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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Case Study Of Gun Control Policies Of Four Northeastern States, Cassandra Lynn Cantwell Aug 2024

Case Study Of Gun Control Policies Of Four Northeastern States, Cassandra Lynn Cantwell

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This case study contains mentions of suicide, gun violence, and related topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. Over the past few years, it has appeared that instances of gun violence have been more prevalent. There have been numerous accounts of mass shooting events, many of which have targeted schools and major events like concerts. This has provoked a feeling of unease and fear in many individuals, as these occurrences are almost routinely subjected on news networks. To confront this topic, this study explores the relevant firearm policies that govern the access to firearms and the …


A Qualitative Study Of In-School Support For Lgbtq+ Students, Sara N. Barry May 2024

A Qualitative Study Of In-School Support For Lgbtq+ Students, Sara N. Barry

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Research suggests that LGBTQ+ students experience higher rates of bullying and harassment due to their gender identity in school. Therefore, the need for schools to create a positive school climate and provide interventions for these students is imperative. This study aimed to understand the effectiveness of these interventions from the perspective of adjustment counselors. This study followed Moustakas's methods of transcendental phenomenology and used semi-structured interviews to collect data. The sample consisted of seven adjustment counselors interviewed on their usage and perceived effectiveness of in-school supportive interventions for LGBTQ+ students. Five themes surfaced: an open and accepting climate, policies, professional …


Then And Now: Comparing The Representations Of Gender, Race, And Class In Rom-Coms From The 1990s To Today, Madeline Goldberg May 2024

Then And Now: Comparing The Representations Of Gender, Race, And Class In Rom-Coms From The 1990s To Today, Madeline Goldberg

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The formula of the romantic comedy is relatively consistent. The couple meets, they get closer, there are trials and tribulations in their relationship which lead to a confession of love, and they live happily ever after from that point on. Popularized by films such as When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You’ve Got Mail (1998), the rom-com genre had a modern resurgence in the 1990s led by the films of Meg Ryan, and has continued to have many moments of relevance in the decades since. Romance can be a divisive genre. People who enjoy it do …


An Exploration Of Forgiveness In Social Work Practice, Allison Carter May 2024

An Exploration Of Forgiveness In Social Work Practice, Allison Carter

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This thesis explores the practice of forgiveness and forgiveness therapy and its implications for social work practice and education. An extensive literature review discusses the history, present uses, and benefits of forgiveness therapy, exploring real-world examples of forgiveness in practice, specifically macro examples relating to generational trauma including the national apology in Australia, and the truth and reconciliation commission in South Africa. The review will also touch upon trauma informed practice and the gaps related to the concept of diversity in professional and scholarly literature. This work utilizes grounded theory, using the extensive literature review to build upon the applications …


Decolonizing 20th Century Consumerism: Analyzing The Role Of Advertising In Amauta, Sam Roberts May 2024

Decolonizing 20th Century Consumerism: Analyzing The Role Of Advertising In Amauta, Sam Roberts

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.


Nike Omni Sense Swim Guardian Googles, Dallas Silva-Dunn May 2024

Nike Omni Sense Swim Guardian Googles, Dallas Silva-Dunn

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In a world where innovation meets athleticism, there is room to push the boundaries with the introduction of the Nike Omni Sense Swim Guardian Goggles. This groundbreaking smart swimwear technology represents a paradigm shift in swim safety, offering unparalleled features designed to empower swimmers of all levels. The Nike Omni Sense Swim Guardian Goggle Public Relations Campaign aims to amplify the launch of this new revolutionary product, leveraging strategic communication tactics to build brand awareness, foster consumer trust, and drive engagement among target audiences.


“People See Us Homeless People As A Burden To Them” – Linda: Understanding Victimization And Offending Among Homeless Women, Alexandra J. Schloesser May 2024

“People See Us Homeless People As A Burden To Them” – Linda: Understanding Victimization And Offending Among Homeless Women, Alexandra J. Schloesser

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Among the homeless population in the United States and around the world, specific populations within the homeless experience unique challenges. As stated by Alatorre (2019), homeless women who have suffered trauma-related events are subject to revictimization when working to reintegrate back into society. The purpose of this chapter is to decipher the line between a victim and an offender in order to analyze how victimization and offending among women co-occur with homelessness. The study consists of a qualitative analysis of interviews, consisting of two YouTube videos from the channel White Under Belly and three interviews that were conducted via Zoom …


Continuing Bonds Experiences Of Bereaved Adults Within The Context Of The Pandemic, Benjamin Lyons May 2024

Continuing Bonds Experiences Of Bereaved Adults Within The Context Of The Pandemic, Benjamin Lyons

Honors Program Theses and Projects

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of countless people and has resulted in the death of millions. Due to this, there is a need to understand how individuals coped with the losses that came with this uniquely difficult circumstance. With this in mind, my project investigates how the COVID-related death of a loved one influences the continuing bonds relationship of bereaved adults within the context of the pandemic. Ten participants who lost a loved one to a COVID-related death during the pandemic were interviewed about their grief experiences and audio recorded. Using qualitative thematic analysis, themes in the data were constructed …


The Media’S Representation Of Female Athletes During Drug Scandals, Cassandra Leigh Lavigne May 2024

The Media’S Representation Of Female Athletes During Drug Scandals, Cassandra Leigh Lavigne

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.


Guide To The Winston F. Bolton Papers, Olivia Englehart Jan 2024

Guide To The Winston F. Bolton Papers, Olivia Englehart

Archives & Special Collections Finding Aids

The core of this collection comprises the literary works of Winston F. Bolton, encompassing poetry and short stories crafted over a span of six decades. Additionally, Bolton's repertoire extends to the creation of short scripts for skits, plays, and screenplays. Intertwined within this collection are letters exchanged between Bolton and his longtime companion, Faye George, including a jointly authored letter addressed to President Ronald Reagan. An equally substantial component of this series comprises Bolton's ideological essays, delving into significant social, Finding Aid: Winston F. Bolton Papers (MSS-056) 3 Maxwell Library Bridgewater State University / 10 Shaw Road / Bridgewater MA …


Guide To The Amelia E. Leconte Collection, Olivia Englehart Jan 2024

Guide To The Amelia E. Leconte Collection, Olivia Englehart

Archives & Special Collections Finding Aids

This collection is organized into two series, each offering a comprehensive glimpse into the life and accomplishments of Amelia Leconte. The first series encompasses a rich assortment of documentation, photographs, and correspondence stemming from Amelia's teaching in Oujda, Morocco. Within this series are documents such as her USA Grant Award Letters, a congratulatory telegram from John F. Kennedy while he was a Massachusetts senator, travel documents, a meticulously kept notebook containing lesson notes and grades, a curated selection of publications on Morocco and notable travel destinations, and speeches delivered upon her return to various high schools. The second series delves …


Guide To The Maureen Connelly Irish Studies Collection, Orson Kingsley Jan 2024

Guide To The Maureen Connelly Irish Studies Collection, Orson Kingsley

Archives & Special Collections Finding Aids

Maureen Connelly’s eclectic collecting style of anything Irish is represented in this collection and others through letters, photographs, ephemera, books, pamphlets, art, audio recordings, etc. She was a prolific writer, writing weekly columns for newspapers such as the Boston Irish Echo where she was the founding editor in 1981. The Seamus Heaney Collection donated by Maureen is its own separate archival collection due to its size. The Conrad Aiken Collection and May Sarton Collection donated by Maureen are separate as well.


Guide To The Dr. Jo-Ann Della Giustina, Esq. Social Justice Collection, Olivia Englehart Jan 2024

Guide To The Dr. Jo-Ann Della Giustina, Esq. Social Justice Collection, Olivia Englehart

Archives & Special Collections Finding Aids

The bulk of this collection consists of a wide array of far-left political pamphlets on various topics, mostly communist and socialist political movements within the United States, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, and China. The topics involve labor unions and strikes, political revolutions, global women’s rights, communist and socialist history and dispelling false propaganda, LGBTQ+ rights, and African American rights. In addition to pamphlets, Dr. Della Giustina also collected newspaper runs published by far-left US labor groups that sought to expose big businesses, highlight the struggles and threats to immigrant workers, and bring awareness to the …


Examining Psychology Majors: Perceptions, Motivations, & Goals, Madison Wetherell Dec 2023

Examining Psychology Majors: Perceptions, Motivations, & Goals, Madison Wetherell

Honors Program Theses and Projects

While psychology is one of the United States’ most popular undergraduate majors, we face a shortage of mental health workers which has created a lack of access to quality care. A gap exists between students’ interest in psychology as an academic subject and their interest in mental health careers. Using quantitative survey data from psychology majors in a required orientational course, this study assessed why students major in psychology, their feelings about the psychology major, and their post-graduate plans. Many psychology majors reported wanting to help others, which was associated with wanting a psychology-related career. Students of color reported a …


Student Perception Of Crime And The Role Of School Resource Officers, Olivia Dunn Dec 2023

Student Perception Of Crime And The Role Of School Resource Officers, Olivia Dunn

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The increased use of school safety measures and Zero tolerance policies in the United States education system has created a disconnect between perceived and actual school safety. While legislators, school administrators, and the public fuel the creation of school safety guidelines, the voice of the student population these guidelines impact may have been lost. The purpose of this study was to investigate student perceptions of crime, and the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) based on their high school experience. This project was conducted to help understand the factors that contribute to student perceptions and how school security measures may …


Aiming To Connect: Do College Students Of Color Feel As Though They Belong In The Psychology Major?, Sarah Smith Dec 2023

Aiming To Connect: Do College Students Of Color Feel As Though They Belong In The Psychology Major?, Sarah Smith

Honors Program Theses and Projects

At Bridgewater State University (BSU), the psychology department consists of many students of differing backgrounds and demographics. Certain student demographics that can lead to marginalization could potentially influence a student’s connection to their academic program. This project aims to determine if students of color experience a lack of connection within the psychology program. Students in each PSYC 150 (Orientation to the Psychology Major) course at BSU are invited to complete pretest/posttest surveys. We assessed results of surveys completed from Fall 2020-Spring 2023. We hypothesized that students of color would report lower connectedness through measures of sense of belonging, challenges faced, …


Exploring Lgbt Experiences With Family Planning And Reproductive Health, Isabella Lafratta Dec 2023

Exploring Lgbt Experiences With Family Planning And Reproductive Health, Isabella Lafratta

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The purpose of this research is to investigate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) healthcare experiences, specifically in relation to family planning and fertility counseling. Sixteen qualitative, individual interviews were completed with participants recruited from LGBT communities on campus, as well as personal contacts and the snowball effect. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021), and major themes and subthemes were identified. The first overall theme was Uneasiness and Fear which captures the subtheme: Dysphoria Inducement. The second overarching theme, Lack of Focus on Individualized Needs, had the subthemes of Reproductive Care and Transgender Reproductive Care. This describes …


The Role Of Caregivers In Shelters For Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Victimological Approach, Paulina Aguilar Delgado May 2023

The Role Of Caregivers In Shelters For Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Victimological Approach, Paulina Aguilar Delgado

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Research shows that those who experience homelessness have both past traumatic events and experience trauma during their time on the streets. (Aguilar Delgado & Nunes, 2022). For these reasons, their recovery journey while they are temporarily housed in a homeless shelter is dependent on their own traumatic experiences and on the experiences of those who also reside in the shelter; this perpetuates their vulnerable condition and makes them almost entirely dependent on the caregivers in charge of that facility, even though the role of social service providers at organizations for combating homelessness is unclear. The purpose of this chapter is …


A Cross-Cultural Exploration: Global Methods Of Contraception And Family Planning, Cora Pereira May 2023

A Cross-Cultural Exploration: Global Methods Of Contraception And Family Planning, Cora Pereira

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In today's world, women are attempting to take control of their reproductive choices. Some have been met with roadblocks that may prohibit or limit access to women's healthcare centers and family planning services. This research explores women’s reproductive health and contraception usage and the impact of cultural influences globally. Cultural adversities may overshadow the benefits of having access to healthcare facilities along with contributing to the circulation of inaccurate information. This may prevent or deter women from accessing healthcare facilities and methods of family planning. Understanding variation in the United States and in other cultures will contribute to the global …


The Relationship Between Social Media Usage During The Covid-19 Pandemic, And Its Effect On The Youth Voter Turnout In The 2020 General Election, Mary Gilmartin May 2023

The Relationship Between Social Media Usage During The Covid-19 Pandemic, And Its Effect On The Youth Voter Turnout In The 2020 General Election, Mary Gilmartin

Honors Program Theses and Projects

History has shown that young voters have been known to be a lagging demographic when it comes to voter turnout in general elections. However, in 2020 there was a sudden spike in voter turnout in the age group of 18-24-year-olds. This sudden spike in voter turnout can be explained by the societal changes the youth demographic faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic and isolation protocols. Due to social distancing, normal in-person political participation shifted to online environments, especially on social media. Through social media, young people began to become more engaged politically as they gained access to political information and …


See Me: A Life Of Invisibility Of The Lgbtqia+ Community In Trinidad & Tobago, Cindy Mack May 2023

See Me: A Life Of Invisibility Of The Lgbtqia+ Community In Trinidad & Tobago, Cindy Mack

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.


“In Each Class I Went To, There Were People That I Was Able To Talk To”: Sense Of Belonging In Stem Linked-Learning Communities, Shannon Hafey May 2023

“In Each Class I Went To, There Were People That I Was Able To Talk To”: Sense Of Belonging In Stem Linked-Learning Communities, Shannon Hafey

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Women, students of color, and students of low socioeconomic status are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs (Apriceno, 2020). Interventions such as linked-learning communities have been introduced in STEM programs to improve student success and to combat underrepresentation; however, the research thus far is predominantly quantitative. While providing useful insight, quantitative data does not reflect unique individual experiences, so qualitative research will better allow for understanding of student experiences. This research examined the role of linked-learning communities among first-semester STEM students with varying social identities and backgrounds. During semi-structured interviews, participants (N = 10) were asked …


Human Capital Flight Impact On The Greek Economy Post The 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Andrew Cook May 2023

Human Capital Flight Impact On The Greek Economy Post The 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Andrew Cook

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Historically, Greece has been a nation that focused heavily on the trading of goods for its economic success, due to its ideal geographic location serving as a conduit to the near east. However, in recent years the Greek economy has undergone changes that have altered its exports and the structure of the labor market. Greece continues to suffer repercussions from the 2008 Global Economic Crisis, which has caused a large outward migration of skilled workers. During the years of 2010-2015, between 280,000 and 350,000 skilled migrants had fled Greece to work in other nations abroad (Labrianidis & Pratsinakis 2016). Greece’s …


My Name Is Barbra Public Relations Campaign, Thomas Scalese May 2023

My Name Is Barbra Public Relations Campaign, Thomas Scalese

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Barbra Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She is an award winning actress, singer, director, and producer. Barbra began her career by performing at nightclubs and different theaters in the early 1960s. She soon signed to Columbia Records in 1963 and produced her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album." At that year’s Grammys she won her first of many Grammy awards for Album of the Year. She is extremely well-known for her singing ability and has released multiple albums, including “The Barbra Streisand Album,” “Je m’apelle Barbra,” “Streisand Superman,” and“Love is the Answer." In …


Women’S Desire: A Journey From Pleasing To Sexual Fulfillment, Erin Eichinger May 2023

Women’S Desire: A Journey From Pleasing To Sexual Fulfillment, Erin Eichinger

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Women’s sexual desire, while being a common experience, is subjective and elusive in nature (Meana, 2010). Desire has typically been researched from a heteronormative standpoint which may inaccurately represent the nuanced ways in which women experience desire. Since women are socialized as selfless and nurturing ( Conley et al., 2011; Keifer & Sanchez, 2007), understanding their own desires and communicating those desires to partners may be complicated. This qualitative study used a feminist perspective to examine the ways in which women fulfill, communicate, and experience sexual desire. A research team recruited 21 self-identified women to participate in semi-structured interviews, using …


Narcissistic Parenting And Its Effects On Parenting Styles And Child Development, Amy Palumbo May 2023

Narcissistic Parenting And Its Effects On Parenting Styles And Child Development, Amy Palumbo

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Narcissism development in children has been a widely studied subject; however, little research has examined parental narcissism. There have been two specific studies that have researched narcissism in parents. Within these studies it was found that parental and child bonds are not ideal, which usually results in parents having low senses of well-being and satisfaction with their bond (Hart, 2017; Horton, 2021). For each of our studies, we explored how aspects of an individual’s growth and development are linked with parental narcissism. In Study 1, we investigated the link between both grandiose and vulnerable parental narcissism and the mental well-being …


The Impact Of Age And Race On Impressions Of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Victims, Shaelyn Donovan May 2023

The Impact Of Age And Race On Impressions Of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Victims, Shaelyn Donovan

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In the present study, we examined perceptions of domestic minor sex trafficking victims based on the race and age of the victim using a mock juror paradigm. We hypothesized that participants exposed to Black victims and older victims would yield fewer pro-victim judgments, including fewer guilty verdicts and lower victim credibility. Likewise, we hypothesized there would be an interaction between victim race and age where the older Black victims would yield the fewest pro-victim judgments, and the younger White victims would yield the most. Additionally, we anticipated that participants with colder feelings toward younger teens on a feelings thermometer measure …


Olivia Rodrigo And The Twenty-First Century Personal Brand, Edina Alix May 2023

Olivia Rodrigo And The Twenty-First Century Personal Brand, Edina Alix

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Olivia Rodrigo’s overnight rise to mega fame astounded the entertainment industry. When Olivia released her debut single “Drivers License” on January 8, 2021, it skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as reaching number one on twenty-eight other charts (Trust, 2021). As of October 2022, Drivers License has 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, which ranks it among the 100 most streamed songs on the platform (Spotify, 2022). When this occurred, entertainment industry professionals remarked at how different Rodrigo’s rise to global success felt from other artists in the past. Rodrigo’s chart-topping hit song and overall rise …


Mental Health & Homelessness, Lucy Alimamy May 2023

Mental Health & Homelessness, Lucy Alimamy

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No specific gender, race, socioeconomic status, or occupation is exempt from the stigma associated with mental health issues. It has an impact on every person, both directly and indirectly. Women who have been victimized often suffer from mental illnesses that lead to additional victimization, such as homelessness. The main goal of this thesis is to inform and raise awareness of homelessness and mental illness. I hope that by sharing the information and data I will be collecting through my work, people will be inspired to help those in need in our neighborhoods and, in the long run, will contribute to …


Letting The Narrative Unfold: Black Female Storytellers Of The 21st Century, Jalila Waller Apr 2023

Letting The Narrative Unfold: Black Female Storytellers Of The 21st Century, Jalila Waller

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The important aspects of film and television are the stories that are portrayed. Everyone has a story to tell. However, who tells the story is equally important as who portrays the story. This thesis analyzes three Black female auteurs and the work they have created with Black women at the center of those narratives. Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae are Black female auteurs because they are Black female storytellers each with their own story to tell. They each have created and produced content that portrays Black women in a three-dimensional light.