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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

A Qualitative Study Of The Motivations And Affiliation Dynamics Involved With A Firefighting Career, Michael W. Firmin, Kristin Dewitt, Heidi Gibbs Ellis, Lauren A. Smith, Nicole M. Tiffan Dec 2018

A Qualitative Study Of The Motivations And Affiliation Dynamics Involved With A Firefighting Career, Michael W. Firmin, Kristin Dewitt, Heidi Gibbs Ellis, Lauren A. Smith, Nicole M. Tiffan

Psychology Faculty Publications

We explored the experiences of full-time firefighters in the present phenomenological qualitative study, having conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 male full-time firefighters. Their personal constructs of motivation and affiliation were explored and, within the constructs of motivation, three themes emerged. First, firefighters were motivated by a love of the excitement firefighting provides. Second, firefighters reported that the work schedule, which allows them more time at home, was a motivation. Third (and most emphasized by the firefighters) was an altruistic motivation to help others. Under the construct of affiliation, the firefighters reported a strong sense of brotherhood with their shift-partners, and …


Draws And Drawbacks Of An Oxford Study Abroad Experience, Michael W. Firmin, Kailee M. Lenczycki, Ruth L. Firmin, Whitney Muhlencamp Wood, Jordan C. Wood Dec 2016

Draws And Drawbacks Of An Oxford Study Abroad Experience, Michael W. Firmin, Kailee M. Lenczycki, Ruth L. Firmin, Whitney Muhlencamp Wood, Jordan C. Wood

Psychology Faculty Publications

Using qualitative research methodology, we interviewed 23 American students participating in a study abroad program at Oxford University in the U.K. Results showed four primary draws to participating in the study abroad program and two perceived drawbacks. Positively, Oxford’s first appealing dynamic related to the tutorial system and students’ expanded range of options for specialized topics as well as in-depth study. Next, participants highly valued Oxford’s academic rigor, which accompanied the university’s unique approach to education. Third, Oxford’s location in England appealed to our participants. Finally, students reported hopes that future benefits would result from their decisions to attend Oxford …


Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey L. Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs, Di Wu Oct 2016

Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey L. Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs, Di Wu

Psychology Faculty Publications

In the present study, we assessed the effect of the olfactory sense on chocolate craving in college females. Building on previous research by Kemps and Tiggemann (2013), we hypothesized that a fresh scent would decrease one’s craving level for chocolate food. While the precursor study only addressed the decrease of chocolate craving, we also hypothesized that a sweet scent would increase one’s craving level for chocolate foods. In the present experiment, participants rated their craving levels after viewing images of chocolate foods and inhaling essential oils: one fresh (Slique™ essence), and one sweet (vanilla). Results supported both of the hypotheses: …


Mental Health Service Providers: College Student Perceptions Of Helper Effectiveness, Ashley M. Ackerman, Richard A. Wantz, Michael W. Firmin, Dawn C. Poindexter, Amita L. Pujara Apr 2014

Mental Health Service Providers: College Student Perceptions Of Helper Effectiveness, Ashley M. Ackerman, Richard A. Wantz, Michael W. Firmin, Dawn C. Poindexter, Amita L. Pujara

Psychology Faculty Publications

Undergraduate perceptions of the overall effectiveness of six types of mental health service providers (MHSPs) were obtained with a survey. Although many mental health services are available to consumers in the United States, research has indicated that these services are underutilized. Perceptions have been linked to therapeutic outcomes and may potentially serve as barriers to treatment. The results of the present study illustrate a range of perceptions and highlight the value of educating future consumers and practitioners about the roles of various MHSPs in providing mental health services. Future research is proposed.


Qualitative Perspectives Toward Relational Connection In Pastoral Ministry, Jon Young, Michael W. Firmin Jan 2014

Qualitative Perspectives Toward Relational Connection In Pastoral Ministry, Jon Young, Michael W. Firmin

Psychology Faculty Publications

We present the results of a phenomenological, qualitative research study in which 13 Southern Baptist (SB) pastors were administered in-depth interviews. The sample was selected from a total of 37 exemplars, identified in the quantitative component of a larger mixed-methods study, regarding the pastors’ perspectives toward relational connection in pastoral ministry. Three themes emerged from the data regarding relational connection in pastoral ministry. First, pastors indicated the need to be intentional about pastoral connection. Second, the pastors stressed the importance of being available to congregants who specifically desire pastoral connection. Finally, the participants related that pastors should give particular attention …


Qualitative Perspectives Towards Prostitution's Perceived Lifestyle Addictiveness, Michael W. Firmin, Alisha D. Lee, Ruth L. Firmin, Lauren Mccotter Deakin, Hannah J. Holmes Oct 2013

Qualitative Perspectives Towards Prostitution's Perceived Lifestyle Addictiveness, Michael W. Firmin, Alisha D. Lee, Ruth L. Firmin, Lauren Mccotter Deakin, Hannah J. Holmes

Psychology Faculty Publications

The aim of the present study was to provide a phenomenological perspective of individuals who actively engage in street-level prostitution and identified a lifestyle addiction associated with their activities. Methods: We interviewed 25 women who were incarcerated in American county jails (at the time of interviews) for prostitution crimes. The transcripts were analyzed for themes that represented the shared consensus of the research participants. Results: Four negative psychological dynamics related to prostitution. First, participants described accounts of physical and emotional violence which they experienced at the hand of clients and others involved in the lifestyle. Second, interviewees explained …


Extended Communication Efforts Involved With College Long-Distance Relationships, Michael W. Firmin, Ruth L. Firmin, Kailee Lorenzen-Merical Jan 2013

Extended Communication Efforts Involved With College Long-Distance Relationships, Michael W. Firmin, Ruth L. Firmin, Kailee Lorenzen-Merical

Psychology Faculty Publications

The present phenomenological, qualitative research study involved in-depth interviews of all 16 female, sophomore students involved in respective distance relationships at a private, selective, comprehensive, Midwest university. Among other results found in the study, the present article focuses on communication dynamics involved with the relationships. Results showed key communication constructs to involve learning to communicate in a distance milieu, interpreting the tone of their boyfriend’s voice, compensating for their lack of contexts, working harder at communication, and committing themselves to the extra efforts involved with good communication. Generally, the women were content with their relationships. We interpret the findings to …


Sources By Which Students Perceive Professional Counselors' Effectiveness, Michael W. Firmin, Richard A. Wantz, Ruth L. Firmin, Courtney B. Johnson Feb 2012

Sources By Which Students Perceive Professional Counselors' Effectiveness, Michael W. Firmin, Richard A. Wantz, Ruth L. Firmin, Courtney B. Johnson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Using qualitative research methods interviews were conducted with college students regarding the sources they used in generating perceptions of professional counselors. Respondents believed that word of mouth, media sources, and personal experiences were responsible for their understandings of professional counselors. The findings have applications for leaders in professional counseling organizations.


External Dynamics Influencing Tattooing Among College Students: A Qualitative Analysis, Michael W. Firmin, Luke M. Tse, Janna B. Foster, Tammy L. Angelini Jan 2012

External Dynamics Influencing Tattooing Among College Students: A Qualitative Analysis, Michael W. Firmin, Luke M. Tse, Janna B. Foster, Tammy L. Angelini

Psychology Faculty Publications

The study utilized qualitative research methodology to assess external dynamics and their influences on tattooing practices among college students. Twenty-four undergraduates supplied in-depth interviews regarding the external variables related to college students' decisions to tattoo. The present research follows (Tse, Firmin, Angelini, & Foster, 2006), which reported findings regarding college students' internal dynamics for tattoo choices. Present findings suggest that health concerns, parental and peer influences, and social stigmas are particularly cogent external influencers in college students' decisions to tattoo.


Ephesians: Empowered To Love Harmoniously, Luke M. Tse Jan 2009

Ephesians: Empowered To Love Harmoniously, Luke M. Tse

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Utilizing Undergraduate Assistants In General Education Courses, Michael W. Firmin Jan 2008

Utilizing Undergraduate Assistants In General Education Courses, Michael W. Firmin

Psychology Faculty Publications

This conceptual article relates a best-practice paradigm for undergraduate faculty who teach relatively large, undergraduate, general education courses and utilize an undergraduate teaching assistant (TA). Suggested characteristics for successful TAs are related as well as intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that help recruit quality assistants. Five factors are shared that are believed to have made an undergraduate TA program successful for 20 years: the quality of students recruited, helping students to handle well their peer-relationships with students in the class, learning which items can and cannot successfully be delegated to TAs, harnessing the potency of relationships, and maintaining a healthy benefit/cost …


A Grief Observed: Insight For Helpers, Luke M. Tse Jan 2008

A Grief Observed: Insight For Helpers, Luke M. Tse

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Evaluating The Concurrent Validity Of Three Web-Based Iq Tests And The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (Rias), Michael W. Firmin, Chi-En Hwang, Amanda J. Burger, Jessica Sammons, Ruth E. Lowrie Jan 2008

Evaluating The Concurrent Validity Of Three Web-Based Iq Tests And The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (Rias), Michael W. Firmin, Chi-En Hwang, Amanda J. Burger, Jessica Sammons, Ruth E. Lowrie

Psychology Faculty Publications

In a double-blind study, 60 General Psychology students, selected in low, average, and high ACT ranges, were administered the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS). On a separate occasion, the students also completed web-based internet IQ tests from tickle.com, queendom.com, and iqtest.com. MANOVA results showed that ACT level had a significant effect on all four IQ scores combined (Wilk’s Lambda = .451, p


Forgive As Christ Forgave, Luke M. Tse Jan 2008

Forgive As Christ Forgave, Luke M. Tse

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


In Search Of A Cause, Charles D. Dolph Oct 2007

In Search Of A Cause, Charles D. Dolph

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


The Best Laid Plans, Luke M. Tse Jan 2007

The Best Laid Plans, Luke M. Tse

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Pain: Emotionally Speaking, Luke M. Tse Jul 2004

Pain: Emotionally Speaking, Luke M. Tse

Psychology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Alcohol Addiction And Social Work Practice: A Holistic Paradigm, Nelson Henning, Michael W. Firmin Jan 2001

Alcohol Addiction And Social Work Practice: A Holistic Paradigm, Nelson Henning, Michael W. Firmin

Psychology Faculty Publications

The Christian who practices social work can be uniquely qualified to provide services to individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction. This paper supports the concept that there is a holistic paradigm social workers can use in acquiring a broad understanding of alcohol addiction. An overview of contemporary theories associated with alcohol abuse is presented along with a biblical means of understanding alcohol addiction. Implications for social work practice within a Christian context are discussed.