Polyamorous Millenials In Therapy: Interpreting Experiences To Inform Care,
2019
Antioch University Seattle
Polyamorous Millenials In Therapy: Interpreting Experiences To Inform Care, Rebecca Calhoun-Shepard
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Polyamory (poly) refers to a way of loving involving multiple concurrent romantic relationships. It has been suggested that consensual non-monogamies are becoming increasingly visible, particularly in the millennial generation. This warrants exploration of cultural considerations and the unique needs of this population to inform care and minimize potential for harm. The present study used interpretative analysis to explore the phenomenon of polyamorous millennials in therapy as described across semi-structured interviews with therapists and poly clients. Three primary themes emerged from aggregate data, including Idiographic Experiences in Therapy, Therapy with Polyamorous Millennials, and information about Polyamory and Millennials beyond a therapy …
The Impact Of Psychostimulants On The Executive Capacities Of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Impact Of Psychostimulants On The Executive Capacities Of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Theresa C. Mcmahon
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The current study compared executive-skill and executive-function deficits resulting from teacher ratings of two clinical groups of students diagnosed with ADHD (ADHD-Med, ADHD-NoMed) with ratings of demographically- matched control groups. In addition, teacher ratings of the ADHD-Med group and the ADHD-NoMed group were compared. The data for both clinical groups and their respective matched control groups were part of the data collected during the standardization of the McCloskey Executive Function Scale – Teacher Report (MEFS-TR). Analyses examined teacher responses to all of the items of the seven Self-Regulation, the Self-Realization, and the Self-Determination Clusters of the MEFS. Congruent with the …
Sleep, Communicative Ability, And Diet As Predictors Of Aggression In Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sleep, Communicative Ability, And Diet As Predictors Of Aggression In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rafat Omar
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Aggression is a common behavioral issue in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aggression is often treated with evidence-based behavioral treatments, such as applied behavioral analysis and functional communication training. Another form of intervention that has grown in popularity is to alter the child’s diet. The most popular dietary intervention, the autism diet, has been used as a form of behavior management by parents and guardians for children diagnosed with ASD to address aggressive behavior; however, its use has not been strongly supported by research. The authors proposed that a more beneficial way of understanding aggression in ASD is to …
The Effect Of Social Problem-Solving, Health Anxiety, And Psychological Distress On Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Decisions In A Sample Of Healthy Women,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Effect Of Social Problem-Solving, Health Anxiety, And Psychological Distress On Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Decisions In A Sample Of Healthy Women, Alexandria Muench
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women in the United States, with hereditary breast cancers accounting for approximately 10% of the diagnoses. Nevertheless, women can decrease their risk by obtaining genetic testing and are often referred for the test if one or more of their relatives has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has the BRCA/BRCA2 cancer mutation. The purpose of the current study was to examine predictors of healthy women’s (ages 18 to 35) hypothetical decisions about genetic testing and prophylactic treatments for the BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations by measuring social problem solving (SPS) variables, health anxiety, …
Medical Students' Knowledge, Confidence, And Empathy Towards Dementia And Caregiver Stress,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical Students' Knowledge, Confidence, And Empathy Towards Dementia And Caregiver Stress, Courtney Williamson
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Early diagnosis of dementia and dementia-related illnesses provides increased time for treatment, which is aimed at maintaining patient function and delaying decline (Teel, 2004). Empirical studies have shown a decline in empathy during undergraduate and graduate medical education (Hojat et al., 2009). This study examines differences between 2nd and 4th year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students’ knowledge, empathy and confidence in working with individuals diagnosed with dementia and addressing caregiver stress. Students from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine completed an online survey which included the Knowledge in Dementia Scale (KIDE), Jefferson Scale …
Sensory Processing Patterns And Emotion Regulation In Children Presenting With Externalizing Behaviors,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sensory Processing Patterns And Emotion Regulation In Children Presenting With Externalizing Behaviors, Melanie Levitt
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Sensory processing is a neurological process that involves a child’s perception, organization, and reaction to sensory stimuli. Certain groups of people, such as children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), experience more intense sensory processing patterns (Dunn, 2007). Researchers have also observed that children presenting with ASD and ADHD exhibit more externalizing scores as their sensory processing patterns become more intense or problematic (Gourley et al., 2013). However, researchers have not examined the relationship between sensory processing and externalizing behaviors in those not diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Additionally, there are overlapping neural mechanisms between sensory …
The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions, Self-Compassion, And Insomnia Severity,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions, Self-Compassion, And Insomnia Severity, Gabriel Stanziano
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The goal of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive distortions, self-compassion, and insomnia severity. Individuals were assessed using the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Data were analyzed using a sample of 67 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 74. A simple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that cognitive distortions would be predictive of insomnia severity. The results were not significant. A multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis that the specific cognitive distortions of fortunetelling, labeling, and jumping to conclusions would be …
Behavioral Inhibition And Avoidance: Identifying Vulnerabilities To Avoidant Behavior,
2019
University of Mississippi
Behavioral Inhibition And Avoidance: Identifying Vulnerabilities To Avoidant Behavior, Daniel Pineau
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Avoidance is characterized as the inability of an individual to interact with a stimulus for the purpose of reducing distress. Avoidance increases the likelihood that distress and symptoms related to anxiety will increase. This may lead to further impairment and anxious pathology across the lifespan. Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) describes a temperamental vulnerability that influences approach (Behavioral Approach System; BAS) and avoidance (Behavioral Inhibition System; BIS) behaviors. The purpose of the study was to identify, using observed behavioral approach tasks, whether or not BIS/BAS influenced avoidant behavior above and beyond other avoidance vulnerabilities (anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation). Participants (N=297) …
Predictors Of Behavioral Health Among Firefighters In Their Third Year Of Fire Service,
2019
University of Mississippi
Predictors Of Behavioral Health Among Firefighters In Their Third Year Of Fire Service, Victoria Alicia Torres
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Employee turnover is expensive, as job training can cost upwards of 30% of an employee’s annual salary (not including additional onboarding expenses; Boushey & Glynn, 2012). This is especially true among high stress, dangerous occupations that require specialized training such as firefighters (Envisage Technologies, 2016; Knoll, 2011; Patterson et al., 2010). Health status is a primary reason for job concerns that may lead to decline in job performance and employment separation (Hourani, Williams, & Kress, 2006; Virtanen, Kivimäki, Vahtera, Elovainio, Sund, Virtanen, & Ferrie, 2006). Two research areas that support this notion include literature on the biopsychosocial model and occupational …
Doing Hard Things In The Context Of Values: Values Intervention As An Establishing Operation For Approach Behavior In The Presence Of Aversive Stimuli,
2019
University of Mississippi
Doing Hard Things In The Context Of Values: Values Intervention As An Establishing Operation For Approach Behavior In The Presence Of Aversive Stimuli, Emmie Hebert
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Aversive control is an umbrella term for behavioral contingencies influenced by the removal or avoidance of aversive stimuli. When individuals are engaging in behavior that is under aversive control the behavior becomes relatively insensitive to changes in the environment outside of trying to escape or avoid the aversive stimulation. Teaching individuals to increase behavioral and psychological flexibility around potentially aversive stimuli is a goal of a therapeutic perspective called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT therapists and trainers use values to motivate their clients to engage in meaningful behaviors despite ever-changing and often aversive contexts. The aim of the current …
Teaching Kids To Say "Ew!": Parent-Child Disgust Transmission,
2019
University of Mississippi
Teaching Kids To Say "Ew!": Parent-Child Disgust Transmission, Brooklee Lightsey Tynes
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Disgust is one of the six basic emotions but research suggests it is far more complex. As individuals respond to stimuli in different manners this suggests the emotion and its development may be shaped through learning principles and cultural practices (Rozin Lowery & Ebert 1994). It is imperative to understand how children’s disgust responses are shaped though observation classical and operant conditioning demonstrated by their primary caregivers. The current study examined the transmission of the emotion of disgust from primary caregivers to their children. Participants were 17 children (55.6% female) and one of their parents in Mississippi and Nebraska. The …
Emotion Regulation As A Predictor Of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms,
2019
University of Mississippi
Emotion Regulation As A Predictor Of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Brittany Spence Sapp
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Research findings suggest that emotion regulation (ER) is a key component in the maintenance and development of psychopathology. However there is a paucity of research assessing ER and Obsessive-Compulsive (OC) symptoms particularly how ER relates to OC tendencies in children. Due to the pervasive nature of both ER difficulties and OC symptoms across major life domains (i.e. familial social academic) and the lasting impact of these problems into adulthood further research is needed to better understand this connection. The present study investigated this relation in a clinical sample of 472 youth (ages 10 – 17) who completed a packet of …
Factors Related To Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms: Understanding The Contribution Of Disgust, Contamination Fear And Emotion Regulation,
2019
University of Mississippi
Factors Related To Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms: Understanding The Contribution Of Disgust, Contamination Fear And Emotion Regulation, Alexandra Gilbert
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The current study included 149 students from the University of Mississippi as apart of an archival dataset from a larger lab study. Results from the primary analyses indicate that all variables of interest (i.e. contamination fear, disgust sensitivity, and emotion regulation) were significantly correlated with OC symptoms. However, despite disgust’s associations with OC symptoms, results from regression analysis suggest that neither general disgust nor individual domains of disgust were predictive of contamination-based OC symptoms above and beyond contamination fear. Results from the hierarchical regression analysis emphasize the prominent role that contamination fear has on contamination-based OC symptoms. Further, sex differences …
Evaluation Of A Picture Exchange Communication System Program For Children With Autism,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Evaluation Of A Picture Exchange Communication System Program For Children With Autism, Jessica Rachel Mark
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The current study examined the effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a functional communication training (FCT) program implemented by a local community agency specializing in autism diagnosis and treatment in developing communication skills among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Conducted using archival data, this study used a within-subjects repeated measures research design to determine if PECS improved the overall communication skills of enrolled participants at the agency, as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Individual growth on communication goals was measured by comparing goals concerning …
The Impact Caregiving And Decision-Making Has On Adult Sibling Relationships,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Impact Caregiving And Decision-Making Has On Adult Sibling Relationships, Christina Vroman
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Dementia is characterized by a decrease in cognitive functioning, usually characterized by a progressive decline in brain function over time. As the condition progresses, individuals require more assistance from others in order to maintain their activities of daily, independent living and decision-making among other functions of life. The responsibility of caring for the aging population usually falls on adult children, which can cause stress and tension within the family dynamic. Adult siblings tend to believe that the responsibility of caregiving should be equally split among siblings (Amaro & Miller, 2016); however, it is often the case that one sibling takes …
The Relationship Between Personal Values And Personality Traits In Inpatient Behavioral Patients,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Relationship Between Personal Values And Personality Traits In Inpatient Behavioral Patients, Chelsea M. Frank
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Inpatient behavioral-health hospital admission has become an important therapeutic option for severely ill psychiatric patients and accounts for one third of the national mental-healthcare costs. After discharge, approximately 40% of patients with psychiatric problems are rehospitalized within 1 year of release from an inpatient behavioral-health hospital. Currently, no clear agreement exists within the psychology field as to which variables predict readmission. Identifying personal values and personality traits in assessment may be beneficial to help understand individual’s better, thereby informing treatment planning to help reduce the rate of readmission. The present study examined the relationship between personal values and personality traits …
The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Relationship Between Witnessing Domestic Violence And Criminal Recidivism Among Juvenile Sex Offenders, Shamyra Marie Shaw
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This correlational archival dissertation focuses on the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and criminal recidivism among juvenile sexual offenders. The study examined archival criminal arrest records and self-reported data gathered from a sample of 67 male juvenile sexual offenders in a residential treatment facility. Given the somewhat limited explanations for and research into the causes of juvenile sexual re-offending and the importance of identifying its determinants, this topic may be viewed as having substantial importance to future research and criminal justice policy. Findings did not support the primary hypothesis that prior exposure to domestic violence would be positively correlated …
Telephone-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia In Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial,
2019
University of Central Florida
Telephone-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia In Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Andel Nicasio
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the efficacy and feasibility of a brief telephone-delivered CBT-I (TeleCBT-I) intervention in cancer patients compared to a control group. The study used a randomized controlled trial design. The TeleCBT-I program consisted of a brief four-week CBT-I program adapted for cancer patients. Patients completed assessment measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment and one-month follow-up. Out of 184 patients screened, 39 were randomly assigned, and 35 (TeleCBT-I, n = 19; Control, n = 16) completed pre- and post-treatment measures and were included in the analyses. Compared to control group, the TeleCBT-I group reported decreased insomnia severity symptoms (p < .014), improved sleep quality (p < .023), and reduced dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (p = .039) at post-treatment with sustained treatment effects at one-month follow-up. Sleep measures yielded large effect sizes (Hedges' g, 0.84-2.7). Although the TeleCBT-I group indicated improvements in fatigue, general functioning, physical well-being, functional well-being, and physical quality of life, effects at follow-up were observed only for fatigue, functional well-being and physical quality of life. No effects were found on depression at any of the time points. In terms of feasibility, TeleCBT-I demonstrated high adherence, high homework completion and high overall satisfaction. These results advance the empirical evidence of CBT-I in cancer patients and support the use of telephone-delivered CBT-I to widely disseminate and implement among patients with cancer.
Long-Term Use Of Beta-Blocker Medication In Pediatric Long Qt Syndrome Patients: Neuropsychological Profiles,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Long-Term Use Of Beta-Blocker Medication In Pediatric Long Qt Syndrome Patients: Neuropsychological Profiles, Kara J. Rudisill
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by a disruption of the heart’s electrical activity that may cause accelerated and uncontrolled heartbeats referred to as ventricular fibrillation. LQTS is primarily treated with beta-blocker medications, which reduce the risk of experiencing an arrhythmia through regulating the heart rate. However, the potential neuropsychological side-effects associated with the use of beta-blocker medication may impact the executive functioning skills, mental health, and behavior of the affected pediatric population at home. As a result, a child’s academic performance and emotional regulation etiology may be misunderstood by his or her parents, caregivers, and …
Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Lupus Patients: A Study Of Coping, Cognitive Distortions, And Social Support,
2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Lupus Patients: A Study Of Coping, Cognitive Distortions, And Social Support, Kyle Osbourne
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive distortions, social support, and/or levels of coping skills predict quality of life (QOL) for women with SLE. The total sample consisted of 62 women ranging in age from 18 to 55 years. This study was conducted online via SurveyMonkey in an effort to reach the specialized SLE female population and recruit individuals who otherwise may not have been able to participate due to limitations in mobility and/or lack of transportation. The measures consisted of the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), the WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQOL), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support …
