Master of Science / Department of Special Education, Counseling and Student Affairs / Fred Bradley / The purpose of this report is to review available literature that identifies various psychological issues collegiate student-athletes may face and how medical professionals, specifically certified athletic trainers (ATCs), are prepared to manage these psychological issues. Considering ATCs are in constant interaction with student-athletes in comparison to other medical professionals it is crucial that research is being completed to make sure athletic trainers are properly caring for student-athlete and acting quickly and appropriately to psychological issues. This report will review research on psychological aspects encountered by athletic trainers in contact with student-athletes, and; furthermore, the ATCs sense of comfort and competence in working with these issues. Questions may arise such as how well the ATC is able to assess the psychological issues and know when to assist or refer these matters, issues which may include training, competence, expectations, and ethical practice. Finally, the review of the research and literature in this area will lead to suggestions and implications for further research and continued understanding of the ATCs role in the psychological aspects of their work with student athletes.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Sandra Stith / Farrell Webb / This study explored the impact of differentiation of self on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). First, the study determined if differentiation of self in a relationship added to the variance accounted for by the known risk factors including relational satisfaction, marital conflict, romantic jealousy, depression, anxiety, and attitude about violence towards women. Second, it examined the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between differentiation of self and IPV. Results indicated that differentiation of self in a relationship is a predictor of perpetration of intimate partner violence in relationships even after controlling for other known risk factors. Results also indicated that gender did not moderate the relationship between differentiation of self and perpetration of violence.