Proteomic Profiles Of Cytokines And Chemokines In Moderate To Severe Depression: Implications For Comorbidities And Biomarker Discovery,
2024
Pepperdine University
Proteomic Profiles Of Cytokines And Chemokines In Moderate To Severe Depression: Implications For Comorbidities And Biomarker Discovery, Kathleen T. Watson, Jennifer Keller, Caleb M. Spiro, Isaac B. Satz, Samantha V. Goncalves, Heather Pankow, Idit Kosti, Benoit Lehallier, Adolfo Sequeira, William E. Bunney, Natalie L. Rasgon, Alan F. Schatzberg
Psychology Division Scholarship
Objective: This study assessed the proteomic profiles of cytokines and chemokines in individuals with moderate to severe depression, with or without comorbid medical disorders, compared to healthy controls. Two proteomic multiplex platforms were employed for this purpose. Metods: An immunofluorescent multiplex platform and an aptamer-based method were used to evaluate 32 protein analytes from 153 individuals with moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs). The study focused on determining the level of agreement between the two platforms and evaluating the ability of individual analytes and principal components (PCs) to differentiate between the MDD and HC groups. …
The Role Of Medical Cannabis Use In Pain, Sleep, And Mental Health Outcomes Among Older Adults,
2024
University of Central Florida
The Role Of Medical Cannabis Use In Pain, Sleep, And Mental Health Outcomes Among Older Adults, Madison H. Maynard
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024
Older adults represent the fastest growing demographic of cannabis users, and they endorse cannabis use for a variety of reasons including modulation of chronic pain, mental health symptoms, and sleep concerns. Despite escalating patterns of use, current evidence leaves questions of efficacy unanswered among these groups of users. Goals of the present study were to examine the role of medicinal cannabis within subjects at the daily level on the interrelated symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep, and pain. A final sample of 106 medical cannabis users were recruited nationwide, ranging from 55 to 74 years of age (66.67% female, 82.86% white). …
The Effects Of Sexual Assault On Identity And Interpersonal Relationships Among Male And Female Victims,
2024
University of Central Florida
The Effects Of Sexual Assault On Identity And Interpersonal Relationships Among Male And Female Victims, Ishara Jean-Francois
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024
The current study aimed to examine the effect of sexual assault on identity and interpersonal relationships. Although previous studies have examined the connection between sexual assault and interpersonal relationships following assault, there is a lack of research that examines possible gender differences. Further, the effect of sexual assault on identity has been understudied. Male victims are less likely to report their assault for various reasons. Therefore, it is important to focus on this demographic so their stories and experience do not go untold, and they can get the proper help and resources. College students (N= 505) completed an anonymous online …
A Meta-Analysis Of Cannabis Research: Is There Evidence Of Lasting Neurocognitive Effects?,
2024
University of Central Florida
A Meta-Analysis Of Cannabis Research: Is There Evidence Of Lasting Neurocognitive Effects?, Mark J. Crisafulli
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024
Cannabis use in the United States has generally increased over the past decade as more States have legalized recreational use. In conjunction with changes to the chemical makeup, which has made available cannabis more potent, the long-term effects experienced by cannabis users may have changed, and more individuals may be effected. The current study replicated the methods used in Schreiner & Dunn (2012) and Grant et al. (2003) to conduct a meta-analysis examining the neurocognitive effects of cannabis after abstinence lasting a period of at least 25 days. Previous research has found mixed results, with some studies finding significant differences …
Age-Related Microaggressions: A Semi-Replication,
2024
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Age-Related Microaggressions: A Semi-Replication, Stephanie Patt
All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects
The aim of this study was to expand the literature on age-related microaggressions by replicating a previous study on this topic. Participants (n = 303) were asked for examples of daily interactions where they were treated differently because of their age. Participants described experiences of age-related microaggressions and were prompted through a series of questions via an online survey to determine the topography of the age-related microaggressions, emotional and behavioral reactions to being victimized, which aspects of the interaction were most bothersome, perpetrators and settings of the attacks, and perceived intent. A thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was conducted …
Integrating Higher Order Fear-Based Psychopathology And Rdoc’S Acute Threat Subconstruct,
2024
Northern Illinois University
Integrating Higher Order Fear-Based Psychopathology And Rdoc’S Acute Threat Subconstruct, Travis Cole
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Fear-based psychopathology consistently pushes the categorical boundaries established by current diagnostic systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition text revision. While classified by their differing phenotypic symptoms, physiological processes such as fear potentiated startle (FPS) and fear load are common, well-established underlying mechanisms of fear-based psychopathology and represent a prominent target for intervention. The shared mechanisms and symptom overlap among fear-based disorders lend evidence to the examination of symptoms based on a dimensional classification system. One such system, the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a quantitative, bottom-up approach to mental illness classification that …
Childhood Betrayal Trauma And Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration And Victimization: The Role Of Attachment Insecurity And Affective Instability,
2024
University of South Dakota
Childhood Betrayal Trauma And Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration And Victimization: The Role Of Attachment Insecurity And Affective Instability, Emma Shaughnessy
Dissertations and Theses
The present study examined the joint roles of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and affective instability in the association between childhood betrayal trauma and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization severity. Two major societal concerns are IPV and childhood maltreatment. Childhood betrayal trauma is a particularly damaging trauma perpetrated by someone the child trusts and depends upon (e.g., parents). Childhood betrayal trauma has been associated with an increased risk of later IPV, both victimization (e.g., Babcock & DePrince, 2013) and perpetration (e.g., Linder & Collins, 2005; Zurbriggen et al., 2010). Childhood betrayal trauma also impairs the development of a secure …
Social Problem-Solving, Stress, Social Support As Predictors Of Distress Among First-Generation Students,
2024
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Social Problem-Solving, Stress, Social Support As Predictors Of Distress Among First-Generation Students, Marisa Leib
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
First-generation students are steadily increasing in the United States, and currently comprise one third of today’s college undergraduate population (Stebleton & Jehangir, 2020). First-generation students are more likely to face various academic, social, economic, and cultural challenges when transitioning to higher education. The culmination of these stressors put first-generation students at risk for developing mental health conditions. Social problem-solving (SPS) is one variable that has been shown to buffer against the negative effects of stress among the general college student population. The purpose of the current study was to examine how specific variables contribute to psychological distress among the population …
Differences In Personality Pathology Among Non-Suicidal Self- Injury And Suicidal Behavior Patterns: A Latent Class Analysis,
2024
University of South Dakota
Differences In Personality Pathology Among Non-Suicidal Self- Injury And Suicidal Behavior Patterns: A Latent Class Analysis, Rachel Chavin
Dissertations and Theses
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is present among a range of personality disorders (PDs) and, though distinct from suicide (Whitlock et al., 2015). Individuals who engage in NSSI and/or suicidal behavior, tend to have similar symptomology consistent with PDs, like rumination (Bowen et al., 2019), impulsivity (Hamza et al., 2015), and greater sensitivity and emotional reactivity within social situations (Selby et al., 2012). Similarly, maladaptive personality traits have shown to positively relate to NSSI and suicide (Jimenez-Treviño et al., 2011; Turner et al., 2018). Yet, research also indicates that NSSI is a heterogenous behavior that varies in severity related to frequency, age …
Traumatic Stress, Sexual Abuse-Related Shame Severity, And Participation In Commercialized Sex Based On Childhood Sexual Abuse,
2024
University of South Dakota
Traumatic Stress, Sexual Abuse-Related Shame Severity, And Participation In Commercialized Sex Based On Childhood Sexual Abuse, Barbara Ann Bailey
Dissertations and Theses
Any sexual act performed under the condition that one person will receive or provide something of value to another in exchange for the sexual act is referred to as commercial sex. Some research suggests that those who engage in commercial sex are more likely to be victimized or physically assaulted. Moreover, a frequently cited risk associated with engaging in commercial sex is a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Because commercial sex and CSA are often unreported, there is limited understanding regarding symptom severity experienced by survivors of both. It was hypothesized that individuals who had experiences of both CSA …
Is The Virtual Therapy Experience A Sufficient Means For Person-Centered Therapy? A Systematic Review,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Is The Virtual Therapy Experience A Sufficient Means For Person-Centered Therapy? A Systematic Review, Aaron Feibush
Social Work Theses - Archive
Background: American psychologist Carl Rogers is considered the main originator of person-centered therapy (PCT), a psychotherapeutic approach which focuses on self-actualizing abilities of the client which emerge when engaged in an environment of three core conditions established by the therapist: unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence. Over the last several decades there have been thousands of studies that demonstrate support for these three core conditions as necessary features of effective therapy. However, with the emergence of psychotherapy being conducted via telehealth in the last several years, in particular since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it remains unknown …
The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Inhibitory Control Among Emerging Adults,
2024
West Chester University
The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Inhibitory Control Among Emerging Adults, Lindsay Zavislak
West Chester University Doctoral Projects
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include household dysfunction, abuse, and neglect, which can significantly impact mental, emotional, and physical health. 61% of the US population have experienced at least one ACE, and one in five adults have endured at least three or more ACEs before the age of 18 (Felitti et al., 1998, CDC, 2021). ACEs may also impact cognitive processes such as executive functions, attention, problem-solving, and language (Dye, 2018). Inhibition as an executive function supports self-control and impulse control, which can range from blocking an unwanted thought, to stopping oneself from engaging in a risky, potentially dangerous behavior (Diamond, …
Cognitive Functioning In Well-Controlled Asthma,
2024
West Chester University
Cognitive Functioning In Well-Controlled Asthma, Erin Walsh
West Chester University Doctoral Projects
Asthma is a common lung disease that impacts lung functioning through inflammatory based mechanisms. Past research suggests that decreased blood oxygenation due to asthma attacks may impair cognitive capabilities (Irani et al., 2017). Moreover, the observed differences in cognition between those with and without asthma may be associated with disease severity or asthma control respectively in asthma populations. The current study explored differences in cognitive functioning between college students with and without self-reported asthma. Sociodemographic data, self-reported asthma severity, and measures of asthma control were collected. The current study did not find significant differences in measures of cognitive efficiency between …
Cortisol And Executive Functioning For Young Children Attending Head Start Preschool,
2024
West Chester University
Cortisol And Executive Functioning For Young Children Attending Head Start Preschool, Zachary Weaver
West Chester University Doctoral Projects
Poverty circumstances impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis. Early childhood dysfunction in the HPA axis, marked by irregularities in cortisol, poses risk for the development of key executive functioning (EF) abilities. No studies have investigated the relation between cortisol and performance-based measures of EF in settings such as Head Start preschool that aim to promote positive outcomes for children facing economic hardship. This pilot study examined EF and cortisol for 50 children ages 3 to 5 years, who attended a Head Start preschool. This study was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sample size less than half …
Exploring Perceptions Of Self-Compassion In Individuals With Complex Trauma Symptomology: A Qualitative Approach,
2024
West Chester University
Exploring Perceptions Of Self-Compassion In Individuals With Complex Trauma Symptomology: A Qualitative Approach, Brooke Roseman
West Chester University Doctoral Projects
The aim of the present study sought to explore the perceptions of self-compassion through the perspectives of individuals who experience complex trauma symptomology and low rates of self-compassion to inform and enhance trauma treatment. Despite a growing accumulation of studies implicating self-compassion as an integral construct for alleviating symptoms associated with complex trauma, most research designs were quantitative and did not investigate the internal processes occurring within the individual. Based on this gap, the current study expanded the scope of the current literature to include a qualitative thematic analytic approach to better understand the nuances of how this population relates …
The Role Of Reward Probability And Dispositional Mindfulness On Substance Use In Trauma-Exposed Individuals,
2024
West Chester University
The Role Of Reward Probability And Dispositional Mindfulness On Substance Use In Trauma-Exposed Individuals, Sam Wayne
West Chester University Doctoral Projects
Background: In 2020, 93,331 people died from drug overdoses (CDC, 2021), a 32% increase from the year prior and the largest figure recorded in a single year. Understanding the risk and resilience factors are crucial to taking steps towards slowing this trend. Robust research identifies trauma exposure as a risk factor for substance use. Emerging research suggests that dispositional mindfulness and reward probability as risk-resilience factors for substance use. The current study examines two of these potential factors: dispositional mindfulness and reward probability. Method: In a cross-sectional design, residents of a drug rehabilitation program who endorsed opioid use (n …
Neuroticism And Rumination As Mechanisms By Which Adverse Childhood Experiences Increase Vulnerability To Depression In College Students,
2024
West Chester University
Neuroticism And Rumination As Mechanisms By Which Adverse Childhood Experiences Increase Vulnerability To Depression In College Students, Christopher Popielarz
West Chester University Master’s Theses
There is a high prevalence of depression among college students, and the consequences of untreated depression negatively impact those students’ academic and life outcomes. The following study analyzes the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of depression in college years as potentially mediated by neuroticism and rumination factors. The purpose of this research is to fill a gap in the current literature to determine whether neuroticism and rumination act together as mechanisms in conferring depression in college students following ACEs. Data from four questionnaires administered to undergraduate students at West Chester University (n = 127, 55.5% female, …
Gender Differences In Preschool Conduct Disorder Symptoms Across One-Year,
2024
University of Kentucky
Gender Differences In Preschool Conduct Disorder Symptoms Across One-Year, Madeline K. Petersen
Theses and Dissertations--Psychology
Conduct disorder is a childhood disruptive behavior disorder that exhibits striking gender differences in prevalence, comorbidities, and associated outcomes. These gender differences, particularly symptomology, remain understudied in conduct disorder despite the growing prevalence in females. This paper seeks to examine gender differences in parent rated conduct disorder symptoms in preschoolers overrecruited for disruptive behavior problems at three different timepoints across one-year. It is hypothesized that males will exhibit higher levels of physical aggression symptoms at the initial timepoint with declining rates across a one-year period compared to females, while females will exhibit lower levels of conduct problems at the first …
A Multidimensional Look Into Covid-19’S Reverberating Psychological Consequences,
2024
CUNY City College
A Multidimensional Look Into Covid-19’S Reverberating Psychological Consequences, Talia Schulder
Dissertations and Theses
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated preexisting inequities in depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly for marginalized populations. Post-disaster mental health has often been investigated in both public health and clinical psychological literature, and the present dissertation integrates both disciplinary frameworks to understand the reverberating psychological consequences of the pandemic. Methods: Data were collected Winter 2022-2023, and the present analyses used descriptive statistics, correlations, and structural equation models to measure associations between variables of interest. Two separate SEMs were conducted with variables often used in public health literature. Specifically, these models assessed the indirect relationship between COVID-19-related financial and social stress …
A Qualitative Analysis Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Perspectives Of Elderspeak,
2024
Minnesota State University, Mankato
A Qualitative Analysis Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Perspectives Of Elderspeak, Katelynn Shimanski
All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects
Compared to other forms of discrimination, ageism, and specific forms of ageism such as elderspeak are understudied. Despite the fact that the majority of older adults are community-dwelling, much of the existing literature on elderspeak focuses on caregiver perceptions on elderspeak occurring in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The present study analyzed community dwelling older adult’s perceptions of elderspeak using their personal examples of experiences of elderspeak. Results indicated that the majority of participants had negative perceptions of elderspeak that would likely not be influenced by changes in contextual factors such as setting, relationship to the speaker, and gender …
