Psychology
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Item Restricted More than a phase: The impact of sexual orientation, age, and prescriptive stereotype violation on coworker perceptions(2025-04-30) Christman, Gillian KAs LGBTQIA+ (people attracted to same-sex persons or possess diverse sexual orientations and gender identities) employees gain visible workplace representation, more research is needed to explore how workplace relationships change when employees are open about their sexual orientation (Alvarado et al., 2023). Based on expectancy violation theory (Burgoon, 1978), prejudice may be attached to those without traditional sexual orientations at work because of violated expectations from other employees that do not match the view of a “stereotypical worker”. Despite rising acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities (Early et al., 2020), workers may still face backlash and understanding this backlash is imperative to fostering inclusive workplaces. Prescriptive stereotype theory suggests that workers engaging unexpected behaviors based on their social identities, may receive negative reactions towards their character (seeing them as less competence and less warm), which may subsequently lead their coworkers to ostracize them. Replicating and extending Hanrahan et al. (2023) and evaluating a new outcome of ostracism and avoidance behaviors (Liu, 2019) on 487 full-time employees, this study found that older, gay workers had more violation ratings compared to other groups, along with higher rates of ostracism and avoidance behaviors by participants. Violators of age identity prescriptive stereotypes were also seen as less warm regardless of age, but on its own older age groups were seen to be more violating than younger age groups. These results help address interventions and further understanding of how to address needs of older LGBTQIA+ workers.Item Restricted Social Medias Affect on Emotional Intelligence(2025-05-01) Casey, Caitlyn SavannahExamining the relationship between social media use and emotional intelligence (EQ), this study investigates the warning signs of addiction and the psychological consequences it may produce. Specifically, it explores how varying patterns of social media use, from moderate to excessive, impact well-being, self-control, and in-person sociability. Drawing on previous research surrounding behavioral addiction and emotional intelligence, the study introduces four hypotheses: (1) excessive social media use may lead to a decrease in in-person sociability; (2) excessive use will be negatively associated with self-control; (3) excessive social media use will have a negative relationship with emotionality; and (4) there will be an inverted U relationship between social media use and well-being. Prior studies suggest that while moderate engagement with social platforms may yield neutral or even beneficial mood effects, excessive usage often results in emotional dysregulation. To test these hypotheses, participants from a diverse online sample recruited via Prolific will complete the Bergan Social Media Scale, the Social Media Addiction Scale, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). Previous findings link compulsive social media behavior to reduced emotional self-awareness, diminished self-control, heightened stress, and lower levels of face-to-face interaction. By analyzing these patterns, the present study aims to deepen understanding of how digital behaviors influence emotional functioning in everyday life. This study compares previous research, and showcases our plan to continue the research through survey comparison to contribute to the field.Item Restricted ONE-SESSION MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC STRESS(2025-05-08) Joseforsky, VictoriaThis study explores one-session mindfulness and its effects on academic stress. Studies mindfulness meditation practices look to improve mental health, reduce stress, and improve cognitive and emotional regulation across diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to find out if a singular session of mindfulness helped reduce academic stress in the present moment. Using guided audio recordings, the Sham Mindfulness group was presented with a generic meditation script while the Mindfulness Meditation group was presented the an in-depth mindfulness practice. They were then measured in the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale- State (MAAS-State), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Perceived Academic Stress (PAS). Results indicated that there was a significant effect in reducing perceived stress, but not a significant effect in improving state mindfulness or reducing academic stress. These findings suggest that a singular session of mindfulness meditation practices can lower general stress. Regarding state mindfulness and academic stress, there needs to be further research done on the effects of one-session mindfulness.Item Restricted The Role of ADAP/Centaurin-A1 In Hippocampal-Based Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning(2025-05-02) Krause, KayleeThe synaptic protein ADAP1/Centaurin-a1 (CentA1) is found in high concentrations within the brain. It is known to regulate dendritic differentiation and their structural plasticity. Research has shown that it may mediate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to behavioral and cognitive impairments in mice. CentA1 is upregulated by amyloid β (Aβ), which correlates with Aβ-dependent spine loss and deficits in spine plasticity in mice. In turn, plaques comprised of Aβ are highly associated with AD progression. Indeed, phosphorylation of CentA1 is prominently expressed in hippocampal tissues of AD patients. In this study we investigated whether suppression of CentA1 would be an ideal method to reverse cognitive dysfunction using trace eyeblink classical conditioning (TECC), a well-studied form of learning mediated by cortical-hippocampal interactions. A learning task that assesses this neural circuit is used because it is highly susceptible to AD neuropathogenesis. AD is characterized by progressive loss of many cognitive functions. Looking at CentA1 overexpression is a novel approach to understanding neuropathology of AD, as current treatments have yielded very little in terms of long-term efficacy. Elevated CentA1 may enhance AD progression and pathology, leading to cognitive impairments and its reduction is a potential target for experimental therapeutics. Adult male and female wild-type (WT) and CentA1 knockout (KO) mice were surgically implanted with recording electrodes and a stimulating electrode. After recovery, they received six days of TECC. Each day consisted of 100 trials in which a 380-ms, 80 dB tone conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with a 100-ms, 1.6 mA current (unconditioned stimulus, US) delivered to the periorbital muscle to elicit an eyeblink unconditioned response (UR). A trace period of 500 ms in between the tone CS and shock US was imposed. The learning measure is the conditioned response (CR), an anticipatory eyeblink that is elicited by the tone CS and is emitted prior to the US. The trace period taxes the ability to time events properly and requires the integrity of cortical-hippocampal circuits. We compared whether the learning curves expressed by each group differed significantly. Results from this study will provide novel insight on whether CentA1 plays a role in mediating adverse learning outcomes in AD.Item Restricted The Association Between Political Affiliation, Empathy, and Perceptions of Harmful Gender Stereotypes(2025-04-29) Shah, Esha RiyaThis study examined the correlational ties between toxic masculinity, toxic femininity, empathy, and political affiliation among 115 undergraduates at the East Carolina University enrolled in the PSYC 1000 research participation pool. Participants completed the Toxic Masculinity Scale (TMS), the Feminine Ideology Scale (FIS), the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), and the Pew Research Centers Ideology Consistency Scale (PI). Analyses examined the relationship of political views with gender ideology and empathy. Overall, results revealed a strong positive correlation between TMS and conservative political ideology (r = -0.439, p < 0.001.), and revealed a strong negative correlation between FIS and political ideology (r = -0.300, p = 0.001). Unexpectedly, empathy and political affiliation had no correlation (r= -0.091, p = 0.333). This data suggested that extreme gender role ideology is strongly associated with political affiliation while empathy has no correlation to political affiliation and extreme gender ideologyItem Restricted Red, White, and Feeling Blue: A Correlational Study on the Relationship Between Subjective Well-Being and Relationship Quality, as Moderated by Political Extremity(2025-04-30) Gibson, Harley RoseThis study examines the correlational ties between subjective well-being (SWB), relationship quality (RQ), and political extremity among 125 undergraduate ECU PSYC 1000 students during the height of the 2024 presidential election. Using validated measures, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Social Support Scale, we tested how political views moderate the established connection between relationship quality and subjective well-being. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between relationship quality and SWB (r = .459, p < .001), while political affiliation showed a weaker but significant relationship with SWB (r = .212, p < .05). Contrary to expectations, stronger political affiliation did not weaken the relationship quality to subjective well-being connection, suggesting that quality relationships benefit well-being regardless of political ideology. An unexpected finding showed that first-generation students reported higher levels of well-being (r = .303, p < .001), which is an intriguing factor that is potentially worthy of further investigation.Item Embargo Association Between Sleep, Cognitions about Sleep, and Executive Functioning in a College Student Sample: The Moderating Role of Dysfunctional Beliefs(East Carolina University, July 2025) Schneider, KateSleep is essential for mental and physical health. However, as pursuing college begets new opportunities for independent living, social activities, and work/school responsibilities, undergraduate students frequently experience disruptions in sleep patterns, leading to a sleep deficit. Previous research has highlighted the negative impact of sleep deficits on daily functioning and academic performance. However, there is limited research examining how dysfunctional beliefs about sleep might influence the relationship between sleep and executive functioning. Harvey's Cognitive Model of Insomnia elucidates how dysfunctional sleep cognitions can significantly contribute to the development and maintenance of sleep difficulties through their instigation of unhelpful sleep-related behaviors (i.e. clock watching, catastrophizing, etc.). Therefore, this study aimed to address the existing gap in the literature by examining how negative sleep cognitions might moderate the relationship between sleep quantity/quality and executive functioning college students. Further, although executive functioning is often regarded as one comprehensive domain, literature has shown that it can be divided into three distinct components: inhibition (one's ability to resist automatic impulses), working memory (one's ability to hold and manipulation information in one's mind), and cognitive flexibility (one's ability to switch between different tasks and adapt to changing rules/situations). Upon studying these different components, research has shown that each component is impacted by sleep in a unique way. With this in mind, the present study aimed to expand prior literature by conducting exploratory analysis on the impact of sleep quality/quantity and dysfunctional sleep cognitions on the three components of executive functioning. Further, exploratory moderation analyses were run to assess the impact of dysfunctional sleep cognitions on the relationship between sleep and the three distinct facets of executive functioning. In accordance with the literature, it was hypothesized that both sleep duration and sleep quality would be positively correlated with executive functioning abilities. It was also hypothesized that dysfunctional sleep beliefs would moderate the relationship between sleep duration/quality and executive functioning. The hypotheses were partially supported. The results revealed no significant associations between sleep duration or insomnia severity and objective executive functioning. However, both sleep duration and insomnia severity were significantly correlated with subjective executive functioning. In moderation analyses, dysfunctional sleep beliefs did not significantly affect objective executive functioning or moderate the relationship between insomnia severity and subjective executive functioning. However, these beliefs did moderate the relationship between sleep duration and subjective executive functioning; this pattern remained consistent across the facets of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Regarding specific predictors, sleep duration was found to influence overall subjective executive functioning, but not any of the specific executive functioning facets, suggesting that other factors may have a stronger influence on the individual components. In fact, the primary factor found to exert its effect over these three components was dysfunctional beliefs about sleep. However, this predictor effect, as well as any moderation effect, diminished when insomnia severity was included in the model, which may indicate that insomnia severity accounts for much of the variance attributed to dysfunctional sleep beliefs. Insomnia severity itself had a strong impact on perceived executive functioning, and when dissected, on the facets of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. However, insomnia severity did not significantly predict working memory scores, which may suggest that working memory may be more resistant to the effects of sleep disturbances and dysfunctional sleep beliefs. Clinical implications of these results are discussed, and future directions of this research are encouraged in order to continue growing the literature regarding the complex relationship between these variables.Item Embargo CB_ Haviland Thesis - Ink and Inclusion - Grad School Submission(East Carolina University, May 2025) Haviland, Molly NicoleThis thesis examines appearance-based hiring bias, focusing on the role of tattoos in influencing perceptions of job applicants. Specifically, it explores how age differences between participant (perceivers) and applicants (targets) affect evaluations of respect, liking, and person-environment fit, particularly in relation to perceptions of tattoos. Grounded in stigma theories and person-environment fit theories, this research aims to uncover whether tattoos, as a visible characteristic, exacerbate biases in hiring decisions and how these biases vary across age demographics. To test these relationships, a survey-based method will employ vignettes describing hypothetical job candidates, manipulating the presence or absence of tattoos and the age of the candidates to examine whether tattoo perceptions vary across different age groups. Results revealed that tattooed applicants were perceived as having significantly lower person-environment fit but unexpectedly higher liking, with no significant effect on respect. Age did not consistently moderate these relationships, though an interaction emerged for liking. Perceptions of workplace deviance and bias against younger individuals negatively influenced all outcome variables. A three-way interaction among tattoo presence, participant age, and applicant age did not significantly predict perceptions, though participant age influenced evaluations of older, non-tattooed applicants.Item Embargo NOT JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON: OLDER WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF INJUSTICE IN AI IN SELECTION PROCESSES(East Carolina University, May 2025) Ruiz, Justin RaynorTechnological advances are revolutionizing the world of work, with their integration into the workplace on the rise. Artificial intelligence (AI) exemplifies this trend as its adoption in organizational operations grows. However, its use in HR processes, particularly in selection, has prompted researchers to explore how workers perceive AI and its impact on procedural justice and organizational attractiveness. Often seen as a “black box,” AI’s opaque decision-making can potentially create perceptions of unfairness and unattractiveness. These perceptions may vary across social groups, particularly age, as older workers are often more critical of technology implementation due to their contextual experiences. To date, no research has examined how workers of different ages perceive AI usage in selection. Given that older and younger workers may view procedural justice differently, this study explores the moderating role of age in perceptions of AI in selection and its influence on intentions to apply. By merging research on aging, AI in the workplace, procedural justice, and organizational attractiveness, the study can better identify how AI impacts perceptions of the organization. Theoretically, this study is the first to consider age perceptions in relation to perceptions of AI usage in selection. In the practice realm, this study aims to inform organizations of best practices when selecting older employees to avoid issues such as adverse impact.Item Embargo School Climate and Mental Health Among Hispanic ELL Students(East Carolina University, July 2025) Miller, Abby AileenThis study investigates whether Hispanic English Language Learners (ELL) have higher anxiety and depression than Hispanic non-ELL students and whether this relationship is moderated by their perception of school climate. Researchers often overlook the language heterogeneity within the Hispanic population, instead focusing mostly on comparisons between Hispanic students and their non-Hispanic peers. But at the individual level, one of the most widely documented risk factors for Hispanic students is language proficiency, particularly among the ELL subpopulations. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by disaggregating Hispanic students based on the distinct needs of ELLs. Participants in this study are current fifth grade students enrolled in a school mental health study underway in 16 public elementary schools in North and South Carolina (n = 1,216). We compare ELL status Hispanic subgroups (n = 146) on the PROMIS Anxiety, PROMIS Depression, and BIMAS-2 Negative Affect scales, and then examine whether the effect of ELL status on these scores changes depending on perceptions of school climate. Our findings will inform culturally responsive educational and behavioral health interventions for Hispanic students.Item Embargo Dynamic Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Survivors(East Carolina University, May 2025) Larsen, Eric RAdolescent and young adult survivors of cancer encounter unique challenges associated with their health status. These challenges are often lifelong and persistent, including medical and psychosocial late effects, such as posttraumatic stress. Utilizing a model to predict the risk of posttraumatic stress in childhood cancer survivors (Bruce, 2006), the proposed study was designed to analyze the potential dynamic predictors in this broader adolescent and young adult population. Predictors included social support, family stressors, and mental health symptoms related to posttraumatic stress. Using a sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (McGrady et al., 2022), this study (1) examined dynamic predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms, (2) determined the relative importance of each predictor, and (3) identified which dynamic predictors were consistent with clinically significant levels of posttraumatic stress. Results of statistical analyses suggested that lower social support and higher anxiety significantly predicted higher levels of posttraumatic stress and uniquely predicted the majority of variance in the overall model. Female sex and lower social support demonstrated higher odds of having clinical levels of posttraumatic stress.Item Embargo Exploring the Path to Employee Well-Being: The Role of Inclusivity Policies and Diversity Climate in the Workplace(East Carolina University, May 2025) Covington, Ciara LashawnWithin the current study, we aimed to assess the relationship between employees’ perceptions of inclusivity policies and employee well-being (i.e., psychological well-being, job satisfaction, turnover rates, social support, and work-life balance). We also examined diversity climate as a potential mediator of this relationship. Diversity climate pertains to an employee’s perceptions of how well their organization demonstrates support and promotion to diverse employees. The conceptualization of diversity climate is rooted in social identity theory, the interactional model of cultural diversity (IMCD), and organizational justice theory. The study sample consisted of 361 faculty and staff from a large Southeastern university. The findings revealed that positive perceptions of inclusivity policies were associated with a more positive diversity climate which, in turn, influenced certain well-being outcomes such as: psychological well-being, job satisfaction, turnover rates, and work-life balance. However, the relationship between diversity climate and social support was not significant. These results highlight the importance of not only implementing inclusive policies, but also ensuring employees perceive them as fair and effective. The findings also suggest that organizations should implement and engage in workplace interventions to foster an inclusive work environment. Fostering an inclusive work environment can help strengthen the organization’s diversity climate, which can ultimately improve employee health and well-being.Item Embargo SEXUAL PAIN AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING AMONG COLLEGE-AGED BLACK WOMEN(East Carolina University, May 2025) Bush, BriannaSexual pain is commonly experienced among women; it impacts 10-20% of women in the United States, yet it is still an underexplored area of research (Sorensen et al., 2018). The majority of sexual pain research has also focuses on the experiences of White, middle-aged, and older women (Avis et al.,2005; Kao et al., (2008); Rosen et al., 1993).This study addresses this gap by focusing on the sexual pain and sexual health experiences of college-aged Black women. The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency of sexual pain in a sample of Black female college students, differences in psychosocial functioning between Black female college students with vs. without sexual pain, how sexual pain impacts mental health (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms, and fear-avoidance of college-aged Black women), how sexual pain affects college-aged Black women's sexual satisfaction, and how cultural factors play a role in coping strategies among college-aged Black women experiencing sexual pain. A total of 77 African American women completed an online survey that examined demographics, sexual health history, three sexual pain variables (e.g., sexual pain intensity, sexual pain frequency,and sexual pain duration), anxiety, depressive, fear-avoidance, sexual satisfaction, and cultural attitudes.Additionally, majoritiy of participants considered themselves to be sexually active with themselves and others. Notably, about half (48%) of the women reported experiencing sexual pain, highlighting the prevalence of sexual pain in this population. The findings demonstrated that Black women with sexual pain had higher average scores for depressive symptoms. Findings also revealed significant associations between three sexual pain variables (e.g., sexual pain intensity, sexual pain frequency, and sexual pain duration) and fear avoidance. A notable trend finding also indicated a positive relationship between pain duration and anxiety symptoms. Ultimately, the findings from the study highlight the psychological and sexual health challenges that college-aged Black women experience, and it highlights the importance of developing culturally informed interventions and screening tools that address these challenges and disparities.Item Open Access Work from Afar, Self-Regulate from Within: The Role of Work Regulatory Focus in Managing Remote Job Demands and Resources.(East Carolina University, May 2025) Garas, LydiaDespite the widespread use of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory to explain burnout and work engagement, it does not fully account for variations in employees’ motivational strategies and self-regulation. To address this gap, and through a Regulatory Focus Theory (RFT) lens, the present dissertation examines the moderating role of work regulatory focus in the relationships between job demands and burnout, as well as job resources and work engagement. Given that regulatory focus can be both a stable trait and contextually influenced by workplace conditions (Higgins, 1997; Neubert et al., 2008), this study further explores how remote work rate interacts with work regulatory focus to shape these relationships. As prior research on regulatory focus within the JD-R framework remains limited (Brenninkmeijer et al., 2010), understanding its role in remote work settings is particularly crucial as organizations continue adapting to evolving work environments (Ewers & Kangmennaang, 2023; Goni-Legaz et al., 2024). Findings for three-way interactions between remote work rate and work regulatory foci indicate that higher remote work rate and prevention focus weaken the positive job demands-burnout relationship. In contrast, work promotion focus did not exhibit significant moderation effects. From a practical standpoint, the current disssertation underscores the practical implications of adopting a prevention-focused approach in remote work settings, demonstrating that emphasizing avoidance motivation, such as preventing errors and managing threats, can potentially mitigate job demands' adverse effects on burnout. Ultimately, this study advances theoretical understanding of both JD-R and RFT, and provides actionable recommendations for designing sustainable remote work environments.Item Open Access Understanding College Student Stress: Conceptualizations and Health Outcomes(2025) Meer, Kaylee; Schumacher, Maeve; Dolbier, ChristynThe aim of this study is to identify which stress conceptualizations (e.g., cumulative, early life, past month; exposure; magnitude; chronic; acute; frequency; specific domains) are most strongly associated with mental and physical health outcomes, providing insights for interventions to improve student well-being.Item Embargo Impact of Health Literacy and Social Support on the Survival of Hispanic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients(East Carolina University, December 2024) Stallings, Taylor LeeABSTRACT Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern in the United States (U.S.), particularly among Hispanic populations, as its prevalence is rising. Limited health literacy (HL) in CKD patients hinders self-management of the disease and health-related outcomes. Social support (SS) significantly influences CKD patient outcomes, yet its interplay with HL remains unexplored. We investigated HL, perceived SS, and sociodemographic factors among Hispanic CKD patients, assessing their impact on mortality related-risk. Methods: We analyzed data stemming from the Hispanic sub cohort of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study, a longitudinal examination of CKD and cardiovascular disease risk factors over 15 years. Measures included HL (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults), SS (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey), and sociodemographic factors, with marital status as a metric for SS. We conducted linear regressions to examine the relationship between HL, SS, a sociodemographic factor. Additionally, we conducted a series of Cox proportional hazards models to assess the impact of HL, SS, and sociodemographic factors on survival outcomes. Results: While a total of 327 individuals were enrolled in the H-CRIC study, only 140 participants were included in the current study due to having complete data at year 5 (39.8% male, Mage=59.01, SD=11.17). U.S. birthplace, age, and educational attainment significantly predicted HL scores, while SS did not. Cox proportional hazard models were run to assess the impact of HL on mortality of Hispanic CKD patients. HL was predictive of death (HR = .978, p<.05) and lower HL was associated with earlier mortality. In additional models including social support variables, unmarried status was approaching significance, indicating that it is also associated with increased risk of death (HR = .548, p<.05). When controlling for other mortality risk factors, older age (p=<0.05), participant sex (p= <.01), having diabetes (p= <.001), having CVD (p=<.05), and lower eGFR (p=<.05) were predictive of increased mortality risk, and marriage status- approached significance whereas HL in later models became non-significant (p= .707). Conclusion: Our study highlights the significant impact of sociodemographic factors, including birthplace, age, and education on health literacy scores. Notably, participants born in the U.S. exhibited higher HL scores, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored interventions to bridge HL gaps among diverse populations. These findings emphasize the need for regular assessment and continued monitoring of HL and social support in Hispanic patients with chronic kidney disease as it has been shown to increase mortality risk. Future research should aim to create culturally competent tailored interventions to address the gaps in literacy within diverse populations.Item Embargo PERI-IMPLANT ACTIVITY RESTRICTION IN CARDIOVASCULAR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE PATIENTS: DOES ACTIVITY RESTRICTION RESULT IN LONG-TERM RATES OF LOW-LEVEL ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS?(East Carolina University, December 2024) Jordan, Elizabeth WilsonCardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), specifically implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are life-saving devices utilized to care for patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. ICDs and CRT-Ds have become increasingly used worldwide and within the United States (US), with over 110,000 devices implanted every year in the US (Green et al., 2016). The implantation procedure for the ICD and CRT-D limits patients from engaging in activities that require using their arm or lifting heavy objects from 4-6 weeks post-implant. Physical activity is limited to allow the implanted leads time to become fibrosed. Regardless, cardiac patients need to return to physical activity for both its physical and mental benefits. The resumption of activity following this time is likely variable, but no published information is available to determine the impact or duration of physical activity restriction. Importantly, all modern ICDs and CRT-Ds have an accelerometer in the device that can continuously monitor patient movement and physical activity and store the data. Research has consistently highlighted that physical activity is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes and patients’ quality of life, specifically in individuals with CIEDs (Rosman et al., 2018). Given that many of these patients already struggle with engagement in physical activity, coupled with the adjustment to a new device and recovery restrictions, it is plausible that this may impact their levels of activity. Additionally, many patients endure an increase in psychological stressors post-implantation, such as a fear of shocks which may also contribute to a reduction in activity consequently impacting their quality of life (Sears et al., 2023). Changes in health status may also impact patients’ activity levels such as new-onset atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, or ICD shock experiences. Lastly, given the high incidence of cardiovascular disease and decreased resources within rural areas, this may result in lower levels of physical activity (Turecamo et al., 2023). The combination of recovery restrictions, psychological factors, rurality, and the onset of symptoms may create a burden on patients that influences their engagement in physical activity in turn, impacting their long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The present study aimed to determine how peri-implant activity restrictions within ICD and CRT-D patients seen in a rural-serving cardiology clinic impact long-term rates of activity engagement for up to 6 months post procedure. 294 patients from ECU Health who have a Biotronik ICD or CRT-D device that were in the archival data set from 2014 to 2023 were included in the study. Descriptive analyses revealed that the mean age of the sample was 61.76 (SD = 12.29) with 67.79% identifying as male and 52.04% identifying their racial/ethnic background as non-Hispanic Black. Pre-existing cardiac and psychological co-morbidities prior to device implantation were common within the sample and the majority of the sample received their device due to heart failure (79.93%). Major findings of the present study included a) plateaued activity levels after two months following device implantation (95.90 minutes per day in month 1 and 116.93 minutes per day in month 2) b) no significant difference in activity levels between patients with device detected atrial arrhythmias vs. patients without arrhythmias and c) no significant difference in activity levels between patients who experienced defibrillator shocks vs. patients who had not. The findings in the present study demonstrated decreased physical activity patterns up to 6 months following implantation in a rural-serving clinic. In the future, device and accelerometer data should be utilized for research and to determine mechanisms of utilization to provide interventions, improve patient care, patient quality of life, and overall health outcomes.Item Embargo Novel GPCR Mechanisms of Phenotypic Control in Vascular Smooth Muscle(East Carolina University, December 2024) Williams, Madison D.Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant global health concern and the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide. Ischemia and resulting tissue hypoxia and acidosis are important contributors to CVD development and progression. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven transmembrane receptors with established functions in cardiovascular (patho)physiology. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) from a contractile, quiescent state to a noncontractile, proliferative state is a common feature of CVD. Two GPCRs, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and GPR68, have capacity to control cell proliferation in various tissues, but their role(s) in VSM cell proliferation and phenotypic control remain unclear. The purpose of this project was to determine how PAR2 and GPR68 independently control VSM cell growth and phenotype. Findings revealed that PAR2 controls VSM cell growth in a PKA/MEK1/2 and phenotype-dependent manner, while GPR68 inhibits VSM cell growth through Rap1A. Proteomics analysis revealed wide-ranging effects of GPR68 on VSM phenotype including modulation of extracellular matrix, actin-binding, and contractile proteins. Our findings highlight novel mechanisms of PAR2 and GPR68 in VSM cell growth and phenotypic control and offer evidence that they might be important targets for treatment of deleterious phenotypic switching of VSM in CVD.Item Embargo EXAMINING A CULTURALLY INFORMED MODEL OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION AMONG LATINX COLLEGE STUDENTS(East Carolina University, July 2025) Ruiz, Michelle IsabelDespite an elevated risk of mental health concerns among Latinx college students due to the unique stressors and challenges Latinx college students may face, including discrimination, cultural isolation, lack of representation, and low educational expectations, Latinx college students tend to underutilize mental health services. The behavioral model of health services utilization (BMHSU) has often been utilized to examine the individual characteristics that predispose individuals to use or not use health services, environmental factors that enable or impede health service use, and one’s need for health services as determined by symptoms, provider’s diagnoses, or other illness indicators. However, the BMHSU has been criticized for failing to consider the influence of specific cultural factors, and as such, may not fully account for disparities in mental health care utilization. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine a cultural adaptation of the BMHSU by including indicators of acculturation and related variables at each level (e.g., predisposing, enabling, and need factors) in hopes of creating a culturally informed model of mental health care utilization more applicable to Latinxs. The total sample was comprised of 126 Latinx undergraduate students, the majority of which were bilingual, second-generation immigrants of Catholic background. Results indicated that the culturally informed model of mental health care utilization more than doubled the predictive power of the BMHSU, accounting for 54% of the variance in utilization, whereas the traditional BMHSU only accounted for 24% of the variance in MHC utilization. Analysis of individual predictors revealed that mental health stigma and familism make help seeking behavior less likely. Meanwhile greater congruence between an individual’s perceived need for mental health care and a professional’s evaluation of need was found to promote help seeking behavior. Historically, cultural factors, including ethnic identity and familism, have been assumed to uniformly promote health and well-being among Latinxs, while acculturative stress and cultural beliefs such as machismo, have been associated with psychopathology. Findings of the current study emphasize the need to further understand the contexts in which cultural factors might be protective or function as a risk factor when tailoring research studies, and interventions that stem from such studies to Latinx populations.Item Embargo Adverse Childhood Experiences, Risk-taking, and Protective Factors(East Carolina University, May 2025) Stickel, DanielResearchers have discovered many detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). While these outcomes can have far-reaching effects into adulthood, experiencing adversity can also exert proximal impacts on children. An outcome of recent interest in trauma literature is increased risk-taking behavior. I designed the current study to investigate the possible relationship between ACEs and risk-taking in children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study funded by the NIH. Additionally, I explored the role of close friends and school protective factors as potential moderators in the hypothesized relationship between adverse experiences and risk-taking. My results indicate that ACEs do not significantly predict risk-taking as it was measured in the ABCD Study using a computerized laboratory task. Furthermore, neither having a close friend nor school protective factors moderated the relationship between ACEs and risk-taking. Parent income, ADHD symptoms, and sex of the participant did significantly predict scores on the risk-taking task. Findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided.