Conference Committee

Dr. Eve Sledjeski, Chair

Dr. Jim Haugh

Dr. Bonnie Angelone

Dr. Jerry Hough

Dr. Kaite Gotham

Dr. Brittany Martinez

Dr. Jeff Greeson

Dr. Christina Simmons

8:30a-10:30a

Oral Presentation Session I

8:30a

CONFERENCE WELCOME

8:45a

EXPLORING THE MEDICAL EXPERIENCES OF AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS: INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY PERSPECTIVES

Maya Shanker

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Medical settings pose challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to communication differences, routine disruptions, and sensory preferences. Literature shows that physicians often misperceive why behavior challenges occur, reporting lower comfort and competence treating patients with ASD. This study gathers the perspectives of individuals with ASD and parents of autistic individuals on their experiences with medical care. Results informed the development of an app to meet the support needs of patients with ASD transitioning from pediatric to adult medical care.

9:00a

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MEASUREMENT REACTIVITY IN AN AT-RISK GROUP: COORDINATED ANALYSIS ACROSS TWO STUDIES

Kiri Baga, M.A., Natasha N. DeMeo, M.Sc. & Jacqueline A. Mogle, Ph.D.

Advisor: Dr. Dani Arigo

9:15a

EXAMINING CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES

Kristin Mostrangeli, Camille Guglielmo & Alexandra Nicoletti

Advisors: Dr. Meredith Jones and Dr. DJ Angelone

College student-athletes engage in high rates of sexually risky behaviors, yet there is limited research regarding their contraceptive use. There is, however, evidence to suggest contraceptive use may be dependent upon class year and relationship status. We recruited Division III student-athletes to assess their contraceptive and condom use. We found significant differences in contraceptive and condom use across class year and relationship status, which may inform future sexual risk prevention interventions.

9:30a

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POOR SLEEP QUALITY, WORKING MEMORY, EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Sophie Hanina, Ashlyn Marshall, Katie Martino & Sophie Ogunsanmi

Advisor: Dr. Eve Sledjeski

Insufficient sleep is a growing concern for college students, affecting memory, academic performance, and cognitive abilities. Our study investigated these impacts by analyzing working memory, executive function, and GPA. Surprisingly, sleep quality did not directly affect cognitive function, but depression appeared to influence the relationship between sleep and executive function. Future studies should explore depression's role in sleep quality and academic outcomes.

9:45a

THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS IN RELATION LONELINESS AND SCHIZOTYPY

Adaeze Njoku & Kelly Devlin

Advisor: Dr. Tom Dinzeo

Existing literature suggests that cannabis use and heightened loneliness correlate with increased psychosis risk indicators, specifically schizotypy and paranoia. Through survey data, this study further explores the link between lifestyle habits, psychosis risk, and types of loneliness experienced among college students. It was hypothesized that cannabis use would correlate with increased loneliness, paranoia, and schizotypy. Clarifying the relationship between these variables may provide potentially valuable information for preventive interventions.

10:00a

EVALUATING THE USABILITY AND FEASIBILITY OF RE-CONNECT: A SMARTPHONE-BASED APP-UNBLOCKING INCENTIVE INTERVENTION FOR SMOKING CESSATION

Matthew Mitnick, Mark Rzeszutek Ph.D & Mikhail Koffarnus Ph.D.

Advisor: Dr. Bethany Raiff

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Contingency management (CM) is effective for initiating cessation, but the cost of financial incentives is an obstacle. Non-monetary rewards may provide a solution. This study examines "Re-Connect," a novel smartphone app that uses app-blocking as a CM incentive mechanism. Re-Connect restricts access to user preferred non-essential apps and returns access upon verified smoking abstinence. This proof-of-concept evaluation with N = 12 participants across three SCD iterations assesses the app’s feasibility and usability.

10:15a

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Alexander Nouragas, Pricila Sanchez Rojas & Haley Thiel

Advisor: Dr. Eve Sledjeski

This study investigates the relationship between social support and academic performance in 145 undergraduate students. Utilizing measures of familial and interpersonal support, as well as adaptation to college, we aim to identify specific factors influencing students' cumulative GPAs. The study also explores moderating factors such as gender, social class, ethnicity, and residency. Findings will provide insights for tailored interventions to enhance student success.

10:30a – 11:30a  

Poster Session I

1

CHARACTERIZING BARRIERS TO ENGAGEMENT WITH MEDICATIONS FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER AMONG NEW PATIENTS

Alisha Suman, Indu Madhuranthakam, Shelby Goodwin, Nick Samson, & Harris Khan

Advisors: Dr. Matthew Salzman & Dr. Bethany Raiff

Buprenorphine is effective in reducing illicit opioid use, but treatment engagement remains low. This study sought to examine potential barriers to outpatient opioid treatment among 73 U.S. new patients who completed a survey at intake. Participants were 64.4% male, 41.1% Black, and 77.8% unemployed. Legal and medical problems were variable but highly distressing for a proportion of participants. A majority experienced psychiatric problems and 48.6% believed psychiatric treatment as “extremely important.” Addressing potential barriers to treatment is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.

2

PREDICTING COLLEGE STUDENTS' MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH PAST TRAUMA EXPERIENCES

Sophie Ogunsanmi

Advisor: Dr. Sledjeski

Research suggests that trauma-exposed young women are prone to PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to young men (Quan et al., 2023). 200 undergraduates completed trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD measures. Women reported higher trauma history, anxiety and PTSD compared to men. Further, the relationship between trauma history and PTSD and anxiety was stronger for men than for women. These findings emphasize the need to address trauma-related mental health concerns among college students, particularly women.

3

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL DOMINANCE ORIENTATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICAL DATING VIOLENCE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES

Matthew Costello, John Shirley & Marta Bettinelli, M.A.

Advisors: Dr. DJ Angelone & Dr. Meredith Jones

Individuals high in Social Dominance Orientation(SDO) tend to favor social hierarchies, and often enjoy dominating out-groups. This may be a risk factor for accepting violence. Research has shown that college athletes often think they have higher social status and are more likely to perpetrate dating violence(DV). This study examined SDO levels' association with attitudes toward psychological DV in a sample of 345 college athletes at a NCAA Division 3 institution. Linear regressions showed higher SDO predicted higher approval of psychological DV in both genders, with higher approval in males.

4

MULTIPLE MASKING OF IDENTITIES IN AUTISTIC ADULTS 

Amy Senanayake, Claudia L. Cucchiara, Kit  Lillia, Amber Threadgill, Erin McKenney & Robyn Himelstein

Advisor: Dr. Kaite Gotham

Autistic individuals may hide, or “mask,” both autistic traits and marginalized identities due to increased discrimination. We compared online measures of general camouflaging, autistic camouflaging, and autistic traits in 303 autistic adults. Women or nonbinary/other genders were more likely to engage in autism-specific camouflaging, while older individuals and sexual orientation minorities endorsed more general masking. Ongoing research is needed considering increasing rates of suicidality and depression related to masking in minority groups.

5

PRELIMINARY DATA OF REGISTERED NURSES’ EXPERIENCES TREATING AUTISTIC PATIENTS

Charlotte Cundiff, Mosayet Guzman, Bronte Reidinger

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Although patients spend far more time with registered nurses (RNs) than other healthcare providers, RNs’ perspectives on caring for autistic patients in the U.S. are largely unknown. In this ongoing study, RNs participate in virtual focus group discussions about their experiences. Preliminary data suggest significant gaps in RNs’ autism-related training and substantial barriers to the delivery of high-quality, compassionate healthcare for autistic patients. Outcomes of this project will inform practical interventions that are critical steps toward improving healthcare for autistic individuals.

6

A SOCIAL ECOLOGY MODEL FOR SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AS PSYCHOSIS RISK FACTORS

Katie Beck-Felts

Advisor: Dr. Tom Dinzeo

Social determinants of health (SDOHs) significantly impact psychosis risk. Understanding SDOH risk factors is critical in identifying individuals at high risk of developing psychosis to intervene before symptom onset as well as identifying novel targets, such as social connectedness, for intervention. This study examines SDOHs using a four-level model, aligning with Bronfenbrenner's social ecology theory, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and intervening in psychosis risk. This framework will be evaluated using self-report data from a sample of 213 college students.

7

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT KNOWLEDGE OF AUTISM AND KNOWLEDGE OF BEHAVIORAL FUNCTION

Julia Kovacs, Jillian Groff & Bronte Reidinger

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Previous research shows that undergraduate students have many misconceptions about psychological conditions. In order to assess stigma and understanding of autism and knowledge of behavioral function, participants completed the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire and the Knowledge of Behavioral Function questionnaire, developed by the research team. Results suggest gaps in knowledge that may inform development of educational materials for undergraduate students, which is urgently needed as they are likely to encounter autistic peers in their college courses and in the future workforce.

8

INCOMING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR SUCCESS AS PREDICTORS OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY SYMPTOMS DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER.

Ashleigh D'Cruz,  Nicole Kelso, M.A. & Anisha Satish, M.A.

Advisor: Dr. Steve Brunwasser

Academic pressure predicts generalized anxiety symptoms in undergraduates. We tested the hypothesis that the combination of having high standards for academic success and low levels of grit would predict higher generalized anxiety symptoms. Data was drawn from a prospective cohort study (N=276) measuring mental health outcomes among incoming first-time college students and transfer students in their first semester at Rowan. Students completed surveys pre-semester and 5 times during the semester. Students’ academic success standards did not predict anxiety symptoms regardless of grit levels.

9

A NATIONAL SURVEY OF PHYSICIAN KNOWLEDGE OF AUTISM AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTION

Belany Fuentes, Mia Sinclair & Giovanna Salvatore

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report negative experiences with physicians and physicians report low levels of comfort and competence treating patients with ASD. In this study, we conducted a national survey with 150 physicians and medical trainees on their knowledge of autism and behavioral function. Results indicated that participants had adequate knowledge of ASD but lacked a comprehensive understanding of behavioral function. Findings from this study may aid in forming better ASD-focused training in order to improve hospital care for autistic patients.

10

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANGER RUMINATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN AUTISTIC ADULTS

Pricila Sanchez Rojas, Emanuel Avila, Claudia L. Cucchiara, B.S., Robyn Himelstein, M.A. & Erin McKenney, M.A.

Advisor: Dr. Kaite Gotham

Anger rumination is the tendency for individuals to dwell on previous frustrating experiences. In our research, we examined the connection between anger rumination and depressive symptoms in a sample of autistic adults (N=69). Anger rumination and autistic traits appeared to make independent predictions of depressive symptoms at trend level or above. Studying contributors of depression in autistic individuals may lead to the development of improved interventions and help further prevent negative mental health outcomes. 

11

EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY BEHAVIORAL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM PERSONNEL ON AUTISTIC PATIENTS

Emma D'Entremont, Emilia Navarro Hurtado & Giovanna Salvatore 

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons 

Hospital patients with autism have a higher rate of restraint implementation. Multidisciplinary behavior management teams were developed to decrease restraint across general hospital patients. In this study, focus groups were conducted with 11 behavioral management team members. Results highlighted differences in team purposes, procedures, and training. Although participants still use restraint, they described alternative strategies and indicated areas for future team improvements. Findings may inform development of autism-focused, function-based training to improve care for autistic patients.

11:30a-12:30p

LUNCH BREAK

12:45p-2:15p

Oral Presentation Session II

12:45p

THE SMARTPHONE PARADOX: UNRAVELING THE LINKS BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, AND PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USAGE

Brianna Riccobono, Ria Singh & Desiree Steigerwalt

Advisor: Dr. Eve Sledjeski

A study with 196 undergraduates from Rowan University explored the association between smartphone use with psychological well-being and physical activity. Results showed significant correlations between smartphone addiction and depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem whereas screen time alone was not a significant predictor. This highlights the importance of addressing problematic smartphone use to tackle specific smartphone-related issues beyond mere screen time.

1:00p

EXPLORING VAPING MOTIVATION, HEALTH CONCERNS, AND PROVIDER ENGAGEMENT IN PRIMARY CARE: A PILOT STUDY

Mikaela Bubna, Meagan Vermeulen & Stuti Jha

Advisor: Dr. Bethany Raiff

1:15p

DEMYSTIFYING THE GRADUATE APPLICATION PROCESS: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL PROGRAM STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Sarah Ahlquist, Ninelle Edenne & Danielle Schweitzer, MA,

Advisor: Dr. Jim A. Haugh, Ph.D.

Doctoral programs in psychology are highly competitive and statements of purpose (SOP) are considered important by programs. This study compared the accessibility and content of SOP prompts across doctoral psychology programs. Within a sample of 229 programs, results indicated 47% of Ph.D. and 46% of Psy.D. programs have an easily accessible SOP prompt. Common prompt themes were career goals (72%, n=154), research interests/experience (62%, n=134), and personal information (50%, n=108).

1:30p

BLACK MEN BEING MINDFUL: A CASE STUDY OF HOW BLACK MEN DEFINE AND ACHIEVE WELLNESS IN THE MIDST OF SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION

Khanh Pham

Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Lassiter

This case study aims to explore how mind-body-spirit practices (MBSPs) influence Black men’s health in the midst of systemic oppression. Eighteen Black male mind-body-spirit instructors were recruited and individually interviewed. Data were qualitatively analyzed. Six categories of meanings were generated to describe how the participants made meanings of their MBSPs in relation to health and systemic oppression. Findings and implications for Black men’s health were discussed.

1:45p

DEPRESSION ON YOUTUBE: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FULL-LENGTH AND SHORT-FORM VIDEOS

Desiree Steigerwalt, Julia Kravchenko, & Danielle Schweitzer, MA

Advisor: Dr. Jim Haugh

This study aimed to examine how diagnostic criteria of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were represented on YouTube. A sample of 142 videos found with the search term “depression” were analyzed. Results show symptoms of MDD were discussed in 74% of the videos, most commonly mentioning key symptoms of depressed mood and anhedonia. Additionally, information was provided by a qualified health professional in only 49% of the videos. Our findings suggest that the content available on the platform may not provide enough information for viewers to answer the question: “Am I depressed?”.

2:00p

ACCEPTABILITY AND USABILITY OF A VIRTUAL REALITY PARENT TRAINING TO TEACH BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC INTERVENTION SKILLS

Bronte Reidinger, Garrett Williams, Patrice Tremoulet, Geroge Lecakes & Amanda Almon

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

This study aims to address barriers parents of autistic children face when trying to access training in behavioral intervention skills by developing and pilot testing a virtual reality (VR) training program for parents. In this study, behavior therapists, with experience conducting parent training, completed an in-person baseline of clinical skills, pilot tested each of 4 levels of the evidence-based behavioral skills VR training, and completed an in-person posttest. Preliminary data indicate that participants found the program acceptable and usable and improved in intervention implementation.

2:15p

EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMAS, DEPRESSION, AND EATING HABITS

Aria Shoemaker, B.S., Danielle Schweitzer, B.A. & Juliana D’Onofrio, PhD

Advisor: Dr. Jim Haugh

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are social-cognitive patterns developed due to adverse childhood experiences, activating throughout life, increasing risks for developing psychopathology including depression. The goal of the study is to examine the relationship

between early maladaptive schemas, depression, and eating habits (N=516). Ordered logistic regression indicated that as the Impaired Autonomy and Performance domain and depressive symptoms increased, eating habits worsened. As EMS scores increased, depressive symptoms appeared to have less of an effect on eating habits.

2:30p

50TH CONFERENCE ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION

3:00p-4:00p

Poster Session II

1

ARE UPWARD SOCIAL COMPARISON AND SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCURACY OF SELF-REPORTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? A SECONDARY ANALYSIS IN AN AT RISK POPULATION.

Angelica Rivera & Gabrielle M. Salvatore, Ph.D.

Advisor: Dr. Dani Arigo

Physical activity (PA) levels tend to be misperceived; social physique anxiety (SPA) and social comparison orientation (SCO) may play a role in PA perceptions. This secondary analysis was designed to test associations between SPA, SCO, and PA. Participants were 35 women in midlife (ages 40-60). They estimated their daily PA, completed SPA and SCO measures, and wore a pedometer for 7 days. Half of participants (54.1%) overestimated their PA levels; 48.6% correctly identified or underestimated PA. SCO was not associated with PA estimates, however, SPA was negatively associated with estimated PA.

2

USABILITY ANALYSES OF PULLATRACKER 

Mackenzie Cruden & Dorian Kropinack

Advisor: Dr. Ben Swan

PullaTracker, created by Rowan MBA student, Siena Rampulla, is a safety app designed to discreetly contact emergency services and provide the user with reassurance that help is available. We conducted a task analysis to view the flow of tasks as well as a heuristic evaluation based on Nielson’s (2005) ten usability heuristics. The purpose of this heuristic evaluation was to determine how easy this app is to understand and navigate and to suggest improvements. Upon completing the heuristic evaluation, we found both minor and slightly more significant areas in need of improvement.

3

EFFORT AND COST IN DECISION MAKING: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH BEHAVIORS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Adriann Lai, B.A. & Olivia McGough, B.S.

Advisor: Dr. Tom Dinzeo

Avolition and anhedonia, negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), impact motivated behaviors. The Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT) studies the mechanism behind motivational deficits, revealing that SSD individuals exert less effort for rewards. This study focuses on incentive-motivation in undergraduates using EEfRT, anticipating high negative schizotypy symptoms to reduce effort for rewards, correlating with problematic health behaviors. Understanding decision-making in schizotypy may forecast future health behaviors in SSDs.

4

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT PILOT TESTING OF A DIGITAL APPLICATION TO SUPPORT AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS TRANSITIONING TO ADULT MEDICAL CARE 

Kaitlyn Owens, Romance Albarqawi & Maya Shanker

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Autistic individuals often face challenges accessing appropriate healthcare during the transition from pediatric to adult care, leading to unmet medical needs. Our research team developed an app to support autistic young adults during this critical phase. The app enables users to track and organize medical symptoms and prepare for medical appointments. Research assistants pilot tested preliminary versions of the app to identify any usability issues prior to pilot testing with autistic individuals. Feedback suggested high levels of usability and acceptability and areas for improvement.

5

SUBSTANCE USE AMONG A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF BLACK SAME GENDER LOVING MEN: ASSOCIATIONS WITH INTERNALIZED HOMONEGATIVITY AND HOMONEGATIVE RELIGIOUS MESSAGES

Kainaat Anwar, MA

Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Lassiter

Religion-based homonegativity may explain the higher rates of illicit substance use in Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Guided by an Afrocentric paradigm, this study aimed to investigate associations among religion-based homonegative messages, internalized homophobia and substance use among 428 BSMM using Pearson correlations and descriptive statistics. Results indicated significant positive association between religion-based homonegativity and internalized homonegativity, however, no associations were found among religion-based homonegativity and substance use.

6

RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES FOR VIRTUAL WELL-BEING GROUPS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Marjorie Cruz, Tamra Smith & Abigail Moretti

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Virtual acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) groups can improve well-being for parents of autistic children, but prior research has demonstrated challenges with recruiting this population. This study examined challenges recruiting parents of autistic children for a virtual ACT group intervention. A total of 384 agencies and 32 social media sites were contacted for recruitment; 43 individuals showed interest in participating and 16 became participants. Future research should examine factors impacting parents’ decisions to participate in virtual ACT groups to increase accessibility.

7

PERSONALIZED, ADAPTIVE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-BASED SOCIAL COMPARISONS: A REAL-TIME TEST OF THE IDENTIFICATION/CONTRAST MODEL

Emmanuel Lapitan, B.A., Iris Bercovitz, M.A., Anisha Satish, M.A. & Andrea F. Lobo, Ph.D.

Advisor: Dr. Dani Arigo

Social comparison is widely used in digital physical activity (PA) tools despite little evidence on what predicts real time response. The Identification/Contrast (I/C) Model posits perceived similarity to targets determines response, but has not been tested in real time. Women in midlife with elevated cardiovascular disease risk used a new web app designed to increase PA and reported their responses over 7 days (N=88). Real-time upward identification and downward contrast responses matched the model. Targeting I/C processes could improve digital PA tools that use social comparison.

8

PILOT TESTING OF A VIRTUAL REALITY PARENT TRAINING TOOL TO TEACH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM WHEN REINFORCEMENT IS AVAILABLE

Gabrielle Green-Smith, Garrett Williams, Patrice Tremoulet, Geroge Lecakes & Amanda Almon

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

In order for behavior analytic (BA) interventions to be most effective in decreasing challenging behaviors, they must be transferred to parents. This study assesses a virtual reality (VR) training program, which aims to address barriers parents of children with autism face when accessing BA training. Behavior therapists pilot tested Level 4 of the program on schedule thinning. Preliminary data suggest satisfactory usability and acceptability of this application with feedback on areas for improvement. Continuous refining of this program will strengthen the impact of this training for parents.

9

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINDFUL ATTENTION AND HOOKUP CONSEQUENCES

Shayna Lehmann, Miranda Wurst & Megan Korovich, M.A.

Advisors: Dr. DJ Angelone & Dr. Meredith Jones

The current study examines the relationship between mindfulness and hookup consequences to determine if practicing mindfulness leads to less negative experiences after a hookup encounter. Prior research has investigated mindfulness and sexual satisfaction of those in committed relationships, but not for those engaging in hookup culture. The current study yields a negative relationship between mindfulness and hookup consequences, which supports the hypothesis. This could be due to multiple factors, as past research suggests emotion regulation as a mediator, so more research is needed.

10

MEASURE DEVELOPMENT TO EXAMINE PROCEDURAL FIDELITY OF ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY WITH PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Julia Kovacs, Andrew Johnson, Anna Robbins, Samantha Richter & Abigail Moretti

Advisor: Dr. Christina Simmons

Procedural fidelity is used to examine accuracy of intervention implementation; however, calculating procedural fidelity for acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be more difficult due to the need for facilitator modeling and flexibility. This study developed a measure of ACT procedural fidelity. Recordings of virtual ACT groups were scored in 2- and 5-min intervals. Results included mean procedural fidelity of 83.3%, with variability in scoring suggesting measure subjectivity. Future research should examine variables influencing scoring differences and set specific criteria for coders.

11

Investigating Associations Between Social Rejection Sensitivity, Anxiety, and Depression in Autistic Adults

Jenna M. D’Andrea, Sapjah B. Zapotitla, Claudia L. Cucchiara, B.S., & Erin E. McKenney, M.A.

Advisor: Dr. Kaite Gotham

Doctoral Students

PostBA/MA

Undergraduate Students

Danika Charles

Stephen Loggia

Matthew Costello

Katherine Santos

Lauren Wallace

Liz Pakan

Kristin Mostrangeli

Humphrey Brosius

Alexandra Nicoletti

Stacey Rose

Camille Guglielmo

Jessica Meidhof

Faith Shank

Mackenzie Robinson

Megan Korovich

Ava Trapp

Jonathan Jin

John Shirley

Marta Bettinelli

Shayna Lehmann

Miranda Wurst

Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Staff

Doctoral

Students

Post-Bacc Research Assistants

Undergraduate

Students

Gabrielle Salvatore, Ph.D.

Emmanuel Lapitan

Iris Bercovitz

Julia Lowman

Ria Singh

Amanda Folk, Ph.D.

Kiri Baga

Raj Harsora

Angelica Rivera

Natasha DeMeo, M.S.

Laura Travers

Kristen Pasko

External

Daija Jackson

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

Francesca Crump

Adriann Lai

Alec Patriarca

Adaeze Njoku

Tom O'Kane

 Katie Beck-Felts

Kelly Devlin

 Ny’Asia Prilo

Doctoral Students

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Undergraduate Students

Erin McKenney

Claudia Cucchiara

Emmanuel Avila

Rio Baliga

Robyn Himelstein

Jenna D’Andrea

Mykal Caniello

Kit Lillia

Sydney Terroso

Pricila Sanchez Rojas

Amy Senanayake

Alexis Khuu

Samay Shukla 

Amber Threadgill

Sapjah Zapotitla

Doctoral Student

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Junior Research Assistants

Danielle Schweitzer

Ninelle Edenne

Rachel Grant

Sarah Ahlquist

Seariah Chiles

PostBA/MA

Desiree Steigerwalt

Connor Hannon

Aria Shoemaker

Julia Kravchenko

Gabriella Mandia

Erin O'Donnell

Hannah Segal

Ameerat Bisiolu

Maggie McCumber

Ariana Benitez

Undergraduate Students

Mansi Shah

Ashley Stroh

Doctoral Students

Post-Bacc/Masters Research Assistant

Kainaat Anwar

Javon Bolden(ext)

Khanh Pham

Doctoral Students

Undergraduate Students/ High School

Post-Baccalaureate

Caitlyn Upton

Matthew Mitnick 

Nicolas Samson

Waverly Pross

Shelby Goodwin

Mikaela Bubna

Alisha Suman

Indu Madhuranthakam

Seth Gray

Ryan Shintani (HS)

Doctoral Students

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

Giovanna Salvatore

Lauren Kasprowicz

Marjorie Cruz

Andrew Johnson

Abigail Moretti

Samantha Richter

Charlotte Cundiff

Julia Kovacs

Maya Shanker

Anna Robbins

Belany Fuentes

Kaitlyn Owens

Bronte Reidinger

Christina Viscidy

Gabrielle Green-Smith

Mia Sinclair

Mosayet Gusman

Tamra Smith

Post-Bacc Student

Emilia Navarro Hurtado

Romance Albarqawi

Emma D’Entremont

Jillian Groff

Undergraduate Student

Sophie Ogunsanmi

Undergraduate Students

Morgan Murphy

Michael Rusnak