Vol. 2, No. 2 | 2020 Academic Newsletter
T A B L E of C O N T E N T S
07
03
05
2
06
08
02
Welcome from the Dean
07
Student Showcase
03
Faculty Forum
08
Faculty Book Release
05
In the Field
09
Farewell & Thank You
06
Alumni Notes
Dr. Kenyon Knapp discusses the way the Lord has blessed the School of Behavioral Sciences.
A research paper by Dr. Beth Sites.
Dr. Kevin Conner writes about his involvement with Freedom 4/24’s podcast, Compelled.
Mary Jo Oliver discusses her educational journey.
10
A conversation with the student body president.
Professors Elias and Denise Moitinho discuss their new book.
Contact Us
Share your story with us.
A M E SS A G E from the DE AN
I know you will be encouraged as you peruse a sampling of the scholarship of the faculty and students in the School of Behavioral Sciences (SBS). Although the COVID-19 pandemic altered our plans in various ways this year, faculty and students have adapted and continued on with their great work. Romans 13:7 tells readers to honor those to whom honor is due, and this newsletter recognizes and encourages the hardworking members of our department. Our faculty routinely go above and beyond in their service to students and their families. A number of them held special events to honor our graduating students (and their families) who had hoped to come to the official graduation ceremony last spring, which was canceled due to the pandemic. We want graduates to know just how proud we are of them, and we want to voice our excitement for how the Lord will use each graduate in bringing future healing to their clients and communities. The School of Behavioral Sciences is also grateful to note that our faculty led more LU Send trips around the world than any other school or college within Liberty University. These trips expose our students to foreign cultures, amazing ministry opportunities, and hands-on educational situations that build compassion, competence, and confidence. Finally, I want to issue a special thank-you to those of you who have supported our student scholarships and other goals through Giving Day. This synergy has led to enrollments that have climbed over 3,000 in the last two years, and we now stand at 23,560 students. With more new programs on the way, SBS will only increase in enrollment, by God’s grace and support, as we develop even more Champions for Christ. In Christ alone,
Dr. Kenyon Knapp, Ph.D., LPC, NCC Dean
School of Behavioral Sciences
2
FACULT Y FORUM
The Pervasive Subtle Effects of Internet/ Smartphone/Facebook Addiction D R . B E T H S I T E S , P H . D. , P R O F E S S O R O F P SYC H O LO GY
In every generation, people have developed addictions — often to nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and/or drugs. This new generation, however, has the physical and biochemical draw toward the addictive nature of technology. Psychologically, they yearn for self-esteem and a sense of well-being; sociologically, they are modeled and peer-pressured to be on their phones and computers; and spiritually, they yearn to fill the God-shaped void in their lives. As Weinstein et al. (2014) assert, “Problematic Internet use (PIU) or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use that lead to impairment or distress” (p. 99).
EFFECTS — PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL/ SOCIAL/SPIRITUAL Physically, internet addiction leads to sleep deprivation, and scientists have found neurological effects for people who spend hours a day on technology. Hart and Frejd (2013) remark, There is a part of the brain called the hippocampus that manufactures more than a million new brain cells every day. Neurologists have now embraced the concept that the brain is plastic and can even repair itself. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity and refers to the brain’s susceptibility to change under certain conditions, such as changes in behavior, in our environment, or after the loss of certain parts of the brain. (p. 59) Psychologically, internet addicts experience emotional depression and anxiety, often removing themselves from face-to-face contact to escape to the internet (Young, 2007). Internet addiction is currently not classified in the DSM-V (Hafner, 2010). Scott et al. (2017) described the discussion that occurred as the DSM-V was being written. The authors
3
only included “Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition for further study. Gambling disorder remains the only nonsubstance related disorder included as an addictive disorder in the DSM-5” (p. 613). In the debate, some stressed the fact that many people have to use technology long hours for work, so they focused on the comorbidity of technology use with other psychological conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or ADHD. Thus, there was caution about placing an internet addiction diagnosis that may, in fact, be the comorbid disorder seen in the natural setting of the use of technology. Sociologically, problems often develop with inabilities to interact with others face-to-face, lower grades in school, and difficulties at work. “The Facebook world, even if it is employed to stay connected with offline friends and family members . . . may contribute to the aggravation of existing problems or result in the emergence of new problems” (Brailovskaia et al., 2018, p. 9). Yuchang et al. (2017) studied the correlation of smartphone addiction with dysfunctional attitudes and self-esteem. They found that “anxious attachment style positively predicted smartphone addiction . . . negative core beliefs about themselves and others and greater anxiety in relationships” (p. 1131). With the focusing of one’s attention on others’ seemingly “perfect” lives, viewers often develop depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It often causes problems in relationships in marriages and families. As they prioritize online friends, face-to-face friendships are neglected. “There are researchers who also believe that life in the digital world is causing us to lose our ‘depth’ — our depth of thinking, contemplation, feeling, and emotions, as well as depth in our relationships and work” (Hart & Frejd, 2013, p. 43). Spiritually, people are both internally motivated and shaped
by the environment (Powlison, 1995). When “something or someone besides Jesus the Christ takes title to your heart’s trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear and delight” (Powlison, 1995, p. 35), that is called idolatry. “Idolatry is a problem both rooted deeply in the human heart and powerfully impinging on us from our social environment” (Powlison, 1995, p. 38).
TREATMENT Behavioral treatment: Many educators and those involved in the technology industry use preventive and interventionist actions in choosing to send their children to schools that do not have computers but “[focus] on physical activity, interpersonal engagement, and learning through creative, hands-on tasks” (Hart & Frejd, 2013, p. 52). Cognitive behavioral therapy is often the treatment of choice for internet addicts. Some treat it pharmacologically and even use “electro-acupuncture with psychological intervention on cognitive function and event-related potentials” (Weinstein et al., 2014, p. 108). Biblical counseling: Biblical counselors approach internet addiction with a biblical worldview. “No psychology has conceptual resources adequate to make sense of the interface between responsible behavior, a shaping social milieu, and a heart which is both self-deceived and life-determining” (Powlison, 1995, p. 38). The deep question of motivation is not “What is motivating me?” The final question is “Who is the master of this pattern of thought, feeling, or behavior?” In the biblical view, people are religious, inevitably bound to one god or another. People do not have needs. We have masters, lords, gods — be they oneself, other people, valued objects, or even Satan (Powlison, 1995, p. 39).
CONCLUSION A full biblical analysis of social problems would be a “psychosocial-spiritual-somatic-volitional-experiential” analysis. To understand the exact weight of each variable is, obviously, to quest after something which is — from a human point of view, the intentions of social scientists not withstanding! — ultimately elusive. But the Bible’s answer is always powerfully applicable: turning from idols to the living God, renewal of mind and heart in the truth, activities captured in shorthand by the phrase, “repentance and faith” (Powlison, 1995, p. 47). Finally, something to consider — as mentioned earlier, I have taught behavior modification for years and have had many groups of students do an ABAB experiment focusing on their smartphone or social media addiction. They are often shocked at the time they have wasted on devices when they do their baseline observation. They choose various treatment methods that work for them. Inevitably, as their time online has decreased, they report being happier, having better relationships with friends and family, with higher GPAs, getting more sleep, and spending more time with the Lord. They report being more at peace and wanting to tell their still addicted friends that getting off of the devices is a wonderful event in their physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual lives. Excerpt with permission from John S. Knox, Matters of the Dark, Kendall-Hunt, 2020
School of Behavioral Sciences
4
IN THE FIELD DR. KEVIN CONNER, PH.D. A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R & R E S I D E N T I A L C H A I R
I have had the opportunity to travel to several countries and areas of the United States to gain a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of human trafficking. Specifically, I strive to ascertain what it means to be “at risk” and how predators manipulate potential targets. Ultimately, I want to partner students with agencies who are focused on raising awareness and providing services to at-risk individuals. I recently had the opportunity to be involved in a podcast with Freedom 4/24 entitled “Compelled.” The podcast’s goal is to highlight what compels people to go beyond their comfort zones and take action to raise awareness of the injustices of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a worldwide issue that nets billions of dollars while taking advantage of (and destroying) the lives of many women, children, and men. There is not one corner of the globe that this injustice has not touched. Unfortunately, it continues to remain in the shadows and is hidden by myths and misconceptions. Often, individuals are convinced that it does not take place in their area and it is only through kidnapping. However, individuals are trafficked in countless ways with one of the most prevalent being the internet. In fact, Freedom 4/24 has hosted a series on helping parents speak to their kids about this issue. Much of the focus of both the podcast and parent series is to raise awareness of human trafficking. In the episode in which I was a guest,
5
we discussed the impact of trauma and potential for suicidal ideation of individuals who have been trafficked. The key point is vulnerability. Traffickers seek out an individual’s vulnerability and work to exploit it. This vulnerability becomes the doorway through which the trafficker enters and places themselves as the answer to the need. Once the trafficked individual reaches out for this false answer to their needs, the trafficker begins to draw them in more. Most do not realize the trap until they have been completely enveloped and see no way of escape. The inability to escape draws them more into dependence on the trafficker. Also, the trafficked individual may feel hopeless and helpless, entertaining suicide as the only way to escape. It is this reality of the intense darkness that compels me to be involved in raising awareness and promoting those who seek to educate parents and children. With the average age of victims being emerging teenagers, education and awareness are vital during these formative years where they are exploring their identity and seeking to gain acceptance. We must be vigilant — even aggressive — because the darkness of human trafficking is a shroud not easily cast off by those who are ensnared. However, for those of us who claim Christ, we have an amazing Savior who can bring the needed restoration and healing through the light of His love — a light that pushes back the darkness and rescues the brokenhearted.
Alumni Notes MARY JO OLIVER B A C H E L O R O F S C I E N C E I N P S Y C H O L O G Y, CLASS OF 2019 My journey through Liberty’s psychology department began after my transfer from a community college. Initially focused on navigating my future career goals, my trajectory changed suddenly after attending a prerequisite class in behavioral science research. As I learned the significance of research and its impact on psychology, my interest in the field began to grow. My time at Liberty in both undergraduate and graduate school reflects my desire to understand God’s creation through psychological research. My research experience at an undergraduate level continued after my advising professor encouraged me to apply for the Daniel’s Program. The undergraduate research team focused on the conceptual understanding of compassionate love and empathy and the predictors of forgiveness. Under the phenomenal Dr. Kim and my fellow peers, the group’s hard work and passion for the project remained evident throughout the IRB approval process, data analysis, and journal authorship. In the end, our group presented at one national and three regional conferences and received
publication in the Journal of Psychology and Theology. After this, I definitively oriented my scholastic and vocational goals toward studying and producing high-quality research for practitioners from this experience. After finishing my undergraduate degree in 2019, I enrolled in the master’s program focusing on developmental psychology and am currently writing my thesis on applied forgiveness intervention. My relationship with the psychology department continues in my current position as a graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Kelly. I count it a unique privilege and blessing to teach new students about the significance of research. Currently, my plans for postgraduate work include pursuing a Ph.D. in the field of community health psychology. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate experiences, I discovered the necessity for quality research that evaluates and understands the needs of at-risk populations. My passion for psychological research has only grown from my first class at Liberty, and I plan to use the skills I have obtained from Liberty to bring people closer to Christ. I hope that my life will reflect a desire to see the Gospel spread throughout academia as a professor or researcher.
School of Behavioral Sciences
6
Student Showcase C O N S TA N C E S C H N E I D E R , S T U D E N T B O DY P R E S I D E N T P SYC H O LO GY M A J O R , C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1
Q: What are your aspirations and hopes as student body president? A: Our goal in the Student Government Association (SGA) is to truly represent students in all that we say and do. We have many projects and initiatives already underway for the year, most of which involve strengthening our relationships with other university departments and expanding our reach within the student body. Our intention is to not simply have a “one-year plan” but rather to make lasting change within the structure of both SGA and the way we interact with other departments and individuals in the university. One specific goal I’m excited about surrounds the idea of mentorship. We’re encouraging our Executive Cabinet members to reach out and mentor a younger student. We also hope to come alongside a few other departments in creating a mentorship program between students and professionals in their field, notably Liberty alumni. Q: Why did you pick psychology as your major? A: I was initially interested in studying psychology because human behavior fascinated me. The ability to understand and interact with others is a skill that proves useful in a variety of workplaces. As I made the transition into college, I wanted to study something that could equip me and provide a solid foundation for the career path that I chose. Liberty had specific programs (such as industrial/organizational psychology) that not only studied human behavior but also applied a Christian worldview in the classroom. Q: What is the most important thing you have learned or discovered from your psychology classes at Liberty? A: Just as people have mental processes, they also have spiritual processes, and Liberty has taught me how they complement more often than contradict each other. I have learned how to view people holistically — as individuals with inherent value and spiritual significance. This type of mindset influences how I work and interact with others, especially within my role as president of the student body.
7
Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I plan on attending law school after I graduate in May 2021. My background in psychology has offered me a different perspective when it comes to practicing law, and I’m especially grateful to have a Christian worldview as I enter this new career field. My end goal is to become an attorney that handles domestic abuse/sexual assault cases. In my eyes, compassionate and competent lawyers are needed in fields where clients might have experienced serious trauma and abuse. Q: What advice would you give to first-year psychology students? A: My advice would be to really understand why you want to pursue psychology. The motive of an action or a decision in life can be more important than the action or decision itself. The second question I would suggest asking yourself would be, “How can society benefit from your pursuit of this degree?” Use what you are learning to really explore and increase your self-understanding. Be a sponge and soak in all the wisdom of your psychological studies!
F A C U LT Y B O O K R E L E A S E The Dream Home: How to Create an Intimate Christian Marriage ELIAS MOITINHO, PROFESSOR D E N I S E M O I T I N H O , A S S I S TA N T P R O F E S S O R
Q: Why did you write the book?
Q: What is the book about?
A: We wrote The Dream Home book because we love marriage and family counseling and ministry. For many years, we have helped couples grow closer in their intimacy and strengthen their marriages. We have accomplished this task through pastoral counseling and marriage counseling, marriage conferences, marriage classes, marriage workshops, and church-based couples’ mentorship. It is our desire to help couples achieve the intimacy God designed for marriage so they can honor Him through their marriage. We want to provide couples with the knowledge and skills they need to help them make the phrase “and they lived happily ever after” part of their story as they build their dream home.
A: The Dream Home uses the metaphor of a home to describe the various areas of marriage in a creative way. We start our journey to create a dream home by going house hunting, and in this process, we discuss how to create a shared vision for marriage. We discuss the concept of location in relationship to self, spouse, and God. We also discuss the “curb appeal” as a picture for the couple’s testimony or reputation in their family and community. Then, we enter the house and check out each room carefully by using metaphors.
Q: Who is the book for?
An important concept is that each room of the home influences the master bedroom — in other words, every area of the relationship influences marital intimacy. By using metaphors and analogies, we make essential concepts about Christian marriage and relationship skills easier for couples to understand. We also include flow charts and graphs to help readers grasp some new concepts and visualize how these concepts relate to their lives.
A: The book is for couples who want to continue to improve their marriage and intimacy. It is also for couples who are struggling in their marriage and want practical help to improve their relationship. We believe that engaged couples can benefit from the book as well. Our book is also available in Spanish with the title, El Hogar de Tus Sueños: Cómo Crear un Matrimonio Cristiano Íntimo. We strongly believe that this book can contribute to church ministry in distinctive ways. It can be used as: › a marriage enrichment book for couples › a study book for small groups or classes at church › a marriage enrichment curriculum for retreats or marriage conferences › a textbook for a marriage and family class or a pastoral counseling class
Each room represents an aspect of the relationship, such as communication, dealing with conflict, and managing finances. For instance, the master bedroom represents multidimensional intimacy.
The Dream Home book provides solid biblical principles combined with research and professional and ministry experience. It is about giving married couples, and those planning to get married, not only hope and encouragement but also essential knowledge and relationship skills to help them create a dream home, which represents an intimate Christian marriage. The book includes access to eight videos we recorded to provided motivation and an overview of some concepts in the book. Visit MotivationAndGrowth.com to purchase a copy and learn more.
› a curriculum for marriage preparation or premarital class/ workshop
School of Behavioral Sciences
8
FA RE W ELL & T H A NK Y O U
Dr. William Scott
Keaghlan Macon
9
Dr. William Scott retired in the spring of 2020. He has been with the university for 26 years, teaching courses such as Crisis Intervention, Group Dynamics, Psychology of Personality, and Abnormal Psychology in the Psychology Department. Dr. Scott is a Certified Professional Counselor and holds several clinical memberships for both the American and Virginia Association of Marriage and Family Therapies. At Liberty and abroad, Dr. Scott constantly demonstrated his heart for the students and enjoyed teaching. His experiences and observations throughout his life added valuable insight and understanding to the academic experience at Liberty University. He will be greatly missed.
Keaghlan Macon has served as one of the Psychology Department’s Faculty Support Coordinators since 2018 and will be transitioning to a new position to continue her residency as a counselor at Student Counseling Services here at Liberty University. Through her work as a faculty support coordinator, many faculty and students have benefited from her exceptional attention to detail, organizational knowledge, and congenial attitude. During her time serving in the Psychology Department, she has contributed to the field with many presentations, publications, awards, research grants, and leadership positions. We are thankful for the time she shared with us, and we are happy to see her advance in her field of study. She will be dearly missed.
The DEPARTMENTS of COUNSELING train individuals to be thoroughly competent professionals in the practice of agency, community, education, family, and pastoral counseling, supported by a Christian worldview. For more information: Department of Counselor Education & Family Studies Department of Community Care & Counseling Counseling@liberty.edu | (434) 592-4049 DCCC@liberty.edu | (434) 592-4049
The DEPARTMENT of PSYCHOLOGY provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the development of a biblically integrated, evidence-based understanding of human psychology through practical application and research. For more information: Department of Psychology (434) 592-4038 | Psychology@liberty.edu
The DEPARTMENT of SOCIAL WORK develops Christ-centered social workers who are equipped with the skills, values, and knowledge to humbly lead in advancing the well-being of individuals and communities all around the world. For more information: Department of Social Work (434) 582-7570 | LUOSocialWork@liberty.edu
The School of Behavioral Sciences Academic Newsletter is published for all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Sciences, and it is delivered through email and published online. We want to hear from you! Please let us know about the good work that you are doing in behavioral sciences and in the world as Liberty University community members, graduates, professionals, and friends! Interested in contributing to the next issue of the newsletter? We welcome any relevant news, press releases, publications, or potential feature articles from faculty, students, or alumni.
For more information, please contact the General Editor at kalieditor@liberty.edu.
School of Behavioral Sciences
10
Liberty.edu/Behavioral-Sciences
Training Champions for Christ since 1971