Screening And Treatment Protocols Used In Nicus Across Minnesota For Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (Pmads),
2026
Bethel University
Screening And Treatment Protocols Used In Nicus Across Minnesota For Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (Pmads), Rachael Witt
Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research
Parents of infants with prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalizations are a population that is overlooked in recommended routine screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), yet this population is at greater risk for developing diagnosable mental health disorders. Previous research shows that across the US, PMAD screening and treatment practices vary widely, with many NICUs not providing any routine PMAD screening, psychoeducation, or treatment options to parents. The objective of this study was to explore the current mental health screening and treatment protocols used in NICUs across the state of Minnesota to learn if there are areas …
Examining The Relationship Between Past Involvement In Sexual Violence, Gender, And Rape Myth Acceptance In College Student-Athletes,
2026
Rowan University
Examining The Relationship Between Past Involvement In Sexual Violence, Gender, And Rape Myth Acceptance In College Student-Athletes, Sarah Baker
Theses and Dissertations
Sexual violence (SV) is a persistent concern on U.S. college campuses, with student-athletes at higher risk for both perpetration and victimization. Rape myth acceptance (RMA) reflects beliefs that excuse or downplay SV, but it is unclear how these beliefs relate to student-athletes’ personal experiences with SV. This study examined RMA based on past SV involvement and gender, with attention to individuals reporting both perpetration and victimization. Participants were 350 NCAA Division III student-athletes who completed measures of SV perpetration and victimization, RMA, and sexism. Analyses evaluated differences in RMA by past involvement in sexual violence and gender while controlling for …
The Use Of Breathing Meditation With Bipoc Trauma Survivors,
2026
University of San Francisco
The Use Of Breathing Meditation With Bipoc Trauma Survivors, Keerthi Sundaramurthy
Doctoral Dissertations
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness-based practices to reduce psychological distress. Although interest in mindfulness-based care is growing, studies investigating virtual interventions for BIPOC trauma survivors remain limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a breathing meditation intervention on mental health outcomes in a sample of trauma-exposed BIPOC adults, using a randomized post-test only design. Participants in the intervention group were asked to complete a 10-minute box breathing meditation daily for four weeks. Quantitative analyses revealed that those in the intervention group reported significantly lower symptoms of anxiety and …
The Primary Care Brief Intervention Competency Assessment Tool (Bi-Cat): Examining Reliability And Validity,
2026
University of Missouri-St. Louis
The Primary Care Brief Intervention Competency Assessment Tool (Bi-Cat): Examining Reliability And Validity, Arielle Guillod
Dissertations
Within primary care, the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model integrates behavioral health services into medical settings through brief, population‑based interventions delivered by behavioral health consultants (BHCs). Although effective performance in this role requires competencies distinct from traditional mental health practice, few psychometrically sound tools exist to assess clinical skills in primary care. The Brief Intervention Competency Assessment Tool (BICAT) is commonly used for this purpose but lacks published evidence supporting its reliability and validity. This dissertation examined the psychometric properties of the BICAT across two studies. Study 1 evaluated factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity in a heterogeneous …
Emophilia: An Integrated Guide For Mental Health Professionals,
2026
Florida Institute of Technology
Emophilia: An Integrated Guide For Mental Health Professionals, Joseph H. Preckajlo, Erica Baer, Richard P. Conti
Forensic Scholars Today
Emophilia, the tendency to fall in love quickly and frequently, has emerged as a distinct, nonpathological relationship trait with implications for early-stage romance, sexual health, and relationship stability. This integrated guide synthesizes conceptual, psychometric, motivational, personality, and clinical findings to support assessment and intervention. Emophilia appears to be an approach-oriented, reward-sensitive construct (vs. anxiety-driven attachment needs), shows satisfactory measurement properties, modest associations with personality, and consistent links to rapid bonding, relational churn, and attraction to antisocial traits. We offer practical assessment strategies, pacing and screening interventions, and ethical/cultural considerations, while highlighting research gaps (e.g., longitudinal tests, neurohormonal mechanisms, and mediation …
The Relationship Between Autistic Traits And Depression Among Self-Reporting College-Aged Adults,
2026
Walden University
The Relationship Between Autistic Traits And Depression Among Self-Reporting College-Aged Adults, Tyler Michael Davis
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among emerging adults, particularly within college populations where academic, social, and developmental stressors are heightened. Autistic traits are increasingly understood as dimensional characteristics that exist across both clinical and non-clinical populations, yet their relationship to depressive symptoms in college-aged adults remains insufficiently understood. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study was to examine the relationship between self-reported autistic traits and depressive symptoms among non-clinical adults aged 18 to 25. The study was grounded in Beck’s cognitive theory of depression and the diathesis–stress model, which posit that cognitive vulnerabilities interact with environmental stressors …
How Young Mothers’ Interpersonal And Emotional Well-Being Impacts Parental Stress And Dating Violence,
2026
Rowan University
How Young Mothers’ Interpersonal And Emotional Well-Being Impacts Parental Stress And Dating Violence, Jonathan Jin
Theses and Dissertations
This two-part dissertation investigated two distinct, yet interconnected aspects of young mothers’ wellbeing which span individual and interpersonal factors. Study 1 examined how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are related to parental stress, and how symptoms of anxiety and depression might mediate this association. Within a sample 255 young mothers with an average age of 22.2 (SD = 2.3), the pooled results of a parallel mediation model across 10 imputed datasets indicated a significant average direct effect of ACEs on parental stress (0.25, p < .01), suggesting that experiencing a history of ACEs was significantly associated with more parental stress. Study 2 examined the relationship between young mothers’ romantic attachment, emotion regulation, and dating violence (DV) victimization. In a different sample of 256 young mothers with an average age of 19.8 years (SD = 1.1), more avoidant (less secure) romantic attachment styles (β = 0.26, SE = 0.1, p < 0.01) and more anxious romantic attachment styles (linear component β = 3.81, SE = 0.9, p < 0.001 and quadratic component β = -2.86, SE = 0.9, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with greater DV victimization. Future research may extend this work by using longitudinal designs to test bidirectional links between interpersonal and emotional wellbeing factors among young mothers.
Collectivist Culture Values And Self-Esteem In Asian Americans With Adhd,
2026
The University of San Francisco
Collectivist Culture Values And Self-Esteem In Asian Americans With Adhd, Skye Taemi Jieling Sakashita
Doctoral Dissertations
This study is a quantitative correlational analysis that evaluated the relationship between collectivism and self-esteem in Asian American adults diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A total of 29 Asian American adults with ADHD participated in this study that included a survey of three scales assessing for collectivism, self-esteem, and ADHD symptoms. The results indicated that the correlation between self-esteem and collectivism in participants was not statistically significant. The correlation between self-esteem and ADHD symptoms was also found to be not statistically significant. However, certain correlational analyses regarding collectivism and ADHD symptoms were found to be statistically significant. Specifically, the results …
An Exploratory Analysis Of Neurocognitive Performance And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Among Latinx Asylum Seekers,
2026
University of San Francisco
An Exploratory Analysis Of Neurocognitive Performance And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Among Latinx Asylum Seekers, Elsie A. Arias
Doctoral Dissertations
Asylum seekers are exposed to violence and traumatic events in their home countries at high rates, leading to mental health challenges such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms and comorbidities such as depression and alcohol misuse are associated with impacts to multiple domains of cognitive functioning among populations such as Veterans. However, the neurocognitive performance of Latinx asylum seekers who experience PTSD symptoms are under-documented in the current literature despite its meaningful impact on clinical care engagement and navigation of the legal process. This study utilized an exploratory, quantitative, cross-sectional design to examine whether higher levels of self-reported PTSD, …
Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective,
2026
National Louis University
Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective, Kathryn Krzykala
Dissertations
Research on primary care providers’ (PCPs) education regarding Death, Grief, and Loss (DGL) remains limited. Specifically, data is lacking regarding patients' perceptions and opinions on what they need and expect from their PCPs regarding grief and loss. This exploratory mixed-method study comprised 146 participants who had experienced death and non-death loss. It examined participants' perceptions of 1) PCP compassion, 2) PCP utilization of evidence-based grief and loss practices, 3) their own level of comfort discussing DGL with their PCPs during medical visits, and 4) their personal grief and loss experiences. The findings revealed that PCPs' grief-informed evidence-based treatment, as reflected …
Strengthening The Shield: Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth In Law Enforcement,
2026
National Louis University
Strengthening The Shield: Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth In Law Enforcement, Aaleiyah C. Spaulding
Dissertations
Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to traumatic incidents that can lead to psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, emerging literature highlights the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG), a positive psychological change following adversity. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of PTG in a sample of 33 police officers from a Midwestern department. Using validated self-report measures, the study assessed the role of trauma exposure, cognitive restructuring of core beliefs, and perceived organizational culture, particularly supervisor support. Results indicated that both internal (core belief reflection) and external (supervisory support) factors significantly predicted PTG. Additionally, involvement in a …
Economic Background And The Role Of Self-Compassion,
2026
University of Texas at Tyler
Economic Background And The Role Of Self-Compassion, Dixy Melendez
Psychology and Counseling Theses
Although self-compassion is established as a buffer against psychological distress, few studies examine its protective role alongside socioeconomic discrimination. This study used hierarchical multiple regressions and a hierarchical logistic regression to examine subjective social status, downward classism, self-compassion, and internalized shame as predictors of distress, academic anxiety, and academic task choice among college students, controlling for demographic variables. Greater self-compassion predicted less internalized shame, and greater downward classism predicted greater shame and distress. Self-compassion showed only marginal protective effects against distress after accounting for other variables. Internalized shame was the strongest, most consistent predictor, robustly relating to academic anxiety and …
Neural Correlates Of Anger Rumination To A Personal Event And Subsequent Changes In Working Memory,
2026
University of Southern Mississippi
Neural Correlates Of Anger Rumination To A Personal Event And Subsequent Changes In Working Memory, Mairin Claire Madison Cotter
Dissertations
Rumination is a maladaptive coping strategy that is associated with the emergence and maintenance of several psychological disorders and related symptomatology and thus has been proposed as a transdiagnostic risk factor. Recent work has focused on patterns of brain activation during rumination to sadness; however, less is known about brain activation patterns in response to anger-inducing events and how anger rumination may influence working memory. This study sought to identify potential neurophysiological correlates (through electroencephalography; EEG) of anger rumination, examine how anger rumination subsequently impacts working memory performance, and determine whether neurophysiological correlates of anger rumination are associated with working …
Coping With Uncertainty In Everyday Situations (Cues©): The U.S. Pilot Study,
2026
Marquette University
Coping With Uncertainty In Everyday Situations (Cues©): The U.S. Pilot Study, Sarah Lehman
Dissertations (1934 -)
Autistic youth experience anxiety at an increased rate compared to their neurotypical counterparts. The presence of anxiety often amplifies the social and functional difficulties faced by autistic youth, which can exacerbate poor outcomes. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), defined as negative beliefs and reactions to unpredictable or ambiguous situations, has been identified as a key factor to the manifestation of anxiety in autistic populations. The current study aimed to replicate the protocol and results from Rodgers et al. (2023) by conducting the first U.S. pilot study examining the feasibility and efficacy of Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES©); an 8-week …
The Process Of Alcohol-Involved Sexual Assault Disclosure: Examining Disclosure Content And Reactions From Informal Supports,
2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Process Of Alcohol-Involved Sexual Assault Disclosure: Examining Disclosure Content And Reactions From Informal Supports, Madison Elle Edwards
Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–
Alcohol-involved sexual violence (SV), in which unwanted sexual contact is attempted or obtained without consent during or after the victim’s alcohol use is a major public health issue among young women. Research consistently shows that alcohol-involved SV can have particularly harmful mental and physical health consequences. Moreover, survivors who were drinking are more likely to receive negative reactions (e.g., blame, minimization) when they disclose their SV experiences to informal supports (e.g., friends, family). These negative reactions are consistently linked to negative psychosocial outcomes. However, little research on negative disclosure reactions has examined the content of survivors’ disclosures. The present study …
Factors Influencing Attitudes Toward Transgender Army National Guard Personnel And Policy,
2026
Walden University
Factors Influencing Attitudes Toward Transgender Army National Guard Personnel And Policy, Michelle Lyn Branch
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
No abstract provided.
Experiences Of Black Francophone Students Entering The United States For Higher Education,
2026
Walden University
Experiences Of Black Francophone Students Entering The United States For Higher Education, Anu Nifemi Ferguson
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
No abstract provided.
The Nature Of Physical Bravery: A Principal Component Analysis Of Bravery Using Personality Attributes, Trauma History, And Resilience In A Mixed Military And Civilian Sample,
2026
Palo Alto University
The Nature Of Physical Bravery: A Principal Component Analysis Of Bravery Using Personality Attributes, Trauma History, And Resilience In A Mixed Military And Civilian Sample, Colin Simsarian, Daniel Baldini, Brenda E. Hammond, Julianna Christofi, Sana F. Usmani, Holly M. Mcgrath, Carolina Rader, Erik Wendel Rice, James Moses, Bruce Bongar
Heroism Science
Heroism is a complex phenomenon shaped by psychological constructs such as bravery and courage, yet empirical research on physical bravery remains limited. This study examined the relationships among physical bravery, personality traits, trauma history, and resilience in a sample of military servicemembers and civilians (N = 197; M age = 27.69). Participants completed the Physical Bravery Survey, and data were analyzed using principal component analysis. Results identified four components explaining 70.52% of the variance in responses. Findings suggest that physically brave individuals tend to be adventurous, cognitively flexible, self-confident, humorous, resilient, and more likely to report a history of trauma. …
Boundaries Of Belonging: The Role Of Christian Campus Climate In Lgbtq+ Student Suicidality,
2026
Seattle Pacific University
Boundaries Of Belonging: The Role Of Christian Campus Climate In Lgbtq+ Student Suicidality, Madison L. Vaccaro
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
LGBTQ+ students at religiously-affiliated colleges experience unique stressors related to discrimination, campus climate, and stigma, which have been linked to negative outcomes including suicidal ideation. Drawing on sociocultural theories of suicide and minority stress, the present study examined whether internalized LGBTQ+ related stigma mediated the relationships between discrimination, negative campus climate, and suicidal ideation among college students attending religious institutions. Participants (N = 75) included college students who identified as LGBTQ+, recruited mainly within the Pacific Northwest. Participants were majority White, assigned female at birth (AFAB), and diverse in gender identity and sexual orientation. Measures assessed experiences of discrimination, campus …
Altered But Adaptive: Network Integration In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors A Diffusion Mri Graph Theory Analysis,
2026
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Altered But Adaptive: Network Integration In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors A Diffusion Mri Graph Theory Analysis, Amanda Cook
ETDs from 2020-2029
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors face treatment-related risk for late-emerging cognitive difficulties. Chemotherapy can disrupt white-matter structure leading survivors to experience subtle but persistent challenges with processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. However, cognitive outcomes vary widely even among survivors with similar treatment exposures. To better understand this variability, this study examines how the brain adapts after treatment and how that adaptation is shaped by the environment. This study used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) connectomics to characterize white matter network organization in 18 pediatric ALL survivors compared with 20 typically developing controls (ages 10-18). Structural connectomes were …
