Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Between Learning Environment And Study Satisfaction Across Time: Two Cross-Sectional Analyses Of Occupational Therapy Students, Gry Mørk, Susanne G. Johnson, Astrid Gramstad, Linda Stigen, Tove Carstensen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

There is increasing attention toward students’ satisfaction and how they perceive the quality of the program they attend. This study examined stability and change across time with regard to the relationships between learning environment factors and occupational therapy students’ satisfaction with the program. In the two consecutive cross-sectional analyses performed in this study, 163 second-year students and 193 third-year students from all six occupational therapy education programs in Norway participated. The Course Experience Questionnaire was used to assess learning environment factors and study satisfaction. The data were analyzed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r and with hierarchical linear regression. Bivariate associations …

The Relationship Between Holistic Admissions Criteria And Program Ranking Among Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Programs, Kristian Taylor, Cat-Tien Nguyen, Jenny Grant, Mary B. Brewster, Mary A. Barrett, Teal Benevides, Sharon M. Cosper

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Holistic admissions criteria are one strategy to be more inclusive of students with a variety of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between holistic admissions criteria and occupational therapy program ranking. We used a retrospective cross-sectional cohort descriptive study design of occupational therapy programs in the United States to understand whether top performing programs employ holistic admissions criteria. Secondary descriptive analysis from the top and bottom 50 ranked occupational therapy programs in 2020 U.S. News & World Report (Morse et al., 2020) was completed. We used a nominal scale to classify programs …

Barriers That Affect Equity In The Occupational Therapy Admissions Process: Student And Faculty Perspectives, Quinn P. Tyminski, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process. Focus groups were conducted with first-year students, and an online survey was sent to faculty to explore perspectives on the admissions process, necessary qualities for an OT graduate student, and suggestions for increasing inclusion and …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy Graduates On Sentinel Events During Transitions To Practice: A Phenomenographic Study, Nileththi Achini De Silva, Eleanor Furtado, Anne W. Hunt

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Research suggests new occupational therapists face many positive and negative experiences during their transition from student to therapist. Current research lacks information regarding sentinel events that occur during this shift. An exploration of sentinel events as interpreted through the life course perspective may inform how to support the transition to occupational therapist. The purpose of this study is to (a) determine sentinel events that occur during the transition to practice for new occupational therapists and (b) the impact of these events. A phenomenographic approach guided a semi-structured interview with 14 recent occupational therapy graduates. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic …

The Effects Of Cervical Cancer Diagnosis On Occupational Performance, Wynnet Sinclair, Christine Mcconnell, Emily Clark, Katie B. Mcentire, Caitlin Lewis, Lyndsi Pound, Katherine Wuertz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: In the United States, it was predicted that approximately 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer would be diagnosed in 2023 (American Cancer Society, 2023). The research question focused on identifying changes in occupational performance for patients with cervical cancer. The areas of occupational performance considered were activities of daily living, leisure, work, education, social participation, and mental health.

Methods: The respondents completed a cross-sectional, mixed methods Qualtrics survey. Likert scale questions captured the degree of functional impact of cervical cancer on the predetermined areas of occupational performance.

Results: Twenty-seven subjects (ages 18 to 70) fully …

Adolescent Perceptions Of Weighted Blankets And Quality Of Sleep: A Mixed Method Design, Tara D. S. Summers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the perceived sleep quality experience of an adolescent, without a pre-identified sleep need, when they used a weighted blanket during sleep.

Method: Adolescents (n = 5) 11 to 16 years of age completed a sleep diary for 7 days, sleeping with a self-selected weighted blanket for at least 3 days. A semi-structured individual interview was held after Day 7.

Results: The majority of the participants would like to continue using a weighted blanket for sleep. Eighty percent of the adolescents choose to sleep with a …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions On Addressing Spirituality: A Cross Sectional Survey, Shannon Metzger, Jeanine Beasley, Jordan Marheineke, Amy Stites, Amy Riley, Christine Byam, Diane Maodush-Pitzer, Dawn R. Devries

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational Therapy (OT) was founded as a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Research indicates that occupational therapists feel uncomfortable incorporating spirituality into practice. Method: This study aimed to identify perceptions of occupational therapists in addressing the spiritual needs of their clients. A cross-sectional Qualtrics survey was adapted from the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS). The survey was electronically sent out by several professional OT organizations. It was sent to occupational therapists and OT assistants to obtain their perspective of incorporating spirituality in practice. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was completed. Results: Of the 52 …

A ‘Friendly Visitor’ Volunteer Intervention For Hoarding Disorder: Participants’ Perceptions, Susan Noyes, Sarah Van Houten, Elizabeth Wilkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Determining and delivering effective interventions for Hoarding Disorder remains challenging, and appropriate resources are often unavailable. To address the need, the Friendly Visitor Program was designed in Portland, Maine, to pair people living with hoarding disorder with a trained volunteer to help with decluttering the living environment. The majority of the trained volunteers were occupational therapy students.

Method: This qualitative research study explored participants’ perceptions in a volunteer program that addresses hoarding behaviors. The study was conducted through an interpretivist, constructivist lens, examining the Friendly Visitor hoarding intervention program through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine participants, …

Factors Influencing Driving Confidence In Older Adults, Jill Linder, Beth Ann Walker, Elizabeth Moore, Anne Hegberg

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It has been determined that both confidence and cognition impact driving performance and self-regulation. While it is known that cognitive decline impacts driving safety and that decreases in driving confidence can lead to self-driving regulation, further research is needed to determine whether cognition, demographics, and driving routines are associated with driving confidence.

Method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional design study using a convenience sample of 100 older adults was conducted to determine if individual factors are related to daytime and nighttime driving confidence.

Results: Multiple regression indicated that four variables predicted daytime driving confidence, including cognition, driving at …

Informing Modifications To Social Participation And Navigation (Span) For Adolescents With Social Anxiety Incorporating Pet Dogs, Nicole Porter, Gary Bedell, Jason Getzler, Megan Mueller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of adolescence and profoundly impacts social participation. This study obtained adolescent and parent feedback to inform a future modification of Social Navigation and Participation (SPAN) for use with adolescents with social anxiety incorporating pet dogs.

Methods: The study had two phases: Phase 1 included interviews with adolescents with social anxiety (n = 8) about their social participation experiences, strategies, pet dogs, and thoughts on a proposed intervention to promote social participation; and Phase 2 included on-line survey completed by the adolescents and their parents (n = 14) assessing …

Artificial Intelligence: Analysis And Guidelines For Scholarly Writing, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Discrete Element Model For Artificial Turf, Justin Rittenhouse

Dissertations

NFL data exhibits a distinct correlation between an elevated lower extremity injury rate and synthetic surfaces. These ubiquitous injuries frequently relate to excessive foot traction (i.e., failure to release causing fracture or soft tissue damage). Consequently, a discrete element model was developed using open-source software to analyze stud traction. First, laboratory data was collected via bench level experiments covering seventeen different testing scenarios. A minimum of twenty-five samples were collected per scenario. Total work, average torque, and maximum torque were used as indicators of stud grip. And the latter two were statistically analyzed for outliers and significant differences. Next, an …

The Effects Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Chronic Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion Surgery: A Case Report, Anna Munson

Honors Theses

Background: Current literature is lacking an understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying dysphagia (impairment in swallowing function) that manifests as the result of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF is a common cervical spinal procedure that, due to its anterior to posterior (front-to-back) approach, risks significant injury to the larynx, which is critical for swallowing food and liquid safely. Furthermore, the general therapeutic approaches available to individuals with dysphagia after ACDF lack specificity of what is being targeted (Ko, et al. 2022). This project is a single subject case report of an individual who underwent ACDF and received neuromuscular …

The Effects Of Therapy Dogs On Students, Chloe Romack

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the effects therapy dogs have on students. It begins with a literature review of 17 articles that involve animal-assisted interventions with students and children. The main topics covered include the definition of a therapy animal and how dogs can influence learning, socialization, emotional well-being, anxiety, and depression. It also discusses how dogs can be used in therapy and special education classrooms as well as the major concerns of dogs in schools. Drawing upon the previous research, a survey was sent to school staff in the Paw Paw Public School District. The participants of this study consisted of …

College Football Success And Its Impact On The Surrounding Community, Local Economy, And Institution Enrollment, Jacob Reynolds

Honors Theses

In the ever-changing field of college football, creating success has always been a top priority for institutions, and if not achieved, it can be detrimental to an athletic department. Success is important to those directly involved in college football, however, not often is it considered how others may be affected by the success or failure of a college football program. The purpose of this research is to determine what impact successful college football programs have on society and those not directly involved in athletics. In determining the purpose, it was important to find what components of society are impacted by …

Effects Of Peer Mentoring On Success And Satisfaction In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Fraley

Honors Theses

Studying the impact of a mentorship program involving undergraduate nursing students can inform educators of methods to increase student success and decrease attrition in baccalaureate nursing programs. This study aimed to determine if a mentoring session every three weeks between a first semester Bronson School of Nursing (BSON) student and a senior year nursing student increased the confidence and satisfaction of the first semester BSON student. A Student Success Survey (see Appendix A) was filled out at the beginning, middle and conclusion of the mentee students fall semester. The Student Success Survey was also administered to a control group made …

Research Day 2024 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Snap On Food Insecurity: A Michigan And Indiana Case Study, Cecelia Chapleau

Honors Theses

Food insecurity is one of the most pervasive and concerning problems in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 13 households within the United States was food insecure at some point during 2022 (Rabbitt et al., 2023) Food insecurity occurs when households have a limited ability to access nutritious foods, there is a limited supply of safe, healthy foods, or they are unable to obtain food in socially acceptable ways (Anderson, 1990). Low food security is associated with adverse health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and poor mental health, which contributes to the severity of the problem (Thomas …

Consumerism To Community: Bringing Main Street To The Suburbs, Constantina Mead

Interior Design Capstones

The decline of traditional shopping malls poses a significant urban development challenge. This research endeavors to explore the transformative potential of repurposing defunct shopping malls into vibrant, community-focused mixed-use developments. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these spaces, both within the mall buildings and the surrounding properties, can serve as catalysts for the betterment of communities, emphasizing revitalization, social cohesion, and sustainable urban living, while redefining v role in modern urban environments. By reconceptualizing the role of the present-day mall, this study aims to inspire new opportunities for the revival of neglected urban areas, ultimately fostering …

Unblocked Re-Imagining Incarceration By Restructuring The Cell Block, Carlee Castle

Interior Design Capstones

Prison cell blocks, often overlooked as monolithic structures of confinement, conceal a rich tapestry of complex social environments. This study delves into the interplay between the architectural and interior design of cell blocks and the individuals who reside within them, highlighting the profound impact of built elements on the promotion of privacy, independence, and collaboration among cellmates.

Incarceration, by its nature, places inmates in close proximity, fostering interactions that range from cooperation to conflict. However, the prison environment is not equivalent in different countries, and the layout of cell blocks varies widely. By examining these variations, it becomes evident that …

Stones Have Personalities Too, Grayce Sprecksell

Interior Design Capstones

The natural environment is a system we as humans can learn from. We after all, benefit from the system of nature, it is the idea that there are three groups who inhabit the built environment, that is flora, fauna, and human. By working together, we create a circular approach to sustainable development. What it means to be self-sufficient is to work alongside nature and what it has to offer. Creating a built environment that benefits all four tiers of sustainability can create a circular approach to sustainable systems that will benefit all three groups who inhabit the built environment.

Biomimicry …

Emotionally Responsive Design: Shaping Spaces + Engaging Senses, Colleen Harmon

Interior Design Capstones

This research project delves into the intricate and symbiotic relationship between the human body and the built environment, with a particular emphasis on the transformative influence exerted by a nuanced integration of various textures. The primary focus revolves around the profound impact that these textures have on shaping sensory experiences and spatial perceptions within interior spaces.

The study employs a comprehensive exploration of tactile, visual, and auditory sensations, seeking to unravel the intricate ways in which intentional textural choices contribute to the overall design of architectural spaces. Beyond a superficial understanding, the research takes a deep dive into the collective …

Embarking On A Maritime Retirement - Re-Imagining The Retirement Experience, Carolynn Hoezee

Interior Design Capstones

In a constantly changing landscape of retirement options, retirement livingon cruise ships has emerged as a compelling alternative addressing several prevalent challenges in contemporary retirement communities. This research evaluates opportunities and concerns of retirement housing on a cruise ship or maritime setting.

The complex and ever-changing needs of older adults often go unmet in traditional retirement communities. There are a lot of adults who are retiring and the cost of retirement continues to increase.Retirement can cause health issues in older adults and a lot of people lose their identity when they retire.Current mainstream retirement communities face many issues, such as …

Designing Dignified Spaces: A Holistic Approach To Addressing Homelessness Among Children And Families, Megan Clark

Interior Design Capstones

In the face of the persistent and complex issue of homelessness in America, this project aims to reimagine the landscape for children and families facing housing insecurity. Seeking to tackle the problem at its roots by establishing resource hubs.

By innovatively establishing central resource hubs, the primary objective is to create dignified spaces connecting individuals with vital resources. This hub goes beyond being a mere refuge; it is envisioned as a dynamic center where individuals access essential services, receive mentorship, and rebuild a sense of belonging.

Given the ongoing urgency of homelessness, this project’s efforts strive to make a meaningful …

An Examination Of Specific Learning Disability Identification Post Participation In The Michigan Department Of Education Transformation Zone, Erin E. Senkowski

Dissertations

The identification of students with specific learning disabilities has evolved since the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) in 2004. This reauthorization gave state agencies parameters that disallowed using the severe discrepancy model for identification as a stand-alone method. In response to this change, Michigan provided Intermediate and local school districts with further guidance that disallowed the use of the severe discrepancy model for identifying children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) and instead required Intermediate School Districts, on behalf of their local districts, to choose one of three models, including Patterns of Strengths and Weakness (PSW), …

Speech Language Pathologists’ Confidence And Preparedness Working With Clients With Hearing Loss, Katherine Rosa Giustino

Masters Theses

Speech language pathologists (SLP) are professionals who may work with clients with hearing loss. With hearing loss, there are many devices, such as hearing aids, that must be functioning to provide effective speech and language therapy. Therefore, SLPs must be familiar with how to check and maintain these devices to provide optimal therapy. However, it is unknown how confident SLPs are with working with such devices. Data from a Qualtrics survey with questions that assess SLPs’ confidence in working with hearing assistive devices and communicating effectively with individuals with hearing loss was analyzed.

Overall, this study found confidence across all …

Bringing About Modernity: A Comparative Study Of Urban Development In Korea That Connects East Germany And The Two Koreas, Junghyun Kim

Masters Theses

This study builds upon the theories of architectural modernism advocated by the International Congress of Modern Architects (CIAM) and Le Corbusier as well as previous studies regarding East German experts being sent abroad to assist in urban development and modernizing schemes of non-European countries. This study examines the East German assistance in the reconstruction of the North Korean city of Hamhung and how North Korea absorbed the ideas of urban modernization advocated by the Soviet Bloc architects. Then the study will shift in focus to look across the border in South Korea which was influenced by a similar idea which …

Reconnect: The Importance Of Beauty Within Architecture, Rebekah Lueck

Interior Design Capstones

In a world where secular design has become the norm, this project addresses the profound disconnect individuals experience in modern spaces. This research investigates the impact of contemporary design principles on user well-being and the built environment. It explores how secularism and modern design have contributed to this disconnect and alienation, and further how reforming a classical view and approach of architecture and design contribute to its remedy.

The integration of classical architecture not only offers an aesthetic and functional solution but also serves as a powerful response to the negative impacts of the fragmented view that has been embraced …

Beneath The Waves, Meredith Bol

Interior Design Capstones

In an age marked by technological advancements and a growing need for meaningful human-nature connections, aquariums and conservation programs stand as unique platforms for enhancing both education and human wellbeing. This design will dive into the conceptualization of interactive exhibits within aquariums, focusing on their potential to enrich visitor experiences and contribute to human wellbeing. By blending innovative technology, immersive environments, and educational narratives, aquariums can transform into dynamic spaces that not only showcase marine diversity but also actively engage visitors through these elements.

Intellectual: The aquarium space is meticulously designed to cater to varying intellectual levels, achieved through a …

From Healing To Happiness, Lauren Hannah

Interior Design Capstones

Animal shelters play a crucial role in providing care and rehabilitation for stray or abandoned dogs. However, there is a growing understanding that rethinking the conventional role of animal shelters can lead to significant improvements in the lives of dogs through specialized behavioral therapy and rehabilitation programs. By implementing these programs, shelters have the potential to regenerate and transform dogs’ lives, enabling them to overcome behavioral challenges and increasing their chances of finding loving adoptive homes.

The focus of these initiatives is to heal and nurture the dogs’ behaviors, addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their arrival in …