Prior evidence has shown a reduction of neglect on line bisection tasks as a function of altered hemispace presentation and left cueing. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of these factors in reducing symptoms of neglect on measures of general cognitive functioning. To examine proposed changes, revised versions of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and the Memory-for-Designs (MFD) Test were constructed by placing the target stimuli in the right hemifield. Two experimental presentations, a right hemispace condition and a right hemispace plus left cue prompt condition, were compared to the standard presentation format. The primary hypotheses predicted that RBD neglect patients would reveal enhanced performance on the criterion measures as a result of these manipulations. Significant correlations were predicted between the neglect measures and between the two scoring systems for the MFD. The sample was comprised of 54 hospitalized patients, assigned to either a RBD neglect group (N = 18), a RBD nonneglect group (N = 18) , or an orthopedic control group (N = 18) . Both RBD groups were administered the Mini Inventory of Right Brain Injury, to document the presence and severity of right brain injury. Presence of neglect was assessed via the Schenkenberg Line Bisection Task and the Bells Test for Visual Neglect. Subjects were examined under all three conditions by administering one third of the items for each condition. Neglect subjects demonstrated significantly poorer performance on both criterion measures than the two comparison groups. However, no significant improvement in performance was revealed with right hemispace presentation of stimuli or left cue prompts combined with the right hemispace version. Ancillary predictions concerning correlations for the neglect measures and MFD scoring systems were confirmed. Results are interpreted in terms of increased attentional demands and task complexity. These results suggest that, despite the frequent clinical use of these manipulations in the cognitive assessment of this population, support for the efficacy of these procedures is lacking.

Cross-sectional research of youth with type I diabetes has demonstrated that rote and working memory predict blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and carbohydrate consumption, respectively; however, to date, no longitudinal follow-up studies exist. Rote and working memory subtests from well-standardized memory measures, along with a problem-solving and executive functioning measures were administered to 118 youth with type I diabetes, aged 9-16 in two waves of data collection (mean interval = 2.07 years). Diabetes care behaviors were assessed through the 24-hour Diabetes Interview. This study was the first to document longitudinal prediction of BGM by rote memory and fat consumption by working memory. Extant cross-sectional literature was replicated; rote memory was concurrently associated with BGM and working memory with carbohydrate consumption. Memory was a stronger predictor of disease care behavior than disease responsibility or age. Problem solving and executive functioning failed to significantly predict disease care behaviors.

The Relationship between Parental Educational Level and Children’s Cognitive Functioning This study investigated the relationship between a child’s measured intelligence and the educational level of that child’s mother and/or father. Correlations between parental educational level and children’s cognitive functioning as measured by a conventional South African intelligence scale, were examined. The instrument used to measure the children’s cognitive functioning in this study was the Senior South African Individual Scale-Revised (SSAIS-R). The children’s scaled scores were obtained from existing results on the SSAISR. Parental educational levels were obtained from existing intake questionnaires, which parents completed before their children were assessed on the SSAIS-R at the Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD). Correlational analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the two variables of interest. The sample consisted of 23 cases. All of the children were aged between 8 and 10, spoke either English or Afrikaans as a first language, and belonged to the White, Indian or Coloured population groups. The results indicated that maternal level of education was positively and moderately correlated with children’s cognitive functioning. Paternal educational level and children’s cognitive functioning were found to have no correlation or to be inversely correlated. The correlation results between paternal level of education and children’s cognitive functioning should be interpreted with caution since the sample size was very small. Thus, the results are not statistically significant.

Adoecimento crônico envolve afeto e aproximação entre pacientes e familiares, podendo ser impactados diante da necessidade do cuidado. A rotina e dinâmica do sistema familiar sofrem alterações, apontando a necessidade de clarificar a compreensão sobre os processos familiares e pessoais desencadeados pelo adoecimento crônico que ameaça a continuidade da vida. O objetivo geral desse estudo é avaliar funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida de pessoas com doenças crônicas ameaçadoras a continuidade da vida (DCACV) e seus familiares, verificando possíveis associações destas variáveis com saúde mental e qualidade de vida. Amostra foi composta por grupo de 100 pacientes (GP) portadores de (DCACV), acompanhados em um hospital geral e 100 familiares (GF), pareados com o paciente. Aplicou-se Questionário de informações sociodemográficas e familiares; Escala de Avaliação da Coesão e Adaptabilidade Familiar-versão IV (FACES-IV); Questionário para religiosidade, espiritualidade e crenças pessoais relacionadas à qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-SRPB); Questionário para avaliação de qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-breve); Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI-II). Os instrumentos foram aplicados no hospital, quando da consulta ou internação; entrevistados em locais separados, na mesma data. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva dos resultados, teste t comparando os dois grupos e teste de correlação de Pearson para associações entre variáveis. Amostra predominantemente mulheres (51%-GP e 79%- GF), sem companheiro, residindo com família, católicos, classes B e C. Idade média GP 63,6 anos (+14,85) e GF 48,9 anos (+ 14,25). GP 51% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade e 31% de depressão, GF 45% ansiedade e 23% depressão. Observou-se diferenças significativas nos grupos em qualidade de vida nos domínios social (t=5,296;p<0,001), ambiental (t=4,038;p<0,001) e resultado global (t=3,919;p<0,001), com melhores resultados para GP. Os grupos se diferenciaram quanto a funcionamento familiar nas subescalas Emaranhada (t=2,357;p=0,019), rígida (t=4,469;p<0,001), com resultados melhores para GF, comunicação (t=2,724;p=0,007) e satisfação (t=3,407;p=0,001), melhor para GP. Espiritualidade, na faceta Admiração (t=2,246;p=0,026), com resultado menor para GP. Observou-se correlações entre ansiedade, depressão e diferentes domínios de qualidade de vida tanto para funcionamento familiar quanto espiritualidade. As correlações entre funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade, no GP foram significativas entre algumas subescalas, porém fracas (r<0,40). As facetas, conexão, força e paz, referentes à espiritualidade, se correlacionaram com todas as subescalas de funcionamento familiar, exceto emaranhada (que não se correlacionou com nenhuma faceta), correlações com caótica foram negativas. A subescala satisfação familiar apresentou correlação positiva com todas facetas de espiritualidade. Resultados apontam que DCACV afeta funcionamento familiar e qualidade de vida, incluindo espiritualidade, e é possível que a doença aproxime as relações familiares, favorecendo ao funcionamento, apesar do processo de adaptação tanto pelo paciente quanto familiar. Quanto à espiritualidade, a presença da DCACV parece afetar a capacidade da pessoa de olhar ao redor buscando inspiração para a vida. Viver torna-se o momento presente, uma vez que o adoecimento pode abreviar a vida. Resultados evidenciaram que maior espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida melhor a funcionalidade familiar, reafirmando que DCACV afeta igualmente paciente e familiar, pois foram observadas mais semelhanças que diferenças entre os dois grupos / Becoming chronically sick involves affection and closeness between patients and family and may be impacted due to the care needed. Routine and family dynamics are changed, pointing to the necessity to understand the personal and family processes triggered by the disease that threatens life. The general goal of this study was to assess family functioning and spirituality relative to quality of life among people with chronical life-threatening diseases (CLTD) and their family and identify possible links between these variables and quality of life and mental health. The sample was composed of 100 patients (GP), all of whom with CLTD, followed up in a hospital, and 100 relatives (GF) paired with the patient. The Sociodemographic and Family Information Questionnaire, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES-IV), Questionnaire on Religiousness, Spirituality and Personal Beliefs Relative to Quality of Life (WHOQOL-SRPB), Quality of life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were all instruments used in the hospital upon visits or admission. Patients were surveyed in separate rooms on the same date. A descriptive statistical analysis of results, t Test comparing both groups, and the Pearson Correlation Test for links between variables were conducted. Predominantly female sample (51%-GP e 79%-GF), without a partner, residing with family, catholic, B and C classes, average age GP 63,6 years (+14,85) and GF 48,9 years (+ 14,25). GP: 51% showed anxiety symptoms and 31% depression symptoms; GF: 45% anxiety and 23% depression. Significant differences were seen between the groups relative to quality of life in the social, environmental and global results realms: (t=5,296; p<0,001), (t=4,038; p<0,001) (t=3,919; p<0,001) respectively, with better results for GP. Groups also showed differences regarding family functioning in the Enmeshed (t=2,357;p=0,019), and Rigid (t=4,469;p<0,001) subscales, with better results for GF; communication (t=2,724;p=0,007) and satisfaction (t=3,407;p=0,001),with better results for GP; Spirituality, in the Admiration facet, (t=2,246;p=0,026), with lower results for GP. There were correlations between anxiety, depression and different domains of quality of life both for Family functioning and spirituality. Correlations between family functioning and spirituality in GP were significant between some subscales, though weak (r<0,40). The facets, connection, strength, and peace, regarding spirituality correlated with all subscales of family functioning, except Enmeshed, which did not correlate with any facet. Correlations with Chaotic were negative. Subscale Family Satisfaction showed positive correlation with all facets of spirituality. Results showed that CLTD\'s affect family functioning and quality of life, including spirituality, possibly making family relationships closer and improving family functioning, in spite of the adaptation process. Regarding spirituality, existing CLTD\'s seemed to affect one\'s ability to look around seeking inspiration to live. Living becomes the present moment, since becoming sick may shorten life span. Results evidenced that the higher spirituality related to quality of life was, the better were family functioning, emphasizing that CLTD\'s affect patients and family equally, since more similarities than differences were identified between the groups

Thesis advisor: Penny Hauser-Cram / This dissertation utilized data from the Early Intervention Collaborative Study (EICS), a longitudinal study of children with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families (Hauser-Cram, Warfield, Shonkoff, & Krauss, 2001). The sample for this dissertation consisted of 170 children with DD, their parents, and their teachers. During home visits at ages 2 and 3, mothers and fathers reported on indicators of the home and family environment, and interactions between children and their mothers were observed. At ages 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15, teachers reported on children's levels of classroom-based adaptive functioning. Multilevel modeling was used to examine children's trajectories of classroom-based adaptive functioning. Indicators of the early childhood home and family environment were explored as predictors of these trajectories. The following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the trajectories of classroom-based adaptive functioning among children with DD from ages 3 to 15? (2) Are levels of adaptive functioning in the classroom stable over time, between the ages of 3 and 15? (3) Is there variability in rates of change in adaptive functioning over time, with some children developing more rapidly than others? (4) Do characteristics of the early childhood home and family longitudinally predict children's adaptive functioning in the classroom at age 3 and from ages 3 to15? (5) Which domains of classroom adaptive functioning are predicted by characteristics of the home and family? Results indicated that children's classroom-based adaptive functioning raw scores increase over time. In each domain of adaptive functioning (socialization, communication, and daily living skills) there was significant variability in initial status and rate of change. As hypothesized, quality of early childhood mother-child interaction was predictive of adaptive functioning, with higher quality mother-child interaction associated with more positive functioning. Contrary to hypotheses, the number of negative life events experienced by the family during early childhood was also positively related to classroom adaptive functioning, with more events related to higher levels of functioning. Overall, the findings indicated the influence of the early childhood home and family environment on classroom-based adaptive functioning over time. Policy implications and areas for future research are discussed. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology.

Thesis advisor: Walt Haney / Migration is now a major component of globalization. The combination of better economic opportunities and lower fertility rates in developed nations suggests that the current migratory wave will last for many decades to come (United Nations Population Fund, 2007). In the U.S., immigration over the last thirty years has significantly changed the face of the workforce and the classroom. At the state level, Massachusetts has been one of the top immigrant-receiving states in the Union. Since the 1990's, Massachusetts has been implementing a policy of standardized testing for accountability and graduation. The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a set of standardized, norm-referenced tests administered to comply with the test-based accountability provisions of the 1993 No Child Left Behind federal legislation (NCLB). Used today for high-stakes decisions such as NCLB accountability as well as high school graduation requirements, MCAS has raised a number of validity concerns. Differential item functioning analysis, a technique to statistically identify potentially biased in tests, has not been used to challenge the validity of the tests, although it can provide new insights into test bias that were not previously available. This dissertation investigates the presence of differential item functioning in MCAS between native students and immigrant students. It identifies one test, the 2008 Grade 3 MCAS Mathematics test, as having a significant number of items exhibiting differential functioning and compares the original test version to a purified test version with these items removed. The purified test version results in larger test score improvements for immigrants as well as other non-mainstream students. These alternative test scores are sufficiently large to affect the determination of NCLB-based performance status for many schools and districts that are comparatively poorer and more diverse than the average. While the lack of more precise data on immigrants and other characteristics of the data set reduce the definiteness of the results, there is ample cause for concern about the presence of differential item functioning-based bias on MCAS and the need to further study this phenomenon as NCLB-based accountability determinations impact a growing number of schools, districts and communities. / Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2011. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation.

The transition to secondary school is important for all students. For students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have difficulty with changes in routine (WHO, 1992), it is especially important that the transition is carefully managed. This report aims to contribute to the understanding of this process. The first study involved a systematic investigation and critique of literature on this transition with a specific focus on students with ASD. The second study comprised the development, implementation and evaluation of a transition programme for nine students with ASD. All were in their final year at mainstream primary schools in a Scottish city. The final study followed up the progress of eight of these students during their first year at secondary school. The empirical studies utilised a range of process and outcomes measures, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and discussion activities. There was a paucity of scholarly literature on the transition of students with ASD indicating the need for further research. The programme received positive student and parent evaluations and there was some evidence of impact using outcome measures. Feelings of anxiety mixed with excitement were associated with the transition. Students reported higher than normal anxiety levels before and after transfer, although there was evidence of a slight reduction over this period. Students and parents provided a positive evaluation of the students’ social functioning in secondary school, in contrast to the mixed perspective of secondary school staff. Findings are discussed with reference to the literature. Limitations of the present research are considered. Finally, implications for practice and possible areas for future research are proposed.

abstract: This study examined whether early adversity at 30-months moderated the heritability of common and individual components of EF at 8 years. It was hypothesized that early adversity would not moderate the common EF factor, but instead moderate individual EF components. The sample included 208 twin pairs from the Arizona Twin Project. Early Adversity, assessed at 30 months of age, included Parenting Daily Hassles, low perceived MOS social support, punitive punishment (Parental Responses to Child Misbehavior), home chaos (Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale), CES-D maternal depression, and low maternal emotional availability. EF at 8 years included the Eriksen Flanker Task, Continuous Performance Task, Digit Span Forward and Backward, and parent-reported Attentional Focusing and Inhibitory Control (Temperament in Middle Childhood Questionnaire). For both early adversity and EF, the first principal components were extracted as composites. A confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted to index common EF. Genetic analyses were tested on the common EF composites as well as each individual task using umx. Univariate models revealed genetic influences on all individual measures and common EF, with broad sense heritability from .22 (Digit Span Backwards) to .61 (parent-reported inhibitory control). Shared environmental influences were found for the Flanker Task (.13) and parent-reported inhibitory control (.24), and E was moderate to high (.40-.73) for all measures except parent-report inhibitory control (.15) and attentional focusing (.31). Moderation of heritability was not observed in for Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backward, and Attentional Focusing. However, the nonshared environment was moderated for Common EF, and the Flanker Task, and additive genes and the nonshared environment were moderated for the Continuous Performance Task and Inhibitory Control. Generally, total variance decreased as early adversity increased, suggesting that homes with low levels of adversity may allow children to interact with more proximal processes that can promote EF development. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Psychology 2018

This evaluative study examined the impact of recreational therapy interventions on intrinsic motivation and holistic functioning among adults at a substance use treatment facility. West (2001) identified motivation as a key variable in treating substance use disorders, and self-determination theory, specifically intrinsic motivation, provided a useful framework for this study. Intrinsic motivation is grounded in self-determination theory and defines various motivation types and how to increase participants' engagement. Holistic functioning is another tool in assessing a participant's recovery. For this evaluation, four domains were specifically assessed: (a) physical, (b) leisure, (c) social, and (d) daily living functioning. These quality of life components are affected heavily during prolonged substance use. Results suggest that recreational therapy interventions utilizing a self-determination framework improves participants' intrinsic motivation and holistic functioning in a substance use treatment setting.

Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving procedure for patients in respiratory or cardiac distress. Prior studies have demonstrated several known risks to the procedure, such as hypoxia, stroke, and other neurological complications (Cheng et al., 2014) that can lead to temporary or permanent deficits in motor abilities, developmental trajectory, academic abilities, and cognition (Glass et al., 1995). Although several studies have investigated morbidity and mortality rates of pediatric ECMO patients, few have looked at cognitive deficits, and even fewer at magnetic resonance imaging in relation to neuropsychological outcome and behavioral, emotional, or social functioning. The aims of this study were to investigate cognitive ability and behavioral functioning in a group of ECMO-treated patients compared to a normative sample, and to examine brain morphometry in hippocampal regions as they relate to cognitive outcome. Participants for this study were recruited from Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. The total number of participants recruited was 8 (63% female; M age at testing = 16.75, SD = 4.5), and all participants were at least 1 year post-ECMO procedure (M=5.6 years; SD=2.1) for acute respiratory or cardiac illness. Neuropsychological testing was completed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Scores were compared to normative data for age to investigate potential impairment in multiple cognitive domains. Each participant and the parent or guardian of minor participants completed brief questionnaires measuring executive functioning, behavior, and social skills, namely The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, The Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Second Edition, and the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales. Six of the participants also underwent MR imaging to obtain measures of cortical thickness in the frontal areas of the brain, as well as hippocampal and total intracranial volume. Performance results on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery was impaired in over half of the tested individuals who underwent ECMO as children. Attention, executive function, processing speed, and visual memory were well below the expected range for age in the majority of participants. Crystallized intelligence tasks, such as vocabulary, were in the average to above average range for most participants, likely indicating normal baseline functioning. Self- and informant report revealed variable results across participants, with various behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties reported in the group. Bilateral hippocampal volume was positively correlated with scores on tasks of episodic and working memory, though further study with a larger sample and control group is warranted. Preliminary MRI data for cortical thickness and volume of frontal regions are presented. Interpretation of results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.