Digital Commons Network^™

Distinguishing Beliefs About Social Inequality: Associations Among Dimensions Of Critical Consciousness, Lauren M. Alvis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Critical consciousness researchers posit that critical reflection, which refers to a critical awareness of structural inequalities between socially constructed groups and external political efficacy beliefs (i.e., perceptions of government responsiveness) are important precursors to effective political action (Diemer et al., 2016; Watts, Diemer, & Voight, 2011). However, little is known about emerging adults’ views of social inequality and political change regarding specific marginalized groups. There are different forms of social inequality and the extent to which individuals experience these inequities is partially determined by multiple sociodemographic characteristics including race/ethnicity, sex, sexual-orientation, and gender identity (Hurst et al., 2016). Identifying potential …

Jurors' Perceptions Of Preschoolers And Younger School Aged Children's Memory Errors, Emily Margaret Deming

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine jurors’ perceptions of different types of memory errors in the context of a child recalling information about alleged maltreatment. Additionally, this study assessed whether developmental differences in memory errors affect jurors’ perceptions of the child, the external influences that may be affecting the child, and the defendant. Participants (N=372) were randomly assigned to one of eight vignettes that contained three different memory errors (major reconstructive memory error, minor reconstructive memory error, source monitoring error) or a control condition (no memory error), as well as two age groups (4-year-old child and …

The Perception Of Management Support For Patient Safety After The Implementation Of A System Change, Janice M. Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Problem Statement Leadership scores on the AHRQ Hospital Patient Safety Culture Survey at a 268 bed teaching, acute care, nonprofit, non-governmental hospital in the South Atlantic Region of the United states have been decreasing for the past seven years. In those years there has been no plan to improve the scores. Safety scores published for this facility on public websites are mediocre or poor.

Theoretical Framework The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) conceptual model for rapid cycle improvement served as a foundation for the project. The model supported the project well with a plan, do (test the plan), study (analyze the results), act …

Appalachian Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia Non Use Of Services, Kristina M. Childers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this current study was to explain factors most strongly associated with Caregiver (CG) of Person with Dementia (PWD) non-use of formal and informal services in Appalachia.

Methods: A correlational explanatory design using validated self-report surveys was used to explain the association of the substructed Andersen’s Behavioral Model for Health Services Use in Appalachian CG non-use of formal and informal services. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA tests considering eight independent variables in total from each research question, using a sample of 43 CG/CR dyads.

Results: The analyses of four research questions …

Bargaining For Security: The Rise Of The Pension And Social Insurance Program Of The United Steelworkers Of America, 1941-1960, Henry Edward Himes Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation charts the United Steelworkers of America’s (USWA) quest to win long term welfare security for its members from 1941 to 1960. The study focuses on external and internal events and issues that led the union to seek pensions and social insurance at the bargaining table in 1949, and ultimately, to enhance their private security at the bargaining table throughout the 1950s. Although labor’s ability to influence the passage of national health care was greatly curtailed by a rise in conservative politics during World War II and the immediate postwar era, issues beyond politics also played a role in …

Material Disease: Agency And Illness In Early American Literature, Mariah Crilley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Material Disease: Agency and Illness in Early American Literature argues that diseases shaped bodies of literature. Drawing on new materialism, disability studies, and the medical humanities, this dissertation argues that diseases were material and literary agents that transformed not only individual bodies and lives but also cultures, history, and even literature. In each chapter, I explore how one disease impacted a particular genre or paradigm: syphilis and the natural history, smallpox and the body politic, yellow fever and the novel, dysentery and sensibility, and malaria and narratives of Western expansion. By emphasizing disease’s material and literary agency, by conjoining the …

Probability Discounting Of Lewis And Fischer 344 Rats: Strain Comparisons At Baseline And Following Acute Administration Of D-Amphetamine, Jenny E. Ozga

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Risky choice can be defined as choice for a larger, uncertain reinforcer over a smaller, certain reinforcer when choosing the smaller alternative maximizes reinforcement. Risky choice is studied using various procedures in the animal laboratory; one such procedure is called probability discounting. There are many variables that contribute to risky decision-making, including biological and pharmacological determinants. The present study assessed both of these variables by evaluating dose-response effects of d-amphetamine on risky choice of Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats. The probability-discounting procedure included discrete-trials choices between one food pellet delivered 100% of the time and three food …

Factors Related To Collaborative Willingness In Surrogate Decision-Making Situations From The West Virginia Post., Rachael Spalding

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

If a patient becomes unable to adequately express preferences for medical care, another individual called a “surrogate” may be consulted to make treatment decisions. Surrogates may be asked to indicate patient preferences on the Physician Order for Scope of Treatment (POST), a new type of advance directive completed with patients who are estimated to have less than one year left to live. Research from the shared decision-making literature indicates that collaboration can be a valuable means of enhancing patient satisfaction with their decisions. The current study examined how certain psychological and demographic variables predicted the extent to which participants desired …

Marcel Tabuteau’S System Of Phrasing Applied To The Primary Themes In Carl Maria Von Weber’S Second Clarinet Concerto, Christopher Charles Bowmaster

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research document provides a biographical sketch of Marcel Tabuteau’s life beginning with his childhood and extending to his retirement from the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. The sketch provides a thorough timeline explaining how each colleague, teacher, student, and ensemble influenced his phrasing system.

Following a series of handwritten notes completed by Tabuteau in his native language in chapter two, application of the system to Carl Maria von Weber’s Second Clarinet Concerto takes place in chapters three to six. The four portions of the system used are the Interrogative/Affirmative/More-Affirmative, Note Grouping, Up and Down Gestures, and Phrasing …

Use Of Reflective Practices To Improve Self-Awareness In Youth Sport Coaches, Stephanie R. Mcwilliams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this dissertation, I explore the use of reflective practice among a group of youth sport coaches. More specifically, reflective practice as facilitated through use of videos and repeated interviews, with the intent to inspire greater awareness, malleability, and positive behavior change is presented. To synthesize this research, the following topics: coaching identity and the role of the coach, coach education and its misalignment with the goals of youth coaches, counseling as a means of mentoring, self-awareness and reflection, and behavior change, are discussed. In the current coach education literature, there is a gap in the types of education volunteer …

Mindfulness For Musicians: Bringing Sport Psychology And Mindfulness-Based Therapies To The Practice Room And The Concert Stage, Lauretta M. Werner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Due to the profession’s competitive nature, time-consuming demands, and frequent evaluations, many musicians experience debilitating music performance anxiety, hypercritical thoughts, and/or avoidance of specific performance situations. To cope with these experiences, musicians can cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness is purposefully and non-judgmentally paying attention to the present moment, developing awareness of emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, and acknowledging the reality of one’s experience. “Mindfulness for Musicians: Bringing sport psychology and mindfulness-based therapies to the practice room and the concert stage” discusses how cultivating mindfulness helps musicians cope with intense emotions, such as panic or fear, and explores how cultivating mindfulness helps musicians …

Prenatal Lactation-Focused Motivational Interviewing For Enhancing Breastfeeding Initiation, Exclusivity, And Duration: Feasibility And Preliminary Outcomes, Sarah H. Addicks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Breastfeeding promotes health and well-being for both mother and infant. A variety of environmental and individual factors, including psychological ones, affect infant feeding practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a single-session Motivational Interviewing (MI) intervention delivered during the third trimester of pregnancy for enhancing breastfeeding outcomes. The Theory of Planned Behavior provided a theoretical framework for the intervention and outcome measures. The sample consisted of predominantly rural participants living in the North Central Appalachian region. Women were recruited through social media, local clinics, and word of mouth. Participants (N = 81) completed …

Perceived Clinician Competence To Work With Spiritual Issues In Supervision, Brittany J Shannon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Adherence To Masculine Norms And Perceived Paternal Nurturance As Predictors Of Selfcompassion, Steven J. Craig

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Emotion Socialization During Emerging Adulthood, Karena M. Moran

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Personality And Functional Limitations: Investigating The Mediating Effect Of Positive Social Exchanges, Priyanka S. Mehta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research suggests a link between personality traits and various health outcomes. There is now a need to understand why this association exists by investigating potential underlying mechanisms. The current study investigated a potential mechanism that has not received much attention, positive social exchanges (PSS). PSS have been linked to health in various studies, but more research is needed to understand its association with health. The current study utilized data from 6,095 community-dwelling adults from the National Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS Wave 1; ages 20--75; Mage = 46.83, SD = 12.90). Using the Hayes PROCESS macro, we …

The Effect Of Superiors' Mentoring On Subordinates' Organizational Identification And Workplace Outcomes, Molly S. Eickholt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation investigated the relationships between subordinates' perceptions of the mentoring they receive from their superiors and their reports of organizational identification and workplace experiences. Specifically, the relationships between (1) career development and psychosocial mentoring functions and organizational identification, (2) organizational identification and job satisfaction, communication satisfaction, and organizational commitment, (3) and career development and psychosocial mentoring functions and job satisfaction, communication satisfaction and organizational commitment were examined. Furthermore, the indirect effect of mentoring functions on job satisfaction, communication satisfaction, and organizational commitment through organizational identification was examined. Paid, fully-employed adults completed an online survey measuring their perceptions of mentoring …

Investigating The Relationships Between Family Communication Patterns, Academic Resilience, And Students’ Classroom Communication Behaviors, Jordan Atkinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation served two purposes. The first purpose was to examine the relationships between the two dimensions of family communication patterns (i.e., conversation orientation and conformity orientation) and four student classroom communication behaviors (i.e., out-of-class communication, in-class oral participation, instructional dissent, and students’ motives to communicate with their instructors). The second purpose of this dissertation was to investigate academic resilience as a mediator in the relationship between family communication patterns and student classroom communication behaviors. It was discovered that students’ family conversation orientation was associated positively with their oral participation and the relational, functional, participatory, and excuse-making motives to communicate …

Using Artistic Process To Provide Outlets Of Communication, Understanding, And Healing To Improve The Well Being Of Selected Learners, Sarah Allen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Public schools in America follow a carefully structured pattern tied directly to the societies and cultures from within. While this structure may create a positive and familiar learning environment for some, others who are unfamiliar with the societal and cultural norms within public school structures, may be left behind. Some learners have simple language barriers that exclude them from activities as well as others during the school day; some choose silence out of fear or embarrassment from unknown circumstances; while others are labeled as Special Education and are not able to speak to others verbally as a "normal" child would. …

Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Analysis Of Road Traffic Crashes, Amin Azimian

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Exploring Memory Of Place And Place Identity Through Narrative Inquiry: A Study Of Partisans’ Square In Uzice, Serbia, Sofija Kaljevic

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Seeking To Do What’S Best For Baby: A Grounded Theory, Karen P Jagiello

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Diversity In Sustained Eating Disorder Recovery In Females: A Study Of The Predictive Power Of Hope, Resilience, And Spirituality, Chelsey L Morgan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Do I Belong Here? Exploring Black Male Student Perceptions Of Retention Initiatives, Jason A Ottley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

… Like Animals., Brandon Schnur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Dietary Intake And Body Composition Changes During A 12-Week Weight Loss Trial In Middle-Aged And Older Men, Allison Marie Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Middle-aged adults suffer from the highest rates of obesity in the nation. Obesity is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular-related chronic disease, it is also associated with decreased functional status in aging populations. Depletion of lean mass is a concerning consequence of intentional weight loss. However, efforts to attenuate loss of lean mass with weight loss are often limited to older adults. Understanding body composition changes that occur during intentional weight loss and factors to limit the loss of lean mass during weight loss in middle aged adults are needed reduce and prevent adverse outcomes in old age. The …

The Moscow We All Seek: Performing The Role Of Vershinin In Anton Chekhov's The Three Sisters, Richard Mugrage

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this document, I will give a detailed account of my preparation, rehearsal and performance process, and finally, will evaluate and assess the outcome of my contributions and experiences as I performed the role of Vershinin in Anton Chekhov's The Three Sisters. Throughout the duration of this production, I was challenged and also rewarded by my struggles and discoveries while creating a complex character for the stage. The preparation for my role in the play consisted of using different acting techniques that I studied while at West Virginia University as well as research I compiled about life in Russia during …

Personality, Sleep, And Mortality, Shantel Spears

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Personality traits and sleep are associated with health and longevity; however, no investigation has examined whether sleep is a pathway linking personality to mortality risk. Thus, we tested this effect across a 20-year mortality follow-up period in the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) cohort (N = 3,253; M age = 47.03 years, SD = 12.39, range = 20-75), using proportional hazards in a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. Openness was the only trait predictor of death risk. Daytime sleepiness and short and long sleep duration also emerged as predictors of mortality risk. We found indirect effects for neuroticism, …

Recollection, Tiera Tanner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This written thesis is the accompanying documentation of my Masters of Fine Art thesis exhibition --- recollection. This exhibition presented a collection of oil paintings of created over three years in the graduate program through the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University. My personal experiences during this time directly affected the paintings displayed through this exhibition, including marriage, deployment, and the birth of my first child. Each of my created works references a photograph of a family member or myself. These images capture moments in time and can reflect a narrative to the audience, along with ideas of …

Effects Of Serial- Or Single-Alternative Training On Resurgence., Claudia C. Diaz-Salvat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Serial-response training involves the consecutive training of several alternative responses whereas single-response training involves the training of a single alternative response. Serialresponse training may mitigate resurgence of a target response when compared to teaching a single alternative response. However, previous evaluations did not control for the number of available response options across conditions. This study compared serial- and single-response training on resurgence of a target behavior when the number of response options was held constant. Serial-response training involved reinforcing each of four alternative responses sequentially. Single-response training involved reinforcing a single alternative response. Resurgence was tested by withholding all reinforcers …