Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

4-25-2024

Degree Name

Psychology (BA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Deborah Kreiss

Second Advisor

Dr. Chris Bishop

Third Advisor

Dr. David Jentsch

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a reduction in social enrichment by measuring behavioral changes in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) in male and female rats of High Approach (HAO) and Low Approach Orientation (LAO). The results indicated that at baseline, both total arm entries and open arm entries were affected by Approach Orientation and Sex. The percent change in closed arm entries in female LAO was sensitive to a sudden transition from high to standard social enrichment, whereas those in the female HAO and both male groups were behaviorally unaffected. The female LAO group experiencing the sudden transition from high to standard social enrichment had an increase in percent change of closed arm entries, while their control counterparts who experienced continued enrichment had a decrease. Results suggest that the female LAO rats may translate to a population more sensitive to social stress and thus may be useful in identifying biological markers for predicting vulnerability to sudden changes in social environments.

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