2012-2025. archives.northwestu.edu/handle/nu/160 2026-07-14T22:26:48Z 2026-07-14T22:26:48Z Davison, Mikaela archives.northwestu.edu/handle/nu/101279 2026-07-11T09:10:20Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of Trauma on Oppositional Defiance Symptom Severity Davison, Mikaela The current study examined the relationship between physical and sexual traumatic events on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptomatology. Previous researchers have not identified the precedence of variables, direction, and strength of the relationship between trauma and ODD. The study aimed to address those gaps in literature and understand the unique relationship between traumatic experiences and ODD symptomology. This study used participants aged 18 or older who reported past experiences in childhood and adolescence and may have experienced disruptive behavior symptoms. Current research has found some connection to effects of trauma on how children respond to their environment, both behaviorally and emotionally. Effects of trauma and risk factors, including adversity, neglect, and maltreatment, have profound effects on the development of young children (Webster, 2022). Children are more inclined to respond to trauma with misbehavior and emotional dysregulation if they do not have adequate support and coping strategies. Therefore, it can be simple to focus on fixing behavior rather than what responses communicate. It is essential to examine children facing extreme adversity and trauma to better understand how we can help and support them as a community. The current study aimed to identify if an ODD diagnosis was predictive of individuals with an experience of physical or sexual trauma. A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Center for Leadership Studies at Northwest University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology.

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Jones, Caden Wayne archives.northwestu.edu/handle/nu/68278 2025-07-22T09:22:11Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

An Analysis of the Gottman-Relationships With Eating Disorders Pilot Study Through the Lens of Perceptual Congruence Jones, Caden Wayne This dissertation explored the effects of the Gottman-Relationships With Eating Disorders (RED) intervention on perceptual congruence, accommodating and enabling behaviors, eating disorder behaviors and attitudes, and relationship satisfaction among couples where one partner has an eating disorder. Data were collected from 24 individuals in 12 couples who participated in the Gottman-RED pilot study. The study used archival data from a randomized wait-list control design, with each couple receiving 20 sessions of Gottman-RED couples counseling. Results showed no correlational relationship between accommodating and enabling and eating disorder behaviors and attitudes. Predictability between both variables was also not observed to be present. No significant differences in accommodating and enabling behaviors or eating disorder behaviors and attitudes were found between different eating disorder status groups, suggesting that both partners in the couple shared similar views on these issues throughout treatment. Although changes in perceptual congruence were not statistically significant, reductions in variance and standard deviation scores from pretest to posttest indicated improved alignment. Both partners experienced significant decreases in eating disorder behaviors and attitudes and accommodating and enabling behaviors following the intervention. A dissertation to fulfill the requirement for a Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Nelson, Erik D. archives.northwestu.edu/handle/nu/68281 2025-07-22T09:22:14Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

A Qualitative Study on Self-Compassion as a Protective Factor Against Pastoral Burnout Nelson, Erik D. Burnout relationally impacts pastors in the three primary domains of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional inefficacy. Self-compassion offers protective measures against burnout through self-kindness, an attitude of common humanity, and mindfulness-based practices. The purpose of this study was to better understand the unique burnout factors associated with full-time vocational pastoral ministry and how these risks can be mitigated through the application of self-compassion. Six participants of mixed educational background, age, and professional experience were interviewed. This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology. Participants lived experiences with consideration to burnout and self-compassion dimensions included the themes of (a) spiritual connection functioning as central to ministry effectiveness and (b) cultivating emotional health amidst ministry demands. Subthemes related to their experiences included (a) incorporating spiritual disciplines as a personal rhythm, (b) embracing relational intimacy with God, (c) cultivating self-awareness in community, and (d) applying personal boundaries. The interpretive themes for understanding these interrelated categories were relational conflict as a predeterminant to burnout and differentiation of self: practicing self-compassion and finding resiliency. Coinciding with previous research, study findings suggest an effective application of self-compassion within a vocational ministry setting can mitigate burnout risks. A dissertation to fulfill the requirement for a Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Power, Stephanie archives.northwestu.edu/handle/nu/68282 2025-07-22T09:22:15Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mental Health of Law Enforcement Officers Power, Stephanie Law enforcement is a unique public service career with many occupational stressors linked to negative mental health outcomes (Purba & Demou, 2019; Violanti et al., 2014). Despite the stress experienced through, officers often face many barriers to seeking mental health services (Richards et al., 2021). Emerging research has suggested Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) may offer therapeutic benefits similar to traditional interventions, particularly in managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans (Weinberger & Burraston, 2021; Willing et al., 2019). This study examined the impact of BJJ participation on stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms among law enforcement officers. Findings indicated engaging in BJJ is significantly associated with improved mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. However, training frequency did not provide additional benefits, suggesting participation itself, rather than intensity, drives these improvements. Additionally, relationship status emerged as a significant predictor of mental health, emphasizing the importance of social support in well-being. This study contributes to the growing literature on BJJ as a mental health intervention and supports integrating BJJ as a complementary intervention alongside traditional mental health resources. By promoting physical and emotional resilience, BJJ provides a practical tool that aligns with the existing strengths and culture of law enforcement officers. A dissertation to fulfill the requirement for a Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University.

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