Mountain Scholar :: Browsing by Author "Rickard, Kathryn, advisor"

Browsing by Author "Rickard, Kathryn, advisor"

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Open Access
An analysis of symptom reduction in a sample of adults participating in an intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Scanes, Holly, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Henry, Kimberly, committee member; Miller, Kimberly, committee member; Dakin, Emily, committee member
There is a need for research evaluating the effectiveness of current eating disorder treatment programs (Sullivan, 2002; Wilson, Grilo, & Vitousen, 2007). This study aimed to address this issue through analyzing data obtained from an adult population attending a group-based intensive outpatient treatment program for disordered eating at the La Luna Center for Eating Disorders in Northern Colorado. Data assessing eating disorder-related symptomatology was collected from program participants at the beginning and end of treatment. Program graduates were also provided with a survey asking for feedback about components of the program that were considered helpful to their recovery. Quantitative analyses demonstrated a significant degree of symptom reduction experienced by participants after program completion, and qualitative analyses identified components of the program participants found to be particularly helpful to their recovery. Results of this study provided preliminary support for a theoretically integrated group-based treatment program for eating disorders and highlighted both personal and program factors that may positively impact recovery.
Open Access
Body image, mood, and coping strategies during exercise abstinence for male and female obligatory exercisers
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Millard, Lauren, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Anderson, Sharon, committee member; Harman, Jennifer, committee member; Shomaker, Lauren, committee member
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that regular physical activity may provide significant benefits for many aspects of psychological well-being (Walsh, 2011), including body image. Countless studies have shown that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on negative body image and body dissatisfaction. On the other hand, very few studies have examined the impact of exercise abstinence on body image in individuals that typically adhere to a consistent exercise routine. The purpose of the present study was to examine how abstaining from exercise may impact body image in college students that may be at risk for obligatory exercise behavior. The present study also investigated whether and how exercise abstinence may relate to self-reported changes in affect and body image or relate to compensatory behaviors, such as dietary restriction. Gender differences in reactions to exercise abstinence were also explored. Participants who achieved high scores on the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire abstained from exercise for three consecutive days and each day completed an online questionnaire inquiring about their experiences each day. Data were analyzed using post-positivist grounded theory and constant comparative analysis. Results produced themes that fell into one of three categories: Body Image, Mood, and Behaviors/Coping Strategies. A theoretical model was developed to portray how the three categories related as well as how they varied by gender. Male and female participants exhibited both differences and similarities in their experiences of exercise abstinence with respect to body image, mood, and behaviors.
Open Access
Clarifying the construct of compassion: ability to downregulate emotion as a potential mediator between empathic arousal and compassion
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Merriman, Leslie A., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Allen, Chris, committee member; Chavez, Ernest, committee member; Souza, Caridad, committee member
The association between empathy and compassion was examined in a sample of Americans aged 35 to 86, using national survey and phone interview data, biological data, and neuropsychological data. Given the postulation that empathy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for compassion to emerge, compassion is conceptualized here as an emergent process that is contingent upon empathic arousal. The degree to which an experience of empathic arousal translates into compassion is hypothesized to depend upon an individual's ability to downregulate the emotional response associated with empathic arousal, which is conceptualized as physiological upregulation in response to witnessing another's suffering. If this hypothesis is supported, then the ability to downregulate physiological processes associated with empathic arousal should mediate a positive association between the activation of empathic feelings and engagement with compassionate behavior. While empathic arousal was found to predict compassion, we were unable to infer that downregulation processes mediated the relationship. The results of this study present preliminary findings that may inform future work aiming to clarify the construct of compassion. The results may also provide useful groundwork for future work about "compassion fatigue" and about how the emergence of compassionate action in therapeutic interactions can be cultivated.
Open Access
Client factors predicting outcome in group treatment for driving anger
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2008) Smith, Heather, author; Deffenbacher, Jerry, advisor; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor
College students who scored in the top 25% on a measure of driving anger participated in an eight-week group therapy program designed to reduce their anger while driving. They were assigned randomly to either Cognitive, Behavioral, or Relaxation Coping Skills Therapy. Results confirmed driving anger was effectively lowered in therapy. Also, while high anger levels have sometimes been shown to interfere with treatment for other kinds of problems (Garfield, 1994; Lambert, Hunt, & Vermeersch, 2004), they did not have the same effect on treatments targeting anger specifically. Higher pretreatment driving anger was associated with a greater decrease in driving anger, angry cognitions while driving, aggressive driving anger expression, general trait anger, and to a lesser extent maladaptive general anger expression, and with an increase in positive coping strategies. Higher pretreatment trait anger was associated with a decrease in all of the above except for measures of driving anger. Measures of general anger expression did not predict therapy outcome as well as driving and general anger, but when associations were found, they were in the same direction. Few main effects were observed for gender or treatment type, and those that were found were not consistent. Several interactions were observed between treatment, gender, and/or pretreatment anger level. The majority of interactions were between pretreatment anger and treatment, such that participants responded better to one treatment condition versus another based on whether they reported relatively higher or lower anger levels at pretreatment. These effects sometimes varied by gender. However, given the number of analyses, relatively few significant findings, and directional inconsistencies of these findings, no suggestions for treatment matching were made. In conclusion, pretreatment driving and general trait anger did not interfere with treatment, but were associated with positive gains in therapy, and there was little consistent evidence that would support matching of client characteristics (e.g., gender, driving or general anger level or type, anger expression style) with treatment conditions, at least for short-term, driving anger focused, cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Open Access
Counseling practices of therapists in the promotion of exercise and nutrition behaviors in therapy: a qualitative study
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Millard, Lauren, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Banning, James, committee member; Harman, Jennifer, committee member
With the growing amount of evidence supporting the benefits of exercise and nutrition for mental health and psychological well-being, it is interesting to note that mental health professionals may have a tendency not to recommend them to clients in therapy. The purpose of the present study was to examine the current practices of professional psychologists, specifically clinical and counseling psychologists, with regard to whether and how often they suggest exercise and nutrition to clients, what therapeutic methods or techniques they might use, and how much and what type of training and education they perceive may be necessary for psychologists to address these issues in therapy. Participants were 17 licensed clinical and counseling psychologists holding either a master's or doctoral degree in psychology. They took part in individual, face to face, semi-structured interviews regarding their practices in discussing nutrition and exercise in therapy. Data were analyzed using post-positivist grounded theory and constant comparative analysis. Results produced themes that fell into one of four categories: Therapist Attributes, Client Attributes, Counseling Methods, and Therapist Health. A theoretical model was developed to describe if and how the therapist attributes and the client attributes related. This relationship influenced how participants would address nutrition and exercise in therapy. Various therapeutic approaches included inquiring about the client's current practices, providing psychoeducation, making clear recommendations, collaborating with the client and other professionals, and making appropriate referrals.
Open Access
Development and evaluation of a psychoeducational internet intervention to increase men's help-seeking for body image and disordered eating/exercise concerns
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Shepherd, Caitlin B., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Butki, Brian, committee member; Ross, Steve, committee member
Statistics reveal that body image and disordered eating/exercise concerns among men are widespread; however, few men actually seek help. Researchers need to identify factors that prevent men from using available services in order to inform interventions specifically designed for men who are at-risk. Studies have shown that higher Gender Role Conflict (GRC) is related to both increased body image and disordered eating/exercise concerns in men as well as decreased help-seeking as defined by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The help-seeking literature suggests that the most effective interventions for men are those that target these variables and are also non-traditional. The purpose of the current study was to develop an effective internet intervention to increase help-seeking in men for body image and disordered eating/exercise concerns. Two-hundred-ninety-six undergraduate men were assessed for GRC, body image and disordered eating/exercise attitudes and behaviors, and help-seeking factors at pretest. One week later, they were exposed to the independent variable (intervention or no intervention) and were assessed again posttest. Regression analyses and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that self-stigma of seeking help and attitudes toward seeking help are important predictors and mediators. ANCOVAs revealed statistically significant intervention effects for all help-seeking variables compared to the control group. These results suggest that educating men about body image concerns might be an effective way of increasing help-seeking.
Open Access
Establishing the reliability and validity of the diet culture beliefs scale
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Hogan, Laura, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Connor, Bradley, committee member; Faw, Meara, committee member; Fisher, Gwenith, committee member
Throughout history, human bodies have evolved to represent status, wealth, and morality through their shape and size. Although body objectification occurs across the gender spectrum, women have historically experienced the most pressure to fit whatever sociocultural norms are current. In recent decades, women whose bodies are thin and toned are often more highly valued in United States society than those who are in larger bodies. Efforts to transform and maintain the ideal body are rampant among women and include restrictive diets, excessive exercise, and pharmaceutical or surgical interventions. Dieting has become a pervasive part of United States culture. Research has shown that dieting is a strong predictor of eating disorders. Eating disorders account for more deaths than most mental illnesses, second only to opioid addiction. Eating disorders and disordered eating exist in people of all shapes and sizes, ethnic, and sociocultural backgrounds, but they often go undiagnosed because of the sociocultural stigma that only emaciated, young, wealthy, White women suffer from them. Early detection of eating disorders is crucial for successful treatment and intervention. This study explored the development of a new scale, the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale, by assessing its reliability and validity as a measure of individuals' internalized beliefs about the ways in which food and body size are indicative of morality and health. The goal of this study was to contribute a tool to both the body of research and clinical practice that may help medical and mental health providers identify warning signs of eating disorder development. Study results indicated that the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale retained its originally identified three-factor structure as evidenced by a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Additionally, the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale showed both test- retest and internal consistency reliability, suggesting that it consistently measures diet culture beliefs over time and across items. Finally, the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale showed criterion- related, convergent, and discriminant validity suggesting that it is an accurate measure of diet culture as a unique construct. As such, the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale should be considered a psychometrically sound tool to support researchers and clinicians better understand the relationship between diet culture and eating disorders, as well as to provide early detection of eating disorder risk factors.
Open Access
Examination of the exercise dependence scale-revised in asymptomatic individuals and individuals displaying pathogenic eating behaviors
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Tracy, Erin Nicole, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Chen, Peter, committee member; Kennedy, Catherine, committee member; Ross, Stephen, committee member
This investigation had two primary objectives. The first objective was to conduct both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on the Exercise Dependence Scale- Revised (EDS-R; Symons Downs, Hausenblas, and Nigg, 2004). These analyses provided information regarding the applicability of the seven DSM-IV Substance Dependence criteria to the assessment of exercise dependence. The second objective of the present investigation was to explore the relations between exercise dependence, as defined by factors that emerged from the factor analyses, and two related personality characteristics, addictiveness and obsessive-compulsiveness. Our earlier research examined the relations between exercise dependence and addictiveness and between exercise dependence and obsessive-compulsiveness in a sample who self-reported no symptoms of disordered eating (i.e., the asymptomatic sample). The present study examined the same relations in a sample who self-reported at least one pathogenic eating behavior (i.e., the symptomatic sample). Amount of exercise and weight dissatisfaction were also included in the correlational analyses. Results were discussed with regard to a model of the relations between addictiveness, obsessive-compulsiveness, exercise attitudes, and exercise behavior (Davis, Katzman, & Kirsh, 1999).
Open Access
Exploring the relationship between hormonal contraceptive methods and symptoms of depression and bulimia nervosa
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Almengual, Mallory, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Cox-York, Kimberly, committee member; Graham, Dan, committee member
Research has been unable to determine if there is a link between hormonal contraceptive (HC) use, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Bulimia Nervosa (BN). There is a well-documented sex discrepancy in the lifetime prevalence of both of these diagnoses such that women are disproportionately affected. Prevalence rates of MDD are similar between males and females during childhood. However, following the onset of puberty, women are inordinately affected by MDD. This difference has been observed throughout the duration of the female reproductive years. Prevalence rates of MDD between males and females return to equivalence following menopause. Females are also at a much greater risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) during their lifetime, and the age of onset typically aligns with puberty. The effects of HC use on mental health remain largely unknown. The current body of research on HC use and MDD is characterized by inconsistent, and even contradictory, findings about both the presence and direction of the such a relationship. There is a paucity of research examining HC use and BN, though changes in appetite and weight gain are two of the most commonly reported side effects of HC use. The present study aimed to explore such relationships among a sample of undergraduate women at Colorado State University. Using self-report measures, this project attempted to examine potential correlations between HC use and symptoms of MDD and BN. Data from 378 respondents was collected via survey and analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression. Participants were categorized into HC users and Nonhormonal Contraceptive (NC) users. No significant relationship was observed between HC use and MDD. Negative correlations were identified between HC use and two measures of maladaptive eating implicated in the etiology and maintenance of BN: Cognitive Restraint and Emotional Eating. These findings suggest that HC use might actually serve as a protective factor for the development of BN. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and to better inform individuals considering HC as part of their reproductive health practices.
Open Access
Factors related to susceptibility to sport-related injury
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Oiness, Kacey, author; Suinn, Richard, advisor; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Butki, Brian, committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member
The study examined the role various factors play in an athlete's susceptibility to injury in sport. The study involved 244 participants from various sports and included athletes who participated at the high school level, the collegiate level, and the professional level. Participants completed questionnaires measuring number and severity of injuries, resiliency, competition anxiety, trait anger, social support, coping skills, and overtraining. Results showed that an athlete's history of injury (i.e. number of injuries) is significantly correlated with an athlete's severity of injuries. Additionally, various significant correlations were found between the factors examined and one's number of injuries and/or severity of injuries. The correlations found were between resiliency and number of injuries, anger and severity of injuries, coping skills and severity of injury, number of hours practiced and number of injuries, and rigorousness of practices and number of injuries. Additionally, the study examined possible interactions among the variables studied and found that social support serves as a moderator when looking at the relationship between total hours practiced and number of injuries. Results were also examined for males and females, contact and non-contact sports, and high school, collegiate, and profession athletes separately. While some differences emerged, overall there was not much variation between the various groups. Overall, the current study revealed that there are a number of physical, environmental, and psychological factors that impact an athlete's susceptibility to injury.
Open Access
Factors that influence overweight and obese men's participation in healthy eating, exercise, and weight management programs
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) MacDonald, Tiare Michelle, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Wdowik, Melissa, committee member; Henry, Kimberly, committee member; Chavez, Ernest, committee member
Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in men, little is known about eating and exercise behaviors in this population. Additionally, research indicates that men are resistant to seeking help for weight concerns. Few studies, however, have assessed the need for specialized weight interventions designed for overweight and obese men. The present study attempted to gain an in-depth understanding of factors that influence overweight and obese men's engagement in healthy eating, exercise, and weight interventions through the use of qualitative methods. Research questions were developed using a framework that combined components of the theory of planned behavior and PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Six focus groups were conducted with 42 overweight and obese men living in Northern Colorado. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, an analyzed using Ethnographic Content Analysis. Time, convenience, knowledge, social support, stigma, and masculinity emerged as important factors that influence men's weight-related health behaviors and help-seeking. Results provide support for the development of gender-sensitive weight interventions that take these factors into account.
Open Access
Gender differences in the attribution of stigma to individuals with Anorexia Nervosa: a grounded theory exploration
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Anderson, Janean M., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Benn, Mark, committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Anderson, Sharon, committee member
Eating disorder research has minimally examined how eating disorders affect men and women differently, how individuals with eating disorders are perceived by others, and barriers to seeking treatment that individuals with eating disorders face (Corrigan, 1998; Crisp, 2005;). However, it is unknown how men and women may uniquely experience the stigma associated with eating disorders. Moreover, the complex relationship between gender and stigma are unknown. Examination of gender's impact on eating disorders needs to expand beyond research that examines gender only in the context of self-reported gender role orientation and eating disorder symptoms to include how gender creates norms and attitudes which affect those with eating disorders. Specifically, there is a dearth of literature regarding how stigma for men with eating disorders is different than it is for women with eating disorders. This study attempted to describe the phenomenon of gender-specific stigma in Anorexia Nervosa.
Open Access
Giving language to horticultural therapy: framing horticultural therapy through the lens of empirically supported therapies
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Ascencio, Jaime M., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Prince, Mark, advisor; Graham, Dan, committee member; Shillington, Audrey, committee member
Horticultural therapy, a plant-based intervention for reaching client goals, is an under-researched yet promising treatment modality for psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to forge a connection between empirically supported therapies (ESTs) and horticultural therapy's interventions by describing how EST methods were used in horticultural therapy. A horticultural therapy proof-of-concept study incorporated behavioral, positive, and humanistic ESTs with youth with disabilities and at-risk youth. The largest positive impacts of the intervention were on clients' prevocational skills, social skills, and gardening skills. No change was detected on measures of mindfulness, resilience, nature relatedness, or strengths use. The impact on depression yielded mixed results, and a small worsening was seen in the self-report of anxiety, strengths use, and emotion regulation. This study demonstrated that horticultural therapy utilizes components of a variety of ESTs and its impact can be quantitatively evaluated.
Open Access
Hormonal contraception and eating pathology: a study among undergraduate women
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Almengual, Mallory, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Prince, Mark, committee member; Cox-York, Kimberly, committee member; Graham, Dan, committee member
Objective: To investigate the relationship between hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and eating pathology, and to assess the moderating effects of cognitive restraint and other demographic features on this relationship among undergraduate women at Colorado State University. Method: A correlational study design was used to collect data from 458 female undergraduate participants through self-report assessments capturing demographic information, reproductive health history, and constructs associated with eating pathology. Specific measures included the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), and the Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Participants were categorized based on their HC use—especially focusing on Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) and Short-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (SARC)—to establish the connection between the type of HC and symptoms of eating pathology. Multiple linear regression analyses identified relationships, with a consideration of potential mediating effects of cognitive restraint and demographic variables. Results: Findings revealed a significant relationship between long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use and specific psychological outcomes, such as reduced interpersonal insecurity and increased emotional dysregulation, suggesting a multidimensional impact of HC types on psychological and behavioral patterns in this population. Although cognitive restraint was anticipated to be a moderating factor, the study did not find evidence to support a significant moderating effect on the relationship between HC use and eating pathology. Age of menstrual regularity emerged as a noteworthy covariate affecting psychological outcomes. Conclusion: The study offers important insights into the variant effects of different types of HCs on psychological health and eating behaviors among college-aged women. These findings indicate that different types of hormonal contraceptives may have unique effects on psychological outcomes and eating behaviors. The differential outcomes with LARC and SARC underscore the need for comprehensive, individualized reproductive health counseling that both addresses the potential psychological impacts of contraceptive methods and is sensitive to the evident disparities. Further research is recommended to decipher the complex interactions between HC use, cognitive restraint, and eating pathology. These findings have critical implications for refining clinical practices and reproductive health education to promote the wellbeing and bodily autonomy of menstruating individuals, and to better address the mental health needs related to contraceptive choices.
Open Access
Identifying latent profiles of psilocybin use
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Gray, Bethany A., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Prince, Mark, advisor; Fidler, Deborah, committee member; Tompkins, Sara Anne, committee member
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in some mushrooms, may have medicinal and therapeutic uses. As such, it is garnering pronounced interest from the scientific community and general public. It is likely that psilocybin is on a trajectory to become more acceptable and sought out by researchers and individuals interested in its potential benefits. Traditionally, psilocybin has been used in does large enough to produce hallucinogenic effects; however, there are some reports of beneficial outcomes of psilocybin use with particularly small (i.e., micro) doses. It is likely that there are different patterns of psilocybin use, including using psilocybin in different dosages, frequencies, and for differing purposes, which have yet to be described in the literature. Thus, I sought to determine whether or not there are identifiable psilocybin use patterns of psilocybin use, to describe their defining characteristics, and test for differences on other important constructs, e.g., benefits, consequences, and reasons for use. This research uses mixture modeling to identify latent profiles of psilocybin use in a large population of adults endorsing lifetime psilocybin. Data for this project was sourced anonymously from subreddit community sites. I found three profiles indicated by frequency and quantity of psilocybin use. Auxiliary testing was used to evaluate differences among the profiles. The Chipper Profile (n =118) was associated with approximately 1-4 annual uses and between 0.75g and 1.0g dosages of dehydrated, psilocybin containing mushrooms. The Tripper Profile (n =428) was associated with a slightly higher psilocybin use frequency as the Chipper Profile (2 and 6 times annually), and self-reported dosages between 2 and 4g. The Microdose Profile (n =118), was related to substantively higher psilocybin use frequencies than the other two profiles (between 2 - 4 times a week) and a lower range of preferred dosages (between 0.25g - 0.75g). The profiles differed in the total number reasons participants reported having for their psilocybin use and the total number of benefits they reported experiencing. This can potentially be understood in relation to psilocybin use expectancies and motives to use. Additionally, every profile was associated with a low number of psilocybin use consequences, but the profiles did not significantly differ on this measure. Psilocybin seems to be distinct from other substances in that use frequency and quantity do not appear to impact one's risk of experiencing undesirable consequences of use. Further research is required to identify risk and protective factors for negative outcomes, as well as those that optimize the one's likelihood of experiencing psilocybin use benefits.
Open Access
Intergenerational continuity in depressive symptoms and substance use between father and child: the role of warmth
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Fulco, Celia J., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Henry, Kimberly, committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Yuma, Paula, committee member
Continuity of adolescent substance use and depression across generations has been established and confirmed empirically, yet our understanding of the key drivers of intergenerational continuity remains limited. The present study tested the notion that father-child warmth, a factor closely tied to attachment security and child psychosocial development, may mediate the relationship between a father's own experiences with substance use and/or depression and the development of these problems in his child's adolescence. This path analysis examined two key intergenerational patterns: the intergenerational quality of parent-child warmth, and the intergenerational continuity of depressive symptoms and substance use between fathers and their adolescent children. Results showed that G2 adolescent experience of caregiver warmth was a strong predictor of depressive symptoms and substance use across developmental stages. In the case of G2 adolescence, both the child and parent reports of warmth served as significant predictors, with some variability. Second, while father-child warmth across the G1-G2 and G2-G3 generations were correlated, parental warmth did not demonstrate strong intergenerational continuity. Third, depressive symptoms negatively impacted paternal report of G2 (adult) warmth, while paternal substance use had a marginally significant association with both father and child report of warmth. Fourth, G3 adolescent report of both caregivers' warmth significantly predicted adolescent depressive symptoms, whereas only G3-reported OCG warmth predicted G3 adolescent substance use. Other nuances in the results, relating to covariates and the differences between maternal and paternal behavior and psychopathology, were also discussed. The study's limitations, implications, and future directions were further outlined and explored.
Open Access
Perceived similarity of desired intimacy in same-sex couples
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Schultz-Saindon, Kasey L., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Bloom, Larry J., committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Anderson, Sharon, committee member
Past literature has discussed gender differences in romantic partners' desires for intimacy and has suggested that these gender differences have negative effects on some relationships. Much of this literature has discussed heterosexual relationships. The current study sought to explore the validity of these claims within same-sex relationships. Participants completed surveys assessing their own desires for intimacy, their perceptions of their partners' desires for intimacy, and relationship outcome variables (satisfaction/commitment). Results indicated that perceived similarity to one's partner in overall desired intimacy is associated with relationship satisfaction and commitment. The effects of perceived similarity varied across types of intimacy, such that perceived similarity in desires for intellectual intimacy and recreational intimacy were most associated with relationship outcome variables, though slightly differently for men and women. The importance of direction of perceived discrepancy was also explored. Comparisons to previous research and implications for counseling and future research are discussed.
Open Access
Pet death as disenfranchised loss: examining posttraumatic growth and attachment in college students
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Adams, John, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Prince, Mark, committee member; Davalos, Deana, committee member; Biringen, Zeynep, committee member
People in Western societies who have experienced the death of close loved ones can feel as though the impact of their grief is ignored and sometimes not taken seriously. Individuals who have experienced losses even less recognized than human death, such as pet death, can feel completely invalidated and unsupported in their loss. This phenomenon is referred to as disenfranchised grief. Within a pet bereaved sample, this study sought to examine the impacts of social support, severity of grief, and strength of attachment on posttraumatic growth. The study attempted to replicate findings from Spain, O'Dwyer, and Moston (2019) that found that grief symptom severity moderated a negative relationship between loss of social support and posttraumatic growth. This study also explored the impact of insecure attachment on social support and grief severity within a pet bereaved sample. Finally, this study observed possible influences of differences within pet bereaved individuals related to type of pet and whether the pet was euthanized. College students in introductory psychology courses at a large western United States university completed a survey that assessed extent of social support, grief symptom severity, strength of attachment to pet, insecure attachment, and posttraumatic growth. Results indicated that while grief symptoms and strength of attachment to pet were not moderators for social support and posttraumatic, social support and grief symptoms contributed to increases in posttraumatic growth. Insecure attachment was also found to detract from social support. The findings of this study can inform the clinical treatment of pet bereaved persons and inform future research of pet bereavement as well as disenfranchised loss overall.
Open Access
Preconception health and wellness: knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate women
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Corbett, Elyse, author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Amell, James, committee member; Bloom, Larry, committee member; Henry, Kimberly, committee member
Despite recent acknowledgment of the importance of providing preconception care (PCC) to reproductive aged women, many women remain under-informed and underserved in this area. Guided by the tenets of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model, the present study sought to evaluate the degree to which young, reproductive aged college women (n =203) are informed, motivated, and skilled to optimize preconception health. Overall, participants demonstrated low to moderate knowledge of issues related to preconception health, more favorable attitudes toward pregnancy prevention approaches, and propensities for reproductive health risk behaviors in several lifestyle areas. Improved dissemination of preconception health information to young women should include programming to increase the degree to which this population is motivated and skilled in optimizing reproductive health. Existing efforts and interventions to promote preconception health need to be expanded and new strategies developed.
Open Access
School-based program to promote healthy body image and self esteem in boys and girls
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) MacDonald, Tiare M., author; Rickard, Kathryn, advisor; Siez, Robert, committee member; Henry, Kimberly, committee member
Early adolescence is associated with an increase in body dissatisfaction in girls and boys. A number of school-based interventions have been designed to address body dissatisfaction; however most of these programs have focused on the concerns of girls. This study aimed to build on previous research on body image concerns, self-esteem, and pubertal timing, as well as develop and measure the effectiveness of a school-based program to promote healthy body image and self esteem. Participants were fifty-five seventh grade students. Results did not reveal significant group x time interactions. However, analyses in the overall sample indicated negative associations between self esteem and body dissatisfaction, self esteem and internalization of the sociocultural ideal, as well as positive intercorrelations between body dissatisfaction, drive for muscularity, and internalization of the sociocultural ideal. In girls, BMI was positively related to body dissatisfaction and internalization of the sociocultural ideal, and drive for muscularity was found to be negatively related to self esteem.