Digital Commons Network^™

Using College Students As Peer Leaders In A Tobacco Prevention Program And The Effect On Student Participant Smoking Beliefs And Social Influence Leadership, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar, Greenlee Rigby

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using college students as peer leaders in an after-school tobacco prevention program for upper elementary students. Thirty-three students and three counselors participated in a six-week intervention, focusing on social influence and active-learning strategies. The program aimed to improve students' smoking outcome expectancies and their ability to influence peers against tobacco use. Despite following best practices, the study found no significant changes in students' smoking beliefs or observed leadership abilities. These results suggest that while initial anti-tobacco beliefs remained strong, the short duration and structured setting may have limited opportunities for significant behavioral changes. This …

Significant Predictors Of Suicide Rates In The United States: A Multiple Regression Analysis, Alexa L. Darak, Gary Popoli

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Inspired by Stack's (2021) research, this study investigated the influence of 19 variables on suicide rates across all 50 United States. The variables included political party, gun ownership, registered guns, religion, alcohol consumption, state safety, depression, marriage, divorce, domestic violence, race, mean elevation, and region. Regression analyses revealed that gun ownership significantly impacts suicide rates, with stricter firearm laws correlating with lower suicide rates. Other crucial contributors to suicide risk were alcohol consumption, domestic violence, marital status, divorce, mean elevation, and political party affiliation. The five most statistically significant predictor variables were gun ownership, divorce rates, percentage of White individuals, …

Preventing Childhood Obesity And Its Long-Term Effects, Abigail L. Shuman

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Childhood obesity affects nearly one in every five children and adolescents in the U.S. This epidemic has led to the development of chronic illnesses in adulthood, such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and asthma. This literature review examined intervention programs and their effectiveness in reducing childhood obesity. The application of health behavior theories and their impact on altering children's behavior was also explored. This paper presents an analysis that describes the success of multiple childhood obesity intervention programs in addition to effective prevention strategies. The findings associated the effectiveness of programs with the socioeconomic status of children, …

Work Readiness And Job Satisfaction Of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Participating In A Supported Employment Program, Hannah Branch

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

A summer supported employment program was provided by a vocational rehabilitation agency to prepare transition-aged youth with intellectual disabilities for the workforce. This study examined the views of youth with intellectual disabilities on their pre-post-program work readiness and job satisfaction using survey methodology. Although youth seemed satisfied with their jobs, they reported no significant change in their perceived job readiness, and their job coaches also reported similar perceptions.

As a summer program, the duration may not have been adequate to increase youth’s views of their work readiness. For summer supported employment programs, obtaining youth participant insight and feedback, although sometimes …

Disparities In Suicide And Mental Health Among Student Athletes Of Ethnic And Racial Minorities Compared To Their White Non-Latinx Counterparts, Elizabeth Russo Miss

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

The present paper reviews literature examining trends among suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental illness rates in ethnic and racial marginalized communities’ student-athletes. While the rates of suicide amongst student athlete populations are lower than rates of suicide seen in the general student populations, there remains a discrepancy amongst rates of suicide in student athletes with those identifying with racial and ethnic minority backgrounds endorsing higher rates of suicidal ideation. Data from the existing literature consisted of White, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian/ Pacific Islander, Multiracial, and Native American student-athletes. Studies suggest that ethnic and racially marginalized students are more susceptible to suicide, …

The Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Mental Health Across Different Genders And Sexualities, Jiale Zhu, Jonas Katona

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Current studies report an increase in psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is interested in examining mental health disparities and how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted marginalized groups—and more specifically, those identified by sex, gender, and sexuality—compared with the general population. This study also considers the effects and ramifications of different policy measures taken during the course of the pandemic. We perform exploratory data modeling and analysis on several important and publicly available datasets taken during the pandemic on mental health and COVID-19 infection data across various identity groups to look for significant disparities, …

Between Mandates And Molding Minds: The Challenge Of Teacher Autonomy Today, Joshua Cole Hill-Cloyd, Cynthia L. Miller

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

In recent years, Texas schools have witnessed a significant decline in teacher autonomy, attributable primarily to three factors: an increased emphasis on standardized testing, the prevalence of top-down leadership and bureaucracy, and the adoption of third-party curricula and commercialized content. These elements have collectively constrained educators' ability to adapt and innovate according to the unique needs of their students. Additionally, this issue has had profound ripple effects on families and communities in several ways. Possible solutions for increasing teacher autonomy will be provided that offer multiple benefits to the education system, teachers, students, and the broader community.

Family Separation At The U.S. Border: History, Impact, And Solutions For Humanitarian Approach, Kara M. Ashworth, Cynthia L. Miller

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

The separation of immigrant children from their families, particularly during asylum processes, has profound negative effects on the children's mental and physical well-being. Studies indicate that children separated from their parents face trauma, anxiety, despair, and enduring psychological challenges. Young children are particularly vulnerable due to their dependence on parents for security. The repercussions of separation include attachment difficulties, developmental delays, and severe mental health issues. Historically, family separations gained significant attention during the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy. Although the Biden administration has indicated a shift away from such practices, challenges remain. For a holistic approach, the U.S. should …

A Puppet-Based Self-Esteem Intervention And Its Effect On Elementary Students’ Knowledge And Social Behaviors In An Afterschool Setting: An Exploratory Study, Greenlee Rigby, Madelyn Huhn

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

In the school setting, teaching students how to effectively navigate social interactions with realistic expectations of themselves has demonstrated success in promoting healthy self- esteem and positive social interactions. There has been limited research on self-esteem and social behavior interventions, though, in the out-of-school setting. Student self-esteem knowledge and teacher-observed social behaviors were assessed before and after a month-long, puppet-based, self-esteem curricular intervention held during an afterschool program for a small group of elementary students. Pre-post intervention, student self-esteem and social behavior knowledge scores significantly (p

Barriers To Exercise In A Medical Unit Of Us Army Reservists: An Exploratory Study, Madelyn B. Huhn, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Military Reservist healthcare workers must meet physical fitness standards similar to those on active duty. They, however, experience a unique occupational environment as citizen Soldiers. Their civilian careers as healthcare workers and their positions in the military both demand shift work, long hours, and critical response to high stress events. For a small group of Reservists working in civilian healthcare occupations who also serve in medical roles in the military, this exploratory study aimed to describe any perceived barriers to exercise. Although over 60% of respondents to an exercise barriers scale perceived physical and social health as the top benefits …

Barriers To Exercise In A Medical Unit Of Us Army Reservists: An Exploratory Study, Madelyn B. Huhn, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Military Reservist healthcare workers must meet physical fitness standards similar to those on active duty. They, however, experience a unique occupational environment as citizen Soldiers. Their civilian careers as healthcare workers and their positions in the military both demand shift work, long hours, and critical response to high stress events. For a small group of Reservists working in civilian healthcare occupations who also serve in medical roles in the military, this exploratory study aimed to describe any perceived barriers to exercise. Although over 60% of respondents to an exercise barriers scale perceived physical and social health as the top benefits …

Power Dressing And Its Importance In Modern Democracy, Mansiben R. Patel, Dr. Catherine Amoroso Leslie

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This research aimed to study the significance of Power Dressing in a modern democracy, by exploring the dynamics of clothing concerning the power it portrays for women holding influential positions in public office in a variety of countries throughout the world. This research accomplished its motive by collecting, reviewing, and analyzing scholarly articles, academic journals, newspapers, and current events which formed the foundation for data collection using a survey developed by the researchers. The analysis provided a platform for procuring knowledge of the association between Fashion and Politics, the concept of Women’s Power Dressing, and its significance in a modern …

The Relationship Between Academic Supplies And Academic Performance, Malissa Harris, Celia Suarez, Rylei Jaramillo, Ebony Hall, Felicia L. Murray

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Many students attending college lack the resources for academic supplies to help them achieve academic success. This study was informed by Walberg’s Theory of Educational Productivity and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to aid in the understanding of how access to academic supplies affects academic achievement as well as graduation and retention rates. This research focused on the access to academic supplies and a student’s academic performance. The research was a mixed methods approach with a randomized sample of 75 participants. A hard copy survey was distributed in the highest trafficked areas on a college campus. In addition to the demographic …

Power Dressing And Its Importance In Modern Democracy, Mansiben R. Patel, Dr. Catherine Amoroso Leslie

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This research aimed to study the significance of Power Dressing in a modern democracy, by exploring the dynamics of clothing concerning the power it portrays for women holding influential positions in public office in a variety of countries throughout the world. This research accomplished its motive by collecting, reviewing, and analyzing scholarly articles, academic journals, newspapers, and current events which formed the foundation for data collection using a survey developed by the researchers. The analysis provided a platform for procuring knowledge of the association between Fashion and Politics, the concept of Women’s Power Dressing, and its significance in a modern …

The Relationship Between Academic Supplies And Academic Performance, Malissa Harris, Celia Suarez, Rylei Jaramillo, Ebony Hall, Felicia L. Murray

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Many students attending college lack the resources for academic supplies to help them achieve academic success. This study was informed by Walberg’s Theory of Educational Productivity and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to aid in the understanding of how access to academic supplies affects academic achievement as well as graduation and retention rates. This research focused on the access to academic supplies and a student’s academic performance. The research was a mixed methods approach with a randomized sample of 75 participants. A hard copy survey was distributed in the highest trafficked areas on a college campus. In addition to the demographic …

A Comparison Of Linguistic Obstacles To U.S. Immigration Across Populations: Analysis Of Oral Histories, Madeleine Albanese

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This paper explores the degree to which reports of linguistic difficulty for immigrants to the U.S. has changed over time. It analyzes the oral histories of European immigrants from the 1920s and South Asian immigrants from the 1970s. It is hypothesized that the degree of linguistic difficulty for immigrants to the U.S. would have lessened over time. Data from narratives of two waves of immigrants support the hypothesis. Reasons for this change in the degree of linguistic difficulty for immigrants to the U.S. are explored.

A Critical Case Study Of Teacher Education Student Created Memes, Sarah Swafford, Gary Padgett

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

From Facebook to Twitter, social media has introduced the world to memes. Memes are an innovative way to express an opinion or show true feelings without feeling pressured to answer in a certain way. The methodology related to using internet memes has been around for almost 20 years (Downes, S., 1999; Heylighen, F., 1996; Knobel, M., & Lankshear, C., 2007), but no one has yet combined it with the field of education research. Colleges of Education are already reaching out to students via Twitter and Instagram, so using memes to gather information from students is a logical next step. This …

Exploring Suicidal Ideation In College Students, Melanie Mann, Bonnie Ahn, Lolita Boykin

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

The goal of this study is to provide insight into the challenges that college students with suicidal thoughts face as a marginalized group and to yield information that will expand the existing body of knowledge regarding this topic. The study was based on the collective experiences of three college students and the language constructed by them during in-depth interviews. Results suggest that these interviewees experienced pain and suffering over a prolonged period of time inspiring thoughts of suicide. All participants stated that they did not want to be thought of negatively or misunderstood, so they didn’t talk about it on …

Examining The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Retailers Using Interactive Technology And Visual Merchadising In Store Environments, Myaesha Ingram, Bridgett Clinton-Scott

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This paper examines how interactive technology has been innovating the retailing industry since the nineteenth century, while improving today through virtual reality and assisted reality. These innovations have had a tremendous impact on visual merchandising displays, both at storefronts and within stores environments, and they affect consumers’ experience (behavior and buying power). The study of immersive technology pushes innovation in the retail process. New tools for improving points of sale have not been widely accepted amongst consumers and retailers and some perceive interactive technologies as enablers and others as disruptors of present retail operations. This research paper will present the …

Experiencing Rural Morocco Through Healthcare, Lydia George, Dr. Amy Way

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

An international service-learning program to Morocco consisted of students and faculty from Lock Haven University and was conducted in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014 for a week at a time. Data was collected from different populations in Morocco and was analyzed based on the populations’ height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and chief complaints. The populations were then compared to each other, to the national health of Morocco, and to the United States.

Physiological Effects Of Binaural Beats And Meditative Musical Stimulation, Elizabeth Hill, Christina Frederick

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

The current study examined physiological effects of meditation music and binaural beats on humans, solo and in combination. A binaural beat is the presence of two separate auditory tones with equal amplitude and slightly differing frequencies (Goodin et al., 2012). Meditation music is often used with binaural beats to calm individuals (Chan et al., 2008). There is reason to believe binaural beats and meditative music impact human vital signs (Wahbeh et al., 2012). Heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were recorded from 60 participants, tested individually, and randomly assigned to one of three listening groups: Beat + Music, Music …

Small Scale Living And The Meaning Of Home, Shelby Kiser

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

In current United States housing trends, prices and square footage are rising as personal satisfaction and fulfillment decline. This is a result of people assuming that upgrading their living standards will provide instant gratification, but it may only lead to unhappiness. As our houses grow larger, so do our debts. During the most recent economic down turn a renewed interest in small scale living arose. People began seeing the value in downsizing, reducing debt, and living more sustainably. Evaluating the functional, environmental, economic, and psychological aspects of living small will help determine what challenges one will face by reconsidering how …

The Arts As Means Of Socialization In Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Daniel Dyonisius

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home suggests that socialization through the arts, such as writing and drawing, involves a constantly changing interpretation of reality that can contribute to a process of self-identification. The arts provide a foundation for Alison to make a connection to her family, yet also to detach from her parents’ influences at the same time. Emphasizing a social aspect of this process, her self-identification not only involves a reflection of her own life but also integrates her ability to navigate environments filled with the arts and others’ influences in shaping her personality. As an artist, Bechdel incorporates words and …

Causal Factors Of Easting Disorder Behaviors In Adolescent Females, Sarah Barker, Bonnie Ahn

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This study aims to identify the relationships of psychological, cultural, biological, and environmental factors with the development of eating disorder behaviors among adolescent females. We hypothesize that individuals’ psychological, cultural, biological, and environmental factors differentially influence the development of eating disorder behaviors among adolescent females. The present study will employ an explanatory approach using a cross-sectional study design with a sample of 100 adolescent females ages 12-18 across southern Louisiana school campuses. There will be two instruments used, the Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIQ) created by Thomas Cash and Marcela Szymanski (1995) and a self-made questionnaire. The BIQ aims to identify …

Mobile Retailing: What Factors Are Hindering This Trend?, Patience Anokomah, Bridgett Clinton-Scott

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This paper focuses on the relationship between the retailing industry and mobile shopping by examining consumer shopping preferences for mobile retailing. The major purpose of this research paper is to explore factors that may be hindering mobile shopping from becoming more widely accepted by today’s consumers. This research topic will help retail professionals better understand the influence of mobile retailing and consumer shopping preferences.

Could Our Patients Be Better Served? A Health Literacy Assessment Of Rural Community Pharmacies, Brandi Jones

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Pharmacy staff and patient health literacy practices were assessed for pharmacies in a rural MO county with many residents at risk for low health literacy. Using AHRQ’s Pharmacy Health Literacy Assessment Tool, overall weaknesses of county pharmacies determined as a result of the Assessment Tour section of the Tool included lack of interpretation services and poor print font size and clarity of leaflets. When a focus group was also conducted as part of the Tool, participants identified several barriers to service including reliance on their doctors, not their pharmacists, for medication information. The pharmacies in this sample were not as …

Effect Of Sleep On The Attentiveness Of Elemetary School Students, K Haynes, K Virgin, M Wilson

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Sleep is known to be important in the development of children and their cognitive functioning. This study worked to establish correlation between amount of sleep and attentiveness in school-aged children. This study surveyed the parents of 10 third graders on their child’s sleep habits. The children were read a story in class and asked to answer questions based on details in the story. The data obtained from this quiz and the parent’s survey responses were then compared to see if there was a relation. The results of this study were inconclusive. When genders were separated, it was found that males …

The Beautiful And The Damned:Exploring The Negative Side Of Masculine Attractiveness In Hiring Situation, Spencer Turner, Sean Willman, Robert Wright

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Although attractiveness can be an asset in many different situations, in some cases, attractiveness can produce negative outcomes in the workplace, which is known as the “beauty is beastly” effect (Heilman & Saruwatari, 1979). This study sought to explore this effect among men in hypothetical hiring decisions using two photos of men that varied in perceived attractiveness. Two-Way ANOVA results showed that the male attractive candidate was rated less favorably among male participant-raters while the average candidate received higher ratings from same-gender participants (F[1, 125] = 8.05, p = .005, η2 = .061). These findings highlight the possibility of male …

Healing Wounds With Honey, Tiffany Koenig, Joni Cramer Roh

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Honey has been used to treat wounds throughout the ages, even before bacteria were discovered. This research paper will discuss the healing phases and how honey plays a role in each phase. It also describes the proposed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms of actions and the clinical evidence of the efficacy of honey in a variety of acute and chronic wound types ranging from diabetic ulcers to Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. (MRSA) The use of honey as a wound-healing agent has many attributes that make it an option when treating athletes. Among the benefits discussed are honey's properties, safety, and effectiveness. …

Influence Of Gender And Social Setting On College Student Food Choices, Kaela Giles, Magdalena Sas Ph.D, Jeannette Davidson

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

To examine the effect of gender and social setting on food choices of college students in on-campus dining facilities. Healthiness of food choices was assessed by total calories, discretionary calories, and balance of food on lunch trays.