Digital Commons Network^™

Coping Strategies In Parents Raising Children With Disabilities, Danielle Haaksma

Masters Theses

The current study examined how parents of children with disabilities use coping strategies to manage stress and mental health. A convenience sample of twenty-five parents completed a survey developed by the researcher. Findings showed that the coping strategies used the most included talking to family members, followed by purposeful planning, talking to friends outside the family and learning to accept the situation. In addition, the mothers in this sample used adaptive coping, talked to friends and utilized purposeful planning more often than the fathers did. Positive reinterpretation of the situation and escape avoidance were the only strategies that had a …

Evaluation Of Knowledge, Beliefs And Use Of Nutritional Ergogenic Aids Among Collegiate Athletes, Mekenzie Lewis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the NEA knowledge and practices of collegiate athletes. Participants of the study included 152 Division I collegiate athletes from a small Midwestern university. Athletes were both male and female participants of rugby, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, and/or track and field during the 2011-2012 school year. A 14 item questionnaire was developed based on concepts associated with misconceptions or wide spread beliefs about these NEAs identified through review of sports nutrition peer reviewed research articles, published text books, and based on personal experiences with college athletes. Content accuracy was established by review of …

School Readiness: An Exploration Of Early Childhood Professionals' Perceptions And Practices, Lindsey Jenkins

Masters Theses

Early childhood experiences set a foundation for school and for life. Because so many children attend some type of early childhood program, it is important to understand the perceptions of those teach and care for young children before they enter kindergarten. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between perceptions and practices of early childhood professionals regarding school readiness based of five areas of child development. Sixty-one early childhood professionals completed the Kindergarten Readiness Survey, and descriptive statistics, constant comparison, and microanalysis were used to analyze the data.

Results of this study indicate that social-emotional development is …

Evaluation Of Menu-Labeling's Effect On Restaurant Patrons' Meal Choices, Sarah Elizabeth Knoll

Masters Theses

Background: Quick service restaurant food has been association with weight gain, increased waist size, and insulin resistance, that lead to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. A resolution includes a public policy initiative mandating restaurants to list calories at the point <>f purchase. The purpose of this research was to determine if calorie menu labeling has an effect on individuals' decision to build a healthier combo meal, one lower in calories.

Methvds: A convenience sample was gathered. Participants completed an online survey asking them to build combo meals from quick st;rvice restaurants. Participants were randomly sorted into …

"Have You Forgotten Us?": An Analysis Of Resources For Non-Traditional Students, Theresa Lindsay

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how supported the non-traditional student population at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) felt and to assess what campus resources and services they use and need. An online survey was developed by the researcher and administered to 285 current non-traditional college students. The findings indicated that overall, non-traditional students at EIU felt supported by the university and their instructors. However the participants also reported that they were not using all of the services and resources the university offered. In addition, several respondents noted that there are some services that are not currently offered at …

Physical Activity And Household Food Insecurity As Important Predictors Of Health Status In Eiu Students, Tatjana Magoc

Masters Theses

Household food insecurity (HFI), defined as limited access to nutritionally adequate foods, is associated with poor diet, which can increase the risk of obesity and health related problems (Kaiser, 2005; Brewer et al., 2010). It is one of the conditions that may adversely affect the normal development of children and adults. The highest level of food insecurity is defined as "hunger". The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the general level ofHFI in Eastern Illinois University (EIU) students, (b) examine the association between Physical Activity (PA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in EIU students, (c) examine the association …

Foreign Aid: Addiction, Weaning, Recovery?, Peter Foster

Masters Theses

Africa has long been seen as a foreign world to the West. Early pioneers to the continent called it "the dark continent" and during the Scramble for Africa in the late 1890s, European countries divided largely unexplored regions of the continent between themselves. Many European colonists are today reviled for their colonial practices of racial segregation, exclusion of locals from the political process and the imprisonment of black leaders. Through conquest and regulation, majority black populations were taken advantage of by European powers which divided the continent and drew up their own boundaries, ultimately splitting or forcibly combining ethnic groups. …

The Effects Of Body Positioning On Compliance Among Children, Andrea Merideth Delaney

Masters Theses

Noncompliance has significant implications for children in both home and educational settings. It can thwart learning and lead to increased levels of stress for parents. This study examined the effect of body positioning on the compliance rates of three children in the clinic setting. Results found that higher rates of compliance were experienced when caregivers issued commands in either the kneeling or bending positions rather than a standing position. For two of the three participants, a kneeling position yielded higher rates of compliance. No differences were seen pre- and post-intervention in regards to parenting style using the PAQ-R. Decreases in …

The Effect Of An Oral Carbohydrate Rinse On Shorter-Endurance Exercise Program, Morgan Esh

Masters Theses

Research has suggested that orally rinsing with a carbohydrate solution can improve shorter-endurance exercise performance (Carter, Jeukendrup, & Jones, 2004; Chambers, Bridge, & Jones, 2009; Pottier, Bouckaert, Roels, & Derave, 2009; Rollo, Williams, & Nevill, 2011). The purpose of this study was to determine if a carbohydrate mouth rinse improves a 30 minute running distance compared to a non-carbohydrate mouth rinse in females ages 18 to 25 years. Eight female recreational runners performed two experimental rinse-trials the morning after an overnight fast. Participants performed each 30 minute treadmill run at a Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 14 and …

Nutrition Facts Panel Components: Utilization By Consumers, Caitlin A. Huth

Masters Theses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) passed the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) that resulted in the appearance of the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) on all packaged foods in 1994. With rising rates of obesity in the country, the Panel was intended to serve as a nutrition tool to help consumers make informed food and nutrition choices. Previous research has discussed the application and use of the NFP related to consumers' demographic features, dietary outcomes, such as diet quality, and consumer behaviors, such as purchasing decisions.

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of NFP components …

Knowledge, Application, And The Impact Of Nutrition Education Of Portion Sizes In Female Adolescents, Denise Fearday

Masters Theses

The rising rates of obesity in children and adolescents are a cause for concern and an opportunity to educate youth on prevention strategies regarding obesity. Studies have shown that adolescents carry their knowledge and habits of eating into adulthood, and therefore should be educated when young to prevent obesity at an older age. A nutrition education workshop was presented to a group of adolescent females to determine their knowledge and application of portion sizes. The workshop was designed as a pretest-intervention-posttest study with an objective of determining the impact of a portion size workshop on the knowledge and attitudes of …

Effect Of A Summer Bridge Program On Provisionally Admitted Students' Self-Efficacy, Merry Kathleen Lucas

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

African American Students' Perceptions Of Diversity, Inclusion, And Hate Speech, Andrea E. Grant

Masters Theses

African American students' perceptions of diversity, inclusion, and hate speech were explored to reveal implications for the efficacy of the university's mission and obligation to diversity. Using qualitative research methodology, six African American female undergraduate students were interviewed via a semi-structured interview protocol. Using constant-comparative analysis common categories were drawn revealing nine salient themes: Artificial Diversity between Races, Implicit Racial Lines, Efforts of Housing Staff, Missed Educational Opportunities, Encounters with Hate Speech, Subtle Acts of Hate Speech, Overcoming Stereotypes, Users of Hate Speech, and Speech Codes are Not the Solution. These findings provided African American students an opportunity to have …

The Toxicity Of Acetaminophen, Caffeine And Carbendazim In Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida), Matthew M. Bulman

Masters Theses

There has been a need for the assessment of ground water contamination risk on terrestrial organisms. One terrestrial organism, Eisenia fetida, was chosen as a test species and exposed to three common pharmaceutical and/or pesticide related contaminants: acetaminophen (CAS#103-90-2), caffeine (CAS#58-08-2) and carbendazim (CAS#10605-21-7), respectively. Levels of contamination varied from grams per liter to micrograms per liter (ppb) using distilled water as the solvent. Eisenia fetida was examined through a 28 day range/index toxicity test. A Benchmark Dose (BMD) dichotomous probit analysis, using a 95% confidence interval, was calculated for all three contaminants. All three contaminants were found to have …

Dynamic Crisis Modifiers: Bp's Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill, Catherine G. Bocke

Masters Theses

When an organizational crisis emerges, crisis communicators must craft specific messages for their stakeholders and the public. While an organization is attempting to shape how the public perceives it during a crisis, the media work to frame the public's perception of the crisis through news coverage. Situational crisis communication theory (SCCT) is a prescriptive theory that assesses a crisis situation to determine which crisis response will best protect the organization's reputation. Two factors, crisis history and severity, serve as modifiers that can affect the crisis situation, and ultimately influence the best response. BP's Gulf of Mexico oil spill serves as …

An Empirical Analysis Of The Service Sector Transformation In Safta Member Countries, Md. Tanvir Pavel

Masters Theses

This paper makes an attempt to assess the transformation process of the service sector in South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFT A) by using a panel data over the period 1990 to 2010. Based on the regression analysis, the study investigates the existence and association between the output of the service sector and per capita national output by applying panel least squares along with fixed effects and random effects. The generalized least squares (GLS) approach with fixed effect estimation comes in handy in our analysis. The study reveals that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have a meaningful positive effect whereas …

The Effect Of The Power Balance Bracelet On Strength, Agility, Flexibility And Vertical Jump In Collegiate Male Athletes, Rusa Lea Reimnitz

Masters Theses

The Power Balance Bracelet is marketed as a way to increase an athlete's performance in strength, flexibility and balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Power Balance Bracelet manufacturer's claims. Twenty male Division I athletes from Eastern Illinois University performed four tests on three different dates. The first session was a control trial and the subsequent sessions were performed with either the Power Balance bracelet or the placebo bracelet. Treatment order was assigned randomly with one half performing with the Power Balance and one half performing with the placebo bracelet in the second and …

Efficacy Of A Single Session Of Static Stretching And Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching On Hip Range Of Motion After Exercise, Hannah J. Vacey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare a single bout of stretching; either static stretching (SS) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and no stretching (C) on hip range of motion (ROM) after walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Differences among stretching groups, between males and females for all ii subjects combined at baseline and post-test measurements were also investigated. Thirtyfive physically active, non-collegiate athlete volunteers (21 males, 14 females) between the ages of 18-26 were recruited to participate in this study. Descriptive statistics were obtained from each subject as well as exercise history regarding aerobic, resistance and …

The Relationship Between Dialectical Self And Hedonic, Eudaimonic, And Social Well-Being, Ayaka Hisanaga

Masters Theses

The present study examined the relationship between a dialectical self and three different conceptions of well-being: hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being. Dialectical self refers to the ability to recognize contradictions and changes in the self. The study was built upon previous research by Spencer-Rodgers and her colleagues (2004) that found a negative relationship between being dialectical and hedonic well-being (specifically selfesteem and life satisfaction). Although this previous study indicated that the more one perceives oneself as tolerant of contradiction and change, the more one would tend to experience life dissatisfaction and negative feelings (i.e., hedonic well-being), the current study predicted …

Instructional Technology Resistance Levels Among University Faculty, Katie Glaze

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to contribute to a better understanding of resistance to instructional technology among university faculty. Siegel's (2008) Resistance to Instruction Technology questionnaire was employed to full-time faculty members working at a mid-west regional state university. Results from 226 respondents (37% of population) reported low levels of technology resistance. Further, respondents gave insight to their perceptions, attitudes, and actual use of instructional technology. Finally, recommendations for practitioners related resistance to instructional technology were discussed.

Effect Of Reservoir Discharge And Sanitary Effluent On An Urban Stream, Daniel Hiatt

Masters Theses

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems may occur from several sources, primarily from anthropogenic inputs. Excess nutrient deposition can result in eutrophication and community compositional shifts in organisms located in impacted ecosystems. In the Sangamon River located outside Decatur, IL, discharge from the local reservoir, which receives inputs from both a city landscape and agricultural landscape and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). These may result in a large influx of nutrients into this system. Increased nutrient levels have the potential to shift benthic periphyton, and macroinvertebrate communities and cause extinction of low tolerance native species. To examine the impacts of inputs for …

Inferencing Abilities Of Children With Specific Language Impairment, Kelsey J. Depew

Masters Theses

Inferencing is the ability to make judgments based upon limited information. It is necessary for basic problem solving, negation social interaction, and comprehension of oral and written language. Despite the importance of inferencing in daily life, there are currently no commercially available tests dedicated entirely to the assessment of inferencing. Previous research has demonstrated a developmental progression of inferencing abilities in neurotypical children. However, no clinical norms exist. Additionally, little research has been conducted regarding the inferencing abilities of children with language impairments. The purpose of this project was to compare inferencing abilities of children with language impairment to typically …

Adolescent Athletes' Use Of And Attitudes Toward Performance Enhancing Supplements, Stephanie R. Smith

Masters Theses

Performance enhancing supplements are widely used today in the competitive sports community. With the desire to be the best competitor, younger athletes are using supplements. Although there is no strong evidence that supplements will benefit adolescent athletes, this population is using supplements. The purposes of this study were to identify male and female adolescents' frequency of supplement use, nutrition knowledge, and collect data that will aid in the development of nutrition education materials for adolescent athletes.

Housing E.L.'S G.L.S And Married Students: The Story Of Trailers, Barracks, And Apartments At Eastern Lllinois University, Philip Mohr

University Apartments (Married Student Housing)

This student paper was a winner of the 2012 Booth Library Awards in Excellence in Student Research and Creativity.

Who Shapes The Classroom? A Case Study Of Congress, The President, And Their Motivations For Involvement In Federal Educational Policy, Kyle Swalls

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper examines three major influences on legislative and presidential decision-making. These three influences are 1) an officeholder's personal views, generated by socialization and experiences prior to holding office, 2) the political institutions, which speak to the complexities and many actors involved who shape the prioritization of issues, and 3) an office-holder's responsibility to a constituency which is motivated by reelection hopes. To create this model, a case study of four members of the U.S. House of Representatives and President Barack Obama was conducted regarding their involvement with federal educational policy. This framework can be further developed for the purpose …

Changes In United States Diplomacy: How International Development And An Increasing Military Role Is Challenging The Relevance Of U.S. Ambassadors, Jennifer M. Prillaman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Perceived Psychological Distance In Leader-Subordinate And Teacher-Student Relationships, Charles L. Lewis Iv

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this conceptual paper is two pronged; first it surveys the current research literature on perceived psychological and physical distance and its relationship to leader-subordinate interaction and job performance. Secondly, the review suggests that the phenomenon of perceived distance also applies to the teacher-student relationship and school performance. A synthesis of the literature and suggestions for future research are also presented.

Impact Of Family Meal Time On College Students' Food Consumption And Select Lifestyle Choices, Rachael Jannusch

Undergraduate Honors Theses

People participating in family mealtimes ≥ 6 times per week while growing up are known to have a better quality diet, GPA, sleeping habits, and a normal BMI. It is hypothesized that college students with a history of family mealtimes continue to experience these benefits while in college. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the history of family mealtime on diet quality, GPA, sleeping habits, and BMI in a college setting.

A convenience sample of students at a midwestern university (n=100) were asked to complete a 17 question survey regarding frequency of family meals, food …

Oral Narrative Skills And Executive Functions In Elementary School Children, Sarah Marie Lambeth

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral narrative abilities and executive function skills in typically developing first and third grade children. Several studies have begun to identify differences in executive function profiles of different groups of children, while other studies have determined a relationship between individual language skills and isolated executive function abilities. Few studies have examined the relationship between applied language tasks, such as narrative ability, and functional displays of executive functions. Subjects included 27 first and third grade students attending a central Illinois public school. The current study investigated the relationship between oral …

Analysis Of Bisphenol A (Bpa) In Local Waters And In Pvc Pond Liner, Brandon Bills

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concentrations of the endocrine disrupter bisphenol A (BPA) were determined for three water samples from the watershed of Charleston, IL, USA. The analytical approach employed solid phase extraction in conjunction with GC/MS-SIM analysis and yielded a limit of detection of 30 ppt (parts per trillion). The local waterways Town Branch. Cassel Creek and Embarras River showed concentrations of 58(11) ppt, 89(3) ppt, and 32(9) ppt respectively. Additional measurements of BPA availability from aqueous laboratory extractions of a commercial PVC pond liner have been initiated. Preliminary results indicate significant BPA release from the pond liner, dependent upon extraction conditions.