Master Grads Present Psychology Theses at International Conference

Springfield, MO. — Four Evangel University psychology alumni presented papers at the 2006 International Conference of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Katherine Hoover’s paper, Celebrating Relationships: How do Commitment and Empathy Affect the Initiation of Prorelationship Behaviors Following Betrayal?, was based on an experiment in which she investigated the effects of commitment and empathy on behaviors that can help a relationship get back on track after a party feels betrayed.

Kelley White and Eloise Thomas combined their studies on apology into one presentation titled, “Celebrating Forgiveness: Do apologies promote healing in faith communities?”

James Skinner presented Effects of Induced Shame and Forgiveness on Situational and Dispositional Forgiveness and Multidimensional Shame.

The four students completed their Master of Science degrees in Clinical Psychology in 2005, and their presentations were based on their thesis research.

For additional information on studies by Hoover, White or Thomas, contact the authors or Dr. Geoffrey W. Sutton. For more information on the study by James Skinner, contact Dr. Grant Jones.