Veteran Nightmare Study: Efficacy of a brief nightmare treatment for veterans, Dissertation Project: Noelle Balliett & Katherine Miller
Replicating previous work indicating initial support for the use of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescription Therapy (ERRT) for reduction of symptoms related to chronic nightmares among trauma-exposed veterans.
Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescription Therapy for Children (ERRT-C): Dr. Davis, Dr. Cromer*, Shantel Fernandez, Cameo Borntrager, Rachael Swopes
The ERRT-C study is an extension of the ERRT RCT. This study is extending the ERRT treatment to children in a multi-site randomized clinical trial. The trial is in the planning stages, and will begin collecting pilot data during the 2011-2012 school year.
History of Psychology Project
Textbooks about the history of psychology often exclude some very important contributors, especially women and members of minority groups. In Dr. Davis’ History of Psychology class, the class strives to go beyond the typical material taught in a History of Psychology class by focusing on these lesser known psychologists. Students work in groups to choose a woman psychologist or minority psychologist who has made a significant contribution to the field of psychology. They research that individual and make oral presentations to the class about the life, influences, and contributions of that individual. To view some of these presentations, please click here.
Book: Treating post-trauma nightmares: A cognitive behavioral approach
Dr. Davis recently completed writing her book describing the treatment she developed for trauma-related nightmares. The treatment is called Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) and has been empirically evaluated with positive results.
Randomized Clinical Trial: TRAPT Project
We are currently conducting a randomized clinical trial comparing two treatments for trauma related nightmares. Lab members serve as phone screeners, therapists, and assessors. Therapy includes utilization of manualized treatment protocols and assessment includes the utilization of two structured interviews that are considered “gold standards”: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).
Sexual Experiences Survey: Kimble*, Flack*, Elizabeth Avant, Christopher Cranston, Noelle Balliett
This study is considering the unwanted sexual experiences of college students. Other variables included are alcohol consumption, traumatic experiences, and post traumatic stress symptoms.
Clinician Survey: Lillienfeld*, Lohr*, Thyer*, Dr. Davis, Kristi Pruiksma
We conducted a survey to evaluate the prevalence of use of scientific and pseudoscientific treatments and assessments. The data collection is complete and analyses are forthcoming. [Status?]
DVIS Offender Study: Tett*, Dr. Davis, Rachael Swopes, Dan Simonet*, Jennifer Steward
This study is examining emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms as potential predictors of treatment outcome for perpetrators of domestic violence. The sample consists of offenders attending a 52-week court-mandated treatment program at Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS/Call Rape),
Effectiveness Study of a Trauma-Focused Treatment for Female Inmates: Rachael Swopes, Dr. Davis
This study is an evaluation of a group treatment focused on women, substance abuse, and trauma. The treatment will be studied in a sample of incarcerated women in a minimum-security facility. Assessments will be administered one week pre and post treatment. The intervention consists of a four-month treatment, Helping Women Recover/Beyond Trauma, by Stephanie Covington.
SANE Project: Resnick*, Ruggerio*, Acierno*, Newman*, Foley*, Dr. Davis, Marsha Siebenmorgen, Rachael Swopes, Katherine Miller
Ocast Grant – Complete
The purpose of the SANE project is to examine factors which may mitigate the effects of sexual assault and rape. A brief video intervention will be used to assess effectiveness of post-assault education. In addition, the project aims to identify genetic markers of vulnerability through DNA testing. The project inspects the mental and physical health of recent assault survivors in hopes of improving both through better equipped psychological intervention. Dream Survey: Rosen*, Lohr*, Dr. Davis, Elizabeth Avant, Rachel Wiedeman The proposed study will provide for the measurement of fear-relevant dreams and their relationship to standardized measures of specific fears. In addition, differences in nightmare characteristics across three groups (e.g. no fear, fear without impairment, phobia with impairment) have been analyzed for a manuscript in preparation. Future analyses may be used for conference presentations. Data are currently being analyzed in preparation for publication of findings.
Bad Dreams vs. Nightmares: Full Lab
Nightmares are often defined as a frightening dream that wakes people up. The purpose of this study is to compare bad dreams (that do not wake the sleeper) and nightmares (the wake the sleeper) on emotional intensity and content to examine the adequacy of this definition of nightmares.