Clinical Psychology Commons^™

A Concept Mapping Needs Assessment Of Young Families With Parental Cancer, Richard P. Durant

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this research is to investigate the support needs of young families living with and beyond a parental diagnosis of cancer. The sample includes 56 participants comprised of 31 professional stakeholders and 25 patient stakeholders affiliated with the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center. It was hypothesized there would be differences in how the groups of stakeholders rated needs in terms of importance, satisfaction, and utilization. Differences in ratings are thought to be barriers to effective program development. While not a formal research hypothesis, it was anticipated other program development barriers germane to naturalistic clinical settings would emerge from …

Descending Into And Out Of The Maelstrom: Soma And The Survival Struggle, Rachel M. Urbano

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to highlight the ways “surviving therapists” adapt to the inner-spaces in which they are still affected by their traumas. Surviving therapists are defined as therapists who identify as having experienced a trauma caused by another human being while maintaining an observational stance in relation to their body and self-experience. Therapists are not immune to the lasting effects of trauma: they may experience somatic reactivity and painful affective states in working with trauma patients. As surviving therapists have experienced events they may unconsciously choose to keep out of awareness, they may rely on …

Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Written disclosure participants have experienced numerous psychological and physiological benefits, as compared to those who wrote about neutral topics (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005; Corter & Petrie, 2011; Frattaroli, 2006; Pennebaker & Chung, in press). Given the beneficial results of expressive writing commonly found among healthy participants, exploration of this method was expanded to broader populations with mixed results. Researchers have attempted to provide a rationale for why, when, and with whom written disclosure works. As emotional clarity and experiential avoidance have been linked to psychological well-being, this study examined their relative contributions to written disclosure benefits. Participants self-reported on measures …

Meaning In Life, Depression, And Alcohol Use In A College Sample, Lindsay Wilson Schnetzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The meaning construct has been researched over the last several decades, yielding important empirical advancements in our understanding of its impact on psychological well-being. Comdenominators among various definitions of meaning and life purpose are (1) an emphasis on the significance of life (2) an awareness of coherence, and (3) the fulfillment of unique purpose. Research suggests that meaning and depression are related yet distinct variables, that depression and alcohol abuse are comorbid, and that meaning and alcohol use are significantly associated. Because there is minimal research examining relations among all three variables, and because there have been inconsistent findings with …

Self-Regulation And Liver Function: Expanding An Ecological Model, Tory Anne Eisenlohr-Moul

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Under conditions of high self-regulatory effort, peripheral organ systems have been found to slow, potentially to rearrange energetic priorities in favor of the brain. The present study tested an expansion of this model by exploring the possibility that alcohol metabolism (i.e., liver function) may slow during self-regulation. We also anticipated that high trait self-control would attenuate the effect of condition on metabolism. Twelve males aged 21-25 completed two conditions in counterbalanced order. During each session, the participant received 0.33 ml/kg of absolute alcohol for a target peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03 g%. Participants then performed tasks (self-regulatory tasks …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personality Traits And Cognitive Functioning In Neuropschological Outpatients In Community Based Treatment, Stacey Rivenburg

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined whether behavioral disturbances in obsessive compulsive personality disorder and borderline personality disorder were related to executive functioning. An archival database was used; this consisted of 104 subjects who had been given the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) at a local neuropsychology practice. Comparisons in executive functioning abilities were made between groups of subjects identified as reporting obsessive compulsive personality disorder traits or borderline personality disorder traits, and also between groups of subjects identified as reporting both obsessive compulsive personality traits and borderline personality traits. Findings concluded that a relationship does …

Does Participation In Christian Faith Affect The Healing Process Of Female African American Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors, Tamika A. Thomas

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is often associated with devastating effects that are long-lasting and pervasive in nature. Though the sequelae vary from survivor to survivor, difficulties typically manifest psychologically, interpersonally, behaviorally, and in physical health problems. While there are many articles in the CSA literature on coping strategies and various treatment modalities, literature on the efficacy of treatment for this population is limited. Further absent from the CSA literature is an understanding of the impact that participation in religious activities has on the healing process within this population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact that …

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Bullying Typologies In A Mental Health Population Of Adolescents, Jamie M. Bolton

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Despite the well documented mental health consequences of bullying behavior, bullying has not been studied in a mental health population. This study has examined psychosocial factors (symptoms of internalizing disorders and cognitive style) in a population of adolescents admitted into a partial hospitalization program. Sixty-four participants completed five self-report measures. This study was not able to differentiate among bully typologies based on internalizing symptoms (PTSD and depression) or self-debasing cognitive style. Instead, a more relevant finding was that more than half of the sample had clinical levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Because this sample was more similar than it …

Addressing Disproportionality In School Discipline Through Universal School-Widepositive Behavior Support, Kelly Lane

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Suspensions are the most commonly used discipline strategy in schools and in many cases these lead to poor academic and behavioral outcomes for students. Suspensions are also implemented inconsistently as a consequence of disciplinary infractions; this has resulted in the disproportionate suspension rates of minority and special education students. Recently, school-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) has emerged as an alternative model to suspension. SWPBS is a proactive, school-wide approach to discipline, which focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior to all students. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effectiveness of SWPBS on reducing disproportionate rates of …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Homeless Women With Children In Transitional Housing: What Are Their Needs?, Urmi B. Jani

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

In 2004, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty indicated that approximately 3.5 million people experienced homelessness. The literature indicates that families, specifically female-headed ones, are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The development of transitional housing has shown promise by seeking to move these homeless families towards independent living. A qualitative study based in grounded theory was utilized to explore the experiences of 10 female homeless participants at two regional transitional living facilities. Consistent themes that emerged included dissolution of relationships and a lack of personal supports as being the primary pathways that lead to homelessness. …

Changes In Appetite And Eating Behavior Associated With The Combination Of Sibutramine And Behavior Therapy, Raymond Carvajal

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This archival-data study assessed the potentially complementary mechanisms of action of sibutramine and behavior therapy (also known as lifestyle modification) believed to be responsible for the greater weight loss observed with combining the two approaches than with either approach alone. One hundred and seventy-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg of sibutramine per day alone, delivered by a primary-care provider in five brief office visits; behavior therapy alone, delivered by a psychologist in

18 group sessions; and sibutramine (15 mg/day) plus 18 group sessions of behavior therapy (i.e., combined therapy). Mixed effects linear model analysis was used to …

Effect Of Stress, Emotional Lability And Depression On The Development Of Pregnancy Complications, Servitje, Estibalitz Laresgoiti Servitje

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Chronic stress and other emotional factors may have relevant impacts on pregnancy outcomes because they are related to neuroendocrine changes that lead to alterations in immunomodulation during pregnancy. In this quantitative prospective cross-sectional study, the relationship of emotional lability, depression, and stress during pregnancy and the development of preterm labor, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and low birth weight for gestational age babies was examined. Additionally, social support scores were compared to levels of stress/anxiety, depression, and emotional lability in pregnant women. Two hundred and forty two pregnant women who received prenatal services at the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico City …

Discriminating Emotions And Engaging Difficult Emotional Material: Implications For Process And Outcome In Written Disclosure, Stephanie L. Nassar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Written disclosure participants have experienced numerous psychological and physiological benefits, as compared to those who wrote about neutral topics (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005; Corter & Petrie, 2011; Frattaroli, 2006; Pennebaker & Chung, in press). Given the beneficial results of expressive writing commonly found among healthy participants, exploration of this method was expanded to broader populations with mixed results. Researchers have attempted to provide a rationale for why, when, and with whom written disclosure works. As emotional clarity and experiential avoidance have been linked to psychological well-being, this study examined their relative contributions to written disclosure benefits. Participants self-reported on measures …

Impact Of Relationship Context On Evaluations Of The Sexual Behavior Of Men And Women, Olga Vadymovna Berkout

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A number of gender differences have been found in early studies of human sexuality with males following more permissive norms for engagement in sexual behavior. More recently, male and female sexual behavior has become more similar, although literature examining attitudes towards sexual behavior has found mixed support for the idea that similar standards were used to evaluate men and women. This study examined the potential moderating roles of relationship context and traditional gender role adherence on evaluations of sexual behavior among 307 undergraduates at a public Southeastern university. Both men and women having sex within committed relationships were vieas more …

A National Study Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Multidisciplinary Clinic Utilization, Jared L. Young

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

There is no cure for the fatal progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Optimization of quality of life is the primary ALS treatment goal (Simmons, 2005). Consolidating multiple appointments into one visit is advantageous due to the severity of muscular deterioration and mobility problems associated with the disease. Multidisciplinary Clinics (MDC) provide improved care coordination, accessibility to health care professionals skilled in treating ALS, and improvements in symptom control for patients with ALS. The purpose of this study is to discuss the differences in quality of life, physical health status, and coping skills for individuals with ALS attending multidisciplinary clinics …

The Prevalence Of Adhd In Candidates For Gastric Bypass Surgery: Are Overeating And Obesity Accounted For By The Attention Deficits And Impulisivity Of Adhd?, Andrea M. Parry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and general psychological characteristics in an adult, presurgery population of patients seeking Gastric Bypass (GB). An ADHD diagnosis was defined as clinically significant scores as measured by the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). Other psychological characteristics were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – Second Edition (MMPI-2). The sample was selected from a homogeneous adult outpatient population. Participants meeting inclusion criteria presented for psychological assessment preparatory to GB surgery at the office of Dr. Steven Walfish. Participants were excluded if they failed to …

Does The Quality Of The Patient-Physician Relationship Moderate Predictors Of Poor Adherence In Urban, Underserved And Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Illness?, Laura Russo-Innamorato

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Escalating prevalence rates and rising economic costs of chronic illnesses necessitate a better understanding of factors affecting patient adherence in the primary care setting. Despite technological advances and evidenced-based treatments, clinical outcomes are often poor. Data drawn from archival data of the “A Healthier You” wellness program designed to serve a predominately underserved population were examined to assess whether or not positive predictors of adherence could moderate the impact of negative predictors such as depression. Limitations of the study methodology precluded significant interpretations but suggested significant discrepancies between patient and physician perceptions of trust in the relationship and the satisfaction …

The Technology Of Grief: Social Networking Sites As A Modern Death Ritual, Jordan Ciel Fearon

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Technology plays a significant role in the socialization and development of society. One popular technology includes Facebook, a Social Networking Site (SNS). As Facebook has become a common site for reaching out to others for a sense of support and connection, it has also become a site to express grief and bereavement through the creation of Memorial Groups. Through a qualitative survey design, descriptive information regarding the impetus to create a Memorial Group as well as the desired utility was examined through the perspective of the creator. An online questionnaire consisting of open and closed-ended questions was completed by 68 …

Dealing With Suffering: A Comparison Of Religious And Psychological Perspectives, Emily R. Pimpinella

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

One of the main tasks of psychologists is to help clients deal with suffering. In order to assist the client, a therapist needs to have an understanding of the client’s beliefs about suffering. Due to the importance of religion for much of the general population, and considering how beliefs influence clients when dealing with suffering, it is essential that psychologists be mindful and respectful of religious beliefs in order to provide competent service. In order to do this, therapists need to have knowledge about the religious doctrine that their client observes. Therapists also need to be aware of their own …

Adapting An Evidence-Based Intervention To Improve Social And Behavioral Competence In Head Start Children: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Teacher–Child Interaction Training, Christopher Campbell

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Empirical studies indicate that as many as 35% of Head Start children meet the diagnostic criteria for oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder (Webster-Stratton & Hammond, 1998). Without early intervention, these problematic behaviors may become stable across childhood and adolescence (Campbell, 1995), increasing the likelihood of academic problems, school drop-out, substance abuse, delinquency, and violence (Snyder, 2001). Head Start children are also more likely to enter school with significant deficits in social-emotional readiness, with a many as 40% demonstrating delays in social competencies and communication abilities (Kaiser et al., 2000). Longitudinal research indicates that early gaps in social competence for …