Tag: Winter-Messiers M

Darcy Snyder

Multiple Trauma Exposure: How First Responders Survive

When an emergency medical event, fire, or police intervention occurs, first responders may experience trauma. They are the first trained professionals to respond to emergencies and may turn chaotic and potentially life threatening situations into ones that are structured and life saving. The ability to do this, however, comes at a steep price for firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel. This presentation explores research focused on the ways in which firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel may cope with repeated trauma through both internal and external mechanisms. These mechanisms include length of professional service, which may predict individuals’ levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; neurobiological and biological markers, which may also predict Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and resiliency, which may be key to long term survival in first responder professions. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Jacob Wathen

Same-Sex Parents: Think of the Children

Same-sex relationships have become more commonplace in today’s society. In 2012, 110,000 US same-sex couples reported that they were raising children. That number has since grown exponentially and researchers have attempted to understand the implications of same-sex parenting for children. One aspect of same-sex parenting that may indirectly damage children is the stigma associated with same gender parents. Although the effects of this discrimination are prevalent in the children of same-sex couples, researchers have indicated that the overall wellbeing of these children may be more robust than that of children of mixed-gender parents. Another common concern with same-sex parenting is that children are inherently in danger due to the parents’ sexual orientation. Researchers have determined, however, that laws prohibiting same-sex parenting may be more damaging to children than same-sex parental relationships themselves. Further, researchers have found that the home environment of children with same-sex parents may be similar to or stronger than that of heterosexual parents. This may be due to researchers’ finding that same-sex parents may spend a more balanced amount of time with their children compared to heterosexual couples, which may contribute to healthy social development in children and foster parental satisfaction. Finally, researchers determined that when children of homosexual individuals perceived stronger bonding with their parents, they may reflect positively on their experiences. Presently, researchers in the field of same-sex parenting have found that children of same-gender couples face no more risks than those prevalent among children of heterosexual parents. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Raquel Inman

God Lets Me Spin: Accepting and Integrating Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

As the rates of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder increase, it is imperative that the leadership of churches learn how to best accept and integrate children with this disorder. This paper is designed to give an introduction to accomplishing these goals. It includes an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, the author’s personal connection to the topic, and motivation for change based on Jesus’ and the early church’s ministries. Furthermore, examples of how some churches are currently treating children diagnosed with this disorder are presented. Finally, challenges specific to attending a Sunday morning service are addressed and solutions are given. By gaining a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and possible difficulties present on a Sunday morning, church leadership teams will be better prepared to successfully accept and integrate children with this disorder. 

CM 499 Capstone

Terry O’Casey and Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

11 AM