2024 Northern Lights Psychology Conference

220 Memorial Union

Coffee and pastries will be served. 

220 Memorial Union

9:15-9:30 a.m.

The Effects of Disconfirming Feedback on Multiple Tests of a Witness's Memory

 Kaden Bollinger, James Owens, Mary Cops, Jasper Woods, Lauren Stornelli, Madison Adrian, Sophie Johnson, Andre Kehn (University of North Dakota)

Testing a witness’s memory repeatedly has been shown to decrease accuracy in subsequent tests, and providing a witness with disconfirming feedback has also been shown to reduce accuracy. The current study aims to examine how disconfirming feedback affects a witness’s accuracy throughout multiple lineups, as well as examining the reflector variables of reaction time and the “Remember, Know, Guess” (e.g. RKG) questionnaire. Participants who incorrectly chose a suspect from an initial target-absent lineup were given disconfirming feedback and randomly assigned to a final target-present or target-absent lineup. Results did not reveal any significant effect of feedback on final lineup accuracy. Reaction time and the “remember” response of the RKG were significant predictors of accuracy in the final target-present lineup condition. Participants who chose from the final target-present lineup quicker were more likely to be accurate, and participants who chose the “remember” response were more likely to be accurate.

9:30-9:45 a.m.

Gender Identity Differences in Stress Experiences and Stress Responses

Garrett Byron (North Dakota State University)

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals experience higher rates of mental health and chronic conditions including depression, anxiety, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure compared to those who report a gender identity consistent with their biological sex. One contributor to these health disparities may be the unique stresses experienced by TGNC individuals and their responses to stress. This paper synthesizes research regarding the stress experienced by gender minorities and how it is related to alterations in psychophysiological stress responsivity. Previous research on racial, ethnic, and sexual orientation minority stress is used to consider how minority stress affects TGNC individuals and their responses. A stress mediated model of gender identity and health disparities is presented. This model outlines how more stress, unique stress experiences, and unique stress responses act as psychophysiological pathways through which gender identity is related to TGNC health disparities. This model should guide research in the complexities of stress and stress responses as they contribute to health disparities in the TGNC population.

9:45-10 a.m.

Associations Between Sociopolitical Attitudes and the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer

Jaden Dela Rosa (University of Manitoba)

 In Canada, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is a pressing social issue. One goal of the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer project is to track progress toward reconciliation. Some people perceive more (vs. less) progress, but it is unclear why. This study assessed associations between sociopolitical attitudes and people’s perceptions of progress toward reconciliation. Participants were introductory psychology students, aged 18 or older, and living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident. In online surveys, 539 participants completed the sociopolitical attitude measures at Time 1, via a prescreen, and the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer at Time 2. We conducted a correlational analysis, using SPSS, to examine the relationship between sociopolitical attitudes and 13 indicators of progress toward reconciliation. These variables were largely unrelated and correlations did not differ between non-Indigenous racialized and White participants. Thus, judgments of progress do not reflect the sociopolitical attitudes we assessed, supporting the Barometer’s discriminant validity.

10-10:15 a.m.

Dating Out of Your League: A Cubic Response Surface Analysis

Gracynn Young (University of North Dakota)

Historically, mate value discrepancies (i.e., differences between an individual's self-reported mate value and their perception of their partner's mate value) have been analyzed using difference scores. This study explored the connections between mate value discrepancies and mate retention behaviors through cubic response surface analysis, a novel statistical method that overcomes several limitations of difference scores. The findings revealed a congruence effect, of which participants who rated both themselves and their partner as having low mate value reported high levels of cost-inflicting behaviors from both parties, which aligns with the previous research. Additionally, a curvilinear relationship was observed, indicating that individuals who perceived their mate value as higher than their partner's reported more cost-inflicting behaviors by both individuals. These results highlight the complexity of the relationship between mate value discrepancies and relationship behaviors, demonstrating the advantages of cubic response surface analysis in the study of romantic relationships.

10:15-10:30 a.m.

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Opportunities: A Postdoc Experience

Utkarsh Gupta, Thomas Petros, Dmitri Poltavski (University of North Dakota)

The Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Dakota is home to advanced experimental and clinical psychology research. Dr Dmitri Poltavski’s and Dr Thomas Petros’s labs facilitate experiments ranging from advanced psychophysiology and cognitive neuroscience research to applied human factors research in aviation, sports, and clinical fields. In this presentation, Dr Utkarsh Gupta will talk about his experience as a postdoc in their labs and how he has been developing his research portfolio by supporting the ongoing cognitive neuroscience research projects as well as applying for federal and non-federal grants as a principal investigator or a co-principal investigator. Dr Gupta will further talk about how these research opportunities and grant applications have led to interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaborations creating a flourishing research environment. Finally, Dr Gupta will talk about how this research can be translated into real world applications making real world impact.

Memorial Union

220 Memorial Union

Fake News: The Psychology of Misinformation and Pseudoscience 

The spread and challenges of misinformation and pseudoscience are more prevalent than ever. Our panelists will describe these challenges, discussing them within psychological, sociological, and political contexts, as well as share insight into how we can combat these phenomena.

•  Dr. Travis Clark (Department of Psychology) will introduce the concepts of misinformation and pseudoscience, explaining why they are so powerfully persuasive from a social psychological perspective.
•  Dr. Joao Ozawa (Department of Communication) will discuss the political and sociological drivers behind the spread of disinformation. He will present recent case studies of political disinformation attacks in Brazil and within diaspora communities in the United States, along with the responses from journalists and civil society to these attacks.
•  Dr. Cassandra Flick (Department of Psychology) will present strategies for mitigating the effects of misinformation on individuals’ beliefs, such pre-bunking, debunking, and inoculation, as well as discuss how considering alternative plausible explanations can influence these strategies. 
•  Dr. Richard Ferraro (Department of Psychology) will discuss recent disturbing trends in academic journal publishing (e.g., fake authors, reviewers and data) from the perspective of being Editor-in-Chief of Current Psychology since 2013.

Memorial Union Restaurants

318 Memorial Union

1. Examining Correlations of Historical Trauma and Ethnic Identification with Symptoms of Depression in Native American College Students

Nerissa Dolney, J. Douglas McDonald, RaeAnn Anderson, & Thomas Petros

University of North Dakota

2. The Role of Societal Attitudes in Shaping Threat Perceptions within Stalking

Abby Vovchuk

University of Manitoba

3. Malingering of Executive Function in Traumatic Brain Injury

Olivia Revels-Strother

University of North Dakota

4. Inside the Courtroom: A Comparison of Mental Health Testimony Preferences among American and Canadian Legal Professionals

Katérine Aminot, Tara J. Ryan, & Alicia Nijdam-Jones

University of Manitoba

5. Exploring Mock Juror Characteristics as Predictors of Support for the Trans Panic Defense

Emily Hoffmann, Faith Aasen, Mary Hamilton, Haley Duncan, Adelyn Emter, & Alison Kelly

University of North Dakota

6. The Associations Between Victim-Offender Overlap, Interpersonal Skills, and Impulsivity: Implications for Improving Sexual Violence Interventions for College Men

Jasmine Skorheim & RaeAnn Anderson

University of North Dakota

7. Assessment of Headset-Mounted Haptic Cueing on Pilot Altitude Control

Jessica Van Bree

University of North Dakota

8. Identity and Mental Wellbeing: Exploring the Impact of 'Survivor' Labels on Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Michaela Bourque & Mandy Archibald

University of Manitoba

9. Risk Factors for Self-Directed Violence Among Individuals in a First Episode of Psychosis: Preliminary Results of a Systematic Review

Rowan Baran

University of Manitoba

10. Understanding Factors in Mental Health: Civilian Trainee Pilot Perspectives

Jessica Van Bree, Madison Adrian, Lauren Stornelli, Elizabeth Bjerke, William Hoffman, Tony Yuan, Joelle Ruthig, & Tracy Evanson

University of North Dakota

11. Addressing Social Isolation Among Rural Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Brogan Lommen-Solig, Ethan Dahl, & Mariah Sorby

University of North Dakota

12. Perceived Healthcare Accessibility Among Urban and Rural People with Disabilities

Crystal Lundmark, Ethan Dahl, & Mariah Sorby

University of North Dakota

13. ADHD, Memory Capacity, and Self Esteem

Shanaye Picard & Krystal St. Peter

Minot State University

14. Adverse Events as Risk Factors for Self-Directed Violence Within Forensic Inpatient Services: Preliminary Results of a Systematic Review

Anya Dedio

University of Manitoba

15. Examining how Exposure to Violent Extremism Differs by Sexual Orientation

Meliyah Anderson-Tryon, B.A., Jordan Jaeger, Jared Ruchensky, Alan King, Daniella Cash, & Tiffany Russell

University of North Dakota

16. Gendered Stereotypes of STEM Majors

Luke Bigalow

University of North Dakota

17. Range Effects in Stimulus Generalization Depend Subject to Primacy and Recency Effects

Christopher Veenstra & Adam Derenne

University of North Dakota

18. Child Sexual Abuse and Substance Use: The Role of Social Support

Javan Linney

Fielding Graduate University

19. Exploring Age and Occupation Stereotypes of Dental Professionals

Less Hatcher

University of North Dakota

20. Clinical Applications of the PID-5 Faceted Brief Form in Sexual Minorities

Hadley McCartin, Tiffany Russell, & Jared Ruchensky

University of North Dakota

21. Exploring Gendered Stereotypes about Single Parents

Erin Johnson

University of North Dakota

22. How Does Counselling Psychology Faculty Members’ Grit Relate to their Emotions and Success in Teaching and Research?

Jordan Jaeger, Chai-lin Change, & Robert Stupnisky

University of North Dakota

23. Sexual Health Among College Students

Abigail Vallance

Aquinas College

24. To Defund or Not to Defund: Perceived Consequences and Benefits of Defunding the Police

Haley Duncan, Emma Kilian, Casey Tuhy, Andrew Rilometo, Jace Catalan, & Cassandra Flick

University of North Dakota

25. Gender Differences in Social Media Addiction, Self-Esteem, and Self-Efficacy

26. Academic Anxiety and Stress Across Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in College

Addison Sorenson, Loa Turner, & Krystal St. Peter

Minot State University

27. Athletic Mental Wellness: The Impact of Psychological Fortitude on Student-Athletes

Andrew Lenway

University of North Dakota

28. Barriers and Facilitators to Psychological Service Use: Exploring the Experiences of Canadian Women on Probation and Parole

Rebekah Waite, Madison Hardman, Kasmira Sobkow, & Alicia Nijdam-Jones

University of Manitoba

29. A Novel Home Healthcare Program Decreases Frailty in Older Adults

Dmitri Poltavski, Alexa Mills, Renee Lach-Sharon, Sue Briggs, Stacy Bromell, Anthony Baker, Jennifer Hall, Josh Smitherman, & William Mills

University of North Dakota

30. Executive Functioning Deficits in College Students: The Role of Personality, Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, ADHD, and Internalizing Symptoms

University of North Dakota

31. ADHD, Memory Capacity, and Self Esteem

Shawn Bennett, Heili Wiley, & Krystal St. Peter

Minot State University

32. Relationships Between Social Anxiety and Impression Formation in a Laboratory Context

Kirstyn Bauer

University of North Dakota

33. Personality Across Realities: Correlations Between Personality Profiles and Preferences Within Roleplaying Games

Brittany Mancha & Joseph Miller

University of North Dakota

34. An Exploration of the Relationship Between the Sexual Risk of College Students and the Parenting Styles of their Mother and Father

Rufus Ward, Penny Craven, & St. Peter

Minot State University

35. Relating Individual Differences to Multitasking Performance

Nichole Dumlao, Ava Holmes, Erin Johnson, Hannah Lalim, Kailer Logan, Mackenzie Amerman, Jessica Van Bree, Utkarsh Gupta, & Thomas Petros

University of North Dakota

36. Who is Responsible? Juror Perceptions of Mental Illness and Police Use of Force

Mary Cops

University of North Dakota

220 Memorial Union

2-2:15 p.m.

Exploring the Psychological Service Use Experiences of Women on Probation and Parole Across Canada

Madison Hardman, McKenna Claeys, Kasmira Sobkow, Leslie Roos, & Alicia Nijdam-Jones (University of Manitoba)

Increasing numbers of women are entering the Canadian criminal legal system; however, research has yet to qualitatively explore women’s experiences accessing psychological services while on probation and parole and the mental health impacts of their justice involvement. Women on probation and parole across Canada completed an online survey (N = 9), including questions about their demographics and psychological service use. Qualitative data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three themes were developed: Complex impacts of criminal legal involvement on well-being (subthemes: “Back on track”, “Availability and wait lists,” “Just surviving,” and “I do not like having my name in the system”), Forming help-seeking intentions (subthemes: “Face the problems”, “It is not really my decision,” “Finding the right person,” and “I want to get my life back”), and Caring for my well-being (subthemes: Self-care, “Keeping busy with programs”). Findings offer policy implications and practice recommendations for both correctional officers and clinicians.

2:15-2:30 p.m.

Examining how Symptomology of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is Associated with Motivation and Research Success among University Faculty

Jordan Jaeger & Robert Stupnisky (University of North Dakota)

 Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has become a more prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder among adults, the symptoms of which may be quite debilitating for adults trying to succeed in the workforce, specifically university faculty. The current study utilizes the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to examine how symptoms of ADHD can predict faculty motivation for research and, in turn, their success. A structural equation model was developed using Self-determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2012) as a framework, in which motivations are predicted by three basic psychological needs; autonomy, competency, and relatedness. Findings show that the ASRS negatively predicted autonomy, competency, and relatedness, which predicted autonomous motivation and amotivation, with amotivation negatively predicting research success. This research found that those who report higher levels of ADHD symptoms also report less research success. Interventions that reduce these symptoms should benefit faculty with a diagnosis of ADHD but also faculty who report similar symptoms.

 2:30-2:45 p.m.

A National Survey of Canadian Forensic Mental Health Services

 Brandon Burgess (University of Manitoba)

 The US currently faces a “competency crisis” due to overwhelming demand for competency/fitness assessments, however the extent to which Canada is experiencing similar concerns is unknown. The present study used a mixed methods design to survey Canadian forensic mental health (FMH) service providers to a) capture a snapshot of the FMH services available in each province and b) highlight challenges to providing FMH care. Forty sites and 2031 designated inpatient forensic beds were identified across Canada, representing a 16% increase in sites and 31% increase beds since 2006. Reflexive thematic analysis of study interviews (n = 13) identified four themes in participant responses including Challenges to Providing FMH Care, Growing Burden on the FMH System, Stigma and Lack of Support, and Identified Needs/Attempts at Change. Findings underscore a need for enhanced communication and standardized data collection across Canadian FMH services, alongside expanding the scope of practice for forensic psychologists

2:45-3 p.m.

If In Doubt, Do Not Act: An Initial Investigation into a Juror’s Shifting Conviction Threshold Based on Charge, Sentence, and Evidence Strength

Sophie Johnson & Kimberly Schweitzer (University of North Dakota)

In criminal trials, jurors may consider the impact that not convicting a guilty person may have (i.e., Type II error) and may raise their conviction thresholds if they feel a type II error is favorable to a type I error (i.e., convicting an innocent person). Research has found that when charge severity (e.g., Kerr, 1978) or the perceived sentence (Kaplan & Krupa, 1986; Kerr, 1978) is higher, jurors shift their conviction thresholds to requiring more confidence in the defendant’s guilt to convict (Martin & Schum, 1987). However, previous literature has not simultaneously examined the relationship between charge severity, sentence severity, and strength of the evidence. The proposed research hypothesizes charge severity, sentence severity, and evidence strength will increase a juror’s conviction threshold through increasing type I error concern. Data collection will begin soon, and we hope to be able to present pilot data on evidence strength and charge severity.

Memorial Union

220 Memorial Union

• Outstanding Undergraduate Service Award: Emma Kilian
• Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award: Livia Obrigewitch
• Outstanding Psychology Student Award: Haley Duncan

220 Memorial Union

Forensic Psychological Assessment in Civil Law: Where Refugee Mental Health meets Personal Injury Law

Forensic Psychology is usually associated with high profile criminal cases, but the same issues are equally applicable to the civil law. In fact, many civil cases draw as much, if not more attention than criminal cases (e.g., the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial, or E. Jean Carroll v. Donald Trump). This presentation will focus on a large, ongoing civil forensic case involving refugees from a civil war in Africa who are suing a major international bank. The case will serve as a vehicle to discuss issues related to forensic assessment broadly, including the standards for admissibility of expert testimony, as well as how cultural and linguistic diversity complicates psychological assessments.