Fielding Four Receive Prestigious Research Awards at APA 2022

The American Psychological Association held its annual convention virtually and in-person on August 3-6, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Fielding School of Psychology students were recognized with APA Research Awards.  

Erinn Cameron

Clinical psychology PhD student Erinn Cameron received a research award at the APA 2022 conference. The APA division that granted the award is the Research Council of the Society for Prescribing Psychology (APA division 55). Click on the thumbnail below for Erinn’s poster presentation. This research is based in part on Erinn’s dissertation data. 

RESEARCH: Cannabis Delivery Method Usage Patterns and Preferences for Women with Chronic Pain

Introduction: A multibillion-dollar cannabis industry has introduced high-potency products and novel delivery methods such as the e-pen vaping device. While past research indicates that males utilize more delivery methods, women’s cannabis use is increasing at a higher rate, with chronic pain noted as the most common reason for use (Boehnke et al., 2019). Further, women are increasingly targeted with advertising for novel delivery methods with claims for symptom relief that may not be supported by empirical evidence. A lack of support for safety and efficacy for cannabis products may lead to unintentional harmful use by women. Also, products that may appeal to women, such as edibles, often exhibit inconsistencies and inaccuracies in product labeling regarding THC and CBD content (Cao et al., 2016; MacCoun Mello, 2015; Vandrey et al., 2015). Understanding women’s cannabis usage patterns regarding delivery methods may have important implications for potential therapeutic efficacy and a better understanding of the health risks and benefits of cannabis use for women. 

Kimberly Keiser

Fielding alum of the post baccalaureate program, Kimberly Keiser received a research award at the APA 2022 conference. The APA division that granted the award is the Society for Health Psychology (APA division 38). 

Research: Maladaptive Schemas Predict Levels of Chronic Pain and Health Worries

Abstract: Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) may predict exacerbation or alleviation of symptomology in pain patients. Our research found specific EMSs correlated to current pain, chronic pain, and health concerns. The results suggest complex interactions between pain symptoms and EMSs that are vital to successful treatment in chronic pain patients.

Michelle Woods

Clinical psychology PhD student Michelle Woods received a research award at the APA 2022 conference. The APA division that granted the award is the Research Council of the Society for Prescribing Psychology (APA division 55).

Research: Increased Amount of Medical Cannabis Used Per Week is Associated with Less Memory Dysfunction

Recreational cannabis use is associated with memory dysfunction. We assessed participants for the correlation between medical cannabis use and memory deficits. An increased use of medical cannabis was associated with fewer memory problems. There were nonsignificant correlations between medical cannabis use and other executive function deficits that were measured.

Colleen Kocik

General psychology PhD student Colleen Kocik received a research award at the APA 2022 conference. The APA division that granted the award is the Society of Clinical Psychology (APA division 12).  

Research: Childhood Physical Abuse and Emotional Abuse Predict Cluster B Personality Characteristics

Poster Introduction:

• Existing literature suggests childhood trauma is related to characteristics of cluster B personality disorders (Berenz et al., 2013; Smits et al., 2017; Thomsen et al., 2017).
• Deficits in emotional intelligence (EI) may influence the development of psychopathy in individuals who have experienced childhood trauma (El- Khodary et al., 2019; Frias & Palma, 2015; Petrides et al., 2017).
• Little research has examined whether EI moderates the relationship between childhood trauma and cluster B personality traits.
• Our study filled this gap by examining if EI and childhood trauma predict cluster B personality characteristics and whether EI moderates the relationship between trauma and personality.

The APA convention draws roughly 10,000 in attendance. This year’s convention, APA 2022, was three full days packed with more than 900 in-person sessions, numerous social and networking events, and two virtual livestream channels. For more information visit convention.APA.org.