BA, Oberlin College, 2020, Philosophy

I will define the meaning of subjective well-being that I believe is the most intrinsic normative good, explain why improving the subjective well-being of sentient individuals ought to be the highest ethical priority, and provide reasons for why finding a way to measure subjective well-being would essentially benefit decision-makers and grassroots altruists. Subjective well-being is a dauntingly nebulous property to attempt to measure with precision, but I will comment on the progress that philosophers and social scientists have made in this field. Although (1) there is no set of well-being criteria that is applicable to every sentient individual (including non-human animals) and (2) most sentient individuals are unable to communicate with us about their level of subjective well-being use or relevant experiential factors, we may yet be able to develop an intrapersonally and interpersonally cardinal method to measure subjective well-being.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2016, Mechanical Engineering

The engine start serves a crucial point of interaction with the end user of a vehicle. It is a unique operating condition for a motorist in that there is no requirement to focus on anything outside of the engine starting. This provides the opportunity for the motorist to gauge the state of reliability. A good engine start brings maintains confidence in the vehicle. A short crank, followed by a quiet roar of the exhaust and the motorist can be on their way without concern. Any indicator of unreliability during the start of the engine, however, may influence the motorist's decision on whether to depart on their journey or to halt and schedule maintenance. Evaluation of engine starts is thus highly subjective in nature. This creates a challenge in the task of calibration. The present investigation focuses on developing a method to translate subjective assessment practices for calibration into measureable objective metrics. Knock during hot engine starts is selected for detailed demonstration of the method, however the method was also applied to additional aspects of hot engine starts. In practice, the subjective requirements for this set of aspects is used to tune a calibration table referenced to mitigate hot engine start knock. A full factorial experiment was performed with respect to the calibration table. The recorded data was evaluated using the scoring method and compared to a manually tuned calibration with satisfactory results.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2020, Vision Science

Purpose: To develop a meridional sphero-cylindrical subjective refraction method that does not require expensive equipment or extensive clinical training. To test the method empirically in normally-sighted subjects. Methods: Participants were 35 young, normally sighted subjects with natural pupils and accommodation. Subjects viewed Gaussian-attenuated square wave gratings at four orientations (0°, 45°, 90° and 135°) with a 2.3 cycle/degree fundamental spatial frequency. The maximum plus spherical dioptric power for best subjective clarity was determined for each grating orientation, yielding the refractive correction needed in the four cardinal meridians. The sphero-cylindrical correction is represented by the one cycle sinusoid that best fits those data. Within- and between-session test-retest differences in M, J0, and J45 were calculated, as were astigmatic and total dioptric power differences. Goodness-of-fit metrics were derived from the differences in measured values within each orientation, and from the differences between the measured values and the best-fitting sphero-cylindrical power. Visual acuity was measured with each resulting sphero-cylindrical correction. Results: In normally sighted subjects, median between-session test-retest differences for astigmatism are similar to published values for standard subjective refraction: ~0.13 D for both. Median differences for total dioptric power are larger than published values (0.26 D vs 0.20 D). The 95th percentile for astigmatic and total dioptric differences is larger by up to 40%, attributed to a greater number of outliers. LogMAR acuity is significantly correlated with the goodness-of-fit metrics. Conclusions: In normally sighted subjects, this method results in median test-retest difference distributions that are similar to those found with standard subjective refraction. Mean and 95th percentile values for refractive components are larger than those for standard subjective refraction. Those d (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2016, Computer Science and Engineering PhD

Web 2.0 and social media enable people to create, share and discover information instantly anywhere, anytime. A great amount of this information is subjective information -- the information about people's subjective experiences, ranging from feelings of what is happening in our daily lives to opinions on a wide variety of topics. Subjective information is useful to individuals, businesses, and government agencies to support decision making in areas such as product purchase, marketing strategy, and policy making. However, much useful subjective information is buried in ever-growing user generated data on social media platforms, it is still difficult to extract high quality subjective information and make full use of it with current technologies. Current subjectivity and sentiment analysis research has largely focused on classifying the text polarity -- whether the expressed opinion regarding a specific topic in a given text is positive, negative, or neutral. This narrow definition does not take into account the other types of subjective information such as emotion, intent, and preference, which may prevent their exploitation from reaching their full potential. This dissertation extends the definition and introduces a unified framework for mining and analyzing diverse types of subjective information. We have identified four components of a subjective experience: an individual who holds it, a target that elicits it (e.g., a movie, or an event), a set of expressions that describe it (e.g., "excellent", "exciting"), and a classification or assessment that characterize it (e.g., positive vs. negative). Accordingly, this dissertation makes contributions in developing novel and general techniques for the tasks of identifying and extracting these components. We first explore the task of extracting sentiment expressions from social media posts. We propose an optimization-based approach that extracts a diverse set of sentiment-bearing expressions, including formal and sl (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2014, Psychology, General

Vigilance research often includes measuring the observer's subjective workload. The most commonly used NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), requires several minutes to administer; typically at the end of an experiment. A more recently developed workload measure, the Simplified Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (S-SWAT), may provide researchers with further insights into perceived workload throughout a vigilance task. To date, no studies have measured workload using the S-SWAT in a vigilance experiment, specifically in the area of workload transitions. To date, only one study has examined perceived workload during a vigilance transition task; this study used the NASA-TLX. The goal of the present research was to explore the usefulness of the S-SWAT, determine how S-SWAT ratings compare to NASA-TLX ratings, and identify any effects on performance that the S-SWAT might create. Results showed that the S-SWAT had no impact on performance; this supports the potential of the S-SWAT as an instrument for better understanding the impact of task changes on perceived workload during a vigil. The S-SWAT, which is administered multiple times over the course of a vigil, provides more detail and helps identify trends of perceived workload, over time, compared to a single collection with the NASA-TLX. However, it is important to note that workload ratings on the NASA-TLX were higher when the S-SWAT was used in higher workload condition as compared to the ratings from when it was used in a low workload condition or when a control group reported workload only at the end of the vigil. While further research is needed to better understand the impact that the S-SWAT has on perceived workload, this study provides some evidence that the S-SWAT may be a useful measure throughout a vigilance task for gaining more insight into the workload experienced by observers.

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

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), the self-perceived decline in cognitive abilities, is recognized as a preclinical marker for neurocognitive disorders (Jessen et al., 2014). Understanding the contextual factors informing SCD experience remains a research priority in this domain. At-risk older adults have heritable markers associated with dementia. Chronic exposure to embedded ageism burdens allostatic load (AL) and exacerbates epigenetic risk for cognitive decline (Levy, 2022; McEwen, 2020; Miller et al., 2021). The current qualitative study explored how ageism shapes the lived experience of SCD among at-risk older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants, all doctoral level clinical practitioners, aged 60 to 79 and analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC). Findings revealed that ageism pervades three ecological domains—intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systemic—¬contributing to emotional distress, behavioral restriction, and reduced healthcare engagement. The present study extends the current literature on this topic by identifying ageism as a socio-cultural determinant of perceived cognitive health, shaping the outcome trajectory. The findings underscore the need to address ageism through clinical interventions and systemic reforms. Such strategies to reduce AL burden, through reduction of stigma and promotion of preventive healthcare engagement, may delay or even prevent onset of dementia among at-risk older adults. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and Ohio LINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

This dissertation explores the impact of virtual nature imagery on subjective happiness, investigating whether exposure to virtual nature environments can enhance self-reported happiness levels. While direct interaction with natural environments has been linked to increased happiness, this study seeks to evaluate the feasibility of virtual alternatives. Using a quantitative approach, three types of virtual experiences: nature, active control (office environment), and a control condition (gray panel) were compared to assess their influence on acute happiness. Participants (N = 409) were randomly assigned to one of these conditions and completed the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) after viewing a 15-second video. Demographic variables such as age, gender, income, relationship status, education, and religiosity were also analyzed to explore their potential influence on happiness. The results did not indicate significant differences in happiness between the conditions (p = .118), with happiness levels being comparable across all groups. Interestingly, the control condition (gray panel) had the highest mean happiness score, suggesting that a neutral, non-distracting stimulus may have a subtle positive effect on subjective well-being. This study provides valuable insights into the role of virtual nature in enhancing happiness and highlights the importance of considering contextual factors, including prior experiences and individual differences, in future research. The findings indicate that, although virtual nature videos did not produce a significant increase in happiness within the context of this study, further exploration into the efficacy of virtual nature interventions, particularly considering variables such as exposure duration and participant-specific characteristics, remains essential for a more comprehensive understanding of their potential impact. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https:/ (open full item for complete abstract)

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, School Psychology

The mental health status of high school students across the United States continues to present as a concern. However, it is important to consider factors that may positively contribute to the mental health of high schoolers. Participation in school and non-school sponsored activities, groups or clubs is one potential positive contributor to high school students' well-being. Student perceptions of school connectedness, potentially through participation in school-sponsored activities, is a potential connection point. The present study examined the relationship between participation in school sponsored activities, perceptions of school connectedness, and overall subjective well-being. Participants included (n=40) high school students in grades 11 and 12, who responded to self-report surveys. Results were consistent with the majority of previous research, indicating that high school students who perceive a stronger sense of school connectedness also indicated higher levels of perceived subjective well-being. The relationship between student participation in school sponsored activities/clubs and overall subjective well- being was not significant. Implications regarding high schoolers connectedness to school through activity participation and its potential for impacting subjective wellbeing are discussed, including what educators can do to foster student wellness in the post- pandemic era, such as building connections and increasing support for students.

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

Quantitative data was collected from 926 traditional-aged postsecondary students, of which most (69%) respondents were upperclassmen in their junior or senior year of college. The findings from this overall research indicate that there has been a shift in how today's Generation Z learners view online and hybrid learning and their ideal way to take college classes. Over half (61%) of the research participants reported hybrid course format as their most ideal way of taking college courses. In addition, the results confirmed that students who engage in positivity practices are generally happier individuals, and there was a positive relationship identified between the status of happiness in students who preferred the hybrid learning method. Finally, when comparing the status of sense of belonging in college students, the research results uncovered a strong association between students' campus involvement and sense of belonging levels. Developing flexible learning cultures, as well as promoting consistent practices of positivity methods and encouraging active campus involvement, are factors associated with higher levels of overall well-being (subjective happiness and sense of belonging) that can lead to healthier student populations, greater academic success, increased retention, and higher graduation rates.

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership), Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Historically, minority students have been overrepresented in special education programming in the United States (Fletcher, 2014; Wright & Wright, 2021). This study describes how several external historical, theoretical, and practical factors beyond academic challenges impact special education qualification rates for minority students compared to their non-minority counterparts. It also considers these factors through the lens of implicit bias, cultural misunderstandings, and misinterpretations of disability categories, like emotional disturbance. The study outlines these contexts by exploring Disability Critical Race (DisCrit) Theory, Cultural Ecological Theory, and Social Learning Theory to understand the social and cultural influences that further lead to the issue of overrepresentation. Prior research suggests that lack of cultural awareness, potential implicit bias mindsets, and other issues beyond students' development and control contribute to the disproportionate representation of minority students in special education (Breese et al., 2023; Kreskow, 2013). This mixed-methods study utilizes Q-methodology and a questionnaire to examine external root causes and systemic issues related to influences regarding the special education evaluative process for minority groups, specifically Black students and emotional disturbance. By examining the perspectives of education professionals, this study aims to recognize the need for considerations of cultural responsiveness, effective self-reflective practices, ongoing professional development, and innovative systems that address the whole child before the special education evaluative process begins. The results of the study reveal significant concerns related to the special education evaluative processes regarding consideration of external factors, overall consistency, procedural misunderstanding, and issues related to cultural differences. These findings from a theoretical context indicate a need for understandin (open full item for complete abstract)

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Criminal Justice

This dissertation seeks to augment research in crime, health, and wellbeing by introducing life satisfaction, or subjective wellbeing into criminological framework. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamic's (PSID) supplemental file, Transition to Adulthood, this study tests 1) the relationship between criminal justice contact and life satisfaction, 2) the moderating influence of religiosity, and 3) the racial/ethnic variance of these relationships. Agnew's 1992 General Strain Theory (GST) is employed as the theoretical underpinning. These relationships are assessed across six waves of data using multiple imputation for missing cases and ordered logistic fixed effects. Findings from this study suggest that criminal justice contact did not have any effect on reported level of life satisfaction across the general sample. Further, religiosity did not significantly moderate the relationship between criminal justice contact and reported level of life satisfaction. However, when stratifying these relationships across race/ethnicity, significance emerged. First, evidence suggests that Blacks who have experienced arrest history relative to never having this experience had higher log odds of reporting higher life satisfaction. Hispanics who had experienced jail incarceration relative to never having experienced this, had lower log odds of reporting higher life satisfaction. Second, religiosity held a positive moderating effect on probation and jail incarceration for Hispanics. Greater importance and higher frequency of service attendance moderated the effect of jail incarceration on reported level of life satisfaction while higher frequency of service attendance moderated the effect of probation history on reported level of life satisfaction. Conclusively, this study found that criminal justice contact is associated with reported level of life satisfaction when considering race/ethnicity. Further, religiosity is evidenced to be a salient factor for Hispanics (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, 2024, Psychology

Introduction: This study aims to better understand the psychosocial mechanisms by which individuals who report subjective concerns about their memory (SCI) are at a higher risk for objective cognitive impairments (OCI) over time. It also aims to identify modifiable risk factors that may disrupt this progression. Aim 1 tests if symptoms of affective disorders mediate the relationship between SCI and OCI over time. Aim 2 tests if self-perceptions of aging moderate the relationship between SCI and symptoms of affective disorders over time. Aim 3 tests if self-perceptions of aging moderate the indirect effect of symptoms of affective disorders on the relationship between SCI and OCI over time. Method: Data was sourced from the Health and Retirement Study, a national longitudinal dataset, across 8 years. 4,002 adults, 65 and older, were included in the sample. The moderation, mediation, and moderated mediation analyses were conducted using a path model in Mplus (Version 8 Plus). Relevant covariates including demographic and health variables were controlled for. Results: Analyses confirmed that symptoms of affective disorders partially mediated the relationship between SCI and OCI. For individuals with negative self-perceptions of aging, the relationship between SCI and symptoms of affective disorders strengthened over time, while for individuals with positive self-perceptions of aging, the relationship ceased to exist. Finally, positive self-perceptions of aging weakened, while negative self-perceptions of aging strengthened the indirect effect of symptoms of affective disorders on the relationship between SCI and OCI. Conclusion: Results of the current study clarify the psychosocial mechanisms involved in the progression from SCI to OCI, and add support to literature identifying positive beliefs about aging and mental health as protective factors against cognitive impairment among older adults. This study implicates the need for more interdisciplinary research studying (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Communication Studies (Communication)

SIKAPOKOO, GRACE O., Ph.D., May 2024, Communication Studies Helping Black Breast Cancer Survivors Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes: How Family Communication Influences Progression Through the Stages of Change Director of Dissertation: Amy E. Chadwick In this dissertation, I set out to understand how family communication could influence and motivate behavior change for Black breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to improve their overall well-being and quality of life (QoL). Using the stages of change (SoC) model, the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and social support, I developed a model by integrating the SoC model with the TPB variables as a first layer on behavior change and take social support as a second layer to the model to hypothesize how family communication, through social support could help with the behavior change process for Black BCSs. To determine the role of family communication in behavior change, I conducted semi-structured interviews, which lasted between 45-75 minutes each on average. I interviewed 20 Black BCSs who had completed their breast cancer surgeries and treatment, had recovered, and were living in the United States. The interviews were conducted via video conferencing with automatically generated transcripts from Otter AI. The study found that family communication through social support can support Black BCSs to change their behaviors and improve their overall well-being and QoL. The study confirmed that family communication can positively influence TPB variables. As the variables change positively, they increase in behavioral intention alongside the progression of the stages of change, leading to the adoption of a new behavior. The study also found that social support received through family communication can help to progress people through the stages of change, to achieve behavior change. In addition, the study identified four domains for well-being that had had specific differences regarding the types of social support receive (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Psychology

This dissertation investigates the neural representation of complex social information by employing multivariate methods such as functional connectivity classification analyses and intersubject representational similarity analyses (IS-RSA). The present research examines the functional network associated with social interactions as well as the association between neural similarity and individual differences in emotional reactivity and empathy. Study 1 utilizes multivariate pattern analyses (MVPA) to classify different categories of social interactions based on connectivity patterns between brain regions involved in social perception. Study 2 uses IS-RSA to investigate how individual differences in emotional reactivity modulates the neural representation of different social interactions. Study 3 explores how idiosyncrasies in behavioral measures of empathy are associated with neural synchrony during the observation of naturalistic social scenes depicting specific characters and various types of interactions. Study 1 demonstrates that contextual categorical information about social interactions is better classified by a network of regions rather than within a single region of interest. Studies 2 and 3 suggest that idiosyncrasies in trait-like attributes such as empathy or emotional reactivity reflects differences in neural representation of complex social information. This research contributes to our understanding of how social information is processed in the brain and sheds light on the impact of individual differences on social perception.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

The following dissertation presents a proposal for a program developed on theoretical concepts of the False Self and Persona. Integrative treatment approaches, such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, surfing, equine therapy, and wilderness therapy combined with individual and group psychotherapy, may be helpful in diminishing adolescent substance abuse by increasing connection to their internal resources and exposure to healthy external support. Although there are various programs that have proven to be effective in the treatment of substance abuse in adolescence, they tend to neglect the subjective experience of the individual and fail to address the why, behind the desire to self-negate in adolescence. Thus, the focus of this program is to move towards true self functioning by increasing subjective well-being and fostering a greater connection to self. This program proposal will discuss the underlying goals and proposed implementation of these integrative approaches in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse. 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, 2022, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Experiencing the loss of a loved one can have a profound impact on one's circumstances, sense of self, and psychological health. Gratitude can facilitate adaptive psychological strategies that contribute to maintaining well-being (Wood et al., 2008). In this quantitative study, a correlational research design was used to examine the role of gratitude in the lives of a sample of 130 grieving men 65 years of age and older. Of particular interest was how the experience of gratitude was associated with psychological well-being and mediating prolonged grief following the death of a loved one. Fredrickson's (2001) Broaden and Build theory postulates that positive emotions such as gratitude can foster resilience and enhancement of the life experience despite challenges. Though the research with respect to gratitude and grief is diverse and complex, validated instruments and exploratory analyses suggest that gratitude is an important correlate of psychological well-being, including coping with the death of a loved one. 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, 2021, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Older adults are rapidly aging. It is estimated that by 2030, 1 in every 5 adults will be 65 years old or older (Administration on Aging, 2018). With this increase will undoubtedly come an increase in older people seeking mental health services. It is paramount the field of psychology attempt to prepare for this increase by better understanding older persons. Subjective well-being (SWB) is a popular construct with a vast body of literature as it pertains to a variety of diverse people. However, there has been little research on SWB as it pertains to older adults. This study examined the experiences of SWB as discussed by six older adults. There were three research questions: (a) How do older adults experience and perceive SWB as they age?, (b) How are young-old and oldest-old adults' experiences similar and different?, and (c) What themes and content will arise from each participant's narrative? Data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to make sense of each participant's narrative as they discussed aging and their sense of SWB. Results of the study revealed seven superordinate themes: (1) Physical Health: “Welcome to the Golden Years,” (2) Retirement, (3) Living a Meaningful Life, (4) Psychological Aspects of Aging, (5) Social Connection, (6) Coping with Change, and (7) Experiences of Loss. Several subthemes were identified. Participants described how each of the above factors intersect with their individual experience of SWB. Aspects of aging were determined to have both positively and negatively impacted SWB in varying ways. Additionally, limitations and implications of this study, as well as future research directions are discussed.

PHD, Kent State University, 0, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Ambassador Crawford / Department of Management and Information Systems

Advances in technology and increased competition in product and labor markets have changed the world of work, creating pressures for organizations to be more flexible. Consequently, organizations have externalized parts of their workforce through use of nonstandard work arrangements (NSWAs) such as independent contracting, temporary staffing agency work, and remote work. Research is unclear regarding both antecedents (i.e., what drives some individuals to voluntarily choose NSWAs) and subjective consequences (e.g., subjective career success) of an individual's voluntary choice of a NSWA. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a contemporary examination of these underexplored issues within the NSWA literature through the lens of person-environment (P-E) fit theory. This theory predicts positive outcomes for the individual and organization when the individual's abilities and needs match the work environment's demands and supplies. In Chapter 1, I conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide a novel framework for categorizing the variables relevant for achieving fit between workers and NSWAs. Using that framework, I derive propositions about the likely characteristics of voluntary nonstandard workers for various NSWAs. In doing so, I expand the scope of P-E fit to include the work arrangement as an environment, introducing the term person-work arrangement (P-WA) fit. In Chapter 2, I investigate empirically the P-E fit theory prediction that fit is linked to positive outcomes by examining the connection between P-WA fit and subjective career success for voluntary independent contractors, on-call and direct-hire temporary workers as well as remote workers. Following guidelines in P-E fit theory, I employ three measures of P-WA fit, including a direct measure of perceived fit, an indirect measure of perceived fit, and an indirect measure of objective fit, to gain a more thorough understanding of voluntary nonstandard workers' fit perceptions and cons (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2021, Psychology

The prevalence of transracial adoptions of Black children by White parents in the United States is rapidly increasing, and currently the adoption of Black children by White parents is the most frequent transracial adoptee-parent combination (Lee, 2003; Marr, 2017). With the increase of transracial adoptions in the U.S., questions arise about White transracial adoptive parents' capability to promote the racial-ethnic identity of their adopted Black child(ren), specifically with regard to their knowledge about how to promote the healthy racial-ethnic identity of racially diverse youth. The current study examined if White transracial adoptive parents' knowledge of how racial-ethnic identity develops impacts their intentions to promote their adopted Black children's racial-ethnic identity in the context of the theory of planned behavior. Caucasian parents (both mothers and fathers) who have adopted, or were in the process of adopting, Black or African American child(ren) (n = 199) completed measures examining their factual knowledge of normative racial-ethnic identity development and their attitudes, perceived subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions related to engaging in the racial-ethnic socialization process. Results revealed that parents' knowledge of normative racial-ethnic identity development was negatively correlated with their intentions to engage in the racial-ethnic socialization of their Black child; however, parents' intentions were positively correlated with their attitudes toward, subjective norms for, and perceived behavioral control of the racial-ethnic socialization of their adopted Black child(ren). Further, knowledge was not an incremental predictor of parents' intentions to engage in the racial-ethnic socialization process beyond the components of the theory of planned behavior. Finally, results revealed that parents who perceived greater subjective norms for and greater behavioral control of racial-ethnic socialization report (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2021, Psychology

Intrusive thoughts are common across the lifespan, but older adults differ from other age groups in their sense of control over intrusive thoughts, interpretations of these thoughts, and emotional responding. Maladaptive responses to intrusive thoughts are important predictors of generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, particularly damaging for older adult's health. The current study examines subjective cognitive concerns (SCCs) as a risk factor heightening the likelihood of negative consequences after intrusive thoughts. To evaluate the role of SCCs in older adults' responding to intrusive thoughts, we used a psychoeducational article to attempt to decrease SCCs. We hypothesized that individuals receiving the psychoeducational article would report less cognitive and emotional difficulties with intrusive thoughts than those in the control condition. No difference was found in SCCs between conditions. Across conditions, fewer interpretations of intrusive thoughts as a sign of cognitive decline mediated the relationship between lower SCCs and less difficulty suppressing intrusive thoughts. However, this pattern did not translate to additional responses. This study clarifies the relationship between SCCs, thought interpretations, and maladaptive cognitive outcomes that partially underpin late life obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders. This study supports SCCs being a crucial risk factor for maladaptive responses to intrusive thoughts requiring novel interventions.