GPA 2025 Poster Session
Georgia Psychological Association
Please join us on Saturday, April 26, 12:30 pm-2:00 pm when GPA hosts the
Lunch & Learn: Student Poster Sessions/Flash Talks
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86567366183?pwd=HaE5IlSEC1ocmwf0tmZspVQ11S4duo.1
More info: https://www.gapsych.org/students
Filter displayed posters (45 keywords)
Trauma (2)
show more...
: adverse childhood experiences (1)
Academic Self-Efficacy (1)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (1)
Black women (1)
Body Image (1)
Dynamic Systems (1)
Egyptian Americans (1)
Egyptian Immigrants (1)
Empathy (1)
Epilepsy (1)
Gender Differences (1)
HEXACO-PI (1)
Identity (1)
Intergenerational Trauma (1)
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation (1)
LSD (1)
Liminality (1)
Non-invasive Stimulation technique (1)
Predictive Model (1)
Psilocybin (1)
Psychedelics (1)
Qualitative research (1)
Self-efficacy (1)
Strong Black Woman (1)
Superwoman Schema (1)
Temporal Interference (1)
Threshold (1)
TikTok (1)
Toxic Masculinity (1)
atrophy (1)
brain (1)
brain volumes (1)
development (1)
faking (1)
health (1)
immigration (1)
industrial-organizational psychology (1)
limbic system (1)
neuroscience (1)
personality tests (1)
psychology (1)
research gaps (1)
stress (1)
trauma (1)
Show Posters:
The Relationship Between Intergenerational Trauma and Academic Self-Efficacy
Kimberly Payne, Reilly Moody-Allison, Eli Coker, and Kajal Das
Abstract
Intergenerational trauma is trauma or symptoms of trauma that persist from one generation to the
next over one or more generational cycles, usually resulting from a severe community or
individual traumatic event. This type of trauma is thought to be passed through biological and
environmental factors to the offspring of those directly affected by the traumatic event.
Intergenerational trauma is measured by the amount or intensity of the trauma experienced by the
individual's family or identified community. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and poor health
outcomes. Those who experience negative impacts on their quality of life due to
intergenerational trauma may display lower levels of self-efficacy, exhibiting a negative
correlation among the intensity of trauma and academic self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief
in one’s own ability to complete novel or challenging tasks without any external help or support.
It is important to understand how experiences of intergenerational trauma impact academic
self-efficacy. This study examined whether intergenerational trauma could predict academic
self-efficacy and general self-efficacy among undergraduate students, and whether age
moderated the prediction of academic self-efficacy based on intergenerational trauma. Results
showed that high levels of intergenerational trauma significantly predicted lower academic
self-efficacy, while the construct did not impact general self-efficacy. In addition, findings
reflected age as not a moderating factor. This study highlights how intergenerational trauma has a
negative impact on students' academic self-efficacy.
Presented by
Kimberly Payne, Reilly Moody-Allison, Eli Coker, Kajal Das
<kpayne5@tiger.brenau.edu>
Institution
Brenau University, Graduate Psychology
Keywords
Intergenerational Trauma, Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Self-efficacy, Academic Self-Efficacy
Yoanna Ishak
Yoanna Ishak, MA, Robert K. Welsh, PhD, ABPP, & Samuel M. Girguis, PsyD
Abstract
This study addresses the gap in the literature on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the United States of America. A preliminary epidemiological study is conducted to provide data on the current prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among two groups: Egyptian Americans and Egyptian immigrants within the United States of America. By utilizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), a tool that is both valid and reliable and addresses a wide scope of experiences, the prevalence of traumatic experiences was evaluated. Two research questions were answered by looking at rates of prevalence and running statistical analyses to identify group differences: (a) What is the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in the multigenerational Egyptian American population? (b) What is the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in the multigenerational Egyptian Immigrant population? Data revealed the majority of Egyptian Americans (73.86%) and Egyptian Immigrants (79.07%) reported 4 or more ACEs. This data contributes to the overall ACE literature by investigating prevalence of adverse experiences among the Egyptian population in the United States, an under-researched community. Data confirmed the high prevalence of multiple ACE indications among Egyptian-Americans.
Presented by
Yoanna Ishak
Institution
Azusa Pacific University
Keywords
: adverse childhood experiences, trauma, immigration, development, health, research gaps, Egyptian Americans, Egyptian Immigrants
The Influence of Health Factors on the Relationship Between Stress and Limbic System Volumes
Arya-Kay Brown, Kelsey Roberts, Jennifer E. McDowell
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between chronic stress and structural limbic system
volumes, and how health factors, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and
physical activity, may mediate this relationship. Chronic stress has been shown to reduce gray
matter volumes, but little is known about how health and lifestyle factors might mitigate these
effects. To fill this research gap, we conducted a mediation analysis, hypothesizing that
protective health factors will influence the relationship between stress on amygdala,
hippocampus, and putamen volumes. 191 participants, with an average age of 38.4, were
recruited as part of the Georgia Stress and Heart Study at Augusta University. Stress was
assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a self-report measure. BMI, blood pressure,
and self-reported physical activity levels were also measured. Structural MRI scans were
obtained, and the limbic system volumes were then extracted using FreeSurfer. The mediation
analysis was conducted using R Studio to examine whether protective health factors mediate
the relationship between perceived stress and the structural volumes of these brain regions. No
significant relationships were found between stress and each limbic system volume. There was
a significant relationship between stress and lifestyle factors. Additionally, there was a significant
relationship between protective factors and all limbic areas, with exercise being the most
contributing factor. These results suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly
exercising, can reduce stress and help maintain limbic volumes.
Presented by
Arya-Kay Brown
<arb42917@uga.edu>
Institution
The University of Georgia, Department of Psychology
Keywords
brain, neuroscience, psychology, limbic system, brain volumes, atrophy, stress
Investigating the Social Stigma of Developing Relationships Among College Students with ASD
Willow Thornton and Dr. Michael Bar-Johnson
Abstract
Social stigma surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contributes heavily to the isolation that many individuals with ASD face. Understanding the attitudes that neurotypical people have regarding romantic relationships with people on the autism spectrum can provide insights into the stigma surrounding romantic relationships involving individuals with ASD. Using The Disability Social Relations Generalized Disability Scale adapted for attitudes towards dating a partner on the autism spectrum, we surveyed 154 college students about their knowledge about ASD and their personal experiences with people on the autism spectrum. We found that willingness to date a partner with ASD had a strong positive correlation with both knowledge about ASD (r=.77) and more personal experiences with people with ASD (r=.75). These results show that educating neurotypical people about ASD and increasing their opportunity to interact with people across the autism spectrum could increase the opportunity for both groups to find intimacy and love.
Presented by
Willow Thornton
Institution
Georgia Gwinnett College, Department of Psychology
Keywords
Analyzing the Effects of Dental Anxiety on Patient Adherence to Dental Treatment Plans
Umaima Piperdy
Abstract
Dental anxiety is a major barrier to oral healthcare, influencing hygiene habits, appointment attendance, and treatment compliance (Beaton et al., 2013). While past studies have examined dental anxiety broadly, its effect on adherence to dental treatment plans remains understudied (Armfield, 2007). This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess this relationship. Patients at Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates completed surveys incorporating the Modified Dental Anxiety Survey and Dental Fear Survey (Chi, 2023), followed by open-ended questions for moderately to highly anxious individuals. A t-test analyzed the relationship between anxiety scores and appointment attendance, a key indicator of treatment adherence. Qualitative responses were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The findings showed no statistically significant correlation between dental anxiety and treatment adherence, though qualitative analysis identified contributing factors such as past trauma, dental environments, dentist relationships, and general anxiety. These findings underscore the need to address dental anxiety in clinical settings to enhance adherence and improve oral health outcomes.
Presented by
Umaima Piperdy
<uap81129@uga.edu>
Institution
University of Georgia
Keywords
Exploring HEXACO-PI Scores Between Applicants and Non-Applicants
Mithila Ophelia Chakraborty
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate differences in the HEXACO factor scores among
applicants and non-applicants. We hypothesized that job-seeking applicants would fake in the
personality questionnaire and score higher in Honesty-Humility, Extraversion, Agreeableness,
and Conscientiousness than non-applicants. We used archival data from an Australian
consultancy agency. A sample of 347 non-applicants completed the 200-item HEXACO-PI in
research setting with no substantial incentive, and 260 participants completed the questionnaire
in a pre-recruitment setting. The differences in the HEXACO scores between applicants and non
applicants supported our hypothesis because applicants' scores for Honesty-Humility,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were higher than their non-applicant
counterparts as predicted. Our results are consistent with previous research which showed that
these four dimensions are correlated with higher levels of OCBs and lower CBWs. Personality
surveys aid recruitment by highlighting personality traits that correspond to higher organization
citizenship behavior (OCB), lower counterproductive work behavior (CWB), and greater person
organization fit. However, it is important to consider the effects and extent of faking in
personality questionnaires because false portrayals of prospective employees' personalities can
negate the usefulness of using these tests. Our findings identified that the HEXACO dimensions
of Humility, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness are most susceptible to faking
in pre-employment settings. The findings of our study can provide insight to employers who plan
to use the HEXACO-PI or similar personality tests during recruitment.
Presented by
Mithila Ophelia Chakraborty
Institution
The University of Georgia
Keywords
HEXACO-PI, faking, personality tests, industrial-organizational psychology
Focality Identification of Non-Invasive Temporal Interference Stimulation Technology
Richard Hou, Emma Acerbo, Thomas Eggers, Claire-Anne Gutekunst
Abstract
Temporal Interference (TI) stimulation is a promising non-invasive alternative to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for treating neurological disorders like epilepsy. TI uses two high-frequency electric fields with slightly offset frequencies to generate low-frequency waveforms that target deep brain regions without stimulating surrounding tissue. However, concerns remain regarding its focal precision.
This study evaluated TI focality using a 3D-printed skull model filled with agarose to mimic human brain. Recording electrodes were inserted into an 80-hole grid, and TI stimulation (1.005 kHz and 1.000 kHz, 2.5 mA) was applied. A MATLAB pipeline visualized and quantified stimulation patterns, which were compared to computational predictions from Sim4Life.
Results showed reproducible patterns with <5% variance. Physical models produced more localized, horizontally elongated foci, while simulations showed broader distributions. These discrepancies underscore the limitations of computer simulations and the importance of experimental validation. Future work will expand testing coordinates, and apply Bayesian optimization for clinical translation.
Presented by
Richard Hou
Institution
Emory University, Department of Neurosurgery
Keywords
Temporal Interference, Non-invasive Stimulation technique, Epilepsy
Emotional Abuse, Neglect, and Mental Health: Investigating Dissociation and Depression in Communities of Color
Kendra Chandler and Dr. Ryan Couillou
Abstract
The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children defines childhood emotional maltreatment (EM) as “a repeated pattern or extreme incident(s) of caretaker behavior that thwart the child’s basic psychological needs …. and convey a child is worthless, defective, damaged goods, unloved, unwanted and endangered…” (American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children et al., 2019).
Scholars have noted the severe consequences of childhood emotional abuse and neglect, such as depression, suicide, and risk (Mills et al., 2013; Spinhoven et al., 2010). Additionally, emotional maltreatment can increase an individual’s risk for dissociative symptomology (Haferkemp et al., 2015, Sar et al., 2004).
Social determinants of health (e.g., poverty) disproportionately impact marginalized communities such as Black populations (Giovanelli & Reynolds; 2021), furthering their risk for psychological distress (Bryant-Davis et al., 2017; English et al., 2020), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; Hatch & Dohrenwend, 2007; Slopen et al., 2016). However, there is a gap in literature as it pertains to emotional abuse and neglect in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
PURPOSE and HYPOTHESIS The current study aims to examine how reported experiences of childhood emotional trauma relate to adult mental health outcomes, specifically dissociative and depressive symptoms in BIPOC populations. We hypothesize that BIPOC individuals with histories of psychological maltreatment will endorse less adaptive mental health. More specifically, we predict that individuals with EM histories will have a significant relationship with depression and dissociative symptomology.
Scholars have noted the severe consequences of childhood emotional abuse and neglect, such as depression, suicide, and risk (Mills et al., 2013; Spinhoven et al., 2010). Additionally, emotional maltreatment can increase an individual’s risk for dissociative symptomology (Haferkemp et al., 2015, Sar et al., 2004).
Social determinants of health (e.g., poverty) disproportionately impact marginalized communities such as Black populations (Giovanelli & Reynolds; 2021), furthering their risk for psychological distress (Bryant-Davis et al., 2017; English et al., 2020), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; Hatch & Dohrenwend, 2007; Slopen et al., 2016). However, there is a gap in literature as it pertains to emotional abuse and neglect in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
PURPOSE and HYPOTHESIS The current study aims to examine how reported experiences of childhood emotional trauma relate to adult mental health outcomes, specifically dissociative and depressive symptoms in BIPOC populations. We hypothesize that BIPOC individuals with histories of psychological maltreatment will endorse less adaptive mental health. More specifically, we predict that individuals with EM histories will have a significant relationship with depression and dissociative symptomology.
Presented by
Kendra Chandler
<kw24715@georgiasouthern.edu>
Institution
Georgia Southern University
Keywords
Express, Don’t Suppress: Empathy, Romantic Relationship Satisfaction, and the Mediating Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation
Jordan L. Harper, Sara A. Cloonan, Richard B. Slatcher
Abstract
Empathy shapes the way we respond to and manage the emotions of those around us through a process called interpersonal emotion regulation (IER; Zaki & Williams, 2013; Geiger et al., 2025). Empathy and IER have separately been linked to key interpersonal outcomes (Ruan et al., 2024; Sened et al., 2017); however, less is known about how empathy and IER jointly impact our close ties, such as romantic relationships. To address this gap, the present study examined the associations between empathy, IER, and relationship satisfaction among dating couples. I hypothesized that individuals with higher trait empathy will use more reappraisal and expression strategies and fewer distraction and suppression strategies when regulating their partner’s emotions, and that IER strategies would mediate the association between empathy and relationship satisfaction. Data were collected from 106 romantically-involved individuals (M=19.3 years old, M=1.4 years in relationship, 52.8% female, 74.5% white) who participated in a larger study on IER in romantic relationships. Empathy was associated with greater relationship satisfaction, more use of expression strategies, and less use of suppression strategies. Suppression fully mediated the association between empathy and relationship satisfaction (B=0.02, 95%CI[0.002,0.06]), whereas expression only partially mediated that association (B=0.01, 95%CI[-0.003,0.11]). These findings highlight the role of IER in shaping emotional experiences within romantic relationships, beyond trait-level features like empathy. Future research should examine how IER strategies influence long-term relationship outcomes.
Presented by
Jordan Harper
Institution
University of Georgia, Department of Psychology
Keywords
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation, Empathy
TikTok’s Role in Shaping Body Image and Misogynistic Views
Tanya Ramnauth and Dr. Michael Bar-Johnson
Abstract
TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users yet its impact on body image perception and misogynistic attitudes in romantic relationships is understudied. In a survey of 129 US college students, male TikTok users had significantly more appearance anxiety than non-users. Among heavy TikTok users, there was a positive correlation between high usage and appearance anxiety for women (r=.30) but an even more pronounced negative effect on men (r=.47). Assessing the acceptance of hegemonic masculinity views towards romantic partners, for males there was a moderate positive correlation between excessive TikTok use and sexist attitudes (r=.46). Surprisingly, excessive TikTok use made females more strongly reject sexist attitudes. These diverging reactions may be due in part to how TikTok’s algorithms proliferate misogynistic content. With exposure, men may enter echo chambers where hostile attitudes towards women are internalized, while women may reject that content more fervently with each subsequent interaction.
Presented by
Tanya Ramnauth
Institution
Georgia Gwinnett College, Department of Psychology
Keywords
TikTok, Body Image, Toxic Masculinity, Gender Differences
Mapping the Phases of a Psychedelic Trip: An Acute Psychedelic Threshold Model
Matthew Cates, Audrey Bink, Dr. Keith Campbell
Abstract
Psychedelic experiences unfold through a sequence of dynamic phases—onset, come-up, peak, come-down, and afterglow—each marked by distinct changes in perception, cognition, and neural activity. This study develops an acute psychedelic threshold model that integrates liminality and dynamic systems theory to map these transitions as threshold events in both subjective experience and brain function. Liminality frames these phases as periods of dissolution and reorganization, where shifts in identity coherence, emotional regulation, and time perception signify crossings through cognitive thresholds. Dynamic systems theory further explains how psychedelics alter global brain dynamics, promoting increased entropy, flattened neural hierarchies, and expanded long-range connectivity. These neural patterns, captured through fMRI, EEG, and MEG studies, reveal a trajectory toward criticality, marked by reduced irreversibility and heightened metastability. Through a systematic literature review of qualitative and quantitative human research, this model identifies phenomenological and neurophysiological markers of phase transitions, synthesizing findings into a comprehensive framework. Comparative analysis between psilocybin and LSD highlights substance-specific trajectories, with psilocybin exhibiting a sharper onset and decline, and LSD demonstrating prolonged peak and afterglow phases.
Presented by
Matthew Cates
Institution
University of Georgia
Keywords
Psychedelics, Liminality, Dynamic Systems, Psilocybin, LSD, Threshold, Predictive Model
Unmasking the Layers: A Narrative Inquiry into the Intersection of Superwoman Schema, Trauma, and Identity Development in Black Women
Daja Robinson
Abstract
Black women navigate a complex interplay of racialized gender expectations, cultural narratives, and systemic barriers that influence their mental health, identity development, and coping mechanisms. The Superwoman Schema (SWS), a culturally specific construct, encapsulates characteristics such as emotional suppression, self-sacrifice, and relentless resilience, often leading to chronic stress and adverse mental health outcomes. Despite existing research on SWS, limited literature explores its intersection with trauma and identity development in Black women. This study employs a qualitative narrative inquiry approach to examine how Black women experience and internalize the Superwoman Schema, how it manifests in response to trauma, and its implications for identity formation. The research employs narrative inquiry to explore participants' lived experiences, shedding light on the tensions between societal expectations of strength and the necessity for emotional vulnerability and self-care. By addressing gaps in the literature and centering Black women’s lived realities, this research underscores the necessity of culturally responsive mental health care and challenges the harmful expectation that Black women must always be strong. In doing so, it fosters a deeper understanding of the psychological toll of SWS and the ways Black women reclaim agency, heal, and redefine strength on their own terms.
Presented by
Daja Robinson
<djones16@tiger.brenau.edu>
Institution
Brenau University
Keywords
Trauma, Black women, Superwoman Schema, Strong Black Woman, Identity, Qualitative research