Psychedelic Minimalism: The Case Against Music In Psychedelic Therapy Settings,
2025
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University
Psychedelic Minimalism: The Case Against Music In Psychedelic Therapy Settings, Samir A. Nader
Department of Medicine Faculty Publications
[Introduction: reframing the role of setting] In recent years, renewed attention has been given to the centrality of set and setting in psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Reporting of Setting in Psychedelic Clinical Trials (ReSPCT) guidelines reflect an evolving consensus: therapeutic outcomes are not solely pharmacologically determined but are heavily shaped by both the environment and the psychological state of the participant (2). Within this evolving paradigm, music has assumed a privileged role, framed as a therapeutic constant, typically curated to be emotionally supportive or evocative, and especially emphasized during peak psychedelic states (3). The prevailing assumption is that music facilitates safety, …
Memento Mori: A Photo-Elicit Narrative Analysis On Grief,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Memento Mori: A Photo-Elicit Narrative Analysis On Grief, Jared Becknell
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Training and education about grief counseling has been stagnant, stalling the creativity and novel practice when working with bereaved individuals. Counselors in Training often receive minimal education and training in grief, even though clients will ultimately experience this phenomenon. Qualitative research findings provide insights into how individuals actively engage in the grieving process, while promoting their own versions of healing and acceptance through the artifacts kept from deceased loved ones. These findings explore the lived experience of individuals who keep artifacts from a deceased loved one. Results show an active participation in reconnecting to the deceased versus addressing grief symptoms …
Distal Effects Of Teenage Pregnancy And Childbirth,
2025
Antioch University
Distal Effects Of Teenage Pregnancy And Childbirth, Amy M. Sutherland
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
While pregnancy during adolescence is declining, research on the topic continues, particularly regarding: the reasons teenagers become pregnant and choose parenthood; their experiences as teen parents; and near-term outcomes for themselves and their children. The focus of this dissertation has received little study: how the experience of having been a birthing parent in adolescence continues to affect the personal experiences of individuals in midlife, if it does at all. Eight individuals between the ages of 30 and 43 who gave birth as teens were interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to identify how they interpreted and made meaning …
“In The Name Of The Father:” Disclosure And Clergy Perpetrated Sexual Abuse,
2025
Antioch University
“In The Name Of The Father:” Disclosure And Clergy Perpetrated Sexual Abuse, Alexandra L. Frederick
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The current study offers a case study utilizing records from assessments conducted for civil suits by men who survived clergy perpetrated sexual abuse (CPSA) in their childhoods. The focus of this study is to contribute to our understanding of the disclosure process following the abuse. A qualitative analysis was conducted to highlight common themes, including experiences of disclosure, emotional experiences, the decision-making process, and potential feelings of regret toward disclosure. Research questions examined the time and age of disclosure, how close the survivor was to the priest at the time of the abuse and any trends that exist between that …
Embracing The Suck: Overcoming Moral Injury-Related Attachment Trauma Through Outdoor Adventure,
2025
Antioch University
Embracing The Suck: Overcoming Moral Injury-Related Attachment Trauma Through Outdoor Adventure, Emerald D. Ralston
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Moral injury is increasingly recognized as a distinct and debilitating consequence of military service, arising when individuals engage in, witness, or are unable to prevent actions that transgress their deeply held moral beliefs. In this dissertation, I argue that this form of trauma can be experienced as an attachment rupture, particularly when the military—functioning as an institutional attachment figure—betrays the servicemember’s trust. Such experiences compromise internal working models (IWMs) of self, others, and the world, and may result in complex trauma symptoms, including dissociation, depersonalization, and profound relational disconnection. These injuries are frequently stored in the body, rendering traditional cognitive …
Sexual Education, Sexual Self-Concept, And Behavior Of Adolescents: A Retrospective Study,
2025
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sexual Education, Sexual Self-Concept, And Behavior Of Adolescents: A Retrospective Study, Rachel Albanese
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Adolescence is a period within the lifespan of a human where sexuality is a key component of development; therefore, it is appropriate that adolescents are provided sexual education during this time. There continues to be a debate regarding sexual education; while some studies consider specific ways to provide sexual education, they do not compare the effect of differing sexual education (i.e., how and who provided sexual education) or lack of sexual education on risky sexual behavior and sexual selfconcept during adolescence. This study retrospectively examined the impact of sexual education on risky sexual behavior and sexual self-concept. It also explored …
Exploring The Relationship Among Postpartum Depression, Cognitive Distortions, And Relationship Satisfaction,
2025
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Exploring The Relationship Among Postpartum Depression, Cognitive Distortions, And Relationship Satisfaction, Kylie A. Hastings
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Postpartum depression is the most prevalent psychological disorder experienced following childbirth, impairs daily functioning, negatively impacts child growth and development, and is linked to maladaptive parent-child interactions. Previous research also suggests a link among distorted thinking, depression symptoms, and interpersonal tension. The current study explores the interplay among postpartum depression symptoms, cognitive distortions, and relationship satisfaction among postpartum individuals. Researchers examined how specific thinking errors, including catastrophizing, mindreading, and labeling, are associated with depression symptoms and relational experiences in the postpartum period. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 90 participants using validated instruments: the …
Development And Validation Of The Mealtime Behaviors Self-Report Questionnaire,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Development And Validation Of The Mealtime Behaviors Self-Report Questionnaire, Taylor Rae Perry
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Disturbances in eating are a hallmark feature of eating disorders (EDs). However, these disturbances extend beyond dietary patterns, as clinicians have long observed aberrant mealtime behaviors in individuals with EDs. Despite these observations, research on aberrant mealtime behaviors has been limited to a small case study of individuals with anorexia nervosa. Clinically, however, individuals across all ED diagnoses appear to exhibit these behaviors. Notably, there is currently no existing measure designed to assess aberrant mealtime behaviors. Developing such an assessment could provide clinicians with valuable information to inform mealtime interventions. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the prevalence of …
Integration Of Theoretical Frameworks For Problematic Exercise: Toward A Comprehensive Model Of Maladaptive And Adaptive Exercise,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Integration Of Theoretical Frameworks For Problematic Exercise: Toward A Comprehensive Model Of Maladaptive And Adaptive Exercise, Christina M. Sanzari
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Exercise can promote health and well-being, and yet a proportion of individuals who exercise develop a maladaptive relationship with physical activity. Problematic exercise is often associated with significant impairment and psychological distress, yet a consensus has not been reached regarding how problematic exercise should be conceptualized. The literature distinguishes between primary exercise dependence, or excessive exercise driven by its intrinsic reinforcement, and secondary exercise dependence, or excessive exercise driven by compensatory motivations related to weight and shape concerns. However, to date, little is known about the prevalence and nature of exercise dependence in the absence of eating pathology. This incongruity …
Relational Mechanisms In Residential Eating Disorder Treatment: A Moderated Mediation Analysis,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Relational Mechanisms In Residential Eating Disorder Treatment: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Bethany Ah Crawford
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Background. Eating Disorders (ED), previously described as a “disease of disconnection,” appear to have differing trajectories of treatment and behavior change based, in part, on feelings of connectedness to others during and outside of treatment. Patient experience of Relational Connectedness is not well-explored in ED treatment compared to other diagnoses but may be a valuable mechanism of change. Interpersonal problems are also known to impact outcome trajectories. Patients high in interpersonal and relational difficulties exhibit negative compensatory behaviors such as avoidance and hostility, which can deleteriously affect building a trusting relationship. Individual difference variables likely play a role in relationship-outcome …
Risk Factors For Executive Functioning Development In Preschool Children With Type 1 Diabetes,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Risk Factors For Executive Functioning Development In Preschool Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Victoria L. Ledsham
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Links between Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and decreased cognitive functioning in children are well documented, but research on executive functioning (EF) in this population is more limited. Multiple T1D-related risk factors (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, glycemic variability, diabetic ketoacidosis) for EF have been established throughout the literature, but their individual effects have been difficult to determine given their interrelated nature. In result, cumulative risk has been proposed as a more robust predictor of EF differences in children with T1D. Moreover, despite the importance of early T1D onset as a risk factor for EF impairment, no studies have previously investigated EF in …
Concurrent Parasympathetic Synchrony In Romantic Couples Exposed To Childhood Maltreatment Subtypes,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Concurrent Parasympathetic Synchrony In Romantic Couples Exposed To Childhood Maltreatment Subtypes, Kate L. Senich
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Early responsive caregiving hones children’s physiological systems and subsequently supports social interactions (Feldman, 2007; Porges 2001; Steelman et al, 2002). Conversely, mis-attuned interactions with caregivers, such as exposure to maltreatment subtypes, might hinder social engagement capacities at both behavioral and biological levels (Kim & Cicchetti, 2004; Sheridan & McLaughlin et al., 2014). These early adverse influences endure across development and can affect behavioral and physiological interactions with romantic partners (Mayo et al., 2021; River et al., 2020; Zamir, 2022). Specifically, temporally coordinated patterns of physiological responses between partners (i.e., synchrony) are linked with important relationship behaviors, including conflict behaviors …
A Strength-Based Approach To Understanding The Impact Of Experiences Of Discrimination Related To Identity-Based Stressors On Disordered Eating Among A Sample Of Sexual And Gender Diverse Individuals,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
A Strength-Based Approach To Understanding The Impact Of Experiences Of Discrimination Related To Identity-Based Stressors On Disordered Eating Among A Sample Of Sexual And Gender Diverse Individuals, Susana Cruz Garcia
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Empirical research investigating eating disorder (ED) behaviors among sexual and gender minorities has grown substantially in recent decades, though notable gaps call for further work to clarify mixed findings regarding the experiences of this heterogeneous population. This study sought to add to our understanding of disordered eating behaviors in LGBTQIA+ participants, with a specific focus on differences between lesbian and gay (LG) versus bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities (BTQIA+), with the latter group remaining especially underrepresented in the literature. Study aims were firstly, to quantify ED incidence and the frequency of experiences of identity-based discrimination in sexual …
Contributions Of Birthing People’S Prenatal Parasympathetic Nervous System Functioning And Postnatal Sensitivity On Infant Temperament,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Contributions Of Birthing People’S Prenatal Parasympathetic Nervous System Functioning And Postnatal Sensitivity On Infant Temperament, Amanda M. Flagg
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Grounded in developmental psychobiology, this research aimed to elucidate how birthing people’s physiological regulation during pregnancy may shape the early emergence of socioemotional development in early infancy. The present study examined how birthing people’s prenatal parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, specifically baseline high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and HF-HRV withdrawal, and postnatal sensitivity contributes to infant temperamental reactivity at six months of age. The study aimed to clarify early developmental mechanisms through which birthing people’s PNS shapes emerging infant temperament. Data were drawn from a longitudinal cohort of Black and African American birthing people, a population underrepresented in psychophysiological research, …
Clinical Experiences In Conducting Empirically Supported Treatments For Insomnia,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Clinical Experiences In Conducting Empirically Supported Treatments For Insomnia, Sondra S. Tiab
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Controlled research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for insomnia, yet clinician experiences with applying CBT in routine settings has received limited attention. This study replicated and extended upon the Two-Way Bridge initiative (Goldfried et al., 2014), which aimed to establish a dialogue between researchers and clinicians on the identification of variables that promote and interfere with the effectiveness of evidence-based therapies. This survey study asked clinicians to identify variables they have encountered that make it challenging to implement CBT and related interventions for insomnia. N = 182 clinicians completed an online survey on typical assessment practices, …
Does Type Of Metta Phrase Impact The Acceptability And Utility Of Loving-Kindness Interventions: An Experimental Evaluation,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Does Type Of Metta Phrase Impact The Acceptability And Utility Of Loving-Kindness Interventions: An Experimental Evaluation, Shannon B. Underwood
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Loving-kindness (metta) meditation (LKM) is a widely utilized self-compassion intervention with numerous biopsychosocial benefits. Yet a smaller, emerging body of evidence suggests that LKM is difficult and various barriers impact its accessibility and effectiveness. Relational Frame Theory provides a behavioral and contextual perspective of language and cognition that may help clarify how LKM may yield receptivity or rejection of the practice itself. Prior research examining the role of language in LKM identified specific metta phrases more likely to evoke a coordinated (i.e., sameness/agreement) or oppositional (i.e., rejection/lacking) response, and found that indices of psychological suffering predicted oppositional responding (Underwood, 2023). …
Social Communication Skills Moderate The Relationship Between Family Quality Of Life And Parenting Stress,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Social Communication Skills Moderate The Relationship Between Family Quality Of Life And Parenting Stress, Hanna Kent
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Parents of newly diagnosed autistic children face elevated levels of parenting stress due to the unique demands associated with raising an autistic child and the challenges of navigating the early intervention systems which often impact their family functioning (Rivard et al., 2023). This study aimed to investigate how autistic traits and demographic variables are associated with parenting stress and family quality of life (FQOL) in caregivers of recently diagnosed autistic children. Data were obtained from 118 caregivers enrolled in a family education program within one year of their child’s autism diagnosis. Measures included the Parenting Stress Index, Short Form, The …
What Is Success? How Peer Support Workers In Ontario See Addiction & Recovery,
2025
Wilfrid Laurier University
What Is Success? How Peer Support Workers In Ontario See Addiction & Recovery, Ngaire Rasmussen
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
The drug crisis in Canada has high mortality rates, especially in remote and rural communities, but there are significant barriers to accessing healthcare to which peer support may represent a partial solution, (Eddie et al., 2019; Englander et al., 2020; The Government of Canada, 2023; Kourgiantakis et al., 2023; Lavalley et al., 2020; Lennox et al., 202; Russell et al., 2021). Research how peer support workers define success in their work with adults experiencing addiction in Ontario, Canada is lacking, but important to understanding the crisis and implementing peer programs. Grounded in Marxist theory, the following exploratory research investigated the …
Beyond My Control: The Role Of Sense Of Control On Cognitive Functioning And Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults,
2025
West Virginia University
Beyond My Control: The Role Of Sense Of Control On Cognitive Functioning And Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults, Sabine Lohmar
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Depression and depressive symptoms commonly coincide with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in older adults (Ismail et al., 2017; Panza et al., 2010), with its prevalence varying based on dementia severity, diagnostic criteria, and dementia subtype (Chi et al., 2015; Ismail et al., 2017; Leung et al., 2021; Lopez et al., 2003). This relationship is hypothesized to exist for a variety of reasons, including that depressive symptoms occur as an emotional response to cognitive functioning (Bennett & Thomas, 2014; Richard et al., 2013). Emotional responses may be explained by a decline in sense of control, or the belief in …
Examining The Relationships Among Value Placed On Autonomy, Use Of Compensatory Control Strategies, And Suicidal Ideation In Older Adults,
2025
West Virginia University
Examining The Relationships Among Value Placed On Autonomy, Use Of Compensatory Control Strategies, And Suicidal Ideation In Older Adults, Catherine Huang Ju
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Rates of suicide in older adults are higher than those found in the general United States population. A variety of risk factors unique to older adulthood contribute to these numbers. Greater value placed on one’s own autonomy is related to suicidal ideation in older adults, but no research has yet been done to examine the mechanisms underlying this relationship. As individuals age and functional impairment increases, older adults generally engage in compensatory primary control strategies (e.g., seeking help) but those who prioritize independence and self-directedness – i.e., place a high value on autonomy – engage in fewer compensatory primary control …
