Psychology Student Research Virtual Conference

Eastern Washington University

We welcome undergraduate and graduate student posters about any and all psychology topics. Applicants must be endorsed by their advisor. Proposals, research in progress, and literature reviews are acceptable for consideration. Abstracts will be reviewed as they are received and acceptance information communicated shortly after.

Keynote Speaker:

We are pleased to announce that Russell L. Kolts, PhD will present the Keynote Address on Compassion Focused Therapy. Kolts is a professor of psychology at EWU and a leading international expert in Compassion Focused Therapy. He is the author of multiple books, including Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out and CFT Made Simple. The focus of his current research and professional work is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and the application of CFT in working with emotional difficulties, particularly anger, compassion, and mindfulness interventions.

Join the keynote speech, which begins at 4 pm, using this Zoom link: https://ewu.zoom.us/j/97843763827

More info: https://www.ewu.edu/css/psychology/student-research-conference/

Filter displayed posters (60 keywords)

Dehumanization 2 Pilot Study 2 Psychology 2 show more… Aerobic Exercise 1 Anxiety 1 Attention 1 COVID-19 1 Conformity 1 Depression 1 Health 1 Health behaviors 1 Human Nature 1 Human Uniqueness 1 In-group Member 1 Individuals Experiencing Homelessness 1 Interactivity 1 Investigation 1 LGBTQ 1 LGBTQ+ 1 Lung Cancer 1 Memory 1 Mental toughness 1 Military 1 Mindfulness 1 Mood 1 Morality 1 PTG 1 Personality 1 Posttraumatic Growth 1 Preferences 1 Presence 1 Psychedelics 1 Psychotherapy 1 Research Proposal 1 Social Justice Importance 1 Stigma 1 Survey 1 Therapy 1 Treatment 1 Vicarious Contact 1 Video Games 1 Virtual Environments 1 Warmth 1 Yoga 1 and trauma. 1 anxiety 1 college students 1 core self evaluations 1 depression 1 locus of control 1 medicare 1 mental health disorders 1 minority stress 1 pandemic 1 personality 1 positive psychology 1 post-traumatic stress disorder 1 resilience 1 stress resilience 1 stress resilience among marginalized groups 1

Show posters with Recorded Presentation

Effects of Mood and Personality on Everyday Life

Adriana Becerra and Jillene Seiver

Abstract: Research has shown that the Big Five personality trait of neuroticism is positively correlated with psychological distress after a traumatizing event. The Covid-19 pandemic can be seen as traumatic to many students across the globe due to its severity and abrupt change in our everyday routines. The current study examined the effects of mood & personality on everyday life among college students. Pearson’s correlations between each of the Big Five traits and number of symptoms revealed a significant positive correlation between Neuroticism and symptoms of mood disorder (r(28)=.387, p=.042). No other traits were correlated with number of symptoms. A 3 (Degree of Trouble from mood disorder symptoms) x 2 (presence of Several Symptoms at Once) MANOVA on the DVs of Big Five traits was significant. The main effect of Degree of Trouble was nearly significant (F(2, 23)=3.60, p=.057). Post hoc Tukey’s b analysis showed that people who reported their mood disorder symptoms to be a major problem in their lives had the highest Neuroticism scores (M=33.50). On the other hand, people who said that their mood disorder symptoms did not create a problem in their lives had the lowest score (M=23.86). People who said that their mood disorder symptoms cause minor or moderate problems in their lives were in between (M=26.50), and not significantly different from the other groups. There was a negative Pearson’s correlation between age and number of symptoms (r(28)=-0.63, p<.001), suggesting that older respondents were less distressed than younger respondents.
Presented by: Adriana Becerra
Institution: Bellevue College
Keywords: Mood, Personality

Join the Discussion

Cross Cultural Pain Perception

Dominique Richards and Dr. Kevin Criswell

Abstract: Background: As it stands, the research we have shows that different people react to pain differently; however, biochemically we all respond to pain the same. Pain is a three step process, initiated by the sensory neurons, perceived by the brain and responded to physiologically via neuronal synapse communication. The second step is what is of focus in this research because if there are differences in how pain is perceived by individuals from different ethnoracial backgrounds, then that could indicate that we can alter our brains chemistry simply due to our cultural backgrounds.

Aims: The first aim of this project would be to try and identify if different ethnoracial backgrounds perceive pain differently. The secondary focus of the project is to identify to what extent individuals are able to be affected by their sociocultural upbringings in response to perceived painful stimuli.

Method: Initially we would evaluate different people’s pain perception on a standard pain scale. Additionally, we would use an acculturation scale to estimate degree of acculturation. The respondents would be given a series of scenarios and asked to rate how intense the pain of that situation would be.

Anticipated Implications: In the medical field we tend to minimize the impact of culture on how a patient responds to and perceives pain. People of different ethnoracial backgrounds may perceive pain differently, which may cause their biochemical responses to vary as well.
Presented by: Dominique Richards
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords

Join the Discussion

Health Disparities within LGBTQ+ Communities Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cassandra Miasnikov

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated a critical rift in healthcare and safety across the globe, affecting few so severely as the LGBTQ+ community. This group faces unique challenges, as research continues to show mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ persons relative to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. These relate to social inequalities that disproportionately affect LGBTQ individuals; for instance, greater proportions of LGBTQ+ persons lack access to health insurance (17% vs. 12%) and face poverty (22% vs.16%) compared with their non-LGBTQ counterparts. The CDC further states that sexual minority individuals in the United States have higher self-reported prevalences of multiple underlying health conditions associated with severe outcomes from COVID-19 than heterosexual individuals, both in the overall population and among racial/ethnic minority groups. Likewise, 40% of all LGBTQ+ persons in the United States work in service-industry jobs (compared with 22% of non-LGBTQ+ persons), suggesting that LGBTQ+ individuals are especially vulnerable (particularly LGBTQ+ persons of color) to financial, employment, and health insurance-status ramifications as a result of COVID-19.

Within the short span of the COVID-19 pandemic, many researchers have published their findings, providing the community at large with an opportunity to improve health outcomes within this disenfranchised group. This literature review aims to illuminate these issues and provide a comprehensive report detailing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBTQ+ community.
Presented by: Cassandra Miasnikov <cassandra.miasnikov@pepperdine.edu>
Institution: Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Keywords: LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, COVID-19, pandemic, minority stress, stress resilience, stress resilience among marginalized groups, positive psychology, medicare

Join the Discussion

Covid-19 Lockdown and the Effects on Children's Mental Health

Chantel Kemp

Abstract: Mental health has been one of the huge topics of 2020 with all the world has thrown at us. Children are not immune to the significant psychological impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on. While they may not be able to fully understand what is happening around them or the emotions they are feeling, children still experience uncertainty, physical and social isolation, fears, substantial changes to their routines, and high levels of stress coming from their parents. Social isolation and change in routines can be very problematic for young children. To see how much the Covid-19 pandemic has actually affected children I plan to compare children who during the pandemic still went to childcare centers such as Kindercare and children who stayed at home alone or with family. In this study children ages one-six will be put into two groups, children who were attending Kindercare regularly and children who were isolated at home. Their parents will answer questions about their children's behavior, mood, sleep, and school studies if applicable. This will include what they can remember about their child's behavior and emotions before the restrictions and lockdowns happened, as well as the child's well being during the restrictions, to be able to see any changes. I hypothesize that compared to children isolated at home, children who have attended Kindercare or another similar child care center will be less affected by the stress the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on. Partly due to the fact that ch
Presented by: Chantel Kemp
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords

Join the Discussion Watch Presentation

Take off your mask…maybe: Face coverings and its correlation to attractiveness

Ian Campuzano

Abstract: Defining what is beauty and what makes a person attractive has many factors affecting a person's emotional response to one's physical appearance. Many have proposed that a healthy fit body is certainly attractive as well as symmetrical facial features. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the majority of the population have started to regularly wear masks out in public places and outlets. Many individuals meet new people while each person has half of their face covered with a mask. Many facial features such as the nose, lips, chin and cheeks are covered the whole time between the interactions of people. Since most of the facial features of a person are not revealed there is a less likely chance that the other individual in the interaction will be able to notice certain aspects of the face that are considered to be flawed in that person's perspective. Thus the level of attractiveness of that person is increased. I plan to compare two groups. One group of randomized people will not have masks on and another group will have masks on. A select number of randomized college students will then view each group and record on a survey the number of people they found to be attractive. I will then compare the data from each set and analyze which group had more participants rated as attractive. I hypothesize that the group who wears the mask will be the ones to be rated as more attractive.
Presented by: Ian Campuzano
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords

Join the Discussion

Poster: Dehumanizing from a Distance: How Perceptions of Human Uniqueness Traits and the Importance of Social Justice Issues Predict Negative Attitudes and Avoidant Behaviors Towards Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Dehumanizing from a Distance: How Perceptions of Human Uniqueness Traits and the Importance of Social Justice Issues Predict Negative Attitudes and Avoidant Behaviors Towards Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Isabelle Dennis, Anna Dischinger & Brittany M. Tausen

Abstract: Individuals experiencing homelessness are regularly dehumanized, but the associated consequences are not well understood. The current study examined the relationship between dehumanization and the corresponding treatment of and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The role of Social Justice Importance was also explored as a moderator of the relationship between dehumanizing perceptions and behaviors. Participants (N = 240) took part in a short survey assessing their perceptions of individuals experiencing homelessness on two key dimensions of dehumanization: human uniqueness (e.g., logic) and human nature (e.g., warmth). Participants also reported the extent to which they engaged in behaviors to avoid individuals experiencing homelessness as well as their attitudes about offering physical and financial support. Additionally, two questions assessed the importance of social justice issues for each participant. Multiple regression analyses revealed that Human Uniqueness (but not Human Nature) significantly predicted avoidance, B = .326, t = 3.43, p = .001, and support for tax increases, B = -.47, t = -3.64, p < .001. Both Human Uniqueness, B = -.78, t = -5.68, p < .001 and Human Nature, B = .34, t = 2.17 p = .031 predicted positive attitudes towards hosting a tent city on campus. Additionally, Social Justice Importance was found to moderate the relationship between the attribution of Human Uniqueness traits and avoidant behavior. The current findings demonstrate that the extent to which individuals experiencing homelessness are believed to possess high-level cognitive traits may be a particularly useful predictor of how they are treated, but only when individuals recognize the importance of social justice issues.
Presented by: Isabelle Dennis <dennisi@spu.edu>
Institution: Seattle Pacific University
Keywords: Dehumanization, Social Justice Importance

Join the Discussion

Exploring Warmth and Morality as Boundary Conditions of Vicarious Contact

Jenessa Higgs, Diedrah Todd, & Brittany M. Tausen

Abstract: Individuals experiencing homelessness are regularly dehumanized through the underestimation of their emotional and cognitive needs and abilities. Vicarious contact, where an individual comes to know more about an out-group member via a third party, can improve negative outgroup perceptions. We investigate whether vicarious contact through any in-group member is effective, or if the in-group member must be perceived positively. Our study employed a 2 (morality: high vs. low) x 2 (warmth: high vs. low) between participants' design. Participants were randomly assigned to a condition where they learned about an in-group member's character before reading about a positive encounter the in-group member had with an individual experiencing homelessness. Following the vicarious contact, participants completed Haslam’s (2006) scales of Human Uniqueness and Human Nature traits to quantify dehumanization of individuals experiencing homelessness. Data collection is ongoing (current N = 215 of 250 desired). ANOVAs will be utilized to test 3 hypotheses: H1) main effect of morality such that vicarious contact via individuals high in morality will lead to reduced dehumanization; H2) main effect of warmth such that vicarious contact via individuals high in warmth will lead to reduced dehumanization; H3) morality x warmth interaction effect such that warmth information will impact the efficacy of vicarious contact more at low levels of morality than high levels. Simply, we hypothesize that vicarious contact will be less effective when an in-group member is perceived poorly. Results of this study will inform the boundary conditions of vicarious contact methods to reduce the dehumanization of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Presented by: Jenessa Higgs and Diedrah Todd
Institution: Seattle Pacific University, Department of Psychology, Family, and Community
Keywords: Dehumanization, Warmth, Morality, Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, In-group Member, Human Nature, Human Uniqueness, Vicarious Contact

Join the Discussion

The Effects of Interactivity on Memory Relating to Presence in Virtual Environments

Jenny Wong

Abstract: The overall effectiveness of virtual environments is often linked to and measured by degrees of presence, commonly defined as the psychological sensation of “being there” (Schubert et al., 1999). Psychologists agree that attention and involvement through interactivity play a role in presence (Hartmann et al., 2015; Schubert et al., 1999; Witmer and Singer, 1998). Because attention is critical in encoding information into memory storage, looking at how memory relates to presence is another topic of interest. In this study, participants (N = 30) played through a 3D virtual reconstruction of a Pompeian house under one of two conditions: free-roam and task-oriented. No significant difference emerged between the conditions for feelings of presence. There was also no difference between conditions in terms of memory recognition of the virtual environment. However, as predicted, a significant difference emerged for the memory recall test, as participants in the interactive task-oriented condition exhibited higher accuracy in vase placement relative to the original target locations compared to the free-roam condition. This difference suggests improved memory recall due to interactivity rather than presence.
Presented by: Jenny Wong
Institution: University of Arkansas
Keywords: Presence, Virtual Environments, Memory, Interactivity, Attention

Join the Discussion

Exploring the Benefits of Combining Psychotherapy with Exercise for Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Jessica Franco

Abstract: Studies have shown that the addition of aerobic exercise, yoga, and physical activity can boost the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treatment for anxiety or depression. I propose to study the effects of aerobic exercise and psychotherapy on clients with comorbid depression and anxiety, as measured by the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Participants will be randomly assigned one of the four groups: A 50-minute session of psychotherapy per week; a combination of four days a week of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and psychotherapy; and a combination of four days a week of 30 minutes of yoga and psychotherapy. All participants will repeat the TMAS and the BDI at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and will be asked to keep a weekly journal of how they are feeling that week and how often their anxiety or depression impacted their lives. A 2 (disorder) x 3 (treatment) x 4 (time) mixed-model ANOVA will be conducted on the TMAS and BDI scores. I predict a significant main effect of treatment, with aerobic exercise and yoga producing significantly lower anxiety and depression symptoms than psychotherapy alone. I predict a significant interaction of disorder and treatment, with yoga having a larger impact on anxiety symptoms, and aerobic exercise will have a larger impact on depression symptoms.
Presented by: Jessica Franco
Institution: Pierce College
Keywords: Aerobic Exercise, Yoga, Psychotherapy, Anxiety, Depression

Join the Discussion

Posttraumatic growth in lung cancer survivors: A narrative review of literature since 2000

Patsy Barnett; Rigo Madrigal; Steven Smarra; Aaron Guillen-Garcia; Kevin Criswell, Ph.D.

Abstract: Title: Posttraumatic growth in lung cancer survivors: A narrative review of literature since 2000

Authors: Barnett, P., Madrigal, R., Smarra, S., Guillen-Garcia, A., Criswell, K.

Institution: Eastern Washington University

Introduction: Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men and women. Cancer can be a traumatic experience for patients, yet lung cancer survivors have reported personally growing as a result of their experience. However, there has been little research done on posttraumatic growth (PTG) in lung cancer, and it may be valuable to understand PTG in lung cancer because it may affect long-term survivorship. Therefore, we aimed to describe the state of the PTG literature in lung cancer since the year 2000.

Method: We identified relevant articles between 2000 - 2021 within databases (e.g., PubMed). We searched for “posttraumatic growth,” “PTG,” and “lung cancer.” “Benefit finding” was included because it has been used interchangeably with PTG. Original studies that assessed PTG in samples including lung cancer survivors were included in our review.

Results: We found that PTG research in lung cancer was scant from 2000-2021, especially when compared to breast and prostate cancer survivors. Limited research may have been due to participants opting out due to severity of illness. Studies have increased since 2000 and have primarily focused on predictors for PTG, including communication styles, emotional support, and benefit finding.

Discussion: Literature suggests that lung cancer is a stressful experience, which may be a catalyst for personal growth. PTG is an important research topic because it may lead to more positive experiences when surviving cancers. However, there is a lack of representation of lung cancer survivors in PTG literature. Further studies in PTG for this population are encouraged.
Presented by: Patsy Barnett
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords: Lung Cancer, Posttraumatic Growth, PTG

Join the Discussion

Moral Attitudes And Opinions: An Exploration of Explicit Normative Data

Raj Lakhani, Dr Aron Gerhart

Abstract: The presented study sought to investigate attitudes and opinions on various moral issues. Participants assigned through Bellevue College, answered 20 brief survey questions pertaining to everyday moral opinions. It is hypothesized that participants will overwhelmingly select the highest percentage response. The questions given to participants followed APA guidelines on non-bias questioning, ensuring realistic results. Questions asked surround polarizing topics, participants are then asked to indicate whether they strongly disagree, disagree, agree, or strongly agree. Before sending out the online survey to participants, graphs containing randomly assigned fictitious results were placed into the survey. The graphs indicated that past participants had a strong opinion on the question being asked. The results of the survey will indicate if there is correlation between collected data and the fictitious data provided with each question. After the survey completion, participants will be debriefed regarding the fictitious data presented in the experiment. After data is collected, Dr Aron Gerhart and Raj Lakhani will analyze the results and determine if there is tangible evidence that results were skewed toward the data provided. The results could help us understand how explicit social norms shape various social attitudes surrounding everyday opinions.
Presented by: Raj Lakhani
Institution: Bellevue College Department of Psychology
Keywords: Pilot Study, Conformity

Join the Discussion Watch Presentation

The Stigma of Micro-dosing: An Investigation

Rigoberto Madrigal / Faculty Advisor: : Aron Gerhart, PhD

Abstract: Support for the prevalence of hallucinogens, commonly referred to as psychedelics, has increased significantly over the several years. Researchers have been establishing arguments for the decriminalization of certain hallucinogens, to further investigate the reported benefits of using psychedelics (e.g., psylocibin). In particular, the benefits of psychedelic “micro dosing” (i.e., a fraction of a whole dose) as both cognitive and mood enhancers is being examined. In this study, we are we will refer to psychedelic micro dosing, with the understanding that micro dosing applies to other drugs and substances. Additionally, other researchers have also scrutinized the perceived benefits reported by participants, when administered large doses of psychedelics as a form of treatment for certain addiction diseases. Given that most hallucinogens are listed as a schedule I drugs, it is more than probable that there is a certain stigma against the use of psychedelic and its supporters. The purpose of this study is to examine the level of perceived stigma (viz., using a scale) of using psychedelics as an alternative form of medication. If, as predicted, we find that stigma towards micro dosing has decreased, it would make it more socially acceptable as a form of treatment, similar to the trend that has happened with cannabis.
Presented by: Rigoberto Madrigal <rmadrigal@eagles.ewu.edu>
Institution: Department of Psychology
Keywords: Psychology, Psychedelics, Therapy, Stigma, Treatment, Investigation, Survey, Research Proposal

Join the Discussion Watch Presentation

Brains and Brawn: The Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Military Experience in College Students

Riley Williams

Abstract: Mental toughness has been found to be a significant factor in determining success both in athletes and in college students because it increases one’s ability to confront adversity. The current study investigates some of the associations between personality measured via the Core Self-Evaluations Scale and Rotters Locus of Control Scale, demographic characteristics such as military experience and athletic history, and mental toughness in college students. There were strong positive correlations between the amount of military experience and mental toughness scores (p<.01). There were also strong correlations between internal locus of control scores and mental toughness (p<.05), and core self-evaluation scores and mental toughness (p<.01). This supports previous research that the military may require higher levels of mental toughness in order to be successful amid many of the dangerous and stressful conditions endured associated with being in the military.
Presented by: Riley Williams <rileychristopher9798@gmail.com>
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords: Psychology, Military, Mental toughness, resilience, locus of control, core self evaluations, personality,

Join the Discussion

Trauma and Mental Health among College Students

Samantha Sanchez-Garcia and Jillene Seiver

Abstract: Because most college students have experienced one or more traumatic experiences before reaching college, they may be at increased risk of experiencing a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study examined the relationship between a history of traumatic events and mental health disorders among college students. There were direct correlations between traumatic experiences and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In addition, after dividing respondents into “low,” “middle,” and “high” levels of trauma, the high group scored significantly higher on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Women reported more symptoms of anxiety and depression and more physical/sexual trauma than men did. Some of these effects were moderated by ethnicity. These results support the findings of previous research, and suggest that there is a need for more research to determine the kinds of support and treatment needed for college students who may have experienced trauma.
Presented by: Samantha Sanchez
Institution: Eastern Washington University, Department of Psychology
Keywords: anxiety, college students, depression, mental health disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and trauma.

Join the Discussion

Video Game Preferences

Sydnee Springer-Simon and Aron Gerhart, Ph.D.

Abstract: A lot of research on video games and behavior have looked at the correlation between them and violence and aggression. This study aims to see what other correlations we can look at. Maybe there are correlations to be found between ages and gaming habits or maybe GPA can give us insight into gaming preferences. There are a lot of reasons to ask these questions. It would be valuable information for developers who are creating the games as this information would help them understand their target audiences more. They would know what aspects might appeal to them and what things to highlight in advertising because of that.

There are other studies that focus on similar aspects to our study. A study by Lucas and Sherry out of the University of Nebraska in 2004 found significant differences between the gaming habits of males and females. Females played less and tended to not want to play competitive games to the same extent as Males.

A study by James Ivory in the Department of Communication Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that not only are female character underrepresented, but they are also overly sexualized in comparison to their male counterparts. He also found that the players didn’t even seem to care for this sexualization.

Our study hopes to add to the information base about video games and the other possible behaviors they correlate with.
Presented by: Sydnee Springer-Simon
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords: Video Games, Preferences, Pilot Study

Join the Discussion Watch Presentation

Relationship Between Mindfulness and Health Behaviors

Tyler Bauska and Dr. Theresa Martin

Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to see if there is a relationship between people being mindful in their everyday lives and their engagement in health behaviors. The participants for this study will be college students from Eastern Washington University who complete a web-based survey distributed through the SONA Research Management system. The respondents will answer a general demographic questions, 15 questions from the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003), 7 locally developed questions that pertain to their mindfulness of health-specific experiences, and finally, 16 questions from the Good Health Practices scale (Hampson et al., 2019). It is hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between being mindful in everyday life and engagement in positive health behaviors.
Presented by: Tyler Bauska <tbauska@eagles.ewu.edu>
Institution: Eastern Washington University
Keywords: Health behaviors, Mindfulness, Health

Join the Discussion