Cultivating Empathy In Middle School Students Through Narrative Fiction,
2016
James Madison University
Cultivating Empathy In Middle School Students Through Narrative Fiction, Kane M. Hamilton
Educational Specialist, 2009-2019
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether reading narrative fiction can potentiate empathy in middle school students. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: narrative fiction group and expository nonfiction group. Participants in the narrative fiction group were asked to read a passage from a novel selected from the 5th grade Common Core reading curriculum. Participants in the expository nonfiction group were asked to read a passage from a science book from the 5th grade Common Core science curriculum. Pretest and posttest data were collected using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Results of this study indicate …
Protecting The Protectors: Enhancing Emotional Well-Being In Law Enforcement,
2016
James Madison University
Protecting The Protectors: Enhancing Emotional Well-Being In Law Enforcement, Olivia Gillies
Educational Specialist, 2009-2019
Law enforcement officers face a myriad of stressors, both personally and professionally, and regularly suffer serious outcomes that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. Fortunately, counselors have important skills that can be used to assist officers in building resilience, coping with stress, and managing negative outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress syndrome and interpersonal troubles. This project outlines the various difficulties that law enforcement officers may experience, explores current practices to manage these concerns, and provides a discussion of useful approaches counselors and law enforcement agencies can take in supporting their most valuable assets.
Counseling Refugees Of Middle Eastern Descent In The United States,
2016
James Madison University
Counseling Refugees Of Middle Eastern Descent In The United States, Jennifer Semaan
Educational Specialist, 2009-2019
Refugees of Middle Eastern descent in the United States face a countless number of challenges throughout their journey. Many of these obstacles are overlooked or unaccounted for. This research paper serves to help mental health counselors identify the unique challenges of each phase during the refugees’ migration process, as well as provide information on evidence-based practices that can be useful when working with this population. This project also speaks to the different roles that counselors play in a therapeutic relationship, including direct therapy, advocating on behalf of refugee clients, and educating other counselors and the public on the specific needs …
A Change Of Heart: Understanding Spirituality Following A Shift In Values Or Beliefs In Young Adults,
2016
James Madison University
A Change Of Heart: Understanding Spirituality Following A Shift In Values Or Beliefs In Young Adults, Aaron Boggs
Educational Specialist, 2009-2019
As a counselor, how does one sit with others who have experienced a dramatic change in their belief system and values? This paper seeks to identify the effects of a significant change in values or beliefs on young adults and the recovery of the spiritual dimension of their lives. Spirituality, defined as an individual's inner process to define their purpose, meaning, and values through a connection to others (which may include God) and themselves, is an increasingly important component to consider in assessment and therapy. The case study of Angela and the personal journey of the author illustrate the psychological …
More Than Meets The Eye: Taking A Look At Emdr In Trauma-Focused Therapy,
2016
James Madison University
More Than Meets The Eye: Taking A Look At Emdr In Trauma-Focused Therapy, Karen M. Engelhard
Educational Specialist, 2009-2019
An abundance of research in trauma-focused therapy has been conducted and continues in the ongoing effort to increase evidence-based approaches to counseling practice. While the therapeutic intervention of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has existed for decades and is now widely accepted as an effective treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it continues to be surrounded by controversy and criticism as the utility of the eye-movements and its theoretical basis are still not well understood. In this paper, I have discussed theories of trauma and the impact on mind and body, the evolution of EMDR along with its …
Combat Experiences, Personality, Iso-Strain, And Sleep Quality Affect Posttraumatic Stress Among Working Post-9/11 Veterans,
2016
Portland State University
Combat Experiences, Personality, Iso-Strain, And Sleep Quality Affect Posttraumatic Stress Among Working Post-9/11 Veterans, Gilbert Patrick Brady Jr., Leslie B. Hammer, Olivia C. Preston, Anna K. Nishen
Student Research Symposium
We investigated the effects of combat experiences (CES), personality traits, sleep quality and iso-strain on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among a sample (N=382) of working, post-9/11 Veterans. As prior occupational stress research has neglected the role of personality traits, we sought to examine how two of the Big Five traits (i.e., Neuroticism and Conscientiousness) affected PTSS. Greater scientific understanding of how personality contributes to the post-deployment etiology of PTSD may help customize interventions aimed at reintegrating Veterans. Baseline data were drawn from the five-year, randomized control, Department of Defense-funded “Study for Employment Retention of Veterans” (SERVe). After controlling …
Reciprocity: Caring For America's Caregivers,
2016
Cleveland State University
Reciprocity: Caring For America's Caregivers, Courtney Dunn
The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University
Should families be forced to choose between the health of a caregiver and patient? Through the eyes of a woman caring for her husband with Alzheimer's disease, we see that family caregivers suffer tremendous amounts of stress while caring for the patient. Despite the time and efforts required to care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, people every day choose this as an alternative to out-of-home care. This often leads to depression, anxiety, and physical stress which can result in series medical issues. Considering the increase of people with Alzheimer's disease in the United States, this article argues that support programs …
Comparative Organizational Assessments And Partenship Potential For Sekou Pou Nanm-Yo And Asirans Community Counseling Center,
2016
Clark University
Comparative Organizational Assessments And Partenship Potential For Sekou Pou Nanm-Yo And Asirans Community Counseling Center, Lauren M. Mawe
Sustainability and Social Justice
This paper assesses the organizational capacity of two small Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Port-Au-Prince Haiti. Each NGO has a staff of under 15 members. At the time of the assessment, they were both in early stages of their development, with one in its first year of operations, and the other in its fifth year. Both embody grassroots, community organizations because of their connections to the communities in which they work, their willingness to travel to those communities, and their predominantly Haitian staff. The fieldwork included interviews, focus groups, and three months of participant observation and work with these organizations. In …
Psychotherapy Dropout : The Influence Of Ethnic Identity And Stigma On Early Termination.,
2016
University of Louisville
Psychotherapy Dropout : The Influence Of Ethnic Identity And Stigma On Early Termination., Le'keldric Jawon Thomas
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Although clients continue to drop out of psychotherapy, researchers have made few inroads into understanding the dropout phenomenon. Clinical studies have reported client dropout rates based on demographic factors (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, educational status). However, few studies have investigated the cultural correlates that may underlie these demographic factors and affect client termination. Furthermore, none have provided an empirically driven explanation as to why some clients drop out more often than others. In two studies, I explore dropout in two settings: a community mental health center and a university counseling center. Guided by current theory and research, I will examine …
Sex-Related Alcohol Expectancies, Alcohol Consumption, And Risky Sexual Behavior Among African American College Women,
2016
University of Southern Mississippi
Sex-Related Alcohol Expectancies, Alcohol Consumption, And Risky Sexual Behavior Among African American College Women, Danielle P. Cottonham
Master's Theses
African American college women are experiencing sex-related negative consequences (e.g., contracting sexually transmitted diseases or human immunodeficiency virus, having an unplanned pregnancy) at disproportionate rates in comparison to Caucasian college women. Furthermore, African American college women are likely engaging in risky sexual behaviors (e.g., unprotected anal, vaginal, oral sex) that may be placing them at a greater risk for experiencing sex-related negative consequences. Research suggests that increased alcohol consumption is predictive of more risky sexual behavior among college women. Additionally, sex-related alcohol expectancies, or beliefs about the effects of alcohol on sexual behavior, are positively associated with increased alcohol consumption …
The Dark Triad And Hexaco Model Of Personality In Relational Aggression,
2016
University of Southern Mississippi
The Dark Triad And Hexaco Model Of Personality In Relational Aggression, Niki M. Knight
Master's Theses
Past research has linked relational aggression (RA) to many forms of psychological maladjustment among children and early adolescents. Although less is known about RA among emerging adults, there is a growing body of research demonstrating a number of adverse correlates. This literature has sparked an interest in examining the role of personality in RA. Most investigations to date have focused on the Five Factor Model; however, the six factor HEXACO model of personality (Ashton et al., 2004) may offer some advantages in studying RA. Moreover, the manipulative and often covert nature of RA among emerging adults has theoretical overlap with …
Congruence With College Major In Light Of Cognitive Influence And Work Roles,
2016
University of Southern Mississippi
Congruence With College Major In Light Of Cognitive Influence And Work Roles, Erica L. Mathis
Master's Theses
Using Holland’s theory, the author examined moderators that may influence students’ academic success and satisfaction while accounting for cognitive influence. Data from 233 undergraduate students was analyzed using a series of hierarchical multiple regressions. The study sought to determine if student employment and the level of interest profile elevation were significant moderators of the relationship between congruence with college major and academic major satisfaction, as well as academic major success. Uniquely, academic major success was determined through GPA and a 10-subscale self-report measure. Cognitive influences were operationalized as positive and negative thinking and accounted for in all analyses. Correlation results …
African American Female Offender's Use Of Alternative And Traditional Health Services After Re-Entry: Examining The Behavioral Model For Vulnerable Populations,
2016
University of Kentucky
African American Female Offender's Use Of Alternative And Traditional Health Services After Re-Entry: Examining The Behavioral Model For Vulnerable Populations, Carrie B. Oser, Amanda M. Bunting, Erin L. Pullen, Danelle Stevens-Watkins
Sociology Faculty Publications
This is the first known study to use the Gelberg-Andersen Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to predict African American women's use of three types of health services (alternative, hospitalization, and ambulatory) in the 18 months after release from prison. In the multivariate models, the most robust predictors of all three types of service utilization were in the vulnerable theoretical domains. Alternative health services were predicted by ethnic community membership, higher religiosity, and HIV/HCV. Hospitalizations were predicted by the lack of barriers to health care and disability. Ambulatory office visits were predicted by more experiences of gendered racism, a greater number …
Developmental Traits And Patterns Emerging From Dependent Nurturing Individuals In Narcissistic Relationship,
2016
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Developmental Traits And Patterns Emerging From Dependent Nurturing Individuals In Narcissistic Relationship, Gregory D. Roberts
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The concept of personality theories and personality disorders has developed in modern times from deep roots in philosophy and psychodynamic theory. This theory orientation has evolved to diagnostic and treatment application. Much of the literature has focused on personality disorders as independent and singular constructs. Phenomenological discussions and deeper understandings of dysfunctional relationships between the two specific disorders of dependent personality and narcissistic personality are lacking. Significant longsuffering, abusive, and pathological behaviors at times are observed among dependent personality types in bad relationships. The objective of this study was to gather data from a sample of dependent types to discover …
Instilling Hope: Showing Individuals With New Disabilities Between The Ages Of 18 And 24 That Suicide Is Not The Answer,
2016
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Instilling Hope: Showing Individuals With New Disabilities Between The Ages Of 18 And 24 That Suicide Is Not The Answer, Christine Ann Whiting
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this dissertation is to explore what can be done to mitigate the onset of a disability for young adults aged 18-24 in order to prevent suicidal thoughts or actions. Research suggests that many factors play into suicidal ideation for this young population, including lost hope, lack of coping mechanisms, lack of financial security and bullying. The goal of this research is to determine what rehabilitation professionals can do differently that will hopefully eradicate suicide for this group.
Problem Analysis In Community Violence Assessments: Reavealing Early Childhood Trauma As A Driver Of Youth And Gang Violence,
2016
Clark University
Problem Analysis In Community Violence Assessments: Reavealing Early Childhood Trauma As A Driver Of Youth And Gang Violence, Laurie Ross Phd, Samantha Arsenault, Sergeant Miguel Lopez
Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise
Problem analysis conducted by a university-based research partner can provide communities with data-driven options to address the local drivers of serious youth and gang violence. Situated in Worcester, Massachusetts, this article describes how after early childhood trauma was identified as a potential driver of adolescent and young adult violence, problem analysis using local data confirmed that being the victim or witness of a traumatic incident before the age of 12 was significantly correlated with involvement in violence in adolescence or young adulthood. While there is a robust literature on the relationship between early childhood trauma and later delinquency, local decision-makers …
The Influence Of Doctoral Psychology Trainees' Personal Cannabis Use, Perceptions Of Cannabis' Risks, And Attitudes Toward Substance Use On Ability To Identify Cannabis Use Disorder,
2016
Seton Hall University
The Influence Of Doctoral Psychology Trainees' Personal Cannabis Use, Perceptions Of Cannabis' Risks, And Attitudes Toward Substance Use On Ability To Identify Cannabis Use Disorder, Alexandra G. Stratyner
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
The incidence of cannabis use disorder is increasing across the United States as a function of increased cannabis use (Hasin et al., 2015); accordingly, it is critical that mental healthcare professionals be able to accurately identify cannabis use disorder. In light of this imperative, the current study explored potential barriers to diagnosing cannabis use disorder among doctoral psychology trainees. Participants (N = 123) were doctoral students in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and related disciplines. Utilizing a quasi-experimental analogue design, the study examined whether doctoral psychology trainees’ personal cannabis use predicted their perceptions of the risks of cannabis use and …
Courage, Psychological Well-Being, And Somatic Symptoms,
2016
Seattle Pacific University
Courage, Psychological Well-Being, And Somatic Symptoms, Christopher J. Keller
Clinical Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between courage, psychological well-being (PWB), and somatic symptoms in an adult population. Courage is the ability to pursue goals or a purpose despite risk or fear. While courage has been shown to be associated with decreased mental health symptoms, little is known about health outcomes associated with courage. The hypotheses of this study were that higher reported levels of courage would predict lower reported somatic symptoms, and that PWB would account for significant variance in the relationship between courage and somatic symptoms. Participants, mean age 38, were given online surveys …
Walking On Eggshells: The Lived Experience Of Partners Of Veterans With Ptsd,
2016
University of Calgary
Walking On Eggshells: The Lived Experience Of Partners Of Veterans With Ptsd, Tiffany A. Beks
The Qualitative Report
This phenomenological study examined the descriptions of lived experience among female partners of veteran men with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) via internet discussion forums. Personal, self-initiated written accounts of 30 partners were analyzed with respect to meaning, challenges, coping responses, and role in veterans’ healing and rehabilitation. Following data analysis, five descriptive themes emerged: all-consuming effect of the illness, walking on eggshells, ambiguous loss, alone, and facing PTSD as a unit. The central meaning of these themes describes the widespread priority of the veterans’ illness, and the resulting isolation, grief, and apprehension experienced by intimate partners as they assume …
Nature Connection: Theory, Evidence And Practice,
2016
James Madison University
Nature Connection: Theory, Evidence And Practice, Matt V. Bukowski
Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities
This presentation explores scholarly work at the intersection of mental health and the natural world in a variety of disciplines. My intent is to provide an overview of theoretical perspectives, research-based evidence, and clinical practices that support the idea that experiencing the natural world can improve human mental health outcomes.
