Digital Commons Network^™

Health Equity Policy In Colombia: Improving Equal Access To Health Care Services For Individuals With Low-Income, Marian Marin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In 1993, the last health reform “Law 100” was introduced in Colombia. It has been over 30 years since its implementation, and there have been many changes to the healthcare system in Colombia ever since. The policy increased health insurance coverage to almost 95% of the population, providing better and more affordable patient care. However, increasing the availability of resources does not necessarily make them accessible to all of Colombia’s residents. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of “Law 100” to the system and studies critical obstacles that halt healthcare equity in Colombia, particularly for those in rural and …

Co-Occurrence Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Data From The Hypersomnia Foundation Registry, Sophie Sevan Mikkelsen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, hypersomnia patients and researchers alike have increasingly discussed the possibility of heightened comorbidities, or co-occurrences, of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the central disorders of hypersomnolence: idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and narcolepsy (N). While a few scarce studies have investigated a link between ADHD and N, there has been no research on the co-occurrence of these conditions with IH. This study, using data from the Hypersomnia Foundation’s CoRDS Patient Registry, is the first to identify self-reported rates of ASD and ADHD diagnoses by people with idiopathic hypersomnia. Four chi-square tests were conducted to determine …

Sex Education Experiences Of Lgbtq+ College Students In Florida, Uma Sriram

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Existing research has identified negative impacts of state-level policies on sexual and gender minorities, yet minimal research has assessed the impact of recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Florida. This study explored the sex education experiences of LGBTQ+ college students who attended public middle and high schools in Florida and their attitudes towards the “Don’t Say Gay” Law, which was passed in 2022 and has since prevented the inclusion of diverse sexual and gender identities within K-12 school environments. Data consisted of 11 in-depth, qualitative interviews with undergraduate LGBTQ+ students attending Florida public universities. Thematic analysis of the interview data was conducted, …

Dance Movement Therapy For Pediatric Oncology Patients And Its Effect On Cancer Therapy-Related Symptoms, Victoria M. Trautwein

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Pediatric cancer patients are susceptible to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms impacting their quality of life. Dance movement therapy is a non-pharmacological method that has been shown to improve feelings of depression, anxiety, emotional, somatic symptoms, and overall quality of life. While much of cancer research is dedicated to finding cures, it is also important to focus on identifying methods for improving the symptoms and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.

Aim: The purpose of the literature review is to examine studies that show the effects of dance movement therapy on pediatric oncology patients’ cancer-treatment related …

Investigating Influences On Muslim-American Identity Development, Ruqayyah Adam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand how the childhood experiences, perceived discrimination, and Islamophobia experienced by Muslim-American college students have played a part in their identity development and overall well-being. Participants completed the RYFF Psychological Well-being Scales, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Centrality of Religiosity Scale, GAD7, Identity Distress Survey, Multi-Ethnic Identity Scale, as well as a narrative questionnaire that asked about their childhood experiences. After carefully analyzing the results of my study, results indicated that while Muslim-Americans faced extra difficulties due to discrimination, Islamophobia, and the integration of multiple cultural identities, they still experienced higher well-being and self-esteem despite …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Ketamine And Esketamine In Treating Anhedonia And Suicidal Ideation: A Meta-Analysis, Yanyi Wu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This meta-analysis examines the efficacy and effectiveness of racemic ketamine (RS-ketamine) and esketamine in reducing depressive symptoms such as suicidal ideation and anhedonia in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder. This review comprehensively looks at six studies: three clinical studies focusing on suicidal ideation and three looking at anhedonia. Across the studies, RS-ketamine and esketamine were associated with a higher resolution of suicidal ideation, risk, and anhedonia. Significant improvements were noted in the suicidal desire and ideation subscale of the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. The pooled effect size for suicidal ideation (d = 0.533) and pooled …

Does Attention Control Mediate The Negative Effects Online Usage Exerts On College Students' Gpa, Carolina Rodriguez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Online media, especially social media, is a continuously growing area of research which has raised questions about its impacts on academic outcomes. Many previous studies have established a negative relation between social media use and academic performance; however, the mechanism behind this finding is still unknown. The present study investigated whether level of attention control mediates the relation between an individual’s propensity for online usage and grade point average (GPA). Undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida (N=226) were recruited for this study, and their levels of online vigilance and attention control were measured. College GPA was self-reported by …

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Writing Award Co-Winner Graduate Essay: The Social Problems With Cross Creek's Transcendentalism, Mohammed Forero Bucheli

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Writing Award Co-Winner Undergraduate Essay: "Trauma And Tranquility: Rawlings's And Hemingway's Tales Of Transformation", Simon Cole

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

An Assessment Of The Hotel Customers’ Robotic Service Quality Perceptions: Scale Development And Validation, Ahmet Hacikara

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

"Hotel customers' interactions with service robots are becoming increasingly common, raising questions about how these interactions impact their experience. To address this gap in knowledge, this dissertation develops and validates a novel robotic service quality (ROBOQUAL) scale. Drawing on social exchange theory, the study examines the reciprocal relationship between hotel customers and artificially intelligent service robots, exploring how robotic service quality influences customers' perceptions of experience quality, satisfaction, and word-of-mouth intentions. The research employs focus-group studies, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and partial least squares equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to develop and validate the ROBOQUAL scale."

An Examination Of Frontline Service Workers' Empathy In A Cobot Team, Emily Anne Broker

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Service robots are an emerging technological advancement increasingly utilized in the hospitality industry. In return, service workers are required to use them during their interactions with customers. This study sought to examine how the service robot-worker team affects cognitive and affective empathy present in a service encounter. Using the empathy attribute part of the SERVQUAL model, this study aimed to examine and differentiate the server's empathy impact in the presence of a service robot. This study utilized semi-structured qualitative interviews to collect data from service workers employed in two restaurants characterized by distinct service environments. The interviews were qualitatively analyzed …

Identifying Antecedents And Consequences Of Mental Imagery: The Use Of Sor Theory In The Context Of Immersive Digital Exhibitions, Yeonjae Kim

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

With innovative technologies, various types of immersive digital experiences (IDEs) have gained significant attention in the past few years. Despite their popularity, little research has been conducted on the factors that examine visitors’ experiences and behavioral intentions. This study applies experience economy within the framework of the SOR (Stimulus-Organism-Response) theory, indicating the dimensions of IDE function as stimulus (S), mental imagery and attitude as the organism (O), and behavioral intentions as the response (R). This study aims to identify the antecedents and consequences of mental imagery to explain and understand the mechanism behind visitors’ evaluations for future decisions.

A total …

Flora And The Cloud Maker: Exploring Burnout Through Animation, Tiffany Marin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Flora and The Cloud Maker is a two-dimensional (2D) animated short film inspired by my personal experiences as a graduate student learning to balance work-life demands. Pursuing higher education has generated many unanticipated challenges. One of these challenges includes experiencing the state of psychological exhaustion, or “burnout”. Flora and The Cloud Maker’s purpose is to show that burnout is common, and recovery is possible. Many graduate students struggle with work-life balance, burnout, and anxiety in their daily lives. Through strong use of color theory and charming visuals, Flora and The Cloud Maker demonstrates that though the road to higher education …

After A Tragedy: A Mobile Therapeutic Themed Experience, Sarah M. Massarelli

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this thesis is to design a mobile therapeutic-themed experience that will help start the healing process for victims, direct and indirect, after a mass shooting incident. This design will attempt to address the stigma around seeking traditional mental health care and try to create opportunities for victims, direct and indirect, to support another even though they may not want to seek help from a therapist. Not every victim will react to the mass shooting incident in the same way, and not every person processes their feelings and emotions in the same way. The experience is designed to …

The Investigation Of The Effects Of Adolescent Substance Use On Socioeconomic Outcomes During Adulthood, Bedis Elkamel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Adolescence is a crucial point in life where choices, behaviors, and environmental influences can significantly shape future outcomes. This research investigates the increasing concerns surrounding adolescent substance use and examines its long-term effects on socioeconomic status (SES) in adulthood. Substance use during adolescence has been shown to have significant long-term physiological impacts, as the brain is still developing at this age. Additionally, many short- and long-term effects are associated with substance use, such as impacts on academics, physical and emotional well-being, and social life. Several studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between substance use and SES, however, …

Financial Issues And Trends Among Testicular Cancer Patients: A Review Of Patient-Reported Outcomes, Treatments, And Employment, Staphana Valery Edouard

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The present study reviewed existing literature on the effects of treatment and recovery costs on the multidimensional wellness of testicular cancer (TC) survivors. Peer-reviewed and scholarly articles were systematically searched and analyzed to determine the extent and impact of the overall financial effects of a TC diagnosis. This study aimed to uncover evidence indicating the possible decline in overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to the potential deleterious effects on TC survivors’ financial well-being.

We found that TC survivors’ HRQoL is affected due to the damages of high out-of-pocket treatment costs, possible loss of employment, disability, and any other …

Exploring Evidence-Based Intervention Methods In The Juvenile Justice System, Edgar J. Quinones-Gomez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A large body of research has been devoted to understanding evidence-based interventions (EBI) and their effectiveness in the juvenile justice system. This systematic review examines three commonly used interventions used to reduce recidivism among adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Multisystemic Therapy (MST). The systematic review analyzes findings from prior studies evaluating the impact of CBT, FFT, and MST on recidivism among adjudicated youth. The sample includes 23 peer-reviewed studies that utilized samples of adjudicated youth in the United States and were published after 2010. Findings revealed CBT as the most …

Sars-Cov-2 Infection History Is Positively Correlated With Frequency Of Psychotic Symptoms In Schizophrenia, Jackson D. Beecher

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous work in human and animal studies has implicated aberrant insular cortex (IC) activity in the pathophysiology of hallucinations. Of note, the IC overlaps with the olfactory cortex (OC), a region of the brain that receives extensive projections from sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious coronavirus with a demonstrated ability to cause anosmia; the virus does this by colocalizing with and damaging support cells in the olfactory epithelium, ultimately leading to alterations in olfactory receptor cell signaling to the OC. Given the overlap between OC and IC, we asked the question of whether COVID-19 …

Predicting Willingness To Attain Telehealth Medical Treatment From Personality Variables, Maxwell J. Belshe

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The continued integration of technology into healthcare has made telehealth a vital resource. Yet, factors influencing individuals' willingness to seek telehealth treatment remain relatively underexplored. In this study, I examined the relationship between social media use, personal growth, environmental mastery, and social anxiety, as well as their relationship to college students’ willingness to utilize telehealth services. A sample of 402 participants was surveyed and a multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess these variables' abilities to predict willingness to use telehealth services. The model explained 10.6% of the variance in willingness to use telehealth with social media use and personal …

Elements Of The Criminal Mind, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

Religiosity And Spirituality Among Sexual And Gender Minority College Students, Emily N. Popovetsky

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible relationship between religiosity and spirituality as separate factors and its effects on the sexual gender minority community (SGM) regarding identity distress and identity commitment to aid in SGM identity and religious identity integration. It was investigated whether spirituality could moderator the negative effects of religious rejection for the SGM community regarding identity distress, and identity commitment. A comparison between the non-(SGM) community and SGM was included. This study viewed multiple different aspects of religiosity such as religious rejection, current religious practices, and centrality of religion in one’s life as well …

Ula Reflections Within Specialized Chemistry — Trace Evidence, A Forensic Science Course, Jiyeong Hong, Laura Hilario Garcia, Brooke Bass

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

This presentation is to display our experience as a ULA in a specialized chemistry course within the forensic science program, Trace Evidence. This course is an upper-level chemistry course that requires a strong foundation in organic and analytical chemistry and is required for all tracks in the forensic science undergraduate program. Trace Evidence also utilizes team-based learning and a flipped modality. We were tasked with helping students during active learning activities regarding the current content by using guiding questions. We learned the best way to help students was to ask open-ended questions, enhance their motivation, and understand their frustrations or …

Social Media And Kids: An Issue Guide, Timothy A. Mcallister, Mekhai Ryan, Connor Sands, Matthew Turman, Spencer Friedberg

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Our goal with this project is to foster civil discourse on issues relating to kids and social media, examining both the potential benefits and harms they may experience. We used HB 1: Online Protections for Minors as a starting point, as a relevant example of regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding children online.

Throughout our project, we've learned a lot to deeply understand the various perspectives on this issue. From concerns about the detrimental effects on mental and physical health to considerations of privacy and freedom of speech, we have definitely expanded our own knowledge on the topic while completing this …

The Impact Of Behavioral Modification Therapy On Addiction Recovery In Young Adults, Claire Belin

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

View Claire's project at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VuVRD6p-HkvcdQdb8_9KBbP7SNvDwDAx/view?usp=drive_link

In this presentation, I discuss my proposal for research addressing the impact of behavioral modification therapy on addiction recovery in young adults from ages 20 through 30. My PowerPoint presentation overviews background on the subject, gaps in the literature that demand further research, a study design, my proposed method of behavioral modification treatment, a potential sample and method, and an analysis to assess the data.

The purpose of my presentation is to address a real problem we experience in our communities that could affect even the people in our lives that we cherish most. With …

Essays To Empirical Studies: Transferring Introductory Writing Skills To Psychological Research, Anna A. Hubbard

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

This research focuses on how skills from introductory English courses are used for research writing in psychology. It explores why introductory English classes are important for psychology majors, what writing skills are used in research writing, and how well psychology students with high school English credits are prepared for research writing their freshman year. Previous research showed that skills from intro English courses need to be retained and built upon. Previous research also showed that psychology students need to have a variety of writing skills by the time they graduate. This research addresses how psychology students who did not take …

History Of Injustices And The Current Interim Government Actions In Bangladesh, Kazi S. Salsabil

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The project illustrates the knowledge I obtained through the U-LEAD global leadership course and the research project assessing global issues. This illustration will discuss the past and current situation of Bangladesh. It has only been 53 years since Bangladesh became independent. Unfortunately, the country has a long history of political struggles. The country is recovering from the destabilized government left by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The purpose of this project is to assess the political and societal obstacles faced by Bangladesh.

Additionally, psychological well-being and accessibility to resources will be evaluated. For this project, I used Google Forms to …

Pathways To Potential: Guiding Middle School Students Through Career Exploration, Megan Rhodes

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

Megan partnered with a local middle school to supplement their curriculum through career development small groups and class lessons, focusing on soft skills and learning about the self. She worked with sixth graders in small groups, and a mix of all grades for classroom lessons. The goal of these interventions is for students to feel more confident in their knowledge about themselves, and to be more equipped with knowledge about their different interests and strengths. The focus of each intervention includes skills, grit, Holland codes and interests, community helpers, and effort. Megan learned how to confidently communicate to students in …

Investigating The Potential Impact Of External Disadvantages And Self-Doubt On Task Performance, Eric E. Haseman Jr, Archelie Belvu, Mariya Bendus

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Past literature suggests that listening to music while taking a memory recall test can hinder memory recall ability, with music serving as an external disadvantage in the context of a memory recall task. Past literature also suggests that having low levels of self-efficacy can hinder memory recall ability, with self-doubt serving as an internal disadvantage in the context of a memory recall task. Our project sought to investigate the potential effect that intersecting disadvantages can have on an individual's task performance. We took a convenience sample of 36 participants and randomly sorted them into one of six conditions: a non-music …

"Addressing Sexual Abuse: Unveiling Hidden Realities", Shanzida Toha

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

My inspiration was from my IDS 4939 course where we had to present about a topic that we are devoted towards. It could be conveyed through PowerPoint, video, etc. but for me I chose to write a research paper about the indiscriminate circumstances that influence Sexual Abusers behavior, and how it profoundly directs their course of action. After an endless time spent on gaining data, this sensitive topic sent me to a black hole of no return. With boundless sources of support with the help of the internet I was feeling guilty as to what I could do with this. …

Unlocking The Path To Psychology: A Guide To Building A Career In The Field, Kazi S. Salsabil

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

The Psychology 3074: Career Readiness 2 course offers an integrative learning experience aimed at enhancing students' professional development. This project reflects my journey as a student in building a solid foundation in professional communication, self-presentation, job market navigation, and the continuous growth fostered by embracing feedback. Throughout the course, we developed essential career readiness skills, including refining resumes and cover letters, participating in mock interviews, cultivating resilience in response to feedback, and crafting compelling elevator pitches. Additionally, resources such as the UCF Writing Center and Handshake played a pivotal role in advancing my resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, contributing …