▼ Both movies and music have been shown to alter physiological response in audiences. Research has also found that changing the music behind a film scene affects the way audiences interpret the scene. Composers have used this fact to “mismatch” scores and movie scenes to guide viewer’s emotional reactions. The present study investigates the ability of the score to alter the way audiences physiologically react to a specific scene in a film by changing the music behind the scene, and therefore changing the mood or the feel of the scene. Few studies have investigated the relationship between “mismatched” film scores and the viewer’s physiological response. This study hypothesized that there will be a physiological response to “matched” pairings and that the two conditions will be different from another (i.e., Sad Scene with Sad Music versus Fear Scene with Fear Music). The second hypothesis is that physiological response, specifically Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (BPS), and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BPD) to matched pairings (i.e., Sad Scene with Sad Music) will differ from “mismatched” pairings (i.e., Sad Scene with Happy Music). The results showed no significant correlations in the matched conditions (Fear- Fear vs. Sad- Sad) although the data for Heart Rate (HR) showed trends in the predicted direction. For the mismatched clips, the Fear Condition showed significant results for emotion rating of the clip. Change in HR, change in BPS, and change in BPD were not significant, though there were trends in the hypothesized direction for HR. For the sad condition, significant correlations were found for clip rating and change in HR. Change in BPS and BPD were not significant. Advisors/Committee Members: Doerflinger, Dr. Alicia.

▼ This study examines the role of stress, anxiety, and alcohol in disrupted sleep patterns within a college population. The analysis is based upon six questionnaires administered to 64 females and 16 males from the Marietta College campus. Stress, anxiety, and alcohol use were examined in relation to their self-reported sleep disruption. The results show that stress is the largest contributing factor to sleep disruption, anxiety is a moderate predictor of sleep disruption, and alcohol use is a modest predictor of sleep disruption. In order to combat the effects that stress has on sleep habits, it is suggested that college students are provided with knowledge on how to manage stress before experiencing adverse effects on sleep habits. Advisors/Committee Members: May, Ryan.

▼ The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between students’ internal working model (IWM) of attachment and the frequency of prayer in relation to their successful adjustment to college. This was measured through the use of four separate, self-report questionnaires administered to fifty college freshmen. Due to the significant change from high school to college only freshmen were used. Data was analyzed through a univariate analysis of variance and a bivariate correlation matrix. The results showed that the hypothesis was not supported, however, significant correlations between prayer and coping mechanisms, as well as between coping mechanisms and adjustment to college were found. Exploratory tests were also run which suggests new avenues for future research. Advisors/Committee Members: Barnas, Mary.

▼ The purpose of the study was to determine the way in which immigrants reconcile inconsistencies between heritage and receiving culture. Little is known about the relationship between negative health outcomes in relation to acculturation and perceived context of reception in populations of Chinese international students. We related measures of perceived prejudice, degree of acculturation, and mental and physical health in 35 Chinese sojourners (m =16, f =19), ages 17-23, living and attending college in rural Ohio. Results of a multivariate analysis demonstrated differences in health according to the level of acculturation and amount of prejudice perceived by the participant. Perceived prejudice predicted mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression) and acculturation category. Acculturation category was predictive of general physical health outcomes, anxiety, and depression. These data suggest that perceived prejudice and level of acculturation are important factors to consider in regards to the success of Chinese International students in American universities and colleges. Advisors/Committee Members: Doerflinger, Alicia.

▼ The purpose of this study is to investigate how individuals' body image and self-esteem influence the frequency of artificial tanning. These factors were chosen based on previous tanning research studies. Participants were classified as tanners and non-tanners based on reported tanning behavior. Other variables such as tanning knowledge, satisfaction with complexion, and education were also collected and analyzed and compared with tanner and non-tanner status. This information was gathered via a packet of questionnaires. We predicted that lower levels of self-esteem and body image would be related to higher frequency of artificial tanning behavior. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine results. Advisors/Committee Members: May, Dr. Ryan.

▼ Research on terror management theory suggests that mortality salience (MS) leads people to reject out-group members. The present study investigated the influence of MS on perceptions of a target labeled with anorexia in contrast to a target labeled with diabetes using a 2 (mortality salience: high vs. control) x2 (diagnostic label: anorexia vs. diabetic) random block design. I expected to find a significant MS by diagnostic label interaction, hypothesizing that participants would give significantly lower opinion ratings to the anorexic target under the high MS condition than those in other conditions. Results showed no significant interaction. There was a significant main effect between diagnostic label and several opinion ratings. This finding supports previous research on the stigma of mental disorders. Advisors/Committee Members: Sibicky, Mark.

▼ Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is defined by multiple motor and vocal tics that occur numerous times a day within a period of one year. These tics vary along a continuum from minor inconveniences to major disturbances in the lives of those who suffer from TS. While there are numerous treatments for TS, to date there have been no satisfactory analyses comparing the efficacy of these treatment methods. The present study represents the first meta-analysis of the three major categories of treatments for Tourette's syndrome. While previous studies have examined the efficacy of specific treatments or compared the efficacy of more than one specific treatment, this study compiles data from 134 studies spanning all three major categories of Tourette's syndrome treatments, examining over 45 specific treatments. Tourette's syndrome is a multifaceted disorder affecting a range of individuals. Because of the numerous treatments available for TS, choosing the best course of action is often difficult. The results of this study indicate that neuroleptics are highly effective pharmaceuticals, but the noradrenergic modulators clonidine and guanfacine may prove better first-choice drugs due to their decreased incidence of side effects. The psychological treatments habit reversal therapy and exposure and response prevention are also particularly promising, and good first-choice options for clinicians skilled in their use, although other methods may be effective as well. Neurosurgery and deep-brain stimulation appear to be very effective options for individuals with severe TS that is irresponsive to other techniques. Historically, clinicians have relied on anti-psychotic drugs such as haloperidol as the first line of treatment. However, this and other research suggests that psychological treatments may be considered first in order to minimize the incidence of side effects. Advisors/Committee Members: May, Ryan.

▼ The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) on the blocking of reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP) for ethanol. Mice acquired CPP for ethanol in four trials. After a test for CPP, mice were conditioned to extinguish the CPP. During this period, half were placed into EE and half remained in a standard environment (SE). The results indicate that mice developed CPP for ethanol. Advisors/Committee Members: Doerflinger, Alicia.