Meghan Marty

Looks as if New York will be setting up playgrounds specifically for use by older adults: NYC Seniors Get Their Own Playground. Neat idea!

This month I successfully proposed my dissertation project to my committee (now the real work begins!). As suggested by the title, my project will investigate the way in which low feelings of belongingness and high feelings of burdensomeness interact to increase suicide ideation among older adults. The study is based on a theory developed by Thomas Joiner, PhD and his students at Florida State University.

Thanks to my committee for their very helpful comments and suggestions: Daniel Segal, PhD; Frederick Coolidge, PhD; Sara Qualls, PhD; Molly Maxfield, PhD; and Aditi Mitra, PhD.

Note: Anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis can contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Today was my last first day of school, as a student anyway. Here's to 22nd grade!

Last week, I presented a poster at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association, which took place in San Diego. Poster presentations are always fun because I get to meet others who are interested in similar areas of research. I was even awarded an APA Student Travel Award in order to participate in the convention.

This particular poster reported the results of an analysis of hopelessness, dysfunctional attitudes, and suicide ideation among community-dwelling older adults. As expected, hopelessness and dysfunctional attitudes were positively associated with suicide ideation. Perfectionism emerged as an important component of dysfunctional attitudes. 

Great visual description of what a PhD is: The Illustrated Guide to a PhD.

As we are getting ready for the fall semester to begin, one of the administrators in our department asked the returning grad students for "wisdom" to pass on to the new students. My advice was this:

"Real" life doesn't stop because you're in grad school. Travel to somewhere new... climb a mountain... cultivate relationships outside of school... learn how to brew beer... have a baby... whatever it is that makes you happy. These are the things that will keep you going when grad school starts to drive you crazy and will make you a better psychologist in the long run.

Fortunately, our department encourages us to practice self-care on a regular basis, which has given me "permission" to take a break from work every now-and-then and enjoy the beautiful Colorado scenery. I recently hiked Quandary Peak, elevation 14,265 feet (see the photo taken at the summit), my third "14er." Very few experiences take me away from school, both physically and mentally, like standing on top of the world!

One of the founders and leaders in the field of aging, Dr. Robert N. Butler, passed away over the week-end. Here are a few tributes to his life and his work:

changingaging.org

The New Old Age

At the end of May, I completed a practicum rotation in a long term care facility (aka nursing home). I discovered that I love working in that setting and its something that I hope to gain more experience with while I'm on internship.

Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbara is a psychologist who works in long term care and writes a blog about her experiences. She recently wrote an interesting guest post on the role of psychology in treating mental illness in nursing home residents for McKnight's Long Term Care News.

Another great resource for those interested in the topic of mental illness in long term care is the group Psychologists in Long Term Care (PLTC). 

Last night I was honored with the 2010 Psychological Society of the Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Graduate Student Award. My mentor Dan Segal (with me in the photo) gave a nice speech about the work we've done together over the past 3 years. I am truly fortunate to have Dan as a mentor and to be in a graduate program where I am encouraged thrive!

I finished the 3rd year of my PhD program this week! Unfortunately, it feels a little anti-climatic since classes are a smaller part of what I do now (clinical work and research have become more of a priority). But, it is nice to have another year behind me. :-)

Julio and I celebrated a little early last week-end by taking a long motorcycle ride into the mountains. Definitely one of the perks of living in Colorado!