Focusing On Friendship: Online Supported Activities For Adolescents On The Autism Spectrum,
2023
Eastern Kentucky University
Focusing On Friendship: Online Supported Activities For Adolescents On The Autism Spectrum, Molly King
Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects
A core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is social skills differences. Social skills groups have received support as an intervention that fosters social skills of those with ASD. However, there is limited information about the use of telehealth-based social skills groups. The proposed ASD adolescent social group design is formatted for telehealth services, and has been conducted virtually since 2020. This ASD social group program features unique virtual teaching and recreational activity curriculum as well as some program evaluation data methods and responses from participants.
Pride: A Review Of Lgbtq+ Affirming Therapy Techniques And Recommendations For Clinical Practice,
2023
Eastern Kentucky University
Pride: A Review Of Lgbtq+ Affirming Therapy Techniques And Recommendations For Clinical Practice, Stephen Lemon
Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects
Despite recent advances in legal protections for and increases in social acceptability towards LGBTQ+ individuals, they continue to experience widespread prejudice and discrimination and seek therapy more often than their heterosexual counterparts as a result. As more and more LGBTQ+ people sought out therapeutic services, psychological research in the field of LGBTQ+ affirming therapy began to develop in order to meet these needs. Although the number of articles and studies conducted in this field has grown exponentially since the start of the 21st century, a sizeable gap between research and application remains. Research often provides vague suggestions without discussing …
Social Exclusion And Negative Affect: The Impact Of Mentalized Affectivity,
2023
Rollins College
Social Exclusion And Negative Affect: The Impact Of Mentalized Affectivity, Anna Voicu
Honors Program Theses
Social exclusion has been widely associated with feelings of anxiety, depressed mood, anger, and hostility. Previous literature indicates that mentalized affectivity (MA), a sophisticated form of emotional regulation, may be effective in mitigating emotional experience after social exclusion. In light of this research, our study sought to examine the predictive value of mentalized affectivity and inclusion/exclusion on emotion. Participants (N = 170) completed measures of mentalized affectivity and positive and negative affect, in addition to playing a virtual ball-tossing game that would randomly assign them to an inclusion or exclusion condition. Multiple regression analyses revealed that mentalized affectivity predicted both …
Examining Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Examining Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students, Marisa Gretz
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examined the relationship between social media use, sense of connectedness, and depression among graduate students. Graduate students are at risk of depression and often disconnect from their social supports due to their program's demands. Literature on the impact of social media on depression is discrepant. The relationship between a sense of connection, the use of social media, and depression in a graduate student population is a novel area of research. Graduate students at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and other universities, including healthcare and non-healthcare-related disciplines, were included. Participants were recruited via social media or email. …
The Impact Of Trauma On Exposure And Response Prevention (Ex/Rp) Treatment Outcomes For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Impact Of Trauma On Exposure And Response Prevention (Ex/Rp) Treatment Outcomes For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Lindsey Salerno
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Despite the high prevalence of trauma in treatment-seeking individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the role of trauma in OCD treatment is under-studied. This study examined the relationship between trauma and treatment outcomes using a gold standard intervention for OCD—exposure and response prevention (Ex/RP) therapy. This study also investigated whether inherent traits (intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, emotion regulation, and perfectionism) act as mechanisms of change that mediate the relationship between trauma and Ex/RP treatment outcomes. Using data collected as part of a larger research study, analyses were performed for 76 adult patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD who completed …
Predictive Abilities Of Neuropsychological Measures On Functional Outcomes In The Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Dementia Populations,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Predictive Abilities Of Neuropsychological Measures On Functional Outcomes In The Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Dementia Populations, Morgan Bare
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
During the aging process, a decline in ability to perform everyday tasks is commonly observed. This is increasingly so for those with dementia and is a diagnostic requirement. These daily tasks require certain cognitive skills which can be measured by various neuropsychological measures. The purpose of this study is to examine which neuropsychological measures are able to detect various deficits in self-reported activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. It is hypothesized that Trail Making Test– B (TMT-B) would be the most sensitive predictor in functional …
Intuitions Across The Theistic-Atheistic Spectrum: A Convergence Of Social Psychology And Experimental Philosophy Research Paradigms,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Intuitions Across The Theistic-Atheistic Spectrum: A Convergence Of Social Psychology And Experimental Philosophy Research Paradigms, Janessa R. Brown
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The aim of the present study was to examine what intuitions individuals have regarding factors related to religious belief and non-belief. This was achieved via the convergence of experimental philosophy and social psychology research paradigms. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three vignette conditions depicting either a theistic, agnostic, or atheistic universe or a non-vignette control condition. Participants reported intuitions in the context of the universe to which they were assigned on factors of death anxiety, awe, pure evil, and fine-tuning. Responses were compared across vignette conditions and by category of belief. It was hypothesized that group differences regarding …
Examining The Relationship Between Outcome Expectancies And Anxiety Severity In Patients Using Medical Marijuana,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Examining The Relationship Between Outcome Expectancies And Anxiety Severity In Patients Using Medical Marijuana, Paulina Syracuse
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Many states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use despite it being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Although research regarding its efficacy is limited, one of the most common medical marijuana referral reasons is anxiety and patients often report experiencing reductions in anxiety. Many patients have beliefs about the effects of medical marijuana, called outcome expectancies, which may differ based on previous recreational marijuana use. These beliefs may influence anxiety outcomes, but this relationship is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between patients’ medical marijuana outcome expectancies, previous recreational marijuana use, …
Effects Of Supermax On Inmate Mental Health: Phenomenological Experiences Of Knowledgeable Professionals,
2023
Walden University
Effects Of Supermax On Inmate Mental Health: Phenomenological Experiences Of Knowledgeable Professionals, Lea Michelle Miller
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
It may or may not be true that the conditions and practices associated with supermax sentencing are both creating and exacerbating psychological harm for the inmates who are exposed to them. To date, there is evidence that both supports and refutes the contention that supermax sentencing is psychologically harmful; thus, the literature necessitates additional research into this phenomenon. This qualitative study was conducted to add to the extant body of knowledge relevant to supermax prisons and populations by exploring the lived experiences of professionals who have worked with them. This research was conceptually based in the current understanding of social …
Relationship Between Length Of Nicu Stay And Mothers’ Trauma And Self-Efficacy For Childcare Post-Nicu Discharge,
2023
Walden University
Relationship Between Length Of Nicu Stay And Mothers’ Trauma And Self-Efficacy For Childcare Post-Nicu Discharge, Suzanne Switzer
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Recent research has shown that having an infant admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience for parents. However, less is known about whether this trauma is related to later parenting self-efficacy for childcare after NICU discharge and whether that relationship is affected by the length of NICU stay. This quantitative study, guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Ehlers and Clark’s cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), examined the relationship between mothers’ trauma of having had a child in the NICU and maternal parenting self-efficacy related to childcare post-NICU discharge, with length of NICU …
Correctional Officers’ Perceptions Of Punitive Force In Solitary Confinement,
2023
Walden University
Correctional Officers’ Perceptions Of Punitive Force In Solitary Confinement, Megan Crista Oberholtzer
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Solitary confinement in United States prisons is a common practice influenced by legal and human rights discussions. Physical conditions of the prison environment can cause somatic and psychological distress among correctional officers. The research problem is how lived experiences of solitary confinement correctional officers may influence punitive force perceptions. A positive outcome for inmates may be influenced by correctional officers who are unbiased in confinement, interventions, and treatment management. Positive inmate outcomes also rely on institutional functions. The purpose was to explore correctional officers’ lived experiences and perspectives. The supporting theoretical framework is Weiner’s attribution theory. The research question involved …
The Association Of Burden And Social Engagement With Depression In Caregivers Of Adults By Age,
2023
Fort Hays State University
The Association Of Burden And Social Engagement With Depression In Caregivers Of Adults By Age, Danielle Leigh Forbes
Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice
As life expectancy begins to increase, the need for familial caregivers is growing. The aging of care recipients often means that those providing care continue to get older as well. Previous studies focus little on the differences between older and younger caregivers and rather combine them all into one group. The purpose of this study is to understand whether the caregiving experience is related to the age of the caregiver. Depression, burden, and social engagement, based on the descriptors of leisure, work, and social relationships, were studied in conjunction with the age of the caregivers. This study consisted of 63 …
Attitudes Of Providers And Researchers Toward Harm Reduction Strategies,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Attitudes Of Providers And Researchers Toward Harm Reduction Strategies, Portia Womer
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study utilized a mix methods approach to examine the relationship between professional role, years of experience, and support for harm reduction strategies to treat Opioid Use Disorder. There were 84 participants who completed the online survey. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative questions about their professional role, years of experience, age, use of cognitive behavioral therapy for opioid use disorder, and support for harm reduction strategies. There was no significant association among years of experience and support for harm reduction strategies (including safe injection sites). Additionally, there were no significant findings among age and support for harm …
The Relationship Between Adhd-Specific Cognitive Distortions And Adult Adhd After Accounting For Clinical Syndromes And Personality Pathology,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Relationship Between Adhd-Specific Cognitive Distortions And Adult Adhd After Accounting For Clinical Syndromes And Personality Pathology, Carly Gerbi
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience many difficulties in daily functioning. It is theorized that some of the difficulties experienced by adults with ADHD result from cognitive distortions. Although previous studies have identified a preliminary relationship between cognitive distortions and ADHD, which may be accounted for by comorbid disorders; these studies did not measure ADHD-specific cognitive distortions after accounting for these comorbidities. The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between the frequency of ADHD-specific cognitive distortions, operationalized as ADHD Cognition Scale (ACS) and the severity of adult ADHD, operationalized as the Brown Executive Function/Attention Scale (BEF/A), …
Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Kristen Hawk-Purcell
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The postpartum period can be a time of significant change and transition. Little is known about how a history of trauma may impact functioning during this critical time. English-speaking adult women (age ≥ 18 years, N = 61) who gave birth in the United States in the past year, but not in the last month, were in an intimate relationship, and did not use any assisted reproductive technology to conceive participated in the study. Participants were recruited through social media and online forums related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. They completed a demographic questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic …
The Impact Of Gender Minority Stress On Eating Pathology And Body Checking Behaviors In Transgender And Non-Binary Adults,
2023
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Impact Of Gender Minority Stress On Eating Pathology And Body Checking Behaviors In Transgender And Non-Binary Adults, Klaudia Bialy
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) individuals commonly report diminished mental health when compared to cisgender individuals. TNB individuals experience unique stressors due to their gender identity such as gender-based discrimination and victimization, internalized transphobia, and non-affirmation of their gender. Due to these unique stressors, TNB individuals experience elevated rates of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Additionally, TNB individuals report body image issues and disordered eating. This study examined if gender minority stress predicts the relationship between body checking behaviors and eating pathology amongst TNB individuals. Simple linear regression models were used to assess the possible impact gender …
Utilizing The Alternative Model Of Personality Disorders (Ampd) To Identify Sexual Aggression In Men,
2023
University of South Dakota
Utilizing The Alternative Model Of Personality Disorders (Ampd) To Identify Sexual Aggression In Men, Ryan Patrick Van Fossen
Dissertations and Theses
The current study examined the validity of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in predicting sexually aggressive cognitions in men. Specifically, this study examined the role of maladaptive personality traits and personality functioning’s relationship with sexually aggressive beliefs in comparison to the Five-Factor Model (FFM). This study recruited 300 male participants, aged 18 and older, who identified as male for both sex and gender, and identified as heterosexual. Participants completed measures of personality functioning, several personality traits, views about sexual entitlement, gender roles, rape myths, and token resistance to sex. Multiple regression and semipartial correlation analyses were used to …
Protective Behavioral Strategies And Negative Consequences Of Alcohol Use Among College Athletes,
2023
Antioch University of New England
Protective Behavioral Strategies And Negative Consequences Of Alcohol Use Among College Athletes, Nirmala Jayaraman
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Alcohol use is associated with a variety of negative consequences among young adults (Benton et al., 2004). Current studies are considering how protective behavioral strategies (PBS), such as acting as a designated driver, alternating with a non-alcoholic beverage, or watching out for a friend at a party, can be analyzed to better understand what factors contribute to alcohol consumption and drinking behavior (Borden et al., 2011). The purpose of this study was to further understand the relationship between the use of specific protective behavior strategies and negative consequences related to drinking alcohol among college athletes. The present study used survey …
Growing Therapeutic Horticulture In The Field Of Clinical Psychology,
2023
Antioch University of New England
Growing Therapeutic Horticulture In The Field Of Clinical Psychology, Kelli Woodson
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The connection between nature and well-being has been recognized across cultures for centuries. One way in which people have facilitated this connection over the years has been through their interactions with plants and the practice of horticulture. Research over the years has further substantiated a connection between horticultural practices and overall well-being. However, a significantly disproportionate amount of this research has been conducted within the field of clinical psychology, despite the notable clinical implications. The current dissertation aims to address this gap in the current literature by exploring this connection from the lens of clinical psychology. More specifically, the current …
Exploring The Definition Of Resilience: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study In Adults Over The Age Of 65,
2023
Antioch University Seattle
Exploring The Definition Of Resilience: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study In Adults Over The Age Of 65, Sara J. Blessington
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The definition of a word helps us understand its context and how it is meant to be used in daily life or research. When a word lacks a universal definition, it is hard to know how to use it. “Resilience” is that type of word. The resilience community in psychological research does not have a concrete, universal definition for this word. It takes on whatever characteristics are useful to the investigator. This study began with seeking a universal definition for the domain known as resilience. This study used a convergent parallel design with adults aged 60 and older living independently …
