Clinical Dissertation Project

In the PsyD Clinical Dissertation Project, students explore a question or test a hypothesis while working within the framework of the program's clinical focus as well as its focus on diversity. Dissertations should integrate relevant literature, research findings, and original thought, deriving input from the population under study and contributing to the field of applied psychology.

Qualitative and other methodologies alternative to traditional empirical research are encouraged. The methodology chosen should be appropriate to the question being explored. Methodologies used by students include meta-analytic reviews of current literature, program evaluation, case studies, phenomenology, grounded theory, content analysis, and traditional empirical hypothesis-testing.

Completed dissertations can be found at the John F. Kennedy University Library and in the office of the PsyD Research Director. Recently completed dissertations include:

  • "A Subjective Inquiry of Lesbian Sexuality: A Grounded Theory Analysis"
  • "African-American Women and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention: A Qualitative Approach to Assessing Needs"
  • "Culturally Sensitive Clinical Guidelines for Mental Health Professionals Working with Iraqi Women in the United States"
  • "Disability in Context: The Application of Narrative Theory to Multidimensional Health Care Problem"
  • "High School Teacher Intervention in Anti-Gay Harassment"
  • "Learned Helplessness: A Pathway between Childhood Trauma and Homelessness in Women"
  • "Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicide and Depression among African-American Males."