Skip to main content
Psychological Sciences

2023 Symposium

Symposium Information


April 4, 2023
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Presenter Submission Deadline

March 20, 2023
5:00 p.m.

Symposium Submission Form

Location

KCKCC – Technical Education Center
6565 State Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66102

View on Google Maps

Livestream

The symposium will be livestreamed to the KCKCC Student Senate’s Facebook page and the KCKCC Psi Beta – Psychology Club’s Facebook page.

Format

There will be seven oral presentations and several poster presentations.

Sponsorships


Baker University

Bellevue University

Graceland University

Ottawa University

University of Kansas – Edwards Campus

Poster Presentation Judges


All are KCKCC graduates

Marren Leon-Barajas, Ph. D.

Chair
Clinical Director of Behavioral Analytic Systems and Services Central Region, NeuroRestorative Services 

Sarah Duggan, J.D.

Member
Employment Law Specialist
Krigel and Krigel Law Offices

Gary E. Bradley Lopez, M.A.

Member
Ph. D. Candidate

Schedule

With a light breakfast

Jerry Pope
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kansas City Kansas Community College 

By Mariah D. Stewart, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Laura King, Ph.D. 

  • Professor of Psychological Sciences and Distinguished Curator’s Professor
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • President, Society for Personality and Social Psychology

Topic: All the Ways Your Life is Meaningful

details to be updated later
 Julia Pind, President, Psi Chi, Park University

Andrew Johnson, Ph.D.
Park University, Parkville, Missouri
ajohnson@park.edu

details to be updated later

The Therapeutic Potential of LSD and DMT  

Lillian Richards 
Baker University
LillianCRichards@stu.bakeru.edu      

Roby Long, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Baker University
Robyn.Long@bakeru.edu

Abstract

In the past year, 5.5 million people have taken psychedelic drugs. Over the past three decades, research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has steadily increased, with MDMA (ecstasy) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) receiving the most attention. In this presentation, I take a look at two other psychedelic drugs with amazing potential for the treatment of depressive disorders: LSD and DMT. The benefits of these drugs certainly outweigh the costs, and it is time for increased funding into psychedelic research.

Addressing Maternal Health and Gynecological Health Care in Incarcerated Women

Ashanti Minnenhall
Baker University
ashantiiminnenhall@stu.bakeru.edu

Roby Long, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Baker University
Robyn.Long@bakeru.edu

Abstract

There is currently a problem in America regarding obstetric and gynecological healthcare of women. Black women are dying during childbirth or from related illnesses at an alarming rate when speaking comparatively to white women. This racial disparity carries over when talking about the gynecological healthcare field where they are more likely to be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with a condition that can greatly affect their quality of life. These problems are then exacerbated by institutional correctional facilities. Intersectionality plays a big role in how well these female inmates are treated before, during, and after giving birth while incarcerated. While there are some laws in place that regulate and protect inmates’ rights, they differ by state and often overlook certain aspects of human rights issues. There are some correctional facilities that still shackle women while giving birth, in the hospital after birth, or during recovery, which is an illegal thing to do since there were anti-shackling laws passed to protect incarcerated pregnant inmates. Many jails and prisons separate the newborns from their mother immediately after birth which has been shown to affect the mental health of the mothers negatively oftentimes causing or worsening feelings of anxiety and depression. My presentation will present ways that the healthcare system should change their policies regarding how pregnant women are treated when incarcerated.

African Americans in US Academic Psychology

Demar Murray, dmurr4548@students.kckcc.edu
Kenneth Nelson, knels5791@students.kckcc.edu
Paris Daniels, pdani1951@students.kckcc.edu
Kansas City Kansas Community College

Professor J. Victor Ammons, I.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
vjammons@kckcc.edu


African American Males and Their Interaction with Law enforcement: Reflections and Options 

Demar Murray, dmurr4548@students.kckcc.edu
Kenneth Nelson, knels5791@students.kckcc.edu
Kansas City Kansas Community College

Professor J. Victor Ammons, I.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
vjammons@kckcc.edu


Reflections of a “Mature” College Student

Yolande M. Ibeagu, yibea4256@students.kckcc.edu
Amy Moore, amoor5678@students.kckcc.edu
Orlanda Alonso Herrera, Oalon2272@students.kckcc.edu
Kansas City Kansas Community College

Professor J. Victor Ammons, I.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
vjammons@kckcc.edu


Medical and Therapeutic Approaches to ADHD

Eva J. Collene   
ecoll1788@students.kckcc.edu 
Kansas City Kansas Community College

Professor Jelena Ozegovic, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
jozegovic@kckcc.edu 


Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders

Emely Lopez-Cardona
elope6481@students.kckcc.edu
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 

Professor Jelena Ozegovic, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
jozegovic@kckcc.edu 

Abstract

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are highly effective treatment modalities for Eating Disorders, most specifically Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.   DBT consists of talk therapy, allowing individuals to voice their emotions and the rationale(s) behind the harmful outcomes. It focuses on the thought processes and behavior of the individual. Like DBT, it helps the individual regain control from the disorders. CBT tends to highlight awareness and the negative thoughts that portray harmful actions. It is a common type of psychotherapy that focuses on overall mental and physical health. 


Alcohol use Disorder: Psychotropic Medications vs. Psychotherapy

Kasmin L. Tottress
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Ktott6205@students.kckcc.edu

Professor Jelena Ozegovic, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Kansas City Kansas Communuity College 
jozegovic@kckcc.edu 

Abstract

The idea of whether patients should rely on medications for Alcohol Use Disorder or just rely on Psychotherapy Options, was taken into consideration. Some individuals use a combination of both treatments. We observed the effectiveness of each.


What is Cognitive Flexibility?

Julia Pind
Park University
1680280@park.edu

Andrew Johnson, Ph.D
Faculty Advisor
Park University
Andrew.Johnson@park.edu

Abstract

This infographic presents information and a brief overview of cognitive flexibility. This is our mind’s ability to switch between tasks quickly and efficiently, make decisions, and manage multiple tasks. This infographic covers how we use cognitive flexibility to navigate our world and presents a current researcher of cognitive flexibility.


A Brief Look at Aphantasia

Julia Pind
Park University
1680280@park.edu

Andrew Johnson, Ph.D
Faculty Advisor
Park University
Andrew.Johnson@park.edu

This infographic presents information and a brief overview of a condition called aphantasia. Aphantasia is a condition characterized by the inability, or immense difficulty, to consciously create and sustain mental images of scenes, people, and objects. This infographic defines aphantasia, provides a brief example of visualization levels, presents a prominent researcher, and provides a place where viewers can learn more.


Correlation Between Childhood Trauma and the Onset of Test Anxiety Among Community College Students

Missa D. Cordero
Butler Community College
dcordero@butlercc.edu

Nathan Swink, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Butler Community College
nswink@butlercc.edu

Abstract

General anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders affecting today’s society. Test anxiety is a subcategory of general anxiety and affects students of all ages. It causes mild to severe physiological discomfort and could lead to low academic performance. In many cases of individuals diagnosed with general anxiety, the disorder is triggered by a traumatic event the person has experienced previously. This paper explores the possible correlation between childhood trauma and the onset of test anxiety among college students. By understanding the origin of test anxiety, we can develop a strategy to reduce factors that could lead to the onset of test anxiety among individuals in the future. For this research, all participants in the sample are students from a small midwestern community college. Students had various socioeconomic statuses, and their ages ranged between 18 and 50. Two scales were used to conduct this research, the Westside Test Anxiety Scale by Driscoll (2004) and a trauma questionnaire that aims to determine whether an individual has experienced traumatic events during childhood. The researchers performed the survey with the acknowledgment that correlation does not equal causation, and the data findings do not present a definitive statement of causation.


Can You Feel It: Empathy Levels and Societal Awareness

Sara Rhodes
Butler Community College
srhodes3@butlercc.edu 

Nathan Swink, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Butler Community College
nswink@butlercc.edu

Abstract

Empathy is the ability to share and understand others’ thoughts and feelings (Eisenberg & Fabes, 1990; Hoffman, 2000). The capacity to feel empathy is arguably a prevalent factor in human interactions, although there is unfortunate evidence that supports that empathy is declining in general populations (Kimmes, et al., 2014). The power of empathy can be assumed based on the level of accuracy it reveals from another’s expressions. Higher empathy levels are presumed to allow one to feel what others are feeling around them. Accuracy of empathy may show one to be more in tune with their immediate surroundings, however to what degree does it extend? The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) is a 16-question questionnaire that has exhibited “good internal consistency and high test–retest reliability. The TEQ is a brief, reliable, and valid instrument for the assessment of empathy.” (Spreng) A two-part study was conducted on 85 participants from Wichita, KS and the surrounding area with varying degrees of college education. In this study, the relationships were assessed between both one’s personal perception of their own empathy, utilizing the TEQ, and their personal level of awareness of crime-related statistics in one’s surrounding major city.


Here’s a Nudge in the “Right” Direction

Sarah Mathis
Park University
1682566@park.edu 

Andrew Johnson, Ph.D
Faculty Advisor
Park University
Andrew.Johnson@park.edu 

Abstract

Nudges are a psychological approach to influence decision-making by nudging or pushing people into a certain direction. They were created to combat our unconscious cognitive approach, heuristics, which cause us to make quick, rash decisions. The theory was popularized in 2009 by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler in their book – Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Their work earned a Nobel Prize in 2017. Everyone has been nudged by someone or something at some point in their life. Nudges have an array of techniques such as default rules, ease and convenience, and reminders. I will discuss further these differing techniques and the advantages and disadvantages that come with using nudges.


Creating a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment: National, State, and Local LGBTQ+ Resources for Educators

Maddison Lubbers
Labette Community College

Sally C. Clay
Faculty Advisor
Labette Community College


Boxes of Hope: Reducing Negative Social-Emotional Impact of Children in the Foster Care System

Alison Nofsinger                                                                                                                        Labette Community College

Deanna Huffman
Faculty Advisor
Labette Community College


Starving for the Thin Ideal: eating Disorders Affecting Teenage Girls in the World of Ballet

Sarah Mathis
Park University
1682566@park.edu 

Andrew Johnson, Ph.D
Faculty Advisor
Park University
Andrew.Johnson@park.edu 

Abstract

As a teenage girl ballet dancer, you are more susceptible to developing an eating disorder due to the negative body stereotypes in the world of ballet. Teenage girls in the world of ballet face severe pressures to obtain and maintain an extremely thin and prepubescent figure. Those who participate in aesthetic sports, such as ballet, experience the highest rates of clinical eating disorders. Due to the enforcement of unhealthy stereotypes on the young dancers, they are at a high risk for a plethora of mental and physical anguish. In comparison to non-dancers, adolescent female ballerinas are known to experience neurotic perfectionism, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia on large scales. A 19-year-old female was interviewed to gain a firsthand, inside perspective of the issue. She described in depth the adversities she faced from coaches as her worth and talent was defined only when she stepped on the scale. A multitude of research was conducted in order to understand the consequences of the pressure to acquire the “ideal ballet body”. The ideal body is a social standard described as being unhealthy thin, which is very unrealistic and unattainable without developing an eating disorder. Women's bodies have stayed the same all through time, what has changed are the damaging and altered social ideas of having zero fat on the body.

All-Gender Restrooms on College Campuses: Attitudes after a Cost-Effective Implementation

Anna Pope, Ph.D.
University of Kansas

details to be updated later
KCKCC uses cookies to understand how you use the website and how to improve the overall experience. Read our website privacy policy