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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger May 2014

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger

Graduate Theses

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) refers to behaviors in which a person intentionally harms and causes tissue damage to oneself, without the desire to end his or her life. There have been contradictory findings with regard to differences in NSSI by biological sex and culture. In this study, I sought to examine if adults with independent cultural self- construals would report more occurrences of NSSI in comparison to those with interdependent cultural self-construals. Furthermore, I was interested in whether females would report more instances of NSSI in comparison to males in independent based cultures, and I examined whether the methods and reasons …


Effects Of Parental Divorce And Childhood Paternal And Maternal Attachment On Religious Outcomes In Young Adulthood, Lyndsay A. Freeman Dec 2013

Effects Of Parental Divorce And Childhood Paternal And Maternal Attachment On Religious Outcomes In Young Adulthood, Lyndsay A. Freeman

Graduate Theses

This study investigated the relationship between 72 respondents’ parental marriage status and childhood parental attachment on religious outcomes in young adulthood. It partly replicated a study by Zhai et al. (2007) with several notable differences, such as using recent data as opposed to archived data and examining both maternal and paternal attachments separately in light of the compensation hypothesis of religious attachment theory. An online survey was used to gather data. Chi-square tests revealed there were significantly more participants with insecure paternal attachments from families with divorced parents than from traditional families. Also, participants with insecure paternal attachments switched religious …


Self-Reporting, Recognition Of Symptoms And Characteristics Of Anxiety And Depression And Seeking Professional Help, Eliana V. Brito Dec 2012

Self-Reporting, Recognition Of Symptoms And Characteristics Of Anxiety And Depression And Seeking Professional Help, Eliana V. Brito

Graduate Theses

This study examined whether adults (age 25 to 50) self-report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and whether these individuals accurately identify the symptoms that are associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Do these individuals believe the symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are severe enough to seek professional help? The participants included 30 females and 20 males. Zung’s Self-Rating Depression (SDS; 1971) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS; 1965) were administered. A third questionnaire was also developed to help identify if individuals are able to accurately identify symptoms, distinguish between the two disorders, and …


Individualism And Collectivism As Moderators Of Affect And Attributional Style In Predicting Life Satisfaction, Jo M. Holmquest May 2012

Individualism And Collectivism As Moderators Of Affect And Attributional Style In Predicting Life Satisfaction, Jo M. Holmquest

Graduate Theses

The present study examined the effect of person-level individualism and collectivism on attributional style and frequencies of positive and negative emotions as predictors of life satisfaction. Participants were 224 individuals (age range 18 to 78, M= 39.63, SD = 13.78; 73% women; 56% Filipinos) who answered an online survey. Results from regression analyses showed that attributional style is not a statistically significant predictor of life satisfaction. The analyses also showed that across all participants, and among those who did not score high in individualism and low in collectivism, the frequency of positive emotions, as compared to the frequency of negative …


Drug And Nondrug Alternatives To Altering Mood, Phuong N. Cardoza May 2012

Drug And Nondrug Alternatives To Altering Mood, Phuong N. Cardoza

Graduate Theses

This study examined the usage patterns of nondrug alternatives and obtained knowledge that will be beneficial to future drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation in college students. The purpose was to identify the specific nondrug/drug alternatives used to alter mood by non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics. Analysis revealed that engaging in discussion with spouse/friends was used most frequently to alter mood. The overall distribution of drug alternatives and nondrug alternatives differed significantly from chance in 72 participants. Further pair-wise analyses found there were significant differences between five drug and nondrug alternatives endorsed by non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics. In conclusion, it was found …


Coaching Versus Family: The Consequences Of The Work-Family Conflict Among Male Collegiate Head Coaches, John T. Avritt Aug 2011

Coaching Versus Family: The Consequences Of The Work-Family Conflict Among Male Collegiate Head Coaches, John T. Avritt

Graduate Theses

Researchers have shown that coaches experience burnout due to role conflict, role ambiguity, and work-family conflicts (Kelley & Baghurst, 2009). The demands of being a coach are many. When a coach has a spouse and children, a work-family conflict can develop. Work-family conflict in coaching is created when the coach cannot effectively balance the time and attention demands for both the job and home. Naturally, consequences arise as a result of this conflict. The purpose of this study was to better understand what consequences exist in the lives of male, collegiate head coaches and to provide suggestions for effectively managing …


When The Therapist Is Homosexual: An Examination Of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction, Lewis G. Busbee May 2011

When The Therapist Is Homosexual: An Examination Of Therapeutic Outcome Satisfaction, Lewis G. Busbee

Graduate Theses

This study investigated the relationship between client satisfaction and therapist sexuality. The current literature had little or no research on the topic. This article defines psychotherapy, noted that most clients perceived psychotherapy was beneficial, and found research stating therapists should consider all ethical implications when working with clients, particularly in regard to how influential therapist can be on their clients. A questionnaire packet was given to participants, and they were asked to complete: a demographic page, and a vignette that included gender and sexuality of therapist, along with a hypothetical treatment plan, a modified version of the CSQ-8 (Attkisson,1977/2011) which …


Keeping Marriage In The Black: Exploring The Effects Of Budgeting And Money Management On Marital Satisfaction, Kendra Sorey May 2011

Keeping Marriage In The Black: Exploring The Effects Of Budgeting And Money Management On Marital Satisfaction, Kendra Sorey

Graduate Theses

Financial issues are often a major area of contention in any marriage. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised and a series of researcher-created questions were given to 109 married people to ascertain financial behaviors as they relate to marital satisfaction in the marriage. The current research shows that there was no significant difference found between marital satisfaction scores on MSI-R and financial behaviors; however, there was much information to be gained that shows that there may be some relationship between marital satisfaction and financial behaviors. The current research indicates that there may be some relationship between communication skills and good financial practices …


A Funny Thing About Marriage, Genevia R. Slate May 2011

A Funny Thing About Marriage, Genevia R. Slate

Graduate Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between marital satisfaction and the use of humor, and to investigate whether or not this relationship was influenced by the length of marriage. I also examined how humor was appreciated as the couples were married longer and who produced the most humor; the husband or the wife. It was hypothesized that marital satisfaction would be highest among married couples who use higher levels of humor, that couples who had been married longer would have a greater appreciation of humor, and that the male partner would produce the most humor …


Developmental Bibliotherapy In Practice: A Study Of Bibliotherapy Effects On Kindergarten Behavior, Courtney Hawley Dec 2010

Developmental Bibliotherapy In Practice: A Study Of Bibliotherapy Effects On Kindergarten Behavior, Courtney Hawley

Graduate Theses

Bibliotherapy is the use of books and other print media for the purpose of instructing the audience about a certain topic. Developmental bibliotherapy is a form of bibliotherapy in which a teacher or other facilitator presents a book to a group in order to help instruct a desired behavior. This study was conducted to determine the effects of developmental bibliotherapy instruction over the course of a six weeks time period in the Kindergarten classroom. I wanted to determine the effectiveness of the bibliotherapy program as it related to teaching problem solving behaviors for a small group of students. The students …


Secondary School Students' Attitudes Towards Physical Education In Trinidad, Gina Ragbir Dec 2009

Secondary School Students' Attitudes Towards Physical Education In Trinidad, Gina Ragbir

Graduate Theses

It is important to understand secondary school students’ attitudes toward physical education since they will be future members of the workforce who will need to use their knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students’ perceptions and feelings contribute to their attitudes toward specific content areas and toward their school experience in general. The purpose of the proposed study was to examine attitudes that secondary school students have toward physical education in Trinidad. The study also sought to ascertain whether there was a link between gender or race and, activities seen as most liked in the physical education curriculum and students’ …


Knowledge, Attitudes, And Job Satisfaction In Long-Term Care: A Comparison Between Licensed Nurses And Nursing Assistants, Lynne Almand Aug 2009

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Job Satisfaction In Long-Term Care: A Comparison Between Licensed Nurses And Nursing Assistants, Lynne Almand

Graduate Theses

Knowledge, attitudes, and job satisfaction of long-term care workers were examined to determine if a relationship existed between these factors and if differences existed between licensed nurses and nursing assistants. Participants included 36 nurses and 60 assistants from five nursing homes in the Midland/Odessa area. Results indicated that nurses had significantly more positive attitudes toward (t(94) = -5.72, p<.05) and increased knowledge of older adults (t(94) = 2.71, p<.05) than assistants. In addition, more positive attitudes were significantly associated with more knowledge of the elderly (r(96) = -0.36, p<.05) as well as increased levels of job satisfaction (r(96) = -0.53, p<.05).


Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Combat Veterans And The Effect On Their Life And Marital Satisfaction, Amy Rodriguez Alford May 2009

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Combat Veterans And The Effect On Their Life And Marital Satisfaction, Amy Rodriguez Alford

Graduate Theses

Various studies have been conducted within our United States military service members and their problems with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are several factors as to why a combat veteran can develop PTSD (Committee on Gulf War and Health, 2008) , PTSD could effect their life and marital satisfaction. The present study consisted of 15 married couples, in which the husband has served combat duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. The total level of PTSD symptomology was compared to each individual's life and marital satisfaction. There was no significance correlations found between the husbands' PTSD symptoms and their quality of life, …


Discipline, Facial Affect Recognition And Self-Efficacy, Julie Harris May 2008

Discipline, Facial Affect Recognition And Self-Efficacy, Julie Harris

Graduate Theses

The present study explored facial affect recognition, discipline and self-efficacy correlates, predicted using the Social Cognitive Theory framework. A sample of undergraduate students (N—114) from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, were surveyed on parental style, discipline, self-efficacy, and then tested for facial affect recognition. The results indicated that participants reporting more corporal punishment scored lower on facial affect than those reporting less corporal punishment (p < .05). No significance was found for corporal punishment and self-efficacy (p > .05). The parental style of the father emerged as a significant predictor for the relationship between corporal punishment and facial affect recognition (p < .05). Results appear to support the idea that the social environment parents, especially fathers, create via discipline may hinder ability to interpret emotion. One important implication of this study is that paternal influence may be more vital to emotional detection development than previously considered.


The Relationship Of Emotional Regulation To Relational And Overt Aggression In Middle Childhood, Allison H. Hartzoge May 2008

The Relationship Of Emotional Regulation To Relational And Overt Aggression In Middle Childhood, Allison H. Hartzoge

Graduate Theses

As female juvenile delinquency for violence increases, the need for understanding the development of aggression as it relates to girls is also increasing. Most often, aggression is described and measured in terms of overt behaviors meant to cause physical harm and these behaviors have been found most commonly in boys. However, more recent research indicates that girls possess a relational aggression that can be best described as behaviors such as gossiping, exclusion and threatening friendships or any behavior that means to harm the relationship. In this research, these aggressive behaviors are studied to determine their relationship to emotional regulation; that …


Preferred Coaching Behaviors Of Male And Female Basketball Players: Gender And Level Of Competition, Ryan Kettler Dec 2007

Preferred Coaching Behaviors Of Male And Female Basketball Players: Gender And Level Of Competition, Ryan Kettler

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate similarities and differences in coaching preferences among male and female basketball players based on gender and level of competition. Participants were 20 male and female basketball programs (2 NCAA Division I Teams, 4 High School Teams, and 4 Middle School Teams). The ages of the players ranged between 12 -24 years of age, with males and females having a comparable age distribution. The instrument used to collect data was the revised Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) athlete preference version (Zhang & Jensen, 1997). The results of the statistical analyses using a two …


Use Of Psychological Skills Training By Ncaa Softball Teams, Angie Kenney May 2007

Use Of Psychological Skills Training By Ncaa Softball Teams, Angie Kenney

Graduate Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine if there were significant differences in the use, administration, frequency, and coaches’ perceived benefit of psychological skills training (PST) among NCAA Division I teams that qualified for a regional tournament, teams that did not qualify for a regional tournament with .500 or above wining percentage, and teams that did not qualify for a regional tournament with below .500 winning percentage. No significant differences were found between more and less successful NCAA Division I softball teams in the use, administration, frequency, and coaches’ perceived benefit of PST based on performance with the season …


Masturbation And Sexual Satisfaction In Relationally Committed Men, Micha T. Ballard Dec 2006

Masturbation And Sexual Satisfaction In Relationally Committed Men, Micha T. Ballard

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between masturbation frequency with and without the use of pornography, and sexual satisfaction in men in committed relationships. One hundred and twelve participants ranging from 23 to 70 years of age completed a sexuality survey and an Index of Sexual Satisfaction survey. Correlations revealed a significant negative relationship between masturbation frequency during the last month and sexual satisfaction. When clinical participants were factored out, correlation between masturbation frequency and sexual satisfaction dropped. This study found that using themes of incest or homosexuality, while masturbating, was significantly associated with higher ISS …


The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley Dec 2006

The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley

Graduate Theses

The present study examined whether adult women in therapy who have been physically abused express anger differently than their counterparts who have been sexually abused, and whether they are aware that they express anger in noticeable ways. The first hypothesis stated that physically abused women express anger directly and physically, whereas sexually abused women express anger indirectly, avoiding direct confrontation. The second hypothesis proposed that they are not aware how much they express their anger outwardly. Participants were female clients at a local counseling agency, with issues stemming from physical and/or sexual abuse. They voluntarily completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) …


Paved With Good Intentions: A Definitional Study On The Issue Of Psychological Child Abuse, Anita Renee Fromm Dec 2006

Paved With Good Intentions: A Definitional Study On The Issue Of Psychological Child Abuse, Anita Renee Fromm

Graduate Theses

Definitional issues concerning child abuse have long plagued the identification and treatment of this malady. This study examined the role of perpetrator intention in categorizing adverse parenting skills, as well as psychological child abuse potential. Exploitative parenting styles were displayed and rated in a variety of vignettes. Social service professionals and university students were participants in this vignette style questionnaire study. Results indicated that with a few exceptions, a constant perpetrator intention did not appear to alter subject perceptions that the scenarios presented adverse parenting skills and child abuse potential. The participants were indecisive concerning scenarios that represented excessive athletic …


An Examination Of The Theoretical Orientation To Reading Profile (Torp): Results Of Selected Graduate Students In A Literacy Course, Guadalupe Sotelo Dec 2004

An Examination Of The Theoretical Orientation To Reading Profile (Torp): Results Of Selected Graduate Students In A Literacy Course, Guadalupe Sotelo

Graduate Theses

This survey research study was utilized to explore participants’ views and knowledge of balanced literacy programs before and after a 45-hour graduate level literacy course and to document any changes using the Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile (TORP; Deford, 1985) questionnaire. The TORP’s main purpose is to designate the philosophical position of individuals on their preferences to teaching reading. The TORP examines orientation to phonics, skills, and whole language. Twenty-seven participants who designated themselves either as established school administrators or graduate students pursuing Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership or Reading were surveyed at the beginning and end of the course …


A Study Of Menarche In Athletes Participating In Common Public School Sports, Kristi R. Shirley Aug 2004

A Study Of Menarche In Athletes Participating In Common Public School Sports, Kristi R. Shirley

Graduate Theses

The number of women and young girls participating in sports has grown significantly since the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972. The female athlete derives many benefits from exercise; however, women are also a group that is at special risk because of the few negative effects of exercise on the reproductive and skeletal systems. Risks involved in increased physical activity include several forms of menstrual irregularities. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between athletic training, at a less intense level than those in previous studies such as ballet dancers …


The Relationship Between Childbirth Experience And Psychological Functioning In The Postpartum Period, Dena Dian Daniel Dec 2003

The Relationship Between Childbirth Experience And Psychological Functioning In The Postpartum Period, Dena Dian Daniel

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between the mother's perception of the birth experience, symptoms of the post-traumatic stress, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Sixty-seven participants ranging from 17 to 40 years of age completed a self-report questionnaire containing items from three instruments including the Perception of Birth Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale. The findings reveal a more negative perception of the birth experience is significantly related to a greater frequency and/or. severity of. post- traumatic stress and postpartum depression symptoms following childbirth., These findings support the conclusion that an …


Identifying Compliance Issues In The Community Health Care Clinic Environment, Faye K. Beery Aug 2003

Identifying Compliance Issues In The Community Health Care Clinic Environment, Faye K. Beery

Graduate Theses

This study explored the high number of failed appointments and follow-up appointments at a community health care children’s clinic. A thirty-seven item questionnaire was randomly given to 112 participants seeking health care at the clinic on a random basis. Based on literature reviews, five hypothesis were generated to examine reasons for failing to keep appointments for children: 1. Communication difficulties between healthcare personnel and parents regarding patient comprehension of instructions and bottle directions were anticipated. 2. Patient/physician/clinic relationships were expected to influence patient compliance. The need for more reminder calls for appointments was anticipated to be a factor in patient …


Public Displays Of Affection With Relation To Comfort Levels And Culture, Janice R. T. Bryden Aug 2002

Public Displays Of Affection With Relation To Comfort Levels And Culture, Janice R. T. Bryden

Graduate Theses

To determine the tolerance levels of public displays of affection between males, females, Hispanics, and White Non-Hispanics (Whites), a total of 152 participants completed the Attitudes Toward Public Displays of Affection Inventory. While the hypothesis that males would be significantly more tolerant than females of observing public displays of affection was statistically supported for certain settings and certain levels of affection, overall, results may not be clinically meaningful. The second hypothesis, that there would be a significant difference between Hispanics and Whites and their tolerance levels for watching public displays of affection, was not supported. Overall trends indicate passionately kissing …


Affective Development Of Battered Women Subsequent To Leaving Abusive Partner, Cheryl Harrah May 2002

Affective Development Of Battered Women Subsequent To Leaving Abusive Partner, Cheryl Harrah

Graduate Theses

The present study consisted of semi-structured interviews of formerly battered women who have been out of the relationship for at least one year. The interviews focused on the women’s narratives concerning their experience leaving the relationship and were coded for affect using an Emotional Adjective Checklist. A total of 10 women were recruited from the campus of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. While each story was unique, a pattern did emerge whereby the women expressed feelings of fear and relief, followed by depression, numbness, and resolve to survive. Long term emotional consequences of the abuse that persisted …


Impressions Of Professional Women As A Function Of Clothing Style And Job Title, Tanya Kay Wimberley May 2002

Impressions Of Professional Women As A Function Of Clothing Style And Job Title, Tanya Kay Wimberley

Graduate Theses

The piirpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of Job Title (Sales Manager, Salesperson) with Clothing Style (Short Skirt, Long Skirt, Pants) on perceptions of power. Seventy-eight participants completed the Perception of Power scale. The Perception of Power scale is a questionnaire that contains six measures of interpersonal power. The subscales were also added for an overall measure of power. Included with the questionnaire was a picture of a female model in one of three styles of business suit, applying for one of two jobs, for a total of six conditions. Results of 2x3 ANOVAs revealed no …


The Effects Of Experiential Therapy On Adolescent Self-Esteem, Blair Kemp May 2001

The Effects Of Experiential Therapy On Adolescent Self-Esteem, Blair Kemp

Graduate Theses

The present study attempted to determine the effects of Experiential Therapy on emotional intelligence and self-esteem in adjudicated males and females aged 13 to 17. Twenty-four individuals participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. It was predicted that participants in the experimental group would display improvements in general self-esteem and emotional intelligence. The individuals in the experimental group received approximately 40 to 45 hours of Experiential Therapy. The control group continued with the normal JCC program. The Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory 2 (CFSEI-2) and the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (BarOn …


The Application Of Attitude Functions To The Study Of Job Attitudes, Alistair Macdonald Jul 2000

The Application Of Attitude Functions To The Study Of Job Attitudes, Alistair Macdonald

Graduate Theses

The current research applied the study of attitude functions to the domain of job attitudes. This study hypothesized that the psychological needs behind attitudes towards the organization would moderate the relationships between job attitudes. Forty-eight surveys were used from a sample of 81 faculty members. No significant moderating effects were found. However, a regression analysis found direct relationships between attitude functions and job attitudes. The social-adjustive (SA) function demonstrated a positive significant relationship with affective commitment and normative commitment. The self-esteem-maintenance function (S-E-M) demonstrated a negative significant relationship with affective commitment, normative commitment, and job satisfaction, and a significant positive …


The Lack Of Privacy As A Stressor For Families In The Ministry, Paula Raines-Newton Dec 1999

The Lack Of Privacy As A Stressor For Families In The Ministry, Paula Raines-Newton

Graduate Theses

This thesis project examined the effects of the lack of privacy and congregational intrusion on femilies in the ministry. It was expected to find marital well-being related to privacy level within the home and congregational intrusiveness. It was also expected to find differences between ministers and their wives on reported Privacy and Intrusion scales and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), specifically, women reporting more congregational intrusiveness, less privacy, and less marital satisfaction. The participants were 26 couples; comprised of a full-time, ordained, male clergy of Protestant churches (Baptist, n = 12, Methodist, n = 8, Church of Christ, n = …