It’s been quite the year for CSU student Dalton Hundt.

The senior psychology major, who also minors in statistics and communication, presented his findings on intimate partner violence (IPV) at CSU Research Day 2024, the McNair Research Conference at the University of New Mexico. His work received high praise and was ultimately published in the MAP Research Journal, contributing valuable insights to the field of psychology.

Hundt said he chose the topic because of experiences that have deeply affected him and others.

“With the support of my honor’s advisor, Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Elizabeth Goncy, and my McNair Director, Senior Assistant Dean of Academic Support and Enhancement Dr. Angel Reyes-Rodriguez, I was encouraged to pick a topic that combined both my personal interest and professional goals at the time,” he said. “Examining intimate partner violence and its connection to childhood trauma, attachment, and self-efficacy felt important because it addresses issues that are often overlooked.”

Dr. Goncy said that the study goes a long way in showing that young adults who experience intimate partner violence often struggle with their mental health and face challenges in seeking help, no matter their gender or the type of abuse they experience.

“It also finds that a person’s attachment style—how secure or insecure they feel in relationships—plays an important role in whether they feel capable of reaching out for support. These insights suggest that support services should be tailored to consider both past experiences and relationship patterns to better help victims feel confident in seeking help.”

Hundt’s research was guided by McNair Director Dr. Reyes-Rodriguez, who provided a clear, structured path for completing the project and manuscript. After establishing deadlines that kept him on track and supported him through each stage of the process, he worked closely with Dr. Goncy, who shared her own experiences as a first-time researcher and explained the do’s and don’ts of the research process.

“I had weekly meetings with Dr. Goncy and Dr. Reyes-Rodriguez,” he said. “This ensured I had support, accountability, and collaboration throughout the whole process, including access to journals, feedback, and mentorships created an environment where I could grow as a researcher and finish the project successfully.”

Hundt said he was taken back by the strong link between early childhood experiences and later struggles with self-efficacy. He said he wasn’t prepared for how significant the relationship turned out to be—or how consistent the patterns were across cases and studies in other intimate partner violence research.

However, the biggest surprise had nothing to do with the research itself.

“It was what this research took me to! I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico to present my findings at the 2024 McNair Scholars National Conference and at the 2024 Summer Research Day,” he said. “I also got this study published and have made numerous contributions to this topic.”

Hundt hopes people reading his research takeaway the importance of understanding the lasting effects of intimate partner violence and trauma on children. 

“These experiences do not just disappear with time and can influence how people respond to challenges throughout their lives and by recognizing these patterns, we can develop better ways to support individuals who struggle with attachment, trauma, or an inability to ask for help,” he said. “Ultimately, I want my research to raise awareness and encourage both professionals and communities to provide stronger resources for those in need; if you think you are in a serious situation, please do not ever hesitate to ask for help from professionals, resources, family or friends.”

He also thanked Cleveland State University for playing a major role in the success of his publication and career, saying opportunities through the McNair Scholars Program allowed him to gain research experience early in his academic journey and as a first-generation college student.

“Without these resources, relationships and networking abilities, I would not have been able to achieve the level of success I have now,” said Hundt.

He was also quick to praise Dr. Reyes-Rodriguez and Dr. Goncy for their support throughout the entire process.

“Without them, this would not have been possible and I am so happy to be connected with them,” he said. “I am grateful to everyone who supported me along the way because they have helped shape my growth as a scholar.”

“I hope to continue expanding on this research while also inspiring others to take on projects that can truly make a difference.”