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African American Caregivers Of Children Affected By Hiv/Aids, Doris Cooper Wilbon Dec 2007

African American Caregivers Of Children Affected By Hiv/Aids, Doris Cooper Wilbon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Human Immunodeficiency Disease (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have reached an epidemic proportion in many African American communities. There is a significant amount of stigma and denial associated with HIV/AIDS in these communities, leaving people with minimal knowledge about this disease. Caretakers such as grandparents, other relatives, and foster parents take on the role of surrogate parents to these children who have lost one or both of their parents to HIV/AIDS. When family members, especially women, die from this disease leaving their offspring behind these children often experience various emotional and behavioral problems. A few of the children …


Communicating A Crisis: The Public Information Officer's Perspective, Susan Hale Nov 2007

Communicating A Crisis: The Public Information Officer's Perspective, Susan Hale

Communication Theses

Established research on certain professions – such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency rescue workers (also called "first responders") – suggests that psychological trauma is related to traumatic events experienced on the job. This has led to research on journalists who have experienced comparable psychological effects due to repeated traumatic exposure that comes from reporting on crimes, murders, car accidents, natural disasters, or other stressful situations – the same events experienced by first responders. This study examines public information officers and any similar psychological effects since this occupational group is a near professional cousin to journalists. Using an online survey, …


The Relationship Of Diet, Stress, Intestinal Nitric Oxide Production, And Intestinal Microflora In Chickens, Monticha Putsakum Aug 2007

The Relationship Of Diet, Stress, Intestinal Nitric Oxide Production, And Intestinal Microflora In Chickens, Monticha Putsakum

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were first, to investigate the effect of stress and ascorbic acid (AA) supplement during stress on intestinal microflora of broilers and layers, and secondly, to determine nitric oxide (NO) production in intestinal tract of broilers during stress, when supplemented with L-arginine, and NO production in cecal bacteria. The intestinal microflora from broilers and layers were analyzed for bacterial populations during stress and when supplemented with ascorbic acid. In both studies, stress response was induced by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) via a mini osmotic pump for 7 days, and intestinal samples were collected before and after stress …


Factors Contributing To The Shortage Of Speech-Language Pathologists In Utah Schools, Stephanie Harris Jul 2007

Factors Contributing To The Shortage Of Speech-Language Pathologists In Utah Schools, Stephanie Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined factors contributing to Utah's critical shortage of school-based speech-language pathologists. Specifically, this study focused on the following three constructs: (a) stress levels among professionals currently in the field, (b) attrition and the reasons professionals leave their positions, and (c) factors at the university level. Stress among Utah's speech-language pathologists was assessed using the Speech-Language Pathologist Stress Inventory (Fimian, Lieberman, & Fasteneau, 1991). Of the 230 potential participants, 97 completed and returned questionnaires. Results indicated that Utah's school-based speech-language pathologists experience less overall stress than a normative sample of speech-language pathologists throughout the United States; however, Utah's professionals …


Explaining Drinking Patterns And Heavy Drinking Among Racial And Ethnic Subgroups In The United States, Michael S. Caudy Jul 2007

Explaining Drinking Patterns And Heavy Drinking Among Racial And Ethnic Subgroups In The United States, Michael S. Caudy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study of racial differences in the consumption of alcohol and the prevalence of alcohol-related problems has clearly matured in recent years. Researchers have moved away from single-factor explanations and are beginning to develop and test theories focusing on the complex interplay of psychological, historical, cultural, and social factors that describe and explain alcohol use among racial and ethnic subgroups in the United States. The current study continues this maturation process by further examining the complex interaction effects of predictor variables that have established their utility in explaining racial/ethnic subgroup differences in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. This study analyzes …


Monitoring Stress During Training, Olivita Couso Jul 2007

Monitoring Stress During Training, Olivita Couso

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The highly stressful job of law enforcement personnel, rescue workers and soldiers requires them to constantly put to the test their previous training. In order too respond effectively under pressure, the training of these personnel must be preformed under conditions that elicit pressure. The research proposed in this thesis evaluates established training regimens for the degree of stressfulness instilled in trainees from physiological (hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system) and psychological perspectives (anxiety). Subjects participating in SWAT and military training were recruited, as well as subjects having no prior SWAT or military training. Individual physiological stress responses measured included heart …


Effects Of Corrosion On Steel Reinforcement, David Ostrofsky Jun 2007

Effects Of Corrosion On Steel Reinforcement, David Ostrofsky

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Corroded steel in concrete is a structural issue that plaques concrete structures in coastal regions. Traditionally corroded steel strength is calculated from a distributed area loss due to corrosion over the entire surface of the steel and reducing the capacity accordingly. In reality, corrosion attacks localized regions creating pits and reducing the cross section in a small region which amplifies the effects of corrosion. Stress concentrations at the corrosion pitting damage may further reduce the tensile capacity of the steel. A study of corrosion damage and strength associated with pitting damage can assist in understanding the ultimate tensile capacity of …


Experiences Of Educational Leadership Faculty In The First Year Of The Professoriate: A Phenomenological Study, Patricia Sims Tresey May 2007

Experiences Of Educational Leadership Faculty In The First Year Of The Professoriate: A Phenomenological Study, Patricia Sims Tresey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The researchers purpose of this study was to describe and explore the experiences of educational leadership faculty in the first year of the professoriate. A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was used to illuminate the lived experiences of these new faculty members. Research instrumentation and data collection consisted of three separate instruments used in three phases. First was a focus group interview given to three new educational leadership faculty from a regional university campus located in the Southeastern part of the United States. The second instrument was an individual, in-depth interview with the three new professors. The third and final instrument was …


Increasing Coping Resources: An Experimental Intervention Approach, Wendy Lynn Dickinson Feb 2007

Increasing Coping Resources: An Experimental Intervention Approach, Wendy Lynn Dickinson

Counseling and Psychological Services Dissertations

Recently, 44% of college students reported increased levels of stress, and 28% reported feeling overwhelmed (e.g., The American College Health Association: 2004). Stress has been linked to a variety of physical and emotional problems (e.g., Matheny & McCarthy, 2000). A number of studies (e.g., Matheny et al., 1993; Matheny et al., 1986) have identified coping resources as helpful in decreasing the negative effects of stress. However, there are still some questions in the literature regarding effective ways to increase coping resources. Reading written feedback about coping resources is one way to increase individuals’ awareness about their coping resources (e.g., Matheny …


Reflective Analysis Of The Role Spirituality Plays In Educational Leaders' Coping Successes With A Focus On Gender Divergence, Bettie Bertram Jan 2007

Reflective Analysis Of The Role Spirituality Plays In Educational Leaders' Coping Successes With A Focus On Gender Divergence, Bettie Bertram

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between spirituality and the ability to cope as an educational leader. The role gender plays was also analyzed to determine if there were any differences in the ability to cope as an educational leader founded on gender. The sample for this study consisted of 65 executive leaders from the public educational sector ranging in age from 32 to 64 years of age. The sample was composed of a mix of women and men, the majority of participants Caucasian. The participants selected were college graduates with at least 12 years of …


Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Hormonal Regulation Of Plant Responses To Elevated Carbon Dioxide And Abiotic Stresses, Xiaolu Zou Jan 2007

Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Hormonal Regulation Of Plant Responses To Elevated Carbon Dioxide And Abiotic Stresses, Xiaolu Zou

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Global climate change due to elevated atmospheric [CO2] and abiotic stresses have a strong impact on the establishment, survival and reproduction of plants. The goal of my research is to understand the molecular mechanism by which hormones regulate plant responses to elevated CO2 and abiotic stresses. Abscisic acid (ABA) is well known as a stress hormone, which also promotes seed formation and dormancy, and inhibits seed germination. In contrast, another hormone, gibberellin (GA) breaks seed dormancy and promotes seed germination and post-germination growth including flowering. The focus of my research is to study the functions of a group of transcription …


A Model Of The Interplay Of Culture And Immigration Stress In The Development And Maintenance Of Alcohol-Related Disorders In Hispanic/Latino Immigrants, Marilyn J Strada Jan 2007

A Model Of The Interplay Of Culture And Immigration Stress In The Development And Maintenance Of Alcohol-Related Disorders In Hispanic/Latino Immigrants, Marilyn J Strada

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Hispanic/Latino population represents the largest ethnic minority group in the United States, with immigrants comprising a substantial portion of this population. For both U.S.-born and immigrant Hispanic/Latinos, alcohol abuse and dependence is of particular concern given their reported high prevalence rates, the severe alcohol-related consequences that they experience, and the various barriers to obtain treatment that they encounter. In comparison to members of other ethnic groups, Hispanics/Latinos have the lowest rates of perceived need for treatment, the lowest past and current rates of participation in treatment and the highest dropout rates after attending just one counseling session. Although there …


Stress, Fatigue And Workload: Determining The Combined Affect On Human Performance, Jessica Mock-Mclaughlin Jan 2007

Stress, Fatigue And Workload: Determining The Combined Affect On Human Performance, Jessica Mock-Mclaughlin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research generated a model that will help to predict, prevent, control and mitigate the occurrence of task related factors that negatively influence stress, fatigue, and workload; thus enhancing human performance. Past research efforts involving stress, fatigue and workload identified factors that influence a change in performance (Lan, Ji and Looney, 2003, and Hancock & Warm, 1989). Also, while some mathematical models have been developed within each respective area, however, there is no evidence of an integrated model describing the combined affect of stress, fatigue and workload. To respond to this research gap, a quantitative model representing the state of …


Locus Of Control And Self-Efficacy: Potential Mediators Of Stress, Illness, And Utilization Of Health Services In College Studen, Angela Roddenberry Jan 2007

Locus Of Control And Self-Efficacy: Potential Mediators Of Stress, Illness, And Utilization Of Health Services In College Studen, Angela Roddenberry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stress has been linked to increased illness in several biologically based studies. In contrast, only a limited number of studies have assessed psychological variables related to stress, with self-efficacy and locus of control serving as potentially important variables. Thus, the current study investigated the mediating effects of self-efficacy and locus of control in the relationship between stress, psychological and physical symptoms, and the utilization of health services in college students. Results suggested that stress was correlated positively with symptoms. External locus of control was correlated positively with stress and symptoms, and self-efficacy was correlated negatively with stress and symptoms. Further, …


Stress And Anxiety In Adhd: Links To Sensory Over-Responsivity, Stacey E. Reynolds Jan 2007

Stress And Anxiety In Adhd: Links To Sensory Over-Responsivity, Stacey E. Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

Sensory Modulation Dysfunction (SMD) is characterized by an inability to consistently and accurately grade responses to sensory information. SMD, and specifically sensory over-responsivity (SOR), has been correlated with stress and anxiety in some developmentally delayed populations and has been associated with structures and functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Recent attention has been given to HPA functioning in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with a majority of studies identifying blunted or diminished cortisol patterns. In contrast, elevated cortisol has been associated with anxiety and anxious behaviors in both animal and human studies. The purpose of this study …


Posttraumatic Growth Among College Students At A Large Urban University: The Role Of Social Support And Unsupportive Social Interactions, Wendy E. Balliet Jan 2007

Posttraumatic Growth Among College Students At A Large Urban University: The Role Of Social Support And Unsupportive Social Interactions, Wendy E. Balliet

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between both social support and unsupportive interactions and psychological outcomes, in a sample of college students who recently had experienced a stressful event. The research design was cross-sectional, and data were collected from 142 college students. As hypothesized, a significant positive association was found between unsupportive interactions received by participants and depressive symptoms. Contrary to hypotheses, no significant associations were found between unsupportive interactions and positive emotion or posttraumatic growth. Additionally, no significant relationship was evident between received emotional support and the outcome variables. Exploratory analysis revealed that positive reappraisal …


Antecedents And Consequences Of Lifestyle Choice In Public Accounting, Ambrose Jones Iii Jan 2007

Antecedents And Consequences Of Lifestyle Choice In Public Accounting, Ambrose Jones Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the effects of healthy lifestyle of auditors in public accounting as a mitigating influence between role stress and job outcomes (performance, satisfaction, and turnover). Based on coping and self-determination theories, the study was designed to investigate the impact of healthy lifestyle as a coping measure that is within the control of the individual, regardless of firm policies or the firm's work environment.To address the research issues, a survey was conducted of professional auditors employed by a large national public accounting firm with offices located throughout the United States. The sample included 1,026 auditors from various regions of …


Binge Eating In Ethnically Diverse Obese Adolescents, Clarice K. Gerke Jan 2007

Binge Eating In Ethnically Diverse Obese Adolescents, Clarice K. Gerke

Theses and Dissertations

Rates of pediatric obesity in America are reaching epidemic proportions. Studies using both community and treatment-seeking samples of obese adolescents indicate that a subset engage in binge eating behaviors. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of binge eating behaviors among 86 primarily African American 11 to 17 year old adolescents seeking outpatient treatment for obesity. This study also examined the associations of stressful experiences (specifically, weight-related teasing, trauma, and daily hassles) with binge eating, as well as potential mediators and moderators of these relationships. Twenty-eight percent of the sample reported at least one episode of binge eating in the …


The Effect Of Food Deprivation On Cigarette Smoking In Females, Darla E. Kendzor Jan 2007

The Effect Of Food Deprivation On Cigarette Smoking In Females, Darla E. Kendzor

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Studies have shown that food deprivation is associated with increases in the self-administration of nicotine and other substances in laboratory animals. However, little is known about the effects of food deprivation on substance use in humans. The purpose of the present study was to compare smoking rates, expired carbon monoxide levels, and smoking topography in 15 female participants during a state of acute food deprivation and in a non-deprived state. A within-subjects design was utilized to test the primary hypotheses that smoking rate and expired carbon monoxide levels would be greater among the participants in the food-deprived condition than in …


Structure Of Aggression Among Urban Youth: Competing Factor Models Of Subtypes Of Physical And Relational Aggression, Sarah W. Helms Jan 2007

Structure Of Aggression Among Urban Youth: Competing Factor Models Of Subtypes Of Physical And Relational Aggression, Sarah W. Helms

Theses and Dissertations

Aggression has been demonstrated to pose a serious threat to the adaptive development of youth, with decades of research demonstrating the negative associations between aggression and other problem behaviors, both concurrently and predictively. However, despite this body of research, the current psychological literature continues to suffer from a lack of an overarching organizational framework from which to structure the construct(s) of aggression. Furthermore, existing discrepancies across the literature, particularly in the definitions of and outcomes associated with non-physical forms of aggression (e.g., relational aggression, social aggression), exacerbate the complexities facing prevention and intervention specialists. Insofar as research can isolate the …


Expectations And Stress Related To Choosing And Providing Treatment: A Comparative Study Of Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Or With Down Syndrome, Virginia H. Mackintosh Jan 2007

Expectations And Stress Related To Choosing And Providing Treatment: A Comparative Study Of Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Or With Down Syndrome, Virginia H. Mackintosh

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at the level of stress experienced by parents (N = 280) of children with an autism spectrum disorder (Autism, n = 134; Asperger's disorder, n = 36; & PDD-NOS, n = 42) or with Down syndrome (n = 68) as it related to child's impairment and to the process of choosing and providing treatments. Using the new Family Access to Disability Services (FADS) measure, it was discovered that parents of children with an autism spectrum diagnosis had more difficulty in accessing and providing the treatments they wanted for their children. Higher FADS scores predicted parenting stress, even …


Impact Of Combat Stress On Mental Health Outcomes: Brfss Survey Data 2006, Emily Pedneau Jan 2007

Impact Of Combat Stress On Mental Health Outcomes: Brfss Survey Data 2006, Emily Pedneau

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: This study sought to determine the relationship between combat experience and mental health outcomes. The study sought to determine whether age was a significant factor in poor mental health outcomes. Methods: Multiple logistic regression (n = 195,048) and multiple linear regression (n = 264,154) were performed on the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Veteran status and a host of demographic and health status questions were analyzed in relation to diagnosis of anxiety or depressive disorder (multiple logistic regression) and to number of days poor mental health (multiple linear regression). Results: Diagnosis of anxiety or depression was …