Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Upep 2023 Overview, Jessica Schad, Elizabeth Brunner

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah's people and environment are currently experiencing significant changes as the population continues to grow, droughts and flooding pose threats to agriculture, air quality leads to health concerns, energy needs rise, and public lands see increased use. Action is needed to address these changes, especially given how rapidly they are occurring. Political leaders, environmental organizations, Tribal Nations, and universities play a critical role in ensuring Utah’s environment, economy, workforce, and underserved communities have a sustainable path forward. Understanding residents’ views, values, and concerns can help better craft the policy, inform infrastructure, and identify the services needed to do so. With …

Human–Black Bear Interactions And Public Attitudinal Changes In An Urban Ordinance Zone, Mark A. Barrett, Sarah E. Barrett, David J. Telesco, Michael A. Orlando

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–bear (Ursus spp.) interactions (HBI) commonly occur in residential areas throughout North America. Negative HBI can be alleviated by using bear-resistant garbage cans (BRC) and by securing other bear attractants (e.g., bird feeders). Since the early 2000s, human and Florida black bear (U. americanus floridanus) densities have increased substantially throughout Florida, USA, concurrently producing an increase in HBI. In central Florida, an area with high densities of humans and black bears, we surveyed 2 neighborhoods that occurred in an urban ordinance zone established in 2016 that required residents to secure anthropogenic food sources. Residents were supplied with …

Loving My Skin: A Self-Advocate’S Perspective From Dayton, Ohio, Shari Cooper

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Flipping The Script As A Black Mother Living In My Community: A Self-Advocate's Perspective From Baltimore, Jessica Salmond

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Habituated, Tolerant, Or Salt-Conditioned Mountain Goats And Human Safety, Richard B. Harris, Kurt Aluzas, Laura Balyx, Jami Belt, Joel Berger, Mark Biel, Tonya Chilton-Radandt, Steeve D. Côté, Julie Cunningham, Adam Ford, Patti Happe, Chad P. Lehman, Kim Poole, Clifford G. Rice, Kirk Safford, Wesley Sarmento, Laura Wolf

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Interactions between humans and wildlife include a number of consumptive and non-consumptive forms. In some cases, the increased demand for wildlife viewing can precipitate new human–wildlife conflicts. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus; goats) are native to a number of North American mountain ranges from southeastern Alaska to southwestern Montana, USA. Goat habitat typically consists of steep terrain and cold weather habitats, which has left them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Their alpine environments also make them vulnerable to disturbance by aircraft and land-based motorized human activity. We reviewed and characterized situations in which goats in close proximity to humans …

Livestock Depredation By Leopards, Associated Economic Losses, And Financial Compensation To Communities In Chhota Udepur District Of Central Gujarat, India, Shalu Mesaria, Pratik Desai, Shruti Patel, Dhaval Gadhavi, Anthony J. Giordano, Nishith Dharaiya

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Livestock depredation by large carnivores has been documented across the entire Indian subcontinent. The failure of managers to mitigate livestock losses in landscapes dependent on subsistence agriculture poses a threat to the conservation of carnivores. For much of Gujarat, a western Indian state characterized by extensive semi-arid habitats, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is considered an apex predator. Increasing regional leopard populations in response to protection efforts has led to more attacks on humans, along with an increase in rates of livestock depredation. In many cases, the regional forest department financially compensates livestock owners for depredation caused …

Upep 2023 Executive Summary, Community & Natural Resources Institute

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah's people and environment are currently experiencing significant changes as the population continues to grow, droughts and flooding pose threats to agriculture, air quality leads to health concerns, energy needs rise, and public lands see increased use. Action is needed to address these changes, especially given how rapidly they are occurring. Political leaders, environmental organizations, Tribal Nations, and universities play a critical role in ensuring Utah’s environment, economy, workforce, and underserved communities have a sustainable path forward. Understanding residents’ views, values, and concerns can help better craft the policy, inform infrastructure, and identify the services needed to do so. With …

Correlates Of Christian Religious Identification And Deidentification Among Sexual And Gender Minorities: A U.S. Probability Sample, G. Tyler Lefevor, Lauren J. A. Bouton, Edward B. Davis, Samuel J. Skidmore, Ilan H. Meyer

Psychology Faculty Publications

Using a U.S. nationally representative sample of 1,529 sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), we examined the demographic and developmental correlates of Christian religious deidentification. We found that SGMs who were older, Black, cisgender men, and/or lived in the American South were more likely to identify as Christian in adulthood, relative to other SGMs. Those who were never Christian reported being more out to family and friends at earlier ages than those who were raised Christian. SGMs who were raised Christian, but did not identify as Christian in adulthood reported, more adverse childhood experiences and bullying than other SGMs. Sexual minorities …

The 2022 Utah College Sexual Behavior Survey: Initial Findings Report, Cris Meier, Julie Gast, Susannah Harris, Melissa Ferguson, Brittany Hansen, Moni Butte

All Current Publications

Purpose: The purpose of the 2022 Utah College Sexual Behavior Survey project was to use retrospective sexual behavior and education measures to gain a better understanding of the sexual behaviors and perceptions of sex education of Utah youth by asking students aged 18-21 years old about their sexual behaviors as youth.

Measures: The survey questions represented ten topical areas. These areas included questions about: basic demographics; non-penetrative sex; penetrative sex; contraceptive use and pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention; communication and consent; sexting; sex education; attitudes about sex; current sex behavior; and university programming.

Method: A one-time survey was …

Do Trap-Neuter-Return (Tnr) Practices Contribute To Human–Coyote Conflicts In Southern California?, Danielle M. Bucklin, Jennifer M. Shedden, Niamh M. Quinn, Robert Cummings, Paul Stapp

Human–Wildlife Interactions

One possible contributor to the unusually high number of conflicts between coyotes (Canis latrans) and people in urban southern California, USA, may be the abundance of free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus; cats) subsidized by feeding and augmented by trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. To determine if coyotes regularly prey on and consume cats, we combined visual and molecular-genetic approaches to identify prey items in stomachs of 311 coyotes from Los Angeles County and Orange County, provided to the South Coast Research and Extension Center, in Irvine, California, between June 2015 and December 2018. We detected cat remains in …

Conflict Animals, Or Conflict People—That Is The Question, Vincenzo Penteriani

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Managing conflictual sce­narios involving large carnivores is generally addressed from an animal-centric perspective. This is rather contradic­tory because such conflicts are mostly triggered by human conduct that acts on animal’s instinc­tive behaviors. Shifting conflict miti­gation perspectives to human behaviors may thus provide a more consistent management strategy than focusing only on animals. For example, human habituation and anthropogenic food conditioning are 2 main conflict drivers that mostly depend on human behavior. Thus, an approach that addresses the human dimension aspects of these conflicts needs to be reinforced. I offer 6 points to consider in prioritizing management to mitigate human–bear conflicts …

Opportunities For Transformation: Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion Across The Developmental Disabilities Network, Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Jacy Farkas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

How Healthcare Providers Can Support Timely Cervical And Breast Cancer Screenings For Individuals With Disabilities, Rachel Byers, Timothy Keady

All Current Publications

This fact sheet outlines how healthcare providers can apply current evidence and best practices in screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer in individuals with disabilities.

Keep Calm And Carry On: The Relationships Between Cognitive Flexibility, Social Support & Anxiety In Students Transitioning To College, Max Buck, Rebecca Thornley, Mara Smuin

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

The current study sought to understand the correlations between cognitive flexibility, social support, and anxiety. A hypothesized model, developed using the Social Skills Deficiency Vulnerability Framework, was tested and verified using bivariate analysis. The findings of this research indicate that increased cognitive flexibility is correlated with decreased symptoms of anxiety and increased perceived social support. Additionally, increased social support is found to correlate with decreased symptoms of anxiety. Keywords: cognitive flexibility, social support, anxiety

The Effects Of True Crime Media, Zoe Patton

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

True crime is a media genre of growing popularity, and also of growing controversy. Recent media production has sparked debate over how the genre affects the public's perception on crime, as well as how it affects the victims family. I wanted to discover how true crime media can be a genre that helps the public more than it hurts, and offers information and education rather than romanticization of terrible people and events, and discover all the ways that it can cause harm, so we can learn how to stop and understand the parts that can be harmful. Research was conducted …

Appropriation Vs Appreciation Of Latinix Culture: Where Do We Draw The Line?, Aleja Longoria

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

In a modern society, Latinx culture is widely appreciated, respected, and celebrated. Though the line between appropriation and appreciation is constantly blurred by the growing commercialization, popularization, and expansion of the culture. Alongside the rapid spread of this beautiful culture, is the onset evolution of cultural appropriation. This can be seen in the celebration of Latinx holidays such as Dia de los Muertos, Cinco De Mayo, and even Beauty trends. The mass popularization of these holidays and practices has often taken away the meaning of each, leaving a feeling of our own culture being preempted before our own eyes. When …

Reversing The Gaze: Using Indigenous And Western Media Frames To Compare Coverage Of Climate Change And Indigenous Peoples In The News Media, Eric Wilkes

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

The news media acts as an important conduit for shaping societal views of the socio-politics of climate change. While climate change will indeed affect everyone, it will not affect everyone equally. Indigenous peoples are among the populations whose well-being is threatened the most by climate change. International scholarship finds it is not uncommon for Indigenous cultures, communities, and perspectives to be underrepresented and misrepresented in Western climate change media. Research also indicates that fair Indigenous representation occurs when Indigenous peoples are the authors of news articles themselves. We performed a comparative content analysis of media coverage of climate change, environmental …

Bipoc Contributions Are Largely Excluded From Introductory Social Work Textbooks, Porscha Doucette

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

The National Association of Social Workers first added social justice to its Code of Ethics in 1979. However, the major focus for social justice was outside the profession itself. In order to genuinely work towards social justice, lingering institutional racism and white supremacy must be identified and rectified at every level of the profession, including its education.

Music Therapy As An Alternative To Traditional Therapy, Andrew Rasmussen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

I have always been fascinated by music and its ability to help myself focus and influence my mood. I never knew there was a specific therapy based on music itself. Originally I had planned to make an essay around if music was helpful for dementia research, which sadly was proven to be one hundred percent true and there was no room for an argument. In response I looked more into music therapy, and realized just how viable this form of therapy is. I personally evaluated around 20 sites worth of material, this allowed me to form a strong idea of …

Inter-Step Height Variation And Observations Of Fall-Related Events During Stairway Negotiation, Shandon Poulsen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

INTRODUCTION: Variation in step height within a stairway could negatively impact safe stairway negotiation by decreasing step height predictability, and consequently, increasing stair users' fall risk. Unfortunately, inter-stairway step height variability is common, particularly in older stairways, but its impact may be lessened by highlighting steps' edges using high-contrast stripes on the top front edge of each step. Such contrast enhancement may draw greater attention to the steps' edges and potentially enhance the precision of the edge's estimated location. PURPOSE: To determine (1) if fall-related events are associated with greater inter-step height variation, and (2) if such fall-related events are …

The Commercialization Of Space, Benjamin Weaver

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

There have been many advances in space and its research recently. With the increase of rocket launches over the years and a more concrete emphasis in space reasearch. NASA has been planning on replacing once of its most influential satellites, the International Space Station, with Commercial Low-Earth-Orbit Destinations (CLDs) which plan on opening space to a greater commercial market. This study aims to understand whether this transfer to CLDs will be good. Research was conducted using library and internet resources to locate both primary and secondary research related to the International Space Station, CLDs, and the future plans that NASA …

False Confessions In The American Justice System, Emily Pruden

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

False confessions occur when someone confesses to a crime they did not commit. These confessions can be voluntary, coerced-compliant, or coerced-internalized. This research focuses on the latter two types of false confessions. RESEARCH QUESTION: What causes false confessions, and what can be done to reduce their frequency and impact on court cases? METHODS: Research was conducted by finding, analyzing, and synthesizing primary and secondary sources. Sources were gathered from research journals and credible news sources. RESULTS: False confessions are detrimental not only to the lives of individuals, but also to our society. False confessions are frequently caused by faulty interrogation …

Latinx Culture Centers At Utah Universities: An Analysis Of Services And Web Presence, Vanessa Garcia Vazquez

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

Many universities offer culture centers for their minority students to support them as they navigate school. The purpose of this research is to see what student services are being offered to minority students, specifically Latinx students, at public universities in Utah. The universities analyzed were Utah State University, Weber State Univeresity, University of Utah, and Utah Tech University. The argument is framed using an analysis of the websites of the centers at these 4 universities, and interviews of staff and faculty overseeing these centers in the state of Utah. The findings of this research should push for future discourse about …

Who Is Helping The Rural Poor?, Kylee Tidwell

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

In the proposed qualitative study, investigators sought to understand the ways in which impoverished residents in rural areas with few nonprofits meet their basic needs (e.g., hunger, housing, utilities). The findings of the proposed study will identify potential social service gaps in rural areas, while also drawing attention to non-traditional organizations who are providing assistance outside of their specific missions.

Laughing All The While: Race, Gender, And Recreational Violence In The Mechanisms Fanwork, Katelyn Allred

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

From 1960s housewives exchanging Star Trek zines, to early-internet Harry Potter message boards, to small pockets of community on modern social media, fans have been connecting over their shared love of a source material for decades, and the Internet has made creating and finding both original and fan content more accessible around the globe. This kind of worldwide connection brings people into contact with people they might not meet otherwise and can foster an awareness of others' lives and perspectives. Though fandom has always been at least subtextually political, the last few years have brought more and more conscious use …

Black Scholes Delta Hedge In Imperfect Markets, Mitchell Pound

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

The Black-Scholes model for pricing European call options relies on continuous delta hedging with prices distributed log-normally with a known, constant volatility. This only works in a perfect, "frictionless" market. We simulate cumulative returns for a market maker using a discrete delta hedge with different time intervals between rebalancing the portfolio. A Julia package is developed by the authors to achieve this goal, which will be open source for the benefit of the public. Using the Julia package, we estimated the distribution of cumulative returns for a delta hedged portfolio by Monte Carlo analysis. This is done using both a …

Unintentional Or Not, It's Racist, Logan Andrews

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

No one should have to live in a world where they are mistreated and hurt simply because of the color of their skin.

Indigenous Citizens And Black Republicans: Continuities And Evolutions Of Subalterns’ Political Visions And Repertoires In Post-Independence Colombia And Mexico, James Sanders

History Faculty Publications

This essay focuses on how Indigenous peoples in Colombia and Mexico sought to create a distinct politics, in which they could protect their colonial identities and local customs, within the new independent and republican nation-states of the Americas. Indigenous communities succeed in combining universal republican citizenship and particular colonial identities, maintaining more of a connection with the past, but nevertheless creating innovative solutions to adapt to the republican present. In contrast, popular African-Colombian actors eagerly embraced the possibilities of citizenship in new republican nation states, seeking to abandon a colonial identity associated with slavery. Both Afro-Colombians and Indígenas adapted traditional …

Developing And Piloting An Adventure-Oriented Confidence-Building Curriculum For Youth, Catherine Hansen, Melanie Dabb, Christina Pay, Cindy Jenkins, Eva Timothy, Andrea Schmutz, Lisa Schainker

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Youth are bombarded with a myriad of life stressors that impacts their self-esteem and ability to be resilient. Young people from diverse backgrounds across the state of Utah participated in a three-day camp structured around a newly developed confidence-building curriculum. Practical application and high-adventure activities reinforced the concepts taught in the curriculum.

Love And Support Is All They Need!, Krysten Yoho

Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

What skills are needed to teach students with disabilities? Well, because I am going into the special education field for a career, I wanted to find some examples of skills to help me further expand my knowledge of needed skills. In my literature review, I was looking online at sources of previous special educators and their personal experiences and the skills they used in a special education classroom. After evaluating these sources, I found the most common and necessary skills needed to teach students that have disabilities are, love and unconditional support. Though there are many other skills that are …