Predicting Cognitive Decline In Older Adults,
2014
Loma Linda University
Predicting Cognitive Decline In Older Adults, Kimberly M. Baerresen
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
The investigator sought to determine which neuropsychological tests are more likely to predict an individual’s cognitive decline (i.e., normal to mild cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease) two years prior to conversion. A sample of non-decliners (N=109) compared to those who declined (N=24) in cognitive status (i.e., mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease) with a mean age of 61.44 (SD=11.29) was examined. Results indicate the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Retention Trial (RCFT Retention; OR=0.93, p=0.005) is a significant predictor of conversion to MCI and the Buschke Delay (OR=0.54, p=0.017) is a significant predictor of conversion to AD. Due …
Cognitive Function In The Alcohol Addiction Treatment Population,
2014
Loma Linda University
Cognitive Function In The Alcohol Addiction Treatment Population, Suranee Abeyesinhe
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to several cognitive deficits, such as problems with spatial processing, decreased executive functioning, impaired verbal fluency, poor working memory, response inhibition, and social problems such as aggression and social deviance. In order for patients to benefit from treatment, they must be able to utilize multiple cognitive functions. Research has shown that patients suffering from cognitive impairments are much more likely to drop out of treatment early, thereby lending them to higher relapse rates. This study aimed to identify cognitive deficits present in the alcohol addiction treatment population, demographic factors associated with higher levels of …
Effects Of Cigarette Smoking On Neurocognitive Performance In Dementia Patients,
2014
Loma Linda University
Effects Of Cigarette Smoking On Neurocognitive Performance In Dementia Patients, Christina Mannino
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Dementia has become a serious problem worldwide due to the rapidly increasing incidence rate and the lack of effective treatments that cure or slow disease progression, and thus. prevention is crucial. Some studies suggests that cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing dementia, but others suggest that smoking may have a neuroprotective effect. To clarify our understanding of the relationship between cigarette smoking and dementia, this study examined the effects of smoking on multiple cognitive domains via secondary data analysis of a sample consisting of 54% female subjects with an average age of 58±13 years. Measures of executive function, …
The Impact Of Trauma And Attachment On Eating Disorder Symptomology,
2014
Loma Linda University
The Impact Of Trauma And Attachment On Eating Disorder Symptomology, Julie A. Hewett
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Previous research has shown both indirect and direct links between trauma and eating disorders. Those with eating disorder psychopathology have also demonstrated more insecure attachments. To explore relationship between trauma and eating disorder severity, female adults with Anorexia Nervosa (n = 36) and Bulimia Nervosa = 47) were compared on measures of attachment, trauma, body image disturbance, and eating disorder psychopathology. Eighty-six percent of participants reported at least one traumatic experience. Trauma, attachment, and body image disturbance independently predicted eating disorder severity. However, there were no mediating or moderating effects of attachment or body image disturbance on eating disorder psychopathology.
Fibromyalgia And Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Relationship Between Pain, Depression, And Family Health,
2014
Loma Linda University
Fibromyalgia And Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Relationship Between Pain, Depression, And Family Health, Macey Wolfe
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Past research suggests that there is a positive relationship between pain and depression in those with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, and negative relationship between depression and family health. However, these relationships have not been examined together using hierarchical linear modeling. Participants were 90 patients with either a fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. A series of questionnaires were used to measure depression, pain, and family health. Using a path analysis it was determined that pain was significantly associated with depression, such that as pain increased by one standard deviation depression increased by .48 standard deviations (β = .48, p < .05). Depression was also significantly associated with family health as depression increased by one standard deviation, family health decreased by .23 standard deviations (β = -.23, p < .05). The relationship between all three of these variables, pain, depression and family health, suggests social support should be considered a target of therapy and services as soon as clients experiencing pain are seen by mental health or health professionals as a proactive attempt to stave off more negative consequences of the pain experienced in this patient group.
Changes In Emotion Drive Perceptual Level Shifts: Global Vs. Local Processing,
2014
Loma Linda University
Changes In Emotion Drive Perceptual Level Shifts: Global Vs. Local Processing, Seda Terzyan
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Different emotional states have been implicated in bringing about specific changes in attention, with positive emotions globalizing attention and negative emotions localizing attention (Fredrickson, 2004). Biases in attentional processes have been associated with the development and maintenance of emotional disorders, anxiety being the most common. Previous studies have shown that anxious individuals present with a bias toward negative information and more readily employ localized attentional processes (Macleod, 2002). This finding demonstrated a link between perceptual levels of attention with higher order conceptual attention, which in turn influences emotional states. Many researchers have explored this relationship, including Fredrickson (2004), who developed …
The Effects Of Appearance-Based Reality Shows On Body Image,
2014
Loma Linda University
The Effects Of Appearance-Based Reality Shows On Body Image, Amanda F. Suplee
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Media seems to play the largest role in transmitting messages regarding societal standards of attractiveness; especially in reinforcing the thin ideal for females. There is strong evidence indicating that females who are more likely to make appearance comparisons with thin images in the media often experience negative outcomes. Research has shown that increased exposure to thin images in the media is associated with higher body dissatisfaction and eating disorder features. A form of media that has been given little research attention is reality television, specifically appearance-based reality television. The current study examined the effects of viewership of appearance-based reality television …
Effects Of Proton Radiation On Behavior In A Mouse Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease,
2014
Loma Linda University
Effects Of Proton Radiation On Behavior In A Mouse Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease, John A. Bellone
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Astronauts venturing outside Earth’s magnetosphere risk exposure to charged particle radiation that has been shown to cause neurological deficits in rodents via oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, altered neurogenesis, and synaptic changes. Since these responses are similar to those observed in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, we hypothesized that individuals with a propensity toward developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) would be more adversely affected by such exposure. To test this hypothesis, we exposed young double transgenic APP/PSEN1 mice (a commercially available strain engineered to develop AD-like neuropathology) and their wild-type (non-transgenic) counterparts to low doses of 150 MeV proton particle radiation and assessed the effects …
Transgressors’ Guilt And Shame: A Longitudinal Examination Of Forgiveness Seeking,
2014
Calvin University
Transgressors’ Guilt And Shame: A Longitudinal Examination Of Forgiveness Seeking, Blake M. Riek, Lindsey M. Root Luna, Chelsea A. Schnabelrauch
University Faculty Publications and Creative Works
The current study examines forgiveness from the perspective of the transgressor, an often overlooked aspect of interpersonal forgiveness and a model of forgiveness seeking is proposed. Using a 2-wave longitudinal design, 166 participants completed measures of the characteristics of their transgressions, their feelings of guilt and shame, and their forgiveness-seeking behaviors. Cross-lagged correlational analysis indicated that guilt at time 1 was related to forgiveness seeking at time 2, but the opposite was not true. Path analyses revealed that guilt mediated the impact of transgression and relationship factors (i.e., transgression severity, responsibility, rumination, and relationship commitment) on forgiveness-seeking behavior over time. …
Simpatia And Negative Interpersonal Emotions In Continuity Of Health Care,
2014
Loma Linda University
Simpatia And Negative Interpersonal Emotions In Continuity Of Health Care, Andres Gilberto Mendez
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Past research has demonstrated that continuity of care has positive outcomes for patients. Continuous care has been shown to have positive outcomes for the patient, including increased patient satisfaction, decreased hospitalizations, decreased emergency department visits, and improved receipt of preventive services. Guided by Betancourt’s Integrative Model for the Study of Culture, Psychological Processes, and Health Behaviors, the aim of this research was to examine the role of cultural scripts and mistreatment related negative interpersonal emotions on continuity of care among Latin American (Latino) and Non-Latino White (Anglo) women. Specifically, this study examined the effect of simpatía, a cultural script that …
Cultural And Psychological Predictors Of Adolescent Smoking Behaviors,
2014
Loma Linda University
Cultural And Psychological Predictors Of Adolescent Smoking Behaviors, Susan Lee
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Studies show that smoking rates differ across ethnic groups, but it remains unclear why this is the case or what unique factors predict smoking behaviors in each group. No studies have examined the role culture plays in smoking behaviors in the context of other commonly cited predictors of behaviors. Participants included 42 students recruited from De Anza 9th grade Academy in Southern California. The mean age of the students was 15 years old (SD = 0.55). This age group was selected because it is the time when adolescents are most likely to first try smoking. There were 51.2% males and …
At Risk For Ptsd: The Public Health Implications Of Trauma,
2014
University of San Francisco
At Risk For Ptsd: The Public Health Implications Of Trauma, Madeline Peyton
Master's Projects and Capstones
The fieldwork experience is the summation of six semesters of graduate level public health training. At commencement, students are to be proficient in basic data analysis and epidemiological principles, in how environmental risks impact health, and demonstrate strong program planning, evaluation and leadership skills. Throughout, students are encouraged to focus their academic work on an area of public health that interest them and on a problem that they hope to impact in their professional work. I continued in an area I began as an undergraduate student of medical anthropology and explored the systems that interact to influence mental health of …
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence In Breast Cancer Survivors Before And After Follow-Up Mammograms,
2014
University of South Florida
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence In Breast Cancer Survivors Before And After Follow-Up Mammograms, Heather L. Mcginty
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to assess fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer survivors returning for regularly scheduled follow-up mammograms. FCR was hypothesized to increase prior to the mammogram, decrease from immediately pre- to immediately post-mammogram, and then increase following the mammogram. Based on the cognitive-behavioral model (CBM) of health anxiety, greater perceived risk of recurrence, worse perceived consequences of a recurrence, lower coping self-efficacy, and more engagement in reassurance-seeking behaviors were hypothesized to be associated with greater FCR in each time segment. Finally, exploratory analyses evaluated the various trajectories in FCR over time using growth mixture …
A Transdiagnostic Social Skills Intervention: Using A Structured Story To Teach Children How To Ask A Friend To Play,
2014
University of Denver
A Transdiagnostic Social Skills Intervention: Using A Structured Story To Teach Children How To Ask A Friend To Play, Elizabeth Santy
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
An (independent samples comparison) controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a novel approach to social skills training for children in a local socialization group at Knippenberg, Patterson & Associates (KPA). The treatment condition involved the combination of a Structured Story (i.e., novel bibliotherapy technique for children with social skills deficits), and a behavioral rehearsal (or role-play) segment, where the children practiced the target social skill featured in the Structure Story. The control group did not receive the Structured Story nor the behavioral rehearsal. Children in both groups engaged in ten-minutes of free play that was videorecorded for …
A Parametric Description Of Modern Military Culture For Civilian Mental Health Practitioners To Better Serve Those Who Serve,
2014
University of Denver
A Parametric Description Of Modern Military Culture For Civilian Mental Health Practitioners To Better Serve Those Who Serve, Ruthann R. Lester
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Many mental health practitioners will have therapeutic encounters with veterans at one point or another during the course of their training or career. To meet the therapeutic needs of those who have served or are serving our country through combat or non-combat military service, it is essential that these practitioners are able to provide effective interventions for this population. Effective treatment entails culturally competent care, however, few resources are available to help civilian mental health practitioners become educated about military culture and translate that cultural competence into efficacious treatment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to respond to the …
Asperger's Disorder In Older Adulthood: The Unique Treatment Concerns And Implications For Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
2014
University of Denver
Asperger's Disorder In Older Adulthood: The Unique Treatment Concerns And Implications For Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brian Beaumund
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This article provides a theoretical consideration for the problems faced by older adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder as well as implications for applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with this distinct population. The author presents the relevant literature concerning the unique presentation and common problems of each, traditionally distinct population: (a) older adults and (b) Asperger’s Disorder. The author then extrapolates this data into a theoretical conceptualization of the unique clinical presentation and treatment considerations for the underrepresented population of older adults with Asperger’s Disorder. The author then presents a review of the relevant literature concerning the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy …
The Importance Of The First Psychotherapy Case In The Development Of The Therapist's Professional Self As Viewed Through The Lens Of Self Psychology,
2014
University of Denver
The Importance Of The First Psychotherapy Case In The Development Of The Therapist's Professional Self As Viewed Through The Lens Of Self Psychology, Kaitlyn Eichenberger
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This paper explores the gap in the literature between what is herein referred to as the "first psychotherapy case" and its impact on the development of the trainee psychotherapist's professional self. The self psychology concepts of identity development, selfobject needs and fulfillment, narcissism, shame, countertransference, and structuralization are incorporated into the theoretical framework from which this developmental milestone is viewed. The theory's emphasis on early experiences and the development of self highlight the distinctiveness of the first case for the therapist. The beginning psychotherapy case poses a unique context for selfobject experiences and the developing self, involving both the therapist's …
Using The R-Pas' Aggressive Content Score For The Evaluation Of Aggressive Behaviors In Children,
2014
University of Denver
Using The R-Pas' Aggressive Content Score For The Evaluation Of Aggressive Behaviors In Children, Rebecca Dehass
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
The Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) was developed in 2011 as an alternative to the previous Comprehensive System. The goal was to improve the psychometrics, and particularly the validity, of this assessment method. The norms for children were questionable in the Comprehensive system (e.g., outdated, low numbers of subjects) and validity studies for children were sparse. One of the indicators included in the R-PAS system, the aggressive content indicator (AgC), is intended to reflect aggressive behavior, but few studies have examined the validity of this indicator. This study examined the validity of AgC in a sample of 32 children and …
Preventive Mental Health As An Approach To Improving School Outcomes Among Youth: A Meta-Analytic Review,
2014
DePaul University
Preventive Mental Health As An Approach To Improving School Outcomes Among Youth: A Meta-Analytic Review, Katrina Elaine Roundfield
College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations
Researchers, policy makers, and educators continuously seek new avenues to enhance the academic achievement of children and adolescents. This goal is particularly pressing among youth from low-income, urban backgrounds, who are at increased risk for school failure (Aud, Wilkinson-Flicker, Kristapovich, Rathbun, Wang, et al., 2011). Taking a more holistic approach to understanding academic achievement, burgeoning research has begun to focus on the mental health of the child. Preventive mental health (PMH) is a theoretically sound and effective means of reducing the incidence of mental illness among youth from varying levels of risk (Durlak & Wells, 1997; 1998; Greenberg, Domitrovich, Bumbarger, …
Parenting Dimensions And Internalizing Symptoms Among Low-Income Latino Adolescents: Cultural Values As Moderators,
2014
DePaul University
Parenting Dimensions And Internalizing Symptoms Among Low-Income Latino Adolescents: Cultural Values As Moderators, Crystalia Sulaiman
College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations
Among ethnic minority youth, Latino adolescents disproportionately report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their peers of other ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of the present study is to better understand the familial and sociocultural factors that impact mental health among Latino adolescents. Specifically, the present study examines how youth cultural values (i.e., family obligation and affiliative obedience) moderate the relation between parenting dimensions (i.e., parental acceptance and parental psychological control) and youth internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Latino adolescents (n = 115) from a Chicago public school categorized as "lowincome" participated in a survey and …
