A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Examining The Efficacy Of Group-Based Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (Pcit) For Autistic Youth: A Mixed-Method Design,
2026
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Examining The Efficacy Of Group-Based Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (Pcit) For Autistic Youth: A Mixed-Method Design, Julia L. Kiefer
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Caregivers of autistic children experience a myriad of barriers when seeking psychotherapy for their children including a lack of family-based treatment options, lengthy waitlists, and limited access to specialized therapists. As the demand for both accessible and affordable mental healthcare for autistic youth increases, group-based interventions may be a useful alternative to more time intensive individual treatment options – allowing for multiple clients to be seen at once. The present study examined the efficacy of an adapted evidence-based intervention, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, to be delivered in a brief, group-based format with families of autistic youth. Driven by input from a …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Understanding Malaysian Adults’ Experiences Of Managing Anxiety Through Compassion Focused Therapy,
2026
Universiti Malaya
Understanding Malaysian Adults’ Experiences Of Managing Anxiety Through Compassion Focused Therapy, Hue Vern Chie
Student Works (2020-2029)
Anxiety disorders are a global concern. In Malaysia, cultural and societal stressors increase the prevalence of anxiety, posing challenges to mental health issues for all. Given the harmful effects of anxiety, there is a urgent need to introduce effective interventions. This study explores the potential of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Malaysian adults, focusing on self-compassion, in a society where seeking help is often stigmatized. The research examines the experiences of Malaysian adults, aged 18 to 35, diagnosed with anxiety, using CFT as a mean to manage anxiety. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study provides an in-depth understanding of …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
