Browsing by Subject "psychology"

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A Comparison of Stress Appraisals: Intervention Affordance Manipulations When Teaching Stress Can Be Enhancing and the Growth Mindset to College Freshmen at the University of Texas at Austin
(2021-05) Rank, Abbey Lane
In this experiment, we were able to prove that an affordance manipulation of the Stress Can Be Enhancing and Growth Mindset intervention information can significantly alter students' self-reported appraisal of the benefits of stress symptoms several weeks after the original presentation of information. This study was conducted at the University of Texas at Austin with the online Psychology 301 course over the duration of a semester.
Beyond the Baseline: An Analysis of the Participation Decline in Youth Sports
(2024-04) Gordon, Jack
This paper examines the decline in youth sports participation, a trend influenced by psychological, physical, and economic factors. It delves into the detrimental impacts of early sports specialization, which includes increased injury risks and psychological burnout, reducing long-term engagement and enjoyment in sports. The study also highlights the significant role of socioeconomic status in sports access, where financial barriers prevent many families from participating. Further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges have deepened existing disparities in sports participation. This paper argues for a balanced approach to youth sports that prioritizes mental and physical health over competitive success, advocates for inclusive policies to reduce economic disparities, and encourages a diversified sports experience to counteract the downsides of early specialization. By addressing these key issues, stakeholders in youth sports can better support the holistic development of young athletes, fostering environments that nurture rather than strain the next generation.
Black Widows, Sexual Predators, And The Reality Of Female Serial Killers
(2019-05-01) Rose, Tori W.; Winslade, William
The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the minds of female serial killers, and attempt to create a typology appropriate for understanding their unique psychology. Through an analysis of various mental illnesses, environmental contributors and evolutionary mechanisms, the author highlights the various differences in the minds of male and female serial killers. The author then uses two case studies (Nannie Doss and Aileen Wuornos) to highlight the inadequacies with the current typological standard (the Holmes and DeBurger typology) and provides insight into the minds of these two serial killers. A new hybridized typological system is then suggested merging the Holmes and DeBurger model with the motivational model.
"Blunt Not the Heart, Enrage It": The Psychology of Revenge and Deterrence (November 2017)
(Texas National Security Review, 2017-11) McDermott, Rose; Lopez, Anthony C.; Hatemi, Peter K.
BoJack Horseman: A Narrative Analysis of Mental lliness and Substance Abuse
(2021-05) Barrish, Phillip
Since the rise of various media forms, depictions of mental illness and substance abuse have mostly been one-dimensional. Historically, these portrayals have usually demonized or sensationalized these issues in ways that leave no room for nuance and discussion. However, the Nefflix series, BoJack Horseman, seeks to dismantle these narratives in favor of a more fair, comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of various mental illnesses and substance abuse, particularly clinical depression and alcoholism, respectively. This thesis project seeks to explore the narrative tools and techniques employed by the creators of BoJack Horseman to depict arguably one of the most vivid and compelling portrayals of experiencing mental illness and addiction on television. By performing both a close reading of the dialogue itself alongside an analysis of the show's narrative tools, such as animation and serialization, the show is able to illuminate the chronic, self-destructive cycle that mental illness and addiction vortexes oneself and one's loved ones into. When commenting on BoJack Horseman, it is imperative to understand the way in which the show undermines key elements of traditional storytelling, such as the protagonist's redemption arc, in favor of deeper exploration about the subtleties surrounding the lived experience of mental illness and substance abuse. Finally, this show's particular way of storytelling positions itself to provide companionship for those who similarly suffer from these illnesses by investigating the ways that this show offers some form of solace and guidance in light with one's own lived experiences with mental illness and/or substance abuse.
A Conversation with Wayne H. Holtzman: On Psychology in China
(Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, 1982) Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
A Cultural Iceberg: The Complexity of Mental Health and Mental Illness
(2021-12) Isaac, Aurora
Elements of culture consist of values, beliefs, and norms shared by a community. This cultural aspect of an individual contributes to differing viewpoints on mental health, mental illnesses, and patterns of health care utilization. Mental disorders are present worldwide. However, cultural diversity conceptualizes how mental health is perceived and how mental illnesses are defined. Insights from psychological anthropology assist in recognizing how cognition, emotions, and motivation shape a sociocultural setting, directly impacting the perception of mental health and illness-related factors such as how symptoms are expressed, stigmatization, coping mechanisms, kinship support systems, and the willingness to seek treatment. Consequently, mental health is full of theoretical and practical challenges which limit diagnosis and treatment across cultures. This thesis evaluates cross-cultural perspectives that focus on alternatives and varying explanations regarding the effects of culture on mental health and mental illness. An in-depth look at the influential factors of culture on mental illness and the corresponding research is presented in the light of existing literature. Modern approaches regarding the relationship between patients and health professionals involve a collaborative treatment for the best outcomes, bringing about a distinction between universalism and particularism in psychology. Although the idea of western psychology regarding mental illness and mental health has great merit, it has created unproven assumptions that may not always be applied globally. Moreover, there are numerous challenges in identifying a specific disorder amongst various cultural groups. The culmination of this thesis aims to draw attention to the significant role cultural fluency plays when considering mental health and approaches clinicians can employ to identify, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses in individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Daily Online Testing in Large Classes: Boosting College Performance while Reducing Achievement Gaps
(PLOS One, 2013-11-20) Pennebaker, James W.; Gosling, Samuel D.; Ferrell, Jason D.
An in-class computer-based system, that included daily online testing, was introduced to two large university classes. We examined subsequent improvements in academic performance and reductions in the achievement gaps between lower- and upper-middle class students in academic performance. Students (N = 901) brought laptop computers to classes and took daily quizzes that provided immediate and personalized feedback. Student performance was compared with the same data for traditional classes taught previously by the same instructors (N = 935). Exam performance was approximately half a letter grade above previous semesters, based on comparisons of identical questions asked from earlier years. Students in the experimental classes performed better in other classes, both in the semester they took the course and in subsequent semester classes. The new system resulted in a 50% reduction in the achievement gap as measured by grades among students of different social classes. These findings suggest that frequent consequential quizzing should be used routinely in large lecture courses to improve performance in class and in other concurrent and subsequent courses.
Enviornmental Effects on the Intergenerational Transmission of Depression in Children
(2023-05) Shah, Dilan
Depression in children and adolescents is complex and can be attributed to multiple factors. While it has been established that maternal depression at home can be an important predictor of child depression, the impact of children's social lives outside the home on the transmission of depression has not been evaluated. The present study used behavioral data from 164 children and their mothers in Austin, TX to assess the relation between maternal depression, child social competence with peers, and child depression. Data were analyzed using main effects and interaction regression models to determine if maternal depression and child sociability predicted child depression either alone or in interaction with one another. Exploratory analyses also examined relations across these factors. While regression results were non-significant, exploratory analyses showed that maternal depression was significantly correlated with increased social problems in children and tended to be associated with fewer close friends and less social time. Child depression was also associated with a better ability to work alone. These results have important implications for how future depression treatments might target specific aspects of children's sociability to potentially counterbalance the effects of maternal depression at home.
An Examination of Individual Differences in Italian and American Fashion Cultures: Past, Present, and Projections for the Future
(2018-05) Hotze, Mary Louise
What does it mean for a nation to be a “global icon” in the fashion world and how exactly do they get there? Today, both the United States and Italy are part of the leading nations in the fashion world, yet the two countries have significantly different histories and cultures. By examining the individual histories, cultures, and global interactions of Italy and the United States, a pattern emerges for the manner in which a nation rises to power in the fashion industry. Important historical events tend to result in sociological and psychological responses and changes within a society. Consequently, individual differences in fashion culture correspond to the major political and cultural events throughout the course of a nation’s history. How can we use the histories of Italy and the United States to understand the method in which they came to be global fashion icons today, and how can this knowledge be used to make predictions for the future of the fashion industry? These are the questions this paper seeks to answer. Fashion design has been used by various groups of people over the course of history to outwardly express their thoughts and emotions regarding political and social climates of the time. The United States and Italy are two nations that not only influence fashion for many others, but they also have a stronghold on the direction of current social and political climates. The first task is to examine the complete history of each nations, identifying the major political and cultural events that sparked changes in society and consequently influenced fashion design. The second task is to examine the present-day fashion cultures of Italy and the United States, while considering their global interactions and influences on each other. The third and final task is to use historical evidence to develop and propose predictions for the future of the fashion industry on a global scale and within each nation.
Female sexual arousal response to implied sexual violence
(2012) Lessels, Elisabeth; Meston, Cindy
The Gender Paradox: Sex-Based Differences in Adolescent Suicidal Behavior
(2023-05) Whittlesey, Claudia
This thesis aims to investigate the contributing factors behind the gender paradox in suicidal behavior, specifically in adolescents. This global paradox explains that across all age groups, more cisgender males die by suicide, but cisgender females attempt suicide far more. A literature review was conducted on over one-hundred pieces of scientific literature including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, specific case studies, and more clinical research. Literature was considered that focused on suicide mortality rates, suicide attempt rates, different methods used in suicide attempts and suicides, suicide method accessibility compared to suicide mortality rates, rates of various psychiatric disorders (with potential evidence for underreporting in males), help seeking behaviors, non-suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (NSSI), and other potential external factors for suicidality and depression. This thesis concluded that although the most widely acknowledged reason behind the gender paradox is the difference in method choice with males choosing more lethal methods, there are many other factors that contribute, and it may be harmfully ignorant to solely account this problem to boys being more likely to pick up guns. These other factors include differences in coping methods and external responses to these behaviors, differences in mental health diagnoses and their symptoms, and differences in impulsivity and help seeking behaviors. Gender-specific help-seeking behavior interventions are ultimately suggested as the most probable way to decrease both male suicide rates and female suicide attempt rates.
Help Without Price: Community Mental Health Program
(Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, 1984) Smith, Bert Kruger
Middle School Mental Health Curriculum in the State of Texas: Addressing a Gap Within Our Education System
(2020-05) Toy, Miranda
Mental health issues are prevalent in our society. Although efforts have been made to increase mental health awareness, stigmatization still exists and contributes to people's misconceptions about those with mental health issues. Some people may not even be introduced to the concept of mental health until they are adults. It is important that, as we promote physical health to children, that we also promote mental health awareness, sp people can understand how to take care of themselves not only physically, but mentally as well. Currently in the state of Texas, despite its strong relevance to a person's well-being, there is no mental health education like what we see with physical education. Addressing this gap in our education is a key step toward improving mental health outcomes among our population. I will propose a mental health curriculum for seventh and eighth grade students in Texas that focuses on mental health disorders, positive psychology constructs (growth mindset, grit, mindfulness), stigma, communication, and resources. This curriculum will require students to take classes that work towards increasing awareness and general knowledge on positive and negative aspects of mental health. I will start with research on current mental health education programs across the nation, then focus specifically on similar efforts in Texas. It is hoped that increased education about mental health will decrease the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Also, this awareness could promote early intervention as students recognize mental health problems in themselves or in peers. The goal of this thesis is to identify key elements required for the implementation of mental health education in middle school curricula.
Nasriya Witt Interview
(2021-06-15) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious Studies
This interview is with Nasriya Witt, an Indian immigrant, and refugee youth mentor. Nasriya talks about her experiences of living in India, Oman, and Saudia Arabia as a child before moving to the United States. She discusses her acclimation to the US as well as her schooling and fascination with research psychology. Nasriya also describes her current job as a mentor for refugee youth in San Antonio.
Netflix & Kill: An Examination of the Anti-hero Through the Lens of Abnormal Psychology
(2018-05) Michaels, Chandler
My thesis examines the question of whether characters advertised as anti-heroes in television shows actually act in ways that are consistent with the definition of an anti-hero. I examined two theories on engagement with anti-heroes (Affective Disposition Theory and Moral Disengagement Theory). I generated two hypotheses based on these theories and tested them using case studies of two anti-hero television shows (House of Cards and Dexter). I found that both theories were consistent with the data, leading to the paradoxical conclusion that anti-heroes display both morally deviant and morally good behaviors. I then discuss the implications of our engagement with anti-hero television shows and possibilities for future research.
Psychologizing about conversion: A comparison of three contemporaries
(2014) Cregg, David Robert
In this project I compare and contrast the methods of three pre-eminent psychologists who completed work on the psychology of religion, with particular emphasis on their views of religious conversion: Sigmund Freud, William James, and Carl Jung. Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, took a reductionistic, cynical approach to investigating religious phenomena. James utilized a descriptive method, in which he simply described and categorized the varieties of religious experiences without making value judgments of them. Jung, a student of Freud, represents an orientation that is somewhere between a reductionistic, psychoanalytic approach and the more descriptive method used by James. In contrasting the writings of these three men, I consider their respective legacies and the enduring impact they have on the perception of religion in modern culture.
Reinforcement learning strategies support generalization of learned hierarchical knowledge
(2021) McKee, Connor; Preston, Alison
In our everyday lives, we must learn and utilize context-specific information to inform our decision making. How do we learn what choices to make based on our memories? Prior rodent work has demonstrated that after learning, knowledge becomes organized hierarchically in a context-dependent manner. Here, we quantify the emergence of context-dependent hierarchical knowledge during learning and examine the flexible use of that knowledge to generalize across different scenarios. Participants learned about objects with context-dependent reward values in an X-shaped virtual environment consisting of an elongated, contextually-varying hallway with decision points on either end. First, participants learned the context-dependent object-reward pairings for one set of three objects. Next, they learned the context-dependent object-reward pairings for a new set of three objects. We hypothesized that prior knowledge of the hierarchical structure would generalize to the second set of objects as evidenced by a facilitation in learning rates. Participants gradually learned the context-dependent object-reward pairings during learning. When introduced to the new object set, learning rates did not significantly differ, indicating generalization of the hierarchical reward structure to the new object set. To further quantify how decision making unfolded, we applied three types of reinforcement learning (RL) models to our behavioral data: model-free, model-based (MB), and combination model-based model-free (MBMF). The MB model performed the best at using participants’ past selections to successfully predict future decisions and reward value expectations, indicating that current decisions were guided by prior selections. The MBMF model was best able to represent changes in participant learning across runs, possibly due to the model’s ability to assess different learning strategies. Overall, our results demonstrate that participants learned to flexibly decide which actions were the most adaptive, promoting correct decision-making in a given context. Furthermore, the structure of prior knowledge may support the generalization of learned experience.
Research and Pizza - Dr. Paige Harden
(2013-09) Uniiversity of Texas at Austin
About Research+Pizza: Wondering about the work your professors do outside of the classroom? Want to know more about how research is done? RESEARCH+PIZZA brings together UT students and researchers for informal lunchtime presentations and discussions. Join us once a month to talk about UT research that led to products and services we use every day, or that’s creating our future. Sponsored by the UT Libraries, where you can read more about research. Generously supported by Austin’s Pizza
Science Outreach
(2013-07-26) Bogucka, Roxanne