McNair Scholar 2022 Lindsay Okindo
Lindsay Okindo is a junior at Carleton College, majoring in psychology and minoring in Africana studies. Her research interests revolve around the impact of trauma on childhood development, mental health in marginalized communities as well as expanding access to mental health resources. Ms. Okindo strives to earn her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
My dream is to earn my Ph.D. I want to use my degree to help people who are struggling with mental health difficulties as well as be able to conduct research and educate the next generation on the importance of our mental well-being.
Research project
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Coping Responses of Children Receiving Services at a Child Advocacy Center: A Qualitative Analysis
Abstract: Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are self-views that represent themes originating from childhood and are associated with unmet emotional needs and adverse experiences. EMS are maintained throughout life by unhelpful coping responses. However, it is unclear how the relationship between EMS and coping responses present in children who recently experienced abuse. The present study focuses on EMS in the context of childhood maltreatment in order to contribute to the limited literature on EMS and reinforce more helpful coping responses for children. Data were collected in collaboration with a child advocacy center through forensic interviews. Qualitative thematic analyses were utilized to see how EMS and coping responses were grouped together. Results revealed the excessive responsibility/standards schema was positively associated with self-sufficient coping and negatively associated with avoidant coping. Children reported engaging in socially-supported and self-sufficient coping more than avoidant coping, demonstrating an ability for children to cope in more helpful ways.
Faculty mentor
Viann Nguyen-Feng is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She serves as core faculty in the counseling/clinical masters program and directs the Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab. Viann grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and moved to Minnesota for her counseling psychology Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.