Projects in Clinical Psychology Supervised by Tara McKee
Prof. McKee will supervise one-semester senior projects in the spring of 2024 (she is on leave in the fall of 2023). One-semester projects may cover a wide range of topics within the field of clinical psychology and will consist of a review of empirical research on the topic as well as a proposal to examine one or more yet-to-be-studied hypotheses. Topics of particular interest to Prof. McKee are described below.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in College Students
As more children diagnosed with ADHD grow into young adults, research has expanded on how having this disorder is related to functioning at this age. This research is lacking in terms of understanding whether or not college students are good reporters of their own symptoms as compared to their parents and/or close friends. In addition, very little is known about whether or not ADHD symptoms are stable while students are in college and whether or not change over time in symptoms is related to academic or socioemotional outcomes. There is a growing body of literature that suggests that college students with high ADHD symptomatology are at risk for academic, social, and behavioral problems. Are there interventions geared toward helping these students develop various study and social skills that could decrease their risk for negative outcomes? What relationship does parenting have with ADHD symptoms and adjustment at this age? How do comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression relate to outcome trajectories?
The Transition to College
The transition to college can be difficult for many young adults as they learn to live on their own and adjust to increasing academic demands. A number of factors have been identified that relate to success during this transition. These include, but are not limited to: high school and college friendships, relationships with parents, orientation programs, and other individual difference variables (e.g., clinical symptomatology, self-esteem, coping styles). First-year programs are designed to help ease the transition for new college students. What aspects of such programs have been shown to make a difference?