Digital Commons Network^™

Suburbanization As A Post-Industrial Essentiality: Revisiting Sweden's Miljonprogrammet, Colin Wood

Swarthmore Undergraduate History Journal

Definitively speaking, suburbanization does not equate to post-industrialism in the same limelight as would urbanization and industrialism. However, anomalous cases, such as the one being discussed in this paper, tangentially interlink on a socioeconomic basis. In 1965, Sweden began construction of the Miljonprogrammet (Million Programme), where over the next ten years, over one million domiciles were built in a suburban setting leading to a mass diaspora of ‘slum living’ Swedish industrial workers. The nation’s renowned welfare state, built on a collaborative system between public and private sectors as well as federal and municipal actors, overlooked housing in its social …

The Relationship Between Solidarity And Job Satisfaction, Burnout, Work Stress, And Turnover Intention, Marcella R. Ronyak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationship between supervisor-subordinate solidarity and subordinates’ level of job satisfaction among Indian Health Services (IHS) employees. Research has indicated that supervisor solidarity influenced job satisfaction, which allowed job satisfaction to serve as a mediator variable to negatively induce burnout and work stress and positively impact turnover intention. This study examined these variables using the Interpersonal Solidarity Scale © (Wheeless, 1976), Job Satisfaction Survey © (Spector, 1985), Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981), Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen & Williamson, 1988), and Turnover Intention (adapted Wei-Yuan et al., 2023). Correlations were used to analyze relationships between …

What Hath Jerusalem To Do With Chile: Towards An Evangelical Understanding Of The Enneagram And Its Usage For Spiritual Development, Wesley E. Scholtz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, it is estimated that the personality testing market is worth approximately $2 billion. The Church has expressed interest in understanding personality types through various testing methods. The Enneagram offers a possibly ancient method to help people understand who they are in a spiritual capacity, which can be an aid in connecting more closely with God. This dissertation addressed the research gap that exists within the current literature which is the lack of data concerning whether adults who are professional, ordained ministers are aware of, use, and may be skeptical of the Enneagram. The research method in this dissertation was …

Empirically Validating A Computational Model Of Automatic Behavior Shaping, Vincent Berardi, Tian Lan, Ariane Guirguis, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Mobile sensing technology allows automated behavior shaping routines to be incorporated into health behavior interventions and other settings. In previous work, a computational model was built to investigate how to best arrange automatic behavior shaping procedures, but the degree to which this model reflects actual human behavior is not known.

Purpose

To translate a previously developed computational model of automatic behavior shaping into an experimental setting.

Methods

Participants (n = 54) operated a computer mouse and attempted to locate a hidden, randomly-placed target circle on a blank computer screen and clicks within some threshold distance of the target …

Investigating The Perceived Efficacy Of Support Groups As A Secondary-Organization Stress Intervention Measure For Hospice Nurses, Sade A. Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigated the perceived efficacy of support groups as a secondary organizational intervention measure for hospice nurses. Workplace stress is a common issue in hospice care that impacts workers negatively. It results in declining mental, physical, and social wellness. While research indicates significant benefits of support groups, they are not commonly applied in hospice care. Support groups have been widely used in mental health for years to share information and experiences and discuss problems. This dissertation interviewed eight participants using a qualitative case study approach. The participants were recruited from an online hospice nurse group on Facebook. The information …

The Stigmatization Of Mental Health Illness And Mental Health Care Use Among Police Officers, Denia Aretta Roberts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the stigma attached to police officers' mental health and how it affects their willingness to seek assistance. The research aimed to understand the role stigma plays in officers' mental health outcomes and investigated the systemic deterrents that prevent them from accessing the essential mental health services. Interviews conducted with former police officers disclosed that toughness and emotional restraint are cultural norms for perpetuating the cycle of silence, which many of the officers did in order to make it throughout their career without “repercussions”. The results underline the need to establish safe and non-judgmental conditions in police …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Through Storytelling And Mindful Narrative Therapy, Julie Kemp

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This study presents research about the nature and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the mental and physical impacts to individuals exposed to ACEs, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly Mindfulness-Based Narrative Therapy (MBNT). It is important because ACEs have become a global crisis, with the potential for interfering with psychological and physical development, early mortality, and other harmful life outcomes. This thesis provides critical information for mindfulness teachers and practitioners, therapists, educators, regulators, parents, and individuals subjected to ACEs.

The methodology includes extensive literature searches for narrative therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in peer-reviewed …

Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity And Dementia Onset Among Middle-Aged And Older Adults: Differences By Race/Ethnicity., Siting Chen, Ana R. Quiñones, Corey L. Nagel, Nicholas J. Bishop, Heather G. Allore, Jason T. Newsom, Jeffrey Kaye, Anda Botoseneanu

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Racial/ethnic minoritized groups in the U.S. have higher prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and experience higher risk of dementia. This study evaluates the relationship between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and dementia onset according to racial/ethnic group in a nationally representative cohort of U.S. middle-aged and older adults.

A Call For Increased Support For Spanish-Speaking Workforce, Clients And Caretakers In Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba), Michele Curd, Becky Nastally

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020) requires all professionals certified in ABA service delivery to provide services in a manner that supports client rights and the diversity of the client population. As the Hispanic/Latinx and Spanish-speaking client population increases in the United States over time, an increased need for culturally competent professionals in the field of mental health care is made apparent. Though there are professionals delivering multilingual and culturally competent services, it is unknown how many Spanish-speaking behavior analysts practice in the United States as the BACB does not currently collect data regarding certificant …

How Much Time To Figure Out How To Get Where? Route Planning And Subjective Stress Under Time Pressure, Paul E. Plonski, P. Patel, K. L. Ossenfort, H. A. Taylor, T. T. Brunyé, H. L. Urry

Psychology Faculty Works

From a daily commute to military operations in hostile territory and natural disaster responses, people frequently move from place to place. Cognition (e.g., wayfinding) occurs in conjunction with behavior (e.g., locomotion) to facilitate spatial navigation–intentional movement through space. People often use maps to plan routes, which is part of wayfinding. Time pressure is common during navigation, even during route planning, for example from time constraints (e.g., a deadline), waiting periods (e.g., technological problems), or imposed urgency (e.g., someone tells you to hurry up). Route planning requires knowing where to go, determining how to get there, and managing transient stressors that …

Memory Distortions In Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Study On Source Confusion And Fantasy-Driven Confabulations, Eli Somer Ph.D., Henry Otgaar Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

Although vivid fantasizing involves the creation of imagined realities that share similar processes with memory source confusion, there has been limited research on the connection between these constructs. The current study used a thematic analysis approach to investigate the perceived relationship between an extreme form of dissociative absorption called maladaptive daydreaming (MD), source confusion, and memory errors. We interviewed 41 participants who self-identified as coping with MD, volunteered for MD research, and exhibited elevated MD scores. These questions delved into topics such as instances where they had difficulty distinguishing between daydreams and reality and situations where daydreams influenced their interactions …

Current Debates & Teacher Reflections On Critical Race Theory In The United States, Caterina B. Azzarello, Ashlee Kemp, Kevin Pugh

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

This study examines teachers' beliefs about Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the U.S. educational system. Given the controversy surrounding CRT, understanding these beliefs is crucial for informing professional development, curriculum design, and instructional strategies. The study employed an online survey to assess over sixty U.S. preservice and current teachers' knowledge and perceived importance of CRT. Results indicated moderate awareness and importance of CRT among participants, with significant variability. Newer teachers tended to have higher CRT knowledge, likely due to recent emphasis on diversity in teacher training programs. However, years of teaching experience did not predict the perceived importance of CRT. …

A Relational Developmental Theory Of Human-Animal Interaction: A Meta-Synthesis And Grounded Theory, Erin Flynn, Miriam G. Valdovinos, Megan K. Mueller, Kevin N. Morris

Graduate School of Social Work: Faculty Scholarship

Limited research has explored youths’ relationships with animals as a possible ecological asset. We conducted a qualitative meta-synthesis of studies published before 2022 that examined how youth-animal interactions are described as shaping youth social-emotional health in education and therapeutic settings. We compared and combined the patterns of findings to determine which mechanisms within youth-animal coaction might be theorized to shape social, emotional, and behavioral development for youth in education and therapy contexts. We used a grounded theory approach to further analyze the primary data and compare it with extant relational developmental systems literature to suggest a new theoretical model for …

Latine Immigrant Survivors Of Sexual Assault: Clinical Considerations For Aid And Empowerment, Jasmine Pochini

Counseling Psychology | Master's Theses

This thesis project attempts to ascertain the impact of sexual assault on Latine immigrants in the United States with the aid of a literature review and subsequent manual of clinical and sociocultural recommendations. The historical and political background of immigration in the U.S. is discussed, providing a background for the difficulties that Latine immigrants have faced for decades. All facets of immigration are explored, as well as the hostility that many immigrants face due to anti-immigrant sentiment. This combined with the acculturation process proves to have drastic effects on mental health. Sexual assault is then explored, identifying background and statistical …

"It Would Ruin My Life”:Pacific Islander Male Adolescents’ Perceptions Of Mental Health Help-Seeking Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Focus Group Study, Melia Fonoimoana Garrett, Elizabeth Cutrer, G. E. Kawika Allen, Ellie Young, Kristopher J. Urbina, Isabel Medina Hull

Faculty Publications

Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about …

“Watch Me!” The Impact Of Training Experience On Dogs Social Referencing Human Emotional Cues, Madison Murray

Theses and Dissertations

Dogs utilized human facial expression and vocal tone to drive decision making during a novel object choice task, displaying a preference for negatively valenced objects. Training experience was not correlated to dog likelihood to social reference.

Identifying Personality In Reptiles And Assessing Welfare Implications For Their Roles As Ambassador Animals In An Educational Setting, Valery Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined behavioral variability and personality in 13 reptiles used as ambassador animals at the American Museum of Natural History. Observations across seasons and novel object tests revealed individual differences, behavioral components, and correlations. Findings emphasize reptilian complexity, highlighting welfare implications while underscoring the need for further research.

Examining Risk Factors For Comorbidity Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder In A Sample Of Trauma-Exposed Transgender Adults, Dylan Seeley

Theses and Dissertations

Comorbid PTSD-OCD post trauma exposure is understudied. Little research examines specific risk factors and marginalized populations. This study examined gender-based victimization, emotional avoidance, and executive functioning as risk factors. Findings suggest gender-based victimization is a unique gender minority stressor that may pose significant risk for transgender populations.

Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence Among Non-Binary Individuals Assigned Male At Birth (Nbamab), Ahmad Z. Mouazzen

Theses and Dissertations

One hundred-fifty partnered Nonbinary assigned male at birth (NBAMAB) people completed an online survey assessing experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), and associated factors, including mental health, internalized and anticipated stigma, and relationship power and functioning. The results contribute to understanding of IPV among NBAMAB people, with further research suggested.

Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Caribbean Descendant Students' Attitudes Towards Mental Healthcare, Imani Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

The low mental healthcare utilization rates for Afro-Caribbean College students living in the USA has been seldom studied. This study sought to add to the literature by measuring if Afro-Caribbean cultural affiliation, an Afrocentric worldview, and/or student generation influences mental health seeking actions and mental illness stigma in this group.

Addressing Methodological Challenges In Follow-Up Rcts During The Covid-19 Pandemic: The Impact Of The Good Behavior Game And Myteachingpartner™ On Teacher Burnout And Self-Efficacy, Alexa C. Budvari, Heather L. Mcdaniel, Antonio A. Morgan-López, Rashelle J. Musci, Jason T. Downer, Nicholas S. Isalongo, Catherine P. Bradshaw

Faculty Publications

Retention of early career teachers is a critical issue in education, with burnout and self-efficacy serving as important precursors to teachers leaving the field. An integration of the PAX Good Behavior Game (GBG; Barrish et al., 1969) and MyTeachingPartner (MTP; Allen et al., 2015) was tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether the combined programs would improve long-term outcomes for early career teachers. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a higher proportion of missing data and attrition in follow-up data collection than otherwise would have been expected. The current paper focused specifically on …

Predictors Of Mental Health Clinic Staff Self-Efficacy In Recognizing And Responding To Suicide Risk, Hannah Ritz

Theses and Dissertations

Staff self-efficacy is critical to suicide prevention, yet its predictors within Zero Suicide initiatives are not well understood. Among 1,038 CCBHC staff, perceived organizational support, response-focused training, and lower suicide myth endorsement most strongly predicted self-efficacy. Clinical role and prior experiences contributed modestly, highlighting multilevel influences on workforce readiness.

A Review Of The Validity Of The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2, Keegan Cundiff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2020), people with ASD have a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. One common ASD evaluation tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2), which helps a clinician decide if the student exhibits social and communication skills expected of someone with or without ASD. Since ASD is a disorder for which symptoms need to be present within the early developmental period, it is common for schools and pediatricians to be initial sources of referral …

Associations Between Observance Of Orthodox Jewish Mourning Rituals And The Psychological Processes Of Meaning Making And Religious Coping Following Loss: A Quantitative Study, Kayla Reich M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

While grief is a deeply individualized experience, research suggests that some coping mechanisms—such as meaning making—promote healthier psychological adjustment. Jewish mourning rituals may support meaning making, yet few studies have quantitatively examined this relationship. The present study investigated the association between observance of early Jewish mourning stages (i.e., aninut, levayah, and shiva) and both meaning making and adaptive religious coping. A sample of 60 Orthodox Jewish adults who had experienced the loss of a first-degree relative between one and five years prior to the start of the study completed measures of mourning observance, meaning making, and Jewish religious coping. Results …

Implementing Skill Based Treatment Within A Classroom Setting For Students With Autism: A Systematic Replication In An Alternative School Based Setting, Hayley Getz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of implementing the Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT) in an alternative classroom setting with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is much existing research that supports both in a clinical setting, however the school setting is lacking in research. The goal of this study was to teach three students with ASD who engage in challenging behaviors an appropriate way to communicate their needs, how to tolerate the removal of a preferred toy or activity, and to follow educational instructions instead of …

Who Do Children Believe? Exploring Testimonial Injustice Toward Characters With Disabilities, Naomi Glunz-Kennedy

Psychology Honors Projects

Young children develop stereotypes and attitudes about others early in life, yet little research has examined how they evaluate knowledge-related exchanges involving individuals with disabilities—a process that may indicate early forms of testimonial injustice. This study investigated whether children (ages 5 – 7) are more likely to believe speakers with or without sensory and physical disabilities, whether the type of statement made by a speaker influences children’s belief preferences, and whether children anticipate epistemic bias from non-disabled listeners. A predominately White sample of sixty-four children viewed videos featuring two characters—one disabled and one non-disabled—making statements, and were asked to select …

Shadows Of Discrimination: Impacts Of Ambient Discrimination On Queer People In The United States, Kayla A. Dufour

Psychology | Senior Theses

People identifying as LGBTQIA2S+ in the United States experience victimization, direct discrimination, and violence at a rate of 2 to 4 times higher than their heterosexual counterparts (Bender & Lauritsen, 2021), leading to higher levels of psychological pain and suicidal ideation, with up to 50% of LGBTQIA2S+ people having suicidal thoughts in their lifetimes. Those who experience ambient discrimination, such as witnessing or being made aware of discriminatory behavior of someone other than oneself in your group, have higher levels of psychological pain, PTSD, and substance use (Peterson et al., 2019). The goal of the present study is to gain …

An Ethnographic Survey Of Hispanic Parental Experiences With Special Education, Leila Fox Goldsmith

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored Spanish-speaking parents' involvement, perception, and experience with Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. This study also sought to gauge knowledge and understanding of special education law. Special education law explicitly states that parents should be active participants in CSE meetings and have a role in creating their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Schools are mandated to abide by special education laws and conduct meetings in which every parent has a fair opportunity to collaborate and discuss the child's educational program. Previous research shows there may be a disconnect between Spanish-speaking parents and their children's educators. This study …

Stigma And Isolation: The Lived Experiences Of Male Sexual Assault Survivors In College, Vanessa Vela

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

Male sexual assault survivors on college campuses face barriers to disclosure, support, and recovery due to stigma, societal expectations of masculinity, and inadequate institutional resources. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of six male survivors of sexual assault enrolled in college, focusing on their perceptions of sexual violence before and after their assault, the psychological burden of disclosure, and their experiences with available support systems. Participants described challenges including rape myths, feelings of isolation, fear of emasculation, and limited access to gender-inclusive resources. While online communities provided some support, institutional services often failed to meet their needs due …

Moderation Of Collectivistic Ambivalence And Psychological Distress By Spiritual Well Being Among Asian Indian Americans, Monson Kuriakose Varghese

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the moderating role of spiritual well-being in the relationship between collectivistic ambivalence and psychological distress among Asian Indian Americans. A convenience sample of 102 Asian Indian Americans participated in an online survey measuring collectivistic ambivalence, psychological distress, and spiritual well-being, including existential and religious dimensions. Consistent with hypotheses, collectivistic ambivalence positively correlated with psychological distress, suggesting that internal conflicts between collectivistic expectations and individualistic desires significantly impact mental health in this bicultural population. Spiritual well-being significantly moderated this relationship, with higher spiritual well-being mitigating the psychological consequences associated with collectivistic ambivalence. Further exploratory analyses revealed that existential …