Kristi Munyan

Understanding Sex-Offender’s Cognitive and Hunting Patterns

Sex-offenders come in many guises. They can blend in with society and become an integral part of someone’s life. Different kinds of sex-offenders have different methods and criteria they use when hunting for victims, but commonalities exist. Cognitions and justifications can mirror their grasp on reality and the way they view their victims. There are misconceptions about who a perpetrator is. Added to that is the complexity of how victim-offender relationships affect violence used in the assault. After the assault, the survivor has the choice of reporting the assault. Treatment for convicted offenders depends on the individual.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

9 – 9:30 AM

L203A

Lori Renner

The Effects of Learning Style on Memory

Claims have been made that different modes of learning in students can be improved by matching one’s teaching with the preferred learning style of the student. The two modes that are used to describe learning styles are auditory and visual learning. Some teachers believe they should take a student’s different learning style into account and match the mode of instruction to the individual’s learning style. However, there is little empirical support to conclude that this type of teaching should be implemented in classrooms. The current study tests if participants recall more items through auditory-only, visual-only, or auditory-visual presentation of material. It is hypothesized that participants who receive the auditory-visual condition will perform better than participants receiving either the auditory or visual condition independently.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203A

9:30 – 10 AM

Beverly Hoberg

The Role of Music on Mood and Recovered Memories

This study investigated whether there was a correlation between music, mood, and memory. It was hypothesized that when thinking of a familiar tune from the childhood of the participant, that participant would recall a vivid and positive memory that they would not otherwise have remembered. While the results of this experiment did not support the hypothesis, the data did show that there is a relationship between thinking of a song from childhood and recall of a mood-congruent memory. Results are discussed as they relate to the possibilities of using music to recover and enhance forgotten childhood memories in adults during therapy sessions in clinical settings.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203B

1 – 1:30 PM

Mindi Wagner

Supporting Adult Learners in Higher Education

This capstone project is a literary review of adult learners in higher education. The thesis of this essay is although there have been a variety of recent works on the theory of adult learners and their unique needs in the classroom and required administrative services, much of the thoughts and premises are often too theoretical and therefore often do not address the particular skill sets necessary to meet the current needs of adult learners. The essay and presentation will explore the unique needs of the adult learner while summarizing findings and conclusions.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

L203B

2 – 2:30 PM

Elizabeth Hadley

Non-Pharmaceutical Therapies and Outcomes in Pediatric Depression

Early onset depression has an increased risk of co-morbid disorders and increased risk of depressive episodes in adulthood. After the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) announcement regarding the safety of some SSRI’s in the treatment of child and adolescent patients in relation to a heightened risk of suicide, non-pharmacological treatments and therapies began to be researched as an alternative treatment route. There therapies and treatments include: problem solving therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and vitamin and nutrient alternatives. The outcomes and practices of these therapies are important to those interested in non-pharmacological treatment options.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Amy Pruitt

L203A

10 – 10:30 AM

Sarah Barberis

Utilizing Harm Reduction & Recover-Oriented Care Philosophies in the Treatment of Individuals with Dual Diagnosis

Treatment programs that integrate basic needs and harm reduction principles allow for individuals with dual diagnosis to be more successful than in traditional programs.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Beth Aydelott

Banquet Room

9 AM – 11 AM

Jessica Carlson

A Meta-analysis of Negative Social Effects of Self-perception of Dyslexia and other Learning Disabilities and Early Identification

Children suffer from many different types of learning disabilities with dyslexia being a main one. Learning disabilities affect children, not only in school, but also in the rest of their lives, though not every child will have a lower self-perception than an average child with no learning disability.  Three questions will be answered throughout this paper in hopes that in the future there will be a way to prevent, reverse, or lessen negative social effects.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

George Letchworth

L203B

9:30 – 10 AM

Alana McNeery

Primary Preventors of Stress Related Illness in College Students

Stress occurs when there are demands on an individual that exceeds his or her coping capabilities.  Stress is a very common occurrence and not a stranger to many.  The purpose of this paper is to a) acknowledge stress, b) find the sources of stress, and c) figure out ways of preventing the stress that cause the issues.  By narrowing the source of stress within college students it would give the college students tools to use when they become stressed.  By providing ways for college students to deal with their stress, such as meditation classes, helpful seminars, and other ways or outlets, it will cause a chain reaction of peace of mind, better habits, healthier lifestyles, and wellness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

George Letchworth

L203B

10 – 10:30 AM

Meghan Tweit

Review & Meth-analysis of the Effects of Thought Suppression on Depressive Rumination

Thought suppression has been used as one of the primary modes of treatment for depression as a means to decreasing the rumination of depressive thinking.  In this review of the literature, recent studies are compared through meta-analysis to gain more insight on thought suppression by looking at different variables that may contribute to  depressive rumination.  Effect sizes show a relation under certain  situations, but more research is needed to effectively show where thought suppression is useful and in which cases it could be harmful.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

George Letchworth

Banquet Room

9 AM – 11 AM