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A Comprehensive Treatment Program For Abusive Parents: An Exploratory Study, Marvin Kim Marvel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Estimates of the incidence of child abuse range from 200,000 to 500,000 (Light, 1973) to over one million children each year (O'Brien, 1980). Child abuse is a leading cause of childhood death and injury (Starr, 1979). Demographic studies (e.g., Steele & Pollock, 1968) suggest that parents who abuse their children were often abused or neglected themselves. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that many of the present victims of abuse will become abusing parents in the future unless the cycle is broken. The need for effective interventions to reduce this pervasive social problem is obvious.

The Relative Susceptibilities Of Interresponse Times And Post-Reinforcement Pauses To Differential Reinforcement, Nancy L. Trapp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Post-reinforcement pauses (PRP) and interresponse times (IRTs) were examined to determine if these two temporal units changed in a similar fashion as a function of the delivery of differential reinforcement. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, four pigeons were exposed to a series of procedures in which PRP and IRT durations were gradually increased and then decreased. A fixed-ratio two (FR 2) differentiation schedule was used. Reinforcement was delivered if the PRP or IRT durations were greater than (PRP > and IRT > procedures) or less than (PRP < and IRT < procedures) specified temporal criteria. Criteria were gradually changed across procedures. Results showed that PRPs and IRTs changed in accordance with the differential reinforcement as specified by the various contingencies. When PRPs and IRTs were free to vary, the PRPs tended to change in a direction consistent with the IRT shaping contingencys whereas, the IRTs tended to shorten regardless of the PRP shaping contingency. In Experiment 2, two subjects were exposed to both an FR 2 and FR 1 schedule to determine if schedule size influenced the effects obtained on the differentiation procedures. PRPs were systematically changed using a differentiation procedure with a response requirement of either FR 1 or FR 2. Results showed similar changes in PRP durations between FR 1 and FR 2 differentiation procedures. An analysis of errors made on each shaping condition in both experiments was conducted to determine whether PRPs or IRTs were more susceptible to the differential reinforcement contingencies. Fewer errors were made on the PRP shaping conditions, indicating that PRPs were more easily changed. Implications for a comprehensive theory of reinforcement were discussed.

Academic Achievement Of Bereaved Children: Comparison With A Nonbereaved Population, Rebecca W. Valcarce

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to study the effects of bereavement on the academic achievement of secondary school students who had lost a parent through death by comparing them with students attending the same schools but who were living with both natural parents. The subjects in both groups were matched on pretest scores and demographic characteristics at the beginning of the study. Achievement posttest scores and overall high school grade point averages of both groups were compared using ANCOVA and multiple regression analyses. None of the analyses were found to be statistically significant, implying that academic achievement is not …

Poverty And Migration: Synthesis Of Macrolevel And Microlevel Perspectives Of Migration, Keywon Cheong

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study assesses effects of contextual and personal characteristics on the migration propensities of individuals, with primary focus on several measurements of individual poverty status and the poverty level of the residential areas. The restricted opportunity perspective on poverty, the human capital perspective and the microeconomic perspective on migration, are the major frameworks guiding the study. Logistic regression analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of the Youth Cohort and from the 1983 County and City Data Book is employed to investigate differences in the Migration behavior between the poor and nonpoor, and significant main and interactive effects of …

Crime Victims And The Media: A Comparison Of Newspaper Coverage In The Los Angeles Times From 1969 To 1985, Cory J. La Bianca

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper was to compare the newspaper coverage of crime victims in five mass murder cases covered by the Los Angeles Times over a 16-year period from 1969 to 1985. Specific cases studied included the 1969 Manson murders, the 1976 Cal State Fullerton murders, the 1977-78 Hillside Strangler serial murders, the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald's restaurant massacre and the 1985 Night Stalker serial killings. Coverage of each incident was analyzed, with particular attention paid to coverage of crime victims. Subtle but significant changes in the treatment of crime victims were reported. The Los Angeles Times was found …

Honoring The Farm: Identity And Meaning In Personal Narratives, Jeannie Banks Thomas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis employs the literary folklorist methodology to explore personal narratives. Personal narratives told by Elizabeth (Beth) Wyatt Winn were analyzed. It was discovered that these narratives provide an eyewitness account of history, reveal world views, and encapsulate experiences into values and personal meanings. The depth of meaning found in Elizabeth (Beth) Wyatt Winn's personal narratives illustrates the importance of personal narratives in historical research and historical re-creation and simulation.

Appendices include several oral interviews containing personal narratives.

Surfacing And The Diviners: A Comparative Study, Helen Beach Cannon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper explores religio-folkloric connections in two works of Canadian fiction--Surfacing, by Margaret Atwood, and The Diviners, by Margaret Laurence. On several levels these books have striking parallels. They are here treated as novels of quest and in terms of elemental symbology.

The Effect Of Reinforcer Type On The Resurgence Of Responding, Lori Light-Richter

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a previously reinforced response would resurge following the reinforcement and subsequent extinction of a second response when the two responses were established using two different reinforcers, and when both responses had been equivalent training. Rats were trained to press either a lever or a key with either food or water as the reinforcer. After this response had been extinguished, the alternative behavior was trained with the alternate reinforcer. Finally, this second behavior was extinguished. Little resurgence of the original response was noted for either subjects trained under same- or different- reinforcer …

Exploring Folk Art, Michael Owen Jones

All USU Press Publications

Jones explores the human impulse to create, the necessity for having aesthetically satisfying experiences, and the craving for tradition. He also considers topics such as making chairs, remodeling houses, using and preserving soda-fountain slang, preparing and eating food, and sculpting lifelike figures out of cement.

Insites, Winter 1987, Utah State University

inSites

Magazine of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Utah Science Vol. 47 No. 3, Fall 1986

Utah Science

70 CHROMOSOMES AND INFERTILITY IN DAIRY CATTLE T. D. Bunch, A. Maciulis and S. L. Henderson The analysis of chromosomes is providing valuable information about genetic abnormalities in cattle.

78 THE APPLICATION OF BEHAVIORAL CONCEPTS TO LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT D. F. Balph and M. H. Balph Several principles useful in the study of human behavior may also explain livestock behavior.

86 GENETIC PROBLEMS IN MINK CULTURE L. C. Ellis and N. C. Pace Mink are an ideal animal to study genetic problems in other animals and humans.

94 UNDERSTANDING THE APPLE MAGGOT D. W. Davis and V. P. Jones Findings are …

Utah State University Commencement, 1986 – Main Campus, Utah State University

Commencement Programs

Ninety-Third Annual Commencement of Utah State University

Demand Characteristics In The Hypnotic Elicitation Of Multiple Ego States, Laura M. Sturgis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Hypnotic elicitation of multiple ego states was explored using Hilgard's "hidden observer" paradigm. Twenty subjects in two groups: hypnosis and simulation were utilized to examine the impact of experimental demand characteristics on the production of multiple ego states. Self-report and hypnotist-report measures were obtained in a test-retest design. Multiple t-tests and chi-square analyses were computed with significant differences on key multiple ego state items found between groups. Results demonstrated retest reliability, but not inter-rater reliability of this dissociative phenomena, since hypnotists failed to discriminate real from "faked" hypnotic involvement. Exploration of multiple ego states using non-hypnotic control conditions and multiple …

Client Writing In Individual Therapy: A Review Of The Literature, Karla Esplin Bennion

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Client writing has been used in association with individual therapy for many years, but published research on its effectiveness is sparse. Such research could provide a potential tool for therapists, as well as expand scientific knowledge. This review includes all available reports on the topic of client writing in individual therapy. The studies fall into three general categories: the systematic, "experimental" studies; the anecdotal reports; and the didactic reports. All studies considered show some benefit from the use of client writing in therapy. Writing appears to be beneficial whether initiated by the client or directed by the therapist; beneficial to …

Factor Analysis Of A Self-Report Problem Inventory For Use In Clinical Settings, William F. Corey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A factor analysis was performed using 609 subjects, each of whom completed the 265 Hem self-report problem inventory. Factor analysis was used in this context as the logical first step in the development of the problem inventory. For the purpose of analysis, 240 of the Hems were used. Results suggest that there may be utility in further research involving the problem inventory. A literature review of current diagnostic issues, se 1 f-report inventory issues, diagnostic interviewing issues, and finally, self-report inventory development is included.

Parent And Adolescent Education In Relation To Adolescent Sexual Attitudes And Behavior, Karen R. Sneesby

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between several educational variables and adolescents' sexual attitudes and behavior. The sample consisted of high school students who were enrolled in health, family living, and home economics classes in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pretest and posttest surveys were given to these students to evaluate the effectiveness of a prevention program which addressed teen attitudes and behaviors in the areas of peers, families, and morality. The pretest and posttest surveys contained items that specifically measured family background, school achievement, and sexual attitudes and behaviors. Data collected for these …

Marriage Enrichment: Does It Make A Difference, Eric R. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in a marriage enrichment program had an impact on couple's relationships in the areas of regard, empathy, congruence, dyadic adjustment and self-esteem. Seven independent variables were also analyzed to see if they had any impact on the five outcome measures. A survey was given at four different time periods (pretest, immediately before the enrichment experience; posttest, immediately after the enrichment experience; three months following; and six months following the enrichment experience) to determine if change did occur and if it was maintained over time. There was no control group and …

Perceptions Of Menstruation As An Indicator Of Stereotypic Beliefs Within Marriage, Debra L. Caswell-Madsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research examined husband and wife attitudes toward menstruation and how these attitudes related to certain behaviors within marriage. The sample consisted of 48 Married couples, some living in Davis, California and some living in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Specifically, four objectives were pursued:

1. Assess husbands' and wives' perceptions of how behaviors within marriage vary over the wives' menstrual cycles.
2. Assess husbands' and wives' attitudes toward menstruation.
3. Examine how husband's and wives' attitudes toward menstruation might be associated with perceptions of how behaviors within marriage vary over the wives' menstrual cycles.
4. Examine how wives' perceptions of differences in behavior over …

The Effects Of A Social Skills Training Program On Interpersonal Communications In Parent Adolescent Dyads, Patrick Sean Noble

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis was two fold. First, there was an experiment in which the independent variable was the behavioral skill levels of parents and their adolescents on a social skills training program and the dependent variable was the parent and adolescent perceptions of their interpersonal relationship regarding communication and problem solving. Second, there was an experiment comparing instructional styles wherein the independent variable was the length of time used to present the social skills training program and the dependent variable was the resulting scores on the behavioral measures of the program. A modified pretest -post-test control group design …

A Profile Of The Victim Of Father-Daughter Incest: Testing Hypotheses From The Literature, Lawrence Manley Wilcox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper was to develop a profile of the victim of father-daughter incest. One descriptive profile was constructed from the literature, using a content analysis, and one profile was developed utilizing 25 subjects' responses to a questionnaire and a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. These two profiles were compared. The items on the profiles with the greatest amount of predictive value were identified. A high point profile of the 4-8/8-4 scales on the MMPI was also identified in both the subjects' responses and in the literature. The final profile is designed for use by clinicians who work with …

A Neuropsychological Approach For Differentiating The Residual Effects Of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Glenn Thomas Goodwin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is well documented in the literature that low-birth-weight (LBW) and prematurity are associated with a variety of developmental disabilities. Within this population of LBW children it is estimated that at birth, up to 45% of them experience intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Only recently has pediatric research begun to look at the potentially unique effects of IVH, and attempt to separate these out form the effects of LBW in general. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuropsychological differences that may occur in children with a history of mild or sever IVH, who are now approaching school age. The …

Teaching Minimum Based Competency Test Skills To Secondary-Aged Learning Disabled Students Through The Use Of Precision Teaching, Michael E. Byrnes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This project investigated whether a precision teaching method used with learning disabled high school students (grades 9-12) could give them the skills needed to pass a minimum based competency test in the area of local, state and national government. The specific objective of this project was to determine if the use of precision teaching enabled the students to retain the facts needed to pass a competency test required for graduation. A multiple-baseline design across behaviors was used to show the effect of precision teaching in mastering the needed facts. The data from each baseline improved and surpassed the set criteria …

Factors Influencing Grief Adjustment In The Elderly, Jo Anne Pauline Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper was to attempt to identify variables which may enhance the ability of older widowed persons to adjust to viii bereavement. Depression and perceptions of physical health were the two aspects of adjustment selected for study. Several variables which current literature suggests may mediate grief adjustment were examined for their potential relationship to bereavement outcome. These were gender, level of grief, anticipatory grief and social network. The possible relationship between depression and perceptions of physical health was also examined for.

Subjects were 75 men and women, age 55 and over, who were recently widowed, and 29 …

The Psychological And Social Consequences Of Htlv-Iii Infection: Homosexuals In Orange County, Ca, Kenneth Burton Kaisch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological and social consequences experienced by homosexual men who learn that they have positive results on the HTLV-III antibody test, but who have not yet developed AIDS or ARC. Employing a census survey of the membership of three California homophile organizations (n=1905), 30 HTLV-III positives and 55 negatives completed a biographical questionnaire, the IPAT Anxiety Scale Questionnaire, the IPAT Depression Scale, and the Coping Strategies Inventory. Results indicate that HTLV-III positives show considerable disorganization after hearing test results, have clinically high levels of anxiety (n=10), and clinically high levels of depression …

Pantothenic Acid Status Of Adolescents, Brenda Ringer Eissenstat

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Information on human needs for pantothenic acid is limited and no recommended daily allowance has been established; although a safe and adequate level of 4-7 mg/day has been suggested for adults and adolescents. The adolescent population is often at risk for nutritional problems because of unusual eating patterns and major physiological changes which occur at this time. Pantothenic acid levels in urine, whole-blood and erythrocytes were determined in a healthy adolescent population using radioimmunoassay techniques. Dietary intakes were calculated from 4 day diet records and evaluated using a computer data base developed at Utah State University in conjunction with USDA. …

The Impact Of Twelve-Mile Canyon Mudslides On Downstream Water Users In Sanpete County, Utah, Danny L. Boore

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of major landslides during 1983-84 in Twelve-Mile Canyon, Sanpete County, Utah on agricultural water users in the Gunnison Irrigation System. Sediment content and stream flow data were gathered from Twelve-Mile Creek during the irrigation season of 1984. This information was used to estimate the sediment load of Twelve-Mile Creek and to compare historical averages. A survey of Gunnison Irrigation System Water Users was conducted to obtain information defining the damage and production losses caused by an increase in sediment carried by irrigation water. This information was tabulated and used as …

The Effects Of Recreation Specialization And Motivations On The Environmental Setting Preferences Of Backcountry Hikers, Randy J. Virden

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study explored how recreation specialization and different types of motivations were related to environmental settings preferred by backcountry hikers. A questionnaire was developed that measured the level of hiking specialization, desired psychological outcomes, and preferred environmental setting attributes. Questionnaires were mailed to 619 backcountry hikers from three Intermountain West hiking areas; a response rate of 68 percent was attained.

Results of the study revealed significant associations between the level of hiking specialization and the psychological states desired by backcountry hikers. In general, increased hiking specialization served to increase the importance of specific psychological outcomes such as autonomy, exercise, achievement …

A Market Analysis For Adult Outdoor Education In Five Western States, Karla Joy Vanderzanden

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Organizations that offer Outdoor Education programs for adults are concerned with how to best attract people to their programs. Effective program design begins with a clear understanding of the people to be served. A marketing orientation--meeting the needs of participants--has begun to pervade non-profit management; specific information on the adult market for Outdoor Education remains limited. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize segments based upon the benefits people seek from such an experience. Secondly, this analysis describes current programs 1n a five state region and identifies discrepancies between available and needed services.

A mail survey of …

Person-Environment Interaction Psychological Strain And Delinquency: A Longitudinal Test Of The Theory, Mahmood Gazi-Tabatabaie

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utilizing longitudinal panel data from Youth In Transition Project, the Person-Environment fit (P-E Fit) theory and its specific application to the area of delinquency and aggression was investigated longitudinally. Analysis of Covariance Structure Technique (LISREL) was used to address the issues of multi-dimensionality, stability, measurement of total P-E fit and to test the proposed delinquency model. The relationships between P-E fit, psychological strain, and delinquency were tested both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The student sub-group (those respondents who stayed in school after high school) and the working sub-group (those who went to work after high school) were tested separately. P-E fit …

The Effects Of A Structured Intervention Program On Identity And Divorce Adjustment, Rodger Trent Wentz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to determine if a structured intervention program could assist individuals in adjusting to some of the disruption associated with divorce. A secondary purpose was to determine if identity status would mediate the effects of the intervention program upon divorce adjustment. The components of the intervention program were modeled on previous research. It was hypothesized that individuals participating in a structured treatment program would manifest greater gains in areas of divorce adjustment than the control group. However, results show that while there was greater gain for the experimental group than the control group in several …