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.
Disability Stigma, Disability Identity, And Psychological Distress Among Young Adults With Disabilities,
2026
University of South Florida
Disability Stigma, Disability Identity, And Psychological Distress Among Young Adults With Disabilities, Dylan G. Serpas
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Disability discrimination is positively associated with psychological distress. Internalized disability stigma or the extent to which negative beliefs about one’s disability become personally adopted is implicated as a mediator. Moreover, disability identity processes, including identity affirmation and rejection may shape downstream consequences of navigating disability discrimination and internalization processes. These relationships are particularly relevant among young adults with disabilities (YAWD) who navigate a critical developmental period characterized by identity formation and heightened perception to social evaluation. In this study, 233 YAWD aged 18 to 25 completed a cross-sectional survey measuring disability microaggressions, internalized disability stigma, disability identity (rejection and affirmation), …
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. …
Can Hope Be Changed In 30 Minutes? The Development, Refinement, And Pilot Evaluation Of A Hope-Based Single-Session Intervention,
2026
University of South Florida
Can Hope Be Changed In 30 Minutes? The Development, Refinement, And Pilot Evaluation Of A Hope-Based Single-Session Intervention, Aileen Kangavary
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Background: Although mental health problems are on the rise among youth, nearly 80% do not access treatment. Schools serve as key settings to address adolescent mental health and wellness needs given the substantial barriers that limit access to community-based mental health services. Despite this potential, schools often face implementation challenges. Therefore, scalable and accessible approaches are needed to meet the growing demand for adolescent mental health support. Single-Session Interventions (SSIs) represent a promising, cost-effective, and digital avenue for providing timely mental health support to youth. Increasingly, research conceptualizes mental health through a two-dimensional framework that includes the presence of well-being …
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 …
Where Diagnosis Meets Daily Life: Testing Theoretical Models Of Social Anxiety,
2026
University of South Florida
Where Diagnosis Meets Daily Life: Testing Theoretical Models Of Social Anxiety, Jessica A. Birg
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is thought to persist through self-reinforcing cycles linking threat perception, fear of evaluation, avoidance, and social behavior. This dissertation examined whether the nature of these daily processes generalize across individuals, cluster into subgroups, or vary by social anxiety severity. Two ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies were conducted: a community sample with and without SAD (Study 1: N = 96; five prompts per day across two 14-day bursts) and an undergraduate sample (Study 2: N = 129; six prompts per day across 14 days). Momentary variables included social anxiety, avoidance motivation, and threat and safety cues (hurt …
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 …
Testing The Impact Of Sexual Minority Stress On Endorsement Of Prospective Behaviors Related To Borderline Personality Disorder Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Queer Adults,
2026
University of South Florida
Testing The Impact Of Sexual Minority Stress On Endorsement Of Prospective Behaviors Related To Borderline Personality Disorder Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Queer Adults, E. Elisa Carsten
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Sexual minority individuals face increased risk for numerous forms of psychopathology compared to heterosexual individuals, including borderline personality disorder (BPD). Previous investigation into the causes of these mental health disparities highlights several sexual minority-specific factors that may render sexual minority individuals uniquely vulnerable to meeting criteria for a BPD diagnosis, including chronic exposure to minority stressors, such as sexual orientation-based discrimination and stigmatizing beliefs. Some scholars have argued that the relevance of these minority-specific stressful experiences hampers the utility of a BPD diagnosis among members of this historically marginalized population. The present study experimentally tested the influence of minority stressors …
Evaluation Of A Sleep Health Composite: Changes In Sleep Over The Menarcheal Transition Among Girls,
2026
Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School
Evaluation Of A Sleep Health Composite: Changes In Sleep Over The Menarcheal Transition Among Girls, Julianna Adornetti
Master's Theses
Sleep undergoes a shift during puberty, increasing the risk for psychological and insomnia symptoms, particularly among girls. However, little research has examined how the onset of menarche may contribute to vulnerability in sleep and psychological functioning. The Sleep Health framework provides a standardized, multidimensional way to conceptualize sleep health (RU-SATED: satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, duration, and regularity). Although prior studies have provided proof-of-concept for assessing sleep health using a composite score (SHc), its measurement properties have yet to be explored. The primary aims of this longitudinal study were to (1) evaluate the factor structure of a sleep health composite, (2) …
Satisfaction With Caseworker Services And Child Outcomes For Youth In The Foster Care System,
2026
Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School
Satisfaction With Caseworker Services And Child Outcomes For Youth In The Foster Care System, Taira Masuda
Master's Theses
Currently, there are approximately 400,000 children involved in the U.S. foster care system (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Youth involved in foster care experience challenges such as trauma, disruptions to their support system, academic disruptions, and additional public system involvement (Emerson & Lovitt, 2003; Fawley-King et al., 2017; Masuda & Helm, 2024; Modrowski et al., 2023). Considering this context, it is essential to increase efforts to reduce added distress and bolster supportive contexts for youth. Caseworkers are essential service providers for youth in foster care. Caseworkers provide support to youth and families through assessing needs, connecting families …
“Being An Arab Is Like Fighting For Your Joy”: Exploring Bicultural Identity, Racialization, And Psychological Well-Being Among Us-Born Arab Americans,
2026
Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School
“Being An Arab Is Like Fighting For Your Joy”: Exploring Bicultural Identity, Racialization, And Psychological Well-Being Among Us-Born Arab Americans, Hisham Nsier
Master's Theses
Bicultural identity development in Arab Americans, who must manage sometimes conflicting cultural expectations, is understudied. Even less is known about Arab Americans born in the United States (US-born AA), who are American by birth yet are alienated from society due to differences between their ‘white’ racialization and their cultural identities. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between bicultural identity, racialization, and psychological well-being at the intersection of US-born AA’s co-existing identities. Eight adult US-born AAs (Mage = 28 years, SD = 4) were recruited from professional Listservs and WhatsApp affinity groups. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed …
Growing Through Systemic Adversity: Evaluation Of Developmental Trauma Assessment Among Black And/Or Latiné Adolescents With Adhd,
2026
Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School
Growing Through Systemic Adversity: Evaluation Of Developmental Trauma Assessment Among Black And/Or Latiné Adolescents With Adhd, Victoria Grant O'Daniel
Master's Theses
Black and Latiné youth are disproportionately impacted by targeted harm and trauma exposure, which is further exacerbated by stigma, biases, and punitive actions towards youth with attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This presents an urgent public health concern, as frequent exposure to trauma across development can lead to difficulties with behavior regulation, interpersonal relationships, impulse control, emotion regulation, and attention and cognition. Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) was proposed to capture the adverse developmental outcomes experienced by youth exposed to chronic trauma; however, there is a dearth of research on how to assess DTD. Thus, the current study aimed to establish support …
Pubertal Timing, Physical Activity, And Internalizing Symptoms In Adolescent Girls,
2026
Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School
Pubertal Timing, Physical Activity, And Internalizing Symptoms In Adolescent Girls, Kirby Knapp
Master's Theses
Puberty brings marked changes in physical appearance, biological functioning, psychological well-being, and behavior, making it one of the most pivotal transitions in adolescence. Those who experience puberty earlier than their same-aged peers are at an elevated risk of psychological disorders and physical inactivity. Research shows that there are links between physical activity and psychological disorders, yet few have examined the directional relations between physical activity and internalizing symptoms or whether a certain amount of physical activity is necessary to prevent internalizing symptoms. Therefore, the current study examined (1) the directional relations between internalizing symptoms and physical activity, (2) the degree …
Understanding The Impact Of Minority Stress On Mental Health Among Racially And Ethnically Diverse Adults: Insights From A Daily Diary Study,
2026
University of South Florida
Understanding The Impact Of Minority Stress On Mental Health Among Racially And Ethnically Diverse Adults: Insights From A Daily Diary Study, Ruba S. Rum
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Minority stressors are theorized to contribute to mental health disparities for racial and ethnic minority individuals. While prior research links distal (i.e., external) and proximal (i.e., internal) minority stressors to adverse psychological outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups, most studies have relied on cross-sectional designs that limit understanding of the immediate and short-term effects of minority stressors and potential protective factors in daily life. To address this gap, the present study examined the within-person daily associations between distal (interpersonal and vicarious discrimination, microaggressions) and proximal (internalized stigma, anticipation of rejection, identity management) minority stressors and psychological outcomes. Racial and …
Prosocial Behaviors As A Protective Factor Against Suicide Risk: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach,
2026
University of South Florida
Prosocial Behaviors As A Protective Factor Against Suicide Risk: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach, Bradley A. Brown
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Suicidal ideation (SI) fluctuates substantially over short timescales, and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that suicidal thinking emerges through dynamic interpersonal states involving perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and hopelessness regarding these interpersonal states (IH). Although ecological momentary assessment (EMA) research has demonstrated that these risk factors fluctuate meaningfully within individuals and are associated with short-term changes in SI, comparatively little research has examined interpersonal processes that may attenuate suicide risk in real time. Prosocial behavior — voluntary actions intended to benefit others — may represent one such process, yet no known EMA study has examined whether prosocial …
Heroes At Home: Developing And Evaluating A Comprehensive Parenting Program For Expectant Parents And Parents Of Young Children,
2026
University of Denver
Heroes At Home: Developing And Evaluating A Comprehensive Parenting Program For Expectant Parents And Parents Of Young Children, Olivia Adams
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Parental preparedness plays a critical role in parental wellbeing, relationship functioning, and early child development; however, many parents report feeling unprepared for the emotional, relational, and developmental demands of parenthood. Although psychoeducational parenting programs have demonstrated positive effects on parental mental health and child outcomes, access to comprehensive and time-efficient interventions remains limited. This pilot program evaluation assessed the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a brief, online psychoeducational parenting program designed to reduce parenting stress and enhance parental self-efficacy. A quasi-experimental pre–post design was used to examine changes in parenting stress and parental self-efficacy following participation in a single 120-minute …
Motherwise In Nicaragua: The Implementation Of Culturally Adapted Relationship Education For Women During Pregnancy And Postpartum,
2026
University of Denver
Motherwise In Nicaragua: The Implementation Of Culturally Adapted Relationship Education For Women During Pregnancy And Postpartum, Amanda Key Correa Love
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a concerning public health issue of global proportions, particularly within rural and under-resourced settings. Communities in these settings face elevated risk for relationship abuse, further compounded by barriers to access culturally responsive preventive intervention programming. This qualitative study investigated participant experiences, cultural adaptation, and implementation of the MotherWise program, a healthy relationship education intervention in rural Leon, Nicaragua. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with former and current program participants as well as the program facilitator following the initial program implementation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns related to participant experiences, the types of …
Lost In Loss: A Supportive Handbook For Teens Grieving The Suicide Of A Loved One,
2026
University of Denver
Lost In Loss: A Supportive Handbook For Teens Grieving The Suicide Of A Loved One, Gabriella Potter
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Adolescence is a complex developmental time. For adolescents grieving a suicide death, there can be added layers of complexity in navigating this developmental period, due to unique challenges and stigma, family disruption, trauma, unanswerable questions, feelings of rejection, abandonment, responsibility, and anger that can result from a suicide death loss. Through a literature review of the available research on adolescent suicide bereavement, this doctoral paper examines models of grief, adolescent development, and suicide loss, aiming to bridge the literature in all these domains. Despite the high prevalence of bereavement in young people, there are limited, tailored resources designed to support …
A Narrative Study Of The “Religious Dones” And Their Religious Identity, Relationship To God, And Social Connections,
2026
University of Denver
A Narrative Study Of The “Religious Dones” And Their Religious Identity, Relationship To God, And Social Connections, Michelle Suh
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
This qualitative study aims to learn about how religious dones — those who were formerly religious but no longer identify as religious — have constructed their life narratives in light of their religious deidentification, with particular attention on the evolution of religious identity, perceived relationship with God, and social connections across the lifespan. A narrative methodology was employed to capture participants’ experiences in a story format to understand the subjective meaning-making process of their lived experiences, and six young adults between the ages of 23-29 participated in the study. Data collection consisted of a life-story portion of the interview with …
Psychogastroenterology: An Introduction For Behavioral Health And Healthcare Professionals,
2026
Concordia University, St. Paul
Psychogastroenterology: An Introduction For Behavioral Health And Healthcare Professionals, Jerrod Brown Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., Jeremiah B. Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Cns, Ches, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Tiffany Flaten Cns, Ldn
Nutritional Neurocriminology Today
Although often difficult to discuss with clients, gastrointestinal (GI) issues affect an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans (American Gastroenterological Association, 2022). Yet only about 25% of those experiencing these conditions receive treatment. This is troubling because GI issues frequently co-occur with clinically significant consequences for physical health, psychological well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Designed for behavioral health and healthcare professionals, this brief article introduces the field of psychogastroenterology, with emphasis on symptoms, stigma, diagnosis, and treatment. Key topics include the gut-brain axis, common digestive health conditions, and the mental health implications associated with gastrointestinal disorders.
