School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Browsing School of Humanities and Social Sciences by Author "Hacker, Jessica"

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    EFFECTS OF TASK-SWITCHING AND PROACTIVE CONTROL ON METATMEMORY REGULATION
    (2025-04-17) Hacker, Jessica
    Past researchers have proposed a relationship between cognitive control and metamemory and several studies have provided the most support for a relationship between task-switching and metamemory regulation. Nevertheless, the evidence has been correlational. To my knowledge, the present study was the first to include an experimental manipulation incorporating a dual-task that required task-switching within a feeling of knowing (FOK) paradigm to directly observe the effects of task-switching on FOK accuracy. Research on cognitive control has demonstrated that engaging in proactive cognitive control typically leads to better performance in cognitive tasks and that young adults are naturally biased to engage in proactive control. Furthermore, cognitive control styles can be manipulated through a variety of means. I had a secondary interest in participants' metamemory awareness. Particularly if knowledge of task demands would lead participants to study word pairs longer in the dual-task block study phase relative to the single-task block study phase. The sample consisted of 191 healthy young adults (Mage = 19.34, SD = 1.57). I predicted that task switching would decrease FOK accuracy as well as the ability to engage in proactive control. These hypotheses were supported; however, study duration did not differ between the single and dual-task blocks. Importantly, the present study provided empirical evidence for a relationship between task-switching and metamemory regulation and provided a basis for which to further investigate this relationship.
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    TREATING MORAL INJURY FOR THE MODERN WARRIOR WITH EAS (EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES)
    (2025-04-17) Grant, Justin M.; Mahoney, Tara; Decker, Kimberley; Hacker, Jessica
    Moral Injury (MI) is a profound psychological and spiritual wound resulting from experiences that violate deeply held moral beliefs, often occurring in high-stakes situations involving a betrayal of what is right by a legitimate authority. For American military veterans, MI can stem from combat-related actions such as harming others, witnessing death, or failing to prevent morally distressing events. Left unaddressed, MI can lead to lasting emotional, cognitive, behavioral, spiritual, and social consequences. Equine Assisted Services (EAS) offers a promising approach to addressing MI by leveraging the innate characteristics of horses, which are highly attuned to human emotions and nonverbal cues. Research has demonstrated that equine interactions support emotional regulation and facilitate trust, self-awareness, and connection—key elements in moral repair. The process of moral repair focuses on restoring integrity, addressing grief, making amends, and rebuilding hope and trust. By engaging with horses in a structured and supportive environment, veterans can experience a unique form of nonjudgmental acceptance that fosters healing and resilience. Studies suggest that therapeutic riding and Chaplain-enabled Equine Assisted Activities may be particularly effective in treating MI among veterans, given the significant overlap between MI and PTSD symptoms. Through equine interactions, veterans can reconnect with their values, work through moral dilemmas, and rebuild their sense of self and purpose. This presentation will explore best practices in EAS for treating MI, emphasizing ethical considerations for both horse and human. It will also address the stigma surrounding MI and highlight the importance of expanding awareness and access to collaborative therapeutic interventions for those who have served and still served. By integrating EAS into active duty and veteran care, we can offer a compassionate, effective pathway toward healing, moral reconciliation, and renewed hope for those affected by the invisible wounds of war.