Stress is associated with a range of unhealthy eating habits. However, no previous studies have used experimental design to take an intergenerational perspective in the examination of how stress may influence parental feeding behavior, nor have they examined potential protective factors. The current study tests the effects of stress on maternal feeding behaviors and explores the potential protective role of maternal executive functioning (EF). We manipulated maternal stress with the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST) in a community sample mothers (N = 61, Mage = 33.45 years). We measured maternal EF with a series of computerized tasks. Maternal feeding behavior was observationally coded using standardized procedures. Results indicate a main effect of stress on controlling feeding styles. Furthermore, this effect of stress on controlling feeding behaviors is ameliorated among mothers with higher levels of EF. Results suggest potential factors to be considered in the treatment and prevention of diet-related illnesses.

abstract: Dual language use is thought to afford certain cognitive advantages to bilingual children and may function as an additional resource to help low-income Mexican-American children achieve academically. Emotion regulation and executive functioning (e.g., inhibition) have been found to be particularly important in studies investigating pathways to early academic achievement. Understanding how we can capitalize on children’s bilingual abilities to strengthen their executive functioning and emotion regulation, or to offset problems in these domains, may be important to promote better educational outcomes and inform policy. Thus, the current study investigated the relation between emerging bilingualism, inhibition, emotion regulation, and academic achievement across early childhood in sample of 322 low-income, Mexican-American children. Data were collected in a laboratory space at child ages 36-, 54-, and 72-months. Bilingualism was indexed as the interaction of Spanish and English vocabulary, and a mediated moderation model was examined. Results provided further evidence that inhibition positively predicts academic achievement during early childhood. Greater Spanish language vocabulary indirectly predicted academic achievement while controlling for English language vocabulary, suggesting that children from immigrant families may benefit from maintaining their Spanish language abilities as they begin to immerse themselves in an English-speaking classroom. Advancing our understanding of the development of self-regulatory abilities within bilingual, immigrant populations could have significant implications for educational policy. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Psychology 2018

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

Inflammatory models of neurodegeneration suggest that higher circulating levels of inflammation can lead to cognitive decline. Despite established independent associations between greater body mass, increased inflammation, and cognitive decline, no prior research has explored whether markers of systemic inflammation might mediate the association between body mass and changes in cognitive functioning. To test such a model, we used two longitudinal subsamples (ns = 9066; 12,561) of aging adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) study, which included two cognitive measures components of memory and executive functioning, as well as measurements of body mass and systemic inflammation, assessed via C-reactive protein (CRP). Greater body mass was indirectly associated with declines in memory and executive functioning over 6 years via relatively higher levels of CRP. Our results suggest that systemic inflammation is one biologically plausible mechanism through which differences in body mass might influence changes in cognitive functioning among aging adults.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic, neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. Anosognosia, or lack of awareness of symptoms, is commonly observed in neurodegenerative disorders, including HD. Most theories suggest that emotion, executive functioning, and memory play important roles in self-awareness. There is limited research of anosognosia in HD and no theoretical model of how it manifests in the disease. The purpose of this study was to examine Metacognitive Knowledge, or overall beliefs about the self, and Online Awareness, or the ability to predict (Anticipatory Awareness) and evaluate (Emergent Awareness) task performance, in HD. Fifty-six symptomatic HD patients and fifty informants completed the study. Results revealed that those with the best executive functioning and lowest apathy were also better able to report on their symptoms. Those with the best executive functioning and memory and lowest apathy were the best at predicting and evaluating their performance on cognitive tasks. Patient self-report of memory was associated with cognitive performance while self-report of executive functioning and apathy was not. Only informant report of apathy and executive functioning was related to cognitive performance. For both Metacognitive Knowledge and Online Awareness, HD patients tended to have a better awareness of memory than executive functioning. These results suggest that awareness in HD is governed by local monitoring systems rather than a single metacognitive mechanism. It is also consistent with literature that suggests that individuals are least able to evaluate performance on tasks for which they are poorest in skill level, as HD patients tend to have impaired executive functioning and increased apathy with relative sparing of memory.

Television shows, especially cartoons, are one of the most common types of media in children’s lives. Although there is a well-established connection between television exposure and difficulties with attention, it is unclear if all types of television are equally impactful. Given the amount of time children are exposed to television, there is a need to better understand which components of shows may or may not impact one’s attentional and executive functioning abilities. One such factor is the pace of the content. The current study expands on this limited area of the literature by utilizing a 9-minute 30-second long cartoon video, which has been edited at both a fast and slow pace, to examine the influence of pace on measures of attention and executive functioning (the Stop Signal Task and the Attentional Network Test) in both Typically Developing children (N = 24) and children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; N = 17). Two (group; children with ADHD vs. Typically Developing children) x two (pace; fast vs. slow) ANCOVAs were conducted separately with each outcome measure as the dependent variable, group (ADHD and Typically Developing) and pace (fast and slow) as the independent variables, and IQ and Internalizing Problems as covariates. Findings suggested that although the majority of results were non-significant, effect sizes for group and pace (and associated covariates) varied across outcome measures. The Alerting and Executive Control ANT Networks also had non-significant but small effect sizes for the group by pace interactions. Planned comparisons of estimated marginal means revealed a non-significant and small effect of pace for children with ADHD, but no effect for Typically Developing children, for both interactions. Implications for those who work with and care for children are reviewed, and study limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Psychological assessment can be a valuable tool for understanding children’s academic, emotional and behavioural functioning, with treatment recommendations proving to be an integral component of this process. For assessments to be worthwhile and effective, in particular those completed on children, it is important to know whether the treatment recommendations are initiated once received and whether treatment is adhered to once started. At present there is minimal research found, particularly in South Africa which examines whether parents or caregivers adhere to treatment recommendations provided in the assessment report for their children. To bridge this gap the study sought to gain information from parents on whether they implement treatment recommendations provided from a psychological assessment, and, if not, which recommendations have not yet been implemented. The research was also concerned with establishing the various reasons which may promote or impede on follow through of recommendations, making a mixed method design the most appropriate format for this purpose. Both the quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies were implemented using a questionnaire received from a total of 30 participants, who were the parents or caregivers of the children who completed a psychological assessment. The findings of the study indicated a rate of 53% of participants either completing treatments fully or still continuing treatments which were recommended. Factors such as a strong need for assisting the child was found to be one of the aspects which promoted adherence. Other factors included support from family, teachers, doctors and health care workers, the practicality of accessing services, and success of the treatments influencing caregivers to continue with treatments. The high rate of non-adherence (47%) was found to be a result of time and financial resources, caregivers feeling as though the recommended treatments were unnecessary, and caregivers finding it difficult to accept responsibility for attending treatments. These factors seem to form a barrier for many children who should be accessing treatments, thus making it likely that many disorders in children are not being treated appropriately. The results of this study and specifically the factors which promote or impede adherence should be taken into account by psychologists, most importantly when feedback and recommendations are being provided to parents. Although conducted specifically in a psychiatric facility, the study is seen to be beneficial to parents of children who may require psychological assessment and treatment; educational and neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists as well as health care professionals who may use an assessment method as a means to recommend further treatment intervention to parents or caregivers. Future research includes exploring child and parent internal factors such as personality types and psychopathy, and the extent to which parents accept their part in the therapeutic process and are willing to attend therapies involving themselves. In addition, a deeper exploration into the factors which promote adherence is essential to understand how some caregivers, despite time or financial barriers still have the ability to provide the treatments for their children. The results would assist clinicians who are unable to change the barriers to adherence, to work instead on those factors which promote adherence. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Psychology / unrestricted

Objective: Executive functions govern our ability to navigate complex and novel situations in day-to-day life. There is increased interest on environmental influences that may cause changes to executive functioning. The current thesis involves two studies examining the derivation and performance of an executive behaviour screener from the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2-PRS; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004) on two different adolescent samples using a previously derived four-factor model of executive functioning (Garcia-Barrera et al., 2011, 2013). Participants and Methods: Study 1. BASC-2 PRS standardization data consisting of a demographically matched American sample of 2722 12-21 year olds was obtained. The screener was derived using 25 items assigned a priori to each executive factor. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), invariance testing, and multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models were used to evaluate the screener. Study 2. The screener was applied to a previously collected sample of 479 elite adolescent hockey players from Canada with or without a history of concussion, followed through a single season of play. CFA, invariance testing, and MIMIC models were used to evaluate the screener and the hockey sample was compared to the standardization sample. Results: Study 1. Acceptable-to-good reliability was obtained for all factors (α = .75-.89). The four-factor model was the best fit to the data (CFI = .990, TLI = .989, RMSEA = .037). Configural, metric, and scalar but not latent mean invariance was shown for sex. Age-related uniform differential item functioning (DIF) and SES-related uniform and non-uniform DIF were shown. Standardized norms for use in clinical settings were created. Study 2. Acceptable-to-good reliability was shown for 3 factors (α = .72-.85). Emotional Control showed poor reliability (α = .58). The four-factor model was the best fit to the data (CFI = .991, TLI = .990, RMSEA = .026). Configural, metric, and scalar but not latent mean invariance was shown between the two samples. Uniform and non-uniform DIF were not observed for those with an increasing number of past concussions. Conclusions: Findings support the four-factor model measured through the screener in adolescence. Females and hockey players demonstrate fewer executive behaviour problems overall. Sex, age, and SES may influence the interpretation of factor scores. Continued exploration and development of the screener is suggested. / Graduate / 2018-09-27

Internalizing disorders are prevalent among youth. However, disagreements exist between parents’ and youth’s reports of mental health symptoms. In particular, youth-onset internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety have been shown to have the highest reporter discrepancies amongst all disorders. In this study we examined what may contribute to these discrepancies by examining the moderating role of family functioning in a sample of 456 parent-adolescent dyads. Results indicated that although discrepancies did exist between parent and adolescent (M age = 14.97 years; SD = 0.33 years) reports of both anxiety and depression, family functioning did not significantly moderate these discrepancies. The results of this study provide further knowledge on the subject of youth mental health by establishing the presence of parent-adolescent report discrepancies.

Grounded in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000) and objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997), the purpose of this thesis was to investigate the role of dispositional autonomous and controlled motivation in predicting who might be more protected from or more vulnerable to experiencing state self-objectification (Manuscript 1), diminished cognitive functioning or cognitive performance (Manuscript 1 & 2), and poorer self-evaluations (Manuscript 2) following exposure to advertisements portraying one of two leading cultural body ideals: the male muscular ideal (Manuscript 1) or female thin ideal (Manuscript 2). The objectives were to investigate the effects of the two ideals while evaluating the contribution of autonomous and controlled motivation orientation in statistically predicting various body image consequences using five separate male undergraduate samples. Consistent with the overall hypotheses of the thesis, the muscular ideal video and thin ideal video significantly decreased men’s cognitive functioning and cognitive performance compared to men in the neutral video conditions (Manuscript 1 & 2). In addition, men who were primed with the muscular ideal video demonstrated significantly higher levels of self-objectification compared to those in the neutral condition (Manuscript 1: Study 1 and Study 2). Mediation results revealed an indirect effect of the muscular ideal video on men’s cognitive functioning (i.e., appearance schema activation) through self-objectification (Manuscript 1: Study 1), thereby supporting objectification theory as a means of explaining how portrayals of muscular body ideals affect men’s cognitive function. However, inconsistent with previous studies, the female thin ideal did not significantly affect men’s self-evaluations (Manuscript 2: Study 2). Lastly, in line with self-determination theory, all five studies (Manuscript 1 & 2) found that autonomous motivation orientation played a significant moderating role against the cognitive consequences associated with cultural body ideals among young college men. Men who viewed the muscular ideal video and who reported high levels of dispositional autonomous motivation demonstrated less appearance schema activation, less difficulty solving a challenging Soma puzzle, and performed better on the Modified Stroop task compared to men with low levels of dispositional autonomous motivation (Manuscript 1). Similarly, men who reported high levels of dispositional autonomous motivation and viewed the thin ideal also demonstrated less appearance schema activation and less difficulty solving a challenging Soma puzzle compared to men who reported low levels of dispositional autonomous motivation (Manuscript 2). In contrast, controlled motivation orientation was not a significant moderator across all five studies (Manuscript 1 & 2). Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of incorporating autonomous motivation orientation and self-objectification into theoretical models of men’s body image.