Saint Francis University Psychology Department

09/06/2025

Congratulation to Kyle Ah Loo, 2024 Psyc major graduate, for his recent publication!

According to a recent report (Petrosyan, 2024), 5.04 billion people worldwide—62.3% of the world’s population—use social media. Whether it is Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X—formerly known as Twitter—or Snapchat, the vast majority of humankind—8.09 billion people and counting—u...

04/26/2025

Congratulations to Sierra Marcuzzo, Awarded the Annual Psychology Student Award!

04/25/2025

Alaina Filoon recently presented on the topic “The Effect of Exercise on Bone Health” in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. She explained that 54 million Americans face osteoporosis or low bone density, but regular, targeted exercise can reverse much of this risk. Weight-bearing and resistance workouts stimulate osteogenesis, strengthening the spongy bone most vulnerable to fractures. In a 12-month study of men with osteopenia, progressive jump/resistance training paired with calcium + vitamin D raised hip and spine bone-mineral density while reducing joint pain. A second trial in adults 65+ found that 60-minute sessions of walking, stair-climbing, and resistance work two to three times a week improved neck and hip BMD by 95%, dramatically lowering fracture risk. Alaina emphasized that combining safe, multi-component exercise with adequate nutrients enhances balance, protects against falls, and delivers added perks like better mood, weight control, and chronic-disease prevention.

04/24/2025

Savion Terry recently presented on the topic “Health and Exercise in Sports Psychology” in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. He highlighted how regular physical activity not only strengthens the heart, lungs, muscles, and flexibility but also boosts mood and cognition through endorphin release and increased BDNF levels. In sports psychology, techniques like growth‑mindset training, imagery, goal‑setting (SMART goals), and cognitive restructuring help athletes manage stress, build confidence, and bounce back from setbacks. Savion also underscored injury‑prevention strategies—proper warm‑ups, cool‑downs, and flexible training—and the vital role of rest, sleep hygiene, and active recovery in sustaining peak performance. Two case studies illustrated these principles in action: a person‑centered therapy approach with a pro basketball player and an eight‑week mental skills intervention that helped a collegiate powerlifter boost his lifts by nearly 6%. By integrating mind‑body practices, athletes can unlock both physical excellence and mental resilience.

04/16/2025

Bailey Sheppard recently presented on the topic "The Science of Injury Prevention" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. His presentation emphasized that over 3.5 million athletes in the U.S. experience sports-related injuries like sprains, tendon injuries, dislocations, concussions, and ligament tears. Bailey highlighted that many of these injuries can be prevented by integrating proper warm-up and cool-down routines, dynamic stretching, strength and conditioning, improved biomechanics, and progressive overload in training. He discussed how strength training builds muscle resilience, enhances stability, and improves endurance—key factors in reducing injury risk. Supported by research findings, Bailey underlined that effective injury prevention strategies help reduce injuries and extend athletes’ careers. Real-life examples from athletes like Eddie Hall and LeBron James demonstrated the importance of proper form, recovery routines, and mobility work in sustaining elite performance. These accessible, evidence-based strategies can significantly improve athletic health and performance.

04/15/2025

Congratulations to Alex Lukon, Makaila Work, and Kaitlyn Kassidy who presented their research at the Laurel Highlands-WPUPC conference this past Saturday!

04/15/2025

Hailey Dufour recently presented on the topic "Using Exercise to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Clients: The Social Work Approach" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. Her presentation detailed how regular exercise boosts endorphins, reduces cortisol, and improves sleep quality, while promoting the growth of new brain cells and enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Hailey highlighted that aerobic workouts, yoga, and strength training not only alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety but also foster social connection through group activities. She discussed how social workers can integrate exercise into holistic care by assessing physical activity levels, educating clients, and developing community-based programs. Despite common barriers such as time constraints and lack of motivation, practical solutions like home routines, walking groups, and virtual sessions make exercise accessible. Studies shared showed that engaging in as little as 150 minutes of exercise per week can significantly reduce depression symptoms and protect against future mental health issues.

04/08/2025

Connor Flaig recently presented on the topic "The Use Of AI For Improving Fitness Programming" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. His presentation explored how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fitness by customizing training programs and enhancing data analysis for better health outcomes. Connor highlighted AI’s role in personalizing fitness plans according to individual needs, tracking progress, and adjusting workouts in real time to optimize performance and prevent injury. He also discussed AI’s application in nutritional guidance, helping tailor diet plans based on detailed personal health data. The presentation provided insights into how AI tools, like smartwatches and fitness equipment, collect and analyze data to offer feedback that improves training efficacy and safety. Connor concluded that while AI presents a promising tool for fitness enhancement, it should be integrated with human oversight to fully realize its potential in personal fitness and nutrition management.

04/08/2025

Abigail Mourey recently presented on the topic "Small Changes, Big Health Benefits" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. Her presentation emphasized simple, sustainable lifestyle adjustments that can significantly enhance health. Abigail highlighted practical strategies like implementing portion control by pre-portioning snacks and drinking water before meals to reduce overeating. She also advocated for smart food swaps, such as choosing grilled over fried foods and opting for sparkling water instead of soda to decrease calorie intake. Further, Abigail discussed the importance of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) in daily calorie burn and the science of habit formation to sustain these healthful changes. The presentation underscored that even minor modifications in diet and activity level can lead to substantial health improvements over time.

04/03/2025

Mary Golden recently presented on the topic "The Influence of Nutrition on Rehabilitation and Recovery" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. Her insightful presentation emphasized the critical role of nutrition in the rehabilitation process, highlighting how adequate protein intake, a balanced diet, and specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids significantly enhance tissue repair, boost immune function, and support overall well-being. Mary illustrated these points with studies showing improved health outcomes and wound healing in elderly patients through nutritional supplements, and discussed the detrimental effects of pro-inflammatory diets on bone health in postmenopausal women. She advocated for a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to not only aid recovery but also improve long-term health outcomes, demonstrating that good nutrition is fundamental to both physical rehabilitation and mental health.

04/01/2025

Colleen Cyphert recently presented on the topic "The Physical and Psychological Impact of Injury on Athletes" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. Her insightful presentation explored the significant toll injuries take on athletes, both physically and mentally. Colleen highlighted that a large percentage of athletes suffer from chronic injuries during their careers, which not only cause physical issues like chronic pain and reduced mobility but also lead to severe psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress. She emphasized the critical role of physical therapy in rehabilitation, not only aiding in physical recovery but also boosting mental health by enhancing mood and restoring athletes’ confidence. Her research supports the importance of holistic treatment approaches in helping athletes regain their pre-injury health and performance levels.

03/27/2025

Gina Gaye recently presented on the topic "The Impact of Exercise on Anxiety" in a Health and Exercise Psychology class. Her presentation highlighted how exercise can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms by modifying brain chemistry and improving overall mood. Gina discussed the definition of anxiety, typical symptoms, and the complications arising from untreated anxiety disorders, which include depression and substance abuse. She also compared traditional treatments for anxiety, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medications, with exercise. Through research studies, Gina demonstrated that exercises such as yoga and aerobic activities not only decrease anxiety symptoms but also enhance the individual's mood and confidence, making them a viable, cost-effective treatment alternative. Her findings suggest incorporating regular exercise into daily routines can greatly benefit those suffering from anxiety, enhancing their quality of life.