Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2019, Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Science

Women engaged in prostitution report high rates of substance use, HIV risk, victimization, mental health and physical health problems (Dalla, Xia, & Kennedy, 2003; Love, 2015). These women typically have children in their care who also contend with high rates of adverse outcomes (Dalla, 2004; Sloss, 2002). Prostitution and substance use are intrinsically linked (Gilchrist et al., 2005; National Institute of Justice, 1998; Nuttbrock et al., 2004). In fact, many women identify substance use as a significant barrier to exiting prostitution (Dalla, 2004). As a result, it has been posited that interventions for this population must address problematic substance use and underlying problems associated with substance use (Dalla, 2002). However, very few studies have tested interventions with this vulnerable population. Among these previous studies, findings suggest limitations of traditional treatment modalities. Using a Grounded Theory approach, the proposed study seeks to recruit mothers who have engaged in prostitution (n=15) to participate in qualitative interviews exploring their experiences and treatment needs as well as those of their children. An inductive content analysis will then be utilized to interpret the data and identify themes regarding intervention targets that are salient and require attention. This study will serve as a necessary first step towards understanding the treatment needs and experiences of these extremely vulnerable mother-child dyads. Current findings will offer meaningful new insights that will inform the development and adaptation of maximally effective, feasible, and acceptable interventions for this high-risk population.

Committee: Natasha Slesnick (Committee Chair); Keeley Pratt (Committee Member); Jen Wong (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2016, Psychology

Temperamental factors, specifically negative and positive affectivity (NA and PA) and effortful control (EC), have clear associations with brain structure and function and have demonstrated associations with mood and anxiety symptoms in children. In general, research supports that high NA, low PA, and low EC are associated with greater depressive severity. Further work has also demonstrated significant two-way and three-way interactions among these constructs on depressive severity. Work in adults exists to support the notion that temperament may be influenced by pharmaceutical interventions as well as cognitive therapy. To date, no studies examining the impact of biological or behavioral interventions on temperament constructs have been conducted in youth with mood disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impacts of omega-3 supplementation and family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), alone and in combination, on the temperamental constructs of NA, PA, and EC in a sample of youth with mood disorders. Data are from a larger 12 week randomized, placebo controlled trial examining these same interventions on depressive and manic severity. 178 youth aged seven to 14 years were recruited and screened from community advertisement and clinician referral. 95 of these youth met enrollment criteria and were randomized to one of four treatment cells: omega-3 monotherapy, CBT monotherapy with pill placebo, combined omega-3 and CBT intervention, and pill placebo only. Youth and their caregivers completed the Positive and Negative Affectivity Schedule (PANAS) to measure youth's levels of affectivity throughout the study. Youth also completed the Effortful Control Scale (ECS) to measure EC throughout the study. These report forms were given at screening assessment, at baseline (time of randomization), and at two, four, six, nine, and 12 weeks post-randomization (i.e., total of seven time points of data). Families randomized to a CBT condition partic (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mary Fristad (Advisor); Michael Vasey (Committee Member); Theodore Beauchaine (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapy

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2015, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy

This qualitative Delphi study explored the importance of training for credentialing of marriage and family therapists and, more specifically, training family therapists to include children in family therapy. The purpose of this study was to understand how the inclusion of children impacts therapy outcomes and why marriage and family therapists need additional training and credentialing standards to work with children. A thorough literature review on children in family therapy, play therapy literature, and a synthesis of these two fields have been provided. Expert panelists provided insight based on theory and experience to address the research question: What training objectives and methods are identified by practicing marriage and family therapists working with children to encourage success in training and including children in family therapy? In addition, this study explored two additional areas: (a) if the inclusion of children in family therapy is essential to the principles of cornerstone family therapy theories; and (b) if training for credentialing of marriage and family therapists needs to change to promote further confidence and competence among family therapists including children in therapy. A discussion of the findings, limitations of the study, and implications for therapists and training programs, and direction for further research are addressed after the conclusion of the study.

Committee: Karin Jordan (Committee Chair) Subjects: Counseling Education; Mental Health; Psychology

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2012, Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Science

Substance abusing mothers and their children are a vulnerable, understudied, and underserved population. Mothers and their children are more likely to experience a range of social, behavioral, and psychological difficulties. Despite the significant challenges faced by these families, little is known about their experiences in treatment. The current study utilized thematic analysis to identify common themes that arose in three substance abusing mothers and their children's discussion during family therapy. An ecological framework was used to classify themes. Themes related to each level of the families' ecological systems were identified. Several themes related to the mothers and their children's relational and emotional needs. Based on these findings, implications for clinicians working with these families are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered.

Committee: Natasha Slesnick PhD (Advisor); Amy Bonomi PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Families and Family Life