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Scholars Symposium 2025: Psychology

Psychology

Project Title

Comparing Haitian and Non-Haitian Domestic Violence Victim Satisfaction with Law Enforcement in Springfield Ohio

by Elijah Kain (Undergraduate)

There has been a continually growing Haitian population in Springfield, Ohio. Due to differing cultural values, language barriers, and fear of law enforcement, there is likely a large amount of unreported crime. Domestic violence is already an underreported crime, and there has been research about law enforcement response to domestic violence and factors related to victim satisfaction with law enforcement, but knowledge is very limited regarding the relationship between Haitian victims and Springfield police. The question this study seeks to answer is whether the satisfaction of Haitian domestic violence victims with Springfield law enforcement response differs from non-Haitian victims. This will be a quantitative cross-sectional survey. Surveys will be given to domestic violence victims, and they must be aware that any personal information will remain confidential and that the police department will not know answers to questions pertaining to opinions of the department or police officers. The variables in question include age, gender, race, length of time living in the U.S., fear of deportation, the level of violence, history of abuse, victim preference for arrest or charging, officer response, confidence in Springfield police, and likelihood of calling police for future incidents of violence. We expect to find some differences between victim responses of Haitians and non-Haitians. The information from these surveys will provide information regarding what variables play into domestic violence, the perceived relationship with police, and what Springfield police can do to better response to Haitian domestic violence calls.


 

The Effects of Spirituality On Treatment Outcomes for Domestic Violence Victims

by Elise Salvo (Undergraduate)

This study will examine the effects of treatment on anger, depression, and anxiety for domestic violence victims who are being treated by mental health professionals who have spirituality as part of their treatment. We will use an explanatory, experimental study to conduct a randomized control trial. The focus will be on those victims who have reported domestic violence to the police. We expect to find that spirituality used within a treatment plan will lead to decreased anger, depression, and anxiety of the victim.


 

Hypnosis in Reality

by Serine Warner (Undergraduate)

As children, hypnosis was a fascinating gimmick that we would see in the movies, that with simple mind control a hypnotist could make someone do anything. In a series of personal interviews of students around my campus, the majority either had a distorted view of hypnosis or did not believe in hypnosis entirely. But, modern day hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, is very real. Hypnotherapy has begun to make waves in the field of psychology by debunking the mythological aspect by embracing the science. This paper will discuss what modern day hypnosis is and debunk the myths. Then it will discuss 2 different applications of hypnosis, and finally its limitations. Hypnosis used to be just a parlor trick now it's used as a form of medical treatment. Today we will discuss if it is revolutionary science, or another impressive hoax.