Digital Commons Network^™

The Perceived Benefits Associated With Attending College Transition Programs, Kathryn Elaine Thies

Master's Theses and Capstones

The transition to college is critical; it sets the stage for the rest of the student's undergraduate career. Colleges and universities across the nation are building mentor-based transition programs in an attempt to supplement orientation programs and facilitate the successful transition of incoming freshmen students. By applying concepts from the field of Positive Youth Development, we can look at the time spent in college as an extension to adolescence. Furthermore, we can see that students who have successfully transitioned should be capable of maintaining social relationships, passing academic classes, and getting involved in the campus community. Analyzing participants' perceptions of …

Evaluating The Impact Of Outdoor Orientation On Incoming Students' Perceptions Of Social Norms About Alcohol Use On Campus, Benjamin George Oliver

Master's Theses and Capstones

Alcohol issues are a concern of colleges and universities (National Institutes of Health, 2008). This study assessed the effects of an outdoor orientation program on the alcohol use and perceptions of program participants. Specifically, 30 outdoor orientation leaders participated in a three-hour training based on the social norms approach (Berkowitz, 2005). A repeated-measures, quasi-experimental design was used to collect data on incoming students' own use and approval of alcohol, and their perceptions of other students' use and approval. Results indicated that untrained leaders were "carriers of the misperception" of permissive alcohol use (Perkins, 1997) negatively effecting incoming students perceptions. Trained …

The Effectiveness Of A Tiered, Rti Model On Decreasing The Frequency Of Disruptive Behavior Of Students In An Alternative School Setting, James C. Marston

Master's Theses and Capstones

Though a Response to Intervention model has been found to be effective in a public school setting, there are few studies that evaluate the effectiveness of an RTI model in an alternative school setting. This study compared mean frequencies of disruptive behavior in an alternative school setting that had chosen to implement an RTI model.

The data indicated that the frequencies of disruptive behavior were not significantly different after the implementation of the RTI model. The study was confounded by other programs being implemented at the same time and also affected by a lack of fidelity to the RTI model.

Self-Injury Behavior In Adolescents: An Education And Prevention Model, Leslie Desrosiers

Master's Theses and Capstones

Many research studies have been focused on self-injury pertaining to adolescents in an in-patient community. There has been little research conducted on adolescents in normative populations that are engaging in self-injurious behavior which is on the rise. The importance of educating an entire community concerning self-injurious behavior is vital in order to help prevent this growing trend. Educators in our schools are not fully prepared to deal with self-injurers and how to help them through intervention and treatment. The need for a developed curriculum in the schools to educate the students, faculty, and staff is crucial in addressing the increasing …

Impact Of Media Exposure, Ethnicity And Body Mass Index On The Body Image Of College Women, Shannon Wong

Master's Theses and Capstones

The current thesis project sought to analyze the following three problems: (1) the relationship between media exposure and body image, (2) the relationship between body image and media exposure to determine if there are racial group differences, and (3) the relationship between body image, Body Mass Index and media exposure.

Eighty-one females participated in this study, recruited from two large public northeastern universities. The results of the study show a significant negative correlation between media exposure and measures of body image. There were no significant differences found between Caucasian and non-Caucasian women for media exposure. Based on the results, magazines …

A Qualitative Study Of Coping With Unemployment, Mark Baddeley

Master's Theses and Capstones

Unemployment is among the largest stressors of adult life. There are many factors that help determine how people cope with unemployment, and several models have been developed to provide schema for understanding the coping strategies people use. In this qualitative study, in-depth individual interviews yield rich detail of how men who have been highly successful in their careers cope with unemployment. The participants offer unique perspectives on their common experience. The concept of self-determinism provides a useful framework for understanding the coping behavior of the participants and for the absence of reported distress.

A Comparative Study Of The Dominant Character Strengths Of Mental Health And Business Graduate Students, Erika M. Mulhearn

Master's Theses and Capstones

This exploratory study used the Brief Strengths Survey self-report instrument (Peterson & Park, 2008), based on the Values in Action (VIA) Inventory of Strengths (Seligman & Peterson, 2004), to determine the dominant character strengths of graduate mental health and social work students ( n = 56) as compared to those of MBA students (n = 65) in order to explore the relationship between personality characteristics and career choice. A gender analysis was conducted in order to determine whether dominant character strengths were also related to gender rather than discipline alone. Mental health students had higher scores on the strengths of …

A Survey Of School Counselor Attitudes Regarding Animal-Assisted Interventions, Sara Morrow

Master's Theses and Capstones

Though animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been used in many institutional settings, there is little evidence of AAI use in public schools. This study examined attitudes of school counselors regarding the incorporation of AAI into their practice.

The Pet Attitude Scale Modified (PAS-M) was used to measure attitudes towards animals and was incorporated into an online survey containing items addressing knowledge, interest, and perception of benefits and challenges associated with AAI. A sample of 220 public school counselors completed the online survey. Most considered themselves knowledgeable about AAI (73%), approximately half were interested in using AAI (56%), "reducing stress and anxiety" …

Masculine Gender Roles And Therapy: A Conceptual Workshop, Sara Lindsey Gray

Master's Theses and Capstones

Traditional gender stereotypes, no matter how inaccurate they may be, still greatly affect how we view ourselves as men and women in our society. While all these stereotypes are constricting male stereotypes present some of the most limiting expectations for individuals. Within the realm of counseling and psychotherapy, these stereotypes conflict with such ideals as self exploration and emotional awareness and expression.

This paper reviews past and recent research and theories on the development and reiteration of male stereotypes as well as how these expectations play a role in therapeutic techniques. A conceptual workshop model is also presented as an …

Self-Efficacy And The Role Of Friendship During The College First-Year Experience, Susan Lynn Marder

Master's Theses and Capstones

The need for further investigation into the variables that are related to college first-year students' success in school is critical in determining how to increase the retention rates of college students. This study examines the correlations between friendship, college adjustment, and self-efficacy, with college adjustment and self-efficacy being measured by the College Adjustment Test (CAT), and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSES), respectively. The sample was obtained from two universities located in New England. Ninety students participated; sixty-six (73.3%) were female, and 24 (26.7%) were male. The Spearman Rho correlation was used to determine the degree of the relationship between …

Exploring Decision Making By Occupational Therapists In A School Setting, Jason J. Backes

Master's Theses and Capstones

Occupational therapists working in schools make many decisions regarding evaluation and services to support a student's special education. Six school-based occupational therapists from the Midwest shared, through interviews, how they chose assessment methods and tools for a particular student and how their evaluation findings were used to make service delivery decisions for that student. This group of therapists addressed team members' concerns, focusing on how sensory processing, handwriting, and functional skills influence a student's schoolwork performance. Their decisions regarding assessments were determined by the needs of the student and the questions raised by the educational team. Their evaluation information contributed …

Deaf People In A Hearing World: A Qualitative Study Of Cultural Identity Issues, Brianna J. Daisy

Master's Theses and Capstones

The primary goal of this study was to determine the potential factors that influence the process of cultural identity development for deaf people in a predominantly hearing world. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological research design in an effort to capture the essence of the experience of growing up deaf and the meaning each participant made of his experiences as they related to his life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five male participants ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-30s. The interviews were transcribed and thoroughly analyzed to pull out common themes and ideas, leading to the conclusion that the …

Psychoeducational And Therapeutic Group Counseling For Central American Female Immigrants, Amy Dolores Deutsch

Master's Theses and Capstones

There is a significant and increasing amount of Latinos immigrating to the United States. They face many challenges in successfully adapting to life in this country. These challenges are several and include cultural differences, premigration and migration trauma, economic hardship, lack of facility with the language, and attitudes of United States citizens toward immigrants. The needs of Latino immigrants are unique, and the costs of not addressing these needs are likely to be significant. As the United States becomes increasingly more racially and culturally diverse, it is encumbent upon those in the helping professions to prepare to serve a radically …

A Model For Integrating Collaborative Life-Story Writing Into Counselor Training Programs, Jennifer Schroeder Andrews

Master's Theses and Capstones

Given the fundamental role of narrative deconstruction and reconstruction of client stories within the counseling profession, this thesis proposes creation of an elective course for counselor trainees based upon activities constructing personal experience narratives collaboratively in student dyads and in groups. The course was developed to facilitate three elements of professional and personal development: increased application of knowledge---specifically, knowledge of core counseling theories and tenets, social constructivism and narrative construction; interpersonal and relational skills; and judgment and maturity.

A review of the literature related to existing standards and precedents in counselor training, and the relationship to and use of collaborative …

The Male Perspective: The Psychological Experience Of A Male Whose Wife Is Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Heather Roy

Master's Theses and Capstones

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer does not only affect the individual diagnosed, but also her family. Research has shown that spouses are the most commonly reported support people for married women with the diagnosis. The impact of the diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment for women is well studied and documented, but the psychological effects on spouses have received less attention. This phenomenological study was designed to enhance understanding of the psychological experiences of a male whose wife is diagnosed with breast cancer Participants in this study were six Caucasian males …

Overview Of The Methods Of Physical Improvement And The Prevalence Of Steroid Use In High School Male Student Athletes, Sarah Sable

Master's Theses and Capstones

Two questionnaires, eight demographic questions and The Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) were administered to 19 high school male student athletes to determine their attitudes and behaviors around steroid use. The intent of this study was to research this sample to add to the literature in order to develop more effective steroid prevention measures. Steroid use of this group, 5.2% was found to be consistent with the national average. As indicated by the DMS, risk factors that might lead to or indicate steroid use include; wishing to be more muscular, lifting weights, taking protein/energy supplements, taking weight gain/protein shakes, feeling …

The Facilitation Of Well-Being Through Direct Contact With Family-Of-Origin For Securely Attached Children In Residential Out-Of-Home Placement, Katie Lynn Laroche

Master's Theses and Capstones

The current thesis project sought to answer the following two questions: (1) What is the relationship between emotional well-being of children in residential, out-of-home placement and the frequency of contact with their family of-origin? and (2) What is the relationship between the attachment style of children in residential, out-of-home placement and the frequency of contact with their family-of-origin?

Participants were recruited from a residential group home for abused and neglected children in New England. Limitations: Due to the nature of the population, obtaining informed consent proved difficult and the small sample size is the main limitation of this study. Results: …

Cybercounseling: A Comparison Of The Elements Of Counseling Sessions Face-To-Face And Over Instant Message, Ryan M. Long

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare key elements of a counseling session across both face-to-face sessions and sessions occurring over cyberspace via synchronous chat such as instant message or chat room. The key elements of a counseling session compared in this study included the interview environment, physical and psychological attending, interpreting verbal communication, and interpreting nonverbal communication. The results of this study, though not statistically significant, suggest that credentialed distance counselors perceive counseling via instant message to offer less opportunity to create a facilitating counseling environment, less opportunity for interpretation of nonverbal communication, and less opportunity for psychological …

A Graduate Career Services Program For A Regional Business School: Facilitating The Career Growth And Development Of Mba Students, Brent Atwater

Master's Theses and Capstones

This paper creates a comprehensive Graduate Career Services program for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students at a regional business school in a public university, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). With a primary goal of facilitating MBA student career growth and development, the paper reviews the transformation of the global economy and the unique challenges facing MBA students under the new work social contract. After review of the changed social context, consideration is given to the specific psychosocial and career development needs of the MBA students enrolled in the day and evening programs at UNCG. Through assessment …

The Relationship Between Variations Of Physical Activity And Psychological Well-Being In A Clinical Population, Jennifer L. Lijoi

Master's Theses and Capstones

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between engagement in physical activity in the domains of work and/or recreation, and self-reported well-being in a clinical population. The study was correlational in nature and utilized a Spearman rank order correlation to analyze the data of the eleven participants recruited at a therapeutic group private practice in a northern New England town. All eleven participants were females ranging in age from 23 to 43. It was hypothesized that all types of physical activity would correlate positively with reported well-being. The results of the data analysis were not significant; …

The Bicultural World Of Daughters Of Greek Immigrants: Acculturation And Psychological Adjustment, Sophia A. Dongas

Master's Theses and Capstones

The acculturation and psychological adjustment of daughters of Greek immigrants were examined. Six Greek-American females of Greek immigrant parents between the ages of twenty-five and forty were interviewed. Results indicate a sense of being different and a moderately restricted childhood. Mother's parenting style was very involved and father's parenting style differed across respondents. A "good little Greek girl" was someone who did not embarrass the family, obeyed the parents, and did not date. Meeting parental expectations regarding education was common. All identified themselves as bicultural, both Greek and American, though more strongly American. Feeling comfortable with self within the two …

A Psychoeducational Group Designed For The Social Supporters Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Parents, Tara Jordan

Master's Theses and Capstones

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) claims 5,000 to 7,000 infant lives each year. The deaths undoubtedly cause a sense of guilt, depression and hopelessness among survivors; specifically the parents. Many people supporting SIDS parents tend to feel uncomfortable around them and thus avoid the grieving family altogether. Many SIDS parents state that while their friends and family are trying to be helpful and supportive, many of their attempts actually are hurtful. A psychoeducational group was developed for the social supporters of SIDS parents, allowing its members to become better equipped to help support the grieving parents and to give them …

The Power Of Film: A Model For The Use Of Group Cinematherapy In The Therapeutic Treatment Of Clinically Depressed Adolescents, Erin E Farrell Bowen

Master's Theses and Capstones

The following thesis proposes a model for the use of cinematherapy as part of treatment for clinically depressed adolescents. The thesis outlines the rationale for such a model, including the relative convenience and potential benefits of using movies as a therapeutic technique. This thesis also examines the professional literature regarding the topics of cinematherapy, bibliotherapy, group therapy, therapeutic metaphor, metaphoric techniques in therapy, and adolescent depression. A model is proposed to offer a specific framework in which cinematherapy may be used in the group treatment of adolescent depression, as well as tools that may assist clinicians in monitoring treatment outcomes. …

Aiding Foster Children In Their Construction Of Self: Clinical Intervention Strategies For Children In Care, Cheryl Regal

Master's Theses and Capstones

This thesis looks at the development of the self within foster children and examines clinical intervention strategies that focus on the internal world of the child. Using architectural metaphors, this thesis aims to change the perspective within which clinicians think about the experience of the foster child and their view of self. Within this framework, the counseling experience works to bring the foster child out from behind their protective walls and journeys with the child through their past and present histories. Throughout this journey, the clinician joins with the child and allows an attachment bond to develop in order for …