Department: Counseling Psychology ![[clear]](close-x.png "Remove this limiter")
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1.
Bennett, Adriane G.
An Examination of the Precursors of Posttraumatic Growth in People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is a phenomenon in which some individuals who experience…
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▼ Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is a phenomenon in which some individuals who experience trauma report positive development in various aspects of their lives that surpassed their pre-trauma level of functioning (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996; 2004). PTG has been investigated in various populations of trauma survivors, including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (Milam, 2002, 2004). Until this point, the research has only focused on PTG and its correlates as an outcome variable in PLWHA, however additional studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the process of PTG in PLWHA (Milam, 2006b). The current study examined the extent to which the theoretical precursors to PTG (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004) exist across PLWHA who report higher or lower levels of PTG. In addition, the current study attempted to address the gaps in the literature by exploring positive changes in PLWHA using a discernable theoretical framework (PTG; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), a standardized assessment of growth (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory [PTGI]; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), and a theoretically based qualitative methodology (grounded theory; Strauss & Corbin, 1998). The current study also explored the process for developing PTG in PLWHA by comparing the differences in coping, quality of life, and meaning-making in PLWHA who report higher or lower levels of PTG. Results were based on a sample of PLWHA (N = 109) who completed questionnaires. Participants were screened into higher-PTG (n = 8) and lower-PTG (n = 8) groups based on PTGI total growth scores, and invited to complete semi-structured interviews. The results of this study indicated that there were few discernible differences in personal narratives between the higher- and lower-PTG groups. The participants from both higher- and lower-PTG groups met criteria for the precursors of PTG. During the interviews, participants from both higher- and lower-PTG groups reported factors of PTG in their daily lives and the number of lower-PTG participants who reported each factor was similar to the number of higher-PTG participants endorsing that particular factor. Therefore, the presence or absence of theoretical precursors to PTG, and the factors of PTG, in the participants’ self-reported narratives were not predicted by their scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). In addition to leading to some questions about PTG and the PTGI, the results of the current study demonstrate the challenges of data analysis in a mixed method design where there is a lack of convergence in the quantitative and qualitative data.
Advisors/Committee Members: Waehler, Charles A.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: posttraumatic growth; HIV/AIDS; mixed method design
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2.
Benoit, Michael.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ABOUT MINISTERIAL AND NON-MINISTERIAL WORK AS A MODERATOR OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSON-ENVIRONMENT FIT AND COLLEGE MAJOR SATISFACTION.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2007, University of Akron
► This research sought to examine the influence of religious beliefs on work…
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▼ This research sought to examine the influence of religious beliefs on work related behavior among religiously committed college students. Specifically, this research intended to measure the extent to which individuals maintained a belief in the differing significance of ministerial work and non-ministerial work (ordinary work) and the effect of this belief on the relationship between person-environment congruence and college major satisfaction. Anecdotal evidence exists (Schuurman, 2004) that among some committed Christians, there is a subtle devaluation of ordinary work in favor of privileging ministry occupations based on the understanding that God is best served only in the latter. Additionally, there is in the history of Christianity, disagreement about the role of ordinary work and its divine importance (Placher, 2005; Schuurman, 2004; Veith, 2002), which may be taught in a church or educational environment and may influence students’ thinking about the value of their intended work. It was therefore hypothesized that for those religiously committed Christian students who were not preparing for the ministry, greater devaluation of ordinary work would result in weaker associations between fit with their college major environment (congruence) and satisfaction with their major. Major congruence was measured by Euclidian distance and angular distance between a student's UNIACT (Swaney, 1995) and ICA-R (Tracey, 2002; Tracey and Ward, 1998) interest inventory scores and the location of their college major on the World of Work Map (Swaney, 1995). College major satisfaction was measured by a modification of Hoppock's Job Satisfaction Blank (1935) and a single-item measure of college major satisfaction. Significant congruence to satisfaction correlations were observed in the sample of men while no support for a congruence to satisfaction relationship was observed in the sample of women. Additionally, no moderation effect was evident for either gender. However, devaluation of ordinary work in relation to ministerial work was found to have a small but significant negative effect on college major satisfaction for both genders. Suggestions for future research and implications for career counseling with a Christian college population are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda M.
Keywords: person-environment fit, congruence, religious belief, vocation, calling, world of work map, UNIACT, ICA-R, Hoppock, religiosity, college major satifaction, vocational interests
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3.
Benson, Theresa M.
Heterosexual Men's Self-Reported Experiences of Being Targets of Intimate Partner Violence.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of heterosexual…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of heterosexual men who are targets of intimate partner violence. A multiple case study interview design was utilized as a means to understand the lived experiences of the participants, including perceived barriers and facilitators to help-seeking with regard to the experiences. In this study, the men who were targets of intimate partner violence ranged in age from their late 20s to late 50s. The majority had children. They came from a range of occupational backgrounds. In all but two of the cases, the men held occupational positions equivalent to or with more responsibility and power than their partners. Also, the men had either the same or more education than their partners in all but two of the cases. Only one case consisted of an interracial marriage, and within that case the husband was white and the wife was Asian Indian. The majority of the men had attended couples counseling as a way to deal with the abusive relationship. In each case, the men were taller and weighed more than their partners, which is contrary to the stereotype of a bigger, stronger woman physically assaulting a smaller, weaker man. In four of the cases, the men were either accused or actually charged with domestic violence, in contrast to only one case where the woman was charged with domestic violence. Overwhelmingly, verbal attacks and name calling were the most common forms of emotional and psychological abuse with men reporting 185 references to such acts of emotional and psychological abuse. Additionally, being scratched, slapped, and hit were the most commonly reported form of physical abuse with men making 85 references to such acts of physical abuse. Overall, men made more than twice as many references to emotional and psychological abuse than physical abuse, reporting 408 references versus 170 references respectively. Additionally, data from the men’s narratives suggest two major themes: men’s experiences that mirrored the experiences of women, as well as men’s experiences of being a target of intimate partner violence which were related to gender role socialization. Under each of these themes were subthemes which were supported by the interview data. The subthemes for experiences that mirrored women’s experiences included the simultaneity of love and violence, the interplay between blame and guilt, and the use of avoidant coping strategies. The subthemes for men’s experiences related to gender role socialization included engaging in nontraditional male gender roles, being controlled based on traditional gender roles, and responding related to male gender roles. In conclusion, this study found that men do experience intimate partner violence that is similar to women’s experiences of being a target of intimate partner violence. But additionally, men have experiences that are qualitatively different then women’s experiences. These differences need to be attended to in order to provide effective services for men who are targets of intimate partner violence.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, Jr., James.
Subjects: Gender; Personal relationships; Psychology
Keywords: intimate partner violence; men as victims
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4.
Bicheler, Carly S.
Self-Determined Non-Conformity, Feminine Gender Roles, and Feminist Ideals as Resistance Factors Against Internalization of the Thin Ideal Body and Body Dissatisfaction.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2008, University of Akron
► The relationship between body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating has…
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▼ The relationship between body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating has been widely studied in psychology (e.g., Steiner-Adair, 1986; Streigel-Moore, Silberstein, & Rodin, 1986). This research has documented the apparent link between sociocultural pressures (from media and interpersonal relationships) and eating pathology. Stice (1994) developed the Sociocultural Model of Bulimia (SMB), positing that this relationship would be mediated by internalization of the thin ideal body presented in U.S. culture, and body dissatisfaction. Stice and other researchers hypothesized that some factors may interrupt this link at different points within the SMB. However, this literature has, to a large extent, neglected to examine potential resistance factors that women can actively learn and use to resist internalization and/or body dissatisfaction (Twamley & Davis, 1999). The studies that did address the role of active resistance factors within the SMB had two major problems: defining and measuring these resistance factors.The present study used the SMB as a foundation to investigate three potential resistance factors that may moderate relationships within the SMB: self-determined non-conformity, rejection of traditional feminine gender roles, and endorsement of feminist ideals. This study was designed to improve upon the work of previous studies by using more appropriate measures of these factors and clarifying their potential moderating roles within the SMB. Two hundred fifty-seven women from a wide range of ages and backgrounds provided questionnaire data and demographic information. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to establish whether or not these three factors moderated the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization and/or the relationship between internalization and body dissatisfaction within the SMB, and to test gender roles as a mediator of the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization. Results indicated that self-determined non-conformity, rejection of tradition feminine gender roles, and endorsement of feminist ideals do not act as moderators in the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization, or in the relationship between internalization and body dissatisfaction. Gender roles were found to partially mediate the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tokar, David.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: body image; resistance factors; non-conformity; gender roles; feminist ideals; body dissatisfaction; thin ideal; internalization
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5.
Biermann, Jeanette S.
Improving Cognition in Normally Aging Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation (Samatha) as a Treatment for Attentional Inhibitory Deficits.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2011, University of Akron
► According to Hasher and Zacks's (1988) Inhibitory Deficit Theory (IDT), a decline…
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▼ According to Hasher and Zacks's (1988) Inhibitory Deficit Theory (IDT), a decline in the ability to inhibit task-irrelevant information from grabbing one's attention is the underlying cause for age-related differences in cognitive abilities. Unlike some other theories of cognitive aging, IDT provides a leverage point available to older adults for a low-cost, non-pharmaceutical intervention that could prevent or at least slow the decline in cognitive functioning with age: attentional functioning, or more specifically, inhibitory attentional functioning. This study investigated the efficacy of attentional process training in the form of meditation (samatha) on the neuropsychological functioning of cognitively intact older adults. Forty-two community dwelling adults (average age 73 years) participated in a 4 week, randomized wait-list-controlled clinical trial. Compliance with twice-weekly attendance and at-home practice, and a self-evaluation of achievement at the end of the training indicated that older adults can and will learn samatha. Objective efficacy measures consisted of participants' change scores on the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Reading-with-Distraction Task (RwDT) from pretreatment baseline to assessment after completion of the experimental group's samatha training. The Attention-Related Cognitive Errors Scale (ARCES) and the Everyday Memory Failures Scale (MFS) were used as subjective measures. Improvement on the RwDT was statistically significant (d = .75), suggesting that the intervention had a beneficial effect on inhibitory attentional functioning. Improvement on TMT B (d = .40) did not reach statistical significance. Hence the study failed to provide strong evidence that the 4 week intervention could effect improvement in cognitive functioning beyond attention. MFS and ARCES change scores had small, statistically non-significant improvements, indicating that, on average, participants did not perceive improvement in their memory and attentional functioning. Implications for practice and further research and the study's strengths and limitations are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James R.
Subjects: Aging; Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Cognitive Therapy; Counseling Psychology; Experimental Psychology; Gerontology; Mental Health; Psychological Tests; Psychology; Psychotherapy
Keywords: attention, cognition, aging, mindfulness, meditation, samatha, shamatha, Trail Making Test, Reading with Distraction Test
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6.
Bossick, Brian Emil.
An Empirical Examination of the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Growth and the Personality Traits of Hardiness, Sense Of Coherence, Locus Of Control, Self-Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2008, University of Akron
► This study examined the construct validity of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s (2004) theory…
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▼ This study examined the construct validity of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s (2004) theory of posttraumatic growth, as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), by empirically examining the nature of its relationship with hardiness, sense of coherence, resilience, self-efficacy, locus of control, and optimism. Data from 276 students and community members were collected through a web-based survey. Findings from a correlational and exploratory factor analysis did not support the theoretical link that Tedeschi and Calhoun purported would exist between posttraumatic growth and the six personality variables. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s proposed 5 domain model of growth was also examined through a confirmatory factor analysis. Results and suggested modifications did not indicate an adequate level of fit for the model to this sample (χ2=457.33(p <.0001), RMSEA = .09, CFI = .87, NFI = .81, GFI = .80). Exploratory analysis also failed to reveal a significant difference in total PTGI scores between individuals who did and did not report experiencing a traumatic event. Clinical implications for utilizing posttraumatic growth, as measured by the PTGI, could not be explored due to a lack of construct validity found in the study. In order to further explore the construct validity of posttraumatic growth, as measured by the PTGI, possible future areas of research are examined, including the underlying factor structure of the PTGI and further exploration of the nature of the relationship between posttraumatic growth and theoretically related personality variables.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James.
Subjects: Psychology; Psychotherapy; Religion; Social research
Keywords: posttraumatic growth; hardiness; locus of control; self-efficacy; resilience; optimism; hardiness; PTGI; trauma
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7.
Buchanan, Taneisha S.
An Investigation of the Prestige Interest Dimension Using Social Cognitive Career Theory for African American Women.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) is a…
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▼ Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) is a well-researched social cognitive theory of vocational development that takes into account the influence of personal, social, and environmental variables. Previous SCCT research encompasses a variety of domains including Holland's (1997) RIASEC types and math and science, and includes samples across race/ethnicity. However, few studies have examined the theory for African American women or reported findings separately for this group, and no studies have included prestige as an interest dimension. An important limitation of the vocational psychology literature is that although prestige has been conceptualized as an important construct (e.g., Gottfredson 1981, 1996) there have been few theoretically-driven studies on prestige. A promising representation of vocational interests was proposed by Tracey and Rounds (1996a); this interest model locates prestige as orthogonal to the dimensions underlying the RIASEC types. In order to address the aforementioned limitations of the SCCT research, this dissertation examined SCCT on the prestige dimension as conceptualized by Tracey and Rounds with a sample of 198 African American university and college women. A series of path analyses was conducted to test the hypothesized relations among the following variables: mother's occupational prestige, mother's educational prestige, prestige self-efficacy, prestige outcome expectations, prestige of vocational interests, and career choice prestige. Career choice prestige was assessed in two ways, using (1) an occupational consideration measure, and (2) prestige ratings of participants' reported occupational goal. The proposed models provided good fit to the data, and several of the SCCT hypotheses were supported. Across models, the hypothesized paths from mother's occupational prestige and mother's education level to prestige self-efficacy and prestige outcome expectations, and the hypothesized direct paths from prestige self-efficacy to prestige outcome expectations and prestige of choice goals were not supported. Interestingly, prestige outcome expectations emerged as a stronger predictor of prestige of choice goals than prestige self-efficacy and prestige of vocational interests. Overall, the findings provide support for integrating prestige as a domain of interests within SCCT. Future research is needed to further investigate the relative influence of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and interests on career choice goals on the prestige dimension and across race/ethnicity and gender.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tokar, David.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Social Cognitive Career Theory; Prestige; African American Women
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8.
Cascarilla, Elizabeth A.
Chronic Pain-Related Distress & Disability: An Empirical Investigation of a Modern Behavioral Theory of Acceptance of Chronic Pain.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2009, University of Akron
► Chronic pain is a pervasive and often intractable health problem that affects…
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▼ Chronic pain is a pervasive and often intractable health problem that affects approximately one fifth of the population in the United Sates. Despite the moderate effectiveness of some biomedical and multimodal psychotherapeutic treatments for pain, chronic pain remains highly distressing and disabling for many. A modern behavioral model of chronic pain expands upon earlier operant – behavioral and cognitive – behavioral models of pain (W. E. Fordyce, 1976; D. Turk, D. Meichenbuam, & M. Genest, 1983) by viewing much of the accompanying distress and disability as arising from experiential avoidance (S. C. Hayes, K. D. Strosahl, & K. G. Wilson, 1999) and by asserting the importance of acceptance of pain as a key behavioral process in undermining suffering and promoting adjustment to chronic pain (L. M. McCracken, 2005). Acceptance of chronic pain is conceptualized as the adoption of flexible behavioral response patterns aimed at increasing one’s engagement in meaningful activities and the willingness to experience pain sensations in some circumstances when doing so serves to enhance adaptation and life functioning. Acceptance of chronic pain is emerging as a robust predictor of enhanced psychosocial and physical functioning in patients with chronic pain. Given the prevalence and severity of distress and disability experienced by some treatment-seeking chronic pain patients and the apparent contribution of acceptance to enhanced patient functioning, the current study sought to provide an independent test of the validity of a modern behavioral theory of acceptance of chronic pain by examining whether greater acceptance of pain predicts enhanced patient adjustment to chronic pain. A total of 117 patients seeking treatment at a chronic pain rehabilitation program responded to questionnaires assessing acceptance of pain and other indices of emotional distress, pain intensity, and pain-related disability. Results indicated that greater chronic pain acceptance is related to less emotional distress and pain-related disability independent of pain intensity. Acceptance of chronic pain accounted for incremental variance in measures of depression, anxiety, and pain-related disability above and beyond pain intensity. Implications for the treatment of chronic pain, future research directions, and strengths and limitations of the current study are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Queener, John.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: chronic pain patients; acceptance; distress; disability
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9.
Choi, Jayoung L.
Exploring the Cultural Validity of the College Student Reasons for Living Inventory with Asian American College Students.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2007, University of Akron
► This study examined the cultural validity of the College Reasons for Living…
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▼ This study examined the cultural validity of the College Reasons for Living Inventory (Westefeld et al., 1992) with Asian American College Students. Data from 314 participants were collected through a web-based survey. Although the results did not replicate the six factor structure of the CSRLI as identified in Westefeld et al., partial support for the factor structure was provided. The factor structure for the CSRLI in this Asian American student sample was best represented by five factors, Survival and Coping Beliefs, College and Future Related Concerns, Responsibility to Friends and Family, Moral Objections, and Fear of Suicide. The content of the five factors emerged for this sample was nearly identical to factors one through five from Westefeld et al. The 5-factor solution accounted for 50.25% of total variance and demonstrated moderate to high coefficient alphas for the subscales (i.e., from .78 to .92). Within the 5-factor structure, results supported that the CSRLI subscales differentiate between risk and no-risk groups, in that Asian American college student participants without suicide risk scored significantly higher on the CSRLI subscales with an exception of Fear of Suicide. The convergent validity of the CSRLI subscales was also supported through significant negative relations between the subscales and depression and hopelessness. Furthermore, the CSRLI subscales accounted for 8% of the variance in suicidal behavior above and beyond what is accounted by the risk factors of depression and hopelessness alone. Furthermore, results suggested that protective factors are a salient component in understanding suicidal Asian American college students. Respondents provided additional reasons for living that seemed to reflect influences grounded in a collectivistic worldview. Although acculturation was not found to be associated with any of the research variables, the cultural variables of family obligation and desire to avoid bringing shame to family were significantly correlated with Responsibility to Friends and Family. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the CSRLI is a culturally valid assessment instrument for Asian American college students.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James R.
Keywords: Asian American college students; Suicide; Protective factors; Suicide Assessment
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10.
Cummings, Devon Leeann.
Using Social Cognitive Career Theory to Conceptualize and Develop a Measure of the Barriers to Career Choice for Individuals Who Have Criminal Records.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2008, University of Akron
► The goal of this study was to create a questionnaire designed to…
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▼ The goal of this study was to create a questionnaire designed to measure the barriers to career choice that exist for individuals who have criminal records (i.e., ex-offenders). This measure was based on the social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) choice model, which postulates that barriers related to three components of the model (i.e., person inputs, background contextual affordances, and proximal contextual influences) may limit career choice. Items for this measure were developed based on a review of literature related to barriers to career choice that exist for ex-offenders, ethnic minority group members, women, low socioeconomic status group members, individuals who abuse substances, and individuals who have mental illness. After preliminary efforts were taken to refine the measure (i.e., having it reviewed by experts on the population of ex-offenders, researchers who have developed barriers measures, an SCCT expert, and a small group of ex-offenders, as well as a pilot test with 50 ex-offenders), it was given to individuals who have at least one criminal conviction and have searched for a job while having that conviction on their records. An Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to determine whether the underlying factor structure of the measure’s items was consistent with the principles of social cognitive career theory. Contrary to this hypothesis, the measure demonstrated eight factors that consisted of more complex factor structures than the general constructs of person and environment, or even the separation of distal and proximal environmental influences.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tokar, David.
Subjects: African Americans; Behaviorial sciences; Criminology; Demographics; Gender; Law; Mental health; Occupational psychology; Psychology; Social psychology; Social research; Social structure; Social work; Sociology; Therapy; Vocational education; Womens studies
Keywords: ex-offenders; social cognitive career theory; criminals; employment; criminal record; measure development; barriers
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11.
Cunningham, Stephanie J.
An Investigation of the Relationship between Feminist Traits and Personal Empowerment for Young Women.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► Sexism is a significant social problem that deeply affects women's lives, and…
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▼ Sexism is a significant social problem that deeply affects women's lives, and a large body of research has demonstrated the relationship between discrimination and negative outcomes for women. Feminist consciousness has been suggested as means of challenging these deleterious effects by providing women with a mental framework through which to contextualize and understand this discrimination (Landrine & Klonoff, 1997). Downing and Roush's (1985) model of feminist identity development has been the most commonly used form of conceptualizing women's feminist consciousness but this theory fails to differentiate between the attributes of feminist self-labeling and acceptance of a feminist worldview. In order to provide a more nuanced understanding of how feminist traits relate to women's empowerment the present study used Downing and Roush's five feminist identity styles as a means of operationalizing different orientations to feminist consciousness. These feminist attitudes and feminist self-identification were explored jointly and separately in their connection with personal empowerment specifically as it is conceptualized in feminist therapy theory. A total of 612 traditional college-age undergraduate women (18 to 25 years old) completed a series of online questionnaires to assess feminist attitudes, feminist self-labeling, and personal empowerment. Results support the idea that there are conceptually distinct aspects of feminist consciousness that can be effectively operationalized by Downing and Roush's five identity styles, that there is a significant difference between each of the identity styles of both feminist-identified and non-feminist-identified women, and that there are significant discrepancies between the identity style scores of women who do versus do not self-label as feminist. The present data also provide support for previous research which has suggested that there are positive consequents associated with feminist self-labeling and with the recognition of the existence of sexism that stems from holding pro-feminist attitudes, reflecting a noteworthy relationship between feminist consciousness and personal empowerment.
Advisors/Committee Members: Queener, John.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Gender Studies; Psychology; Womens Studies
Keywords: feminist; feminism; empowerment; feminist identity development; young women
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12.
De Clute, Shannon M.
Assessing Undergraduate Student-Teacher Relationship Factors using Working Alliance and Interpersonal Influence Theories.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► The purpose of this study was to test the applicability of working…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to test the applicability of working alliance theory (Bordin, 1979; Castonguay, Constantino, & Grosse Holtforth, 2006) and interpersonal influence theory (Strong, 1968) as ways to articulate an empirically informed model of student-teacher relationships in order to extend the current body of knowledge on effective teaching practices and philosophies. Working alliance theory has previously been adapted to supervisory, advisory, and therapeutic group relationships with success. Several authors (e.g., Koch, 2004; Meyers, 2008) have discussed how working alliance theory may fit into a model of student-teacher relationships. This study tested this line of reasoning by providing an empirical evaluation of student-teacher working alliances. In addition, this study examined Strong’s (1968) interpersonal influence theory, which has been used to successfully explain hierarchical elements in counseling relationships. In order to thoroughly test these theories, they were first examined separately, and then tested together as complementary theories. Results suggested that the combination of the working alliance theory and the interpersonal influence theory results in an interpretable solution that accounts for significant amounts of variance. The resulting final measurement scale, called the Student-Teacher Relationship Inventory (STRI), was based on items derived from both theories. In addition, preliminary predictive validity of the STRI was examined by comparing the STRI to four student outcome measures: (a) student self-efficacy, (b) satisfaction with course and teacher, (c) student participation in learning, and (d) course performance. Consistent with previous findings, the STRI scores were positively correlated with self-efficacy, satisfaction, and participation in learning. STRI scores were not correlated with overall course performance.
Advisors/Committee Members: Waehler, Charles.
Subjects: Education; Educational Psychology; Teaching
Keywords: working alliance; undergraduate students; student-teacher relationship
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13.
Dickinson, Josephine A.
An Examination of the Applicability of Social Cognitive Career Theory for African American College Students.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2007, University of Akron
► Lent, Brown, and Hackett’s (1994) social cognitive career theory (SCCT) is a…
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▼ Lent, Brown, and Hackett’s (1994) social cognitive career theory (SCCT) is a theoretical model of career development that delineates how person, contextual, and sociocognitive factors affect the formation of vocational interests, career choice goals, career choice actions, and academic/career performance attainments. Although considerable research support has been demonstrated for several key paths in SCCT, several other areas of SCCT have been under-researched or have received mixed empirical support. The purpose of the present study was to address several limitations of the extant literature. Specifically, the present study examined (a) the applicability of SCCT with an African American sample, (b) the validity of SCCT across Holland’s (1997) six vocational domains, (c) the role of specific learning experiences in the formation of corresponding self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and (d) the moderating role of perceptions of racism in the relationship between vocational interests and corresponding choice goals. Results of path analyses based on a sample of 208 African American college students revealed strong support for all of the hypothesized relations involving corresponding learning experiences, self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, vocational interests and choice goals for each of the six Holland themes. Furthermore, although the nature of some of the observed relations (i.e., direct vs. indirect) was not always supportive of my hypotheses, overall, the results indicated that SCCT is a valid model to use with African Americans. In addition, the results revealed strong support for the applicability of SCCT to Holland’s (1997) RIASEC themes. Regarding the role of specific learning experiences in self-efficacy and outcome expectations, results revealed partial support for both my hypothesis that verbal persuasion would contribute most strongly and SCCT’s prediction that performance accomplishments would account for the majority of the unique variance. These findings suggest that for African American college students, the role that learning experiences play in the formation of their self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations is domain-specific. Finally, results of moderated regressions and follow-up analyses tended not to support the hypothesis that perceptions of racism would moderate the relationship between vocational interests and choice goals. The results revealed that perceptions of racism significantly moderated the interests-goals relation in only one model – the Realistic model for men – and, contrary to prediction, a greater perception of racism actually strengthened the Realistic interests-choice goals relationship.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tokar, David M.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: Social Cognitive Career Theory; Career Development; African American College Students
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14.
Dorland, Jeanne Marie.
OBJECTIFICATION THEORY: EXAMINING THE RELATION BETWEEN SELF-OBJECTIFICATION AND FLOW FOR COLLEGE-AGED WOMEN ATHLETES.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2006, University of Akron
► This study examined the theoretical relation of self-objectification and flow. Objectification theory…
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▼ This study examined the theoretical relation of self-objectification and flow. Objectification theory (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997) posits that the experience of self-objectification is related to less experiences of flow, a peak motivational state. One-hundred forty-three women student athletes participating in fourteen sports, from two universities participated in the study. Sport type with relation to appearance focus rating (Parsons and Betz, 2001) was examined as a possible risk factor for increased experience of self-objectification and decreased experience of flow. A focus of this study was accurate assessment of the self-objectification and flow variables. Self-objectification was assessed using two measures the Objective Body Consciousness Surveillance subscale (McKinley and Hyde, 1996) and the Self-Objectification Questionnaire (Noll and Fredrickson, 1998). A multidimensional scale, the Dispositional Flow Scale (DFS-2; Jackson and Eklund, 2002) was used to tap the nine individual dimensions of flow and a global flow dimension. Appearance focus rating of sport type was tested as a moderator in the relation between self-objectification and flow. Trait anxiety measured by the STAI (Spielberger, 1983) was explored as a covariate in the relation between self-objectification and flow. Support was found for the hypothesized relation between self-objectification and flow. The hypothesis was tested by a series of Pearson Product Moment correlations. Self-objectification as measured by OBCS Surveillance subscale related negatively and significantly to all but two of the DFS-2 scores. The pattern of results related to the examination of the SOQ and flow reflected the predicted negative relation, but only one correlation was significant. Correlations between trait anxiety and both self-objectification and flow were significant. When anxiety was controlled, many of the previously significant relations between flow and self-objectification were reduced to non-significance. The appearance focus sport type rating was not a significant predictor. Increased appearance focus of a sport did not relate positively to increased self-objectification or to decreased experience of flow. The exploratory examination of the relation between the internalization of beauty standards as measured by the SATAQ (Heinberg, Thompson, and Stormer, 1995) and both measures of self-objectification were supported. The importance of this preliminary and focused examination of self-objectification is discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda M.
Keywords: Objectification theory; self-objectification; flow; peak motivational states; women athletes
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15.
Downing, Haley M.
The Function of Just World Beliefs in Promoting Student Long-Term Academic Investment and Subjective Well-Being: The Moderating Effects of Social Status.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► The current study sought to test the ability of just world beliefs…
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▼ The current study sought to test the ability of just world beliefs to explain subjective well-being and long-term academic investment outcomes across social status in a college student sample. Belief in a just world has been posited as a psychological resource that allows individuals to perceive their world as controllable and predictable, which provides not only a basis for moderating emotion, even in the face of obstacles, but also creates a “social contract” of expectation that investments of effort in the short term will pay off in the long term, thus allowing for long-term goal orientation, investment, and planning. For members of ordinant groups, BJW has been found to be related to higher subjective well-being, lower distress, and increased engagement in long-term academic investments (Jost and Hunyady, 2005; Jost et al., 2003; Tomaka and Blascovich, 1994; Hafer, 2000). In contrast, more recent research with diverse groups has shown evidence that mental health and long-term goal orientation outcomes may not be identical to their majority peers. Just world beliefs among members of marginalized groups have been described as a “double-edged sword,” in which assuming responsibility for one’s social position, as conceptualized as high just world beliefs, has the effect of maintaining motivation to pursue higher education, while at the same time negatively affecting mood, self-esteem, and general well-being. This pattern of negative association between BJW and subjective well-being indicators has been observed in women (Foster and Tsarfati, 2005; Major et al, 2007), ethnic minority students (O’Brien and Major, 2005), and overweight women (Quinn and Crocker, 1999). The current study extended the literature by examining both outcomes in a single model within the context of subjective social status, using a college student sample. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling. Consistent with hypotheses, social status was significantly and positively related to subjective well-being and belief in a just world was positively related to subjective well-being and long-term academic investment. Contrary to hypotheses, social status did not moderate these relationships. Limitations of the current study are discussed, as are implications for future research and clinical practice.
Advisors/Committee Members: Queener, John.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology
Keywords: just world beliefs; social status; social class; subjective well being; academic investment
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16.
Esty, Debora M.
African American Women's Ways of Coping with Racist Events, including the Use of Binge Eating.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2006, University of Akron
► Currently, there is a paucity of research on African American women’s ways…
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▼ Currently, there is a paucity of research on African American women’s ways of appraising and coping with racist events. Although some literature does exist on the topic, these studies have not utilized a model that encompasses the frequency of exposure as well as the appraisal of the event and how that might be related to differing coping responses. The present study was a response to the relative lack of literature examining African Americans’ coping responses to racism. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine empirically African American women’s coping styles in relation to their experiences of racist events using a comprehensive theoretical model that would expand current understanding. The current study also responds to a need in the eating disorder literature to increase counseling psychologists’ understanding of binge eating among African American women. More specifically, this study has conceptualized binge eating as a specific type of avoidance coping mechanism. No published studies have empirically examined the relation between African American women’s appraisal of racist events as distressing and their use of binge eating as a way of coping with this distress. Thus, another purpose of this study was to examine binge eating as a possible avoidance coping behavior for African American women. A total of 158 African American women were participants in this study. Limited support was found for the application of the Lazarus and Folkman model. Distress was an important primary appraisal process for both problem-solving and avoidance coping, and changeability was supported as a moderator of problem-solving coping. Inconsistent with the model was the relation between changeability and avoidance coping. This finding, though, is important in that a different pattern between appraisal and subsequent coping may need to be examined for African American women. Finally, binge eating was moderately related to lifetime racist experiences and avoidance coping. However, feelings of being able to do something about a racist event were positively related to the use of binge eating. More research is certainly needed to examine the complexity of binge eating and its use in relation to racism for African American women.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda Mezydlo.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: racist events; African American Women; Binge Eating; Coping
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17.
Graef, Stephen Troy.
An Investigation of the Relationships Between Individual Differences Characteristics and Motives for Exercising.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► The general purpose of this study was to extend the current understanding…
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▼ The general purpose of this study was to extend the current understanding of the factors possibly contributing to people's motives for exercising by examining the individual differences variables of sex, gender, personality, and age. Participants (N = 366) completed online questionnaires assessing sex, gender (Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-46 and Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory-45), personality (International Personality Item Pool), and exercise motives (Exercise Motivation Inventory). The first purpose of this study was to explore the posited and, in some cases, demonstrated relations between individual difference variables (i.e., sex, gender, personality, and age) and exercise motives. Overall, these findings were mixed, further supporting that certain individual difference characteristics relate significantly to motives for exercising. The second purpose was to explore the unique contribution of each of the specific individual difference characteristics of interest to the prediction of people's exercise participation motives. With the exception of exercising for stress management and strength and endurance, all of the exercise motives had at least one individual difference variable that contributed unique predictive ability. The third purpose was to assess hypothesized moderating effects of certain individual difference variables on certain relationships between individual differences variables and exercise motives. No support was shown for these moderating effects. Finally, the underlying intrinsic/extrinsic factor structure of the EMI-II was explored. Support was not shown for the two-factor model; however, a four-factor model emerged that explained the data. Discussion of the study's results within the context of empirical and conceptual literature is provided. In addition, strengths and limitations, and implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tokar, David.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology
Keywords: self-setermination; exercise; personality; age; sex; gender; motivation; motives; psychology; individual differences
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18.
Hasan, Nadia T.
Understanding Women's Leadership Interests and Goals Using Social Cognitive Career Theory.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2011, University of Akron
► Despite the recent increase of women as leaders and managers, women remain…
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▼ Despite the recent increase of women as leaders and managers, women remain underrepresented in key leadership roles in the United States (Barreto, Ryan, & Schmitt, 2009; Catalyst, 2008; Center for American Women & Politics, 2009; Eagly, 2007). Researchers claim that women are underrepresented in leadership because they face a “labyrinth path” towards leadership (Eagly & Carli, 2007). This study examines women’s interests and goals for leadership to extend the research on women’s leadership development. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) is used as a framework to examine a complex path model that includes person input variables (conformity of feminine norms, conformity to masculine norms, feminine personal attributes of leaders, and masculine personal attributes of leaders), contextual influence variables (perceived lifetime sexist experiences and race-related stress) and the key social cognitive variables of women’s leadership self-efficacy, women’s leadership outcome expectations, women’s leadership interests and women’s leadership goals. Path analysis was used to examine the fit of the data for all female, college student participants (N= 224) and for only ethnic minority, female college student participants (N= 170). The proposed models for all participants and for only ethnic minority participants were not a good fit for the data, but there were several significant correlations between the primary variables that did fit within the SCCT model. An examination of the correlations between variables revealed most notably a lack of significant correlations for the moderator variables of perceived lifetime sexist events and race-related stress and the primary variables. Thus, an exploratory model was tested for all participants and only ethnic minority participants that included all the primary variables, but trimmed these moderator variables. These exploratory models for all participants and for only ethnic minority participants were a good fit for the data. Study limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda.
Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Counseling Education; Counseling Psychology; Educational Leadership; Educational Psychology; Ethnic Studies; Gender Studies; Higher Education
Keywords: women's leadership; leadership development; Social Cognitive Career Theory; Latina leadership; leadership self-efficacy; leadership outcome expectations
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19.
Hendrickson, Jill C.
Impact of a Role Induction to Counseling on Premature Termination and Readiness for Change with Clients in a Rural Setting.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► Research has consistently shown that therapy is effective and that clients experience…
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▼ Research has consistently shown that therapy is effective and that clients experience positive outcomes from engaging in therapy (Orlinsky et al., 2004). However, past research has shown that many clients prematurely terminate therapy often with negative outcomes (Archer, Forbes, Metcalfe, & Winter, 2000; Carpenter, Morrow, del Gaudio, & Ritzler, 1981; Pekarick, 1985). The purpose of this study was to explore an intervention designed to reduce premature termination rates using a comprehensive,standardized role induction procedure and a more sensitive definition of premature termination. Further, the impact of the role induction as it relates to readiness for change was explored. This study also examined the impact the role induction would have on clients’ commitment to therapy. A total of 106 adult clients seeking services at a community mental health center participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Prior to the intake session, each participant viewed a video. The experimental group viewed the comprehensive role induction video and the control group viewed a video explaining the services at the counseling center. Next, all participants completed the self-report measures of commitment to therapy (i.e. EAC-B; Tinsley et al., 1980) and readiness for change (i.e. SOC; McConnaughy, Prochaska, & Velicer, 1983). The present data failed to show that a role induction to counseling significantly impacts premature termination, commitment to counseling or readiness for change among clients seeking counseling at a rural community mental health center. Overall, the data failed to support previous research findings that seemed to indicate a role induction to counseling could reduce the occurrence of premature termination and increase a client’s commitment to therapy (Reis & Brown, 2006; Walitzer, Dermen, & Connors, 1999).
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James.
Subjects: Psychology; Psychotherapy
Keywords: premature termination; rural; counseling; readiness for change; role induction
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20.
Huhra, Rachel L.
Religious Coping as a Moderator of the Five Factor Model of Personality Traits and Alcohol Abuse Severity at Six-Month Follow-up in a Twelve Step Treatment Sample.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2007, University of Akron
► Personality traits and religious coping are often viewed by counseling psychologists as…
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▼ Personality traits and religious coping are often viewed by counseling psychologists as strengths that influence how difficult situations are handled. Within the substance abuse literature, both personality traits and religious coping style are proposed to have profound impacts on substance abuse and treatment outcomes. The success of Twelve Step treatment programs is predicated on the notion that treatment works by affecting both “positive” personality changes and use of positive religious coping as means for decreasing substance abuse. However, virtually no empirical research exists to account for the impact of religious coping and personality on treatment outcomes. In contrast, a large literature base exists that examines the roles of personality on substance abuse and treatment outcomes. Because Twelve Step treatments utilize both personality traits and religious coping as means for decreasing substance abuse, an investigation of the unique and shared influence of these factors on treatment outcomes seems appropriate. In this dissertation, I examined the influence of personality factors (Revised NEO Personality Inventory, NEO-PI-R), religious coping (Coping Styles Test, CST), and the possible moderating effect of religious coping on the relationship between personality factors and alcohol abuse severity in a sample of 500 veterans who received a structured Twelve Step group treatment for alcohol abuse at a Midwestern VA hospital. The results of this study were 1) high level expressions of several facets of the NEO-PI-R were associated with decreased alcohol abuse severity six months after formal treatment ended; 2) the use of a Collaborative Religious Coping Style was also associated with decreased alcohol abuse severity after treatment; 3) religious coping style moderated the relation among NEO-PI-R traits and alcohol abuse severity six-months after Twelve Step treatment; and 4) the combined effect of high level expression of the Five Factor Model trait Agreeableness and the use of a Collaborative Religious Coping Style had the greatest impact on decreased alcohol abuse. Therefore, this study provides preliminary support for religious coping as a moderator of the relationship between personality traits and alcohol abuse in a Twelve Step treatment sample.
Advisors/Committee Members: Prieto, Loreto.
Subjects: Psychology, General
Keywords: Alcohol abuse; Religious Coping; Personality Traits; Twelve Step Treatment
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21.
Hunka, Nicole.
Pedometer Use as a Motivational Tool for Increased Physical Activity in Bariatric Surgery Patients.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2011, University of Akron
► Obesity is a significant health care crisis in the United States. It…
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▼ Obesity is a significant health care crisis in the United States. It is associated with various physical and mental health problems, decreased quality of life, and significant medical costs. Bariatric surgery has become a popular intervention for weight management but successful, long-term outcomes are largely dependent on patients’ behavioral and lifestyle changes, perhaps most notably, their motivation to engage in consistent physical activity. However, compliance with physical activity recommendations is consistently demonstrated as problematic for this population. A better understanding of the psychological and theoretical variables that hinder bariatric patients’ motivation for physical activity is necessary in order to better construct interventions to assist this population in behavior change. Unfortunately, theoretically guided interventions focused on influential psychological variables are often absent treatment components within bariatric surgery programs. The current study applied Social-Cognitive Theory as a framework to conceptualize the problem of motivation for consistent physical activity specific to the post-operative bariatric surgery population. This study looked specifically at the impact of social-cognitive constructs of self-efficacy, goal setting, and objective performance feedback (via the use of pedometers) on motivation for engaging in physical activity. This study was unique not only in the theoretical constructs examined with post-operative bariatric patients, but also in that it used objective feedback devices (pedometers) to assist patients in both accurate self-monitoring and recorded activity levels. Results indicated that self-efficacy did not impact the outcome as originally expected. However, the social-cognitive variable of feedback was demonstrated to be a significant factor in motivation for activity (walking). Overall, the general conclusion was that the performance feedback provided by pedometers can be used as a motivational tool to increase physical activity in the post-operative bariatric surgery population. Findings of this study may help bariatric treatment teams better assist their patients in setting and achieving personal physical activity goals to facilitate a long-term healthy weight and lifestyle.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Health
Keywords: bariatric surgery; pedometers; social-cognitive theory; physical activity
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22.
Hutchinson, Kathleen M.
Predictors of College Students' Dating Violence Perceptions and Help-seeking Recommendations.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► Physical and psychological aggression in dating relationships is prevalent among college students…
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▼ Physical and psychological aggression in dating relationships is prevalent among college students (e.g., Kaura & Lohman, 2007; Shook, Gerrity, Jurich, & Segrist, 2000; Straus, 2008), and students experiencing dating IPV are most likely to speak to friends (Prospero & Vohra-Gupta, 2008). The current study investigated differences in perceptions of heterosexual dating IPV and help-seeking recommendations for a friend as a function of scenario type (e.g., male perpetrator/female victim and female perpetrator/male victim) and participant sex. The study also examined gender role attitudes and attitudes toward dating violence that have been associated with perceptions of dating IPV (e.g., Berkel et al., 2004; Coleman & Stith, 1997; Hillier & Foddy, 1993; Hilton, Harris, & Rice, 2003; Willis, Hallinan, & Melby, 1996). A college sample (N=200) read a dating IPV scenario depicting either male-to-female or female-to-male dating IPV. A series of 2x2 ANCOVAs, controlling for previous exposure to IPV and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, showed that women were more likely than men to hold more egalitarian gender role attitudes, be less accepting of dating violence, perceive the behaviors in the dating scenario as more serious, and be more likely to recommend that a friend seek help at the counseling center. Participants were more likely to recommend the counseling center for female victims than male victims. Path analysis results provided initial support for a theoretical model of counseling center help-seeking recommendations.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: dating violence; intimate partner violence; gender role attitudes; perceptions; college students; friends; help-seeking; help-giving; college counseling center
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23.
Janco-Gidley, Julie Anne.
Personal and Social Factors Associated with Levels of Eating Disorder Symptoms in the Postpartum Period: An Application of the “Tend and Befriend” Model of Stress Responses for Women.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2006, University of Akron
► Ninety postpartum women participated in a study examining protective factors against eating…
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▼ Ninety postpartum women participated in a study examining protective factors against eating disorder symptomology during the postpartum period. Using Taylor et al’s “tend and befriend” theory of stress responses for women (2000) and considering disordered eating as on a continuum, it was hypothesized that if women engage in more “tending and befriending” responses at this stressful point in their lives (e.g., nurturing one’s infant, breastfeeding, mobilizing social support), they have less eating symptomology than if they engage in fewer of these behaviors. Specific hypotheses examined corrleations between parental stress and eating disorder symptoms and how use of tending and befriending behaviors statistically predicted eating disorder symptoms and percieved parental stress separately, in an additive manner, and as moderators for the relation between stress and eating disorder symptoms. A relationship was found between parental stress and Eating Disorder Inventory –2 (EDI) total scores, however no significant relationships were found between stress and the specific eating disorder behaviors of interest (e.g. Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction subscale scores). Tending behavior was a significant predictor of parental stress and EDI total scores as expected, but again not of any of the specific eating disorder behavioral variables of interest. Similarly, befriending variables statistically predicted eating disorder symptoms (EDI total scores and Drive for Thinness), and stress, but did not predict Bulimia or Body Dissatisfaction. These results showed that greater amounts of befriending were associated with lower EDI total scores and lower parental stress scores. In addition, an additive effect was found for tending and befriending behaviors for EDI total scores. No interaction effects were found; therefore "Tending and Befriending" do not moderate the relation between stress and eating disorder symptoms. Overall, the results of this study provide evidence that there is a relationship between stress and tending and befriending behaviors and to EDI total scores, but not necessarily to specific eating disorder behaviors. Additional exploratory findings showed that tending and befriending behaviors also combine in an additive manner to predict parental stress. Qualitative data from participants as well as suggestions for future research and implications for practice are also discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda M.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: postpartum women; eating disorders; eating disorder continuum; tend and befriend theory; parental stress; social support
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24.
Joyce, Nicholas R.
An Empirical Examination of the Influences of Personality, Gender Role Conflict, and Self-stigma on Attitudes and Intentions to Seek Online Counseling in College Students.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► This study investigated the relationship of personality, gender role conflict, and self-stigma…
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▼ This study investigated the relationship of personality, gender role conflict, and self-stigma on the attitudes of college students toward internet counseling and their intentions to use such services. Previous literature has shown that online therapy can be ethically provided and has effective outcomes. Theorists have wondered if online counseling would minimize the negative impact of masculine gender roles and self-stigma of receiving counseling services; neither of which has been empirically tested. Data were analyzed from 494 college students. Results indicated that self-stigma is more positively related to attitudes and intentions to seek help for online counseling than it is for face-to-face counseling. The gender role conflict aspect of Restrictive Emotionality was positively associated with attitudes toward online counseling. No aspects of gender role conflict were related to intentions to seek online help for interpersonal or academic concerns while Conflicts Between Work and Family Life was positively related to intentions to seek help for drug concerns. The Five Factor Model aspect of Openness was found to be significantly related to attitudes toward online counseling and intentions to seek online counseling, whereas Extraversion was not. Post-hoc analyses explored gender differences in these relationships. Results indicated that online counseling may be a favorable option for people experiencing high levels of self-stigma toward mental health services, men with certain aspects of gender role conflict, and people who are high in the personality aspect of Openness. Future directions for research and implications for practice are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Weigold, Ingrid.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology
Keywords: Online counseling; Individual differences; Gender role conflict; self-stigma; Counseling attitudes; Intentions to seek counseling
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25.
Kessler, Laura E.
Examing Links of Racial and Sexual Identity Development, Psychological Well-being, and Sexual Risks Among HIV-Positive, Same Sex Attracted African American Men.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2008, University of Akron
► The present study investigated associations among African American and same sex attracted…
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▼ The present study investigated associations among African American and same sex attracted identity developmental components, psychological well-being, difficult sexual situations, and sexual risk practices among a sample (N = 73) of HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men (MSMs). The current study responds to Mays, Cochran, and Zamudio’s (2004) call for empirical investigations of culturally specific determinants impacting psychological health and sexual risk behaviors among African American MSMs. The current study parallels the methodology of Diaz, Ayala, and Bein (2004) and Diaz, Bein, and Ayala (2006), linking experiences of homophobia, racism, and poverty to psychological health and sexual risk practices among gay identified Latino men. Using a similar framework, the current study investigated the impact of African American and same sex attracted identity development on psychological health and sexual risk practices within a sample of African American HIV-positive MSMs. The current study’s sample reported a diverse range of sexual identities (e.g., gay, heterosexual, “on the down low;”), with all participants having engaged in consensual sex with other men. Results indicated that higher endorsement of the Anti-White African American identity (as measured by the Cross Racial Identity Scale [CRIS, Vandiver et al., 2000]), as well as lower levels of psychological well-being, and younger ages, predicted circumstances promoting unsafe sex. Higher endorsements of the African American identities of Multiculturalist Inclusive and Miseducation, as well as the same sex attracted identity of Superiority (as measured by the Lesbian and Gay Identity Scale [LGIS; Mohr and Fassinger, 2000]), predicted interpersonal barriers to unsafe sex. Additional exploratory analyses showed higher endorsements of the same sex identity of Homonegativity to predict lower levels of psychological well-being; higher endorsements of the African American identity of Assimilation, and same sex attracted identity of Need for Acceptance, to predict circumstances predicting unsafe sex; higher endorsements of the African American identities of Anti-White and Afrocentric to predict interpersonal barriers to unsafe sex; and higher endorsements of the Anti-White identity to predict sexual risk practices outside of a committed relationship. Descriptive data suggested that participants endorsed African American and same sex attracted identities differently than scale development samples. An exploratory factor analysis showed that the six-factor structure of the CRIS generally replicated within the current sample. However, there was an insufficient sample size to investigate the LGIS factor structure within the current sample. Qualitative data also suggested that participants are experiencing racial and sexual identity challenges, but also engaging in effective ways of coping with and resolving these challenges. Qualitative data also highlighted the importance of social support that is accepting of African American and same sex attracted male identities. Results imply that interventions highlighting issues around effectively managing racial and sexual identity challenges, and psychological distress, while providing social support, could help promote sexual health among HIV-positive African American MSMs.
Advisors/Committee Members: Waehler, Charles.
Subjects: African Americans; Behaviorial sciences; Demographics; Developmental psychology; Gender; Health; Multicultural education; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Public health; Social psychology
Keywords: African American identity development; same sex attracted; gay identity development; sexual risk behaviors; HIV-positive; HIV prevention; men who have sex with men; MSM
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26.
Lemon, Rochelle L.
African American Women's Experiences of Racist and Sexist Events and Their Relation to the Career Choice Process.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► The current research studied the career development process of African American women…
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▼ The current research studied the career development process of African American women utilizing Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (1977). The sample included 108 African American women who ranged in age from 18 to 63 with a mean age of 25 years old. The study examined the Social Cognitive variables of learning experiences in the form of racist and sexist events (recent and lifetime) in relation to career decision-making self-efficacy and outcome expectancies and career indecision. Previous research indicated a significant inverse relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy and career indecision, but in this study the relationship was not significant. While it was hypothesized that African American women's racist experiences (recent and lifetime) would have significant inverse relationship with career decision-making self-efficacy, only the lifetime racist events had a significant inverse relationship. In addition, African American women's sexist events (recent and lifetime)were expected to have an inverse relationship with career decision-making self-efficacy, but this was not supported. Racist and sexist experiences did not predict career decision-making self-efficacy and outcome expectancies for African American women. Although not hypothesized, an exploratory analysis showed sexist events(recent and lifetime)predicted career indecision. Future research on the impact of sexism on African American women's career development process may be beneficial to decrease their overall indecision.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda.
Subjects: African Americans
Keywords: African American women career develpment process; Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory; racist and sexist experiences; career decision-making self-efficacy; career indecision; outcome expectancies; learning experiences
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27.
Loucaides, Andrea M.
Anticipatory Mourning: Investigating Children and Youth's Self-Reported Experiences with Life-Limiting Illness.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► Pediatric end-of-life care is an emerging area of research and specialization; however,…
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▼ Pediatric end-of-life care is an emerging area of research and specialization; however, the literature and empirical research are rather limited and focused primarily on medical aspects of care. The current study aimed to expand this area of research by moving beyond medical issues and by directly soliciting the perspectives of children and youth with life-limiting and/or life-threatening illnesses. Anticipatory Mourning as described by Rando (2000) was used as the theoretical guide for this study. The primary research questions for this study were: 1) In what ways do ill children and youth characterize their illness; 2) How do significant relationships change as a function of life-limiting/life-threatening illness in children and youth; and 3) How do ill children and youth characterize hope and their future in light of their illness? A total of 10 children and youth, aged 8 to 21 years, participated in this qualitative study. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the interviews and a preliminary conceptual framework emerged with the core category of Living in Light of Life-Limiting Illness. Major categories included Aspects of Illness and Aspects of Living and the information obtained from the interviews addressed the three primary research questions. The participants described their illness through the ways that their diagnosis was obtained, the treatments they received, declines in physical functioning, treatment interventions, positive aspects of their experiences, as well as how they responded to their illness at various points in time. The participants described significant relationships including the support of their immediate and extended families, the relationships with their pets, the roles of friends, and their interactions with individuals from the larger community. In regard to characterizing hope and their future, the participants described a tension between maintaining hope for health and survival, and their fear and recognition that death was a realistic possibility. Relatedly, the participants described short- and long-term hopes and goals for their futures. Most participants stated that they did not have specific ideas about planning for their end-of-life, but all did want the opportunities to say good-bye to significant others.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James R.
Subjects: Health care; Psychology
Keywords: Anticipatory Mourning; end-of-life; pediatrics
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28.
MacDougall, Erin Colleen.
An Examination of a Culturally Relevant Model of Intuitive Eating with African American College Women.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach to weight management that encourages people…
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▼ Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach to weight management that encourages people to eat desired food in response to internal signals of hunger and satiety (Tribole & Resch, 1995; Tylka, 2006). Avalos and Tylka (2006) developed a model of intuitive eating based on the objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) and theory of unconditional acceptance (Rogers, 1961; Rogers, 1964). Their model provided an adequate to excellent fit to data obtained from samples of young, mostly European American, college women and explained approximately 43% of variance in intuitive eating (Avalos & Tylka, 2006). The present study extended the work of Avalos and Tylka (2006) by exploring the model intuitive eating with a sample of African American college women. In addition, the present study extended the work of Avalos and Tylka (2006) by integrating culturally relevant variables (e.g., racial and ethnic identity) within the model to determine whether the addition of culturally relevant models accounted for additional variance in intuitive eating. Using path analysis procedures with a sample of 130 African American college women, the original model and culturally relevant alternative versions of the model provided an adequate to poor fit to the data. Although models provided an adequate to poor fit to the data, several of the proposed paths were upheld and the models accounted for a sizeable portion of the variance (e.g., approximately 35%). Results of the present study provide empirical support for several propositions underlying a model of intuitive eating (Avalos & Tylka, 2006) and previous research (Augustus-Horvath, 2008; Avalos & Tylka, 2006) that suggests several, but not all, model paths may extend and generalize to more diverse samples of women.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda.
Subjects: African Americans; Psychology; Womens studies
Keywords: intuitive eating; African American college women; path analysis
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29.
Madura, Teri L.
The Role of Power in Counseling Psychology Faculty and Student Relationships: Differentiating Perceptions of Nonsexual Boundary Crossings.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2012, University of Akron
► The literature on nonsexual boundary crossings in academic relationships has produced mixed…
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▼ The literature on nonsexual boundary crossings in academic relationships has produced mixed results (Bowman, Hatley & Bowman, 1995) and utilized primarily undergraduate (Holmes, Rupert, Ross & Shapera, 1999; Owen & Zwahr-Castro, 2007) or master's level samples (Kolbert et al., 2002). The focus of this study was to enhance the literature base by assessing doctoral level, counseling psychology faculty and student perceptions of nonsexual boundary crossings. In addition, the role of power was assessed utilizing the Approach-Inhibition Theory of Power (Keltner, Gruenfeld & Anderson, 2003) to help explain potential differences. A total of 135 counseling psychology faculty members (n = 62) and students (n = 73) participated in the current study. To assess the role of power, five propositions of the Approach-Inhibition Theory of Power were examined. These included: sensitivity to rewards and punishments, engagement in automatic versus controlled thought processes, and perceptions of inappropriate behaviors. Participants read four vignettes, which assessed supervisor/supervisee, mentor/protégé, advisor/advisee and co-authorship relationships. Each vignette assessed degree of appropriateness, comfort level, and degree to which various behaviors were considered boundary crossings. Finally, participants were asked to provide their definition of nonsexual boundary crossings within the academic relationship in an open-ended question format. The results of the present study did not fully support the Approach-Inhibition Theory of Power with this sample. Mixed results were found with faculty and student perceptions of appropriateness, comfort, and nonsexual boundary crossings, with the most differences noted in degree of comfort. Overall, faculty members and students appeared less clear on how to navigate co-authorship roles. Additionally, most participants defined a nonsexual boundary crossing using a risk management approach, suggesting that boundary crossings should be avoided. However, this definition was not congruent with participant ratings on vignette behaviors, indicating the complexity to understanding nonsexual boundary crossings in academic relationships.
Advisors/Committee Members: Rogers, James.
Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Ethics
Keywords: Counseling Psychology; Nonsexual Boundary Crossings; Faculty and Student
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30.
Maguire, Colleen P.
Intentions to Drink to Intoxication Among College Students Mandated to Alcohol Intervention: An Application and Extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2010, University of Akron
► College students who have been mandated to alcohol-related interventions are an understudied…
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▼ College students who have been mandated to alcohol-related interventions are an understudied population. As a result, little is known about the variables which are important in explaining these students’ intentions for high-risk alcohol consumption. Deepening understanding of the underlying motivational factors associated with alcohol-related intentions in this population could lead to more effective interventions and prevention strategies aimed at decreasing alcohol harms. For this purpose, the current study is the first to examine the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) as a statistically predictive model for alcohol-related intentions among college students mandated for intervention. A sample of 77 mandated college students completed questionnaires measuring the TPB variables of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention to drink to intoxication. Regression analyses were used to test the explanatory power of the TPB for intention to drink to intoxication, after controlling for social desirability. Further, the impact of impulsivity and aversiveness of alcohol-related consequence (Barnett et al., 2006) were tested alongside the TPB variables as an extension of the theory. Results showed partial support for the TPB in explaining alcohol-related intentions in this sample of college students who were mandated for alcohol intervention. In particular, attitude and subjective norm explained unique variance in intention to drink to intoxication in this sample even after controlling for the variance accounted for by social desirability. Exploratory analyses revealed that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control explained unique variance in intention to drink to intoxication for participants who were the heaviest and most frequent drinkers in this sample, which suggested that the TPB was fully supported for this subsample of students. Neither impulsivity nor aversiveness of alcohol-related consequence improved the TPB’s explanatory power. Practice implications for alcohol prevention and intervention development are discussed as well as directions for future research.
Advisors/Committee Members: Subich, Linda.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: TPB; ALCOHOL; alcohol-related; impulsivity; INTOXICATION; perceived behavioral; perceived behavioral control
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