Sample Of Undergraduate Women Research Articles

Perceived stress and suicidal ideation: The role of dispositional mindfulness.

Extant literature suggests that dispositional mindfulness may reduce the impact perceived stress has on the severity of suicidal ideation (SI). Only one study has analyzed this question but did so with a cross-sectional design in a sample of undergraduate women. This study analyzed the potential moderating role of dispositional mindfulness on the relation between perceived stress and SI cross-sectionally and at one-week follow-up in a sample of US adults (N = 598) with a history of SI. Results indicated that dispositional mindfulness and its facets were inversely related to perceived stress, SI severity at baseline, and SI severity one week later. At baseline, regression results indicated that only the nonreacting component of dispositional mindfulness interacted with perceived stress to concurrently predict SI severity. This relation was not significant when SI severity was measured one week later. Study results are limited by the high attrition rate from baseline to follow-up and the relatively homogeneous sample. Study results indicate that dispositional mindfulness, particularly components related to nonreacting, is inversely related to SI severity concurrently but not prospectively. Interventions focused on mindfulness skills, particularly skills around nonreaction to inner experience, may be beneficial for those considering suicide.

The Dark Triad and Early Maladaptive Schemas in a Sample of Undergraduate Women

The Dark Triad and Early Maladaptive Schemas in a Sample of Undergraduate Women

Dogs Can Enhance Social Perceptions: The Influence of Dogs on Women’s Perceptions of Safety in Emotional Contexts

ABSTRACT Research shows that dogs enhance safety-related social attributes of the individuals whom they accompany. We aimed to expand previous results by examining, in a sample of undergraduate women, the ability of dogs to improve people’s social image in various emotional contexts. Participants (n = 281) assessed the safety-related attributes of a man and a woman depicted alone or accompanied by a dog in threatening and safe contexts. Using semantic differential scales, they were assessed in safety-related attributes that have been shown to be affected by threatening situations and modulated by the presence of a dog: aggressive–nonaggressive, untrustworthy–trustworthy, unfriendly–friendly, and dangerous–harmless. The results indicated that the man (i.e., high-aversive scenes) and woman (i.e., low-aversive scenes) in threatening scenes benefitted from the presence of a dog; they were perceived as less aggressive, more trustworthy, friendly, and harmless when walking with a dog compared with the alone condition. In safe contexts, the man (i.e., low-positive scenes) was also perceived more favorably by the participants when portrayed with a dog (vs. alone); however, the woman (i.e., high-positive scenes) was similarly perceived when alone and when accompanied by a dog, according to the results for the majority of the social perception scales, which indicates a ceiling effect. Overall, the results show that the presence of a dog affects the perception that women have of the owner’s safety-related image in aversive and low-positive contexts; however, dogs do not enhance the already favorable perceptions of owners in high-positive scenes. These findings indicate that the effect of the presence of a dog on individuals’ social image is affected by the emotionality of the context in which they are portrayed.

Food for thought: Examining the relationship between low calorie density foods in Instagram feeds and disordered eating symptoms among undergraduate women

BackgroundAmple studies have tested how viewing bodies on social media impacts eating disorder symptoms; however, the relationship between viewing food images on social media and disordered eating remains understudied. This study investigated whether viewing images of healthy, palatable food on Instagram impacted disordered eating attitudes across two samples of undergraduate women. MethodsThis pre-registered online study was conducted at two sites. Participants identifying as female (study 1 n = 222; study 2 n = 214) were randomly assigned to view one of two Instagram feeds – either a feed featuring low calorie, aesthetically pleasing foods or a control condition featuring travel images. Participants completed state measures of disordered eating intentions, self-esteem, and body image before and after viewing the feeds. ResultsA main effect of condition on disordered eating intentions was found at the Midwestern site, but not the Southeastern site. ConclusionsViewing healthy palatable food images on Instagram could increase risk for disordered eating behaviors among college females. If findings are replicated, individuals vulnerable to disordered eating may benefit from removing these types of feeds from their social media. Further research is needed to determine whether other forms of visual content on Instagram may be associated with disordered eating.

Exploring the impact of a gratitude-focused meditation on body dissatisfaction: Can a brief auditory gratitude intervention protect young women against exposure to the thin ideal?

This study aimed to determine if a brief gratitude-focused meditation would significantly impact body dissatisfaction, and whether it would serve as a protective factor from exposure to thin idealized images in a sample of undergraduate women. 176 participants (Mage= 19.75) engaged in either a gratitude meditation, mindfulness meditation, or listened to a recording of a history textbook. Women were subsequently exposed to a set of neutral images or thin ideal images. Women reported significant decreases in state body dissatisfaction following all auditory conditions, regardless of auditory content. Decreased levels of body dissatisfaction persisted through exposure to neutral images, but not through exposure to thin ideal images. Results indicated that both the gratitude and mindfulness interventions were effective in eliciting a significant increase in self-reported levels of gratitude and mindfulness compared to controls. The results of the study suggest that auditory micro-interventions can decrease body dissatisfaction in young adult women. However, further investigation into the optimal modality, length, and frequency of micro-interventions aimed at buffering the negative effects of idealized thin image exposure on women is needed.

Analysis of a Modification to the Sexual Experiences Survey to Assess Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

ABSTRACT Greater accuracy is needed in the assessment of sexual victimization that occurs in intimate relationships. Existing assessment strategies in the literature often represent two distinct approaches – intimate partner violence specific strategies vs. sexual violence specific strategies. The current study compared multiple distinct strategies for assessing intimate partner sexual victimization (IPSV) and evaluated a modification that optimizes intimate partner and sexual violence specific strategies. Two samples of undergraduate women were recruited. Sample 1 (N = 236) completed the Severity of Violence Against Women Scales (SVAWS) and a modified version Sexual Experiences Survey–Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV) in which participants were cued to respond both for romantic partners and non-partners (referred to as the SES-RP/NP). Sample 2 (N = 206) completed the SVAWS and was randomized to either the traditional SES-SFV or the SES-RP/NP. Across samples, the prevalence of IPSV varied based on the measure used (SVAWS = 11.7%; SES-SFV = 17.0%; SES-RP/NP = 25.4%). The SES-RP/NP identified significantly more IPSV than the SES-SFV, SVAWS, and prior studies. Both the SES-SFV and the SES-RP/NP were positively and significantly associated with the SVAWS. The results suggested that optimal measurement of IPSV would consider both intimate partner and sexual violence strategies.

Intolerance of uncertainty and eating disorder behaviour: Piloting a consumption task in a non-clinical sample

Background and objectivesIntolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic process contributing to the maintenance of anxiety disorders, and is a potential target for treatment. Recent literature has investigated IU as a cognitive process underpinning pathological fear and anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The current study was designed to examine trait and state IU, and their relationship to restrictive eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, worry, cognitive rigidity and eating behaviour. Methods: A sample of undergraduate women (N = 85) completed measures of eating disorder symptoms, IU, cognitive rigidity and worry. Participants were randomised to complete an eating task under one of two conditions: the “certain” condition received a high-calorie meal and nutritional information, while the “uncertain” condition received the meal alone. During the meal, state IU and state anxiety were examined at three time-points (baseline, pre-eating, post-eating). Results: Trait IU was correlated with cognitive rigidity, worry, global eating disorder symptoms, and, in particular, dietary restraint. No differences emerged between conditions with respect to eating-related anxiety, or amount of food eaten. Controlling for condition and eating disorder symptoms, state IU predicted pre-eating anxiety. Beyond the contribution of condition, BMI and eating disorder symptoms, state IU predicted consumption, specifically greater dietary restriction. Limitations: The study employed a non-clinical sample. Conclusions: IU may be implicated in a rigid cognitive style, the anxiety response to energy-dense food, and restrictive eating behaviour. Should these findings be replicated in a clinical sample, then IU might emerge as an adjunctive treatment target for AN.

Gender conformity, self-objectification, and body image for sorority and nonsorority women: A closer look

ABSTRACTSororities have been identified as placing young women at risk for body image concerns due to a focus on traditional gender role norms and objectification of women. Objective: This study assessed the relationship between conformity to feminine gender role norms, self-objectification, and body image surveillance among undergraduate women. Participants: In a random sample of undergraduates, the authors examined data from sorority and nonsorority women. Methods: In a random sample of undergraduate women, the authors assessed the impact of traditional feminine gender role norms on self-objectification, body image, and feedback regarding physical appearance for sorority and nonsorority undergraduate women. Results: Three linear regressions were conducted, and only conformity to feminine gender role norms contributed significantly in each regression model. Conclusions: Regardless of sorority membership, conformity to feminine gender role norms was found to significantly contribute to increased body consciousness, negative body image, and feedback on physical appearance.

Resolving Uncertainty About the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale–12: Application of Modern Psychometric Strategies

abstractIn this study, we evaluated the factor structure, reliability estimates, item parameters, and differential correlates of the short form of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Carleton, Norton, & Asmundson, 2007) in samples of undergraduate women (n = 387) and men (n = 276) ranging in age from 18 to 49 years (M = 20.20, SD = 3.91). This instrument was designed to measure 2 facets of intolerance of uncertainty—prospective anxiety and inhibitory anxiety—although total scores on the measure are often used. A major objective of this study was to determine the degree to which derivation of total versus subscale scores is empirically permissible. Comparison of a bifactor model to a unidimensional model and a 2-factor correlated traits model indicated that the bifactor model exhibited superior fit to the sample data. This model provided evidence of a strong general intolerance of uncertainty factor that was more reliable and accounted for significantly more common variance than either subscale factor. Examination of the item response theory slope parameters revealed negligible bias in the measure's items across genders. Finally, a series of simultaneous regression analyses was conducted to examine differential correlates of the measure's total scale scores for men and women.

Do portrayals of women in action convey another ideal that women with little self-determination feel obligated to live up to? Viewing effects on body image evaluations and eating behaviors

Theoretical and empirical research suggests that valuing the body in terms of its functionality and physical competence (rather than its appearance) may improve women's relationships with their body and food. We tested this proposition by investigating women's responses to contrasting portrayals of the female body as a function of viewers' general motivation (SD: self-determined vs NSD: non self-determined). A sample of undergraduate women (N = 91) was randomly assigned to view a “body-as-process” video, a “body-as-object” video, and a neutral video. Afterwards, participants completed measures of appearance and competence self-appraisals and were then offered three varieties of chocolate bars to sample and evaluate. Their actual intake (g) along with motives to exert self-control (identified vs introjected) were assessed. Negative viewing effects were obtained for both the “body-as-process” and the “body-as-object” videos and these effects were exacerbated by participants' motivation. Women with a NSD motivation evaluated their appearance and competence more negatively post-exposure. They also endorsed more guilt-related reasons (introjected motives) to exert control over their consumption of chocolate which predicted diminished intake. These findings suggest that portrayals of female athleticism and physical competence may represent another ideal that women with a NSD motivation feel obligated to live up to.

Profiling the Multiple Role Planning Attitudes of College Women

We conducted a latent profile analysis of scores on a measure of multiple role planning attitudes obtained from an ethnically diverse sample of undergraduate women (age range: 18–29 years) to determine whether clusters of participants with distinct profiles of these attitudes were identifiable and whether these groups differed with respect to their educational level, relationship commitment status, and in their responses to independent measures of their relationship dispositions and orientations. Findings yielded support for the presence of three groups representing varying patterns of attitudinal investment in multiple role planning. Relative to their peers in the other two classes, women in the “actively engaged” group demonstrated significantly lower levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance, higher scores on relational interdependence, and stronger dispositions toward healthy self-assertion. Implications of these findings for both future research and for interventions designed to promote adaptive multiple role planning attitudes are discussed.

Compensatory Weight Control Behaviors of Women in Emerging Adulthood: Associations Between Childhood Abuse Experiences and Adult Relationship Avoidance

Objective: To examine correlates of compensatory weight control behaviors among women in transition between adolescence and adulthood. Participants: The authors recruited a sample of undergraduate women (N = 759) at a large northwestern university during the 2009–2010 academic year. Methods: Logistic regression was used to assess relations among childhood abuse, psychosocial functioning, adult dating relationship factors, and women's endorsement of compensatory weight control behaviors. Results: The final model reliably distinguished between participants who endorsed versus denied use of compensatory behaviors (χ2[5, N = 747] = 36.37, p < .001), with global psychosocial functioning and relationship avoidance accounting for the most variance. Conclusions: These findings illustrate the importance of considering childhood abuse histories and adult relationships while assessing young women's compensatory weight control behaviors.

Negative interpersonal events mediate the relation between borderline features and aggressive behavior: Findings from a nonclinical sample of undergraduate women.

Interpersonal dysfunction and aggression are features that are frequently found in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD); however, few studies have examined the possible causal relationship between aggressive actions and interpersonal problems. In a nonclinical sample of 98 women with a range of BPD features, the present study examined the prospective relationship between aggressive behaviors and negative interpersonal events using a weekly diary method. Results showed that higher BPD symptoms were related to higher aggression and more negative interpersonal events. Furthermore, the aggressive acts endorsed among women with more BPD features were more likely the effect, rather than the cause, of the negative interpersonal events they experienced. Implications for interventions targeting aggression among women with elevated BPD features and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Multidimensional Perfectionism, Depression, and Satisfaction With Life: Differences Among Perfectionists and Tests of a Stress‐Mediation Model

This study examined the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, stress, depression, and satisfaction with life in a sample of undergraduate women. The authors found that maladaptive perfectionists had lower satisfaction with life and higher stress and depression scores compared with adaptive perfectionists. Results also indicated that stress mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and depression and between both maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism and satisfaction with life. Implications for college counselors are discussed.

Examining the Relationship Between Attachment Behaviors and College Student Health and Wellness

In a recent study presented at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association, Dr. John Guthman noted that there has been a steady growth in the number of students seeking counseling services for more severe psychological problems on college and university campuses in the United States (Nauert, 2010). He postulated that one possible reason for this trend may be that an increasing number of students are coming to campus socially isolated and not connected to any individual or group. Indeed, previous researchers have suggested that two constructs integral to successful college adjustment are continuing parental attachment and social support (Moller, Fouladi, McCarthy, & Hatch, 2003). Although the existing literature has shown a strong link between adult attachment and mental and physical health, Raque-Bogdan, Ericson, Jackson, Martin, and Bryan (2011) stated that little is known about the factors and mechanisms underlying these relationships. In this issue of the Journal of College Counseling, several researchers attempt to fill this gap by exploring possible constructs related to college student attachment. In the opening article, Chia-Chih DC Wang and colleagues used adult attachment theory and cognitive appraisal theory to examine how college students react to romantic infidelity scenarios. In their study, both attachment and cognitive appraisal mediated the effects of attachment on behavioral and emotional reactions. Their work provides college counselors with a better understanding of how clients' attachment styles and cognitive processes may affect their experiences and reactions when faced with a romantic partner's act of infidelity. Keisha Love and Tamera Murdock examined a mediational path model containing parental attachment, cognitive working models, and depression. They hypothesized that cognitive working models of the self and others would mediate the relationship between parental attachment and depression among African American college students. Their results lend support for the use of parental attachment relationships as a predictor of depression and provide direction for counselors working with these clients in their daily practice. Jeffrey Ashby and colleagues examined the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, stress, depression, and satisfaction with life in a sample of undergraduate women. The increasing number of college students who report seeking counseling services for the distress caused by perfectionism make this a timely contribution to the college counseling literature. In addition to providing evidence for a reexamination of the association between adaptive perfectionism, stress, and possible related outcomes, Ashby and colleagues also provide additional support for the mediating role stress plays in the association of maladaptive perfectionism with decreased positive and increased negative outcomes. …

Attitudes Toward Violence Against Women: A Cross-Nation Study

An understanding of attitudes toward violence against women is vital for effective prevention strategies. In this study we examined attitudes regarding violence against women in samples of undergraduate women and men students from four countries: India, Japan, Kuwait, and the United States. Attitudes toward sexual assault and spousal physical violence differed between men and women and across the four countries. Variations in gender differences across countries indicated that, for attitudes regarding sexual assault of women in particular, sociocultural factors may be a stronger influence than gender. Findings suggest the importance of examining differences within the larger sociocultural context of political, historical, religious, and economic influences on attitudes toward gender roles and violence against women.

Self-Objectification and Its Psychological Outcomes for College Women

The objectification of women by our society can become internalized by women, resulting in negative psychological outcomes. Using Fredrickson and Roberts' (1997) objectification theory, we tested a model of the relationships between self-objectification and disordered eating and depressive symptoms in a sample of undergraduate women ( n = 384). One postulate of self-objectification theory is that self-objectification can lead to a lack of internal awareness, which may mediate the relationship between self-objectification and restrictive eating, bulimic, and depressive symptoms. Results of structural equation modeling suggest that self-objectification has a direct relationship to restrictive eating, bulimic, and depressive symptoms. The mediational role of internal awareness was relevant for depressive symptoms but not for restrictive eating or bulimic symptoms. Depressive symptoms did, however, mediate the relationship between self-objectification and bulimic symptoms. The relevance of our findings to the understanding of objectification theory are discussed and future areas of research recommended.

Are Women Who Are Shy Reluctant to Take Risks? Behavioral and Psychophysiological Correlates

Behavior and heart rate were measured during a gambling task designed to index risk taking in a sample of undergraduate women, some of whom self-reported high and low shyness. We found that high shy subjects were significantly more cautious in their gambling pick and exhibited a significantly greater increase in heart rate during the task compared with their low shy counterparts. We speculate that some women who are extremely shy may have a low threshold for arousal, reflected in increased autonomic activity, which may interfere with some decision-making processes.

A Mediational Model Linking Self-Objectification, Body Shame, and Disordered Eating

This study tests a mediational model of disordered eating derived from objectification theory (Fredrickson &amp; Roberts, 1997). The model proposes that the emotion of body shame mediates the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating. Two samples of undergraduate women ( n = 93, n = 111) completed self-report questionnaires assessing self-objectification, body shame, anorexic and bulimic symptoms, and dietary restraint. Findings in both samples supported the mediational model. Additionally, a direct relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating was also observed. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

“Mrs. His Name”: Women's Preferences For Married Names

Psychologists have long acknowledged the link between names and identity, but little research has studied women's choices about their married names. This study examines the descriptive characteristics of women who plan different choices and women's reasoning behind their choices in a sample of undergraduate women. Women who wish to keep or hyphenate their names have more feminist attitudes, score higher on instrumentality/agency, and are more likely to be immigrants and/or women of color. Content coding of open-ended responses on reasons for name choices showed those who want their husbands' names for themselves and their children most often cited tradition, a denial that names were linked with identity, and union within marriage. Women who want to keep or hyphenate their names mentioned the link between names and identity, professional reasons, and also union within marriage. The two groups often used similar language to explain different choices.