First Advisor

Hulac, David

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-2022

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School Psychology, School Psychology Student Work

Abstract

Childhood Trauma is a pervasive problem in the United States, and research suggests it serves as a strong contributor and. Predictor for a multitude of negative mental and physical health disorders (Vrijsen et al., 2018). Negative memory bias, a neuropsychological precursor to later onset of adult mental health disorders, has been scientifically related to childhood trauma (Pollak et al., 1998). Despite numerous findings supporting the relationship between negative memory bias, childhood trauma, and mental health, little is known regarding the age of onset of negative memory bias (Brainerd & Reyna, 2012; Kujawa et al., 2011). Given the research supporting the use of early intervention as best practice for preventing and mitigating mental illness, improved understanding regarding onset of negative memory bias is an important gap in literature in the field (Vrijsen, et al., 2015). This study looked at 31 parent-child dyads utilizing a adapted negative memory bias task for preschoolers and an online survey for parents to assess whether negative memory bias was measurable in preschool-aged children with a history of childhood trauma and intergenerational trauma. Hierarchical regression analyses were utilized to analyze results, and data were found non-significant. Results and interpretation are discussed. Future research is recommended. Additional recommendations are discussed, including suggestions for random sampling, further exploration of protective factors for negative memory bias, and increased precision in measurement.

Abstract Format

html

Extent

195 pages

Local Identifiers

Schmidt_unco_0161D_11083.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Download

Share

COinS