Theses/Dissertations - Psychology and Neuroscience
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Browsing Theses/Dissertations - Psychology and Neuroscience by Author "Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience."
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Item Acute alcohol produces ataxia and cognitive impairments in aged animals : a comparison between young adults and aged rats.(2013-05-15) Novier, Adelle.; Diaz-Granados, Jaime L.; Matthews, Douglas B.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Aging in both humans and rodents appears to be accompanied by physiological changes that increase biological sensitivity to ethanol intoxication; however, animal models designed to investigate the behavioral significance of increased alcohol sensitivity have yet to be established. The present study sought to determine if acute ethanol administration produces differential effects on motor coordination and spatial performance in adult and aged rats. Findings revealed a dramatic increase in ethanol induced ataxia and cognitive impairment in aged animals relative to young adults as evaluated by several behavioral tasks. Importantly, the heightened deficits seen in aged animals were not due to differential blood ethanol levels. Possible neurophysiological mechanisms are proposed to explain the age-related increase in sensitivity to motor- and cognitive-impairing effects of ethanol. Given the high prevalence of alcohol use among the elderly, increased vulnerability to alcohol-induced deficits may have a profound effect on injury and quality of life in this population.Item Adherence to gender roles as a predictor of compassion and self-compassion in women and men.(2012-11-29) Tatum, Kelsie J.; Benedict, Helen Elizabeth, 1946-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Previous research has demonstrated consistent differences between men and women in self-reported compassion, but has yielded inconsistent results regarding sex differences in reported capacities for self-compassion. The current project sought to address these equivocal results by examining the relationships among compassion, self-compassion, and identification with traditional gender roles. Participants (N = 444) were recruited from a university subject pool and an online survey administration program and were administered the Compassionate Love scale (Sprecher & Fehr, 2005), the Compassion Scale (Pommier, 2010), the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003a), and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974). Overall, results indicated that gender, as opposed to sex differences, accounted for a greater proportion of variance in participants’ reported levels of self-compassion. However, inconsistent with initial hypotheses, data suggested that women’s and men’s adherence to traditional gender roles was associated with higher, rather than lower, self-compassion scores. The implications of these results and directions of future study are discussed.Item An analysis of factors related to seeking clinical hypnosis.(2010-10-08T16:25:53Z) Robin, Brian M.; Elkins, Gary Ray, 1952-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Hypnosis has found a broad range of clinical applications. These include management of many forms of physical pain, reducing anxiety and quitting smoking. However, hypnosis is underutilized as a treatment. Therefore it is important to understand factors affecting people's willingness to use clinical hypnosis. Little research examines the clinical conditions for which people would be willing to seek hypnosis or the referral sources and advertisements that may most influence them. Further, most research on attitudes toward hypnosis is performed using only college student samples; little is known about differences between college student and community samples. This study begins to address these gaps through a survey administered to 160 undergraduate college students and 98 community participants. Findings indicate that participants report being most likely to seek hypnosis for anxiety or as a complementary treatment to standard medical practices. Participants report that the referral and information source they would find most influential is their primary care physician. When asked to rate phonebook style listings for clinical hypnotherapy services, there were positive main effects for the presence versus absence of noting the clinician's extended credentials, board certification in clinical hypnosis, and indication of a range of hypnosis services provided. Few differences were found between the student and community groups, save the students were more influenced by extended credentials than were community members. Implications of these findings for the promotion of clinical hypnosis are discussed.Item The assessment of strong and weak influence tactics in couples' conflict conversations through computer based language programs.(2012-11-29) Fogle, Kristin Wolfe.; Sanford, Keith Philip.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.The goal of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a new method of assessment of communication strategies for influencing the other person during couples’ conflict conversations using the language-based computer programs LIWC, a word counting program, and LSA, a latent semantic analysis program. Two dimensions of influence tactics were expected: strong influence tactics, such as demanding or telling, and weak influence tactics, such as hinting or flattering. Videos of 82 couples’ conflict conversations from previous studies by Dr. Keith Sanford were re-coded and assessed for strong and weak influence tactics using LIWC, LSA, and observational coding. Influence tactics measured through the computer programs were found to weakly relate to influence tactics measured through observational coding. Reliability of influence tactic use was found to be weak for computer-based influence tactics. Some significant associations were discovered between influence tactics and marital satisfaction and communication behaviors. Compositional effects were found for several of the relationships. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.Item Attachment style and underlying concerns in romantic relationship conflict.(2010-10-08T16:17:45Z) Grace, Aaron J.; Sanford, Keith Philip.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.The current study investigated the relationship between underlying concerns in romantic relationship conflict and adult attachment. Participants were 109 undergraduate students in dating relationships who completed between one and five assessments via internet questionnaire over the course of eight weeks. At each assessment, participants considered a recent conflict in their romantic relationship, and completed measures of underlying concerns in the conflict as well as attachment at the time of the conflict. Data were analyzed at the within-person level as well as at the between-person level. At the within-person level, the underlying concern of perceived partner under-investment was predicted by attachment anxiety but not by attachment avoidance. In addition, the underlying concern of perceived partner threat was predicted by both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. After controlling for within-person effects, perceived partner under-investment was further predicted by participants' mean level of attachment anxiety.Item Bane of Adam's rib : religious priming effects on sexism.(2013-05-15) Haggard, Megan C., 1987-; Rowatt, Wade Clinton, 1969-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Previous research has indicated that sexism can be separated into factors of ambivalence – hostile and benevolent – to address the many issues that arise with discrimination against women. Whereas hostile sexism is openly negative toward women, benevolent sexism positively camouflages unfair differentiation between the sexes. Many cultural organizations and traditions subtly approve of sexism, including Judeo-Christian religious beliefs. The present study examined the effect of different types of subliminal religious priming – agent, institution, or spiritual – on attitudes toward women, hostile sexism, and benevolent sexism. Participants exposed to religious primes were more likely to endorse benevolent sexist statements than those in a control group. This effect remained after controlling for participant gender and self-reported religiosity. The main difference was between the agent religious prime condition and the control group. The implications of religious approval of benevolent sexist attitudes and behaviors are examined, as well as connections with personality and cognitive styles.Item Better understanding the paradoxical relationship between religiosity and prejudice through priming religious concepts : an intergroup bias perspective.(2012-08-08) Johnson, Megan K.; Rowatt, Wade Clinton, 1969-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Across two experiments, the paradox of religiosity and prejudice was examined through priming methods in a laboratory setting. The effects of priming religiosity (religious, control) and religious group membership (Christian, Muslim, atheist) on resource distributions (Experiment 1) and physical aggression through hot sauce allocation (Experiment 2) were examined. Across both studies, individuals demonstrated intergroup bias toward atheists relative to Muslims and Christians. In Experiment 1, priming religiosity decreased the number of raffle tickets given to atheists but increased the number of raffle tickets given to Muslims. In Experiment 2, priming religiosity had no effect on aggression toward individuals. However, individuals gave atheists significantly more hot sauce than Muslims. These results indicate the effects of priming religiosity do depend, in some cases, on the religious group identification of the person with whom one is interacting. Moreover, these studies demonstrate atheists as the out-group (compared to Muslims) that experiences the most intergroup bias. Namely, individuals gave fewer resources, and aggressed and reported the most negative and least positive emotions toward atheists. Results are discussed within an intergroup bias framework.Item Caregiver attachment representations and caregiver-child interactions in adoptive and foster dyads.(2013-09-24) McGowan, Faith Perez.; Benedict, Helen Elizabeth, 1946-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between child-specific caregiver attachment representations as measured by the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) and the quality of caregiver-child interactions using the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) in a sample of adopted and foster children (aged 2 ½-9) and their caregivers. Attachment theory suggests that caregiver representations are the driving force for caregiver-child interactions and attachment security in both biologically related and adoptive caregiver-child dyads. Caregiver attachment representations (Balanced, Disengaged, and Distorted) as measured by the WMCI were hypothesized to correspond with the quality of parent-child interaction ratings on the MIM, coded using the Marschak Interaction Method Behavioral Rating System (MIMBRS). One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and post-hoc analyses were completed to distinguish differences in scores between WMCI classifications and three MIMBRS scales (Parent Behavior, Child Behavior, Overall Summary), as well as three MIMBRS subscales (Dyad Social Involvement, Child Task Focus, and Child Facial Expression/Affect). Caregivers classified as Balanced displayed higher quality parent attachment behaviors than caregivers classified as Disengaged; however, parent behavior ratings did not differ between Balanced and Distorted caregivers. Overall attachment behaviors (summing Parent Behavior, Child Behavior, and Dyad Behavior), child attachment behaviors (including task-oriented and affect-oriented behaviors), and dyadic behaviors (social involvement) were not significantly related to caregiver representations. Using exploratory analyses, caregiver-child dyads displayed more optimal dyadic interaction behaviors when the caregiver was classified as Balanced in comparison to dyads where the caregiver was classified as Nonbalanced (Detached or Distorted). Additionally, adoptive dyads scored significantly higher than foster dyads on the Parent Behavior, Dyad Behavior, and overall attachment behavior ratings. This study underscores the relationship between caregiver representations and caregiving behavior for adoptive and foster caregiver-child dyads, with variability in attachment between adoptive and foster dyads.Item Chronic intermittent ethanol treatment yields persistent increases in anxiety and receptor subunit changes in adolescent and adult rats.(2014-01-28) Van Skike, Candice E.; Diaz-Granados, Jaime L.; Matthews, Douglas B.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.GABAA and NMDA receptors are involved in the behavioral effects of ethanol; however, the age-dependent molecular mechanisms associated with the effects of chronic ethanol have yet to be fully elucidated. Adolescence is marked by unique sensitivity to certain effects of ethanol, including distinct consumption patterns, increased prevalence of consumption during young adulthood compared to that of abstaining adolescents, and increased risk for development of future alcohol use disorders. In the adult, tolerance and dependence are marked by attenuated function of GABAA receptors and increased function of NMDA receptors, but the receptor subunit expression profiles for adolescents following binge-like ethanol exposure are not yet completely known. Since tolerance and withdrawal appear to be age dependent, it is likely that receptor subunit expression is differentially altered following chronic ethanol exposure in adolescence compared to adulthood. Additionally, chronic ethanol exposure and its withdrawal can alter behavior. Especially relevant to the maintenance and persistence of consumption behaviors are alterations in anxiety. Anxiety levels can often be used to predict relapse in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients long after ethanol cessation, therefore it is important to determine the persistence of the anxiogenic effects of ethanol withdrawal and how alterations in receptor subunits may interact with withdrawal-induced anxiogenesis. Given that very little research has focused on age dependent anxiogenesis and subunit alterations following chronic ethanol consumption, this project will investigate multiple withdrawal induced changes in anxiety and its persistence in adolescent and adult rats. Additionally, the persistence of any changes in receptor subunit expression will be assessed using the same animals from the anxiety data. This multimodal, within-subjects design allows for the direct exploration of the relationship between behavioral and molecular alterations due to chronic ethanol exposure.Item Clinical efficacy of a brief hypnotic intervention for hyperarousal symptoms in sexual trauma.(2010-10-08T16:13:52Z) Auringer, Melissa L.; Stanford, Matthew S.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Women who have experienced sexual trauma frequently report anxiety symptoms that left untreated can develop into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD can be particularly troublesome within treatment as they can impede therapeutic intervention efforts. An adjunct intervention that provides a quick and effective relief of these symptoms would be facilitative of ongoing trauma interventions. Clinical hypnosis has been found to be successful as an efficient and effective means of relieving patient anxiety in the medical field, but has been largely unexplored in this context within psychotherapy. The current study investigated the feasibility of a brief hypnotic intervention for treating hyperarousal symptomology in women (age 18 and older) who have experienced sexual traumatization at some point in their lives. The results of this standard care controlled study with women reporting sexual trauma (N = 40) indicated that this intervention was not only feasible but shows promise as an efficacious treatment of hyperarousal symptoms. In using a brief hypnotic recording over the period of seven to ten days, subjects reported statistically significant decreases in difficulty concentrating and overall hyperarousal symptoms. They also reported significant decreases in negative mood and overall anxiety. The feasibility of this intervention and the notable improvement in anxiety symptomology points to promise in using clinical hypnosis as part of therapeutic intervention for women with a sexual trauma history.Item Coping styles as a mediator between neuropsychological functioning and quality of life outcomes in OEF/OIF Veterans.(2011-12-19) Martindale, Sarah L.; Dolan, Sara Lynn.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Veterans have returned from the OEF/OIF combat theatre with a multitude of physical and psychological problems that affect neuropsychological functioning and quality of life (QOL). Often, neuropsychological function is difficult to remedy in treatment, thus a more efficacious treatment would focus on a mediation factor to improve QOL. This study set out to determine whether coping mediated the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and QOL outcomes in Veterans. Participants were 136 men and women enrolled in an ongoing study of returning war Veterans. Results indicated that an active coping style was a full mediator between long-term verbal memory and QOL outcome. Attention and short-term verbal memory were good predictors of quality of life, but were not mediated by coping style. Treatments that include action-focused coping skills may be beneficial, however, cognitive deficits should be accounted for in treatment planning to improve QOL in Veterans.Item Correspondence between caregiver relationship-specific attachment representations and child attachment representations in adoptive dyads.(2010-10-08T16:16:29Z) Dean, Grace E. (Grace Elizabeth); Benedict, Helen Elizabeth, 1946-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.This study investigated the relationship between child-specific caregiver attachment representations as measured by the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) and child attachment representations as measured by the Story Stem Attachment Profile (SSAP), using a sample of adopted and foster children in Central Texas. Participants ranged in age from three to nine years and were referred to the study by community mental health providers, private adoption agencies, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The attachment literature suggests that attachment security can be transmitted from one generation to the next in both biologically related and adopted dyads. Thus, it was hypothesized that child attachment representations as measured by the SSAP would correspond to caregiver attachment representations using the WMCI. Analyses were conducted using both the broad SSAP attachment classifications of Secure, Insecure, Disorganized, and Defensive Avoidant, as well as individual story themes subsumed under these categories. While the study did not find evidence to support correspondence between SSAP classification and WMCI classification, exploratory analyses using logistic regression obtained significant results on a thematic level. Children who were able to acknowledge adult distress in their stories were more likely to have a caregiver who was classified as having a secure attachment on the WMCI, whereas children who disengaged from the story-telling task and/or incorporated bizarre or atypical material in their stories were more likely to have caregivers who were classified as insecurely attached on the WMCI. Furthermore, children who were referred to the study by the Texas DFPS were less likely to have a caregiver who was classified as securely attached to them as compared to children referred from other sources. Younger age and increased length of time in current placement were associated with greater likelihood of having a clinically significant low Security score on the SSAP. Given the sample size limitations of the current study, further research will need to be conducted in order to replicate the results of the exploratory analyses and further characterize the relationship between child attachment representations, caregiver child-specific attachment representations, and relevant demographic factors.Item Development of a model for the conduct of randomized clinical trials of hypnotic intervention.(2012-11-29) Kendrick, Cassie.; Elkins, Gary Ray, 1952-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Research on the efficacy of hypnosis has been limited due to the lack of a sham hypnosis (placebo) for comparison to use as a control in randomized clinical trials. Instead, researchers have had to use a variety of controls, resulting in inconsistency that greatly limits researchers’ methodology and makes it difficult to compare study results or make aggregate statements regarding hypnosis’ efficacy. This study consisted of three primary aims: 1) to evaluate whether white noise can be considered an "inert" procedure; 2) to evaluate the credibility of a model of sham hypnosis that uses white noise as a potential form of "hypnosis" when presented within the hypnotic context; and 3) to explore the relationships between participant characteristics and specific outcome measures. Seventy-five undergraduate students were randomized to one of three groups: hypnosis; sham (white noise presented in the context of hypnosis); or control (white noise in the absence of hypnotic context). Measures of interest involved participants’ ratings of: 1) therapist’s professionalism; 2) the consistency of the environment with hypnosis; 3) subjects’ perception that they received hypnosis; 4) subjects' evaluation of the procedure as pleasant, relaxing, and beneficial 5) participants' perceived acceptability (evaluated by assessing perception of the procedure as acceptable, ethical, effective, of the procedure they received; and 6) shifts in relaxation resulting from each procedure. In each of the variables of interest, subjects who received sham hypnosis and those who received a hypnotic induction demonstrated significant differences from those assigned to the white noise control, with effect sizes ranging from .165 to .852. However, there were no significant differences between participants' ratings of the sham and hypnosis procedure in any of these domains. Taken together, results support the feasibility of using white noise as an inert procedure that, given the proper environmental context, can serve as a credible sham hypnosis.Item Development of an implicit measure of dispositional forgiveness.(2010-10-08T16:14:17Z) Buechsel, Ruth K.; Rowatt, Wade Clinton, 1969-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.A number of self-report measures exist to assess forgiveness or attitudes towards forgiveness. However, little research exists to measure forgiveness at a dispositional and implicit level. The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate an implicit measure of forgivingness (or dispositional forgiveness) using the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This Forgiveness IAT (FIAT) was administered in conjunction with well established self-report measures of forgiveness, as well as with some measures (including an IAT for each) of spirituality and self-esteem. Other ratings about the participants' dispositional forgiveness were obtained through mail in surveys provided to the informants by the participant as an additional external measure to validate the FIAT. As predicted, the FIAT was found to be internally consistent and showed positive correlations with scores on the spirituality and self-esteem IATs. While the FIAT was found to be reliable, it was not significantly correlated with any explicit measures of forgiveness. This may indicate that the FIAT is assessing a different aspect of forgiveness than explicit measures quantify. Contrary to predictions, other report showed few correlations in either direction with self report. Other reports additionally showed poor predictive validity for the FIAT. Taking all of the findings into consideration, the continual task of exploring the various facets of dispositional forgiveness and the need for further study of predictive ability of behavior is revealed.Item The differential role of impulsivity, neuroticism, and negative affect within and across scores on measures of behavioral addiction and substance abuse.(2013-09-24) Sejud, Laura R.; Dolan, Sara Lynn.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Behavioral addictions (BAs) are generally characterized as excessive behaviors (not involving psychoactive substance use) that produce short-term rewards and persist despite adverse consequences or attempts to control them. The study of behavioral addictions is timely as many of these disorders are under consideration for inclusion in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These behaviors include gambling, shopping, exercise, work, sex, Internet use, video gaming, and binge eating. Evidence suggests the phenomenology and development of BAs often overlaps with substance addictions. In terms of personality, impulsivity, neuroticism, and negative affect are strongly associated with substance addictions. Limited available evidence suggests these traits may also influence the development and maintenance of behavioral addictions. This study examined these three factors within and across eight theorized BAs and substance abuse. Three-hundred-thirty-four University students and 255 online participants completed a wide range of self-report instruments measuring BAs, substance use, impulsivity, neuroticism, and negative affect. Results showed impulsivity was positively correlated with every addictive behavior and substance abuse except work and exercise, which were negatively related. Additionally, there were significant differences between samples when examining the roles of neuroticism and negative affect. The older, more pathological sample registered stronger correlations, suggesting neuroticism and negative affect may be more predictive of addictive patterns later in life or in those with greater levels of co-morbid mental illness. As a result, BAs may be conceptualized as lying at the two poles of a continuum of inhibitory control, despite similar phenomenology and functional impairments. This study suggests the end stages of BAs may look similar, although particular BAs, such as work and exercise addictions, may have different initial motivators or reinforcement mechanisms.Item Do actors or observers make better eyewitnesses?(2006-04-19T15:50:16Z) Colby, M. Amanda Earl.; Weaver, Charles A.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Researchers studying the reliability of eyewitness testimony have focused mainly on criminal rather than civil cases, specifically those including product identification and liability. With numerous lawsuits against product manufacturers (including toxic substances like asbestos), an understanding of the factors involved in memories of products is important. This study attempted to further the research on eyewitness memory in product identification by examining differences between witnesses with differing levels of product involvement. The effects of time, experience, and subjects' self-reported confidence were also analyzed. Subjects either observed or mixed a recipe and later answered a questionnaire about the brands used. Contrary to expectations, observers were more accurate than subjects who mixed the recipes. Overall, confidence was unrelated to accuracy. Also unexpectedly, more baking experience did not result in higher accuracy. Experienced subjects were more confident in their choices, suggesting experience inflates confidence without improving accuracy. Implications of these results in matters of product identification testimony are discussed.Item The ecological validity of priming religiousness : context and culture.(2011-09-14) LaBouff, Jordan.; Rowatt, Wade Clinton, 1969-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Across four studies, the paradox of religiousness and prejudice was examined through self-report and priming methods in both a laboratory setting in an evangelical culture and a culturally agnostic field setting. Across all cultures and methods greater religiousness was associated with more positive attitudes towards the religious ingroup and more negative attitudes towards religious value-violating outgroups (i.e., intergroup bias) whether religion was inherently salient in the culture examined, or activated by a religious context. These studies indicate that priming religiousness through subtle ecologically valid methods is possible but difficult, and the activation of these constructs is seated in the culture in which those constructs are activated. In a highly religious series of American samples, subtle religious primes did not significantly influence self-reported religiousness, attitudes towards outgroups, or political attitudes. In a more religiously heterogeneous European sample, however, the mere presence of a religious stimulus in a participant’s visual field was associated with more conservative attitudes, higher self-reported personal religiousness, and greater intergroup bias.Item The effects of aggression, impulsivity, and psychopathic traits on treatment program completion in substance dependent individuals.(2009-03-31T15:58:09Z) Baldridge, Robyn M.; Stanford, Matthew S.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.The P300 component of the ERP (event-related potential) is defined as the most positive peak occurring between 250 and 450 milliseconds after the onset of a stimulus. Previous work has suggested that P300 amplitude may serve as a marker for a dimension of psychiatric disorders associated with disinhibited behavior. Reduced P300 amplitude has been shown in individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders, externalizing childhood behavior problems, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and impulsive aggressive behavior. The present study extended this notion by investigating the usefulness of P300 amplitude as an indicator of treatment compliance in substance dependent individuals. No significant differences were found between treatment program completers and non-completers in psychopathology or impulsive/aggressive behaviors. A significant group difference in P300 amplitude across midline electrode sites (Fz, Cz, and Pz) suggested that treatment program non-completers had an overall lower P300 amplitude than program completers. This study highlights the importance of P300 amplitude as a possible predictor of drug treatment program success.Item The Elkins Distress Inventory : development of a brief biopsychosocial battery for the assessment of pain and psychological distress in a chronic pain population.(2011-09-14) Gartner, Ashley M.; Elkins, Gary Ray, 1952-; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.Pain is among the most commonly experienced symptoms for which individuals seek health care and is the cause of significant medical expenditures. For many patients, pain may also lead to psychological distress, sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life, and impaired social relationships. Thus, thorough assessment of pain should encompass physical, as well as emotional, cognitive, and social components of a patient’s experience of pain. Such a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to the assessment of pain is not typically feasible in medical settings due to the length and format of existing measures of pain and distress. This dissertation examines the convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, factor structure, and clinical utility of the Elkins Distress Inventory as a brief, multidimensional measure of psychological distress in a chronic pain population. A retrospective chart review of 113 chronic pain patients who underwent the standard pre-pain-pump or pre-dorsal-column-stimulator surgery neuropsychological evaluation at the Scott and White Memorial Hospital Division of Neuropsychology was conducted. Correlations between the Elkins Distress Inventory, Battery for Health Improvement-II, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II were calculated in order to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the Elkins Distress Inventory and its subscales. Additionally, the internal consistency of the Elkins Distress Inventory and its subscales was calculated. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis procedures were also conducted. The results of these analyses support the convergent and discriminatory of the Elkins Distress Inventory. The internal consistency and four-factor structure of the Elkins Distress Inventory were also supported by these analyses. Based on these results, the Elkins Distress Inventory appears to be a valid, reliable, and clinically useful tool to measure of psychological distress in a chronic pain population. Further, the Elkins Distress Inventory may be useful for the assessment of psychological distress associated with other medical conditions and appears to meet a clinical need for a brief, multidimensional measure of psychological distress in medical settings, thereby enhancing the assessment and treatment of psychological and physical symptoms of patients with medical conditions.Item Emotion and attention in the psychopath : an investigation of affective response and facilitated attention using event related potentials.(2011-12-19) Anderson, Nathaniel Erik.; Stanford, Matthew S.; Psychology and Neuroscience.; Baylor University. Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience.A prominent concern in psychopathy research is a deficit in processing emotionally relevant information, which may occur in the very early neural processing stages of stimulus evaluation. While contemporary functional imaging techniques like fMRI have unparalleled spatial resolution, their poor temporal resolution makes them inadequate for measuring the time-course of very early stages of information processing. Conversely, electrocortical measures, particularly event related potentials (ERPs), are capable of determining the time-course of such processing on the order of milliseconds. The goal of this investigation was to establish the existence of differences between psychopaths and controls in their integration of emotional information in the very early stages of information processing as indexed by ERP waveform differences, and determine whether manipulations of attentional focus are capable of modulating these differences. In a series of presentations of emotionally evocative pictures and words, psychopaths and controls indeed displayed robust differences in their ERP waveforms. Psychopaths lacked a persistent emotion-related positivity present in controls beginning around 200 ms into the processing stream and continuing throughout the 900 ms epoch of interest. Under conditions where the emotional information was relevant to an ongoing task, psychopaths showed moderate changes in ERPs for emotional stimuli, yet these waveforms remained dissimilar from those of controls. These data provide evidence that psychopaths present with deficits in early-stage discrimination of emotionally salient information, which may be partially sensitive to manipulations of effortful attention. These outcomes have implications for later-stages of processing such as the integration of this information into memory systems and the utilization of this information for the modification of ongoing behavior.
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