Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling The Impact Of Peer Mentorship To Support First-Year Student Well-Being, Sarah Broner

Master's Theses

The transition to college is characterized by instability in a variety of life domains, with some students experiencing sharp declines in well-being across the first year of college (Conley et al., 2014). Well-established in the literature is the link between this life transition and increased rates of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems (Auerbach et al., 2018). The adjustment to higher education can be particularly difficult for underserved students (Carter et al., 2013; Kalsner & Pistole, 2003), who may not have access to the same types of knowledge, resources, and privileges as their White counterparts on campus. …

The Impact Of Perceived Discrimination And Stigma Consciousness On Connectedness, Trust, And Satisfaction In Healthcare Domains During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Devon Richardson

Master's Theses

This study will assess the relations between perceived experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings and connectedness, trust, and satisfaction with services in healthcare domains among African Americans. It will also examine if the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this relationship. I predict that African Americans in the COVID-19 discrimination condition (versus the control condition) will report lower connectedness and trust with healthcare workers and lower satisfaction with healthcare services. I also predict that stigma consciousness will moderate this effect. For African Americans reporting lower levels of stigma consciousness, I expect there will be a negative relation between perceiving discrimination and connectedness, …

Psychological Symptoms, Visceral Pain Sensitivity, And Observations Of Parent Pain Behavior Are Related To Somatic Symptoms In Premenarchal Adolescents, Genevieve Roth

Master's Theses

Somatic symptoms are a risk factor for the development of chronic pelvic pain in women. The present study characterized somatic symptoms and their relations with psychological, pain sensitivity, and parental factors in a community sample of premenarchal adolescents, which marks an initial step in advancing the identification of potential modifiable factors related to menstrual pain and chronic pain development. Pain sensitivity (visceral and bodily factors) and psychological symptoms (anxiety and stress) were predicted to be related to somatic symptoms (e.g, widespread bodily discomfort) in premenarchal adolescents. Additionally, adolescents’ observation of parent pain behavior was expected to be specifically associated with …

Research Handling Effects On Stress Hormones, Blood Parameters, And Heart Rate In Juvenile Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga Angustirostris), Lauren A. Cooley

Master's Theses

Wildlife researchers must balance the need to safely capture and handle their study animals to sample tissues, collect morphological measurements, and attach dataloggers while simultaneously ensuring their results are not confounded by stress artifacts caused by handling. To determine the physiological effects of research activities including chemical immobilization, transport, instrumentation with biologgers, and overnight holding on a model marine mammal species, I collected hormone, blood chemistry, hematology, and heart rate data from 19 juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) throughout a translocation experiment. Across my six sampling timepoints, cortisol and aldosterone data revealed a moderate hormonal stress response to handling …

Motivational And Participatory Experiences Of Female Service Members In Crossfit, Nicole M. Levine

Master's Theses

CrossFit is a high-intensity exercise program that has expanded globally over the last several years. Its minimalistic approach targeted at multiple aerobic and muscular strength domains make it accessible and applicable to populations with limited space and equipment, such as overseas military installations. Despite several studies examining the motivational factors of individuals engaging in CrossFit, research is scant on the motivational factors of military professionals participating in CrossFit outside of their formalized operational training. Additionally, there is no specific literature on female military participation in CrossFit. This study qualitatively explored the participatory motivations of 15 female U.S. military service members …

Professionalism In Early Childhood Education, Kimberly R. Thai

Master's Theses

This grounded theory analysis uses participant interviews and document analysis to further understand the lived experiences of teachers and leaders in Early Child Education. The thesis was set out to explore the following research questions: How do ECE leaders and teachers understand teacher professionalism? What is the role of whiteness and gender in teacher professionalism? and What is the relationship between the ideas of professionalism and the local context in ECE? The study finds that insiders have strong notions of professional conduct but that exploring professionalism was a site of contention for the participants. Two responses to issues of professionalism …

Looking Into The Future: Predicting Future Video Frames Using Monocular Depth Estimation And Egomotion, Meera Kumar

Master's Theses

Micro-mobility has become a growing market that has altered transportation withincities. While helping people reach their destination efficiently while using fewer fossil fuels and resources, e-scooters lack tailored safety protocol. Using depth and ego-motion machine learning estimation through a live video stream, we hope to identify possible oncoming hazard for e-scooter users. To approach this problem, we tested methods that removed the pose network with a scaling transformation which was derived via linear regression. Our intuition was that training and inference will be faster with the removal of the pose network and was validated by the results. We also found …

Negotiating Transportation Insecurity: Local Responses And Coping Strategies In San José, Ca, Andrew K. Ng

Master's Theses

Transportation insecurity causes adverse effects on people’s lives by limiting access to opportunities and resources even in San José. Understanding how people experience transportation insecurity in metropolitan areas may contribute to building a better transportation system. I conducted my research study by interviewing downtown San José residents and analyzing their stories on the effects of transportation insecurity and what they did to cope with the situation to move around San José. I analyzed the contents of the interviews through qualitative data analysis. Findings suggest that people experience transportation insecurity as time infringement through congested traffic, convoluted schedules, and service complications, …

Association Between Meal Dietary Inflammatory Potential And Postprandial Sleepiness, Samantha Beth Kalb

Master's Theses

The amount and composition of food that is consumed are known to contribute toinflammation and may affect how we feel in the following hours. The aim of this research was to determine if the inflammatory potential of a single meal is associated with level of postprandial sleepiness. Participants (n = 70) recorded intake of one of their meals, then reported their degree of postprandial sleepiness (Stanford Sleepiness Scale), average activity level, average hours of nightly sleep, and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) of the meal was estimated by adjusting DII parameters by 26%, reflecting the …

Examining The Effects Of Power Posing On Stress Reactivity And Performance, Mitzi D. Ochoa

Master's Theses

Power posing is a concept that has garnered widespread attention due to claims thatan expansive powerful posture can improve self-perceptions of power, trigger changes in hormone levels, and improve behavioral outcomes including enhanced performance in social evaluative situations. Recently, these claims have been challenged by studies that failed to replicate the power boosting effects of expansive poses. This study aimed to address inconsistencies in the power posing literature and replicate original findings while controlling for potential effects of experimenter bias and touch. It was predicted that a high-power pose would reduce cortisol, increase perceptions of power, and improve performance. To …

An Examination Of Factors Predicting Academic Engagement And Commitment Among Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Students: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Tasanee S. Thienpothong

Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of gender on the relationships between the predictor variables (i.e., sense of belonging, grit, and support systems) and academic engagement and commitment to major among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. Specifically, this study proposed that gender would act as a moderator of these relationships such that the relationships between the predictor variables and the outcome variables would be stronger for women than for men in STEM. A total of 254 undergraduates from a university in Northern California participated in an in-person survey. Although results did not show …

The Moderating Effect Of Locational Autonomy On The Relationship Between Remote Work And Counterproductive Work Behaviors, Alexandra Wong

Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified remote work, where many companies shifted their employees to working remotely with possibilities of adopting remote work permanently. The purpose of this study was to understand negative consequences of remote work intensity on employee behavior through counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), and whether a lack of locational autonomy would strengthen this relationship. Locational autonomy was conceptualized as two constructs: choice and approval. Results of an online survey administered to 202 participants revealed no direct relationship between remote work intensity and CWBs and locational autonomy choice had no moderating effects. However, locational autonomy approval moderated the relationships between …

Burnout And Social Support Among Healthcare Workers During Covid-19: Evidence From Italy., Anudari Krystal Amartuvshin

Master's Theses

In this study, I examine the relationship between burnout and social support among healthcare workers in Italy. Burnout has been a serious concern among professions who must work closely and help other individuals. Due to the epidemic of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has especially been a challenge for healthcare workers in the past few years. A validated Italian version of the MBI scale is conducted from 332 healthcare workers. Burnout scale is measured by its three subscales: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Social support is analyzed from the questionnaires regarding partners or spouses, family, friends, and colleagues. Multiple regression …

Exploring Health And Fitness In Cannabis And Cannabidiol Users, Blake Butler

Master's Theses

Cannabis has been reported to decrease fatigue symptoms and aide in sleep quality, among other use cases. It is unclear whether cannabis is linked to alterations in physical activity and fitness. Cannabidiol, an active compound in cannabis, has also been reported to decrease fatigue symptoms and aide in sleep. Cannabidiol has been reported to aide in recovery from physical activity, but there is no clear connection between cannabidiol use and the likelihood of engaging in physical activity. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore fatigue, sleep, physical activity, fitness markers, and fitness outcomes in cannabis and cannabidiol users. …

Kaleidoscopic Katas: An Intercultural Somatic Curriculum For Holistic Health, Emily Seymour

Master's Theses

The intent of this research study was to combine three African and Eastern somatic movement practices into a modern dance curriculum. Few studies have investigated the therapeutic value of subtle body awareness in a dance class context. This integrative study combined psychological, physiological, and contemplative pedagogical approaches, which led to the development of a comprehensive five-part workshop with five adult participants. This ten-hour online class series involved learning a traditional Afro-Haitian serpent dance called the Yanvalou, the Tantric practice of Chakra Yoga, and the Five Animals qigong. The original curricular goal was to combine these three modalities into five sequential …

Best Practices To Build Relationships Between Students With Exceptionalities And General Education Students In A Unified Dance Class, Charlotte Cook

Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to analyze various studies or curriculums, which included both general education students and students with exceptionalities to find best practices to build relationships in a unified dance class. For this study the researcher analyzed ten pieces of literature which focused on inclusive movement classes. These sources included five studies and five curriculums. More specifically, the researcher created the following essential questions to examine sources which included students with and without exceptionalities. Q1: What strategies and activities best foster growing relationships in a unified dance class? Q2: What creative dance content best fosters building of …

Reflection, Creation, Transformation: Fostering A Positive Body Image In Female High School Dancers Through A Creative Choreography Curriculum, Kelly Culver

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a choreography curriculum based on body image for high school female dancers would help students increase their positive body image and find a new appreciation for their bodies. This study also focused on the impact that reflection and creation have in this transformative curriculum design, along with instructional strategies that could foster a more positive body image culture in the dance classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to answer the four essential questions of this study. Q1 How can choreography be used as a transformative process to help female …

Competitive Dance: The Physiological And Psychological Effects From The Perspectives Of Current Versus Retired Dancers, Kristen Demaria

Master's Theses

The intent of this research study was to inform students, teachers, and parents of the advantages and disadvantages associated with participation in competitive dance. Through the use of an electronic survey and questionnaire, the researcher evaluated the responses of forty participants through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The participants provided detailed information regarding their personal experiences, both past and present, in regard to the physical, mental, and emotional impact competitive dance had on their life. The research questions addressed in this study were: Q1 What are the effects of competitive dance on a dancer’s physical body? Q2 What are the effects …

Community Perspective: How Participating In The Nutcracker Enhances Student Motivation And Growth In Socioeconomically Depressed Public Schools, Angelina Burleigh

Master's Theses

This research study exclusively focused on performing arts dance programs in socioeconomically depressed public schools. It is the belief of this researcher that providing dance within a framework of the dance standards affords students with the opportunity to truly experience the art of dance, since they not only received the chance to learn good technique from a highly qualified educator, but they are also provided with choreographic and performance opportunities which allow them to communicate a story, express feelings, or emotions through movement to discover their imaginative abilities. The goal of this study was to examine how dance education impacts …

Causes Of Burnout Among K-12 Public School Dance Teachers: Preventative Strategies To Improve Teacher Retention In 21st Century Education, Roland Latson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze what contributing factors influence stress and burnout in K-12 public school dance teachers and collect information to analyze the ways in which teachers can minimize stress to prevent burnout. The research was conducted by current and former dance educators with a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in rural and urban school districts. Thirty-two dance teachers participated in the survey study. The purpose of this study was to examine the causes of burnout among K-12 public school dance teachers and preventative strategies to improve teacher retention in 21st century education. …

A New Curriculum: Supporting Social Emotional Learning Using Mindfulness Motivated Choreography In High School, Whitney Haslam Warner

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which a mindfulness-based curriculum would inform and effect creative, choreographic, and performance processes, as well as the effectiveness of serving as a social-emotional learning teaching tool in a high school dance classroom. Based on the results of this study, findings showed that implementing a mindfulness‑based curriculum, alongside connecting movement explorations, created an increase in the depth and breadth of student-created movement. Through this study, 37 student participants practiced mindfulness alongside correlating movement explorations to create movement for a culminating dance concert. Participants reported an increased sense of calm, focus, …

Dancing The Pilates Way: The Possible Effects Of Pilates On The Alignment Of A Dancers' Body, Darla Jentzsch

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research was to investigate any mental and physical benefits that Pilates Exercises might have on dancers’ alignment. The researcher collected quantitative and qualitative data to answer these four research questions: Q1: How can a dancer’s alignment be measured to see change after ten Pilates Classes? Q2: Can Pilates bring a dancers’ body closer to ideal alignment in ten Pilates classes? Q3: What do dancers notice differently in their dancing after having been taught Pilates? Q4: What are the benefits of having proper alignment as a dancer? The researcher examined the effects of the Pilates exercises on …

Reflective Practices In The Dance Studio: Implementing Deliberate Observation And Examination Methods Into The Dance Technique Class For Youth To Encourage The Development Of Self-Awareness, Meredith Orrell

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a reflective pedagogy on younger students in the dance studio setting. Three research questions were designed to be answered by this study. Q1 In what ways are reflective practices effective in a dance studio setting? Q2 Are reflective practices effective for younger students? Q3 How can reflective practices be applied effectively in future dance classes? Five students participated in the study by completing weekly self-evaluation progress forms and reflective journal entries. The researcher at the same time completed an observation form of the participants’ progresses. These research instruments composed …

Risk Perception And Response Among International Students Of The University Of Southern Mississippi, Elida Lopes Souza Rocha

Master's Theses

Given the exposure of university campuses to hazards, disaster mitigation is a critical element of higher education policy. Although U.S. higher education institutions are leaders in the global education market, emergency warning systems give little consideration to how international students perceive risk, prepare for hazards, or access warning technologies available to them. This poses several questions regarding the suitability of hazards mitigation practices and the welfare of international students.

This thesis investigates the relationship between USM international students and natural hazards. Responses from online surveys and semi-structured interviews data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods to document the extent …

Get Into It: Unpacking The Relationship Between Hegemonic Norms And The Race And Gender Of Pop Artists, Bailey Shelton

Master's Theses

Many contemporary popular musical artists are victims of media controversy while they simultaneously make musical chat history. As a culture founded and sustained by a white supremacist capitalistic patriarchy, race and sex appear to influence the way hegemonic in-groups treat minorities and the way minorities are perceived and live within the confines of said hegemony. With the context of understanding feminist theories, hegemonic norms, parasocial relationships, celebrity appeal, and norms, the researcher wanted to understand if there are clear relationship among these frameworks in modern society. This study employed a 2x2 2between subjects factorial design method to gather information about …

A Descriptive Study Of The Foster Grandparent Program In Support Of The Creation Of An Afterschool Program To Address Food Insecurity And Chronic Disease Risk In Older Adults And Children, Sara Sorrell

Master's Theses

Volunteer service is associated with self-reported health improvement by older adult volunteers in AmeriCorps Senior programs. However, little is known about how specific chronic diseases and mental health issues affect Foster Grandparents, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on volunteer activities for older adults. Using Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, this study outlines the structural influences of the Foster Grandparent program on volunteers’ motivation for volunteering, mental and physical health status before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and current household food security status. The study utilizes a survey, which was distributed by the National Senior Corps Association and …

Media Frames And Abortion Issue Polarization, Shianne Galuska

Master's Theses

The abortion issue is one of the most polarizing topics within the public and media sphere. How the media chooses to frame the abortion debate may influence public opinion and individual reactions. Specifically, articles that use incongruent abortion frames (pro-life/pro-abortion & anti-abortion/pro-choice) may be contributing to an ingroup versus outgroup mentality by highlighting who is the ingroup and who is the outgroup, thus generating moral disgust and polarization (characterized by anger, bias, and activism) amongst those with opposing views. This study sought to answer whether presenting individuals with an incongruent abortion frame increases anger, bias, and activism (polarization), as well …

Higher Command: An Examination Of African American Leadership In The Vietnam Era, Amanda Abulawi

Master's Theses

Since the founding of the United States, African Americans have sacrificed their lives to uphold the nation’s democratic ideals, all while being denied equal access to voting, education, employment, and housing rights at home. Military service appealed to many African Americans who hoped it would lead to social and economic advancement for themselves and their race. Despite African American military participation throughout the nation’s history, these soldiers were treated as outsiders through segregated units and often relegated to non-combative duties, until the Vietnam War. This was the first major conflict in which African Americans had been deployed in large numbers …

Racial Bias In Pain Perception And Treatment Among Healthcare Pre-Professionals, Raegan Bishop

Master's Theses

The novel coronavirus has impacted Black Americans who have had higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death compared to White Americans. Although higher rates of obesity and other chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure have been implicated and, likely, play a substantial role in the disparity, racial biases among health care providers that affect the provision of care have yet to be examined. There is some evidence that racial bias among healthcare providers affects pain outcomes among Black American women with healthcare providers prescribing Black women pain medication less often than to White women (Badreldin, et. al., 2019; …

Using Praise To Increase Visual Attending In An Asynchronous Online Learning Environment: An Eye Tracking Study, Andrew J. Rozsa Iii

Master's Theses

With the emergence of online courses in the mid-1990s, the number of students enrolled in online courses has been growing at an exponential rate (Schwirzke, Vashaw, & Watson, 2018). This trend brings with it new problems, such as familiarity with evidence-supported behavioral techniques that will maintain student engagement and improve likelihood of academic success in online learning environments. The purpose of the present study was to examine how the use of praise may affect visual engagement with video lectures with the assistance of commercially available eye tracking technology. A secondary objective of the study was to identify how praise affects …