<p> Using a sample of 251 college students, it was found that 1) when differentiation (D) of work values was calculated using three indices,&nbsp;high-low D, Iachan D, and variance D,&nbsp;only Iachan D positively related to indecision but&nbsp;high-low D and variance D did not,&nbsp;2) none of the three indices of D&nbsp;related to career maturity, 3) work values profile elevation (PE) positively related to extraversion, openness, and negatively related to depressive symptoms and career indecision but was unrelated to career certainty and&nbsp;neuroticism and 4) work values PE moderated the relationship between Iachan D and career indecision. The findings from this study benefit both vocational counselors and clients by improving the utility of individuals&rsquo; work values results so that they can provide additional information to understand a person&rsquo;s work values profile.</p><p>

<p> <b>Scope of Study:</b> This study was designed to investigate the lived experiences of middle to executive level leaders who participated in positive psychology coaching during midlife. Through personal interviews, participants shared comprehensive descriptions of their experiences in an effort to provide a deep understanding of the ways in which they benefited both personally and professionally while facing challenges typically associated with middle age. </p><p> <b>Findings and Conclusions:</b> This study generated three major findings that support this effort (1) participating in positive psychology executive coaching provides focus and confidence that facilitates personal and professional growth during midlife by helping clients identify and overcome real life and work challenges while pursuing their over-arching goals; (2) the coaching experience and associated results largely vary from participant to participant based on their wants, goals and aspirations for the future; and (3) the client&rsquo;s perception of coaching impact was tied, at least in part to the length of coaching, the quality of their relationship with the coach and a perceived positive experience. These results support the employment of positive psychology interventions as part of an executive coaching engagement, showing that to do so with midlife clients not only supports their goal achievement, but also facilitates resolution of other work and life challenges over time and within a quality client-coach relationship. </p><p>

<p> Emotional Reaction of Experiencing Crisis in Virtual Reality (VR)/360&deg; Immersive technology is being used to provoke emotion and move millions of people to action. Because organizations and filmmakers are exploring more ways to use the immersive technology of VR and 360-degree video to evoke emotion, it is important to investigate what emotional reactions are experienced. Both VR and 360&deg; fall under the category of immersive media and the terms are used interchangeably in this study. NVivo 11 is used for the analysis of 1,700 Twitter texts between the years 2015 and 2017 after people view the crisis <i> Clouds Over Sidra</i> in VR/360&deg;. The appraisal theory of emotion serves as the framework to explore the interpretation of the subject&rsquo;s emotional reactions. Sentiment and thematic analysis reveal (a) an increase in empathy, (b) reports of emotional reactions including feelings of sadness, grief and anger, (c) greater understanding of the crisis (d) intentions to act related to the crisis, (e) importance of VR/360&deg; for educational use, and (f) the power of VR/360&deg; and its ability to alter fields of education, humanitarian work, and politics. This study finds the immersive experience of viewing a crisis in VR/360&deg; generates a range of highly emotional reactions. It is an important goal to understand the role VR/360&deg; plays in generating emotional reactions and behavioral change, particularly in view of the accelerating development of emotional VR/360&deg; content and people&rsquo;s access to immersive technology. </p><p>

<p> This study is an investigation of nondual experiences with the intention to describe their essences and their meaning for six co-researchers, using Clark Moustakas&rsquo;s heuristic research methodology. Additionally, it examined the impact of these nondual experiences on their emotional well-being, sense of self, and their relationships, in an effort to determine the psychological benefits and possible applications to clinical psychology. It also sought to compare the experiences of the co-researchers to Ken Wilber&rsquo;s Integral Developmental model. The study confirmed that nondual experiences had positive effects on emotional states such as depression, meaninglessness, alienation, anxiety, insecurity, fear, anger, and unforgiveness. Some positive qualities reported included confidence, joy, peace, trust, gratitude, hope, acceptance, clarity, compassion, and love. The co-researchers reported their relationships as being radically intimate, spontaneous, nonjudgmental, and a relationship with the divine self. The study supports a number of essential aspects of Wilber&rsquo;s Integral model, including the stages of development, and the stabilization of states into traits of everyday experience. Additionally, the study confirmed many of the attributes of the postautonomous developmental stages. The benefits of nondual therapy lies in its ability to radically deconstruct all constructions, disidentifying from the fragile egoic self, and simultaneously identifying with a greater self, the nondual ground of being. The therapist and client rest within a nondual field of awakeness where both have an opportunity for spontaneous nondual healing. </p><p>

<p> Technology has been integrated into the modern era and continues to influence society, culture, and the individual. The digital influence has left a split in its wake that affects intergenerational relationships, value constructs, self-development, and the aesthetics of attachment. The paradigm that dominates the majority of psychological theory and practice is functioning from metanarrative models that are being rejected by younger generations. Using a hermeneutic method, this thesis explores the inception and continuing radical emergence of the technological self. Winnicott&rsquo;s theory of transitional objects and potential space, along with Kaufman&rsquo;s quantum physics theory of radical emergence, are utilized to reveal how the Internet and digital devices function to fulfill the needs of Millennials and Generation Zers. Psychoanalysis is facing the demand to attend to the shifts and gaps between traditional, dominant therapy models and the millennial self that has become technologically embodied.</p><p>

<p> This work explores the limiting beliefs that modern American man is surrounded by that create suffering and isolation for him. Utilizing heuristic and hermeneutic methodologies, this thesis leans into the primary feelings of anger, guilt, and shame typically expressed by American males. It examines how these feelings came to the forefront of his expressions and how he can allow himself to find ways to safely express the other feelings repressed inside him. Just as the blind man when given a matzo turned it over and over, examining it with his fingers and exclaiming &ldquo;who wrote this?&rdquo;, this thesis suggests new interpretations regarding how males express themselves. Through awareness of the value of rituals and metaphors, this natural language of men can serve as a beginning toward his feeling safe in expressing his repressed feelings. This thesis tempts the reader to see beyond the mask of the American male</p><p>

<p> Scholarly research is needed to investigate the horse human interaction and increase protective measures and beneficial outcomes for both horse and human when using an interspecies form of psychotherapy. This research offers practitioners of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) a different theoretical orientation to approach an understanding of the psychodynamics present in this form of therapy, and support contemporary therapeutic treatment models that focus on building emotional resilience grounded in the neurobiology of nurturing relationships. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to identify what psychodynamic experiences were present in the feminine-equine relationship dyad, and how these experiences influenced the process of individuation. Prior research (Seward, 2013; Held, 2006; Koch, 2008) has investigated this relationship phenomenon to bring validity to a powerful experience that is often described as intangible, or immeasurable. The researcher, through personal experience and professional training since 1999, has observed the evolving industry of equine assisted activities and therapies as largely populated by women seeking answers, women dedicated to the helping professions, and women longing for an experience that is nurturing and enlarging in a way that Western culture fails to meet that need for women. </p><p> Analytical psychology, according to Carl Jung, provided a theoretical structure to explore the horse as a symbol of the archetype and the psychodynamics present in the feminine-equine relationship dyad. The researcher examined how this interspecies relationship phenomenon facilitates psychodynamic experiences that contribute to personality development for women who have chosen horses as companions. Recent developments in neuroscience helped to reimagine Jung&rsquo;s psychodynamic theory for contemporary relevance. The researcher asked what experiences present in the feminine-equine relationship dyad have the capacity to influence the <i>individuation</i> process for women. </p><p> A hermeneutic phenomenological research method and narrative research techniques guided this qualitative research study. Hermeneutics guided the review of literature and provided an iterative process to reveal significant parts of the experience-centered narratives within the whole of the phenomenon in question. Five women shared their personal and professional stories of companionship with horses. The research findings revealed the neurobiology of novel experiences and attuned relationships contributes to transformative experiences and an improved sense of well-being. Phenomenology provided an intuitive approach to understanding the interspecies relationship phenomenon investigated. The research participants&rsquo; narratives confirmed companionship with horses influences personal growth, strengthens emotional resilience, influences professional and social development, and provides a sense of community. These findings suggest a woman&rsquo;s relationship with a horse encourages individuation.</p><p>

<p> Current literature confirms that self-efficacy, academic self-concept, and participation in undergraduate research influence the academic performance and aspirations of students. However, a gap in the literature remains as research has yet to explore whether students who have participated in research have a higher sense of research self-efficacy and academic self-concept than students who have not participated in these activities. In addition, it is unknown whether undergraduate researchers pursuing STEM degrees differ from students pursuing non-STEM degrees, nor if they vary by gender. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to investigate the research self-efficacy and academic self-concept of undergraduate researchers, compare these beliefs to non-researchers, and to examine how these measures differ by gender and field of study (i.e. STEM and non-STEM fields) among undergraduate researchers. Additionally, this research identified various factors that predict research self-efficacy and academic self-concept. </p><p> This quantitative study was conducted at a public university located in the Southeast region of the United States. Using survey methods participants&rsquo; background information, academic self-concept, and research self-efficacy was collected. Participants were students who had participated in undergraduate research as well as students who had not participated in research activities. Both groups completed the same survey. This study gained insight into the research self-efficacy, academic self-concept, field of study, and gender differences among undergraduate researchers and how they compare to non-researchers. Research findings may assist colleges, universities, and offices that promote undergraduate research in recruiting students to participate in research activities. Findings also contribute to literature supporting undergraduate research as an element that contributes to student success in undergraduate education.</p><p>

<p> This study explored educators&rsquo; perceptions of the impact of exposure to violence on children and their intellectual development. Substitute concepts such as corporal punishment, child maltreatment, and others were considered relevant to formation of an individual&rsquo;s identity. The study also explored the psychological impact of trauma over time, and its effect on an individual&rsquo;s cognitive development, identity formation, and relational development. Various aspects of exposure to violence were examined, as questions arose regarding how these multiple forms of exposure to violence impact an individual&rsquo;s level of functionality. This study utilized a general qualitative approach informed by case study methodologies. </p><p> Four educators who worked with children previously exposed to violence were interviewed. Although both teachers and tutors were solicited, only tutors responded to the invitation to participate; therefore, the results are based upon interviews with four tutors. Four specific themes emerged from the participant interviews, namely: <i>the realities of children exposed to violence, the impact of violence, academic performance</i>, and <i>the role of the tutor</i>. Within some themes, subthemes emerged such as emotional violence, physical violence, limited family support, the impact of violence, resiliency, combativeness, and lack of friendships. A narrative of themes and subthemes was presented. Commensurate with the focus of the research, the predominant theme identified in this research was that of violence and aggression on the part of adults, seen through the prism of the experiences of the children in their care.</p><p>

<p> The present study examined the impact of self-esteem, the desire for lighter skin, and gender on levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Thailand. The study included 761 students from two universities in a northeastern province of Thailand who participated voluntarily. Results indicated that although the desire for lighter skin is prevalent among Thai university students, this desire alone does not significantly impact levels of depression, anxiety, or stress. Self-esteem was a significant predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. School year showed a significant positive correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress. Academic performance as measured by GPA showed a significant positive correlation with self-esteem and a significant negative correlation with depression. Mental health professionals are advised to explore ways to improve Thai university students&rsquo; self-esteem and to examine the influence of academic and graduation-related pressures in order to positively impact students&rsquo; overall mental health. Additional implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed. </p><p>