Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Mental Health On Recidivism: A Logistic Regression Analysis Examining Federal Probation Outcomes, Stephanie Kowal

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

My research study examines the relationship between mental health and a person’s success in probation. I used secondary data that was sourced by the Criminology research group at UM that collected probation data from the Feder Probation District in Montana during 2022. I wanted to specifically understand whether probationers that were receiving mental health treatment were more likely to recidivate while in the probation program. In this study, recidivism refers to an instance in which a probationer violated a condition of their release and was sent back to prison. From the binary logistic regression analyses I estimated, I discovered that …

The Impact Of Past Experiences Of Intimate Partner Violence And Coercion On Abortion Attitudes, Grace M. Bintz, Selina Hardt

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Recent changes to the abortion laws across the United States have had a profound impact on the psychological well-being and overall health of women. The extent and ways that people support or oppose access to abortion may be influenced by personal experiences of sexual violence and coercion. To understand the implications of legal actions towards women’s reproductive health, this study explores associations between abortion attitudes and experiences of reproductive coercion, non-partner sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and perceptions of people actively seeking abortion access. In this study, participants were asked about their personal attitudes towards abortion, and their experiences of …

Sex Workers, Homicide, And Content Analysis, Caitlin Carvalho

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The current analysis is on the language used to describe sex workers who are victims of homicide. It explores the types of words used to describe the victims, specifically the use of the word prostitute. The main objective of this project is to examine the potential biases in the language used in academic and online news articles to describe sex workers who are victims of homicide. The methodology is a content analysis with the only guidelines being that the articles need to include any description of sex workers as victims of homicide. This allows for comparison of contemporary pieces and …

Cultural Competence In Healthcare: A Literature Review Of Barriers To The Application Of Culturally Responsive Practice For Physician Assistants, Annabelle N. Decuire

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract

Culturally competent health services for physician assistants (PA), are critical for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities given the common disparities in healthcare. In addressing the multifaceted nature of disparities, the purpose of this literature review is to examine the role and responsibilities of PAs to be culturally competent. Culture is an omnipresent and dynamic process that influences every aspect of how we perceive and interact with others; therefore, it is important to recognize the diverse behaviors and beliefs of patients within respective contexts, rather than solely through the lens of a single culture. Cultural competence encompasses cultural skills, …

Laughalytics: Analyzing Humor Preferences Through An Online Card Game, Caden Glenn Fox

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Humor's subjectivity poses a challenge to understanding its widespread appeal, yet phenomena like the success of "Cards Against Humanity" suggest patterns worth exploring. This project aims to elucidate the nuances of humor through the development and promotion of an online application modeled after the game. The platform will facilitate gameplay similar to "Cards Against Humanity," allowing users to engage in prompt and response exchanges while also encouraging them to submit their own card ideas.

Central to the project's approach is the collection and analysis of data regarding card popularity and user demographics. By tracking interactions such as card selections and …

Feelings Of Connectedness: Comparing Pre-College And College Friendships Among University Students, Taylor Cooney

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The formation of friendships has been studied in a variety of contexts, notably among adolescents and young adults. Friendships can influence one’s economic status, romantic relationships, and quality of life. Several studies have found proximity to be a key factor in friendship formation. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many school systems were required to switch to online platforms and practice social distancing. The current study analyzed college students’ feelings of connectedness to friends made before college and friends made during college, and whether those who entered college during the height of the pandemic in 2020 experienced lower friendship quality outcomes …

The Influence Of Political Affiliation On Climate Change Attitudes, Isiah Gabriel Mcmillian, Brittany King, Rachel E.G. Williamson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Climate change poses numerous, urgent threats to human existence, yet policy for climate action has occurred at an alarmingly slow rate. In the US, governing bodies have failed to engage in climate action. From withdrawal of the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, to exponentially high greenhouse gas emissions, climate change has been portrayed as a partisan issue — or not an issue at all. Researchers have identified political polarization as one barrier to climate action (Doell et al., 2021). However, other research has demonstrated that the vast majority of individuals agree that climate change is caused by human action, regardless …

What Do People With Aphasia Want Out Of An Aphasia Community Group?, Shannon L. Welby, Mckinlee A. Mihelish

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Background: Aphasia is a disorder of language and communication resulting from brain injury. Secondary implications for persons with aphasia (PWA) include depression and social isolation. To help mitigate the linguistic and psychosocial effects of aphasia, PWA may participate in Aphasia Community Groups (ACGs). These are defined as regularly meeting groups composed of PWA who interact and participate in communication activities.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study is to determine what PWA desire to gain from Aphasia Community Groups.

Methods: As the initial step of a larger five-year study, clinicians and researchers at the University of Montana …

Differences In Internalized Weight Bias Across Eating Disorder Treatment Groups, Kathryn Bick

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Internalized weight bias (IWB) is characterized as the extent to which someone holds stigmatizing attitudes about themselves based on social stereotypes and their perceived weight status. IWB is positively associated with increased disordered eating and adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Moreover, those with eating disorders (EDs) often experience elevated levels of IWB due to societal weight stigma and subsequent preoccupations with body and shape. While the relationship between IWB and eating pathology is relevant across ED diagnoses, and across the weight spectrum, its specific influence on the development and maintenance of an eating disorder is understudied. Current eating disorder …

Case Studies Of Outdoor Education, Casey L. Simons

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract

This study analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of outdoor education on elementary-aged children. The educational environment a child experiences is critical to their experience for their entire academic careers. Outdoor education has been in existence since the 1940s. Six schools and institutions that provide outdoor education within their curriculum were selected to be a part of this study. Outdoor education school administrators were interviewed and asked a series of questions regarding the implementation of outdoor education within their institution. The interviews detailed how outdoor education impacted students and their future education experiences within the education they received at that …

Umcur 2024 Program Pdf

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This program includes the schedule for oral presentations and posters.

Montana Kaimin, April 11, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Rethinking Food Waste To Mitigate Climate Change: Actions And Conversations On Zero Waste, Keilin Elizabeth Huang

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Documents From The March 6, 2024 Meeting Of The Associated Students Of The University Of Montana (Asum), University Of Montana--Missoula. Associated Students

Senate Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 2007-Present

Agenda and meeting minutes from the March 6, 2024 meeting of the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM). The following resolutions were discussed during the meeting:

SB19-23/24: Resolution Encouraging Excused Student Absences for the Democracy Summit

SB20-23/24: Resolution Amending House Rules to Include Public Comment

Montana Kaimin, March 14, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

The Psychological Impact Of Climate Change Reminders, Brit King

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

In addition to the ongoing and anticipated destruction of the environment, climate change threatens the mental well-being of humanity on a global scale. Climate change has been conceptualized as a form of existential anxiety due to its acute, chronic, and expected (yet uncertain) effects (Zotova & Karapetyan, 2018). Younger generations will be more directly impacted by the long-term effects of climate change and have been burdened with a greater responsibility to minimize its destruction (Hausfather, 2020). Furthermore, young people are at an increased risk of psychological impacts from climate change and have reported high levels of climate-related anxiety and distress …

Transdiagnostic Responses To And Characteristics Of Potentially Traumatic Events Involving Causing Harm To Others, Olathe Bigknife Antonio, Julia Nicholson

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Outside of military contexts, limited research explores who experiences trauma/stress related to causing harm to others, the frequency of this type of potentially traumatic event (PTE), and the most relevant symptoms. The current study includes an online global sample who reported experiencing a difficult or frightening event. In reference to the identified PTE, participants completed the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS). The GPS is a self-report measure offered in 21 languages and consists of 22 yes/no items related to the experience of 17 psychological symptoms within the past month (items cover subdomains of PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, self-harm, dissociation, …

Is Circle Time Enough Language Input To Learn Grammatical Gender?, Madeline Grace Strah

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

In the United States, little is known about second language learning in the context of public preschools. However, we do know that dual immersion programs have for the most part been limited to private or charter schools, with fewer than 3600 programs available nationwide. This raises the question of whether it’s even possible for public educators to facilitate second language learning through small group activities. Additionally, is the language input received during this small group enough language input for children to acquire a feature absent from their first language, like grammatical and lexical gender? Research has shown that opportunities where …

The Role Of Advisors’ Sexual And Gender Minority Status In Gender And Sexuality Alliances, Bennett Ilac, Kelly M. Davis

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Research has consistently shown that sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience higher rates of mental health issues. One protective factor against these issues is the presence of Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in schools. The presence of a GSA at school has been associated with lower rates of depression and higher levels of academic achievement, self-esteem, and belonging for SGM youth. Though the benefits of GSAs are well-documented, less research exists about the practices of GSAs and the advisors leading them. This study is based on data from a survey of 170 GSA advisors, 86 of whom self-identified as …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Behavioral Symptoms Associated With Trauma, Hannah G. Hall

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

School is an integral environment for students to learn the academic and social-emotional skills they need to be successful. However, students are inseparable from the challenges they face at home or in the community, and these dynamics affect their behaviors at school. Children with histories of trauma are often identified through a range of emotional and behavioral concerns and there is an increasing need to intervene. It is reported that by age 16, more than two-thirds of children will be exposed to one traumatic event (SAMHSA, 2022). Despite the prevalence of trauma, the signs manifest differently, making it difficult to …

Montana Kaimin, March 7, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Montana Kaimin, February 22, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Montana Kaimin, February 15, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Montana Kaimin, February 8, 2024, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Seeing Pascal’S Mystic Hexagon From A Different Angle, Anderson Norton

The Mathematics Enthusiast

Hexagons inscribed within circles have the mystic property that their three pairs of opposite sides (when extended) intersect on the same line. This surprisingly simple result seems to support the Platonic notion that elegant mathematical relationships exist in some perfect realm awaiting human discovery. To the contrary, this article introduces a transformational proof that provides for intuitive understanding of the mystic property while supporting the idea that mathematical objects, and relationships between them, arise from coordinations of our own mental actions.

Productive Struggle In Mathematical Modelling, Piera Biccard

The Mathematics Enthusiast

Productive struggle is an enigmatic concept in mathematics education. At first glance, the idea may be oxymoronic since the word struggle is not often associated with being productive. The two words may even seem counter-intuitive. The purpose of this article is to analyze productive struggle in the literature in order to better understand some if its essential features. The research method in this study is theoretical and includes a survey of relevant literature in mathematics and modelling education. This study attempts to explain the relationship between productive struggle and learning mathematics. Productive struggle can lead to enhanced mathematics understanding and …

Today’S Mathematics Student: Take Two, Carmen M. Latterell

The Mathematics Enthusiast

Current mathematics students are members of Generation Z, a generation proving to be quite different than previous ones. Generation Z has never known a time without Google, nor a time of safety. Generation Z has a declining tendency to even attend college. If they do attend college, their expectations need to be met to keep them engaged in mathematics. Professors will need to adjust pedagogy.

Questions About The Identification Of Mathematically Gifted Students, Marianne Nolte

The Mathematics Enthusiast

This article gives an overview of questions on diagnostics and procedures of high mathematical talent. Various methods such as intelligence tests, school achievement tests and checklists are presented and discussed. The conclusions favor multidimensional and multi-step approaches with a focus on special mathematical tests. As an example the approach of identifying children with a high mathematical potential used in the PriMa project at the University of Hamburg should illustrate an implementation of the issues raised.

"I Live My Best Life In The Garden": Project Dig Summary Report, Tracy Boehm Barrett, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Health and Wellness

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are commonly overlooked in society because of a combination of social, economic, political, and cultural barriers. Due to such constraints, they also experience a wide range of health and community disparities that result in negative impact on their quality of life and well-being (Mpofu et al., 2020; Akyurek & Bumin, 2017). While many community-based organizations provide a variety of supports for people with disabilities, far less common are those providing therapeutic horticulture (TH) programs within the scope of their services. This report provides information about and recommendations for TH as an increased practice …

An Active Learning Activity For The Construction Of A Finite-Field Slide Rule For Undergraduate Students, Marco Abrate

The Mathematics Enthusiast

Math manipulatives and physical math activities offer numerous benefits in the learning process in all educational levels: they provide concrete representations of abstract concepts, thus helping more students to understand them, and they are an opportunity for students to explore and test their understanding of mathematical concepts. Moreover, in active learning activities conducted with tangible objects, students are physically engaged in the lessons, and are given a fun way to practice their math skills, which contributes with retention and positive feeling.

In this article, an active teaching activity aimed at first-year college students is presented, designed to deepen the understanding …