TOPIC SELECTION: FIND A GAP
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Topic Selection: Find a Gap Assignment
Al-Tayjaha Garland
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
Al-Tayjaha Garland
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Al-Tayjaha Garland
Email: [email protected]
TOPIC SELECTION: FIND A GAP
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Topic Selection: Find a Gap Assignment
1) First Topic of Interest: Does the death of a parent affect children's development in other
racial groups?
Gap Statement: “Future studies are needed to examine these nuances and help clarify any
potential differences across demographic groups in stress responses associated with particular
ACEs, and individual and contextual coping resources that might serve as protective factors
promoting resilience” (Singer et al., 2022, p. 191).
Reference
Singer, J., Cummings, C., & Coccaro, E. F. (2022). Parental separation and death during
childhood as predictors of adult psychopathology: An examination of racial differences.
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.
https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001291
This article researched how children who lose their parents during childhood are at risk of
having depressive disorders, personality disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders in
adulthood. The results of this study concluded that there are no indicators of disorders in the
White and African American populations.
2) Second Topic of Interest: Do microaggressions affect if women of color seek
counseling?
Gap Statement: “This approach does not fully acknowledge the unique experiences of
oppression that occur at the axis of race/ethnicity, gender, and other social identities for BIWOC
so, the development of intersectional measures is critically needed in future research” (DeBlaere
et al., 2022, p. 122).
Reference
TOPIC SELECTION: FIND A GAP
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DeBlaere, C., Zelaya, D. G., Dean, J.-A. B., Chadwick, C. N., Davis, D. E., Hook, J. N., &
Owen, J. (2022). Multiple microaggressions and therapy outcomes: The indirect effects
of cultural humility and working alliance with Black, Indigenous, women of color clients.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54(2).
https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000497
This article researched how bias, and discrimination has been a factor in Black, Indigenous,
Women of Color (BIWOC) not seeking counseling. The results conclude that racial and gender
microaggressions are reported frequently in therapy.
3) Third Topic of Interest: How does social media affect how women view their bodies
and how it can affect their mental health?
Gap Statement: “Future studies should certainly try to better understand the nuanced
role of social media in individuals’ lives and examine the way social media use is driven by
other factors like life satisfaction, mental health issues, and/or interpersonal relationships”
(Bissell & Chou, 2023, p. 487).
Reference
Bissell, K., & Chou, S. (2023). Living for the likes: Social media use, fear of missing out, and
body and life satisfaction in women. Psychology of Popular Media, 13(3).
https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000507
This article researched how more women than men are dissatisfied with their bodies due
to social media. The results conclude that social media influence increases the relationship
between eating disorders and body dissatisfaction.
