Digital Commons Network^™

Baby Dust: A Narrative Analysis Of Infertility Journeys On Youtube, Patricia Carrillo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Infertility is a distressing experience for those diagnosed and often exacerbated by engagement with biomedical treatments. This thesis is an exploration of infertility “journeys” posted on YouTube. Through a narrative analysis of 8 YouTube channels, several key themes were identified, specifically embodiment of the infertility label, barriers to treatment, and agency. This work uses the mindful body framework to look at how the individual body, social body, and body politic shape and reinforce these themes in the context of biomedical infertility treatment. These findings suggest infertility is a dynamic and distressing experience but by engaging in the narrative process, through …

Wright State University Libraries Annual Report 2023 - 2024, Wright State University Libraries

University Libraries' Annual Reports

The 2023-2024 Annual Report by the Wright State University Libraries highlighting the various happenings at the University Libraries including staff updates, public services highlights, and events.

Extending Uses & Gratifications Through Mediated Outgroup Social Awareness, Kandice Nicholle Green

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation introduces mediated outgroup social awareness (MOSA) into uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, identifying it as a significant gratification that spans various media formats. Through a quantitative online survey, the research demonstrates that individuals use entertainment media to deepen their understanding of social inequalities affecting social groups different from their own. MOSA is unique compared to other established uses and gratifications because it does not vary based on media type (TV shows, films, music, user-generated content, and entertainment news). Additionally, this study finds mainly low to moderate positive relationships between MOSA and the traditional U&G themes—cognitive, affective, personal integrative, …

Collision Of Beauty: Exploring Users’ Perceptions Of Beauty Trends Generated By Tiktok Influencers Versus Douyin Influencers, Xueqi Wang

Theses - ALL

This study explores the comparative perceptions of beauty trends generated by TikTok influencers from the United States and Douyin influencers from China. By employing a qualitative content analysis of user comments and interactions with top trending makeup videos, this study examines the similarities and differences in responses of Douyin and TikTok users to beauty trends. Drawing on Social Comparison Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, the research seeks to uncover the nuanced emotional and psychological impacts of these trends. The findings highlight significant cultural differences in user responses, revealing variations in admiration, emotional benefit, and self-doubt. Additionally, the study identifies …

Carceral Liberalism: Feminist Voices Against State Violence, Andrea Michaels

Feminist Pedagogy

The following book review of Shreerekha Pillai’s Carceral Liberalism: Feminist Voices against State Violence (2023) is an expansive and timely collection of essays on the carceral state in its implications for feminist educators. This review focuses on the connections and connectivity of two essays in the collection that attempt to address a minor examination of the person as political.

The Use Of Space And Place In The Civil Rights Discourse Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Pamelia Adams

Communication Theses

This thesis, The Use of Space and Place in the Civil Rights Discourse of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., analyzes the academic literature on the social change agent. The study provides a deeper understanding of the relevance of place/location, where Dr. King delivered his civil rights message nationally and internationally. Three historically significant sites and the events impacting the civil rights movement, in the cities of Washington, D.C. and Birmingham, Alabama, are examined. The three sites included in Chapter 2: The Jail Site, Chapter 3: The Bombing Site, and Chapter 4: The March Sites as examples. The main findings of …

Archetypal Energies And Global Mental Health, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

As a keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Conference 2024, held at Sophia University, Costa Mesa, CA, in-person and virtually, August 16-18, 2024, my topic was "Archetypal Energies As A Framework for Self-Empowerment and Well Being". The theme of this 2024 global conference was: Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom. To supplement my keynote address, I wrote this blog article titled "Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health".

The Current - Volume 35 Issue 1 (Including Special Section On Sports), Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Recuperative Rhetorics: A Novel Framework For Rhetorical Analysis, Nicolas Palumbo

Masters Theses (Archived)

This thesis details the creation of the Recuperative Rhetorics analytical framework, which is a scalable, transdisciplinary framework for analyzing rhetorical texts, from individual speeches to societal understandings of legacy and history. It discusses the framework’s theoretical underpinnings, explains how to utilize it in analyzing rhetoric and rhetorical works, and provides examples of the framework in action across multiple mediums. The framework takes inspiration from the theories and praxes of Situationist International, primarily those of the spectacle, ready-made objects, détournement, and recuperation. The framework uses these ideas, and then builds upon more established analytical frameworks to establish a base from which …

Corporate Social Advocacy: A Study Of Brand And Consumer Activism In The Era Of Social Media, Christa L. Taylor

Student Theses and Dissertations

As corporations recognize the importance of balancing profitability with social responsibility, the adoption of corporate social advocacy has become a critical approach for addressing pressing social issues, fostering trust, and enhancing brand reputation. Growing public pressure has forced corporations to take a more vocal stance on social and political issues. Considering that corporate social advocacy is an emerging trend and is viewed as a practice outside of a corporation’s standard business practices, organizations have been presented with a new challenge of achieving legitimacy in their advocacy and taking on an expanded role as corporate citizens. This study explores the ways …

Examining The Effectiveness Of The Parent Implemented Functional Communication Training Through The Use Of Zoom In Children With Developmental Disabilities At Home Setting In Ksa, Abdulrhman Ashgar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies showed that children with Developmental Disabilities (DD) have communication and social difficulties; consequently, they are more likely to display disruptive behaviors. During daily interactions, disruptive behaviors can pose difficulties for individuals such as siblings, peers, parents, and educators. In KSA, parental involvement in school-related activities is overall insufficient. Also, parents were dissatisfied with their children's progress in academic and life skills. Those factors evoked the importance of having parents implement evidence-based practice to increase their competence, knowledge, and independence. Furthermore, teaching children meaningful communication ways through FCT may benefit school readiness and the development of social relationships and overall …

Rhetorical Tapestries Of Water Injustice: The Framing Of (In)Access And (In)Justice In The Struggle For Water Security In The United States, Carla R. Richards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation argues that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of environmental justice. It critiques existing communication and rhetorical scholarship for overlooking the environmental dimensions of water access and justice. This gap hinders progress toward equity for marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by water insecurity.

This project proposes a communication approach that prioritizes culturally relevant strategies to empower these communities in advocating for their environmental rights and health needs. By bridging the communication and environmental justice fields, this project equips communities with the tools to demand fair solutions. It ultimately calls for a transformative shift …

Language Dominance And Connected Speech In Multilingual Spanish-English Adults, Alyson Jimenez

Master's Theses

With a growing prevalence of multilingual, Spanish-English speakers in the United States, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face limited research to learn about how to evaluate the language skills of this population. Exploring evaluation tools, more specifically, connected speech samples, and their effectiveness in assessing the dynamic nature of multilingualism with adults who speak Spanish and English can assist SLPs in making informed recommendations. This study aimed to investigate relations between language dominance and connected speech with cognitive-healthy multilingual Spanish-English adults. Language dominance was further examined by two perspectives that an SLP may utilize in their evaluation: evaluated and perceived. Correlations between …

Disability And News: How Audiences Respond To Disabled Messengers In A Newcast, Daniel J. Andersen

Theses and Dissertations

Starting in the 1960s, many communications theories sprung to life in response to social movements that thrived in that era. While those theories were applied to movements such as gender equality, the equal rights movement, and racial and ethnic minority recognition efforts, the disability community has largely been left outside of academic exploration. Building off of decades of stereotype and representation research within communications psychological theories, this study used eye tracking to understand how audiences respond to seeing disabled newscasters. Using quantitative analysis and experimental design to expose participants to a news anchor in a wheelchair, this study built off …

Exploring Hangar Flying As A Communication Practice For Vicarious Learning: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of General Aviation Storytelling On Youtube, Timothy Aaron Frizzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

More than 50% of general aviation accidents are caused by pilot error, often due to inadequate formal training or inexperience in real-life situations (Pilot Institute, 2023). Some scholars suggest that learning from other pilots’ experiences could supplement formal training and increase general aviation safety (Cohn, 1994; Harnagel, 2021; Krog, 2022). With this in mind, this study explored the communication phenomenon known as hangar flying, an aviation storytelling practice in which pilots share flying experiences. The goal was to investigate how hangar flying may enable vicarious learning, influence personal flying culture, and, as a result, increase flight safety. Employing a qualitative …

Binary Gendered Language: A Qualitative Study Of Psu Students, Dakota Abercrombie

University Honors Theses

This study explores experiences of gendered language in use in academia among two marginalized groups: women and those identifying beyond the gender binary. Guided by the theory of linguistic relativity this study attempts to understand specific ways in which gendered language, including generic language may show up and contrasted within these groups. While this data is not generalizable, the findings indicate that both women and nonbinary students experience binary pronoun use in written formats such as syllabi. However, nonbinary students describe more negative feelings associated with this experience. We also noted participants' gender identities intersecting with other identities, leading to …

Minimising The Risk: Teen Perspectives On Sexual Choking In Pornography, Giselle Woodley, Kelly Jaunzems

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sexual choking / strangulation encompasses a range of practices where pressure is applied to the neck to restrict air or blood flow during a sexual encounter. While choking is most commonly associated with the application of hands around a person’s neck, other limbs or ligatures, such as the forearm or rope, may also be used (Herbenick et al., Frequency 3122; Herbenick et al., Prevalence 1059). This article will predominantly use the term “choking” or “sexual choking” to match teen vernacular and public discourse. These terms, however, may be used interchangeably with other more context-specific terms used in the literature such …

"Like Grasping At Wisps Of Smoke:" Interactional And Educational Challenges For College Students With Invisible Chronic Physical And Mental Conditions, Jennifer A. Butler, Daniel P. Modaff

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Past research has explored the experiences of college students with chronic conditions from a variety of methodologies; however, student-driven, longer-term qualitative data is needed to explore how students with chronic conditions describe the challenges they face in attempting to manage their conditions and succeed in college. The current study gathered qualitative data in the form of daily journal entries over a 14-day period (pre-pandemic) from 23 college students who self-identified as having a chronic physical or mental condition. The themes were discussed through the lens of communication theory of resilience. We envision the management of student chronic illness as resiliency …

Volume 47, 2024 Communication And Theater Association Of Minnesota Journal

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Complete digitized volume (volume 47) of Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal.

Age. Cultural Intelligence, Social Media Use And Anxiety, Bill Comstock

Master's Theses & Other Graduate Student Works

This August 2024 Master of Science in Psychology thesis at Lipscomb University study investigated the intricate relationship between social media use, age, cultural intelligence, and anxiety levels, aiming to unravel potential interactions and influences across diverse demographics. In a survey-based approach, 49 participants from various age groups and cultural backgrounds were tested for age, cultural intelligence scores (CQS), anxiety levels (GAD-7), and social media use patterns assessed by the Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS). The central hypothesis posited that age, cultural intelligence, and social media use collectively interact in predicting anxiety levels. To address this, a multiple linear regression …

Empowering Ugandan Women Smallholder Farmers: Documenting Her Mighty Hands Agriculture Extension Nonprofit, Anna Mathis

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Women smallholder farmers in East Africa, including Uganda, provide the majority of agriculture labor. However, women are significantly less productive than men due to extreme barriers such as their lack of decision-making rights, inability to solely own land, and familial responsibilities. The purpose of this project was to create a full integrated communications and fundraising campaign for Her Mighty Hands, an agriculture extension nonprofit whose mission is to connect Ugandan women subsistence farmers to technology and knowledge which empower them to advance their agricultural business; enabling them to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families, and communities. Photos …

Policy, Practice, And Perceptions Of K-12 Social-Emotional Learning, Janice Filer, Ebony C. Cain, Della Thompson-Bell

Education Division Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of K-12 school staff who participate in social-emotional learning (SEL). Since the global pandemic, several school districts have included SEL as part of the school curriculum. Teachers, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school administrators participate in SEL instruction and/or practices. Classroom teachers instruct students in SEL instruction and other school staff practice the SEL components of self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills through their daily interactions with students. This study was conducted in various schools throughout the Los Angeles area using open-ended interview questions that utilized focus …

Cultural Humility As A Mechanism For Building Working Alliance With International Counseling Supervisees, Alexandra Ioakeimidou

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The counseling field constitutes a choice of study for many international students pursuing graduate studies in the United States. A critical training aspect of the counseling field is clinical supervision. It is documented in the literature that international counseling supervisees encounter many challenges in the context of supervision. The field of mental health and, in particular, the counseling field often emphasize the concept of cultural competence as a critical component in providing effective cross-cultural supervision. However, scholars have pointed out some negative aspects of cultural competence. The present study stipulated that the emphasis of supervisors on cultural competence could be …

Exploring Healthcare Chatbot Information Presentation: Applying Hierarchical Bayesian Regression And Inductive Thematic Analysis In A Mixed Methods Study, Samuel Nelson Koscelny

All Theses

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. While contributing to over 691,000 deaths in 2021 alone in the United States (U.S.), it also imposes immense economic burden on the healthcare system, costing approximately $131 billion annually. One way to address this issue is for increased self-care behaviors and medication adherence, both of which require sufficient health literacy. Despite the importance of health literacy, 90% of U.S. adults struggle with health-related subjects. Overcoming the issues associated with health literacy requires addressing the …

Motives For And Consequences Of Deception In Romantic Relationships, Breanna De Leeuw

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goals of this study are twofold. First, I examined the influence of sex, relational intimacy, and face concerns on deploying deceptive communication within romantic relationships. Second, I investigated the impact of deceptive communication on relational commitment and relationship satisfaction. Two hundred twenty-two college-aged students completed self-report measures assessing the variables of interest. Results demonstrated that men and women deceive their romantic relationship partners at similar rates; however, deception is differentially motivated across the sexes. In addition, results indicated that relational intimacy was negatively associated with the frequency of deceit, although relational intimacy was not significantly associated with specific motives …

We're Swarming Again! Swarming, Collectivity, And Trope: The Case Of Extinction Rebellion, Tyler J. Behymer

Department of Communication Studies: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis explores the rhetoric of the eco-movement Extinction Rebellion, focusing on the use of swarming and nature tropes to mobilize collective action and revivify contemporary notions of collectivity. Drawing on rhetoric of social movement scholarship, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis, this essay theorizes swarming as a tropological economy that expands the conditions of propriety in the context of collectivity. Through an analysis of Extinction Rebellion’s discourse, this study demonstrates how the naturalization of swarming tropes works in various ways to rewild conventional political discourse, galvanize disruptive collective assembly, and challenge green neoliberalism.

Advisor: Casey Ryan Kelly

My Identity Blew Up On Tiktok: Exploring Content Creators And The Transparasocial Relationship, Russell Garret Harger

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated transparasocial relationships as they relate to identity management for content creators. Unlike traditional parasocial relationships, transparasocial relationships indicate high levels of interactivity between the creator and audience members. This study investigates how this interactivity affects the identity of the creators, specifically content creators on TikTok. A diverse set of 21 creators were reached out to and interviewed in a semi-structured respondent style over videoconference calls. Thematic analysis was conducted to discover how these creators are managing their identities within the context of their roles as content creators. A particular interest was taken to see if there were …

The Guardian The Month Of August 2024, Wright State Student Body

The Guardian Student Newspaper

News articles from The Guardian for the Month of August 2024. The Guardian is the official student-run newspaper for Wright State University. It has been published regularly since March of 1965.

Youtube Influencers In Bangladesh: Analyzing Message Strategies Of Sponsored Ads In Vlogs, Monira Begum

Master's Theses

Social media influencers, particularly YouTube influencers marketing emerged as a growing industry in Bangladesh. However, research on this topic is limited. This study effectively addresses this gap and following quantitative methods and content analysis, this study mainly examines Influencers and brand categories, the narration of sponsored brands in advertising, influencers’ interactivities, and engagement with the followers, and message strategies in ads employing Taylor’s six-segment message strategy wheel, advertising appeals, and message formats. Results indicate that influencers' dominant vlog content is entertainment, as well as technology as prevalent brand characteristics in the study.

Regarding the narration of the sponsored ads, this …

Empowering Change To Shape Tomorrow: An Integrated Marketing Communications Plan For The Building Wealth Initiative, Ramtin Ranjpour

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

We are witnessing a renaissance — one where organizations are expected to be a community with a valued culture. With the rise of this wave, incorporating integrated marketing communications (IMC) into organizations is more vital than ever. This project uses the public relations theory of relationship management, and the marketing model of AIDAR (attention, interest, desire, action, retention) to craft a professional IMC plan for the Building Wealth Initiative (BWI), an Inland Empire nonprofit organization specializing in financial literacy and services. The project uses focus groups and secondary research through informal online observations to gain the essential understanding for creating …