Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-81).

<p> The Fullerton Ontological Confusion (FOC) scale was constructed to address the issues of inconsistent theory and inadequate measurement regarding paranormal, superstitious, magical, and supernatural (PSMS) beliefs. For the FOC scale, PSMS beliefs were defined as confusions of ontology, or the misattribution of core knowledge belief categories. The FOC was empirically evaluated under an Item Response Theory framework using the nominal response model (NRM) to estimate item parameters and the Wald test to evaluate within-item category variation. Using the NRM and the Wald test, the FOC scale items were revised to yield a measure that was optimally formatted and informative. Correlational analysis was used to validate the FOC scale by testing the hypothesized relationships to theoretically related and unrelated constructs. The FOC scale was found to have a good degree of validity with most of the testable validation hypotheses being supported. Compared to the available existing measures, the FOC scale could be used as a more pure and informative measure for PSMS beliefs. </p>

<p> Previous research indicates that ecstasy use is positively associated with higher levels of impulsivity and risky sexual behaviors. In addition, methamphetamine use, which is chemically related to ecstasy, has been associated with higher levels of adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This study adds to the existing literature by investigating the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms, impulsivity, ecstasy use, and unprotected anal sex. Participants were recruited from the Center for Behavioral Research and Services in Long Beach, California. Adult ADHD symptoms were associated with unprotected anal sex among women, but not for men. Furthermore, ecstasy use was found to be associated with unprotected anal sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) but not for women or men who have sex with women (MSW). In addition, higher levels of impulsivity were associated with both ecstasy use and unprotected anal sex among women, MSM, and MSW.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1991. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-01, Section: B, page: 0571. Chair: Jerrold L. Shapiro.

Patriotism has a powerful impact on the course of human events. Yet, very little empirical research in psychology has investigated patriotism. The present research explores the nature of patriotic beliefs, affect, and behaviors. Of particular interest is the potential multidimensionality of patriotic attitudes. More specifically, Staub's (1991) theoretical distinction between "blind" and "constructive" patriotism is explored. Blind patriotism is defined as a relationship with country characterized by rigid identification, global positive evaluation, staunch allegiance, and intolerance of criticism. Constructive patriotism is defined as a relationship with country characterized by a more flexible identification, support for constructive criticism, and a desire to implement positive change. Two empirical studies are discussed. Study 1 provides evidence for the multidimensionality of patriotic attitudes. In Study 2, measures of blind and constructive patriotism are developed, and the reliability and validity of these measures are assessed. Blind and constructive patriotism are then contrasted by examining their relationships with other constructs, most notably, nationalism and internationalism, perceptions of national vulnerability, religious and value orientations, and varied measures of political involvement.

Gregory Bateson's research spanned many fields. The critical literature on him is mostly limited to assessments of his work within anthropology, psychology, and ethology. This study assesses Bateson's contribution to the methodology of the behavioral sciences generally. It proceeds by applying his methods to the ancient question, "Why does man pursue virtue?" and to its modern rephrasing in terms of excellence or achievement. Bateson himself only touched on this question without answering it. To evaluate Bateson's methodological approach against other approaches in the behavioral sciences, this study examines how other thinkers have explained achievement, using Bateson's tools and methods to critique or restate their conclusions. Major positions examined include those of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Spinoza, Nietzsche, Freud, Skinner, and McClelland. The principle conclusion drawn from this study is that Bateson's approach accounts for earlier explanations of achieving behavior within a broader framework suggesting new insights with more practical applications. Its success in explaining achievement argues for its general significance within the behavioral sciences. The approach involves a fundamental rethinking of what Aristotle called "formal causation." Cybernetics, information theory, organization theory and the other new mathematical theories comprising the cognitive sciences all purport to explain as well as describe our world. Bateson's work helps explain how this is possible. Bateson's essential contribution is his contextual theory of learning, which directly challenges the associational theory of learning that underlies most modern empirical research in the behavioral sciences. Bateson explains phenomena as diverse as character development and creativity, mammalian play and certain forms of schizophrenia in terms of hierarchies of context and the conflicts between them. And he does so within the generally accepted parameters of evolutionary theory that informs our modern understanding of biology and behavioral science. It is a major achievement and, as a first attempt to comprehend the foundations of a cognitive science still in its fledgling stages, will likely be appreciated more as time goes on.

In the present set of studies, I examine the hypothesis that situations that affirm a valued self-relevant attribute may, under certain conditions, lead to increased prejudice because such situations activate the motivation to preserve a positive self-image. Consistent with this prediction, Experiments 1 and 2 showed that men whose masculinity was affirmed expressed stronger implicit and explicit prejudice against gay men than others who did not receive such an affirmation. Furthermore, Experiment 2 found that affirmation functioned in a manner similar to self-threat such that both affirmation and threat led to similar increases in implicit and explicit prejudice against gay men, but did not affect attitudes toward lesbians or heterosexual women (groups that are not stereotypically related to the affirmed attribute). Finally, as partial support of the prediction that affirmation of an ingroup attribute increases prejudice in order to protect one's bolstered self-image, Experiment 3 demonstrated that among affirmed men, the more they expressed implicit prejudice against a relevant group (gay men), the higher was their subsequent implicit self-esteem. However, self-affirmation did not have any effect on the relation between implicit attitudes toward a less relevant group (African-Americans) and self-esteem. ^

Two studies examined whether motivation influences the utilization of accessible trait constructs in person perception. Previous research shows that perceivers readily rely on both chronically and temporarily accessible trait constructs in social information processing. It has been proposed that this process is automatic in that it does not require many processing resources, that it occurs unintentionally, and that it runs autonomously to completion. The present studies were designed to examine the generality of these accessibility effects in person perception. The first study focused on chronically accessible constructs, and the second on temporarily accessible constructs. Outcome dependency should motivate the use of relatively complex information processing strategies, and so moderate the relatively automatic reliance on chronically and temporarily accessible constructs in person perception. Alternatively, to the extent that the relatively automatic reliance on chronically and temporarily accessible constructs is immune to motivation because it is immune to intent, outcome dependency should not influence whether or not perceivers utilize either kind of accessible trait constructs in social information processing. Both of these possibilities were examined. The results did not support the prediction that outcome dependency would moderate effects of either chronically or temporarily accessible trait constructs on person perception.

<p> Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is experienced by Latinas (Villavicencio, 2008; Gonz&aacute;lez-Guarda, Peragallo, Vasquez, Urrutia, &amp; Mitrani, 2009) at comparable and higher rates to women of other racial/ethnic backgrounds (Black et al., 2011; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2011). Young Latinas, in particular, appear to be disproportionately affected by IPV in comparison to young non-Latina white women (CDC, 2011). The negative outcomes associated with IPV in women, including Latinas, range from physical health issues (e.g., death, injuries including broken bones and concussions), and illnesses (e.g., gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and cardiovascular problems), to mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, and negative interpersonal relationship patterns) (Caetano &amp; Cunradi, 2003; Krishnan, Hilbert, &amp; VanLeeuwen, 2001; Brown et al., 2003). Despite these negative outcomes, women do engage in and navigate new relationships. It is unknown, however, how they approach these subsequent dating experiences. Understanding dating/relationships among Latinas following adolescent IPV is particularly important as the literature indicates adolescence marks a critical time for the initial development of interpersonal romantic relationship behaviors and dynamics, which can form lasting patterns (Makepeace, 1986; Lerner &amp; Galambos, 1998; Glass, 2003). </p><p> The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to explore how adolescent IPV influences subsequent, new dating experiences among Latinas. Grounded theory research methodology (Corbin &amp; Strauss, 2008) was utilized to examine this topic. Eleven adult Latinas participated in interviews during which they were asked to discuss their dating, partner, and relationship expectations and behaviors subsequent to adolescent IPV. </p><p> Results revealed that Latinas who experienced adolescent IPV underwent changes that led to an increased focus on self-protection, which was incorporated into subsequent partner/relationship expectations (e.g., less traditional gender roles, which also influenced other expectations including partnership; emotional support/space; self-expression/communication), relationship goals (e.g., a desire for an IPV-free relationship; monogamy; companionship) and new behaviors in dating/relationships (e.g., period of being single; cautious, slower approach to dating/relationships). Additionally, results indicated that most of the participants had entered subsequent satisfying, IPV-free relationships. Discussion of the findings, implications, and limitations of the present study are included. Directions for future research are also provided. </p>

<p> Repeated exposure to stress has been associated with negative health outcomes. The present study investigated how different emotion regulation strategies&mdash;cognitive reappraisal and suppression&mdash;are associated with stress and how executive function may influence these relationships. Thirty two women, all mothers with young children, were assessed using the emotion regulation questionnaire, the affective go/no go task, and salivary cortisol collection. Cognitive reappraisal was not significantly related to stress. Greater endorsement of suppression was significantly associated with two measures of stress&mdash;increased output of daily cortisol and increased cortisol awakening response. Executive function was not a significant moderator. This is the first study to date to examine these questions and to assess them in a naturalistic setting with a sample of mothers with young children. Given that mothers regularly experience emotion-eliciting situations, these results have several implications for how emotion regulation strategies may impact stress (cortisol levels) in this population.</p>