View All Items

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARENT AND CHILD SELF-TALK IN A COLLEGE SAMPLE.
Creator: Donnelly, Reesa, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research has demonstrated the importance of early social interactions in the development of self-talk. It does not appear, however, that existing research has examined the relationship between parents' self-talk and the self-talk that develops in their children. This study examined the relationship between self-talk in parents and their college-age children. Results revealed significant relationships between students' and parents' positive self-talk, but not negative self-talk. Marginal...
Show moreResearch has demonstrated the importance of early social interactions in the development of self-talk. It does not appear, however, that existing research has examined the relationship between parents' self-talk and the self-talk that develops in their children. This study examined the relationship between self-talk in parents and their college-age children. Results revealed significant relationships between students' and parents' positive self-talk, but not negative self-talk. Marginal relationships were found for self-talk ratios (ratios of positive and negative self-talk). Maternal communication was found to mediate the relationship between students' and their mothers' positive self-talk. Different trends also were noted between genders. Finally, self-talk was related significantly to depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Overall, results of this study emphasize the relationship between parents' and their children's positive self-talk and the importance of self-talk in psychological functioning. These findings lend promise to the possibility of modifying parents' self-talk and communication as a way to modify their children's self-talk and psychological functioning.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000414, ucf:46401
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000414

Title: MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS: THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PARENTAL DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS, AND CONCORDANCE AMONG RATERS.
Creator: Roddenberry, Angela, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Advancements made in the treatment of the physiological aspects of childhood cancer have resulted in a greater need to conceptualize the disease psychologically as a chronic illness that causes significant stress and requires ongoing adjustment. This study investigates the relationships among parental characteristics, child characteristics, and the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer. Forty-seven mothers and sixteen fathers, as well as nineteen children diagnosed with cancer,...
Show moreAdvancements made in the treatment of the physiological aspects of childhood cancer have resulted in a greater need to conceptualize the disease psychologically as a chronic illness that causes significant stress and requires ongoing adjustment. This study investigates the relationships among parental characteristics, child characteristics, and the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer. Forty-seven mothers and sixteen fathers, as well as nineteen children diagnosed with cancer, completed measures of their own psychological functioning. Measures of the diagnosed children's quality of life also were completed. Mothers' ratings of their children's quality of life were found to be correlated positively with both fathers' and children's ratings. In addition, a significant relationship was found between mothers' depression and parenting stress and children's quality of life, as well as mothers' and fathers' anxiety and children's quality of life. Finally, mothers', fathers', and children's ratings of their own characteristics predicted significantly their ratings of children's quality of life. Overall, these results suggested the importance of examining the psychological characteristics of family members when assessing the quality of life of children with cancer.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000415, ucf:46380
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000415

Title: LOCUS OF CONTROL AND SELF-EFFICACY: POTENTIAL MEDIATORS OF STRESS, ILLNESS, AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Roddenberry, Angela, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Stress has been linked to increased illness in several biologically based studies. In contrast, only a limited number of studies have assessed psychological variables related to stress, with self-efficacy and locus of control serving as potentially important variables. Thus, the current study investigated the mediating effects of self-efficacy and locus of control in the relationship between stress, psychological and physical symptoms, and the utilization of health services in college...
Show moreStress has been linked to increased illness in several biologically based studies. In contrast, only a limited number of studies have assessed psychological variables related to stress, with self-efficacy and locus of control serving as potentially important variables. Thus, the current study investigated the mediating effects of self-efficacy and locus of control in the relationship between stress, psychological and physical symptoms, and the utilization of health services in college students. Results suggested that stress was correlated positively with symptoms. External locus of control was correlated positively with stress and symptoms, and self-efficacy was correlated negatively with stress and symptoms. Further, structural equation modeling was used to test two separate models. The first model examined the relationships between stress and symptoms and between symptoms and utilization of health services. Although the path coefficients suggested that there were direct relationships, the data did not adequately fit this model. The second model examined the potential mediational effects of locus of control and self-efficacy on the relationship between stress and symptoms. The path coefficients for the second model were consistent with a mediation effect for locus of control in the relationship between stress and symptoms; however, when this model was tested for full mediation, the data did not fit the model. These results highlight the importance of having future studies examine and identify potential mediators of the stress and illness link. Implications for reducing health care costs and promoting better mental and physical health are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001831, ucf:47337
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001831

Title: PARENTAL ATTRIBUTIONS AND DISCIPLINE OF CHILD BEHAVIOR.
Creator: Oliveros, Arazais, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Extant empirical evidence suggests that multiple risk and protective factors implicated in children's development of behavior problems are intertwined. This study, therefore, investigated the relationships among parental depression and anger, attributions of control, discipline, parent-child relationship variables, and children's behavior problems. Results were based on the responses of parents (55 mothers and 13 fathers) with children in Head Start and parents (52 mothers and 4 fathers) with...
Show moreExtant empirical evidence suggests that multiple risk and protective factors implicated in children's development of behavior problems are intertwined. This study, therefore, investigated the relationships among parental depression and anger, attributions of control, discipline, parent-child relationship variables, and children's behavior problems. Results were based on the responses of parents (55 mothers and 13 fathers) with children in Head Start and parents (52 mothers and 4 fathers) with children in Private School settings. All parents had children who ranged in age from 3- to 8-years. Compared to Private School parents, Head Start parents had lower levels of nonviolent discipline, involvement, and autonomy granting and endorsed greater internalizing behavior problems in their children. Significant correlations were found among parent-child relationship characteristics, parental discipline practices, and child behavior problems in both samples. Regression analyses suggested that Private School parents' use of psychological aggression and autonomy granting interact in the prediction of children's internalizing behavior problems. Although Head Start parents' higher attributions of child control for failure predicted lower levels of nonviolent discipline, and Private School parents' use of psychological aggression predicted greater levels of children's externalizing behavior problems, there was no evidence of parental discipline mediating the relationship between parental attributions and children's behavior problems. These findings emphasize the importance of research involving disadvantaged and nondisadvantaged community samples in order to provide a context for understanding how parental discipline and children's behavior problems are related to parent traits and parent-child relationship characteristics.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000529, ucf:46449
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000529

Title: COLLEGE STUDENTS' WELL BEING: THE ROLE OF PARENT-COLLEGE STUDENT EXPECTATION DISCREPANCIES AND COMMUNICATION.
Creator: Agliata, Allison, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Parental influence on college students' well being is underestimated frequently in the developmental literature. College students often set social and academic goals according to their perception of what their parents expect from them. The discrepancy between college students' performance and their perceptions of parents' expectations can impact their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine various parent-college student expectation discrepancies and communication levels as...
Show moreParental influence on college students' well being is underestimated frequently in the developmental literature. College students often set social and academic goals according to their perception of what their parents expect from them. The discrepancy between college students' performance and their perceptions of parents' expectations can impact their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine various parent-college student expectation discrepancies and communication levels as predictors for college students' psychological well being. Results revealed that college students reported experiencing higher levels of anger, depression, and anxiety and lower levels of self-esteem and college adjustment when higher expectation-performance discrepancies were present. Results also indicated that a higher perceived level of communication, particularly by the college student, served as a predictor of distress and was related to lower levels of affective distress and higher levels of self-esteem and college adjustment. Such findings underscore the importance of teaching assertive communication skills to college students and their parents as a means of diminishing the deleterious effects of perceiving one another inaccurately.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000556, ucf:46424
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000556

Title: A HOLISTIC MODEL OF THE INTERPLAY OF PARENT-ADOLESCENT INTERACTION VARIABLES: OUTCOMES AS A RESULT OF CONFLICTUAL PROCESSES.
Creator: McKinney, Cliff Blake, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many variables have been analyzed in order to understand parent-adolescent interactions and outcomes for adolescents. These variables must be integrated into a model that demonstrates the holistic interplay of parent-adolescent interaction variables so that a more comprehensive understanding of parent-adolescent interactions is achieved. Variables included in the model proposed here were parenting, family environment, expectations, conflict, and outcomes. Parenting, family environment, and...
Show moreMany variables have been analyzed in order to understand parent-adolescent interactions and outcomes for adolescents. These variables must be integrated into a model that demonstrates the holistic interplay of parent-adolescent interaction variables so that a more comprehensive understanding of parent-adolescent interactions is achieved. Variables included in the model proposed here were parenting, family environment, expectations, conflict, and outcomes. Parenting, family environment, and conflict were associated with outcomes for adolescents. When the variables were analyzed simultaneously with structural equation modeling, however, the relationship of parenting and adolescent outcomes was mediated wholly for male-father, male-mother, and female-father relationships but remained significant for female-mother relationships. Overall, the holistic interplay of parent-adolescent interaction variables and the need to examine parent-adolescent dyads individually were demonstrated.
Show less
Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000006, ucf:46144
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000006

Title: ACCULTURATION, SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE, AND ADJUSTMENT OF EARLY ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Klein, Jenny, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A majority of research regarding disruptive behavior disorders in youth has focused primarily upon Caucasian children and adolescents. As a result, more investigation of the unique characteristics of youth from ethnically diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Hispanic American and African American backgrounds, is needed (Balls Organista, Organista, & Kurasaki, 2003). This study investigated the relationships between several characteristics (e.g., ethnic identity, socioeconomic status,...
Show moreA majority of research regarding disruptive behavior disorders in youth has focused primarily upon Caucasian children and adolescents. As a result, more investigation of the unique characteristics of youth from ethnically diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Hispanic American and African American backgrounds, is needed (Balls Organista, Organista, & Kurasaki, 2003). This study investigated the relationships between several characteristics (e.g., ethnic identity, socioeconomic status, social acceptance, and emotional and behavioral symptoms) of early adolescents belonging to diverse ethnic groups. Results suggested that socioeconomic status and degree of early adolescents' social acceptance were important factors in predicting the development of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in this age group. Additionally, perceived social acceptance moderated significantly the relationships between SES and depression, anxiety, and self-concept. Considering these results, useful treatments may be developed that enhance early adolescents' abilities to assess realistically their own social skills and interact appropriately within different social spheres. Increased self-appraisals of acceptance within social situations may modify negative effects (e.g., higher reports of anxiety and depression) of extreme socioeconomic circumstances, particularly for early adolescents experiencing low-income or poverty conditions within their family and/or their community.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000889, ucf:46632
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000889

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARENTS' WORK STRESS AND CHILD FUNCTIONING IN THE CONTEXT OF SPILLOVER EFFECTS, MARITAL AND PARENTING STRESS, AND PARENTS' PERCEPTIONS.
Creator: Hare, Megan, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Given that working is something parents cannot avoid in our society, understanding the ramifications that work stress can have is an important tool in today's society. This study sought to investigate the impact of parents' work stress on young children in the context of work-family spillover, parenting stress, marital stress, and perceptions of parenting. As part of this study, 106 working parents of children who ranged in age from 1- to 5-years rated their stress levels across multiple...
Show moreGiven that working is something parents cannot avoid in our society, understanding the ramifications that work stress can have is an important tool in today's society. This study sought to investigate the impact of parents' work stress on young children in the context of work-family spillover, parenting stress, marital stress, and perceptions of parenting. As part of this study, 106 working parents of children who ranged in age from 1- to 5-years rated their stress levels across multiple domains (i.e., work, marriage, and parenting), their perceived parenting behaviors, and their young child's emotional and behavioral functioning. Correlational results of this study supported the hypothesis that these variables would be related significantly to young children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Further, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that a single variable did not predict significantly young children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors but that a combination of work stress, work-family spillover, parenting stress, marital stress, and perceptions of parenting were important in accounting for variance. The results of this study emphasized the importance of studying the selected variables collectively so that employers can evaluate current workplace policies and resources to help minimize work stress and work-family spillover.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004645, ucf:45308
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004645

Title: THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE.
Creator: Merkley, Melissa J, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101 women) who completed five questionnaires assessing exposure to ACEs; psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance misuse behaviors. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations among the variables of interest. Exposure to ACEs was a significant predictor of substance misuse behaviors in both men and women. Additionally, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of men's substance misuse behaviors, whereas only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of women's substance misuse behaviors. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD each contributed unique and significant variance to the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors in men, consistent with partial mediations. A different pattern of prediction was evident for women. Such findings suggested that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD may serve as a risk factor for substance misuse behaviors in men later in life, especially when they have had a history of ACEs. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed mental health care to remediate negative substance outcomes, particularly in those who have had significant ACEs. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000557, ucf:45609
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000557

Title: PERCEIVED STRESS, ADJUSTMENT, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONING, AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG COLLEGE FRESHMAN AND THE ROLE OF PARENTAL SUPPORT.
Creator: Prentice, Sarah, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This current study examined the relationships among Freshmen students' contact with their parents, stress, adjustment, emotional and behavioral functioning, and self-esteem. As part of this study, 121 ethnically diverse college Freshmen completed measures assessing the aforementioned variables. Analyses of variance suggested that college Freshmen varied in their ratings of these variables based on their gender and living situation(i.e., whether they lived on campus, in the community, or in...
Show moreThis current study examined the relationships among Freshmen students' contact with their parents, stress, adjustment, emotional and behavioral functioning, and self-esteem. As part of this study, 121 ethnically diverse college Freshmen completed measures assessing the aforementioned variables. Analyses of variance suggested that college Freshmen varied in their ratings of these variables based on their gender and living situation(i.e., whether they lived on campus, in the community, or in their parents' home). Correlational analyses suggested that there were significant relationships among parental involvement and college students' stress, adjustment, emotional and behavioral problems, and self-esteem. Hierarchical regression analyses suggested that gender, living situation, parental support, and perceived stress were valuable predictors of college students' outcomes. This information will serve to provide insight into mechanisms by which parents can help foster more positive outcomes for their college students.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004441, ucf:45113
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004441

Title: THE EFFECT OF BULLYING AND THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ATTACHMENT AND HUMANITY-ESTEEM ON SELF-ESTEEM AND BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES.
Creator: Bater, Lovina, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Any type of bullying can become a traumatic event for a child, leading to lasting negative effects. Specifically, victimization may lead to numerous behavioral problems and lowered self-esteem. Also, the quality of attachment may have a predictive relationship with the victimization and the negative outcomes it may cause. Other research implied that a similar relationship may be found between retrospective bullying and humanity-esteem. Despite the collective research done on these variables,...
Show moreAny type of bullying can become a traumatic event for a child, leading to lasting negative effects. Specifically, victimization may lead to numerous behavioral problems and lowered self-esteem. Also, the quality of attachment may have a predictive relationship with the victimization and the negative outcomes it may cause. Other research implied that a similar relationship may be found between retrospective bullying and humanity-esteem. Despite the collective research done on these variables, no study, until now, has looked at retrospective bullying, humanity-esteem, attachment, behavior problems, and self-esteem all together. This study not only looked at the relationships among these variables but also the role that humanity-esteem and attachment served between victimization, later behavior problems, and later self-esteem. One hundred thirty-six participants completed five questionnaires assessing experiences of retrospective bullying, humanity-esteem, current attachment relationships, behavior problems, and self-esteem. The results of this study indicated that participants who reported having been bullied previously also endorsed internalizing and externalizing problems as well as low self-esteem. Further, humanity-esteem and attachment both served as significant predictors of victimized individuals' behavioral problems and self-esteem. Such findings suggested that a higher view of humanity and secure attachment may serve as a protective factor against the negative outcomes that may be related to having been bullied. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004489, ucf:45067
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004489

Title: RELATIONSHIPS OF COMBINED PARENTING STYLES OF STEP AND BIOLOGICAL PARENTS IN STEPFAMILY RELATIONSHIP FORMATION AND EMERGING ADULT STEPCHILDREN'S ADJUSTMENT.
Creator: Kison, Saarah, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous stepfamily research suggested that the parenting styles of biological parents and stepparents are related to children's behavioral adjustment. Scant research also provided evidence of the significance of combined parenting styles on emerging adults' behavioral adjustment. In conjunction with this literature, the scope of the current study served four purposes. First, the current study examined the degree to which parenting styles predict emerging adults' behavioral adjustment. Second...
Show morePrevious stepfamily research suggested that the parenting styles of biological parents and stepparents are related to children's behavioral adjustment. Scant research also provided evidence of the significance of combined parenting styles on emerging adults' behavioral adjustment. In conjunction with this literature, the scope of the current study served four purposes. First, the current study examined the degree to which parenting styles predict emerging adults' behavioral adjustment. Second, the degree to which biological parent and stepparent parenting styles predict the emerging adult-biological parent and stepparent relationships was examined. Third, the degree to which the emerging adult-biological parent and stepparent relationships predict adjustment was examined. Fourth, emerging adult-biological parent and stepparent relationships were examined as mediators in the relationship between parenting styles and emerging adults' adjustment. As part of this study, 100 emerging adults who were enrolled in a psychology course at the University of Central Florida were given a series of questionnaires regarding the variables of interest (i.e., parenting style, stepparenting style, biological parent-emerging adult relationships, stepparent-emerging adult relationships, and emerging adults' adjustment). Results of this study provided confirmation of previously held notions that both parenting styles and relationships are predictors of emerging adults' adjustment. Additionally, this study contributes new information concerning the significance of combined parenting styles and the use of parent-emerging adult relationships as a mediator between an authoritative parenting style and emerging adults' adjustment.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003865, ucf:44710
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003865

Title: RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHILD ABUSE EXPERIENCES, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS.
Creator: Havill, Amanda, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research indicated that childhood abuse experiences are important factors in determining the length and achievement of individuals' academic careers (Braver, Bumberry, Green, & Rawson, 1992). Several additional studies suggested that there is a relationship between childhood abuse experiences and social support (i.e., parental, peer, and teacher; Ezzell, Swenson, & Brondino, 2000; Goebbels, Nichols, Walsh, & De Vries, 2008). Although these relationships were documented, few studies...
Show morePrevious research indicated that childhood abuse experiences are important factors in determining the length and achievement of individuals' academic careers (Braver, Bumberry, Green, & Rawson, 1992). Several additional studies suggested that there is a relationship between childhood abuse experiences and social support (i.e., parental, peer, and teacher; Ezzell, Swenson, & Brondino, 2000; Goebbels, Nichols, Walsh, & De Vries, 2008). Although these relationships were documented, few studies examined the relationships between childhood abuse experiences, social support, and academic success in one comprehensive analysis. As a result, the current study examined the relationships among childhood abuse experiences, social support, and academic success. More specifically, the current study examined the mediational role of social support in the relationship between childhood abuse experiences and academic success. Participants completed four empirically validated questionnaires online. These questionnaires included a demographics questionnaire, the Student Perceived Availability of Social Support Questionnaire (SPASSQ; Vedder, Boekaerts, & Seegers, 2005), the Motivation to Achieve Academically Questionnaire (MAAQ; Waugh, 2002), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ; Bernstein & Fink, 1998)). Using correlational analyses and regression analyses, results of the current study indicated that those individuals who reported childhood abuse experiences are more likely to have reported lower levels of parental support and that those who received a higher level of teachers' support are more likely to endorse academic success. Finally, childhood abuse experiences and social support generally were not significant predictors of academic success, and social support did not serve as a mediator in the relationship between childhood abuse experiences and academic success. Nonetheless, understanding the childhood experiences that individuals bring with them into their later lives still may be important in fostering the best possible academic outcomes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003786, ucf:44715
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003786

Title: THE ROLE OF ATTACHMENT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILD MALTREATMENT AND LATER EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONING.
Creator: Lowell, Amanda, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood maltreatment is an experience that is likely to have lasting effects on individuals' emotional and behavioral functioning throughout their lifetimes. In particular, childhood maltreatment often is implicated in the etiology of numerous unfavorable psychological outcomes. Other research also suggested that there is a relationship between child maltreatment and the style of attachment that individuals exhibit post-abuse. Lastly, an association exists between individuals' attachment...
Show moreChildhood maltreatment is an experience that is likely to have lasting effects on individuals' emotional and behavioral functioning throughout their lifetimes. In particular, childhood maltreatment often is implicated in the etiology of numerous unfavorable psychological outcomes. Other research also suggested that there is a relationship between child maltreatment and the style of attachment that individuals exhibit post-abuse. Lastly, an association exists between individuals' attachment styles and their emotional and behavioral functioning. Despite substantial documentation of these relationships, few studies examine childhood maltreatment, attachment, and emotional and behavioral functioning collectively. As a result, this study examined the relationships among childhood maltreatment, attachment relationships, and later emotional and behavioral functioning, including eating behaviors. In addition, this study examined the role that attachment serves in the relationship between child maltreatment and later functioning. One hundred participants completed five questionnaires assessing experiences of childhood maltreatment, attachment relationships, emotional and behavioral functioning, and eating behaviors. Results of this study indicated that those individuals who report childhood maltreatment are more likely to report unfavorable emotional and behavioral functioning, whereas those who report childhood maltreatment but who exhibit a secure attachment style to either a parent or a peer are less likely to exhibit unfavorable emotional and behavioral functioning. Further, both the experience of childhood maltreatment and attachment were significant predictors of individuals' emotional and behavioral functioning. Finally, attachment contributed unique significant variance to the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional and behavioral functioning, particularly participants' internalizing and total problems. Such findings suggested that secure attachment may serve as a protective factor against problematic emotional and behavioral symptoms as children reach emerging adulthood, even when individuals have had childhood maltreatment experiences earlier in their lives. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003788, ucf:44734
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003788

Title: PREDICTORS OF PARENTAL DISCIPLINE IN FAMILIES RAISING YOUTH WITH HEARING AND COMMUNICATION DISORDERS.
Creator: Klein, Jenny, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Children with disabilities are at high risk for several forms of maltreatment, including abuse and neglect (Ammerman, Hersen, Van Hasselt, Lubetsky, & Sieck, 1994; Sullivan & Knutson, 1998b), and children with hearing and communication disorders comprise a substantial portion of children at risk (e.g., Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). For example, some literature investigating the parenting practices of parents raising children and adolescents with hearing and communication disorders suggests that...
Show moreChildren with disabilities are at high risk for several forms of maltreatment, including abuse and neglect (Ammerman, Hersen, Van Hasselt, Lubetsky, & Sieck, 1994; Sullivan & Knutson, 1998b), and children with hearing and communication disorders comprise a substantial portion of children at risk (e.g., Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). For example, some literature investigating the parenting practices of parents raising children and adolescents with hearing and communication disorders suggests that these parents have a tendency to use physically harsh discipline practices (Knutson, Johnson, & Sullivan, 2004; Sullivan & Knutson, 1998b). Further, high prevalence rates of emotional and behavioral problems are documented in these youth (e.g., Greenberg & Kusché, 1989; Hindley, 1997; Prizant, Audet, Burke, & Hummel, 1990). Despite these findings, a limited amount of research focuses on understanding factors related to these undesired outcomes. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships among dimensions of parents' psychological functioning and parent-child interactive processes in a culturally diverse, national sample of families raising children and adolescents with hearing and communication disorders. Results suggest that parents' stress, depression, and anxiety as well as parent-child communication and involvement are important correlates of discipline practices and subsequent child behavior in families raising children and adolescents with hearing and communication disorders. Additionally, psychological aggression and parents' depression are highly predictive factors in the use of corporal punishment. Also, psychological aggression and parenting stress are highly predictive of reported youth behavior problems. The information gained from this investigation may provide direction for assessment and therapeutic intervention with parents of children and adolescents who have hearing and communication disorders.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002878, ucf:48024
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002878

Title: PERCEIVED PARENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT: HOW DO THEY RELATE TO ADOLESCENTS' EXTERNALIZING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS?.
Creator: White, Rachel, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Externalizing behavior problems are related to many problematic outcomes for children and adolescents in their home, school, and community settings. Given the ramifications of difficulties related to externalizing behavior problems, the present study examines the relationships among adolescents' externalizing behavior problems, characteristics of adolescents' families, and their perceived neighborhood support in a sample of adolescents who are in the Sixth through Eighth Grades. As...
Show moreExternalizing behavior problems are related to many problematic outcomes for children and adolescents in their home, school, and community settings. Given the ramifications of difficulties related to externalizing behavior problems, the present study examines the relationships among adolescents' externalizing behavior problems, characteristics of adolescents' families, and their perceived neighborhood support in a sample of adolescents who are in the Sixth through Eighth Grades. As part of this study, adolescents were assessed one time in their school setting with a set of brief questionnaires. In particular, adolescents completed measures assessing their levels of externalizing behavior problems, characteristics of their families, their perceptions of neighborhood support and of their teachers, and their ratings of their own acculturation. Results suggest that, although a moderation relationship does not exist between parental warmth, neighborhood support, and the development of externalizing behavior problems, variables such as maternal warmth, overall parental emotional support, and overall neighborhood support are important predictors of the development of externalizing behavior problems. Further regression analyses reveal that, in addition to neighborhood and parental characteristics, adolescents' perceived social acceptance and global self-worth are significant predictors of adolescents' externalizing behavior problems. In conclusion, when identifying adolescents who are at risk for the development of externalizing behavior problems, an ecological conceptualization encompassing culture, community, and home environments can be helpful.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002887, ucf:48046
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002887

Title: FAMILY CONFLICT AND EMERGING ADULTS' ATTRIBUTIONS OF CONFLICT IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS.
Creator: Oliveros, Arazais, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict...
Show moreThe impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict mediate the relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict and later conflict in a romantic relationship. Results were based on the responses of emerging adults (190 males and 473 females) enrolled in psychology courses at a large southeastern university. Compared to males, females reported experiencing lower levels of permissive parenting, as well as higher levels of interparental psychological aggression, maternal emotional availability, attachment with mothers and peers, and overt violence in their current romantic relationships. Consistent with extant research, significant correlations were found among interparental conflict, parent-child conflict, attributions of conflict, parenting style, emotional availability of parents, attachment, and conflict with current romantic partners. Regression analyses (for males and females separately) suggested that different types of interparental and parent-child conflict predict greater hostile attributions and greater levels of conflict with current romantic partners. Although attributions of conflict predicted conflict with current romantic partners, conflict attributions did not mediate the relationship between family conflict and conflict with current romantic partners. These findings emphasized the importance of research investigating the long-term cognitive and emotional effects of family conflict and violence in order to provide a context for understanding the development of risk and resilience factors for relationship violence.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002353, ucf:47819
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002353

Title: ADOLESCENTS' STRESS AND HEALTH: PARENTAL INFLUENCES AND COGNITIVE MEDIATORS.
Creator: Donnelly, Reesa, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research to date indicates that parental and cognitive variables play a role in stress responses and health outcomes. Although researchers are beginning to focus on developmental processes in stress/health outcomes, there is little research examining which parental behaviors are most predictive of stress/health and whether cognitive variables mediate this relationship. As a result, the current study examines the self-reports of 160 late adolescents regarding parental behaviors, cognitive...
Show moreResearch to date indicates that parental and cognitive variables play a role in stress responses and health outcomes. Although researchers are beginning to focus on developmental processes in stress/health outcomes, there is little research examining which parental behaviors are most predictive of stress/health and whether cognitive variables mediate this relationship. As a result, the current study examines the self-reports of 160 late adolescents regarding parental behaviors, cognitive variables, and stress/health outcomes. In addition, blood pressure reactivity to a stressful situation was collected as a physiological measure of stress. The results suggest that, among the parental behaviors that are examined, parental overprotection and poor monitoring are the most predictive variables of adolescents' stress/health. The results indicate that adolescents' cognitions also are significant predictors of their self-reported stress/health. Further, adolescents' cognitions fully mediate the relationship between paternal behaviors and stress/health outcomes and partially mediate the relationship between maternal behaviors and stress/health outcomes. Finally, measures of blood pressure reactivity are not significantly related to study variables or were related in unpredicted directions. Possible explanations for these results are discussed. Overall, future research should examine parental overprotection and poor monitoring as important distal variables in adolescents' stress/health but should examine adolescents' cognitions as a more salient and immediate predictor of adolescents' stress/health.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002367, ucf:47778
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002367

Title: RESILIENCY FACTORS AND PATHWAYS TO INCARCERATION IN FEMALE SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE.
Creator: Asberg, Kia, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Studies find consistently that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are likely to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress, and problematic substance use, and may experience also a variety of adjustment difficulties in several emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal domains. Involvement with the legal system is one such outcome to consider, especially given the increasing number of women serving time in correctional facilities with nearly two-thirds of these women being survivors...
Show moreStudies find consistently that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are likely to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress, and problematic substance use, and may experience also a variety of adjustment difficulties in several emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal domains. Involvement with the legal system is one such outcome to consider, especially given the increasing number of women serving time in correctional facilities with nearly two-thirds of these women being survivors of CSA (e.g., Browne, Miller, & Maguin, 1999). The current literature lacks comparisons between female survivors of CSA who have legal involvement and those who do not; hence, the current study addresses the need for a comprehensive investigation of early victimizations and later adjustment. Data were obtained from 169 female inmates and 420 female college students, a number of whom were survivors of CSA (66% and 35.5%, respectively), so that group differences could be examined and relationships among family environment, abuse disclosure history, coping, perceived social support, adjustment (i.e., trauma symptoms, substance abuse, depressive symptomatology, revictimization), and criminal history could be explored. Results suggested that inmate survivors experience poorer functioning overall relative to student survivors of CSA, including more depressive symptoms, trauma symptoms, and substance abuse. Further, avoidance coping by using substances mediated fully the relationship between trauma symptoms and substance abuse for both groups. Finally, severity of CSA, problematic substance use, and social support emerged as significant predictors of incarceration among survivors of CSA. Findings may aid in the refinement of interventions, prevention efforts, and educational programs regarding CSA, and shed light on pathways to incarceration.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002331, ucf:47777
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002331

Title: MEDIATING EFFECTS OF PARENTS' ATTRIBUTIONS IN THE RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN CHILDREN'S TEMPERAMENT AND PARENTING STRESS.
Creator: Middleton, Melissa, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To examine the relationships among children's temperament, parents' attributions, parenting stress, and children's behavior problems, the current study investigates the responses of parents who are raising children between the ages of 3- and 6-years. Each parent completed the Dimensions of Temperament Scale-Revised for Children (Windle & Learner, 1986), the Parenting Locus of Control Scale – Short Form (Rayfield, Eyberg, Boggs, & Roberts, 1995a), the Parent Attribution Test ...
Show moreTo examine the relationships among children's temperament, parents' attributions, parenting stress, and children's behavior problems, the current study investigates the responses of parents who are raising children between the ages of 3- and 6-years. Each parent completed the Dimensions of Temperament Scale-Revised for Children (Windle & Learner, 1986), the Parenting Locus of Control Scale – Short Form (Rayfield, Eyberg, Boggs, & Roberts, 1995a), the Parent Attribution Test (Bugental, 1998), the Child Trait Rating Scale (Sacco, Johnson, & Tenzer, 1993), the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (Abidin, 1995), and the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000, 2001). Using correlational and regression analyses, results of this study suggest that difficult child temperament is related positively and significantly to an external locus of parental control, less positive child trait attributions, and higher levels of parenting stress, whereas easier child temperament is related to an internal locus of parental control, more positive child trait attributions, and lower levels of parenting stress. Although different patterns of findings occur for mothers and fathers, regression results indicate generally that parents' attributions mediate the relationship between children's temperament and parenting stress. Such findings suggest that interventions would benefit from targeting parents' attributions of their children as well as the relationships among parents' attributions, parenting stress, other parenting characteristics, and children's behavior problems.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002721, ucf:48172
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002721

Parenting (6)	+ -
Attachment (3)	+ -
Temperament (3)	+ -
child maltreatment (3)	+ -
parenting (3)	+ -

substance use (3)	+ -
Adjustment (2)	+ -
Adolescents (2)	+ -
Coping (2)	+ -
Emotion Regulation (2)	+ -
anxiety (2)	+ -
attachment (2)	+ -
children (2)	+ -
depression (2)	+ -
stress (2)	+ -
temperament (2)	+ -
young children (2)	+ -
Adolescence (1)	+ -
Adolescent (1)	+ -
Adolescent Development (1)	+ -
Adolescent Outcomes (1)	+ -
Adverse Childhood Experiences (1)	+ -
Alcohol Use (1)	+ -
Anxiety (1)	+ -
ApoE (1)	+ -
Automatic Thoughts (1)	+ -
Behavior Problems (1)	+ -
Behavioral Outcomes (1)	+ -
Body Image (1)	+ -
Bullying (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (39)	+ -
Honors Collection (8)	+ -

Renk, Kimberly (47)	+ -
University of Central Florida (47)	+ -
Sims, Valerie (14)	+ -
Paulson, Daniel (8)	+ -
Beidel, Deborah (5)	+ -

Cassisi, Jeffrey (4)	+ -
Negy, Charles (4)	+ -
Lowell, Amanda (3)	+ -
Bedwell, Jeffrey (2)	+ -
Boris, Neil (2)	+ -
Donnelly, Reesa (2)	+ -
Dunn, Michael (2)	+ -
Hundley, Gulnora (2)	+ -
Klein, Jenny (2)	+ -
Kolomeyer, Ellen (2)	+ -
Lauer, Brea-anne (2)	+ -
Middleton, Melissa (2)	+ -
Oliveros, Arazais (2)	+ -
Puff, Jayme (2)	+ -
Roddenberry, Angela (2)	+ -
White, Rachel (2)	+ -
Agliata, Allison (1)	+ -
Aroian, Karen (1)	+ -
Asberg, Kia (1)	+ -
Bassett, Rachel (1)	+ -
Bater, Lovina (1)	+ -
Boucher, Alyssa (1)	+ -
Chase, Susan (1)	+ -
Chin, Matthew (1)	+ -
Culp, Anne (1)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner