SESSION 1
1. Procrastination and Possessions: A Clutter Personality?
Erin B. Barnicle, Kendall Crum, Matthew Pardo
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
It’s noted that everyone has “stuff” – a common expression for excessive cluttered
possessions that seems to typify so many people. Still, it is not known what the personality of
individuals with excess clutter may best be described. One area of research by our Team has been the
study of chronic procrastination – the purposive delay in the start or completion of intended
tasks. Most students (75%) report engaging in academic procrastination, and older adult men and
women equally self-identify as persons who engage in strategic procrastination (20-25%). We
assessed whether procrastinators report similar rates of clutter and identify with possessions as
expressions of their identity.
The present study included 1,325 clutter adults and 320 students who self-reported their
procrastination styles, as well as their clutter tendencies and self-identification with
possessions. Participants completed McCown and Johnson’s (1989) 15-item Adults Inventory of
Procrastination (AIP), assessing the tendency to engage in the delay of everyday behaviors and life
activities, Roster’s (2015) 18-item Clutter Questionnaire (CQ), ascertaining personal views on items
of possession; and, Marlow-Crown’s (1960) brief 13-item Social Desirability scale, to ascertain the
likelihood of providing socially appropriate answers by students and older adults. Results will be
discussed providing a ‘clutter personality’ profile.
2. Ethnicity and Gender Comparisons on Clutter: Stuff for Women, Toys for Men?
Trina N. Dao, Matthew Pardo, Kendall Crum
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
Clinical research psychology studies hoarding, the excessive accumulation of numerous
versions of an item or thing. However, some individuals instead have “clutter,” as excessive amount
of various objects. Psychologists and ‘life coaches” assist persons with clutter disorder in organizing
and reducing the amount of possessions they have accumulated. While there are no significant gender
difference in clutter, with both men and women reported as owning excessive possessions, it is not
yet known whether there are ethnic differences in clutter. Moreover, most interventions and studies
include only women in samples on research. The present study included both genders as participants.
In the present brief study, we focused on women (n = 1,233) and men (n = 74), and compared
adult samples based on ethnicity (Caucasian = 1,233; persons of color = 106). Because we had few
persons of color responding to our on-line, national survey, we consider our project exploratory.
Nevertheless, we think the results provide a good foundation for discussion on future projects
regarding clutter. Participants completed Roster’s (2015) 18-item Clutter Questionnaire (CQ), with
each item rated along a 5-point scale ascertaining personal views on items of possession. Results are
discussed around both gender and ethnic perceptions of “clutter.”
3. Finding God’s Grace through the Group: Impact of Religious Retreats by Substance
Abusers
Tyler Hamilton, Matthew Pardo, Kendall Crum
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
Homelessness in the U.S. seems to be growing annually. Non-profit organizations and
government agencies continue to offer services for homeless adults and families, such as food
provision, overnight shelters, career counseling, and personal care management. Expenses for these
services continue to climb, but the allocation of resources decrease annually. We believe that the
physical and psychological needs of homeless adults must continue to be provided. Moreover, we
recommend that in addition homeless adults be provided services that “feed the spiritual side” of their
life. It is not only important to sustain the well being of homeless individuals – we must give them a
life worth living.
In Chicago, the Ignatius Spirituality Program (ISP), a non-profit agency offering homeless
adults the opportunity to engage in weekend religious retreats, has been servicing these individuals in
26 different cities. Several times a year (four, for men; six, for women) homeless adults are invited to
participate in a weekend retreat (Friday night to Sunday afternoon) for no charge. The present
program evaluation survey assessed feedback responses from 2014 retreatants on seven 5-point scale
items about retreat experience impacting faith growth. We compared respondents who self-identified
as not involved or involved in substance abuse recovery.
4. Yo Soy un Diacono Altamenta Educada: Exploring the Personality, Leadership, and
Religiosity of Hispanic Deacons
Justino Henziel, Matthew Pardo, Kendall Crum
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
For nearly 50 years a rapidly growing category of ordained clergy has been installed: the
permanent deacon of the U.S. Deacons are men who are ministers of charity and social justice,
serving their congregation’s needs. Most deacons are married with children and employed. Currently,
there is estimated to be 18,000 US Catholic deacons, yet there has only been recent psychological
research published on these men who are highly spiritual and highly involved in secular activities. We
assessed a large data set of 1,997 deacons, who responded anonymously to an on-line survey.
We analyzed religiosity/spirituality attitude, leadership styles, and personality dimensions of
156 Hispanic Catholic deacons, with educational degrees in Hispanic (n = 91) or non-Hispanic (n =
65) parishes. Results found no significant differences on any variables for congregation ethnic status
and similar reported rates for religious commitment, spiritual transcendence beliefs, and leadership
styles. Highly educated deacons (i.e., with graduate degrees; n = 49) reported lower rates of
enthusiasm for worship but higher rates of conscientiousness and openness to experience, than
bachelor (n = 38) or less educated (n = 67) deacons. Clergy of color across educational levels
(regardless of their congregation’s ethnic identity) hold varied faith-based beliefs and personality.
5. Recovery and Retreats: Assessing Homeless Women and Men’s Attitudes of a Religious
Program
Alyssa Luby, Matthew Pardo, Kendall Crum
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
It’s been said, “we feed the homeless with food, but why don’t we feed the homeless
spiritually?” For over a decade, located in Chicago, IL, the Ignatius Spirituality Program (ISP), a
non-profit agency offering homeless adults the opportunity to engage in weekend religious retreats,
has serviced women and men in 26 different U.S. cities. Their aim is to provide spiritual growth for
adult homeless guests. Weekend retreats (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) through ISP occur
several times a year (four, for men; six, for women) for no charge to participants. During the
weekend, guests listen to enrichment presentations, may engage in varied prayer services, and receive
spiritual direction plus a safe place to sleep and meals.
The present program evaluation survey assessed feedback responses from 2014 retreatants
on seven 5-point scale items about the retreat structure. Six items asked about the personal value of
sharing their spiritual journey; four items addressed the worship activities. We compared male to
female respondents, and by age (young and older guests). This pilot study provides the agency with
feedback and assesses whether religious retreats for the homeless are relevant. To date, we found only
one other published study, done in England, on similar programs.
6. To Keep or Not to Keep: That is the Question for Indecisives
Erin N. Mortenson, Kendall Crum, Matthew Pardo
Sponsor: Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari, DePaul University
For over 25 years, research psychologists have examined the causes and consequences of
decisional procrastination (DP), also labeled indecision. In fact, it is estimated that about 15% of
adult men and women are indecives across everyday life situations. These individuals fail to make
timely decisions, often spending excessive time pondering and then delaying action. Experimental
studies find that indecision is not a cognitive deficit but a chosen motivational strategy to avoid
failure and public criticism.
In the present study, we compared men and women who self-identified as having a “clutter
disorder” among both a community adult sample (n = 1,335) and college students (n = 300). All
participants completed Mann’s (1982) Decisional Procrastination (DP) scale, a 5-item measure with
each item rated along a 5-point scale assessing tendencies to delay making decisions. Participants
also completed Roster’s (2015) Clutter Questionnaire (CQ), an 18-item inventory with each item
rated along a 5-point scale ascertaining personal views on items of possession.
Results examined scores for gender (women vs. men) by sample (community vs. student) on
both the DP and CQ scales. We focused on whether indecisive compared to decisive, based on their
gender or sample, were more or less likely to possess “clutter.”
7. Coping Strategies, Stress, and Perception of Stress among College Students
Brianna Jones, Heather Ruplinger
Sponsor: Dr. Corinne Enright, UW-Platteville
The transition to college life is a challenging and stressful time. Female students experience
more stress than males do (Misra & McKean, 2000). Academic performance is a top concern for
students (Beiter et al., 2014). Stressors affect academic development and may cause psychological
and physical impairment (Misra & McKean, 2000). Whether or not students have constructive
coping strategies is also important. By the time they reach graduation, older students may have found
more constructive ways to cope with stress (Misra & McKean, 2000). Stress can be experienced as
facilitating (e.g., I work most effectively under pressure) or debilitating (e.g., Nervousness hinders me
from doing well). The current study found that males reported experiencing more facilitating stress
than did females. No differences were found for debilitating or total stress between sexes. Three
coping strategies differed between freshmen and graduating seniors. Freshmen tended to withdraw
emotionally and participate in outdoor activities more than seniors. Seniors tended to drink more
alcohol than freshmen. When asked “If there was one thing that would have helped me cope with
college life that I wish I had known “before” coming to college” the most frequent response given
was time management (approximately 26%).
8. What is Your Number?
Haley Schaefer, Mary Joan Patten
Sponsor: Dr. Corinne Enright, UW-Platteville
Zaikman and Marks (2014) found a relationship between sexual double standards and
ambivalent (hostile and benevolent) sexism toward males and females. Persons holding hostile sexist
attitudes hold prejudicial negative beliefs about men and women whereas those that hold benevolent
attitudes view males and females in a positive but restricted roles. Zaikman and Marks defined a
sexual double standard as the notion that women are evaluated negatively and men positively for
engaging in similar sexual behaviors. Explicit measures of Sexism however are strongly influenced
by social desirability factors. Sakaluk and Milhausen (2012) used the Implicit Association Test (IAT)
procedure to measure sexual double standards. Explicit measures are more influenced by social
desirability bias than are implicit measures. While the current study found no evidence of implicit
sexual double standards for men, it did find that women exhibited evidence of negative attitudes
toward men. Women’s implicit endorsement of sexual double standards were not related to where
explicit ratings of ambivalent sexism regarding males or females. Males’ implicit sexual double
standard were positively correlated with explicit ratings of ambivalent sexism regarding males but not
females.
9. The Stinson Theory: Hierarchical Encoding of Attractiveness and Personality
Characteristics
Hannah Wilson, Jenna Laposki
Sponsor: Dr. Corinne Enright, UW-Platteville
Research on attractiveness has concluded that “attractiveness” comes from “averageness.”
Beauty in averageness has been shown in studies of composite photos. Halberstand and Winkilman
(2013) found that “average” faces produced by layering photos of individuals are perceived as more
attractive than the individuals from which the composites are composed. Their explanation is that
average faces are processed faster and with more ease because they lack anomalous characteristics.
Ease and speed of processing is then used as a heuristic (short cut) to judge attractiveness. The
Cheerleader Effect refers to a similar finding in which individuals are perceived as more attractive in
a group than in isolation. Walker and Vul (2013) suggest that this effect occurs because of grouping
and averaging in the visual system. The visual system automatically creates summary representations
of groups, and this summary information effects the observer’s perception of individual faces to be
more like the group average. Support that beauty comes from averageness and for The Cheerleader
Effect were found for males in the current study, but not for females. The Cheerleader Effect applied
to the adjective “attractive” and also generalized to “likability” ratings for male participants.
10. Influences of Mental Health History on Stigma against Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Lauren Forsberg, Katherine Crane, Tim Ledbetter
Sponsor: Dr. Seth Brown, University of Northern Iowa
Stigma against mental illness is a negative influence on the lives of people affected by such.
Research suggests that individuals with a history of mental health treatment tend to view others with
mental illness with lower levels of stigma than the general population (Corrigan et al., 2014; Corrigan
et. al, 2015; Hyun, 2015). The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals with a personal
history of mental health treatment held lower levels of stigma towards those with bipolar disorder
than individuals with no previous history. A total of 175 participants completed questionnaires
measuring demographic information and previous mental illness treatment, as well as different
components of stigma. In this sample, there was a significant difference in preference for social
distance, t(165) = 2.21, p = .03, but no significant differences on negative emotions and attitudes for
coerced treatment. Differences on perceived dangerousness between the two groups approached
significance, t(166) = 1.81, p = .07. In sum, one may speculate that experiencing mental health
problems personally (via treatment history) lowers certain aspects of stigma (perceived
dangerousness, preference for social distance) towards other mental health groups (bipolar disorder).
11. The Influence of Humorous Distractions on Tolerance of Acute Pain
Hind Allouch, Kashawna Brantley, Yaneli Martinez, Michel Massamba
Sponsor: Dr. Joan Wertz, Monmouth College
An experiment regarding pain tolerance was conducted at Monmouth College. The effects of
humorous distraction on pain tolerance were studied. The study contained 50 undergraduate college
students aged 18 to 25, 14 males and 33 females. Three participants did not identify their gender. The
study contained a control group and a distraction group. Buckets with iced water were used to
establish the pain, and a 3 minute funny video was used as a humorous distraction. The variables of
the study were the amount of seconds participants kept their hand in the icy water, pain rate and their
rate of the control of pain felt during the experiment. Participants in the distraction group did not
tolerate pain longer than those in the control group (t (45) = -0.92, p > .05). The amount of pain the
distraction group reported was not significantly different from the amount of pain the control group
reported (t (45) 1.38, p > .05). There was also no significant difference in the amount of control the
distraction group reported to the one the control group reported (t (45) = -0.80, p > .05). Overall,
humor did not help tolerate pain longer and it did not help to reduce the pain.
12. The Effects of Mood Manipulation
Erin Canon
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
A question that frequently occurs is whether or not mood can be manipulated and who is
most easily affected by mood manipulation. It is found in previous research that mood in fact can be
manipulated, and it can be done so either positively or negatively. Our study looked at whether men
or women were influenced more by mood manipulation, as well as if their mood would become more
positive or more negative based on two types of videos shown. One video was a positive video, and
the other was a video on a negative issue. We found that women were significantly influenced by the
videos, and particularly by the negative issue video. With that video, women’s moods increased. We
believe the results are in agreement with findings about future thinking and increased mood, as well
as an increase in helping during a negative situation.
13. How Bottles Influence Taste of Water
Catherine Hetzel
Sponsor: Dr. Kristine Kovack-Lesh, Ripon College
The effects of top-down processing and conceptually driven processing for the taste
perception of water were measured with an unlabeled bottle of tap water, and three name brand
bottles of water (Figi, Smart Water, and Nestle Pure Life). All of the name brand bottles were
emptied of their contents and filled with tap water. The taste preference for water was examined by
having participants taste a sample from the unlabeled bottle containing tap water, the bottle of Figi
containing tap water, the bottle of Smart Water containing tap water, and the bottle of Nestle Pure
Life containing tap water. Each sample of water was then rated on a 1-7 Likert-type scale. While
previous findings showed a relationship between top-down processing, conceptually driven
processing, and a preference toward food or beverage, no significance was found between the taste
preference for the brand name water bottles (Figi, Smart Water, and Nestle Pure Life) and the
unlabeled bottle of tap water.
14. The Effects of Anxiety and Pain Expectations on Pain Tolerance
Andrea Churchill, Jessica Simmons
Sponsor: Dr. Joan Wertz, Monmouth College
Pain tolerance is something that every individual experiences in his/her life and can be
influence by many things. The current study examined the effects of anxiety and pain expectation on
the tolerance of acute pain through a cold pressor test. Participant’s anxiety levels were measured and
they were then manipulated to expect either low levels of pain, high levels of pain, or placed in a no
prime control condition. Researchers found that participant’s anxiety levels were not related to pain
tolerance. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the priming groups,
with who expected low levels of pain completing the longest times in seconds of the cold pressor test
compared to those who expected high levels of pain and those who were not primed, F(2, 30) = 5.90,
p = .007. Follow-up 2-sample t tests indicated that the difference between the low pain expectations
group and no prime group (t(21) = -2.24, p = .037) as well as the difference between the low
expectations group and the high expectations group (t(21) = -2.95, p = .008) were statistically
significant, while the difference between the high pain expectations group and no prime group did not
reach significance.
15. Effects of Perceived Control on Arousal
Kierstin Luedtke, Michaela Myers
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
The effects of perceived control on an adverse stimulus (noise) were observed in this study
under both regular and irregular noise conditions, as modeled on previous studies done by Corah and
Boffa (1970), and Parmentier and Andres (2010). Participants were either informed that they could
mute the source of the noise if they became uncomfortable with it (control condition) or they were not
(no-control condition). Participants were asked to perform a mundane task [mazes] under two noise
conditions [regular and irregular] while connected to a physiograph which measures the participants’
annoyance with the stimulus, as determined by skin conductance, and maze times. Contrary to prior
research, there were no significant differences found within the noise conditions, however our results
did indicate that there was a significant increase in arousal when performing a task in either noise
condition than observed in the control condition.
16. Does Consuming More Media Lead to Higher Stigma Toward People with Mental
Disorders?
Katherine Crane, Lauren Forsberg, Tim Ledbetter S
Sponsor: Dr. Seth Brown, University of Northern Iowa
There is a growing concern about how direct-to-consumer advertising (drug commercials)
impacts stigma against people with mental illness. Some limited research indicates that as people
watch more media there is an increase in the levels of stigma (e.g., Granello, 2000). The purpose of
this study was to expand on the previous research by examining whether or not greater levels of
media intake (with advertising) were associated with higher amounts of stigma towards those with
bipolar disorder. A total of 175 participants completed questionnaires that measured the average
hours of media watched and various components of stigma. In this sample, there was no correlation
between increased media watching and raised levels of stigma towards people with bipolar disorder.
The results of this study suggest that increased media consumption holds little sway over how our
society views individuals with mental illness (bipolar disorder).
17. Can Second Language Learners Maximize their Cognitive Flexibility?
Mary Phillips, Cassidy Terry, William Ebron
Sponsor: Dr. Lisa Grinde, Loras College
In an increasingly competitive and diverse culture, this study examined if second language
learners could maximize their cognitive flexibility. We predicted that those primed to use both their
native and second languages would be more cognitively flexible than those primed only in their
native language. Forty-five native English speaking, college-age students, who were learning Spanish,
were primed to read a paragraph in both Spanish and English, only Spanish, or only English.
Participants then received three tests of cognitive flexibility: letter fluency, short term memory, and
the Stroop test (Stroop, 1935) measures. In partial support of our hypothesis, our results showed
significantly better scores on the Stroop test (Stroop, 1935) measure of cognitive flexibility for those
who were primed with Spanish and English; there was no difference between the other conditions.
Our results showed no significant difference for language priming on letter fluency and short term
memory measures of cognitive flexibility.
18. Effects of Control on Perception
Kierstin Luedtke, Michaela Myers
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
The effects of perceived control on an adverse stimulus (noise) were observed in this study
under both regular and irregular conditions, as modeled on previous studies done by Corah and Boffa
(1970), and Parmentier and Andres (2010). Participants were either informed that they could mute the
source of the noise if they became uncomfortable with it (control condition) or they were not (nocontrol condition). Participants were asked to perform a mundane task (mazes) under two noise
conditions (regular and irregular) while connected to a physiograph which measures the participants’
annoyance with the stimulus, as determined by skin conductance, as well as maze times. Contrary to
prior research, there were no significant differences found within the noise conditions, however our
results did indicate that there was a significant increase in arousal when performing a task while
exposed to noise as opposed to when participants were resting without any noise playing.
19. The Influence of Specific Respiratory Rates on Heart Rate Variability
Alexandria Muldrew, Ashley Rackow
Sponsor: Dr. Benjamin Tallman, Coe College
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is defined as the inter-beat variation between heart beats and
illustrates several mechanisms within the body to regulate cardiovascular activity. Low heart rate
variability (HRV) has been linked to sudden cardiac death among patients with myocardial infarction,
fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Slowed or paced
breathing has been used to address disorders that are related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction
and to increase respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) amplitude. The current research study examined
several respiration rates among undergraduate students to enhance their peak (RSA) amplitude.
Participants consisted of 24 undergraduate students who participated in focused breathing exercises
with electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Results of the current study are consistent with previous
research findings: breathing at low breathing rates (e.g., 5 breaths per minute) enhances HRV and
stimulates the baroreflex. Results have implications for HRV biofeedback training.
20. The Bias Associated with Body Modification
Paige Elizabeth Pachucki
Sponsor: Dr. Theron Parsons, UW-Platteville
The goal of this research project, was to determine the level of bias that was held against
college age students with varying degrees of body modification. The purpose of this project was to
show that even though the bias may be less than before, it is still prevalent in today's society. The
research project aimed to find the level of bias still held against individuals with body modification. I
designed a PowerPoint presentation consisting of eight images. These images featured both male and
female subjects, with varying levels of body modifications, consisting of both tattoos and body
piercings. The participants were asked to answer a series of questions about each of the individuals,
designed to uncover any preconceived bias about the subjects (e.g. they were asked to predict this
person's academic success). In order to reduce a positive self-presentation bias, I instructed the
participants to answer what they believed the "typical" college student’s response to the survey
questions would be. Preliminary analysis confirms my hypotheses; overall, greater negative responses
were recorded for individuals displaying more significant body modifications with males judged
particularly harshly for extreme body piercings.
21. The Relationship between Self-Construal and Attitude Strength
Taylor Skinner, Stephanie M. Tribo
Sponsor: Dr. Liz Majka, Elmhurst College
Decades of research in social psychology have demonstrated that attitudes—
particularly strong attitudes—can powerfully shape perception, cognition, and behavior.
Recent evidence suggests that social contextual (e.g., social network) and cultural factors can
strengthen and weaken attitudes (e.g., Eaton et al., 2008).We propose that self-construal (i.e.,
the extent to which people view themselves as socially independent or interdependent;
Markus & Kitayama, 1991) may also affect attitude strength. As a first step to investigating
this proposal, we recruited a sample of online participants (Study 1a: N = 92) and a sample of
college students (Study 1b: N = 51) and had them complete the independent and
interdependent subscales of the Singelis Self-Construal Scale (1994), as well as the Need to
Evaluate Scale (Jarvis & Petty, 1996)—a scale assessing the desire and tendency to hold
strong opinions. As predicted, Pearson correlations revealed that (a) independent views of the
self were positively associated with Need to Evaluate scores, and (b) independent views of
the self were negatively associated with Need to Evaluate scores. These findings bolster the
importance of examining attitude strength in relation to social contextual and cultural factors.
Limitations of this study and future directions will be discussed.
SESSION 2
1. The Relationship between Cognitive Flexibility, Self-Efficacy and Personality
Maribeth Gomez, John Devine
Sponsor: Dr. Michael Wierzbicki, Marquette University
Cognitive-behavioral theory is concerned with the methods that people use to cope with daily
problems, and attempts to identify factors that are related to coping. This paper examined the
relationship between the Big Five personality traits and two important cognitive variables: cognitive
flexibility and self-efficacy (a related paper addresses the relationship between cognitive variables
and religious coping). College students (n = 135) completed the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory
(CFI), Cognitive-Behavioral Social Self-efficacy Scale (CBSSS), and a short form of the International
Personality Item Pool (IPIP). The CFI Alternatives subscale was significantly positively correlated
with both Agreeableness and Openness. The CFI Control subscale was significantly positively
correlated with Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness; CFI Control was negatively
correlated with Neuroticism. Analyses also revealed a relationship between self-efficacy subscales
and certain personality traits, similar to the ones seen with cognitive flexibility. The Self-efficacy
(SE) Social Behavior subscale was significantly positively correlated with Extraversion,
Agreeableness and Openness. The SE Social Understanding subscale was significantly positively
correlated with Agreeableness and Openness. Results are discussed in the context of previous
research on personality and coping.
2. Does Losing to Opponents or Because of Teammates Differentially Affect Aggression
Levels?
Alex Seifer, Beth O’Hara
Sponsor: Dr. Paul Ngo, St. Norbert College
Researchers have studied whether playing videogames can actually make people more
aggressive (Jerabeck & Ferguson, 2013). What is less well known are the effects of losing in such
games on aggression levels. In particular, we examined whether aggression levels are differentially
modulated by (a) losing because of the weakness of one’s teammate or (b) losing because of the
strength of one’s opponent. We manipulated videogames to yield both outcomes and then indirectly
measured the “loser’s” aggression level by assessing the intensity of a hot sauce (as measured in
Scoville units) that participants subsequently offered to either a teammate who had caused them to
lose or an opponent who had beaten them to taste. We found that a hotter sauce was offered to the
unknown teammate as opposed to the unknown opponent who had caused a person to lose. We hope
to discuss with attendees why this may have been the case.
3. The Effect of Artistic Expression on Anxiety Levels
Danielle Wendler, Hannah Mandlman
Sponsor: Dr. Paul Ngo, St. Norbert College
In this study we examined the effects of two different forms of artistic expression and the
order of exposure on anxiety in a sample of 28 undergraduate students. Participants were randomly
assigned to one of four trial groups; stressor before free form artistic expression via play-dough,
stressor before free form artistic expression via coloring, stressor after free form artistic expression
via play-dough, and stressor after free form artistic expression via coloring. Anxiety was induced via
different levels of solvable puzzles and was reported via the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI;
Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983) blood pressure and heart rate were all
measured before, during, and after trials. Findings suggested that a brief period of art activity can
significantly reduce a person’s state of anxiety. As results showed anxiety was modulated by order of
treatment F(2,23)=7.351, p=.003. This suggests that engaging in certain forms of artistic expression
may reduce stress in college students.
4. The Effect of Congruent Mood and Music on Divergent Thinking
Erin Cooper, Haley Nett
Sponsor: Dr. Paul Ngo, St. Norbert College
This study investigated the effects that the congruence of initial mood and the mood of music
have on divergent thinking. The experimenter scored the original mood of the participant and placed
the participant into happy, neutral, or sad mood conditions respective to this mood score. From this,
he or she was assigned to a musical selection that was either incongruent, mildly incongruent, or
congruent with the original mood. While listening to the musical selection, the participant was asked
to work on a divergent thinking task that was then scored based on both the fluency and uniqueness of
the responses given. The results for the uniqueness of the divergent thinking scores were not
significant, but divergent fluency scores did produce significant results. The results showed that
music has a significant overall effect (p=0.036) on divergent fluency. The major finding from the
experiment implied that those in a sad mood condition scored higher on divergent fluency overall,
and furthermore, participants scored higher on divergent fluency when there was congruence between
sad video and sad music.
5. The Acceptance of Public Intimacy between Homosexuals and Heterosexuals
Jana S. Berryman
Sponsor: Dr. Colin Harbke, Dr. Julie Herbstrith, Western Illinois University
The purpose of this research is to discover how people feel about viewing displays of public
intimacy by others. Previous research has shown that feelings of disgust or profound disapproval are
significantly present when gay men are seen kissing in public. Research has also shown that lesbians
experience higher levels of approval or acceptance in the general population. In support of previous
research, there are several hypotheses that will be studied during data collection. It is hypothesized
that gay men will receive the highest disapproval rating. It is also hypothesized the lesbian women
will be more so accepted than heterosexuals by heterosexual men, but less accepted than
heterosexuals by women. However, it is hypothesized that women will be less judgmental of gay men
overall. Another hypothesis is that participants who affiliate themselves as homosexuals will be more
accepting overall of intimacy between homosexuals. The final hypothesis is that less intense forms of
public intimacy (e.g. hand holding) will have a higher acceptance rate than more intense forms of
public intimacy (e.g. kissing).
6. Examining the Relationship between Iris Characteristics and Perceived Stress Reactivity
Kayzia Whiteaker, Zack Poore
Sponsor: Dr. Corinne Enright, University of Northern Iowa
The Association for Psychological Science’s (APS) cover story of The Observer (June, 2014)
summarized an exciting collaborative project among experts in cognition, epidemiology,
ophthalmology, and neuroscience exploring the relationship between characteristics in the human eye,
mood disorders, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairments. The current study replicates the
measures of the iris characteristics of pigment dots and nerve rings as established by Larsson,
Pedersen, and Stattin (2007) and Lim, Park, and Park (2014) to examine whether a correlation exists
between these iris characteristics and the traits of perceived stress reactivity and self-efficacy. Partial
support for the hypothesis was found in that there was a significant correlation between the presence
of nerve rings and the trait of prolonged perceived stress reactivity for male participants. No
significant correlation between pigment dots and nerve rings with any other components of perceived
stress reactivity or self-efficacy among males or females was found.
7. Drug-Seeking Behavior is Disrupted by an Extraneous Stimulus for Cocaine CPP in Male
Chicks
Kimberly Hannon, Mackenzie Harbaugh, Olivia Kreiner, Berlin Mendez, Benjamin Mineck
Sponsor: Dr. Michael Baker, Coe College
This study investigated external inhibition of approach behavior toward a cocaine-paired cue
resulting from conditioned place preference (CPP) in male chicks. CPP uses Pavlovian conditioning
principles to evaluate the rewarding effects of a drug. Briefly, cocaine is paired with an
environmental cue (drug-paired cue or CS+). After several pairings, the drug-paired cue elicits
approach behavior. On posthatch days (PHD) 8-13, chicks received saline paired with a CS- for 15
min followed by cocaine, CO, (0.0 or 1.0 mg/kg; ip) & placed with a CS+ for 15 min. On PHD 14,
chicks were placed in middle of the chamber with the CS- and CS+ on the opposite side. An
extraneous stimulus was placed with the CS+ for half the chicks. Time spent near the CS- and CS+
was recorded. Chicks receiving CO with the CS+ spent more time near the CS+ versus near the CS-.
The extraneous stimulus eliminated the preference for the CS+. These data suggest that an extraneous
stimulus might be used in the presence of previously drug- associated cues to prevent drug-seeking
via Pavlovian external inhibition. Because drug-seeking precedes drug-taking behavior and external
inhibition might help prevent relapse for those abstaining from previous drug use.
8. Effect of Acne on Perceived Age and Personality
Mary Villamor, Steph Kleckner
Sponsor: Dr. Paul Ngo, St. Norbert College
Moderate acne is commonly affecting a lot of young people in today’s generation. Young
adults with acne may be viewed negatively as opposed to young adults who have clear skin. This
study explores the estimated age gap between individuals with and without acne as well as exploring
six different personality traits to see if there is significant difference between these two conditions.
Faces of three males and three females were shown to 42 participants who were divided in two
conditions: “Condition A” and “Condition B.” Condition A included images of individuals with acne,
and Condition B consisted images of individuals without acne. All of the participants viewed all six
pictures in the condition they were assigned in. Original images used were individuals with acne.
Appearance of acne was removed using Adobe Photoshop. Participants estimated the age and rated
each pictured individual on six different personality traits. Individuals without acne were estimated to
be older, and were rated more positively on friendliness, maturity, and security than individuals with
acne. The presence of acne may have a negative effect on people’s impressions on others, especially
first impressions, but we cannot confidently say this applies to all personality traits.
9. The Effect of Gender on Perceptions of Infidelity
Nayely Gonzalez, Viridiana Vega
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
According to Mattingly, Wilson, Clark, Bequette, & Weidler (2010), infidelity within
relationships is socially unacceptable, yet it often happens. Due to the different perceptions and
opinions between males and females about being unfaithful may suggest why there is little consensus
over which behaviors constitutes infidelity. The current study chose to replicate the structure of the
Perceptions of Dating Infidelity Scale (PDIS) to analyze the different perceptions of infidelity
between male and female undergraduate students. Results suggest that there were no significant
differences between male and female perceptions of infidelity.
10. Effect of Image Valence on Speed of Identification
Savanna Lindemann, Enya Roach
Sponsor: Dr. Paul Ngo, St. Norbert College
Image valence on speed of identification was investigated. Two timers were placed in front of
each participant. Twenty-seven participants viewed a randomized slideshow of twelve positive,
twelve neutral, and twelve negative images. Each image was presented for 10 ms. Immediately
following each image, participants were shown a pair of side-by-side images, one of which was
identical to the just seen image and another which had never been seen. Participants were asked to
stop the timer that was on the same side as the previously seen image as quickly as possible. Males
reacted more quickly than females across all image valences (Mmale = 3.2166, Mfemale = 3.5263).
In addition, negative images were recognized significantly more slowly (MNegative = 3.508,
SNegative = .090) than neutral (MNeutral = 3.2931, SNeutral = .104) and positive images (MPositive
= 3.3134, SPositive = .101), F(1.5, 37.497) = 4.148, p = .034. We hope to discuss with interested
attendees why males seem to process visual images more quickly than females and why it appears to
take longer for college students to recognize negatively arousing stimuli.
11. Effect of Personality Traits on Music Preference
Minh Do, Jorge Gutierrez
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
The purpose of the study was to find the effects of Personality and Music on people's rating
on music which can tell us partly about people's music preference based on their personality.
Participants were asked to complete a personality test and listened to three pieces of music classified
as happy, sad, and angry. We found significant main effects of Music and Personality, but no
interaction between these factors.
12. Challenging Current Attitudes in the School Systems: Teachers’ Perceptions of Alternative
Schools
Stephanie Alvarez
Sponsor: Dr. Kimber Wilkerson, UW-Madison
Alternative schools and programs have been around since the 1900s, but limited research has
been done to understand teachers’ perceptions of alternative schools. Qualitative interviews can be
used to investigate teachers’ perceptions on alternative schools. Participants would be asked how they
perceive the overall function of alternative schools as well as how effective these schools are for
meeting their students’ needs. Since teacher turnover has been identified as a challenge for urban
schools, and because level of support is associated with retention, teacher participants would be asked
about their relationships with students and staff in addition to their perceived sense of a support
system. Future research on alternative schools can provide information to inform education policies
that currently impede the success of many children and adolescents in traditional schools.
13. Heightened Social Motivation Reverses Cross Race Mimicry Backlash Effect
Michael White, LaVaun Bowling, Rosa Garcia, Taylor Skinner
Sponsor: Dr. Liz Majka, Elmhurst College
Behavioral mimicry generally leads to increased affiliation. However, under some conditions
mimicry can backfire such as with cross-race partners. We sought to investigate whether heightened
social motivation can eliminate the cross-race mimicry backlash effect. To investigate this question,
undergraduates (N = 145) completed either a neutral or social rejection writing task (to manipulate
social motivation), and then were mimicked or not mimicked by a same-race or cross-race
confederate during a brief social interaction (i.e., a 2 x 2 x 2 between-subjects design). A three-way
interaction emerged on partner affiliation. First, when social motivation was neutral, we replicated
previous research: Participants liked the same-race confederate more when they were mimicked (vs.
not), but they liked the cross-race confederate less when they were mimicked (vs. not)—a cross-race
backlash effect. Second, when social motivation was heightened, a different pattern emerged:
Participants liked the same-race confederate similarly whether they were mimicked or not, but the
cross-race backlash was completely reversed, with participants liking cross-race confederates who
mimicked them more than those who didn’t. Taken together, these findings suggest that when the
need to belong is heightened, people may be more open to non-conscious social influence, even from
outgroup members.
14. Exploring Well-Being and Self-Concept Clarity in Blind and Sighted Individuals
Megan Holmes, Jessica Markey
Sponsor: Dr. Liz Majka, Elmhurst College
It is well-established that individuals with visual impairments (i.e., blind individuals) tend to
suffer lower well-being than sighted individuals. In this project, we suggest that these differences in
well-being may be driven by differences in how people view the self. One structural facet of the self
is self-concept clarity, which refers to “the extent to which self-beliefs are clearly and confidently
defined” (Campbell et al., 1996). To investigate our hypotheses, both blind (N =183) and sighted
individuals (N =181) took an online survey in which they completed a battery of well-being measures
(depression, loneliness, self-esteem, subjective-happiness), as well as a measure of self-concept
clarity. Although all measures correlated in ways consistent with previous literature, results
comparing blind and sighted individuals were not in line with predictions. Blind and sighted
individuals reported similar levels of depression, loneliness, and self-esteem and blind individuals
actually reported higher levels of subject-happiness. No differences emerged between blind and
sighted individuals on self-concept clarity. The surprising nature of these findings will be discussed
with respect to sampling issues. We will also discuss additional planned analyses and future
directions for this project.
15. The Effects of Coping Style and Age on Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Behaviors
Hollis Reynolds, Abbie Hartung
Sponsor: Dr. Dean Von Dras, UW-Madison
This study investigates middle-aged and older adults perceptions of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
symptoms, AD related prevention behaviors, and how these prevention behaviors may be moderated
by negative and positive coping styles as well as age. A review of illness perception literature,
suggested age-related variation in the perception of illness (Leventhal, 1984), yet few have considered
AD and coping style (Price, Price, Shanahan, & Desmond, 1986). This research hypothesis older
individuals with high negative style of coping would be less likely to engage in prevention behaviors.
Archival data that represents 222 adult respondents to a mail-survey which assessed positive and
negative coping behaviors as well as their likelihood of engaging in prevention behaviors. Results
indicated significant age and coping styles effects in support of the hypothesis.
16. Friends with Benefits Revisited: Pet Ownership in both Sighted and Blind Individuals
Jessica Markey, Megan Holmes
Sponsor: Dr. Liz Majka, Elmhurst College
Pet ownership is associated with greater levels of social support and, ultimately, has positive
effects on well-being (e.g., McConnell, Brown, Shoda, Stayton, & Martin, 2011). The goal of the
current study is to replicate and extend work in this domain by focusing on a novel population—
individuals with a visual impairment. Specifically, we sought to investigate whether sighted and blind
individuals receive the same benefits from owning a pet, and whether owning a guide dog confers
unique benefits to visually impaired individuals. To investigate these questions, we administered an
online survey to a sample of sighted (N = 181) and visually impaired individuals (N = 183).
Participants answered questions about their pet, if they owned one, as well as measures assessing
well-being (e.g., loneliness, self-esteem), individual differences (e.g., personality, attachment), and
social support. Contrary to predictions, we did not replicate previous research; pet owners did not
report greater overall well-being than non-pet owners. Looking across the entire sample, some
differences did emerge for subjective happiness. Interestingly, blind individuals reported being
happier than sighted individuals. And among just blind individuals, those with guide dogs reported
being the happiest. Additional analyses and the implications of these findings will be discussed.
17. Religious Coping and Cognitive Flexibility
John DeVine, Marebeth Gomez
Sponsor: Dr. Michael Wierzibicki, Marquette University
Cognitive-behavioral theory is concerned with the methods that people use to cope with daily
problems, and attempts to identify factors that are related to coping. This paper examined the
relationships between cognitive flexibility and religious coping. Another relationship that was
addressed was between self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility. College students (n = 135) were
administered the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), the Brief Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE),
and the Cognitive Behavioral Social Self-efficacy Scale (CBSSS). A related study examined the
relationship between personality traits and cognitive functioning. A correlational analysis showed
that, contrary to expectation, religious coping was not associated with cognitive flexibility. SelfEfficacy measures were positively correlated with CFI subscales and the CFI total score. These
results will be discussed in the context of previous research and cognitive-behavioral theory
18. The Relationship between Sensation Seeking and Iris Characteristics
Lindsay Johnson, Daphne Mathes
Sponsor: Dr. Corinne Enright, UW-Platteville
Recent collaborative research in cognition, epidemiology, ophthalmology, and neuroscience
has determined that specific characteristics of the iris of the eye are indicative of heritable personality
traits (APS Observer, 2014). For example, Larsson, Pedersen, and Stattin (2007), found that a lower
frequency of squiggly lines (called crypts) radiating out from the pupil were associated with openness
to experiences. Further, Lim, Park, and Park (2014) found that the presence of nerve rings in the iris
(which look like rings of a tree trunk) are indicative of novelty seeking which is a component of
Sensation Seeking. Sensation Seeking, which is a personality trait defined as a “willingness to take
risks for novel and intense experiences” (Katz, Fromme, & D’Amico, 2000), has been shown to have
high heritability (Zuckerman , 1994). The current study is an extended replication of Lim et al. and
Larsson et al. exploring the relationship between crypt frequency, nerve rings and two types of
sensation seeking; Instrumental Risk Taking (IRT; risk regarding future goals e.g. career, income)
and Stimulating Risk Taking (SRT; e.g. thrill from gambling, carefree attitude). Preliminary findings
did not support the hypothesis that there is a correlation between either nerve rings nor crypts and
sensation seeking.
19. Belief in the Paranormal and Magical Ideation
Marina Silva, Jessica Russell, Stacey Teltser Alexandria Muldrew
Sponsor: Dr. Thomas Moye, Coe College
It is well-established that individuals with visual impairments (i.e., blind individuals) tend to
suffer lower well-being than sighted individuals. In this project, we suggest that these differences in
well-being may be driven by differences in how people view the self. One structural facet of the self
is self-concept clarity, which refers to “the extent to which self-beliefs are clearly and confidently
defined” (Campbell et al., 1996). To investigate our hypotheses, both blind (N =183) and sighted
individuals (N =181) took an online survey in which they completed a battery of well-being measures
(depression, loneliness, self-esteem, subjective-happiness), as well as a measure of self-concept
clarity. Although all measures correlated in ways consistent with previous literature, results
comparing blind and sighted individuals were not in line with predictions. Blind and sighted
individuals reported similar levels of depression, loneliness, and self-esteem and blind individuals
actually reported higher levels of subject-happiness. No differences emerged between blind and
sighted individuals on self-concept clarity. The surprising nature of these findings will be discussed
with respect to sampling issues. We will also discuss additional planned analyses and future
directions for this project
20. Associations between Parental Personality and Sensitivity on Infant Cardiac Physiology
Cassidy O’Connell, Dr. Diane Lickenbrock
Sponsor: Dr. Marsha Dopheide, Monmouth College
By the time an infant is 5 months of age, they are able to physiologically show aspects of self
regulation, such as the ability to vary their own heart rate (Conradt & Ablow, 2010). One of the
physiological processes that illustrate the changes in emotion regulation is respiratory sinus
arrhythmia (RSA), which is a measure of the parasympathetic nervous system (Conradt & Ablow,
2010). Baseline RSA can act as a predictor of behaviors (Moore et al., 2009). As well, higher baseline
RSA is an indicator of regulatory capacity (Conradt & Ablow, 2010). One of the potential predictors
of differences in infant baseline RSA is parent influences (Conradt & Ablow, 2010). In this study 32
healthy full-term 6 month old infants and their parents participated. Parents participated separately in
the Still-Face Paradigm (SFP, Tronick et al., 1978) with their infant, as well as filled out a series of
questionnaires at home and in the lab. Parent personality was coded using the BIS/BAS scale (4-point
scale) and subscales (BIS, BAS fun seeking, Bas reward seeking, BAS drive). Parental sensitivity was
reliably coded (5-point scale) for each parent during play and reunion episodes every 10-seconds and
averaged across intervals to create a mean sensitivity score. Preliminary regression results examining
differences in parent personality and sensitivity on infant baseline RSA have revealed differences
among mothers and fathers. Mothers high in BAS reward seeking had infants who decreased in their
baseline RSA as BAS fun seeking increased (β=2.30, SE=.97, t=2.36, p=.03). On the contrary fathers
with high BAS reward had infants who decreased in their baseline RSA as sensitivity increased (β=2.30, SE=1.28, t=-1.80, p=.091). Findings from this study have implications for furthering our
understanding of the affect that different parenting components, such as personality and sensitivity,
play on infant’s ability to develop emotion regulation specifically through looking at infant baseline
RSA
21. The Effect of Opponent Color-Word Pairs on Reaction Time
Samantha Kosterman, Fabiola Mercado
Sponsor: Dr. Joe Hatcher, Ripon College
In this study, the effect of opponent versus non-opponent word-color pairs on reaction time
was tested with the Stroop Color and Word Test. It was hypothesized that the opponent color-word
pairs would result in shorter reaction times. Results showed that the main effect of Color Group was
significant; the longest time was taken in the Male Non-opponent group and least amount of time was
in the male Control group . Neither the main effect of Sex nor the interaction between Color Group
and Sex were significant