Perceived Credibility Of Allegations Of Sexual Assault Across Victim Race And Mental Health History,
2025
Georgia Southern University
Perceived Credibility Of Allegations Of Sexual Assault Across Victim Race And Mental Health History, Liyah C. Morgan
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Previous research examined the effect of victim gender and rape myth acceptance (RMA) on perceptions of victim credibility; however, little attention has been given to the impact of victim race and mental health history, and even fewer studies have explored the intersection of these two identities. The primary purpose of the current study was to identify factors affecting understanding of perceived credibility of victims of sexual assault, specifically in terms of victim race and mental health history. The study also examined the role of RMA on perceptions of credibility and explored participant attitudes related to color-blind racial attitudes and mental …
Impact Of Costume And Rape Myths On Perceptions Of The Need For Consent In Interactions With Cosplayers,
2025
Georgia Southern University
Impact Of Costume And Rape Myths On Perceptions Of The Need For Consent In Interactions With Cosplayers, Kiana Monique Perez-Jimenez
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Research on fandom communities is relatively understudied. Specifically, perceptions surrounding consent, rape myth acceptance, and other factors such as gatekeeping attitudes and experiences with discrimination are understudied and undertheorized (Hale, 2014). Historically, sexual harassment has been a pervasive issue in spaces like video gaming communities, especially toward women (Barak, 2005). It is important to further investigate these behaviors in different areas, such as conventions (i.e., cons), because, like in video gaming communities, sexual harassment has been an ongoing issue in con spaces (Zarin, 2017). The current study addressed how cosplayers' dress impacts key aspects of sexual harassment, including perceptions of …
South Asian American Experiences Of Microaggressions And Wellbeing: The Moderating Role Of Social Support,
2025
Georgia Southern University
South Asian American Experiences Of Microaggressions And Wellbeing: The Moderating Role Of Social Support, Archita Birla
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Although the South Asian American community is rapidly expanding in the United States (South Asian Americans Leading Together [SAALT], 2015), there remains a dearth of psychological research regarding the impacts on mental health and wellbeing affecting this diverse community. Racial microaggressions, or verbal or behavioral actions indicating hostile or negative attitudes toward marginalized individuals (Sue et al., 2007), negatively impact People of Color (POC) mental health and wellbeing (Forrest-Bank & Jenson, 2015a; Nadal, Wong, et al., 2015). Some research exists on South Asian American communities and microaggressions (Houshmand et al., 2014; Poolokasingham et al., 2014) but there is limited research …
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 …
Resilience And Grit In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2025
Georgia Southern University
Resilience And Grit In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Danielle Oehring
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Resilience is the way in which an individual positively adapts to challenging or difficult life experiences. This process is marked by adjustments to external and internal demands through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. Grit is perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Although grit and resilience have been researched in children and adolescents, there is a gap in the literature for how these variables relate to developmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder, in children and adolescents. This study aimed to explore the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and internalizing and externalizing symptoms and whether grit and resilience moderates these relationships. Based …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Investigating The Role Of Motivation In Open-Label Placebo Responses,
2025
Cal Poly Humboldt
Investigating The Role Of Motivation In Open-Label Placebo Responses, Joshua Worthington
Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects
Placebo effects occur when an individual receives an inactive treatment that should be unable to provide therapeutic benefits but still demonstrates meaningful improvements in health. Open-label placebos extend this phenomenon by providing full disclosure to individuals that they are receiving a placebo, as opposed to traditional placebo treatments that utilize deception. The role of expectancy as a mechanism of change in placebo has received some mixed results in open-label placebo studies. To the author’s knowledge, motivation for change has not been examined in open-label placebo. The current study examined the role of motivation as a mechanism of placebo responses. To …
The Role Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Aggression And Substance Use In Young Adulthood,
2025
Murray State University
The Role Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Aggression And Substance Use In Young Adulthood, Sadie Goralski
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widespread within the United States. More than half of the population has experienced at least one adverse event during their youth. Such experiences range from parental divorce to sexual assault. Past research has shown that adverse experiences during the formative years play a major role in the development of multiple physical and mental health issues. The current study aimed to explore the interplay among ACEs and two of these covariates: aggression and substance use. Moreover, the proposed study further investigated the development of substance use in emotionally dysregulated individuals with past adverse experiences. In doing …
Factor Analysis Of Neuropsychological Attention Measures With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients,
2025
Seattle Pacific University
Factor Analysis Of Neuropsychological Attention Measures With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients, Elizabeth Mateer
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
This study explored the factor structure of commonly used neuropsychological tests to assess attention in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The study aimed to clarify the relationships among tests traditionally used to assess different components of attention, including the NAB Numbers & Letters Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT), Trail Making Test A & B, Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Coding. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with an oblimin rotation procedure was used to identify the factor structure. The EFA suggested that a four-factor solution was optimal. These factors were identified as: (1) visual attention and psychomotor speed, (2) …
Social Support Networks’ Influence On First-Generation Professionals’ Career Success,
2025
Seattle Pacific University
Social Support Networks’ Influence On First-Generation Professionals’ Career Success, Melissa-Ann M. Lagunas
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
This dissertation examines how perceived social support influences career success among first-generation professionals (FGPs)—individuals who are first in their families to pursue white- collar careers. Drawing on Seibert et al.'s (2001) Social Capital Theory of Career Success, I investigate direct and indirect pathways through which social support affects three dimensions of career success: sense of belonging, professional flourishing, and career satisfaction, while exploring mediating roles of perceived support network quality and resilience. A sample of 230 FGPs (Mage = 31.9 years, SD = 5.32) completed a 62-item online survey hosted on Qualtrics. Participants represented diverse professional disciplines classified into five …
The Impact Of Coping Strategies On The Perceived Stress And Well-Being Of People With Disabilities During The Covid-19 Pandemic,
2025
Seattle Pacific University
The Impact Of Coping Strategies On The Perceived Stress And Well-Being Of People With Disabilities During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Angela G. Maccarrone
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly and negatively impacted those around the world, particularly marginalized groups such as people with disabilities (PWDs). What remains unclear from existing published research is the exact relationship between perceived stress of the pandemic, coping, and overall well-being in PWDs. Prior research and theoretical models of coping suggest that active coping processes are associated with more positive outcomes versus avoidant coping strategies, which have shown less favorable outcomes on well-being. Due to the varying ways in which the pandemic affected PWDs, coping might serve as a moderator, amplifying the negative relationship between perceived stress and well-being. Building …
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 …
Social Support And Negative Affective Outcomes Among Older Adults: Does Valuing Autonomy Matter?,
2025
West Virginia University
Social Support And Negative Affective Outcomes Among Older Adults: Does Valuing Autonomy Matter?, Erika Anne Fenstermacher
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
While not a normal part of aging, depression is a concerning psychiatric condition in late life. Depression is a significant predictor of suicide and the highest rates of suicide occur in middle aged and older adult men. One factor that may protect against depression and suicidal behavior among older adults is social support. Social support has been demonstrated as a significant factor in health and well-being. Perceived social support has consistently been linked to beneficial outcomes, however, received support has mixed results with some studies even finding received support to be harmful. For individuals who highly value autonomy, it may …
The Correlation Between Working From Home And Depression, Anxiety & Stress And The Moderating Effect Of Parenting,
2025
Murray State University
The Correlation Between Working From Home And Depression, Anxiety & Stress And The Moderating Effect Of Parenting, Lauren H. Marshall
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores the impact of working from home on depression, anxiety and stress and whether parenting has a moderating role in its impact. The number of individuals working from home increased dramatically because of the pandemic and many individuals continue to work from home despite the absence of government-issued lockdowns and the diminishing threat of the COVID-19 virus. Earlier pre-pandemic research supports several positive work-related outcomes of working from home; however, little consideration has been given to the long-term impact of this major change in the way we work on individual’s mental health. Social isolation, an increase in sedentary …
The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Childhood Memories And Resilience Building,
2025
Murray State University
The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Childhood Memories And Resilience Building, Nathaniel Paredes
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
One of the most significant agents of shaping children early in life is their parental figures. There has been extant research into parenting styles and outcomes later in life. The current study sought to understand how parenting styles can influence the formation of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PCEs and ACEs), which in turn lead to the development of resilience later in life. It was expected that participants who reported higher levels of authoritative parenting would be significantly correlated with higher levels of positive childhood experiences, and lower levels of adverse childhood experiences. Secondly, authoritarian and permissive parenting would be …
Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain,
2025
Murray State University
Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aimed to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. This study also sought to replicate and extend McCracken et al. (2018) and enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018b), a more psychometrically sound measure …
Too Much Information: The Role Everyday Information Plays In The Understanding Of Mental Health,
2025
Murray State University
Too Much Information: The Role Everyday Information Plays In The Understanding Of Mental Health, Jeremy M. Morgan
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Information overload has become increasingly problematic within the world of mental health, as people are able to go online and access overwhelming amounts of mental health-related information within seconds. The aim of the current study was to examine the interaction between excess mental health information and individuals’ understanding of mental health, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as self-diagnosis. Data from 128 participants was examined. The data collected related to participants’ online search and use patterns of ASD information, their understanding of ASD symptoms, as well as their experiences with those symptoms. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between …
