Matching Items (22)
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- All Subjects: psychology
- Genre: Academic theses
- Creators: Mickelson, Kristin
Description
The current paper presents two studies that examine how asymmetries during interpersonal coordination are compensated for. It was predicted that destabilizing effects of asymmetries are stabilized through the recruitment and suppression of motor degrees-of-freedom (df). Experiment 1 examined this effect by having participants coordinate line movements of different orientations. Greater differences in asymmetries between participants yielded greater spatial deviation, resulting in the recruitment of df. Experiment 2 examined whether coordination of movements asymmetrical in shape (circle and line) yield simultaneous recruitment and suppression of df. This experiment also tested whether the initial stability of the performed movement alters the amount of change in df. Results showed that changes in df were exhibited as circles decreasing in circularity and lines increasing in circularity. Further, more changes in df were found circular (suppression) compared to line (recruitment) movements.
ContributorsFine, Justin (Author) / Amazeen, Eric L (Thesis advisor) / Amazeen, Polemnia G (Committee member) / Brewer, Gene A. (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Motor-respiratory coordination is the synchronization of movement and breathing during exercise. The relation between movement and breathing can be described using relative phase, a measure of the location in the movement cycle relative to the location in the breathing cycle. Stability in that relative phase relation has been identified as important for aerobic efficiency. However, performance can be overly attracted to stable relative phases, preventing the performance or learning of more complex patterns. Little research exists on relative phase dynamics in motor-respiratory coordination, although those observations underscore the importance of learning more. In contrast, there is an extensive literature on relative phase dynamics in interlimb coordination. The accuracy and stability of different relative phases, transitions between patterns, and asymmetries between components are well understood. Theoretically, motor-respiratory and interlimb coordination may share dynamical properties that operate in their different physiological substrates. An existing model of relative phase dynamics in interlimb coordination, the Haken, Kelso, Bunz model, was used to gain an understanding of relative phase dynamics in the less-researched motor-respiratory coordination. Experiments 1 and 2 were designed to examine the interaction of frequency asymmetries between movement and breathing with relative phase and frequency, respectively. In Experiment 3, relative phase stability and transitions in motor-respiratory coordination were explored. Perceptual constraints on differences in stability were investigated in Experiment 4. Across experiments, contributions relevant to questions of coordinative variability were made using a dynamical method called cross recurrence quantification analysis. Results showed much consistency with predictions from an asymmetric extension of the Haken, Kelso, Bunz model and theoretical interpretation in the interlimb coordination literature, including phase wandering, intermittency, and an interdependence of perception and action. There were, however, notable exceptions that indicated stability can decrease with more natural frequency asymmetries and the connection of cross recurrence measures to categories of variability needs further clarification. The complex relative phase dynamics displayed in this study suggest that movement and breathing are softly-assembled by functional constraints and indicate that motor-respiratory coordination is a self-organized system.
ContributorsHessler, Eric Edward (Author) / Amazeen, Polemnia G (Thesis advisor) / Amazeen, Eric L (Committee member) / Glenberg, Arthur M. (Committee member) / Gray, Rob (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2010
Description
How early life is experienced and perceived can greatly affect mental and physical health outcomes. An individual is greatly influenced by their first models of what social relationships look and feel like, and with time also learn how to survive when less favorable social experiences occur. The lessons learned may lead to healthy problem solving and resilience, or it may lead to unhealthy problem-solving habits that hinder well-being. Anxious thoughts and other mental health symptoms may accompany an individual long-term and hinder an essential need for a healthy life. The first main purpose of this thesis is to examine the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on mental health (anxiety symptoms), and on sleep quality (an essential need). The second purpose of my thesis is to investigate the impact of genetics on resilience, specifically, the mu-opioid receptor gene. The first hypothesis proposed ACEs that were perceived as more traumatic and occurred more frequently would be associated with more poor sleep quality symptoms. The second hypothesis predicted that anxiety symptoms would mediate the association. The third hypothesis (exploratory) suggested that an individual’s alleles for the mu-opioid receptor gene would moderate the mediation pathway. The study was conducted with 318 participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. The study demonstrated a direct effect for ACEs and sleep. Anxiety mediated the association between ACEs (exposure and severity) and sleep (insomnia, quality, sleepiness), suggesting that ACEs possibly increase feelings of anxiety which, in turn, lead to worse sleep outcomes. Finally, the moderated-mediation model with OPRM1 as the moderator, was not significant for the mediation pathway A; however, there was a significant interaction with anxiety and sleep symptoms.
ContributorsBailey, Elise (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Burleson, Mary (Committee member) / Petrov, Megan (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
With widespread increases in the use of electronic communication technology, cyber-sexual harassment (CSH) has been on the rise. Broadly defined, CSH is unwelcome and repeated conduct of a sexual nature performed through electronic technology. The prevalence of CSH reported in previous studies varies significantly due in part to inconsistencies in how CSH is defined and measured. Whereas four existing scales measuring aspects of CSH have been published, each has several limitations. This research aims to develop and psychometrically validate the Multidimensional Cyber-Sexual Harassment Experiences and Attitudes Scale for Victimization (MCSHEA-V), which taps into five key components of CSH, including: (1) gathering sexual information online, (2) image and video-based sexual harassment, (3) offensive comments or posts, (4) coercive behaviors, and (5) CSH attitudes. In Study 1, a sample of psychology graduate students and faculty (N = 13) evaluated the content validity of the MCSHEA-V items, leading to key improvements in item relevance, clarity, and wording. In Study 2, a sample of adult participants (N = 298) completed the initial version of the scale through the online survey platform, Prolific.co. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the proposed 5-factor structure was a good fit, but exploratory factor analyses indicated the items represented an alternative 4-factor structure. Specifically, these items captured dyadic CSH behaviors, CSH behaviors that affect one’s reputation, perceptions of the seriousness of CSH, and CSH victim-blaming behaviors. In Study 3, an additional sample of adult participants (N = 207) was surveyed via Prolific.co. Separate confirmatory factor analyses indicated the 4-factor model was the best fit. Overall, the MCSHEA-V will contribute to a clearer understanding of the defining features and prevalence of CSH victimization and facilitate future research through the introduction of a psychometrically-validated measurement tool.
ContributorsWheeler, Brittany (Author) / Hall, Deborah (Thesis advisor) / Mickelson, Kristin (Committee member) / Burleson, Mary (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Although adverse events cannot always be prevented, the negative outcomes on development can potentially be modified by considering methods of fostering positive emotional and behavioral responses. The study examined biopsychosocial health outcomes in the presence of uncontrollable adverse childhood events with the goal of identifying a potential intervention to increase resilience, health, and safe behaviors among at-risk children. It was hypothesized that adverse events can result in positive biopsychosocial outcomes in the presence of high scores on the Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments (PERMA) model of well-being, self-efficacy, gratitude, and the ability to envision a positive future self. The study retrospectively examined adverse childhood events and present behavioral, emotional, and physical health outcomes. Participant (n = 685) data were analyzed using Hayes PROCESS (v3.5) to test all components of the moderation model. Results suggest that as adverse events increase, health adversity also increases. However, those with high intrapersonal strengths showed better health outcomes. Through understanding intrapersonal pathways in the presence of adverse events, the study can potentially identify mechanisms important for promoting resilient outcomes in childhood that could cascade into adulthood.
ContributorsBraunstein, Bailey Marie (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Hall, Deborah (Committee member) / Lindstrom-Johnson, Sarah (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of daily life due to social distancing guidelines, including physical exercise. Prior research indicates that physical activity is a potent resilience factor against stress’ impact on mental health. Further, research suggests that social integration and participation positively contributes to mental well-being. Yet, one aspect of physical activity that may be particularly impacted by social distancing guidelines is the social context. It is unclear if those who participated in social physical activity prior to the COVID pandemic are more impacted by the restrictions placed on these behaviors. In a sample of 519 adults in the United States, the current longitudinal study examined whether participation in social physical activity, compared to individual physical activity, moderates the influence of pandemic stress on mental health and whether there are gender differences between men and women in these associations. Study results indicated physical activity did benefit mental health during the COVID pandemic. However, greater social physical activity did not buffer against the negative impact of stress. Future research should examine other variables potentially influencing these relationships, and examine them under non-pandemic conditions.
ContributorsKaneris, Marianna Irene (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Hall, Deborah (Committee member) / Mean, Lindsey (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Given the prevalence and severity of dating violence (DV) in our World, uncovering the long-term effects of DV is pivotal. This thesis provides information about how prior DV impacts a survivor’s future relationships. First, understanding the association between prior DV and current relationship satisfaction. Next, suggesting potential moderators between DV and current relationship satisfaction in forms of resilience. Tangible resilience strategies such as seeking therapy and obtaining an order of protection were assessed as potential moderators. As well as one’s attachment style as a predictor of how one overcomes prior DV and impacts current relationship satisfaction. A study was conducted with 218 participants from both the United States and international countries. Prior DV was a predictor of relationship satisfaction, however in the adverse way as predicted. Survivors of prior dating violence reported higher levels of current relationship satisfaction. Tangible resilience and secure attachment style were both significant moderators of the relationship between prior DV and current relationship satisfaction. These results present new ways to face the challenge of overcoming the repercussions of DV for survivors. As well as provide hope and support to all survivors of DV that their past does not have to impact their future.
ContributorsGraham, Kaylyn (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Randall, Ashley (Committee member) / Burleson, Mary (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
With its ever-increasing prevalence throughout the world, social media use has become a primary means of communication and connection with others. Much research has been dedicated to the topic of social media use, suggesting both positive and negative outcomes for those who are online more frequently. While uploading content and interacting with posts that others have created is associated with social comparison and identity formation, there is little research to date that examines the relationship between social media use and an individual’s meaning in life. One of the greater benefits of social media use is the ease with which people can curate their own personal identities, and this has led to an increase in users—particularly young adults—posting sexualized images of themselves for social gain. Untested in prior research is the relationship between self-objectification via social media and life meaning. For my thesis, I proposed a moderation model in which participants who reported higher levels of self-objectified beliefs and online habits would also report lower levels of meaning in life. Furthermore, I hypothesized that there would be unique differences between genders and sexual orientations that would also serve as moderators, such that heterosexual women and LGBQ men would demonstrate the lowest levels of life meaning when reporting high levels of self-objectification. Results from analyses found that while there was no significant relationship between active social media use and meaning in life, there was a significant three-way interaction between objectified social media use, gender and sexual orientation, and meaning. Findings from this study provide support for previous research that has found LGBQ men and heterosexual women face the most adverse effects from self-objectification. These results suggest that self-objectified social media use can negatively impact life meaning for certain populations.
ContributorsMostoller, Alexis (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Salerno, Jessica (Committee member) / Burleson, Mary (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Transgender populations display disproportionately poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. On average, these populations tend to experience decreased well-being in part through increased mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and poorer physical and behavioral health status. Understanding the process by which these deleterious outcomes occur for this population is integral to developing interventions. This thesis aimed to examine whether experiences of gender dysphoria and body dissatisfaction influenced the association of felt pressure to conform to gender norms with mental health and quality of life outcomes. Specifically, I hypothesized that greater pressure to conform to gender norms would be directly related to worse mental health and quality of life outcomes, and that gender dysphoria and body dissatisfaction would indirectly mediate this relationship. Furthermore, I hypothesized that participants' gender identity would moderate this relationship, such that transgender individuals would show stronger associations on all pathways as compared to cisgender individuals. The sample consisted of 211 individuals – 109 being transgender and 102 being cisgender. Participants completed a 15-minute online survey including a consent form. Results indicated partial support of hypotheses – pressure to conform to gender norms directly predicted outcomes of compromised mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress), but did not predict well-being or quality of life. Furthermore, gender dysphoria (but not body dissatisfaction) mediated the relationship between felt pressure for gender conformity and compromised mental health outcomes for cisgender participants, but unexpectedly not for transgender participants. Post hoc analyses suggest that perceived discrimination mediated the relation between felt pressure and all mental health measures and quality of life measures for both transgender and cisgender participants.
ContributorsKlennert, Victoria Elizabeth (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Hall, Deborah (Committee member) / Nelson-Coffey, Katherine (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Research on creativity has yielded competing findings regarding whether it is beneficial or detrimental to individuals’ mental health outcomes. Studies on creativity have found associations with both positive (growth, purpose, and higher well-being) and negative (lower well-being, higher psychopathy) outcomes. This idea raises the question of whether there is a threshold whereby the pursuit of creative behavior becomes detrimental to the individual. Furthermore, what underlying mechanisms might contribute to both higher creativity and worse mental health outcomes? To address this question, personality traits that are commonly linked to creative expression (i.e. risk-taking, novelty seeking, and mind wandering) were examined as moderators in the association between creativity and mental health outcomes. Additionally, a neurodivergent classification was also assessed due to higher-than-average creativity scores seen in those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 participants (160 of which consisted of individuals with ADHD) who completed an anonymous survey with measures of creativity, mental health, and personality traits. Findings and implications are discussed below.
ContributorsBeesley, Karissa (Author) / Mickelson, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Nelson-Coffey, Katherin (Committee member) / Koop, Greg (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024