Tag: PSY 499

Patricia Martinez

The Influence of High Neuroticism and Low Self-Esteem on Disordered Eating Behaviors

Research suggests that there are many different psychological traits that may influence disordered eating behaviors which include anger suppression, negative affectivity, obsessive compulsive disorder, high neuroticism, and low self-esteem. Research shows that there is a strong positive correlation between disordered eating behavior and high levels of neuroticism or low self-esteem. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are each influenced by a combination of high neuroticism and low self-esteem. These risk factors in combination with social influences may lead certain individuals to gravitate toward a disordered eating lifestyle. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P103

9 – 9:30 AM

Rebekah Rossberg

The Correlation between Attachment Style and Approach to Conflict

People have many ways of approaching conflict and of attaching to one another. This study investigates four attachment styles and five conflict styles. Attachment styles are based on the levels of anxiety and avoidance one typically has in a relationship. Conflict styles are based on the level of concern one has for the good of self and others when solving interpersonal conflicts. It is predicted that those who are avoidant in attachments will be avoiding in conflicts and those who are secure in attachments will be integrating in conflicts.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P103

9:30 – 10 AM

Sabrina Biggers

Autism: Detection and Cognitive Differences

Autism is a developmental disability characterized by social and cognitive impairments. Symptoms of Autism include but are not limited to challenges in communication, difficulty in focusing on stimuli, and repetitive behavior. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is measured on a scale from highly functioning to low functioning. Current research in the diagnosis and screening of Autism has found that tools used to measure Autism are effective. Further, research has found cognitive variation between individuals with ASD and non-ASD individuals. Research on Autism provides insight on the best practices needed for early detection and success of individuals with ASD.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Wendie Green

Fear and Memory in the Context of Trauma

Our brains and bodies are designed to remember the things that happen to us, yet some traumatic memories are buried in our subconscious and beg to be released. Combat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significantly linked through unique combinations of fear conditioning and memory encoding. Forgetting the trauma, intrusive thoughts, and rumination often disrupt the lives of those diagnosed with PTSD. The common denominator in these phenomena appears to be the initial fear experienced during the moment of trauma. Understanding this link between fear and memory can give insight into helping PTSD patients experience more complete recovery from trauma.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Linsey Johnson

Comparing Religious Strengths of Athletes and Non-Athletes at a Christian University

College students face many daily stressors, and student-athletes add more pressure and stress on themselves through sports. In past studies collegiate athletes reported higher degrees of religiosity and religious faith compared to non-athletes at public universities (Storch, Roberti, Bravata, & Storch, 2004). The present study looks at the religious strengths, the level of religiosity, the perceived stress, and the coping process of athletes and non-athletes at a private Christian university.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Sharaya Moretti

Exploring Religiosity and Spirituality of Men and Women

A major portion of research suggests that women tend to be more religious than men. Biological, cognitive, cultural, behavioral, and environmental influences may support the increased religiosity in women as compared to men. Women are most often more social than men; they value praying and reading religious texts in groups in contrast to men. Innate preferences for social activities may lead women to naturally be more religious considering religiousness is often measured by the amount of social activities centered on faith. It is important to consider these gender differences because religiousness relates to better health and well-being.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Amy Drummer

Specific Learning Disorder Affecting Literacy: The Biological & Environmental Factors, Assessment, & Intervention 

Reading is a skill that is important in academic achievement, socioeconomic status, & overall mental health. Reading combines both biological & environmental factors. Curriculum based classroom assessments measure fluency, accuracy, & comprehension. Brain scans indicate poor readers activate alternate paths in phonological processing, after intensive intervention the same students scans show paths comparable to average readers. Early intervention reduces the gap between average & poor readers. Effects of impaired reading follow children through adulthood as individuals create thought patterns & coping strategies to compensate for their impairment. Individualized interventions incorporating socioemotional skills are most effective.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Samuel Eymann

The Effects of Social Acceptance & Rejection on Disabled Individuals

Humans are a social species: acceptance & rejection have significant effects on well-being. Social acceptance tends to have positive effects on people’s mood & outlook on life, whereas social rejection tends to have negative effects. Individuals with disabilities, such as Down syndrome have shown decreases in happiness. The decline of happiness in disabled individuals may be related to social rejection by peers. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9:30 – 10 PM

Jenny Maupin

The Power of Baby Sign Language

The benefits of teaching infants to sign includes improved spatial reasoning & executive function, reduction of stress in the parent-child relationship, a calmer academic environment that creates harmony & a universal language in the classroom, enhancing a child’s innate ability to gesture as a form of communication, promote better relations with daycare providers, improve the quality of life of families in stressful low socioeconomic circumstances, & assisting developmentally, physically, &/or medically delayed children who struggle with language & communication to ameliorate their circumstances. Baby boosts language acquisition & learning & increases a child’s confidence that their needs will be met.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

Jordan Miller

Relational Motivation

Relationships influence our lives; how we use those influences as motivation towards a goal is referred to as relational motivation. Research on relational motivation shows that motivations are increased when there are clear goals & a strong positive relationship. Relationships influence goal attainment by providing a support system. Research has shown that relationships motivate. Autonomy plays a big role in motivation. If autonomy is taken away, so is motivation. Understanding how relationships motivate adolescents could lead to better futures. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Allyssa Mittleider

The Engagement of Students & their Success in School

Engagement in school is something that not many students view as important to their success in their classes. Recently, researchers have begun using a three-component model that includes relational, cognitive & behavioral engagement. It is important to look at all three of these components carefully to gain a better understanding of their effect on a student’s success. To test the hypothesis that higher GPA is correlated with higher engagement throughout all three areas of engagement in school, an Analysis of Variance will be used. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P113

1 – 1:30 PM

Amber Osbourn

Cognitive Dissonance in the LGBT Christian

When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance. When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Emmelene Romer

Effective Therapeutic Treatments for Incarcerated Juveniles

Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism. Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Joshua Alvarado

Academic Dishonesty

This study examined academic dishonesty and the emotions that follow in college students. Students at NCU were used in this data collection. There are tremendous pressures to succeed in college and many will cheat over their time on a college campus. Also included in the survey was if the individual attended church regularly or not. Our emotions can drive us to act in many different ways. The results of this study indicated that college students will admit to cheating in school and show that being honest has no negatives attached to it.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9 – 9:30 AM

Travis Brown

Stressed Upon Student Athletes

Stress is a state of mental or emotional tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Stress has been shown to negatively affect physical health, mental processing, and emotional well-being. Research has shown a unique contribution of stressful events on collegiate athletes as compared to traditional undergraduate students. Collegiate athletes experience a wide range of stress because of the demands of their sport which affects academics, well-being, and athletic performance. College athletes have significantly less time to work on academics due to year-long training (in and out of season), tight scheduling, traveling, tough competition and lack of down time. Learning to cope with these additional stressors is important for the collegiate athlete’s well-being and performance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9:30 – 10 AM

Taylor Richardson

Do Self-Reflection Techniques Promote Happiness?

Self-reflection, such as prayer, meditation, or journaling has been found to have an effect on well-being. In the current study it was hypothesized that self-reflection would contribute to feelings of happiness. Two types of self-reflection techniques, prayer and journaling, were tested to see the impact on happiness. Participants completed the Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire before starting the self-reflection task. Participants spent 20 minutes each day for seven days in one of three tasks: prayer, journaling, or reading a textbook. It is expected that happiness scores will be higher in the prayer and journaling group than the textbook group. Spending time in self-reflection tasks may be beneficial by promoting feelings of happiness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10 – 10:30 AM

Jolene Rogers

Effects of Art Therapy on Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression affect a large portion of the population. These symptoms affect people not only on a personal level but on a cognitive and social level. There are multiple forms of therapy which have been effective in helping lessen symptoms of depression. Research for this paper looked into the effectiveness of art therapy in helping with symptoms of depression.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10:30 – 11 AM

Patricia Laynee Bevans

The Effects of the Color Red on Attractiveness

Color plays an important part in nature and everyday in human life. The color red is associated with love, danger, energy, and desire which attract people to one another. Research suggests that the color red attracts the human eye to pay attention more effectively than other colors. Findings have shown that there are clear implications of color perception on mate selection, fashion designs, product attractiveness, and marketing. The current study tests if the color red has an effect on male and female perception of attractiveness of a female model. It is hypothesized that male participants will rank the female model wearing red higher in attractiveness than female participants.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

1 – 1:30 PM

K’hala Carpenter

Literature Review of the Enneagram

This interactive presentation covers the history and explanation of the Enneagram personality typing system. The presentation uses art and music along with research to present the Enneagram in a fun and engaging way. The nine personality types are defined and explained, followed by a spiritual look at how the Enneagram fits with Christian doctrine and theology. The presentation finishes with a survey of some of the research that has been performed about the Enneagram.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

Ruben Robertson

The Effects of Art on Religious Belief

The present study looks at how photos of art can affect the initial response to a question asking about the existence of God. It was designed after a study performed by William Gervais and Ara Norenzayan in the year 2012. The study consisted of Northwest Christian University (NCU) students. The participants were asked to look at the photo and report on Gods existence.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

2 – 2:30 PM

Jacob Smyth

Premarital Cohabitation

This paper looks at the growing problem of premarital cohabitation and how it effects the subsequent marriages. A survey was performed concerning attitudes toward premarital cohabitation among the Northwest Christian University community. Results of this study will be discussed.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

2:30 – 3 PM

Charlene Able

Reducing Recidivism

The post-prison recidivism rate averages about 67% in the United States. With the prison population increasing and the funds decreasing, it is important to find a way to lead our criminals towards a path in life to become a productive part of society. The aim of this literature review is to show that rehabilitating our prison population through education, faith-based programs, and job skill training will reduce re-entry into the prison systems.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

9 – 9:30 AM

Karlie Griffith-Solinger

Does Analytical Thinking Promote Disbelief in Science?

Current research in the cognitive science of religion has implied that analytical thinking promotes disbelief in God. In a study conducted by Gervais and Norenzayan (2012), participants were primed to think analytically through a sentence construction task, and then they were asked to rate their belief in God. Drawing from Justin Barrett’s suggestions for future research, the present study primed participants to think analytically using the same sentence construction task, but then asked participants to rate their beliefs in science. It was predicted that those in the analytical condition would express a greater disbelief in science than the control condition. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

9:30 – 10 AM

Danielle Nance

Sleep Patterns Among College Students

College students do not get enough sleep due to hectic schedules. This presentation will explore empirical findings of sleep patterns among college students as well as the consequences of lack of sleep and benefits of proper amounts of sleep. The relationship between sleep, GPA, health, and energy levels will be addressed. The importance of and the effects of sleep will be discussed to increase awareness for college students. Suggestions will be offered for good sleep hygiene and a healthy lifestyle for the college aged student.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

10 – 10:30 AM

Rose Carrigan

The Negative Effects of Attractiveness on Job Applicants

My experiment is an exploration of the “beauty is beastly” effect based on Johnson, Podratz, Dipboye, & Gibson (2010). They found that there are negative consequences of being an attractive woman and applying for masculine dominated positions. It is expected that participants will choose the unattractive woman for positions that have been male sex-typed and that attractiveness is of less importance. For positions that are female sex-typed and have a high importance for attractiveness, it is expected that the attractive woman will be chosen. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9 – 9:30 AM

Joel Leinbach

Beyond the Call of Duty: A Review of Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) refers to actins that are beneficial to an organization, but lite outside the parameters of the required performance of a job description. These behaviors can be directed towards another individual (OCB-I) or they can be organization-oriented (OCB-O). This paper provides a broad overview of the development of this sub-section of organizational behavior from its early stages that sought to find its antecedents, to more current studies that focus on its outcomes. An understanding of OCB will aid in the development of a productive workforce.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9:30 – 10 AM

Brittany McKinley

Gratitude and Subjective Well-being in Daily Life

I am examining the literature that investigates gratitude and subjective well-being in daily lives. Specifically interested in the relationship between gratitude and forgiveness and well-being. This study will focus on the effect of expressing emotions of gratitude on psychological and physical well-being.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

2 – 2:30 PM

Crystal Rutherford

The Societal and Behavioral Effects of Androgen on Women

With a focus on female athletes, this paper will attempt to illustrate the effects of and levels of androgen in females. Of particular interest is whether female athletes already have higher levels of testosterone and therefore became athletic, or if higher androgen levels was the results of workouts. Lastly, the current trend of androgen abuse in female athletes and the behavioral and societal costs will be addressed.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10 – 10:30 AM

David Vermilyea

The Plasticity of the Depressed Brain

It has long been thought that depression can be treated with the use of antidepressants mixed with various forms of psychotherapy, but what exactly does the brain need in order to function correctly? There are neurological differences that exist between the non-depressed person and the depressed person. How the depressed brain can change into a “happy” functional brain will be discussed.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10:30 – 11 AM

Brittney Yip

Investigating the Connection Between Chapel and Students Religious Experience

Traditional undergraduate NCU students will be recruited through an email to complete the survey.  They will be asked a series of questions about demographics, chapel, and Allport and Ross’ religious orientation scale.  The intrinsic score should be positively correlated with being more religious.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

1 – 1:30 PM

Samantha Zysett

The Psychology of Worship in Lyrical Content: Framing the Worship Setting

Many pastors and worship leaders propose that any song,   whether originally purposed for Christ or not, when put into the context of a worship setting can be used to glorify God.  The present study will explore whether or not framing has any effect in the presentation of    secular, non-God centered, or ambiguous lyrical content when this same said lyrical content is presented in the context of a worship setting, where the goal is to elicit a response from the audience.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

1:30 – 2 PM

Teresa Harvey

Emotion Regulation: A Mental Health Investigation

This presentation is an exploration of recent literature on the subject of Emotional Regulation (ER). This study will focus on cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and relational categories such as brooding and rumination. It will explain how emotion regulating skills are developed, what the biological effects are, and most specifically, the relationship between ER and depression vulnerability. It will also examine current cognitive methods utilizing ER skills to reduce the risks of depression as well as generate sound ideas for further research in this area.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Kaye January-Pocza

Learned Helplessness: A Literature Review of its Symptoms and Effects on Various Stages of Life

This literature review is an exploration of learned helplessness, the feelings that one does not have the ability to affect life circumstances because of a perceived lack of sense of control. This paper will discuss symptoms, behaviors, and treatment of learned helplessness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9:30 – 10 AM

Kenneth Latham

A Multicultural Approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD affects 12% of the U.S. civilian population and approximately 14-15% of military personnel returning from combat operations. Current mainstream theories of counseling and psychotherapy do not adequately address the cultural diversity or our civilian and military population. The purpose of this paper is to examine the need for a multicultural approach to cognitive behavioral theory for the treatment of PTSD to properly diagnose and treat our culturally diverse civilian and military populations.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Steve Caloudas

A201

10 – 11 AM

Charolene Somatis

Resilience in Youth: How At-risk Children Bounce Back

One of the most intriguing and optimistic psychology concepts is that of resiliency, the ability to “bounce back” in the face of adversity. In the past, psychologists have been confounded by how, in a population of at-risk youth, some of them go on to succeed in life in spite of their rough childhood while most of their counterparts struggle. This presentation will describe the theory of resilience in detail, the current body of literature that exists on the subject, and how it specifically applies to at-risk children and adolescents.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

8:30 – 9 AM

Alana Bratcher

The Effects of Sexual Assault Awareness Program on College Students’ Rape Myth Acceptances

Sexual assault is an issue that is not easily discussed but that affects many. It is believed 1 in 6 women in the United States have been victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. Many beliefs about sexual assault are incorrect. These false beliefs are called rape myths. These rape myths contain false beliefs regarding rape, rape victims and rapists. These myths help to create a culture that allows, justifies, and perpetuates rape. This study looks at the effects of a sexual assault awareness program on college students rape myth acceptance scales.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203B

9 – 9:30 AM

Lindsey Hall

Dissociative Identity Disorder: What is it?

“If you smash anything hard enough enough times, it will smash into pieces. I guess that’s what happened to me…” Many people feel they have a grasp on what Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is while some have never heard of it. I invite you on a journey of delving deeper into the mystery, reason and conflict behind Dissociative Identity Disorder. At the end, we will come out clearer than when we first started and find our own personal answer to its credibility as a disorder.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203B

9:30 – 10 AM

Ruth Ralph

Helping Children Overcome the Effects of Trauma from Witnessing Domestic Violence: What Current Research Recommends and Further Implications

According to research, one in four families in the US will have firsthand experience of domestic violence in their home. DV appears to be a cycle that perpetuates itself from one generation to the next. Children who witness DV are at high risk for long-term developmental, social, and psychological dysfunctions. Focusing on treating the children with empirically supported intervention programs may help alleviate the effects. This research paper examines children’s intervention programs, and discussion of how these interventions can be implemented in the community will follow.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203B

10 – 10:30 AM

Veronica Ross

Likeness within a Christian Environment

This study investigates the correlation between groups and religious ideas. It is hypothesized that people who tend to have strong religious views associate with groups that believe the same thing and vice versa. Participants in this student will complete a survey asking questions regarding their religious beliefs and their preferences in groups. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203B

10:30 – 11 AM

Chelsie Elkins

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: The Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Use on the Developing Brain

I have done an extensive literature review on the pre-natal and post-natal effect of alcohol on the developing brain. I have researched the causes, effects, symptoms, and treatments.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203A

8:30 – 9 AM