| 2021 Poster Session |
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NYSPA’s 2021 Annual Poster Session
2021 Poster Session The 2021 Poster Session will be held during the 2021 NYSPA Virtual Convention. Posters will be on display for all convention attendees to view throughout the weekend of October 15-17, 2021. Representatives from the poster authors will be in attendance to discuss their posters and answer questions.
If you have any questions regarding the 2021 Poster Session, please email the NYSPA Central Office at nyspa@nyspa.org.
2021 Accepted Posters
2021 Winner of the NYSPA Academic Division Student Poster Award Assessing the Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment Subtypes and PTSD, Dissociation, and Depression Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been linked to subsequent adult psychopathology, including PTSD, dissociation, and depression. CM occurs in different forms such as physical abuse (PA), sexual abuse (SA), emotional abuse (EA), and emotional neglect (EN), yet there is a dearth of research examining the impact of maltreatment subtypes separately. This study examined the impact of CM subtypes on young adult depression, dissociation, PTSD, and distinct PTSD symptom profiles.
2021 Winner of the Roy Aranda Poster Award Associations between Posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic growth, and resilience among Vietnam Veterans Traumatic experiences are associated with both pathogenic and salutogenic outcomes. Trauma exposures predispose survivors to compromised mental health such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some individuals may experience salutatory corollaries of trauma, including posttraumatic growth (PTG). Likewise, resilience is associated with both PTSD and PTG. Current study aimed to examine dyadic links between total-PTSD, PTSD symptom-clusters, PTG, and resilience across linear and curvilinear models.
Black Hair Experiences Black girls learn from a young age that there is so much to hide, including their hair. It has become a source of shame and turmoil. Some of the themes that occur around this include familial ties, feelings of inadequacy, early transitionary periods, and protective factors. Although this topic has been receiving more attention by the public eye, there is little research done on how this affects the self. Some of the messages being taught are they you are not good enough or you are “too much” to deal with. These messages are then reinforced by society norms that create an othering of Black girls and women. How do we create a space in our field to see this as an intrinsic issue that affects the way we relate to others? Black girls learn from young what resilience is due to these othering experiences. It is an underrated skill acquired but has proven its usefulness when it comes to blending in with the majority White culture.
Challenges and successes providing group treatment for individuals with sickle cell disease We created and implemented a professionally facilitated support/treatment group for individuals with SCD. The goal was to provide a space where they could support each other and also learn tools for managing pain and stress. The poster will report on the challenges and successes of this program.
Clinical Implications for Working with Foreign-national Sex-trafficking Survivors Providing counseling to survivors of sex-trafficking is incredibly difficult work. Foreign-national sex-trafficking survivors are an extremely vulnerable, marginalized, and poly-victimized population in the U.S. Working with these survivors significantly impacts therapists’ mental health regardless of the training and skill level. Exacerbating challenges related to this work, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an added layer of complex challenges for this group of survivors and their therapists. The focus of this presentation is to provide practical implications for mental health providers who work with foreign-national survivors of sex trafficking which emanate from a recent research study on therapists’ experiences working with this population in the current pandemic context. During this time, counseling has been further challenged by survivors’ lack of resources and vulnerability facing re-traumatization. Thus, therapists suggested shifting the focus of treatment to stabilizing and providing emotional support regardless of the stage of recovery. They highlighted creating a work-life boundary as a key self-care strategy that promoted counselor resilience. Indeed, for therapists, continuing education and self-care were identified as keys to building professional longevity and resilience. Finally, for organizations, an active approach in identifying strategies for prevention, protection, and intervention for therapists is encouraged.
Covid-19 and Posttraumatic Growth: A Moderated Mediation Approach Examining Coping, Resilience, and Self-Efficacy Despite the extensive research on the deleterious psychological effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, very few studies have investigated the positive legacies of the pandemic, especially posttraumatic growth (PTG), and no studies have examined the effect of coping, resilience, and self-efficacy between the association of Covid-19-stress and fear, and PTG. Examining these variables in the link between Covid-19 experiences and PTG has important psychological implications. Based on literature, we hypothesized a moderated mediation: the indirect effect of Covid-19 stress and fear on PTG via Resilience and self-efficacy would be moderated by coping. Data was collected online across the United States (N= 3026). Covid-19-Stress-and-Fear (CovidS-F) was created by combining Covid-stress and Fear-of-Coronavirus-19 (r=.76). Mediator, Resilience-Self-efficacy was created by combining resilience and self-efficacy (r=.77). Predictor variables were centered prior to running the model on PROCESS macro (SPSS). Results showed that the interaction between CovidS-F and coping was statistically significant (β=-.0044, SE=.0013, p<.001), suggesting coping moderated the effect of CovidS-F on Resilience-Self-efficacy. Based on “pick-a-point” approach (Hayes, 2018), at various coping levels (-1SD, Mean, +1SD), the effect of CovidS-F was negative and significant (β range=-.45 to -.35, p<.001), also evidenced by the plot. Direct effects of CovidS-F and Resilience-Self-efficacy on PTG were significant. Omnibus test of conditional indirect effect was significant (moderated mediation index=.0055, SE=.0022 CI=[.0014–.0101]), indicating that coping significantly moderated the indirect effect of CovidS-F on PTG. All pairwise contrasts of the indirect effects were statistically significant, further evidencing the moderation of the indirect effect. Findings have important theoretical and clinical implications.
Emotional, Behavioral, and Attitudinal Features of New Yorkers after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic In early June 2020, after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 570 New Yorkers were surveyed online on various emotional, behavioral, and attitudinal constructs. This study looked at personal protection behaviors and attitudes, compliance with government-mandated behavioral adjustments (such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and stay at home orders) and the attitudinal and emotional factors accompanying them. Among other constructs, respondents answered questions on trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, social connection, optimism, and resilience. Group comparisons (gender, race) and behavioral correlates of mental health/illness were also examined. Results demonstrate differences in behavior, attitudes, and emotional functioning between certain groups as well as signs of both mental wellness and illness. Importantly, seeming contradictions existed after the First Wave as New Yorkers endorsed depressive and anxiety symptoms but also optimism.
Exploring Trauma and Resilience Among NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Survivors Doctoral students participating in the NYS Office of Mental Health Pandemic Stress Response Practicum took calls from New Yorkers to provide emotional support in the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their clinical notes were converted into qualitative data using NVIVO. Themes emerged from the data that describe the lived experience, trauma, and resilience of those surviving the pandemic. The goal of this research is to examine pandemic survivors' mental health needs and help develop clinicians' and policymakers' understanding of how to address those needs.
Finding a Way: A Phenomenological Analysis of Social Connectedness During COVID-19 COVID-19 has changed life as we know it, perhaps most notably by reshaping our personal relationships and ways of communicating with one another. The purpose of our study was to better understand the impact of social connection and community on individual well-being, and the way that changes to community during the pandemic have impacted individuals. Up to 100 participants were asked to complete an online survey describing their experiences in the community. Up to 20 of these participants were then selected to participate in follow-up interviews. Inclusion criteria for participants included being 18 years of age or older and being a resident of St. Lawrence County. Each participant’s interview responses were analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method, focusing on qualitative data and the individual’s subjective experience of community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analysis of one participant found that even though some individuals are more physically isolated than ever before, their perceptions of social connectedness with communities of personal importance have grown during this time. The ease and ability to connect digitally not only by phone, but through the use of social media, video calling, and text messaging have allowed more consistent personal interactions. Social isolation has been associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression symptomatology, therefore it is important to adapt methods of communication during this pandemic in order to maintain social support systems. 2021 Winner of the NYSPA Academic Division Student Poster Award Fire-setting and histories of maltreatment in hospitalized adolescents with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Frank Seabrook and Jessica Kastin Background: The relationship between psychotic symptoms, childhood maltreatment and a history of deliberate fire-setting in hospitalized adolescents with psychiatric disorders is an under investigated area of research. Method: A retrospective medical records review was conducted with 1854 youth under the age of 18 (Mean age=14.3 years) that examined the diagnoses, presence of psychotic symptoms, histories of abuse and behavioral problems of discharged hospitalized children and adolescents with and without histories of fire-setting. Results: The small percentage of the youth (6%) who had histories of deliberate fire-setting were more likely to be male, diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and also more likely to have histories of psychotic symptoms, sexual abuse and runaway behavior. The adolescents without histories of fire-setting were more likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders. Conclusions: This study is the first to investigate both psychotic symptoms and history of abuse in psychiatrically hospitalized children and adolescents with histories of deliberate fire-setting. The findings are discussed in terms of the relationship between fire-setting, history of trauma, psychotic symptoms, externalizing disorders and the importance of trauma-informed treatment.
2021 Honorable Mention of the NYSPA Academic Division Student Poster Award Future Self-Continuity Mitigates Suicide Risk Amongst Veterans with Transition Stress
Authors: Chynna Levin, BA; Emily Knapic, BA; Ashley L. Greene, PhD; Ariana Dichiara, PsyD; and Yosef Sokol, PhD Introduction: The period of transition out of the military can be highly stressful, as during this time veterans are at increased risk for suicidality, depression, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Bonnano et al., 2012). Previous research has indicated a high correlation between a lack of future self-continuity (FSC) and high rates of depression, stress and suicide risk (Sokol et al., 2021).
Increased Suicide Risk Among Veterans with High Transition Stress
Authors: Yosef Sokol, PhD; Chana Silver, BA; Wendy Cooper, BA; Todd Post, BA; Emily Knapic, BA; Ashley L. Greene, PhD; and Ariana Dichiara, PsyD Background: The majority of military veterans’ struggle with the transition out of the military (Morin, 2011). Veteran suicide rates are the canary in the coal mine alerting us current transition programs aren't enough. Forty four percent of veterans report suicidal ideation since joining the military (Britch, 2020). Although ideation increases after enlistment, most veterans first attempt suicide after discharge (Villatte et al., 2015). The rate of suicide almost triples the first year of transition, and does not change much after that, even almost a decade later (Shen et al., 2016). Method: Military veterans who had left the military by the study date (n = 215) completed an online survey as part of a multi-part survey about transitioning veterans. The sample consisted of 152 enlisted servicemembers and 63 officers (Average years since discharge = 13.13). Participants filled out the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ-R) and the Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2C), in addition to a multitude of other measures including general demographic data about their experiences during service, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Results: Transition stress was positively correlated with suicidality, depression, anxiety, and stress. The bivariate correlation between transition stress and the following variables are as follows; where suicidality was r (215) = .451, p < .01; where depression was r (215) = .520, p < .01; and anxiety was r (215) = .455, p < .01; and where stress was r (215) = .514, p < .01. The number of years since discharge was found not to be a significant factor with the variables. More than half (64%) of the sample reported suicidal ideation at least once over their lifetime. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between transition stress, utilizing a psychometrically validated measure, and suicidality across a broad population of veterans. The findings are discussed in terms of the relationship between transition stress and suicidality, and clinical implications in our support of transitioning veterans.
Promoting equity and inclusion: Using creative engagement strategies with young men of color The Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) funded by the District Attorney of New York (DANY) has funded several innovative programs designed to serve historically underserved communities. One of these programs is the Men’s Empowerment Program (MEP), a community-based, trauma treatment program that uses creative solutions to engage and meet the needs of young men of color who are at risk for justice-involvement in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. This case study explores the challenges and successful solutions to engaging a population that is historically disenfranchised, taken advantage of, and under-represented in research. We also include thematic analysis of qualitative data from focus groups and semi-structured interviews with MEP staff and participants (n=20). The preliminary results indicate that key factors to the program’s success include a flexible and creative approach to engaging with and contacting members, service delivery, recruitment efforts, and community engagement. Despite the limitation of a relatively small sample size, we believe that these findings can inform the design and evaluation of other innovative trauma-informed programs for historically disenfranchised populations.
Risk and Protective Factors Among College Students with ASD during COVID-19
Authors: Breanna Vizlakh; Lylli Cain, MS; and Emily Luong This study utilized thematic analysis to explore the experiences of five college students with ASD during the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews consisting of questions within categories of impact including personal, housing, social, vocational, and academic. Prevalent themes of social disconnection, difficulty adapting to change, loss of independence, increase in affective symptoms and stress were found. The findings also identified routine and structure as protective factors for this population.
Terminating, or the interminable? What are we ending anyhow? Aims: The ending of therapy begins the moment that therapeutic contact is initiated. The literature conceptualizes experiences of loss, separation, and abandonment at the termination phase, however, few studies have analyzed and discussed how real patients experience and talk about the ending of the therapeutic encounter. The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of patients at termination and to see how or when it aligns with the conceptualized understanding of termination.
The Development and Increase in Service Utilization of a new Pediatric Psycho-oncology Service
Authors: Lila Pereira, PhD; Suzanne Braniecki, PhD; Kimberly Marynowski, BA; and Jasmine C. Booker, BA Background: It is well established that the inclusion of a mental health provider on an integrated healthcare team improves patient outcomes. Despite this, some divisions are still hesitant to navigate the logistics involved in creating a Behavioral Health service. A case example of one clinic’s progress through the development and growth of a Pediatric Psycho-oncology service is presented. Methods: At a suburban, academic medical center, a doctoral-level clinician is fully integrated into the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/SCT. Over 12-months, clinical services (.6 FTE) were tracked. Billing information was also collected. Medical provider feedback was assessed using interviews.
The Relationship Between Parental Bonding, Narcissistic Defenses, and Physical Congenital Disability
Authors: Nina Bakoyiannis, MA and Elizabeth Kudadjie-Gyamfi, PhD The current study aims to address the trend in psychodynamic literature that theorizes that people with physical congenital disabilities experience higher rates of narcissistic defenses to cope with some internal physical defect. We aim to clarify this conversation in literature by looking at this from a relational perspective, highlighting that if people with physical congenital disabilities do utilize narcissistic defenses at a higher rate, it should be understood in context with the impact of social environments that often do not provide mirroring. Specifically, we hypothesize that narcissistic defenses will be related to higher rates of parental overprotection or lower levels of parental care in this population. Participants of the online survey were 128 people that identified as a person with a physical congenital disability, and were recruited through established disability organizations and social media. Results of the study indicated that parental overprotection was significantly related to narcissistic defenses, while parental care and the level of physical need of the participant was not related.
Veterans with Low Vocational Identity Have Higher Transition Stress Introduction: Following discharge from active duty, veterans transitioning to civilian life often face a ‘deadly gap’ in support, which can lead to increased transition difficulties (Sokol, et al. 2021). Vocational identity, defined as the stability of a person’s career goals, interests, and skills, is one factor correlated with transition stress. Previous research has found correlations between vocational identity and transitional stressors such as relationships, isolation, and reintegration (Herasing, 2014; Osborne, 2016).
White Counselor-Trainees Navigating Race and Racism in Therapy: Beyond the Broach
Authors: Stephanie L. Gutkin, BA and Jennie Park-Taylor, PhD With an increase in African Americans seeking counseling and an overwhelming majority of the counseling workforce identifying as White (88%), a significant racial gap has emerged between service providers and their clients (APA, 2018; Bahrampour, 2013; Barnes et al., 2014). In an effort to align with best practices, White counselors need to become comfortable initiating and holding conversations about race and ethnicity if they are to effectively work with Black clients (Day-Vines et al., 2018). Using a narrative framework, the current study interviewed 12 counseling and school psychology graduate students, who self-identified as White cisgender women. Through the iterative process of thematic analysis, seven general themes emerged from the collected data (Creswell & Poth, 2016). The current research project highlights the emergent subtheme, “Beyond the Broach”, that occurred in both the semi-structured questions as well as the applied vignette-based questions. This finding is unique as it provides empirical evidence that White counseling-trainees need support in maintaining conversations about race and racism in the therapeutic setting after broaching. 2021 NYSPA Poster Awards Submissions should present completed empirical findings related to basic and applied psychology. Specific awards are being granted in the areas of aging and independent practice and an additional award will be granted from the submissions at large. All
poster submissions are automatically nominated for all awards.
NYSPA Academic Division Student Poster Award*
Winner(s) will receive a monetary award of $150 per recipient poster. Up to two awards are available. Monetary awards are available for students only. In
the case of multiple student authors, each author is considered to have contributed equally.
Awards will be based on sophistication of design, importance of the topic, and clarity of presentation.
Qualifications of candidates:
Adult Development & Aging Division Grant*
Winner(s) will receive a monetary award of $300. Up to four grants are available.
Considerations for acceptance include proposal quality and basis for future research.
Qualifications of candidates:
Roy Aranda Award*
Winner will receive a monetary award of $300. One award available.
Qualifications
of candidates:
Considerations for acceptance include proposal quality and basis for future research.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: Grant winners will be encouraged to prepare a manuscript for NYS Psychologist, NYSPA’s journal. They will also be encouraged to participate in, and consider leadership in, NYSPA's Graduate Student Association.
*NYSPA retains the exclusive ownership of all Poster Session Awards and will independently handle all procedures for nominations, prizes and selection of the award recipients. 2020 Poster Award Winners
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