Digital Commons Network^™

Identifying Issues In Acquired Brain Injury Recovery That Lead To A Productive And Fulfilling Life, Margaret Calvert

Master's Theses and Capstones

Primary objective. To establish and report the shared characteristics of survivors who have demonstrated successful recovery from ABI and who indicate that they live productive lives.

Main outcomes and results. Four major themes emerged from the interviews: (a) development of support networks, (b) learning strategies to cope with emotional issues, (c) acceptance of injury and redefinition of self, and (d) empowerment.

Conclusions. The issues raised in these interviews may serve to inspire other survivors and provide them with hope and motivation as they progress through the recovery process. Suggestions on how clinicians can help to facilitate this process are discussed.

Temporal Dynamics Of The Venetian Blind Effect, Joshua Jay Dobias

Master's Theses and Capstones

When square wave gratings are viewed binocularly with lower luminance or contrast in one eye, the individual bars of the grating appear to rotate around a vertical axis. Studies of motion-and-depth using geometric disparities have shown that perceived depth vanishes at frequencies near 5 Hz. By changing contrast disparity over time, this study measured the frequency at which both the perception of motion-and-depth and the perception of depth are no longer visible. For experienced observers, the perception of motion-and-depth decreased at 1 Hz (Experiment 1) and the perception of depth decreased at 1.4 Hz (Experiments 1 and 3); both of …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Service Quality On Satisfaction, Value, And Future Intentions Within Campus Recreation Using Performance-Based Measures, Matthew Ott

Master's Theses and Capstones

The problem of the study was to examine the relationships between service quality, customer satisfaction, value and future intentions within campus recreation using only the performance section of the Centre for Environmental and Recreation Management-Customer Service Quality (CERM-CSQ) instrument (Howat, Absher, Crilley, & Miline, 1996) and additional questions consistent with the results of a study conducted by Murray and Howat (2002). A total of 248 usable surveys were collected from student users of campus recreation services at a university in the Northeastern region of the United States.

Results of the study indicated that of the three service quality dimensions measured …

Effects Of Different Push-To-Talk Solutions On Driving Performance, Oskar Palinko

Master's Theses and Capstones

Police officers have been using the Project54 system in their vehicles for a number of years. They have also started using the handheld version of Project54 outside their vehicles recently. There is a need to connect these two instances of the system into a continuous user interface. On the other hand, research has shown that the PTT button location affects driving performance. This thesis investigates the difference between the old, fixed PTT button and a new wireless PTT glove, that could be used in and outside of the car. The thesis describes the design of the glove and the driving …

A Study Of Organizational Culture In Campus Recreation: A Competing Values Approach, Scott Butch

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to assess organizational culture in campus recreation departments and its links with organizational effectiveness. The competing values theory and subsequent framework was used to determine if there were significant differences in the organizational cultures of campus recreation departments based upon specified dependent variables including their administrative unit (academics, athletics, business operations or student affairs), their institutional size (small, medium, medium-big, or large), and their institutional control (public or private). A quantitative survey instrument based upon the competing values framework was used to sample campus recreation directors and professional staff members in institutions of higher …

The Effectiveness Of An Adventure Travel Summer Camp Program On The Life Effectiveness Of Adolescents, Jeffrey Lane

Master's Theses and Capstones

The field of positive youth development encompasses a broad spectrum of youth programs and organizations. Outdoor and adventure education programs are well-positioned to be a part of the movement toward a positive developmental approach to youth programming. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an adventure-travel summer camp program (Longacre Expeditions) had positive effects on the life effectiveness of adolescent participants. The study measured attributes of Life Effectiveness of participants using the Life Effectiveness Questionnaire Version-H (LEQ-H). The instrument was administered at the commencement, conclusion, and six months following the program. Composite LEQ data and subscale data were …

"I Remember When I Learned That": Gender Differences In The Use Of Episodic Memory, Rhyannon H. Bemis

Master's Theses and Capstones

The experiments in this thesis were designed to investigate age and gender differences in the use of episodic memory. In experiment 1, children, ages 4 to 9 years, answered general knowledge questions and were asked how they knew the answer to these questions. Results indicated that there were some difference in the proportion of episodes girls reported. Girls' episodes also contained more details. Experiment 2 investigated source monitoring as a potential mechanism for children's use of an episodic recall style using a "drawer-task" with narratives as one of the source types. There were no gender differences, but there were age …

"The Invisible Lines Between Us": Border-Making In Anglo-America, 1750--1800, Cameron B. Strang

Master's Theses and Capstones

This thesis explores how the boundary-making practices of white officials came to be the dominant way of dividing and claiming the American landscape. It argues that, in the late colonial era, neither Indians nor officials could actualize their desired boundaries. Indians' map-based boundaries were annulled by white officials while officials' land surveys were subject to onsite termination and manipulation by Indian groups. White frontier settlers, however, developed powerful ways to establish their land claims---namely informal delineations backed by actual settlement---that could not be prevented by officials or Indians. In the final years of the colonial era and the first decades …

Efficacy Of Available Treatments For Children And Adolescents With Behavioral Diagnosis As Measured By Resiliency And Cafas Scores, Laura Wickman

Master's Theses and Capstones

Many treatment options are available to children and adolescents with behavioral disorders who seek services from CMHCs. Little research addresses the efficacy of these services.

This researcher examined data from existing clinical records. ANOVA and MANOVA were calculated to determine effects of treatment setting on change in CAFAS and resiliency scores and to determine if any difference in treatment exists between those clients who improved on resiliency and CAFAS scores and those who didn't.

Clients receiving services in the office and natural setting showed greater improvement on BRC risk scores than clients receiving only office-based services. Clients who showed improvement …

Family Structure And Adolescent Delinquency: Examining The Influence Of Parenting And Extended Family Support, Deirdre A. Boulter

Master's Theses and Capstones

Research regarding family structure and delinquency often suggests that adolescents from non-intact homes are associated with more delinquency than adolescents from intact homes. The influence of parenting practices on the above relationship is disputed among researchers. In addition few studies have examined the influence of extended family support. Using data from the National Youth Survey the present study examines parenting practices as a potential mediator between family structure and delinquency. Extended family support is also examined as a potential moderator between single mother families and delinquency. Results suggest that family structure is associated with certain types of delinquency. In addition …

The Impact Of Federal Violence Against Women Grants Upon Two New Hampshire Cities: Case Disposition And Police Report Writing, Catherine Anne Seabury

Master's Theses and Capstones

In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed in the United States, and with it came a host of changes for the many cities and towns throughout the country which were granted federal funds in order to combat domestic violence.

Although these structural changes appear to have been successful, little empirical research has been conducted with the goal of accurately reporting what, if any, improvements have occurred within communities as a result of VAWA funding.

This research examines the impact of federal VAWA funds on two New Hampshire cities---Manchester, which has been receiving VAWA funding since 1995, the …

Parents And Peers: Assessing The Impact Of Same-Sex Parent-Adolescent And Same-Sex Peer-Adolescent Associations On Teen Delinquency, Alexander Conrad Keller

Master's Theses and Capstones

Prior research drawing on Social Bond Theory finds mixed evidence that parental influences are associated with a modest decrease in delinquency, but few studies have disaggregated maternal and paternal influences to examine their individual impacts on teen delinquency. The studies that have did not examine whether same-sex parental influences moderate delinquent peer influences on teen delinquency. The present study argues that (1) same-sex parent-adolescent associations may have important main effects on delinquency and (2) that same-sex parent-adolescent influences may simultaneously interact with peer delinquency such that delinquent peer influences decrease among youth whose same-sex parent exert strong parental influences over …

A Model For Integrating Collaborative Life-Story Writing Into Counselor Training Programs, Jennifer Schroeder Andrews

Master's Theses and Capstones

Given the fundamental role of narrative deconstruction and reconstruction of client stories within the counseling profession, this thesis proposes creation of an elective course for counselor trainees based upon activities constructing personal experience narratives collaboratively in student dyads and in groups. The course was developed to facilitate three elements of professional and personal development: increased application of knowledge---specifically, knowledge of core counseling theories and tenets, social constructivism and narrative construction; interpersonal and relational skills; and judgment and maturity.

A review of the literature related to existing standards and precedents in counselor training, and the relationship to and use of collaborative …

Psychoeducational And Therapeutic Group Counseling For Central American Female Immigrants, Amy Dolores Deutsch

Master's Theses and Capstones

There is a significant and increasing amount of Latinos immigrating to the United States. They face many challenges in successfully adapting to life in this country. These challenges are several and include cultural differences, premigration and migration trauma, economic hardship, lack of facility with the language, and attitudes of United States citizens toward immigrants. The needs of Latino immigrants are unique, and the costs of not addressing these needs are likely to be significant. As the United States becomes increasingly more racially and culturally diverse, it is encumbent upon those in the helping professions to prepare to serve a radically …

Social And Communication Patterns That Can Be Detected Early In 12-Month Old Infants Later Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Carolyn C. Winters

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this project was to determine what social and communication patterns could be detected early in infants who are later diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Investigators carried out a qualitative analysis collecting descriptive data through retrospective video analysis addressing two main areas of development in infants later diagnosed with ASD: (a) social interactions, and (b) communication and language development. The intent of this research project was to highlight specific social communication behaviors: (1) eye gaze, (2) response to name, (3) communicative forms (both vocalizations and gestures), and (4) communicative intent & function (behavior regulations, social interaction, …

Family Context Of Children And Youths Experiencing Online Interpersonal Victimization, Brian Michael Hinchee

Master's Theses and Capstones

Internet victimization of children is a recent phenomenon that is now widely studied. The various predictors of Internet victimization have received less attention. My study measures Online Interpersonal Victimization, which includes harassment and sexual solicitations. I analyze victimization using the Family Context model and Routine Activities and Lifestyles Theory to examine how relationships with parents contribute to youth victimization.

This study uses 2005 data from the Youth Internet Safety Survey (YISS2), a nationally representative sample of youth Internet users and their parents. Survey participants (N=1500) were regular Internet users between the ages of 10 and 17. It was hypothesized that …

The Interpretation Of Sarcasm By Typically Developing Children And Children With Lld In The School Age Population, Kristin D. Shepperd

Master's Theses and Capstones

The present study was conducted to obtain information about the interpretation of sarcasm by typically developing children and children with language learning disabilities in the school age population. Prior research indicates sarcasm comprehension is a difficult semantic task for typically developing children to acquire, and thus it is likely that children with language learning disabilities, who have been shown to have significant semantic difficulties, are at risk for delayed acquisition of sarcasm comprehension. Participating children took a 24 question multiple-choice sarcasm test. Results demonstrated significant differences in sarcasm comprehension between children with language learning disabilities and their typically developing peers. …

Educating The General Public About Brain Injuries, Jesse Edwards Williams

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this investigation is to determine if exposure to educational materials regarding acquired brain injuries (ABI) can have a positive impact on the attitudes and beliefs of the general public. The findings of this research will help determine the values of educating the general public and help determine future methods for educating the public about ABI.

Misconceptions about ABI are still present today. The results of this investigation demonstrate that responses significantly differed depending on what methods of instruction respondents received.

Evaluating Scale To Achieve Optimal Image Classification Accuracy In New Hampshire Forests, Brianna L. Heath

Master's Theses and Capstones

New England forest complexity creates obstacles for land cover classification using satellite imagery. New methodologies such as object-oriented image analysis exhibit potential to improve classification. Although these methods have proven more accurate than traditional methods, it has been unclear what resolution yields the most accurate classification. As high resolution imagery increases classification difficulty and lower resolutions may not provide sufficiently detailed maps, this study explored the use of object-oriented classification to classify several resolutions of satellite imagery (Landsat TM, SPOT, IKONOS) at various spatial scales.

Although Landsat TM imagery yielded the highest accuracy, all classification results were unacceptable for practical …

Climate Change Policy: Why Germany Leads And The United States Lags, Kristin Kesling

Master's Theses and Capstones

Why is climate change a top priority on the political agenda in Germany and not a top priority on the political agenda in the United States? This study seeks to answer this question by examining the evolution of climate change policy in both countries. Analyzing Germany's and America's environmental movement, the thesis points to several theories which include the European Union and cultural values. However, it is the nations' political structures/institutions and their post WWII foreign policy views that most determine where climate change policy stands on each country's political agenda. The analysis concludes with a possible outlook on America's …

Deaf People In A Hearing World: A Qualitative Study Of Cultural Identity Issues, Brianna J. Daisy

Master's Theses and Capstones

The primary goal of this study was to determine the potential factors that influence the process of cultural identity development for deaf people in a predominantly hearing world. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological research design in an effort to capture the essence of the experience of growing up deaf and the meaning each participant made of his experiences as they related to his life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five male participants ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-30s. The interviews were transcribed and thoroughly analyzed to pull out common themes and ideas, leading to the conclusion that the …

Reentering The Community A Criminal: A Case Study Of Jail Inmates Released From The Strafford County Department Of Corrections, Jillian Marie Kalosky

Master's Theses and Capstones

The current study examines inmates' transition into the community upon release from the Strafford County Department of Corrections (SCDOC), a rural county jail in New Hampshire, in 2006. The present goals are to analyze the degree to which these individuals were able to successfully reintegrate into the community and to identify potential risk factors for future engagement in crime. To meet these goals, the current study utilizes (1) data collected during pre-release discharge plan meetings (n = 160); (2) data retrieved from the official SCDOC corrections database, which reports any arrests and/or incarcerations that have resulted since release (n = …

Role Stress, Role Resources, And Mental Health Outcomes Among Recreational Runners, Leslie Dillon

Master's Theses and Capstones

Research on the impact of multiple role management on mental health outcomes has yet to consider the implications of a recreational athlete role. Role Conflict theory predicts that incorporating this additional role would increase potential for stress manifested as a mental health problem. Role Expansion theory predicts the social qualities of this additional role can be helpful in buffering against stress. In an exploratory study, a sample of recreational runners from New England were recruited by email to complete an online survey that evaluated role resources, role stress, depression, and alcohol problems. Results show no significant relationships between role stress, …

Evaluating The Serious And Violent Offender Reentry Initiative Within And Across The New England Region, Jessica A. Parent

Master's Theses and Capstones

The reentry of inmates back into the community is a hotly debated topic in society today. A descriptive study was conducted to analyze what mental health services were being provided to inmates who were participants in the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI). Additionally, barriers to implementing comprehensive mental health services, along with trends within and across the New England Region regarding mental health services were examined. The data collected was from three program evaluation surveys completed by Project Directors for SVORI in 2003, 2005, and 2006. The results indicate that the mental health services provided to SVORI participants …

Correlating Health Locus Of Control And Risk For Postpartum Depression, Alyssa Jane Abraham

Master's Theses and Capstones

The potential risk factors and the symptoms of postpartum depression have been identified in the healthcare literature. Literature shows that there is a relationship between perceived self-efficacy and risk for postpartum depression. The identification of health locus of control and self-efficacy in new mothers will allow nurses to create individualized patient care interventions for women at risk of developing postpartum depression, thus potentially improving outcomes. This study sought to determine if a correlation exists between risk for depression, as identified by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and health locus of control, as identified by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control …

The Effect Of An Experiential, Adventure Based "Anti-Bullying Initiative" On Levels Of Resilience: A Mixed Methods Study, Jesse Beightol

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an experiential, adventure based program on levels of resilience. Specifically, a mixed methods, quasi-experimental design was implemented to measure the impact of an Anti-Bullying Initiative on students self reported Goals and Aspirations, Problem Solving, Empathy, and Self Efficacy traits. Quantitative data was gathered using the Anti-Bullying Initiative Survey and converged with results from focus groups, interviews, and program observations to assess both program outcomes and processes. Results indicated that this adventure education program did affect levels of resilience in the individual students as well as their school and home …

The Relationship Between Autonomy And Job Satisfaction Among Registered Nurses, Morgan A. Taylor

Master's Theses and Capstones

With the state of health care today, it is essential to determine the level of job satisfaction among registered nurses as they are important members of the health care team. With the ongoing nursing shortage, identifying strategies to improve retention among nurses will help retain well qualified nurses and recruit the new generation of nurses. Autonomy is a factor that often plays a role in the quality of an individuals work environment, thus the current study was conducted to determine if a relationship exists between nursing job satisfaction and autonomy.

A quantitative, correlational study was conducted with 100 registered nurses …

The Effect Of Preoperative Stoma Site Marking On Quality Of Life In Patients Undergoing Ostomy Surgery, Susan L. Cantara

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine if preoperative stoma site marking by a Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) nurse affects patient quality of life. This study used a descriptive design with a convenience sample of 25 ostomy patients. Sixty-three surveys were mailed to study participants and the response rate was 40%.

Ten subjects (40%) had their stoma site marked by a WOC nurse preoperatively and fifteen subjects did not. Eleven participants reported that their ostomy was permanent (44%), while fourteen of the participants (56%) state they had a temporary stoma. Thirteen of the subjects had elective ostomy surgery (52%) …

Court Appointed Forensic Interviewers Of Non-Victim Child Witnesses: Weighing The Needs Of Reliability, Child Protection, And Litigant's Rights, Joseph J. Taylor

Master's Theses and Capstones

A child can be caused great harm by multiple interviews and the trauma associated with testifying in court. A child's statements may be inaccurate due to suggestive interview methods and trauma. Despite these facts children find themselves involved in the court system every day. The testimony of children cannot be ignored just as their testimony cannot be given too much weight without infringing the rights of litigants. More specialized procedures can be developed to give children's testimony its proper weight while ensuring reliability, child protection, and litigant's rights. A specialized procedure such as a Court Appointed Forensic Interviewer of non-victim …

The Changing Faces Of New Hampshire: Recent Demographic Trends In The Granite State, Kenneth M. Johnson

Carsey Publications

New Hampshire, with a total population of 1.3 million, gained 79,000 residents between 2000 and 2006. Most of this growth (51,000 residents) came from migration. The migration also brought economic gains: New Hampshire gained at least $1.4 billion in income from migration between 2001 and 2005, and households moving in earned nearly $9,000 more than those leaving.