to ultimate legal decisions. This study investigated the impact of both behavior-based (i.e., posture) and appearance-based (i.e., attire and cosmetic use) factors on the female expert witness’ source credibility Model attractiveness served as a covariate in this study. A four-way (2 x 2 x 2 x 2) between-subjects analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that, beyond an effect of …

Attachment Quality Across Contexts: The Mediating Role Of Cognitive-Affective Traits, Christian Ammons

Dissertations

Attachment quality throughout the lifespan has been found to be impacted by a variety of factors including prior attachments with parents and other adults (Rholes, Simpson, & Friedman, 2006). The mechanisms that impact the transmission of attachment to parent-child attachment quality has not been fully explored. Individual differences such as traits involving appraisal of self and others and affective components have been found to be important in relationship functioning across contexts (Eisenberg, 2000). Thus, the current study evaluated the relationship between adult attachment quality and parent-child attachment quality and specifically examined the mediating effects of cognitive-affective traits (i.e. trait forgiveness, …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Comparing Short-Term, Intensive Therapy To Traditional, Long-Term Therapy, Laura Gonzalez, Sean Kruckenberg

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health diagnosis that occurs following a traumatic event, and military veterans are at higher risk of exposure to hazardous or life-threatening situations that may result in psychological trauma. PTSD sufferers experience symptoms such as distressing memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and heightened arousal. Individuals with PTSD also experience higher rates of depressive and substance use disorders, involvement with the justice system, and self-harm and suicide. Many agencies, such as the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provide treatment PTSD, however most programs experience dropout rates as high as 36%. Recent studies have shown that …

Racial Identity, Masculinity, And Academic Help-Seeking Behaviors In African American Male College Students, Walter T. Malone

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Black racial identity attitudes, as measured by the Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS), and masculine norms, as measured by the Conformity to Masculinity Norms Index -46 (CMNI-46), in relation to men's academic helpseeking behavior. Participants were 120 African American undergraduate males at a historically White university in the Midwest region of the United States. Four hypotheses were designed to help guide the measure's influences on two academic help-seeking variables, avoidance and perceived benefits. The first and second hypotheses both focused on the effects of Black college men's racial attitudes. …

Investigating Women's Sexual Agency And Alcohol Use In The Sexual Consent Process, Julie Koven

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Among college students, sexual engagement and alcohol consumption are considered common behaviors, with many students reporting drinking prior to sexual experiences. Given the prevalence of sexual assault on campuses and connection between nonconsensual sex and drinking, colleges have adopted policies and programs with the intention of reducing risky drinking behaviors and sexual practices. The majority of these policies stipulate that students cannot give sexual consent under the influence of alcohol, but students find these policies unrealistic. Further, these policies fail to consider the larger context of traditional heteronormative gender scripts that influence sexual behavior, setting narrow expectations, especially for women’s …

Inclusion Toward Transformation: Psychosocial Disability Advocacy And Global Mental Health, Justin M. Karter

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

The Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH) has been met with criticism for reifying Western conceptions of mental disorders and diverting resources from the investigation, intervention, and education regarding the social determinants of mental health. Advocates identifying as a person with a psychosocial disability are organizing to transform the MGMH from a top-down, individualized, and universal approach toward a rights-based conception that accounts for the cultural, political, and economic conditions that produce distress and disability. Using a qualitative, hermeneutic, interpretative-phenomenological analysis (IPA), this research study focused on how people with a lived experience of mental distress and treatment come to …

Toward A Voice-Centered Relational Anti-Racist Listening Praxis In Counselor Education, Michelle R. Bertrand

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract This article outlines key elements of an anti-racist listening praxis in counselor education. It demonstrates how racism in relationships of teaching and learning impacts racialized subjectivities, and the personal, cultural and ancestral worlds these subjectivities articulate, in a way that limits the capacity of racialized practitioners to be relational subjects and uses them instead to reinforce White/Western normativity. It describes a way of both listening to and challenging these impacts by re-centering the “I” of racialized speakers and the personal, cultural and traditional knowledges, identities and preferred ways of being to which they refer in their stories. Examples of …

Book Review: What Every Mental Health Professional Needs To Know About Sex, 2nd Ed., By Stephanie Buehler, Laura R. Haddock

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

The ability to understand and address sexuality issues is a critical skill set for all mental health professionals. This comprehensive review of the second edition of \textit{What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex} includes an overview of the contents with emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of the text. Written by Stephanie Beuhler, a licensed psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist and supervisor, the contents are educational, promote increased self-awareness for the reader, and facilitate insight into the lived experiences of clients while also providing practical and useful exercises and resources that are valuable regardless of a …

Dominican Identity And The Experience Of Interpersonal Conflict, Yubelky Rodriguez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study explored how ethnic identity and the cultural experiences of second-generation Dominicans living in New York City influenced their understanding of conflict and coping. As a general theoretical framework, collectivism and individualism guided the examination of ethnic and bicultural identity and interpersonal conflict. A thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes of participants’ narratives, cultural affiliations, and preferred conflict styles. A total of 15 participants, ages 19–46, were recruited through social media. All participants self-identified as second-generation Dominican; they were born and raised in New York City to Dominican-born parents. Participants completed a semi-structured interview and a demographic questionnaire. …

Clinicians' Use Of Mhealth Applications In Interventions For Substance Use Disorders, James Daniel Bender

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine how clinicians are identifying, evaluating, and utilizing mHealth apps as treatment adjuncts with their clients who have a substance use disorder. A sample of 93 participants (20 males, 72 females, and 1 not listed) completed measures of demographics and inquiries about their use and evaluation of mHealth apps in their practices. Clinicians who work at mental health centers and private practicing clinicians were recruited. The majority of the sample (71%) reported that they had not utilized mHealth apps with their clients who have a substance use disorder diagnosis. Participants who have attended …

Investigating Social Support As A Moderator Of The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Alcohol Use And Problems, Sterling Mckenzie Hubbard

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Unresolved childhood trauma, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACES), have been found previously to lead to a plethora of health disparities and increase the risk for problematic substance use, particularly alcohol use. However, protective factors, such as social support have been found to buffer against these consequences. The goal of this study was to highlight the connection between ACES and problematic alcohol use. Additionally, the aim was to investigate perceived social support as a moderator between ACES and problematic alcohol use and to examine the domains of social support and how they individually moderate the association between ACES and social …

Shame, Perceived Social Support, And Ptsd: Bridging The Gap Between Female And Male Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Kelsey Camille Woodward

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Sexual assault (SA) is prevalent in both females and males, with approximately 25% of females and 10% to 20% of males experiencing SA at some point of their lives. Social support and shame are important factors that are related to PTSD for SA survivors. However, little research has compared female and male SA survivors on these factors. Consequently, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of social support on PTSD in female and male SA survivors. Sex of the SA survivor was also examined as a moderator of the relationship between PTSD and social support and …