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Connections 11/2018, College Of Health And Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter

• College all-hands meeting raises money for United Way
• Faculty receive inaugural award for study abroad curriculum
• CHHS offers Bronco Brain Break before finals: December 5
• Faculty elected vice chair of state committee
• Disrupting Disparities: continuum of care in Michigan
• AHEC fall 2018 newsletter
• HHS on Social Media
• In other news

November 2018 Cehd Newsletter, College Of Education And Human Development

College of Education and Human Development News

• CEHD Opens New Student Success Center
• "Keep Smiling!" Apparel
• Two Faculty Receive Awards
• CEHD Professor Emeritus Passes
• Student Services Suite Named
• Upcoming Events

November And December 2018 News Items, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• 'Writing Winning Grant Proposals' Grant Writing Workshop
• NSF Major Research Instrumentation Grant
• NSF CAREER Workshop
• Workshop for Faculty Research and Creative Activities Award Available

Research And Innovation, November 2018, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• New Board of Trustee Quarterly Reports
• Innovation Networking Session on PFAS and Other Emerging Contaminants
• Nov. 20 Discovery Acceleration Workshop: "Ins and Outs of National Science Foundation Grants"
• MTRAC Innovation Hubs -- Reduction in Cost Share Announced
• Reminder: Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Excellence Award Deadline Extended
• Congratulations Offered on Recent Research Endeavors
• NSF Policy and Procedure Changes Announced
• Limited Competition Program for Teacher-Scholar Award
• Huron Consulting Group Uses WMU as Case Study of Successful Effort Certification Process
• Updates on erct
• Upcoming events

Globally Engaged November 5, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, November 5th to Monday, November 12th, 2018.

Who Is In The “We”? Interrogating The African Union’S Agenda 2063 And Youth Political Participation., Job Shipululo Amupanda J.S

International Journal of African Development

Most analyses of the African Union (AU) focus on the politics of the state and presidents. There are very few analyses that focus on aspects such as youth development. This article departs from that tradition. It argues that although the youth were always part of important historical developments in Africa, they have remained on the periphery. In recent times, particularly since the transformation of the Organization of African Unity into the AU in the 2000s, the youth development agenda has begun to receive attention at the policy level. In 2015, the AU through Agenda 2063 went a step further by …

Breaking The Poverty Trap In Africa: A Comparative Perspective On Poverty Alleviation, Abu Girma Moges

International Journal of African Development

An increasing number of African countries have recently registered improved rates of economic growth. Translating economic growth into poverty reduction, however, requires putting into place policies and institutions that promote a sustainable and shared economic growth process. The degree of success in poverty reduction depends largely on balancing the process of economic growth and the judicious pattern of income distribution so that an increasing share of the population benefits from the growth process and engages in more productive endeavors. Building the necessary policy and institutional framework to promote sustainable and shared economic growth is central in breaking the poverty trap …

Indigenous Knowledge And The Development Debate In Africa, Fidelis Ewane, Samson Ajagbe

International Journal of African Development

This research employs Bourdieu’s theory of habitus to explain the disposition of the donor community to integrate indigenous knowledge systems and practices into development projects. The theory’s objectivist perspective specifies the mechanism that links structural conditioning to social practice and regularities. It holds that power is culturally and symbolically created, and it is constantly re-legitimized through the interplay of agency and structure. This facilitates an analysis of the development field as social space characterized by indigenous and donor power relations. It argues that the reinforcement of indigenous knowledge as the main channel for development will generate transferable local capacities and …

The Impact Of Motivation On Employee Performance In Selected Insurance Companies In Nigeria., Oluwayomi A. Ekundayo Mr.

International Journal of African Development

Motivation refers to a complexity of forces that inspires a person at work to intensify his desire and willingness to use his potentialities to perform in order to achieve organizational goals or objectives. This study investigates the relationship between motivation and the level of employee performance as applied to some selected insurance companies in Lagos. The study has three main objectives: to evaluate the effects of motivation on employee performance in some selected insurance companies, to assess motivational factors that can influence employee performance, and to recommend possible policies and innovations for better performance of the employees and increased profitability. …

Sustainable Energy Transitions: Changing The ‘Business As Usual’ Trajectory In Sub-Saharan African Urban Areas, Mark Borchers, Megan Euston-Brown, Simon Bawakyillenuo, Alex Ndibwami, Simon Batchelor

International Journal of African Development

This paper describes a novel approach to helping municipal authorities address the sustainable energy challenges associated with rapidly growing urban populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Population in Africa is expected to double between 2010 and 2040, and substantial urban growth is expected in small and medium-sized cities where local government capacity constraints are most serious. A long-term partnership between municipal authorities, NGOs, and academics can build capacity, and a prescribed strategy can lead to progress on the ground. In order to contribute to future action, the paper argues for a greater role of local government in sustainable energy transitions, and presents …

International Journal Of African Development, Vol. 5, Issue 1

International Journal of African Development

Complete issue of International Journal of African Development, Volume 5, Issue 1 - Spring 2018.

Western News, October 25, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Governor makes 3 trustee appointments; University refocuses marketing efforts, updating on-campus communications; Preliminary results of staff engagement survey available online; On Campus with Scott Hennessy.

17-01 An Intersection Database Enhances Blind Pedestrians' Access To Complex Signalized Intersections: Stage 2 Analysis & Database Development, Dave Guth, Janet Barlow, Paul Ponchillia, Lee Rodegerdts, Dae Shik Kim, Kevin Lee

Transportation Research Center Reports

This project investigated the effects of providing verbal descriptions of intersections and crosswalks on the performance of street-crossing subtasks by individuals who are totally blind. The intersections included crosswalks that varied widely in geometric and operational characteristics, including the presence or absence of accessibility features. In the no-database condition, participants used their typical street-crossing procedures. In the database-condition, participants additionally listened to database-generated descriptions of the intersections and crosswalks before crossing. The database descriptions had significant positive effects on some subtasks (primarily “crossing” subtasks such as deciding when to cross) and not others (primarily “wayfinding” subtasks such as remaining in …

Staff Member Recognized For Leadership, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's multicultural affairs director, Diana Hernández, received El Concilio's 2018 Quetzalcoatl Award in recognition of her stature as a professional Latinx leader who has been working, contributing, supporting and advocating for the well-being of the Latinx community in Kalamazoo

Western News, October 11, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU’s economic impact exceeds $1 billion; Esports initiative garnering widespread interest; Unified Clinics receives $1.5M state appropriation; Richmond product design, innovation center officially opens; On Campus with Amy Dominguez.

Communication In Divorced Families With Children, Casey L. James

The Hilltop Review

This paper explores the research on communication in divorced families with minor children. The primary focus is on the various styles of communication and how communication affects children. After looking at the conversation and conformity family dyads, the dyads will be used in various areas of this paper to highlight the pros and cons of these family types and which aspect of the dyad has a stronger impact on healthy adjustment to the marital status transition. Communication will be broken down further to explore the impact communication with parents has on child adjustment. In addition, communication between the co-parents and …

The Ethical Dilemma Of Blowing The Whistle: Research Misconduct And Its Reporters, David Sottile

The Hilltop Review

Research misconduct is a widespread issue that affects the credibility of science as a discipline. While a relatively small number of researchers engage directly in research misconduct, there is a larger number of researchers that are aware of research misconduct and do not report it. This permits falsified research to be disseminated throughout the scientific community. It is important to analyze both those engaging in research misconduct as well as those that are aware. The case example of Stephen E. Breuning is used throughout the paper. Stephen E. Breuning is a scientist that engaged in research misconduct that collaborated with …

African American Adolescent Males' Experiences Within The Education System: Implications For School Counseling Practice, Damon D. Chambers

The Hilltop Review

This article examines the literature on the experiences of African American adolescent males in the education system. The primary focus of the article is to explore the following: historical accounts dating back to the transatlantic slavery era; Disciplinary Disparities within the education system Postsecondary opportunities. Implications for counselor education and practice are discussed. The author concludes with recommendations to improve the experiences of African American adolescent males within the educational system.

Medical Tourism And Its Effect On United State Healthcare Industry In A Highly Connected Global Landscape, Katarina Haist

The Hilltop Review

For centuries people have traveled to other countries to obtain the best healthcare. Traditionally these popular destinations were highly developed countries; the trend of people traveling to less developed areas for treatment is relatively new. The average person is more connected to the world around them than ever before through globalization. Information about the best practices are more widely available than ever before. The importance of physical barriers to business such as geography and time are being eliminated. Due to this “flattening” per Friedman, the competition and expertise for areas in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can be shifted …

Problems Facing The Working Poor: Implications For Counseling, Tristan D. Mcbain

The Hilltop Review

The most recent reports from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that 8.6 million people in the United States are among the working poor, a population whose formal employment does not provide sufficient income to remain above the poverty threshold. The problems facing the working poor are examined in this article. Labor market issues, job stress, mental health concerns, stigma, and barriers to appropriate treatment were all identified as problems facing this disadvantaged population. Implications for counselors and counseling practice are discussed including considerations for the working poor population and counselor education training programs.

The Hilltop Review, Vol 10, No 2, Spring 2018

The Hilltop Review

No abstract provided.

Integrating Art And Narrative To Enhance Quality Of Life In Palliative Care, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lacie Lee Wallace, a mixed-media artist from Wheeling, West Virginia, is featured on the cover of the Fall 2018 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph depicts Lacie holding a self-portrait painted by artist CeCey Rose. Lacie’s physical appearance in the photograph is strikingly different from the physical appearance of the woman featured in the painting. The portrait was created 4 years before Lacie was diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer. In the year following the diagnosis, Lacie lost nearly 100 lbs. as a result of an aggressive treatment regimen. When the palliative care team at …

Critical Reflections On Self-Management Support In Chronic Disease: The Value Of Occupational Therapy In Health Promotion, Brocha Z. Stern

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Biopsychosocial Model: Application To Occupational Therapy Practice, Keith Gentry, Karen Snyder, Beth Barstow, Jordan Hamson-Utley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite the call for the profession to embrace a more integrated and holistic approach to practice, therapists may be faced with practical challenges, including issues relating to client caseloads, productivity demands, scheduling, entrenched practices, limitations on service imposed by payer sources, and staffing and budgetary restraints, to name but a few. Due to these limitations, current occupational therapy practice may be predisposed to adopt a more reductive approach to the evaluation and treatment of symptoms, underlying biological pathologies, and resulting impairments and disabilities. Therefore, psychological and social factors may be neglected, resulting in an unbalanced, fragmented, and incomplete approach to …

Use Of A Journal Club During Level Ii Fieldwork To Facilitate Confidence And Skills For Evidence-Based Practice, Kelly A. Lavin

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Level II fieldwork students should have an opportunity to engage in the process of evidence-based practice (EBP) firsthand; however, ensuring that EBP is visible to students is often a challenge for fieldwork educators. This study investigated if the use of a journal club during a Level II, psychosocial fieldwork placement would increase the students’ confidence and perceived abilities in using skills required for EBP. A descriptive study via survey design was used for the study. The participants consisted of two cohorts (n = 10) of occupational therapy graduate students. The results indicate that the students perceived an increase in their …

Hearing Voices Simulation: Impact On Occupational Therapy Students, Rebecca Ozelie, Paige Panfil, Nicole Swiderski, Elizabeth Walz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Auditory hallucinations, which are symptoms of schizophrenia, can significantly disrupt individuals’ daily lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) can address both the daily needs of people with schizophrenia and address cultural stigmas against mental illness. To combat stigma and increase empathy for patients with mental illnesses, auditory hallucinations simulations were developed. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Hearing Voices That Are Distressing (HVTAD) Simulation impacts OT students’ attitudes toward patients with auditory hallucinations and to explore the students’ perceptions of the simulation’s effectiveness as a teaching method. The participants completed a pretest Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) …

International Occupational Therapy Faculty Perceptions Regarding Doctoral Level Education, Bernadette Mineo, Beth Hathaway, Monali Kadkade

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Over the past decade a debate has ensued in the US regarding the clinical doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) and whether to require a doctorate to become an occupational therapist. Little discussion has occurred regarding the potential implications on the global community of occupational therapists, and there have been no attempts to ascertain the views of international OT faculty and practitioners. This study surveyed international OT faculty regarding their perceived need for and value of graduate education, particularly at the doctoral level, for OT faculty and practitioners in their countries. Fifty-three OT faculty from WFOT approved programs in eight countries …

Cross-Cultural Service Learning As Pedagogy For Character Development In Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Heather Y.Z. St. Peters, Nathan Short

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists must demonstrate a broad spectrum of knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, and professionalism to be effective practitioners. Development of ethical practice must begin with the educational process to shape character traits as building blocks of moral reasoning. This article puts forth a cross-cultural service learning curricular module as lived experience for development of character traits in occupational therapy students. This mixed methods study investigated lived experience in the form of cross-cultural service learning as a pedagogy for development of character traits, as measured by the CIVIC, necessary to navigate professional ethical standards. Findings suggest a cross-cultural lived experience for …

Burnout Among Filipino Occupational Therapists: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Rod Charlie Delos Reyes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is a shortage of practicing occupational therapists in the Philippines, with approximately one Filipino occupational therapist per 30,000 stakeholders. One of the possible consequences is the experience of burnout among therapists.

Method: A two-phase mixed methods study using a sequential explanatory approach was used. The first phase involved the administration of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) with a survey questionnaire that supplied demographic and work-related factors through an online platform. The results were analyzed using frequency distribution and measures of central tendency. Relationships were analyzed using Spearman’s Rho and Cramer’s V. The second phase …

Exploring Parents’ Experiences Of Raising A Child With Sensorimotor Impairments And Expectations For Leisure Participation, Emily A. Eicher, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Shirley P. O'Brien, Anne Fleischer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The objective of this descriptive study was to study parents’ experiences of raising a child with sensorimotor impairments and how leisure pursuits impact their expectations of their children. The development and participation in leisure activities is different for these children and could affect the parents’ hopes and dreams for their child’s future.

Method: Six children between 5 and 8 years of age, with sensorimotor impairments, participated in a movement program that was held for eight sessions at an outpatient pediatric clinic to address praxis and sensory processing impairments. Six parent dyads were interviewed during the fifth, sixth, …