Digital Commons Network^™

Efficacy Of An Online Mindfulness Training For Adolescents: A Pilot Study, Gus C. Salazar

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Adolescence represents a period in a person’s life where they develop skills and competencies necessary to flourish in the physical, social, emotional, and academic areas of their lives. Additionally, adolescents are facing unprecedented social and mental health challenges. As such, it is important to equip adolescents with tools to help them succeed. Mindfulness is one resource which has been shown to improve symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, while also improving mindfulness ability and overall well-being. Aims: The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot study to examine the efficacy of a self-guided, internet-delivered mindfulness training with …

Demographic Characteristics, Perinatal Smoking Patterns, And Risk For Neonatal Health Complications Among Pregnant Smokers In The United States Who Begin Using Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study Using Population-Based Surveillance Data., Hui Nian, Rachel Odland, Samantha Mindlin, Lin Ammar, Hilary Tindle, Angela M Miller, Kelli K Ryckman, Ethan Xie, Tina V Hartert, Brittney M Snyder, Steven M Brunwasser, Pingsheng Wu

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Health agencies have called for research evaluating e-cigarette (EC) use in supporting prenatal smoking cessation. This study aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of smokers who begin using electronic cigarettes (ECs) during pregnancy, (2) how frequently smokers reduce or eliminate pre- and post-natal combustible cigarette (CC) use, and (3) the risk for neonatal health complications among smokers who initiate ECs during pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS: Pregnant women using CCs exclusively during prepregnancy, who participated in a U.S. surveillance study, were classified by their reported late-pregnancy smoking behavior as CC-exclusive users, EC initiators, or quitters. EC initiators were further subclassified …

Mental Illness Amongst Incarcerated Individuals And Its Effect On Gaining Employment, Tionna S. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

More than half the correctional population has a mental health disorder (NIH, 2022). Having a mental health disorder can severely interfere in one’s transition back into the community, specifically surrounding their access to employment. This dissertation analyzes the extent to which the mental health of previously incarcerated individuals affects their employment upon release. Results from this study concluded that having a mental health diagnosis did interfere with previously incarcerated individuals’ access to employment, especially if those individuals were black. This dissertation concludes with a discussion of the findings, limitations, contributions, as well as implications for practitioners, policy makers and researchers.

American Capitalism And The Decline Of Debtors’ Prison In The 19th Century, James Parisot

Sociology Faculty Publications

This paper examines the dynamics of capitalism and the penitentiary system through an analysis of the decline of debt imprisonment in 19th-century United States. It argues that class transformations in the early to mid-1800s created a context for social experiments with new forms of punishment. The penitentiary systems that formed developed logics that contingently fit with the rising mode of production. The decline of debt imprisonment, in this context, was much in part the result of transformations in class power and class structure.

Open Access In The Age Of Ai: The Journal Of Appalachian Health And Hurricane Helene Recovery, Noah Wren, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent destruction brought upon the Appalachian region by Hurricane Helene has emphasized the importance of the Journal of Appalachian Health. As an open-access peer-reviewed source of information, the Journal plays a critical role in not only facilitating public health research about Hurricane Helene, but also combating misinformation regarding the event. In the days following Hurricane Helene, misinformation about the federal government’s response, along AI generated images, have left many in the region confused and misled about what had happened. Going forward, the Journal will play an necessary part in making sure accurate information is shared to understand how …

Credentialing Care: Covid-19 And The Bureaucratization Of Doulas, Ellen Block, Julie Johnson Searcy, Angela N. Castañeda

Sociology Faculty Publications

Doulas in the United States offer embodied, informational, and continuous one-on-one care to birthing people. Doulas have historically sought certification to gain knowledge through training and to gain legitimacy for healthcare providers and clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals required doulas to provide proof of certification. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of state-sponsored doula programs, has sparked a shift in how doulas are viewed and regulated, enabling new forms of bureaucratic oversight and control. Based on participant observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we examine the connection between certification and care including motivations doulas have for certification, the perceived value …

Anthropology & Aging From The Editor-In-Chief, Manonita Ghosh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Ai-Enhanced Qualitative Research: Insights From Adele Clarke’S Situational Analysis Of Ted Talks, Natalija Mazeikiene, Judita Kasperiuniene

The Qualitative Report

This study explores the integration of ChatGPT-4 into the qualitative research process, focusing on the methodology of Situational Analysis by Adele Clarke and analysing TED Talks transcripts. Findings show ChatGPT's ability to process data quickly in initial coding, formulating broader categories reflecting Clarke's complexity of “situation,” recognising human and non-human elements, discourses, debates, and issues, temporal and spatial. In analysing data for different map types (situational, social worlds and arenas, positional), ChatGPT-4 “understands” their different analytical purposes, recognising different levels of abstraction and theoretical structuring. The research highlighted the challenges for generative AI in translating complex theoretical frameworks into situational …

"Traditionalizing" Effect Of Parenthood On First Time Mothers: Insights From A Longitudinal Study, Vilma Ražauskienė

The Qualitative Report

Researchers have documented that transitioning to parenthood may have a "traditionalizing“ effect on the gendered division of housework and childcare. The goal of this research is to enhance an understanding of the factors that influence this change in behaviour and attitudes swaying it to the side of traditional gender roles. To achieve this objective, two waves of individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten women during pregnancy and four to six months postpartum. Although convenience sampling was employed for data collection, the research participants displayed variation in terms of marital status, educational level, number of children, breastfeeding practices, and other …

Methodological Combinations In Qualitative Research In Music Education: Autobiography And Grounded Theory, Monica Marques, Teresa Mateiro

The Qualitative Report

This article explores the theoretical and methodological approaches of (auto)biographical qualitative research and grounded theory, based on their historical and epistemological characteristics. This study in music education aimed to gain an understanding of the process of becoming a primary school music teacher. The Supervised Internship course in teacher education for a music degree was analyzed using the methodological and formative (auto)biographical dispositifs of the Biographical Project Workshop (Delory-Momberguer, 2006) and situational analysis (Clarke, 2005), constructed through the students’ oral, written, and musical narratives based on their experiences as music teachers in the public elementary schools. As a result of the …

Reviewer Acknowledgements, Randy Wykoff, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

We at the Journal of Appalachian Health would like to thank the multitude of reviewers who have volunteered their time, talents, and attention to the journal. Reviewers help us consider the rigor and quality of the submissions we receive, and their willingness to read material ahead of publication ensures we can bring timely research to our readers in Appalachia and further afield.

Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Intimate Partner Violence And Child Maltreatment Services In Rural Northwest North Carolina, Elisabeth G. Galphin, Adam Hege, Amy Dellinger Page

Journal of Appalachian Health

The current study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IPV and child maltreatment services in rural northwestern North Carolina. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight professionals representing six service organizations across four counties. The findings highlighted challenges these agencies faced throughout the pandemic, new risks for the clients served, and positive outcomes. In addition, it has been a useful learning experience as public health and social service agencies learn to serve their communities more effectively moving forward. This is especially relevant for rural communities, as it has put public health preparedness at the forefront.

The Impact Of Primary Care Physician Capacity On Preventable Hospitalizations: Identifying Bright Spots In The Appalachian & Mississippi Delta Regions, Michael Topmiller, Peter J. Mallow, Hoon Byun, Mark Carrozza, Yalda Jabbarpour

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Several studies have documented that higher rates of primary care physicians are associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalizations. Counties with higher rates of preventable hospitalizations are found in the Appalachian and Mississippi (MS) Delta Regions.

Purpose: (1) To determine if the association of primary care capacity with preventable hospitalizations is different in the Appalachian and MS Delta regions compared to the rest of the U.S., and (2) to explore primary care capacity in counties with lower-than-expected preventable hospitalization rates.

Methods: This study modeled preventable hospitalizations with primary care physicians (PCP) per 100,000 (PCP capacity) while controlling for several …

Psychosocial Factors, Stress And Sleep Among Rural Appalachian Kentucky Residents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Blake Dipaola, Zoe Taylor, Eric Hennemann, Brittany L. Smalls, Philip M. Westgate, Nancy Schoenberg

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural Appalachian residents experience higher rates of most chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stress and sleep deficiency also are common in the region.

Purpose: To better understand these associated health burdens, the relationship among these conditions and psychosocial factors—such as depressive symptoms, distress, empowerment, and social support—was examined among Appalachian residents with T2DM.

Methods: Using data collected from a community-based sample of Appalachian adults with T2DM, the study examined whether psychosocial factors were associated with perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and self-reported sleep deficiency (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Multilevel linear mixed effects regression modeling was used …

Nutrition Education Needs And Barriers Of Uninsured Clients Who Utilize Free Clinics In Western North Carolina, Manan Roy, Alisha Farris, Erin Loy, Lauren Sastre, Danielle L. Nunnery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Many uninsured adults rely on free health clinics for prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Little is known about the nutrition education needs of adults served by free health clinics, especially those living in counties within the Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain Region.

Methods: An in-person survey was distributed to 202 clients of two free health clinics in western North Carolina. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine frequency distributions for food and physical activity practices, acceptable topics and strategies for nutrition education, and the acceptance and barriers for various modalities.

Results: Depending on the clinic, 49-58% of participants were …

Aftermath: A Word To Appalachia Following Hurricane Helene, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene caused massive and catastrophic flash flooding in the lower Appalachian Region, leveling towns and forever altering much of the landscape. This is an open letter to the people of Appalachia who were affected by the disaster that blindsided our region.

The Evolution Of Community Engagement Strategies In The Context Of Advancements In Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Erika Grodzki, Stefanie Powers, Gary Carlin, Hung Chum Kao

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the need for communities to nurture, inform, and challenge these technologies becomes paramount. This panel addresses the importance of traditional and AI driven strategies in terms of community engagement. Four case studies are reviewed to show how AI technologies are being implemented in communities. While AI offers numerous benefits, it is important not to overlook the value of human interaction in building and maintaining thriving community engagement. AI cannot replicate emotional intelligence and authentic relationship building - critical components of community engagement.

Refereed Research - Religiosity And Sociality As Sources Of Resilience For Women Subsistence Entrepreneurs During The Pandemic, Rozina Akther

Subsistence Marketplaces

This study examines challenges faced by subsistence women entrepreneurs during COVID-19, the crisis of 2020, and their resilience in addressing the circumstances. The results of qualitative interviews with 13 subsistence marketplace women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are presented in this article. In the current study, two themes are found to best capture the experiences and resilience of women business owners in the subsistence marketplaces. Furthermore, the study provides important insights from informant interviews, showing how women business owners navigate their operations during a pandemic. It highlights attributes such as relational strength and faith in a higher power that contribute to their …

Take Care Of Yourself, Xochitl Cabrera

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.

Roots Of Resistance: My Journey From San Fransisco To Humboldt, Renee Saucedo

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.

Creating Supportive Systems For The Latine And Lgbtq+ Community In Higher Education, Irene Gonzales-Herrera

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.

My Weapon Of Choice Is Education, Anayeli Auza

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.

Young Children’S Mental Well-Being In Low-Income South African Settings: A Qualitative Study, Catherine E. Draper, Caylee J. Cook, Elizabeth A. Ankrah, Jesus A. Beltran, Franceli L. Cibrian, Jazette Johnson, Kimberley D. Lakes, Hanna Mofid, Lucretia Williams, Gillian R. Hayes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

This qualitative study aimed to capture community perspectives of the risks and protective factors for social emotional development and mental health of young children in low-income South Africa settings, and was conducted as one component of a larger study with the ultimate aim of co-designing the Mazi Umntanakho (‘know your child’) digital tool. Twenty focus group discussions (n = 154, 97% female) were held with staff of community-based organisations (CBOs) and community health worker (CHW) programmes in urban and rural sites from four geographical regions. Data were analysed thematically, and grouped according to components of nurturing care (responsive caregiving, safety …

Absent Fathers And The Propensity Of Criminal Behaviors Among Children Later In Life, India Kewanna Holmes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of the qualitative phenomenological research was to investigate the experiences of young adults raised by one caregiver and how the lack of fathers in the household impacted their decision-making processes concerning engaging in criminal behaviors. The following inquiry guided the research: What are the effects of fatherlessness on decision-making in young adults, and how is it related to criminal behavior? Semi-structured interviews of 15 participants, aged 18 to 26, were used as the primary data collection method. The interview instrument consisted of ten items, and responses were analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. The study's findings revealed several …

“Heated, Polarized, And Annoying”: The Characteristics And Consequences Of Affective Polarization In Independent High Schools, Nora Gross, Ellen Bryer, Charlotte E. Jacobs, Jarvis Goosby

Democracy & Education

Affective political polarization, or a sense of political identity-based animosity or distrust, became especially heightened during the Trump presidency. However, we know little about how youth experience such polarization in school and its effect on their political socialization. With unusual access to high-status independent schools, this paper explores the characteristics, consequences, and evolution of affective polarization for adolescents during high school. We draw on open-ended responses to school climate surveys administered at nine schools, 2018-2019, in which many students described experiences of political polarization and partisan hostility present in their schools. These reports of affective polarization increased by students’ grade …

Local Crime And Substance Use Disorders: A Comparison Of Midlife Adults In The 1990s And 2000s, Jennifer W. Robinette, Jason D. Boardman, Kathleen Mullan Harris

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

This study investigated how sociopolitical changes in the United States between the 1990s and 2000s may explain the increase in substance use disorders and reduced longevity in more recent cohorts of US midlife adults. The 2008 recession which drastically increased unemployment rates across the country may have had negative implications for downstream contextual and individual processes, including both local crime rates and substance use disorders. The Midlife in the United States Survey cohort (1995; n = 6148; 20–75 years) and the MIDUS Refresher cohort (2011; n = 3543; 23–76 years) reported on substance use disorders. These data were linked to …

Standing Still, Go Along, And Zooming In: Complementary Strategies Of Participant-Observations In Urban Ethnography, Lene Granzau Juel-Jacobsen

The Qualitative Report

This paper seeks to complement conventional ethnographic participant observation methods, proposing the integration of three distinct strategies. Motivated by own ethnographic studies, conducted in an urban supermarket and a food festival site, the paper contends that traditional long-term immersion may not always suffice for investigating transient urban phenomena. The paper advocates for the integration of complementary methodological strategies for participant observation adaptable to evolving contexts and research questions. Firstly, the "standing still" approach involves minimal engagement while observing a specific scene or interaction, offering a detached yet insightful perspective on fleeting moments or events. Secondly, the "go along" strategy entails …

Intergenerational Transmission Of Wisdom Through Family Narratives: A Qualitative Analysis Of Emerging Adults' Perspective, Emilia Mazurek

The Qualitative Report

Family narratives are a medium for the intergenerational transmission of life wisdom, which may influence recipient’s beliefs system and behaviors. Despite a growing body of knowledge on wisdom, emerging adults remain insufficiently researched as to what wisdom from their perspective was conveyed to them through stories. The aim was to identify what wisdom emerging adults perceive in the narratives told them by their parents about themselves. The study was conducted in Poland. Convenience sampling was used. 42 emerging adults (33 female, 8 male, 1 non-binary) ranging from 19 to 22 years participated in the study. Participants were asked to write …

Emotionally Demanding Research: A Wartime Quest Or A Journey Of Connection, Thomas W. Gretton Dr, Anna Farello

The Qualitative Report

Emotionally demanding research (EDR) is a branch of qualitative inquiry that heavily draws from researchers’ psychological, emotional, and physical resources. EDR researchers have acknowledged diverse experiences and effects of EDR, including compassion fatigue, interpersonal tensions, and ill-being but there remains restricted, empirical understanding of how researchers perceive their relationship with EDR. Building on Kumar and Cavallaro’s (2018) model of researcher self-care in EDR, we explored how expert qualitative researchers encountered both the positive and the negative experiences and effects throughout their entire EDR journeys. Interview data were analyzed using a holistic form of structural analysis. Researchers narrated their EDR journeys …

Considering Participant Observation Methods For Nursing Qualitative Research, Ana Inês Lourenço Da Costa, Maria Da Luz Jansénio Monteiro De Almeida Fonseca Rosa, Paula Manuela Jorge Dioga

The Qualitative Report

Observation is used as a research technique and the selection of the appropriate type depends on the research question and the paradigm underlying each study. The degree of participation and involvement of a nurse researcher varies according to the nature of the setting and the research question. The objective is to reflect on the experience in applying observational techniques in nursing qualitative research. We report on the experience of using 14 observations of interactions between nurse-child-parents in a nursing appointment in a healthcare center. This data collection allowed identification of advantages and limitations in the nurse-child-parent interaction processes, in a …