Digital Commons Network^™

Illness Perceptions And Health-Promoting Behaviors: The Buffering Role Of Resilience In Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Taylor Rose Eldridge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are one of the most prevalent genetic abnormalities, impacting the lives of millions of children, teens, and young adults. Conservative diagnoses estimate that 2.4 million children and adults are living with CHD in the United States (Gilboa et al., 2016). CHD requires consistent cardiac support with multiple surgeries and hospitalizations expected throughout the lifetime, which significantly impacts psychological health. Specifically, patients present with a host of extra-cardiac conditions that impact their quality of life. With advancements in medical technology, mortality rates continue to improve for this population; however, individuals face a number of consequences that impact …

Well-Being Behaviors And Outcomes In Arkansas Teachers: A Qualitative Analysis Of Teachers In Arkansas During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Ashton Elizabeth Human

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to teachers and emphasized those already existing in the education system. The increased reliance upon technology and lack of administrative support perceived during distance learning led to lower levels of commitment to teaching and increased levels of teacher burnout. Burnout risk is associated with an increased workload, exhaustion from job demands, cynicism toward the professional community and has been shown to have a negative relationship with well-being. Teachers experiencing burnout are unable to establish positive relationships with students, understand students’ needs, stay in contact with trends in the education field, or provide pedagogically …

Evaluating The Association Between Daily Fluctuations In Sleep And Blood Pressure, Mara Egeler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension is a major contributing factor for heart disease, with nearly half of US adults meeting criteria. While studies have begun to examine the relationship between insomnia and blood pressure (BP), little is still known regarding the relationship between daily fluctuations in sleep and BP. This study aimed to provide further clarification on the role insomnia plays in the development of hypertension, including the impact that daily fluctuations in sleep have on fluctuations in BP. Participants included 61 adults from the greater Northwest Arkansas area (63.9% White, 67.2% Female, 30-79 y) who completed 10 consecutive days of sleep and blood …

Examining The Direct And Mediating Relationship Between Immigration, Family Structure, And Crime: A Community-Level Analysis., Obed Asare

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Amidst debate about immigration into the United States, many in the public and varying levels of government have questioned its impact on vital social institutions of social control. Public perception often associates immigrants with increased crime, though empirical research reveals a consistently null or negative association at the community-level. Scholars have proposed that immigrants contribute to community revitalization and foster social control, at least some of which may be tied to the ways that immigration reshapes aggregate family structures across the community. However, few empirical studies examine this important relationship. The current study aims to bridge this gap in …

Collateral Consequences: The Effects Of Justice Processing For Violations Of Drug Laws In New York City, John K. Roman, Gregory Haugan, Benjamin Schapiro, Sofia Rodriguez

Publications and Research

As part of the NYC Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice partnered with the Research and Evaluation Center at John Jay College and the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago to examine economic factors related to drug-related crimes and arrests. Focusing on Task 84 of the Reform Initiative Tracker, NORC researchers analyzed public data to explore how neighborhood-level economic indicators, such as property values and tax assessments, correlate with drug-related criminal justice contacts. The study supports ongoing efforts to implement and monitor reforms across New York City.

Improving Access To Information On Health Hazards Of Telecommunications Masts By Residents In Zaria Local Government Area Of Kaduna State, Abdulkadir Tanko Isah, Jibrin Abdulrahaman, Irewole Dorcas Ibinaiye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

The Abyss Of Abundance: Consumer Overconsumption And The Road To Environmental Collapse, Emma Vega

Student Theses 2015-Present

The pattern of consumer overconsumption, fueled by relentless economic growth and the internal desire for material goods, has emerged as a prominent driver of environmental degradation, pushing our planet to collapse. This paper examines the cause-and-effect relationships between consumer behavior and its catastrophic environmental implications. By unraveling the root causes of overconsumption and its detrimental effects, this study attempts to underscore the urgency of immediate action to prevent irreversible environmental collapse. Chapter 1 will discuss the problem of consumer overconsumption, including an analysis of the detrimental environmental effects of our current consumption levels to highlight why the issue of consumer …

Food Policy Council, Alexandra G. Winn, Kirsten Hannah Jaquish, Shelby Lynn Davis, Alexandra N. Ehlers, Joshua Lohnes

Undergraduate Scholarship

Nourishing Networks is a workshop that promotes the development of Food Policy Councils, which are a group of community members that advocate for the Right to Food in their community. Through conversation surrounding food access barriers and strategies in their community, the workshop aims to educate participants on how they can improve food access in their community. This research project sought to conduct Nourishing Networks meetings in a variety of West Virginia counties with the intention of accompanying local community members and organizations to create a Food Policy Council for their region. Using a standardized organization process, curriculum, and reporting …

Seeding Sparks For The Right To Food, Alexandra Grace Winn, Shelby Lynn Davis, Kirsten Hannah Jaquish, Alexandra N. Ehlers, Joshua Lohnes

Undergraduate Scholarship

Seeding Sparks for The Right to Food partnered with Voices of Hunger to disperse a grant to community leaders. These community leaders have projects that are aimed to advance the Right to Food and promote food security. This project interviewed the applicants and pulled out common themes among their responses to further understand their motivations and passions related to food justice.

Amplify Your Narrative: Exploring The Power Of Storytelling With African American And Indigenous Communities In Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Trinity K. Perry

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review investigated the empowering nature of storytelling with Black and Indigenous communities undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. It explored the roles of systemic racism, anti-Black racism, culture, spirituality, and intersectionality in shaping narratives about westernized healthcare. Furthermore, the review examined the concepts of anti-black racism, systemic racism, racial disparities in westernized healthcare, marginalized children’s experience in pediatric cancer treatment, storytelling in African American and Indigenous communities, and storytelling through the lens of drama therapy. Evidence is presented that underlines the psychological impact of the previously mentioned components, and how community engagement and storytelling provide a means of attunement, hope, …

What Are The Behavioral Effects Of Artificial Dyes On Children In The Us?, Lauryn Ollerman

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

The Great Outdoor, Liddy Dewulf

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Substance Abuse And Its Correlation To Mental Illness, Emily Wilson

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Weighted Blankets As A Sleep Promoting Behavior: A Quasi -Experimental Study, Irish Amalia, Sali R. Asih, Inge U. Wiswanti, Ina Saraswati

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Sleep is crucial to the overall well-being of individuals. Sleep deficiency can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including more severe insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Improving sleep quality is often emphasized through sleep hygiene. An emerging nonpharmacological intervention is the use of weighted blankets, which apply deep-pressure stimulation to promote feelings of relaxation, comfort, and security similar to a gentle hug. This study explored the effects of weighted blankets on sleep quality and symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Thirty participants (M = 33 years, SD = 9.13) used weighted blankets for 14 nights. They completed the …

Check With The Intended Audience First! Content Validation As A Method For Inclusive Research For Primary Care Engagement In Rural Appalachia, Sydeena E. Isaacs, Jennifer Schroeder Tyson, Ashley Parks, Danielle Adams

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: To date, referral practices based on social determinants of health (SDOH) among primary care providers (PCPs) and clinic staff in rural regions, including Appalachian North Carolina (NC), are not well understood.

Purpose: This study aims to develop and content validate a primary care engagement (PCE) survey to assess (1) engagement and burnout; (2) referral practices; and (3) self-efficacy and confidence in making referrals based on SDOH among PCPs and clinic staff in Appalachian NC.

Methods: Using the Social-Ecological Model as a theoretical framework, researchers developed a 37-item PCE survey. Content validation was completed by a panel of experts recruited …

Disparities In Housing Affordability By Income, Housing Tenure, And Race In Us Census-Designated Regions, Jeffery S. Bredthauer, Javed Iqbal, Christopher Decker

Mountain Plains Journal of Business and Technology

This analysis demonstrates that there are significant regional disparities in housing affordability among US Census-designated regions, with the Northeast and West consistently bearing the highest costs. Over time, the burdens incurred by both owners and tenants have lessened, but renters' burdens have grown considerably. Furthermore, significant regional differences in severely cost-burdened households are highlighted. The Northeast has more severely cost-burdened households than the Midwest, South, or West. There are also significant ethnic differences: Asian Americans experience a slightly lower housing cost burden, while African Americans and Native Americans bear the greatest burden, followed by Hispanics. To address these problems, legislative …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child …

Community Conservation In Madagascar: Aligning Local Livelihoods And Biodiversity Protection, Jane Slentz-Kesler

Geography Honors Projects

The management of natural resources in developing countries is of utmost importance as both high levels of biodiversity and local livelihoods often hang in the balance. The debate in conservation spheres often centers on 'fortress' versus 'community-based' conservation approaches, one emphasizing nature preservation and the other emphasizing the needs and empowerment of local communities in resource management. This study evaluates the management approach of a rainforest in northeast Madagascar, asking: how effectively does the COMATSA Sud protected area management system both preserve critical forest cover and provide for the local community? This research employs a mixed-methods approach, using interviews and …

The Mental And Physical Health Of College Students, Cole Palmer, Tiffany Strickland, Nolan Moore, Salvatore Moore, Juan Martinez

ENGL 1102 Showcase

The physical and mental health of college students has been a big topic in recent years, and it is the one that we have chosen. Our inspiration for choosing this topic came from being college students and getting a firsthand view of this issue. Since we are college students, who are navigating the difficulties of higher education daily, we see the issues of mental and physical health in ourselves and among our peers. Exploring the interconnectedness of societal attitudes, nutrition, and physical health regarding mental health is the inspiration for these topics as well. Each individual topic in this paper …

The Media’S Influence On Disordered Eating And Body Dysmorphia In Males And Females, Alexis Kotanidis, Jamie Vitrano

Molloy Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference

The media typically refers to various means of communication that reach or influence people widely. This includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, and more. Essentially, it has many ways through which information is transmitted to a large audience. The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, especially with regard to disordered eating and body dysmorphia in both men and women. Disordered eating refers to a wide range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder diagnosis such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. …

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Pulse, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2024 Talisman:

• Hunter, Leah. Pulse
• Muscutt, Carson. High on Bluegrass – Jordan Riehm
• Meyers, Jeffrey. Science of Movement – Exercise Science
• Murray, Debra. Pasture to Plate – Agriculture
• Murray, Debra. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
• Coffee, Bobbi. Passion, Pain, Curiosity – Innovation Campus
• Story, Miriam. Drafts of a Postcard (October 2023)
• Johnston, Katelyn. Beyond Sound – Deaf
• Hunter, Leah. One Good Week – Madison Weis
• Alali, Cecilia. Crafted Cadence – Speech Team
• Blankenship, Alisa. Loving You
• Sandlin, Ellie. Here After – Death
• Booth, Pandora. Rooted in Rhythm – Step Shows
• Booth, Pandora. Horoscopes
• Pulse Playlist

Proposal: How Does The Total Sugar Intake Impact Cognitive Function In Children 10 Years Of Age?, Andrew O. Laidlaw, Camila Arrieta, Shoshana Yachnes

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The effects that high sugar intake has on cognitive function is an ongoing topic in research today. Although most studies point to a negative relationship between the variables, the evidence is not conclusive enough to be able to confirm its true effect. While evidence finds an association between high sugar intake and chronic diseases, its impact on cognitive function is yet to be determined. The purpose of this proposed research study is to examine how total sugar intake impacts the cognitive function in children. Fifty children, age 10, will be randomly chosen from schools in South Florida for a cross-sectional …

Welfare-Based Human Rights Diffusion In Global Social Policy: Examining An Extended Spiral Model To Survey Welfare Norms, Kendra L. Duran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addresses a gap in research concerning welfare-based human rights diffusion, rights that are also referred to as Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR). This project finds that when states ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), global social policies are created, grow worldwide, and receive greater attention from advocacy organizations. Even so, it is not understood how global social policies affect a state’s compliance with its ICESCR commitment, nor how global social policies affect welfare-based human rights diffusion. Seeking to address this gap in theory and praxis, this research utilizes an extended case study …

Social Isolation In Older Adults: A Qualitative Study, Jacqueline M. Rich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Population aging is a worldwide trend linked to scientific developments such as vaccinations and medical advancements, including improvements in cancer treatment and a lower fertility rate than experienced by previous generations. This phenomenon is poised to instigate one of the biggest social revolutions of the twenty-first century. The consequences of an aging population affect housing, transportation, labor markets, and the demand for goods and services. It also influences interpersonal relationships, including family structures and friendships. This upward drift of improved longevity increases the possibility of developing physical and psychological ailments that can contribute to lifestyle changes and subsequently increase the …

Emdr And Exercise: Treating Ptsd In Female Veterans, Ericka Day

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem was that there was a gap in the literature on providing female-specific interest in EMDR and exercise as treatments for PTSD. The purpose of this study was to describe the severity of PTSD symptoms, mental health stigma, and quality of life in female veterans, and furthermore, to understand the level of desire among these women to engage in exercise and EMDR for PTSD treatment. The study was conducted utilizing a correlational quantitative research design. A sample size of 173 female veterans completed self-report assessments including the PTSD Check List Military Version (PCL-M), the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness …

Spiritual Care And The Art Of Holistic Healing At Swedish Hospital In Chicago, Mary Pamela Eke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the importance of spiritual care as an act of holistic healing process, there has continued to be a problem of imbalance between the physical care, and the spiritual and emotional care with cardiac care patients. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and implement a model of holistic healing for integrating spiritual and emotional care alongside physical treatment. This project’s main goal is to promote a sense of connectivity across the various aspects of physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care for cardiac care patients at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. Utilizing qualitative research methods for data …

Type 2 Diabetes And Marital Quality Declines Moderated By Positive Health Behaviors, Rebekah Case Fankhauser

Theses and Dissertations

Type 2 diabetes affects more than one-quarter of older adults in the United States. Many older adults manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the context of marriage, although few studies have acknowledged the effect the illness has on marital quality. The current study examined how the presence of T2D in later life relates to marital quality, and how positive health behaviors--diet, physical activity, and sleep--can moderate the relationship between T2D and marital quality. Data from the 1,200 married older adults in the Life and Family Legacies study were used to estimate moderation models using structural equation modeling in Mplus. Results …

Where Do Families Come From? The Law Of Family Definition, Katharine Baker

BYU Law Review

Why does the law recognize families? Sometimes family recognition serves to foster cooperative communities in which sharing norms, more than the market or the government, determine rights and obligations. These communities often take care of dependents and serve as important sources of individual self-determination and pluralism. At other times, family delineation serves a corrective purpose, when it forces family members who are not sharing with each other to do so. At still other times, family delineation serves a distributive purpose, as when the law uses “family” definition to distribute resources to determine an intended beneficiary. This use of “family” for …

Elois Freeman Full Interview Transcript, Urban Green Lab, Tennessee State University

Hear from Elois Freeman - Native Nashvillian Who Came Home

No abstract provided.

Financial Exclusion, Gender, And The Lure Of Boko Haram (Chapter From Gender-Responsive Budgeting In Africa: Access And Future Measures), Vesna Markovic, Sven Botha

Justice, Law, and Public Safety Studies Department Faculty Books/Book Chapters

There is a large disparity in financial inclusiveness for those people living in northern Nigeria in contrast to those living in southern Nigeria. According to a 2019 report by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Nigeria has more people living in extreme poverty than any other country in the world. Access to education and lower levels of income all contribute to the lack of financial inclusion for both men and women in the North, but particularly for women. These gender barriers have acted as an enabler for the recruitment of women into the Boko …