Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Blogging In The Fatosphere: A Qualitative Study Of Perceptions Of Personal Risks And Benefits For Women Who Blog About Weight, Weight Loss, And Dieting Issues, Melissa Marie Sneed Dec 2012

Blogging In The Fatosphere: A Qualitative Study Of Perceptions Of Personal Risks And Benefits For Women Who Blog About Weight, Weight Loss, And Dieting Issues, Melissa Marie Sneed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the perceptions of the personal risks and benefits of women who blog about weight, weight loss, and dieting issues. Many overweight women use blogs as a tool during their weight loss journeys to garner support. The experiences of 5 women who blog about weight and dieting issues were collected through 45 minute in-depth interviews. The author's own experiences with blogging is analyzed as well. A qualitative approach was taken when analyzing the data. Eight emergent themes came from the research data. The benefits of this study are significant for current and future research regarding the influence of …


Public Perceptions Regarding Sex Offenders And Sex Offender Management, Jessica Duncan Dec 2012

Public Perceptions Regarding Sex Offenders And Sex Offender Management, Jessica Duncan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was an observation of the public's knowledge and perceptions on sex offenders, sex offenses, and sex offender management policies. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 282 students at East Tennessee State University. Along with the basic demographic variables, respondent's field of study was measured as a main independent variable. For example, it was hypothesized that students studying within the criminal justice field would hold more accurate beliefs concerning the sex offender population. Overall, the study proved to be statistically insignificant. Multivariate analysis did show, however, that certain demographic variables were more predictive in determining an …


Examining Differences In Stress Symptoms Based On Sexual Orientation, Ashley Danielle Dickson May 2012

Examining Differences In Stress Symptoms Based On Sexual Orientation, Ashley Danielle Dickson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined stress symptoms in relation to self-identified sexual orientation and identity-related constructs among gays and lesbians. Multiple identity constructs have played a significant role in determining anxiety levels in ethnic minorities but have not been examined among gays and lesbians. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a sample of participants who completed an online survey "Study of Attitudes about Sexual Orientation." Results indicated homosexuals reported higher levels of public and self-stigma and lower public regard than heterosexuals. Additionally, higher self-stigma and lower private regard about sexual orientation were related to increased stress. Finally, gays and lesbians reported …


‘Talking’ During Early Romantic Courtship: An Empirical Examination Of Potential Sex Differences In Self-Reported Beliefs And Behaviors, Eric James Anderson May 2012

‘Talking’ During Early Romantic Courtship: An Empirical Examination Of Potential Sex Differences In Self-Reported Beliefs And Behaviors, Eric James Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis tests various hypotheses from a variety of research traditions that predict the likelihood for potential sex differences in "talking": a newly-emergent phase of romantic courtship. Data for this study was derived from a purposive sample of 566 students enrolled during the Fall 2011 semester generated using a self-administered survey available on the East Tennessee State University SONA system. Statistical analyses using chi-square, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and binary logistic regression reveal statistically significant differences for males and females on beliefs about sexual exclusivity and sexual activity during the "talking" phase. Significant behavioral differences exist in whether "talking" is …


Psychological Distress As Mediator Between Perceived Stigma And Relationship Satisfaction Among Sexual Minorities, Desta Amber Alyse Taylor May 2012

Psychological Distress As Mediator Between Perceived Stigma And Relationship Satisfaction Among Sexual Minorities, Desta Amber Alyse Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stigma is a multi-facetted construct that permeates the daily lives of sexual minorities including perceptions of self and social interactions. While research findings are ubiquitous on the negative mental health outcomes of living with a stigmatized identity (Link & Phelan, 2001), little is known about how perceived stigma may influence relationship satisfaction among sexual minorities. The present study investigated the relationship between perceived stigma and relationship satisfaction and whether psychological distress served as a mediating mechanism. Furthermore, a unique aspect of this study is its examination of multiple domains of stigma. Results indicated that sexual minorities experienced more perceived discrimination, …


Content Analysis Of Sports Illustrated Articles Depicting Women's And Men's College Basketball, Kalah Wilson May 2012

Content Analysis Of Sports Illustrated Articles Depicting Women's And Men's College Basketball, Kalah Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite an increase in women’s participation in basketball, equal representation and portrayal of female athletes in comprehensive media coverage remains in question. This study examines the portrayal of femininity and masculinity in sports magazine articles and explores how they may reinforce hegemonic masculinity. A content analysis of Sports Illustrated articles for a full season was performed. Three themes support theories of hegemonic masculinity: comparison to male greats, mentioning male family members, and presence of default assumptions. Additionally, two themes emerged involving the tendency for sports authors to depict athletes in accordance with gender inequality. Overall, the Sports Illustrated articles analyzed …