Character Strengths Of Students At Risk Of Dropping Out Of High School,
2015
Antioch University - New England
Character Strengths Of Students At Risk Of Dropping Out Of High School, Sarah Baker
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The goal of this study was to determine the participants' perceptions about what strengths at-risk students who follow through and graduate from high school have, using the conceptual framework of positive psychology, and its classification system of virtues and character strengths. To reveal the strengths of these students, this study used a qualitative methodology, interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). In addition, the participants were asked to fill out a Likert scale survey to rate how frequently at-risk students who graduated employed each of the 24 VIA characteristics. The purpose of this study was to add to the under-researched area of identifying …
Assessment Of Phonological And Orthographic Differences In Adults With Reading Disabilities,
2015
Georgia Southern University
Assessment Of Phonological And Orthographic Differences In Adults With Reading Disabilities, Christina P. Hyers Mrs.
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
There is debate surrounding how to effectively identify and distinguish reading disabilities from other deficits in college populations. Although several theories have proposed a positive relationship between nonword decoding weaknesses and higher intelligence levels, currently there is no conclusive evidence supporting these claims. The primary purpose of the current study was to determine if individuals of diverging levels of verbal intellectual functioning display profile differences with regard to accuracy for spelling and single word reading of regular words and nonwords. Identifying the specific deficits displayed in populations with reading disabilities assists in formulating interventions targeted at areas of weakness and …
A Stress-Diathesis Model Of Depression: Examining Self-Compassion And Savoring,
2015
Georgia Southern University
A Stress-Diathesis Model Of Depression: Examining Self-Compassion And Savoring, Justin Ford
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Depression is a prevalent public health problem, with approximately 6.4% of Americans suffering from the condition each year. Emerging adults are especially vulnerable to depression, as approximately 25% of individuals from age 18-25 have reported experiencing at least one depressive episode. Considering the literature is replete with studies examining etiological components of depression, it surprising that few studies have examined the role of intrapersonal resources in the onset and maintenance of depressive symptoms. The current study sought to investigate depression in the context of intrapersonal resources in two important ways. First, the study examined the protective qualities of intrapersonal resources …
Hypomania And The Effects Of Working Memory Load On Risk-Taking,
2015
Georgia Southern University
Hypomania And The Effects Of Working Memory Load On Risk-Taking, Joseph B. Todd
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Hypomania is an episodic mood state that closely resembles mania, and it is characterized by irritability, euphoria, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. The present study focuses on risk-taking, a behavioral manifestation of impulsivity, and the potential working memory mechanisms responsible for eliciting this behavior in people affected by hypomanic symptoms. Specifically, research suggests that taxing working memory accelerates the process by which individuals with high levels of hypomanic symptoms engage in risk-taking. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects on hypomanic traits and working memory taxation on a behavioral measure of risk-taking. One hundred and forty-five participants …
The Importance Of Restraint In Gauging The Effects Of Ego Depletion On Alcohol Motivation,
2015
Georgia Southern University
The Importance Of Restraint In Gauging The Effects Of Ego Depletion On Alcohol Motivation, Danielle B. Allen
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Despite increased awareness of complications, the use and abuse of alcohol remains a problem in the United States. With regard to drinking, individuals encounter situations in which they must maintain a balance between temptation to drink and the need to regulate alcohol intake. Maintaining this balance requires the use of self-control. For this reason, lack of self-control has been implicated a potential influence on excessive alcohol consumption. The Strength Model of Self-Control (Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007) posits that self-control draws on a limited resource that becomes depleted following repeated use. The term “ego depletion” is used to refer to …
Cues Of Colorism: The Psychological, Sociocultural, And Developmental Differences Between Light-Skinned And Dark-Skinned African-Americans,
2015
Georgia Southern University
Cues Of Colorism: The Psychological, Sociocultural, And Developmental Differences Between Light-Skinned And Dark-Skinned African-Americans, Tasia M. Pinkston
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Skin color biases, henceforth referred to as colorism, are the biased judgments, attitudes and behaviors toward an individual based on the lightness or darkness of their skin. Available research on the topic has examined a select group of variables, such as mate selection, self-esteem and perceived attractiveness. However, there is no single study on differences between African-Americans across several domains, including their psychological (skin color satisfaction and self-esteem), sociocultural (media influence on appearance and discriminatory events), and developmental (ethnic identity) well-being. Moreover, there is no research on differences in these variables between African-Americans reared in rural versus non-rural areas. To …
Excessive Tanning As A Presentation Of Body Dsymorphic Disorder,
2015
Georgia Southern University
Excessive Tanning As A Presentation Of Body Dsymorphic Disorder, Jennifer Headrick
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a potentially debilitating preoccupation with an imagined or minor flaw in one’s appearance (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Phillips, 2005). Common body areas of preoccupation include the skin, face, hair, and muscles (Castle, Ross, & Kyrios, 2006; Mosley, 2009; Phillips, 2005; Veale, 2003). With the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—5th edition (APA, 2013), BDD was moved from the Somatoform Disorder classification to the new diagnostic category of Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders. A new example of preoccupation with skin tone and an associated behavior of excessive tanning were added to the BDD …
Evaluation Of Behavioral Distress Tolerance Task Stability Across Settings,
2015
Virginia Commonwealth University
Evaluation Of Behavioral Distress Tolerance Task Stability Across Settings, Cassie Overstreet
Theses and Dissertations
Distress tolerance (DT) is considered to be a trait-like factor encompassing an individual’s behavioral and/or perceived ability to withstand negative affective states. Behavioral measures of DT are being increasingly utilized, however, these tasks have been implemented in studies prior to thoroughly establishing the psychometric properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of two DT behavioral tasks (Breath-Holding Task [BHT], computer-based Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task [PASAT-C]) in different settings (laboratory, online) among a sample of college students. Participants completed the tasks during two sessions, approximately one week apart. 52 participants were in the laboratory condition, and 65 were …
Decreased Sound Tolerance (Dst): Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, And Development Of A Dst Assessment Instrument,
2015
Virginia Commonwealth University
Decreased Sound Tolerance (Dst): Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, And Development Of A Dst Assessment Instrument, Therese Verkerke Cash
Theses and Dissertations
Decreased sound tolerance (DST) conditions, including misophonia and hyperacusis, are emerging clinical conditions in behavioral medicine. Misophonia involves an extreme emotional response (often anger, disgust, or annoyance) to specific sounds (such as people chewing, swallowing, tapping their foot on the floor, etc.), while hyperacusis is defined by high sensitivity to sounds below normal sound sensitivity thresholds. Although research on these DST conditions is increasing, clearly defined prevalence rates, associations with other mental health conditions, and development of assessment tools that can identify and differentiate DST symptoms are needed. Research and clinical reports also suggest that DST problems are more likely …
The Roles Of Gender And Ethnicity In College Student Bereavement,
2015
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Roles Of Gender And Ethnicity In College Student Bereavement, Rachel E. Weiskittle
Theses and Dissertations
The developmental stage of emerging adulthood often poses substantial challenges that negatively impact bereavement experiences (Schultz, 2007; Tanner & Arnett, 2009). Some emerging adults may be even more at risk for adverse grief outcomes due to individual differences such as gender and ethnicity, but very few studies have investigated these variables within the population. We addressed this gap in the literature by investigating the influence of gender and ethnicity on college students’ bereavement experiences using the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC; Hogan, Greenfield, & Schmidt, 2001) Results indicates a significant relationship between ethnicity and levels of personal growth, use of …
My Own Worst Enemy: Exploring Factors That Predict Self-Harm,
2015
University of North Florida
My Own Worst Enemy: Exploring Factors That Predict Self-Harm, Matthew Allen Loesch
UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Current research on factors predicting self-harm focus on disparate factors and may not be able to comprehensively explain the mechanisms causing self-harm. The aim of the current study was to examine factors that may be related yet independently predict self-harm. Factors discussed include rumination, self-criticism, and working memory. A binary logistic regression found that the only factor that predicted the presence of self-harming behavior was a high level of self-criticism. Further, a Classification and Regression Tree found that the single strongest predictor of self-harming behavior was a belief that love needs to be continually earned from others. Our findings have …
Behavioral Health Among Asian American And Pacific Islanders: The Impact Of Acculturation And Receipt Of Behavioral Health Services On Depression And Anxiety,
2015
Seattle Pacific University
Behavioral Health Among Asian American And Pacific Islanders: The Impact Of Acculturation And Receipt Of Behavioral Health Services On Depression And Anxiety, Mari E. Yamamoto
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
Behavioral health models improve access to mental health care by integrating psychology and medicine. While integrated care is supported among the general population, less research focuses on the model with Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). AAPIs are low treatment-seeking due to various barriers (e.g., limited English proficiency, stigma, insurance) and acculturation stressors. Using hierarchical linear modeling, this study examined longitudinal depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) growth trajectories among AAPIs within a behavioral health model and the moderating impact of acculturation and frequency of behavioral health visits. The best fitting model was from a sample who (N = 354; …
Adaptive Functioning Deficits And Internalizing Problems In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders,
2015
Seattle Pacific University
Adaptive Functioning Deficits And Internalizing Problems In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Hayley A. Dauterman
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
The current study assessed whether deficits in adaptive functioning skills mediated the association between diagnostic status and internalizing symptoms in young children with and without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Participants included 70 children, 26 with ASD and 44 who were typically developing (TD), between the ages of 3:0 and 6:11 years. Parent reports of children’s adaptive functioning skills were collected for the following constructs: functional communication, social skills, self-help skills, and independence. Additionally, parent and teacher reports of children’s internalizing symptoms were obtained. Results indicated that diagnostic status significantly predicted parent reported internalizing symptoms such that the ASD …
Major Depressive Disorder: Precursors, Predictors, And Coping Mechanism Among Undergraduate Students,
2015
Walden University
Major Depressive Disorder: Precursors, Predictors, And Coping Mechanism Among Undergraduate Students, Grace Antia Bickham
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common among college students. The disease perpetuates depressive symptoms and potentially leads to chronic depressive episodes. Existing literature has shown that students who use both cognitive and behavioral maladaptive coping skills are more prone to endure depressive symptoms and poorer academic performance. Despite these known associations, little research has examined the relationship between coping skills and self-efficacy in response to warning signs of MDD in college students. This study sought to fill the gaps in the research of MDD related to precursors, predictors, and coping mechanisms among undergraduate students in a national sample of U.S. …
Parental Perceptions Of The Diagnostic Process For Autism Spectrum Disorder In British Columbia,
2015
Walden University
Parental Perceptions Of The Diagnostic Process For Autism Spectrum Disorder In British Columbia, Ramen Kaur Saggu
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In 2014, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the incidence of autism had reached a prevalence rate of 1 out of every 68 children. This increase means that more families have experienced the difficult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic process. Although research on parental perspectives of the ASD diagnostic process is almost 2 decades old, to date, there have been no studies conducted in Canada comparing parental experiences between the private and government-funded assessment routes. Research in general has shown that parents are generally dissatisfied with the ASD diagnosis process. The theoretical foundation for this study is …
The Effects Of Buddhist Psychological Practices On The Mental Health And Social Attitudes Of Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual People,
2015
Walden University
The Effects Of Buddhist Psychological Practices On The Mental Health And Social Attitudes Of Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual People, Jessica Lynn Fritzges
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
This non-experimental, quantitative study explored the effects of the Buddhist-derived practices of mindfulness and loving-kindness meditations on the wellness of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. LGB people are at higher risk of mental illness and increased social isolation due to minority stress; Buddhist-derived mindfulness practices mediate these effects in other groups. Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping was the theoretical model explaining how positive cognitive appraisal induced by meditation can mediate effects of stress. This study examined whether mental health scores on the Emotional Symptoms Checklist (ESC), social attitudes measured on the Unjust World Views Scale, …
Utilizing The Rorschach In Analyzing Characteristics Of Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence,
2015
Walden University
Utilizing The Rorschach In Analyzing Characteristics Of Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Mary Aleksandra Iwanski
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of women, men, and families throughout the world each year, with more than a million incidents of domestic partner abuse reported to law enforcement officials each year in the United States. Being able to accurately assess and help a woman who is experiencing this type of violence can be difficult for even a seasoned mental health or medical professional. The purpose of this study was to determine whether clinicians can gain insight into the personality structure of women who have experienced IPV by clinical interview and administration of the Rorschach alone. This study analyzed …
A Study On The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Mental Illness Stigma,
2015
Walden University
A Study On The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Mental Illness Stigma, E. Nicole Armstrong
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Stigmatizing mental illness involves negative perceptions or attitudes about mental illness and the individuals who have mental illness, generating problematic consequences for both the general population and for people with mental illness. The theory of multiple intelligences proposes that intelligence includes skills and abilities in any area; emotional intelligence (EI), therefore, includes an individual's ability to identify, interpret, and regulate emotions and emotional responses. This study was designed to evaluate level of familiarity with mental illness as a potential predictor for stigmatizing mental illness, to assist in evaluating the relationship between stigmatizing mental illness and EI. The study was specifically …
Challenges Of Child Trauma On Adoptive Families' Social And Emotional System,
2015
Walden University
Challenges Of Child Trauma On Adoptive Families' Social And Emotional System, Jacqueline Yvonne Ford
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Adoption-focused psychoeducation is deemed essential in maintaining the permanency of traumatized children within a new family unit. However, adoptive parents of traumatized children struggle to find training to address their unique concerns. Guided by the lens of psychodynamic theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by adoptive families of traumatized children. Special focus was placed on the social and emotional relationships of the adoptive parents of traumatized children, to identify the realistic expectations towards attachment from the families' perspectives. Fifteen families were randomly selected to participate in this study from a group of 30 parents …
Health Behaviors, Hardiness, And Burnout In Mental Health Workers,
2015
Walden University
Health Behaviors, Hardiness, And Burnout In Mental Health Workers, Jeremiah Brian Schimp
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Burnout has emerged as a significant and costly issue in the modern workforce. Researchers have not fully explored the role of individual health behaviors and personality in burnout among mental health workers. The knowledge gap addressed in this study was the connection between health behaviors, what mental health workers do to take care of themselves, and hardiness, the characteristic way they perceive and interpret environmental challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of health behaviors and hardiness among mental health workers on the 3 dimensions of burnout as measured by the MBI-HSS: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and …
