Psychology & Philosophy

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A content analysis of battering interventions: Development of a unified framework for treating relationally violent men
(12/7/2020) Slack, Christopher S.; Porras Pyland, Claudia; Stabb, Sally
Men’s violence against women in the form of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been an ongoing concern worldwide. While awareness of IPV and interventions for survivors of IPV have grown over the last several decades, relatively little attention has been given to improving battering intervention programs (BIPs) that address men’s violence. Existing data from BIPs show that relationally violent men (RVM) can be a very difficult population to treat. Meta-analyses across BIPs with differing theoretical ideologies show that these programs tend to struggle to retain RVM and have small effects on decreasing recidivism. The current dissertation conducted a content analysis of the available BIP literature addressing men’s violence to develop a more wholistic and unified psychotherapy approach for treating RVM. Propositions related to the causes of IPV, hypotheses regarding treatment, and corresponding operational definitions of interventions were identified in the BIP literature focused on treatment interventions. From this content analysis, a unified model of treating RVM was developed. The resulting unified approach for treating RVM may help to inform future treatment directions and improve the effectiveness of BIP programs in reducing men’s violence and preventing drop out. By allowing therapists and BIP facilitators to respond more flexibly and encouraging a more wholistic view of RVM, it is also hoped that this unified approach will aid facilitators looking to expand their repertoire of skills and conceptualization of RVM.
A mixed-method, factorial examination of men's and women's perceptual and affective responses to ideal, actual, and average male and female bodies
(10/16/2017) Diekhoff, Deana; Porras Pyland, Claudia; Stabb, Sally D.; Reimers, Faye; Rosen, Lisa
Body image issues have traditionally been perceived as women’s issues, but this is no longer true. Both men and women are impacted by social pressures to look perfect (Calogero & Thompson, 2010; Grogan, 2008). Adolescents and young adults are most at-risk for maladaptive behaviors related to body image issues (Eisenberg, Wall, & Neumark-Sztainer, 2012; Fernandez & Pritchard, 2012; Frederick et al., 2007; Salk & Engeln-Maddox, 2012). The literature on body image dissatisfaction is immense, but only 12 research articles were published between 2005 and 2015 dealing specifically with men’s and women’s perceptions of the ideal female and male bodies. Eight these studies were international and used samples that may not represent the U.S. population. Many used relatively small samples that limited statistical power (Warner, 2008). Finally, most of the studies used a small number of artificial body stimuli (e.g., figural outlines, body silhouettes) and required that subjects choose a single stimulus that captured the “ideal” male or female body. There were three overarching goals of the present mixed-method, factorial examination of men’s and women’s perceptions of male and female bodies: (a) to correct some of the methodological flaws of previous studies, (b) to contribute to the literature on the basic processes involved in body perception, and (c) to inform the therapeutic efforts of clinicians who work with clients with body image issues. Results showed that participants used different perceptual filters when perceiving male and female bodies. Female stimuli were sorted on the basis of observers’ evaluative and affective reaction. Males were sorted based largely on judgments of potency. Men were more likely than women to identify female bodies as ideal if they were curvy, with larger breasts, and less muscle definition. Women more frequently viewed athletic female bodies as ideal. There was far more gender consensus on the ideal male body. Both men and women reacted more negatively to same-gender ideals than to opposite-gender ideals. Men and women reported equal levels of body dissatisfaction. Personal fitness variables shaped several aspects of body perception and over a dozen statistically significant correlations linked physical fitness variables to body perception outcomes.
A Program evaluation of The One Love Foundation’s Escalation Workshop
(1/27/2020) Wierzchowski, Andrea A; Palomares, Ronald S.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 10 million individuals and accounts for 15% of all violent crime in the United States (U.S.) every year. IPV extends beyond physical injury and can result in death; accounting for 16% (about 1 in 6) of murder victims. In that 16%, nearly 50% are female victims (926 out of 1809 IPV homicide victims) in the U.S. are killed by an intimate partner. The One Love Foundation created a 90-minute, peer facilitator-lead educational program, The Escalation Workshop (Escalation), that aims to provide education through a short film and group discussion about the warning signs and characteristics of unhealthy relationships in 2010 in an effort to save lives; however, this workshop has not been scientifically validated. As such, the aim this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Escalation utilizing the Rapid Feedback Evaluation (RFE) model. A total of 152 adults (137 women; 42.90% White/European-American; median age 19) were recruited from a Tier 2 university in southwestern United States from December 2018 to February 2019 and completed Escalation as well as pre-, post-, and two-month follow up intervention surveys. Overall, results of statistical analyses revealed that Escalation provides education to participants in identifying characteristics of unhealthy relationship behaviors and safely intervening in situations of IPV, which are believed to ultimately contribute to lowering statistics related to IPV.
A qualitative inquiry of the lived experiences of high school students who qualify for special education under emotional disturbance
(2022-12-01T06:00:00.000Z) Erickson, Cheryl S; Herbstrith, Julie; Stabb, Sally; Johnson, Wendi
Students who are qualified under the special education category of Emotional Disturbance (ED) have some of the highest academic deficits, behavioral problems, and negative life outcomes compared to other eligibility groups. The heterogeneous nature of students classified as ED makes it difficult for school personnel to understand their needs. Previous research with students in this category has been from other people’s perspectives. This study examined junior and senior high school students labeled ED and their perspectives about school, identity, being labeled ED, and future expectations. Four female students participated in a qualitative interview about their lives. A case-by-case and thematic analysis revealed nine themes. Three themes addressed school experiences. Two themes addressed students’ perceptions of themselves. Two themes inquired about students’ perceptions of the ED label. Two themes were related to students’ expectations of the future. The findings indicated that participants struggled throughout school with the exceptions the last two years. They expressed difficulties with executive functioning, peer relationships, and mental health. The participants reported feeling generally positive feelings towards their teachers and themselves. When it came to the future, the participants expressed excitement and uncertainty about life after high school.
A unified framework for addressing sexual minority stress in psychotherapy
(11/15/2017) Gargurevich, Milagros; Harris, Jeff E.
Sexual Minority Stress (SMS) is a persistent concern for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. SMS has been studied extensively as an important factor in health disparities between LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Within the literature of psychology, the conceptual framework of SMS is well established, including a good understanding of the mechanisms through which sexual minority stressors affect mental health. In contrast, ideas about treatment of SMS are preliminary and fragmented in the literature. While there has been some discussion in the literature about how to address SMS treatment, clinicians do not have a comprehensive model of psychotherapy that addresses the biological/physical, cognitive, affective, behavioral, cultural, and interpersonal/systemic factors that are affected by and affect SMS. Given the high prevalence of mental health disorders among the LGB community and the high rate at which LGB individuals seek psychotherapy, scholars have noted a strong need for the development of a comprehensive model to address SMS in psychotherapy. The author of this dissertation used a critical literature review to construct a unified framework for the treatment of SMS in psychotherapy. Current literature was reviewed in order to identify propositions about causes and consequences of SMS, hypotheses about treatments, and operational definitions of interventions. Specific treatment interventions validated in general populations were adapted to LGB clients. Lastly, a five-step unified treatment planning method was developed. The author of this dissertation lays the theoretical groundwork for developing a treatment manual that can be tested using applied research methods.
Acculturation, civic engagement, and help-seeking behaviors in the Latinx community
(1/9/2019) Sierra, Josefina; Porras Pyland, Claudia
This research study examined the impact of civic engagement and acculturation on the help-seeking behaviors of Latinx individuals living in the United States as well as examine civic engagement as a mediator between acculturation and help-seeking behavior. The likelihood of engaging in help-seeking behaviors is related to race and inversely related to acculturation, with White individuals and more acculturated Latinx individuals engaged in more help-seeking behaviors than less acculturated Latinx individuals (Sabina, Cuevas, & Schally, 2012b). Civic engagement entails a similar process as acculturation by forming social networks within a community and is typically less present in the Latinx community. A demographic form created by the researcher, the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II, Civic Engagement Scale, the Digital Citizenship Scale, the researcher-created Informal Help-Seeking Questionnaire, and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help were administered through an online survey in PsychData. Ninety participants completed the survey of whom 90% identified as women and 10% identified as men. A series of regression analyses was used to analyze the hypotheses on acculturation, civic engagement, and help-seeking behaviors. Based on the results, it appeared that there is no significant positive relationship between acculturation and help-seeking behaviors for Latinx individuals. Civic engagement and acculturation did not appear to have a statistically significant positive relationship therefore, civic engagement was not shown to be a mediator in the relationship between acculturation and help-seeking behaviors. Limitations and implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Adult attachment style, relationship satisfaction, and body dissatisfaction in women
(2011-08) Brown, Wendy Peterson; Fitch, Jenelle; Mollen, Debra; Stabb, Sally D.; Marshall, David, Ph. D.
Attachment style is an integral piece to personality that affects many facets of life. The fulfillment and satisfaction experienced in relationships, specifically romantic relationships, is an essential desire for most people and influences their health, well-being, and happiness (Bowlby, 1988: Shaver & Mikulincer, 2006). Individuals who feel secure in their relationships tend to fare better overall, experience more relational satisfaction, and have fewer psychological consequences (i.e., depression or anxiety) related to their relationships (Feeney, 2002; Hazan & Shaver, 1987; Shaver & Mikulincer, 2002). Further, insecurely attached individuals use more destructive coping strategies to manage their interpersonal feelings (Gaines et al., 1997), putting them at increased risk for the development of negative behaviors and self-beliefs such as body dissatisfaction (McKinley & Randa, 2005: Troisi et al., 2006). Because of the pressures of modern culture, body dissatisfaction and other body image concerns are an alarming phenomenon and may be related to attachment style (Cash, Theriault, & Annis, 2004; Cheng & Mallinckrodt, 2009; Greenwood & Pietromonaco, 2004; Troisi et al., 2006) and relational satisfaction (Friedman, Dixon, Brownell, Whisman, & Wilfley, 1999; Hoyt & Kogan, 2001; McKinley & Randa, 2005) in women. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess the relationships between adult attachment style, body dissatisfaction, and intimate partner relationship satisfaction in women. Women from a college sample completed (a) a demographic questionnaire, (b) the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998), (c) the Satisfaction subscale of the Investment Model Scale (Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998), and (d) the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ; Cooper, Taylor, Cooper, & Fairbum., 1987). Results indicated both styles of insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant) experienced decreased romantic relationship satisfaction but only the anxiously attached individuals experienced increased body dissatisfaction. Inconsistent with prior research, there was not a relationship between relationship satisfaction and body dissatisfaction (Cash, Theriault, et al., 2004; Friedman et al., 1999; McKinley & Randa, 2005). Further, relationship satisfaction did not moderate the relationship between an anxious attachment and body dissatisfaction, implying that attachment style is a robust factor in the prevalence of body dissatisfaction. Implications for future directions are discussed.
American enough? Attitudes toward immigrants, patriotism, and nationalism
(8/31/2016) Pelc, Noelany; Mollen, Debra; Stabb, Sally D.; Rosen, Lisa; Porras Pyland, Claudia
The United States (U.S.) has fostered powerful bonds, strengthening a collective identity to country and compatriots. Recent political and immigration events have challenged beliefs about what it means to be an American and who should be included in its cultural practices. Although there has been significant literature published on the nature of nationalism, patriotism, and in-group and out-group identification in other fields, less research has explored the complex interactions of numerous demographic variables on the perception of American identity from a psychological perspective. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Blind and Constructive Patriotism Scale (Schatz, Staub, & Lavine, 1999), Nationalistic Attitude Scale (Kosterman & Feshbach, 1989), Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) Scale (Zakrisson, 2005), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale (Pratto, Sidanius, Stallworth, & Malle, 1994), American Identity Measure (Schwartz et al., 2012), and the Measure of Fear-Based Xenophobia (Veer et al., 2013). As predicted, politically conservative participants born in the U.S. reported higher levels of fear-based xenophobia, while politically progressive participants with low levels of Right-Wing Authoritarianism, fear-based xenophobia, and Social Dominance Orientation endorsed higher levels of sociocultural competence. Consistent with predictions, those with high levels of Right-Wing Authoritarianism, fear-based xenophobia, Social Dominance Orientation, uncritical patriotism, and those who identified as U.S-born., were more likely to object to immigrants participating in traditionally-U.S. rituals, although responses were tempered if hypothetical immigrants were said to respect America’s institutions and laws, identify as Americans, and speak English. Unexpectedly, results linked higher nationalistic attitude scores, identifying as non-White, and having a low-to-mid-SES with a stronger sense of American identity, while linking high levels of RWA to lower levels of American identity. Counseling psychologists should conceptualize how people integrate multiple cultural identities within the U.S. across the lifespan, experience national identity as protective or exclusionary, and manage acculturative stress. This study’s findings inform our understanding of out-group derogation, social justice advocacy individually and nationally, and multicultural competence in a changing nation (Sehgal et al., 2011; Stuart, 2004). Implications for theory, research, practice, and training were detailed.
An exploratory factor analysis of the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities and Tests of Oral Language for the 14 to 19 year old age range
(6/12/2018) Spurgin, Angelia R; Maricle, Denise E.
Not only has intelligence been an elusive construct, but methods for measuring it continue to be hotly debated in present day. A multitude of theories currently exist that attempt to objectively explain the mechanisms of intelligence, but the fact remains that any discussion regarding intelligence is theoretical in nature. In an attempt to understand the concept of general intelligence, numerous psychologists and researchers have attempted to quantitatively define this intangible paradigm through various forms of assessment. Accurate test interpretation centers around how well a test measures the construct it contends to measure. The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG) and Tests of Oral Language (WJ IV OL) are two testing batteries in the Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV) that purportedly measure general intelligence as well as seven broad cognitive factors. The publishers of the WJ IV denote that this most recent iteration of the test is based on modern Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory as well as advances in neuropsychological research. Of concern, the WJ IV Technical Manual is exceedingly complex and the results from the presented studies supporting the factor structure of the WJ IV are profoundly obscured for the general practitioner. The primary purpose of this study is to provide an objective analysis of the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL for the 14- to 19- year old age group to determine the factor structure of the assessment battery. Data analyses included an exploratory factor analysis utilizing the correlation matrix provided in the technical manual by the test publishers. Results from this study indicate the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL measure five broad CHC factors in the identified age range: comprehension knowledge (Gc), short-term working memory (Gwm), auditory processing (Ga), processing speed (Gs), and a final factor that incorporates fluid reasoning (Gf), long-term storage and retrieval (Glr), and visual processing (Gv) together.
An exploratory factor analysis of the Woodcock-Johnson IV tests of cognitive abilities and tests of oral language for the 9- to 13- year old age range
(11/24/2020) Rowden, Ashley Sabrina; Maricle, Denise E.
Scientific understanding of the nature of intelligence has steadily evolved over the years; however, the past century has seen an explosion of research aimed at understanding the construction of intelligence, the relationships between neuroscience and cognitive skills, and the best ways to measure intellectual abilities. While there is no clear consensus regarding the most accurate or all-encompassing theory of intelligence, Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory has become one of the premiere guides to understanding the many facets of intelligence. The Woodcock-Johnson (WJ) series of tests have steadily incorporated CHC theory, aiming to provide practitioners with tangible measures of various cognitive skills. Two batteries from the most recent iteration of the WJ, the Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV), are the WJ IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG) and the WJ IV Tests of Oral Language (WJ IV OL); WJ IV publishers purport that these two batteries provide a measure of general intelligence (g) as well as seven broad intelligence factors. However, research methods reportedly used to ensure adherence to CHC theory were both unorthodox and unclear. The purpose of this study is to use a commonly employed method of observing test structure – exploratory factor analysis – to understand the factor structure of the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL for the 9- to 13- year old age group. A correlation matrix provided in the WJ IV Technical Manual was used for data analyses. Four subtests were removed from analyses due to weak or cross-loadings, thus the final solution was comprised of 23 subtests. Results indicated that the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL are primarily measures of a single strong factor which coincides with comprehension-knowledge (Gc). Four additional weaker but salient factors were also present and hypothesized to represent short-term working memory (Gwm), perceptual reasoning, processing speed (Gs), and auditory processing (Ga). Perceptual reasoning was the only factor which did not clearly align with the factor structure reported in the Technical Manual, as it appeared to represent a blend of fluid reasoning (Gf), long-term storage and retrieval (Glr), and visual processing (Gv). These results closely mirrored the findings of other researchers examining the structural validity of the WJ IV.
An analysis of body esteem, trust, and jealousy pathways to relationship satisfaction in women
(12/30/2011) Ayers, Chelsie; Scott, Shannon R.; Mollen, Debra; Stabb, Sally D.; Miller, Daniel
Previous studies have found that overweight heterosexual women experience less relationship satisfaction than average weight women. Overweight women may have lowered body esteem, feel less trusting towards others, and experience more jealousy in their relationships. Although studies have linked body esteem, trust, and jealousy to relationship satisfaction, few have examined the relationship among all variables. This study investigated various pathways linking body esteem to relationship satisfaction through trust and jealousy. A total of 237 heterosexual women (ages 18 to 43) participated. Path and mediation analyses were used to determine significant direct pathways between body esteem, relationship satisfaction, trust, and jealousy based on the woman's identified ethnicity (Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, or Asian American). The only significant indirect pathway was body esteem to relationship satisfaction through jealousy for Caucasians. The results indicated that women vary based on their ethnicity when examining links between body esteem, trust, jealousy, and relationship satisfaction.
Analysis of the factor structure of processing speed
(8/30/2015) Phillips, Julia Elizabeth
Processing speed is an important cognitive ability that impacts other cognitive and academic skills (Floyd, McGrew, & Evan, 2008; Naples, Katz, & Grigorenko, 2012; Vukivic & Siegel, 2010). Children with a variety of disabilities demonstrate processing speed significantly slower than their peers and as a result struggle in many areas (Floyd et al., 2008). Despite the importance of this construct, there is no consensus in the field of school psychology regarding the underlying structure of processing speed and what specific skills are included in its definition. This study used a database of neuropsychological assessment information for children with disabilities along with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine which of the main theories of processing speed best fits the patterns seen in this population. The theories tested include a one factor model, a model based on Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, and a model based on the Integrated School Neuropsychological (SNP)/CHC theory. The findings from the study indicated that all three models provide a poor to adequate representation of processing speed, with the Integrated SNP/CHC theory demonstrating slightly better fit than the other two models, but requiring the most modification. The results also implied that retrieval fluency correlates with and factors into processing speed, and that breaking processing speed into numerous third-level abilities does not result in a better representation of the construct. Understanding the underlying structure of processing speed will allow practitioners to better target both assessments and interventions when working with children with slower than average processing speed. Future research can examine whether these models demonstrate better fit with different data and populations as well as explore different models of processing speed.
Arising and passing: The embodied and emotional experiences of meditators
(7/27/2018) Patel, Sapna Jatin; Stabb, Sally D.
Meditation has been recognized for centuries across cultures as a means for personal development and spiritual growth. Over the last 40 years, meditation practices have gained in popularity due to their therapeutic value (Ospina et al., 2007). Scientific research on meditation has grown significantly in recent years exploring the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation (Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer & Toney, 2008; Brown & Ryan, 2003; Chiesa & Serretti, 2009; Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2004; Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011; Shapiro & Walsh, 2003). While there have been significant gains made in understanding the effects of meditation through quantitative studies on the concept of mindfulness, there remains a lack of in-depth phenomenological understanding within the scientific literature of the meditative process. Furthermore, there have been very few studies exploring the lived experiences of long-term meditators, including formal practice through meditation retreats. This study explored the lived experiences of 8 practitioners of Vipassana meditation, a form of insight meditation. More specifically, the study aimed to understand the embodied and emotional experiences of Vipassana meditators through their accounts of intensive meditation practices. This inquiry used interpretive phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews to understand meditators’ experiences. Results yielded 10 major themes: Understanding of Meditation, Experience of Sensations, Experience of Emotions, Interpretation of Emotions and Sensations, Awareness, Equanimity, Processes of Change, Changes and Motivations, Challenges and Barriers and Individual Experiences. Each major theme was composed of subthemes, with a total of 52 subthemes which are outlined in detail. The results were consistent with existing literature, while also adding to the theoretical and philosophical understandings of meditation. The investigator has provided additional interpretations in understanding the mechanisms of action and processes of change underlying meditation, as well as implications for research and practice. The findings of this study may guide the development of further research models and provide insight into clinical practice.
Assessing caregiver stress in a school-age specialized pediatric population
(8/27/2019) Dryden, Mary; DeOrnellas, Kathy
Parental quality of life and stress levels have been linked to family and child functioning and outcomes. Assessing stress levels in caregivers raising children with medical complexity can guide clinicians in providing appropriate and needed interventions. School attendance and medical technology dependence in children are factors that may impact parental functioning and stress levels. These specific factors have not been thoroughly examined in the literature. The current study used data collected from a pediatric clinic in a large, urban hospital. The parent questionnaire contained items assessing caregiver physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning; communication; and worry. Significant differences in parental stress levels were not found between children attending school and those not attending school. In addition, significant differences were not found between level of medical technology dependence and age of the child. However, a main effect of school attendance was found when examining the worry subscale on the measure of parental quality of life with those parents with children attending school reporting more worry than parents with children not attending school. This study contributes to the knowledge base surrounding parental stress in raising children with medical complexity and will assist those who work closely with this population to implement effective and necessary intervention.
Assessing pragmatic language in children through a brief assessment of idiom comprehension: a pilot study
(8/30/2017) Caldwell, Kathryn E.; Johnson, Wendi L.; DeOrnellas, Kathy; Palomares, Ronald S.; Smith, Amanda
The purpose of this study was to assess pragmatic language in children within a clinical population (i.e., children with ASD and ADHD) and nonclinical population (i.e., typically developing children) by using a newly formed Test of Idioms. The total number of participants who participated in the study was 36 with 18 participants in each group (i.e., clinical and nonclinical). Each participant in the study was given a series of 25 idiom phrases and was asked to identify what each phrase meant. If the participant responded incorrectly, they were given a visual cue and asked to guess again. This study aimed to not only demonstrate that the Test of Idioms was a useful tool for identifying pragmatic language difficulties among a clinical group, but may also help differentiate between children with ASD and ADHD. The study examined the relationship between the Test of Idioms and another measure of pragmatic competence (i.e., TOPS 3) through a Spearman’s correlation. Results from the analysis demonstrated that two of the five composite scores on the Test of Idioms (i.e., Food, Home and School) showed significant correlations with the TOPS 3. Next, a Cronbach’s alpha was conducted to measure the inter-item reliability. Three of the five composites (i.e., Food, Animal, Home and School) were just below the threshold of .70, which is considered acceptable reliability. However, the overall score showed strong inter-item reliability. A Mann Whitney – U analysis was employed to examine differences in performance between the clinical and nonclinical group. The results revealed a significant difference between groups on two of the composites (i.e., Animal, Home and School). Furthermore, a Mann Whitney – U was also utilized to examine differences in the obtainment of 1-point and 2-point responses between participants with ASD and ADHD. No significant differences between groups were identified. Overall, the Test of Idioms showed potential in becoming a reliable and valid measure for assessing pragmatic language in children. In addition, it proved to be a quick and user-friendly assessment that most children reported enjoying.
The association of caregiver stress and violence exposure to attachment organization and schema development during middle childhood: An urban perspective
(2003-05) Popple, Jody Anne; Stabb, Sally D.; Riggs, Shelley A.; Hamilton, Basil; Miller, Dan
This study investigated caregiver (N = 48) stress and exposure to violence in relation to children's (ages 8 to 12 years, N = 50) attachment representations and views of self, world, and future. Life stress was measured using the Life Experience Survey (LES; Sarason, Johnson & Siegel, 1978). Attachment organizations were assessed using the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT; Slough & Greenberg, 1990) and the Security Scale (Kerns, Klepac & Cole, 1996). The Cognitive Triad Inventory for Children (CTI-C; Kaslow, Stark, Printz, Livingston, & Tsai, 1992) assessed children's view of self, world, and future. Level of violence exposure in children was measured by the Things I Have Seen and Heard survey (Ricthers & Martinez, 1990). Using an alpha of .05, a series of Pearson r correlations were performed to test the relationships among caregivers' life stressors and perception of their impact, children's attachment classifications, children's level of violence exposure and children's view of self, world and future. Predictions were parially supported A signficant association was found between increased caregivers' stressors on the LES and their children's less secure attachment status, as measured by the Security Scale. Contrary to predictions, caregivers' perception of life stressors as negatively impacting correlated with children's increased self-reliance. Children's reports of greater violence exposure in association with lower scores on the Security Scale scores implied less secure attachment organization. Data supported the prediction that children's exposure to violence negatively correlated with views of self, world and future. A stepwise multiple regression, performed at α = .05, revealed the only attachment measure related to a CTI-C scale was between SAT self-reliant and CTI-C worldview. Preliminary analyses indicated a gender differences among child participants. Hence, attachment data for boys and girls were analyzed together and separately (boys, n = 19; girls, n = 31) which revealed additional information that both supported and countered predictions. Further exploration of attachment measures tailored for African-Amercian school-aged children is needed. Clinical and research implications were discussed.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) profiles in children and adolescents from parent and teacher reports on the BASC
(1998-12) Wootten, Steven
Attentional biasing in rape-related posttraumatic stress disorder
(1998-08) Lambourn-Kavcic, Bonnie
Attentional impairment and processing speed in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(8/30/2009) Beadle, Crystal L.; Miller, Daniel C.; DeOrnellas, Kathy; Hart, Christina
The behavioral and cognitive symptomology that children with ADHD typically show can have a widespread impact on their overall functioning in everyday life. Children with ADHD may show poor short term memory, poor organizational skills, difficulty with goal directed behavior, difficulty regulating emotions, and difficulty shifting from one task to another. Children with ADHD have shown a higher risk for learning problems, substance abuse, psychopathology, and difficulty with social situations. Children with ADHD are at a significantly increased risk for school failure, and are more likely to repeat at least one school grade, and are at-risk for dropping out of school in adolescence. The present study compared children diagnosed with ADHD Primarily Inattentive Type to children diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type and to children without a diagnosis of ADHD. Additionally, this study examined the Attentional Impairment Index for use in the diagnosis of ADHD in children and the differentiation of its subtype. Furthermore, the impact of processing speed and working memory as predictors of ADHD subtype was studied. Participants in the current study were approximately 283 children between the ages of7 and 19 years of age. Separate MANOVAs were conducted to see if there were differences between Processing Speed and Working Memory Index scores, and scores from a battery of neuropsychological assessments. Results indicated that neither index score was a significant predictor of ADHD subtype in children. However, it was found that children without ADHD performed better on the neuropsychological assessments than did the children with ADHD. Finally, an ANOVA was conducted to see if there were differences between the Attentional Impairment Index score among diagnostic groups. No statistically significant differences were found. The results provides evidence that the neuropsychological profile of children diagnosed with ADHD differs from that of children without a diagnosis of ADHD and that the profiles of children diagnosed with ADHD-I differ from that of children diagnosed with ADHDC. The current study demonstrated that the battery of assessment instruments used has the potential to differentiate between ADHD subtypes in an objective way, as opposed to the rather subjective method of diagnosis currently in use.
Attentional impairment in relation to number and type of psychiatric diagnoses in children
(1998-08) Hill, Susan; Miller, Dan; Graham, Dinah; Hamilton, Basil
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an attentional impairment (AI) index with children for measuring the overall severity of impairment in relation to types of diagnoses as well as to number of diagnoses. Four neuropsychological measures were used to examine different aspects of attention (shift, sustain, select, focus) in order to obtain an overall index of impairment. Comparisons were made with 127 children between the ages of 7 and 16 years of age who either had no diagnosis or were diagnosed with a type of ADHD, depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder prior to the study. Four groups were compared on the AI index based on diagnosis: No Diagnosis (ND), ADHD, Other Psychiatric (OP) disorder, and ADHD plus OP. In addition, children were compared on the basis of zero, one, two, or three-plus diagnoses. Age differences were also examined in relation to the AI index. Overall, the ND group was found to receive significantly lower (better) AI scores than the ADHD and ADHD+OP groups. Groups with a diagnosis did not significantly vary from one another. When grouped by number of diagnoses, the ND group received significantly lower scores than the multiple diagnoses (3+) group, with a linear trend of AI scores increasing, or becoming worse, as the number of diagnoses increased. In addition, a negative correlation was found between age and Al; children received scores that suggested less impairment of attention as they became older. The AI index appears to be a promising tool to help determine the magnitude of impairment in attention, although further research is needed to examine patterns among diagnostic groups.

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