PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Gita Adhikari '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Active Vs Passive Social Media Use : Which Increases Anxiety More?
Social media allows its users to explore and express their thoughts and feelings in a virtual environment. However, there is a darker side to social media that can trigger anxiety in young adults. This study aimed to better understand if passive or active social media usage resulted in higher anxiety levels among young adults. Understanding if active or passive social media use influences elevated levels of anxiety can help educate young adults about their social media use and how it may affect their anxiety levels. It was hypothesized that active social media usage would result in higher anxiety levels. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to measure anxiety levels, and a questionnaire was used to measure the social media usage among Westfield State University students, ages ranging from 18 to 24. The results of this study suggest that young adults who use social media, actively or passively, tend to have similar levels and feelings of anxiety. There was a significant positive correlation between both active and passive social media use and levels of anxiety. In future studies, it is recommended to use a wider range of age among participants to increase the amount of data collected. Additionally, a more detailed questionnaire may distinguish any differences between active or passive social media use, and more accurately determine whether a person uses social media actively or passively.
Shamara Kynard '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Active Vs Passive Social Media Use : Which Increases Anxiety More?
Social media allows its users to explore and express their thoughts and feelings in a virtual environment. However, there is a darker side to social media that can trigger anxiety in young adults. This study aimed to better understand if passive or active social media usage resulted in higher anxiety levels among young adults. Understanding if active or passive social media use influences elevated levels of anxiety can help educate young adults about their social media use and how it may affect their anxiety levels. It was hypothesized that active social media usage would result in higher anxiety levels. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to measure anxiety levels, and a questionnaire was used to measure the social media usage among Westfield State University students, ages ranging from 18 to 24. The results of this study suggest that young adults who use social media, actively or passively, tend to have similar levels and feelings of anxiety. There was a significant positive correlation between both active and passive social media use and levels of anxiety. In future studies, it is recommended to use a wider range of age among participants to increase the amount of data collected. Additionally, a more detailed questionnaire may distinguish any differences between active or passive social media use, and more accurately determine whether a person uses social media actively or passively.
Madison Noyes '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Active Vs Passive Social Media Use : Which Increases Anxiety More?
Social media allows its users to explore and express their thoughts and feelings in a virtual environment. However, there is a darker side to social media that can trigger anxiety in young adults. This study aimed to better understand if passive or active social media usage resulted in higher anxiety levels among young adults. Understanding if active or passive social media use influences elevated levels of anxiety can help educate young adults about their social media use and how it may affect their anxiety levels. It was hypothesized that active social media usage would result in higher anxiety levels. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to measure anxiety levels, and a questionnaire was used to measure the social media usage among Westfield State University students, ages ranging from 18 to 24. The results of this study suggest that young adults who use social media, actively or passively, tend to have similar levels and feelings of anxiety. There was a significant positive correlation between both active and passive social media use and levels of anxiety. In future studies, it is recommended to use a wider range of age among participants to increase the amount of data collected. Additionally, a more detailed questionnaire may distinguish any differences between active or passive social media use, and more accurately determine whether a person uses social media actively or passively.
Danielle Collins '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY & MOVEMENT SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
“Dog People” vs. “Cat People”: Are Their Personalities Actually That Different?
This study aimed to determine whether personality type had an influence on one’s preference for cats or dogs, the results of which could lead to a more effective pairing between owners and their pets. Previous research suggests pet preference is related to personal differences in the Big Five Personality Traits. However, there were some conflicting characteristics found in each preference. Both openness and neuroticism were found in cat lovers and both social dominance and agreeableness for dog lovers. Because of this, we decided to investigate the two distinct personalities of type A and type B. Since previous research showed “dog” people having high agreeableness and “cat people” having high neuroticism, we hypothesized that people with type A personalities would prefer cats and those with type B personalities would prefer dogs. To obtain results, an online survey was sent out that contained a modified version of the Bortner Rating Scale (BRS) and a questionnaire regarding pet preference in various ways, such as rating pictures of cats and dogs on a Likert scale, self-identification, and pet history. The results showed no significant relationship between personality type and pet preference, refuting our hypothesis. In conclusion, we determined that personality type is not an effective way to measure one’s pet preference, as there’s more variability in one’s personality than just two distinct categories of type A and type B. Future research should examine other factors that can influence pet preference.
Lexus Mastromatteo '24
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY & BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
“Dog People” vs. “Cat People”: Are Their Personalities Actually That Different?
This study aimed to determine whether personality type had an influence on one’s preference for cats or dogs, the results of which could lead to a more effective pairing between owners and their pets. Previous research suggests pet preference is related to personal differences in the Big Five Personality Traits. However, there were some conflicting characteristics found in each preference. Both openness and neuroticism were found in cat lovers and both social dominance and agreeableness for dog lovers. Because of this, we decided to investigate the two distinct personalities of type A and type B. Since previous research showed “dog” people having high agreeableness and “cat people” having high neuroticism, we hypothesized that people with type A personalities would prefer cats and those with type B personalities would prefer dogs. To obtain results, an online survey was sent out that contained a modified version of the Bortner Rating Scale (BRS) and a questionnaire regarding pet preference in various ways, such as rating pictures of cats and dogs on a Likert scale, self-identification, and pet history. The results showed no significant relationship between personality type and pet preference, refuting our hypothesis. In conclusion, we determined that personality type is not an effective way to measure one’s pet preference, as there’s more variability in one’s personality than just two distinct categories of type A and type B. Future research should examine other factors that can influence pet preference.
Samantha Reynolds '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY & BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
“Dog People” vs. “Cat People”: Are Their Personalities Actually That Different?
This study aimed to determine whether personality type had an influence on one’s preference for cats or dogs, the results of which could lead to a more effective pairing between owners and their pets. Previous research suggests pet preference is related to personal differences in the Big Five Personality Traits. However, there were some conflicting characteristics found in each preference. Both openness and neuroticism were found in cat lovers and both social dominance and agreeableness for dog lovers. Because of this, we decided to investigate the two distinct personalities of type A and type B. Since previous research showed “dog” people having high agreeableness and “cat people” having high neuroticism, we hypothesized that people with type A personalities would prefer cats and those with type B personalities would prefer dogs. To obtain results, an online survey was sent out that contained a modified version of the Bortner Rating Scale (BRS) and a questionnaire regarding pet preference in various ways, such as rating pictures of cats and dogs on a Likert scale, self-identification, and pet history. The results showed no significant relationship between personality type and pet preference, refuting our hypothesis. In conclusion, we determined that personality type is not an effective way to measure one’s pet preference, as there’s more variability in one’s personality than just two distinct categories of type A and type B. Future research should examine other factors that can influence pet preference.
Ann Chagnon '23
MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Factors That Best Predict Self-Awareness in College Students
Age, gender, and major are factors that affect concepts of emotional intelligence. The present study examined how age, gender, and major could be used to predict self-awareness levels in college students. While previous research focused on these factors and their effects on other components of emotional intelligence individually, no study considered age, gender, and major altogether, focusing on self-awareness. A survey was created containing two assessments for self-awareness, the Reflection-Rumination Questionnaire (RRQ) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The RRQ measures how often one engages in repetitive thinking about their past and reflects on oneself. In contrast, the MAAS measures awareness or attention to what is happening in the present. Participants rated their level of agreement on a numeric scale for statements on both the RRQ and MAAS. A significant difference was found between genders on RRQ scores, but gender had no effect on MAAS scores. No effect of age or major was observed on RRQ and MAAS scores. It's possible that age and major do not impact levels of self-awareness. However, future research should consider a larger sample size with more even distribution between genders and majors is recommended to yield more significant results. It would be beneficial if further research focused on how to increase levels of self-awareness, as this can be advantageous because this is an essential part of daily functioning in psychologically healthy individuals.
Shakira Ibanez '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Factors That Best Predict Self-Awareness in College Students
Age, gender, and major are factors that affect concepts of emotional intelligence. The present study examined how age, gender, and major could be used to predict self-awareness levels in college students. While previous research focused on these factors and their effects on other components of emotional intelligence individually, no study considered age, gender, and major altogether, focusing on self-awareness. A survey was created containing two assessments for self-awareness, the Reflection-Rumination Questionnaire (RRQ) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The RRQ measures how often one engages in repetitive thinking about their past and reflects on oneself. In contrast, the MAAS measures awareness or attention to what is happening in the present. Participants rated their level of agreement on a numeric scale for statements on both the RRQ and MAAS. A significant difference was found between genders on RRQ scores, but gender had no effect on MAAS scores. No effect of age or major was observed on RRQ and MAAS scores. It's possible that age and major do not impact levels of self-awareness. However, future research should consider a larger sample size with more even distribution between genders and majors is recommended to yield more significant results. It would be beneficial if further research focused on how to increase levels of self-awareness, as this can be advantageous because this is an essential part of daily functioning in psychologically healthy individuals.
Tori Springer '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Factors That Best Predict Self-Awareness in College Students
Age, gender, and major are factors that affect concepts of emotional intelligence. The present study examined how age, gender, and major could be used to predict self-awareness levels in college students. While previous research focused on these factors and their effects on other components of emotional intelligence individually, no study considered age, gender, and major altogether, focusing on self-awareness. A survey was created containing two assessments for self-awareness, the Reflection-Rumination Questionnaire (RRQ) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The RRQ measures how often one engages in repetitive thinking about their past and reflects on oneself. In contrast, the MAAS measures awareness or attention to what is happening in the present. Participants rated their level of agreement on a numeric scale for statements on both the RRQ and MAAS. A significant difference was found between genders on RRQ scores, but gender had no effect on MAAS scores. No effect of age or major was observed on RRQ and MAAS scores. It's possible that age and major do not impact levels of self-awareness. However, future research should consider a larger sample size with more even distribution between genders and majors is recommended to yield more significant results. It would be beneficial if further research focused on how to increase levels of self-awareness, as this can be advantageous because this is an essential part of daily functioning in psychologically healthy individuals.
Sabrina Dawicki '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR CLAUDIA CIANO-BOYCE , PSYCHOLOGY
Sex Education Analysis: The Experiences and Perceptions of Sex Education Among College Students
In the United States, sex education in grades K-12 varies by state, and there is no universal, comprehensive curriculum in place. This leaves some students at a disadvantage as they are often uneducated on important topics pertaining to sexual activity, increasing the risk for unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Further, students who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at even higher risk than their straight peers as information about sexual topics pertaining to LGBTQIA+ is often left out of sex education programs. To adequately prepare students for the future, a comprehensive sex education that addresses the lives of all students needs to be in place. Further, open conversations that decrease the stigma and risk surrounding sex education and sexual activity in general are needed. To address this issue, this study was conducted to explore the difference between straight and LGBTQIA+ college students in their levels of self-reported preparedness they felt as a result of the sex education they received. A total of one hundred and three (103) participants (72 Straight, 31 LGBTQIA+) responses to a questionnaire regarding their experiences in sex education were analyzed to see any differences among sexual orientation and levels of preparedness. A 2x3 Factorial ANOVA revealed that there was no significant difference between sexual orientation groups and their levels of preparedness. These findings suggest that straight and LGBTQIA+ students have similar levels of preparedness because of the sex education they received. Future research should utilize a larger LGBTQIA+ sample to explore this further.
Christopher Fish '24
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
A Gamer's Personality: A Look Into the Relationship Between Internet Gaming Disorder, Impulsiveness and Extroversion
Video games are and continue to grow in popularity. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a disorder where engaging with video games becomes detrimental to the individual’s ability to function in society. The scope of the present study was to determine that a relationship exists between IGD and extroversion or impulsivity. Establishing a relationship between IGD and specific personality traits can help uncover etiologies and prognosis of IGD. Participants were administered a survey containing questions from three Likert style surveys: the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), which assesses the presence of IGD based on the DSM-5, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale-Brief (BIS-Brief), which measures impulsivity, and the Maudsley Personality Inventory Scale (MPIE-Scale), which measures extroversion. No correlation between IGD and extroversion was observed. Similarly, there was no correlation between IGD and impulsivity. However, a trend towards significance in a negative correlation between IGD and extroversion was observed. Individuals who score low in extroversion are more likely to display characteristics associated with IGD. Increasing sample size could result in an stronger relationship between IGD and extroversion or impulsivity. Furthermore, other variables, including but not limited to, using video games as a coping mechanism are thought to be at play in the development of IGD. More research such as a longitudinal study will be necessary to uncover possible etiologies and prognosis of IGD.
Ethan Phillips '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
A Gamer's Personality: A Look Into the Relationship Between Internet Gaming Disorder, Impulsiveness and Extroversion
Video games are and continue to grow in popularity. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a disorder where engaging with video games becomes detrimental to the individual’s ability to function in society. The scope of the present study was to determine that a relationship exists between IGD and extroversion or impulsivity. Establishing a relationship between IGD and specific personality traits can help uncover etiologies and prognosis of IGD. Participants were administered a survey containing questions from three Likert style surveys: the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), which assesses the presence of IGD based on the DSM-5, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale-Brief (BIS-Brief), which measures impulsivity, and the Maudsley Personality Inventory Scale (MPIE-Scale), which measures extroversion. No correlation between IGD and extroversion was observed. Similarly, there was no correlation between IGD and impulsivity. However, a trend towards significance in a negative correlation between IGD and extroversion was observed. Individuals who score low in extroversion are more likely to display characteristics associated with IGD. Increasing sample size could result in an stronger relationship between IGD and extroversion or impulsivity. Furthermore, other variables, including but not limited to, using video games as a coping mechanism are thought to be at play in the development of IGD. More research such as a longitudinal study will be necessary to uncover possible etiologies and prognosis of IGD.
Sarah Passer '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Pets, Mediation, Exercise: College Students Need Them All
Anxiety, depression, and stress are huge problems in college students. When anxiety and depression occur it is difficult for students to complete their work and attend classes. While there are many treatments available, we need to see which will be the most effective and efficient. Mismanaged stress can lead to high levels of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress. Exercise has become an important staple in treating anxiety and depression. Pet therapy has reduced anxiety and depression in other studies. It has been found through multiple studies that virtual therapy and in person therapy have very similar outcomes and virtual therapy is important in the midst of the pandemic. This study examined which virtual therapy technique is best at reducing depression and anxiety in college students. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used to assess the depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms of participants both before and after the conditions. There were 3 conditions, pet therapy, exercise, and meditation, each condition consisted of a Youtube video that the participants watched and participated in. All virtual therapy techniques significantly lowered depression scores in the post-test. Meditation improved anxiety scores slightly better than pet therapy and exercise. Each of the virtual therapy techniques significantly improved the stress of the participants. This study is important because college students can not succeed while being weighed down by depression, anxiety, and stress. There are many different directions that can be taken to further this research.
Emmanuel Villa '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PRINCY MENELLA, PSYCHOLOGY
Pets, Mediation, Exercise: College Students Need Them All
Anxiety, depression, and stress are huge problems in college students. When anxiety and depression occur it is difficult for students to complete their work and attend classes. While there are many treatments available, we need to see which will be the most effective and efficient. Mismanaged stress can lead to high levels of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress. Exercise has become an important staple in treating anxiety and depression. Pet therapy has reduced anxiety and depression in other studies. It has been found through multiple studies that virtual therapy and in person therapy have very similar outcomes and virtual therapy is important in the midst of the pandemic. This study examined which virtual therapy technique is best at reducing depression and anxiety in college students. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used to assess the depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms of participants both before and after the conditions. There were 3 conditions, pet therapy, exercise, and meditation, each condition consisted of a Youtube video that the participants watched and participated in. All virtual therapy techniques significantly lowered depression scores in the post-test. Meditation improved anxiety scores slightly better than pet therapy and exercise. Each of the virtual therapy techniques significantly improved the stress of the participants. This study is important because college students can not succeed while being weighed down by depression, anxiety, and stress. There are many different directions that can be taken to further this research.