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Animal-Assisted Therapy: Motives And Rewards, Kailee Victoria Collins Jan 2014

Animal-Assisted Therapy: Motives And Rewards, Kailee Victoria Collins

Honors Theses and Capstones

Animal-assisted therapy is a complimentary therapy utilized in health care to provide goal-directed therapy using dogs. The purpose of this study was to understand what motivates individuals to being animal-assisted volunteering and rewards that encourage and sustain animal-assisted volunteering. This mixed methods study employed quantitative methods, a demographic questionnaire and the Volunteer Motivation Index (VMI), which ranks motives most important to animal-assisted volunteers (N=15) and qualitative methods, a semi-structured interview (N=13). The participants ranked Values most important as a motive on the VMI. Social related variables were ranked low. Content analysis of the interviews yielded five themes: No Ordinary Dog, …


Instilling Diet And Exercise Confidence: Influence Of Nurse Body Size, Erin Murdock Spaulding Jan 2014

Instilling Diet And Exercise Confidence: Influence Of Nurse Body Size, Erin Murdock Spaulding

Honors Theses and Capstones

This paper reports a research study focused on perspective of nurse body size and how it affects confidence in a nurses’ ability to provide education on diet and exercise. The study followed a descriptive method design guided by a cross-sectional survey with quantitative variables. Results show that there is increased confidence in a nurse’s ability to provide education and influence habits regarding diet and exercise when the nurse role models such behaviors. Other findings presented include respondents’ perception of their body mass index versus their actual body mass index, percentage of respondents with health care conditions related to obesity, and …


Nursing Simulation Experience: Self-Efficacy, State Anxiety, Locus Of Control, And Simulation Effectiveness, Ashley M. Gosselin Apr 2013

Nursing Simulation Experience: Self-Efficacy, State Anxiety, Locus Of Control, And Simulation Effectiveness, Ashley M. Gosselin

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.


Nursing Textbooks: Comparative Representation Of Physicians And Advanced Practice Nurses, Kaitlin Kirby Apr 2013

Nursing Textbooks: Comparative Representation Of Physicians And Advanced Practice Nurses, Kaitlin Kirby

Honors Theses and Capstones

Advanced practice registered nurses are nurses educated with a master’s degree who practice autonomously as well collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and manage patients’ healthcare problems. Undergraduate nursing students often misunderstand the role and responsibilities of advanced practice nurses. As nursing students are cultured in the art and science of nursing, textbooks play an essential role. Therefore in this study, seven best-selling nursing textbooks were examined for content related to APRNs and physicians. Selections from all seven textbooks were collected and analyzed to determine the references to physicians, APRNs, and healthcare providers. APRN selections were less prevalent …


Examing Academic-Athletic Support And Academic Success Of Student Athletes, Joshua Butterworth, Joe Rich Apr 2013

Examing Academic-Athletic Support And Academic Success Of Student Athletes, Joshua Butterworth, Joe Rich

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.


Between Wind And Water: Experiences Of Mothers Of Adolescents With Autism During The Post-High School Transition, Devon R. Casey Apr 2013

Between Wind And Water: Experiences Of Mothers Of Adolescents With Autism During The Post-High School Transition, Devon R. Casey

Honors Theses and Capstones

Research Question: How do mothers of adolescents with autism experience and prepare for their child's post- high school transition?


The Effect Of A Barefoot Running Training Program On Running Economy And Performance, Neil James Baroody Jan 2013

The Effect Of A Barefoot Running Training Program On Running Economy And Performance, Neil James Baroody

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.


Two Cultures Of Caring: A Comparative Study, Lisa Armstrong, Chistina Polito Apr 2012

Two Cultures Of Caring: A Comparative Study, Lisa Armstrong, Chistina Polito

Honors Theses and Capstones

There is much that the UK and the US could and should learn from each other to understand the quality of end-of-life care, through comparison of practice, analysis of care patterns and via original research (Higginson, 2005, p.170). Although comparisons between end-of-life care in the United Kingdom and United States have demonstrated similarities and disparities in many contexts, there is little evidence of research that directly compares nursing perspectives between the two Atlantic partners. This research explores nurse’s perceptions and experiences of caring for people within a hospice context and identifies themes of commonalities and disparities in theory and practice, …


Understanding The Experience Of Weight Gain And Body Image During Adolescent Pregnancy, Jessica L. Hinkley, Liana J. Newcombe Apr 2012

Understanding The Experience Of Weight Gain And Body Image During Adolescent Pregnancy, Jessica L. Hinkley, Liana J. Newcombe

Honors Theses and Capstones

This qualitative descriptive study explores the experience of adolescent pregnancy and the influence of body image and other factors on weight gain. It identified three main themes through content analysis: Continuity of Care, Adolescent Investment in a Healthy Pregnancy, and the Impact of Pregnancy Symptoms.


An Investigation Of Occupation-Based Practice In Upper Extremity Intervention - A Pilot Study, Amy Ma Apr 2012

An Investigation Of Occupation-Based Practice In Upper Extremity Intervention - A Pilot Study, Amy Ma

Honors Theses and Capstones

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which therapists focused on functional occupation-based performance in both assessments and goals, and whether this was related to client satisfaction and perceived self-efficacy. Researchers found that while most therapists demonstrated inconsistent occupation-based practices, therapists were most occupation-focused during goal writing and in their clinical reasoning. Results also suggest that clients responded well to client-centered practices.


Occupational Nature Of Social Participation For Adolescent Males With Learning Disorders, Megan Murnane Apr 2012

Occupational Nature Of Social Participation For Adolescent Males With Learning Disorders, Megan Murnane

Honors Theses and Capstones

OBJECTIVE. This study explored the effects of community team sports on social participation and life habit development for males ages 12-17 with a documented learning disorder. METHOD. A causal/comparative design compared two groups. A convenient sample of 24 participants completed Life Habits Questionnaire and Community Integration Questionnaire. Chi-square and T-test analysis were used. RESULTS. Results indicated social integration (t=4.56, p=.00) for boys who played a community sport was significantly higher than boys who did not play a community sport. The number and performance level of life habits was also significantly higher for boys who played a community team sport (t=3.23, …


The Ideal Whole Health Family Oriented Community Center, Jessica St. Germain Apr 2012

The Ideal Whole Health Family Oriented Community Center, Jessica St. Germain

Honors Theses and Capstones

This paper discusses what would make up the ideal whole health family oriented community center. It looks at the history of community centers in a general manner, and it looks at three existing community centers in New Hampshire. This paper also addresses potential problems and difficulties a whole health family oriented community center might face.


A Descriptive Study Of Undergraduate Contraceptive Attitudes Among Students At The University Of New Hampshire, Katrina Heisler, Danielle M. Van Eron Apr 2012

A Descriptive Study Of Undergraduate Contraceptive Attitudes Among Students At The University Of New Hampshire, Katrina Heisler, Danielle M. Van Eron

Honors Theses and Capstones

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine and to understand undergraduate students’ contraceptive attitudes and its effects on contraceptive use to further enhance the education regarding unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive study to understand contraceptive attitudes while exploring demographics and sexual behaviors as well as the incorporation of the Contraceptive Attitude Scale (CAS). The researchers utilized an online survey system to distribute surveys electronically. RESULTS: Most students had a positive attitude regarding contraception. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses at college health facilities can focus on educating the college population since their age group is …


Identifying Gaps In Perceived Ability: Promoting Exercise In Young Adults With Disabilities, Briana Terrill Apr 2012

Identifying Gaps In Perceived Ability: Promoting Exercise In Young Adults With Disabilities, Briana Terrill

Honors Theses and Capstones

Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived ability in making health decisions regarding exercise and its congruence between young adults with disabilities and their parents. Methods: The study design used a mixed methods approach. The convenience sample consisted of (N = 10) young adults with disabilities and (N = 9) parents of young adults with disabilities. Qualitative data were gathered using a preliminary structured interview guide for young adults with disabilities consisting of several short answer questions. Quantitative data were gathered from the parents of young adults with disabilities by using Pender’s Health Promotion Questionnaire. Results: …


Nursing Satisfaction In Caring For Elders, Sarah L. Vlachos Apr 2012

Nursing Satisfaction In Caring For Elders, Sarah L. Vlachos

Honors Theses and Capstones

Despite the increasing number of Americans who are over 65 years of age, little research exists about the satisfaction of nurses who care for this population. This qualitative descriptive study investigated the factors that influence the satisfaction of such nurses, and yielded five main themes. Registered Nurses (RNs) reported providing high-quality care, developing relationships, and making a difference to be rewarding components of geriatric nursing. The nurses also discussed challenges, which included caring for elders with dementia and being unable to deliver the high-quality care they felt patients deserve. Several of these finding were consistent with existing studies that addressed …


Understanding Caregiver Factors Influencing Childhood Influenza Vaccination, Gianelle M. Avola, Jennifer A. Lyon Apr 2012

Understanding Caregiver Factors Influencing Childhood Influenza Vaccination, Gianelle M. Avola, Jennifer A. Lyon

Honors Theses and Capstones

Influenza is a contagious disease that affects approximately 30% to 40% of American children yearly, and all children 18 and under are recommended to be vaccinated. Through the use of a survey tool, 119 responses were collected about the factors that influence the decisions of caregivers whether or not to vaccinate their children against influenza. The knowledge generated from the survey may be used to formulate education programs to increase vaccination rates.


The Psychological Benefits Of Participation In Leisure Pursuits For Adolescents, Caitlyn Mckay Apr 2012

The Psychological Benefits Of Participation In Leisure Pursuits For Adolescents, Caitlyn Mckay

Honors Theses and Capstones

This paper looks to better understand the effects leisure has on adolescents. Leisure is an important past time for adolescents since they have so much free time to pursue activities. The adolescents, their parents, recreation programmers, and school officials should be aware of the benefits and risks associated with different leisure pursuits so they can better help the adolescents’ transition into an adult who has a high level of psychologically well-being. After the different effects are analyzed, this paper offers recommendations to recreation programmers. These recommendations account for the different factors of leisure. Overall, this paper is an analysis of …


Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Goal-Directed Intervention On The Social Interaction Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Natalie Gatlin Apr 2012

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Goal-Directed Intervention On The Social Interaction Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Natalie Gatlin

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study sought to address social interaction needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities through an eight week intervention focusing on social skills at Spaulding Youth Center (SYC), a residential facility in Northeast United States. The study implemented a randomized control design, with a control and intervention group, totaling n=19 students. Results have implications for future practice.


Creative Careers And Self-Actualization, Kaitlyn T. Cameron Jan 2012

Creative Careers And Self-Actualization, Kaitlyn T. Cameron

Honors Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to address differences in self-actualization, satisfaction with life, and motivation that exist between individuals in careers of varying levels of creativity. Roughly 330 participants mainly from the United States and India took part in the study. Participants completed a survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk in which they rated their career as not at all creative, somewhat creative, or highly creative. The survey included questions from the Brief Index of Self-Actualization by Sumerlin and Budrick and the Satisfaction with Life scale by Emmons et al. The findings showed that individuals who rated their careers as …