Author Archives: Susan

Dr. Nemeth Helps Ukraine Survivors

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Kyiv’s community psychological support center is partnering with international charity organizations to “restore and rehabilitate war-torn minds” in Ukraine, reported Kyiv Post on April 25. Among those assisting is Dr. Darlyne Nemeth, Clinical, Medical & Neuropsychologist, Founder of The Neuropsychology Center of Louisiana, and Secretary General of the World Council for Psychotherapy.

According to the Post, “With long-term, active combat operations taking their toll on the psyche of Ukraine’s military, leaving lasting imprints on their mental health, the International Society of Psychologists is actively working to help Ukrainians with mental health problems as a result of Russian aggression. These problems with mental health have not spared the civilians of Ukraine – who are under constant pressure from the tragic events of the war.”

Dr. Nemeth explained, “Our first workshop was on dealing with fear. Dr. Kuransky presented a wonderful exercise using stress management via balloons, and I followed with a Double Bind exercise showing how two feelings can occur at the same time. When acknowledged, they can be processed and resolved. The feelings that I used were being afraid and being brave. That workshop was very successful according to those who attended,” she said.

According to the Post, “The psychological support center has been operating in Kyiv for about ten months, with experts from all over the world providing counseling to those seeking support. Since beginning, 403 people have passed through the center, where they go through a course until ten individual sessions. Mostly, they are refugees from Mariupol, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and cities of the Kyiv region,” reported the Post.

“We’re providing temporary relief and coping strategies to those who are under intense duress,” said Dr. Nemeth. “I am sure that many people from Louisiana are attempting to help the Ukrainian people; however, I have specifically been asked to participate in the planning and execution of these workshops. Dr. Judy has asked that her students be involved, and I have asked my clinical and research assistant, Cody Capps, B.S., from LSU, to participate as well. There are only four psychologists on site to help thousands of people, so anything we can do via Zoom will help,” she said.

“The next workshop will be focused on women with cancer who have been in considerable pain,” said Dr. Nemeth. “I am working with Dr. Judy Kuriansky at Columbia University and her students to assist Dr. Alexander Zharkov with the
workshop. My presentation will be on a variation of the Tapping Exercise that was used in our Katrina 10 Workshops. We are still formulating the entire workshop, so
the results will be finalized in the next two weeks.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ψ We Remember Dr. John Bolter

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Dr. John F. Bolter died May 10, 2023, at the age of 72. He suffered
from Alzheimer’s disease.

A respected Clinical Neuropsychologist and Medical Psychologist, Dr. Bolter served as the Director of the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology at The NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge. He was one of the leaders of the movement to provide specially trained psychologists with “prescriptive authority” also called RxP. In 2004, he helped accomplish what many believed was an almost impossible achievement––the political maneuvering that gave Louisiana medical psychologists the right to prescribe medication, and the state psychology board the right to regulate that authority.

Dr. Bolter earned the distinction of being the first civilian psychologist in the United States to write a prescription for medication to treat emotional and behavioral health disorders. He was also a key figure in the education efforts of medical psychologists having developed a psychopharmacology education program for postdoctoral psychologists in 1998. He served as Senior Lecturer for the International Psychopharmacology Program, Alliant University, College of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, California.

Fellow medical and neuropsychologist, Dr. Darlyne Nemeth wrote, “Dr. John Bolter was a kind, loving, and multi-talented pioneer who changed the course of psychology forever. Along with Dr. James Quillin and their amazing colleagues, this small group of individuals sought to obtain prescription privileges for Louisiana Psychologists. Over many years, political forays, and monetary efforts, John, “Q,” and company prevailed. I was privileged to play a small part. John orchestrated that process,” she said, and “wrote the first prescription. Throughout, John remained a humble, soft-spoken man who never lost sight of the goal.”

In 2009, Dr. Bolter was part of a second and successful effort to give medical psychologists more autonomy by moving them under the medical board, known as Act 251. While controversial, the move was praised by many as a way of accelerating medical psychologists’ independent practice.

Dr. Warren Lowe, a colleague and also a leader in the medical psychologist community, wrote, “Medical psychologists stand on the shoulders of giants, none greater in stature than John Bolter and Jim Quillin. John was a visionary. His curriculum for post doctoral training in psychopharmacology has become the standard for universities across the country,” he said.

“John was intelligent, kind, and considerate, always willing to help a colleague. It was not his style to place himself in the limelight. What a privilege it has been for us to know him and to benefit from his counsel, wisdom, encouragement and determination. What a gift he has left us. God bless him,” Dr. Lowe said.

Dr. Bolter received multiple awards for his service to the field. In 2004 he and colleagues were named with the Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy, an award honoring those psychologists who have given voluntarily of their time to define the discipline of psychology statutorily by state and federal laws through advocacy.

His efforts were also recognized by the American Psychological Association Division 55’s Leadership Award and the Special Recognition Award in Leadership by Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists.

During his extensive career he served as Consulting Neuropsychologist at the Sage Rehabilitation Hospital, the NeuroMedical Center Surgical Hospital, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, the Medical Center of Baton Rouge, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and the South Louisiana Rehabilitation Hospital and Outpatient Center.

He was a Medical Expert Witness for the Office of Hearing and Approvals, Department of Health and Human Services, and Social Security Administration. He was Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Family Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, in Baton Rouge,

Dr. Joseph Comaty, colleague and medical psychologist, wrote for the Tributes Page, “I have so many memories of John there is too little space to share them. My memories of John are as a dynamic individual who was thoroughly engaged with his patients, his profession, his family, and his colleagues. You could not help feeling energized anytime you were in his company,” he said.

“I was fortunate to be in the first cohort of psychologists who trained to be prescribing psychologists in Louisiana and had the opportunity to observe first-hand John’s brilliance in the areas of clinical psychopharmacology, politics, academics, professional regulation, and organization. I remember our first class of instruction enroute to our MSCP degree. It was Neuroscience taught by John and two other colleagues. John was clearly one of the most intellectual thinkers I have known,” he said. “His service to his country and his profession will be honored continuously.”

Dr. Bolter was a member of the International Neuropsychology Society, National Academy of Neuropsychology American Psychological Association, APA Divisions 55 (Psychopharmacology), 40 (Neuropsychology), and 42 (Independent Practice). He was also a member of the Louisiana Psychological Association, the Southeastern Psychological Association, the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists, and the Academy of Medical Psychology.

He served as President of Louisiana Psychological Association and as Treasurer of Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists. He served on the Advisory Council of Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust Fund of  Louisiana, on the APA Psychopharmacology Task Force, and on the APA Model Practice Act Committee.

He served twice on the Board of Examiners of Psychologists, in 1995 as well as in 2007. 

Mr. Lloyd Lunceford, posting a Tribute, wrote, “As legal counsel for the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychology for twenty years, I had many occasions to work with dozens of outstanding board members — and John stood out as the best of the best. He was wise, kind, conscientious, hardworking, articulate, gracious, and humble. He was  devoted to his profession and to protecting the public health, a trusted leader who had the respect of his peers. I was blessed to know him, and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Throughout his long career Dr. Bolter assessed and treated thousands of people and published widely in the areas of brain trauma, seizure disorder, and dementia.

Just a few examples include: “The Relationship Between an Alternative Scoring System for the Halstead Category Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test,” in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology; “Item Error Frequencies for the Halstead Category Test: A Cross Validation Study for a Performance Validity Check,” in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology; “Frequency of occurrence of WAIS dementia profile in head trauma patient,” in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology; “Epilepsy in Children:  Neuropsychological Effects,” in J. E. Orbzut & G. W. Hynd (Eds.), Child  Neuropsychology Vol. II. Clinical Practice; and “Lateralized Cerebral Dysfunction in Early and Late Stage Alcoholics,” in Journal of Studies on Alcohol, and he published the “Multidigit Memory Test,” through Wang Neuropsychological Laboratories.

“We all knew Dr. Bolter as a pioneer in many areas of Psychology/Neuropsychology/Medical Psychology,” wrote a fellow  Neuropsychologist, “but I also wanted to share his pioneering efforts in the nascent development of embedded validity indicators in the 1980s (way before this was a regular thing in forensic neuropsychology).” Dr. Bolter and colleagues made use of embedded validity indicators to identify 18 items rarely missed by neurological patients, resulting in the “Bolter items.”

Dr. John Bolter made it a practice to train and share his information with others. He presented over 75 professional workshops, seminars and talks. Examples include: “PEP Review Course, Neurology and Neuroscience, Differential Diagnosis, and Integrating Psychopharmacology into Clinical Practice,” for The American Society for the Advancement of  Pharmacotherapy Mid-Winter Meeting, San Diego, California; “Workshop: Essential Laboratory Tests with Psychotropic Medications.,” for the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists Semi-Annual Meeting, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Symposium Chair: “From Law to Practice, Prescription Privileges in Louisiana,” for American Psychological Association Annual  Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana; “Rosecrans SEPA Invited Address:  Prescribing Activities of A Medical Psychologist,” for South Eastern  Psychological Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana; and “Workshop: A Review of Antidepressant Psychopharmacology,” for the Mississippi Psychological Annual Meeting, Biloxi, Mississippi.

A native of San Francisco, and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, he was born in 1950 in San Francisco, California, to Oila Larsen Bolter and Bernard John Bolter. He was a Vietnam era veteran, serving as a corpsman for the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1974, at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California and on the USS Ticonderoga. He served in the Army Reserves until 2001, at the rank of Major.

He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA degree in psychology. He obtained a master’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of the Pacific, and his PhD in clinical and neuropsychology from University of Memphis in 1983. He reentered the military for his clinical neuropsychology internship at Walter Reed Army Hospital in 1983. He obtained a postdoctoral Master’s degree in psychopharmacology in 1999.

His family noted that his “side gig” was as a drummer for the classic rock band Blu Rouge. He is survived by his wife Dr. Brenda L. Dawson, also a psychologist, currently in Wilmington, NC, his son Brian John Bolter (Lisa) and grandchildren Bailey and Barrett Bolter, Annapolis, MD, and his daughter Caroline Janice Bolter, Culver City, CA. Also surviving him are his brothers George B. Bolter (Barbara) in Janesville, WI, Bernard J. Bolter (Kay) in San Francisco, CA and James A. Bolter (Susan) also in San Francisco, CA. He was preceded in death by his infant son Patrick John Bolter, his parents and his stepparents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effort to Ban Medical Procedures for Trans Minors Fails in Committee

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In an exciting tie-breaker vote, the Senate Health and Welfare Committe tabled a bill which would have prohibited surgical and hormonal sex change procedures for miners. The committee chair, Senator Fred Mills, broke the tie and voted with the opposition to defer the bill.

Authored by Representative Michael Firment, the measure had passed the House, 71 to 24, after being heavily amended and substituted in committee. The Senate Committee vote was a tie at 4 to 4, splitting down party lines. The chair, a Republican, Senator Mills acknowledged his vote would break the tie.

He said, “It comes down to me. I’m going to make a statement then. I guess I’ve always in my heart of hearts, I believe that a decision should be made by a patient and a physician. I believe in the physicians in Louisiana. I believe the people that are licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners are well regulated. I believe in the scope of practice. I believe in the standard of care.” […] “So because of that, I do believe in opposition, and I believe in the right of a family to choose what’s best for them. I vote yes.”

During the hearing, Clinical psychologist, Dr. Clifton Mixson, was among those who testified in opposition to HB 648.

“I work in a gender clinic that prescribes hormone therapies to youth,” he said. “At the heart of this debate is mistrust in our medical and mental health providers to provide ethical, individualized care without prejudice and based on best practices and established research,” Mixon said. “I’m here to address these concerns in opposition to a mean-spirited bill that defies science and humanity.

“The evidence is clear––gender affirming medical interventions are safe and effective treatment for gender dysphoria and resulting mental health problems for many trans youth. Unfortunately, you’ve been exposed to false information that misrepresents the established research and practice guidelines on gender health care medicine. I am here with actual studies that can help you understand the actual facts. I have a doctoral degree with training in how to conduct and interpret research,” he said.

“These medical interventions reduce risk for suicide and improve overall mental health functioning and quality of life. We are not providing access to youth for whom it is not appropriate.”

He noted the success rate is high; high rates of treatment satisfaction and low rates of regret less than 1%. And he pointed out 20 position statements for major medical and mental health organizations across the country.

He explained that when he and his team suggest hormone therapy to these children, it is because they have exhausted all other options and when this happens they get better, he said.

“I’m here to tell you we know what we are doing. We are following established research, Best practice guidelines and our ethical codes and we are doing so with an awareness of our role and supporting safe exploration and decision-making. We are doing so with the best interest of every child and family member.”

Psychologist, Dr. Jesse Lambert, also testified in opposition, representing the Louisiana Psychological Association.

“A lot of research has been discussed today scientifically sound research that indicates that this is a true phenomena and that individuals who are trans have suffered greatly.

“Citing from the American Psychological Association, we have data that indicates that individuals who are trans experience more victimization, be that bullying, be that acts of violence occurring in school. They feel more ostracized, more isolated and this generalizes into relationships including close family relationships.

“I echo the data that indicates the greater likelihood of psychological morbidity including self-mutilation, suicide and also note research again endorsed by the American Psychological Association that shows greater degrees of satisfaction and resolution of these issues and that this isn’t immediately about going to a biological treatment modality.”

He explained that a model of triage issues with different intensities and that practitioners don’t automatically jump to biological modalities.

“If this bill should pass, psychologist would not be able to take part in a team-based approach, involving endocrinologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians and contribute to an individual’s care from a holistic standpoint.”

Speaking in favor of his measure, Rep. Firment said, “Perhaps the most compelling scientific evidence to consider today is the fact that several progressive European nations who pioneered chemical and surgical sex change procedures like England, Sweden, and Finland have completely reversed course on this issue and they are now recommending counseling and watchful waiting as opposed to the use of dangerous and experimental drugs and invasive and irreversible surgeries,” he said.

“We know that for 85% of the kids experiencing gender dysphoria, the confusion will resolve itself with time in counseling. We also know that despite claims to the contrary rates of suicides are not decreased and health outcomes are not improved with so-called gender affirming care. Where children are self diagnosing, decisions can lead to permanent damage including sterilization and loss of sexual function.”

Dr, Quenton Vanmeter, a pediatric endocrinologist from Atlanta, Georgia, cited evidence from European countries that suggests that there is no benefit in transgender surgery or hormonal treatment and that the suicide rate is not impacted.

Dr. Evelyn Griffin from Baton Rouge testified as a certified OB/GYN that puberty blockers are not approved for adolescents and are dangerous.

The clashing world views of the individuals supporting and those opposing the bill included both sides claiming that they had the more valid research and that the other side’s research was flawed. Sen. Mills asked why so many differences in the evidence.

Dr. Stephen Félix, a pediatrician, said, “The problem with the studies that the AEP reports and others, they do not have significant randomized control trials. They have small sample sizes, they have poor follow up, they have a lot of people lost to follow up, they have individuals who they have a very short period of time that they follow them. That’s why,” he said.

“The studies that are coming out of Sweden, Finland or long-term studies where they looked extensively and they said, ‘wait, this is all wrong.’ The quality of evidence that supports this transition therapy is poor. The level of evidence that we’re presenting is strong.”

Sen. Mills said that he just needed them to understand that there are a lot of organizations that have the other side.

Dr. Griffin said, “Policies are created by organizations, a small group of individuals in organizations. That is then broadcast out and physicians like ourselves, in the trenches, […] It does become increasingly difficult to practice medicine when you’re told by your employer that these are the benchmarks that you have to check off. So that’s actually the reality of what’s happening nowadays and that’s why you see a contradiction and what is perhaps shown in mainstream media or by organizations and why you see front line doctors like ourselves saying something different.”

During the two-hour hearing, some degenerated into mudslinging. Dr. Mixson remarked that Dr. Vanmeter’s views had been compared to a hollow chocolate Easter Bunny, and Rep. Firment returned that Dr. Mixson was a “radical activist who works for Ochsner’s Hospital.”

The hearing is available on the Senate archives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Newman Wins Sweetgrass Award

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Division 35 of the American Psychological Association (APA) has named Dr. Denise Newman, PhD, recipient of the 2023 Sweetgrass Award. The award
honors the Indigenous psychology professional who epitomizes values and virtues through the dedication of outstanding professionalism in service. For Native peoples, sweetgrass is a sacred plant that attracts positive energy, beauty, and sweetness.

Dr. Newman served as President for the Society for Indian Psychologists, whose stated mission is to provide an organization for Native American indigenous people to advocate for the mental well-being of Native peoples by increasing the knowledge and awareness of issues impacting Native mental health.

One of the main focuses for the Society is for Native psychologists to support professionals, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are aspiring for careers in any area of psychology and match them with Native mentors, to share ideas, spread knowledge, and provide new information that is relevant to Native People who are united by a common set of core values.

At the 2021 Society for Indian Psychologists (SIP) Convention, Dr. Newman was a co-collaborator for the SIP Mentorship Program: “The Native-to-Native way.” The Mentorship Program is an online mentoring community of American Indian/Alaska Native and Pacific Islander scholars in psychology and allied health professions. The SIP pair Native students and early career professionals with experienced and elder Native psychologists from all around the country and overseas. The program offers mentoring training and online webinars, CE offerings, on topics in Indigenous psychology, personal, and career development.

According to the APA Sweetgrass program, Dr. Newman is honored for actions including mentoring and support of Indigenous women, development or adaptation of research methods or models for treatment and intervention that are ethnical, cultural and gender appropriate for Indigenous women. Also included are activities such as advancing the understanding of the psychology of Indigenous women; the scientific understanding of features of ethnicity, culture and class among Indigenous women which pertain to the psychology of women. Advocating on behalf of Indigenous women in policy, clinical and research findings in the area of services to AN/AI and other Indigenous women, children, youth, and families, is also included.

Dr. Newman notes that her training and background as an analyst help her to be particularly sensitive to multicultural concerns and to the importance of knowing oneself in depth and in the context of relationships with others. She combines her scientific background in development and neuroscience with her interests in psychoanalysis and culture. Her psychotherapy style is depth and insight oriented, and she also has over 25 years’ experience in academic research, university teaching, graduate training, and clinical specialty practices background as a university professor.

Her specific areas of expertise include developmental psychopathology during adolescence, identity, and personality  development – including racial and ethnic identity, culture and neuroscience, diverse topics in American Indian mental health, and developmental topics in psychoanalysis. She especially enjoys working with culturally diverse populations and with pre/post-partum mothers. She is active in service with various international, national, and local professional organizations in
psychology, psychoanalysis, child development, American Indian affairs, and mental health.

She has published and presented scholarly research on topics in developmental psychopathology, psychiatric epidemiology, ethnic minority children’s development, and on Native American mental health and personality development. She has lectured nationally on topics related to the development of depression, anxiety, substance use, attention problems, dissociative or disruptive behavior, personality and identity development, stress and trauma in preschool, adolescence, and during the transition to young adulthood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dyslexia Screening Bill Goes Forward with Amendments

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HB 69 by Rep. Marino revises laws relative to screening for dyslexia. The measure was voted out of the Senate Education Committee favorably after being amended by Sen. Jackson and testimony from Dr. Jesse Lambert of the Louisiana Psychological Association. The amendments changed the word “diagnosis” to “identification” and the word “psychometric” to “academic.”

The measure is pending Legislative Bureau as of May 31.

The measure Was voted out of the Education Committee of the House
favorably at 11 to 0. It was voted on by the House on April 25 and passed 105 to 0.

According to the digest, the Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the engrossed bill are as follows: 
1. Require the state Department of Education to select a dyslexia screener that meets certain criteria and to provide the screener, at no cost, to each public school.
2. Change the word “diagnosis” to “identification”.
3. Change the word “psychometric” to “academic”.
4. Require the core assessment for the identification of dyslexia to include a brief standardized screening tool of intellectual ability.

According to the current digest, the proposed law requires the state Department of Education to select a dyslexia screener with an area under the curve of 0.80 or above and provide the screener, at no cost, to each public school. Further requires the dyslexia screener to be administered to each student by a classroom teacher in the second half of kindergarten or at any time it is requested by a teacher or a parent or guardian. Prohibits the screener from being a progress monitoring tool and requires that it be developed solely for dyslexia; be evidence-based with proven, published academic validity; and be used for the purpose of determining whether a student is at-risk for dyslexia.

Regarding Identification, the digest says that the proposed law, relative to diagnosis, provides the following:
(1) Provides that if screening results indicate that a student is at risk for dyslexia, the school, in order to determine whether he has dyslexia, shall determine through history, observation, and academic assessment if there are unexpected difficulties in reading and associated linguistic problems at the level of phonological processing that are unrelated to the student’s intelligence, age, and grade level. (2) Provides that the core assessment for the identification of dyslexia shall not be based on a single test score or specific number of characteristics and shall include the following: (a) Tests of language, particularly phonemic assessment, real words and pseudowords, oral reading fluency, and a brief standardized screening tool of intellectual ability. (b) An academic performance review. (c) A parental interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stress Solutions

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How Wild Animals Cope with Stress

Humans are not the only animals that suffer from an overload of stress. Animals from our pets to lizards and songbirds to wild beasts can experience stressful and challenging situations that actually can have long-lasting impacts of them. Just as young children can have lifelong consequences from Early Life Stress (ELS), so can a rare Colorado checkered whiptail lizard stress eat in response to noise. In fact, the similarities to humans includes passing on  trauma to the next generation. Just as pregnant mothers who are super- stressed and anxious during pregnancy can affect the performance of their offspring (generational trauma), the same passing of the trauma has been identified in some species, like small fresh water fish.

Many of us overeat to  stress. Or, we drink too much coffee. Or, maybe we drink too much of other substances that are bad for our health. Some of us have developed life threatening habits, like smoking, and the response to increase stress is to light up.

A new study involving the rare Colorado checkered whiptail lizard discovered that part of their habitat is an army base. Low flying aircraft regularly fly in and out of the base producing sounds that are much louder than the lizards experience naturally and the result is almost continuing stress for the species.  The study took blood from some of the lizards and found that during flyovers they released more cortisol – yes, our old friend, Cortisol – and they ate more and moved less.

Sleep is important for all animals, human and non-human. Sleep deprivation is a definite form of stress. The effects of sleep deprivation on animals is actually studied even in fruit flies and bees. Fruit flies, for instance, sleep less and eat more when subjected to social isolation. Sleep deprived mice eat more.  Butterflies who don’t get enough rest/sleep have been known to even lay their eggs on the wrong types of plants. And, some bee species who are sleep deprived perform their waggle dances with less precision. The “waggle dance” of a bee is their equivalent of a GPS. So a sleep deprived bee who is supposed to be communicating with the rest of the hive as to the direction of food could be off in the directions they are giving the others.

It is not just sleep deprivation or too much noise or too much heat or rain that can cause stress in animals. The presence of predators obviously makes animals nervous. And, that goes for most humans, too.

A Large Share of Americans Say Country is in Decline, a PEW Research Study Finds

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In a research study conducted by PEW, Americans are pessimistic about the current and future state of the country.

The vast majority expressed dissatisfaction with the economy and overall national conditions.  “And when they look toward the not-too-distant future, they see a country that in many respects will be worse than it is today,” concluded a new Pew Research Center survey, reported by Andrew Daniller on April 24.

The majority of adults say that in 2050, “the U.S. economy will be weaker, the United States will be less important in the world, political divisions will be wider and there will be a larger gap between the rich and the poor. Far fewer adults predict positive developments in each of these areas.”

When asked if the US economy would be weaker or stronger, 66% of the respondents said they believed it would be weaker by the year 2050. And, 32% judged that it would be stronger.

A full 71% of respondents said the US will be less important in the world at that time in the future, while 27% said the US will be more important.

In the study, when participants were asked if the country will be more politically divided or less, 77% said more and 21% said less.

When asked if the gap between the rich and the poor will grow or get smaller, 81% said it would grow and 18% said the gap would get smaller.

“Americans’ negative views of the nation’s future are influenced by their bleak assessments of current conditions,” said the authors. “Only 19% of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the country, while 80% are dissatisfied. Ratings of the economy remain largely negative, and an increasing share of the public expects economic conditions to worsen over the next year.”

There is an age gap. “Differences between older and younger Democrats account for most of this age gap. A sizable majority of Democrats 50 and older (80%) have at least some confidence in the country’s future. That compares with 62% of Democrats ages 35 to 49 and 53% of those 18 to 34. Among Republicans, by contrast, there are only modest differences on this question across age groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APA Speaks Out on Confidentiality and Reproductive Decisions

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Representatives of the American Psychological Association passed a “Resolution on  confidentiality and reproductive health” in February 2023.

According to the statements put forth by the APA representatives, the resolution affirms that a  psychologist’s allegiance to the ethics code should be given utmost attention when psychologists are faced with an ethical conflicts regarding law of disclosure and confidential information about sexual and reproductive health.

In the resolution officials noted the following:

“WHEREAS psychologists must be able to speak freely with their patients, and patients must know they have confidentiality when speaking with their psychologists, a concept recognized by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in asserting that, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, “under fundamental First Amendment principles, individuals must remain free to inform and counsel each other about the reproductive care that is available in  other states;” and

“WHEREAS Standard 4.01 of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct  (Ethics Code) states that psychologists have a “primary obligation… to protect confidential information”; […]

“WHEREAS the Ethics Code does not require that a psychologist follow the law when a conflict arises between the law and the Code, but instead allows “each psychologist [to]. . . weigh the consequences of their decision when navigating these [reproductive justice] issues and attempt to resolve the conflict in ways that are consistent with the APA Ethics Code based on their own circumstances” […]

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the APA that the American Psychological Association, in accordance with the APA policy on reproductive rights, and human rights, affirms that a psychologist’s allegiance to the Ethics Code, including ethical standards related to patient confidentiality, should be given the utmost attention and significance especially when psychologists are faced with ethical conflicts with a law requiring the disclosure of confidential  information regarding sexual and reproductive health, including birth control; fertility  treatment; contemplating, seeking, or having had an abortion; and related issues.

The report is available at www.apa.org/about/policy/resolutionconfidentiality-reproductive- health.

FAQ at https://www.apa.org/ethics/reproductive-rights.pdf.

 

 

Gov. Edwards Makes Appointments

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On April 10, the Gov. announced several appointments, including:

Ms. Amanda Brunson of Baton Rouge was appointed to the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board. Ms. Brunson is assistant secretary of child welfare for the Department of Children and Family Services.

Ms. Krystle H. Mitchell of Slidell was appointed to the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board. Ms. Mitchell is interim executive director at the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers in Covington. She will represent LA Children’s Advocacy Centers.

Ms. Reshonn A. Saul of Vacherie was appointed to the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board. Ms. Saul is the assistance program manager for FINS (Families in Need of Services) with the Louisiana Supreme Court. She will represent the LA Families in Need of Services Association.

Ms. Cheri A. Crain of Zachary was appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Ms. Crain is a compliance and planning manager with the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. She will represent the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

Ms. Julie F. Hagan of Springfield was appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Services
Disabilities Council. Ms. Hagan is director Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. She will represent the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities.

The Louisiana Developmental Disability Council’s mission is to lead and promote advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Other recent appointments included: Ms. Doris G. Brown of Baton Rouge was appointed to the Louisiana Department of Health, and will serve as the assistant secretary of the Office of Public Health. Torrie T. Harris, Dr.P.H., of Baton Rouge was appointed to the La Department of
Health. Dr. Harris will serve as the assistant secretary of the Office on Women’s Health and Community Health. Mr. Louis P. Lipinski Jr. of Greenwell Springs, Ms. Danielle G. Rhodes of
Houma, and Mr. Thomas G. Mungall of Baton Rouge were appointed to the Louisiana position of Licensed Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Board of Examiners. Mr. Lipinski is the owner of Lipinski & Associates LLC. Ms. Rhodes is a co-owner and vocational rehabilitation counselor with Bailey McCaffery LLC. Mr. Mungall is a vocational rehabilitation counselor at Thomas G. Mungall, LRC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RRR: A Review

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by Alvin G. Burstein

Although I miss the silver screen and the ambience of the movie theatre, I have found that streamed television has given me access to films that I might not have encountered in a theatre.

RRR, released 2022, is one of those. When I learned film writer and critic Robert Cargill described it as the “craziest, most sincere, weirdest blockbuster,” I searched for it on Netflix and settled myself down for its over three hour running time. The RRR of the title are from Telugu, one of the major languages spoken in the sub-continent of India. The three R’s are taken for the three individuals who developed this film, Rajamouli, Ram Charan and Rama Rao. They also  stand for Roudram, Ranam, Rudhiram. Translated into English as Fierce, Fear, Death, they bespeak a serious, even ominous element in this Indian film. The film is dubbed and subtitled in English, and, I would guess, several Indian dialects.

Ferocity, fear and death abound in the film, but another element of the movie is providing an origin myth with the hopeful intent of uniting the complex of societies and cultures in the sub-continent of India, in the same way that the myth of Romulus and Remus helped bring the varied elements of the Italian peninsula together into a nation.

The film does so by propagating a myth about two well-known figures who fought against the colonial rulers of India during the first half of the 20th century, Komoram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raja. These two, who never in fact met, are mythologized by providing them with invented back-stories and differing relationships with their common enemy.

Bheem becomes the shepherd of a tribe, one of whose members, a young girl, is abducted, stolen from her mother by the British Raj, Governor Scott Buxton and his wife. Bheem embarks on a long and dangerous quest to recover the child and return her to her family.

At the same time, Alluri Raja is portrayed as a “good” Indian, one who is seeking to succeed as a British soldier under the Raj’s command. Because of his color he is denied deserved promotion. Later, promised a valued position if he discovers and punishes those whom the Raj hears are seeking to recover the child, he swears to accomplish that mission.

Without recognizing each other, these fatefully opposed crusaders, Bheem and Raja, by chance, meet in a shared effort to rescue a young boy caught in an accidental marine inferno. Their joint effort welds them into a companionship diametrically their competing but secret missions. They become boon companions. The more sophisticated Raja helps the more rustic Bheem attract  the beautiful daughter of the Raj, in whose household the abducted child is held. Their  companionship reaches a crescendo when the duo involves a large social gathering at the Raj’s palatial home in a long weird and wild song and dance scene, Naacho Naacho (Dance Dance), thatvleaves everyone exhausted—except Bheem.

Raja ultimately identifies, captures and tortures Bheem,winning his reward from the Raj. But when Raja is poisoned by another of the revolutionaries he has captured, Bheem saves his life. The two of them then collaborate to touch off a revolution that involves unleashing a horde of wild animals and the bloody death of scores of British including the Raj and his wife.

In what I take to be an unintentional irony, an announcement at the film’s beginning assures us that no real animals are used in the film—they are computer generated avatars.

Cargill was right. This is a crazy, sincere, weird blockbuster meant, I think, to propagate an origin myth intended to help all Indians, maybe all humans, become brothers.

Stress Solutions

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10 Stress-Free Minutes a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

It is true that most of us cannot avoid stress, especially if we want to continue to be an active participant in the world. Stress goes with the territory of juggling a career, a family, and a social life. Most of us understand only too well the dangers of continuing to schedule full days, of adding new projects to an already overlong list, and still trying to find some time for ourselves at the end of the day. We routinely overbook ourselves. Some of us have the grace to promise to do better next week and might even believe that we can make it up later. But, can we?

Chronic stress is now linked to so many problems related to illness, chronic health problems, anxiety, loss of memory, and reduced longevity that it would take the rest of this column to simply list all the ways it affects our lives.

We know, for example, that the things we think about and dwell on can have a direct effect on how much cortisol, or stress hormone, is produced in our body. Keeping the cortisol down has become a new goal for the health conscious. Researchers from the University of California, Davis have published findings from a long-term study, called the Shamatha Project, that studied how meditation influences the brain and mental health. The article, published in the journal Health Psychology, reports that meditation, and particularly mindfulness training, helps lower stress and cortisol levels, which in turn can help you lose excess weight and avoid developing “cortisol belly.”

It’s time to draw a line in the sand and start reducing stress and cortisol. What I am proposing is not perfect, but it is a start that you can build on. If you keep waiting until you have the time, or until you can do it “right,” it could be too late. Stop letting your calendar manage you. Don’t try” to do better. As Yoda says, “Do or Do Not!”

Begin Your 10 Stress-Free Minutes Today

You might think that 10 minutes a day is not much help. But it is. A few minutes goes a long way toward recharging your energy and breaking up your resistance to taking breaks. You can gradually add more mental “down time” and physical relaxation to each day.

Get started by making yourself push away from your desk or daily routine for 10 minutes. Take this break with the intention of taking a brief mental holiday; give your mind a rest. Why not begin with 10 minutes of Mindfulness? Or, spend 10 minutes in focused breathing (with longer  exhale). Add some music or put your feet up, close your eyes and direct your favorite piece of music.

Remind yourself to do this daily by putting the reminder into your smart phone.

And, by the way, those of you who work with stressed-out clients, I have found that many seriously stressed patients are so overwhelmed that they cannot even begin to think about how they can reduce their stress.

The above suggestion that they start with just 10 minutes a day has helped many people start adding relief to their day. Once they begin, the time can be gradually increased.

Psychology tells us that making a conscious choice with commitment is a powerful tool.

Do as I say AND as I do.

Legislature Churning Away; Gov. Makes Remarks and Presents His Bill Package

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On April 10 Gov. Edwards made remarks to open the 2023 Regular Session. As prepared for delivery, he noted that in this final year of his second term, the work is far from over. “When I took office in 2016, the state had a $1 billion dollar budget deficit to close out that fiscal year and a $2 billion deficit for the following year,” said the Gov. “It took numerous special sessions
and a lot of bipartisanship, but we were able to navigate a balanced approach with no gimmicks and no one-time money spent on recurring expenditures. […]

“Ever since my administration was fully responsible for the budget, FY 17, we’ve run surpluses. Because of those surpluses, the state’s rainy day fund will be the healthiest it has ever been.
Added to the revenue stabilization fund created in my first year as governor, we will start next fiscal year with more than $2 billion available for future shortfalls and emergencies. […]

“We’ve gone from a state that was disinvesting in higher education more than anywhere else in the country to a state making historic investments in higher education,” he said. “We are fully funding TOPS and have increased GO Grant dollars. We are dedicating money this year to address deferred maintenance and important safety enhancements on our campuses. Every student should have the opportunity to receive a high quality degree or credential right here in Louisiana and they deserve to feel safe when they are on campus. Through increased formula funding and new initiatives targeting critical workforce shortages and opportunities, we are  creating a world class workforce. […]

‘As you know, my first act as governor was to expand Medicaid to the working poor. […] Now, more than 500,000 working Louisianans have access to healthcare who otherwise wouldn’t. In 2015, 22.7% of working age adults in Louisiana did not have health insurance. As a result of
Medicaid Expansion, in 2022, the uninsured rate among adults fell to 9.4%, below the national average of 10.2%.”

In an April 18 press release, Governor Edwards reviewed the bills in his 2023 legislative package.

“This package of bipartisan legislation aims for a Louisiana that lives our pro-life values,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “To truly be pro-life in my estimation, we must make it easier for parents to feed, educate and house their children. We need to raise the minimum wage, close our gender pay gap, and offer our people paid family and medical leave. We must also find empathy for victims of rape and incest who become pregnant. And I am calling on the legislature to abolish the death penalty, which promotes a culture of death and has proven to be expensive and ineffective at deterring crime.”

The governor’s priority bills are in addition to his state budget request, unveiled earlier this year, which calls for a $3,000 teacher pay raise, the largest-ever state general fund investment in early childhood education, a permanent increase of $100 per month (a 20% increase) in 
supplemental pay, and historic funding for higher education, according to the announcement.

 

 

Dr. Phillips Resigns as Head of La Department of Health

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Last month Gov. Edwards announced that Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Secretary, Dr.  Courtney N. Phillips, had submitted her resignation, effective April 6, 2023.

LDH Director of Legal, Audit and Regulatory Affairs, Stephen Russo, who has served LDH for 27 years and as executive counsel since 2008, will serve as secretary upon Sec. Phillips’ resignation, according to the announcement.

“Secretary Phillips is one of the hardest working, most capable, and most accomplished people I’ve ever met,” said Gov. Edwards. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, her decisive and thoughtful leadership saved lives. She spearheaded our response as we established an unprecedented mass testing program and innovative vaccine rollout and distribution program. Remarkably, she didn’t let the response to the COVID-19 emergency stop LDH from making progress on other important initiatives, like our work to improve health equity, address maternal mortality, and expand access to critical health services. I have no doubt she will continue her dedication to service in this next chapter for her and her family,” said Gov. Edwards.

“I’m a big believer in public service,” Sec. Phillips said, “so the opportunity to return to my home state and give back in such a meaningful way at such a critical time is something that will stay with me for the rest of my career,” said Sec. Phillips. “There’s a great deal to be proud of as the head of LDH, but the intentional effort that went into equitably rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines and ultimately saving thousands of lives ranks among my top accomplishments. I want to thank Governor Edwards for his leadership and all LDH team members, the Louisiana  Legislature and the entire healthcare system of Louisiana for their support and partnership over the past three years.”

According to the announcement, Phillips, who had previously led two state health and human services agencies in Nebraska and Texas, was named LDH secretary in April 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She guided the agency through unprecedented challenge, overseeing LDH’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricanes Laura and Ida, but also led proactive efforts to strengthen the pipeline for a more diverse healthcare workforce; expand access to critical health services, including a suite of additional behavioral health services, the extension of dental benefits to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage from six weeks to one year, and a focus on preventative screenings and services; and develop and implement a new, more sustainable payment model for hospitals, dental providers and ambulance providers.

Also according to the announcement, Phillips led the successful development and implementation of LDH Business Plans in FY22 and FY23 and the Department’s commitments, priorities and measurable goals on a range of health issues, including maternal health, behavioral health and chronic diseases. 

 

Board Publishes New Rules

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After dismissing any significant changes suggested by the community members given at the December 16, 2022 public feedback meeting, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists has gone forward and finalized almost 19,000 words of new regulations published in the April Louisiana Register.

The most dramatic change may be the creation of a new registration category for assistants to psychologists, including new rules and regulations on how these assistants must be supervised.

In Chapter 11, Supervision of Assistants to Psychologists, the new rules note: “An assistant registered under the provisions of this Chapter shall utilize the title ‘assistant to a psychologist’ also referred to as ‘ATAP’ only within the context of their employment with a licensed psychologist or their employment within an agency or hospital while under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist; […]

“An ATAP providing psychological services must be under the general and continuing professional supervision of a licensed psychologist. In order to maintain ultimate legal and professional responsibility for the welfare of every client, the supervisor must be vested with functional authority over the psychological services provided by an ATAP.

“Upon, or pending, employment of an ATAP, but prior to assisting in psychological duties, the Supervising Psychologist shall submit a complete application for initial registration, required registration fee, and documentation on such form and in such manner as may be prescribed by the board to demonstrate that the registrant meets all of the following criteria:

[…]”In §1103, Responsibilities of Supervisors, the new rule requires that the psychologist, “provides general professional supervision of the ATAP that shall include one cumulative hour per week as a minimum for direct supervisory contact,” and that “exceptions to this  requirement must have prior approval of the board;”

The board points out that, ” Neglect in maintaining the above standards of practice may result in disciplinary action against the supervisor’s license to practice, including suspension or revocation.”

The new rules also include changes in roles, for examples the inclusion of an advisory workgroup and a position, licensing examiner. Changes to the definition of an applicant include the criminal history background check. There are also changes in the definition of and requirements relating to the Provisional Licensed Psychologist and the applicant phase of the provisional license.

Chapter 3, training and credentials in the doctoral programs of psychology, includes changes. Qualifications for doctoral programs that are not accredited by the American Psychological Association are specified as having to meet several detailed standards.

In a section regarding specialty areas, the new rules outline definitions for Health Service Psychology and General Applied Psychology.

“The provision of direct health and/or behavioral health services requires training in an applied health service area such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology,
school psychology, or other developed health service areas that are offered under training programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in a health service area. […]

And, “General Applied Psychology. The provision of psychological services in applied non-healthcare areas include services outside health and behavioral health fields; direct services to individuals and/or groups for assessment and/or evaluation of personal abilities and characteristics for individual development, behavior change, and/or for making decisions about the individual; and may also include services to organizations that are provided for the benefit of the organization. […]

The new rules also define clinical neuropsychology and add to the description, “[…] specialty internship in clinical neuropsychology (one year minimum), followed by the completion of one year of post-doctoral supervised experience in clinical neuropsychology; or, the equivalent of two full years (4,000 hours) of post-doctoral experience in clinical neuropsychology under the
supervision of a qualified clinical neuropsychologist […]”

For Chapter 7, supervised practice leading toward licensure, the new rule adds the following: “supervised practice and establishes that the legal, administrative and professional responsibility of supervision rests with the licensed psychologist or medical psychologist licensed in accordance with R.S. 27:1360.51 et seq., designated as supervisor.”

The text for §705, qualifications of supervisors, includes: “Responsibility for the overall supervision of the supervisee’s professional growth resides in the licensed psychologist or medical psychologist. Supervising psychologists shall be licensed to practice psychology at the doctoral level by the regulatory body that is vested with jurisdictional authority over the practice of psychology in the respective jurisdiction.”

Also, “The supervisor may not supervise any more than two candidates for licensure at the same time.”

New information on telepsychology and telesupervision is included in the new rules. Examples are: “The use of telecommunications is not appropriate for all problems. The specific process of providing professional services varies across situation, setting and time, and decisions  regarding the appropriate delivery of telepsychology services are made on a case-by-case basis.
The rules instruct psychologists to, “reflect on multicultural issues when delivering telepsychology services to diverse clients; obtain the necessary professional and technical training, experience, and skills to adequately conduct the telepsychology services that they provide;” and “have an Emergency Management plan.”

n §1702, Definition of Psychological Testing, Evaluation and Assessment, the rules note: “The Board of Examiners of Psychologists finds it necessary to formally define psychological testing in order to protect the people of this state from the unlawful, unqualified and improper use of
psychological tests. The intent of this rule is to provide a definition of psychological testing sufficient to allow this board to effectively regulate this aspect of psychological practice. […]

In §803, Requirements, the Board is adding: “Within each reporting period, two of the required hours or credits of continuing professional development must be within the area of multiculturalism or diversity in accordance with the limitations specified in §807.

In §805, Acceptable Sponsorship, Offerings and Activities, the board is making changes and clarifications to who may offer continuing education.

“A. Any individual or entity may apply for board approval of a proposed CPD offering or activity as follows. 1. The individual or entity providing the proposed CPD offering or activity files a completed CPD Approval Application on the form provide by the board. 2. The individual or entity providing the proposed CPD offering or activity provides information sufficient to the board that the CPD meets requirements set forth under §801; […]”

For Chapter 9, Licensees, the board is establishing §905. Psychologists Emerit: Retired.

“A. A psychologist emeritus: retired is eligible to renew their emerit status license provided they submit such renewal application along with the annual renewal fee at the reduced rate established under Chapter 6 of this Part; and are fully retired from the practice of psychology, not rendering psychological services in any form, and are not engaging in any activity that might be construed as the practice of psychology within the state of Louisiana.”The retired individual is not required to complete continuing professional development.

Also included was an extensive code of ethics for the License School Specialist in Psychology.
The complete rules maybe found in the Louisiana Register, April edition, pages 657-679, at
https://www.doa.la.gov/media/vs3jr5io/2304.pdf

 

 

Psychological Scientists Present at Southwestern, Southeastern Psych Association Annual Conventions

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by James Glass

The Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) annual convention was held at the  Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas, March 31 – April 2, and the Southeastern Psychological
Association (SEPA) held its 69th Annual meeting at the Sheraton in New Orleans from April 5 – 8, 2023. Both hosted numerous psychological scientists, researchers and students from around the state.

SWPA featured invited speaker, Dr. Janelle McDaniel, University of Louisiana – Monroe. Dr.  McDaniel provided a presentation on, “Changing Demographics in Higher Education and the Mentor Relationship.” Some of the topics discussed in the presentation focused on the increasing shrinking number of traditional students enrolling and the many changes and challenges occurring in mentor relationships between students and faculty.

Among the many Louisiana researchers presenting at this year’s SEPA, were Nathan Brown, PsyD, Sebastian Del Corral Winder, PsyD., Amy Rinner, PsyD, and Amy Dickson, PsyD, from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, who conducted continuing education workshops.

Drs. Nathan Brown and Sebastian Del Corral Winder also presented a workshop on, “Exploring bilingualism and biculturalism with Latinx patients.” Several topics of discussion during the presentation were: Cultural, linguistic, and racial factors impacting psychological services with Latinx individuals. Emphasis on cultural sensitivity and humility to approach differences and similarities with Latinx individuals while providing psychological services and addressed common challenges when working with Latinx individuals.

Dr. Amy Rinner also collaborated on, “Trauma informed supervision: A framework.” During the workshop, attendees learned the basic principles of trauma informed care and how this translates to the supervisory relationship. The presentation also covered the basic
framework and interventions to implement in supervision to support a trauma-informed space and relationship.

Drs. Sebastian Del Corral Winder, Amy Rinner, and Amy Dickson, PsyD, also conducted a presentation on, “What is infant mental health? A time for exploration.” During their presentation they explored the contemporary theories and components of infant mental health, which encompassed birth to five years of age. The presentation also defined the core components of providing psychological services to infants, young children, and their caregivers. The brief also identified innovative ways to provide psychological services to infants by utilizing telehealth and in-person modalities.

Drs. Amy Rinner, Sebastian Del Corral Winder, and Amy Dickson, PsyD, presented a workshop on, “Fathers are caregivers too!: Clinical work with fathers.” During the brief, attendees learned the foundational knowledge about the role of male caregivers in young children’s lives and development, with an emphasis on the protective factors of having a male caregiver. The presenters shared vignettes and addressed nuances to working with male caregivers while citing relevant research.

The Southwestern Psychological Association annual convention also hosted researchers from around the state who presented a variety of topics, including:

Louisiana Tech University 

Kristen Hooper and Brandon Waits discussed, “The impact of social support and self-compassion on attitudes toward those who misuse substances.”

Edward Craig and Walter Buboltz presented on, “Food, Mood, Life.”

Walter Buboltz and Sarah Prather presented, “The Relationship Between Sleep, Coping with College, and Satisfaction with College.”

Lakyn Boone and Walter Buboltz conducted a session on, “The Moderating Effect of Drug Use and Emotional Dysregulation on the Relationship Between Sleep and Health.”

McNeese State University

Dena Matzenbacher and Kane Vest, Linda Brannon presented, “Perceptions of Factors
Contributing to Problems Among Young Adults.”

Dena Matzenbacher and Kane Vest, Linda Brannon discussed, “A Replication of Emerging Adults’ Perceptions of Emerging Adults.”

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Charles R. King and Billie Clare Myers presented, “The neurobiology of Addiction:
The Process of Transitioning from Recreational Substance Use to a Substance Use Disorder or Addiction.”

Southeastern Louisiana University

Paula Varnado-Sullivan, Claire Huston, Jacey Fitzmorris, and Nele Gudermann discussed, “A Comparison of Faculty and Student Perceptions of Academic Integrity.”

Paula Varnado-Sullivan, Claire Huston, Jacey Fitzmorris, and Nele Gudermann conducted a presentation on, “Further Examination of Neutral Party Affiliation and Non-Voters: Have Recent Events Impacted their Political Attitudes.”

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Brittany Milton, Valanne MacGyvers, and David Perkins conducted a session on, 
“Adult Attachment and Relationship Behaviors.”

Kiara Martin and Valanne MacGyvers presented, “The role of ACEs on academic achievement and psychological well-being.”

Jaci Philliber, Cy Dupuis, Brielle Jones, Joy Martin, Sydney Guidry, Cantika Nasution, Isabel Lanciotti, Kathie Li, and Hung-Chu Lin presented, “Alcohol Misuse in College Students:  Childhood Adversity and Somatic Symptoms as Correlates.”

Ayodeji Adegoke and Valanne MacGyvers conducted a session on, “Impact of ACEs on
personal identity formation among emerging adults.”

Cydnei Meredith, Taylor Guillory, Madison Gordy, and Christie Charles presented, “What’s in a name? Perceptions of first names in the workplace.”

Alexis Walker, Dahja Antoine, Braden Teer, and Erika Caramillo-Hatch conducted a session on, “The effects of N-acetylcysteine on nicotine addiction in zebrafish.”

Austin Foreman, Victor Smith, Bella Patterson, and Erika Caramillo-Hatch presented, “The effects of ARID1B gene knockout on ASD related behavior in zebrafish.”

Brianna Sadighian and Manyu Li University of discussed, “Social Restrictiveness as a Predictor for Treatment-Seeking Attitudes in Asian Americans.”

Valanne MacGyvers, Andrea Eggenberger, Taylor Gage, Emily DeGruise Ayodeji Adegoke, and Ella Garlington conducted a session on, “Motivating Factors in Academic Cheating, Part 2.”

Matthew Andersland, Mateo Chavez, Kalli Segura, Ashlyn Suchand, and Valanne MacGyvers presented, “Academic Motivation, Course Delivery, and Academic Dishonesty.”

Jaci Philliber, Brielle Jones, Cy Dupuis, Joy Martin, Sydney Guidry, Cantika Nasution, Isabel Lanciotti, Kathie Li, and Hung-Chu Lin discussed, “Somatic Symptoms in College Students: Childhood Trauma as a Correlate.”

Hunter Sudduth, David Perkins, Matthew Andersland, and Nicole Pyke collaborated on, “Exploring the Interpersonal Consequences of Existential Isolation in College Students.”

Ashley Fromenthal presented, “Perceived social support and life satisfaction in older adults: The role of sense of autonomy.”

Ariana Milner discussed, “Exploring the Relationship Between Prodromal Schizophrenia, Emotion Dysregulation, and Distress Intolerance.”

Mateo Chavez, Valanne MacGyvers, and David Perkins presented, “Implementing a Grit and Growth Mindset Intervention to Reduce Social Anxiety.”

Theresa Wozencraft and Jon-Patric Veal discussed, “SES and Race Differences in Predictors of Mental Health Treatment Seeking.”

Theresa Wozencraft, Tanya Castaneda, and Savannah Hidalgo conducted a session on, “Binge Eating, Body Image, and Weight Concerns in Black and White Individuals.”

Aidan Guidry, Prynceston Fant, and Hung-Chu Lin collaborated on, “Empathy, Attachment Insecurity, and Perceived Parenting: Differences between Inmates and College Students.”

Valanne MacGyvers, David Perkins, Mateo Chavez, Brittany Milton, and Kayla Rico presented, “Empathizing or Systemizing Cognitive Style as a Predictor of Music Listening Experience.”

Ashley Messina discussed, “Predicting Racebased Traumatic Stress among Black and African Americans.”

Emily DeGruise, Valanne MacGyvers, Andrea Eggenberger, Taylor Gage, and Ella Garlington presented, “Experienced corporal punishment and empathy, leadership, and achievement in college.”

Kalli Rose Segura conducted a session on, “Predictors of Manding Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

Katelynn Benge discussed, “College Students’ Attitudes Towards Cohabitation.”

Ashley Messina, Brianna Sadighian, Ashley Fromenthal, Brad Parfait, Prynceston Fant, Joshua  DeLacerda, and Valanne MacGyvers conducted a session on, “History of Sex Education as a Predictor of Attitudes Toward Sexual Pleasure and Sexually Coercive Behaviors.”

Kayla Rico, Valanne MacGyvers, and David Perkins presented a session on, “Coping with Covid Isolation: The roles of personality, music, and pets.”

Prynceston Fant, Anna Romero, Kinsey Hatfield, and Hung-Chu Lin collaborated on, “Mood and Somatic Symptoms in Direct Support Professionals: The Correlates of Self-efficacy and Job Satisfaction.”

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Kaitlyn Morris, Chad Lewing, Rick Stevens, and Carlie Silvis had a session on, “Motivational and Cognitive Predictors of Belief in Conspiracies.”

Madelyn Williams presented, “Psychological Reactance as a Motivation in Psychopathy:  Validation among Incarcerated Males.”

At the Southeastern Psychological Association annual convention researchers also presented their work. A number of representatives from around the state presented various topics at SEPA.

Included were the following:

Louisiana State University of Alexandria

Austin Souphanthalop and Mark LaCour presented their research on, “Asian Values, Regardless of Western Acculturation, Predict Hesitancy to Use Formal Mental Health Systems.”

Ronna Matthews, Mark LaCour, and Zebulon Bell discussed, “The Effects of Political Affiliation on Conceptualizations of Drug Addiction and Drug Policy.”

Louisiana State University HSC

Sebastian Del Corral Winder, Amy Dickson, and Amy Rinner collaborated in the presentation on, “Does the Type of Allegation Impact the Time to Reunification?”

Nathan H. Brown and Sebastian Del Corral Winder presented, “Exploring Bilingualism and Biculturalism with Latinx Patients.” Sebastian Del Corral Winder was in collaboration on,  “Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Advocating for Multidisciplinary Teams.”

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Neeru Deep, Susan Thorson-Barnett collaborated on, “College Students: Keep Working on Your Grit.”

Southeastern Louisiana University

Brooklyn Sherrod, Elizabeth Dockter, Joshua Mclain, and Susan Coats presented a session on, “Pseudoscience to Psychological Treatments Among University Students.”

Cecilia LaFosse and Claire Houtsma presented, “Effects of TBI on PTSD Symptom Cluster Severity Among Veterans.”

Sara Sohr-Preston presented research on, “Assessing Change in Knowledge Among Developmental Psychology Students.”

Louisiana Tech University

Mary Margaret Livingston, Mitzi Desselles, and Donna Thomas conducted a session on, “History of the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech University.”

Loyola University & Southeast La
Veterans Health Care System

Grace Patrick, Mara Ferrie, Jennifer Petell, Rosie Hunter, Loyola University New Orleans, Kelly Maieritsch, Laurel Franklin, and Amanda Raines, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System presented their research on, “Psychometric Properties of the PCL-5 in Black Veterans.“

Loyola University

Evan Zucker collaborated in the presentation on, “Comparative Psychology in Zoological Parks:  One Lab’s Story.”

Victoria Blondell and Madison Silverstein discussed, “The Role of Negative Childhood Experiences in the Development of Disordered Eating Habits and Posttraumatic Stress.”

Kennedy Chatman and Madison Silverstein presented, “Revictimization, Cognitions, and Reporting Behaviors Among Survivors of Sexual Violence.”

Jessica Ward and Madison Silverstein provided their research on, “Associations Among Type of Animal Ownership, Attachment Style, and Social Adeptness.”

Zia Sampson and Kim Ernst presented their study on, “Effect of Body Neutrality and Body Positivity on Body Appreciation and Self-Compassion.”

University of Louisiana Lafayette

Nicole Pyke, Matt Andersland, Hunter Sudduth, and David Perkin collaborated on, “Mutual Aid and Psychological Distress: Moderated Mediation to Investigate the Role of Religiosity and Perceived Recovery Using a Nationally Representative Sample.”

Kiara Davillier, Ariana Milner, Paula Zeanah, Hung-Chu Lin, Manyu Li, and Amy Brown presented, “The Race and Gender Differences in Sexual Self-Esteem.”

Alondra Meraz, Caroline Ybos, Caroline Dalton, and Amy Brown collaborated on, “Immigration and Sex-Trafficking: Victim Blame Differs Based on Participant Gender but not Country of Origin.”

University of Louisiana Monroe

Burton Ashworth and Krista Parker discussed, “Content Analysis of Presidential Inaugural Addresses.”

Ruthie Menou presented her research on, “Exploring the Incremental Validity of the State of Surrender Scale Within the Psychological Flexibility Framework.”

Burton Ashworth and Krista Parker conducted a presentation on, “A Pilot Study Investigating Disgust Sensitivity Toward People of Age.”

Burton Ashworth presented, “Reducing ADHD Symptoms Using Biofeedback Protocols.”