Graduation Year

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Youth who have experienced adverse events in childhood are more likely to experience negative health outcomes. Increased exposure to adverse experiences such as abuse or neglect are associated with increased risk for outcomes such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, depressed mood, and attempted suicide. These outcomes may be mediated through the development of more positive coping strategies. Currently, there are no group programs for young adolescents that are designed from a cognitive-behavioral perspective that aim to improve self-esteem in this population. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues through teaching both cognitive and behavioral skills. CBT has been found to be most effective with this age group when behavioral skills are emphasized. The present program development model includes weekly group therapy sessions designed to be implemented in a school or clinical setting to produce an effective, novel approach to treating at-risk adolescents with low self-esteem. Plans for program evaluation are included.

Faculty Mentor

Myra Beth Bundy, PhD, BCBA

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Dan Florell, PhD, NCSP

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Dustin B. Wygant, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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