Department: Psychology (Arts and Sciences) ![[clear]](close-x.png "Remove this limiter")
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1.
Beilstein, Elizabeth A.
The Influence of Temporal Saliency on Young Children's Estimates of Performance.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2007, Ohio University
► Previous research suggests that young children (ages four through seven) have particularly…
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▼ Previous research suggests that young children (ages four through seven) have particularly positive, and often exaggerated or inflated estimates of performance (Gullo and Ambrose, 1987; Harter and Pike, 1984; Marsh, Craven, and Debus, 1998; Nicholls, 1978). This study examined the influence of temporal saliency on young children’s estimates of performance. It was expected that, when young children’s competence was made more salient, their self-ratings of performance would be more congruent with estimates based on objective assessment, and parent and teacher ratings. Participants included 100 (55 males, 45 females) preschool children between the ages of 47 and 67 months. They were asked to demonstrate their competence by engaging in several cognitive and physical tasks. Participants rated their skillfulness on the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance (PSPCSA) (Harter, 1984) both before and after they demonstrated their ability to perform these same cognitive and physical tasks. Parents and teachers also rated the children’s skillfulness at various activities. Discrepancy scores that reflected the difference between child ratings and objective, parent, and teacher ratings were calculated. When these discrepancy scores were subjected to a series of 2 x 2 (domain: cognitive, physical x time: Time 1/pre-performance, Time 2/post-performance) ANOVAs, time emerged as a significant within subjects factor. Although children’s ratings became significantly more congruent with objective, parent, and teacher ratings over time, their Time 2 ratings remained inflated as compared to their actual performance. Furthermore, unanticipated significant improvements in the congruence between child and adult ratings of social competence (a domain in which there was no performance opportunity) over time suggest that a factor other than salient performance is contributing to the shift in perception. It is likely that temporal salience is only one of many factors that influence young children’s estimates of performance.
Advisors/Committee Members: Owens, Julie S.
Subjects: Psychology, Developmental
Keywords: performance estimation; self-evaluation; self-perception; self-concept; young children
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2.
Berger, Ian P.
Autopriming: The Presentation of a Potentially Unique Cognitive Transference Phenomenon.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2004, Ohio University
► There is little doubt that people evaluate others based on limited information.…
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▼ There is little doubt that people evaluate others based on limited information. The information used when evaluating others oftentimes has little to offer in terms of accuracy of evaluations, but is used nonetheless. The thrust of the current research is an examination of the roles of priming, the self, and attitudes in social judgment, specifically addressing a form of cognitive transference referred to herein as autopriming . It is hypothesized that without regard to personal beliefs, people will use information they have generated when making social judgments, information that will have no effect (or less of an effect) on individuals who are exposed to this information but do not generate it. Three studies were conducted. Two of the three supported the autopriming hypothesis. Although the results of the three studies do not offer unequivocal support for the hypothesized autopriming phenomenon, there are some interesting findings worth examining.
Advisors/Committee Members: Alicke, Mark D.
Subjects: Psychology, Social
Keywords: Autopriming; Cognitive Transference
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3.
Berlin, Anna.
The Effects of Differential Discrimination Cues on Attributions for Failure: Implications for Subsequent Performance.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2006, Ohio University
► A single study investigated the effects of discrimination on performance. One hundred…
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▼ A single study investigated the effects of discrimination on performance. One hundred and three female undergraduates completed an initial anagram test which they believed to be a scholastic aptitude test. They were then given either an overt, ambiuous, or no cue regarding the likelihood that the evaluator discriminated against women. They were later told that a second session of a similar task would be evaluated by the same or a different evaluator. All participants were informed that they had performed poorly on the first task. Results indicated that although the women tended to attribute the failure to external factors (discrimination) rather than internal ones (ability and effort) as discrimination cues increased in strength, only those who received ambiguous discrimination cues did not improve performance from the first to the second task. Implications for the effects of ambiguity on performance are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Markman, Keith D.
Keywords: Discrimination; Attribution; Feedback; Performance
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4.
Borchardt, Amy R.
The Effects of Social Support and Speech Anxiety on Cardiovascular Reactivity to Acute Stress.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2008, Ohio University
► To further understanding of social support-health links, the current study examined the…
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▼ To further understanding of social support-health links, the current study examined the interacting effects of speech anxiety and thoughts of social support on cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to stress. Participants, 77 low speech anxiety (LSA) and 80 high speech anxiety (HAS), were randomly assigned to a supportive tie or acquaintance priming condition prior to engaging in a speech task under conditions of high or minimized social evaluation. Results revealed that among low socially anxious participants, heart rate reactivity was significantly attenuated for those who thought about a supportive tie versus an acquaintance during anticipation of the evaluated speech task. These findings suggest that further consideration of person-environment interactions is needed to understand the conditions under which social support will buffer CVR to stress.
Advisors/Committee Members: Heffner, Kathi L.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Social support; Cardiovascular reactivity; Acute stress; Speech anxiety
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5.
Buelow, Melissa T.
The Influence of Cognitive, Personality, and Social Variables: Predicting Changes in Risky Behaviors over a Two-Year Interval.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2005, Ohio University
► The present study examines whether the following variables measured in the Spring…
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▼ The present study examines whether the following variables measured in the Spring of 2002 can be used to predict changes in risky behaviors from 2002 to 2004: sensation seeking, positive outcome expectancy, negative outcome expectancy, peer attachment, parental attachment, family relationships, perceived peer involvement in the behaviors, need for cognition, religiosity, and time perspective. Participants included 51 male and 45 female college students, aged 20 to 29, who also completed the measures at Time 1. At Time 2, participants completed measures of frequency of involvement in various risky behaviors, and multiple stepwise regression analyses were conducted. It was found that the cognitive (outcome expectancies, time perspective, need for cognition) and social variables (parent attachment, peer attachment, family relationship, perceived peer involvement) explained more of the variance in the frequency of future risky behaviors and in the change in frequency over time than did the personality variable (sensation seeking).
Advisors/Committee Members: Appel, Margret A.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: Risk-Taking; College students; Cognition; Personality; Social aspects
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6.
Buelow, Melissa T.
The Influence of Nicotine Craving and Personality Characteristics on Risky Decision Making in Nicotine Dependent College Students.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► Previous research has shown that nicotine dependent individuals exhibit riskier behavior on…
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▼ Previous research has shown that nicotine dependent individuals exhibit riskier behavior on decision making and other executive function tasks relative to non-smokers, and that performance varies as a function of nicotine satiation level. Links have also been found between impulsive sensation seeking and nicotine dependence, but their relationships with craving and decision making have rarely been studied. The current study examined the relationships between nicotine dependence, craving, impulsive sensation seeking, reward drive, and risky decision making in smokers and non-smokers. Smokers were randomly assigned to either overnight nicotine abstinence or to smoke as usual, and then all participants completed a series of questionnaires, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). No group differences were found on the IGT or the BART. Abstinent smokers reported significantly higher nicotine craving than ad libitum smokers. Prior to testing the hypothesized models, confirmatory factor analyses of the personality characteristics and decision making variables did not support either as a unitary construct in the present sample. The predicted non-smoker and smoker models did not fit the data; however, a regression model was found for the non-smoker group for the IGT data. Results of additional regression analyses showed limited support for nicotine craving and dependence affecting IGT and BART performance, but indicated that, among ad libitum smokers only, personality characteristics affected performance on the IGT. The results of this study run contrary to numerous studies showing worse performance on decision making tasks among substance dependent individuals; however, they are in keeping with conflicting findings in the literature regarding performance stability across nicotine satiation level.
Advisors/Committee Members: Suhr, Julie A.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: nicotine dependence; craving; IGT; BART; impulsive sensation seeking; BAS
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7.
Chau, Minna.
Factors Predicting Resistance Strategies to Sexual Aggression among College Women.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2004, Ohio University
► The current study attempted to investigate factors influencing women’s resistance to a…
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▼ The current study attempted to investigate factors influencing women’s resistance to a sexual assault by integrating current research findings on sexual victimization. Undergraduate women ( N =324) completed self-report measures at the beginning of the academic quarter regarding demographic information, childhood and adolescent sexual victimization, perceived vulnerability for a sexual assault, self-efficacy, psychological barriers to resist, and anticipated use of resistance strategies. At the end of the quarter (2 months later), 219 women returned to respond to questions pertaining to their experiences with sexual assault during the quarter. Regression analyses indicated that women in the present study who were less concerned about preserving the relationship, felt less self-conscious and worried more about being injured predicted that they would be more likely to defend themselves assertively when faced with a future assault. Conversely, the greater the woman’s concerns about preserving the relationship, the more likely she was to predict the use of diplomatic resistance tactics in response to a hypothetical assault. Additionally, women who had a history of sexual victimization were more likely to be revictimized during the 2-month follow-up. Among women victimized during the quarter, those who worried about being harmed and felt less sadness during the assault, tended to defend themselves assertively. Victims who were concerned more about preserving the relationship were more likely to respond diplomatically to the actual assault. Victims who felt more self-consciousness were more accurate regarding their use of assertive responses. Women with a history of sexual victimization in childhood were more accurate in their prediction of diplomatic responses. The more vulnerable the victim perceived herself to be and the more sadness she felt, the more discrepant were her anticipated and actual diplomatic responses. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gidycz, Christine.
Keywords: Sexual Assault; Resistance Strategies; Risk Factors; College Population; Risk Perceptions
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8.
Chau, Minna P. L.
Chinese Parents' Coping and Professional Help-seeking for Children with Conduct Problems.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► This study investigated factors that influenced Chinese parents’ coping and professional help-seeking…
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▼ This study investigated factors that influenced Chinese parents’ coping and professional help-seeking for children with conduct problems. Ninety-seven Chinese parents of children aged five to fifteen participated in this study. Eighty mothers and seventeen fathers of children with conduct problems were recruited through primary schools, clinics and after-school programs to complete surveys to assess their perception of their child’s problem, their parenting efficacy and stress, and their cultural values and shame associated with their child’s problem. Regression analyses of the effects of parental factors on coping and professional help-seeking showed that parental attribution of stability, parenting stress and efficacy emerged as significant predictors for professional help-seeking. These data also did not provide support for effects of Chinese values on parental shame and professional help-seeking. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding parents’ psychological factors in the design of interventions and outreach to the parents of children with conduct problems.
Advisors/Committee Members: Garske, John P.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Chinese parents; conduct problems; help-seeking; parenting stress; parenting efficacy; cultural values
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9.
Chimeli, Janna V.
Choice Tendency.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2012, Ohio University
► Choice tendencies have been measured through the Maximizing Scale (MS) proposed by…
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▼ Choice tendencies have been measured through the Maximizing Scale (MS) proposed by Schwartz et al. (2002). Along these lines, I focused on the decision maker's goal as opposed to his/her choice strategy as a guiding principle for this study. In the current work, however, I implemented modifications to MS to create a new Choice Tendency Scale (CTS) motivated by some psychometric problems present in the original scale. Measurement models have been developed to represent previously proposed maximizing scales, and goodness of fit results showed that CTS best performed in explaining the variability pattern of the data, followed by SMS. Additionally, predictive validity analysis showed that neither CTS nor SMS accounted for variability in choice behavior, as measured by both proportion and direction of information searched. As for other variables included in the model, expensive products led to both an increase in the proportion of information searched and a tendency to conduct an alternative wise information search. Furthermore, adding information to the choice scenario led to a decrease in the proportion of information searched. In spite of interesting results regarding the decision makers' information search process, continued attention needs to be devoted to the better understanding of the maximizing/satisficing construct.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gonzalez-Vallejo, Claudia.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Maxmizing; Satisficing
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10.
Chun, DaHyun.
Client typology based on functioning across domains using the CAFAS: A replication and extension.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2004, Ohio University
► The present study is a replication, verification, and extension of the Hodges…
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▼ The present study is a replication, verification, and extension of the Hodges and Wotring (2000) study, in which a five-cluster typology had been developed based on a sample of youths referred to Community Mental Health Service Providers in Michigan (n=4,578). Cluster analysis was conducted on the eight subscales of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scales (CAFAS) using data gathered from youths receiving mental health services in California (n=4,098). External variables such as demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, severity of impairment, and an additional measure, the Ohio Scales, were utilized to examine the reliability and the validity of the classification system derived. Three clusters (Adjustment Problems with Impairment/Secondary Prevention, Substance Users/Externalizers, and Marked/School Problems) were replicated, and two clusters (Delinquent/Comorbid and Medicated, and Internalizing Problems) were not replicated. Further discussion of the stability and validity of cluster solutions is included.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ogles, Benjamin M.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: Cluster Analysis; Categorization; Replication; Classification Systems; Youth Profiles; Cluster Solution
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11.
Chun, DaHyun.
Parent-Child Discrepancy: A Comparison of U.S. and South Korean Clinical Samples.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2008, Ohio University
► The present study examined agreement between parent and children regarding the behavioral…
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▼ The present study examined agreement between parent and children regarding the behavioral and emotional functioning of the child utilizing the Ohio Scales. It also explored cultural influences on parent-child agreement through a comparison of three clinical samples (e.g., U.S. Caucasian, U.S. non-Caucasian, and South Korean) that were comprised of 228 parent-child pairs. Four different statistical approaches (e.g., correlations, difference scores, generalized distance scores, q-correlations) were used to examine parent-child agreement. Results found that overall, South Korean parents and children presented with similar or higher levels of agreement compared to the other two samples based on the four statistical methods utilized. Interactions between ethnicity and age or gender were explored and results were reported. In the South Korean sample, age and gender were not found to significantly influence parent-child agreement and higher agreement was found for externalizing factor scores compared to internalizing factor scores based on analysis of agreement utilizing generalized distance scores. Findings provide further evidence for the importance of utilizing multiple informants and taking into consideration cultural influences on parent-child agreement. Research that further explores cultural differences in parent-child concordance, directly examines the influence of cultural differences on parent-child agreement, and addresses clinical implications of cultural differences on parent-child discrepancy is warranted.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ogles, Benjamin M.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Parent-Child Discrepancy; Parent-Child Agreement; Parent-Child Concordance; Behavioral Problems; Inter-rater Reliability; Parent Child Relations; Demographic Characteristics
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12.
Cole, Shana L.
When Praise Falls on Deaf Ears: Is the Hedonic Impact of Compliments Muted When it Matters Most?.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► When does praise fall on deaf ears? Though compliments may often provide…
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▼ When does praise fall on deaf ears? Though compliments may often provide a hefty emotional boost, at times they can fall short of packing their most powerful hedonic punches. In what may be an unfortunate paradox, compliments may feel least good when they come from those people most likely to offer them. In six studies, I explored the relationship between the person delivering a compliment and the affective response the compliment produced. Studies 1 and 2 provide evidence that compliments from loved ones are viewed as less emotionally impactful than compliments from strangers. Studies 3a-3c indicate that these effects are more likely to occur when the compliment is in an important domain and demonstrate that people are motivated to receive accurate feedback in important domains. Study 4 failed to find evidence of source effects when participants were given compliments in the lab. Methodological improvements are discussed and the important implications of this work for understanding how people process social feedback are underscored.
Advisors/Committee Members: Balcetis, Emily.
Subjects: Psychology; Social psychology
Keywords: social feedback; compliments; emotional consequences; self-assessment motivation; source effects; accuracy motivation
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13.
Copley, Diane M.
Median Nerve Function of Individuals With and Without a Parental History of Hypertension.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2010, Ohio University
► Hypertension is a highly prevalent health condition that puts individuals at risk…
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▼ Hypertension is a highly prevalent health condition that puts individuals at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Early detection and prevention are important elements in avoiding future health complications. Although hypertension is typically viewed as a "silent killer" due to the absence of subjective symptoms, there is significant evidence that hypertensives as well as normotensives at increased risk for hypertension exhibit hypoalgesia (i.e., increased pain threshold and tolerance levels). Although the underlying mechanism for this hypoalgesia remains unclear, most of the existing research has focused on central rather than peripheral nervous system explanations. In contrast, a recent study (Edwards, Ring, McIntyre, Winer, & Martin, 2008) demonstrated that patients with essential hypertension show impairment in median nerve function as indexed by reduced sensory action potentials. These findings present the possibility that impairments in peripheral nerve function may help explain hypoalgesic responses in those with hypertension, and possibly among those at increased risk for high blood pressure. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to examine median nerve function and pain threshold/tolerance levels in individuals with and without a parental history of hypertension to determine if expected differences in pain responsivity are mediated by individual differences in sensory nerve function. Seventy-nine participants underwent study procedures and were divided into two groups: positive parental history of hypertension and negative parental history of hypertension. The primary hypothesis was not supported, as there was no significant difference in sensory nerve function among the two groups. Combined with prior evidence from hypertensive participants, the present findings suggest that deficits in median nerve function may occur as a response to hypertension.
Advisors/Committee Members: France, Christopher.
Subjects: Physiological psychology
Keywords: Median Nerve; Parental History of Hypertension
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14.
Cosio, David.
A Telephone-Delivered, Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Reduce Risky Sexual Behavior in HIV-Infected Rural Persons: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2008, Ohio University
► While several studies have characterized patterns and predictors of continued risky sexual…
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▼ While several studies have characterized patterns and predictors of continued risky sexual behavior in HIV-infected rural persons, far less research has conceptualized and evaluated interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior in this group. This pilot randomized clinical trial tested if two telephone-delivered, HIV risk-reduction interventions could reduce high HIV-transmission risk behavior in HIV-infected rural persons. Participants (N=79) were recruited through AIDS service organizations in rural areas of 27 states and assigned to either a two-session, motivational interviewing and skills-building intervention (N=48) or a two-session, skills-building-only intervention (N=31). Participants completed self-report measures at pre- and post-intervention. A 2 x 2 repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (RM MANOVA) found no significant "Time x Condition" interaction but did find a main effect for "Time" which showed that participants'condom use, motivation to reduce risky sexual behavior, and risk reduction behavioral skills improved in both intervention conditions. Results from this pilot RCT suggest that telephone-based interventions may increase motivation, behavioral skills, and condom use in rural PLWH over time and that motivational interviewing need not be integrated into standard skills-building interventions.
Advisors/Committee Members: Heckman, Timothy G.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: HIV; Risk-reduction; Motivational Interviewing; Skills-Building; Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model
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15.
Crane, Anna N.
Residential Treatment for Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders: An Investigation of Treatment Outcomes and Family Variables.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► This study explores relationships between treatment outcomes, parent involvement, and family variables…
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▼ This study explores relationships between treatment outcomes, parent involvement, and family variables in an adolescent residential substance use treatment program. Adolescents (N = 165), ages 13 to 18 (61% male), and their parents or guardians participated in this study. Statistically significant changes between pre- and post-treatment adolescent attitudes toward drugs, psychological symptom severity, and stage of change were found. Abstinence rates at 7-day and 30-day follow-up were 83.9% and 75.6% respectively. Increased parent contact was associated with reduced 7-day abstinence rates. Increased family conflict predicted increased parent contact. Increased levels of parent precontemplation and maintenance predicted decreased parent contact. Findings suggest residential treatment remains a viable treatment option for substance-using adolescents. Parent and family factors appear to impact parent contact, and parent contact appears to impact treatment outcome, though the effects remain unclear. Further exploration of the construct of parent involvement is warranted.
Advisors/Committee Members: Garske, John P.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: adolescent substance use; treatment outcome; family factors; parent involvement
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16.
Darchuk, Kathleen M.
Psychophysiological and Psychological Correlates of Pericranial Allodynia and Affective Distress in Young Adult Females.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2007, Ohio University
► Pericranial allodynia, hypothesized to reflect central pain processing deficits, is the most…
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▼ Pericranial allodynia, hypothesized to reflect central pain processing deficits, is the most reliable clinical finding in very frequent or chronic tension-type headache. However, little is known about the correlates of pericranial allodynia in healthy young adults, including its association with affective distress, headache disorders or persistent pain complaints, multimodal measures of pain sensitivity, and other psychosocial correlates of tension-type headache. The present study aimed to examine the association between pericranial allodynia and affective distress on formal diagnoses of headache and other persistent pain complaints, multimodal cephalic and extra-cephalic pain sensitivity, and other psychological correlates of tension-type headache in a population of young adult females. Results indicated that pericranial allodynia was not associated with either a formal headache diagnosis or persistent pain complaints, but was associated with decreased cephalic and extra-cephalic pressure pain thresholds, increased widespread pressure pain sensitivity, and amplified temporal summation. The generalized hyperalgesia and amplified temporal summation likely reflects central abnormalities in pain processing and/or modulation rather than either peripheral or local sensitization at the level of the trigeminal nucleus. Pericranial allodynia was also associated with a higher occurrence of mood disorders and more pain catastrophizing. As allodynia was found to be present without a headache diagnosis or persistent pain complaint, it may be a risk factor for the development of chronic tension-type headache. Further research is needed to clarify the roles of pericranial allodynia and psychological variables on the development and maintenance of chronic tension-type headache.
Advisors/Committee Members: Holroyd, Kenneth A.
Keywords: Pericranial Muscle Tenderness; Allodynia; Pain; Chronic Tension-type Headache; Temporal Summation; Wind-up
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17.
Dardis, Christina M.
Sexual Assault Acknowledgment Among College Women: Situational, Individual, and Social Network Factors and Psychological Adjustment.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2011, Ohio University
► Many victims of sexual assault are “unacknowledged,” that is, although they meet…
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▼ Many victims of sexual assault are “unacknowledged,” that is, although they meet definitional criteria for sexual assault, they do not define themselves as victims of sexual assault. The current study examined the relationship between victims’ acknowledgment status and three types of variables: situational, individual, and social network variables. Results suggested that, among women victimized prior to the first study session, acknowledged victims are more likely to know someone who has been sexually assaulted, to have exerted greater physical resistance against their perpetrators at the time of assault, and to have received more positive social reactions to disclosure than unacknowledged victims. Among these assaults, unacknowledged and acknowledged victims did not differ significantly with regard to post-traumatic symptomatology or symptoms of general distress at Time 1 or Time 2. Prospectively, tentative results suggested that women assaulted over the interim were more likely to be acknowledged if they had endorsed prior assault, had disclosed the current assault experience, and had known someone who had been sexually assaulted. These acknowledged victims were more likely to evidence post-traumatic avoidance symptoms.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gidycz, Christine A.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Sexual Assault; Acknowledgment; Labeling; Post-Traumatic Symptomatology
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18.
Davis-Rosanbalm, Mary Katherine.
A Comparison of Social Information Processing in Juvenile Sexual Offenders and Violent Nonsexual Offenders.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2002, Ohio University
► This research examines the common clinical belief that juveniles who sexually offend…
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▼ This research examines the common clinical belief that juveniles who sexually offend are particularly socially isolated and deficient in social skills. Using a validated model of social information processing, potential social cognitive deficits are examined in incarcerated male juveniles with histories of sexual offending as compared with incarcerated male juveniles who committed violent, nonsexual crimes. Specifically, the social information-processing constructs of normative beliefs, hostile attributional bias, social goals, outcome expectancies, and social self-efficacy are explored in these two groups. Juvenile sexual offenders in this sample differ from nonsexual offenders only in the areas of social goals and outcome expectancies. Juveniles who have committed sexual offenses are more likely to rate dominance as a strong social goal in peer conflict situations, but are less likely to expect aggressive behavior to result in positive outcomes. As compared with nonsexual offenders, juvenile sexual offenders appear particularly motivated by their internal conflicts and desires. Treatment strategies addressing only interpersonal skills may not be effective for juveniles who sexually offend; rather, goals and motivations for behaviors must be targeted.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gidycz, Christine A.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: Juvenile sexual Offenders, Social information processing, Sexual Aggression, Social Deficits, Juvenile Offenders
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19.
Demireva, Petya D.
Cortisol as a Potential Mediator of the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Memory Performance in Older Community-Dwelling Adults.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2008, Ohio University
► The associations among depressive symptoms, baseline salivary cortisol levels, cortisol reactivity, and…
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▼ The associations among depressive symptoms, baseline salivary cortisol levels, cortisol reactivity, and declarative memory were investigated in a sample of older (50 and above), healthy, community-dwelling adults. A mediation model was proposed, where cortisol would mediate the relationship between depressive symptoms, measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and declarative memory, as measured by the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Findings indicated a negative association between baseline cortisol levels and declarative memory, as well as between area-under-the-curve cortisol and learning over trials. Depressive symptoms were not related to any of the variables of interest, and thus the complete model was not supported. Findings are discussed within the framework of the short- and long-term effects of stress on memory and aging.
Advisors/Committee Members: Suhr, Julie.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: older adults, cortisol, memory, stress, depression
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20.
Demyan, Amy.
Gender, Gender Role Adherence, and Self-Esteem in Long Term Mate Selection Preferences in College Students.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2005, Ohio University
► Profound social developments, such as the advent of the gender equality movement,…
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▼ Profound social developments, such as the advent of the gender equality movement, have had a significant influence on many aspects of long-term romantic relationships. This is particularly noted with regards to the types of characteristics men and women desire in a long-term partner. Studies have long shown that what men and women value in a partner is not always consistent between genders. Two hundred forty-three university students from a mid-sized Midwestern university were surveyed on what they desire in a long term mate. They also completed self-esteem and gender role adherence scales. Results demonstrated traditional gender differences. However, consistent with previous literature, results also suggest that select gender differences in mate preferences are continuing a convergence trend. Evidence for self-esteem and gender role adherence as alternative predictors of traditionally gender distinct mate preference was not found. Gender differences with regards to the perceived function or benefit of favoring particular traits were uncovered for the traits concerning physical attractiveness and financial resourcefulness, but not for the trait concerning good health.
Advisors/Committee Members: Chang, Doris.
Subjects: Psychology, Social
Keywords: Culture change; Human mate selection; Human sex differences; Values; Self esteem; Sex roles
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21.
Demyan, Amy L.
The Effects of a Brief, Mass-Media Intervention on Attitude and Intention to Seek Professional Psychological Treatment.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► This study examined the effects of a mass-media, public service announcement (PSA)…
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▼ This study examined the effects of a mass-media, public service announcement (PSA) style video intervention that was developed for this study. Prior research findings on expectations, attitudes and intentions towards seeking mental health services were applied to the design of the intervention. A total of 228 participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1.) the media-exposed intervention group, who watched programming in which the video intervention was inserted, and (2.) a control group, who watched the same programming without the video intervention. Results indicated that the intervention was effective at increasing both positive attitudes towards therapy and intentions to seek therapy. The overall positive effect of the media intervention on intentions was primarily for seeking help for interpersonal problems (and not for academic or substance abuse problems). However, the media intervention was no different from the control group on measures of the belief-based factors that, in theory, should change prior to changes in attitudes and the actual intentions to seek. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Anderson, Timothy.
Subjects: Health care; Health education; Psychotherapy; Public health
Keywords: help seeking behavior; attitudes; decision making; mass media intervention; psychology promotion; health care seeking
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22.
Dowell, Kathy Ann.
The Effects of Parent Participation on Child Psychotherapy Outcome: A Meta-Analytic Review.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2005, Ohio University
► This study evaluated the effects of parent participation on child psychotherapy outcomes…
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▼ This study evaluated the effects of parent participation on child psychotherapy outcomes through meta-analytic review. A total of 42 studies (and two follow up studies) were included that offered a direct comparison of an individual child treatment group to either a combined parent-child/family therapy treatment, or a parent-only treatment groups. Results indicate that combined treatments were more effective than individual child treatments, with an average weighted effect size within the moderate range (d = .25). No differences were found between individual child and parent-only interventions. Moderator analysis for the comparison of child-only to combined treatments identified child treatment orientation as a marginally significant unique predictor. However, when all other potential moderators (presenting problem, treatment orientation, methodological quality, difference in number of therapy sessions, outcome measure, and child age) were entered into the regression analysis, methodological quality was identified as marginally significant. Results suggest that including parents in the psychotherapeutic treatment of children is beneficial. More research is needed that offers these specific treatment comparisons to offer more specific treatment recommendations.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ogles, Benjamin.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: Child Psychotherapy; Family Therapy; Meta-Analysis; Psychotherapy Outcome
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23.
Doyle, Todd A.
Cardiac Risk, Patient-Physician Communication, And Exercise Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2007, Ohio University
► Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of…
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▼ Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Little is known about T2DM patients’ CVD risk estimation, patient-physician communication about reducing CVD risk, and how these constructs relate to exercise. This study evaluated T2DM patient exercise levels, perceived CVD risk, and patient-physician communication about reducing CVD risk. Data were collected from N=46 T2DM patients using a passive observational survey design. Results demonstrated that perceived CVD risk was not predictive of exercise. However, treatment regimen predicted changes in exercise. No differences between exercise levels and patient-physician concordance were observed. Intercorrelations between CVD risk, attitudes, and exercise were also non-significant. Education level and age were significant predictors of patient-physician concordance, but perceived CVD risk was not. Future investigations need to examine the consensus and accuracy between patient-physician estimates of CVD. Physicians have considerable opportunity to provide patients with CVD risk information and behavioral risk-reducing strategies.
Advisors/Committee Members: de Groot, Mary.
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes; Exercise; Cardiovascular Disease Risk; Perceived Risk; Patient-Physician Communication
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24.
Doyle, Todd A.
Inflammatory Pathways Linking Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Depression.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2012, Ohio University
► Up-regulated levels of interleukin-6 (IL6), TNF-alpha (TNF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are…
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▼ Up-regulated levels of interleukin-6 (IL6), TNF-alpha (TNF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are common to both type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and depression, yet inflammation as a possible biological link between these disorders has gone unexamined. This study examined the role of inflammation in the relationship between T2DM and depression. Baseline and longitudinal data were analyzed from 3,014 adults, 70-79 years, participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Presence of T2DM was assessed per self-report, medication use, fasting glucose and/or glucose tolerance test results. Depressed mood was categorized using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale using a cut-score of 20 or greater. Participants who had both T2DM and depressed mood demonstrated significantly higher levels of IL-6 (F[1, 2761]=5.3, p<.05, η2=.001) compared to those with T2DM alone, depressed mood alone, and healthy controls. Similarly, participants with T2DM and depressed mood also had significantly higher levels of CRP (F[1, 2875]=5.5, p<.05, η2=.002) compared to those with depressed mood alone and health controls. Among T2DM participants, those with higher levels of IL-6 had significantly increased risk of depressed mood compared to T2DM participants with lower levels of IL-6 (OR = 10.43, 95% CI = 1.65 – 66.09, Max-rescaled R2 = 0.13). Further, up-regulated levels of TNF-α at baseline predicted depressed mood status at year 2 among T2DM patients (OR=7.02, 95% CI 1.34-36.71, Max-rescaled R2=.28). These findings support an additive model of inflammation linking T2DM and depressed mood, using self-reported depressive symptoms. Further investigation into these relationships could aid in understanding the biological pathways underlying the relationship between T2DM and depression.
Advisors/Committee Members: de Groot, Mary.
Subjects: Clinical Psychology
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Depression; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha; C-Reactive Protein
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25.
Dyczewski, Elizabeth A.
Motivation and Counterfactual Thinking: The Moderating Role of Implicit Theories of Intelligence.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2011, Ohio University
► Two studies were conducted to examine the role of implicit theories of…
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▼ Two studies were conducted to examine the role of implicit theories of intelligence in the motivational consequences of performance-related counterfactual thinking. Overall, upward and downward counterfactuals generated in response to performance feedback differentially influenced incremental and entity theorists' propensity to engage in remedial action. In Study 1 it was found that incremental theorists reported greater motivation for remedial action when generating upward compared to downward counterfactuals for imagined poor performance, whereas entity theorists reported less motivation for remedial action when generating upward as compared to downward counterfactuals. In study 2 it was found that incremental theorists perceived remedial action to be more useful and engaged in more remedial action following upward compared to downward counterfactuals, whereas counterfactual direction did not influence entity theorists' perceptions of the usefulness of remedial action or actual engagement in remedial action. The results of these studies suggest that the perceived attainability of future improvement is an important moderator of the counterfactual direction and motivation link.
Advisors/Committee Members: Markman, Keith.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: Counterfactual, motivation, social cognition, implicit theories
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26.
Edwards, Katie M.
College Women's Stay/Leave Decisions in Sexually Violent Relationships: A Prospective Analysis.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2007, Ohio University
► Despite growing evidence suggesting that many college women remain in sexually abusive…
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▼ Despite growing evidence suggesting that many college women remain in sexually abusive relationships, there is a dearth of research assessing what factors contribute to this phenomenon. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to explore this gap in the literature utilizing theories specified in the dating and marital violence literature. Participants at Time 1 included 305 women in heterosexual dating relationships of at least one month, 70 (23%) of whom were in relationships characterized by sexual aggression. Results suggested that women in sexually abusive relationships differed from women in non-sexually abusive relationships on a number of variables, including secure attachment, avoidance coping, hypergender ideology, trauma symptomatology, relationship commitment, relationship satisfaction, quality of alternatives, thoughts about ending the relationship, previous childhood and adolescent victimization, and co-occurring physical and verbal abuse. Regression analyses suggested that decreased satisfaction, decreased commitment, the absence of childhood physical abuse, and the presence of co-occurring verbal abuse all uniquely predicted sexually abused women’s Time 1 thoughts about ending the relationship, whereas decreased satisfaction and decreased commitment predicted non-sexually abused women’s Time 1 thoughts about ending the relationship. Results from the prospective regression analyses suggested that decreased satisfaction, the presence of physical abuse, decreased trauma symptomatology, and decreased secure attachment each uniquely predicted sexually abused women’s decisions to leave their partner over the interim, whereas decreased relationship commitment was the only predictor of non-sexually abused women’s decisions to leave their partners over the interim. These data have important implications for future research, stay/leave decision making theory development and integration, and clinical practice, all of which will be discussed herein.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gidycz, Christine A.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: sexual assault; dating violence; relationship stability; stay/leave decisions
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27.
Edwards, Katie M.
Leaving an Abusive Dating Relationship: An Analysis of the Investment Model and Theory of Planned Behavior.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2011, Ohio University
► The purpose of the current study was to build on the existing…
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▼ The purpose of the current study was to build on the existing literature in order to better understand women’s leaving processes in physically, sexually, and/or psychologically abusive dating relationships. Three models – investment model, theory of planned behavior, and an integrated model that combined elements of the former two theories – were tested. The sample included 282 college women currently in abusive dating relationships who completed surveys for course credit. Results demonstrated alarming rates of dating violence and that most women had little or no intentions of leaving their abusive partners. Results also showed that the investment model, theory of planned behavior model, and an integrated model all fit the data with modifications. However, the theory of planned behavior model was the best fit to the data, compared to the investment and integrated models. Implications for future research, theory, and intervention are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gidycz, Christine.
Subjects: Psychology; Womens Studies
Keywords: dating violence; stay/leave; leaving; investment model; theory of planned behavior
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28.
Elek, Jennifer K.
Easy Does It: How the Organization of Print Advertisements Influences Product Evaluations.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2010, Ohio University
► How can advertisers improve consumer attitudes toward a given brand? Improving the…
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▼ How can advertisers improve consumer attitudes toward a given brand? Improving the ease with which consumers can process and make sense of an advertisement that features the product appears to be one possible strategy. Eight studies explored whether the location of a familiar or novel product in the context of a print advertisement influences consumer appraisals of the brand. Across five experiments in which participants viewed print advertisements, participants presented with ads that featured familiar brands tended to respond more favorably to those in which the brand appeared in the center, rather than along the margins, of the image. Conversely, participants presented with advertisements of novel brands reported more favorable appraisals when the ad featured the brand along the margins of the image than at the center. This response pattern appears to emerge via a processing fluency mechanism: When the consumer’s metacognitive understanding of fluency as a positive evaluative cue changed, the response pattern reversed. These findings indicate that simple aesthetic decisions about the construction of print advertisements could elicit more favorable consumer responses to the featured brand.
Advisors/Committee Members: Balcetis, Emily.
Subjects: Marketing; Social psychology
Keywords: processing fluency; consumer psychology; attitudes; brand familiarity; advertising; visual attention
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29.
Elizaga, Ronald A.
ELICITING STEREOTYPE CHALLENGE AND STEREOTYPE THREAT EFFECTS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF WOMEN’S MATH PERFORMANCE.
Degree: MS, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2005, Ohio University
► The present study examined stereotype challenge and threat responses through a manipulation…
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▼ The present study examined stereotype challenge and threat responses through a manipulation of social comparison information. Female participants received feedback about an ostensibly matched partner who was either similar (i.e., female) or dissimilar (i.e., male) to themselves. After learning that they would be taking a math test that either has or has not demonstrated gender differences in the past, participants learned that their partner either performed very well or very poorly on the test. Subsequently, participants took the math test themselves, and their performance was evaluated. It was predicted that interacting with a peer whose performance was consistent with the negative stereotype would exacerbate stereotype threat effects, while interacting with a peer whose performance challenged the negative stereotype would eliminate stereotype threat effects. The results support these predictions, highlighting the manner whereby peer-group social comparisons can exert a powerful influence on women’s math test performance when negative stereotypes are salient.
Advisors/Committee Members: Markman, Keith D.
Subjects: Psychology, Social
Keywords: Stereotype Threat; Challenge and Threat; Stereotyped Attitudes; Mathematics Achievement; Threat Appraisals
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30.
Elizaga, Ronald A.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Adaptive Nature of Abstract Construals.
Degree: PhD, Psychology (Arts and Sciences), 2009, Ohio University
► Research investigating the impact of mental construals on task performance suggests concrete…
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▼ Research investigating the impact of mental construals on task performance suggests concrete representations as the mindset of choice when faced with a difficult task due to their anticipatory features. However, the current project claims that the consequences of mental construals on performance and motivation can only be fully understood when one considers the nature of the obstacles inherent in the difficult task. Three studies investigated the impact of obstacle manageability and mental construal on task performance and motivation. Specifically, Study 1 provided evidence that abstract construals could indeed be more advantageous than concrete construals when faced with a difficult task. Study 2 then targeted the manageability of the obstacles inherent in the difficult task, while Study 3 sought to uncover possible mechanisms that would help explain the differential effects of construals under varying degrees of obstacle manageability. The results revealed that abstract construals led to better task performance than concrete construals when the obstacles inherent in the task were deemed unmanageable. Possible cognitive and motivational influences are investigated and discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Markman, Keith.
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: mental construals; obstacle manageability; task difficulty; abstract construals
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