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Neuroinflammation in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Chronically Stressed Rats
Full text linkChronic stress has been associated with maladaptive behaviors in both human and animal research models, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this research study, we sought to define whether stress induces neural inflammation in the ventral tegmental area, the brain region primarily responsible for regulating reward consumption, learning, memory, and addictive behaviors through moderating dopamine release in other brain areas. To do this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a chronic intermittent stress paradigm that included stressors such as wet bedding, delayed feedings, social isolation, strobe lights, and forced swims. Following the chronic stress intervention, brain sections were collected from control and experimental groups, and subsequent immunohistological analysis was performed of microglia and astrocytes, cell types known to mediate inflammatory responses within the brain. By assessing inflammation in the ventral tegmental area through fluorescent microscopy and quantitative morphological analysis of these glial cell types, we will establish whether inflammation in this key brain region regulating motivation may be involved in the harmful behavioral outcomes that are often associated with chronic stress
Neuroinflammation in the Ventral Medial Hypothalamus: Dietary and social influences
No full textTo study high fat diets and social isolation’s impact on neuroinflammation, 36 rats were divided into four groups: socially isolated with high fat diets, socially isolated with normal chow, socialized with high fat diets, and socialized with normal chow. 40-micron coronal brain slices for each rat were stained with GFAP and IBA1 immunofluorescence stains. Using confocal microscopy to visualize astrocyte expression and microglia morphology and expression, brains will be examined for neuroinflammatory markers. This poster will explore whether high fat, high sugar diets and social isolation have a significant impact on neuroinflammation in the ventral medial hypothalamus
Effectiveness of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy versus treatment as usual (TAU) in reducing trauma-related symptoms in adolescents with moderate to probable distress
No full textThis study evaluates the effectiveness of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy versus treatment as usual (TAU) in reducing trauma-related symptoms in adolescents with moderate to probable distress, measured by the CATS-2 questionnaire. IFS, a strengths-based model that helps individuals heal emotional burdens from trauma, has shown promise in adults but lacks research in youth. Adolescents will be randomly assigned to IFS or TAU over 16 weeks, with symptom reduction assessed via CATS-2 scores. It is hypothesized that IFS will lead to significantly greater improvement, contributing to evidence supporting IFS as a trauma treatment for adolescents
Faith in Conflict: The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding Among Minority Christian Communities in Ukraine and Palestine
Full text linkReligion has long influenced both the escalation of conflicts and efforts toward peace. The wars in Ukraine and Palestine are deeply rooted in historical narratives, national identities, and religious influences. While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed in terms of Jewish-Muslim tensions and the issue of politicization of religion and tensions within the Orthodox Church frame the Ukrainian-Russian War, these dominant narratives often overlook the role of minority religious groups. This paper examines the contributions of Protestant Christian groups in these regions, exploring how their beliefs and practices influence their actions, identity formation, interactions with others, and approaches to conflict resolution. Although these groups are small, their work intersects with broader religious and secular peace efforts, including trauma healing, humanitarian aid, and political advocacy. They also play a significant role in providing a moral vision for a lasting peace built on justice, engagement, and reconciliation. Fulfilling this role requires both advocacy and mediation. By shedding light on their contributions, this research underlines the need to understand and work together with these often-overlooked religious communities
Practicing School Counselors’ and Graduate Students’ Perceived Preparedness to Implement a State-Mandated Comprehensive School Counseling Program
No full textThe American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has published the ASCA National Model as the theoretical framework for data-driven, comprehensive school counseling. School counselors are tasked to develop and implement a K-12 counseling program that supports students’ academic, social/emotional, and career development. Many states across the country have passed legislation that requires school districts to align themselves to the ASCA National Model, including Washington State where the Washington Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5030 on July 25, 2021. Now that every school district in Washington State must develop comprehensive school counseling programs (CSCP), this research aimed to explore both school counselors’ and graduate students’ perceived preparedness to implement a CSCP. The research examined the factors that facilitated or hindered school counselors’ perceived preparedness considering internal factors grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and internal and external factors specific to the components of the ASCA National Model. The research aimed to identify the current needs of Washington State school counselors in order to enhance their perceived preparedness. Utilizing a phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis, the datasets from two surveys revealed common themes including the need for further resources and examples, training, time to collaborate with peers, and administrative support to change the assigned duties of the school counselor. The majority of participants (n =16) reported the need for additional support or identified current needs. Clearer role definition, district leadership support, and peer support/mentoring were identified as ways to enhance their self-efficacy and perceived preparedness. Implications for future research and practice are further discussed
Legal Advocates as Lifelines: Initial Psychometric Evaluation of Victim Rights within a Community-Based Agency
Full text linkNavigating the legal process after sexual violence is often distressing and poses a risk of secondary victimization (Campbell, 2013). Victim Bill of Rights legislation throughout the U.S. aims to establish legal protections for victims. Organizations such as the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) offer independent legal advocacy. This dissertation sought to engage in socially responsive research with KCSARC to better understand the needs of both the organization and the survivors they serve.
This study developed and psychometrically evaluated two new measures: Victim Rights to Process (VRP), assessing whether a victim feels their rights to the legal process have been upheld, and Relationship to the Legal Advocate (RLA), measuring how supported the victim feels by their advocate to participate in the legal process. These measures were created collaboratively with organizational stakeholders and the research team. Data were analyzed from 57 clients who had recently enrolled in legal advocacy services. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that both measures were unidimensional, with VRP accounting for 63% of variance and RLA accounting for 85% of variance, demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency and structural validity.
Additionally, this study sought to understand whether racial identity moderated the relationship between RLA and VRP. Results showed a significant positive correlation between RLA and VRP. A statistically significant interaction effect (B = 0.439, SE = 0.160, p = 0.008) explained 63% of the variance. Simple slopes analysis revealed that the relationship between RLA and VRP was significant for both White (B = 0.51, SE = 0.11, p \u3c 0.001) and people of color (POC) (B = 0.94, SE = 0.11, p \u3c 0.001), indicating that legal advocacy is important for all clients, though particularly impactful for racially marginalized individuals.
This research has significant implications for shaping policies that enhance victim support and strengthen legal advocates\u27 roles, thereby emphasizing a client-centered approach. As the first study to develop measures assessing these aspects of legal advocacy, it provides a foundation for further investigation. Future research should expand on these findings by including diverse samples and exploring how social identity factors, such as socioeconomic status, disability, and education, influence the effectiveness of legal advocacy. Such efforts may lead to equitable, accessible, and impactful legal support for all survivors
Peterson Hall and Alexander Hall in the Loop
No full textA photograph taken in the Loop, showing Alexander Hall (left, since renamed to Alexander and Adelaide Hall) and Peterson Hall (right).https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/archives_images_seminary/1058/thumbnail.jp
Group Photo, Circa 1907
No full textA group of men and women sitting for a photo.https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/archives_images_seminary/1102/thumbnail.jp
The virtuous self: student reflections on perceived and actual identities
No full textOne-hundred thirteen undergraduate students were interviewed to describe how they believe others see them (“before”) and how they wish others could see them (“after”). We coded 226 words for self-description type, virtue category, warmth, and competence (1–5 scales; Cronbach’s α = .90 and .85, respectively). Performance and intellectual virtues dominated before words, with after words more evenly distributed. After words had significantly higher warmth, t(76) = -14.10, p \u3c .001, d = -1.61, 95% CI [-1.94, -1.27], and competence, t(76) = -7.70, p \u3c .001, d = -0.88, 95% CI [-1.14, -0.61]. These findings connect self-concept, self-presentation, and virtue
Attachment Insecurity and Eating Disorders: Investigating the Role of Maladaptive Perfectionism as a Mediator Between Attachment Styles and Symptom Severity in Anorexia and Bulimia
No full textThis proposes to explore the relationship between insecure attachment and eating disorder symptoms, with a focus on maladaptive perfectionism as a possible mediating factor. Previous research demonstrates a strong association between attachment insecurity and the development of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa; however, the underlying link remains unclear. This study proposes that maladaptive perfectionism may help explain how early attachment experiences contribute to disordered eating behaviors. By examining this relationship in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological factors that influence symptom severity. Our goal is to identify more effective, attachment-informed treatment approaches. Future research may benefit from further exploring the developmental origins of maladaptive perfectionism, particularly how it may emerge from early relational dynamics and caregiving environments