CACREP (2016) Research & Scholarship Competencies:
a. research designs appropriate to quantitative and qualitative research questions
b. univariate and multivariate research designs and data analysis methods
c. qualitative designs and approaches to qualitative data analysis
d. emergent research practices and processes
e. models and methods of instrument design
f. models and methods of program evaluation
g. research questions appropriate for professional research and publication
h. professional writing for journal and newsletter publication
i. professional conference proposal preparation
j. design and evaluation of research proposals for a human subjects/institutional review board review
k. grant proposals and other sources of funding
l. ethical and culturally relevant strategies for conducting research
Artifacts 1 and 2 include a Literature Review and Experimental Proposal for COUC 740 Advanced Research Design in which I received a letter grade of an A. These artifacts address competencies: a, b, d, g, l.
Psychological abuse, physical abuse, and trauma are associated with shame-related symptomology, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Shame is described as an internalized negative evaluation of oneself resulting in feelings of overwhelming powerlessness, self-consciousness, and inferiority. Susceptibility to shame is impacted by development and increases significantly during adolescence when one is prone to conscientiousness and sensitivity to others’ perceptions. Mindful self-compassion-focused therapy counteracts shame-related trauma and improves resilience, emotional regulation, empathy, and quality of life. However, spirituality is not a component of mindful self-compassion-based therapy. Centering prayer is a Christian contemplative practice that incorporates mindfulness and increases neuroplasticity. Relatively few studies have examined the effects of centering prayer. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of Centering Prayer on measures of self-compassion and shame-related symptoms.
Shame-related symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, are associated with interpersonal trauma (Iverson et al., 2013). Overwhelming feelings of inferiority, self-consciousness, and powerlessness are linked with shame (Neff, 2003). Mindful self-compassion-focused therapy is an effective treatment for shame-related psychopathology and improves emotional regulation, quality of life, resilience and the ability to empathize (Allen & Leary, 2010; Trompetter, de Kleine, & Bohlmeijer, 2017; Van Dam, Sheppard, & Forsyth et al., 2011). However, Christian spirituality is not conceptualized in mindful self-compassion-based therapy (Neff, 2003). Centering Prayer is a contemplative meditative discipline that evolved from Catholic mysticism that increases mindfulness and neuroplasticity (Keating, 2011; Knabb, 2012). Centering Prayer is founded upon the reading of scripture (lectio divina) (Keating, 2011). While sitting in silence for about twenty minutes, a meaningful word is chosen as a recurrent focal point to center one’s thoughts upon (Keating, 2011). Healing comes from cultivating a quiet friendship with Christ (Keating, 2011). The purpose of this research proposal is to analyze the effects of Centering Prayer on shame symptomology and self-compassion (Keating, 2011, Knabb, 2012; Neff, 2003).
Artifacts 3, 4, 5, & 6 include a statistical analysis portfolio, a publication letter, an article for publication, a model proposal, and proof of social and behavioral research ethics training for COUC 745 Advanced Statistics where I learned a letter grade of an A. These artifacts address competencies: a, b, d, e, g, h, i, j, l
3. Statistical Analysis Portfolio
An independent samples t test was performed to assess whether means differed between males and females on the Experience of Shame Scale (ESS) (Warner, 2013). A paired samples t test was performed to assess whether means differed on two measures of the ESS: characterological shame (M = 2.5177, SD = .74103) and bodily shame (M = 2.6498, SD = .82537) (Warner, 2013). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no difference between religious groups on the Experience of Shame Scale (ESS) (Total N = 734). Post hoc comparisons (Bonferroni) to evaluate pairwise differences among group means were conducted. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate the following null hypotheses: (a) Gender X adult sexual abuse interaction effect: there is no statistically significant difference in participants’ mean ESS scores based on adult sexual abuse victimization and gender. (b) Gender main effect: there is no statistically significant difference in the students’ mean ESS scores based on their gender. (c) Adult sexual abuse effect: there is no statistically significant difference in the students’ mean ESS scores based on adult sexual abuse victimization. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to statistically control for the effects of gender on the above ANOVA which compared differences on the ESS and religious denominations, F (3, 724) = 2.636, p = .049, partial n² = .0108 (Warner, 2013). A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was conducted to evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between age and levels of shame on the ESS (N = 813) (Warner, 2013).
4. Publication Letter & Article for Submission
This study evaluated the relationship between religiosity and sexual shame when moderated by self-compassion and adult sexual abuse among 660 participants. All variables predicted sexual shame. However, there were significant differences between religiosity and the self-compassion subscales for males and females. Religiosity interacted with three self-compassion subscales in predicting sexual shame for males. None of the subscales predicted sexual shame for the females. The interaction between religiosity and adult sexual abuse predicted sexual shame in females only. This indicates that adult sexual abuse is a more significant moderator than self-compassion in predicting sexual shame for females with increased religious commitment.
5. Model Proposal and Power Point
The purpose of this research proposal is threefold: 1. to explore the moderating effects of religious affiliation on the relationship between religiosity and sexual shame, 2. to explore the three way interaction effects of religious affiliation, religiosity and self-compassion when predicting sexual shame, and 3. to analyze the three-way interaction effects of religious affiliation, religiosity and adult non-consensual contact/ sexual abuse when predicting sexual shame while controlling for trait shame and neuroticism (Kyle, 2013; Neff, 2003; Parrish-Martin, 2020; Worthington et al., 2003). A moderated moderation PROCESS model is proposed (see power point) (Hayes, 2018).
Artifacts 7 & 8 include a qualitative critical analysis and synthesis paper on McCleod (2011) and a qualitative research synthesis paper utilizing Moustakas Phenomenological approach from COUC 750 Qualitative Research Methods. I made a letter grade of an A in this class. These artifacts meet the following competencies: a, c, d, l.
7. Critical Analysis and Synthesis Paper
Qualitative research helps us to understand how the relationship between counseling and psychotherapy is constructed within and everchanging society. Qualitative therapy challenges oppressive systems that seek to use therapy as a form of social manipulation through acquiring contextualized knowledge. This synthesis and analysis of thought from McCleod provides significant insights about qualitative research and its various forms. Phenomenological, ethnographical, grounded theory and its variants, analysis of conversation and discourse, narrative analysis, heuristic research, autoethnography, action research and qualitative case studies are discussed. Qualitative outcomes research and establishing validity are analyzed. Implications for the future are suggested.
8. Qualitative Research Synthesis Paper
The most significant reason for conducting qualitative research is to gain contextualized knowledge of how therapeutic approaches are effective. Moustakas phenomenological approach to research was utilized to add richer meaning and insight into the lived experiences of three doctoral students who engaged in a Creative Arts Personal Growth (CAPG) study during our graduate course. Novel insights into the CAPG were organized in terms of reflections, themes, and conclusions throughout the class. A synthesis of the themes indicated that the CAPG increased awareness of self and others which can be utilized to challenge oppression and construct new meaning that strengthens identity
During the writing of my qualitative synthesis paper above, my paternal grandmother, Dorothy (Dot) Louise Pruitt, passed away on November 10, 2020. Her unconditional love, empathy, selfless giving, support, encouragement, and positivity impacted me profoundly in my developmental years. I have many fond memories of being with her on her small farm taking care of horses, dogs, cats, picking vegetables in her garden, doing yard work, and just enjoying time with family. She was the kindest person I have ever known. I miss her everyday.
Artifacts 9 - 13 were completed for COUC 999: Research Internship in which I earned a letter grade of an A. This course meets competencies a, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, l. Artifact 14 meets competency k.
9. Power Point Presentation on the Creative Arts Growth Group (CAPG)
The objectives of this assignment for COUC 999: Research Internship were to:
Discuss how we became involved in CAPG research
Describe CAPG and its function
Highlight how CAPG may fill a current gap in the literature
Outline the procedures & methodology of research
Reveal preliminary findings
Synthesize our lived experience with the research team
11. Faculty Evaluation of Student Intern and Research Hours
The purpose of these artifacts is to demonstrate my work ethic and professionalism in contributing to the CAPG research, preparation for publication, and conference proposal preparation.
10. Grounded Theory Power Point and CAPG Research Template
The purpose of these artifacts from COUC 999 are to demonstrate the research methodology used with the CAPG. Based on Charmaz’ (2006, 2014) grounded theory and a postpositivist paradigm (Ponterotto, 2005; Hall et al., 2019), a post-hoc thematic analysis was used. Grounded theory assumes that individuals uniquely interpret and make meaning of an unknowable objective reality (Charmaz 2006; 2014; Hall et al., 2019). The researcher actively engaged in assigning meaning as individual experiences were interpreted and thematic meaning was constructed. Surveys were analyzed until data saturation was achieved. Themes were developed and categorized to form a coherent theory.
12. Published Article
A Multicultural, Social Justice, and Peace Intervention for Interpersonal Violence
This artifact demonstrates contribution to qualitative research that has been published.
13. Central Virginia Counselor Development Symposium
This artifact demonstrates participation in qualitative research that is appropriate for counselor development, program evaluation, and conference presentation.
Special Topics Track:
Fanning the Flame of Unity: A Multicultural, Social Justice, and Peace Intervention for Interpersonal Cruelty
he Creative and Expressive Arts Personal Growth Group (CAPG) is a manualized, multiculturally-informed intervention for interpersonal violence. In this presentation, we explain a biblically-based version of CAPG for diverse Christians. This experiential presentation describes the manualized CAPG treatment, recent empirical findings, and implications for use in counseling and counselor education.
14. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Scholarship Application and Advocacy Proposal
These artifacts demonstrate advocation for research funding.
Artifact 15 meets competencies a, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, l and specifically demonstrates design and evaluation of research proposals for a human subjects/institutional review board review.
Through my courses in Advanced Research Design and Advanced Statistics, I was able to focus upon an area of research that I believe addresses a gap in Counselor Education and Supervision which involved exploring the impact of sexual shame on adults from various faith backgrounds. Advanced Statistics felt daunting to me and was the most challenging course in my doctoral program. However, it challenged me to grow in my self-confidence and ability to understand how to engage in statistical analyses in a meaningful way. Although I did well in this course, I have much to learn about quantitative research and hope to be involved in more quantitative research following graduation. My research skills improved during my Qualitative Research course and Research Internship which focused upon the Creative Arts Personal Growth Group (CAPG) as a multicultural peace intervention for survivors of interpersonal violence. Qualitative research is a strength that I enjoy. I am utilizing a qualitative research methodology, Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis, for my dissertation which is exploring the impact of the CAPG and Centering Prayer on sexual trauma survivors who identify as Christian. This research is important to me personally and professionally and is being conducted with master’s level graduate students in counseling. I think this research can ultimately benefit counselor educators and supervisors working with counseling students who have survived sexual trauma, particularly from a Christian viewpoint.