An Analysis Of Military Service Academies Sexual Harassment And Sexual Assault Through Reports, Research, And Media Coverage,
2022
University of Denver
An Analysis Of Military Service Academies Sexual Harassment And Sexual Assault Through Reports, Research, And Media Coverage, Lisa “Tana” Youn Kyung Sharp
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) at the United States Military Services Academies (MSA) remains at a concerning rate despite the MSAs’ proactive educational steps towards addressing this issue. One of the most influential factors is the very culture of the MSAs. This paper analyzes publicly-accessible governmental research and reports, peer reviewed articles, a legal publication, and media coverage. The analysis shows that there remain significant barriers to change which continue to play a role in the high frequency of MST. These barriers are low rates of accountability, difficulty in access to cadets/midshipmen by outside researchers, and the overall MSA cultural trends …
Bipolar Disorder & Substance Use Treatment In Adults: A Tool For Recovery,
2022
University of Denver
Bipolar Disorder & Substance Use Treatment In Adults: A Tool For Recovery, Kaitlin Vieweg Parker
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Bipolar Disorder is an affective disorder characterized by moderate to extreme lability in emotional states where individuals experience symptoms of mania, hypomania, mixed mood and/or depression. Individuals may be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, which is hallmarked by extreme mood lability between mood states of mania and depression. Alternatively, bipolar II disorder is distinguished by fluctuating hypomanic and depressive episodes (DSM-V, 2014). Cyclothymia is defined by shifting mood states that are less severe than bipolar I or II. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2017), 2.8% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with a type …
It Takes A Village: Tribalism As A Premise To Understand Societal Responsibility And Impact Of Mass Violence,
2022
University of Denver
It Takes A Village: Tribalism As A Premise To Understand Societal Responsibility And Impact Of Mass Violence, Paige D. Schultz
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
What is a mass shooter? This is difficult to answer as there is no single definition. The definition of a mass shooter depends on contextual factors including victim count, setting, and motivation (Gramlich, 2019). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines active shooters as “one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area” (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2021, page 1). While other definitions are used to identify a mass shooter, given the breadth of study in this area by the FBI, this paper will use the FBI definition.
“It’S Right Below The Surface”: Clinicians’ Experiences Of Shame In Therapy Work With Adult Clients With Body Shame, Body Image Concerns, Or Eating Disorder(S),
2022
University of Denver
“It’S Right Below The Surface”: Clinicians’ Experiences Of Shame In Therapy Work With Adult Clients With Body Shame, Body Image Concerns, Or Eating Disorder(S), Tess Carroll Keeley
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Shame–understood as a feeling in which one believes that they are inadequate, or wrong to their core–is a painful emotional experience that seems to be at the crux of many mental health concerns. Despite the pervasiveness of shame as an emotional experience, little research has demonstrated if shame is a clinical theme in therapy, and if so, how it is identified and treated. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore if, and how, shame manifests during therapy sessions with clients who are experiencing eating disorders and/or body image concerns. A secondary purpose was to discover how clinicians’ training …
The Devil’S Advocate: The Relational Therapist As Jung’S Fourth In The Treatment Of Queer Christian Clients,
2022
University of Denver
The Devil’S Advocate: The Relational Therapist As Jung’S Fourth In The Treatment Of Queer Christian Clients, Whitney Wilson
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This paper is an exploration of C.G. Jung’s essay, A Psychological Approach to the Dogma of the Trinity, and how he inadvertently provides a relational psychodynamic lens for working with queer Christian clients who are differentiating from their harmful, embedded theologies. Jung hypothesizes that the Christian Trinity archetype – the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, cannot exist without a fourth member, the Devil, who holds an essential role in the successful differentiation of the Trinity. The relational therapist is called to act as the Devil when working with queer Christian clients - inviting in seemingly mischievous and dangerous thoughts that …
The Intersubjective Perspective: An Effective Treatment Model For Incarcerated Clients,
2022
University of Denver
The Intersubjective Perspective: An Effective Treatment Model For Incarcerated Clients, Zachary Grant Weiss
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Although there is already a large body of theoretical literature on the utility of Intersubjective Systems Theory in working with more challenging clinical presentations, little has been written about the use of this approach in working with incarcerated clients. In this paper, I will be making the case for the utility and need for the Intersubjective Perspective in working within the forensic system. This paper will first focus on building a general framework for Intersubjective Systems Theory, and its theoretical understanding of clients’ striving towards health, love and connection. Next, this paper will take time to focus on a brief …
Unreality And Loss Of Self: Dissociative Experiences In Buddhist Practitioners,
2022
University of Denver
Unreality And Loss Of Self: Dissociative Experiences In Buddhist Practitioners, Jill Loving
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
On the surface, the Buddhist idea of emptiness and experiences of depersonalization and derealization seem to have significant overlap. Meditations on emptiness in the Buddhist tradition seek to lead meditators to observe the ego as illusory and empty of inherent content as one step in the journey to liberate oneself from suffering. Conversely, dissociation is generally an involuntary, automatic response to severe trauma that can become more common or chronic in an individual over time. Topographically, these experiences may look similar; both include a sense of unreality of the self and often of the broader world. However, differences in stimulus …
An Assessment Of Adhd/Ld Support In Psyd Programs From The Perspective Of Faculty Advisors,
2022
University of Denver
An Assessment Of Adhd/Ld Support In Psyd Programs From The Perspective Of Faculty Advisors, Mac Zimdars
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Among psychologists and doctoral psychology students, 14.3% and 10.7% reported having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities (LD), respectively; 67.3% of those with any disability experienced disability-related impediments and discrimination during graduate school or the application process (Lund et al., 2014). This paper is focused on assessing current PsyD program supports for students with ADHD/LD from a faculty advisor perspective. Specifically, this research assesses the faculty advisor-advisee relationship, as well as available support services and resources. Data was collected from an anonymous survey and utilized an empirical mixed-methods approach. Three themes emerged from the study: (1) Advisors lack …
A Proposed Grief Support Group Intervention For College Students At A University Counseling Center,
2022
University of Denver
A Proposed Grief Support Group Intervention For College Students At A University Counseling Center, Kyle Cacoyannis
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
The current paper draws upon previous literature, along with the author's experience facilitating grief support groups to introduce a proposed grief support group intervention that could be implemented with college students at university counseling centers in the United States and potentially abroad. The author discusses literature on grief, grief support groups at university counseling centers and in other settings, and presenting problems related to grief among college students and young adults which help inform the design of the proposed intervention. The group intervention design is outlined in detail in the Appendix section, however the Method section gives a brief synopsis …
Older Adults And Suicide As Examined Through The Lens Of Joiner's Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide,
2022
University of Denver
Older Adults And Suicide As Examined Through The Lens Of Joiner's Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide, Pamela Holmes
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Older adults face the highest rates of suicide of all age groups. The older adult population is not a homogenous group, and each age range—young old, middle old, and oldest old—has specific risk factors. Although Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) has been deemed valid among these age groups, it has not been specifically researched in older adults in each older age range. Due to lack of research and low reporting rates, not enough is known to develop specific detection and prevention measures targeting this population. This paper addresses the application of Joiner’s IPTS to both genders in each of …
Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment In Breast Cancer Patients: Guidelines For Neuropsychological Evaluation And Management,
2022
University of Denver
Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment In Breast Cancer Patients: Guidelines For Neuropsychological Evaluation And Management, Ali Al-Humadi
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Current literature indicates there is still some debate regarding the scope and severity of cancer treatment related cognitive impairment (CRCI), with a wide variety of complex factors contributing to cognitive decline and discrepancies between objective findings and patient self-report. This paper aims to provide guidelines for neuropsychological evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of CRCI in breast cancer patients based on current research. This paper also aims to discuss current research on proposed mechanisms of action for CRCI, the cognitive domains affected in CRCI, and significant bio-psycho-social risk factors impacting CRCI.
Attachment Theory To Inform Intervention In Correctional Populations With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Substance Use Disorders,
2022
University of Denver
Attachment Theory To Inform Intervention In Correctional Populations With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Substance Use Disorders, Samantha Mendoza
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Research shows a correlation exists between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and poor mental health such as psychiatric and substance use disorders (Adshead, 2018). Research further suggests a correlation between ACEs and insecure attachment in adults (Adshead, 2018). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020) estimates 85% of the correctional population either has a substance use disorder or was incarcerated for a drug-related offense. This paper theorizes that those involved in the correctional system with a history of high ACE scores and substance use also experience insecure attachment, which is not currently addressed in correctional SUD programs. Attachment theory moderates the …
Asexuality And Demisexuality: Clinical Implications Of Sexual Identity,
2022
University of Denver
Asexuality And Demisexuality: Clinical Implications Of Sexual Identity, Michael Scott Fiorini
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This paper considers demisexuality as an identity and sexual orientation for use by psychologists using historical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. It discusses the clinical implications of demisexuality as an identity and orientation distinct from asexuality. The paper discusses applications and limitations of defining and identifying demisexuality in a clinical population and it's social, scientific, and contextual significance. The paper compares what can be observed with existing diagnostic guidelines present in the DSM-5 for the identification of Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD). The paper proposes guidelines for the diagnosis and the ethical clinical treatment …
Working With Families With Refugee Experiences In The United States: The Impact Of Forced Displacement On Parent-Child Relationships After Resettlement,
2022
University of Denver
Working With Families With Refugee Experiences In The United States: The Impact Of Forced Displacement On Parent-Child Relationships After Resettlement, Sakshi Kapur
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Refugees resettled in high-income countries like the United States have a unique set of challenges ranging from great psychological disturbance to acculturation challenges. With recent changes to policies related to immigration and refugee resettlement in the United States after the 2016 presidential elections, the refugee diaspora was left with resettlement services focused more on ensuring national security and economic independence rather than services that catered to re-integration beyond economics like acculturation stress, family functioning, and cultural adjustment. This systemic literature review explores the impact of forced displacement and migration on individuals, with an emphasis on family systems and parent-child relationships. …
Therapist Self-Disclosure With Mandated College Students: A Case Study,
2022
University of Denver
Therapist Self-Disclosure With Mandated College Students: A Case Study, Zachary Lattanzio
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Facing the stark reality of a disturbing mental health crisis present in the college populations of the United States, college counseling centers (CCC) must figure out ways in which they can utilize all of their available limited resources, especially regarding potential high-risk students who are unlikely to seek treatment and those that pose a danger to self or others. In certain cases, mandated treatment can potentially mitigate or eliminate crises, and may serve as an effective intervention to students whose risky behavior may be normalized within the culture of colleges across the United States. However, while this course of treatment …
"Stay Strong": Internalized Stigma, Religiosity And Black Mental Health In Colorado,
2022
University of Denver
"Stay Strong": Internalized Stigma, Religiosity And Black Mental Health In Colorado, Breigh Jones-Coplin
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
While the societal stigma on mental illness deters people from seeking mental health services, there is limited research on how Black personality and cultural practices may impact stigma and Black mental health (NAMI, 2020). In an attempt to identify protective and risk factors for internalized stigma and Black mental health, the present study examined 416 Black adults in Colorado and identified significant relationships between African Self-Consciousness, internalized stigma of mental illness, religiosity, and mental health functioning. Results showed that having a strong African-centered identity and religious grounding are associated with less internalized stigma and difficulty in functioning and mental health …
Psilocybin And The Psychologist: A Proposed Methodology For Exploring The Effects Of Clinicians’ Psychedelic Experiences On Their Clinical Practice,
2022
University of Denver
Psilocybin And The Psychologist: A Proposed Methodology For Exploring The Effects Of Clinicians’ Psychedelic Experiences On Their Clinical Practice, Brian N. Iliescu
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This paper proposes a phenomenological exploration of the perceived influence of psychedelic experiences on clinical psychologists’ practice of psychotherapy. The goal of the proposed study is to open-endingly explore the psychedelic experiences of psychologists to identify common themes, underlying phenomena, and the impact that those experiences may have on their individual practice of psychotherapy. At present, no published studies have explored or identified how the perceived long-term effects of psychedelics influence professional mindsets and practices. This paper aims to synthesize the current literature, identify a gap, provide rationale for future queries into the non-clinical uses and effects of psychedelic medicines, …
Psychologists’ Graduate Training Experience And Attitudes In Religion And Spirituality,
2022
University of Denver
Psychologists’ Graduate Training Experience And Attitudes In Religion And Spirituality, Kristi Santiago
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
In a nationwide poll, 76% of the population of the United States identifies with a formal religion of some kind (Gallup Organization, 2021). Despite the prevalence of religion and spirituality (R/S) throughout the country, graduate programs appear to neglect training on this multicultural issue. The purpose of this paper is to better understand psychologists’ attitudes toward the quality and depth of their graduate training in R/S, determine how competent psychologists feel at managing discussions of R/S within psychotherapy, and recommend necessary improvements to graduate training in R/S. Data was collected using a 24-item, online survey, which was circulated throughout college …
Mindfulness And The Relationship Between Connectedness To Nature And Affect,
2022
University of Denver
Mindfulness And The Relationship Between Connectedness To Nature And Affect, Mathew Stewart
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Exposure to in-vivo and virtual nature has been shown to increase a person’s positive affect from a variety of mechanisms. Natural settings and green-spaces allow for the recovery of attentional resources whereas urban environments elicit opposite effects. Individuals who practice mindfulness in general exhibit greater attentional resources and potentially could see added benefit to their well-being through exposure to natural environments. This research investigated whether those who are more mindful receive greater benefits from exposure to virtual restorative natural environments compared to individuals who do not practice or engage with mindfulness regularly. Subjects viewed an urban, urban/nature, or nature representative …
Filling The Gaaapps: Generating Affirming Asian American Perinatal Psychological Services,
2022
University of Denver
Filling The Gaaapps: Generating Affirming Asian American Perinatal Psychological Services, Jennifer Yuen
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Women in the perinatal period face a unique set of mental health challenges, as they must navigate both physical changes and transitions in their life. Perinatal mental health has been linked to child outcomes, such as social emotional development, cognitive development, and physical growth. In addition, women of racial and ethnic minority groups are confronted with barriers to accessing services and are therefore less likely to utilize mental health services. While international attention has recently focused on the experiences of women of color in the perinatal period, Asian American women have been largely overlooked. This systemic literature review explores the …
