Prior work has shown that individuals become more committed to their partners and report higher relationship satisfaction when thoughts of nostalgia were salient. Although mentally revisiting partner-shared memories may be beneficial at reducing stress and increasing affect, other literature has argued that positive traits (e.g., optimism, forgiveness) are connected to heightened resilience and a greater acceptance of domestic abuse. The present research was designed to test the relationship between forgiveness, nostalgia, partner commitment, and intimate partner violence (IPV) attitudes. Nostalgia is positively associated with more forgiveness, partner commitment (Study 1), and IPV attitudes (Study 2).

Introduction: Parents can have a crucial impact on their child’s academic performance and internalizing symptoms. For example, parents who engage in helicopter parenting, are excessively involved and monitor their children, which is associated with mental health problems (Schiffrin et al., 2014). Children's report of maternal helicopter parenting is associated to perfectionist discrepancies, extrinsic motivation to learn, and avoidance to goals in learning which have been related to lower academic performance (Schiffrin et al., 2014). However, there is a lack of research that examines the role of helicopter parenting in college students' academic satisfaction and mental health outcomes. Thus, the overall goal of the current study is to examine the associations between helicopter parenting, academic satisfaction, and internalizing symptoms.

Method: 667 college students from Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University served as participants for this study. All students participated during Spring of 2019. Students answered surveys about their parents' levels of helicopter parenting, their own mental health, and their academic performance. Measures used in the current analysis include Padilla-Walker & Nelson Helicopter Parenting Scale (Padilla-Walker & Nelson, 2012), Inventory for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS; Watson et al., 2007), and College Student Subjective Well-Being Scale (Renshaw & Bolognino, 2016).

Results: A two-way moderated regression examined the effect of academic satisfaction (centered) on depressive symptoms as a function of helicopter parenting (centered) in a sample of college students. The results indicated significant main effects for both academic satisfaction, b= -1.12 (SE = .09), t = - 11.82, p ≤ .001, such that as academic satisfaction increases depressive symptoms decrease, and helicopter parenting, b = 1.88 (SE = .84), t = 2.25, p ≤ .001 such that as helicopter parenting increases depressive symptoms decrease. However, there was not a significant interaction between academic satisfaction and helicopter parenting, b = .13 (SE = .15), t = .83, p = .41.

Another two-way moderated regression examined the effect of academic satisfaction (centered) on college students' well-being as a function of helicopter parenting (centered). The results indicated that there was a significant main effect for academic satisfaction, b= 0.61 (SE = .04), t = 14.01, p ≤ .001. There was no significant main effect for helicopter parenting, b = - 0.35 (SE = .04), t = -0.91, p = 0.36. However, these main effects were qualified by a significant interaction, b = - .17 (SE = .07), t = - 2.35, p = .02. To probe at this interaction further, we conducted simple slope analyses to examine the relationship between academic satisfaction on students' well-being at low, mean, and high levels of helicopter parenting. The results revealed that at low (-1 SD), b = 0.71 (SE = .06), t = 11.83, p ≤ .001, mean, b = .61 (SE = .04), t = 14.01, p ≤ .001, and high (+1 SD), b = .51 (SE = .06), t = 7.88, p ≤ .001, levels of helicopter parenting, higher student academic satisfaction resulted in higher well-being. Overall, these results suggest that academic satisfaction can serve as a protective factor against helicopter parenting for a college students’ emotional well-being.

Discussion: The results of the current study revealed that helicopter parenting is significantly associated with an increase in depressive symptoms in college students. These results are consistent with past research (Wang et al., 2025). However, academic satisfaction appears to be a potential protective factor against helicopter parenting for students’ well-being. It is possible that when students are satisfied with their academic success can potentially protect from the negative impacts from helicopter parenting. It is important to note a potential limitation of the current study such that, the sample is not representative of the broader population but rather the sample of high-income college-aged students. Overall, based on these findings, school psychologists should focus on increasing academic satisfaction by fostering a supportive environment for students, and aiding in aligning students' courses to their preferences and personal strengths in order to counter potential parental pressures.

Caring for a person who is living with dementia (PLwD) is challenging and emotionally demanding. Much of this care is provided by unpaid, informal caregivers of a person living with dementia (PLwD) who often lack formal training and dementia care education (Thompson et al., 2007). As a result, caregivers frequently feel incompetent in their caregiving abilities (Merrilees et al., 2018) and desire more training about how to manage dementia symptoms effectively (Jorge et al., 2021). Thus, enhancing caregiver education and self-efficacy is critical, as caregiver self-efficacy predicts both mental health and overall well-being (Gallagher et al., 2011). However, informal caregivers often have limited access to structured educational support. To examine this issue, caregivers learned about the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) through one of two instructional approaches: a learning intervention or a restudy condition. The learning intervention implemented structured retrieval practice, in which caregivers completed self-paced practice tests followed by detailed corrective feedback. The restudy condition simulated a more passive learning experience, similar to reading information from online sources. Caregivers’ self-efficacy was assessed before and after the learning session using the family caregiver self-efficacy for managing dementia scale (Fortinsky, Kercher, & Burant, 2002). Self-efficacy scores were compared across conditions to determine whether structured retrieval practice enhanced caregivers’ confidence and competence more effectively than restudy. Performance results are consistent with our prediction that structured retrieval practice enhances learning; however, participants from both conditions report higher self-efficacy from pre to post-test. Therefore, caregivers’ self-efficacy assessments thus far are not sensitive to content in the study nor the learning condition they were in. Future work could assess ways to improve sensitivity to such self-efficacy measures.

As social media increasingly serves as a primary source of news, questions arise regarding
how digital exposure to crime-related content affects public views and emotions. The current
study examines how reliance on social media for news may influence perceptions of the
severity of crimes and concerns for community safety. Dallas-Fort Worth community members
(N = 40) completed measures assessing perceptions of crime severity, community safety, social
media use frequency, social media behaviors, preferred sources of news, and demographic
characteristics. We anticipate that more frequent social media usage as a news source and
higher use of audiovisual (rather than text-based) news sources will correlate positively with
more severe perceptions of crime and community safety concerns. These results will provide
insight into how media and the way it is delivered shape how people may feel about crime and
safety in their local communities. This insight can also encourage more mindful media
engagement and help communities think critically about how crime is represented in the
news.

Existential isolation, or feeling that others cannot fully understand one’s subjective experiences, has been linked to psychological distress in general populations, yet little research has examined its implications for sexual and gender minority individuals. LGBTQ+ people may be particularly vulnerable to EI because identity-related stigma and minority stress can create barriers to feeling understood by others. The present project examined whether existential isolation is associated with mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ persons. Participants included 1,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults recruited through Prolific. Participants completed well-validated measures assessing existential isolation, loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation, meaning in life, and LGBTQ+ stigma. Preliminary analyses indicate that greater existential isolation is associated with lower meaning in life and higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Importantly, these associations remained significant when controlling for loneliness. Mediation analyses demonstrated that internalized LGBTQ+ stigma is associated with greater existential isolation, which in turn predicts poorer psychological outcomes.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in childhood with symptom presentation extending well into adulthood. Despite extensive empirical support acknowledging the lifelong presence of this disorder, ADHD in adulthood is sometimes perceived as less legitimate than childhood presentations, leading to interpretations that trivialize its academic and functional impact. In college or higher education environments, peer perceptions may shape the extent to which ADHD is regarded as a legitimate and enduring disability, potentially affecting one’s disability identity and willingness to seek accommodations or academic support. The present study utilizes a quasi-experimental design comparing (expected N= 100) undergraduate TCU students with and without ADHD to examine how perceived peer attitudes and knowledge toward ADHD relate to students’ feelings about their diagnosis, perceived stigma, and willingness to seek accommodations. In this study, students with ADHD complete self-report measures assessing perceived disability visibility and stigma on campus, while students without ADHD complete ADHD knowledge scales, evaluated behavioral vignettes to assess recognition of ADHD-related impairment, and reported attitudes toward accommodations and medication. We expect that lower ADHD knowledge will be associated with more negative interpretations of ADHD-related behaviors. We further predict that students with ADHD will report experiences consistent with perceived stigma in higher education settings compared to students without ADHD. These findings will help inform future efforts to improve peer understanding of ADHD and create collegiate academic environments where students feel comfortable seeking accommodations and support.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been empirically linked to a range of negative mental health outcomes, including increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, further research is needed to better understand how parental warmth and support can serve as a protective factor against ADHD symptom presentation after a child faces trauma. This study investigates the protective impact of parental warmth and support on ACEs and ADHD risk. Using a cross-sectional, observational design, participants (expected N=100) in this study will complete self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, ACE exposure, parental warmth/support, ADHD symptoms, and ADHD diagnostic history. Responses will be analyzed quantitatively to examine two research questions: (1) whether ACE exposure predicts ADHD symptoms and diagnosis, and (2) whether parental warmth/support buffers this relationship. We predict that ACE exposure will predict ADHD symptoms and diagnosis and that parental warmth/support will buffer this relationship. By identifying protective factors that reduce ADHD risk following trauma exposure, this research has important clinical implications. As findings may provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians, educators, and caregivers supporting children who have experienced adversity, promoting resilient developmental trajectories despite early trauma exposure.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical trait in law enforcement due to the association it has to resilience, stress management, as well as effective job performance. Prior research suggests that early influences of parental attachment can affect a person's emotional development, although there is a lack of research exploring whether attachment anxiety predicts EI among law enforcement officers. Attachment anxiety refers to an attachment style or pattern that is rooted within fear of abandonment and a strong desire for emotional intimacy. This study examined whether parental attachment anxiety predicts emotional intelligence within a sample of law enforcement officers. It was predicted that anxious attachment would strongly predict an individual's EI within this population because of how integral parental attachment experiences shape how someone manages, understands, and experiences their emotions. The participants included in this study consisted of 108 law enforcement officers across rank, years in service, gender, and age. This sample of law enforcement officers were asked to complete a survey via Qualtrics, which was distributed via email with a link, which personnel within the workplace with little to no seniority to counteract any potential for coercion due to the nature of law enforcement hierarchical system. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic variables, a correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence as well as parental attachment anxiety, and a simple linear regression was then used to explore whether attachment anxiety served as a significant predictor of emotional intelligence. The results indicated a significant, negative correlation between attachment anxiety and total EI scores, which suggests that higher attachment anxiety was associated with lower emotional intelligence in officers. The results suggest that anxious attachment could be associated with a lower total emotional intelligence score among law enforcement officers. These results may help to guide future research on the predictions that early parental attachment patterns have on emotional intelligence later in life, thus influencing trauma-informed policing strategies and future changes to training programs to aid in this.

As global populations age, equitable representation of older adults in digital technologies has become a psychological and ethical concern. AI increasingly shapes perceptions of social roles, yet may reinforce ageist stereotypes through biased training data (Stypińska, 2022). Developmental psychology emphasizes that aging involves growth and adaptability rather than decline (Donizzetti et al., 2024), yet technologies often position youth as the default. This study investigates how popular AI systems portray age across common social identities (e.g., leader, doctor, genius).
Five AI tools were examined: three text-based (ChatGPT, Gemini, Snapchat My AI) and two image-generating (Meta AI, Leonardo AI). Consistent prompts were provided across tools, with follow-up questions asked when age was not volunteered. Responses were coded into five categories: Child (0–12), Teen (13–17), Young Adult (18–35), Middle-Aged Adult (36–59), and Older Adult (60+). Across 36 responses, most individuals were categorized as young adults (33%) or middle-aged adults (36%). Only one response (3%) depicted an older adult alone, and five (14%) included older adults solely as secondary family figures. No AI tool portrayed older adults as leaders, doctors, or geniuses. Additionally, 69% of responses required follow-up questioning to determine age, suggesting AI tools rarely volunteer this information.
These findings indicate that generative AI defaults to younger and middle-aged adults, rarely representing older individuals in roles of competence or authority. This reflects and potentially reinforces societal ageism. Future research should examine interventions to diversify AI training data and explore how age-related bias shapes user perceptions of aging.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities and differences in reciprocal social communication abilities (APA, 2013; CDC, 2023). Research has indicated that children’s autistic symptoms have been associated with increases in parenting stress and coparenting conflict (Chan & Leung, 2020). Autistic children’s externalizing behaviors have a significant impact on the relationship satisfaction of parents (Sim et al., 2016). Mothers and fathers of autistic children reported higher severity of their marital conflicts compared to parents of non-autistic children (Hartley et al., 2017). Past research has indicated that power dynamics of couples have been associated with lower levels of martial satisfaction (Lennon et al., 2012). However, there is no existing research on the impact of autistic children’s symptoms on power dynamics of parents with autistic children. Thus, the overall goal of the current study was to examine the associations between autism symptom severity and parent relationship quality in parents of autistic children. An additional aim of the study was to examine whether differences in relationship quality between mothers and fathers occur.
Participants included 111 parents of autistic children who completed a Zoom study examining couple interactions. Couples answered a series of questionnaires related to relationship satisfaction, couple conflict, and power dynamics. The current study used the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; Constantino, 2021), Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI; Funk & Rogge, 2007), Conflict and Problem-Solving scale (CPS; Kerig, 1996), and Relationship Power Inventory (RPI; Farrell et al., 2015).
A series of linear regression models were conducted to examine whether autism symptom severity predicts relationship quality in parents of autistic children (i.e., power dynamics, relationship satisfaction, and couple conflict). Separate models were conducted for each parent. There was a significant positive association between autism symptom severity and father’s perceived power (b = .03, SE = .01, t = 2.84, p < .005). All other results for mothers and fathers were non-significant (ps ≥.066).
The significant finding of autism symptom severity predicting father’s perceived power may indicate that fathers may feel responsible for being the head of the household. Thus, they may feel a sense of power related to being responsible for their child. Non-significant results for mothers may be due to their perceived role as being primary caregiver. Mothers may not experience a change in their relationship quality since they spend more time with their autistic child and thus enduring varying levels of autism symptom severity. Strengths of this study include responses from both mothers and fathers and participant diversity in geographic location, age, and ethnicity. A limitation to this study is the use of self-reported measures which could lead to response bias. In the future, researchers should examine whether a third variable may confer or buffer the researched associations. In addition, future researchers should use observational measures rather than self-reported measures to reduce response bias. Results of the current study suggest that fathers may benefit from tailored interventions aimed at power dynamics between partners. In addition, although couples counseling is important, mothers of autistic children may not necessarily need the additional support.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting college students, yet research examining how ADHD is supported and understood in a college setting remains limited. Faculty members play a significant role in shaping students' academic experiences. Their beliefs and knowledge may influence how student requests are interpreted, which may subsequently impact student behavior and academic performance. The current study investigates how instructional university faculty perceive ADHD in college students. Specifically, we assess beliefs about the legitimacy of an ADHD diagnosis, perceptions of student's abilities, and attitudes toward academic accommodations.
It is hypothesized that on average, faculty will view ADHD as less impairing in the college context than would be expected based on clinical descriptions (i.e., viewing ADHD as a manageable challenge rather than a significant academic barrier). Additionally, it is expected that the level of ADHD knowledge will significantly predict perceptions and attitudes towards diagnostic legitimacy and accommodation support.
This study employs a cross-sectional survey design, administered through the Qualtrics online survey platform. Participants include current or full- or part-time university instructional faculty. Following consent, participants complete an online survey which assesses demographic information, ADHD knowledge, perception of student ability and impairment, and attitudes towards the classroom and testing accommodations. Regression models will test whether ADHD knowledge is associated with perceptions of ADHD legitimacy, support for accommodations, and corresponding attitudes toward student capabilities.
Understanding how instructors conceptualize ADHD can inform professional development, awareness initiatives, and accessibility training in higher education. The findings may also guide universities in improving support systems for students with ADHD, ultimately fostering more inclusive learning environments and equitable academic opportunities.

Throughout development, humans encounter pathogen threats that shape both physiological and behavioral defense systems. The immune system protects the body from infection, while the emotion of disgust helps prevent contact with potential sources of disease. Research suggests that early life stress can biologically alter children’s developing bodies, leading to immune cells that are primed for heightened inflammatory responses to threat. Consequently, childhood adversity has been associated with altered stress regulation and long-term changes in immune function. This study examines how early life stress influences inflammatory and autonomic responses to a simulated pathogen threat. Participants will be exposed to disgust-inducing stimuli, such as sticky keyboards and unpleasant smells, to elicit perceptions of contamination and disease risk. During exposure, inflammatory markers, including cytokine levels, heart rate, and core body temperature, will be documented to assess immune and autonomic activity. Participants will also report on early life stressors such as neglect, maltreatment, or socioeconomic adversity. We hypothesize that greater exposure to early adversity will lead to stronger inflammatory and autonomic responses to pathogen related stimuli. This work aims to clarify how early experiences shape the body’s reactivity to pathogen threats and investigates the link between childhood stress and long term health outcomes.

Improving Caregiver Education about Dementia Through the Science of Learning
Michala Pollard, Emma Goffard, Ariana Elsden, Lesca Hadley, & Uma Tauber
Most (83%) of the care provided to people living with dementia (PLwD) is provided by informal caregivers such as family members or friends who are not paid for their assistance. Informal caregivers’ 18 billion hours of care is valued at $339.5 billion for 2022 alone (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Caregivers for PLwD often assist with complex medical tasks and manage challenging emotional and behavioral symptoms of dementia with limited formal training (e.g., Fortinsky & Hathaway, 1990; Penrod & Dellasega, 1998; Ringer et al., 2020). As the demand for caregiving increases, it is critical to understand how caregivers can best learn and retain essential information for managing ADRD care.
The goal of is project is to establish methods to improve caregiver education about the behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) of dementia. Specifically, our educational intervention incorporates principles from the science of learning for structuring retrieval practice to optimize learning (e.g., Agarwal et al., 2021; Sumowski et al., 2010; Tse et al., 2010; Woods et al., 2021). We compared the structured retrieval practice intervention against an active control comparison to determine the degree to which structured retrieval practice enhances caregivers’ long-term retention of dementia care information.
Caregivers of PLwD were recruited from the community and underwent an online survey screening and video or in-person screening prior to study enrollment. Caregivers learned 4 modules on emotion and mood symptoms of dementia – agitation, irritation, apathy, and depression – via the learning intervention or active control (rereading). Caregivers took an immediate test of their knowledge approximately 10 minutes after study and after a 2-day delay. Our novel intervention significantly increased caregivers’ knowledge immediately, and their knowledge was maintained 2 days later at a significantly higher rate relative to the active control comparison.

Situationships represent an increasingly common form of romantic involvement, with nearly 40 percent of Americans and half of young adults ages 18 to 34 reporting having been in one (YouGov, 2024). Although these relationships resemble traditional dating in terms of emotional connection, sexual involvement, and shared time, they lack labels, commitment, and clearly defined expectations (Langlais et al., 2024). Despite their prevalence, situationships remain understudied. Therefore, the present study investigated whether power dynamics and gender influence investment strategies in situationships. To investigate this, heterosexual men and women ages 18 to 32 were recruited through Prolific, and participants who reported being in a situationship were assigned into one of four conditions: woman in control, woman not in control, man in control, or man not in control. 400 eligible respondents (100 per condition) completed measures of mate retention behaviors and situationship investment. It was hypothesized that situationships controlled by women, compared to those controlled by men, would involve male partners engaging in more resource display and greater expressions of love and care, whereas situationships controlled by men would involve the female partners engaging in more appearance enhancement and sexual behaviors as investment strategies. Data are forthcoming.

During ancestral times, while women focused on child-rearing, they relied on their male mates to protect their family. Nowadays, women can protect their families themselves by employing strategies like using a home security system or owning a firearm. However, modern women continue to form long-term relationships with men to reduce the risk of encountering harm (Wilson & Mesnick, 1997). Crucially, men will not provide investment without getting something in return. One resource that men value that women can provide in exchange for investment is granting men sexual access (Baumeister & Vohs, 2004). Therefore, given that women continue to use men as a protective resource and men will accept sexual access in exchange, we should find that women in dangerous environments are more sexually open. This study aims to examine the impact of dangerous environments on women’s sexual strategies. Importantly, no previous research has focused on this. Overall, I predict that women who are primed with dangerous environment cues, compared to women who are primed with a control condition, will show higher levels of sexual openness. By gaining more knowledge about how dangerous environments can influence women’s mating strategies, we can better understand how evolutionary mechanisms continue to influence women’s sexual behaviors. Data are forthcoming.

Many barriers to accessing treatment for substance use disorder and HIV among those on community supervision are well-documented, including a lack of transportation, lack of reentry care, and lack of awareness of services. To address these barriers, a NIDA-funded R01, ACTION, aimed to promote engagement in care for infectious diseases (like HIV/AIDS) and opioid use disorder for individuals on probation in Texas. When conducting these large studies, it is imperative to understand participant and staff perceptions of an intervention’s feasibility and acceptability. Therefore, the current study aims to analyze the similarities and differences in opinions and attitudes of the success of the intervention identified by project staff and client. To examine this, a deductive qualitative analysis of 6 project staff and 20 clients was completed using Atlas.ti. Staff identified communication, state resources and facilities, and issues with pharmacies as key barriers to the intervention, whereas clients cited scheduling and transportation as key barriers. Staff identified the ability to communicate with other staff for resources, meeting clients in person, and meeting in the mobile health unit as key strengths of the intervention, whereas clients cite receiving healthcare services and interaction with the patient navigator and research assistant as key strengths. Understanding these barriers to and facilitators of the ACTION interventions allows researchers to see what works and what can create issues in the study.

Young adults’ mental health has emerged as a critical public health concern, with rising rates of sleep deprivation reported over the past decade. Online video gaming has become a popular bedtime activity, especially among undergraduates, and may contribute to their sleep disruptions and daytime mental health malfunctions. However, not all undergraduates experience bedtime online gaming in the same way, and understanding who is most vulnerable, under what conditions, and whether bedtime online gaming may have neutral or even protective effects for some individuals remains a critical gap. Besides the importance of exploring individual differences in such effects, many studies rely solely on self-reported sleep quality, which can be biased or inaccurate.

To address these issues, this project will utilize a longitudinal data collection method. A total of 10 TCU undergraduates will be recruited through the campus gaming club. Over 14 days, participants will complete a morning survey assessing their prior night’s online gaming experiences and subjective sleep quality, and a brief tasks to measure cognitive functioning. Evening surveys will assess momentary mental health states and include an open-ended question about anything they want to share about their past day. Participants will continuously wear Garmin devices to collect objective sleep metrics passively. Findings will uncover the moment-to-moment impacts of bedtime gaming on sleep quality and overall functioning, and provide preliminary insights into individual differences in why and how some students are negatively affected by bedtime video gaming, while others may not be.

I expect that task performance will vary among participants based on individual gaming habits. Specifically, I anticipate a negative correlation between total bedtime gaming time and next-day performance on cognitive tasks, particularly when participants stay up late to game, leading to disrupted sleep. In such cases, deviations from typical healthy sleep patterns may negatively influence participants’ cognitive functioning. I also expect that the type of game played may influence outcomes, as games that involve higher levels of sensory stimulation and rapid decision-making (e.g., action shooters) may negatively affect sleep and further impair cognitive performance compared to slower-paced genres such as role-playing games.

Frustrative nonreward refers to the behavioral reactions that occur when an expected reward is reduced or omitted. Reward downshift procedures provide a useful framework to examine whether behavior is guided by current reward expectancies (action) or by learned stimulus - response associations (habits). Under conditions in which behavior depends on reward expectancies, animals typically adjust their responses when reward value changes. By contrast, if behavior has become habitual, original responses may persist even when the outcome is reduced. The present study examined whether extended training in a Pavlovian autoshaping task promotes habit-like responses following a reward downshift. In Experiment 1, rats were trained to respond to two levers associated with different reward magnitudes. Animals received either standard training (10 days) or extended training (30 days). After training, preference for the higher-value reward was assessed, and then one lever was downshifted to deliver the same smaller reward that the other lever provided. Changes in lever preference following the downshift were used to evaluate behavioral adjustments. Both groups initially adjusted their responses after the reduction in reward magnitude, through a change in preference from the downshifted to the unshifted lever. However, animals that received extended training gradually returned to their original preference for the downshifted one, even though both options delivered the same outcome. This persistence suggests the development of stimulus–response associations consistent with habit-like control. In contrast, animals that received standard training maintained a frustration induced change in preference after the downshift, indicating a weaker habit formation response. Experiment 2 tested whether overtraining by increasing the number of trials within each session would produce similar effects. Although animals received more trials per session, both groups showed similar behavioral adjustments following reward downshift and did not differ in preference patterns. Together, these results suggest that the development of habit-like responding depends not only on the amount of training but also on how experience is distributed over time. Training extended across multiple days, rather than concentrated within sessions, appears to promote persistent responding that is less sensitive to changes in reward magnitude.

Women remain disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with disparities in acquisition risk research concentrated among Black women in the Southern United States. Although there are effective prevention tools such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), uptake of these tools remain low. This review analyzes the critical gap in prevention and protection against HIV in Black women. Systemic search of PubMed (2010-2025) was conducted looking for keywords such as “Women and PrEP”, “Barber Shop Model”, “Beauty Shop Model”, “Mobile Health Unit Health Care”, “PrEP Education”, and “Birth Control”. Reducing HIV disparities among Black women requires changing structural and social factors that influence the high HIV risk-factors. Awareness and self-perceived risk must be considered at the individual level in order to effectively prevent HIV acquisition. Existing research shows that the way prevention services are delivered and designed affect the efficacy of HIV prevention efforts. In addition to advancing biomedical strategies, interventions should be culturally responsive to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding PrEP and HIV. Overall, HIV disparities among Black women are multifactorial, and shifting prevention efforts into trusted community spaces while addressing the structural roots of medical mistrust shows a promising strategy for narrowing the gap in HIV prevention.

Resilience is the ability to cope with and overcome difficulties. Childhood traumatic events can undermine resilience by disrupting emotion regulation, coping skills, social connectedness, and self-esteem, thereby reducing an individual's ability to cope effectively. A commonly used metric for assessing these events is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which examines exposure to abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. One way to increase resilience is through a secure attachment to a caregiver. However, if an individual lacks a secure attachment to their caregiver, supportive relationships, such as natural mentors (NM; kin, non-kin, helping professionals), can also foster resilience. The present study examines whether having a NM is associated with higher resilience, while accounting for adverse experiences and insecure attachment to primary caregivers. Approximately 300 TCU students will be recruited to complete an online survey assessing ACEs, resilience, attachment to their caregiver, and any prior relationship with a NM. Descriptive analyses, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression will be conducted to examine associations. Descriptive analyses will examine the prevalence of all variables. Individuals with different types of NM mentors are expected to report different levels of resilience. Additionally, individuals with a NM are expected to demonstrate greater resilience when accounting for ACEs. Finally, the presence of NMs is expected to be associated with greater resilience compared to individuals without a mentor, even after controlling for insecure attachment. Data collection will begin in March 2026 and continue throughout the month, with results and implications being presented at the conference.

Cytokines are a protein involved in the body’s inflammatory response to pathogen threats (Danzter, 2001), and there is evidence that long-term oral contraceptive use can increase generalized inflammation (Mongiovi et al., 2025). Sickness symptoms are related to higher cytokine levels (Dantzer & Kelley, 2007), and further research found that participants who experienced more sick effects (injection-site soreness, fatigue, muscle aches, etc.) post-flu shot showed higher cytokine levels than those with less intense sick effects (Christian et al., 2015). We wanted to know if there is a difference in post-flu shot cytokines levels and sick symptoms between naturally cycling women vs. women on hormonal birth control (HBC)/ We also wanted to know if there is a relationship between phase of menstrual cycle and levels of inflammation after a flu shot. To answer these questions, we recruited 47 women from the TCU flu-clinic. The morning after their flu shot, participants gave a blood-spot samples (stored on Whatman 903 protein saver cards), completed a survey on their HBC use, menstrual cycle phase, GRIT, mood and feelings, and sick symptoms. The data are currently undergoing multi-variate analysis, where birth control use (naturally cycling vs. HBC use) and menstrual cycle phase are the predictor variables, and cytokine levels, sick symptoms, GRIT, and mood and feelings are the dependent variables. Blood spot samples will be analyzed in May 2026 using Mesoscale Discovery V-Plex assay kits. We expect to find a relationship between HBC use and cytokine levels, and sick symptoms and cytokine levels. We also expect to find a relationship between HBC use and GRIT, mood and feelings, and sick symptoms. We do not have any expected outcomes for the relationship between menstrual cycle phase, cytokines levels, and sick symptoms, as this research is exploratory.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies experience intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts and images that elevate anxiety. These tendencies could potentially influence time perception, which is the subjective experience of time passage. Time scarcity is the feeling that you don’t have enough time to complete tasks. In contrast, time affluence is the feeling that you have more than adequate time to complete tasks. Research has shown that time affluence is positively associated with meaning in life, while time scarcity has a negative association with meaning of life. This study examines how OCD tendencies influence the relationship between time perception and meaning in life. Participants (N = 360) were recruited from Prolific and were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 conditions (i.e., time scarcity, time affluence, vs. control). Following the completion of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to measure OCD traits, participants underwent a manipulation by reading a vignette that primed them about the tightness or openness of time in a work environment. After the manipulation, participants completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. This research will guide future work on how time-scarce or time-affluent environments affect OCD symptomology.

Stigma is a pervasive issue in society, with stigmatizing language describing individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) negatively impacting coping effectiveness, treatment-seeking, and interpersonal relationships (Luoma et al., 2008). Previous research has found that labeling individuals with SUD is associated with public fear and desire for minimal social contact (Link et al., 1999). Additionally, stigmatization of this population has been associated with reduced support for public health policy and greater support for punitive policies (Kennedy-Hendricks et al., 2017). The current study examined whether the language used to describe an individual with SUD affects perceptions of social distance and support for treatment. Community members in Tarrant County were approached in public areas and invited to participate in a survey regarding individuals with SUD. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of two different vignettes written in either person-first language or stigmatizing language, then completed survey questions via tablet or QR code. We hypothesize that participants reading stigmatized language will report greater desired social distance from the individual with SUD and display less support for treatment engagement. These findings would suggest that efforts to reduce stigmatizing language in public discourse, such as media campaigns, healthcare training, and policy reform, are critical to fostering more supportive attitudes toward treatment and recovery for individuals with SUD.

Throughout history, pathogens have posed a major threat to human survival. In response, humans have developed both physiological and behavioral defense mechanisms, including the immune system, which helps combat infections. Disgust serves as a crucial defense, preparing the body for exposure to potential pathogens before they enter the body. Since internal state changes redirect energy toward immune activity and healing, inflammatory responses may also influence willingness to exert effort in various contexts. This study examines how disgust affects effort exertion for rewards or to avoid costs. We hypothesize that disgust increases inflammation, which in turn reduces willingness to exert effort. We propose that this shift is driven by energy conservation due to an inflammatory response, rather than a reduced desire for rewards or avoidance of costs. Participants will be exposed to disgust-inducing stimuli while inflammatory markers (core body temperature, heart rate, and blood cytokines) are measured. Their willingness to exert effort for rewards or to avoid costs will also be assessed. Findings may offer insights into adaptive decision-making, clarifying how an immune response triggered by disgust impacts motivation and effort allocation. 

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to the fear of bodily sensations typically associated with physiological arousal. High AS is a transdiagnostic predictor of poor mental health outcomes, such as panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and overall functional impairment. Individuals with high AS may exhibit body hypervigilance, and in turn, be more likely to experience psychosomatic symptoms. A State of Surrender (SoS) refers to one's ability to accept what is to come without resistance and relinquish control. It has been associated with greater well-being, and preliminary data suggests it is negatively associated to anxiety and AS, mediated by distress tolerance. To further test this, we will recruit individuals on Prolific and randomly assign them to either a surrender-based meditation protocol or a control condition. We will measure functional somatic symptoms, trait anxiety, distress tolerance, self-efficacy, and anxiety sensitivity. We predict that individuals in the experimental condition will endorse less AS, mediated by self-reported SoS. We also predict that the effect will be greater for individuals with more somatic symptoms. Findings will suggest further exploration of acceptance-based treatment for individuals with high AS and other psychosomatic complaints.