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| TBA Monday Poster Session: Even-Numbered Posters |
| Monday, May 30, 2022 |
| 2:00 PM–3:00 PM |
| Exhibit Level; Exhibit Hall A |
| Chair: Tracy Eileen Sinclair (The University of Connecticut) |
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| 52. Evaluating a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention on Psychological and Academic Wellbeing of College Students |
| Area: TBA; Domain: Applied Research |
| JESSICA M VENEGONI (Missouri State University ), Dana Paliliunas (Missouri State University), Jordan Belisle (Missouri State University), Camilla Molica (Missouri State University) |
| Discussant: Tracy Eileen Sinclair (The University of Connecticut) |
| Abstract: Previous research has established that vulnerable populations experience elevated levels of stress and lower overall levels of wellbeing comparatively, such as university students and disability support staff. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a series of self-compassion and mindfulness training exercises embedded in undergraduate research classes and in work environments on reported levels of psychological flexibility (AAQ-II and CompACT) and self-compassion (Self Compassion Scales). Participants also provided weekly social validity ratings related to psychological and academic wellbeing throughout the study. We evaluated the intervention using a crossover design, where half of the participants completed the training and the other half received study tips. After six weeks, the groups were reversed. Results suggested that mindfulness and self-compassion training increased both self-compassion and psychological flexibility. Similar levels of academic wellbeing were reported in both groups of students, however only the mindfulness and self-compassion training appeared to support psychological wellbeing.These results have implications for supporting flexibility and self-compassion within undergraduate education and within staff training in a non-intrusive low intensity intervention format. |
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 54. Telehealth as a Parent Training Platform: A Behavioral Development Approach to Autism Intervention |
| Area: TBA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| SWATI NARAYAN (WECAN ProACT India ), Gita Srikanth (ABA India) |
| Discussant: Tracy Eileen Sinclair (The University of Connecticut) |
| Abstract: Technology has resulted in the emergence of WhatsApp™, and Zoom Video conferencing as competitive alternate training platforms to in-person training sessions. The wide reach of internet based technology has made telehealth an effective and low-cost method of training parents as interventionists using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current study aimed at training a parent of a child with ASD to implement and deliver evidence based autism intervention.The outcomes were measured using a gold standard developmental based assessment, the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). The results indicate notable changes in scores on the assessment, acquisition of skills on the part of the child and the parent’s skills in playing the role of the interventionist, coupled with the development of a harmonious and positive relationship between mother and child. Suggestions for further research include using the telehealth model and evidence based parental training for the dissemination of quality services to a larger population. |
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 56. Beyond Sniffy and CyberRat: Adapting PORTL for Distance Learning and Telehealth Applications |
| Area: TBA; Domain: Theory |
| MARGARET PAVONE DANNEVIK (Lindenwood University) |
| Discussant: Tracy Eileen Sinclair (The University of Connecticut) |
| Abstract: This poster will be a tutorial in adapting an in-person operant research lab to a distance learning format so that nontraditional students and teachers can still experience the experimental operant chamber concepts typically limited to animal and in-person lab settings. The poster will also highlight student experiences and social validity of the technique as well as suggest future research in this area. |
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| 58. An Examination of Active Learning in a Graduate Behavior Analysis Course |
| Area: TBA; Domain: Applied Research |
| Albert Malkin (Southern Illinois University / Western University), Jina Kum (Western University), HANNA E. VANCE (Brock University) |
| Discussant: Tracy Eileen Sinclair (The University of Connecticut) |
| Abstract: Graduate coursework in applied behavior analysis is profoundly important, given that graduates typically go on to influence the lives of countless individuals via applying behavioral principles to change socially important behavior. Students must receive high quality education to be positioned for the best possible start in their behavior analytic career. We evaluated the influence of the components on course outcomes (i.e., quiz scores, final grades, and social validity) of an online course on “Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis”. Results indicate that activities that involved active learning are most highly related to greater performance. Specifically, we found a statistically significant relationship between creating more posts in asynchronous online discussion with achieving higher grades (Spearman’s Rho = 0.404; p = 0.002). Conversely, passive learning activities, such as accessing pre-recorded lectures was not significantly related to course grades (Spearman’s rho = 0.207; p = 0.113). This study provides further evidence that active learning strategies must be incorporated into higher education pedagogy. Future directions will be suggested, related to the monitoring of, and setting the occasion for active responding in online coursework. |
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