Current Search: Neer, Sandra (x)
View All Items
(1 - 19 of 19)
- Title
- PERCEPTION OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN SOCIAL ANXIETY AND GAZE ANXIETY.
- Creator
-
Necaise, Aaron, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explored the relationship between gaze anxiety and the perception of facial expressions. The literature suggests that individuals experiencing Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) might have a fear of making direct eye contact, and that these individuals also demonstrate a hypervigilance towards the eye region. It was thought that this increased anxiety concerning eye contact might be related to the tendency of socially anxious individuals to mislabel emotion in the faces of onlookers. A...
Show moreThis study explored the relationship between gaze anxiety and the perception of facial expressions. The literature suggests that individuals experiencing Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) might have a fear of making direct eye contact, and that these individuals also demonstrate a hypervigilance towards the eye region. It was thought that this increased anxiety concerning eye contact might be related to the tendency of socially anxious individuals to mislabel emotion in the faces of onlookers. A better understanding of the cognitive biases common to SAD could lead to more efficient intervention and assessment methods. In the present study, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory-23 (SPAI-23) were used to measure social anxiety, depression, and overall distress. These forms allowed us to separate participants who reported high socially anxious and depressive traits from those in the normal range. We then compared anxiety concerning mutual eye contact as measured by the Gaze Anxiety Rating Scale (GARS) to performance on a facial recognition task. Performance was measured as recognition accuracy and average perceived intensity of onlooker expression on a scale of 1-5. A linear regression analysis revealed that higher GARS scores were related to higher perceived intensity of emotion by socially anxious individuals. An exploratory correlation analysis also revealed that higher gaze anxiety was related to lower accuracy at identifying neutral emotions and higher accuracy at identifying angry emotions. While past research has demonstrated these same biases by socially anxious individuals, gaze anxiety had not been explored extensively. Future research should investigate gaze anxiety�s role as a moderating variable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000039, ucf:45554
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000039
- Title
- PERCEIVED LOCUS OF CONTROL IN THE CHILDREN OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DEPLOYMENT AND DIVORCE.
- Creator
-
Kanefsky, Rebekah, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was designed to explore the differences between locus of control (LOC) in children from civilian and military families and to investigate whether military deployment is associated with an external locus of control more than other family dynamics. The literature has focused on the negative implications of external LOC for children's mental health and achievement as well as in childhood chronic illness, parental absence, and parental alcoholism. However, prior research regarding this...
Show moreThis study was designed to explore the differences between locus of control (LOC) in children from civilian and military families and to investigate whether military deployment is associated with an external locus of control more than other family dynamics. The literature has focused on the negative implications of external LOC for children's mental health and achievement as well as in childhood chronic illness, parental absence, and parental alcoholism. However, prior research regarding this construct related to children of military families is significantly lacking. In the present study, LOC was measured by the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children, a 40 question scale designed for individuals within the range of 3rd to 12th grade. The 54 participants in this study ranged in age from 7 to 17 and came from either a military family with a deployed parent, a civilian family with two caregivers in the home, or a divorced - separated civilian family. A univariate one-way ANOVA was conducted on the data. It was found that children of deployed military families did not score significantly different for mean locus of control than civilian separated/divorced families, or civilian intact families. A correlation comparing age and LOC scores found no significant relationship. Limitations of this study included a small sample size due to time restrictions, and subsequently reduced statistical power. Future investigations into LOC should continue to explore its relationship with children in military families, as future studies correcting for sampling may obtain significant results. Further research should also probe more deeply into the negative and positive consequences that external and internal attributional tendencies may have for children's development, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004884, ucf:45416
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004884
- Title
- DIFFERENCES IN PARENTIFICATION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN TWO-PARENT MILITARY FAMILIES VERSUS ONE-PARENT MILITARY FAMILIES DUE TO DEPLOYMENT.
- Creator
-
Truhan, Tayler, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in parentification in military families with a deployed parent and without a deployed parent. Previous research has highlighted increased rates of parentification in situations involving parental absence or unavailability, such as divorce, parental illness, parental alcoholism, and domestic violence. This construct was assessed using the Parentification Questionnaire - Youth, a 20 item self-report survey for children and adolescents...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in parentification in military families with a deployed parent and without a deployed parent. Previous research has highlighted increased rates of parentification in situations involving parental absence or unavailability, such as divorce, parental illness, parental alcoholism, and domestic violence. This construct was assessed using the Parentification Questionnaire - Youth, a 20 item self-report survey for children and adolescents. Participants consisted of 22 children, ages 7-17, from military families with a deployed parent and military families without a deployed parent. After removing two statistical outliers from the intact military families group, an independent samples t-test was conducted. It was found that there was a significant difference between military families with a deployed parent and military families without a deployed parent. Military families with a deployed parent had higher rates of parentification than military families without a deployed parent. Limitations include a small sample size due to time constraints, the possible presence of one or both parents during the questionnaire, and lack of control groups. Future research should include a larger sample size, increase the comparison to more family groups (i.e. civilian, divorced, separated by work), and assess possible positive or negative impacts of parentification on military children from families separated by deployment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004568, ucf:45176
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004568
- Title
- Odorants, memory, and presence in warfighters: Do the scents of war matter?.
- Creator
-
Munyan, Benson, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, Joseph, Dana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Exposure therapy (EXP) is a first-line intervention for combat-related PTSD. EXP works by repeatedly exposing the patient to the feared stimuli, situation, or physical sensations in the absence of actual danger until the stimuli no longer evoke maladaptive responses. Over the past decade, multiple technologies have been introduced to augment the EXP process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase patients' sense of presence. Exploratory research...
Show moreBackground: Exposure therapy (EXP) is a first-line intervention for combat-related PTSD. EXP works by repeatedly exposing the patient to the feared stimuli, situation, or physical sensations in the absence of actual danger until the stimuli no longer evoke maladaptive responses. Over the past decade, multiple technologies have been introduced to augment the EXP process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase patients' sense of presence. Exploratory research has only broadly examined the effect of odorants on the patient's sense of presence during simulated exposure tasks. This study hypothesized that those with autobiographical memories similar to the virtual environment (VE) and those who received odorants would report experiencing more presence than experimental controls. Methods: 61 veterans and civilian subjects were randomized and asked to participate in a virtual environment simulating a routine OIF/OEF/OND convoy. The effects of odorants and autobiographical memory on presence were assessed via electrodermal activity, respiration, heart rate variability, and self-report measures. Results: Odorants did not significantly influence presence. A relationship between military experience and presence, HRV, and realism was observed. Conclusion: Odorants did not have a statistically significant effect on presence while engaged in a simulated exposure task, which was inconsistent with previous research. The rationale for these findings and recommendations for future research are made.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007060, ucf:51999
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007060
- Title
- Neurological Reactivity to Personalized Odors and Sounds in Combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
-
Gramlich, Michael, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Bohil, Corey, Batien, Bryan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neurophysiological procedure that offers immense clinical utility due to its cost effectiveness, ease of use, and mobile application. Using fNIRS to measure neurological reactions to personalized trauma-related cues might strengthen diagnostic screening, tailor treatment planning, and improve detection of remission among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Odors elicit strong emotional responses but remain underutilized in...
Show moreFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neurophysiological procedure that offers immense clinical utility due to its cost effectiveness, ease of use, and mobile application. Using fNIRS to measure neurological reactions to personalized trauma-related cues might strengthen diagnostic screening, tailor treatment planning, and improve detection of remission among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Odors elicit strong emotional responses but remain underutilized in clinical research. This fNIRS study examined whether personalizing combat-related odors and sounds to have a higher or lower match to distressing combat experiences increased the observed neurological effect among combat veterans with and without combat-related PTSD. This study gathered data from 58 male, right-handed combat veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan, ages 26 to 68, recruited from the community. The results indicated a significant increase in activation at the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) following an interaction between higher PTSD severity and higher match ratings for the combat-related odors (R2 = .20, p = .003; f2 = .25). Furthermore, the left VLPFC showed a significant increase in activation following an interaction between having a PTSD diagnosis and higher match ratings for the combat-related odors (R2 = .25, p = .005; f2 = .33). The findings for the combat-related sounds were less clear. The left VLPFC is associated with facilitating regulation of memory and emotional processes. Overall, the presentation of odors with higher similarity to distressing combat experiences altered the neurological response of the prefrontal cortex and may contribute to better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of combat-related PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007809, ucf:52357
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007809
- Title
- A Randomized Control Trial of Video Modeling for enacting skill change in a group of Master's level trainee clinicians.
- Creator
-
Matsumiya, Brandon, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The (")research-to-practice(") gap is a problem that the field of medicine faces regarding disseminating findings from research into the field of practice. The traditional methods of disseminating best practices, using workshops and manuals, has been found to be ineffective. Several more active learning strategies, such as the use of behavioral models and behavioral rehearsals have been suggested as possible alternatives that may increase transfer of knowledge after a training. Additionally,...
Show moreThe (")research-to-practice(") gap is a problem that the field of medicine faces regarding disseminating findings from research into the field of practice. The traditional methods of disseminating best practices, using workshops and manuals, has been found to be ineffective. Several more active learning strategies, such as the use of behavioral models and behavioral rehearsals have been suggested as possible alternatives that may increase transfer of knowledge after a training. Additionally, web-based trainings have been suggested as another possible avenue for increasing dissemination of evidence-based practices. This is particularly important for evidence-based treatments such as Exposure Therapy for PTSD which suffers a (")public relations problem(") in the field of mental health.This study examined the utility of using a video model to disseminate the skill of fear hierarchy construction for patients with PTSD. Analyses were conducted using a moderated mediation model looking at how video modeling or script condition moderate the relationship between condition and change in self-efficacy, and if this change mediates the relationship between condition and change in fear hierarchy skill. Self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward exposure therapy were increased, however, there was no connection between treatment condition and change in skill. The study's findings suggest that short online trainings may be effective at reducing negative attitudes toward EBTs, and at increasing self-efficacy for a related skill of fear hierarchy construction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007679, ucf:52490
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007679
- Title
- The Examination of a Mobile Application for the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Related Symptoms in Emergency Dispatchers.
- Creator
-
Willis, Emy, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency...
Show moreEmergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency dispatchers completed self-report psychological mood assessments at baseline, weekly for five weeks during PTSD Coach use and post-treatment. Participant report of psychological symptoms showed statistically significant decreases in mood severity over the period of one month.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007556, ucf:52595
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007556
- Title
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or Combat Experience? A Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Study of Trauma-related Auditory and Olfactory Cues.
- Creator
-
Gramlich, Michael, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While the clinical communities are aware of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among OEF/OIF/OND veterans, further efforts are necessary to bolster comprehensive strategies for assessment and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a combat-related PTSD symptom provocation paradigm would elicit unique neurological responses via functional near-infrared spectroscopy across three groups (-) combat veterans with PTSD, combat veterans without PTSD, and...
Show moreWhile the clinical communities are aware of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among OEF/OIF/OND veterans, further efforts are necessary to bolster comprehensive strategies for assessment and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a combat-related PTSD symptom provocation paradigm would elicit unique neurological responses via functional near-infrared spectroscopy across three groups (-) combat veterans with PTSD, combat veterans without PTSD, and nonmilitary participants without PTSD. Results indicated that combat veterans with PTSD demonstrated significant activation during exposure to a trauma-related sound compared to nonmilitary personnel at channels 14 (d = 1.03) and 15 (d = 1.30) and combat veterans without PTSD at channel 14 (d = 0.87). Specifically, this increased neural activation was approximately located in the right superior/medial prefrontal cortex (BA 9/10), associated with evaluating cue-familiarity and emotional detachment. Results were less clear with respect to a combat-related odor. These results suggest a specific neurophysiological response to trauma-related cues and if replicated, may offer a biomarker for combat-related PTSD. Such a response could provide incremental validity over diagnostic assessments alone and assist in planning and monitoring of treatment outcome.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006596, ucf:51297
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006596
- Title
- Do Olfactory Stimuli Increase Presence During Exposure Tasks: A Comparative Study.
- Creator
-
Munyan, Benson, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Exposure therapy (ET) is an extensively studied and supported treatment for anxiety and trauma-related disorders. ET works by exposing the patient to the feared object or situation without any danger in order to overcome the related anxiety. Over the past few years, various technologies including head-mounted displays (HMDs), scent machines, and headphones have been used to augment the exposure therapy process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase the...
Show moreExposure therapy (ET) is an extensively studied and supported treatment for anxiety and trauma-related disorders. ET works by exposing the patient to the feared object or situation without any danger in order to overcome the related anxiety. Over the past few years, various technologies including head-mounted displays (HMDs), scent machines, and headphones have been used to augment the exposure therapy process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase the patient's sense of presence. While studies have shown that scents can elicit emotionally charged memories, no prior research could be identified that examined the effect of olfactory stimuli upon the patient's sense of presence during exposure tasks. In this study, the effect of olfactory stimuli on subject's sense of presence was assessed via psychophysiological response (electrodermal activity), visual scanning, and self-report measures. Linear Mixed Modeling showed relationships between olfactory stimuli and presence ratings as well as self-reported anxiety levels, but not visual scanning or physiological arousal. Recommendations were made for continued research in the union of olfactory stimuli, presence, and exposure therapy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005850, ucf:50931
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005850
- Title
- The Effect of Traumatic Brain Injury on Exposure Therapy in Veterans with Combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
-
Ragsdale, Kathleen, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn are presenting for treatment with high rates of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), spurring a need for clinical research on optimal treatment strategies. While exposure therapy has long been supported as an efficacious treatment for combat-related PTSD, some clinicians are hesitant to utilize this treatment for veterans with TBI history due to presumed...
Show moreVeterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn are presenting for treatment with high rates of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), spurring a need for clinical research on optimal treatment strategies. While exposure therapy has long been supported as an efficacious treatment for combat-related PTSD, some clinicians are hesitant to utilize this treatment for veterans with TBI history due to presumed cognitive deficits that may preclude successful engagement. The purpose of this study was to compare exposure therapy process variables in veterans with PTSD only and veterans with PTSD+TBI. Results suggest that individuals with PTSD+TBI engage successfully in exposure therapy, and do so no differently than individuals with PTSD only. Additional analyses indicated that regardless of TBI status, more severe PTSD was related to longer sessions, more sessions, and slower extinction rate during imaginal exposure. Finally, in a subset of participants, self-report of executive dysfunction did not impact exposure therapy process variables. Overall, findings indicate that exposure therapy should be the first-line treatment for combat-related PTSD regardless of presence of TBI history.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005868, ucf:50894
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005868
- Title
- Role of Sleep in Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in OIF/OEF Combat Veterans.
- Creator
-
Mesa, Franklin, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Exposure therapy is theorized to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology by promoting habituation/extinction of fear responses to trauma-related cues. Empirical evidence indicates that emotional memory, including habituation/extinction learning, is enhanced by sleep. However, service members with combat-related PTSD often report disturbed sleep. In this study, quality of sleep and indicators of extinction learning were examined in veterans of recent wars who had completed...
Show moreExposure therapy is theorized to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology by promoting habituation/extinction of fear responses to trauma-related cues. Empirical evidence indicates that emotional memory, including habituation/extinction learning, is enhanced by sleep. However, service members with combat-related PTSD often report disturbed sleep. In this study, quality of sleep and indicators of extinction learning were examined in veterans of recent wars who had completed an exposure-based PTSD intervention. Fifty-five participants were categorized into two groups based on self-reported quality of sleep: low sleep disruption severity (LSDS; N = 29) and high sleep disruption severity (HSDS; N = 26). Participants in the LSDS group exhibited faster habituation to their traumatic memories and reported less PTSD symptomatology during and following treatment relative to participants in the HSDS group. These findings indicate that individuals with combat-related PTSD reporting less disturbed sleep experience greater extinction learning during exposure therapy. Thus, incorporating interventions that target PTSD-related sleep disturbances may be one way to maximize exposure therapy outcomes in service members with PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006355, ucf:51520
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006355
- Title
- Optimizing Strategies for In Vivo Exposure in the Traditional Clinical Setting.
- Creator
-
Owens, Maryann, Beidel, Deborah, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the ability of a pre-recorded videoconferencing (VC) audience to elicit the physiological and subjective arousal associated with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) when giving a formal presentation. This study had three objectives: (a) to determine whether speaking to the VC audience elicited significant increases in physiological response (e.g., heart rate and electrodermal activity) and subjective distress over baseline resting conditions (b) to determine whether the VC task...
Show moreThis study examined the ability of a pre-recorded videoconferencing (VC) audience to elicit the physiological and subjective arousal associated with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) when giving a formal presentation. This study had three objectives: (a) to determine whether speaking to the VC audience elicited significant increases in physiological response (e.g., heart rate and electrodermal activity) and subjective distress over baseline resting conditions (b) to determine whether the VC task more closely replicates the physiological and subjective experience of giving a speech to a comparable real-life audience than levels elicited by a Virtual Reality (VR) environment and (c) to determine whether the VC task elicited higher levels of presence and fear of negative evaluation than the VR task, more closely replicating levels elicited by an in vivo speech. All participants gave an impromptu speech under three conditions: in vivo, VC, and VR audience while measures of physiological arousal, self-reported distress, and presence were obtained. Results demonstrated that the VC task elicited significantly greater increases in heart rate, electrodermal activity, and self-reported distress than the VR task and VC responses were not significantly different from in vivo. In addition, participants reported levels of immersion and fear of negative evaluation during the VC task that were significantly greater than during the VR task, and did not differ significantly from in vivo. Clinical implications of these findings including cost effectiveness and the role of VC in the treatment of SAD are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006367, ucf:51513
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006367
- Title
- Health Behaviors in Military Veterans with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
-
Kitsmiller, Emily, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A link between posttraumatic stress disorder and health behaviors, such as exercise, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine has been suggested. However, it is unknown whether veterans with combat-related PTSD differ from combat veterans without PTSD and whether health behaviors change over the course of exposure therapy for PTSD or differ based on PTSD severity. This study examined the relationship between health behaviors and PTSD. More specifically, combat veterans with and without PTSD were...
Show moreA link between posttraumatic stress disorder and health behaviors, such as exercise, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine has been suggested. However, it is unknown whether veterans with combat-related PTSD differ from combat veterans without PTSD and whether health behaviors change over the course of exposure therapy for PTSD or differ based on PTSD severity. This study examined the relationship between health behaviors and PTSD. More specifically, combat veterans with and without PTSD were compared across self-reported levels of alcohol use, smoking, exercise, and caffeine. Health behaviors of combat veterans with PTSD were compared before and after a 17-week treatment for PTSD. Results showed a significant number of participants decreased alcohol use at post-treatment by an average of eight drinks over 30 days, regardless of their PTSD severity level or amount of improvement in PTSD symptoms. No significant differences were found for other health behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006891, ucf:51711
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006891
- Title
- Using Exposure Therapy to Treat People Who Stutter: A Multiple Baseline Design.
- Creator
-
Scheurich, Jennifer, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Vanryckeghem, Martine, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition, and it is estimated that approximately half of adults who stutter have SAD. Thus, there is a need for the assessment and treatment of SAD in this population. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in decreasing anxiety symptoms among adults who stutter and have SAD, but exposure, the key ingredient for successful CBT for SAD, has been understudied and underemphasized. The aims of this study were to develop an exposure...
Show moreSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition, and it is estimated that approximately half of adults who stutter have SAD. Thus, there is a need for the assessment and treatment of SAD in this population. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in decreasing anxiety symptoms among adults who stutter and have SAD, but exposure, the key ingredient for successful CBT for SAD, has been understudied and underemphasized. The aims of this study were to develop an exposure therapy protocol specifically for people who stutter and have SAD and to evaluate its efficacy for reducing anxiety and stuttering severity. Utilizing a multiple baseline design, six participants were randomized to receive zero, two, or four sessions of progressive muscle relaxation therapy. This served to establish the staggered start and to account for the common factors of therapy. All participants received ten sessions of exposure therapy. Participants recorded daily social anxiety levels, and anxiety and stuttering severity were assessed at major assessment points. All participants demonstrated substantial reductions in social anxiety and substantial improvements in the affective, behavioral, and cognitive experiences of stuttering following exposure therapy. No reliable change was observed for stuttering frequency. Results suggest that exposure therapy may be useful for people who stutter and have SAD, but will not necessarily influence their speech fluency. These findings underscore the importance of the assessment and treatment of SAD among adults who stutter and suggest that the integration of care between psychologists and speech-language pathologists may prove beneficial for this population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006914, ucf:51702
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006914
- Title
- Sleep Disturbances Among Combat Military Veterans: A Comparative Study.
- Creator
-
Stout, Jeremy, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The sleep characteristics of 37 military combat veterans (17 with PTSD and 20 without PTSD) of recent wars were analyzed to determine if combat deployment, with its resultant wartime sleep restriction, may be an alternative explanation for the sleep duration complaints found among combat veterans with PTSD (as determined by PCL-M scores). Participants completed sleep actigraphy and a self-report measure of sleep duration over a 1-week period. Although strongly correlated, a comparison of...
Show moreThe sleep characteristics of 37 military combat veterans (17 with PTSD and 20 without PTSD) of recent wars were analyzed to determine if combat deployment, with its resultant wartime sleep restriction, may be an alternative explanation for the sleep duration complaints found among combat veterans with PTSD (as determined by PCL-M scores). Participants completed sleep actigraphy and a self-report measure of sleep duration over a 1-week period. Although strongly correlated, a comparison of subjective (e.g., self-report) and objective (e.g., actigraphy) sleep duration revealed a significant difference in sleep duration based on method of assessment. With respect to group differences, actigraphy data did not reveal a significant difference in sleep duration based on the presence of PTSD, whereas there was a significant difference based on self-report. Veterans without PTSD self- reported a significantly longer sleep duration than what was recorded by actigraphy; a difference of one hour and 11 minutes (p = 0.000); the difference was one hour and nine minutes. In an effort to determine why veterans without PTSD perceived that they slept longer than they actually did, factors related to sleep quality were examined. The results indicated that measures of hyper arousal (anger, anxiety, nightmares) were significantly correlated with sleep duration, suggesting a pattern of autonomic arousal that is known to interfere with restful sleep. Further research is necessary to determine if the sleep of veteran with PTSD is actually different from that of combat veterans without PTSD, and if such differences are actually amenable to treatment for PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006232, ucf:51055
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006232
- Title
- Psychopathology and Functional Impairment in Adolescents with Social Anxiety Disorder.
- Creator
-
Mesa, Franklin, Beidel, Deborah, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Although social anxiety disorder is most often diagnosed during adolescence, few investigations have examined the clinical presentation of this disorder exclusively in adolescents. Prior studies have demonstrated that some clinical features of SAD in adolescents are unique relative to younger children with the condition. Furthermore, the extant literature on daily functional impairment in this population is limited. In this investigation, multiple areas of functioning were examined in...
Show moreAlthough social anxiety disorder is most often diagnosed during adolescence, few investigations have examined the clinical presentation of this disorder exclusively in adolescents. Prior studies have demonstrated that some clinical features of SAD in adolescents are unique relative to younger children with the condition. Furthermore, the extant literature on daily functional impairment in this population is limited. In this investigation, multiple areas of functioning were examined in adolescents with SAD (n = 16) and normal control adolescents (n = 14): specific social skills, subjective distress and physiological reactivity during one speech performance task and one social interaction task; alcohol use and expectancies; subjective and objective quality of sleep; and daily distressing social activities. No differences were observed in sleep actigraphy, self-reported sleep difficulties, alcohol use, or alcohol expectancies. Adolescents with SAD reported greater distress during both analogue tasks relative to NC adolescents. During the speech task, adolescents with SAD exhibited significantly greater speech latency (4.42 seconds vs. 1.75 seconds) and spoke significantly less (83.09 seconds vs. 167.75 seconds) than NC adolescents. Additionally, SAD participants manifested greater skin conductance during the speech task. During the social interaction, adolescents with SAD asked significantly fewer questions (2.20 vs. 7.07) and required significantly more confederate prompts (2.33 vs. 1.14) to stimulate interaction. Finally, adolescents with SAD reported more frequent anxiety-provoking situations in their daily lives and greater avoidance of these situations, including answering questions in class, assertive communication, and interacting with a group. The findings are discussed with respect to the current understanding of alcohol use, quality of sleep, and social functioning in adolescents with SAD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004891, ucf:49648
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004891
- Title
- Using Technology in the Treatment of Selective Mutism: The Incorporation of Mobile Applications.
- Creator
-
Bunnell, Brian, Beidel, Deborah, Rapport, Mark, Neer, Sandra, Hundley, Gulnora, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Selective mutism (SM) is a diagnosis marked by withdrawal of speech in certain social situations. The treatment of SM is often a difficult and lengthy process and there are many barriers to successful intervention. Behavioral therapy is most effective in the treatment of SM and the addition of therapeutic activities such as games and mobile devices may provide distinct advantages to this treatment (i.e., decreased patient anxiety levels and more active engagement). The current investigation...
Show moreSelective mutism (SM) is a diagnosis marked by withdrawal of speech in certain social situations. The treatment of SM is often a difficult and lengthy process and there are many barriers to successful intervention. Behavioral therapy is most effective in the treatment of SM and the addition of therapeutic activities such as games and mobile devices may provide distinct advantages to this treatment (i.e., decreased patient anxiety levels and more active engagement). The current investigation examined the utility of mobile applications during the behavioral treatment of SM as well as the effect of using mobile applications on child-reported and physiological indicators of anxious responding. Results indicated that children made remarkable treatment gains in just two treatment sessions (i.e., spoke to the clinician within 22 minutes of treatment and held five, five-minute conversations with additional adults during a second session) regardless of modality of delivery (using mobile applications, other activities, or reinforcement alone). Children shaped to speak with the inclusion of mobile applications reported less anxiety and exhibited decreased physiological anxious distress during treatment. The utility of mobile applications during the treatment of SM is discussed in addition to areas for future research (e.g., mobile-based treatment dissemination initiatives).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005767, ucf:50087
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005767
- Title
- How is she managing? Examination of a woman's emotion regulation strategy in the relationship between anxiety, depression, and prenatal attachment.
- Creator
-
Cunningham, Annelise, Alexander, Kristi, Neer, Sandra, Sims, Valerie, James, Shari-Ann, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Pregnancy is often perceived as a time of positivity, joy, and happiness in anticipation of the birth of a child (La Marca-Ghaemmaghami (&) Ehlert, 2015). At the same time, pregnancy requires adaptation to physiological, social, psychological, and socioeconomic changes (La Marca-Ghaemmaghami (&) Ehlert, 2015). Such adjustments can evoke emotional distress for expectant women (Guardino (&) Schetter, 2014). Despite the stressful nature, pregnancy at the same time calls for the expectant mother...
Show morePregnancy is often perceived as a time of positivity, joy, and happiness in anticipation of the birth of a child (La Marca-Ghaemmaghami (&) Ehlert, 2015). At the same time, pregnancy requires adaptation to physiological, social, psychological, and socioeconomic changes (La Marca-Ghaemmaghami (&) Ehlert, 2015). Such adjustments can evoke emotional distress for expectant women (Guardino (&) Schetter, 2014). Despite the stressful nature, pregnancy at the same time calls for the expectant mother to be cognizant of her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors for the well-being of the fetus (Lindgren, 2001). Prenatal attachment is a construct based on women's cognitive representations of their fetus that manifests in behaviors that reflect care and commitment (Salisbury, Law, (&) LaGasse, 2003). How a woman regulates her emotions during pregnancy is largely understudied, further how she regulates in order to engage in behaviors beneficial to her unborn baby are unknown. Some individuals attempt to alter their emotional experience by suppressing their expression, while others reappraise the context to alter their experienced emotion (Gross, 1998. 2003, 2015). Considering the potential impact emotional regulation strategies can have on resulting physiological, behavioral, and experiential systems, the present study sought to evaluate the role of a woman's emotion regulation strategy (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) on the relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression, and prenatal attachment. It was expected that reported anxiety and depression would be correlated significantly and negatively with prenatal attachment, maternal emotion regulation strategies would be correlated significantly with prenatal attachment, and women's emotion regulation strategy would moderate the relationships among anxiety, depression, and prenatal attachment. Participants consisted of expectant women in their second-third trimester. Bivariate correlations showed no significant correlations among women's anxiety, depression, and prenatal attachment. Further, no significant correlations were found among women's emotion regulation strategies and prenatal attachment. Significant correlations were found among women's anxiety, depression, and expressive suppression scores. The finding suggests assessment of the use of suppression as a regulation strategy during pregnancy may be of clinical usefulness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007796, ucf:52356
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007796
- Title
- Does Virtual Reality Elicit Physiological Arousal in Social Anxiety Disorder.
- Creator
-
Owens, Maryann, Beidel, Deborah, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The present study examined the ability of a Virtual Reality (VR) public speaking task to elicit physiological arousal in adults with SAD (n=25) and Controls (n=25). A behavioral assessment paradigm was employed to address three study objectives: (a) to determine whether the VR task can elicit significant increases in physiological response over baseline resting conditions (b) to determine if individuals with SAD have a greater increase from baseline levels of physiological and self-reported...
Show moreThe present study examined the ability of a Virtual Reality (VR) public speaking task to elicit physiological arousal in adults with SAD (n=25) and Controls (n=25). A behavioral assessment paradigm was employed to address three study objectives: (a) to determine whether the VR task can elicit significant increases in physiological response over baseline resting conditions (b) to determine if individuals with SAD have a greater increase from baseline levels of physiological and self-reported arousal during the in vivo speech task as opposed to the VR speech task and (c) to determine whether individuals with SAD experience greater changes in physiological and self-reported arousal during each speech task compared to controls. Results demonstrated that the VR task was able to elicit significant increases in heart rate, skin conductance, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, but did not elicit as much physiological or self-reported arousal as the in vivo speech task. In addition, no differences were found between groups. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004906, ucf:49624
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004906
