Washburn University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
3115 research outputs found
Sort by
The Relationship Between Community Connectedness and Minority Stress Across LGBTQ+ Identities
Full text linkAn Empirically Supported Treatment Case StudyThis study examined the relationship between community connectedness and minority stress across diverse LGBTQ+ identities, using survey data from 105 participants recruited through Prolific. Drawing on Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Model, the research tested whether higher community connectedness correlated with lower levels of proximal and distal stress, and whether inequities within the LGBTQ+ community moderated this relationship. Results showed no significant correlations between community connectedness and minority stress, though partial support was found for the hypothesis that less-supported identities, particularly transgender individuals, experienced greater inequity and higher stress. Analyses further indicated that gender identity predicted higher distal stress, while sexual orientation predicted lower distal stress, suggesting visibility of gender expression plays a unique role. Additionally, both community connectedness and inequity were positively associated with stress, with inequity having the stronger effect. Despite limitations in sample diversity and size, findings highlight the complex interplay between identity, stress, and social support, underscoring the need for more inclusive and representative research on LGBTQ+ minority stress and community dynamics (Hamilton, 2025).Department of Psycholog
Incorporating Culture and Confronting Bias in the Evidence-Based Treatment of a Black Woman's Social Anxiety Disorder
Full text linkAn Empirically Supported Treatment Case StudyResearch surrounding Black women in the mental health field have shown clear disparities in
both diagnosis and treatment. Specifically for Black women, such factors like the strong Black
woman (SBW) schema, angry Black woman (ABW) stereotype, and other forms of
stigmatization against Black woman form to create a unique experience of oppression that can be
difficult to treat in traditional forms of therapy that do not implement any form of cultural
competency. Tonya is a Black woman that presented for a total of 20 treatment sessions, with
severe levels of anxiety (SDS = 6.7, SIAS= 61, PSWQ= 80), depression (BDI= 31) and various
forms of trauma. A majority of the fears she experienced in social contexts derived from being
perceived in a negative connotation due to being a Black woman working in a predominantly
white institution (PWI). Treatment was tailored to prioritize Tonya’s cultural identity and
connect her with other Black women to share her experiences with. Through the utilization of
sister circles and other culturally integrative cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques,
Tonya showcased an overall grandiose reduction in clinical presentation in anxiety (SDS = 1,
SIAS =30, SASCI= 5, PSWQ= 51) and depression (BDI= 2) alongside self-reports of heightened
community involvement.Department of Psycholog
Shame, Parental Invalidation, and Borderline Symptoms in Sexual and Gender Minorities
Full text linkSexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with
borderline personality disorder (BPD) than individuals who do not identify as SGM. However,
the mechanisms underlying this disparity are still not fully understood. Parental invalidation is a
common etiological factor for BPD, and previous research indicates shame is a common feeling
among both SGM people and those diagnosed with BPD. Given that there is a paucity of
research systematically examining parental invalidation, shame, and BPD symptoms among
SGM individuals, the present study was designed to examine the extent to which shame is
mediating the relationship between parental invalidation and BPD symptoms. A sample of N =
285 SGM-identifying participants, aged 18-64 years old, completed self-report questionnaires
online that have been designed to assess parental invalidation, experiences with shame, and
borderline personality symptoms. Results showed there was a direct significant positive
relationship between Parental Invalidation and BPD symptoms (β=.21, p < .001) and a
significant positive relationship between Parental Invalidation and Shame (β=.42, p < .001). The
indirect relationship (Parental Invalidation→Shame→BPD) was also significant (β=.25, p <
.001), meaning that Shame partially mediated the relationship between Parental Invalidation and
BPD. These results align with previous research regarding the positive relationship between
shame and SGM-identifying individuals, as well as shame and development of BPD. These
results also suggest shame is an important risk factor for BPD symptoms in the SGM population.Department of Psycholog
Exploring Radiologic Technology Students' Perception of Feedback Models: An Action Research Project
Full text linkThis action research project explores the use of three feedback models in a real-world radiologic technology clinical setting. The Pendleton’s Rules model, the One-Minute Preceptor model, and the SET-GO model were utilized to provide feedback to radiologic technology students following examinations/procedures in the clinical setting. Details about the feedback models as well as the importance of feedback, characteristics of effective feedback, and barriers to feedback are described. Following each exam/procedure, participants completed anonymous, online surveys regarding each model. The quantitative and qualitative results were used to draw
conclusions about best feedback practices for feedback in the clinical setting. Findings suggest that different feedback models may be better suited for differing levels of educational performance. The One-Minute Preceptor model was conveyed to be most favored overall by study participants. This research aided in my understanding of feedback practices and will continue to foster growth within my teaching practices moving forward.Department of Applied Studie
Treating Self-Stigma Present in an Anxiety Disorder
Full text linkAn Empirically Supported Treatment Case StudyThis case study follows the conceptualization and treatment process for James, a
Caucasian 18-year-old, who is a freshman attending a midwestern university. Intense symptoms
of anxiety and moderate levels of self-stigma were reported to the clinician at the start of
treatment. The clinician utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work collaboratively
with James to manage anxiety symptoms, decrease self-stigma, and increase emotion regulation
skills. James was assessed via utilization of the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and
OCD Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND) and multiple self-report screeners.
James’ primary diagnosis was Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), with a secondary diagnosis
of Adjustment Disorder with depressive symptoms. Treatment interventions included
psychoeducation on the interactions between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, mindfulness
practice, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral experiments. This case study utilizes self-report
measures and a semi-structured diagnostic interview for diagnosis and monitoring of symptoms,
then conceptualizes James’s anxiety, depressive mood, and self-stigma via the implementation of
a client-focused treatment plan via CBT. A transcript of a session is also included to provide
insight into James’ cognitive processing and how treatment was implemented by the clinician.Department of Psycholog
Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study of a 24-Year-Old
Full text linkAn Empirically Supported Treatment Case StudyThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) describes the primary feature of social anxiety disorder (SAD) as persistent and significant fear of judgment in social situations; avoidance of feared social situations is a common feature (American Psychological Association, APA, 2013). The person might fear being judged as anxious, weak, crazy, stupid, boring, intimidating, dirty, or unlikable. The socially anxious individual may fear that their symptoms of social anxiety will be noticed by others and lead to negative evaluation. Some examples of these symptoms include blushing, trembling, sweating, stumbling over words, and staring. To receive a diagnosis of SAD, the individual must almost always experience fear or anxiety in relevant social situations, meaning that someone who only occasionally becomes anxious will most likely not meet criteria. The anxiety experienced by the individual must also be disproportionate to the context of the situation. The social anxiety must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., social life, job) for 6 months or more and cannot be explained by the physiological effects of a substance or another mental disorder. If another medical condition that could cause anxiety is present (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), the individual’s fear must be unrelated to that condition or excessive. The DSM-5 (APA, 2013) states that the most common comorbid disorders are other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. With most comorbid disorders, SAD precedes them except for specific phobia and separation anxiety disorder. The following are common comorbidities in the DSM-5: major depressive disorder, substance use disorders, specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder.Psychology Departmen
Childhood Homelessness as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE): Adult Mental Health Outcomes
Full text linkAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are experiences of abuse, neglect, and other household problems occurring before age 18 and contribute to the development of both physical and mental health concerns. People experiencing homelessness report disproportionately higher rates of ACEs and negative mental health concerns; however, little research has been conducted regarding the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes specifically for homeless populations. A dearth of research also exists regarding how childhood experiences of homelessness interact with ACEs and mental health outcomes. The present study examined the mental health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, as well as how childhood experiences of homelessness may fit into the ACEs model using archival data. People experiencing homelessness (n = 100) completed the ACEs questionnaire, a demographics questionnaire, and a health appraisal questionnaire. Results found ACEs significantly predicted negative mental health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Childhood experiences of homelessness were predictive of negative mental health outcomes; however, this relationship became negligible when acting as a covariate with ACEs. This result suggests perhaps the ACEs framework adequately explains the traumatic events that may occur to a child experiencing homelessness and the subsequent negative mental health outcomes.Psychology Departmen
Implementation of Depression Screening Tools for Patients with Substance Use Disorder in an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic
Full text linkDNP ProjectBackground: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis in the United States (US). SUD is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality, accounting for nearly 92,000 overdose deaths in the US in 2020. About 43% of people with SUD have mental illnesses, with depression the most common diagnosis. Identifying depression in persons with SUD is critical to treatment and optimal patient outcomes (McGovern et al., 2023).
Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to implement and evaluate evidence-based depression screening tools (PHQ-2, PHQ-9) to identify adult patients with depression who present to the outpatient clinic for SUD treatment.
Methods: The project was conducted at an outpatient psychiatric clinic in the Midwest that specializes in treating patients with SUD and mental illnesses. A before-and-after study design was used to determine the rate of depression screening and treatment prior to and following project implementation. A two-step screening process was used at check-in. Patients with a positive PHQ-2 screen were administered a PHQ-9 questionnaire. Patients with positive PHQ-9 were treated with medication, referred for counseling, referred to psychiatry, or wait and see.
Results: Ten clinical staff members participated in the project: six FNPs, three MAs, and one physician. All ten clinical staff members completed the knowledge assessment survey and the educational training. Of the 45 charts audited pre-implementation, zero had a depression screening. 38 of 45 post-implementation charts audited had a PHQ-2, and 31 had a PHQ-9. Depression diagnoses and treatment increased from 20% to 60%, and from 16% to 47 % respectively.School of Nursin
The Association Between Past and Current Bullying Experiences and Differences in Perceptions of Bullies of Different Age Groups
Full text linkDespite previous and current efforts to minimize school bullying, bullying still exists in our grade schools (Eyuboglu et al., 2021). Previous research has also reported on the existence of bullying in college environments and has found that about 20-25% of university students experience traditional bullying (Lund & Ross, 2016). However, it is unclear exactly how attitudes toward bullying change from middle school to high school and college. The goals of the current study were twofold. The first goal was to assess past experiences with and current prevalence of being bullied among college students (Study 1). The second goal was to assess potential differences in attitudes and perceptions of bullies of different age groups (Study 2). Results from Study 1 suggested that early experiences of bullying are indicative of being a victim of bullying in college. Results from Study 2 indicated that perceptions of bullies in middle school, bullies in high school, and bullies in college were equally unfavorable in middle school, high school, and college.Psychology Departmen
Inauthenticity as a Predictor of Depression and Negative Affect Among University Students
Full text linkAuthenticity is a construct that while not new, is gaining momentum in the field of social psychology. Finding a potential link between authenticity and the clinical construct of depression was the goal for the current study. This study was conducted in two parts: Study 1 was designed to assess the relationship between authenticity and depression. Study 2 was designed to replicate and extend the results of Study 1 by predicting whether an emotional disclosure writing exercise related to (in)authenticity could cause a change in participants’ affect. Contrary to our hypothesis, the results indicated a significant positive relationship exists between authenticity and depression and the introduction of an emotional disclosure exercise did not significantly change the participants’ affect. Interestingly, when supplemental analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the subscales of authenticity and depression, one of the subscales (i.e., self-alienation) significantly correlated with depression, which was consistent with our hypothesis. More research is needed to further assess the link between authenticity, depression, and other related constructs to determine how such variables could potentially assist clinicians in their practice. Authenticity is an important factor in the lives of individuals and by raising further awareness with the current study, we hope to give people insight into the mental health benefits of being themselves.Psychology Departmen