Digital Commons Network^™

An Investigation Of The Essential Nature Of Advanced Placement Students' Psychological Safety And Participation In Mathematics Class Discourse, Vicki A. Lyons

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

All students need to feel that their classes are safe spaces where they can explore and discuss their ideas. When students do not feel free to share their reasoning or understandings without fear of negative personal or social consequences, they may intentionally limit their participation in discussions. This study investigated the relationship between Advanced Placement Calculus students' perceived feelings of psychological safety and their professed level of participation in class mathematics discourse, as well as the reasons why they would choose their particular level of participation. Findings indicated that these students generally liked to share their ideas because they wanted …

Drama: A Burlesque And Melodramatic Frame Analysis Of The January 6Th Committee Final Report, Makayla Chadwick Lindsay

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

On January 6^th, 2021, former president Donald Trump stated "...if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore". Following his speech thousands of Trump supporters marched to the United States capitol under the belief that they were stopping nationwide voter fraud. In the months following, the U.S. congress created The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6^th Attack on the United States Capitol with the goal to investigate those responsible for the insurrection that took place at the U.S. capitol. This paper examines the committee's communication as they attempted to hold Trump …

The Last Days Of Elder Mitchell, Jack Bylund

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Last Days of Elder Mitchell is a novella following the eponymous Latter-Day Saint missionary as he narrates the miracles performed by his colleague, Elder Gibson, as well as his personal grappling with his queer identity as he serves a high-demand religion that condemns people like him. The narrative explores the intersection of queerness and faith, the form of the novella, and the healing nature of autobiographical fiction.

An Expansive Framing Intervention And Its Influence On Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Value For Mathematics, Kimberly Evagelatos Beck

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Nurses regularly use mathematics on the job, yet they often do not view their work as mathematical. This may indicate a lack of transfer from the nursing school mathematics context to nursing practice. Further, nursing students often perceive very little usefulness and relevance for learning mathematics beyond simple calculations. Expansive Framing (EF) is a theory and instructional technique that has been shown to foster transfer by establishing intercontextuality, or connections made between disparate contexts. This research explored whether creating intercontextuality created through broad framing also improved perceptions of mathematics value and transferability, and how intercontextuality functioned as the driver of …

How Relational Instruction And Caring Learning Environments Relate To Mathematics Self-Concept: A Multilevel Investigation Of The High School Longitudinal Study Of Data, Sandra J. Miles

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The purpose of this research is to look for ways mathematics teachers can increase their students' mathematics self-concept (i.e., achievement, confidence, and interest). Many students avoid taking upper-level mathematics classes or pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). However, the need for STEM professionals in the workforce will increase in future years and there is a projected shortage of students who will be trained to fill the demand. This research proposes that mathematics teachers can actively work to improve their students' self-concept by providing a caring and emotionally supportive learning environment as well as providing instruction that builds …

Examining Processes Of Change For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy And Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Books With Depressed College Students, Carter H. Davis, Michael P. Twohig, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Given the prevalence of depression, it is worthwhile to consider a variety of treatment approaches to reach as many sufferers as possible, including highly accessible formats such as self-help books. Books based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) propose to treat depression through distinct processes of change, though the degree to which these treatments are distinguishable in this format is unclear. Furthermore, it is possible that some individuals may respond better to therapeutic processes from one approach over the other based on personal preferences. We tested the effects of ACT and CBT self-help books on …

The Utah Statesman, April 29, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Priming Through Persuasion: Towards Secure Password Behavior, Rizu Paudel, Mahdi Nasrullah Al-Ameen

Computer Science Student Research

Users tend to create weak passwords even for the important accounts. The prior research shed light on user’s insecure password behavior, and why the interventions, including requirement specification (e.g., password composition policies) and feedback systems (e.g., password meters) fail in practice. To this end, we propose and evaluate the concept: priming-through-persuasion in the realm of secure password creation. In particular, we created visual designs, aimed at priming users about the repercussions of weak passwords before their password creation. We base our designs on two forms of persuasion methods: pathos and logos. Pathos appeals to people’s emotion in order to persuade …

“It’S Hard For Him To Make Choices Sometimes And He Needs Guidance”: Re-Orienting Parental Control For Children, Prakriti Dumaru, Hanieh Atashpanjeh, Mahdi Nasrullah Al-Ameen

Computer Science Student Research

With access to devices and online platforms at an increasingly younger age, it is essential to protect children from potential online risks. In our studies, we particularly focused the parents who have a child under 13 years of age. To this end, deriving from developmental psychology, we base our low-fidelity prototype design (termed as ‘treatment’) on a set of design principles focusing on open communication, instilling self-regulation, and availing granularity along with designs of existing Google’s parental control as a baseline. First, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 parents to understand their perceptions, including suggestions for design improvement within our …

Telehealth Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Adolescents With Transdiagnostic Health-Related Anxiety: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Julie M. Petersen, Marissa L. Donahue, Leila K. Capel, Emily M. Bowers, Mercedes G. Woolley, Sara Boghosian, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Health-related anxiety is an under-researched and pressing issue to understand in adolescents, particularly given the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial of 10 weekly, 50-minute sessions of telehealth ACT targeting health-related anxiety in adolescents as compared to a waitlist. A sample of 30 adolescents (ages 12- 17), plus one caretaker each (N = 60), currently struggling with clinical levels of health-related anxiety were enrolled. The majority of caretakers and adolescents were White, non-Hispanic/Latine, and female. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling across pre-, mid-, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. Adolescents reported small, significant decreases in health-related anxiety …

Leveraging The Protocols For Native American Archival Materials To Support Indigenous Digital Collections: A Case Study From The Sherman Indian Museum Digital Project, Eric L. Milenkiewicz

Journal of Western Archives

The Sherman Indian Museum houses a rich collection of archival materials that document the student experience, institutional culture, and community history of California’s sole remaining off-reservation American Indian boarding school. To broaden access to its collection for community and scholarly use, the museum partnered with the University of California, Riverside Library on a grant-funded project to digitize and provide online access to nearly 14,000 items from their collection. With a shared understanding of the unique ethical and communal protocols present in a digital project of this scope, the two repositories turned toward the standards and goals articulated in Protocols for …

The Influence Of Religious Affiliation On The Political Views Of Lgbt Americans, G. Tyler Lefevor, Sydney A. Sorrell, Kelsy Burke, Andrew R. Flores

Psychology Faculty Publications

With a nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional sample of over 250,000 Americans from 2016-2019, we investigate the role that religious and LGBT identities play in influencing Americans’ political attitudes, centering the narratives of religious LGBT Americans. We find that nearly half of LGBT Americans affiliate religiously. Logistic regressions show that identifying as religious is related to more conservative views on LGBT rights and abortion while identifying as LGBT is related to more liberal views on both of these issues. We failed to observe interaction effects, suggesting that religious affiliation influences LGBT individuals’ political views in a manner similar to the way …

Professional Development Strategies For Treating People With Idd And Mental Health Needs, Jennifer L. Mclaren, Elizabeth Grosso, Karen L. Weigle

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience significant health and mental health inequities and difficulties accessing care. There are few initiatives that train mental health professionals to care and advocate for the health and mental health care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We developed a Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Professional Learning Community (PLC) with Clinical Education Teams (CET) training components through The National Center for START (Systemic-Therapeutic-Assessment-Resources-Treatment) Services^® to further educate providers in the United States. The National Center for START Services^® utilizes multiple training and collaboration forums to build the …

Interdisciplinary Treatment Approach To Youth With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities And Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions, Ashley Greenwald, Erika Ryst, Diane D. Thorkildson, Lauren Brown

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Many individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have co-occurring mental health needs, yet service delivery options often do not allow for the integrated delivery of mental health treatment and social behavioral support services. Siloed treatment approaches often result in lack of collaboration between providers, increasing the difficulty in accessing comprehensive and coordinated treatments and reducing treatment potential and effective outcomes. Additionally, many service providers in behavioral support services are not trained to address significant mental health needs; similarly, providers of mental health services lack experience in modifying practices for differing cognitive needs. The lack of cross-training and cross-collaboration makes …

Project Attain: Advancing Trauma-Informed Care For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And/Or Gender Diverse Youth, Kady F. Sternberg, Charlotte E. Bausha, Charlotte Jones, Erin Knight, Crystal N. Steltenpohl, Rebecca R. Parton, Jennifer L. Mclaren, Erin R. Barnett

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or gender diversity are at higher risk of experiencing trauma. Provider knowledge is lacking; trauma, disability, and LGBTQ+ resources are often siloed; and few providers screen for trauma in this population. This paper describes the design, delivery, and initial evaluation of Project ATTAIN (Access to Trauma-informed Treatment and Assessment for Neurodivergent and/or Gender-expansive Youth).

ATTAIN is an ongoing 5-year state-wide initiative aiming to assess readiness to engage in new roles and practices over time; provide state-wide training and consultation in trauma, disability, and LGBTQ+-informed practices; install screening and assessment of trauma exposure and …

The Link Center: A Federally Funded Technical Assistance And Resource Center Aimed At Improving Mental Health Treatment And Access For People With I/Dd, Brain Injury, And Other Cognitive And Communication Differences., Stacy L. Nonnemacher, Jeanne Farr, Wendy Morris

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Although we do not have robust prevalence studies in the U.S., a recent meta-analysis estimated that 33.6% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have a mental health (MH) condition. We know that this prevalence may be an underrepresentation because of factors like diagnostic overshadowing. We also know that people with I/DD experience inequitable access to quality MH and preventive care. This highlights the chronic lack of and access to holistic, integrated care for individuals with I/DD, especially those who also have MH conditions. Consequently, an increasing number of individuals with I/DD experience MH crises and suffer adverse consequences. …

Building Neuro-Inclusive Community, Strengthening Mental Health: The Autism After 21 Utah Project, Sumiko T. Martinez, Anna Smyth, Ann C. Carrick

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Over two decades of research shows strong positive relationships are a consistently powerful indicator of wellbeing and resilience. However, the U.S. Surgeon General notes that loneliness and isolation is an epidemic in the U.S., and that it is exacerbated for individuals with physical and mental disabilities as well as those with isolating economic or environmental situations. A recent review shows that many autistic adults in particular face challenges in finding the connections they want and need. They also often have compounding mental health conditions, such as depression and mental illness, lower incomes, isolating home environments due to a lack of …

Exploring Parent/Caregiver Perspectives Of Self-Determination And Its Impact On Mental Health In Adolescents With And Without Disabilities, Jessica Schuttler, Sydney Walls, Tyler Hicks, Karrie Shogren, Hannah Adams, Richard A Chapman

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Introduction. Parents and caregivers play key roles in supporting the development of self-determination and mental health needs in adolescents with and without disabilities. This study explored parent/caregiver perceptions of the relationships among mental health and self-determination constructs for youth with disabilities, across gender and disability status. Method. Parents/caregivers of adolescents with and without disabilities completed rating scales regarding adolescents’ self-determination status (Self Determination Inventory) and mental health symptoms (Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3^rd Edition). Bayesian analyses examined the relationships among self-determination and mental health status. Results. Results are mixed, indicating moderate to robust relationships for self-determination as a …

The Utah Statesman, April 15, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Predictors Of Adherence To A Publicly Available Self-Guided Digital Mental Health Intervention, Mercedes G. Woolley, Korena S. Klimczak, Carter H. Davis, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Low adherence to self-guided digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have raised concerns about their real-world effectiveness. Naturalistic data from self-guided DMHIs are often not available, hindering our ability to assess adherence among real-world users. This study aimed to analyze 3 years of user data from the public launch of an empirically supported 12-session self-guided DMHI, to assess overall program adherence rates and explore predictors of adherence. Data from 984 registered users were analyzed. Results showed that only 14.8% of users completed all 12 modules and 68.6% completed less than half of the modules. Users who were younger, had milder depression, …

Retrospective Consecutive Controlled Case Series Of Outcomes For Functional Analyses Of Severe Destructive Behavior, Jessie K. Weber, Katherine R. Brown, Billie J. Retzlaff, Alyssa M. Hurd, Heather J. Anderson, Kendra Smallwood

Psychology Faculty Publications

Functional analysis methods allow clinicians to determine the variable(s) that maintain destructive behavior. Previous reviews of functional analysis outcomes have included large samples of published and unpublished datasets (i.e., clinical samples). The purpose of this review was to conduct a large retrospective consecutive controlled case series of clinical functional analyses. We sought to identify the prevalence of differentiation, procedural modifications for undifferentiated and differentiated cases, and identified function(s) of destructive behavior. In addition, we extended the existing literature by determining whether functional analysis differentiation and function varied when single or multiple behavior topographies were consequated in the functional analysis. We …

The Dynamic Interplay Of Self-Regulated Learning, Academic Emotions, And Cognitive Load Theory In Student Learning, Shaf Ahmed

Student Research Symposium

The Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the dynamic interaction between SRL, academic emotions, and CLT to address a significant gap in educational research, focusing on their collective impact on student learning.
• Examine the complex, bidirectional relationships among academic emotions, SRL, and CLT, considering their changes over time and across different educational contexts.
• Advance understanding of student engagement and learning outcomes by merging theoretical insights with practical strategies for educators, aiming for a comprehensive approach.
• Develop targeted educational interventions by offering a holistic perspective that integrates key psychological and cognitive factors, tailored to meet the needs of students in diverse settings. …

Housing Strategies For Human Trafficking Survivors, Brynne Rindlisbacher

Student Research Symposium

This study addresses the critical importance of providing comprehensive aftercare services to survivors of human trafficking, highlighting the significance of supporting their healing journey and empowering them to rebuild their lives. The lack of dedicated aftercare facilities tailored to the needs of human trafficking survivors exacerbates their vulnerability to ongoing exploitation and psychological distress. The approach involves collaboration with experts in trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and social services to design and establish the aftercare center, incorporating best practices and evidence-based interventions to address the diverse needs of survivors. Upon implementation, the human trafficking aftercare center demonstrates tangible outcomes in terms of …

An Indigenous Kitchen: Using Design To Preserve Indigenous North American Food Cultures And Edible Plants, Alida Cummings

Student Research Symposium

Examine the causes and the detriment of reduced rood access, loss of knowledge, nutritional deficit, and reliance on imported foods on Indigenous American populations, with emphasis on the Pueblo, Diné, Apache, Hopi, and Zuni peoples of the American Southwest. Examine attempts to restore cultural food knowledge and Indigenous plant cultivation. Examine traditional foodways of the American Southwest. Propose and demonstrate possible solutions brought about by use of architecture and interior design.

Human Centered Design, Alexis Freeman

Student Research Symposium

This research project explores the impact of design on mental and physical health, emphasizing its role within healthcare and therapy settings. Delving into the specific connections between environmental design and human well-being, this study investigates how thoughtful design principles influence quality of life. It also explores the physical health benefits gained from well-designed spaces, access to natural light, ergonomic considerations, and good air quality. Recognizing the holistic approach in Eastern medicine, Haven explores how traditional healing philosophies can connect with modern design principles.

Unique challenges are presented in patient-centered settings. where the impact of design extends beyond aesthetics. Design elements …

E-Cigarette Impacts On Aspects Of Dementia: Basic Research, Daniel S. Da Silva, Lucy N. Scribner

Student Research Symposium

E-cigarettes and Dementia

• Although smoking has declined in recent years, e-cigarette (vaping) use has drastically increased, particularly in youth.
• Smoking escalates risk for vascular dementia, with women more impacted than men.
• Dementia - Impaired capacity to remember, which interferes with the ability to perform daily functions.

Narcissism Online: The Impact Of Psychology Misinformation On Social Media, Alana Haupert

Student Research Symposium

a. Instagram and Tiktok have provided a platform for information to be received in bulk quantities. This has produced mixed results as this has affected psychology positively and negatively.

• Climate Change
• Covid Vaccines (Rousseau, 2021)
• Science deniers (Hyperskepticism)

b. In this presentation, I argue that Danish Bashir, an Instagram “Narcissist Abuse Recovery Coach,” uses Aristotelian appeals to establish himself as an expert and then overgeneralizes/overdiagnoses to gain more followers for a disorder that impacts only 6% of population (Stinson et. al, 2008).

c. To do so, I am analyzing Danish Bashir’s Instagram account with 474k followers and his reels for …

Response Adjustments In Math Anxiety: A Comparative Analysis Of Post-Error Speeding And Slowing, Leyla Karami, Tori Dehlin

Student Research Symposium

• Math anxiety is a worry or fear that occurs when people try to solve math problems, take tests, or even think about numbers” _{(Weir, 2023)}.
• Individuals with math anxiety avoid taking math courses or selecting math-related majors; Global Avoidance Effect _{(Suárez-Pellicioni et al., 2016)}.
• They show a tendency to complete the math task as soon as possible to leave the uncomfortable situation of math problem solving; Local Avoidance Effect _{(Suárez-Pellicioni et al., 2016)}.
• They are slower & more error-prone in math tasks _{(Núñez-Peña et al., 2017; 2024)}.

Designing For Wellness: Enhancing First Responder Well-Being Through Fire Station Interior Architecture, Caimbre Bunton

Student Research Symposium

Firefighters face numerous health risks from physical and psychological stressors inherent in their profession. Occupational hazards include exposure to toxins, respiratory issues, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases and heightened cancer risk. They are also at risk for mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation. Interior design interventions focusing on acoustics, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, health amenities, and containing and elimnating contaminants within the station are essential for mitigating these risks. These design strategies create a supportive and health focused environment for first responders so they can continue to support our communities. Station 45 is a model for …

Design With Intent: Designing Rooms For Mental Wellness, Alisson Lissette Flores Cabrera

Student Research Symposium

In the US, millions of people are affected by mental health issues every year. It was reported by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality that in 2022, 23.1% of adults ages 18 or older had any mental illness. It is reported that anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions affecting 42.5 million adults in the US. As the stigma of mental health illness and receiving treatment has decreased, the number of individuals seeking professional help has increased. From 2019 to 2021 the percentage of adults ages 18 and up seeking help went from …