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The Effects Of Caffeine And Rapid Eye Movement (Rem) Sleep Deprivation On Free Operant Responding Under A Vi 30-S Schedule Of Reinforcement, Curtis Allen Bradley

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Past research has shown that the effects of 96 hr of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation (REMSD) on positively reinforced behavior is dependent upon the schedule of reinforcement maintaining the behavior. One one hand, lean schedules of reinforcement after REMSD maintained low rates of behavior. On the other hand, rich schedules of reinforcement after REMSD maintained behavior at baseline levels. Other research has shown that the use of stimulants reversed the effects of REMSD on operant tasks. The current study investigated the effects of caffeine on rats’ lever pressing after 96-hr REMSD. During baseline, doses of vehicle were administered 15 …

Supporting The Well Being Of University Student Survivors Of Cancer, Janice Lewis

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

Young adult survivors of cancer present a unique set of needs and developmental factors to consider when working to support their well being (physical, mental, emotional, and social health). The experiences of these individuals can vary in many ways. This variety might include variables such as: age of diagnosis, type of cancer, type of treatment, resources available, family support, etc. The intent of this project is to examine and review the needs of young adult university student cancer survivors and address important considerations for professionals working to support their well being. Interviews with cancer survivors and a supportive professional were …

The Effect Of Skeletal Muscle Mass On Basal Metabolic Rate In College-Age Males 2013, Chase Vaughn

Master's Theses

There are many misconceptions within the fitness community. One such misconception is that an increase in muscle mass will have a large increase in basal metabolic rate, yet this may not be the best way for successful weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. The hypothesis tested was that basal metabolic rate is strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass. The participants were college-aged males (n =17). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was estimated using the skin-fold circumference model (SFCM): SMM (kg) = Ht (0.00744 CAG2 …

Parenting Styles And Their Relation To Child Activity Levels, Jessica Sibley

Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal

This study was designed to examine the relationship between parenting styles and how they recorded their child’s activity levels. An 18 question survey was available to participants that asked questions in reference to the parenting style they feel they associate with most, as well as questions regarding their child’s hyperactivity, sleeping patterns, eating patterns, and their daily activity.

Resistance Training Behaviors In College-Aged Women 2013, Melanie Kornblatt

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of women’s training behavior in the weight room. A secondary purpose was to determine what their beliefs and perceptions were in regards to lifting weights. Participants were college-aged females ranging in age from 17-29 years. Observations of weight lifting activities were conducted during peak hours of operation (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3- 6pm) in the fitness facility. A total of 60 hours of observations were conducted over a period of four weeks. In addition to observations, two focus groups were conducted. Participants were divided into two specific groups: I …

The Influence Of Spatial Distance Priming On Test Anxiety And Judgments, Eric R Raap

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This paper examined the effects of distance priming on test anxiety and judgment. Research suggests that individuals’ perceived distance can impact their affect and judgments, which sheds light on the principle of “distance equals safety” (Williams & Bargh, 2008). Taking an exam invokes both cognitive and emotional anxiety, such as worry, panic, and tension. It is hypothesized that the distance priming may reduce test anxiety—particularly, the emotionality aspect—as well as perceived test difficulty. The results showed that, counter to the hypotheses, there was no significant difference among the three priming groups in their emotional test anxiety or perceived test difficulty. …

91st Annual Meeting Of The Virginia Academy Of Science: Proceedings

Virginia Journal of Science

Proceedings of the 91st Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science, held at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, May 22-24, 2013.

The Role Of Appearance In Perceptions Of Personal Trainers 2013., Patrick R. Boerner

Master's Theses

The field of personal training in the United States is believed to have begun in the late 1970‟s and the early 1980‟s (Brooks, 2004). Today, personal training is a healthy profession that, according to the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), is expected to grow 24% (60,400 jobs) between 2010 and 2020. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) predicts the average growth rate for all occupations within the U.S. to be only 14% during the same ten-year span. Rapid growth within the field of personal training has brought an increased scrutiny on …

Alleviating Obesity Bias: Does Information Content Matter?, Kimberly Mendoza

HIM 1990-2015

Obesity bias has become the most acceptable form of prejudice in American society (Latner, O'Brien, Durso, Brinkman, & MacDonald, 2008). Stigmatization of the obese has tremendous social and economic costs both for the stigmatized population and for society as a whole. Few studies have been done to show effective ways to reduce obesity bias. This study looked to expand the research on effective ways to reduce obesity bias. Using a between-participants experimental design, the present study investigated whether multi-faceted information content about the causes of obesity (including psychological, social, and physiological causes) would be more effective in reducing obesity bias …

Impairment And Executive Functioning Associated With Symptoms Of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Adhd, Anxiety, And Depression, Whitney Lee Muhlenkamp Wood

Psychology - Theses

This study examined the relationships among Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT), ADHD, anxiety, and depression symptom sets in a college sample, and the extent to which these symptom sets predicted executive functioning and functional impairment. Also, this study investigated (a) the extent to which functional impairment and executive functioning (EF) problems were uniquely accounted for by SCT symptoms when controlling for ADHD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and (b) which high symptom group accounted for the greatest amount of impairment. College students (N = 458) completed a demographic questionnaire and self-report scales of ADHD, SCT symptoms, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well …

Accuracy Of A Bite-Count Based Calorie Estimate Compared To Human Estimates With And Without Calorie Information Available, James Salley

All Theses

Obesity is an increasing health problem in the US, associated with such dangerous health risks as heart disease and diabetes. Self-monitoring in the form of calorie counting is a critical aspect of successful weight loss. However, calorie estimations are subject to several perceptual and cognitive biases, and there are limited tools available to assist these estimations. The present study seeks to assess the accuracy of participants' estimations of the calorie content of meals in the presence or absence of calorie information, and to compare their accuracy with calorie estimations based on bite count. Data were analyzed for 87 participants from …

Odor Sensitivity And The Presence Of P-Cresol, Jessica Mi Mckinney

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Olfactory function declines throughout the different stages of kidney disease. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have experienced improved olfactory function after dialysis, leading some researchers to suspect uremic toxins as the cause of olfactory decline (Raff et al., 2008; Bomback & Raff, 2011). It is thought that p-cresol is the specific uremic toxin to cause a decline in olfactory function because it is not easily filtered out of the blood during dialysis (Meijers et al., 2010). The study sought to set up a control group for future studies by demonstrating p-cresol is not in the blood of healthy participants and …

The Impact Of The Built Environment And At-Home Calorie Consumption On Family-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes, Myra Altman

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Abortion On College Women's Mental Health, Estefany Bologna

HIM 1990-2015

Since the legalization of abortion, some research studies have argued that abortion has a neutral effect when considering other coexistent factors (e.g. Adler et al., 1990; Major et al., 2000; Steinberg & Russo, 2008). Other studies have concluded that abortion has a negative influence on women's psyche (e.g. Congleton & Calhoun, 1993; Cougle, Reardon, & Coleman, 2005; Hamana et al., 2010). College populations have been generally excluded from abortion research, even though, in 2007, 57% of women obtaining abortions were between the ages of 20 and 30 years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). This study intended to measure the influence of …

Childhood Cat Bites And Disorganized Symptoms Of Schizotypy In Adulthood, Jenya Kolpakova

HIM 1990-2015

During recent years of schizophrenia research, many etiologies have been emphasized, some of them implicating infectious and autoimmune diseases. Many different infectious agents have been examined, but the root seems to stem from the secondary autoimmune deregulation, which can be caused by different infectious agents. Among the effects that autoimmune deregulation has on the body, one prominent effect is on the brain, resulting in either severe or mild encephalitis. The mild encephalitis that has been implicated as one of the causes of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders has been associated with different pathogens, many of which can be transmitted by the household cat. …

Understanding Organizational Wellness: The Impact Of Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation, And Barriers On The Effectiveness Of Wellness Programs, Aaron Owsley Manier

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Organizational wellness programs can serve as a powerful tool for organizations to improve the health and well-being of employees. As organizational wellness grows in popularity and implementation, organizations should seek to understand employee perceptions of these programs to maximize their effectiveness and use. The present study examined the effect of perceived organizational support of wellness, core self-evaluation, and motivation/interest for wellness programs on wellness program use and satisfaction. This effect was tested with barriers to use and participative wellness design as possible mediators. Motivation and interest had a strong and direct effect on program use and satisfaction, while both organizational …

Effects Of Food Dispersion On Dominance Related Behaviors In Garnett's Bushbaby (Otolemur Garnettii)?, Kyle Daniel Edens

Dissertations

Socio-ecological theorists tie primate social structure diversity to variations in habitats within which primate species reside. This premise permits laboratory researchers to investigate specific factors that influence or relate to social structure formation and maintenance. The focus of the current investigation was three fold. We first aimed to determine the relationships between traditional and non-traditional behavioral measures of dominance, then evidence for dominance hierarchy formation was examined, and various hypotheses were tested to discern if adjustments in the foraging context altered social behaviors in Garnett’s bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii). It was determined that animals likely to displace conspecifics were …

Class Is Out: Mental Health Professionals' Social Class Identification And Classist Attitudes Toward Low-Income Clients, Kipp Ryan Pietrantonio

Theses and Dissertations

Social class as a variable of culturally competent psychology remains a misunderstood and understudied phenomenon. This study was designed to explore how mental health providers’ social class of origin and classist attitudes impact their beliefs and treatment of clients from different economic backgrounds. This was accomplished by exploring five domains across two vignettes that varied in SES indicators (Low-­‐Income vs. Middle Class Vignette). The domains of study included classist beliefs, GAF scores with or without treatment over time, positive and negative stereotype endorsement, perceptions of the therapeutic relationship, and potential treatment modalities. Clinicians did not rate the vignettes differently in …

Mothers' And Fathers' Attachment Relationships With Children Who Have Disabilities, Sheila Lopez

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research has found that attachment relationships between parents and children are formed independent of each other and have different outcomes for the child. Very little research regarding parent-child attachment relationships has been done with children who have a disability. This study aimed to learn more about whether differences exist in attachment relationships between mothers and fathers and whether or not the child has a disability. Results indicate that fathers of children with a disability appear to have less secure attachments with their children compared to fathers of typically developing children as well as mothers of children with and without disabilities. …

The Psychological And Physiological Effects Of Using A Therapy Dog In Mindfulness Training, Courtney L. Henry

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the psychological and physiological effects of adding animal-assisted therapy to a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) for clients experiencing psychological distress, including anxious and depressive symptoms. State and trait mindfulness, state and trait anxiety, psychological distress, blood pressure, and heart rate were collected during each session of the intervention from college students recruited at Utah State University. Results support that participants experienced less anxiety and depressive symptoms and increased mindfulness skills from pre- to posttreatment. No significant difference was found between the control and experimental groups, indicating that that interaction with a therapy dog had no …

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption At Bear River Charter School; A Demand Curve Analysis, Mckelle Tobey

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Many variables contribute to the rising prevalence of children being overweight and obese, one being poor nutrition and the lack of a balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps children to grow and develop normally, as well as lowers the risk of developing chronic problems such as cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers later in life. Conducted alongside an applied behavioral intervention to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, a behavioral economic evaluation of demand curves was administered to students in the fifth through eighth grades. Findings suggest that the intervention had no significant effect on the elasticity of the …

The Moderating Effect Of Skin Conductance Level On The Relationship Between Family Conflict And Disordered Eating Behaviors, Laura B. Kenneally

Psychology

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) on the relation between family conflict and disordered eating behaviors. Participants were 67 undergraduate students at the University at Albany, SUNY, ages 17 to 40. Researchers used a retrospective measure of harsh parenting and interparental aggression experienced during childhood and adolescence to determine how sympathetic activation interacts with family conflict in predicting disordered eating behaviors in a sample of university students. SNS activation was measured by baseline skin conductance level (SCL). Results indicated that SCL moderated the relationship between harsh parenting experienced during …

The Effects Of Hiv/Aids On The Mother-Child Relationship, Margaret Gross

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

39 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HIV+/- mothers living in central Uganda. Interviews were assisted by a translator and recorded manually on paper then coded and analyzed. The majority of HIV+ mothers were found to be single, supported 5+ children, worked longer days to get by, and emphasized the importance of having a counselor. These findings suggest a strong relationship exists between HIV and motherhood. There is a need for further attention to help single mothers and foster programs that encourage economic growth within their families, nutritional improvement, and overall attention to a group that is currently receiving little assistance.

The Effects Of Selected Drugs On The Memory Recall Of Sleep Deprived Mice, Jenn Pauldurai

Capstone Research Projects

Humans often make use of the neurotransmission altering effects of drugs such as caffeine, ephedrine, and ethanol. These drugs induce changes in memory and learning ability, specifically when used for sleep deprivation. English white mice (Mus musculus) have been shown to exhibit similar cognitive changes when administered drugs while sleep deprived. A sample of 20 mice was divided into three experimental groups (each group receiving a different drug) and one control group. Maze-testing demonstrated that mice performance decreased with sleep deprivation (Treatment-1) but all groups returned to baseline performance when injected (IP) with selected drugs (Treatment-2), regardless of …

Interactive Video Gaming: Do We Feel Like We Are Exercising?, Antonio Santo, Shaelee Allen, Janet Dufek, Paul Hafen, Michael Jarrett, Krystina Moschella, Robert Rietjens, James Navalta, Richard Tandy, Jacob E. Barkley

Interdisciplinary Research Scholarship Day

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and hedonics (liking or enjoyment) changed during 30 contiguous minutes of playing select, interactive video games on the Nintendo Wii system. A secondary purpose was to determine if RPE and liking differed among games.These data suggest that individuals do perceive difference in the amount of work they are performing during extended play of the same game or among sedentary and physically interactive games. Additionally, liking was similar during extended game play and among games suggesting that the physical interaction with the game may be …

Adaptive Memory: Evaluating Alternative Forms Of Fitness-Relevant Processing In The Survival Processing Paradigm, Joshua Sandry, David Trafimow, Michael J. Marks, Stephen Rice

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Memory may have evolved to preserve information processed in terms of its fitness-relevance. Based on the assumption that the human mind comprises different fitness-relevant adaptive mechanisms contributing to survival and reproductive success, we compared alternative fitness-relevant processing scenarios with survival processing. Participants rated words for relevancy to fitness-relevant and control conditions followed by a delay and surprise recall test (Experiment 1a). Participants recalled more words processed for their relevance to a survival situation. We replicated these findings in an online study (Experiment 2) and a study using revised fitness-relevant scenarios (Experiment 3). Across all experiments, we did not find a …

Hiv/Aids Care, Coping Strategies And Work Environmental Stress Among Nurses In Botswana, Thabo T. Fako, Debra Rose Wilson, James G. Linn, Ntonghanwah Forcheh

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Since 2006 there has been universal acceptance in both developing and industrialized societies that HIV treatment and related services, including more effective programs, be available to all citizens. However, as a result of the worldwide recession and shifting health priorities, progress toward these goals has stalled. While the epidemic continues to grow (approximately 34 million globally, with 2.7 million new cases in 2010), fewer resources are dedicated to treatment and prevention than previously, and clinical staffs, especially nurses are challenged by more patient care responsibilities. This paper focuses on the relationships of HIV/AIDS care, coping strategies and work environmental stress …

A Study Of Suicide: A Latent Class-Evidence Based Model For Screening Of Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents Living In The United States From 1991-2011, Ryan Christopher Butterfield

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to use self-reported data from adolescents as the foundation for a statistical screening process of suicidal behavior. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) is used to study patterns of suicidal behavior among adolescents and by extension, the development of evidence-based behavioral profiles of those adolescents identified as having suicidal-related behaviors. Suicidal behavior variables in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) ask about specific actions related to suicide ideation, planning, attempts and injury, but it is the underlying construct of "suicidal behavior" that is the ultimate question of interest. LCA allows for the development of evidence-based behavioral …

School Gardens: Reconnecting Children With Nature And Food, Alyssa M. Boyle

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis discusses the importance of school gardens. First, two current environmental and societal problems are highlighted: the industrialized food system and what Richard Louv has termed, "Nature Deficit Disorder," in children. School gardens are then presented as an effective tool that can address and remedy such issues. Lastly, a how-to manual for implementing such projects in schools is provided as well as a few sample lesson plans to be used in conjunction with the garden in each subject across the curriculum.

Counselor Educator Knowledge, Experience, Attitudes And Beliefs Toward Complementary And Alternative Medicine, Jennifer Mills Langeland

Dissertations

Following growing public interest and widespread use, many health professions have begun to explore the attitudes toward, knowledge of and experience with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) of the various stakeholders within their professions. This foundational information has enabled disciplines such as medicine, nursing, psychology, and marriage and family therapy to take a closer look at how students, patients, clients, and faculty think about and utilize CAM and its relevance to their professions. Surveying the practices and attitudes of stakeholders has been an important starting point for professions undertaking the task of integrating these practices into training programs.

This study …