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BPS Welsh Branch Annual Student Conference 2019
Aberystwyth University
Saturday 4 May 2019
Message from Josh Payne and Emily Karim
Co-Chairs of the Welsh Branch British Psychological Society
It gives us great pleasure to welcome you all to the 2019 British Psychological Society Welsh
Branch Annual Student Conference at Aberystwyth University. Students from universities across
Wales have gathered for over 40 years at a conference like this, and just as many who have gone
before you, today you will have the opportunity to present your research to peers and academics
alike. Welsh university undergraduate and postgraduate students producing high quality and
innovative research has been a long-standing tradition at the Annual Student Conference, and
now, as can be seen from this year’s programme of oral and poster presentations, this tradition
continues. You should be very proud of your role and contribution in this.
For many of you, today may be the first time you have been involved in a Welsh Branch event.
That in itself is something to celebrate as any involvement is beneficial for both you and for us. At
the end of your degree, you can join the BPS as a graduate member, where those of you who
remain in Wales automatically become members of the Welsh Branch (and for those who move to
other parts of the UK, there will be a Branch that represents the area you move to). BPS Branches
provide support and opportunities for members at a local level, so please feel free to talk to any
Branch committee members today about what the Branch can do for you and how to get involved.
Today, you should take opportunities to engage with fellow students and academics from other
universities. After all, we are all here first and foremost because of our passion for Psychology.
Take time to talk to others, tell them about your research, learn about theirs, and share your
experiences. Empathise with others, knowing that you have all been going through the same
processes over the past months. For most of you, many hours of work along with moments of
stress and worry have undoubtedly been experienced during your research journey, and now to
top it off, you are here today, on a Saturday, using up more of your time and effort to present your
work. So, on behalf of everyone from the Welsh Branch, we would like to say a heart-felt thank you
for getting involved. We know the additional efforts that you have put in to making today happen,
and so we will do all we can to make it an enjoyable and beneficial experience.
Enjoy your day, support each other, and we look forward to speaking with you all throughout the
day.
1
Keynote Lecture 15:00
Social Media, Smartphones and Sex
Dr Martin Graff
More and more people now meet through dating apps, although it is possible that relationships
that start this way will differ to relationships that are initiated face-to-face. Furthermore, social
media allows people to keep in close contact with relationship partners and even engage in
partner surveillance behaviour arousing jealousy and suspicion. Additionally, social media has a
function in validating romantic relationships and allowing people to communicate romantic love in
ways not possible before. This talk will explain how smartphones and social media have changed
the way in which people conduct their romantic relationships, and present data outlining the
types of people more likely to conduct their relationships in this way.
Saturday 4 May 2019
Registration and refreshments
10.00
Welcome and Introduction
Joshua Payne & Emily Karim Medrus main
10:30 Co-Chairs of The British Psych Society Welsh
Branch
Oral Presentations – Session 1 Medrus 1
11:00 Oral Presentations – Session 2 Medrus 3
Oral Presentations – Session 3 Medrus 4
Lunch
12:00 Poster Presentations Medrus main
Oral Presentation – Session 4 Medrus 1
13:30 Oral Presentation – Session 5 Medrus 3
Oral Presentation – Session 6 Medrus 4
14:30 Coffee Break Medrus Main
Keynote
Social Media, Smartphones and Sex
15:00 Dr Martin Graff
University of South Wales Medrus main
Closing remarks and prize giving
15:45
2Oral morning presentations
Session 1
Room: Medrus 1
Collaboration in extended requests and their fulfilment in speech and language
therapy telemedicine consultations
11:00 David Dalley
Aberystwyth University
The impact of suicide prevention media campaigns on perceptions of suicidality
Jasmin Morgan
11:15
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Exploring the impact of ‘Singing for the BrainTM’ groups for those with a
diagnosis of dementia and their carers
11:30
Rhiannon Peters & Leah Richards
Swansea University
Effects of one mindfulness meditation session on stress using biological and
psychological measures
11:45 Dinko Kasumovic
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Session 2
Room: Medrus 3
11:00 Exploring Female Perceptions of Cosmetic Surgery and Self Image
Holly Megan Jones
Aberystwyth University
11:15 The effect of relationships on self-rated measures of health
Harry Barnes
Aberystwyth University
11:30 Female students experiences of casual sex at university
Amy Hannaby
Aberystwyth University
11:45 The Role of Maladaptive Schemas and Adult Attachment in Dating Preferences
Huseyin Mert Turhan
Swansea University
3Session 3
Room: Medrus 4
11:00 How do images in the media influence females' attitudes towards their
appearance, and body esteem?
Mollie Dale
Aberystwyth University
11:15 The Application of Evolutionary Psychology on Patriarchal Influenced Health
Behaviours
Shân Saunders
Aberystwyth University
11:30 Examining the relationship between paranormal belief and personality traits
Kieran Green
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
11:45 Adverse personality traits as predictors of rejection sensitivity to romantic
rejection
Rune Murphy
Aberystwyth University
4Poster Presentation
12:00 Poster Presentation
Room: Medrus main
Humour and Laughter can enhance Immune Functioning: A Meta-analysis
Vanessa Bohlinger
Aberystwyth University
Do student recreational drug users self-deception affect their self-perception and well-
being?
Courtney Davies
Aberystwyth University
How poetry influences people's atittudes towards others in terms of empathy
Angelika Pastuszko
Aberystwyth University
Exploring Coping Styles and Gender Differences in the Psychological Impacts of Living
with a Skin Condition: Responses from a Web-Based Questionnaire
Olivia Hughes
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Individual Differences in how Online Behaviours are Interpreted
Shonagh White
Swansea University
Prioritising Reproductively Relevant Traits: Sex Differences and Similarities in an
Australian Sample
Jesse Blackburn
Swansea University
‘I wanna be that body type’: Making sense of males’ experiences of using Instagram
Lauraine Roberts
Aberystwyth University
REM Sleep and Dream Reports in Frequent Cannabis versus Non-Cannabis Users
Rebecca Borcsok, Dr Ceri Bradshaw, Michelle Carr
Swansea University
A qualitative discussion into people's perceptions of gender within middle-grade and
young adult literature
Annabel Lees
Aberystwyth University
Street fighting: A party-over-policy effect on the support for sexual harassment
prevention
Eleanor Heath and Yasmin Ford
Swansea University
Effects of emotional arousal stimuli in episodic-laboratory and semantic memory retrieval
in healthy older adults: an fMRI investigation
Elena Stylianopoulou
Swansea University
Informational Affordances: Automatic activation of actions that reveal object identity
information
Jevgenia Barsutsenco
Swansea University
Time perception after a nap: impact of sleep inertia
Hannah Rees
Swansea University
5Oral afternoon presentations
Session 4
Room: Medrus 1
13:30 Exploring Personality Traits that are Vulnerable to Increased State Aggression
During Engagement with a Violent Video Game
Amy Hannah Curtis
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
13:45 Adoptive Parents Experiences of their Child’s Transition from Primary Education
to Secondary Education
Crystal Webster
Aberystwyth University
14:00 Preschoolers’ eating opportunities outside of the home and beyond parental
control: A mixed methods design
Ioanna Papadaki
Swansea University
Session 5
Room: Medrus 3
13:30 Humour Styles and Preferences in Comparison to Non-Heterosexual
Relationships
Matt Mason
Aberystwyth University
13:45 Understanding the impact of the 2016 EU referendum on European working
citizens who live in Wales. A qualitative study exploring personal experiences of
working within the Education sector
Tabatha Dubovicki Ferriera, Abhiyan Malhota, Sultana Bibi, Mark Allen Davies,
Bernice Edogiawerie, Marlene Roderick, & Sharon Richards
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
14:00 Exploring the Impact of the 2016 referendum on self-reported experiences of
stigma, prejudice and discrimination of European citizens residing in Wales
Tabatha Dubovicki Ferriera, Abhiyan Malhota, Sultana Bibi, Mark Allen Davies,
Bernice Edogiawerie, Marlene Roderick, & Sharon Richards
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Session 6
Room: Medrus 4
13:30 A Mixed Method Analysis of Dessert Restaurants
Tennesee Randall, Laura Wilkinson
Swansea University
13:45 The relationship between humility and religiosity. A study among Christians
Adrianna Wyszynska
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
14:00 Is a brief attentional retraining task effective at reducing attentional bias to
food-cues?
Joe Dimambro
Cardiff Metropolitan University
6Abstracts (Alphabetic order)
The relationship between humility and religiosity. A study among Christians
Adrianna Wyszynska
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Objectives
The primary aim of the research is to investigate the association between humility and religiosity.
The major hypothesis is that there is a significant positive correlation between intrinsic religiosity
and honesty-humility personality trait.
Design
The design of the study was correlational as it wanted to investigate the relationship between
humility as a personality trait and three motivational aspects of religiosity among religious people.
Background
Humility is a very important concept among many religions, especially those world’s most long-
standing. It has grown in religious traditions as a characteristic needed to adjust human
relationship with the higher reality. Previous research investigated humility next to forgiveness,
joy and happiness as virtues relating to positive emotional states. Studies on humility expanded
in the recent years. However, there are very few research that has examined the relationship
between religiosity and humility, especially considering individual differences.
Methods
As the research required the religious people to participate, three communities of religious
people, the church goers, the charismatic group members and religious students were were
asked to complete the online questionnaire. The questions relating to humility from HEXACO
Personality Inventory (HEXACO-60) measured Honesty-Humility personality dimension and the
New Indices of Religious Orientation (NIRO) wwere used to measure intrinsic, extrinsic and
quest religiosity.
Results
More religious people are expected to be more humble. It is predicted that humility is significantly
positively associated with intrinsic religiosity, positively associated with extrinsic religiosity and
negatively associated with quest religiosity.
Conclusions
It is recommended for further research to compare the religious groups of people with non-
religious. The limitation of the study is the small sample size.
Project Supervisor
Dr Shubha Sreenivas
7Female students experiences of casual sex at university
Amy Hannaby
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
This study was conducted to find out female students experiences of casual sex at university
Design
This study looked at females students expereinces of casual sex at university through 1:1 semi-
structured interviews with 9 female undergraduate students
Background
Casual sex encounters are without a doubt a progressively normative heterosexual behaviour on
today's university campuses. This phenomenon has been investigated widely by researchers.
Generally, results are suggestive that this behaviour is indicative of immorality, sexual
exploitation and risk taking behaviours with reproductions on both the physical and mental
wellbeing of today's young women. Women are undoubtedly villainized more than their male
counterparts for engaging in casual sex. This study sought to interview female students
experiences of casual sex at university to understand their reasons for having casual sex and to
address gaps in the literature.
Methods
Participants were volunteered for the study and applied via SONA (the university's study system)
to take part in the study, the participants were briefed with the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the
study on SONA. A total of 9 participants took part in the study. participants were audio-recorded,
and interviews lasted anywhere from 17 minutes to 70 minutes. Semi structured interviews were
selected as appropriate as most literature on this topic was done using quantitive analysis and it
was felt that in order for the students to fully disclose their thoughts, experiences and beliefs on
this topic, qualitative analysis was thourough and best suited to this topic scope.
Results
Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes were identified: Challenging
social scripts, Girl culture, unspoken rules. Within these themes were two sub themes for each.
Conclusions
The study concludes that although women are challenging double standards, women are still
aware of this stigma that is attached to women having casual sex, which in turn forces them to
modify their behaviour to fit what is socially acceptable. The importance of 'girl culture' in this
context is paramount, as there appears to be in-group bonding over this and the use of femininity
as a tool. Within the university setting, there appears to be a set of unspoken rules that surround
casual sex such as: the levels of intimacy and the safety aspect of this engagement
Project Supervisor
Dr Alison Mackiewicz
1Exploring Personality Traits that are Vulnerable to Increased State Aggression
During Engagement with a Violent Video Game
Amy Hannah Curtis
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Objectives
The objective of this study was to assess the ability of agreeableness, conscientiousness and
trait aggression to predict vulnerabilities to state aggression when engaging with a violent video
game.
Design
This study implemented a two part multi- factorial research design on an undergraduate student
population.
Background
50% of the UK's population engage with violent video games, however, not all players are
vulnerable to the increased aggression that research has indicated violent video games cause.
Research has suggested that this vulnerability to aggression can be caused by particular
personality traits such as high levels of psychoticism and trait aggression. There is substantial
research that suggests that high psychoticism and trait aggression is linked to low
conscientiousness and agreeableness. Therefore, investigating the ability of agreeableness,
conscientiousness and trait aggression to predict vulnerabilities to state aggression when
engaging with a violent video game may enable prediction of personalities at high risk of
becoming aggressive when engaging with a violent video game.
Methods
Participants were and opportunity sample recruited using the Experimental Management System
provided by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. In part one, participants levels of
conscientiousness and agreeableness were measured online using the Big Five Inventory. Trait
aggression was also measured online in part one using Buss-Perry’s Aggression Questionnaire.
During part two, levels of state aggression were assessed through the measurement of
electrodermal activity whilst participants played a violent video game.
Results
Results suggested that there were no significant effects of any of the independent variables on
state aggression when engaging with a violent video game. Results also suggested that those
who score high on measures of trait aggression tend to score lower on measures of
conscientiousness and also agreeableness.
Conclusions
Although this study did not find any effects of the traits explored, previous findings were
somewhat supported in that low levels of both conscientiousness and agreeableness did predict
high levels of trait aggression. Previous research has found that high levels of trait aggression
predicts high levels of state aggression when playing violent video games, and this suggests that
the current study has some methodological flaws which are further discussed.
Project Supervisor
Stacey Coleman
2How poetry influences people's atittudes towards others in terms of empathy
Angelika Pastuszko
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
The primary purpose was to check to what extent highly emotional narratives influence people's
emotions and attitudes
Design
The study employs a 2 (Condition: Poetry, Dramatic story) x 2 (Psychometric Test Scores:
Positive Affect, Negative Affect) Mixed repeated measures Analysis of Variance. The participants
filled in the test of Emotional Control and proceeded to the next part – the narrative assigned to
their condition. After reading, the participants’ attitude was self-reported with a test of Positive
and Negative Affect. The Courtauld Emotional Control Scale scores ranged from 21 to 80 and in
the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule the scores ranged from 10 to 50. The researcher
predicted that participants assigned to the poetry condition would be affected positively, whereas
those assigned to the dramatic story condition could be affected negatively. Almost all
participants (except for one) performed above average on the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale
which meant they had a good control of their emotions at the time of taking part in the
experiment.
Background
Narratives can have strong effects on people’s attitudes, opinions and even lives so it is
important to know what and when influences our perception and how those effects are applied in
literature (Hoeken, Fikkers, 2014). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of
highly emotional narratives on people’s attitudes towards others in dimensions such as empathy.
Past research has observed the impact of fiction reading on people’s attitudes in terms of
evoking empathy and pro-social behaviours (Stansfield, Bunce, 2014; Koopman, 2015; Muszkat,
Yehuda, Moses, Naparstek, 2010; Collins, Zweber, Irwin, 2017). In majority, past studies focused
on prosaic literature such as short fictional stories (written in different genres) or excerpts from
books to check for the effect on people’s attitudes towards other people or animals.
As fiction has been found to have an effect on people’s attitudes, the purpose of this study is to
check for the influence of a specific genre – poetry - on people’s attitudes towards others. Poetry
is the type of literature that uses the rhythmic and aesthetic features of language to evoke
emotions and reflections. Poetry helps us to understand others (Barrett, Lewis and Haviland-
Jones, 2008), it develops the emotional intelligence (Roberts, 2009) and moves us emotionally
by reminding us of the personal experiences (Green, Strange, Brock, 2002).
Results
It was predicted that participants assigned to the poetry condition would be affected positively,
whereas those assigned to the dramatic story condition could be affected negatively. The
ANOVA outcome indicated a non-significant score for the Interaction of Condition and the Post
Test Affect Scores, F (1,38)=.639, MSE=31.250, p > .005, although the results showed the main
effect of the Post Test Affect Scores was significant, F(1,38)= 61.886, MSE=48.893, p=.000,
showing that the participants were affected after reading a narrative.
Project Supervisor
Catherine O'Hanlon
3A qualitative discussion into people's perceptions of gender within middle-
grade and young adult literature.
Annabel Lees
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
An exploration around the topic of gender within children's and teenage fiction and whether it has
an effect on identity
Design
A total of four focus group style semi-structured interviews took place with between three and
four participants within each group. Participants were asked a series of prompt questions is order
to stimulate discussion among the group about the topic of gender in the books the read between
the ages of 9-12.
Background
Gender role theory
Gender stereotypes
Social Learning theory in relation to gender
Research suggests media has an impact of gender identity
Literature as a form of media that is neglected in preference for film, television, music videos,
magazines and tabloid news.
Research that has been done focuses primarily on young children and picture books or in the
area of adult romance novels. Little has been looked into in relation to young teenage years and
the predominance of middle-grade and young adult literature and its effects on young people's
identity during puberty.
Methods
Participants were selected through opportunity sampling, with the only criteria being that they
were over the age of eighteen and were avid readers during their childhood and teen years. Data
was collected through the use of focus group style semi-structured interviews with between three
and four participants in each group. They were asked a series of prompt style questions by the
researcher around the subject topic of gender and literature, allowing for participants to talk in
depth about the topics in which they felt were particularly important. Participants were asked
before the study to think of between one and three books from their youth that they remember
reading or had an impact on them. The participants responses were audio-recorded by the
researcher before being transcribed - the participants being given pseudonyms upon
transcription. The transcriptions were then analysed for themes based on Braun and Clarke's
(2006) Thematic Analysis process.
Results
Results were gathered by conducting a Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006) on the focus
group transcripts. Results gathered a few prominent themes which included: Participants did not
read age appropriate content; favourite characters were those who are relatable or admired;
characters are used as self-inserts; female heroes have become androgynous; there is large
debate over feminine men in fiction; romantic subplots cause retrospective embarrassment and
guilt; there is a strong awareness of harmful portrayals of gender; literature generates role
models for participants; there is a consensus of hope for further diversity in fiction.
The most salient of these themes are discussed in detail within the report.
Project Supervisor
Alison Mackiewicz
4Do student recreational drug users self-deception affect their self-perception and well-being? Courtney Davies. Aberystwyth University Objectives Aim: To determine how student recreational drug users self deception influences their self- perception and psychological well-being. Main Hypothesis: Those with higher self-deceiving tendencies would have higher self-perceptions. Design The design used a regression analysis, whereby the independent variable was self-deception, drug-use was the moderating variable, and the dependent variables were self-perception and psychological well-being. Background Self-deception can be understood as the extent to which an individual lies to themselves and about themselves to others. Previous literature has discussed the positive rewards to be gained from self-deception, such as to enhance and maintain a positive self-perception. However, self- deception can eliminate negative feelings such as guilt or shame that accompany risk-taking behaviors such as recreational drug use over a prolonged period of time, due to a decreased BOLD response in the amygdala. The use of recreational drugs among students populations is well-known, and whilst various factors have been found to influence such behaviour, little has been done to analyse how recreational drug use moderates the relationship between self-deception and self-perception, or how such behaviours can impact Psychological well-being in the long-run. My study intended to fill this hole. Methods The research consisted of anonymous data collected through the online JISC survey, from 60 undergraduate students attending Aberystwyth University between the ages of 18 and 30. Opportunistic sampling was employed to recruit participants. Data were collected across a two- month period. Four standardised questionnaires were used: a drug screening form; the shortened 16-item BIDR scale (Balanced Inventory of Desirable Characteristics); the SDS (Self- Diagnostic Scale); and the PWB (Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale). The shortened BIDR-16 investigated results for two subscales of deception: SDE (Self Deceptive Enhancement – honest but positively biased reports) and IM (Impression Management – providing inflated self-descriptions to an audience). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine how much of the variance could be accounted for by each subscale of the IV’s. Results Multiple regression analysis was utilised to determine whether the likelihood of an individual to self-deceive impacts their self-perception. Self-deceptive enhancement was excluded, but there was a significant result for Impression Management that accounted for 6.7% of the variance (R2=.067, F(1, 57) = 4.08, p
Adoptive Parents Experiences of their Child’s Transition from Primary
Education to Secondary Education.
Crystal Webster
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
The aim of this research it to identify key themes in adoptive parents’ experiences of their child's
transition from primary to secondary education.
Design
This was a qualitative study in which Adoptive parents were interviewed regarding their
experiences of their child's transition from Primary to Secondary education. Telephone interviews
were transcribed to allow for individual experiences to be analysed using thematic analysis.
Background
The transition from primary school to secondary school is a major life change that can cause a
myriad of problems for adopted children. Research has shown that adopted children struggle to
cope and prepare themselves for the social-emotional difficulties that secondary school can
bring. It is hard for children to learn in an environment where they don't feel safe, and the school
environment can expose a child to senses that can trigger memories for abuse and neglect. This
fear can manifest into behavioural problems can lead to formal repercussions such as exclusion.
This research aims to fill the gaps in the existing literature on adopted children's educational
needs at the point of transition, with references to attachment theory, early childhood trauma,
while also considering the role that existing legislation plays in the education of adopted children.
Methods
Participants were recruited via the use of the gateway charity Adoption UK. A participant
information sheet, Consent form and a debrief sheet were developed for participants. Copies of
the participant information sheet and consent form were provided to the participants and the
consent form was signed and returned prior to the start of the arranged interview time. All
interviews happened via telephone as this enabled them to happen at a time convenient to the
participant, as well as allowing for participants to take place from a larger geographical area.
Interviews were audio recorded only. Appropriate prompts were used promote thought during the
interviews. Transcriptions were produced, audio recordings deleted, and participants assigned a
pseudonym. All identifying data was redacted. Each transcript was analysed using thematic
analysis. Thematic analysis allows flexibility in theme production, allowing for deeper analysis of
data. As each family is different, it allows for a more holistic view of adopted children’s transitions
from primary to secondary education.
Results
Thematic Analysis has revealed five main themes that are present cross the whole data set.
These are: The Need for Stability and Grounding, Failure to Recognize Vulnerability, Adoption as
a lifelong Experience, Being and Staying Safe and Being the Difficult parent. However analysis is
still ongoing and these are subject to change prior to presentation.
Project Supervisor
Dr Martine Robson
6Collaboration in extended requests and their fulfilment in speech and
language therapy telemedicine consultations
David Dalley
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
To consider how health-care professionals and patients manage interaction in speech and
language therapy telemedicine consultations
Design
The following study was conducted with a Macmillan telemedicine speech language therapy
service that linked a specialist speech and language consultant to patients at 5 different general
hospitals located in rural locations across mid Wales. Telemedicine consultations were recorded
using two cameras capturing audio visual data. The data was analysed using conversation
analysis.
Background
Interaction between patients and healthcare professionals has been consistently highlighted with
previous research on face-to-face consultations demonstrating that interaction can impact on
patients’ understanding of medical information. This is relevant in speech language therapy,
where conversation may already be challenging, and differing methods of communication maybe
required. The introduction of telemedicine into health-care provider-patient interaction adds an
additional dynamic in which these interactions occur.
Methods
Data consisted of 16 naturally occurring consultations. Patients were invited to take part in the
research through the NHS based on them being part of an existing telehealth service for speech
language therapy. The inclusion criteria included that participants were aged 18 or over, were
English Speaking and undergoing speech language therapy for head and neck cancer. Exclusion
criteria included if participants were under the age of 18 or lacked cognitive capacity to consent
to the research
Results
The analysis demonstrates that within telemedicine speech language therapy consultations,
extended requests are a means of achieving medical tasks during physical examinations. From
the analysis, distinct features of request sequences and their design, as well as their
accompanying embodied actions, have been identified in facilitating the achievement of medical
tasks.
Conclusions
This study shows how extended requests allow for the achievement of medical tasks and that the
general speech language therapist plays an integral role in facilitating the fulfilment of extended
requests, compensating for the interactional restrictions which arise due to the telemedicine
videoconferencing equipment
Project Supervisor
Dr Rachel Rahman & Dr Antonia Ivaldine Robson
7Effects of one mindfulness meditation session on stress using biological and
psychological measures
Dinko Kasumovic
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Objectives
The research aim is examining effectiveness of a 10 minute mindfulness meditation on
perceived stress. It is hypothesised that PSS scores, heart rate, and blood pressure levels will be
lower after the meditation compared to before.
Design
To examine immediate effects of mindfulness meditation, the study uses a repeated measures,
within-subjects design to examine immediate before and after differences in measurements.
Background
Mindfulness meditation is an effective method of reducing stress, anxiety and depression
symptoms. Most research focuses on the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Interventions
(MBIs) and their role in clinical settings. Although the effects of MBIs and long-term mindfulness
meditation practices have been studied extensively, there is a lack of studies focusing on the
effectiveness of one session on non-clinical participants in day-to-day settings.
Methods
The study aims for 20 participants, all students recruited from Glyndwr University, by spreading
the information sheet throughout the university as well as presenting at the student conference.
The materials are: finger pulse oximeter (heart rate), iHealth app and cuff (blood pressure), and
the Perceived Stress Scale (levels of perceived stress). A paired sample t-test will be used to
compare the measurements before and after the mindfulness meditation.
Results
Anticipated results are lower PSS scores, decreased heart rate and blood pressure at Time 2
compared to Time 1.
Conclusions
This study will contribute to current knowledge regarding mindfulness meditation and its
effectiveness on stress, showing the effects of one session compared to a long-term programme.
This can show that mindfulness is a useful tool for stress reduction for students, without the need
of being in a clinical setting enrolled in a MBI programme. Some limitations are a small sample
size and the possible unreliability of biological measures, since heart rate and blood pressure
can be influenced by various factors unrelated to the study.
Project Supervisor
Dr Libby Gaskell, Joshua Payne
8Individual Differences in how Online Behaviours are Interpreted
Shonagh White
Swansea University
Objectives
Creating a predictive model of those that are more likely to engage in sexual harassment
Design
This will be a within-subject design, examining the contribution of a wide range of factors (e.g.
personality, general attitudes towards rules, sexism, mate-value, intrasexual competitiveness and
rape-myth acceptance) to SH attitudes and behaviour. The sample will include 250 general
population participants aged 18+.
Background
Sexual harassment (SH) is highly prevalent and is gaining media interest, policy attention, and
public retaliation. Currently, understanding of SH is limited and there are no specialist
interventions or evidence-based approaches to prevention despite government policy goals in
these areas. Evolutionary theories suggest unexplored drivers of sexual harassment behaviours
in men. For example, according to Error Management Theory, SH behaviours in men may be
due to decision-making biases that cause them to overestimate sexual interest. This research
seeks to establish individual differences in such biases, which may form the basis of novel
interventions to reduce them.
Methods
Participants were recruited using the opportunity sampling method and completed an online
survey created using Qualtrics. Data were analysed using correlation and regression-based
techniques.
Results
Based on theory and previous research, it is anticipated that sex (being male) will be one factor
that contributes to the predictive model of those more likely to engage in sexual harassment
behaviours.
Conclusions
The findings and the model based on it will be shared and examined in the context of
evolutionary theory. The implications of this research for developing ways to intervene, educate
and prevent will be considered as well as the potential implications of this approach for other
areas of forensic psychology.
Project Supervisor
Dr Andrew Thomas, Prof. Jason Davies
9Obsessive Compulsive Traits and Reinforcement Rate on Non-Eliminable
Operant Extinction of Avoidance
E. Jack Erasmus and Simon Dymond
Swansea University
Objectives
The current study aims to examine whether reinforcement rate influences resistance to
extinction, when controlling for OC trait severity.
Design
Using an experimental design, three independent groups of participants will be exposed to
differing rates of reinforcement for learnt avoidant behaviour in preventing electric shocks (33%,
66%, 100%). Validated and reliable measures of OCD symptom severity will be administered to
measure OC trait severity.
Background
Little human experimental research has examined the mechanisms which differentiate adaptive
and maladaptive avoidance. Indeed, compulsive avoidant behaviour in obsessive-compulsive
disorder has been argued to be associated with deficiencies in impulse control and behavioural
inhibition, despite negative consequences. Whereas reinforcement rate of behaviour has been
found to influence how resistant it is to extinction, the influence of obsessive-compulsive (OC)
traits have not been previously controlled for.
Methods
A convenience sample of student participants will be recruited through Swansea university.
G*Power analysis recommended a target of 100 participants. Each participant will be randomly
allocated to one of three groups. Each group will be exposed to differing reinforcement rates.
During the threat conditioning phase, participants learn to associate one conditioned stimulus
with mild electric shocks (CS+) and another with no shocks (CS-). During the avoidance learning
phase, participants will be able to withhold shocks by using an avoidant behaviour (pressing
spacebar). The rate in which the avoidant behaviour withholds shocks after each CS+ trial will
differ between groups. The final extinction phase will see participants receive shocks after
avoidance responses made in the presence of CS+ only (non-avoidance is not followed by
shock).
Results
Using an ANCOVA, the effect reinforcement rate has on resistance to extinction, when
controlling for OC traits will be examined. Real world implications, such as possible linear
relationships OC traits have with resistance to extinction will also be explored.
Conclusions
Conclusions drawn from results after data collection.
Project Supervisor
Professor Simon Dymond
10Street fighting: A party-over-policy effect on the support for sexual
harassment prevention
Eleanor Heath and Yasmin Ford
Swansea University
Objectives
Voters evaluate government policies using partisan cues (e.g., party membership) more than
policy content – an effect known as the ‘party-over-policy’. Hence, regardless of policy content,
greater support will be shown for policies proposed by one’s own p
Design
The current study investigated the party-over-policy effect regarding an anti-sexual harassment
policy in the UK. We predicted that both peer support and distrust in the out-group would mediate
the main effect.
Methods
Participants (N = 192) were randomly assigned to view a bogus newspaper article depicting a
real Parliamentary initiative 432a/2018 to refresh the ‘Violence Against Women and Girls
Strategy’. We manipulated partisan cue indirectly, by presenting the initiative via the means of
left-wing or right-wing UK media (e.g., The Mirror vs. The Daily Mail), and measured one’s
support for the policy.
Results
Moderated-mediation analyses did not support the party-over-policy effect but, for liberal
participants, political ideology predicted one’s support for the initiative alongside their estimates
of liberal voters’ support, and their trust in the in-group (left-leaning voters and readers). The
converse was not found for conservative participants.
11Effects of emotional arousal stimuli in episodic-laboratory and semantic
memory retrieval in healthy older adults: an fMRI investigation
Elena Stylianopoulou
Swansea University
Objectives
Voters evaluate government policies using partisan cues (e.g., party membership) more than
policy content – an effect known as the ‘party-over-policy’. Hence, regardless of policy content,
greater support will be shown for policies proposed by one’s own p
Design
The present study will use an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging
Methods
The sample size of the current study will be 20 older adults in total, ages 60-82 years old. Black
and white pictures represent the visual stimuli and are presented during a computerized task in
the fMRI scanner; half of them represent highly emotional stimuli, whereas the other half
represent non-emotionally arousing stimuli. After each stimulus presentation, participants are
presented with a question that elicits episodic or semantic memory retrieval. The statistical
analysis that will be used for the fMRI data is multivariate analysis using PLS, whereas for the
behavioural data two-way repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted.
Results
It is predicted that the common neural network will be activated during both semantic and
episodic-laboratory condition; however, less activation of these brain regions is expected to be
observed in episodic-laboratory condition. Additionally, coactivation of the amygdala and
rostral/ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in high-emotional arousal conditions and low-
emotional arousal conditions respectively, is expected to be observed more in semantic memory
condition.
Conclusions
Knowing about how arousal (low or high emotional arousal) affects the behavioural performance
and neural activity in different memory tasks in healthy aging, will offer important implications to
future research and to the better understanding of the possible difficulties and potentials that
healthy older adults are facing.
12Relationship preferences- Implications for mental and sexual health
Elliot Norris & Andrew Thomas
Swansea University
Objectives
To understand the effects of different mating strategies and how this relates to psychological
traits.
Design
This study will analyse data provided by 250 subjects on the dark triad, attachment style and
socio-sexual orientation, measured using the Short Dark Triad questionnaire, Experiences in
Close Relationships questionnaire and Socio-sexual Orientation Inventory respectively. This
large scale correlational study will determine the relationships between these measures. Multiple
regression analysis will be used to predict short-term mating from the predictor variables (dark
triad, attachment type).
Background
Evolutionary psychologists differentiate between long and short-term mating- two styles thought
to have been useful to ancestral men and women depending on their circumstances (Buss &
Schmitt, 1993). But, what are the implications of a strong preference for short-term mating today?
For some time, many believed that an inclination to employ short-term mating strategies was a
result of positive psychological factors and exhibited adaptive value (Buss & Schmitt, 1993).
Using principles of evolution Buss and Schmitt (1993) considered short-term mating as an
adaptive trait to improve reproduction success. Other research contradicted these findings and
claimed that the human attachment system is designed to foster the pursuit of long-term
monogamous relationships (Hazan & Zeifman, 1999). Now there has been more research that
associated short-term mating techniques with more negative psychological factors. There has
been some research that proposed that insecure attachment styles and the dark triad are
associated with short-term mating (Schmitt, 2005; Jonason, 2009). The dark triad has been
linked to short-term mating strategies previously; Jonason et al (2009) proposed a connection
between the dark triad and more positive attitudes towards casual sex. Despite this, an analysis
of the relationship between short-term mating and the dark triad when compared between
insecure and secure attachment styles has yet to be conducted. The purpose of this study is to
see if that relationship is consistent.
Hypothesis: the desire for short-term mating (socio-sexual orientation) will be positively
associated with insecure attachment types and all components of the dark triad.
The relationship between the dark triad and short-term mating (socio-sexual orientation) will be
significantly less consistent for those with secure attachment types compared to those with
insecure attachment types.
Methods
250 participants, equal males and females, all aged above 18 are required to complete all parts
of the questionnaire that uses the following measures: Socio-sexual Orientation Index,
Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised and the Short Dark Triad. Participants are informed
of the link to the Qualtrics site where the questionnaire can be completed.
Project Supervisor
Andrew Thomas
13Time perception after a nap: impact of sleep inertia
Hannah Rees
Swansea University
Objectives
Sleep inertia (SI), the state of confusion after waking from sleep, can negatively affect cognitive
functions including time perception. Accurate time perception is essential for insomnia patients,
as behavioural treatment requires the individual to get u
Design
The study was a within-subject, repeated measures design. The independent variable was the
condition (nap vs. wake), and the dependent variable was the time estimation.
Methods
Six participants with insomnia symptoms were required to complete both a nap and wake
condition, followed by a 15-minute time estimation task, with order of completion randomised. A
difference score (difference from 15 minute target) was calculated by subtracting 15 from the
time estimation; negative values indicated an underestimation and positive values indicating an
overestimation. Polysomnography data was obtained to determine sleep onset and also to score
sleep stages (light vs. deep sleep).
Results
There was no significant difference between the difference score in the nap (mean = -1.92min,
SD=5.54) vs. the wake condition (mean = -2.66min, SD=3.27), t = -.287, df = 5, p > .785. For
further analysis we examined results in participants who reached deep sleep (after which sleep
inertia is most common). The difference between the conditions was still non-significant; however
the underestimation was even more pronounced after the nap condition -5.31min (5 minute
underestimation).
Conclusions
Contrary to our predictions after napping participants underestimated the 15 minute target. This
means individuals stay in bed shorter than the 15 minute target. Future research needs to
determine if this is related to treatment outcome.
14The effect of relationships on self-rated measures of health.
Harry Barnes
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
To explore whether variations in self-reported measures of health were present between different
relationship statuses.
Design
Relationship status (no relationship, sexual (i.e. hook-ups / friends with benefits) romantic not
cohabiting and romantic cohabiting) was entered as the between subjects factor and self-
reported health (autonomy, locus of control, physical health, mental health) as the within subjects
factor.
Background
Self-rated measures of health have grown in validity in recent times, largely as a result of the
dissemination of information. Moreover, these measurements are widely utilised when
considering various models of health and as such, the influences on these measurements should
be understood in order to ensure the best health care possible.
Methods
Participants were recruited through the department and social media outlets. 108 participants (84
female, 22 male, 1 other, 1 prefer not to say) over the age of 18 (mean age;27, SD; 13.29) took
part. Questionnaires utilised were placed online (JISC online surveys) and included the exercise
self-regulation questionnaire (modified to assess motivation in regard to general health
behaviour), the multidimensional health locus of control, and the 36-item short form survey
(measuring self-reported mental and physical health).
Results
There was a statistically significant difference between mental health scores of those in sexual
relationships and those cohabiting with a romantic partner, t(54)=3.686,p=0.001. All other results
were non-significant.
Conclusions
Overall, the mental health of those cohabiting with romantic partners was significantly better than
those in non-committal sexual relationships. As suggested in the literature this appears to stem
from social support available within relationships. However, the study is limited as it did not
evaluate the quality of relationships, something that may alter support levels provided from a
romantic partner. Finally, results suggest the mental health of university students should be
discussed in order to provide and augment support mechanisms.
Project Supervisor
Rachel Rahman
15Exploring female perceptions of cosmetic surgery and self image
Holly Megan Jones
Aberystwyth University
Objectives
The study aimed to explore how females view their own body and self image after surgical or
non-surgical cosmetic surgery. The research question was simply ‘How do females perceive
cosmetic surgery and their self image?’
Design
A qualitative study using Thematic Analysis (TA) (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2012) on semi-
structured interviews with female participants over the age of 18, who have had elective surgical
or non-surgical cosmetic surgery that was not in a response to a serious pre-existing medical /
psychological condition or severe injury.
Background
Through the decades, western society seems to have placed more importance and emphasis on
external appearances (Alexias, Dilaki & Tsekeris, 2012; Gimlin, 2000; Sarwer & Crerand, 2004).
As a result, cosmetic surgery seems to have become the norm (Morgan, 2009). Researchers
have proposed the increase of cosmetic surgery is due to low risk procedures, an increase of
mass media attention surrounding cosmetic surgery as well as the readiness of individuals to
undergo surgery to enhance their own appearance (Sarwer & Crerand, 2004). Females, in
particular are socialised from an early age to be concerned with the way they look and are under
pressure to maintain the ‘ideal’ beautiful appearance (Clarke, Repta & Griffin, 2007). Media
seems to display unrealistic ideals for women (Paquette & Raine, 2004) and then be the first to
negatively judge when women have cosmetic surgery to look likes these ideals.
For the majority of social commentators, such as the media, cosmetic surgery is the ‘ultimate
symbol of invasion of the human body for the sake of physical beauty’ (Gimlin, 2000). Many
judge cosmetic surgery negatively and see it as extreme and dangerous, thereby leaving little
room for individuals to explain their rationale (Gimlin, 2000). Many blame the industry for
deceiving females into thinking they ‘need’ cosmetic surgery (Morgan, 2009). Brooks (2004)
states it is ‘aesthetic conformity’ and that cosmetic surgery promotes the erosion of differences
between female bodies.
There appears to be a gap in the literature in this field, whilst research has supplied an insight on
negative body image and negative opinions surrounding cosmetic surgery it appears to under
represent positive body image and the positive aspect of cosmetic surgery (Wood-Barcalow et al,
2010). This research aims to explore the personal female viewpoint surrounding cosmetic
surgery, question whether the individual feels empowered as a result and establish whether it
has been a liberating experience or not (Clarke, Repta & Griffin, 2007).
Methods
Participants were opportunistically recruited through social media, word of mouth or through the
SONA system. 8 participants were interviewed providing five hours of data.
Materials Included:
1x Audio Recording Device
2x Chairs
1x Participant Information Form
2x Consent forms
1x Withdrawal Form
1x Debrief sheet
1x Interview Schedule
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data to produce rich meaning data.
Thematic analysis was carried out on all eight transcripts; all six specific phases outlined by
Braun and Clarke (2006;2012) were completed on each data set.
Results
The interviews are currently being transcribed to be thematically analysed.
16The role of maladaptive schemas and adult attachment in dating preferences
Huseyin Mert Turhan
Swansea University
Objectives
Current study will explore the role of early maladaptive schemas and adult attachment styles on
sociosexual orientation. Maladaptive schemas will be associated with dating preferences of
individuals with the mediation of attachment styles. A new self-r
Design
The study has a quantitative design with correlational and regression analyses is designed to be
implemented on the data.
Background
Human mating behaviour is heavily influenced by attachment styles. Securely attached
individuals tend to develop stable, supportive relationships, whereas anxiously attached
individuals are more likely to be more dependent, fear rejection and interpret interpersonal cues
in a more negative sense. Young conceptualised 18 Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) which
were themes of principles for the individual’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural elements that
shape the individual’s relationship with oneself and others, and they are activated by various
situations. Further research has found a variety of EMSs in individuals with avoidant and anxious
attachment style Young and Kosko even suggested that EMSs compatibility is an important
factor for predicting relationship satisfaction.
Methods
Online survey on Qualtrics
Minimum of 250 participants with a condition of having at least one romantic relationship
in the past due to stabilization of correlation analysis
The Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory is designed to measure sociosexual
orientation which reflects the individuals’ willingness to experience unrestricted sexual
activity
The Maladaptive Relationships Patterns Scale includes questions regarding the patterns
of schemas in the relationships of participants that may seem maladaptive and
destructive, thus is influenced by Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form Version 3
The Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised is a questionnaire that assesses the
adult attachment style of individuals in romantic relationships
Correlation and regression analyses to explore hypotheses
Mediated regression analysis to observe the mediating force of attachment style
Results
Maladaptive schemas will predict sociosexual orientation and how the variety of schemas
relates to long-term and short-term dating
Adult attachment style will predict dating styles
Attachment style will be a mediating force in the relationship of schemas and dating
preferences.
The direction of association will be explained by the end of the study since the study is a novel
opportunity in the literature to explore this subject matter.
Conclusions
The project will explore the underlying mechanisms of dating in terms of psychological
vulnerability (e.g. cognitions, behaviours). It will also help to provide insight into interpersonal and
partner-related problems.
Project Supervisor
Dr. Andrew Thomas
17Preschoolers’ eating opportunities outside of the home and beyond parental
control: A mixed methods design
Ioanna Papadaki
Swansea University
Objectives
This study aims to explore these eating opportunities, including children’s responses to these
food offers, the types of foods made available and parents’ control over these circumstances.
Design
A mixed methods design is employed. The qualitative data create a meaning across parents’
narratives, whereas the quantitative data provide information about the sample’s characteristics.
Background
In UK, 22-26.2% of children 4-5 years old are classified as overweight. Although research has
focused on eating within the home, preschoolers’ eating outside of the home has received less
attention.
Methods
82 parents, who are above 18 years old, reside in UK and have a child 3-5 years old, have been
recruited through opportunistic sampling. Participants complete an online questionnaire that
includes open-ended questions, demographic questions and the Child Eating Behavior
Questionnaire. A concurrent nested analytical design is used, so that quantitative data will enrich
the context of the qualitative design. Qualitative data are analyzed through thematic analysis and
quantitative through SPSS.
Results
Although analysis is in an early stage, several themes have emerged. The occasions when
eating occurs out of the home and beyond parents control include family dining-out, attending
nursery, being cared by child minders and grandparents, visiting friends and relatives, parties
and play dates. There, eating behavior depends on social and reward factors. Parties and
grandparents visits are distinctively characterized by unrestricted convenience food offer.
Interestingly, preschoolers enthusiastically accept convenience food offered by grandparents, but
overlook that in birthdays. Parents experience defeat by grandparents’ influence and describe
their strategies to maintain control. Preschoolers’ fussiness seems to reinforce parental control.
Conclusions
This topic highlights the importance of a community approach to ensuring children are eating
appropriately. Adults feeding children outside of their home should be aware of their influence on
child’s eating environment. A further attempt to emphasize this phenomenon’s generalizability
can add support to the current evidence.
Project Supervisor
Laura Wilkinson
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