Factorial Structure Of A Bilingual Progress Monitoring Tool For Mindfulness Interventions,
2026
University of Massachusetts Boston
Factorial Structure Of A Bilingual Progress Monitoring Tool For Mindfulness Interventions, Andrea V. Molina Palacios
Graduate Doctoral Dissertations
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are an increasingly popular option for schools to support youth in each of the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). MBIs have proven to increase attention, help with emotion regulation, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and overall increase students’ wellbeing with a cost-effective package that makes it affordable for schools to implement. Moreover, MBIs have also proven to be effective for Hispanic youth who are at a higher risk of experiencing low access to mental health care and higher levels of poverty, which puts them at risk for dropping out and having low academic achievement. However, there …
Breaking The Cycle: From Victimization To Offending Through The Lens Of Human Services,
2026
Concordia University - Saint Paul
Breaking The Cycle: From Victimization To Offending Through The Lens Of Human Services, Colette R. Penalosa
Master of Arts in Human Services
The victim-offender overlap challenges the common view that victims and offenders are separately labeled by recognizing that both groups have experienced significant childhood trauma, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Current research implies these experiences can increase the risk of offending as they all influence cognitive and behavioral development while leaving criminal behavior undetermined. The purpose of this capstone is to analyze the relationship between childhood victimization and offending from a human service perspective; analyzing the pathways a victim takes on the road to offending. Research conducted will focus on exploring the victim-offender overlap, …
Roots And Systems: A Portfolio Of Clinical Growth, Trauma-Informed Care, And Culturally Centered Practice,
2026
University of Montana, Missoula
Roots And Systems: A Portfolio Of Clinical Growth, Trauma-Informed Care, And Culturally Centered Practice, Sarah Rice
Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects
No abstract provided.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Trauma In Adolescents: A Doctoral-Level Clinical Psychology Course,
2026
University of Denver
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Trauma In Adolescents: A Doctoral-Level Clinical Psychology Course, Jasmine M. Cervantes
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Adolescent trauma is a significant mental health concern that can profoundly disrupt emotional, cognitive, social, and developmental functioning. Although evidence-based interventions for adolescent trauma are well established, doctoral-level psychology training programs may provide limited instruction focused specifically on the unique developmental, cultural, and clinical considerations required when treating traumatized adolescents. This paper presents the development of a ten-week doctoral-level elective course designed to address this gap in clinical training. The curriculum provides foundational knowledge regarding the prevalence, developmental impact, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescent trauma, with an emphasis on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Students …
Promoting Developmentally Informed Justice: A Developmental Assessment Referral Framework For Juvenile Transfer Decisions,
2026
University of Denver
Promoting Developmentally Informed Justice: A Developmental Assessment Referral Framework For Juvenile Transfer Decisions, Carly F. Colman
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
The transfer of youth between juvenile courts and adult courts is one of the most consequential decisions made in the American legal system, as it will influence the youth’s legal outcomes, developmental trajectories, and long-term well-being. Advances in adolescent brain science show that there are many factors associated with youthful offending, including developmental immaturity, susceptibility to external influences, and ongoing neurobiological development—all of which are related to age, rather than being fixed criminal traits. Despite this growing body of evidence, legal decision-making in juvenile transfer and sentencing does not consistently incorporate individualized developmental data. This paper examines the important role …
A Policy Analysis Of Higher Education Support For Foster Youth In The Colorado Child Welfare System,
2026
University of Denver
A Policy Analysis Of Higher Education Support For Foster Youth In The Colorado Child Welfare System, Krystal Robles
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This policy analysis examines how two Colorado laws, House Bill 22-1374 (Foster Care Success Act), and Senate Bill 22-008 (Higher Education Support for Foster Youth), aim to improve educational outcomes and long-term stability for youth who age out of the foster care system. Critical Policy Analysis (CPA) and Resilience Theory are used in this paper to examine how these policies address systemic inequities, promote resilience, and offer protective factors that support educational attainment. Using policy review, state policy comparison, stakeholder interviews, and community perspectives, I evaluated how the implementation, effectiveness, and limitations of these bills shape real-world impact. The findings …
Relational Reasoning Across Cultures: Consistency And Variation In South Korea, The United States, And China,
2026
Arizona State University
Relational Reasoning Across Cultures: Consistency And Variation In South Korea, The United States, And China, Alexandra Carstensen, Minju Kim, Youngon Choi, Caren M. Walker
Psychology Faculty Articles and Research
Abstract reasoning in early childhood is often described as following a “relational shift,” over which children become increasingly sensitive to relations. However, recent work has challenged the generality of this account, showing that children in the US and China follow distinct trajectories in a relational match-to-sample task. This difference aligns with multiple cultural and linguistic factors implicated in relational reasoning, where the US and China appear at opposite ends of a continuum, focusing on objects (US) versus relations (CN). This raises the possibility that differences in culture and language may shape variation in the development of abstract reasoning. Here, we …
Belonging, Safety, And Well-Being: An Ecological Systems Review Of School-Based Supports For Transgender And Gender-Diverse Students,
2026
James Madison University
Belonging, Safety, And Well-Being: An Ecological Systems Review Of School-Based Supports For Transgender And Gender-Diverse Students, Lauren Deluca
Educational Specialist, 2020-current
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth continue to experience significant challenges in school belonging, safety, and mental health outcomes within K-12 educational settings. At the same time, literature highlights the important role affirming school environments play in promoting resilience and well-being among TGD students. The purpose of this systematized review was to synthesize the current literature examining the school-based factors associated with belonging, safety, and well-being for TGD students across ecological systems, as well as identify the barriers that hinder educators in implementing affirming practices in schools, and how school professionals navigate these barriers. Guided by Minority Stress Theory and Ecological …
The "3 A'S" Of Sport Specialization: Emerging Themes To Characterize Athletes' Sport Participation Pathway Decisions,
2026
Duquesne University
The "3 A'S" Of Sport Specialization: Emerging Themes To Characterize Athletes' Sport Participation Pathway Decisions, Adelaide F. Stark, Justin S. Disanti Ph.D.
Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium
In this study, former youth sport participants were grouped by their developmental sport pathways (i.e., if they specialized and when they specialized over the course of their participation) to identify emerging themes regarding why they chose their respective pathway, as well as how this impacted their sport experience. 948 participants completed a retrospective survey measure detailing their sport histories. Based on their specialization trajectory across their sport involvement (i.e., during elementary school, middle school, and high school) participants were sorted into three participation pathways – Early Specialization, Late Specialization, or Continued Multi-sport. Participants responded to open-ended questions about their decision-making …
Understanding And Responding To Childhood Trauma In The Classroom,
2026
Concordia University - Saint Paul
Understanding And Responding To Childhood Trauma In The Classroom, Kara L. Ganzer
Master of Arts in Human Services
This capstone explored childhood trauma as a significant public health and educational issue because of its widespread impact on children’s development, learning, behavior, and educational experiences. A review of the current literature was conducted to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the neurobiological and developmental effects of childhood trauma, its impact within educational settings, and the trauma-informed approaches for supporting students who have experienced adversity. The literature suggested that childhood trauma can disrupt brain development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, attention, memory, and stress-response systems, contributing to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges within the classroom. Findings also highlighted the important role schools …
A Poetic Call For And A Reflection And Commentary On Clarity, Understanding, Hope, Courage, And Compassion,
2026
UMass Boston
A Poetic Call For And A Reflection And Commentary On Clarity, Understanding, Hope, Courage, And Compassion, Carroy U. Ferguson
Psychology Faculty Publication Series
Finding a published poem I had written as a teenager, titled “The Heavens Weep.” this article uses that poem as the basis for a commentary that reflects on the state of the world today (2026), As a commentary, the article uses the poetic and metaphoric words in the poem as a relevant "reality check" for what is still going on today. In essence, the commentary is about a call for Clarity, Understanding, Hope, Courage, and Compassion, or what I call Archetypal Energies, Higher Vibrational Energies that operate deep within our individual and collective psyches to creatively urge us to "see" …
Beyond The Binary: The Intersection Of Substance Use And Lgbtq+ Identity,
2026
James Madison University
Beyond The Binary: The Intersection Of Substance Use And Lgbtq+ Identity, Allyana Musa
Educational Specialist, 2020-current
Substance use among LGBTQ+ youth remains a significant public health concern, with rates of alcohol, marijuana, and other substance use consistently exceeding those of their heterosexual peers. This systematized review examines the literature on substance use interventions for LGBTQ+ youth, with a focus on identifying the program components and theoretical orientations associated with effective and affirming outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of ERIC and PsycINFO was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026 that addressed substance use among LGBTQ+ youth. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and conceptual research examining substance use, risk and …
Investigation Of A Novel Behavioral Assessment Of Challenging Behavior In The Context Of Medical Necessity And Disability Theory,
2026
Northern Michigan University
Investigation Of A Novel Behavioral Assessment Of Challenging Behavior In The Context Of Medical Necessity And Disability Theory, Madison S. Walker
All NMU Master's Theses
Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities often engage in challenging behaviors that interfere with daily functioning and community participation. Many standardized assessments focus on indirect, descriptive measurements that emphasize frequency, while providing limited information about medical severity, ongoing management strategies, and functional outcomes. This misalignment may limit the clinical utility of assessments, as scores may not consistently align with medical necessity criteria or arguments supporting the maintenance of current treatments. The first study extends on Reyes-Martín et al. (2022), which reviewed 24 assessments of challenging behaviors, by further evaluating assessment characteristics relevant to clinical decision-making and treatment justification. Findings highlight variability across …
The Price Of Possessiveness: How Parental Materialism Undermines Child Psychological Wellbeing,
2026
Clemson University
The Price Of Possessiveness: How Parental Materialism Undermines Child Psychological Wellbeing, Miao Li
Sociology Publications
Materialism, a value system that places the pursuit of possessions at the core of happiness and life meaning, is a dominant cultural force in modern societies. While its associations with individual well-being are well-documented, its intergenerational implications remain understudied. This study conceptualizes materialism as a potential family stressor contributing to the intergenerational transmission of stress. An intergenerational crossover model of materialism was tested using data from 1,996 parent-child pairs in Zhengzhou, China. Results indicate that higher parental materialism is associated with stronger materialistic values in children, weaker family relationships, and more frequent parental comparisons, each of which is linked to …
Predictors Of Pre-Service Teachers’ Strength-Based Teaching Practices With Els (English Learners),
2026
Duquesne University
Predictors Of Pre-Service Teachers’ Strength-Based Teaching Practices With Els (English Learners), Stephany M. Panza
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The increasing number of English learners (ELs) in U.S. school classrooms highlights the importance of utilizing pedagogical approaches that build upon their preexisting cultural and linguistic strengths. Strength-based teaching practices, grounded in positive psychology represent a systems-levels approach to promoting positive academic and socio-emotional outcomes for ELs. In this study, a sample of 21 pre-service teachers attending Northeastern teacher preparation programs completed a series of surveys identifying their EL teaching experience, EL coursework, multicultural attitudes, and intercultural self-efficacy. These predictors were examined to determine their cumulative impact and unique contributions to an adapted Strength-Based Practices Inventory (SBPI), which captured pre-service …
Black Adolescents' Understanding Of Racial Trauma: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis,
2026
Western Michigan University
Black Adolescents' Understanding Of Racial Trauma: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Winifred Wilson
Dissertations
Over the past two decades, scholars have increasingly recognized that chronic stress from racism can cause racial trauma in Black individuals. However, research on the impact of racial trauma on Black adolescents remains limited. Understanding the language and experiences of Black adolescents is essential for identifying and addressing the biopsychosocial effects of racial trauma. This study used interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine how 12 Black adolescents (9 boys, 3 girls, aged 14-17) from the Midwest conceptualize, experience, and cope with racial trauma. Participants completed two interviews: an initial session exploring their understanding and experiences, and a member-checking interview (completed by …
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Juvenile Offending: Client-Factor Variations And A Novel Intervention Approach,
2026
National Louis University
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Juvenile Offending: Client-Factor Variations And A Novel Intervention Approach, Madison M. Dobreff
Dissertations
Adverse childhood experiences have consistently been identified as risk factors for juvenile offending. However, this relationship is complex and varies based on individual factors. This critical literature review not only examined the current research on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and juvenile offending but also identified client factor variations that influence the relationship. Client factors examined throughout include race/ethnicity, gender, age, internalized and externalized mental health symptoms, positive internal factors, familial and external social support, educational engagement, environmental factors, and positive childhood experiences. The relationship is further complicated by examining the effects of multiple client-factor variations on the adverse …
A Primary Care Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating The Efficacy Of A Caregiver-Focused Prevention Program For Child Sexual Abuse,
2026
Western Michigan University
A Primary Care Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating The Efficacy Of A Caregiver-Focused Prevention Program For Child Sexual Abuse, Cassandra Dukes
Dissertations
Child sexual abuse (CSA) affects 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys before the age of 18, resulting in significant long-term physical, emotional, and social consequences. Caregivers play a crucial role in preventing CSA by engaging in preventative behaviors with their children. Primary care settings may be an avenue through which to educate caregivers on their role in prevention of CSA. The present study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to investigate the efficacy of a caregiver-focused educational program to prevent CSA, provided via integrated behavioral health (IBH) in a pediatric primary care setting. Participants (n=56) were …
Pathways To The Streets: A Proposed Model Examining The Factors Influencing Gang Affiliation And Involvement Among Young Black Men In The United States,
2026
National Louis University
Pathways To The Streets: A Proposed Model Examining The Factors Influencing Gang Affiliation And Involvement Among Young Black Men In The United States, Ceauna L. Juarez
Dissertations
This literature review examined gang involvement among young Black men in the United States and explored the factors that contribute to joining gangs and the consequences that may follow. The first chapter provides a brief history of gang involvement in Black communities and introduces Erikson’s development model, self-determination theory, and the minorities’ diminished returns as the three theoretical frameworks. The second chapter discusses common challenges faced by young Black men who are currently involved in gangs or are at risk of joining. The chapter explores issues such as life expectancy after gang involvement, adverse childhood experiences, mental health concerns, and …
The Role Of Social Emotional Learning In Utah’S Implementation Of Essa,
2026
Utah State University
The Role Of Social Emotional Learning In Utah’S Implementation Of Essa, Sharon Walles
Transforming Communities
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), as a policy, offers an additional tool to address the escalating adolescent mental health crisis. By acknowledging the critical link between student well-being, academic success, and evidence-based practices, this policy analysis explores how funding from ESSA can be leveraged to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within Utah’s schools. Experts, educators, and parents can be voices to combat misinformation surrounding the recent politicization of SEL and its implementation. This analysis connects Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory, which highlights the interconnectedness of the environment, with the importance of prioritizing mental health within schools to help adolescents with issues …
