No Man’S A Stone: A Qualitative Approach To Characterizing Masculinity In Older Adulthood,
2025
West Virginia University
No Man’S A Stone: A Qualitative Approach To Characterizing Masculinity In Older Adulthood, Montgomery T. Owsiany
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Suicide rates are exceedingly high in U.S. older men (aged 65 years and older). In 2020, older men were about 6.5 times more likely to die by suicide than older women and 1.14 times more likely than men aged 18 to 64 years. Masculine norms (e.g., emotional suppression, self-reliance, anger, physical toughness risk-taking behaviors, alcohol misuse) are believed to influence the presentation of mental disorders, such as depression, which has led to the conceptualization of masculine depression. Research on masculinity often focuses on the experiences of younger men, ignoring how gender identities may change as one progresses through adulthood. Meanwhile, …
The Long-Term Psychological Effects Of Violent Crime On Victims: A Review Of Evidence And Supportive Interventions,
2025
Missouri State University
The Long-Term Psychological Effects Of Violent Crime On Victims: A Review Of Evidence And Supportive Interventions, Jayden E. Oleksyn-Lamb
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
This study utilizes anonymous survey data collected from 26 mental health professionals in various regions of Canada to understand which psychological disturbances are the most prevalent among victims of violent crime as well as which psychological interventions are most beneficial for treating violent crime victims. The data revealed that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anger, guilt, self-blame, and shame are each highly prevalent. Findings also revealed that certain therapeutic methods including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Supportive Counselling (SC), Progressive Relaxation (PR), Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy (CPT) and Cognitive Restructuring (CR) are associated with …
Utilizing The Spatial Evaluation Of Language And Flexibility For Youth (Self-Y) In Clinical Case Conceptualization,
2025
Missouri State University
Utilizing The Spatial Evaluation Of Language And Flexibility For Youth (Self-Y) In Clinical Case Conceptualization, Katelyn Frahm
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges with restricted and repetitive behaviors, relating directly to challenges with psychological flexibility (Hyman et al., 2020; Hayes et al., 2006). Unfortunately, the history of applied behavior analysis has extended harmful implications of treatment that have focused on compliance training and punishment, often worsening psychological flexibility (Sandoval-Norton et al., 2019). Research is calling behavior analysis to combine flexible approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with technologies exploring the intricacies of individual relational networks (Hayes et al., 1999; Hayes et al., 2022; Hayes & King, 2024). The present study introduced the …
Investigating The Pathways Between Social Factors, Physical Activity, And Mental Health On Cognitive Efficiency In Young Adults,
2025
Eastern Illinois University
Investigating The Pathways Between Social Factors, Physical Activity, And Mental Health On Cognitive Efficiency In Young Adults, Emma Hurston-Gates
Masters Theses
Cognitive health is important across the life span and cognitive functions, particularly executive functions, are positively correlated with subjective well-being and success in adulthood (Loprinzi, 2013). The present study aimed to investigate how social factors, mental health, and physical activity impacts cognition in young adults. Young adults aged 18-30 (N = 134) answered questionnaires regarding levels of physical activity, social support, social participation, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. Participants completed Trail Making Tasks A and B to measure their cognitive efficiency (i.e., combined processing speed, psychological flexibility, visual search, and attention). Across all samples, one of the most consistent …
The Nurturing Father: The Role Of Fathers' Masculine Ideology, Caregiving Beliefs, And Reflective Functioning,
2025
Long Island University
The Nurturing Father: The Role Of Fathers' Masculine Ideology, Caregiving Beliefs, And Reflective Functioning, William Girard Katzman
Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-
Prior research has documented the effects of traditional masculine ideologies (TMI) on men’s restrictive emotionality (Levant, 2011), labeled as normative male alexithymia (Levant et al., 2006). For men who become fathers, research has noted how the rejection of TMI increases fathers’ nurturing role beliefs and the frequency that children turn to their fathers for emotional support, but these findings do not outline the quality of fathers’ emotional support (Petts al., 2018; Shafer et al., 2019). Therefore, the current project examined the effects of TMI on 281 fathers’ capacity to respond to their children’s negative emotions with Expressive Encouragement (EE), which …
The Moderating Effects Of Self-Compassion On The Relationship Between Shame And Depression In Military Populations,
2025
Georgia Southern University
The Moderating Effects Of Self-Compassion On The Relationship Between Shame And Depression In Military Populations, Sarah Foran
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
The U.S. Military has faced a continuous rise in mental health concerns reported by service members and veterans (Currier et al., 2017; Rosenheck & Fontana, 2007). Studies of military personnel have found that up to 15% of service members meet the criteria for experiencing depression (Shen et al., 2012). Often, individuals with military experience face numerous stressors that positively contribute to this experience of depression and feelings of shame (Bradbard et al., 2014; Litz et al., 2009). Military culture (often emphasizing shame related to mental health) has also been found to put military personnel at higher risk of experiencing depression …
Does Friend Groups’ Co-Rumination Explain Depression Homophily Among Undergraduate Women's Friendship Groups?,
2025
Georgia Southern University
Does Friend Groups’ Co-Rumination Explain Depression Homophily Among Undergraduate Women's Friendship Groups?, Alyssa D. C. Klas
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
The transition to college is a period known for changes in social support and increases in depression risk. Undergraduate women are particularly vulnerable to developing internalizing symptoms like depression in response to relational stressors and social norm pressures associated with college life. Co-rumination, defined as excessive and ongoing discussion about problems and emotionally distressing topics, both fosters connection and intimacy between friends and increases risk of depressive symptoms. Thus, relationships that are typically seen as buffers from depression may, paradoxically, contribute to risk when support-seeking becomes maladaptive. Most research on co-rumination’s effects is limited to friendship dyads. However, within larger …
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cultural Stigma, And Identity Distress Among College Students,
2025
University of Central Florida
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cultural Stigma, And Identity Distress Among College Students, Jessica T. Frank
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cultural stigma, and identity in a sample of college-age students. Previous studies have primarily focused on children, yet few have examined ADHD as it persists into adulthood. Likewise, studies examining cultural stigma and identity were limited and primarily examined stigma toward mental health as a general concept rather than ADHD-specific attitudes. To address these disparities, a sample of undergraduate college students enrolled in psychology courses at a large metropolitan university (N = 339) were recruited and took an anonymous online survey in exchange for course …
Integration Of Phenotyping Into A Preliminary Investigation Of Stand-Alone Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among A Non-Treatment Seeking Sample,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Integration Of Phenotyping Into A Preliminary Investigation Of Stand-Alone Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among A Non-Treatment Seeking Sample, Anna B. Parlier-Ahmad
Theses and Dissertations
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common substance use disorder. However, most people with AUD do not receive treatment. Among those who do, it is only moderately effective largely due to the heterogeneity of people with AUD. Many of these individuals, particularly those with mild AUD, can reduce or cease alcohol use without specialized treatment. However, efforts to refer those with more severe AUD to community residential or outpatient programs have been largely unsuccessful, especially among women who often face practical barriers like lack of transportation and childcare. Technology offers innovative opportunities to make treatment more readily accessible to …
Exploring Western Clinicians’ Treatment Of Cultural Concepts Of Distress,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Exploring Western Clinicians’ Treatment Of Cultural Concepts Of Distress, Lisa Y. Chung
Theses and Dissertations
As the rates of diverse ethnic populations and therefore cultural concepts of distress continue to grow in the United States, it becomes critical to learn and understand how western-trained mental health professionals are selecting treatments and implementing them. However, there is a paucity of research on cultural concepts of distress as a whole and much less on the psychotherapy of cultural concepts of distress in the United States. This exploratory study aimed to explore the treatment plan of mental health clinicians in the United States when encountering the Korean cultural concept of distress, hwabyung. Ninety-eight clinicians were recruited from Arkansas, …
Beliefs Related To Diagnosing Bpd And Complex Ptsd,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Beliefs Related To Diagnosing Bpd And Complex Ptsd, Bailey Pascuzzi
Theses and Dissertations
There has been speculation that Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) are the same disorder or represent separate disorders on a broader trauma spectrum (Frost et al., 2020; Lewis & Grenyer, 2009). BPD and Complex PTSD share several symptoms but differ in their presentation (Ford & Courtis, 2021). Because the two disorders present so similarly, it could be that clinicians have difficulty differentiating them, leading to misdiagnosis (Miller, 2014). This study examined clinicians’ diagnostic decision-making and stigma toward BPD and Complex PTSD. Participants (N = 426) completed an online survey where they diagnosed a written …
Exploring Prenatal Cannabis Use Among Young Pregnant Bisexual Individuals: A Mixed Methods Study,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Exploring Prenatal Cannabis Use Among Young Pregnant Bisexual Individuals: A Mixed Methods Study, Nicole Boss
Theses and Dissertations
The perinatal period is a critical time for health behaviors with outcomes that have short- and long-term effects for both childbearing person and child. Research indicates that young bisexual people are at greater risk of unintended pregnancy, experience psychosocial health disparities, and may be more likely to use cannabis during pregnancy. Few studies have examined this phenomenon. This study is a secondary analysis of mixed methods data from a longitudinal cohort study. Thematic analysis of qualitative data (n=12) revealed the contextual adaptivity of cannabis use, with participants explaining the situations and rationales which motivated their cannabis use changed over time. …
A Multitude In The In-Between: The Impact Of Perceived Social Support On Resilience For Neurodivergent And Gsd Identities, Along With Barriers To Receiving Support,
2025
Eastern Illinois University
A Multitude In The In-Between: The Impact Of Perceived Social Support On Resilience For Neurodivergent And Gsd Identities, Along With Barriers To Receiving Support, Theo Edwards
Masters Theses
This study used intersectionality theory to examine how overlapping minority identities impact receiving social support and the cultivation of resiliency. Individuals who identify as in the Gender and Sexually Diverse (GSD) community or the neurodivergent (ND) community may experience unique stressors due to various barriers to support. Overlap of GSD and ND identities can present added struggles. Information from 46 GSD and/or ND college students was collected through self-report scales and recorded interviews to examine the effects of perceived social support on resiliency. Also assessed were common values in social support like having someone to talk to and being understood, …
Effects Of Perceived Procedural Justice On The Relationship Between Visa Application Outcome And Psychological Distress: Evidence From Ghanaians And Nigerians Applying For U.S. Student Visas,
2025
Eastern Illinois University
Effects Of Perceived Procedural Justice On The Relationship Between Visa Application Outcome And Psychological Distress: Evidence From Ghanaians And Nigerians Applying For U.S. Student Visas, Harriet Swanzy-Baffoe
Masters Theses
Visa interviews are not just bureaucratic processes; they can have significant psychological effects on applicants. This study examined the impact of U.S. student visa outcomes on psychological distress among West African applicants, with particular attention to perceptions of procedural justice during the interview process. The study surveyed 203 Ghanaian and Nigerian individuals who had previously applied for a U.S. student visa. Psychological distress was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and perceptions of fairness were measured with a custom-developed Procedural Justice Scale. Independent samples t-tests showed that denied applicants reported significantly higher distress, although elevated symptoms were also …
Avoiding The Anxious Self: The Role Of Self-Concept Clarity, Alexithymia, And Experiential Avoidance In Social Anxiety,
2025
Northern Illinois University
Avoiding The Anxious Self: The Role Of Self-Concept Clarity, Alexithymia, And Experiential Avoidance In Social Anxiety, Allison Graham
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Self-related processes play a significant role in the development and maintenance ofsocial anxiety, yet existing cognitive models have yet to fully elaborate these processes. This thesis explores how experiential dimensions of the self contribute to the organization of the self-concept among individuals with social anxiety. Specifically, the current study investigates whether deficits in emotional awareness (alexithymia) are associated with lower self-concept clarity, a characteristic commonly observed among socially anxious individuals. This thesis also examines whether experiential avoidance—an established maladaptive coping strategy— moderates or predicts the relationships between alexithymia, self-concept clarity, and social anxiety. Findings confirm that experiential avoidance is a …
A Daily Study Of Emotion Regulation Strategies And Stress Response,
2025
Northern Illinois University
A Daily Study Of Emotion Regulation Strategies And Stress Response, Maxwell J. Katsikas
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Emotion regulation is a critical mechanism in the study of many forms of psychopathology. It is widely believed that maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., emotional suppression) may contribute to the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conversely, engaging in adaptive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., cognitive reappraisal) is suggested to be a crucial mechanism of change in some forms of treatment for PTSD. Therefore, understanding how emotion regulation strategies modulate stress response is critical. Much of the prior literature on emotion regulation in PTSD is cross-sectional and, therefore, cannot examine momentary emotion regulation and its immediate sequelae. Hence, the …
Maternal And Child Anxiety Symptoms: A Longitudinal Examination Of Parent-Related Indirect Pathways During Covid-19,
2025
Northern Illinois University
Maternal And Child Anxiety Symptoms: A Longitudinal Examination Of Parent-Related Indirect Pathways During Covid-19, Karamveer Kaur
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
The present study contributes to the current literature by examining specific parenting pathways (i.e., maternal hostility, overreactivity, laxness, warmth) that may be contributing to the transmission risk of anxiety symptoms from parent to child. Additionally, understanding these pathways during a context of high stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic may be particularly informative. Further, additional analysis explored the reverse direction, examining how child anxiety symptoms might influence parenting behaviors, providing a view of the bidirectional relationship between parent and child anxiety within the context of high stress. The survey data for this study were collected from a longitudinal study titled …
Testing The Dimensional Model Of Adversity And Psychopathology: Expanded Aces And The Mechanisms Of Executive Functioning, Emotion Regulation, And Bmi In The Context Of Psychopathology,
2025
Northern Illinois University
Testing The Dimensional Model Of Adversity And Psychopathology: Expanded Aces And The Mechanisms Of Executive Functioning, Emotion Regulation, And Bmi In The Context Of Psychopathology, Kaitlyn Larkin
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased risk of negative psychological and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. Informed by the dimensional model of adversity and psychopathology, the present study used longitudinal data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS, N = 4,898) to examine associations between ACEs categorized into threat and deprivation dimensions, emotion regulation, executive functioning, body mass index (BMI), and internalizing and externalizing symptomology in adolescence. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct, mediation, and sequential pathways among variables, while controlling for sociodemographic variables and stability of outcomes over time. Findings indicated …
The Role Of Disgust In Contamination-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms,
2025
Northern Illinois University
The Role Of Disgust In Contamination-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Jonathan A. Teller
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Disgust has been identified as a primary emotion potentially involved in the development and maintenance of contamination-related obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Research suggests that disgust comprises two distinct components: disgust propensity (DP; tendency or predisposition to experience disgust across situations) and disgust sensitivity (DS; the intensity of disgust experiences and their negative evaluation). Although both DP and DS have been linked to contamination-related OC symptoms, most studies have examined them separately or relied solely on self-report measures. The present study examined whether DP and DS uniquely predict both in-vivo disgust experiences and behavioral approach during a behavioral approach task (BAT). Undergraduate …
Moral Injury In First Responders: The Potential Ameliorative Role Of Self-Disclosure,
2025
Northern Illinois University
Moral Injury In First Responders: The Potential Ameliorative Role Of Self-Disclosure, Peter Tappenden
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Perceived social support is a well-established buffer between trauma exposure and adverse outcomes like PTSD. One important aspect of this relationship may be that individuals with strong support networks may be more likely to discuss (“self-disclose”) the traumatic event to members of their support network. Two important aspects of self-disclosure that impact its potential for symptom alleviation following trauma exposure may be: 1) the discloser’s perceived response of the disclosure recipient and 2) whether the trauma-exposed individual repeatedly dwells (co-ruminates) on the traumatic event with the recipient in an unproductive manner. In recent years, a different type of traumatic event …
