Date of Submission

2013

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair

First Advisor

Susan Panichelli-Mindel, PhD, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Barbara A. Golden, PsyD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Josephine White, PhD

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between youth and adult psychopathology, and sociodemographic factors and treatment adherence for youth attending outpatient treatment at a rural community mental-health clinic. “Adherence” was defined as attending more than five sessions, while “non-adherence” was defined as attending fewer than or equal to five sessions. Results revealed no significant differences between youth adhering or not adhering to treatment depending on the relation of caregiver to youth or the mode of transportation taken to the clinic. Furthermore, caregiver and youth psychopathology and caregiver’s estimated travel time to the clinic did not predict treatment adherence. Incidentally, examination of sociodemographic variables revealed that caregivers and youth who spoke Spanish in the home were more likely to adhere to treatment. Additionally, supplemental analyses examining psychopathology and treatment adherence using a “total treatment” operational definition found that higher levels of youth anxiety predicted adherence to treatment. Implications of these results are discussed.

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