Digital Commons Network^™

Motivations In Exercise, Amanda Dufner

Theses and Dissertations

College students exercise for a variety of reasons, but specific differences in their motivations and perceptions have not been extensively studied. PURPOSE: The main purpose was to see if students whose primary reason for exercise is to lose fat (FATCON), gain muscle mass (MUSC), or maintain health (HLTH) had differences in their exercise motivations, social physique anxiety, and body image self-perceptions.

A secondary purpose was to explore if the participants’ supplement use reflected their exercise priorities.

METHODS: Data were collected at a university Wellness Center, or from exercise classes. Participants (N = 216) completed a packet of four questionnaires: Multidimensional …

Sex Offender Treatment And Legal Policy Perception In Relation To Information Presentation Style, Kirsten Sierra Engel

Theses and Dissertations

Sex offender treatment, policy, and perception are greatly intertwined in the numerous policies in place. Current policies tend to reflect negative perceptions toward both sex offenders and treatment and an inaccurate view of the effectiveness of current sex offender policies. The source of these inaccurate views, however, is not entirely clear, with some researchers linking it to a simple lack of exposure to accurate information. Additionally, the broadly negative perceptions, emotions, and beliefs may be leading individuals to utilize more superficial routes of processing, as explained by the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Given the potential for the public’s opinion to make …

The Impact Of Positive Thinking And Empathy Induction On Social Perceptions Of Cancer, Kelly Marie Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Social perceptions of cancer can influence patients' illness experiences by affecting the behavior of those around a cancer patient. These perceptions can be influenced by exposure to the social phenomenon of positive thinking (PT), leading to increased perceived responsibility of the patient for negative illness outcomes. Accordingly, it is important to identify mechanisms that can diminish the effect of PT exposure on social perceptions of cancer. A pilot study was first conducted to test the effectiveness of an empathy induction intervention in reducing these negative social perceptions in the context of the study scenario, and to assess the newly developed …

Impact Of Seasonality On Agricultural Productivity In Bangladesh, Mohammad Gulam Mostofa

Theses and Dissertations

This paper studies the impact of seasonality on agricultural productivity in Bangladesh for the period of 1980-2013 for 7 regions. This study exploits regional fixed effect to estimate the impact of both observed and unobserved effects on agricultural productivity in order to control for regional differences. I used a panel dataset for the fixed and random effect regression model to control omitted variables bias and endogeneity. Findings from this study expressed that the effects of all the climate variables are not significant to rice, wheat, and pulse yield. Maximum temperature and minimum temperature wet for rice, minimum temperature dry and …

Political Ideology, Beliefs And Values As A Framework For Analysis Of School Nutrition Preferences, Jacquelyn R. Nyenhuis

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple studies have documented the growing controversies in school nutrition public policy. Less is known about the political ideologies, beliefs and diverse perspectives coming from conflicting values and their influence on policy acceptance. Key issues examined are: Does the average US citizen filter their impressions of policies through their core beliefs, values and politics? And, in general, what policies, interventions, and regulations do conservatives and liberals favor?

Utilizing a sequential mixed methods design, Phase I included a survey given to 201 people with both a multi-item closed ended section and an open-ended section. Statistical analysis was performed on the quantitative …

Environmental Education In The Study Of Power And Transportation Technology, Allen Eugene Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Nesting Behaviors Of Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus Phasianellus) Using Camera Technology, Rebecca Ann Kludt

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing energy development and grassland conversion pose several issues for Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) in western North Dakota. Nest attendance patterns can serve as one of the first indicators of stress induced by landscape changes. Nest camera monitoring allows researchers to observe nest attendance patterns; however, little is known about how behavioral responses to cameras influence nest survival. Our study objectives were to determine (1) how characteristics of the hen, nest and landscape influence nest attendance patterns of Sharp-tailed Grouse, and (2) if behaviors resulting from camera monitoring influence daily nest survival rates. Nest attendance was lower at sites with …

Development And Validation Of The Partners’ Approval Of Nonsexual Extradyadic Behaviors Scale, Lindsay Frances Kujawa

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the emergent norm in U.S. society for partnered individuals across all sexual orientations to possess both same-sex and cross-sex friends (Weis & Felton, 1987), and the relative complexity that comes with having friends who belong to the sex to which one is sexually attracted, the field is lagging in its ability to measure and better understand individuals’ attitudes about their partners’ engagement in the various behaviors of which these friendships are comprised. The existing scales of extradyadic behaviors are largely measuring individuals’ attitudes about engagement in sexual behaviors with cross-sex friends within the heterosexual population; therefore, they are inadequate …

Fasd, Verbal Comprehension And Maladaptive Behavior, Anthony Brian Athmann

Theses and Dissertations

A Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Diagnosis is comprised of various levels of physical

dysmorphia and behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. Early identification and diagnosis is difficult, requires specially trained practitioners and often results in the delay of receiving necessary services. This is particularly true for those individuals living in

underserved rural areas. However, screening children with commonly used assessment

tools may help to more quickly identify children who have been prenatally exposed to

alcohol. The purpose of the present study was to contribute to the development of a

neurobehavioral profile of alcohol-exposed children through examining if relationship

exists between verbal comprehension deficits …

Trash Matters: An Investigation Into The Current Waste Management And Recycling Strategies In Rural North Dakota And Foreseeable Solutions, Amy Densborn

Theses and Dissertations

Rural North Dakota is behind the times for establishing an economically and socially beneficial method for collecting recyclables from residents, and in some areas providing sustainable trash removal. As the waste stream continues to grow, so will the burdens on our landfills, our resources and our environment for generations to come. An even worse alternative to landfilling garbage is the use of burn barrels, which release dioxins into the local environment, settling on vegetation and waterways and further bio-accumulate in the food chain. Rural residents currently do not have conveniently located or affordable disposal options for household generated waste and …

The Role Of Child Characteristics, Parental Self-Efficacy, And Social Support On Parental Stress In Mothers And Fathers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Lindsey Devries

Theses and Dissertations

Although parents of any child experience stress related to child rearing, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are especially prone to parenting stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship that child characteristics (symptom severity, adaptive behavior, and problem behaviors), parental self-efficacy, and social support have on parenting stress in mothers and fathers of children with an ASD. Participants included mothers (n= 26) and fathers (n=18) of children ages 3 to 24 years in age with a diagnosis of ASD. Maternal and paternal participants completed measures of symptom severity (GARS-3; Gilliam, 2013), adaptive and problem …

Adolescent Victims' Experiences With Cyberbullying: A Grounded Theory Study, Melvina S. Brandau

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to construct a Grounded Theory that explains the processes involved in cyberbullying from the perspectives of those who have been victimized. A Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was used to explain the processes that occur as cyberbullying begins, unfolds, and ends, as well as to determine the methods that adolescent victims use to cope, and the context in which cyberbullying occurs.

Cyberbullying is a pervasive public health issue, affecting an estimated 10-30% of youth. Cyberbullying, though closely related to traditional physical bullying, has qualities that make it distinctive. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying is relatively new …

Gender Differences In Factors Contributing To Frequency Of Victimization Among Youth In Residential Placement, Chelsey Hukriede

Theses and Dissertations

Violence and victimization are common aspects of life for incarcerated individuals, even youth, with a large majority of offenders reporting experiences of some form of victimization during their stay in custody. Routine activities theory argues that most criminal acts require a convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardianship. The purpose of this study is to explore quantitatively, facility and individual level factors that may affect experiences of robbery, physical and sexual assault victimization among youth in residential custody, and how these factors might vary by gender. To answer my research question, secondary data from The …

The Effects Of Social Spending On Economic Growth And Standards Of Living Within U.S. States, Derek James Ebeling

Theses and Dissertations

Social spending is a large and controversial program within the United States. Though a number of studies examined its effects on Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) between countries, very few specifically looked at its effectiveness solely within the United States. By doing so, international political policy deviations are controlled for. Further, most studies neglect the externalities of social spending on living standards. This paper fills these gaps by utilizing two US Census aid datasets – state & local spending and federal aid & transfer payments – for all 50 states to study the effects of social spending on Gross Domestic Product, …

Measuring Job Satisfaction For Rural Mental Health Providers: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Approach, Erin L. Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The current study employed online collection of self-report demographic data as

well self-report aspects of job satisfaction such as: positive affectivity, self-efficacy,

work-related goal progress, work-related goal support, and work conditions. Each

consenting participant completed the same set of online questionnaires. Several

participants chose to expand upon some of the unique stressors they experience as rural

mental health providers in follow-up emails. Results of path analysis did not find the

expected fit of observed data to the proposed structural model. Multiple regression

analyses provided data about the importance of positive affectivity, work conditions,

work-related goal support, and work-related goal progress …

The Process Of Work Re-Entry For Nurses After Substance Use Disorders Treatment: A Grounded Theory Study, Deborah Matthias-Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explicate a substantive theory/model that describes the basic social processes (BSP) operating when a registered nurse (RN) re-enters the workplace following completion of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. There are a reported 2.6 million RNs employed in the U.S (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). Over the past 25 years, prevalence studies have found up to 10% of nurses will meet diagnostic criteria for SUD, similar to prevalence rates in the general population. SUDs among nurses present challenges to society and to the nursing profession. State boards of nursing operate primarily to …

The Relationship Between Ventilatory Threshold And Repeated-Sprint Ability In Hockey Players, Matthew Robert Lowery

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between ventilatory threshold (VT1, VT2) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in competitive male ice-hockey players was investigated. Forty-three male ice-hockey players (age 20.0 ± 1.4 years; height 182.5 ± 6.3 cm; body mass 84.8 ± 6.5 kg; percent body fat 11.8 ± 2.8%; relative O2peak 55.0 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min) competing at the Division I, Division III, and Junior A level volunteered to participate in the study during the off-season. Participants first performed an incremental graded exercise test on a skate treadmill to determine their VO2peak, final stage completed, VT1, stage at VT1, VT2, and stage at VT2. Analysis of …

Factors Affecting The Academic And Athletic Self-Determined Motivation Of Njcaa Division Iii Student-Athletes: A Mixed Methods Study, Melissa Margaret Majerus

Theses and Dissertations

Student-athletes who participate at Division III technical and community colleges across the country are a unique population of students who have special needs and interests. Their academic needs and interests likely led them towards a technical and community college education, but these students have also chosen to participate in athletics. Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory (SDT) of motivation has long been utilized to examine students’ basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and their impact on academic motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic, amotivation ) and success; yet, little of this research has focused on community college students or student-athletes within a community …

Applying The Kano Model To Higher Education: Moving Beyond Measuring Student Satisfaction, Melissa P. Mcdowall

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to evaluate the Kano Model of Satisfaction (1984) for applicability to research on college student satisfaction. Traditional college students were surveyed using both the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) and a follow-up Kano survey tool adapted from the SSI items for academic advising effectiveness and campus life. Responses were paired from respondents to both survey tools.

Analysis showed that respondents tended to have general agreement that the service elements included in this study had some positive level of impact on overall (dis)satisfaction levels. However, the type of impact which respondents reported the service elements as …

Relationship Of Pre-Season Functional Movement Screening On Injury In Division 1 Collegiate Athletes, Zebulon Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Injury has been seen to have many factors and mechanisms during each individual sport. The functional movement screening (FMS) is a tool that allows for an individual mobility and stability in a fundamentally dynamic movement patterns to show limitations and asymmetries in movement performance based of a seven functional movement patterns and three clearing screens. Researchers have found some evidence that show scoring less than 14 may be related to increase injury. Research Question: Does FMS provide a systematic tool to monitor progress and movement pattern development that identify individuals injury throughout a season? Method: Study design is descriptive …

Concussion Knowledge And Attitudes: The Impact Of Hegemonic Masculinity, Allyssa Jean Schlosser

Theses and Dissertations

Concussions are a significant public health issue, however, there is a lack of knowledge about concussions and a minimization of their severity in society. Prior research has identified various social stigmas, particularly in the world of contact sports, as deterrents for men reporting concussions. This study expands on the reasons why men do not report concussions by exploring the relationship between adherence to hegemonic masculinity and the knowledge and attitudes men have about concussions. College men (N =126) responded to survey questions related to concussion knowledge, concussion attitudes, adherence to toughness, and adherence to restrictive emotionality. Regression analyses were performed …

The Impact Of Cultural Identity And Social Capital On American Indian Elders' Subjective Health, Cole Lewis Ward

Theses and Dissertations

Data gathered from the National Resource Center on Native American Aging at the University of North Dakota was utilized (N = 8,396) to see if a relationship exists between cultural identity and social capital, the independent variables, and the dependent variable, subjective health. It is anticipated that there will be strong relationships between cultural identity, social capital, and subjective health because it is culturally expected that the younger generations of American Indians will take care of their elders by providing support when needed. This will provide a strong sense of well-being for American Indian elders. Additionally, cultural identity is expected …

Vulnerability Indices For Waterbodies Impacted By Theoretical Hydraulic Fracturing Spills Modeled Utilizing Gis, Isaac Simon

Theses and Dissertations

Hydraulic fracturing is a method used to extract oil or natural gas from unconventional sources. Within western North Dakota it is largely used to extract oil from the Bakken Formation since the low permeability of the Bakken shale makes conventional methods of oil extraction difficult. Hydraulic fracturing utilizes large volumes of frack fluid and this frack fluid is toxic to humans, animals including livestock, and vegetation including crops. Research is needed to provide a greater understanding of where frack fluid would travel if spilled, how much frack fluid could infiltrate into the soil, and how much frack fluid could impact …

Preparing Doctoral Students For The Professoriate: An Ethnographic Study Of Students’ Experiences In A Formal Preparatory Course, Mohammed Saleh Alkathiri

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of doctoral students relating to the factors that influence their understanding, preparation and attitude toward the professoriate. Participants were enrolled in a formal course that was designed to prepare them for the professoriate. Acquainted with critical realist ontology, the researcher argued that it was necessary to investigate the understanding and preparation of doctoral students in order to better clarify the complex experiences that underlie their practices of making meaning and maintaining balance and well-being in the professoriate. The study was conducted using an ethnographic case study approach with multiple data collection methods that …

Personality Disorder Trait Mediation Of Childhood Abuse Effects On Internalized And Externalized Symptoms Of Distress, Amy Catherine Veith

Theses and Dissertations

The current study explored the relationships between childhood maltreatment indicators and mental health symptomatology in adulthood. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the indirect effects of child abuse on symptom expression as mediated by personality traits would be substantial and possibly larger than the direct effects alone. Additional abuse by trait interactions were examined. Results supported these hypotheses, specifically, the PID-5 trait factors were successful in accounting for a disproportionate amount of the variance in the criterion measures. These traits were substantially stronger than childhood physical abuse and domestic violence exposure. Childhood sexual abuse also outperformed childhood physical …

An Assessment Of The Influence Of Economic Drivers Of Land Use Change On Nitrate Concentrations In The Red River Of The North Basin, Brent Silvis Silvis

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years there have been dramatic increases in crop prices, which would be expected to have resulted in greater production of crops and increased nitrates in surface water from increased use of fertilizer. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that changing crop prices influence crop production and, consequently, water quality. To do this, the study intended to identify changes in crop cultivation within the Red River of the North Basin, assess whether these crops have contributed to nitrate concentrations and identify how nitrate concentrations would be influenced by alternative economic scenarios. Requisite data were obtained …

Teachers' Of Students With Visual Impairments Perceptions And Experiences Of Teaching The Expanded Core Curriculum, Renae T. Bjorg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the qualitative research study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs) in the state of North Dakota regarding the expanded core curriculum (ECC). This study included transcribed interviews from six TSVIs who taught in grades K-12.

The National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths with Visual Impairments, Including Those with Multiple Disabilities was used to frame this study. Phenomenological methods were used to analyze the interviews into codes, categories, themes, and an assertion. Following were the seven themes supported by the data collected:

1. Teachers of students …

The Impact Of Cultural Encounters On The Cultural Competence Of Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Amy J. Witt

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: By the year 2050 it is expected more than fifty percent of the American population will be of non-European descent (United States Census Bureau, 2011). Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States (U.S.) have more limited access to health care and a poorer quality of health care received, regardless of insurance coverage. Nursing education must provide a means for acquiring cultural competence by nursing students to help combat the growing health disparities. While many different methodologies can be found in nursing curricula, the cultural encounter during the nursing program may prove to be a promising means of acquiring …

Contraceptive Self-Efficacy: Educational And Familial Influences, Jenelle Suzan Swenberger

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines educational and familial influences on contraceptive self-efficacy among young adults. Self-efficacy theory states that beliefs about personal efficacy constitute the key factor behind human agency. Contraceptive self-efficacy refers to the belief in one’s ability to utilize contraceptives in a sexual situation. Based on previous literature it is expected that young adults who have had comprehensive reproductive health education, report higher levels of individual educational attainment, and report higher levels of mothers’ and fathers’ educational attainment will report higher levels of contraceptive self-efficacy. To test these associations, data from a stratified random sample of undergraduate students enrolled at …

Lived Experiences Of Freshman Students In Their First Semester Of College, Lisa Marie Burger

Theses and Dissertations

Why do some college students enter, persist, and successfully move through the educational system, while others lose their direction and leave college prior to achieving their academic goals? As students graduate from high school and enter a post-secondary educational environment, some are prepared for the experiences they will encounter, while others struggle through their first semester of enrollment as they attempt to make meaning of their life situations and transitions. This qualitative research study used Schlossberg’s (1981) Transition Theory as well as Baxter Magolda’s (2001) concept of self-reflection as a framework for discovery and understanding in an attempt to gain …