Department of Psychology

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https://hdl.handle.net/10217/100503

These digital collections include theses, dissertations, faculty publications, and datasets from the Department of Psychology.

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Open Access
A binding deficit: value-directed remembering for item-specific vs. associative information
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) DeLozier, Sarah J., author; Rhodes, Matthew G., advisor; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Folkestad, James, committee member; Cleary, Anne, committee member
In a series of four experiments I examined whether value enhanced memory for item-specific or associative information. Value indicated the importance of an item at study (i.e., 1 point = low importance, 12 points = high importance), with memory typically being enhanced for high-value information (e.g., Castel, 2008). Utilizing the feature-conjunction paradigm, in which recognition errors for conjunction lures provide a means of examining whether value-enhanced recognition is a result of recollection or familiarity, the Pilot Experiment revealed through increased conjunction errors that value enhanced memory only for item-specific information. In Experiment 1 participants were permitted to self-pace their study and made confidence learning judgments (CLJs) after each recognition judgment. Learners spent more time studying higher-valued words yet demonstrated a similar pattern of increased conjunction errors by value. In Experiment 2, participants were instructed to use either rote repetition or interactive imagery for all words at study. Under these controlled study strategy conditions, conjunction errors were similar across values. In Experiment 3, I examined the influence of value on feature lures. When both feature lures and conjunction lures were presented at test, learners' susceptibility to lures was similar across values, yet learners correctly recognized more high-value old words. Results indicated that both encoding processes and item-based familiarity may contribute to a deficit in binding components of high-value words. These findings are discussed in terms of the negative effects of value on memory for associative information.
Open Access
A computational model and empirical study of the self-undermining proposition in job demands-resources theory
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Walters, Kevin M., author; Fisher, Gwen, advisor; Gibbons, Alyssa, advisor; Clegg, Benjamin, committee member; Conroy, Samantha, committee member; Kraiger, Kurt, committee member
The current conceptual model in job demands-resources (JD-R) theory contains eight propositions to explain the dual processes through which job demands and resources influence individuals' strain, motivation, and job performance. Although the theory is generally well-supported and widely-used in industrial-organizational (I-O) and occupational health (OHP) psychology literature, more research is needed to validate its two most recent propositions; that motivation and strain can lead to increases in job resources and demands through job crafting and self-undermining behaviors, respectively. The goal of this study was to test the dynamic variable relationships in the self-undermining proposition through two research methods in an academic context. First, I developed and tested a computational model of the self-undermining proposition based in JD-R theory and other psychological theories and research. Second, I collected longitudinal data from undergraduate students at two U.S. universities and analyzed the data through cross-lagged panel analyses and repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance. The results of the two methods were contradictory. Specifically, the specifications and theoretical assumptions of the computational model resulted in simulations of a perpetual loss spiral via a positive feedback loop, whereas statistical analyses of the longitudinal data did not identify or support the self-undermining proposition. Overall, the results did not support the self-undermining proposition and were influenced by several methodological limitations of this study, but these limitations and results exemplified several broader limitations of JD-R theory and suggested that the theory is currently inviable and in need of respecification.
Open Access
A concurrent and prospective examination of the incongruous positive relationship between alcohol use and physical activity
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Harkabus, Lindsey C., author; Harman, Jennifer J., advisor; Aloise-Young, Patricia, committee member; Merolla, Andrew, committee member; Dik, Bryan, committee member
Research has demonstrated an incongruous positive relationship between alcohol consumption and physical activity concurrently among college students (Lisha & Sussman, 2010; Musselman & Rutledge, 2010). A goal of this research was to determine whether this relationship between alcohol use and physical activity exists, and whether different forms of physical activity share this relationship. Another purpose of this dissertation was to examine the potential moderating effects of several individual difference variables. Results revealed a positive association between alcohol use and moderate physical activity, as well as with two other forms of physical activity (leisure and domestic). In the longitudinal analyses, several factors moderated the relationship between moderate physical activity and alcohol use, with the relationship being stronger for male participants and for individuals who possess high levels of social motives. Opposite of my original hypotheses, several forms of physical activity demonstrated significant negative effects on alcohol use, including overall physical activity, vigorous physical activity, sports, and exercise. Overall, the results suggest the relationship between physical activity and alcohol use in college students is dependent on the type of physical activity being studied (e.g., vigorous versus moderate, sport versus leisure). Age moderated the negative effects of vigorous physical activity on alcohol use, with the effects being stronger for individuals older than 19 years. Implications for the prevention of alcohol use and abuse, improvement of physical activity behaviors, and studies of college physical activity interventions and alcohol use are discussed.
Open Access
A context-specific social norms intervention to reduce college student alcohol use: manipulating reference groups to target tailgating students
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Anthenien, Amber M., author; Aloise-Young, Patricia, advisor; Henry, Kimberly, committee member; Cross, Jennifer, committee member
Alcohol use among college students may result in a variety of ill effects for students and their community. The social norms approach is commonly employed to address these issues, targeting individuals' perceptions of normative consumption. However, normative interventions have rarely been implemented in specific situations or contexts that encourage alcohol consumption, when college students need prevention programming the most. Moreover, researchers have often ignored the important gender differences that exist in alcohol use by providing gender-neutral norms. In the current investigation, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Fall of 2013 with three experimental conditions: a no-treatment control, a context-specific social norm intervention, and a combined context-specific and gender-specific social norm intervention. Psychology students (N = 216, Mage = 19.11, 72.6% female) were exposed to one of the experimental conditions and completed pre-test assessments online 48 hours prior to the football game they intended to tailgate, and then responded to follow-up measures within 7 days after the football game. Results indicate that the combined intervention may be a promising technique for reducing college students' perceived norms and alcohol consumption in tailgating situations. Specifically, students in the combined condition perceived their peers drank less alcohol while tailgating. In addition, females in the context and combined conditions reported consuming less alcohol than participants in the control group. However, due to small sample sizes in the present study, these effects failed to reach conventional levels of statistical significance. The implications for designing effective normative interventions are discussed.
Open Access
A continuing psychometric & cross-cultural evaluation of the Miller Needs Assessment-2
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2009) Miller, Kimberly A., author; Chavez, Ernest L., advisor
Study one focused on establishing further evidence for the reliability and validity of the Miller Needs Assessment-2 and involved data collection from 1,540 individuals in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Results provided support for concurrent, discriminant, and construct validity of the Miller Needs Assessment-2 and internal consistency coefficients were also moderate to high. The factor structure was also fairly consistent across groups, suggesting the measure might be invariant across groups. Finally, the Miller Needs Assessment-2 was able to correctly classify 80% of participants into their respective groups, indicating this measure is able to determine the relative mental health of individuals completing it. Implications the results have for clinical and non-clinical sites are explored, along with a discussion of strengths, limitations, and directions for future research. Study two involved a cross-cultural validation of the Miller Needs Assessment-2 with five American Indian elders. Results indicated with a few minor modifications the Miller Needs Assessment-2 could prove to be a culturally sensitive measure of psychological well-being. Strengths, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Open Access
A diary study of self-esteem, social anxiety, interpersonal interactions and health risk behavior in college students
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Wilson, Kristina, author; Harman, Jennifer J., advisor; Clegg, Benjamin A., committee member; Henry, Kimberly, committee member; Rouner, Donna, committee member; Steger, Michael F., committee member
This study sought to clarify mixed findings regarding the association between trait self-esteem and social anxiety and engagement in health risk behaviors among college. A daily diary methodology was used to investigate whether trait self-esteem, social anxiety and interpersonal experiences predict health risk behaviors using Sociometer Theory (Leary & Downs, 1995) as a framework for understanding how daily interpersonal experiences may be related to engagement in health risk behaviors. A total of 219 participants completed an online survey that assessed demographic characteristics, trait self-esteem and social anxiety and completed a shorter online survey daily for 28 days. Findings revealed that participants were more likely to engage in a number of health risk behaviors on days that they experienced relatively more negative interpersonal experiences and that positive experiences appeared to protect against engagement in a number of health risk behaviors. In general, trait self-esteem and social anxiety did not moderate the influence of daily negative interpersonal experiences on health risk behaviors; however, the effects of positive interpersonal experiences on engagement in a number of health risk behaviors depended upon levels of trait self-esteem and social anxiety. For example, individuals with high trait self-esteem were more likely to engage in vaginal sex with a new partner on days when they experienced relatively more positive interpersonal experiences. Socially anxious individuals were also more likely to engage in a broad range of health risk behaviors on days when they experienced more positive interpersonal experiences. Overall, this study provides evidence for how people with low versus high trait self-esteem and low versus high social anxiety differ in terms of their reactions to positive interpersonal experiences. In addition, these findings suggest that in the context of daily life, these trait characteristics are more likely to moderate the influence of positive interpersonal experiences, rather than negative interpersonal behaviors, on health risk behavior.
Open Access
A latent profile analysis of intuitive eating behaviors related to wellbeing, eating behaviors, and physical activity during the early COVID-19 pandemic
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Johnson, Ashlie N., author; Graham, Dan, advisor; Prince, Mark, committee member; Rickard, Kathy, committee member; Shoemaker, Lauren, committee member
Intuitive eating (IE) is a promising approach to improve eating behaviors that is primarily focused on eating in attunement with one's internal signals of hunger and satiety. Intuitive eating is related to an array of benefits including improved physical and mental health; however, many gaps exist in the IE literature. The current work utilized a novel approach in the IE context, a latent profile analysis (LPA) of 947 adults, to identify common patterns of responses to the four subscales of IE during the early COVID-19 pandemic, a time period currently understudied in the IE field. The study employed independent LPAs for two subsamples (n = 446 undergraduate students and n = 501 community members) to detect potential differences in model structure. The derived profiles were then used to test associations between COVID-19-related changes in dietary behaviors and weight concern, gender, weight loss attempts, physical activity, and mental health. LPAs of the combined sample resulted in a four-profile model. This model structure was not replicated in the undergraduate and community subsamples which showed notably different profile solutions. The two undergraduate profiles distinguished patterns of responses that were associated with lower overall (Low) and moderately high (Mod-high) levels of IE. Men were more likely to be in the Mod-High profile compared to women and the Low profile was associated with higher amounts depression, anxiety and weight loss attempts, increases in food eaten during the COVID-19 pandemic, and higher probabilities of increased weight concern during the pandemic. The community subsample showed a four-profile solution. 1: high levels of Unconditional Permission to Eat (UPE) and low levels of Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons (EPR), Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues (RHSC), and Body-Food Choice Congruence (B-FCC), which was related to increases in amount of food eaten, depression, and anxiety, and higher probabilities of increases in weight concern compared to the other profiles. 2: moderately high levels of UPE and very low levels of EPR, RHSC, and B-FCC, which showed the highest rates of weight loss attempts as well as high probabilities of increased weight concern. 3: moderate to high levels of all 4 IE subscales characterized by fewer weight loss attempts than profiles 1 and 2. 4: highest overall levels of IE which had the most stability in their weight concern compared to the other profiles. There were no gender differences between the four profiles of the community subsample and there were no associations with physical activity in either the undergraduate or community subsamples' profiles. These findings support the hypothesis that multiple, distinct profiles of IE exist and have unique relationships with health-related behaviors and outcomes. However, profile structures did vary between the undergraduate and community subsamples, suggesting limited generalizability between the two groups. Together, results suggest that IE levels both globally and in specific, naturally-occurring combinations of subscales are differentially related to eating and dieting behaviors, body image, and mental health. In application, findings suggest there may be benefits to recognizing varying patterns of IE to create tailored techniques for interventions seeking to increase these adaptive eating behaviors. Future research should continue to employ person-centered approaches alongside variable-centered ones to study more diverse populations and non-pandemic conditions.
Open Access
A longitudinal assessment of privacy and territory establishment in a college residence hall setting
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2008) Benfield, Jacob A., author; Bell, Paul A., advisor
College student retention/persistence is of great concern to higher education officials and has been linked to academic, social, and cultural factors that predict successful adjustment and satisfaction with the setting and the experience. The current research examines territory formation in a residence hall as one of the predictors of favorable outcomes for first-year students.
Open Access
A multi-level examination of authentic leadership and organizational justice in uncertain times
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Kiersch, Christa E., author; Byrne, Zinta, advisor; Ganster, Daniel, committee member; Gibbons, Alyssa, committee member; Henry, Kimberly, committee member
Answering long-standing calls for research on how leaders influence followers and organization performance, as well as for the integration of leadership and justice research, this study proposes and tests a multi-level model of leadership, justice, and uncertainty. Building upon uncertainty management theory and the nascent research in authentic leadership, I propose a multi-level moderated mediation model wherein authentic leaders influence individual fairness perceptions and create a fair climate, which in turn is related to the well-being, turnover intention, commitment, and performance of subordinates. Uncertainty serves as a moderator in the model, such that leadership and fair climate are proposed to have a stronger relationship with employee outcomes when the level of perceived job and organizational uncertainty is high than when uncertainty is low. Survey data from 211 employees, clustered under 37 leaders (direct supervisors) is tested using a modification of Preacher et al.'s (2007, 2010) multi-level structural equation modeling (MSEM) approach. Results indicate that authentic leaders impact follower and organizational outcomes in part via directly influencing follower justice perceptions and justice climate, and that the effects of authentic leadership and justice are relatively independent of uncertainty level. This study contributes to the scientific literature by integrating theories of leadership, fairness, and uncertainty management, and by illustrating a novel and sophisticated approach (MSEM) to test this integrated model at the individual and leader levels of the organization. Implications for practice include support for authentic leadership development as an actionable strategy to bolster fairness perceptions and build a fair climate, as well as positively impact well-being, attitudinal, and behavioral intent outcomes of followers.
Open Access
A multidisciplinary analytical approach to the identification of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of dementia
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Willoughby, Kathleen Angela, author; Davalos, Deana, advisor; Rojas, Don, committee member; Malinin, Laura, committee member; Cleveland, Jeanette, committee member
In recent decades, dementia has become a growing global epidemic. As people are living longer, the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia has risen exponentially. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, presently afflicts more that 5.4 million Americans (Thies et al., 2011). Though great strides have been made in dementia research, there is still much to be done to better pin-point disease risk and ameliorate decline and related symptom progression. This dissertation will focus on the efficacy of early intervention and risk factor identification as a first line of defense in staving off dementia progression. Within the B Sharp community-arts engagement program, we will evaluate domain-specific changes in older adult cognition over an acute and extended-duration timespan. Within the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, we will identify relevant risk factors associated with the consistent acceleration of cognitive decline as well as the slowing of such decline. As these proactive treatment approaches are more fully understood, better strategies for healthy aging can be implemented at both a generalized and individual level.
Open Access
A multisystem, longitudinal study of resilience factors and positive educational outcomes for Mexican youth
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Chapin, Laura A., author; Henry, Kimberly, advisor; Yang, Raymond K., advisor; Youngblade, Lise M. (Lise Marie), committee member; Palermo, Francisco, committee member
This study uses an ecodevelopmental framework to examine factors related to positive educational outcomes for Mexican adolescents. This framework allows exploration of a number of microsystem and mesosystem factors in middle adolescence to explain high school graduation and college graduation. Additional theoretical support for individual factors comes from the developmental assets framework. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) was used to address two primary aims: 1) to determine if high school and college graduation of Mexicans vary as a function of gender and immigrant generation; 2) to determine if individual factors, the family and friend microsystems, and the family-friend mesosystem predict high school and college graduation. No differences in these educational outcomes were found by gender or immigrant generation. An individual's aspirations and expectations about college, parent-child relationship quality, expectations for high school/college graduation, and friends' GPAs were the important predictors of both outcomes and friends' substance use was also significant for college graduation.
Open Access
A pictorial version of the RIASEC scales of the Personal Globe Inventory
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2009) Enke, Serena, author; Dik, Bryan J., advisor; Bloom, Larry J., advisor
Holland's theory of six work personalities has become a staple of vocational psychology, providing a robust and simple model for understanding the structure of vocational interests. Though Holland's types provide a common vocabulary for vocational psychologists working with a variety of populations, until this point there has not been a measure of Holland types that is accessible to vocational clients with reduced reading levels. In an effort to fill this gap in assessment materials, a pictorial Holland-based vocational interest inventory was created by translating the short form of the Personal Globe Inventory (PGI; Tracey, 2002) into images. Each item on the short-form PGI was translated into two line drawings representing a woman and a man engaging in each activity. The pictorial translation was used to assess 290 women and 247 men who also completed the target PGI items in English. Evidence for reliability and validity of the scale scores was assessed; scores on the pictorial translation scales were shown to be internally consistent and stable over two weeks. Scores from the pictorial PGI were also shown to correlate strongly with corresponding scale scores on the verbal PGI. Analyses using Circular Unidimensional Scaling demonstrated that the results from the pictorial instrument fit Holland's circular model of interests as well as his proposed order of scales around the circle. Implications for counseling practice and directions for future research and scale development are explored.
Open Access
A policy-capturing study of preferences for differing training factors
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Willis, Colin, author; Kraiger, Kurt, advisor; Cleary, Anne, committee member; Fisher, Gwen, committee member; Maynard, Travis, committee member
The present study applied policy-capturing, a methodology in which subjects act as their own control, to assess the utility of 32 different training scenarios. These scenarios were composed from levels of four different cues, or components, of training: whether the trainee was a new hire or tenured employee, whether the training content taught human or technical skills, whether the training method was classroom-based, computer-based, a blend of the two, or mobile-based, and whether the learning occurred individually or as part of a group. These cues were fully crossed to build the scenarios, so that participants saw every possible combination of the cues across the scenarios. Participants, who on average reported working fulltime, being with their organization for at least six years, and taking over 30 training courses across their career, were asked to rate these scenarios on how useful the training would be for them and for their job and to give an overall rating to the scenario. Additionally, participants reported their prior training experience, motivation to learn, role conflict, role overload, role ambiguity, and age. It was hypothesized that: (a) Each cue would each explain a significant proportion of variance in scenario ratings; (b) participants would combine cues interactively, and these interaction terms would explain a significant proportion of variance in scenario ratings; (c) more motivated to learn participants would combine cues interactively more frequently than less motivated participants; (d) more potentially stressed individuals would prefer less restrictive training methods (i.e., computer-based or mobile-based methods); (e) more experienced participants would combine cues interactively more frequently than less experienced participants; and (f) scenario ratings would decrease as age increased. Results were modeled at two levels – between and within subjects – and the results supported the notion that potential trainees have stable preferences for different training scenarios, these preferences vary across prior training experience and motivation to learn, and conceptions about training are formed prior to training. These results support the future exploration of training preferences, specifically how other cues might influence preferences, whether these preferences influence later training evaluations, and whether designing future training to match, even generally, the preferences of trainees improves training learning or transfer outcomes.
Open Access
A qualitative analysis of choosing and experiencing the Infantry as an occupation
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Loebel, Greg A., author; Dik, Bryan, advisor; Kraiger, Kurt, committee member; Doe, Sue, committee member
The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of why men chose the Infantry as an occupation when enlisting in the U.S. military in the post-9/11 era, as well as the potential meaning they experienced through their service as infantrymen. Interviews were conducted with 11 undergraduate students who had served in either the U.S. Army or U.S. Marine Corps as infantrymen, and had enlisted with the specific goal to serve in an Infantry occupational specialty. All of the participants had served at least one combat deployment as infantrymen to either Afghanistan or Iraq. Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) was used to guide the study. Prominent themes that emerged relative to enlistment decision-making included strong desires to fulfill roles of being highly skilled combatants and experience combat; viewing the Infantry as the best means to fulfill those desires; and desires to serve a greater good. Prominent themes related to meaning experienced through Infantry service included fulfillment of desired roles of being warriors; having experienced growth through hardship; a sense of accomplishment and pride through being skilled at Infantry warfare and having done important things; and the incredibly strong sense of brotherhood and camaraderie shared with other infantrymen they served with. Lastly, prominent themes regarding how their prior service may influence their current civilian career trajectories included having enhanced discipline, motivation, leadership, and sense of purpose; feeling distinctly different and separate from civilians; continued sense of service; and a desire for peace and normalcy in civilian life. Results from this study offered an interesting perspective on post-9/11 era military enlistment motivations connected to one particular class of occupational specialties. The participants did not offer any economic reasons for their enlistment motivations. That is, they did not choose the Infantry because of college benefits or job skills developed in their Infantry occupations that may transfer to civilian occupations. Rather, they appeared primarily motivated in their enlistment choices by desires to seek intense, dangerous training and combat experiences and fulfill particular warrior identity roles not available in civilian life, all through a sense of discipline and service.
Open Access
A qualitative analysis of the experience of being LGBTQ in graduate school
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Sokolowski, Elizabeth, author; Chavez, Ernest, advisor; Rickard, Kathryn, committee member; Carlson, Laurie, committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member
The current study sought to understand LGBTQ campus climate for LGBTQ doctoral students. Narrative analysis was used during this exploratory study to identify "when" the three LGBTQ doctoral student participants had experiences related to their LGBTQ identities, including "what" was happening during those events and "how" it was happening. These experiences occurred during six events (i.e., applying to graduate programs, receiving letter of acceptance from graduate program, visiting weekend after receiving acceptance letter, choosing advisor or research lab, working as a graduate teaching assistance, and preparing for PhD candidacy exams) and four time periods (i.e., early general experiences in the graduate program, general graduate school experiences, general research lab experiences, and general social experiences during graduate school). This study also identified how these experiences supported or hindered LGBTQ doctoral student success. Overall, the results suggested that LGBTQ doctoral students expended substantial effort to manage the harmful components of campus climate, which were present across locations, times, and roles as a doctoral student. Finally, participants shared their own proposed changes to improve campus climate, and the primary researcher provided an overarching list of recommendations to improve LGBTQ campus climate for LGBTQ doctoral students.
Open Access
A qualitative investigation of wellness program implementation strategies
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Cave, Kelly A., author; Fisher, Gwenith G., advisor; Harman, Jennifer J., committee member; Kraiger, Kurt, committee member; Rosecrance, John C., committee member
The prevalence of occupational stress has been on the rise for decades. Now, with the emergence of COVID-19, employees face even more challenges that can lead to increased levels of occupational stress. To buffer against the negative health outcomes and costs associated with occupational stress, organizations often implement wellness programs. However, the way in which wellness programs are implemented can have significant effects on their success. Although various implementation models have been proposed, researchers have little understanding as to the extent to which practitioners implementing wellness programs use the prescribed steps and sequences provided. Additionally, with the nature of work rapidly evolving due to COVID-19, it is important for researchers to understand how the pandemic impacts program implementation. Thus, the current study explores: (1) the extent to which the steps and sequences characterized by both an occupational health model and an organizational change model are used by practitioners implementing wellness programs in the workplace; and (2) how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted wellness program implementation. Results suggest both models describe valuable steps practitioners use when implementing wellness programs, these processes are not linear, and COVID-19 affected wellness implementation by forcing wellness to the forefront of organizations, encouraging a greater emphasis be placed on a wider definition of wellness, and by introducing volatility in the workplace and in wellness programming.
Open Access
A qualitative study of disease adjustment: inflammatory bowel disease post-traumatic growth
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Bascom, Elise, author; Chavez, Ernest, advisor; Fisher, Gwenith, committee member; Jennings, Louise, committee member; Prince, Mark, committee member
The current study developed a model of post-traumatic growth to assess the multiphasic, transitional experience of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by a provider at the Centers for Gastroenterology in Northern Colorado. Specifically, this study examined individuals within the IBD population who have received a diagnosis of either Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) was used to identify the primary domains and subthemes from six participant interviews. Four large domains were extracted from the data, which were used to construct a model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Post-Traumatic Growth (IBDPTG). The four, major domains include identity loss/grief, the perception effect, identity reconstruction, and post-traumatic growth (PTG). The original model proposed for this study included all of the aforementioned domains, except for the perception effect. The trained research team involved in this study conducted three meetings to discuss and compare domain/thematic findings. We identified that participants' attitudes/beliefs about their diagnosis was a precursor to progressing to the identity reconstruction phase, and, therefore, needed its own, distinct domain. Subthemes were also identified in each of the four domains, which further captured the nuances and complexities of IBD disease management for our participants. Participants were also asked to complete two sets of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), two sets of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), one Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCLR-90-R), and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Participants were asked to retrospectively complete the first set of self-report questionnaires (BDI-II, BAI, SCL-90-R), as they reflected on their psychological state during their most severe disease experience. We then conducted a semi-structured interview with each participant that lasted approximately 60-75 minutes. After the interview portion of the study, we asked participants to complete the BDI-II and BAI based on their symptom presentation within the last two weeks. We compared the difference between levels of anxiety and depression during active and inactive disease flares. Scores on the BDI-II indicated that participants experienced high levels of depression during severe flares, but that their mood greatly improved with adjustment and mental stability. Scores on the BAI also indicated that the participants experienced higher levels of anxiety during periods of disease relapse, as opposed to periods where their disease was dormant. The SCL-90-R was used to supplement the qualitative data obtained during the interviews. The PTGI was given to the participants at the end of the study to examine whether our qualitative data captured any additional, potentially disease-related growth not yet addressed on the questionnaire. The three subthemes identified in the domain of PTG include: positive personal growth, positive social growth, and positive growth in disease perception.
Open Access
A reliability and validity study of the PROMIS measures with underserved lung cancer and head-and-neck cancer patients
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Gutierrez, Crystal, author; Borrayo, Evelinn, advisor; Gonzalez, Jessica, committee member; Harman, Jennifer, committee member
Higher incidence of cancer diagnosis, death, and psychosocial distress are present among traditionally underserved and marginalized populations in the United States. High mortality rates and physical pain are associated with lung cancer and head and neck cancer due to less favorable treatment outcomes and later stage diagnosis that is typical with these types of cancer, and these high rates are observed more often in populations of patients who are identified as underserved. These physical symptoms are coupled with increased psychological distress throughout the course of treatment for underserved cancer patients. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common and often are associated with poorer treatment adherence and outcomes. The current study seeks to validate the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures in a sample of underserved lung cancer and head and neck cancer patients. Data was collected from 92 respondents who were recently diagnosed with lung cancer and/or head and neck cancer and were identified as underserved either by indicating that their household income fell below the Federal poverty line or by indicating that they were uninsured or underinsured. Responses on the PROMIS measures anxiety and depression subscales were correlated with responses on other measures of anxiety and depression in order to establish convergent validity. Predictive validity was determined by exploring the ability of the PROMIS measures to detect the presence of a previously diagnosed mental health concern. PROMIS anxiety and depression responses were analyzed with responses on a measure of quality of life to establish discriminant validity. The results of this study imply that the PROMIS measures are valid and reliable in a sample of underserved lung cancer and head and neck cancer patients. In doing so, the study hopes to increase the ease of understanding the psychological distress experienced by underserved lung cancer and head and neck cancer patients and inform future intervention efforts.
Open Access
A work-life balance training intervention: motivating training transfer
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Cave, Kelly A., author; Fisher, Gwenith G., advisor; Cleary, Anne M., committee member; Kraiger, Kurt, committee member; Rosecrance, John C., committee member
Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the consequences poor work-life balance can have on employees, thus encouraging many to seek solutions to reduce its negative effects. Current initiatives mainly focus on offering alternative work arrangements or improving family-supportive supervisor behaviors. Surprisingly, no studies to date have investigated the effectiveness of individual-level training programs that aim to improve employees' work-life balance skills. Using a two-between one-within design, the present study evaluates the effectiveness of a goal-setting manipulation on training transfer. Results show a significant increase in reported work-life balance between 30 days and 60 days post training. Although no significant effects for self-efficacy and goal-setting are seen, it is worth noting the effect sizes are large. Additionally, post hoc analyses indicate a significant effect of self-efficacy and goal-setting on transfer after controlling for number of children. Finally, post-training attitudes (i.e. intentions to improve work-life balance, motivation to transfer, and affective reactions towards the training) were found to predict transfer. This study contributes to practice by investigating the effectiveness of a work-life balance goal-setting manipulation on training transfer. It also makes an academic contribution by further investigating the mechanisms underlying why training is effective.
Open Access
Abusive supervision and employee perceptions of leaders' implicit followership theories
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2014) Kedharnath, Uma, author; Gibbons, Alyssa Mitchell, advisor; Harman, Jennifer, committee member; Henle, Chris, committee member; Kraiger, Kurt, committee member
In this study, I integrated research on abusive supervision and leaders' implicit followership theories (LIFTs; Sy, 2010). An important proposition of LIFTs theory is that matching between LIFTs and an employee's characteristics should yield the most positive employee outcomes; however, these matching effects in the LIFTs context have not yet been tested. Therefore, I examined the extent to which agreement and disagreement between employees' perceptions of their supervisor's LIFTs and employees' ratings of their own characteristics related to two outcomes - abusive supervision and LMX. Results from two samples of student employees supported the prediction that employee perceptions of supervisor LIFTs and their own characteristics would be associated with lower abusive supervision and higher LMX. In addition, perceived LIFTs and employee characteristics interacted such that employees who reported highly positive supervisor LIFTs and highly positive employee characteristics also reported the least abusive supervision and the highest quality relationships with their supervisor. The greater the discrepancy between employees' supervisor LIFTs ratings and their employee characteristics ratings, the higher the abusive supervision that they reported, supporting the matching hypothesis suggested by LIFTs theory. Finally, the level of discrepancy between employees' supervisor LIFTs ratings and their employee characteristics ratings significantly related to LMX only in one of the two samples, providing partial support for this hypothesis. Overall, this study shows that various combinations of perceived LIFTs and employee characteristics influence employee outcomes in important ways.