Dоctоrаl Quаlifying Exаminatiоn Bria Ferera (U62782167) Summer 2026 Day 1 (Cognate in Psychology) Please read the following scenario and respond to each of the questions below it. Sophia is a 5-year-old child who will soon transition to kindergarten at Sunshine Elementary School. She lives with her mother, a 32-year-old single parent who works full-time. Sophia’s father has not been consistently involved in her life since infancy. Sophia attended a small in-home preschool program for the past two years where the provider was familiar with her medical needs and maintained close communication with her mom. Since infancy, Sophia has been diagnosed with severe allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Her allergist has described her condition as life-threatening due to a history of anaphylaxis. Sophia experienced her first severe allergic reaction at 11 months old after accidental exposure to peanut butter at a family gathering. Since then, she has had two additional emergency room visits related to accidental exposure, including one incident at age four when another child at preschool shared a snack that contained traces of nuts. Sophia carries an epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Sophia is described as bright, verbal, and academically ready for kindergarten. There is no history of behavioral problems at preschool. She enjoys books, drawing, and imaginative play. However, her mom reports that Sophia has become increasingly aware of her allergy and sometimes expresses fear around food and eating in public settings. At birthday parties or school events, Sophia often asks repeatedly whether foods are “safe” and becomes upset if adults cannot immediately reassure her. Sophia has also begun expressing worries about going to “big school,” including fears that “someone might make a mistake” or that she “could die from bad food.” During her kindergarten screening, Sophia appeared shy initially but warmed up after several minutes. She followed directions well and demonstrated age-appropriate early literacy and social communication skills. Staff observed that Sophia repeatedly asked whether snacks in the classroom were safe for her and seemed unusually vigilant about food-related materials. Sophia’s mom describes significant emotional stress related to managing her daughter’s allergy. She reports chronic anxiety and persistent fears about Sophia’s safety when she is not under her direct supervision. She also worries about whether school staff will recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction quickly enough and whether other children will understand the seriousness of Sophia’s allergy. She has already contacted the school multiple times regarding allergy procedures and has requested meetings with the principal, teacher, school nurse, and cafeteria staff before school begins. She has asked whether the classroom can be designated peanut-free and whether an aide can supervise Sophia during lunch. Although school personnel have reassured her that procedures are in place, Sophia’s mom continues to express concern that public school may not provide the same level of individualized monitoring that Sophia received in preschool. Sophia’s mom reports a family history of anxiety on her side of the family and acknowledges that Sophia may “pick up” on her stress. She wants Sophia to become more independent and confident but struggles with balancing safety concerns and allowing age-appropriate autonomy. ----- Day #1 (Cognate in Psychology) ---- In your role as a Pediatric School Psychologist at Sunshine Elementary School, you have the opportunity to support Sophia, her teacher, cafeteria staff, school nurse, and her mom. Your responses today should demonstrate your understanding of the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social aspects of behavior relevant to conceptualizing Sophia’s current behavior, and ultimately supporting Sophia indirectly through consultation with school personnel and her mother. (A discussion of how to support Sophia directly through clinical services is not expected in this Day 1 response, but rather will be addressed in Day 2 of qualifying exams). *Please cite empirical literature (author only, no date needed) to support your responses. Based on the case study presented and your knowledge of theories of affective aspects of behavior, describe emotional and behavioral factors that may contribute to Sophia’s social-emotional functioning, anxiety, and adjustment to the kindergarten environment. Based on the case study presented and your knowledge of theories of biological aspects of behavior, describe neural, physiological, and/or genetic influences associated with Sophia’s chronic health condition that may contribute to her current social-emotional and behavioral challenges; what risk factors are present based upon her diagnosis? Based on the case study presented and your knowledge of cognitive aspects of behavior, describe theories of learning, memory, thought processes and/or decision-making that may help explain Sophia’s fears, behavioral responses, and adjustment to situations involving food and the transition to kindergarten. Based on the case study presented and your knowledge of developmental aspects of behavior, describe theories and concepts related to early childhood, transitions, autonomy, social-emotional growth, and development that may help explain Sophia’s current challenges. Based on the case study presented and your knowledge of social aspects of behavior, describe theories and concepts related to social development, family systems, peer relationships, and environmental influences that may help to better understand Sophia’s current social-emotional and behavioral challenges. Based on the case study, provide two examples of how Sophia’s current medical, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges likely result from the interplay of multiple bases of behavior discussed in Questions 1-5 above (e.g., social concepts that are particularly salient to her developmental stage). Based on your responses to Questions 1-6 above, how would you consult with Sophia’s teacher, cafeteria staff, school nurse, and her mother to support her medical and social-emotional needs?