Leuprolide is a type of hormone that is primarily used to treat prostate cancer where it first promotes the release of the gonadal hormones testosterone and estradiol as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor agonist. Leuprolide injection is also used to delay puberty in children with a condition called central precocious puberty (CCP). Puberty blockers interfere with FSH and L.H. production, which prevents of hormones associated with sexual characteristics such as estrogen and testosterone from being produced. The purpose of this study is to understand how puberty blockers affect social behavior, anxiety behavior, and brain development. Forty-eight (24 Females, 24 Males) 21 days old rats will be used in this study. There will be 24 rat subjects who will serve as the experimental group and 24 rat subjects who will serve as the control group. At 25 postnatal days, the experimental group will receive a subcutaneous injection of Lupron and the control group will receive injection of saline. This research aims to understand how hormones and puberty blockers affect adolescent social and brain development.

Logan Davis Psychology, Sociology Baylor University Dr. Stacy Ryan-Pettes Phillipe Cunningham, Medical University of South Carolina, Hannah Skiest, Baylor University Multisystemic Therapy Outcomes: Sequential Mediation Linking Maternal Psychopathology, Maternal Sense of Parenting Incompetence, Parenting Style, and Youth Externalizing Behavior Background: While prior research examined parenting and parental sense of parenting incompetence as mechanisms of change in Multisystemic Therapy (MST), research has yet to explore these mechanisms while considering parent psychopathology. Aim: We examined whether parental sense of parenting incompetence and parenting style would operate in sequence to mediate the association between parent psychopathology and youth externalizing behavior in a sample of female caregivers. We hypothesized that maternal psychopathology would positively relate indirectly to youth externalizing behavior through sense of incompetence and consequently through parenting style. Methods: Data came from a NIMH-funded effectiveness study of MST. Variables included parent reports of psychological distress at start of treatment, parent reports of parenting style and sense of parenting incompetence at end-of-treatment, and adolescent externalizing behavior six months after treatment. The current study included youths 12 to 17 (M=15.20, SD=1.35) with participating female caregivers (N=122 dyads). Results: Results showed that maternal psychopathology at start of treatment significantly influenced sense of incompetence at the end of treatment (B = 0.50, p < 0.001), and that sense of parenting incompetence resulted in less effective parenting (B = -0.33, p < 0.01). This, in turn, influenced youth behavior after MST and increased externalizing behavior (B = -0.30, p < 0.01). Overall, the three-path mediation was significant, though small: estimate = 0.05, 95% CI (0.01–0.11). Accordingly, the findings support our hypothesis. Conclusion: It may be necessary for MST therapists to target sense of incompetence and parenting style to buffer the impact of maternal psychopathology on youth externalizing behavior after treatment.

In recent years, learning a new language has adapted to this new post-coronavirus world. The traditional method of learning was out of reach due to the isolation requirements leading to new opportunities and avenues for language learners. This study investigates whether the general methodology of language acquisition is the most effective for recall and recreation for students in comparison to new immersive applications. By dividing participants into three groups of general learning, additive of visual information, and lastly accumulation learning with proprioception, we will test whether the addition of learning information increases vocabulary recollection and task enjoyment. With this insight and adaptation we can investigate whether or not the interactive techniques could provide an exciting and enlightening experience which leaves the learner craving to return.

The relationship between physical health and mental health has long been established. Zhang Chen (2019) conducted a systematic search that concluded with 53 articles where we see the positive effects that physical activity has on psychological well-being. Improvements have been found in self-esteem and physical self-perceptions. Eather, Morgan Lubans (2016) In this project, this work will be extended to examine the role of CrossFit in the mental well-being of participants. For this study, an original survey will be distributed to CrossFitters in the greater Milwaukee, WI area. This study will contribute to previous work on the positive effects of physical activity and self-determination theory. SDT argues that there are basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, all are conceived as essential psychological health and the development of internal motivation. Because the satisfaction of these basic needs results in increased feelings of vitality and well-being, CrossFitters rely on SDT.

Presenter’s Name: Susan (Suzy) Lee Presentation Field/Area(s): Social Sciences (Child and Family Studies) University/College Name: Baylor University Faculty Mentor Name: Dr. Karen K. Melton Presentation Title: Couple Reciprocity & Oxytocin Release during Competitive Board Games This study aims to identify mechanisms during couple leisure activities that the release of (e.g., attachment hormone). This knowledge can inform practitioners’advicerelationship maintenanceOne key mechanism described in family literature is the role of communication. This study aimed to determine if there is a relationship between oxytocin levels and the verbal interactions between couples during competitive board games. Our sample included six couples in committed relationships for at least one year. Couples participated in board games for one hour. Couple interactions were videotaped, and urine oxytocin was collected following the activity. Videotapes were transcribed and then coded using a prior categories of floor switching, voluntary reciprocity, and required reciprocity. We hypothesized that increases in floor switches and reciprocity, specifically voluntary reciprocity, would increase oxytocin release. Our hypothesis was not supported. Our results indicate reciprocity and floor switching are strongly associated with males’ release of oxytocin and have a negligible correlation to females’ release of oxytocin. Specifically, male oxytocin release was negatively associated with floor switching (r = -0.92), voluntary reciprocity (r = -0.92), and required reciprocity (r = -0.46). Future studies should include a larger sample who play competitive and cooperative games.

Public perception regarding mental health has been a topic of interest for several decades. Research has shown that there are significant differences among generational populations in their approach to mental health and subsequent treatment. Recent studies have shown that Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to seek mental health support than Baby Boomers (those born between 1955 and 1964). Years of data looking at all four generational populations have given us some insight into these differences. In this study, we explore how these factors play out in a setting of higher education. Specifically, our research question focuses primarily on faculty and students who are active within a college. We hypothesized that there is a contrast between how faculty cope and process their own mental afflictions versus students. Based on prior research, we suspect that the structure of their institutions, their preconceived notions, and cultural differences supports this divide. To measure these perceptions, we will survey faculty and students in the Orlando community. In doing this work, we hope to tackle some of the misconceptions surrounding mental health stigma and propose solutions for getting people the resources they need to live a fulfilling life. The primary purpose of this research was to highlight a certain population that would otherwise not receive the attention they deserve. Educators are supremely pivotal in the scope of society, so addressing their mental health needs is of relevance to every member of the population.