Committee Chair

Arnold, Tomorrow D.

Committee Member

Walker, Ruth H.; Howell, Ashley N.

Department

Dept. of Psychology

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Adverse childhood (ACEs) and adult (AAEs) experiences have been connected to negative psychological and physical consequences. ACEs have been associated with maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and impairments in selective attention (SA). Less is known about AAEs on selective attention and MD in adults. This study aimed to address gaps in the literature using a sample of 177 adults aged 18 and 30 who were assessed for ACEs, AAEs, and MD. Participants’ SA was assessed through an emotional Stroop test. ACEs and AAEs were both positively associated with MD, as well as with increased reaction times in the Emotional Stroop. There was an indirect effect of ACEs on total reaction time through MD. High levels of MD moderated the relationship between AAEs and SA by decreasing reaction times. Findings suggest a complex mechanism in the relationship between adverse life experiences, MD, and selective attention.

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge my amazing Thesis Chair, Dr. Tomorrow Arnold, for helping and supporting me throughout my thesis process, and my committee members, Dr. Ashley Howell and Dr. Ruth Walker, for their valuable input and commitment to the success of my project. I want to share my gratitude towards all the faculty and staff in the Department of Psychology for being great contributors to my academic achievements and overall education. I thank the UTC URaCE office for believing and supporting my project, and allowing me to pursue and complete my thesis project by granting me the SEARCH Award. Finally, I am indebted to my family, friends, and my partner, who made all this possible.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

8-2024

Subject

Psychic trauma; Adult child abuse victims

Keyword

Adverse Childhood Experiences; Adverse Adulthood Experiences; Maladaptive Daydreaming; Selective Attention; Emotional Stroop Task

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

x, 82 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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