Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Psychological Sciences / Laura A. Brannon / The current research investigated strategies to reduce cell phone use while driving. Anti-distracted driving campaigns, which typically communicate risk information and target driver behavior, may produce limited effects because people tend to underestimate their risk from this behavior (e.g., Schlehofer et al., 2010). Study 1 compared the effects of messages targeting drivers to messages targeting non-drivers in order to examine the potential of discouraging people from having cell phone communication with others who are driving. Some anti-distracted driving campaigns have emphasized the potential harm to both the driver and others, but whether one approach (self-oriented or other-oriented messaging) is more persuasive than the other has not been examined empirically. Study 1 compared messages that were self-oriented, other-oriented, or neutral in terms of who could be affected by cell phone use while driving. Although cell phone use while driving generally is perceived as dangerous, people may make justifications for engaging in the behavior on at least some occasions, and these justifications may override the influence of risk knowledge on behavior. Consistent with inoculation theory (McGuire, 1961), if given the opportunity to practice refuting these justifications in a controlled setting, people will be more likely to defend themselves against justifications to engage in cell phone use while driving. Thus, Study 1 tested the prediction that participation in an inoculation task would reduce the likelihood of cell phone use while driving. Results from Study 1 suggested an advantage of targeting non-driving participants of cell phone conversations to enhance efforts for reducing on-the-road cell phone use. Study 1 also demonstrated a positive effect of inoculation, but primarily for behavior of non-driving participants of cell phone conversations. In addition to overconfidence in ability to avoid risk, habitual tendencies also may impede the influence of risk communication campaigns (Bayer & Campbell, 2012). Study 2 investigated the potential of mindfulness-based and implementation intentions techniques for helping people overcome habitual responses to their cell phone when doing so is inappropriate or inconvenient. Results indicated that pairing mindfulness-based training with risk information may be significantly more effective than risk information alone at inhibiting inappropriate cell phone use.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Psychological Sciences / Gary Brase / Although fertility decision-making has been the source of considerable theoretical and empirical investigation, the effect of several contextual variables on individuals’ fertility decision-making processes are not yet understood. For example, are individuals more strongly influenced by social forces that are informational or normative? Also, do individuals change their fertility intentions based on their current and developmental economic conditions? Further, how ‘shared’ are reproductive decisions within a couple, are males or females more likely to get what they want? This 3-study program of research used both experimental and exploratory qualitative methods to elucidate the nature of these unresolved issues within the domain of fertility decision-making. Study 1 (N = 344, M[subscript]age = 23, SD[subscript]age =6.41, 59.3% female) found that highly motivated individuals’ fertility intentions were more susceptible to informational, compared to normative messages (the opposite was true for unmotivated participants). Study 2 (N = 249, M[subscript]age = 24, SD[subscript]age =6.10, 61.4% female) found that exposure to mortality primes up-regulated fertility intentions for individuals with “fast” life history strategies, but facilitated the down-regulation of fertility intentions for individuals with “slow” life history strategies. Interestingly, resource scarcity primes were associated with the postponement of fertility plans in individuals’ with “fast” life history strategies. Study 3 (N = 120, M[subscript]age = 21, SD[subscript]age =4.96, 50% female) found that, contrary to predictions, the similarity of couples’ gender role attitudes, career-orientations, and education levels did not significantly predict the frequency of their use of statements coded as compromise and agreement or persuasion and disagreement in their discussions regarding their future reproductive plans. Findings do suggest that individuals with higher levels of education were more likely to use persuasion and disagreement statements in their child timing and number discussions with their romantic partner, indicative of greater decision-making power in that particular social exchange. Further, men and women in study 3 were equally likely to use statements coded as compromise and agreement, persuasion and disagreement, and concession when discussing both their future fertility plans as well as their future financial plans.

Master of Science / Department of Journalism and Mass Communications / Joye C. Gordon / The goal of this graduate-level report is to establish a research-based communications plan for the Centralia High School Alumni Association (CHSAA) in order to build permanence in relationships between alumni members and the school, as well as, to secure the financial future of the organization. The project will follow a standard public relations RACE (research, action, communication, and evaluation) model. Background research summarizing current trends in the economy, fundraising, donor motivations and solicitation tactics; CHSAA and the environment that surrounds the organization, the school, and businesses in the communities; intervening publics and primary research is analyzed. As a result of the background analysis, four key publics and corresponding strategies and tactics to reach those publics are identified. A campaign budget is proposed; a two-year time period is shown for implementation of created tactics; and finally, evaluation criteria are listed to provide CHSAA with mechanisms for measuring progress toward the end goal of CHSAA being a permanent fixture for Centralia Schools, its alumni members and surrounding communities.

Master of Science / Department of Psychology / Donald A. Saucier / Research has demonstrated that negative perceptions of rape victims may vary based on characteristics such as the victims’ race (e.g., Estrich, 1987; Wyatt, 1992). This study examined rape from feminist (e.g., Collins, 1991; hooks, 2003) and Social Dominance Theory (SDT; e.g., Pratto, 1996; Sidanius, 1993) perspectives to assess the relationship between individuals’ social dominance orientation (SDO) and differences in their attitudes toward rape victims of differing races. After reading newspaper-style vignettes describing the rape of either a White or Black victim, participants (N = 83) completed measures assessing their levels of rape myth acceptance (RMA), gender role beliefs, SDO, racism, and social desirability. Results indicated that participants’ SDO scores significantly predicted their perceptions of the triviality of the rape. Specifically, when participants’ SDO scores were higher, they perceived the rape as less trivial for White victims. However, participants higher in SDO did not perceive the rape of Black victims as being either more or less trivial. Consistent with previous research, this study also found that negative attitudes toward women significantly predicted overall negative perceptions of both the Black and White rape victims (e.g., Hockett, Saucier, Hoffman, Smith, & Craig, in press) and that individuals perceived the Black rape victims as less credible than the White rape victims (Wyatt, 1992). These results contribute to our understanding of the relationships among individuals’ attitudes about power, race, and rape by offering support for feminist theories about the relationship between rape and power, as well as for SDT and feminist theories regarding the structure of dominance.

Je reconnais l’aide financière du Centre d’études ethniques des Universités montréalaises (CEETUM), du Ministère de l’Éducation – Aide Financières au Études (AFE), et ainsi que de l’Université de Montréal (Département de psychologie et Faculté des études supérieures) dans la réalisation de ce mémoire. / De plus en plus, les gens doivent apprendre à intégrer de nouvelles identités dans leur concept de soi, ce qui est souvent la source de conflits identitaires. Afin de réduire ces conflits identitaires, plusieurs chercheurs proposent que d’avoir des identités bien intégrées augmente le bien-être psychologique (Amiot, de la Sablonnière, Terry & Smith, 2007; Benet-Martinez & Haritatos, 2005; de la Sablonnière, Amiot, Sadykova, Cardenas, & Gorborukova, 2010). Jusqu’à ce jour, aucune stratégie favorisant cette intégration identitaire à été suggérée. Parallèlement, diverses études sur l’écriture démontrent qu’écrire aide à organiser et structurer les idées tout en augmentant le bien-être psychologique (Lyubomirsky, Sousa & Dickerhoof, 2006; Pennebaker & Graybeal,2001; Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999; Smyth, 1998). Notre hypothèse est que l'écriture faciliterait le processus d’intégration identitaire des identités conflictuelles dans le soi. Nos études 1 et 2 démontrent qu’écrire sur les conflits identitaires, comparativement à écrire sur un sujet neutre ou ne pas écrire, est associé à une augmentation de bien-être seulement chez les gens qui rapportent un haut niveau d’intégration identitaire. Nos études 3 et 4 confirment qu’en offrant plusieurs sessions d’écriture tout en adaptant les directives de rédaction, les participants augmentent leur niveau d’intégration identitaire et de bien-être indépendamment de leur niveau initial d’intégration identitaire. Des analyses de contenu sur les textes d’écriture des participants ont été étudiées afin d’approfondir notre compréhension. / More and more, people must learn to integrate new identities in their self-concept, which is often the source of identity conflicts. To reduce these identity conflicts, previous research suggests that high levels of identity integration increases psychological wellbeing (Amiot, de la Sablonnière, Terry & Smith, 2007; Benet-Martinez & Haritatos,2005; de la Sablonnière, Amiot, Sadykova, Cardenas, & Gorborukova, 2010). So far, no strategy to promote identity integration was suggested. In parallel, the action of writing about a negative experience demonstrates that writing helps organize and structure ideas while enhancing psychological well-being (Lyubomirsky, Sousa & Dickerhoof, 2006; Pennebaker & Graybeal, 2001; Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999; Smyth, 1998). Thus, we hypothesize that writing will facilitate the integration of conflicting identities into the self. Studies 1 and 2 reveal that writing about identity conflicts, as compared to writing about a neutral topic or no writing, is associated with superior levels of psychological well-being only for participants scoring high on identity integration. Studies 3 and 4 confirm that several writing sessions using clearer writing instructions helped participants to increase both levels of identity integration and psychological well-being regardless of the initial level of identity integration. Analyses of participants’ written content were performed to deepen our understanding.

Chaque jour, nos comportements sont influencés par les normes sociales qui nous entourent. En agissant selon les normes sociales, l’individu agit en conformité avec les comportements les plus consensuels et ainsi reçoit de l’approbation de son groupe. Malgré le fait que les normes sociales sont au coeur de nombreuses recherches, les processus cognitifs qui mènent un individu à agir selon elles sont encore inconnus. Les processus cognitifs expliquant le comportement sont, par ailleurs, expliqués dans la littérature sur les comportements motivés par l’atteinte de buts qui stipule que les stratégies cognitives seraient nécessaires afin d’émettre un comportement. Dans ce travail, nous proposons que les stratégies soient les processus cognitifs qui mènent un individu à agir selon une norme sociale. Deux études ont été menées et les résultats de ces deux études démontrent que les individus agissent selon une norme sociale parce qu’ils peuvent générer les stratégies nécessaires pour y arriver. Les implications théoriques et méthodologiques sont discutées. / Each day our behaviours are influenced by the social norms that surround us. When behaving according to social norms, the individual acts in accordance with the most consensual behaviours and thus receives approval from his/her group members. Notwithstanding the fact that social norms are at the centre of much research, the cognitive processes that lead an individual to act according to them are still unknown. However, the cognitive processes explaining behaviour are present in the literature on goal directed behaviour which states that cognitive strategies are needed achieve a behaviour. In this paper, we propose that strategies are the cognitive processes that lead an individual to act in accordance with a social norm. Two studies were conducted and the results of both studies show that individuals act according to social norms because they can generate the necessary strategies to reach the normative behaviour. The theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

Les effets de l'immigration sur les individus comme étant le résultat des influences sociales, culturelles et économiques du nouveau contexte sont très bien connus dans la littérature scientifique. Ainsi, pour ceux qui ont immigré en couple, l'expérience d'immigration les amène à renégocier leurs rôles afin de s'ajuster aux conditions du nouvel environnement. Cette renégociation apporte des changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal et permet l'adaptation de chacun des partenaires à la nouvelle société ainsi que le retour à l'équilibre dans le couple. Cependant, cette adaptation ne se fait pas de façon uniforme entre les hommes et les femmes. La présente recherche vise à prédire les changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal au sein de trente couples d'origine colombienne ayant immigré à Montréal, en fonction de la durée de séjour et de leur degré d'identification à la société d'accueil (Canada et Québec). Le pouvoir conjugal est évalué dans cette étude selon la perception des membres du couple face à leurs responsabilités respectives lors de la prise de décisions globale ainsi que dans quatre catégories spécifiques, avant et après avoir immigré à Montréal. À propos de la durée de séjour, les données obtenues révèlent que, pour les femmes, le temps vécu dans la société d'accueil permet de prédire des changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal. Ces résultats confirment aussi que ces changements favorisent l'augmentation du pouvoir des femmes au sein du couple dans deux des quatre catégories, soit « loisirs et activités sociales » et « soins et éducation des enfants ». Cependant, la perception des femmes n'est pas partagée par les hommes ; pour les hommes, le temps passé dans la société d'accueil ne permet pas de prédire des changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal. Concernant le degré d'identification, nos données révèlent que, pour les femmes interviewées, l'identification au Canada peut prédire des changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal au niveau global. En ce qui concerne le degré d'identification au Québec, celui-ci permet de prédire des changements dans la répartition du pouvoir conjugal dans la catégorie « soins et éducation des enfants », tant chez les hommes que chez les femmes. / The effects of immigration on individuals as the result of social, cultural and economic influences of the new context are well known in the scientific literature. So for those who immigrated as a couple, the immigration experience leads them to renegotiate their roles in order to adjust to the conditions of the new environment. This renegotiation makes changes in the distribution of marital power and allows the adaptation of the partners in the new society and the return to balance in the couple. However, this adaptation is not done evenly between men and women. This research aims to predict changes in the distribution of marital power among a group of thirty Colombian couples who immigrated to Montreal, depending on length of stay and degree of identification with the host society (Canada and Quebec). Marital power is evaluated in this study according to the perception of the partners about their responsibilities in making global decisions and in four specific categories before and after immigrating to Montreal. About the length of stay, the data obtained show that, for women, the time lived in the host society predicts changes in the distribution of marital power. These results also confirm that these changes favour the empowerment of women within the couple in two of four categories: « leisure time and social activities » and « care and education of children ». However, the perception of women is not shared by men ; for men, the time spent in the host society does not predict changes in the distribution of marital power. Regarding the degree of identification, our data show that for the women interviewed, identification with Canada can predict changes in the distribution of marital power globally. Regarding the degree of identification with Quebec, it predicts changes in the distribution of marital power in the « care and education of children » category for both men and women.

L’utilisation de la musique comme outil de préparation mentale est très répandue chez les athlètes olympiques. Cependant, cette pratique a reçu peu d’attention parmi les chercheurs. Ainsi, la présente étude a deux objectifs, soit (a) de recenser les fonctions de la musique dans le contexte sportif et (b) d’explorer les messages véhiculés par les paroles de chansons. Pour ce faire, des entrevues semi-structurées ont été menées auprès de dix athlètes olympiques québécois pratiquant des sports technico-artistiques. De plus, les athlètes ont pris part à une tâche musicale qui consistait à écouter la chanson qui avait le plus fortement marqué leur carrière athlétique et noter tous les souvenirs évoqués par cette chanson. L’analyse des données par théorisation ancrée démontre que les athlètes utilisent la musique comme outil de préparation mentale pour deux raisons principales : (1) pour déclencher ou (2) pour réguler des processus psychologiques tels que la concentration, la visualisation et les émotions, ce qui est bénéfique à la performance sportive. Cependant, si elle n’est pas utilisée de la bonne manière, la musique peut altérer les processus psychologiques et donc nuire à la performance. De plus, l’analyse des paroles des chansons qui avaient le plus fortement marqué la carrière sportive des athlètes indique que le message véhiculé par ces chansons est très similaire d’une chanson à l’autre. Les implications pratiques de l’utilisation de la musique dans les situations sportives et les perspectives pour la recherche future sont discutées. / The use of music as a mental preparation tool is very common amongst Olympic athletes. However, this practice has received little research attention. Thus, the present study has two objectives: (a) to identify the functions of music in a sporting context and (b) to explore the messages conveyed by the lyrics. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Quebec Olympians practicing technico-artistic sports. In addition, athletes took part in a music task where they listened to the song that most influenced their athletic career and write all the memories evoked by the song. Data analysis by grounded theory demonstrates that athletes use music as a mental preparation tool for two main reasons: (1) to trigger or (2) to regulate psychological processes such as focus, visualization and emotions, which are beneficial to their athletic performances. However, if not used properly music can have a negative effect on these psychological processes and thus impair performance. Furthermore, analysis of the lyrics that most influenced the sport careers of the athletes reveals that the message conveyed by these songs is very similar from one song to another. Practical implications for using music in sport settings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

De récentes études ont identifié la créativité tactique (CT) comme un élément essentiel de la performance en sport, plus particulièrement dans les sports d’équipe où il faut envahir le camp adverse pour marquer un point (Memmert, Baker & Bertsch, 2010 ; Altavilla & Raiola, 2015). En effet, la dynamique continue du jeu confronte l’athlète à de nouvelles situations pour lesquelles il n’a pas appris de séquences d’action prédéterminées. L’athlète créatif est donc celui qui est capable de générer des solutions originales, flexibles et variées dans des situations de jeu spécifiques (Memmert & Roth, 2007 ; Greco, Memmert & Morales, 2010). Cette étude qualitative a pour but d’explorer le phénomène de la créativité tactique telle qu’elle est perçue et vécue par des athlètes et des entraîneurs de niveau universitaire évoluant dans certains sports d’invasion. Des entrevues semi-structurées ont été menées avec les entraîneurs-chefs et leurs athlètes identifiés comme étant des joueurs créatifs. Les transcriptions ont été soumises à une analyse de contenu. Les résultats suggèrent que les athlètes créatifs partagent des caractéristiques communes, les plus importantes étant la vision du jeu, la non-conformité/nouveauté et la rapidité de la prise de décision. Dans une perspective développementale, la CT est liée à la diversification entre et dans les sports ainsi qu’un volume élevé d’expérience. La microstructure des activités d’entraînement contribue également au développement d’habiletés créatives, plus particulièrement les exercices centrés sur le jeu qui favorise la résolution de problèmes et la prise de décision. Contrairement aux études précédentes, nos résultats révèlent que le coaching soutenant l’autonomie et une relation positive entre l’athlète et l’entraîneur facilite le développement de la créativité ce qui nous permet de faire des liens avec la théorie de l’autodétermination. Enfin, la CT est associée à des conséquences tant au niveau social que de la performance. Bien qu’inattendu, la CT semble jouer un rôle fonctionnel dans l’utilisation de stratégies de coping adaptées. Les implications pratiques se définissent en deux axes. D’une part, fournir aux entraîneurs des lignes directrices pour créer un environnement idéal afin d’améliorer le développement de la CT. D’autre part, conscientiser les athlètes quant à l’importance de certains facteurs environnementaux et développementaux qui contribuent à maximiser leur potentiel créatif. / Tactical creativity (TC) has been identified as an essential component of exceptional performance in sport, more specifically in team sports where the athletes have to invade the opposition’s territory to score a goal (Altavilla et Raiola, 2015; Memmert, Baker et Bertsch, 2010). The creative athlete is one who can generate original, flexible and varying decisions in specific game situations (Greco, Memmert et Morales, 2010; Memmert et Roth, 2007). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore in greater depth the phenomenon of tactical creativity as it is perceived and experienced by university-level athletes and coaches involved in certain invasion sports. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with head coaches of different teams and their athletes who were identified as being creative players. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Results pointed to common attributes shared by creative players, the most important ones were game vision, non-conformity/novelty and quick decision-making. From a developmental perspective, TC was linked to diversification between and within sports as well as a high volume of experience. The microstructure of practice activities also contributed to the development of creative abilities, more specifically game-centered exercises that promote decision making and problem solving. Unlike previous studies, the present results revealed that autonomy-supportive coaching and a positive coach-athlete relationship facilitate the development of creativity allowing us to make links to the self-determination theory. Finally, TC was associated with social and performance related consequences. Interestingly, our results suggest a functional role for tactical creativity in the use of adaptive coping mechanisms. The practical implications of this study are twofold. First, the results of this study will provide coaches with specific guidelines in order to establish an ideal environment that enhances the development of TC. Second, the results will provide athletes with an awareness of the importance of certain developmental and environmental factors that contribute to maximizing their creative potential.

Master of Science / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Amber V. Vennum / Patterns in, and quality of, early romantic relationships have been found to impact future relationship outcomes (Donnellan et al., 2005; Overbeek et al., 2007). Commitment and satisfaction with sacrifice have been cited as important constructs in relationship health and stability as they indicate investment in the relationship (Stanley & Markman, 1992; Rusbult, 1983). Little research has been done on the bi-directional relationship of these two constructs. Many authors indicate that commitment predicts sacrifice (e.g. Van Lange, Rusbult, et al., 1997), but others argue that sacrifice predicts subsequent commitment (e.g. Kelley, 1979). The purpose of this study was to explore the time-ordering of these constructs and whether a history of relationship breakup and renewal (termed cyclicality) moderated this relationship in an emerging adult population (n = 246). Using a cross-lagged model over three time points, the present study found support for a bi-directional relationship between commitment and satisfaction with sacrifice that was not moderated by a history of cyclicality. However, partners with a history of breakup and renewal did report lower dedication at Time 3, indicated by a group mean difference. Implications for theory, research, and intervention are discussed.