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Relationships Between Early Mother-Infant Interaction And Later Patterns Of Attachment, Christine Oakes Work

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the relationships between initiative and responsive attachment behaviors exchanged between mothers and infants in a free play laboratory observation, and later pattern of attachment. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed significant intercorrelations between frequencies of the different attachment behaviors studied. Factor analysis revealed seven factors, three of which were predictive of attachment security through main or interaction effects. High frequencies of infant eye contact in response to maternal initiations significantly predicted later insecure attachment. Attachment security could also be predicted from frequency rates of infant-initiated proximity seeking and vocalization, and maternal responsive non-parallel body contact. When infant gender was …

Caregiver Characteristics, Situational Factors, Coping Style, And Personal Adjustment Of Hospice Nurses, William W. Davis

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The questions addressed in this study were:

1. Are there any significant relationships between selected personal and professional characteristics of the hospice nurse and his/her ability to cope with work stress?

2. Which personal characteristics of the hospice nurse are the best predictors of adequate adjustment to his/her work?

The sample studied consisted of 79 registered nurse hospice care providers in the state of Oregon.

The survey instrumentation included: a personal data form; the Daily Hassles Scale (DHS), and the Ways of Coping Scale (WOC) by Lazarus and Folkman; the Staff Burnout Scale for Health Professionals (SBS) by Jones; Olson's …

Elder Volunteerism: Minnesota's Silver Lining, Gerald A. Bloedow, Ralph H. Brown

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Weight Loss And Locus Of Control, Possible Selves, Self-Esteem, Anxiety And Optimism/Pessimism, Cimi Perryl Ruderman

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Ua35/11 Student Honors Research Bulletin, Wku Honors Program

WKU Administration Documents

The WKU Student Honors Research Bulletin is dedicated to scholarly involvement and student research. These papers are representative of work done by students from throughout the university.

• Basham, Penny. The Ritalin Controversy: Hyperactive Children and Medication
• Buote, Kim. The Transmission of Negative Feedback: Obstacles, Effects and Suggestions
• Cowan, James. The 1988 Presidential Primaries: Search for Bandwagons
• Durfey, Suzanne. AIDS: Nutrition and Its Implications
• Felty, Jeff. Gay and Lesbian Couples
• Gilliland, Linda. Muffins and Aspartame or Sucrose
• Graham, Ken. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Grubbs, Morris. Conflicts and Synthesis in Robert Penn Warren's Blackberry Winter
• Medeiros, Lynne. Problems of Democratic Republicism in …

Sexual Adjustment Following Surgical Treatment For Gynecological Cancer, Sue Ellen Martin-Christian

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Dichotic Listening On Aerobic Performance, Frank Zane

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Obesity: A Biobehavioral Point Of View, M. Katahn, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Excerpt: "If you ask an overweight person, “Why are you fat?’, you will, almost invariably, get the answer, “Because 1 eat too much.” You will get this answer in spite of the fact that of thirteen studies, six find no significant differences in the caloric intake of obese versus nonobese subjects, five report that the obese eat significantly less than the nonobese, and only two report that they eat significantly more."

Attributions And Control Cognitions Of Parents Of Autistic Children: A Model For Predicting Stress And Adjustment, Edmund M. Kearney

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Postpartum Depression, Mary Maguire

Theses

This review describes the three common postpartum psychiatric syndromes, including postpartum blues, postpartum neurotic depression, and postpartum psychosis. It discusses both early and recent studies which have explored emotional and physical symptoms and differing views of 1 etiology. Etiological factors discussed include genetics, physiological abnormalities, predisposing psychological characteristics, maternal expectations, demographics, child temperament, neonatal risk, marital relationship, the new mother's relationship with her own mother, social support, and precipitating stressful life events.

Emotional lability in the first few days following delivery is often hormonally based, but a significant degree of research suggests that a more severe postpartum depression is linked …

Sex And Age Differences In The Experience Of Stress, Carmen M. Charles

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the present study is to determine if there are sex and age differences in the experience of mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse) in a working population. Previous research findings suggest that females experience more problems with anxiety and depression. Also, previous research shows that males experience more problems associated with drinking alcohol. The subjects in the present study are 244 volunteers from summer psychology classes at the University of Northern Iowa and the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel. The results indicated that males and females differed significantly on the Self-Report Anxiety Scale, …

Nutritive And Nonnutritive Sucking And The Temporal Organization Of The Suckling Behavior Of Domestic Piglets, Jeffrey Rushen, David Fraser

Feeding Behavior Collection

Detailed video recordings of the suckling behavior of one piglet from each of four litters were analyzed to determine how the components of piglet suckling behavior are organized in relation to the time of milk ejection and the temporal pattern of grunting by the sow. Early in the suckling episode, most piglets massaged the udder with their snouts, and then changed gradually to sucking the teats with slow mouth movements (1-2/sec). The piglets then had a distinct phase of sucking with rapid mouth movements (4-5/sec) which began suddenly and lasted about 5 to 15 sec. The weight gains of piglets …

The Integration Of Metabolic Measurement And The Behavioral Management Of Nutrition And Exercise For Treating Obesity, Cheryl Rae Maphies

Dissertations

Four female subjects participated in an eight-week, behavioral weight control treatment program that emphasized changing the behavior of food choice and aerobic exercise. This study also tested the hypothesis that by utilizing measurements of an individual's resting metabolic rate to determine caloric level, an individual could lose weight without a disproportional drop in metabolic rate. During the initial eight weeks, subjects' resting metabolic rates were determined through the measure of oxygen consumption. Caloric intakes were based on a reduction of 500-1000 calories per day from the estimated number of calories expended daily. Using a multiple-baseline design, the effects of diet …

The Predictive Value Of Mmpi Personality Style In Obesity Therapy, Jeffrey J. Harvey

Student Work

The present study assessed whether psychopathology influences obese subject’s ability to lose weight. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was used to differentiate between 46 pathological and 52 nonpathological subjects. A repeated measures analysis of variance did not support the hypothesis that the degree of weight loss is negatively associated with the amount of psychopathology measured by the MMPI. In addition, an analysis of covariance was conducted in an attempt to control for possible confounding factors at the start of treatment and also failed to support the hypothesis.

Application Of Library Least-Squares Analysis To Human Whole-Body Counter Spectra Derived From Low Level Gamma Emissions, Hang-See Ong

Theses and Dissertations

The method of library least-square analysis (LLSA) has been applied to gamma ray spectra obtained from the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center whole body counter. The validity of the method was tested under various conditions. Mathematical formulation of the method is presented along with a detailed description of the computer program algorithm used. Special features, schemes and pitfalls of the computer program (or the method as a whole) are discussed in detail

The Effectiveness Of Relaxation-Visualization Training On The Natural Killer (Nk) Cells Of Breast Cancer Patients, Morry Edwards

Dissertations

A large number of studies have found that stress qualitatively and quantitatively reduces a variety of immune components. Several recent studies have examined relaxation skills and their ability to increase immune measures. The primary hypothesis of this project was that relaxation-visualization training (RVT) would enhance Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity. Two other major hypotheses were generated: (a) RVT would produce beneficial psychological effects and, (b) increased psychopathology would be inversely correlated with NK levels. Six volunteer breast cancer patients who were at least 3 months post treatment were taught a passive form of relaxation that included visualizing an increase in …

Ecology Of Gray Partridge In North Dakota, John Patrick Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

I studied gray partridge (Perdix perdix) ecology in north-central North Dakota during 1985-87. The primary goals of this study were to identify habitats important to gray partridge survival and nesting, and to provide baseline data on partridge ecology in North Dakota. I captured and radio-tagged 100 gray partridge, mainly during winter. Individuals were tracked by a vehicle-mounted telemetry system until August of each year. Home ranges, movements, habitat use, and survival were calculated by using the telemetry locations. Winter home ranges averaged 117 ha, and were larger than previously reported in North America. Important habitats used by radio-tagged partridge during …

Adolescent Norms For The Eating Disorder Inventory As Related To Personal Variables In Female Adolescents At One Private Urban, One Rural, And One Semi-Rural High School, Betty J. Larson

Theses and Dissertations

The societal preference for a slender body image has caused an increasing number of adolescents to diet or use unusual methods of weight control. Some adolescents progress along the continuum of restrained eating toward the development of pathological eating disorders. In order to identify risk factors in the development of eating disorders, eating attitudes and behaviors of 454 normal adolescents were studied by using the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and a personal background questionnaire. The higher the subscale scores on the EDI the more similar the individual's perceptions to those of victims with a pathological eating disorder.

With the exception …

Self-Esteem And Perceived Barriers To And Benefits Of Exercise Among Physically Active And Non-Physically Active College Students, Barbara Brown Bonheur

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine differences in self-esteem, perceived benefits of and perceived barriers to exercise between exercisers and non-exercisers and to determine if relationships existed between self-esteem, perceived benefits of exercise and perceived barriers to exercise, that could explain participation in regular aerobic exercise. A sample of 105 university students completed four questionnaires. The level of social desirability present in participant responses was also measured. Five hypotheses were tested. Utilizing t-tests, a significant difference was found between exercisers and non-exercisers on self-esteem, perceived benefits of exercise, and perceived barriers to exercise. The three variables (self-esteem, …

Obesity Management: A Meta-Analysis Of Key Factors, David E. Christian

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Obesity is a prevalent and refractory disorder. This study consisted of a meta-analysis of research focusing on diet and exercise treatments and their impact on obesity related measures. Only studies that report data for periods of 6 months or more after treatment onset were included. Forty-four studies were analyzed. These were drawn from 16 previous reviews of the literature as well as several computer data bases.

Following are some of the tentative conclusions drawn: (a) diets consisting of improved nutritional quality yield superior results to restricted calorie diets; (b) flexible, self-directed exercise yields better results than more regimented exercise; (c) …

Reducing Stress Of Inservice Teachers, Jeffrey R. Curley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A prototype treatment developed to significantly reduce symptoms of stress among inservice teachers was tested in this experiment. Thirty participants selected for high stress levels were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. They were assessed on environmental, personality, and emotional variables, using self-report and expert-judge measures, both pre- and posttreatment. The experimental treatment was holistic, incorporating all processes previously found to be related to reducing teacher stress. At posttreatment, the treatment group averaged 1.02 standard deviations lower on the stress measures than the control group. Significant differences in the posttest means, favoring the experimental group, were found for 23 …

Assessing Mental Health Needs In Northern Haiti: A Multidimensional Approach, Jean Abede Alexandre

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study assessed mental health needs in Northern Haiti, with the socioeconomic and sociocultural factors which predispose to mental disorders. Following the Key Informants approach to needs assessment, two groups were chosen to participate in this study: 27 out of 60 physicians and 30 out of 70 clergymen (n = 57), completed a questionnaire which asked specific questions on certain mental disorders they have either observed or dealt with among the population. The participants were also asked to give the frequency with which those disorders occurred among the population, and to rate the importance of factors contributing to those mental …

The Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Bibliography Of Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia, Deeanne Lynn Ashley

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Relieving Strain In Informal Caregivers Of The Elderly, Roberta Louise Babbage

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Of Corporate Fitness To Absenteeism And Health Care Cost, Shawn J. Mcgahey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Interest in corporate fitness is increasing. In this study, absenteeism rates and health care costs were measured for 12 months before and 12 months after implementation of a corporate fitness class. It was hypothesized that those who participate in the fitness program would have lower absenteeism rates and health care costs. It was also hypothesized that lifestyle factors would be significantly related to the decision to participate in the fitness program and to absenteeism.

Results showed no significant relationship between program participation and absenteeism. Also, it was found that average health care costs were lower before the program intervention and …

Eating Disorders: The Correlation Of Family Relationships With An Eating Disorder Continuum, Jana Schweitzer

Dissertations and Theses

For the purposes of this study, eating disturbances were placed on a continuum ranging from disordered to normal, and family factors were examined via this framework. Research on anorectics and bulimics indicates that a variety of family variables contribute to the etiology of eating disorders. Research suggests the presence of a subgroup of persons who experience some disturbance in their relationships with food but not to the severity observed among eating disordered individuals. This study examined the relationship between family factors and eating disturbances.

Maternal, Obstetric, And Neonatal Correlates Of Short-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome In Newborn Infants With Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Richard Elghammer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The attempt to identify risk factors or correlates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has been constrained by conflicting research findings, changing hypotheses about the etiology of IVH, and by the exceedingly complex nature of this neurological disorder. In addition, few studies have investigated the possibility that antenatal factors might predispose the infant to IVH. Thus, research aimed at identifying IVH correlates from all time periods in which stress could occur to the neonate needs to be undertaken. This study was conducted for the purpose of identifying and quantifying correlates of IVH by constructing an interactive statistical model to predict the occurrence, …

The Effects Of Participation In A Development Group Upon The Psychological Adjustment Of Pregnant Adolescents And Adolescent Mothers, Bernard E. Wazlavek

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers are a population at risk to a variety of negative social, economic, and psychological consequences. Numerous group interventions have been designed to improve the psychological adjustment of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers. However, there has been a paucity of research evaluating the efficacy of these interventions. This research was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the development group intervention. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of this intervention upon the psychological adjustment of the participants.

Thirty-two subjects (16 experimental and 16 comparison) enrolled in two alternative public high schools in …

The Effects Of Prey Vulnerability, Density, And Patch Replenishment In An Operant Analogue Of Foraging, Michael James Dewulf

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Foraging behavior has recently become a popular area of research with which ethologists, behavioral ecologists, and experimental psychologists converge their traditionally separate disciplines into a more multidisciplinary framework. Ethologists and behavioral ecologists usually study foraging as it occurs in the natural environment or the "field," while experimental psychologists contrive laboratory simulations of foraging and make the assumption, sometimes incorrectly, that generalization occurs across settings, situations, and species. Scientific advances are now beginning to occur in the ability of laboratory researchers to better simulate foraging as it occurs in the field. Field researchers are also becoming more willing to accept these …

Mental Disorders - Chapter 6 Of "Counseling And The Demonic", Rodger K. Bufford

Counseling and the Demonic

Chapter 6 of Counseling and the Demonic by Rodger K Bufford