PhD Clinical Psychology

Active Research in the Department of Psychology
Our department specializes in health-related research that spans health psychology, pediatric health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychology, and the social psychology of health.

Current active research interests of our faculty include medically unexplained symptoms, psychosocial oncology, effects of medical illness on cognitive and emotional functioning, behavioral neuroscience, attention & emotion, neuropsychological functioning before & after medical procedures, behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's Disease, transgenic & gene-knockout models of Alzheimer's Disease, measurement of patient outcomes in psychotherapy, patient progress feedback to therapists, linguistic markers of psychological processes in therapy, and statistical methodology.

 

Recent Faculty Research Publications

 ARECHIGA

 Arechiga, A. “Ch. 11 Facilitating Health Behavior Change,” in 5th Ed. Behavior and Medicine – Stuber, M, & Wedding, D. Eds. (2010). Hogrefe & Huber, USA.

Arechiga, A. “Ch. 11 Facilitating Health Behavior Change,” in 4th Ed. Behavior and Medicine – Stuber, M, & Wedding, D. Eds. (2006). Hogrefe & Huber, USA.

Galbraith, M., Arechiga, A., Ramirez, J., and Pedro, L. (2005). Prostate cancer survivors’ and partners’ self-reports of health-related quality of life, treatment of symptoms, and marital satisfaction 2.5 – 3.5 years after treatment. Oncology Nursing Forum, March 5; 32(2): E30-41.

BETANCOURT

Flynn, P.M., Betancourt, H., & Ormseth, S. (2011). Culture, emotion, and cancer screening: An integrative framework for investigating health behavior. Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Betancourt, H., Flynn, P.M., & Ormseth, S. (2011). Healthcare mistreatment and continuity of cancer screening among Latino and Anglo American women in Southern California. Women & Health, 51, 1, 1-24.

Koneru, V., Weisman de Mamani, A., Flynn, P., Betancourt, H. (2007). Acculturation and mental health: Current findings and recommendations for future research. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 12,  76-96.

Betancourt, H., & Flynn, P. (2009). The psychology of health: Physical health and the role of culture and behavior.  In Azmitia, M., Cabrera, N., Carlo, G., Chahin, J., Contreras-Grau, J., &  Villarruel,  F., (Eds.). Handbook of Latino Psychology, Sage.

Betancourt, H., Flynn, P.M., Riggs, M., & Garberoglio, C. (2010). A cultural research approach to  instrument development: The case of breast and cervical cancer screening among Latino and Anglo women. Health Education Research, 25, 6, 991-1007.

BOYD

Boyd, K. C. (2011). Factor analysis. In M. Stausberg & S. Engler (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion. New York: Routledge.

Boyd, K. C. (2011). For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Seventh-day Adventists with maladaptive beliefs and compensatory strategies in psychotherapy. In C. Feyard, B. C. Hernandez,  B. Anderson, & G. Harding IV (Eds.), A Christian Worldview and Mental Health: Adventist Perspectives. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press.

Dhillon, K., & Boyd, K. C. (2010). The Effect of War Stressors and Life Events on Gulf War Veterans with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms. Military Psychology, 22, 87-97.

HAERICH

Fugère, M. A., Escoto, C., Cousins, A. J., Riggs, M. L., & Haerich, P. (2008). Sexual attitudes and double standards: A literature review focusing on participant gender and ethnic background.  Sexuality & Culture: An Interdisciplinary Quarterly, 12(3), 169-182.

Pearlstein, R. D., Whitten, C., & Haerich, P.  (2006).  Assessing neurocognitive dysfunction in cranial radiotherapy: Can cognitive event-related potentials help?  Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment, 5(2), 109-126.

Gill, M., Haerich, P., Westcott, K., Godenick, K., Tucker, J. (2006).  Cognitive performance following modafinil versus placebo in sleep-deprived emergency physicians: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study.  Academic Emergency Medicine, 13(2), 158-165.

Haerich, P., Nelson, G, A., & Pecaut, M. J. (2005). HZE radiation and dopaminergic modification of startle and prepulse inhibition in mice.  Physiology & Behavior, 86(1-2), 103-110.

Cohen-Maitre, S. A. & Haerich, P.  (2005). Visual attention to movement and color in children with cortical visual impairment.  Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99(7), 389-402.

HARTMAN

Chen, W., Ma, Q., Suzuki, H., Hartman, R., Tang, J., & Zhang, J. (2011). Osteopontin reduced hypoxia-ischemia neonatal brain injury by suppression of apoptosis in a rat pup model. Stroke, 42(3), 764-769.

Lekic, T., Rolland, W., Hartman, R., Kamper, J., Suzuki, H., & Tang, J. (2011). Characterization of the brain injury, neurobehavioral profiles and histopathology in a rat model of cerebellar hemorrhage. Experimental Neurology 227, 96-103.

Obenaus, A., Dilmac, N., Tone, B., Tian, H.R., Hartman, R.E., Digicaylioglu, M., Snyder, E.Y., & Ashwal, S. (2011). Long-term magnetic resonance imaging of stem cells in neonatal ischemic injury. Annals of Neurology, 69(2), 282-291.

Lekic, T., Hartman, R.E., Rojas, H., Manaenko, A., Chen, W., Ayer, R., Tang, J., & Zhang, J.H. (2010). Protective effect of melatonin upon neuropathology, striatal function, and memory ability after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Journal of Neurotrauma, 27(3), 627-37.

Hartman, R.E. (2009). Actions of bioactive phytochemicals in cell function and Alzheimer's disease pathology. L. Packer, H. Sies, M. Eggersdorfer & E. Cadenas, editors. Micronutrients and Brain Health. Oxygen Club of California, 225-241.

Chen, W., Hartman, R.E., Ayer, R., Marcantonio, S., Kamper, J., Tang, J., Zhang, J. (2009). Matrix metalloproteinases inhibition provides neuroprotection against hypoxia-ischemia in the developing brain. Journal of Neurochemistry, 111(3), 726-36.

Hartman, R.E., Lekic, T., Rojas, H., Tang, J., & Zhang, J.H. (2009). Assessing functional outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Brain Research, 1280, 148-157.

Recker, R., Adami, A., Tone, B., Tian, H.R., Lalas, S., Hartman, R.E., Obenaus, A., &  Ashwal, S. (2009). Rodent neonatal bilateral carotid artery occlusion with hypoxia mimics human hypoxic-ischemic injury. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 29 (7), 1305-1316.

Hartman, R.E. (2008). Brain Injury as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease: Therapeutic Implications. J.H. Zhang, editor. Advancements in Neurological Research (Ch 6). Research Signpost, 141-177.

Hartman, R.E., Rojas, H.A., Lekic, T., Ayer, R,, Lee, S., Jadhav, V., Titova, E., Tang, J., Zhang, J.H. (2008). Long-term effects of melatonin after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Acta Neurochirurgica Suppl. 2008,105, 99-100.

Hartman, R.E., Rojas, H., Tang, J., Zhang, J. (2008). Long-term behavioral characterization of a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Acta Neurochirurgica Suppl. 2008,105, 125-126.

Ashwal, S., Obenaus, A., Hartman, R.E., Tone, B., Wang, A., Tian, H.R., Dilmac, N., Digicaylioglu, M., Snyder, E. (2007). Neural stem cell treatment for neonatal hypoxic ischemic injury in the 10-day rat pup. Annals of Neurology, 62, S106.

Hartman, R.E., Shah, A., Fagan, A.M., Schwetye, K.E., Parsadanian, M., Schulman, R.N., Finn, M.B., & Holtzman, D.M. (2006). Pomegranate juice decreases amyloid load and improves behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiology of Disease, 24, 506-515.

Hartman, R.E., Izumi, Y., Bales, K.R., Paul, S.M., Wozniak, D.F., Holtzman, D.M. (2005). Treatment with an amyloid-ß antibody ameliorates plaque load, learning deficits and hippocampal LTP in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Neuroscience, 25(26), 6213-6220.

Hartman, R.E., Lee, J.M., Zipfel, G.J., & Wozniak, D.F. (2005). Characterizing learning deficits and hippocampal neuronal loss following transient global cerebral ischemia in rats. Brain Research, 1043, 48-56.

Izumi, Y., Kitabayashi, R., Funatsu, M., Izumi, M., Yuede, C., Hartman, R.E., Wozniak, D.F., & Zorumski, C. (2005). A  single day of ethanol exposure during development has persistent effects on bi-directional plasticity, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor function and ethanol sensitivity. Neuroscience, 136(1), 269-279.

Wahrle, S.E., Jiang, H., Parsadanian, M., Hartman, R.E., Bales, K.R., Paul, S.M., & Holtzman, D.M. (2005). Deletion of Abca1 increases Ab deposition in the PDAPP transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(52), 43236-43242.

HERBOZO:

Herbozo, S. & Thompson, J.K. (2010). The effects of ambiguous appearance-related feedback on body image, mood, and intentions to use body change strategies in college women. Body Image: An International Journal of Research, 7, 327-324.

Herbozo, S. & Thompson, J.K. (2009). Positive and negative appearance-related feedback and weight status. Eating and Weight Disorders, 14, 234-236.

Chen, E.Y., Roehrig, M., Herbozo, S., McCloskey, M., Roehrig, J., Cummings, H. et al. (2009). Compensatory eating disorder behaviors and gastric bypass surgery outcome. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 42, 363-366.

Calogero, R.M., Herbozo, S., & Thompson, J.K. (2009). Complimentary weightism: The potential costs of appearance-related commentary for women’s self-objectification. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 33, 120-132.

Herbozo, S. & Thompson, J.K. (2006). Development and validation of the Verbal Commentary on Physical Appearance Scale: Considering both positive and Negative commentary. Body Image: An International Journal of Research, 3, 335-344.

MORRELL:

Morrell, H. E. R., Song, A. V., & Halpern-Felsher, B. L. (2011). Earlier age of smoking initiation does not predict heavier cigarette consumption among adolescents. Prevention Science.

Morrell, H. E. R., Song, A. V., & Halpern-Felsher, B. L. (2010). Predicting adolescent perceptions of the risks and benefits of cigarette smoking: A longitudinal investigation. Health     Psychology, 29(6), 610-617.      

Song, A. V., Morrell, H. E. R., Cornell, J. L., Ramos, M. E., Biehl, M., Kropp, R. Y., & Halpern-Felsher, B. L. (2009). Perceptions of smoking-related risks and benefits as      predictors of adolescent smoking initiation. American Journal of Public Health, 99, 487-492.

MORTON

Przekop,P., Haviland,M.G., Morton, K.R., Oda, K., Fraser, G.E. (2010). Correlates of Perceived Pain-Related Restrictions among Women with Fibromyalgia. Pain Medicine, 11, 1-9.

Ellison, C.G., Webb, A.P., McFarland, M.J., Lee, J.W., Morton, K.R., & Walters , J. (2010).  Divorce, Religious Coping, and Depressive Symptoms in a Conservative Protestant Religious Group.  Family Relations.

Haviland, M.G., Morton, K.R., Oda, K., & Fraser, G. E. (2009).  Traumatic experiences, major life stressors, and self-reporting a physician-given fibromyalgia diagnosis. Psychiatry Research.

Lee, J.W., Morton, K.R., Walters, J., Bellinger, D., Butler, T.L., Wilson, C., Walsh, E., Ellison, C.G., McKenzie, M.M., & Fraser, G.E. (2008).  Cohort profile:  The biopsychosocial religion and health study (BRHS).  International Journal of Epidemiology, 1-9.

Morton, K.R., Worthley, J.S., Testerman, J.K., Mahoney, M.L. (September, 2006).  Defining features of moral sensitivity and moral motivation:  Pathways to moral reasoning in medical students.  Journal of Moral Education, 35(3), 387-406.

NEESE:

Baker, B.L., Neece, C.L., Fenning, R.M., Crnic, K., & Blacher, J.  (2010). Mental disorders in five year old children with or without intellectual disability: Focus on ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 39(4), 492-505.

Neece, C.L, Blacher, J, & Baker, B.L. (2010). Impact on siblings of children with intellectual disability: The role of child behavior problems. American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 115(4), 291-306.

Neece. C.L., Kraemer, B.R., & Blacher, J. (2009). Transition satisfaction and family well being among parents of young adults with severe intellectual disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 47(1), 31-43.

OWEN:

Owen, J.E., Boxley, L., Goldstein, M.S., Lee, J.H., Breen, N., Rowland, J.H. (2010). Use of health-related online support groups: Population data from the California Health Interview Survey Complementary and Alternative Medicine Study. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 15, 427-46.

Kaiser, N.C., Hartoonian, N., Owen, J.E. (2010). Toward a cancer-specific model of psychological distress: Population data from the 2003-2005 National Health Interview Surveys. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 4, 291-302.

Bantum, E., Owen, J.E. (2009). Evaluating the Validity of Computerized Content Analysis Programs for Identification of Emotional Expression in Cancer Narratives. Psychological Assessment, 21, 79-88.

Liess, A., Ellis, W., Yutsis, M., Owen, J.E., Altree Piemme K., Golant, M., Giese-Davis, J. (2008). Detecting emotional expression in face-to-face and online breast cancer support groups. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(3): 517-23.

Owen, J.E., Goldstein, M.S., Lee, J.H., Breen, N., & Rowland, J. (2007). Use of health-related and cancer-specific support groups among adult survivors. Cancer, 109, 2580-2589.

ROPACKI:

Ropacki, S.A., Bert, A.A., Ropacki, M.T., Rogers, B.L., & Stern, R.A. (2007). The influence of cognitive reserve on neuropsychological functioning following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 22(1), 73-85.

Boyle, P.A., Legendre Ropacki, S.A., & Stern, R.A. (2007). Cognitive reserve, ECT, and coronary artery bypass grafting. In Y. Stern (Ed.), Cognitive Reserve: Theory and Application: Studies from Neuropsychology, Neurology, and Cognition. New York: Taylor & Francis.

Twamley, E., Legendre Ropacki, S.A., & Bondi, M. (2006). Neuropsychologic and neuroimaging changes in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 12(5), 707-35.

Legendre Ropacki, S.A., & Perry, W. (2006). Frontal lobe functioning in schizophrenia. In J. Cummings & B. Miller (Eds.), The Human Frontal Lobes, Second Edition: Functions and Disorders. New York: The Guilford Press.

Legendre Ropacki, S.A., & Jeste, D.V.  (2005).  Epidemiology of and risk factors for psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease:  A review of the literature from 1990 through 2003. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(11), 2022-30.

VERMEERSCH

Lambert, M. J., & Vermeersch, D. A.  (2011).  Psychological assessment in treatment.  In K.F. Geisinger (Ed.), Handbook of Psychological Assessment.  Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Anderson, T., Ogles, B. M., Patterson, C. L., Lambert, M. J., & Vermeersch, D. A.  (2009).  Therapist effects: Facilitative interpersonal skills as a predictor of therapist success.  Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(7), 1-14.

Lambert, M. J., & Vermeersch, D. A.  (2008).  Measuring and improving psychotherapy outcome in routine practice.  In S.D. Brown & R.W. Lent (Eds.), Handbook of Counseling Psychology (4th Ed.).  New York: Wiley.

Okiishi, J. C., Lambert, M. J., Eggett, D., Nielsen, L., Dayton, D. D., & Vermeersch, D. A.  (2006).  An analysis of therapist treatment effects: Toward providing feedback to individual therapists on their clients’ psychotherapy outcome.  Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(9), 1157-1172.

Vermeersch, D. A., & Lambert, M. J.  (2005).  Efficacy, effectiveness, and patient-focused research.  In M. Hersen and Johan Rosqvist (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Behavior Modification and Therapy: Adult Clinical Applications (Vol. 1).  California: Sage Publications.

 

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