Holly C Matto
Biographic Data
| ID | 4187386 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Holly C Matto |
| GIVEN NAMES | Holly C |
| FAMILY NAME | Matto |
| SIGNATURE | MATTO H C |
| AFFILIATIONS | George Mason University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3837-1061 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 39 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 19 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2002 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Examining the Power of Recovery Cues to Enhance Real-Time Regulation and Manage Substance Craving
Evidence suggests individuals in substance-use treatment experience high relapse rates upon discharge due to repeated exposure to sensory-based reminders of their addiction. Thus, when a person in recovery is exposed to stressful triggers, changing the immediate sensory environment may help mitigate relapse risk. This proof-of-concept study deployed 27 customized virtual reality (VR) simulations that included drug triggers and “recovery cues” pre…
The Intersection of Substance Use, Body Image, and Sexual Activity Among Older Gay Men
Sexual activity among older gay men is an underexplored topic and an essential piece to overall sexual wellbeing. Substance use and body image are two factors that may influence the sexual activity of aging gay men. A cross-sectional survey examined older gay men who lived in the Midwest region of the United States and the relationship between alcohol or drug use immediately before or during sex, body image and sexual activity. Older gay men who …
Virtual reality case simulation to build skill competencies in working with substance-engaged clients
Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training can offer social work students a person-centered learning approach that emphasizes in-vivo experience in applying social work skills to a case simulation, with post-simulation debriefing that links students’ experiences back to direct practice learning objectives. VR simulation offers the unique opportunity for interprofessional group decision-making and support in providing care, offering a context where …
Community arts engagement supports perceptions of personal growth in older adults
A Novel Participant-Empowered Pedagogical Approach to Engage and Retain Control Group Participants in Arts-Based Randomized Controlled Trials
The overall purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the effect of arts classes (ballroom dance and ukulele) on older adults’ well-being compared with a social conversation control group. This article describes a novel participant-empowered pedagogical approach to enhance control group retention and engagement. Sixty-four participants ( M = 71 years) participated twice weekly in a 10-week intervention that included ballroo…
When triggers become tigers
Personalized recovery technologies may enable individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) to monitor and manage acute craving and drug use urges in ways that improve drug-seeking decisions in real-time. Direct and indirect regulation of the autonomic nervous system through sensory input monitoring and modulation may enhance control over behavioral decisions and prevent relapse. A personalized sensory support system that monitors neurophysiologi…
Harnessing the Power of the Recovering Brain to Promote Recovery Commitment and Reduce Relapse Risk
Evidence suggests that clients who participate in substance-use treatment experience high relapse rates upon discharge due to repeated exposure to environmentally triggered stimuli. Exposure to such triggers leads to heightened autonomic arousal, craving, and substance use. Traditionally, cue-paradigm research programs in addiction science have sought to understand how drug cues affect the brain and behavior via a craving mechanism. This article …
Should They Stay or Should They Go
Greek life on college campuses offers many student benefits, including leadership skills and career networking, but is also associated with risk factors such as excessive alcohol use. This cross-sectional study compares hazardous alcohol and drug use, and use of protective behavioral strategies among non-Greek and Greek-affiliated students at 2 universities and differences among students at a university that offers on-campus Greek housing and a c…
A Social-Spatial Lens to Examine Poverty, Violence, and Addiction
Although the associations among interpersonal- and community-level violence and substance use have been well-studied, the mechanisms of change that underlie each have not garnered the same level of attention. We offer an analysis that views both violence and addiction as the inevitable by-products of inequitably constructed social spaces, where poverty is a powerful structural force that erodes relational stability and undermines community health…
Biobehavioral Response Redirection
Research Note
This study examined whether satisfaction with the Air Force (AF) as way of life increased post-9/11 and whether it has sustained. Using data from 179,309 personnel collected across a period of eight years (2000-2008) in four waves of cross-sectional data collection, we found that satisfaction with the AF as a way of life increased dramatically following 9/11 and since then has declined from the height, but has not returned to pre-9/11 levels. Aft…
Functional Magnetic resonance Imaging Clinical Trial of a Dual-Processing Treatment Protocol for Substance-Dependent Adults
Objectives: Empirical evidence suggests substance dependence creates stress system dysregulation which, in turn, may limit the efficacy of verbal-based treatment interventions, as the recovering brain may not be functionally capable of executive level processing. Treatment models that target implicit functioning are necessary. Methods: An RCT was conducted to examine the effects of a dual-processing (DP) intervention compared to a didactic standa…
Integrating Social Neuroscience and Social Work
Throughout the social work profession, there is ongoing interest in building a social science agenda that can address the complex practice-based questions faced by social work professionals today. Methodological innovations and unique funding opportunities have already significantly advanced research on social work practice. Still, there is enthusiastic discussion of how to ensure that such capacity development helps the profession move forward i…
Methodological Issues for University Collaboration With a Rural Latino Community and Substance-Abusing Population
Much of the research on the causes of minority health disparities has focused on populations in large cities. Yet, the growth of the Latino population in rural areas in the United States often results in isolation of these communities, fewer resources, and invisible barriers that lead to health disparities. Specifically, substance use is of growing concern in many rural Latino communities. To help eliminate health disparities, treatment must be p…
Parental Aspirations for Their Children’s Educational Attainment
Measuring the Influence of Social Context Referents in Substance Abuse Treatment
This paper introduces a newly developed assessment tool, the Ecological Assessment of Substance abuse Experiences (EASE) that has been designed to measure the influence of social context referents (i.e., family, peers, and community) on clients' attitudes and outcome beliefs related to substance abuse and recovery. An initial exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a small sample of adult treatment-seekers (N =103) to identify its underlyi…
Applying an Ecological Framework to Understanding Drug Addiction and Recovery
A new conceptual model of drug addiction and recovery, the Acculturation Model, is presented, with “addiction” and “recovery” understood as distinct sociocultural phenomena with their unique prescribed behaviors, rituals, symbols, and language that serve to construct and consolidate a cultural identity. The model suggests that individuals in recovery from drug addiction will need to make a cultural transformation in order to maintain sobriety. Ex…
Validity of the Draw-A-Person
Objective: This is the first validity study to date to examine the relationship between the Draw-A-Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED) and strengths-based emotional and behavioral measures. The incremental predictive validity of the DAP:SPED relative to the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale was examined. Method: Youth in the sample (N = 109; 9 to 14 years old) were in general education classes or receiving special…
Integrating Art Therapy Methodology in Brief Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults
Decades of drug addiction research and clinical work have underscored the need for multifaceted and comprehensive treatment responses in order to sufficiently address the varied needs of individuals struggling with addiction. One valuable treatment component that can be incorporated into traditional treatment protocols to expand the comprehensive nature of treatment response is art therapy. A conceptual framework is presented, detailing the integ…
Parental Aspirations for Their Children’s Educational Attainment
Integrating Social Neuroscience and Social Work
Throughout the social work profession, there is ongoing interest in building a social science agenda that can address the complex practice-based questions faced by social work professionals today. Methodological innovations and unique funding opportunities have already significantly advanced research on social work practice. Still, there is enthusiastic discussion of how to ensure that such capacity development helps the profession move forward i…
Validity of the Draw-A-Person
Objective: This is the first validity study to date to examine the relationship between the Draw-A-Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED) and strengths-based emotional and behavioral measures. The incremental predictive validity of the DAP:SPED relative to the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale was examined. Method: Youth in the sample (N = 109; 9 to 14 years old) were in general education classes or receiving special…
Research Note
This study examined whether satisfaction with the Air Force (AF) as way of life increased post-9/11 and whether it has sustained. Using data from 179,309 personnel collected across a period of eight years (2000-2008) in four waves of cross-sectional data collection, we found that satisfaction with the AF as a way of life increased dramatically following 9/11 and since then has declined from the height, but has not returned to pre-9/11 levels. Aft…
Functional Magnetic resonance Imaging Clinical Trial of a Dual-Processing Treatment Protocol for Substance-Dependent Adults
Objectives: Empirical evidence suggests substance dependence creates stress system dysregulation which, in turn, may limit the efficacy of verbal-based treatment interventions, as the recovering brain may not be functionally capable of executive level processing. Treatment models that target implicit functioning are necessary. Methods: An RCT was conducted to examine the effects of a dual-processing (DP) intervention compared to a didactic standa…
Harnessing the Power of the Recovering Brain to Promote Recovery Commitment and Reduce Relapse Risk
Evidence suggests that clients who participate in substance-use treatment experience high relapse rates upon discharge due to repeated exposure to environmentally triggered stimuli. Exposure to such triggers leads to heightened autonomic arousal, craving, and substance use. Traditionally, cue-paradigm research programs in addiction science have sought to understand how drug cues affect the brain and behavior via a craving mechanism. This article …
Integrating Art Therapy Methodology in Brief Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults
Decades of drug addiction research and clinical work have underscored the need for multifaceted and comprehensive treatment responses in order to sufficiently address the varied needs of individuals struggling with addiction. One valuable treatment component that can be incorporated into traditional treatment protocols to expand the comprehensive nature of treatment response is art therapy. A conceptual framework is presented, detailing the integ…
Applying an Ecological Framework to Understanding Drug Addiction and Recovery
A new conceptual model of drug addiction and recovery, the Acculturation Model, is presented, with “addiction” and “recovery” understood as distinct sociocultural phenomena with their unique prescribed behaviors, rituals, symbols, and language that serve to construct and consolidate a cultural identity. The model suggests that individuals in recovery from drug addiction will need to make a cultural transformation in order to maintain sobriety. Ex…
Validity of the Draw-A-Person
Objective: This is the first validity study to date to examine the relationship between the Draw-A-Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED) and strengths-based emotional and behavioral measures. The incremental predictive validity of the DAP:SPED relative to the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale was examined. Method: Youth in the sample (N = 109; 9 to 14 years old) were in general education classes or receiving special…
Measuring the Influence of Social Context Referents in Substance Abuse Treatment
This paper introduces a newly developed assessment tool, the Ecological Assessment of Substance abuse Experiences (EASE) that has been designed to measure the influence of social context referents (i.e., family, peers, and community) on clients' attitudes and outcome beliefs related to substance abuse and recovery. An initial exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a small sample of adult treatment-seekers (N =103) to identify its underlyi…
Methodological Issues for University Collaboration With a Rural Latino Community and Substance-Abusing Population
Much of the research on the causes of minority health disparities has focused on populations in large cities. Yet, the growth of the Latino population in rural areas in the United States often results in isolation of these communities, fewer resources, and invisible barriers that lead to health disparities. Specifically, substance use is of growing concern in many rural Latino communities. To help eliminate health disparities, treatment must be p…
Parental Aspirations for Their Children’s Educational Attainment
Integrating Social Neuroscience and Social Work
Throughout the social work profession, there is ongoing interest in building a social science agenda that can address the complex practice-based questions faced by social work professionals today. Methodological innovations and unique funding opportunities have already significantly advanced research on social work practice. Still, there is enthusiastic discussion of how to ensure that such capacity development helps the profession move forward i…
Functional Magnetic resonance Imaging Clinical Trial of a Dual-Processing Treatment Protocol for Substance-Dependent Adults
Objectives: Empirical evidence suggests substance dependence creates stress system dysregulation which, in turn, may limit the efficacy of verbal-based treatment interventions, as the recovering brain may not be functionally capable of executive level processing. Treatment models that target implicit functioning are necessary. Methods: An RCT was conducted to examine the effects of a dual-processing (DP) intervention compared to a didactic standa…
Biobehavioral Response Redirection
Research Note
This study examined whether satisfaction with the Air Force (AF) as way of life increased post-9/11 and whether it has sustained. Using data from 179,309 personnel collected across a period of eight years (2000-2008) in four waves of cross-sectional data collection, we found that satisfaction with the AF as a way of life increased dramatically following 9/11 and since then has declined from the height, but has not returned to pre-9/11 levels. Aft…
A Social-Spatial Lens to Examine Poverty, Violence, and Addiction
Although the associations among interpersonal- and community-level violence and substance use have been well-studied, the mechanisms of change that underlie each have not garnered the same level of attention. We offer an analysis that views both violence and addiction as the inevitable by-products of inequitably constructed social spaces, where poverty is a powerful structural force that erodes relational stability and undermines community health…
Should They Stay or Should They Go
Greek life on college campuses offers many student benefits, including leadership skills and career networking, but is also associated with risk factors such as excessive alcohol use. This cross-sectional study compares hazardous alcohol and drug use, and use of protective behavioral strategies among non-Greek and Greek-affiliated students at 2 universities and differences among students at a university that offers on-campus Greek housing and a c…
Harnessing the Power of the Recovering Brain to Promote Recovery Commitment and Reduce Relapse Risk
Evidence suggests that clients who participate in substance-use treatment experience high relapse rates upon discharge due to repeated exposure to environmentally triggered stimuli. Exposure to such triggers leads to heightened autonomic arousal, craving, and substance use. Traditionally, cue-paradigm research programs in addiction science have sought to understand how drug cues affect the brain and behavior via a craving mechanism. This article …
A Novel Participant-Empowered Pedagogical Approach to Engage and Retain Control Group Participants in Arts-Based Randomized Controlled Trials
The overall purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the effect of arts classes (ballroom dance and ukulele) on older adults’ well-being compared with a social conversation control group. This article describes a novel participant-empowered pedagogical approach to enhance control group retention and engagement. Sixty-four participants ( M = 71 years) participated twice weekly in a 10-week intervention that included ballroo…
When triggers become tigers
Personalized recovery technologies may enable individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) to monitor and manage acute craving and drug use urges in ways that improve drug-seeking decisions in real-time. Direct and indirect regulation of the autonomic nervous system through sensory input monitoring and modulation may enhance control over behavioral decisions and prevent relapse. A personalized sensory support system that monitors neurophysiologi…
Community arts engagement supports perceptions of personal growth in older adults
Virtual reality case simulation to build skill competencies in working with substance-engaged clients
Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training can offer social work students a person-centered learning approach that emphasizes in-vivo experience in applying social work skills to a case simulation, with post-simulation debriefing that links students’ experiences back to direct practice learning objectives. VR simulation offers the unique opportunity for interprofessional group decision-making and support in providing care, offering a context where …
Examining the Power of Recovery Cues to Enhance Real-Time Regulation and Manage Substance Craving
Evidence suggests individuals in substance-use treatment experience high relapse rates upon discharge due to repeated exposure to sensory-based reminders of their addiction. Thus, when a person in recovery is exposed to stressful triggers, changing the immediate sensory environment may help mitigate relapse risk. This proof-of-concept study deployed 27 customized virtual reality (VR) simulations that included drug triggers and “recovery cues” pre…
The Intersection of Substance Use, Body Image, and Sexual Activity Among Older Gay Men
Sexual activity among older gay men is an underexplored topic and an essential piece to overall sexual wellbeing. Substance use and body image are two factors that may influence the sexual activity of aging gay men. A cross-sectional survey examined older gay men who lived in the Midwest region of the United States and the relationship between alcohol or drug use immediately before or during sex, body image and sexual activity. Older gay men who …
Psychology (19 works) · Medicine (9 works) · Social Psychology (8 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Sociology (7 works) · Clinical Psychology (6 works) · Psychotherapist (6 works) · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes (6 works) · Addiction (5 works) · Clinical Psychology (5 works)