Psychology ePortfolio

My name is Joshua Keller. As a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a concentration in Web Design and a Minor in Psychology. Alongside my design studies, I took psychology courses as electives with the intention of earning a future degree in the field. While I have not yet chosen a specific area of specialization, I am passionate about peer mentoring and counseling, particularly within the disability community where I volunteer with nonprofits. My goal is to combine my lived experience as a quadriplegic with a strong foundation in psychology to support others and make a meaningful impact through both creative and emotional connection. While ultimately, this portfolio will be used when applying for graduate programs in psychology, the following portfolio assets showcase my commitment to understanding human behavior and mental processes through scientific study.

PSY 328 Theories of Personality

PSY 328 Module Three Activity: Traits in Professions

Assignment Description
This Module Three activity focused on understanding introversion and extroversion in workplace and school environments. I explored the observable behaviors, team dynamics, and communication patterns associated with each trait. The activity also emphasized how managers and team members can use emotional intelligence and personality awareness to engage others effectively and build stronger professional relationships.

Reflection
This assignment helped me reflect on how both introverted and extroverted traits can be assets when understood and applied thoughtfully. I recognized the value in being aware of different personality dynamics and how this awareness can help me be a better communicator and collaborator. As a disabled designer and mentor, I often work with people across the spectrum of introversion and extroversion. This activity showed me how emotional intelligence and personality insight can support more inclusive, effective teamwork.

PSY 215 Abnormal Psychology

Module 3 Activity

Assignment Description 
This assignment involved a multi-dimensional analysis of anxiety, exploring its biological, psychological, and sociocultural origins. The research examined biological drivers such as neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, and GABA) and limbic system hyperactivity. It further investigated how psychological factors like cognitive distortions and sociocultural influences, including social isolation and cultural gender roles, interplay to trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders.

Reflection 
This project aligns with the Ethics programmatic theme by highlighting the diagnostic challenges and moral responsibilities associated with mental health assessment. Because anxiety often lacks objective medical tests and relies heavily on subjective self-reporting, I realized the ethical necessity of creating a safe, non-judgmental environment to ensure accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, understanding how comorbidities can complicate a patient’s treatment plan reinforced the importance of clinical integrity and the ethical mandate to treat the “whole person” rather than just a set of overlapping symptoms.

PSY 215 Abnormal Psychology

Schizophrenia Research Presentation

Assignment Description 
This project, titled “Schizophrenia: A Journey Through Perception & Reality,” is a comprehensive analysis of schizophrenia using the biopsychosocial model. It examines biological factors such as genetic predispositions and brain structure abnormalities, alongside psychological impacts like cognitive deficits and psychosis. The presentation also evaluates diagnostic challenges, specifically the “Diagnosis by Exclusion” method required due to a lack of definitive biological markers, and explores therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and non-pharmacological psychosocial interventions.

Reflection 
This assignment serves as a cornerstone for the Ethics programmatic theme by exploring the delicate balance between non-maleficence and beneficence in clinical practice. Analyzing the “Duty to Treat” and the standard of “First, do no harm” reinforced my understanding that ethical healthcare requires weighing the risks and benefits of treatment through shared decision-making with the patient. Furthermore, identifying the limitations of standardized assessments—such as the reliance on self-reporting and the impact of cultural stigma—emphasized the ethical necessity for clinicians to use sound judgment and empathy to ensure an accurate diagnosis for individuals in vulnerable states of psychosis.

PSY 328 Theories of Personality

3-1 Journal: Big 5 Personality Test

Assignment Description
In this Module Three journal, I explored the Big Five Personality Traits and how they relate to my personal and professional life. The assignment asked me to identify traits that influence areas such as communication, coping, and job performance, while also reflecting on areas for growth and limitations of trait theory. I completed the Big Five assessment and used the results to assess how my personality shapes my behavior, responses to stress, and future development.

Reflection
This journal helped me understand how personality traits can both support and challenge my goals. Traits like emotional stability and conscientiousness help me stay grounded, focused, and dependable, especially as a designer and mentor. At the same time, I noticed how lower agreeableness and perfectionism sometimes cause conflict or stress. It reminded me that personality is not fixed, and that growth comes from intentional self-awareness. Reflecting on the limitations of trait theory also emphasized the importance of lived experience, especially as someone navigating disability and advocacy.

PSY 258 Industrial and Organizational Psychology

5-2 Presentation: I/O Psychology and Leadership

Assignment Description
This assignment is a formal presentation titled “I/O Psychology & Leadership,” designed to examine how evidence-based principles can be applied to develop new managers. The presentation explores the distinction between leader emergence and effectiveness, the importance of high-quality relationships through Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) theory, and the risks associated with destructive leadership. It concludes with strategies for sustainable leadership development grounded in job analysis and reflective practice.

Reflection
This project aligns with the Emotional Intelligence programmatic theme by highlighting that leadership is a social and relational process rather than a mere title. Through this work, I learned that a leader’s effectiveness is measured by their ability to cultivate trust and mutual respect within their team. Furthermore, the analysis of the “toxic triangle” and abusive supervision underscored the vital role of self-regulation and empathy in preventing organizational harm. Developing this presentation allowed me to see how I/O psychology provides a framework for fostering psychological safety and inclusion, which are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern, diverse workplace.

PSY 215 Abnormal Psychology

Module 6 Activity

Assignment Description 
This assignment focuses on the influence of language in shaping perceptions of human behavior and personality disorders. It examines how clinical terms like “narcissistic” or “borderline” are often misused in casual conversation, reinforcing negative stigmas and muddying actual diagnoses. The project includes a personal reflection on the evolution of language from military culture to a clinical psychological perspective, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to use prosocial language that separates an individual from their diagnosis.

Reflection 
This project deepened my understanding of the Emotional Intelligence programmatic theme by highlighting the profound impact that verbal communication has on empathy and social norms. My reflection on past military experiences—where mental health struggles were often equated with weakness—reminded me that true emotional intelligence involves challenging these harmful stereotypes. By practicing validation and creating psychologically safe environments, I can foster acceptance for those struggling with psychological disorders. This assignment reinforced that being an effective peer mentor or psychologist requires not just clinical knowledge, but the situational awareness to correct misconceptions and advocate for compassion in every interaction.

PSY 328 Theories of Personality

4-1 Journal: Agent of Social Change

Assignment Description
In this journal assignment for PSY 328, I explored the humanistic approach to personality theory. The task required comparing humanism with previous theories studied in the course, reflecting on emotional intelligence and systemic barriers, and connecting Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to both social justice and personal self-actualization. I also included a review of two external articles—one critical and one research-based—to examine the limitations of Maslow’s framework when applied to real-world inequality.

Reflection
This assignment helped me see how my values, advocacy, and lived experience align with the humanistic perspective. Writing about self-actualization and systemic barriers made me think more critically about how my disability impacts access to opportunity and how I use design and storytelling to empower others. I appreciated how the humanistic approach highlights strengths, growth, and the importance of supporting others in reaching their full potential. It reinforced my desire to become a more intentional advocate and potentially pursue a future in counseling.

PSY 257 Social Psychology

2-1 Journal: Literature Review

Assignment Description
This assignment consists of a conceptual literature review titled “Lessons From Social Psychology on Discrediting Psychiatric Stigma”. The work synthesizes existing empirical studies and theories (such as Allport’s contact hypothesis and Weiner’s attribution theory) to evaluate strategies for reducing public prejudice toward individuals with mental illness. The review specifically analyzes how variables like interpersonal contact, education, and protest influence social thinking and behavioral change.

Reflection
Completing this review deepened my understanding of the Social Justice programmatic theme by illustrating how psychological research serves as a catalyst for advocacy and equity. By examining how stigma is a learned social attitude, I realized that psychologists have an ethical responsibility to implement evidence-based interventions, like structured interpersonal contact, to dismantle systemic discrimination. This project highlighted the necessity of using inclusive, respectful strategies to promote the dignity of marginalized populations while ensuring that research design minimizes potential psychological harm.

PSY 211 Lifespan Development

PSY 211 Project 1

Assignment Description 
This project involved a comprehensive developmental analysis of a case study subject named Kelly. The assignment required applying the theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Erik Erikson to evaluate how early childhood trauma, substance exposure, and inconsistent caregiving impacted Kelly’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being. The final analysis utilized Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model to examine how interacting environmental systems—from immediate family dynamics to broader societal stigmas—contributed to maladaptive behaviors.

Reflection 
This project serves as a significant application of the Social Justice programmatic theme. By analyzing Kelly’s struggles through Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, I recognized how systemic barriers, such as a lack of healthcare access and intergenerational cycles of addiction, can interrupt a child’s natural development. This work reinforced the psychological principle that development is not an isolated biological process but is deeply influenced by the equity of a child’s environment. It has strengthened my commitment to advocacy, specifically in identifying how structural inequalities create developmental hurdles for vulnerable youth.

PSY 328 Theories of Personality

6-1 Journal: Adjustment Domain

Assignment Description
For this Module Six journal, I reflected on my coping and adjustment strategies using psychological concepts such as stress tolerance, flexibility, cognitive distortions, and the Big Five personality traits. The journal required me to evaluate my personal responses to stress, identify traits that hinder effective coping, and describe how I apply various coping techniques in different areas of life such as school, work, and relationships.

Reflection
This assignment helped me gain clarity about how my personality influences how I manage stress, especially as someone living with a disability. I found it useful to map out how traits like perfectionism and high agreeableness can both support and challenge my well-being. Revisiting the cognitive behavioral strategies I use to manage catastrophic thinking was a great reminder of how far I’ve come in therapy. It also helped me appreciate the range of tools I already use to stay grounded and productive in both my academic and professional life.

PSY 211 Lifespan Development

PSY 211 Project 2

Assignment Description
In this project, I applied major developmental perspectives to my own lived experience as a disabled veteran, college student, and peer mentor. I utilized Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model to map my personal support systems and Aaron Beck’s cognitive triad to describe my psychological adaptation following a traumatic spinal cord injury in 2017. The assignment also explored Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to illustrate how social interactions and community mentorship facilitated my recovery and return to higher education.

Reflection
This assignment is the cornerstone of my engagement with the Self-Care programmatic theme. Applying Beck’s cognitive behavioral model allowed me to reflect on my own journey of reframing negative thought patterns into a focus on purpose and resilience. Furthermore, analyzing my recovery through the biopsychosocial lens highlighted the essential role of social support and healthcare coordination in maintaining long-term physical and mental health. This project has provided me with a structured way to view my own growth, demonstrating that intentional self-care and seeking “scaffolding” from a community are vital for navigating life-changing transitions.

PSY 215 Abnormal Psychology

Module 6 Activity

Assignment Description
Titled “Aren’t We All a Little Abnormal?”, this blog post analyzed the diagnostic features and biomedical factors of anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. The project explored the “mind-body connection” by describing how these disorders act as diseases of the nervous system—specifically triggering the autonomic nervous system’s fight-or-flight response. It also addressed historical and sociocultural shifts, such as the impact of deinstitutionalization on patient autonomy and the evolving public perception of gender identity.

Reflection
This project fits perfectly within the Self-Care and Emotional Intelligence themes. By investigating the bidirectional relationship between physical illness and mental health, I gained a deeper understanding of how lifestyle choices—such as mindfulness and prioritizing sleep—can activate the parasympathetic nervous system to manage anxiety. This work emphasized that self-care is not merely a luxury but a biological necessity for regulating the body’s stress response. Additionally, examining how casual language like “crazy” or “weird” reinforces stigma has made me more mindful of the words I use, both in my own internal dialogue and when supporting others in my peer mentoring role.

PSY 328 Theories of Personality

Project 1: Personality Theory Application

Assignment Description
This project involved writing a theory application paper for PSY 328. The goal was to analyze and apply two personality theories to either myself, someone I know, or a public figure, while exploring how their traits, behaviors, and motivations aligned with specific components of each theory. The paper also included identifying limitations of both theories and explaining the value of a holistic approach in personality analysis.

Reflection
This assignment gave me a deeper understanding of how personality theories can be applied in real-life contexts, especially in peer mentoring and disability support. It helped me see the strengths and shortcomings of different frameworks, and how using multiple perspectives can provide a more complete and respectful view of a person’s lived experience.

Project 2: Personality Theory Blog Post

Assignment Description
For this project, I created a professional blog post titled “The Psychology of Freelance Design: What Your Personality Says About Your Workflow.” The goal was to apply personality theor to my real-world experience as a freelance graphic designer. The post covered how personality impacts individual work preferences, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and stress management, while encouraging self-reflection among peers in creative fields.

Reflection
Writing this post helped me make direct connections between theory and practice. As someone who balances disability, freelance design, and emotional labor, I found value in understanding how my personality shapes my workflow and relationships. This assignment made me more aware of how personality influences both strengths and stress responses, which is crucial in team environments. It also deepened my interest in continuing to explore psychology as a tool for personal growth and peer support.

PSY 257 Social Psychology

7-1 Final Project

Assignment Description
This final project integrates a comprehensive literature review with an original research design to address a specific gap in social psychology. The project analyzes how social context factors—ranging from interpersonal contact to systemic inequalities—shape human behavior and mental health. It synthesizes foundational theories like Allport’s contact hypothesis with modern digital-era research to examine how social motives like belonging and self-protection drive cognitive processing. The submission culminates in a proposed longitudinal study investigating how early parental attachment security influences the development of social anxiety and maladaptive social comparison behaviors in young adults’ social media use.

Reflection
This capstone project exemplifies the Ethics and Social Justice programmatic themes by emphasizing the researcher’s role in advocating for vulnerable populations through scientifically sound methodology. By identifying the intersection of early developmental vulnerabilities and modern digital environments, I applied ethical principles such as informed consent, participant dignity, and the use of culturally sensitive measures. This work reflects an evolution from early laboratory-based studies toward an inclusive approach that considers broader structural inequities and their impact on mental health. Ultimately, this project demonstrates my ability to design research that not only seeks causal understanding but also prioritizes societal benefit and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Peer Mentoring through United Spinal Association and SCIboston

Peer Mentor Training Certificate

Peer Mentor SMART Goals Questionnaire

Description and Reflection 
This certification from the United Spinal Association represents the successful completion of a comprehensive training program focused on mandated reporting, peer to peer communication, and evidence based motivational strategies. I then developed SCIboston’s associated goal setting framework, which utilizes the SMART acronym to help peers categorize milestones into short, intermediate, and long term objectives. Since 2022, I have applied these principles to mentor five individuals, guiding them through the grief process and the practical steps of life management following traumatic spinal cord injuries. This asset demonstrates my ability to translate psychological theory into structured advocacy, support, and graphic design.

Support Group Leadership

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a transition from in-person meetings at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to a virtual format via Zoom. Following my work in peer mentoring and disability blogging, I was recruited by SCIboston to serve as a group leader for their recurring weekly support sessions. I currently facilitate a general Thursday group and a specialized Tuesday group designed for individuals within their first three years of injury. These sessions focus on fostering psychological safety and emotional resilience during the transition to life with a disability.

Beyond direct facilitation, my colleagues and I represented SCIboston in a collaborative effort with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to standardize the support group model across the disability community. This role involves facilitating group leader trainings for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which houses the federally funded National Paralysis Resource Center. This experience has been the professional highlight of my week, allowing me to integrate psychological theory with my military leadership background to support collective growth and advocacy.

Livneh and Antonak’s Model of Psychosocial Adaptation to Disability

Description and Reflection 
In 2025, I participated in a specialized grief workshop led by Dr. H’Sien Hayward to deepen my understanding of bereavement psychology and identify evidence-based resources for my peer support groups. This collaboration led to the selection of Livneh and Antonak’s Model of Psychosocial Adaptation to Disability, a stage-based framework that describes the emotional and psychological journey of adjusting to chronic illness or injury.

I developed this graphic to translate complex research into a tangible summary for support group members, outlining the progression from initial impact and defensive retreat to acknowledgment and long-term adjustment. The model emphasizes that adaptation is a dynamic, individualized process where survivors redefine their self-concept and achieve autonomy despite physical limitations. This project highlights my ability to synthesize clinical literature and create accessible visual tools that foster empathy and provide a structural roadmap for those navigating the transition to disability.

The Tasks of Adaptation: From Bereavement to Disability

Description and Reflection 
This project involves the ethical adaptation of the Four Tasks of Mourning, a psychological framework originally developed to process the death of a loved one. Recognizing that a life-changing injury often involves grieving a former physical identity and the loss of past autonomy, I translated these stages into a roadmap for disability adaptation. The resulting graphic utilizes my skills in design to bridge clinical theory with advocacy, providing a visual guide for navigating the intellectual and emotional acceptance of a new reality. By reframing internal, external, and spiritual adjustments, this work illustrates the process of integrating trauma into a meaningful new life path. Applying this model to my own transition and my work as a peer mentor has reinforced the idea that moving forward does not require forgetting the past, but rather finding a healthy balance between cherishing one’s history and pursuing new growth.

Writing from my Own Experiences

Mental Health Advocacy

Description and Reflection 
This curated collection of blog posts and original design work focused on mental health advocacy from the perspective of a veteran living with a traumatic disability. The content integrates personal narrative with psychological principles to address topics such as resilience, the grief process, and the intersection of physical and mental health. By utilizing my skills as a graphic designer, I created visual resources that simplify complex psychological concepts for a broader audience, fostering community engagement and reducing the stigma associated with disability. This platform serves as a digital extension of my advocacy work, demonstrating my ability to communicate lived experience through a clinical and professional lens while providing accessible support for individuals navigating similar life transitions.