Psy. D., Antioch University, 2025, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to concern about reinjury. Few techniques utilized to assist athletes specifically address the fear of reinjury response—the most common distress response. Researchers have found that addressing the psychological aspects potentially shortens the required amount of recovery time and increases performance upon returning to play. The current study is a systematic review of psychological techniques used during the rehabilitation phase, exploring those that have been shown to be effective and of applicable and specific use in addressing the fear of reinjury component. Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), data from 14 studies was assessed for quality using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. In this review, the mean MINORS assessment score for non-comparative studies was 9 out of 16, and 19 out of 24 for comparative studies. Results showed that imagery, goal setting, and social support were three of the most widely-utilized psychological techniques during the rehabilitation phase from musculoskeletal injuries. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2025, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

This dissertation presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on scrupulosity, a subtype of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to religious and moral concerns. The dissertation identifies key similarities and differences from OCD, and directs focus to thematically related yet unsubstantiated theoretical work in psychology that helps elucidate the core features and etiological factors of scrupulosity as differentiated from other OCD subtypes. The study addresses the critical dearth of research on scrupulosity, aiming to fill significant gaps in the literature regarding its historical context, varied presentation and prevalence in different cultural contexts, and potentially effective treatment approaches to address better the needs of a significant number of people worldwide. Beginning with an exploration of historical conceptualizations from the 2nd through the early 21st centuries, the dissertation traces the recognition of scrupulosity and recommendations for treatment across various cultural traditions and major world religions including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, from both Protestant and Catholic sources, as well as non-religious belief systems. It highlights notable historical figures who exhibited scrupulous behaviors contextualizing them with a modern psychological lens. As the leading theologians of their faiths, they often ironically v advised its treatment from their own experience as the most influential theologians of each of their faiths. These historical writings still have wisdom to impart today. The history of scrupulosity is, in many ways, a history of religion across time and culture, as well as of the birth and first 150 years of psychology itself. Key schools of psychological thought are explored for relevance to developing contemporary evidence-based treatments. Due to few qualitative or quantitative studies on scrupulosity compared t (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2025, Nursing

Statement and Importance of the Research Problem. In Oman, a mixed study among parents documented the need to initiate comprehensive reproductive health programs for youth. However, there is limited research from Oman and other Middle Eastern countries about female youth insights about personal and developmental health. The lack of literature is attributed to the cultural and religious sensitivities regarding discussing adolescent-related issues. Thus, this study charts new ground by providing an in-depth understanding of female youth insights about personal and developmental health in the context of culture and future well-being. Objectives: The purpose of the phenomenology study is to describe the personal and developmental health of Omani female youth (18-24 year old) in the context of both their culture and their future well-being. Sample: The study participants are single female Omani youth (18-24 years old) who reside in Muscat. Sampling Method: The participants were recruited through social media platforms using advertisement and nominated sampling methods. Sample Size: The study was first piloted with two individual interviews using secured Zoom videoconferencing for 90 minutes. Later, 12 individual interviews using secured Zoom videoconferencing for 90 minutes were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Data Collection Tool(s) and Technique (s): A phenomenological study using a semi structured individual interview 14 was conducted using a secured Zoom videoconferencing. Statistical Analysis Methods: The individual interview was first transcribed. Translation to English and then backward translation to Arabic were done for any Arabic words or statements. Next, the horizontalization analysis method was conducted by expert researchers in Oman and USA using Nvivo software. Indicators and Implications for the Expected Major Results: The study provides an in-depth understanding of personal and developmental health (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Counselor Education (Education)

Society and researchers acknowledge that substance use disorders impact the entire family, not just the user. Most research focuses on alcoholism within families and rarely deviates specifically to other substances such as opioids, cocaine, meth, or marijuana. At times, parents with substance use disorders, such as opioids, are not present, whether physically or emotionally, for their children. The parents' absences can impact their children's experiences, such as how they create and maintain interpersonal relationships during childhood and adulthood. Despite this acknowledgment, little research exists on the experiences of children living with parental opioid use disorders from their perspective, instead utilizing the user's perspective of how they believe their substance use disorder impacts their children. To better understand the resulting impact of parental opioid use disorders, the researcher used a phenomenological research design to explore the first-hand experiences of adults who lived with parental opioid use disorders and the different interpersonal relationships experienced during childhood and adolescence. This study identified patterns of shared experiences and encouraged more research related to the long-term effects of parental opioid use disorders in adults, its impact on their interpersonal relationships, and identifying and understanding the counseling needs of clients affected by their parent's opioid use disorder.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

The present study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in order to examine the lived experiences of young adult, cisgender women and the development of internalized sexism. Eight participants completed semi–structured interviews focused on their relationships with other women and subsequent views of womanhood. Themes found were (a) womanhood is taught by women throughout the lifespan, (b) women are sexually responsible for men, (c) women are emotional caregivers, (d) there are biological bases of womanhood, (e) women are expected to “do it all,” (f) expectations of women are fueled by media portrayal, (g) traditional femininity is seen as oppositional to the feminist movement, and (h) womanhood is a community. The results of the study found that young adult women hold similar beliefs and attitudes surrounding what it means to be a woman. Additionally, young adult women's perceptions of womanhood are similarly influenced by common external factors that stem from society's sexism and misogyny and lead to behaviors of internalized sexism. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Findlay, 2024, Education

This study examined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of adolescent girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a population often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Girls are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, rather than hyperactive symptoms, which leads to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Untreated ADHD in girls can lead to serious adverse outcomes, including increased risk for comorbid psychopathology, substance abuse, self-harm, and unplanned pregnancy. Mediating factors include maltreatment, academic failure, peer victimization, and emotional dysregulation. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the gap in research surrounding sex differences of using CBT as a treatment method for ADHD. Results found that CBT as a treatment method for ADHD produced a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms posttest (p < .001). Girls with anxiety showed a greater amount of reduction in ADHD symptoms at posttest compared to girls without anxiety, with medium effect sizes in the subthreshold (effect size = -0.42) and inattentive (effect size = -0.46) profiles. Boys with depression demonstrated a greater amount of reduction in ADHD symptoms at posttest compared to boys without depression, with medium to large effect sizes in the inattentive (effect size = -0.46) and hyperactive (effect size = -0.84) profiles. These results highlight the importance that individual characteristics may have on treatment outcomes. The adolescent profiles identified point toward potential areas for future research.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, EDU Policy and Leadership

This study asked what elements should be included in a cognitive accessibility heuristic framework for parent-educators to compare STEM educational video games for K-5 level autistic children who require substantial supports? To provide an answer to this question, two component questions were asked: 1) “which computer learning game environment and affordance considerations should be included in a cognitive accessibility heuristic framework?” and 2) “which elements of which evidence-based practices should be included in a cognitive accessibility heuristic framework?” A heuristic framework was created that poses questions regarding autism cognitive accessibility considerations for game settings, user interface elements, and user interaction feedback elements that align with evidence-based practices for autism. A small group of 10 participants were parent-educators of autistic children who met the study question criteria and were solicited by convenience and snowball sampling. The heuristic was tested against two STEM-based computer learning games at the K-5 curricular level, specifically Box Island and Peg Plus Cat – Music Maker). Participants were asked to evaluate the heuristic against these games based on how they thought their autistic children would perceive the game experience. Data showed that the list of questions included in the heuristic appropriately considered autism cognitive accessibility when evaluating computer STEM-based computer learning game settings, when reviewing the game environment interface, and when responding to user interaction. The study concluded that participants considered all questions were valuable and should be included. Since the relative importance of some questions differed amongst participants, the heuristic also demonstrated sufficient flexibility to accommodate varying needs of the participants' autistic players. Participants indicated that stepping through the heuristic provided heightened awareness of autistic percept (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Educational Studies

Suicide is a growing concern in the United States and around the world. Approximately 50,000 people die by suicide each year and more than 15 million additional people struggle with thoughts of suicide in the U.S. As a result, there are very few people who have not been affected by suicide. Much of the work that has been performed around suicide places a focus on awareness and interventions, which is necessary for understanding the issue and critical in directing people to help. In recent years, the increases in suicide have been met with increases in social awareness. There is one obvious gap, which has been a lack of implemented solutions. Unfortunately, little has been done to provide actual treatment models that have proven effective. This study explored the work conducted at an outpatient treatment center utilizing a novel treatment model specifically developed for individuals actively struggling with thoughts of suicide. This model merges two evidence-based models with over 50 randomized controlled trials between them to bring both access and treatment to the public. The sample included 58 participants with a mean age of 20 years and which was 57% female and 43% male. Importantly, 31% of those in the study had no prior history of mental health diagnosis. The study found that the treatment was effective in reducing suicidality scores in the sample from pre-treatment scores to post-treatment scores, with a very large effect size [t(57) = 8.1, p < .001, d = 1.02]. There were also a significant decreases in scores on hopelessness [t(56) = 9.875, p < .001, d = 1.630], psychological pain [ t(57) = 9.768, p<.001, d = 1.294], stress [t(57) = 9.560, p < .001, d = 1.266], and self-hate [t(57) = 8.118, p < .001, d = 1.075], all with large effect sizes. The treatment and dosage data shows that the participants were able to appropriately address the issue of suicide and achieve resolution in an average of 7.52 sessions over an average of 5.6 weeks, with a 93% succe (open full item for complete abstract)

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2023, Leadership and Change

The following autoethnographic dissertation examines my personal experiences of trauma, abuse, and violence. Drawing on journals, memories, and artifacts from my life, I use self-reflection to illustrate the impacts of trauma on my childhood and adulthood. My traumatic experiences of sexual abuse, childhood violence, and emotional abuse are situated within broader sociocultural contexts of masculinity, Hispanic culture, and social norms. This study illuminates possibilities for healing and transformation for myself and others with shared traumatic backgrounds. It calls for trauma-informed education, masculinity, and resiliency. Evocatively sharing my traumatic life events provides an accessible window into often silenced experiences, bearing witness to injustice while offering empathy, connection, and hope. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu/) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu/).

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Wright State University, 2024, School of Professional Psychology

Chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent but lack interventions that address their comorbidity. Written exposure therapy (WET) is an evidenced-based brief intervention designed to focus on PTSD. The intervention that has been developed in this dissertation has been named CronP (chronic pain and PTSD) and delivers a modified digital version of WET in tandem with a clinician. The digital intervention will consist of five modules containing writing prompts to be completed each week prior, during, or after seeing a clinician. The goal in providing the intervention in digital form is to enhance therapeutic efficiency and provide a format of treatment in which the individual can participate in what they may perceive as their safe space (home, etc.). This could include having the individual engage in the writing portions without the clinician present while at the provider's office and reduce the time needed in the clinician's office unlike traditional WET. The two aims of this dissertation are 1) to provide a review of literature investigating the possible usefulness of a digital intervention addressing the comorbidity of chronic pain and PTSD and 2) to present a proposal for a digital intervention that delivers a modified version of WET to reduce both perceived chronic pain intensity and PTSD symptoms. For purposes of this study a digital intervention is operationally defined as follows: A format that can be accessed by any number of electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, tablet, desktop, etc.) through a website portal.

Master of Arts in Music Therapy, University of Dayton, 2023, Music Therapy

This study sought to identify dimensions of a song that might suggest its clinical relevance to the music therapy method-variation of song discussion as employed with adolescents with behavioral health needs. Additionally, I aimed to explore how those dimensions of a song interact with an individual and their unique clinical profile and thus may contribute to indications and contraindications for the use of this method-variation in treatment. Because much of the published literature on song discussion points to its efficacy, it seemed fitting that the next step would be to detail the various salient aspects of a song that a music therapist must give attention to when evaluating its relevance for a discussion experience. I carefully reviewed the music therapy literature on song discussion, reflected on my own process of choosing songs for discussion in my clinical practice with children and adolescents, and I consulted other music therapy professionals on their process of choosing song material for song discussion and incorporated this information into my considerations. In this report, I outline the 30 relevant dimensions I have identified as crucial to consider when examining a song's potential for use in song discussion. The list of dimensions related to the lyric, musical, and nonmusical aspects of song selection for song discussion is intended to provide a general roadmap for music therapists and is not necessarily the ultimate or only resource that therapists may consult.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Findlay, 2024, Education

Selective mutism is a rare anxiety disorder that affects less than one percent of the population. This study will research the types of treatments, their effectiveness, and their effectiveness over time. Through a meta-analysis it was determined that modular cognitive behavioral therapy produces the best outcomes when it comes to reduction of symptoms. Integrated behavioral therapy produced the best results when looking at maintenance of treatment outcomes.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2023, Psychology

Social anxiety involves excessive fear when there is a perceived threat of negative evaluation (Wong & Rapee, 2016). Individuals with social anxiety tend to use maladaptive strategies to avoid negative evaluation, such as experiential avoidance (Asher et al., 2021) and limiting intimate self-disclosure (Alden & Bieling, 1998). Recent data suggest that individuals with social anxiety tend to prefer online communication to face-to-face communication (Kamalou et al., 2019). Other studies suggest that individuals with social anxiety experience similar levels of anxiety during online and face-to-face communication (Doorley et al., 2020). It is unclear how past findings generalize to videoconference communication or face-to-face communication with a protective face mask. The purpose of the current study was to compare how individuals experience unmasked videoconference and masked face-to-face communication. Sixty-four undergraduate participants with traits of social anxiety engaged in a 45-minute conversation task. Dyads were randomly assigned to complete the task in a masked face-to-face or unmasked videoconference condition and completed measures of state anxiety, perceived threat of negative evaluation, experiential avoidance, and self-disclosure intimacy following the task. Analyses suggested the unmasked videoconference condition was associated with greater state anxiety and experiential avoidance, whereas the masked face-to-face condition was associated with greater perceived threat of negative evaluation. There was no difference between the two conditions on the self-disclosure measures. The results indicate that masked face-to face communication and unmasked videoconference communication have different effects on psychological processes associated with social anxiety.

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Attention is a cognitive process that, when stable, allows the mind to focus on relevant information. While attention can shift and fluctuate nonlinearly, research shows that a two-factor model can be used to capture the stability of selective sustained attention. Nevertheless, nonlinear dynamics of attention remain elusive under this two-factor model of attention. Hence, a one-sided focus on attentional stability undermines ways to control the processes of focusing and ignoring. To shed light on non-linear shifting in attention, I applied ideas from complexity science, a framework that anticipates such nonlinear phenomena. Specifically, I sought to apply a cusp model of selective sustained attention to explore the extent to which complexity science could be a useful approach to attention. The following demonstrates how a cusp model anticipates the presence of two orthogonal factors that align with those already identified in extant research on selective sustained attention. I also found that the empirical findings of selective sustained attention are conducive of fitting data to a cusp model. This research provides the first step in establishing a consistent framework for taking a dynamical complexity approach to the study of attention that inherently changes.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

This study examines the social and cultural considerations in accessing mental health treatment in The Gambia, West Africa. Participants were recruited from The Gambia for a qualitative study that included semistructured interviews (N = 17). A team of analysts identified five themes. The results highlighted social and cultural conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness, sociocultural determinants of health, interventions, barriers to care, and the legal framework to support mental health change. These findings are important for counselors to understand different perceptions of mental health and mental illness and the associated stigma. Furthermore, several opportunities for advocacy in The Gambia have resulted from this study.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

The central research question that informed this study asks: How do attachment and creativity focused counseling interventions encourage connection between an adolescent and their parent or caregiver? The research study centered on two mother and son dyads that participated in six weeks of a therapeutic intervention. The modality utilized an attachment and creativity focused approach created by the author. Data was collected through a post intervention semi-structured interview with the parent (adult). Data was transcribed and evaluated with an interpretive phenomenological approach. Six themes were identified by a team of researchers. The findings have implications for clinical practice with parents and adolescents presenting with a trauma history. In addition, the modality with an attachment and creativity focus could be further evaluated. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2022, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

ADHD symptoms are associated with dysfunctional automatic thoughts that increase avoidance, impairment, and distress; however, little is known about factors that increase the likelihood of these thoughts. The current study developed an Experimental Vignette Measure of Automatic Thoughts for ADHD (VMATA-E), which was used to test how task-specific factors (Immediacy, Aversiveness, and History of Failure) and ADHD Status influenced automatic thoughts. This study systematically manipulated components of the vignettes, using a 23-1 between-subjects fractional factorial design. After randomization to an experimental condition, 320 participants read three brief vignettes and rated automatic thoughts in response to each one. EFA was used to develop the measure, convergent validity was examined via correlations. MANOVAs were used to examine main effects of task-specific factors and interaction with ADHD status. The VMATA-E demonstrated a three-factor structure which supports the stability of negative (NAT), rationalizing (RAT), and adaptive (GOAT) thoughts found in prior work. Task-specific factors of Immediacy and Aversiveness were found to have effects on NAT and GOAT. Compared to non-ADHD participants, individuals with clinically significant ADHD symptoms reported higher levels of dysfunctional automatic thoughts and lower levels of adaptive automatic thoughts (i.e., GOAT), even after controlling for prior mood disorder diagnoses. In contrast to expectations, there were no interactions between ADHD status and any task-specific factor. The findings of the current study have theoretical and practical implications for research on the role of automatic thoughts in ADHD-related impairment.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Psychology

Precision treatment for depression may be one method of improving intervention effectiveness, especially among brief, self-guided interventions. Brief interventions are a cost-effective alternative to accessing psychological services (Karyotaki et al., 2017; Powell et al., 2020), but suffer from high dropout rates (Torous et al., 2020). If content is tailored so the most relevant concepts are presented earlier, treatment may be quicker in its effectiveness. One method of personalizing treatment is in skill strengths. However, research is currently mixed on whether clients benefit most from skills in which they are more (i.e., capitalization; Cheavens et al., 2012; Fluckiger et al., 2016) or less (i.e., compensation; Miller et al., 2005; Straumann et al., 2006) experienced. This study investigates whether pre-treatment skill use moderates the effectiveness of a brief, selfguided, CBT skills-based intervention on depressive symptoms. Participants (n = 291; 68% female; 67% White) consisted of undergraduate students who were randomized to coping skill modules (i.e., behavioral, cognitive, interpersonal, mindfulness). Participants watched module-specific educational videos and completed worksheets over three weeks. Participants completed measures on coping skill use, depression symptoms, and their appraisal of the intervention, with depression symptoms being re-assessed each week. There was a small, significant reduction in depressive symptoms for participants in all modules during the intervention. No differences were found between modules, nor was iii equivalence testing able to suggest statistical equivalence in effectiveness of reducing depressive symptoms. Pre-treatment skill use did not moderate rate of improvement. However, there was a small, significant, correlation between pre-treatment skill use and appraisal of an intervention emphasizing that skill, suggesting individuals expect greater improvement when taught familiar skills. This sugge (open full item for complete abstract)

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

The Impact of Creative Arts on Meaning Reconstruction and Loss Adaptation in Widowed Adults Dani Baker-Cole Antioch University Seattle Seattle, WA In counseling, helping grieving clients find meaning after significant loss is a unique, multidimensional, and lengthy process. This is particularly true in Western societies, where antithetical linear grief models, supported by hegemonic expectations to move on after loss, add exhausting pressure to speed up an individual's natural grieving process. For that reason, this study examined how creative arts interventions such as using traditional art media and expressive writing, combined with postmodern, nonlinear, culturally sensitive bereavement models, help individuals explore their loss narrative to make meaning and adapt to loss. Specifically, this study examined the impact of a switch from traditional art media to expressive writing via a grief meaning reconstruction dependent variable. A quantitative, single subject multiple baseline model was used. Results suggested that such a switch had an impact. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

The aim of the study was to explore the lived experience of counselor education and supervision students who reported experiencing symptoms of imposter phenomenon (IP). The population included counselor education and supervision students in their first year of their program, with a sample of convenience (N = 4). The method used in this study was an interoperative phenomenological analysis. Data analysis revealed four major themes: (a) counselor education students express self-doubt, lack of confidence and concern about competence, (b) students rate different levels of competence in counselor education and supervision roles, (c) instructor feedback impacts student perceptions of competence, and (d) counselor education students report hope or observation that imposter phenomenon can get better. This is important for counselor education because this research has findings and implications that may serve future research. The findings in this study imply that CES students, like other populations studied, also wrestle with IP. Given the lack of research into IP among CES students as a specific population, this research may help to establish its existence. This research may be important in bringing awareness to this issue, paving the way for more in-depth research into this topic. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center