Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chairperson

Jodi McKibben

Committee Member

Susan Naylor

Committee Member

Mike Roche

Abstract

The current study examined predictors in the changing of implicit attitudes toward academic dishonesty (AD). The primary predictor measured was self-reported stress and arousal, the strength of which being a possible influence on one’s change in implicit attitudes. Trait emotional intelligence (EI) was measured as a covariate and potential moderator of the interaction between stress and arousal, and one’s implicit attitudes toward AD. One hundred nine undergraduate psychology students from a public university were recruited to take assessments for trait EI, stress and arousal, and implicit attitudes toward AD. To manipulate the induction of stress and arousal, participants were randomly assigned between two groups. One of which played Geometry Dash to induce stress and arousal, and the other played Patchworkz as a control condition. Results of the study found that those who played Geometry Dash experienced greater stress and arousal than those who played Patchworkz. Trait EI was negatively correlated with stress and arousal before intervention. There were no significant differences in implicit attitudes toward AD between groups, but significant differences between times, with decreases for both groups after intervention. Stress and arousal after intervention did not significantly predict implicit attitudes toward AD, nor did any interactions between group, stress and arousal, and trait EI. Implications of the study include how gaming may be used as a subtle intervention for inducing stress and arousal, how trait EI may facilitate emotion regulation, and how the interactions between stress and arousal, trait EI, and implicit attitudes toward AD require further investigation.

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