VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Wittenborn, Andrea K."

Browsing by Author "Wittenborn, Andrea K."

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Adolescents' Perceptions of the Relationships with their Parents in the Context of Parental Military Deployment: A Systems Theory Perspective
McElhaney, Sarah Jeanette (Virginia Tech, 2010-05-05)
This study sought to explore how adolescents' relationships with both of their parents changed over the course of parental military deployment. Participants were 9 adolescents, 12-13 years old, that participated in a focus group. Family systems theory was the guiding lens for qualitative data analysis, which included constant comparative and open and axial coding. Two dominant patterns emerged: 1) process that promoted relationship closeness and 2) process that promoted relationship distance. Processes that promoted relationship closeness included clear communication, connectedness with the at-home parent, togetherness, and flexibility of roles. Processes that promoted relationship distance included restricted communication, at-home parent disengagement, deployed parent disconnectedness and lack of role shifting. Findings suggest processes evident in adolescent relationships with their parents during deployment indicative of adjustment outcomes. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.
Clergywomen and Role Management: A Study of PC(USA) Clergywomen Negotiating Maternity Leave
Sharp, Erin Colleen (Virginia Tech, 2012-04-25)
While there is abundant research and literature on the transition to becoming a mother while working and on mothers and work-life balance, literature on clergy and, in particular, clergywomen and work-life balance is scarce. This study contributes to that literature by utilizing role theory and grounded theory methods to investigate the experience of 12 clergywomen who negotiated maternity leave with their congregations and the implications of that process on how they understood and managed their roles as mothers and pastors. The result is a model for role management through the process of negotiating maternity leave which identifies and describes the causal conditions; personal, church and intervening factors; overall experience of negotiation and consequences of the negotiation, including decisions about role management. Major findings include the observations that the most influential church factor seems to be the overall stability and organizational health of the congregation and its leadership and that a presbytery level policy may be the only effective intervention in a difficult negotiation. Limitations of the study, as well as recommendations for future study, clinical implications, and recommendations for denominational leaders are also discussed.
Clinicians' Experiences of the Application of Interpersonal Neurobiology as a Framework for Psychotherapy
Myers, Kelsey Jane (Virginia Tech, 2011-09-02)
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) combines multiple fields of thought into one integrated framework. It has been utilized to expand conversation of the "mind" and promote well-being across disciplines. Current literature outlines the IPNB framework, including suggestions for its application to psychotherapeutic practice; however, limited research has examined clinicians' experiences of using the IPNB framework. This study aims to add to the discussion on IPNB by examining the lived experiences of psychotherapists employing IPNB as a framework for their clinical practice. This study uses thematic analysis procedures to analyze data from a focus group consisting of psychotherapeutic practitioners. The investigation explores how the participants perceive the impact of their implementation of IPNB; as well as how they believe that using the IPNB framework has changed case conceptualization and intervention. Findings and implications are also discussed.
Emotion Regulation and Relationship Satisfaction in Clinical Couples
Rick, Jennifer Leigh (Virginia Tech, 2015-04-27)
This study explored the relationship between the multidimensional construct of emotion regulation and relationship satisfaction in couples seeking couple or family therapy at an outpatient mental health clinic. Recognizing the necessarily interdependent nature of dyadic data, study data were analyzed via path analysis consistent with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, Kashy, and Cook, 2006). While overall emotion regulation was not found to be significantly related to relationship satisfaction, results indicated differential effects for the various dimensions of emotion regulation. Perceived access to emotion regulation strategies was significantly positively associated with relationship satisfaction for both men and women. Awareness of emotions was significantly negatively associated with satisfaction for men, with women displaying a trend toward significance, and acceptance of emotions was significantly negatively associated with satisfaction for women, with men displaying a trend toward significance. Women's acceptance of emotions was also significantly negatively associated with her partner's relationship satisfaction, while her ability to control her impulses was significantly positively associated with her partner's satisfaction. No partner effects were found for men's emotion regulation dimensions. Study limitations as well as research and clinical implications are discussed.
Emotional Expression and Adjustment of Adolescents Who Have Experienced a Military Parent Deployed
Fronce, Michael A. (Virginia Tech, 2009-05-19)
Gender is a context by which males and females are socialized. Social stereotypes based on gender influence emotional expressions. This study examined the emotional expression and adjustment of male and female adolescents who have experienced military deployment. Group interviews were held and transcripts were analyzed for gender differences in frequency and adherence to social display rules. The relationship of emotional expression and adjustment was also analyzed. Findings support the existence of gender differences in frequency of emotional expression, specifically that males had lower frequency of emotional expression in the interview. However, this study did not support adherence to social display rules. Males and females in the study expressed emotions that were both typical and atypical of display rules. Gender differences in adjustment were not found in this study. Clinical implications, limitations to research, and future research suggestions are also given.
Equine Assisted Couples Therapy: An Exploratory Study
Ham, Taylor Marie (Virginia Tech, 2013-06-06)
Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging experiential methodology
that has recently gained recognition as a method for addressing a range of presenting
problems for a wide variety of client populations. Couples therapy is one area that the
practice of equine assisted psychotherapy has recently gained traction. This study
describes the practice of equine assisted couples therapy in terms of practitioner
characteristics, approach to treatment, therapeutic goals and outcomes. Mental health
professionals currently using equine assisted psychotherapy to treat couples share their
experiences and perspectives to provide an overview of this emerging modality.
Examining the process of change for adolescent girls on probation in a residential treatment center
Killiany, Erin Margaret (Virginia Tech, 2010-04-28)
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the factors that contribute to client behavior change and motivation during residential treatment for adolescent females on probation. Data were obtained through retrospective individual interviews with residents of a residential treatment center in Northern Virginia. Semi-structured, open-ended questions were asked in order to obtain a rich description of each girl's experience of change. The results illuminated specific aspects of the treatment program that were most helpful to the participants. By analyzing these data, a specific process of change was developed for this unique population. Participants in the current study reported relationships with staff and their families as very important in terms of making changes. It seems the attachments they were able to establish were a significant factor in change. Through the lens of attachment theory, it is hypothesized that participants' relationships with staff were instrumental in helping them to make changes, as these relationships offered a secure base from which to explore themselves. In the context of an alternative attachment, the current study could be beneficial in helping counselors view themselves as alternative attachment figures, and help them to be more intentional about how they use this in treatment.
The Experience of Asian Americans Caring for Elderly Parents
Kanti, May (Virginia Tech, 2014-06-02)
This qualitative study sought to examine the experience of Asian Americans who provide housing and financial support for first-generation biological Asian parents aged 65 and older. Semi-structured interviews regarding how participants came to take care of their parents, the impact it had on close relationships and participants' plans, the impact of cultural background on taking care of their parents, and the positive aspects of caring for their parents were conducted with eight second-generation adult Asians in the U.S. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes were organized around the areas of inquiry. Participants spoke about fulfilling caregiving responsibilities out of love and obligation; the positive and negative impact of caregiving on relationships with parents, siblings, and significant others; the challenges associated with their own decreased independence and the difficulty of seeing parents age; the benefits of the instrumental support that they received from parents and closer grandparent-grandchild relationships; impact on financial and housing plans; and the expectation of non-financial care from their children. Despite living in an individualistic society, participants appeared to endorse values of filial piety by taking care of their parents. Further, the participants' hopes that their children would continue taking care of elderly family members in non-financial ways in the future suggests that while they maintain the cultural value of filial piety, it is being adapted to the reality of living in an individualistic society. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Experiences of an LDS Spouse when her Partner used Pornography: a Phenomenological Study
Buhler, Brandon Michael (Virginia Tech, 2008-09-04)
Pornography is becoming more and more accessible to society and the pornography industry brings in billions of dollars each year. Research is now starting to focus on the effects of pornography use within the marital context. The effects on the spouse of the pornography user are beginning to show that pornography use can be damaging to marriages, how one views one's partner and how one views oneself. Within the LDS Church, pornography has been considered a violation of their beliefs about chastity and moral cleanliness. With the rise of the use of pornography within the membership of the LDS Church, it is important for the ecclesiastical leadership of the Church and clinicians alike to understand the experiences of LDS spouses of pornography users. One LDS woman, married 18 years, white, participated in a 60 minute interview. Using a qualitative method and phenomenological lens, this study explores what is like for a married woman in the LDS Church to find out that her husband is viewing pornography, and being in direct violation of the Church's stance on sexual cleanliness. Themes found include emotional/psychological processes, spiritual processes and trying to make sense of these two processes in tandem. Aspects of the LDS Church that were not helpful were identified as well as aspects of the LDS Church that were helpful are outlined. Advice for Church leaders (local and general) was provided and advice for clinicians that may work with couples that find themselves in this situation is described.
Experiences of Second-Generation Middle Eastern Coptic Americans Managing Multicultural Identity and its Impact on Their Relationships
Moussa, Mary Fateen (Virginia Tech, 2014-06-10)
This qualitative study sought to examine the experience of second-generation Middle Eastern Coptic Americans managing their multicultural identity and its impact on their relationships. Semi-structured interviews regarding how participants defined themselves, how they represented their identity to others, how they balanced the values, beliefs, and traditions came to take care of their parents, as well as its impact on their relationships, including family, friends, and significant others. The study addressed both challenges and advantages of multiculturalism. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes were organized around the areas of inquiry. Participants spoke about highlighting their religious identity to avoid assumptions, the limitations of the Middle Eastern label for Copts, people's lack of understanding about the Coptic faith, the overlap between cultures. They also discussed their identity in terms of internal conflict, external conflict with parents over values and cultural distance, as well as their preferences in relationship choices. Participants addressed advantages in multiculturalism in their ability to relate to others, feeling a strong sense of community, as well as feeling uniqueness and pride in their identity. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Exploring a Psycholinguistic Method of Assessing Attachment Orientation in Couple Therapy
Turner, Erica R. (Virginia Tech, 2013-09-02)
Research conducted with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) has provided a wealth of information regarding how adults behave in and respond to relationships. Unfortunately, despite the AAI\'s usefulness in assessing attachment orientation, administering the AAI requires intensive training, cost, and time. Because of this, a limited number of researchers are able to use the AAI despite the measure\'s demonstrated psychometric properties and utility for research related to attachment theory. The present study aimed to utilize the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software to assess attachment orientation in the context of an attachment-based couple therapy, with the broad goal of potentially expanding our ability to measure attachment orientation in research. The results indicate that attachment orientation is a meaningful metric for analyzing individuals\' speech regarding their relationships in an attachment-based couple therapy.
Exploring Adolescents\' Experiences of Self-Disclosing on Facebook When Distressed
Wise, Ashley Patricia (Virginia Tech, 2013-06-03)
Facebook provides adolescents with multiple opportunities to self-disclose information about themselves, one of the most prominent ones being a status update. This qualitative study expanded on existing research related to adolescent self-disclosure on Facebook by exploring ten adolescents\' experiences of self-disclosing on a Facebook status when upset or distressed. Using thematic analysis, prominent themes emerged which included the decision making process in making such a post, concerns of privacy, impacts on peer relationships, perceptions and feelings of others, sense of community and support systems. Limitations of the study, clinical implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Exploring personalized psychotherapy for depression: A system dynamics approach
Wittenborn, Andrea K.; Hosseinichimeh, Niyousha (Public Library of Science, 2022-10)
Depressive disorders are the leading contributor to medical disability, yet only 22% of depressed patients receive adequate treatment in a given year. Response to treatment varies widely among individuals with depression, and poor response to one treatment does not signal poor response to others. In fact, half of patients who do not recover from a first-line psychotherapy will recover from a second option. Attempts to personalize psychotherapy to patient characteristics have produced better outcomes than usual care, but research on personalized psychotherapy is still in its infancy. The present study explores a new method for personalizing psychotherapy for depression through simulation modeling. In this study, we developed a system dynamics simulation model of depression based on one of the major mechanisms of depression in the literature and investigated the trend of depressive symptoms under different conditions and treatments. Our simulation outputs show the importance of individualized services with appropriate timing, and reveal a new method for personalizing psychotherapy to heterogeneous individuals. Future research is needed to expand the model to include additional mechanisms of depression.
Families under stress: Using the Double ABCX model to understand attachment relationships in families during military deployment
Powell, Courtney Christine (Virginia Tech, 2008-04-29)
While extensive research has been done examining stress in families using the Double ABCX model and examining stress management using attachment theory, there is no research combining the model to understand how they might be integrated in understanding stress and coping. The current study uses the Double ABCX model and research on attachment to suggest that attachment relationships will be the primary resource to adjust for military families during deployment. Two extreme case studies were selected to explore the interplay of these two models. The in-depth interviews of the women with a deployed spouse and with children in the home were examined. Exploration of the experiences of the two women informed a model in understanding the synthesis of stress and attachment and understanding the influence of meaning making and adjustment. Therapeutic implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Hesitantly Happy: The Influence of a Late Term Pregnancy Loss during the Subsequent Pregnancy
Labrum, Mandaran Lynn (Virginia Tech, 2014-06-03)
This research explores the influence of pregnancy loss and coping strategies employed while connecting to the fetus in a subsequent pregnancy following a late term loss. Nine participants were interviewed using a qualitative, phenomenological methodology to determine participant's experience. Four themes emerged within the data: (1) support network – participants acknowledged who was there for them and who was not, (2) emotional ups and downs – participants reported the emotional ups and downs from loss to the subsequent pregnancy to delivery and after birth, and how they connected during this process (3) coping – participants describe coping strategies used throughout their experience, and (4) moving forward – participants reported their process of finding their new normal and how this event changed their perspective on life. Limitations, future research and clinical implications were all identified and discussed.
Modeling and estimating the feedback mechanisms among depression, rumination, and stressors in adolescents
Hosseinichimeh, Niyousha; Wittenborn, Andrea K.; Rick, Jennifer; Jalali, Mohammad S.; Rahmandad, Hazhir (PLOS, 2018-09-27)
The systemic interactions among depressive symptoms, rumination, and stress are important to understanding depression but have not yet been quantified. In this article, we present a system dynamics simulation model of depression that captures the reciprocal relationships among stressors, rumination, and depression. Building on the response styles theory, this model formalizes three interdependent mechanisms: 1) Rumination contributes to `keeping stressors alive'; 2) Rumination has a direct impact on depressive symptoms; and 3) Both `stressors kept alive' and current depressive symptoms contribute to rumination. The strength of these mechanisms is estimated using data from 661 adolescents (353 girls and 308 boys) from two middle schools (grades 6–8). These estimates indicate that rumination contributes to depression by keeping stressors `alive' — and the individual activated — even after the stressor has ended. This mechanism is stronger among girls than boys, increasing their vulnerability to a rumination reinforcing loop. Different profiles of depression emerge over time depending on initial levels of depressive symptoms, rumination, and stressors as well as the occurrence rate for stressors; levels of rumination and occurrence of stressors are stronger contributors to long-term depression. Our systems model is a steppingstone towards a more comprehensive understanding of depression in which reinforcing feedback mechanisms play a significant role. Future research is needed to expand this simulation model to incorporate other drivers of depression and provide a more holistic tool for studying depression.
Multifamily Family Therapy Group for ADHD Children and their Families: A Delphi Study
Fischer, Martha Francis (Virginia Tech, 2013-09-02)
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder characterized by primary symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity. ADHD children suffer not only from these primary symptoms, but also from secondary negative impacts including poor peer relationships, increased conflict within family interactions as well as diminished academic achievement and increased classroom disruptions. In order to target these concerns, a 12 week pilot Multifamily Therapy Group curriculum was developed for implementation in a social service agency setting with ADHD children aged ten to twelve and their families. Using the Delphi Method, a panel of experts evaluated the curriculum, treatment process, and modality applicability. Findings and recommendations from the expert reviews will be discussed.
Our Voices Matter: Exploring the Experience of Divorce for Young Children
Hirschfeld, Mara Rae (Virginia Tech, 2014-06-03)
While divorce can be challenging for children at any age, research suggests that children under the age of six are at increased risk for behavioral and developmental delays (Emery, 1999; Hetherington, 1979, Wallerstein and Blakeslee, 1989). Despite their increased risk, the majority of research on children's adjustment post-divorce has focused on older school age children and adolescents (Jennings and Howe, 2001; Mutchler, Hunt, Koopman, and Mutchler, 1992) rather than young children. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the experience of divorce for young children (ages 5-7 old). Results produced five themes regarding children's emotional experience of divorce, which include trying to make sense of the divorce, feelings they experience/how they describe themselves, experience and advice: "]stop fighting,"what they worry about, and coping skills/ways to distract themselves. Discussion conjectures about these themes and makes suggestions for clinical implications and future studies in an effort to mitigate short-term consequences and help children cope with their parents' divorce.
Portraits of Resilience: Same-Sex Military Couples' Experience of Deployment
Curtis, Ansley Fraser (Virginia Tech, 2014-06-03)
Research investigating how same-sex military couples conjointly experience the deployment process is absent. This study employed transcendental phenomenological methods (Moustakas, 1994) to explore the lived experiences of same-sex military couples and the deployment process. In-depth, conjoint interviews were conducted with eighteen individuals: five female couples and four male couples, representing four military branches, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Three thematic categories emerged that revealed the essence of the couples' experiences of deployment: deployment experience is context-dependent, challenges associated with sexual minority status, and learned resilience. Though couples experienced a host of unique challenges related to their minority status and restrictive policies, couples developed adaptive coping strategies that served to mediate the impact of distinctive barriers and restrictions. Findings demonstrate the vulnerability and resilience of same-sex military couples during deployment. Political, clinical, and research implications are discussed.
A qualitative study of couples'experience of the Preventative and Relationship Enhancement Program
Bath, Kara B. (Virginia Tech, 2010-09-08)
This study explores the experience of couples, married five or more years, of the Preventative and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). This study examined specific skills the couplesâ gleaned from the workshop, as well as, the relational impact that PREP had on the couples' marriage. Six couples were surveyed, ranging in age from mid-forties to mid-fifties and ranging in years married from 8.5 to 29 years. Content analysis was employed to examine the data. Two themes emerged—motivation and impact, and results were organized under these themes. Clinical implications were identified concerning working with couples married five or more years in therapy and future research is discussed.

Browsing by Author "Wittenborn, Andrea K."

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