Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2016, Psychology/Clinical

The minority stress model (Meyer, 1995, 2003) may explain the higher rates of substance use found in some lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning (LGBQ) individuals compared to non-LGBQ individuals. Guided by the model and previous research, I examined whether outness about one's sexual orientation and attachment to family of origin moderated the relationship between minority stress and substance use in LGBQ adults. To evaluate my hypotheses, I recruited two samples of LGBQ participants, one using social media (N=341) and another using a classified ad website (N=180), to answer questions about their drug and alcohol use, level of outness, experiences of minority stress, and attachment to family of origin. As predicted, higher levels of minority stress were significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with higher rates of substance use. However, contrary to expectations, stronger family attachment and higher level of outness were not associated with lower substance use in either sample. Instead, participants who reported higher levels of outness were more likely to report problem drug use. Because reported substance use was considerably lower than I expected in both samples, my study may not have provided a sensitive test of the hypotheses. The results could indicate that rates of substance use by LGBQ individuals are declining, and failed to support the hypothesis that strong family attachment is associated with lower rates of substance use in LGBQ adults.Further research should evaluate how LGBQ people mitigate minority stress other than by self medicating with alcohol and drug use.

Committee: Carolyn Tompsett Ph.D. (Advisor); Harold Rosenberg Ph.D. (Advisor); Michael Zickar Ph.D. (Committee Member); Francisco Cabanillas Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 0, Psychology-Adult Development and Aging

In the coming years there is expected to be an influx of older sexual minorities (OSM) as the baby-boomers enter old age. OSM are at risk for poorer well-being compared to their heterosexual counterparts, which is rooted in the stresses of being marginalized. Much evidence connects minority stressors, internalized homonegativity, outness, and microaggressions to poorer well-being; however, the understanding of the minority stress process is lacking as only a few stressors are studied as they happen. Furthermore, there is limited knowledge on how age contextualizes this process. OSM have witnessed unique sociopolitical climates, yet report less minority stress compared with younger adults (YSM), which may be a result of having greater resilience through expertise in social relationships, positive affect, motivational goals, and/or practice with previous experiences of discrimination. The current study explores age differences in the daily experiences of minority stress in a sample of sexual minorities stratified across the lifespan. Data from a baseline sample of 355 sexual minorities (ages 18-90) confirmed previous research that OSM experienced lower minority stress compared with their younger counterparts. Additionally, a subset of this sample (N = 112; ages 19-79) answered daily surveys for 3 weeks (N = 1,923 completed days). Older age moderated the daily stress-distress relationships among a variety of constructs, including outness disclosure and positive affect; internalized homonegativity and positive affect, negative affect, and depressive mood; and experienced microaggressions and negative affect. In essence, OSM had weaker relationships among daily minority stress and worse daily well-being. There also was support that the associations between age and minority stress were at least partially mediated by lifelong exposure with marginalization; however, there was minimal support that age-based social expertise, higher positive affect, and motivational goals med (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Toni Bisconti (Advisor); Jennifer Stanley (Committee Member); Katherine Judge (Committee Member); Ingrid Weigold (Committee Member); Robert Peralta (Committee Member); Anthony Ong (Committee Member) Subjects: Aging; Gerontology; Psychology; Social Research

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, 2024, Levin College of Public Affairs and Education

This study examined the applicability of the minority strengths model (Perrin et al., 2020) with the addition of the variable of family acceptance. It was hypothesized that the direct and indirect relationships established in the minority strengths model would also be found in the current study. The established relationships included that community consciousness and social support were correlated with one another and directly and indirectly predictive of positive mental and physical health through identity pride, self-esteem, and resilience (Perrin et al., 2020). Additionally, it was hypothesized that family acceptance would be correlated with community consciousness and social support. It was also hypothesized that family acceptance would be directly and indirectly predictive of positive mental and physical health through identity pride, self-esteem, and resilience. Data was collected in Qualtrics from 603 sexual minority individuals via Facebook and Instagram. I encountered problems with data analysis because the Cronbach's alphas were inadequate for five out of the eight measured variables. I was able to examine the variables of social support, family acceptance, and mental health outcomes. Results indicated that social support and family acceptance were predictive of better mental health outcomes. Results also indicated that older participants reported better mental health outcomes. Future research should examine the applicability of the minority strengths model (Perrin et al., 2020) to sexual minority populations of various age groups and other identities.

Committee: Julia Phillips (Committee Chair); Julia Phillips (Advisor); Kimberly Fuller (Committee Member); Kelly Yu-Hsin Liao (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Psychology

MFIS, Kent State University, 2024, College of the Arts / School of Fashion

Fashion brands play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions in an industry dominated by advertisements. This study investigates the profound influence of diversity in fashion ads on the attitudes, perceptions, and brand affinities of underrepresented consumers, specifically focusing on college-aged Black and Latina females. This study draws on existing literature; encompassing consumer demand for representation, body diversity, ethnic diversity, self-congruity (Sirgy, 1985a), and the Minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003), to uncover connections between diverse representation and consumer behavior. By utilizing a qualitative approach, this research engages participants in an exploration of three sets of fashion advertisements, with the opportunity to answer open-ended prompts. Through thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), the study aims to determine which factors shape consumer attitudes, perceptions, and brand affinities. Altogether, it was found that diverse advertising is a determining factor of positive brand affinity. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform marketers and brands about the relationship between diversity representation and consumer behavior, fostering more inclusive advertising strategies. As the fashion industry learns to integrate evolving societal norms, this research contributes insights that may continue to redefine conventional beauty standards and empower consumers in choosing which brands to support.

Committee: Kim Hahn Ph. D. (Advisor); Jihyun Kim-Vick Ph. D. (Committee Member); Michelle Burton Ph. D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Ethnic Studies; Marketing; Social Research

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Sociology

In the past decade, the number of studies of transgender individuals has grown exponentially, but specific research into subcommunities under the broader transgender label is lacking. Most studies focus on either binary transgender individuals (transgender women and transgender men) alone, or combine all persons identifying as any gender other than their gender assigned at birth into one large group of “transgender people.” However, the limited intragroup research that has been done suggests that experiences vary drastically depending on one's gender identity, and we can imagine that the experience of binary transgender individuals would be very different than the experiences of nonbinary transgender individuals. This study reports on the lived experiences of nonbinary people – individuals identifying as neither men nor women, but rather existing outside of the gender binary. Qualitative interview methods were used to gather information from nonbinary individuals about their personal experiences with identity development, external experiences of stress from other people, and the internalized impacts of minority stress. Based in grounded theory, the subsequent report on these interviews includes discussion and analyses of the data collected. This discussion utilized a newly suggested framework – the Respect, Support, and Perception Theory – for analyzing interpersonal relationships with genderqueer individuals and the potential internalized effects that these relationships have on nonbinary individuals.

Committee: Charlie Morgan (Advisor); Patricia Stokes (Advisor) Subjects: Gender; Gender Studies; Glbt Studies; Sociology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Gender diverse individuals experience a multitude of oppressive interactions within our society and receive incessant messages of invalidation, oppression, and aggression. These chronic stressors have been shown to increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors within this population. The current study aims to explore how internalized transphobia may affect the development of disordered eating behavior as viewed through the Minority Stress Framework. This study explored the lived experience of being gender diverse in our society and how this may relate to the development of disordered eating behavior while also investigating protective factors. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological methodology, recruiting seven gender diverse adults over the age of 18 who exhibited disordered eating behaviors. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Transgender Identity Survey (Bockting et al., 2020), followed by a semistructured exploratory interview to gain narrative data directly from trans people, a population known to experience internalized transphobia (Bockting, 2015). Chronic body image struggles, low self-esteem, trauma history, and harmful expectations related to gender expression appeared as the major contributing factors to the development of disordered eating behaviors. These harmful influences appeared to hinder the ability of multiple participants in their exploration of their gender identity. Gender-affirming care, meaningful activities, community, and affirming clothing emerged as the major protective factors in the lives of the participants. The contributions toward the field of gender studies gleaned from this study include aiding psychologists in developing or applying preventative measures to reduce the risk of disordered eating in gender diverse individuals, as well as in better understanding and appreciating the complexities of gender diverse adults' experiences.

Committee: Karen Meteyer PhD (Committee Chair); Kate Evarts PsyD (Committee Member); Kathi Borden PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Counseling Psychology; Gender; Gender Studies; Glbt Studies; Health; Psychology

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

Purpose: This study integrated minority stress theory and intersectionality to assess the relationship between internalized HIV stigma and cardiovascular disease risk among women living with HIV. This study also tested whether there were racial and ethnic differences in this relationship, positing that racially and ethnically minoritized women living with HIV exist in a unique social context that influences this relationship. Methods: Data came from the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems. All women living with HIV with at least one internalized HIV stigma measure were included in this study. Descriptive statistics were stratified by race/ethnicity and tested for significant difference. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test whether internalized HIV stigma was associated with increased odds of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between internalized HIV stigma and systemic inflammation measured by c-reactive protein. We also used multivariable linear regression models to test the association between internalized HIV stigma and raw clinical data for each outcome. An interaction term between internalized HIV stigma and race was added to each model to determine if this relationship was moderated by race/ethnicity. Results: A total of 2091 women completed an internalized HIV stigma measure between January 2016 and May 2022. There were no differences in total internalized HIV stigma scores among the women in our sample by race/ethnicity. However, there were significant differences in CVD risk by race/ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black women bearing the biggest burden of cardiovascular disease risk in our sample. Internalized HIV stigma was not associated with increased odds of hypertension, obesity, or dyslipidemia. Additionally, internalized HIV stigma was not associated with elevated CRP, cholesterol (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Karen Williams (Advisor); Christina Dyar (Committee Member); Guy Brock (Committee Member); Cindy Anderson (Committee Member) Subjects: Nursing

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

Transgender and gender diverse individuals (TGD), those whose gender identity is incongruent with their sex assigned at birth, experience significantly disproportionate rates of minority stress and suicide. While growing, the body of research examining the relationships between minority stress and suicide, particularly within TGD groups, remains in its infancy. Thus, it is imperative researchers identify population-specific factors for the development of effective prevention strategies. Established research in the area of TGD suicide often focuses on adolescents (12-18 years old) or adults (18+ years old), infrequently identifying the distinct group of young adults (18-24 years old). As the adult age group most often demonstrating the highest risk for suicide, young adults cannot continue to be overlooked in suicide research. Further, though many research agendas include the social determinants of health, studies inadequately incorporate measurement of minority stress that is inclusive of the socioenvironmental contexts through which these experiences occur and those contexts most proximal to the individual (family, school, religious/spiritual community, and work). Thus, this dissertation aims to advance the science of suicide among TGD young adults by elucidating the associations of sociodemographic variables, context-specific, and cumulative microsystem minority stress experiences with suicide outcomes. The goal of the study is to characterize suicidality among TGD young adults using an approach that integrates sociodemographic and minority stress factors with an ecological systems perspective. The primary aims are to: (1) summarize the established relationships between contextual minority stress factors and TGD young adult suicide outcomes, (2a) examine the associations between sociodemographic factors and 12-month and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA) among TGD young adults, (2b) examine the associations of sociodemographic (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jodi Ford (Advisor) Subjects: Mental Health; Nursing

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

This dissertation aimed to better understand sexual minority individuals' perceptions of how various minority stressors affect their interpersonal connections. In this study, sexual minority identity was defined as a sexual identity that was not the heterosexual, and was defined to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, and queer. Gender identity was not a criterion for either inclusion or exclusion in this study. This phenomenological study used semistructured interviews to explore the perspective of six participants who identify with sexual minority identities. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the data resulted in five main themes: (a) Growth-fostering relationships promote well-being, (b) Perceived belongingness is a prerequisite to meaningful connection, (c) Participants experience different forms of discrimination, (d) Shame fosters disconnection, and (e) Despite challenges, participants draw from sources of resilience. Implications, limitations, and future research suggestions are explored.

Committee: Kathi Borden PhD (Committee Chair); Katherine Evarts PsyD (Committee Member); Barbara Belcher-Timme PsyD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

It is well established that the graduate school experience is significantly different for students of color; on top of a rigorous training program, they face additional distinct challenges including racism, discrimination, and feelings of isolation. Insidious Trauma theory provides the framework for this quantitative exploration assessing the impact of poorly facilitated anti-racist conversations on the physical and emotional wellbeing of clinical psychology graduate students of color. George Floyd's murder, among many other incidents of racial injustice, was a powerful catalyst that propelled academic institutions into action. Anti-racist dialogue became the intentional focus of graduate classes almost overnight. Well-meaning but insufficiently-prepared professors dared to facilitate cross-racial dialogues. This dissertation addresses a knowledge gap, assessing whether anti-racist conversations currently do more harm than good for students of color in predominantly White programs. A survey research design was used to examine how students of color rate their program's overall facilitation of anti-racist conversations in the following domains: 1) emotional safety, 2) identifying and addressing micro-aggressions, 3) cultural competence, 4) cultural sensitivity, 5) and racial representation of facilitators. The survey further examined physical and emotional symptoms of distress, as well as positive and negative emotions experienced during and immediately following anti-racist dialogue. The findings revealed that the average participant was neither satisfied nor unsatisfied with their graduate program's overall facilitation of anti-racist conversations. When asked to reflect on their most memorable negative anti-racist conversation, the average participant recalled feeling quite a bit upset and distressed; levels of negative emotions lessened immediately afterwards. Finally, increases in the frequency of negative conversations was correlated with increases in the emoti (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Martha Straus Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Denzel Jones Ph.D., LMFT, AAMFT (Committee Member); Katherine Evarts Rice Psy.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2021, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Suicidal behaviors disproportionately affect sexual and gender minority (SGM) vs. cisgender/heterosexual youth. These disparities have been explained by the minority stressors (MS) that SGM individuals face, such as discrimination, negatively affecting their mental health. Certain SGM MS have been cross-sectionally associated with suicidality, but longitudinal studies testing whether MS prospectively predict suicidality are lacking. Further, existing studies of SGM suicidality use largely White samples, neglecting SGM people of color (POC), who face more and/or different stigma based in their two minority identities. Although evidence exists of racial differences in the extent to which MS increase suicidality in the general population, no research has explored these issues in SGM. The current study aimed to test whether MS prospectively predict next-year suicidality, controlling for baseline suicidality and demographics, and whether race moderates these prospective associations. Method The analytic sample included 369 participants from FAB400, a longitudinal study of SGM youth assigned female at birth, who identified as Black (40.1%), Latinx (29.3%), or White (30.6%) and completed all suicidality measures; participants of these races were selected to sufficiently power analyses of group differences. We used baseline measures for MS (internalized stigma, SGM victimization, microaggressions, parental rejection, social support, and racial/ethnic discrimination), baseline suicidality, and demographics. Outcome data consisted of suicidal ideation (SI), planning, and attempts reported at 6-month and/or 12-month follow-up. Results

Committee: Sarah Whitton Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Jennifer Brown Ph.D. (Committee Member); Dr. Michael Newcomb Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Theater

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2021, Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Science

Bi+ individuals—those who are attracted to more than one gender—are at the highest risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when compared to heterosexual, gay, and lesbian individuals. According to minority stress theory, this is partially due to minority stress—a unique, additive form of stress experienced by those who identify as any sexual orientation other than heterosexual—based in heterosexism—values that encourage different-gender relationships—and monosexism—beliefs that delegitimize those who are attracted to more than one gender. However, minority stress theory does not account for the underlying mechanisms that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors of this population. The purpose of this study was to test hypotheses at the intersection of minority stress theory and the interpersonal theory of suicide to (a) investigate whether sources of minority stress contribute to suicide risk factors either directly or indirectly, (b) examine whether social support and connectedness to the LGBQ+ community contribute, weaken, or eliminate these associations, and (c) evaluate if characteristics of romantic relationships contribute to these factors. A subsample of Bi+ participants was analyzed from the Generations Study, a population-based sample of sexual minority adults to examine well-being among three age cohorts. Many analyses were conducted to test hypotheses including mediation analyses, moderation analyses, latent variable testing, hierarchical and logistic regression, and multiple group comparison procedures using MPlus, SPSS Amos, and SPSS Statistics. Results suggest that certain sources of minority stress associate with suicide risk factors, and characteristics of romantic relationships may contribute to loneliness and self-worth. Implications for future research and suicide prevention are discussed throughout.

Committee: Suzanne Haring PhD (Advisor); Claire Kamp Dush PhD (Committee Member); Keeley Pratt PhD (Committee Member); Rin Reczek PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Personal Relationships

Master of Science (M.S.), Xavier University, 2021, Psychology

Gender has historically been measured using a binary male/female forced choice format. However, research has shown that binary gender measurement formats (i.e., male/female forced choice) cause harm directly and indirectly to gender-diverse individuals by potentially misgendering them, excluding them from representation in research, and more. While a body of research on best practices for gender measurement exists, there has not been research done on the intersection between mood and different methods of measuring gender. This mixed-methods study examines affective reactions from LGBT+ and non-LGBT+ individuals to a binary gender measurement format and an alternative, inclusive gender measurement format. Participants completed either the binary or inclusive gender measurement item followed by the Positive Negative Affect Schedule. Qualitative data were gathered from gender-diverse participants regarding their personal experiences with gender euphoria. Results showed LGBT+ participants had higher negative mood than non-LGBT participants when presented with the binary gender measurement format; however, LGBT+ participants displayed higher negative mood in general than non-LGBT+ participants regardless of gender measurement format. Gender-diverse participants displayed significantly higher negative mood than cisgender participants when presented with a binary gender measurement format. A working definition of the phenomenon gender euphoria was created from the qualitative data gathered from gender-diverse participants. Future research should explicitly address individuals' feelings about different gender measurement formats. Additionally, future research should be conducted by a more diverse research team, as well as sample from a more diverse pool of participants. Finally, organizations should make an effort to address LGBT+ job satisfaction specifically.

Committee: Morrie Mullins Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dalia Diab Ph.D. (Committee Member); Mark Nagy Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Business Administration; Labor Relations; Psychology; Social Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2020, Psychology

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of mental illness relative to heterosexuals (Gilman et al., 2001). Minority stress theory has linked this phenomenon with the numerous sexual orientation-specific stressors that LGB individuals experience (e.g., sexual orientation disclosure; Meyer, 2003). However, no studies to date have examined how these factors may contribute to psychopathology development in a sample of high-risk individuals. Moreover, few studies have investigated how trajectories of illness differ between sexual minority and heterosexual youth, and whether emotional processes affect symptom progression differently in each group. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to understand minority stress and affective processes in a high-risk sample of youth. I used data from a longitudinal study of 685 youth (aged 6-12 years at baseline) who presented to an outpatient psychiatric clinic for mood symptoms. Participants and their parents completed psychopathology assessments over eight years, and a subset of the broader sample were re-contacted to complete another assessment for the purposes of this dissertation (n = 34). Across two studies, I examined the relationship between sexual orientation, psychopathology (diagnoses, symptoms), and affective processes (emotion regulation, emotional context sensitivity). I found support for my prediction that sexual minorities would exhibit more psychopathology than heterosexuals, especially on measures of internalizing psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression). Moreover, this study showed for the first time that sexual minority youth diverge from their heterosexual peers with regard to anxiety and mood symptoms as early as 8.8 years of age, and that these divergence points differ depending on the type of psychopathology (i.e., mood earlier than anxiety) and informant (i.e., parent reports show divergence later than child reports). With regard to minority stress, I fou (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mary Fristad Ph.D. (Advisor); Michael Vasey Ph.D. (Committee Member); Daniel Strunk Ph.D. (Committee Member); John Pachankis Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Mental Health; Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2019, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Meyer's (2003) minority stress model explores the relationship between the social stress of sexual minorities and mental health. Internalized homophobia is linked to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, and contributes to the development of mental health problems (Ramirez-Valles, Molina, & Dirkes, 2013). The present study examined the relationship between internalized homophobia and mental health in young adults who identify as LGB. Participants (N =130) were recruited from universities in Connecticut and Georgia, as well as from the Amazon Mechanical Turk website. It was hypothesized that higher levels of internalized homophobia would be related to higher levels of self-reported anxiety, depression, and substance use. Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant moderate positive correlations between internalized homophobia and depression, r = .565, p < .001, anxiety, r = .493, p < .001, and substance use, r = .360, p < .001. Three one-way ANOVAs were performed to examine differences on depression, anxiety, and substance use, respectively, for levels of internalized homophobia. No significant differences were observed, although significance levels were narrowly missed for depression and substance use. The study revealed important multiple regression findings for sociodemographics with (a) depression scores decreasing for higher social class and increasing for international students, (b) anxiety scores increasing for lack of family support and international students' status, and (c) substance use scores decreasing for international students status and higher social class. The implications of LGB issues for social class and international student status are discussed with regard to recommendations for multicultural psychology. The complexities of internalized homophobia, its process, and its clinical assessment with LGB clients are also discussed.

Committee: Gargi Roysircar EdD (Committee Chair); Jill Lee-Barber PhD (Committee Member); Shannon Jackson PsyD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2019, Social Work

There is a lack of research on the resilience experiences of non-binary survivors (NBS) of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault. The primary aim of this study is to highlight the resilience experiences of NBS from their own knowledge, experiences and perceptions related to exploring identities, experiences with trauma, coping mechanisms and social support. NBS (N = 5) participated in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Data was analyzed using Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software. The findings highlight the resilience experiences of NBS and the need for affirming spaces as non-binary people and as survivors. Implications for social workers, agencies, support services, policy change and future research are discussed. An affirming space focusing on resilience is highly recommended to bridge the gap between service systems and NBS and to help NBS find new ways of healing.

Committee: Cecilia Mengo (Advisor); Sharvari Karandikar (Committee Member) Subjects: Social Work; Womens Studies

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2018, Psychology

This study examined the role of race in social facilitation, otherwise known as mere presence. Ratings from 63 undergraduate men were compared based on their race and the race of a simulated presence, a police officer. Participants completed study measures while in the presence of a computer screen that displayed a recorded loop of an individual dressed in a police uniform who appeared to be occasionally looking at the participant. The race of the police officer on the video screen varied by experimental condition. The participants provided ratings of their reaction to the officer and their experiences of police in previous interactions and completed a brief math task and a demographic form. Relative to White participants, POC (Participants/persons of color) consistently anticipated a more negative interaction with the simulated officer and they indicated that they had experienced more negative emotions in previous interactions with law enforcement. Ratings did not differ by race of the simulated police officer. Although there were no differences in the actual performance of White participants versus POC, their ratings of the anxiety they felt while completing the math problems differed significantly. Overall, the race of the police officer resulted in few significant differences in participants' rating and there were few interaction effects. Therefore, it appears that police officers of any race generally produce more negative feelings in people of color than in White people; however, specifically anxiety related to task performance can be affected by factors beyond the race of the participant. The effect of mere presence appears to be experienced differently by members of different races and deserves greater research attention.

Committee: Kathleen Hart Ph.D., ABPP (Advisor) Subjects: African American Studies; Behavioral Psychology; Black Studies; Criminology; Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2018, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

In June 2015, the marriage equality movement in the United States succeeded at the federal level. This study documents individuals' perceptions of how the fight for marriage equality affected their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within their own marriages to same-sex spouses. I conducted interviews with eight married individuals (five men and three women) who were married prior to the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Areas of inquiry included (a) motivation to get married, (b) factors affecting commitment, (c) willingness to utilize couple therapy, and (d) factors affecting thoughts about divorce. I hypothesized that, for some individuals or couples, the fight to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide may have imposed pressure to promote the cause of marriage equality or fight antigay stigma and prejudice, thereby affecting commitment in their marriage. The primary interest in this study was to better understand the way individuals think about their marriages and how they were affected by the marriage equality movement. I used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyze the data. Most participants endorsed some degree of political or social justice themes in their reasons for getting married or among the factors impacting their thoughts and feelings about marriage. Fewer participants thought political and social justice concerns would impact their commitment or thoughts about divorce, though this was a factor for two individuals. Participants did not see their willingness to use couple therapy as impacted by the marriage equality movement or by political and social justice concerns. Participants also described the impact of the marriage equality movement and the associated sociocultural/political turmoil on their lives in general. This study has implications for therapists working with same-sex couples or individuals struggling with relationship concerns. Political factors can be present among the motivations of a couple to g (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kathi A. Borden PhD (Committee Chair); Barbara Belcher-Timme PsyD (Committee Member); David Arbeitman PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, 2017, College of Education and Human Services

Increasing diversity in psychology practice and training programs has been a focus of the profession within the last few decades. To continue to enhance diversity, trends within the minority pipeline must be continually monitored. Minorities are underrepresented in all areas of psychology. There has been rapid growth in undergraduate degree completion, but less growth for earned graduate degrees, especially among African Americans. Minority stress theory served as a theoretical framework to examine how racial and ethnic microaggressions affects African American psychology graduate students' career attitudes. The current study used structural equation modeling to investigate the hypotheses: (a) There would be a negative relationship between racial and ethnic microaggressions and career attitudes. (b) The relationship between racial and ethnic microaggressions and career attitudes would be moderated by mentoring support. While no support was found for the present study's hypotheses, the findings suggested that mentoring support was significantly related to career attitudes. Implications for theory, research, practice, and training are provided on how to retain African Americans in psychology graduate and training programs.

Committee: Donna Schultheiss PhD (Committee Chair); Graham Stead PhD (Committee Member); Michael Horvath PhD (Committee Member); Julia Phillips PhD (Committee Member); Justin Perry PhD (Committee Member); Aaron Ellington PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: African Americans; Higher Education; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2018, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Research has consistently documented high rates of sexual violence against transgender individuals and the pathways between experiences of violence and negative mental health outcomes in this population have been well established. However, emerging research suggests that not all transgender victims of violence experience negative outcomes and some may experience positive adaptation, a concept which has been termed resilience. Moreover, the Minority Stress Model has been adapted to account for resilience from violence in the transgender community and identifies two variables that may promote resilience in this population: community connectedness and transgender pride. However, this model has yet to be validated. Additional resilience factors from violence for transgender survivors of violence have been suggested (i.e., social support, cultivation of hope/optimism, facilitative coping) but much of this research has not explicitly examined these variables as resilience factors from sexual violence. Finally, research has suggested that attention to intersectionality is important to examination of resilience in the transgender community. Based on the limitations of the literature, the current study examined resilience factors from sexual violence, including community connectedness, transgender identity pride, social support, hope/optimism, and use of coping skills, among transgender individuals with attention to diversity. Findings demonstrated that the majority of individuals had experienced sexual victimization. The current study did not find support for the resilience variables suggested by the literature; however, direct relationships between suggested resilience factors and well-being and trauma symptoms were found. Additionally, results from structural equation models showed that 1) transphobia mediated the relationship between sexual violence and trauma symptoms and 2) the relationship between violence and trauma symptoms existed among older individuals but not (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Christine Gidycz (Advisor) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Psychology