Past research has indicated that math self-concept (MSC) is a critical predictor of math anxiety and performance (Orth & Robbins, 2022).  MSC appears to take form in childhood and adolescence and is the consequence of factors such as math achievement, peer comparison, confidence, math anxiety, and math avoidance. However, little is known about the stability of MSC after adolescence, nor about the factors that influence change from secondary school to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to determine if factors that are known to be involved in the formation of MSC are also responsible for its modification in adulthood. Sixty eight undergraduate students participated in an experiment in which they completed nine surveys that measured math anxiety, secondary school MSC, college MSC, math confidence, math achievement in secondary school and in college, peer comparison, math avoidance, and a math performance test (BMA-1, Steiner & Ashcraft, 2012). Change in MSC was computed by subtracting secondary school MSC from college MSC, producing a distribution ranging from -10 to 7 (M = .31, SD = 3.25).  Middle school self-concept predicted college self-concept (r = .595) and both were correlated with changes in MSC ( r = -.588, r = .301, respectively). No other variables predicted change in MSC, but secondary school achievement and math anxiety were significantly associated with middle school self-concept, (r = .50, r = -.54, respectively). College self-concept was significantly associated with additional variables including confidence and math avoidance (r’s = .39, -.44, respectively).  These findings suggest that MSC formed during childhood changes for some people, but is generally resistant to change.  As previously shown, math achievement and math anxiety are critical to MSC formation in adolescence, but those factors do not appear to influence change in MSC.  Instead, math anxiety and secondary school achievement, joined by confidence and math avoidance, seem to maintain secondary school MSC into college MSC. Because poor MSC negatively influences many behaviors regarding math, it is critical to explore avenues that might break its effects. These results suggest confidence and math avoidance may be critical factors to target for that purpose.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

This research project investigates the relationship between acculturation, self-construal, and the values parents want in their children. A previous study among Latino parents found that more U.S.-oriented parents seem to value more independent behaviors at a younger age and have more individualistic beliefs in comparison to less acculturated parents (Roche et al., 2013). The purpose of the present study is to investigate if acculturation relates to independent or interdependent child-rearing values. We hypothesized that more acculturated parents will value independent values for their children, while less acculturated parents will value interdependent values for their children. We will also investigate if parental self-construal relates to independent or interdependent childrearing values. Our hypothesis was that more individualistic parents will value independent values for their children, while more collectivistic parents will value interdependent values for their children. Data for the present study was collected online through Qualtrics, and participants were recruited through social media and the local community. Participants included 171 California parents (of children ages 2-17), ranging from ages 21 to 56 years old. This study consisted of 16% males and 84% females. Participants were White (48%), Hispanic/ Latinx (30%), Asian (8%), multi-ethnic (8%), Black/ African American (4%), other (2%), and Pacific Islander (1%). Participants completed the PAN Acculturation scale (Soriano & Hough, 2000), the Self-Construal Scale (Singelis, 1994), and a child-rearing values scale (McCabe et al., 2016). Pearson correlation analyses found that there was no significant relation between parent acculturation and independent (r = .03, p = .70) or interdependent child-rearing (r = .03, p = .76). Another set of Pearson correlation analyses found that there was no significant correlation between parental collectivistic self-construal and independent values (r = -.02, p = .75), however, there was a positive correlation between parental collectivistic self-construal and interdependent values for their children (r = .18, p = .03). This study highlights the importance of understanding the values that parents want to pass on to their children to understand family dynamics, expectations, and possible outcomes.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

The purpose of this study is to better understand the variety of perspectives on postpartum depression (PPD). Research demonstrates that there is cross-cultural variability in the recognition, awareness, and knowledge about PPD. For example, one research study found that the two culture groups receive parallel but very dissimilar training in maternal role perceptions, expectations, and confidence (Shand, 1985). A previous study revealed that mental health continues to be unacknowledged in Bangladesh (Williams et al., 2018). This present study examines if attitudes towards postpartum depression differ across people with varying levels of acculturation, including people born in the United States versus people born outside of the United States. There were a total of 106 participants for this study, including 48 women and 50 men aged from 19 to 72 years old (M = 36), including 50.9% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 9.4% American Indian, 9.4% Asian, 17% multi-ethnic, and 3.8% with another ethnicity. Through a series of Qualtrics surveys, participants completed measures of socio-demographic background questions, the PAN Acculturation Scale (Soriano & Hough, 2000), and the Attitudes Toward Postpartum Depression Questionnaire (Poreddi et al., 2020). On average, participants reported a high stigma towards postpartum depression (M = 35.34, SD = 3.25). Specifically, participants reported the most stigma associated with “If my relative had PPD, I would feel ashamed and not tell anyone”, “women who have had PPD cannot make good mothers”, and “women who have had PPD cannot make decisions at all”. In contrast, participants reported the least stigma associated with “We should be patient and have empathy with women who have had PPD”, “PPD is common among women”, and “women with PPD are at high risk of suicide.” Data collection is complete and analyses are underway. Specifically, correlation analyses will examine the relation between acculturation and attitudes toward postpartum depression. This study is significant as it pertains to a better understanding of the views from society regarding women going through postpartum depression.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

The field of generative deep-learning models, colloquially referred to as “artificial intelligence” or “AI”, has rapidly grown in recent years, both in terms of available services and societal impact (Li, 2023). However, comparatively little psychology-based research has been performed in relation to generative AI, especially regarding the most current services available. The purpose of the current study is to expand the available research on how a person’s psychology may interact with their perception of AI, specifically version 3.5 of ChatGPT. Previous research suggests that AI involvement affects people’s opinions across various contexts; listeners seem to like pieces of music less when they believe those pieces are composed by an AI (Shank et al., 2023). Additionally, the knowledge that an AI will be involved in interview evaluations for certain jobs appears to negatively affect motivation to apply for or pursue them (Mirowska, 2020). Thus, the current research seeks to further investigate the relationship between perceived AI involvement and opinions regarding them and their usage. To achieve this, a deception was performed in which certain participants were told that the survey they were currently taking had either been completely written by AI or constructed with the assistance of AI. Edited screenshots of responses from ChatGPT were included as evidence to aid in the deception. A control group composed of participants who do not experience any deception was also included. Afterward, opinions on AI were collected from all groups using an adapted version of the General Attitudes Towards Robots Scale with 20 items (Koverola et al., 2022). A one-way between groups ANOVA was used to analyze the responses of 1982 participants. There was no significant difference in overall opinions regarding AI across levels of perceived AI involvement, which may suggest an emerging acceptance or apathy toward broader AI usage. These findings can be useful for individuals and organizations that aim to use artificial intelligence, especially in cases necessitating disclosure of its assistance. Practical implications of the current research extend across creative, social, and industrial/organizational contexts, which will be further explored in the presentation.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Habitat for Humanity has experienced a notable decline in volunteer engagement since the 2020 pandemic, despite implementing new strategies and hiring a dedicated social media manager. Leveraging social media as a crucial marketing tool holds promise for enhancing volunteer motivation and expanding overall support. Our study aims to provide recommendations to improve Habitat for Humanity’s online brand image, thereby attracting a higher number of volunteers. To assess the effectiveness of social media in recruiting volunteers, we will analyze the user engagement data provided by each platform, as well as assess the posts’ alignment with the best practices for its theme and each platform’s targeted demographics. Previous studies, such as the research by Ferguson et al. (2015), have shown that participants exposed to charity event pages on Facebook were more inclined to participate, even if they initially had no intention to do so. Additionally, research by Konstantinou and Jones (2022) indicates that Generation Z individuals are particularly drawn to events that align with their values and interests. Given these findings, it’s crucial to evaluate how Habitat for Humanity’s social media strategy resonates with potential volunteers. Thematic analysis will help identify recurring themes or patterns associated with volunteer recruitment and engagement. To achieve our objectives, we will be conducting mixed methods research, utilizing both qualitative methods, focusing on the social media posts’ content, and quantitative methods, using SPSS to analyze the engagement counts and volunteer data. Anticipated findings will contribute to understanding the challenges and opportunities of utilizing social media for volunteer recruitment. Ultimately, our study will offer tailored recommendations to address Habitat for Humanity’s current volunteer shortages effectively, informed by a nuanced understanding of user engagement and preferences on social media platforms.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Our visual world is completed by illusory contours: edges that are perceived in a stimulus, but not physically present. Domestic cats appear to see these lines as subjects spent more time in an illusory square than a control stimulus. Currently, it is unclear whether perceiving illusory contours is a product of domestication or a general ability in the Felidae family. To test this, we presented wild cats with a Kanizsa square (an illusion of a square) and a control stimulus, relying cats’ natural motivation for enclosed spaces to determine their preference. We hypothesized that if wild cats perceive illusory contours, they will spend more time in an illusory square than a control stimulus. We studied seven wild cats at America’s Teaching Zoo (3 servals, 1 bobcat, 1 lion, and 2 tigers). The participants each had two sessions of 30 minutes, and the stimuli were switched each trial to control for side bias. We coded from the video a variety of behaviors that may denote participant interaction with either stimulus. The coded behaviors included resting, entering, sitting, and inspecting. Once coded, our data will demonstrate whether the subjects interacted with one stimulus more than the other. We hope our data will provide further understanding in illusory contour comprehension’s adaptive significance in the Felidae. If wild cats are able to see and respond to illusory contours, it would indicate that this ability may be a general perceptual trait of the Felidae and thus raise questions about its evolutionary origins and purpose.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Currently there are many facets and dimensions within the bodies of research that are human-computer interaction (HCI), human-robot interaction (HBI), and human-Artificial intelligence interaction (HAII). Topics within these fields often revolve around investigating the application of their associated technologies in various healthcare, education, and companionship roles, as well as the social effects associated with human interactions in social contexts (Lambert et al.,2020). In terms of social effects, it has been documented that when people interact with non-human intelligence exhibiting social cues, they tend to apply social rules possibly assessing them as social actors (Nass et al., 1994). While findings like these may be beneficial to the determining the types of general attitudes one would experience, studies do not seem to have investigated an individual’s perception of agency ascribed to non-human intelligences. Research in this niche area may yield considerations for the future development of robot and artificial intelligence (AI) systems which are going to be interacted with regularly by humans. Another area in which these bodies of research do not seem to touch upon often is the effect of individual personality traits on the perception of these systems. Personality traits, such as those featured in the “Big Five” model, are typically reliable descriptors of how an individual meaningfully behaves across various situations on average (Roberts, 2009). The use of these traits could be useful in the identification of behavioral and cognitive processes which lend to the attribution of agency and positive attitudes towards non-human systems. The present study seeks to fill this niche gap in current HCI, HRI, and HAII research by investigating whether individuals perceive modern AIs of today as agents and specifically as agents which are capable of moral decision making, as well as examining whether the there is a significant effect of the “Big Five” personality traits on the attribution of moral agency. Participants will be sampled from the general US population through a panel service and regression analyses will be employed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and perceptions of AI.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Religion can be a way of coping for some individuals. Some people are born into a household where they are encouraged to practice religion which could contribute to their coping methods. For example, Ahmand et al. (2023) conducted a study on Muslims who are in the United States which showed that the majority of their participants use religious/spiritual coping as a way to cope with difficulties. Oxhandler et al. (2018) also found that participants who were diagnosed with a mental illness used religious/spiritual coping, in which the majority of the participants conducted practices such as prayer and bible readings to where they felt a sense of comfort and protection by god.

This present study explores how participants from different religions use coping mechanisms. We hypothesize that Muslim and Christian participants are more likely to use religious methods of stress coping compared to agnostics and atheists. Our data was collected via an online survey through Prolific. Participants included 48.7% women, 46.1% male, and 3.6% non-binary, aged 18 to 80 (M = 35 years). Participants included 52.3% White, 13.6% more than one ethnicity, 11.4% Asian, 11% Black or African American, and 9.4% Hispanic or Latinx. Participants completed a survey that consisted of 9 different questions regarding using religious practices to handle stress and emotions (Gutierrez, 2023).

Initial analyses showed that Christian participants reported more frequent use of religious coping methods compared to atheist participants, t(105.45) = 10.03, p < .001, d = 1.4. Additional analyses will examine religious coping strategies for participants with other religious affiliations. We will also examine which specific coping strategies are used most and least often. This study can help to enhance our understanding of how religious coping can serve as a tool for individuals and aid individuals in establishing diverse support systems.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Parenting styles often vary across cultures, including how parents enforce different parenting styles depending on the gender of their child. For example, a study by Mandara et al. (2010) investigated how African American mothers socialize their sons and daughters differently, finding that later-born boys had fewer chores and argued more with their mother. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between parenting styles, ethnicity, and child gender. We hypothesize that parents who identify as Hispanic/Latinx will be more authoritarian and parents who identify as white will be more permissive. We also hypothesize that parents will have a more authoritarian parenting style with girls and a more permissive parenting style with boys. Participants included 171 parents of children between the ages of 2 and 17 who reside in California who were recruited online through social media, including Facebook, and flyers in the local community. A total of 84% of parents surveyed were female and 16% were male, with ages ranging between 21 and 56 and an average age of 38. The ethnic background of participants were 48% White, 30% Hispanic/Latinx, 4% Black/African American, 8% Asian, 1% Pacific Islander, 2% other, and 8% multi-ethnic. Parenting styles were measured using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (Robinson et al., 2001). An independent-sample t-test compared parenting styles across child gender and ethnicity. Results found that there was no significant difference in parenting styles between Hispanic/Latinx parents and White parents, on Authoritarian t(127 ) = 1.17, p = .25, d = .19, Permissive t(120) = .40, p = .69, d = .07, or Authoritative t(118) = .10, p = .92, d = .02 parenting style subscales. Additional analyses will examine parenting styles across sons and daughters. Future research in this area is important because understanding different parenting styles between boys and girls can encourage healthier emotional and physical development.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Psychology

Recently, COVID-19 has contributed to higher rates of burnout and job turnover across a wide variety of occupations. The current study examines burnout through a Terror Management Theory (TMT; Greenberg, Solomon, & Pyszczynski, 1986) perspective. TMT posits that awareness of mortality can cause anxiety that individuals manage through cultural worldviews and self-esteem. One aspect of cultural worldviews that provides self-esteem, and a source of meaning and purpose is one’s occupation. Individuals can gain a sense of self-worth through viewing their occupation as a highly valued cultural role thus diminishing the potential anxiety caused by reminders of death (McCabe & Daly, 2018). Prior research has shown that people experiencing high rates of burnout in nursing, an occupation where experiences with death are high, express atypical responses to reminders of death consistent with the anxiety buffer disruption theory of TMT (Pyszczynski & Kesbir, 2011). When nurses who are high in burnout are reminded of death, they show lower levels of typical defensive responses than those not reminded of death or those low in burnout (Trifiletti et al., 2017). Our study will expand on this research and investigate the idea that people high in burnout, unable to use their occupation, a valued aspect of their culture, as a source of self-esteem will be less well protected from concerns of death, and so show higher death thought accessibility (DTA; unconscious thoughts about death; Hayes et al., 2010) and lower levels of meaning in life (Krause, 2007) than those low in burnout. For this study, we will measure participants’ symptoms of occupational burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1997), followed by a measure of DTA and the meaning in life questionnaire. To measure DTA, we will use a measure that includes a set of 20 word fragments that participants complete by filling in two missing letters (DTA; Greenberg et al., 1994). Six of the 20 words can be completed as either neutral or death-related words. We hypothesize that participants high in burnout will show higher DTA and lower levels of meaning in life than those low in burnout.

Poster Presentation

Session 1

9:15am – 10:30am
Grand Salon

Psychology