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Publication LYING AND DECEPTION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIPS(2026-04-16) McLaughlin, Alyiah; Smith, RachelleDomestic violence is widely recognized as a significant social and psychological issue, however, much of the research has historically focused on physical violence while less attention has been given to the role of deception within abusive relationships. The following literature review examines how lying and deception function within intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly as mechanisms of control used by perpetrators and as survival strategies used by victims. Major psychological concepts discussed include gaslighting, coercive control, trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, and power-and-control dynamics. Peer reviewed research from psychology and interpersonal violence journals was gathered from Husson University Library, including Academic Search Ultimate. They were then reviewed to understand how deception operates within abusive relationships and the psychological consequences of such deception. Findings across these studies suggest that deception is frequently used by perpetrators to manipulate victims, deny abusive behavior, and maintain power within the relationship. Research also indicates that victims may engage in deception as a protective strategy to avoid escalation of violence or social stigma. To add to this, chronic exposure to deception, particularly gaslighting, has been linked to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and trauma symptoms. Overall, the literature supports that deception plays a central role in sustaining abusive dynamics and complicating victims’ ability to seek help. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind deception in domestic violence relationships is critical, as it can help improve intervention strategies, clinical assessment, and support services for survivors.Publication BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC LIES IN DEMENTIA CARE(2026-04-16) Johnson, Jayda; Smith, RachelleAlthough deception in healthcare is generally considered to be unethical, therapeutic lies are often used in dementia care, creating a controversial ethical dilemma. Given the frequent use of therapeutic lying by nurses, family members, and other healthcare professionals, I conducted a literature review to investigate the possible benefits of therapeutic lies in dementia care. I hypothesized that patients with dementia would benefit from therapeutic lies, primarily because such lies would reduce their distress. Studies were collected from databases from the Husson University Library, including Academic Search Ultimate, and the National Institute of Health. Participants in the studies reviewed included healthcare workers, family caregivers, and dementia patients. Eighty-eight percent of the studies examined demonstrated clear benefits associated with therapeutic lies. Specifically, despite ethical concerns regarding deception, these lies were found to help decrease distress and lessen agitation for people with dementia. Although one study emphasized the negative impacts of lying to patients with dementia, all other evidence showed that when used appropriately, therapeutic lies provided more psychological and health benefits than telling the truth. The advantages of using therapeutic lies with people with dementia was found to be situation-dependent. Such lies only provided benefits when the patient was unaware of the deception and when honesty would exacerbate distress. These results provide healthcare workers with insight into caring for their patients by using therapeutic lies and highlight the importance of context to ensure ethical behavior. Future research is needed to compare the psychological outcomes between patients who are exposed to therapeutic lying with those who are only told the truth. Additionally, given the empirical benefits of the use of therapeutic lies, guidelines need to be developed to help ensure cohesive and ethical use.Publication SELF-DECEPTION IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: A BARRIER TO RECOVERY(2026-04-16) Pickoski, Mikayla; Smith, RachelleSubstance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant cognitive, behavioral, and physiological consequences. One factor that may interfere with recovery from SUD is self-deception, which involves unconscious biases in information processing that favor comforting or desirable beliefs over unpleasant or threatening information. In addiction research, self-deception is often closely related to the concept of denial, and both may prevent individuals from fully recognizing the negative consequences of their substance use. The purpose of this literature review was to examine whether self-deception negatively affects recovery outcomes, particularly abstinence duration, among individuals with SUD. I collected articles through the APA PsycINFO database using search terms related to SUD. Scholarly research articles published between 1986 and 2025 were analyzed. The studies included adult participants diagnosed with SUD who were involved in residential or outpatient treatment programs. Across the studies, researchers used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, with many relying on self-report measures to gather data. The findings suggest that higher levels of self-deception are associated with shorter durations of abstinence and lower engagement in treatment-related activities. Research also indicates that participation in recovery programs, particularly 12-step meetings, may be linked to lower levels of self-deception and greater honesty about substance use behaviors. However, reliance on self-report data may introduce response bias. Overall, the literature suggests that self-deception can act as a significant barrier to recovery by limiting self-awareness and accountability in individuals with SUD. Keywords: substance use disorder, self-deception, denial, addiction recovery, abstinence, locus of controlPublication ENHANCING OR ALTERING FOOD FLACORS OR TEXTURES TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER EATING(2026-04-16) Davis, Colby; Hacker, JessicaThis paper is a literature review of recent developments in olfactory reception and general sensory influences on food perception. Different brain processes coordinate to formulate taste perception, including the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, nucleus of the solitary tract, cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X, and taste buds (Shaikh et al., 2023, p. 2). One can train these sensory receptors to be more open to healthy foods. Various methods have been identified, such as positive imaging while eating (Kaya et al., 2025), listening to pleasant music (Guedes et al., 2025), and utilizing proper mindful fasting techniques to alter appetite (Coletta et al., 2009). Combining mindful eating, pleasant presentation, environmental manipulation, and less restrictive eating can help one overcome misconceptions about healthy foods and improve one’s diet. Keywords: taste perception, healthy eating, obesity, emotional food connection, visual maskingPublication THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHASE ANGLE AND ANAEROBIC POWER IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVE FEMALES(2025-04-17) Peterson, Shelby; Linchey, Jaimie; Boyd, James; Houck, JonathanBody composition has been reported to be correlated to anaerobic power. In assessing body composition, body fat percentage is the most common value measured, however phase angle, a marker of cellular health using bioelectrical impedance (BIA), has shown promise as a method of determining anaerobic power for comparison. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relation between phase angle measurements and an individual's ability to produce upper and lower extremity power, used as a measure of performance. The preliminary data required 9 volunteer participants to follow pretest guidelines and attend 3 sessions including informed consent, BIA, and body composition analysis (visit 1). The purpose of this visit was to collect phase angle (PhA), and body composition data. A randomized upper and lower body 30 second Wingate test was then completed (visit 2-3). Upper and lower body peak power (PP) and fatigue index (FI%) were collected. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum were performed for all outcome measurements. Pearson’s correlation was conducted to determine strength of correlation between variables. PhA shows a stronger correlation to upper body PP than body fat percentage, r (7)=0.56; r(7)=0.27. PhA shows a weaker correlation to lower body PP than body fat percentage, r (7)=0.32; r(7)=0.66. For upper body FI%, a stronger negative correlation exists with PhA compared to body fat percentages r(7)=-0.54; r(7)=0.00. In lower body FI%, a stronger negative correlation exits with PhA compared to body fat percentages r(7)=-0.44; r(7)= -0.12. Current collected evidence suggests PhA as a valuable marker of predicting PP in upper body and overall FI% of recreational active females. However, body fat percentages was better correlated to lower body PP.Publication TREATING MORAL INJURY FOR THE MODERN WARRIOR WITH EAS (EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES)(2025-04-17) Grant, Justin M.; Mahoney, Tara; Decker, Kimberley; Hacker, JessicaMoral 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.Publication DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ITS LONG-LASTING IMPACT ON WOMEN’S HEALTH(2023-04-20) Helwig, Shelby; Wagner, AlexisDomestic violence (DV), also known as intimate partner violence, is experienced by many women. In fact, 1 in 7 Maine women report abuse from their intimate partners. In this research, I conducted a literature review to investigate the types of DV and how each impacts women’s mental health. I investigated this research question in two ways: (1) I examined published studies regarding DV and how it impacts the victims involved and (2) I determined if there is a correlation between abuse and long-lasting mental health problems. I searched for relevant articles on DV, domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, and mental health. I selected eight representative articles published between 2002 – 2021 in journals such as Partner Abuse, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Violence Against Women, and Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. All of these articles demonstrated that women who are abused currently or have previously been in an abusive relationship are negatively impacted mentally, emotionally, and financially. Women can experience many forms of abuse: physical, mental, emotional, and financial. Victims of each type of domestic abuse reported high rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms with suicide attempts being three times higher in intimate partner violence survivors. Even further, DV impacts women’s physical health and many women are murdered by current or ex intimate partners. 40% of women who are murdered are killed by intimate partners and, in Maine, 43% of all murders are DV homicides. Moving forward, It is critical that healthcare and other organizations develop strategies to recognize the red flags of abuse and help protect women from their abusive situation before it escalates even further. In Maine, programs that can address a higher volume of victims with a focus on women scared to report could assist with the epidemic of DV.Publication THE STRESS IMPACTS OF RELOCATION ON ELDERLY(2023-04-20) Helwig, Shelby; Blackie, TeaganMoving into an assisted living facility can be a challenge and also place stress on the elderly, their caregivers, and their families. Specific stressors that the elderly face when moving into an assisted living facility include fear of losing family, memory, physical mobility, and freedom. I conducted a literature review to investigate how the stress of moving into an assisted living facility impacts an elder’s mental and physical health. I investigated this research question from multiple perspectives including the staff, family, and the elderly. I looked for articles that focused on moving into an assisted living facility, what the signs of depression and other mental health issues are in elderly, and what impact this move has on the family. I identified eight research articles published between 1995-2019 in journals such as Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, and Aging and Mental Health. These articles identified multiple pathways between elders moving into a long term care facility and stress. From a family perspective, family members were surprised and felt a sense of guilt when placing their elders into a home. From a staff perspective, burnout is prevalent due to overwork and understaffing. Unfortunately, families’ guilt and staff’s burnout can increase stress experienced by the elders in the care facilities. Additionally, stress driven by uncertainty, unfamiliarity, the fear of aging, as well as health and cognitive decline are related to greater stress during a transition to a care facility. When completing this literature review, I had a hard time finding articles that directly addressed the impact of transitioning into a care facility. The elderly population is growing and needs to be taken care of, thus, it is important for researchers to further research on this issue.