2024 Convention Poster Selections
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1. First Author Name and Degree: Radwa Ahmed, M.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Lisa Liu, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Identity Development and Depressive Symptoms in Multiethnic College Students
Abstract: This empirical study addresses the relationship between multiethnic identity development and depressive symptoms in college students in the U.S. Depression is a common mental health issue among college students, and multiethnic students are at a higher risk for depression compared to monoethnic students. This study aims to address research gaps regarding ethnic identification and depressive symptoms of various types of multiethnic groups by minority status (i.e., dual-minority, dual-majority, or minority-majority), as current research mainly focuses on minority-majority individuals. Preliminary findings with a sample of 90 participants will be presented. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions for research will be discussed.
2. First Author Name and Degree: Sarah Alkrisat, M.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Dr. Lisa Liu, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Examining Perceived Knowledge and Stigmatization of
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Disorder Among Arab Parents
Abstract: While ADHD prevalence rates in Arab populations are comparable to rates in other ethnic groups, actual diagnostic rates of ADHD among Arabs remain notably low. The low rates of detection may be influenced by cultural beliefs and awareness of ADHD and treatment. As Arab parents hold an integral role in the recognition and treatment of psychological diagnoses among their children, this study aims to explore stigma and knowledge of ADHD among Arab parents and the role of acculturation in influencing attitudes. Preliminary results from a quantitative cross-sectional survey study with 171 participants will be presented along with clinical implications.
3. First Author Name and Degree: Taylor Bak, M.S.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Randy Noblitt, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Cognitive Functioning and Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Abstract: Cognitive deficits found in people with bipolar disorder cause significant functional impairment. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is a behavior training method that improves performance in several cognitive domains, including learning, memory, attention and executive function. RCTs for CRT in bipolar disorder have reported cognitive benefits across various domains, including problem-solving, processing speed, and working memory. Research on the effectiveness of CRT in bipolar disorder has been mixed and complicated, partially due to the heterogeneity of cognitive function in bipolar disorder. This poster reviews current research on the effectiveness of CRT and the nuances of using it to treat bipolar disorder.
4. First Author Name and Degree: Sandra Chen, M.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Lisa Liu, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Acculturation and Exposure to Discrimination on Social Media among Asian Americans
Abstract: Asian Americans are a rapidly growing population in the United States but also among the most understudied in literature. Current research indicates that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Asian Americans were the target of xenophobic social media discourse. This quantitative empirical study seeks to determine whether an association exists between levels of acculturation/enculturation, exposure to racial discrimination, and social media use among Asian Americans. Findings from this study would be among the first to explore the role of culture and discrimination in the age of social media, which could inform clinical practice and policy for Asian Americans.
5. First Author Name and Degree: Mackenzie Conner, M.A.
Name of University: Biola University
University Advisor for this research: Kerry Horrell, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: The Use of Therapeutic Assessment in the Diagnosis and Treatment of
Complex Trauma and Oppositionality: A Case Study
Abstract: The Therapeutic Assessment (TA) model combines tenets of psychotherapy and psychological assessment in a brief, collaborative intervention aimed at promoting positive change (Aschiere et al., 2018; Fantini et al., 2022). Research has suggested this model can be effective in working with a variety of patient populations, including individuals with oppositional defiant disorder (Espinoza, 2020; Smith et al., 2010) and complex trauma (Smith & George, 2012; Tarocchi et al., 2013). The present case study highlights the potential efficacy of TA in the treatment of a young adult woman receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Implications for clinical practice will be included.
6. First Author Name and Degree: Tracy Dubin, M.A.
Name of University: The Medical University of South Carolina
University Advisor for this research: Xingbao Li, MD, MSCR
Title of Poster: Medial orbitofrontal cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may best treat addiction & preserve working memory for the nicotine-dependent
Abstract: Cigarette smoking causes the United States’ foremost preventable death, killing 1/5 annually and 8 million worldwide. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved brain stimulation treatment for smoking and various mental disorders. High-frequency repetitive TMS (HF-rTMS) over the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is the accepted neurostimulation smoking cessation therapy, although low-frequency (LF-rTMS) medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) placement may better do both: curb nicotine cravings and preserve working memory. rTMS’s preferential brain placement and memory effects are unclear. This study examined DLPFC vs. mOFC rTMS in Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) patients to reveal cognitive memory impairments, using N-back results.
7. First Author Name and Degree: Sara Fardeheb, B.A.
Name of University: California State University, Fullerton
University Advisor for this research: Sawssan R. Ahmed, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Racist Life Experiences Mediating Social Support’s Impact on Acculturative Stress
Abstract: Since 9/11, Arab Americans have reported increased stress due to racism, yet some stigmatized individuals connect more with their community amidst discrimination (Amer & Hovey, 2011; Balkaya et al., 2019). This study (n=138) investigated how racism mediates social support’s relationship to acculturative stress. An indirect effect portrayed social support’s negative association with perceived racism (Z=-2.76, p=.006) which was then positively associated with acculturative stress (Z=5.67, p=<.001). Our results highlight social support’s potential positive role, urging physicians to promote it among communities who reap the most benefit: those often experiencing racism, like Arab Americans.
8. First Author Name and Degree: Shannon Luu, M.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Rebecca Bokoch, Psy.D., LMFT
Title of Poster: Interplay of Social Support and Mental Health Among Asian American Young Adults
Abstract: This poster explores the impact of social support on anxiety and depression among Asian American college students. Despite no significant differences in mental health across ethnic subgroups (from the main MANCOVA analysis), an inverse relationship between social support and mental distress was indicated in a post-hoc analysis. Exploratory multiple regression analyses demonstrated social support from family and significant others predict anxiety and depression levels. This emphasizes the protective role of close relationships and calls for culturally sensitive mental health interventions that integrate supporting literature on the AAPI community's preference toward social support over professional psychological services (Sangalang & Gee, 2012).
9. First Author Name and Degree: Matthew Moore, B.S.
Name of University: Pepperdine University
University Advisor for this research: Melissa Wasserman, Psy.D.
Title of Poster: Brothers At War: Evaluating Program Satisfaction of a
Film Assisted Family Informed Resiliency Workshop
Abstract: Research has shown the impact of deployment on service members and their families. Strengthening resilience factors (e.g., emotion identification, emotion regulation, family communication) facilitates a smoother post-deployment transition. The Brothers at War Workshop is a trauma-informed film-assisted intervention for service members and their partners. Program evaluations and surveys were utilized from twenty-nine of the installations (n=865). Data analysis was conducted using quantitative data, and thematic analysis was conducted using free-response survey answers. Participants reported predominantly positive ratings. Participants also identified what was most meaningful about the workshop and areas of improvement. Conclusions and clinical implications are discussed.
10. First Author Name and Degree: Sarah Peterson, B.S.
Name of University: Pepperdine University
University Advisor for this research: Melissa Wasserman, Psy.D.
Title of Poster: Transgenerational Trauma and Communication:
Risk and Resilience in Descendants of Holocaust Survivors
Abstract: Research has examined the impact of the Holocaust on subsequent generations. Data from a quantitative study is presented that explores the relationship between psychological symptoms and family communication in second- and third-generation Holocaust survivors. When descendants reported less adaptive family communication, affect responsiveness, and family cohesion, they reported higher levels of symptomatology. Specific vulnerability and resilience factors related to the intergenerational effects of Holocaust exposure are highlighted. Clinical implications, including culturally sensitive assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of intergenerational trauma in descendants of Holocaust survivors, are discussed.
11. First Author Name and Degree: Aron J. Sanabria, M.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Michi Fu, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: The Token Puzzle: Asian American Realities with Race Matching in Education
Abstract: Tokenism, often seen as a gesture to inclusivity, involves the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented groups to fake equality (Wu, 2023). Diversity typical focus tends to be on visual representation, neglecting deeper connections. In psychology, the notion of racial matching suggests that shared backgrounds between students and educators can enhance learning experiences (Meyer et al., 2011). This poster will explore how tokenism and race-matching detrimentally affect Asian Americans within school education. By reviewing existing literature, this poster intends to shed light on the adverse effects of such practices on Asian American individuals, highlighting the need for genuine inclusivity and equity.
12. First Author Name and Degree: George Santos-Garcia, B.A.
Name of University: Mount Saint Mary's University
University Advisor for this research: Richard C. Zamora, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: An Autoethnographic Self-Validation of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
Abstract: This autoethnographic study self-validates the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide within the Queer Latinx experience. It dissects journal entries, uncovering the roles of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide in the author's suicidality. Findings reveal a complex interplay between internal alienation and external adversities leading to suicidality. This personal narrative bridges theoretical constructs with the Queer Latinx reality, offering insights for improved mental health interventions and inclusive policies tailored to their unique challenges. The study underscores the theory's applicability to Queer Latinx individuals, highlighting the need for focused support within suicidology.
13. First Author Name and Degree: Jolie Slater, M.A.
Name of University: Fuller Theological Seminary
University Advisor for this research: Alexis Abernethy, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: A Holistic Model for Food Insecurity Among College Students
Abstract: College students in the US experience food insecurity (FI) at three times the national average (Leddy et al., 2020). Engaging a holistic approach, including spirituality, is paramount in a post-pandemic era as economic barriers and mental health crises have intensified. I propose a spiritually informed model, based on the RISE Framework (CEHE, 2023), to improve student outcomes by addressing gaps across interpersonal, higher education, and community contextual levels. This holistic model aims to meet students' basic needs amidst economic, physical, and mental health challenges and to enhance student’s sense of meaning and purpose.
14. First Author Name and Degree: Topaz Tabibi, B.A.
Name of University: Alliant International University
University Advisor for this research: Shawndeeia Drinkard, Ph.D.
Title of Poster: Mindfulness Interventions for Refugee Children in School
Abstract: As a result of experiencing multiple traumatic events, refugee youth may struggle with prolonged physiological reactions that affect their academic performance and overall well-being (Mancini, 2020). TF-CBT and C-BITS are interventions used for youth in school settings but may not be as effective for youth with emotional dysregulation (Mancini, 2020). Studies have supported the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for refugee youth (Mancini, 2020; Feen-Calligan et al., 2020). Aizik-Reebs et al. (2021) suggest that mindfulness-based trauma recovery for refugees improves depression, anxiety, and hyperarousal symptoms. This poster will highlight the application and benefits of mindfulness-based interventions with refugee youth.
