Clinical Psychology Commons^™

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, 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 …

Thought Control Mediates The Relation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms In Undergraduates, Alex Elnashar

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Purpose: Body dysmorphia (BDD) has been shown to possibly result from multiple environmental factors. However, the exact mechanism by which these environmental factors play a role has yet to be examined. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body dysmorphia symptoms through maladaptive thought control as a mediator.

Method: The current study collected data from 127 undergraduate students aged 18-25. A survey was given with questionnaires assessing demographics such as age, sex, and gender, as well as the frequency of ACEs, BDD symptoms, and obsessional beliefs. Pearson’s correlation analysis was …

Differences In Mental Health Attitudes, Symptoms, And Help-Seeking Behaviors Between College Student-Athletes And Non-Athletes, Cristian Miralles

Honors College Theses

This study examined differences in mental health stigma, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors between student-athletes and non-athletes. 8 student-athletes and 231 non-athletes from a rural college in southeastern USA took an online survey, and independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine group differences. There were no statistically significant differences in any measure between student-athletes and nonathletes. However, exploratory sex analyses found females had lower stigma and used services more frequently compared to males. Participants then explained any mental health resources they utilize, with most using ‘Personal Relationships’ when needed. ‘No need’, or participants who's mental health concerns were not significant enough …

Analysis Of Research On The Effects Of Auditory Stimulation On Anxiety And Stress In Clinical And General Populations, Rebecca Lee

CMC Senior Theses

The use of auditory stimulation may be a useful method in treating clinical anxiety disorders, as well as aiding in coping with daily stress among general populations. The understanding of how certain forms of auditory stimulation can increase anxiety and stress is also critical so clinicians and the general population can approach decreasing anxiety and stress in the most effective way possible. The following paper will provide a literature review on studies published after the year 2000, analyzing the various impacts of different types of auditory stimulation, including impacts of music-therapy, music and noise at different frequencies, binaural beat stimulation, …

Impact Of Interparental Conflict And Maternal Attachment On College Students’ Social Anxiety And Emotional Regulation, Kendra Ostermeier

Masters Theses

The potential impact that interparental conflict experienced during adolescence can have subsequently on college students was examined. The literature has demonstrated a positive relationship between interparental conflict and emotional dysregulation (Schwarz et al., 2012) and social anxiety (Adare et al., 2021). Maternal attachment was examined as a mediator of this relationship, as El-Sherkiah and Elmore-Staton (2004) identified it as a mediator between martial conflict and negative child outcomes. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between interparental conflict with social anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, this study examined maternal attachment as a mediator of those relationships. Interparental conflict was correlated positively …

Transitions In Patterns Of Substance Use During Early Adolescence: Bidirectional Associations With Externalizing Behaviors, Courtney B. Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

Early adolescents who engage in polysubstance use, defined as the use of three or more different substances, are at particularly high risk of future substance use disorders and adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, little is known about the development of substance use patterns during early adolescence, particularly among youth living in urban settings. Although theory and research suggest that youth with greater externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, delinquent behavior) may be more likely to escalate to polysubstance use at an early age, few studies have examined bidirectional relations between externalizing symptoms and polysubstance use. The goal of this study was to (a) …

Adhd Symptoms As A Moderator For The Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment And Adolescent Delinquency, Demy Alfonso

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Childhood maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect) has consistently been shown to be a significant predictor of engagement in subsequent delinquent behaviors during adolescence. ADHD symptoms have also been shown to be both a risk factor for experiencing childhood maltreatment, as well as a potential consequence of having been exposed to maltreatment. Additionally, concurrent symptoms of ADHD and experiences of maltreatment are significantly associated. ADHD symptoms have also been shown to be related to delinquency. Further, research has found that the prevalence of these difficulties (e.g., ADHD symptoms, delinquent behaviors) may differ according to an individual’s gender. The …

Legal Pressure To Attend Substance Abuse Treatment, Angelicia Courteau

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

This paper was written to bring awareness of how the legal system does not take into consideration those who suffer from substance use disorder, as well as ACEs. Brian Luke Burijon’s battle with addiction while incarcerated was used as an example of how the legal system’s one-size-fits-all approach is flawed. Mr. Burijon opted for a treatment he did not feel was ideal for him because the alternative was to remain incarcerated for a long period. Mr. Burijon was unable to tolerate the treatment at the facility and left early, which resulted in his overdose death.

Autism Clinicians' Bias In Detecting Female-Typical Rrbi In Young Children, Megan Young

Scripps Senior Theses

With four times as many boys than girls diagnosed with autism, psychologists must investigate whether this is due to an intrinsic difference or gender bias. This proposed study aims to evaluate autism clinicians’ bias in detecting restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI) in young children by presenting autism specialists with a vignette depicting one of four children, depicting either the male or female autism phenotype, and a masculine or feminine name. Gender of child and phenotypic presentation is expected to have a significant effect on detection and identification such that feminine names presenting with the Female Autism Phenotype (FAP) …

Autism-Related Support Services On Mental Health And University Connectedness, Adeline E. P. Rogers

Scripps Senior Theses

College is notoriously challenging, with many student concerns associated with adapting to the new expectations for lifestyle, workload, and socializing that come with transitioning to college and/or university (Gelbar et al., 2015). For college students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the impact of these changes can be far more challenging, as their needs can be different from their neurotypical peers. This study implemented an online survey to gather data on autistic students’ feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, university connectedness, experiences with university autism support programs, and basic demographics. Unfortunately, the results found from this study were contaminated by a large …

Exploring The Therapeutic Relationship In Mental Health Therapy With Queer And Disabled Adults, Rachel Womack

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Queerness and disability have been shown to be intimately connected, with members of the LGBTQIA+ community significantly more likely to identify as disabled compared to the general population. Though there are roughly 3-5 million queer and disabled individuals living in the United States, this remains a multiply marginalized and understudied population. Owing partially to stigma, minority stress, and discrimination, these individuals face an increased risk of a variety of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD, and suicidality. Additionally, several barriers to mental health treatment exist, including inaccessible services, lack of provider knowledge, and outright discrimination from providers. Though …

A Validation Study Of The Occupational Depression Inventory In Poland And Ukraine, Krystyna Golonka, Karine O. Malysheva, Dominika Fortuna, Bożena Gulla, Serhii Lytvyn, Leon T. De Beer, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Renzo Bianchi

Publications and Research

This study examined the psychometric and structural properties of the Polish and Ukrainian versions of the Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI). We relied on two samples of Polish employees (NSample1 = 526, 47% female; NSample2 = 164, 64% female) and one sample of Ukrainian employees (NSample3 = 372, 73% female). In all samples, the ODI exhibited essential unidimensionality and high total-score reliability (e.g., McDonald’s omegas > 0.90). The homogeneity of the scale was strong (e.g., 0.59 ≤ scale-level Hs ≤ 0.68). The ODI’s total scores thus accurately ranked individuals on a latent occupational depression continuum. We found evidence of complete measurement invariance …

Investigating The Novel Effects Of First-Time Wim Hof Breathing: An Experimental Study, Yuhan Kong

CMC Senior Theses

Breathwork, or voluntary controlled breathing exercise, is central around the world for spiritual and well-being purposes. Most extant research has focused on slow breathing techniques and has found a range of benefitsin physiological (e.g., increase in parasympathetic tone) and psychological (e.g., reduction in depression, anxiety, stress) outcomes. Less explored is fast-paced breathwork, which may also be beneficial for mental and physical health. Wim Hof Breathing (WHB), a novel breathing technique that gained popularity in recent years, has been claimed to have a range of health benefits, including improving mental health, autonomic regulation and cardiovascular functioning. However, very limited scientific studies …

Adolescent Bereavement And Resilient Outcomes: A Comprehensive Analysis, Jenna Holmes

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis explores the complexities of adolescent bereavement and factors that improve resilience. Bereavement in adolescence is particularly difficult and complicated because it occurs during a crucial developmental period, and maladaptive coping during this time has been linked to many negative outcomes. This review covers three different theoretical models (i.e., Model of Adolescent Grieving, Multidimensional Grief Theory, and the Contextual Resilience Model for Bereaved Adolescents) of adolescent bereavement and compares their strengths and weaknesses. The importance of promoting resilience and healthy bereavement is underscored, followed by a discussion of how the type of loss (e.g., parent, sibling, and friend), different …

Psychological Effects Of Solitary Confinement, Asia Mclemore

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis critically examines the controversial practice of solitary confinement (SC) in correctional facilities, aiming to elucidate its profound impact on the mental well-being of incarcerated individuals. Through a comprehensive review of empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case analyses, it explores the psychological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical responses of inmates subjected to prolonged isolation, revealing the intricate interaction between environmental deprivation and psychological distress. Key themes investigated include the induction and exacerbation of mental health conditions, including symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the conflicting effects of SC on institutional order. Furthermore, the study evaluates the ethical …

Veterans, Providers, Moral Injury, And The Integration Of Spirituality In Clinical Care, Claire Muldrew

Theses and Dissertations

Moral Injury (MI) is known to be prevalent among military populations, however, the integration of spirituality into the treatment of veterans with trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an understudied topic. This systematic review sought to explore how mental health clinicians and chaplains view the integration of spirituality in the course of clinical care with traumatized veterans who experience MI. Utilizing qualitative methodology, the existing knowledge base was studied to shed light on this topic and to also identify the similarities and differences between these types of providers. The meta-aggregation approach was applied to analysis of the available data and a …

Identifying Mechanistic Pathways To Rigidity Associated With Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Traits Using A Novel Decision-Making Paradigm, Hannah L. Heintz

Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive and behavioral rigidity is observed across several mental disorders and is a defining characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), a highly prevalent and debilitating, yet understudied, disorder. In particular, treatments for OCPD are underdeveloped due to our poor understanding of the mechanisms leading to the disorder’s key feature of rigidity. Two related disorders, anorexia nervosa (AN) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), have shown distinct mechanistic pathways leading to symptoms of rigidity, indicating that this trait can arise as a result of a number of differentially impaired cognitive processes, each requiring unique interventions. To examine the relationship between symptoms of OCPD …

Religious And Spiritual Struggles Among Satanists, Trevor Flick

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

As Satanism represents a unique religious demographic, the present study sought to determine the prevalence of religious and spiritual struggles among modern Satanists and resulting anxiety or depressive symptoms. A sample of 693 self-identified Satanists were surveyed about their experiences of religious and spiritual struggles, perceptions of their Satanist identity, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that Satanists predominantly struggle with interpersonal and ultimate meaning struggles. Ultimate meaning and moral struggles were predictive of both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Interpersonal struggles also predicted anxiety symptoms. Individual perceptions of Satanist identity did not have a significant influence on the relationship …

The Effects Of Physical And Emotional Child Abuse On Social Functioning, And Help Seeking Behaviors In Adulthood, Beatrice Chambers

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Child abuse is very common in today’s society, and of great social concern. Reports indicate at least one in seven children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. Further, in 2020, 1,750 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States alone. The number may be even higher since not every victim who died from abuse would have that indicated as the cause of death (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of physical and emotional child abuse on social functioning …