Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

641

Date

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Sara K. Bridges

Committee Member

Douglas Strohmer

Committee Member

Christian Mueller

Committee Member

Pamela Detrie

Abstract

Transitioning to college life frequently requires making unique adjustments as individuals face new psychological demands such as adapting to a variety of social situations, financial worries, and increasing academic stress. Research suggests that three core intra and interpersonal processes of mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and values-based action (components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) provide valuable indications of one's ability to make necessary adjustments in stressful situations. Also known to contribute to an individual's ability to make important adjustments is the perceived parenting style in which the individual was raised. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived parenting style and mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and values-based action. Data from 109 undergraduate student participants were analyzed using three separate one-way ANOVAs. Results indicated that no statistically significant relationship existed between perceived parenting style and mindfulness or experiential avoidance. A significant relationship was found, however, between perceived parenting style and values-based action, and post hoc comparisons using Tukey procedures indicated that individuals who perceive their parents to be indulgent are more likely to live in value-congruent ways than are individuals who perceive their parents to be neglectful. The implications for how these results may impact and inform college students, researchers, mental health professionals, and parents are provided.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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