Digital Commons Network^™

Embodied Self-Remembering; Toward A Personal Movement Philosophy, Nicholas Greenlund

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The possibility examined in this project is the expansion of human consciousness through Inner work. This “Inner work” integrates the insights of Buddhist psychology, Integral psychology, Enneagram philosophy, and Somatic practices for the expansion of conscious potential in and through the cultivation of compassionate understanding. By observing and identifying the conditions that reinforce a reactive state of being, a choice emerges to remain or grow a capacity of responsiveness. This process is through the body’s sensory presence, the heart’s courage to love, and the mind’s construction of Self. The subjective exploration of the interconnected body-mind integrates the complex study of …

Exploring The Impact Of Menstrual Cycle Length On Negative Affect And Anxiety, Gracie Jane Hietala

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Menstrual cycle length is a biological factor that may influence psychological well-being, yet its relationship remains under-researched. The study “Emotion Recognition and Mood Along the Menstrual Cycle,” by Pletzer and Noachtar recruited 230 naturally-cycling women to examine how menstrual cycle phases impact the ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions. Participants were surveyed during their menses, peri-ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases, with assessments covering psychological factors and hormone levels. Using the open-source data collected from the previous study, the current study investigates the relationship between menstrual cycle, negative mood and anxiety. Results indicate that there is a significant correlation between these …

Individual Accounts Of Interactions With First Responders: A Pilot Study, Addison P. O'Neill, Sophia L. Boughey, Taylor C. Sadewic

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Autistic Individuals Interactions with First Responders: A Pilot Study

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 people experience autism, which accounts for over 30,000 Montanans (CDC, 2023). Autism is characterized by differences in social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. With these deficits come differences in communication styles and reactions in high stress situations. The literature shows minimal research on effective training practices for teaching first responders and emergency front-line medical staff how to interact with individuals with autism, especially those with complex communication needs (McGonigle et al, 2014, Cheung, et al, 2019). The research …

Investigating The Impact Of Shame Resilience And Internalized Weight Stigma On Body Image In Men, Julia Kathryn Brink

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Internalized weight stigma occurs when individuals apply negative weight-related stereotypes to themselves, which can lead to adverse outcomes, such as psychological distress, shame, eating disorders, and body image dissatisfaction. Societal pressures emphasizing muscularity and leanness exacerbate the negative psychological effects of weight stigma among male populations. Despite growing research on weight stigma and body image, male populations remain understudied, leaving gaps in understanding their unique experiences. Amongst both female and male identifying populations, existing research displays that resilience acts as a potential protective factor against the negative impacts of shame thus mitigating psychological distress. Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) measures factors …

Exploring The Relation Between Children’S Theory Of Mind And Social Understanding, Kylin Spangler, Sarah Sweezy

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Theory of mind and social understanding are both components of children’s social-cognitive development and rapidly develop in preschool age children. Related to the ability to understand the mental states of others, theory of mind is the ability to recognize other people’s thoughts, beliefs, desires, and knowledge, and is commonly assessed through false belief understanding. As a child interacts with caregivers and friends, they are able to infer more about what another person may be thinking or feeling, increasing their overall social understanding.

The current study tested children’s (N = 39; 3-5 years) false belief understanding using the unexpected contents …

When Confidence Is Not Accurate: Effects Of Emotionality On Actual Versus Predicted Memory Performance, Julia J. Branen, Makaylah E. Beltran

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

From recalling crimes to passing exams, memory is a critical cognitive function for effectively navigating everyday life. Often, we expect that we will remember what is emotionally significant to us, especially when those feelings are negative. However, past research has indicated that may not be the case. The goal of this study, which I helped conduct alongside my professor and fellow research assistants, was to investigate the relationship between memory accuracy and confidence in one’s own memory for emotionally negative words (such as "grief") as compared to neutral words (such as "graph"). We recruited 65 UM psychology students through SONA, …

Effects Of Ethical Teaching In Conjunction With Mindfulness Meditation Training (Msbr), Wade Pose

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This study explores the integration of ethical teaching within Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs to address both practical outcomes and ethical concerns related to the adaptation of cultural practices. While MBSR has been widely adopted for stress reduction and mental health improvement, the current body of literature reveals persistent methodological challenges, including inconsistent definitions, a notable lack of longitudinal studies, and ethical concerns regarding cultural appropriation. This proposal examines three approaches: maintaining the integrity of traditional Buddhist ethical values, implementing secular ethical values, and excluding ethics training from MBSR instruction. To contribute to this growing body of research a four-year, …

Find Your Fit: Supporting Individuals Experiencing Neurodivergence Through Post-Higher Education Career Transitions, Julia Brink, Faith Marshall, Allison Webster, Kalei Smith, Maya Franscella, Ava Heintzelman, Rosie Sterk, Sophia Boughey

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Individuals experiencing neurodivergence often face unique challenges when transitioning from higher education to the workforce, such as barriers in self-advocacy, workplace accommodations, and professional communication. Despite growing awareness, career readiness resources tailored to their needs and learning styles remain limited both locally and globally. This study seeks to answer the question: “How might communities ensure that people who experience neurodivergence are more successful in the workforce?” To address this question, this study examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of an eight-week neurodiversity-specific career readiness course aimed at addressing gaps in employment support for individuals experiencing neurodivergence in the University of …

Lessons From Walker V. State: Institutional Reform Litigation And The Right To Dignity In Montana, Hannah Good

Montana Law Review

No abstract provided.

Montana Kaimin, April 17, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Can Belief Be Compelled? Evidence From Salem, Stewart Justman

Global Humanities and Religions Faculty Publications

In his Letter Concerning Toleration Locke argues forcefully that belief cannot be compelled under any circumstances. I put this proposition to the test by examining false confessions extracted during the Salem witch-hunt only three years after Locke’s letter was translated into English. Evidence in the Salem records—in particular, a deposition signed by six accused witches—establishes that a number of confessors believed their own false narratives at the time they offered them. Of great psychological interest, these cases give us a sense of what the Salem hysteria felt like to those engulfed by it. They also invalidate Locke’s claim that belief …

Grief Into Growth: Msw Portfolio, Shelby Ann Lampi

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio: Finding Myself, Sheena Rae Jibson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio represents my personal and professional evolution from a registered nurse uncertain of her future, to a confident therapist with a clear vision for what is ahead. It is a reflection of three years of dedicated work in the University of Montana’s Master of Social Work program. Through this compilation, I highlight the skills, knowledge, and values I have cultivated while demonstrating my growth across the ten core competencies of social work.

Cultivating My Social Work Identity: Integrating Past, Context, And Relationship, Jessica K. Kumm

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My application to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program was sent as a means to move beyond the constraints of the classroom walls as teacher and provide meaningful and tailored support to individuals who were falling through the cracks of the system. My experience in this program was transformative, in ways that were expected and unexpected. I recognize significant expansion in my perspective alongside growing confidence in applying newly acquired skills, both clear indicators of my professional and personal development. The insights garnered from personal experiences, academic lectures, and practicum placements shifted my theoretical foundations and personal worldviews. What …

Preview; State V. Smith: Are Mental Disease Or Defect, Mitigated Deliberate Homicide, And Justifiable Use Of Force Mutually Exclusive?, Jordan Magier

Montana Law Review Online

No abstract provided.

Montana Kaimin, March 27, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Alumni Perspectives Of Outdoor Academic Program Components, Abigail Fuesler, Andrew J. Bobilya, Brad Daniel, Will Hobbs

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Studies have documented the value of undergraduate outdoor academic programs (OAPs) (Turner et al., 2022) from the perspective of outdoor industry employers (Maningas & Simpson, 2003; Seaman et al., 2017) but few have explored OAP alumni perspectives (Prince, 2005). This perspective is critical to increasing understanding of OAPs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore alumni perspectives on experiences in OAPs and which components of their degree they perceived to be impactful on their careers.

Methods

The research reported here is part of a larger mixed methods study (Fuesler et al., 2025) that used a Significant Life Experience (SLE) theoretical framework …

Health And Wellbeing Of Sexual And Gender Minority Graduate Students, Benny Ilac, Harris Bajwa

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Although extensive literature describes the health disparities faced by sexual and gender minority individuals, very little research has examined the graduate student population specifically. Furthermore, much research about SGM populations does not separate sexual and gender minority identities in analyses, potentially obscuring differences between these groups. In the current study, 437 graduate students (23.8% with an SGM identity) across seven college campuses participated in a survey about their campus experiences and health. We examined the relationship between SGM identity and depression, physical health, perceived stress, and happiness through stepwise regressions. We controlled for the effects of other demographic variables (age, …

Juvenile Arthritis, Body Image, And Disordered Eating: An Exploration Of Experiences, Katelyn A. Melcher

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

This qualitative study examined eating and body experiences among youth with juvenile arthritis (JA). JA, an autoimmune condition affecting nearly 300,000 youth in the United States, poses significant challenges including chronic pain, disability, and psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression. Although adolescence is a critical developmental time for body image and disordered eating concerns to emerge, no qualitative research has explored the interactions of JA, body image, and eating behaviors among youth. Twelve youth with a JA diagnosis participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview examining their experiences with JA and their feelings about their bodies and food as they …

The Impacts Of Ambient Air Quality On Asthma Outcomes In California: A Longitudinal Analyses, Abigail Obour

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

This study investigates the relationship between ambient air quality and asthma-related health outcomes in California, focusing on emergency department visits and hospitalizations from 2005 to 2022. Despite California’s strict air quality regulations, many urban and rural communities still face significant pollution challenges that contribute to poor respiratory health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Using panel data from specific counties, this research examines the effects of key pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on asthma outcomes. A fixed effects regression model is employed to control for unobserved heterogeneity and time-specific shocks ensuring robust estimates of …

Predictive Power Of Metalinguistic Skills In Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Melissa Phelan

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have difficulty understanding and using spoken language, which negatively impacts their academic outcomes and psychosocial wellbeing. DLD is highly prevalent, affecting approximately two out of every 25 children, but less than 40% of children with DLD are ever identified to receive services. Currently, we rely on parent and teacher referrals to find DLD, which is clearly insufficient. Additionally, 50% of children with DLD will also develop the reading disorder dyslexia, meaning they will struggle with both spoken and written language. Given schools’ limited time and resources, we need an efficient method for (a) identifying …

Montana Kaimin, February 13, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Montana Kaimin, February 6, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Psyx 240.50: Fundamentals Of Psychological Disorders, Patrick D. Hanni

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Nasx 235x.01: Oral And Written Traditions Of Native Americans, Martin I. Lopez

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Cjus 488.01: Forensic Science - The Crime Lab And Beyond, Randall R. Skelton

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Comx 431.50: New Media Skills, Megan K. O'Rourke

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Comx 491.02: Visual Rhetoric, Megan E. Cullinan

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Comx 510.01: Graduate Seminar: Communication In Personal Relationships, Stephen M. Yoshimura

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Psyx 588.01: Specialist In School Psychology Internship, Anisa N. Goforth

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.