Education Commons^™

Depression's Influence On Involvement, David Downey

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Depression is a major issue among college students. Research is clear that depression is an increasing problem in college; approximately half of all college students will experience at least one period of depression during their college experience (Kadison & Digeronimo, 2004, p. 240; Westfield & Furr, 2001). Further, higher education literature emphasizes the importance of student involvement in regards to key issues including academic performance, retention, and personal development (Astin, 1999; Cress et al., 2001; Abrahamowicz 1988). This research sought to identify how a student's level of depression influences the extent to which a student is actively involved in the …

The Impact Of Coeducational Residence Halls On Men's Relationships With Women, Josh Wymore

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The college years are a critical time for the development of healthy male-female relationships, but institutions on the whole often neglect or poorly meet that need. Astin (1993b) found that "college does not eliminate or even reduce many of the stereotypical differences between the sexes" and often "serve[s] to widen gender gaps that existed at the point of college entry" (p.9). One such remedy for this developmental issue is the coeducational hall, a learning environment designed to engender normal interactions between men and women and break down unsubstantiated biases between genders.

This study examined the relationship between coeducational housing and …

Mercy, Not Sacrifice: College Student Spirituality And Social Concern And Action, Philip D. Byers

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Recently, scholars and practitioners are increasingly promoting a reexamination of the role of spirituality in the college environment (Astin, 2004; Kuh & Gonyea, 2006; Lindholm & Astin, 2007). Since spirituality has often been associated with service and a variety of other humanitarian motivations, multiple higher education theorists have speculated on the relationship between the two learning outcomes. However, influential higher education researchers have noted the dearth of research on spirituality in higher education in general (Astin, Astin, & Lindholm, n.d.), and heretofore investigators have barely examined the connection between spirituality and manifestations of social action. In this study I examined …

Spirituality And Rape Myth Acceptance: An Exploratory Study, Stephen M. Mattiace

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

The incidence of rape is a significant concern for college campuses (Fisher, Cullen, & Turner, 2000), and the acceptance of myths about rape abound on campuses and in society (Burt, 1980; Bohner, Danner, Siebler, & Samson, 2002; Carmody & Washington, 2001; Chiroro, Bohner, Viki, & Jarvis, 2004). A copious amount of research has examined factors that increase rape myth acceptance, or the belief in any false statement or thought that inaccurately portrays a rape situation (Foubert & Marriot, 1997; Foubert & Newberry, 2006; Foubert & Perry, 2007; Johnson, Kuck, & Schander, 1997). However, very limited research sought to identify decreases …

A Phenomenological Study Of Biracial Identity Development, Felicia T. Case

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

A “biracial baby boom” has taken place in America (Root, 1992). More than six million people chose to check more than one box on the 2000 census and according to Herman (2004), children and youth constituted forty-two percent of the American multiracial population. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of biracial college students in order to understand the specific issues related to their racial identity development. Nine biracial individuals participated in this phenomenological qualitative study. A variety of factors emerged (parental influence, social networks and appearance) as determinants to how these biracial individuals self-identified. Participants …

Parents, Professionals, And Preschoolers: The Experience Of Working Parents At A Christian, Liberal Arts Institution, Sara E. James

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Working parents with young children experience unique challenges when working at an institution of higher education. Each parent-professional’s experience is different, but researchers have revealed certain commonalities which will be examined in this study. The nine participants, all of whom work at a Christian liberal arts institution in the Midwest, in this study represent parents of pre-kindergarten age children. These individuals work in various ways on campus: administration, teaching faculty, student development faculty, and salaried staff. Ultimately, in this phenomenological study I seek to help university administrators, as well as parent-professionals, understand the tension between the demands of professional and …

Student Transition: Common Challenges Facing Recent Graduates, Steve Conn

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Jeffery Arnett (2000a) first used the phrase “emerging adult” to describe the unique transitional experiences of 18-27 year-old men and women. Since then, more research on emerging adults has indicated that the challenges and opportunities facing the young men and women of today are different from those experienced a single generation ago. This study was a qualitative inquiry directed at the experiences of emerging adults after they graduate from a private Christian liberal arts college. The goal of this study was to identify the challenges and experiences of emerging adults in this time of transition and to describe the essence …

A Qualitative Study On Female Resident Assistants & Perceived Stress, Kristen N. Osborne

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Researchers have shown female college students tend to experience stress more often than their male counterparts. However, there is little research regarding female resident assistants and their experiences with stress. In this qualitative study I focused on how female resident assistants perceive stress in their lives. The study was conducted at a small, private, evangelical institution in the Midwest and was guided by four research questions relating to how stress unique to this student leadership role impacts overall student success and well-being. In this study I found female resident assistants do experience stress in a variety of ways, both related …