Psychology

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A Child's Theory of Mind
(1995) Gamble, Eleanor; Cassidy, Kimberly Wright; Boltz, Marilyn
The purpose of the present experiment was to study children's theory of mind or their ability to attribute mental states to themselves and to others. Two tasks were used to test the theory of mind: the false belief task, the standard test for a theory of mind and the false pretend task, a newer version of the false belief task which employs pretense. The effects of perceptual pull and desire on task performance were also studied. The subjects of the experiment were twenty-seven preschoolers ages three, four and five. The major findings of this study showed that children's performance on these theory of mind tasks improves significantly between the third and fourth years. These results support a view claiming that children become more conceptually developed in this time period. In contrast to previous findings, the false belief task was also shown to be easier than the false pretend task. Future research needs to be conducted to determine under what conditions a child can and cannot use their theory of mind.
A Date with Mother Nature: The Environmental Investment Model
(2010) Rickert, Jeff; Le, Benjamin
The present study sought to identify determining factors that were associated with pro-environmental behaviors. In two studies, we adapted two relevant theoretical templates (the Investment Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior) into a unified model to test our hypotheses investigating environmental relationships. In Study 1, using a community sample, we examined our theoretical framework using a cross-sectional design and self-report measures to investigate the relationships between environmental attitudes and beliefs towards energy conservation, recycling, and use of alternative transportation. We hypothesized that satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, investment size, and subjective norms regarding the natural environment would be associated with commitment to the natural environment and these ecological behaviors. Additionally, we predicted that commitment would be significantly associated with willingness to sacrifice for the environment and these same ecological behaviors. The purpose of Study 2 was to assess the causal mechanisms and directionality of the association between level of commitment and willingness to sacrifice using priming techniques. Our data support the belief that greater personal commitment predicts greater pro-environmental behavior (i.e., willingness to sacrifice for the environment). Further, these data clarify behavioral ambiguities within the human-environment relationship by investigating specific ecological domains.
A Developmental Look at Scripts through the Study of Action
(1992) Roth, Robyn
This study looks at action as an indicator of script organization in young children (approximately three years old), older children (approximately 5 years old), and adults. Subjects participated in two experiments, where one study varied the objects available to complete the task and the other manipulated the spatial arrangement of the available items. Subjects' actions were coded to determine the effect of age and object availability or spatial arrangement on the number of actions performed, the number of errors and microslips committed, the number of functional variations made, and the amount of time taken to perform the task. We predicted different age effects for each experiment. While our specific hypotheses were not always supported, we did find age effects for all conditions, with children generally making more actions, errors, microslips, and functional variations than adults. Most interestingly, younger children made the most errors and microslips in the object task, while older children performed the most errors and microslips in the spatial task. In addition, children took longer than adults to complete both task types. By examining actions and related errors across age groups, we hope to learn more about the organizational development of our general event representations and about how our ability to implement these scripts changes over time.
A Longitudinal Study of How Autonomy Supportive Parenting Relates to Motivation, Coping, and Well-Being Across the Transition to College
(2018) Prinz, Ishaan; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
Autonomy supportive parenting and parental involvement are associated with many positive life outcomes. On the basis of self-determination theory (SDT), our longitudinal study examined how students’ perceptions of parenting related to well-being across the transition to college. We also explored how academic high point and low point narratives mediated this process through the respective mechanisms of motivation and coping. Our main sample consisted of N = 375 students from the Identity Pathways Project who took part in four waves of data collection (summer before freshman year to fall of sophomore year). We found that students who perceived their parents to be less autonomy supportive and more involved decreased significantly in wellbeing across the four waves. While neither motivation nor coping mediated this relationship, adaptive coping themes were associated with higher well-being. Finally, our data indicate that autonomy supportive parenting is cross-culturally important for well-being, as suggested by SDT.
A Master Narrative Approach to Examining Romantic Relationship Deviations
(2015) Colombo, Lucas F. J.; Le, Benjamin; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
The present research aimed to investigate the ways in which people in romantic relationships interpret how their relationships differ from what is considered normal. A sample of 200 individuals in relationships completed a survey that asked them to describe their relationship deviation in narrative form and to give an example of when this deviation was manifested. They were also asked to describe an experience in which they discussed their relationship deviation with another person. These narratives were coded for a variety of themes. As hypothesized, several personality characteristics, namely Extraversion and a growth-oriented implicit theory of relationships, were correlated with several narrative themes, specifically positive growth, disclosure, resolution, positive affect, and approval. These narrative themes were also correlated with relationship quality. The narrative theme of positive growth was also found to mediate the relationship between a growth-oriented implicit theory of relationships and relationship quality. Future research can investigate the effect that the severity or centrality of a relationship deviation to an individual’s relationship has on relationship quality, and can also expand upon the efficacy of using narratives to study master narrative deviations.
A Modality-Specific Deficit of Spatial Attention: A Dual-Case Study of Tactile Extinction
(2002) Olson, Elizabeth; Chatterjee, Anjan; Sternberg, Wendy
A Narrative Approach to Bicultural Identity Development
(2009) Levenson, Chloe M; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
This study examines bicultural identity integration and development among bicultural college students. Participants completed measures of bicultural identity integration (measuring concepts of bicultural distance and conflict), ethnic and U.S. identity, scales of well-being and wrote three biculturally significant memories. Narratives were coded for various themes; integral narrative coding variables to our study goals were exploration, growth, emotional valence of narrative ending, redemption sequences, bicultural conflict/uncertainty/confusion and bicultural distance. Results indicated that bicultural distance was associated with patterns of negative autobiographical reasoning. Bicultural conflict was negatively correlated with emotional valence of narrative endings and past conflict. Furthermore, a hierarchical moderated multiple regression demonstrated that individuals with past bicultural conflict and high levels of narrative exploration were more biculturally integrated than individuals with past conflict who lacked narrative exploration. Moreover, by taking a developmental perspective that integrated measures of past and present bicultural experiences, it became clear that conflict has the potential to be a positive influence on bicultural identity development.
A novel method evaluating the effects of peripartum estrogen fluctuations on sleep
(2020) Irvine, Abiola; Been, Laura
Clinically, sleep disorders are prevalent during pregnancy with more sleep disruptions occurring from late pregnancy through the postpartum period. Although there are many physical demands associated with pregnancy and birth that may contribute to these sleep disruptions, an understudied possibility is that hormones are directly acting in the brain to disrupt sleep. In order to test the effects of pregnancy hormones on sleep we used a hormone simulated pregnancy model in Syrian hamsters. Using Ethovision XT software, we developed a method to measure sleep using actigraphy data gathered through behavioral video recordings. Using this method we found that long periods of inactivity correlate with sleep while prolonged periods of activity correlate with wakefulness, thus activity can be used as a proxy for sleep. Using these data, we found trends suggesting that estrogen withdrawal following birth decreases total sleep time compared to sustained estrogen treatment following birth. This is important because these findings suggest a new method to measure sleep and that the effects of pregnancy hormones on sleep should be further evaluated.
A Prototype Analysis of Missing in a Geographically Separated Relationship: Validation, Correlates, and Implications
(2005) Feinberg, Emily; Le, Benjamin
The current research used a prototype analysis to study the experience of missing a partner in a geographically separated relationship. In Study 1, the prototype of missing was validated using cognitive tasks and relationship vignettes. As hypothesized, results showed more recall for central features and more false recognition for central features. Relationships including central features were also rated as experiencing more “missing” than relationship including non-central features. In Study 2, the experience of missing was looked at in a long distance relationship sample. Using an online survey, a missing scale created using its prototype, was measured in addition to commitment, loneliness, and other various relationship and personality dimensions. As hypothesized, results found a moderate correlation between missing and commitment and a small, but significant correlation between missing and loneliness. These findings validated the prototypical structure of missing and also found it to be separate from the experience of loneliness. The function of missing as a pro-relationship motivation was also discussed. Future research on the experience of missing in relation to individual and relationship differences is suggested, in addition to a focus on the nature of the separation and relationship involved.
A Prototype Analysis of Missing in Geographically Separated Romantic Relationships: Validation and Correlates of the Experience of Missing
(2005) Johnson, Katherine; Le, Benjamin
There is a growing literature examining the functioning of geographically separated couples and missing is a common experience in long distance relationships. The purpose of Study 1 was to validate the prototype of missing established by Le et al. (2004) through the use of two cognitive memory tasks and a hypothetical relationship task using vignettes. As hypothesized, the sample (N = 92) falsely recalled and falsely recognized central terms of missing more than non-central terms. Vignettes describing relationships with central terms were rated as missing more than relationships described with non-central terms. The purpose of Study 2 was to investigate the experience of missing through the use of an internet study in couples currently separated from their romantic partner (N = 435). The measure of missing demonstrated discriminate validity from the UCLA Loneliness Scale-supporting the hypothesis that missing overlaps but is yet distinct from loneliness. Individuals who missed their partners more were more committed, more securely or anxiously attached and more dependent than those individuals who missed their partners less. Missing serves as a relationship maintenance mechanism to promote behaviors that preserve the relationship in the face of geographic separation.
A Prototype Analysis of the Concept of Missing
(2003) Adams, Sam; Le, Benjamin; Sternberg, Wendy
Missing a romantic partner is a significant aspect in many peoples' lives; however, there has not been any past research about this experience. The current study is an attempt to define and analyze this concept by using prototype analysis. In Study 1, 77 college students listed features of missing a romantic partner. In Study 2, rankings for centrality and valence of these features were collected from 71 college students. Through the analysis significant differences were discovered between how each gender defines missing. Analysis also revealed a number of relationships, and self-esteem. The study found that differences in the aforementioned sub-tests were correlated with individuals' rating of centrality and valence for the various features. This suggests that understanding how one's partner defines missing may be crucial to relationship stability and satisfaction.
A Search for the Science Behind the Pseudoscience: Tonal Healing and the Endogenous Opiate System in Mice
(2007) Sun, Joyce
Investigators ran adult mice of both sexes through a hot plate test, an abdominal constriction test, and an elevated plus-maze test in order to elucidate the effects of tonal healing on pain and stress behavior. In all three tests, pain behavior was measured in the presence and absence of healing tones. Naloxone reversibility served as a test of opiate mediation. Although the underlying mechanism of the analgesia remains largely unknown, healing tones clearly reduce pain and stress behavior in mice in the presence of noxious stimuli.
A Sound Mind in a Sound Body: The Psychological Benefits of Physical Exercise: The Effects of Exercise on Mood, Cognitive Functioning, and General Well-Being
(2008) Saul, Southey; Compton, Rebecca J. (Rebecca Jean)
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, physical exercise has been linked to intellectual abilities and mental health (Weinberg & Gould, 1995). The phenomenon often referred to as "runner's high," the elevation in mood following a bout of aerobic exercise, is only one example of the many psychological perks of physical exercise. Some people even believe in exercise addiction, as the absence of exercise has been associated with negative effects (Glass et al., 2004). Though the benefits of physical exercise exist in a broad spectrum of domains, this paper will focus specifically the psychological benefits concerning specific mood states, including depression and anxiety; various aspects of cognitive functioning; and general wellbeing and quality of life.
A “Maturational Crisis”: A Logotherapeutic Proposal for Postpartum Depression in Adolescence
(2024) Moore, Mina; Le, Benjamin
Postpartum depression is a complex mood disturbance that affects a significant number of mothers, exacerbating the already difficult period following childbirth. Adolescent mothers are especially vulnerable to developing postpartum depression, and in this paper I propose research of an uncommon therapeutic approach, Logotherapy, as a treatment option to combat this psychological disturbance in young mothers. Logotherapy was developed by Viktor Frankl while he was imprisoned in a Nazi Concentration Camp during the Holocaust, and it teaches that one can improve one’s mental health regardless of one’s circumstances, by finding a purpose. Logotherapy has proven to be effective in treating depression in all life stages, including adolescence, and I predict that Logotherapy would significantly reduce symptoms of postpartum depression in adolescents. Furthermore, research supports group therapy for mothers with postpartum depression, possibly due to a lack of social support as a prominent risk factor for the mood disturbance. Group Logotherapy may prove to be a useful intervention for adolescent mothers with postpartum depression.
Abstraction Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: The Effects of Social Power and Construal on Relationship Investments, Alternatives, and Willingness to Sacrifice
(2012) Field, James L.; Le, Benjamin
The present studies sought to explore the role of both power and construal (Smith & Trope, 2006) on specific romantic relationship predictors. Two studies, one external and one internal, used adaptations of Rusbult's (1980) investment model to explore the effects of power and construal on present and planned investments (Goodfriend & Agnew, 2008), global and specific alternatives (Simpson, 1987), and motives of sacrifice (Impett et al., 2005). Study 1 used a large and diverse sample for a correlational study, while Study 2 used a experimental design, and primed participants for high and low levels of construal. The studies found that, in general, low levels of power were associated with greater investments of all types, as well as greater willingness to sacrifice, while high power was associated greater perceived alternatives. Low construal was associated with greater perceived alternatives, while high construal was associated with greater overall investments and greater willingness to sacrifice. Overall, high construal appeared to facilitate greater positive relationship maintaining behavior. Further implications for the roles of construal and power in romantic relationships are discussed.
Adolescent identity development: The interrelatedness of gender and race/ethnicity
(1994) Lindamood, Bryce
Earlier research in adolescent identity development focused on the variables of development as individual effects. Important variables, like gender and race, were not explored interactively. In order to test the interaction of race and gender, a questionnaire was administered to examine ego-identity, self-esteem, and ethnic-identity achievement. 78 subjects were from various ethnic backgrounds and were in their first or second years of college. For ethnic identity, Ethnic-Whites scored as high as Black subjects. Tukey pos-hoc comparisons were run comparing the ethnic identity scores. These results showed that Black subjects and Ethnic-White subjects were significantly different as compared to White subjects. There were no gender differences. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Adolescent identity formation: The interrelatedness of gender and ethnicity
(1994) Curry, Aaron
Previous research in adolescent identity development has focused on variables of gender and race and the effect of each on adolescent identity development. In order to test the interaction of race and gender and their impact upon adolescent identity development, questionnaires measuring self-esteem, ego-identity, and ethnic identity achievement were distributed among 78 subjects. Subjects were from various ethnic backgrounds, and were in either their first or second year of college. It was anticipated that students of color, and specifically women of color, would be higher in ethnic identity than Whites. In fact, Ethnic Whites scored as high as Blacks for the measure of ethnic identity. There were no results for the main effect of gender. The meaning of these findings was discussed.
Affiliative Behavior and Empathetic Response: Sex Differences and Neuroendocrine Factors
(2008) Mutso, Amelia; Sternberg, Wendy
This study investigated the ability of mice to distinguish the emotional state of other mice as an indication of empathetic behavior. The ability to distinguish emotional states was examined by using an overt pain stimulus on a mouse and measuring subsequent approach behavior by another mouse to the mouse in pain. This was used as a model for the affiliation and empathy of one mouse for another, presenting a novel paradigm for measuring affiliation and empathetic approach behavior towards another animal. The ability to identify the pain state of another mouse was examined in both female and male mice. It was found that female mice were better able than males to identify the pain state of another mouse, and, therefore spent significantly more time in proximity to the cagemate in pain than with an unaffected cagemate. Approach behavior in males was not affected by the pain state of another mouse. Since the hormone oxytocin has been shown to play a role in affiliation, its role in the ability to identify emotional states was investigated through a pharmacological manipulation in female mice where female mice were injected with oxytocin. The data from the oxytocin manipulation were inconclusive but suggested further work is necessary to investigate the role of this hormone in empathetic behavior in mice. Future research can use this novel paradigm to further investigate sex differences in empathetic behavior and the role of affiliative hormones in empathetic responses.
Aimlessness and Agency: Interpreting the Lives of Second Wave Feminists
(1994) Calvo, Naomi; Milden, Randy; Davis, Douglas A., 1943-
This is an exploratory study of the lives of six women, graduates of Bryn Mawr College, who defined themselves as feminist in the late sixties and early seventies. Because of the exploratory nature of the work the focus has shifted substantially since its inception. Hence an overview of the study's organization is helpful. Since part of the purpose of this study is an exploration of nontraditional methodology, one component of the study traces the changes in the project. Thus Chapter One provides the original conception of the study. It contains an introduction to the initial purpose; an appropriate literature review; and expected methods. Chapter Two details how the study was actually carried out. It contains a description of the actual methods and a reflection on the dilemmas of methodology given the process of the study; a description and analysis of the individual women's lives; a general analysis of themes across the women's lives; and a re-examination of the literature review. The Epilogue concludes by reflecting on the study and its affects on the researcher.
All in the family: learning about human society from observing gorilla social structure
(1992) Cohen, Melanie; Perloe, Sidney
An observational study of a captive group of gorillas (G.g. gorilla) was conducted over a seven month period in response to the birth of an infant on July 4, 1991. Observations began when the infant was two months old and continued until she was eight months of age. The development of infant independence and how infant independence corresponded with the development of play were the main foci of the study. Another aspect of the study involved the analysis of family cohesion and silverback-immature interactions. The amount of time the infant spent in contact with the mother decreased over the course of the study, although the difference was not significant. The type of solitary play the infant was involved in more often significantly changed from object to locomotor play over the course of the study (x²=26.86, p<.01). These results and others suggest that the infant's social development relies upon a decrease in the amount of time spent in close proximity with the mother and on active exploration of the environment.

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