Digital Commons Network^™

Older Adult Falls In The Community: Does Unsafe Home Environment Have A Risk Role Through The Mediating Effect Of Functional Limitations?, Debasree Das Gupta, Uma Kelekar, Sidney C. Turner

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: Fall incidents from unsafe home environment are frequent in older-adult homes but the literature is ambiguous whether it is the presence/absence, or the interplay of such conditions and physical functioning that is of salience. We therefore estimated whether unsafe home environment adversely associated with subsequent falls among older adults and what proportion of this association was mediated through limitations in daily and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL).

Research Design and Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (≥65 years) in the 2018-2019 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; n=2,599), we conducted bivariate …

Talking Circle Intervention Among Urban Native American Youth: A Cultural Safety Research Exemplar, Rose Wimbish-Tompkins, John R. Lowe, Melessa Kelley, Eugenia Millender

Journal of Indigenous Research

Urban Native Americans are experiencing a perpetual cycle of substance use in relation to historical trauma (HT). Currently, alcohol and drug use has become a leading health risk factor among urban Native American youth. Cultural Safety is a means to foster insight and autonomy that is beneficial to promoting health and wellbeing among Native American and Indigenous people. The primary objective of this paper examined implementation of the Urban Talking Circle Intervention and cultural safety for the prevention of alcohol and drug use among urban Native American youth. This study employed a 2-condition quasi experimental design and utilized convenience and …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda October 16, 2023, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:30 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - September 18, 2023
• 3:35 University Business
• 3:50 Faculty Senate Business
• Promotion Processes
• 4:00 Information
• Education Policies Committee
• Human Resources Policy 313
• Human Resources Policy 350
• Human Resources Policy 398
• 4:15 Reports
• Academic Freedom & Tenure Annual Report
• Athletic Council Annual Report
• 4:25 Old Business
• Faculty Code 405
• 4:30 New Business
• Faculty Code 406
• Policy 104 Concerns
• Mandatory Employee Reporting
• Adjourn: 4:45 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of Minutes - September 7, 2023

Program Proposals

Semester Course Approval Reviews

Other Business

Adjourn: 3:05 pm

Educational Policies Committee Minutes October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of Minutes - September 7, 2023

Subcommittee Reports - Curriculum Subcommittee, Academic Standards Subcommittee, General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

Adjourn: 3:45 pm

Utahns Strongly Support Renewable Energy Sources Such As Solar And Wind, Elizabeth Brunner, Stacia Ryder

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah was the fastest-growing state in the nation by population between 2010 and 2020.¹ This growing population is bringing increased demand for energy. The build out of Utah's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with the state aiming to site electric vehicle charging stations at least every 50 miles along its interstate highway system by the end of 2025, will also increase energy demand. This growth will equate to increased carbon emissions if Utah does not change its electricity mix, which is currently composed of primarily carbon-emitting sources. As of 2022 (see Figure 1), 53% of Utah's total electricity net generation …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - September 7, 2023
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Educational Policies Committee Agenda October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - September, 2023
• Subcommittee Reports - Curriculum Subcommittee, Academic Standards Subcommittee, General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Development And Initial Validation Of Scales For Coming Out Vigilance And Positive Coming Out Responses, Samuel J. Skidmore, G. Tyler Lefevor, Kiet D. Huynh, Connor O. Berg

Psychology Faculty Publications

Coming out involves sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) disclosing their identity to others, and is often related to improved health, well-being, and social support. However, coming out is not always perceived as a positive event, and outcomes of identity disclosure may vary depending on how coming out is approached and how others respond. The present study reports on the development and validation of the Coming Out Vigilance (COV) and the Positive Coming Out Responses (PCOR) measures. Two subsamples of SGMs with varying degrees of outness— totaling 399 individuals—were utilized in the development and validation of these measures. Exploratory and confirmatory …

Dietary Patterns Of Children From The Amazon Region Of Ecuador: A Descriptive, Qualitative Investigation, Kristin N. Murphy, Lisa Boyce, Eduardo Ortiz, Marcela Santos, Gloria Balseca

Human Development and Family Studies Faculty Publications

Many young children in Ecuador suffer from high rates of malnutrition and stunting that affect their long-term growth and development. Little is known about the dietary patterns of children from the Amazon region who experience some of the highest rates of stunting (height-for-age) within Ecuador. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 mothers of young children living in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In addition to descriptions of overall dietary patterns, three themes emerged from the interviews relating to strengths mothers have in feeding their children healthy diets: knowledge, autonomous and independent children, and supportive and responsive parenting. Five themes were found relating …

Environmental Conditions And The Fertility Intentions Of Utahns, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed, Jennifer E. Givens

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

One of the most important decisions a person may make in their lifetime is whether to have children. Many factors shape fertility intentions and outcomes. A better understanding of individual reproductive intentions can shed light on current fertility patterns, enable more accurate population projections^1-2 and planning efforts, and improve our ability to address environmental drivers and implications.

How Do Different Market-Oriented News Organizations Portray News Coverage About The Cares Act?, Michelle Rossi

Journalism and Communication Faculty Publications

Drawing from CARES Act news coverage, this study investigated how different market-oriented news organizations modulated the debate on the most expansive stimulus bill in modern U.S. history, released in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. A comparative approach was used, between news articles produced by a strongly market-oriented and a weakly market-oriented news outlet, both national news outlets, based in the United States. Using market theory as a guide to explore published news content, this study focuses on showing the range of debate, news sources, and journalistic role performances employed in coverage of the same topic, coming from differently funded newsrooms. …

Utahns Are Becoming More Likely To Say Human-Caused Climate Change Is Happening, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Jennifer E. Givens, Peter D. Howe, Cole Lancaster

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Scientists who study the earth’s climate overwhelmingly agree that human activities are causing rapid change¹ . Most Americans also agree that global warming is happening (74%) and caused by humans (61%)² . However, the same research finds that about one in eight (12%) of Americans do not think global warming is happening. This indicates that despite scientific consensus, some Americans remain skeptical about whether climate change is real and if humans are the cause.

Utahns Support Tribal Engagement In Climate Change Initiatives And Land Management, Kirsten Vinyeta

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah is home to eight federally recognized Tribes whose ancestral territories overlap with public lands managed by state and federal agencies. As sovereign nations, federally recognized Tribes hold government-to-government relationships with the federal government and are on equal footing with states.¹ In fact, the federal government is legally mandated to protect tribal treaty rights, lands, and resources.² Among the mechanisms to protect tribal interests is government-to-government consultation, in which tribal leaders are formally engaged by federal and state officials to provide policy guidance.³

Drug Cartels And Government In Mexico: A Replication And Extension, Lindsey A. Beckstead

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper analyzes the relationship between drug cartels and the government in Mexico. It also seeks to determine the reasons for an upsurge of violence and cartel related murders in Mexico.

Navigating Cultural Identity In The Classroom, Caroline V. Phillips

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

As of 2016, ~25% of children in the United States are the children of immigrants (Nibbs & Brettell). Many of these youths struggle with the feeling that they belong neither to their parents’ cultural community nor to the locality in which they have been raised (Brockett, 2018). Furthermore, little academic research exists wherein these students share their experiences and engage in the processes of meaning making. This knowledge is essential for multicultural scholars and also for the (overwhelmingly white) population of K-6 teachers who help these youth construct personal identities. This project accomplishes the following:

1. I interview second-generation immigrants …

#Bodypositivity Or #Bodypolitics?: A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Body Positivity Myth Formed By Narratives Of Political Myth, Sydney Berenyi Lasike

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Body Positivity movement is well-known for advocating for the acceptance of all body types—including size, shape, color, and ability. Images online in support of the movement often showcase stretch marks, cellulite, and other “unattractive” bodily features to protest against the thin-ideal and strict standards of beauty placed upon women. Despite the goal to inspire self-love and celebration of all bodies, the hashtag #BodyPositivity has been taken-over by white, female influencers who have the idolized, female body. They contradict the original message of the movement through their posts on Instagram that centralize white feminine features and thin, Eurocentric bodies. This …

Fremont Legacy In Capitol Reef And The Waterpocket Fold: A Radiocarbon Analysis Of The Pectol Collection Coiled Basketry Using Bayesian Modeling, Chelsea Cheney

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Perishable artifacts provide ample opportunity to better understand past human lives. Artifacts constructed from shorter-lived plant materials can make a significant contribution to archaeological research through radiocarbon dating. Analyzing and radiocarbon dating the basketry construction types from the Pectol Collection aids in the development of a more precise prehistoric timeline for the Capitol Reef and Waterpocket Fold (CRWF) area of southeastern Utah. Basketry technology construction is treated as a signal for growing Fremont occupancy throughout the Colorado Plateau and eastern Great Basin, and can the provide prior information used to better organize Bayesianbased age models. From AD 750–1050, a narrow …

"There's No Good, It's Just Satisfactory": Perfectionistic Reactivity In Ncaa Student-Athletes, Daniel J. M. Fleming

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Perfectionistic reactivity is a style of responding to adversity that results in physical, psychological, and social components. Individuals who are high in perfectionistic tendencies are likely to experience anxiety, depression, frustration, and anger when perfection is not attained. The present dissertation utilized two complementary studies to examine perfectionistic reactivity in NCAA golf student-athletes. Results suggested that there is no relationship between perfectionism and performance at a hole-to-hole level. However, athletes highlighted that they experienced reactivity in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors after both positive and negative performances. Student-athletes frequently cited self-compassion in their interviews, suggesting that the promotion of self-compassion …

Using Head Start Children's Language Development To Predict Social Information Processing Ability, Kendra Newman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

As young children grow and develop, gaining social skills and different language abilities is extremely important. As children develop, they also acquire the ability to process social information, which then helps them respond in various social situations. Children should eventually be able to respond to social situations in socially acceptable ways, instead of answering in aggressive or passive ways. This study examined the relations between children’s language development, and social information processing ability. This study included 51 children, from 19 Head Start classrooms. Results showed that at the beginning of the Head Start year children with more language, responded in …

Black–White Disparities In Body Mass Index Trajectories From Adolescence To Adulthood: Assessing The Roles Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Exposures To Short Sleep Durations, Olusola Akintoye Omisakin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In comparison to Whites and other racial groups, the Black population in the U.S. has experienced one of the highest prevalences of obesity. Research into the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has increased recently because the effects of ACEs often persist for a significant portion of a person’s lifetime. Furthermore, the reduction in sleep duration in recent decades has sparked worries about public health. This dissertation assesses Black-White disparities in the associations between (1) ACEs and BMI, and (2) short sleep durations and BMI from adolescence to adulthood. Public-use datasets from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult …

Connectedness And Wellbeing: Investigating Community And Nature-Based Connection In The Context Of Utah's Rapid Growth, Sarah E. Wilson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research suggests that feeling connected to the natural world and feeling socially connected to your community positively influence wellbeing. However, significant demographic shifts within communities may reduce the amount of social and nature-based connectedness enjoyed by residents. As one of the fastest growing states, data from within Utah likely provides important insights related to how population growth impacts connectedness and wellbeing. Considering this, the present research investigated the relationships between personal wellbeing, community connection, and connection with nature in the context of Utah's rapid population growth by utilizing quantitative survey data from the Utah Wellbeing Project and demographic information from …

Public Perceptions And Attitudes Toward Domestic Climate Migrants And Migration In The U.S., Brittany Shae Harris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to global climate change have an important effect on human migration and relocation. Short-term extreme weather events like floods and wildfires are likely to continue to displace people. Long-term environmental changes like droughts and increasing temperatures may also contribute to increased human migration. This research aimed to better understand how people in the U.S. perceive domestic climate migrants, and what drives these perceptions. First, I investigated the relationship between public climate change risk perceptions and attitudes and perceptions about domestic climate migrants and migration. I found that people tend to rely …

Diversity In Tech: Analyzing The Mismatch Between Corporate Framing And Impact, Rana Abulbasal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This doctoral dissertation investigates the discrepancy between tech companies' substantial investments in diversity programs and the persistently low representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) employees. Despite extensive efforts, discrimination and harassment against women and people of color persist in the industry. The study employs a critical interdisciplinary approach, comprising sociological perspectives on diversity management and two empirical studies. The first scrutinizes tech companies' framing strategies of diversity initiatives on their websites, while the second explores the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies on women of color in the industry. By identifying shortcomings and proposing recommendations, …

Long-Distance Recreational Travel Behavior And Implications Of Autonomous Vehicles, Sailesh Acharya

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Have you ever wondered how people travel long distances and how it could be affected by the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs)? This dissertation aims to answer those questions by studying the current behavior of long-distance recreational travelers and their preference in the age of AVs. This dissertation has four main goals. First, it seeks to develop a reliable way to measure people’s satisfaction with long-distance recreational trips and understand the similarities and differences between long- and short-distance travel satisfaction. Second, it looks at the connection between how people travel, how satisfied they are with their travel experiences, and how …

“Whan The Turuf Is Thy Tour”: Analyzing Gender Codes Of Burial Monuments In Late Medieval And Early Modern England, Shelbie Durrant

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The cultural pressures of gender conformity and "norms" have lasted as long as the social constructs of gender themselves. Gender is present and can be analyzed in symbols within material culture such as the Russell family funerary monuments located in their private chapel in Chenies, London. Gender, although not always transparently at the front of consciousness, was interacted with, performed, and memorialized in life and death, especially for families that were high status. The presence of gender in these funerary monuments illuminates how expected conformity of gender norms were in this time — so present that they were literally set …

A Scoping Review Of Health Research With Racially/Ethnically Minoritized Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Heather J. Williamson, Tara Chico-Jarillo, Samantha Sasse, Leticia Rennie, Jennifer R. Etcitty, Carol L. Howe, Michele Sky Lee, Julie S. Armin

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Living with intersectional identities, having a disability, and being a member of a racial or ethnic minoritized group in the U.S., contributes to marginalization that may result in health disparities and health inequities. The purpose of this scoping review is to describe health research regarding adult racial/ethnic minoritized individuals in the U.S with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Eight electronic databases were searched to identify literature on the topic published since 2000. Of the 5,229 records, 35 articles were included in the review. Eligible studies included research conducted in the U.S., published in English, and research focused on adults with …

Parents’ Perceptions Of The Philly Goat Project’S All Abilities Ramble: A Qualitative Study Of Animal-Assisted Intervention For Intellectual And Developmental Disorders, Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, Jenée Lee, Yvonne D'Uva-Howard, Elizabeth P. Cramer, Karen Krivit, Sarah Meehan

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are a growing population. Considering the wide diversity in IDD and the financial burden of traditional treatment modalities, Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) has emerged as an innovative and non-traditional treatment for individuals with a range of disabilities, including individuals with IDD. To the authors’ knowledge, the present study was one of the first to explore a goat-assisted therapy experience for children with IDD. This study explored the experiences of 23 children with the All Abilities RAMble – a goat-assisted therapeutic activity offered by the Philly Goat Project (PGP). Key themes in our study included …

Caregiver Health: Having A Child With Asd And The Impact Of Child Health Insurance Status, Kristin Hamre, Derek Nord, John Andresen

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This study aims to understand the health outcomes of parents with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the interactive effect of child health insurance status. The study utilized 2014-2018 pooled National Health Interview Survey data to construct weighted national estimates and construct main and interaction effect logistic regression models. Findings show parents of children with ASD experienced significantly poorer health compared to parents of children without autism. Insurance status was found to significantly interact with child ASD status. Compared to parents of children without ASD that used private insurance, parents with a child with ASD who used private insurance, …

Disentangling Trait And State Psychological Inflexibility: A Longitudinal Multilevel Approach, Korena S. Klimczak, Sarah E. Schwartz, Marissa L. Donahue, Leila K. Capel, Janice L. Snow, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

An individual's trait-like thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are characteristic patterns that occur across time, whereas state-like iterations of these variables are isolated to specific moments in time. Although highly correlated, variables at the trait and state levels measure different phenomena and should be examined separately. In this longitudinal study, we examine the disaggregation of trait and state-level psychological inflexibility among college students. Specifically, we investigated which psychological inflexibility subprocess would significantly predict positive affect, negative affect, and meaningful activity, both at the trait and state-levels. In addition to pre- and post-assessments, participants (n = 168) completed ecological momentary assessment …