Digital Commons Network^™

Young Adult Fiction Through The Years: An Analysis Of What Readers Want, Treanna Greenwood

Masters Theses

In this literary critique, I discuss the advantages of reading young adult fiction, specifically fantasy. I define what young adult fantasy is, and then analyze some of the most famous young adult book series and discuss how popular they are and how they contribute to the genre. I also discuss works that are relevant to the creative piece I am submitting and explain why my piece has a place in the world of young adult fantasy. Finally, I acknowledge what I hope to contribute to the field.

Historical And Theological Evidence Of Jesus' Resurrection In Paul's Undisputed Letters, Steven Cung Za Kham

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the historical authenticity and theological significance of Jesus’ resurrection as presented in the letters of Paul. The resurrection, central to the Christian faith, has sparked considerable scholarly interest as a foundational event offering humanity its greatest hope. Among early witnesses, the Apostle Paul stands out due to his transformative encounter with the risen Christ, which radically altered his life from a persecutor of Christians to an ardent advocate of the resurrection. His letters, written within a few decades of Jesus' death, provide key insights into what Paul and early Christians truly believe about the resurrection. The study …

A Comparative Study Of Leadership Styles Of U.S. Olympic Swimming Head Coaches, Stephanie Barnes

Masters Theses

The role of leadership is paramount in successful sport coaching. The current study explored the realm of coaching in swimming to gain a deeper understanding of the unique and diverse leadership styles of U.S. Olympic Head Swimming Coaches. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design using a case study approach with two specific cases. Purposeful sampling was utilized to investigate two former U.S. Olympic Head Swimming Coaches with a combined 80 years of elite professional swim coach experience. Through semi-structured interviews and detailed questions, meaningful insight was gained into coaching practices, athlete interactions, and self-perceived effectiveness. Data analysis utilizing …

The Problem With Evangelism And A Move Towards Discipleship In Thailand, Micheal J. Hurley

Masters Theses

This paper will propose a new way for short term missions to work in Thailand. The nation of Thailand allowed freedom of religion for almost a century and a half, yet the Christian population struggles to exist. As one of the smallest religious groups, Christian missionaries have struggled to make inroads within this country. Thais do what is best for the community over themselves. They want to receive benefit today for their efforts. With little to no hope found for the next better life sought after in Buddhism, one would think Christianity would provide this hope. However, it is out …

Towards The Non-Spectacle: Responses To Necropolitics In The Artwork Of Teresa Margolles And Maya Watanabe, Leslie Anne Condon

Masters Theses

How do we engage with artwork that addresses complicated histories

of colonialism and political violence, specifically intangible and

incomprehensible violence? Mexican artist Teresa Margolles’ 2005 work, Lote

Bravo, is named after and composed of the soil from a mass grave site

discovered in 1995 in the southeastern corner of Ciudad Juárez, a city known

internationally for the femicide that has continued to haunt its streets and

peripheries since the 1990s. Peruvian filmmaker Maya Watanabe’s 2019 film

Liminal cinematically documents the official exhumation of two mass graves

in the Ayacucho and Huánuco regions of the Andes highlands, where

thousands of …

Evaluating Distractions Of Undergraduate Students During Guided And Unguided Study Sessions, Roni Peleg

Masters Theses

In this study, we explore an intervention strategy aimed at decreasing distractions while studying. The participant was a third-year undergraduate psychology student with a concentration in neuroscience who did not have a personal structured study system. The researcher measured the percent of intervals in which a distraction occurred using interval recording during baseline and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, the participant was introduced to the productivity method referred to as the Pomodoro Ⓡ Technique. Using a reversal design, data were analyzed based on levels of distraction during baseline and intervention phases. The goal of this study was to evaluate …

Implementing Skill Based Treatment Within A Classroom Setting For Students With Autism: A Systematic Replication In An Alternative School Based Setting, Hayley Getz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of implementing the Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT) in an alternative classroom setting with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is much existing research that supports both in a clinical setting, however the school setting is lacking in research. The goal of this study was to teach three students with ASD who engage in challenging behaviors an appropriate way to communicate their needs, how to tolerate the removal of a preferred toy or activity, and to follow educational instructions instead of …

Mindfulness And Psychological Adjustment In International Students: The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation Strategies, Jyoti Lama

Masters Theses

This study examined the relationship between mindfulness and psychological adjustment among international students, focusing on the mediating roles of two emotion regulation strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Specifically, it explored whether mindfulness is associated with lower acculturative stress and higher coping self-efficacy, and whether using the emotion regulation strategies of cognitive appraisal and expressive suppression mediate these relationships. Eighty-nine international students from mid-sized U.S. universities participated in an online survey assessing mindfulness, emotion regulation, acculturative stress, and coping self-efficacy. Mediation analyses using bootstrapping showed that cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and coping self-efficacy, but not between …

Finding Love On The Spectrum: An Analysis Of Social And Romantic Relationships Of Autistic College Students, Kaylee Spinner

Masters Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in socialization, communication, and developing relationships with others. While many autistic individuals desire to start relationships with others, many do not have a very strong understanding of the use of nonverbal communication or how to develop these connections organically. As autistic individuals have become more open about wanting these resources to form social and romantic relationships, there has been more of a push in the literature to include social skills training for forming social relationships. However, the research on the desire for or development of romantic relationships for autistic individuals is still …

Mindfulness & Mental Health: Balanced Time Perspective As A Mediator, Eddie Trueblood

Masters Theses

Mindfulness is a practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. Being more mindful can decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, among other mental and physical health improvements. (Donald et al., 2016; Hofmann et al., 2010; Kabat-Zinn et al.,1992). This study examined if balanced time perspective (BTP) is one of the mechanisms of action of mindfulness in its relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress. BTP refers to a person’s ability to flexibly adapt their time perspective (attention to the past, present, or future, and positive or negative attitudes toward each) to suit the current …

The Relationships Of Anxiety Sensitivity, Intolerance Of Uncertainty, And Alexithymia On University Students’ Experiences Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress, Vanessa Watterson

Masters Theses

Undergraduates’ mental health has seen a significant decline over the past several decades. Past research has identified significant correlations between specific cognitive vulnerabilities and experiences of psychological distress. The current study reviewed the literature on relationships between three cognitive vulnerabilities (anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and alexithymia) and individuals’ experiences of depression, anxiety, and stress. Further, this study utilized a hierarchical regression model to examine the predictive abilities of anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and alexithymia on depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The findings indicated that all three cognitive vulnerabilities had significant and unique contributions to depression, anxiety, and stress …

Experiences Of Qpoc College Students: The Complexities Of Navigating Multiple Minoritized Identities, Attainea S. Toulon

Masters Theses

Queer People of Color (QPOC) experience unique challenges within higher education as they navigate the intersections of race, sexuality, and gender at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). This qualitative narrative study explored the lived experiences of three QPOC college students at a mid-sized public university in the Midwest. Through semi-structured interviews, participants shared how their intersecting identities shaped their sense of belonging, access to support systems, and overall university experiences. Findings revealed that while participants found affirmation through cultural organizations, staff mentors, and chosen family, they also encountered racialized exclusion within LGBTQ+ spaces and heteronormative expectations within racialized spaces.The narratives illustrated …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On College Sport Communications, Will Barnhart

Masters Theses

As Artificial Intelligence technology (AI) becomes increasingly accessible, the importance of understanding its impact on peoples’ work lives is also increasing. One field that has received very little attention in relation to this subject is college sport communications. Prior research has focused on AI within the closely related fields of journalism and public relations, but no previous studies have been conducted on AI and college sport communicators specifically. To address that knowledge gap, this study surveyed members of the College Sport Communicators (CSC) on their attitudes toward AI and their usage of such technology. The data analysis showed that while …

Childhood Maltreatment And Social Anxiety In College Students: Examining The Role Of Distress Tolerance, Alexa N. Matthies

Masters Theses

This study examines the relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment and social anxiety, with a focus on the mediating role of distress tolerance. Emotional maltreatment has been linked to numerous adverse psychological outcomes, yet its specific contribution to social anxiety symptoms requires further exploration. Using a sample of 94 participants aged 18 to 24, this research employs validated instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, to assess the prevalence and impacts of emotional abuse and neglect. Findings reveal significant correlations between emotional abuse, neglect, and elevated social anxiety symptoms. Distress tolerance emerged as a key mediator, partially …

Small Town Voices And Stories: Rural Older Populations And Health Narratives, Wyatt K. Zumbahlen

Masters Theses

Stories play a vital role in our humanity; they help us understand the world around us. As we age, our experiences, along with those of the people around us, shape our perceptions of health and influence our healthcare choices. For older adults, narratives become an essential resource in making healthcare decisions. In rural communities like Coles County, Illinois, these stories are especially important for older adults who are navigating the limited care and services available in the area. This reliance on narratives impacts their willingness to seek care, highlighting the need to recognize the power of stories in empowering older …

Burnout And Job Satisfaction In Practicing School Psychologists, Cole Westmoreland

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the primary variables associated with burnout among practicing Midwest school psychologists. More specifically, the purpose was to determine if the same variables that correlated highly with Illinois school psychologists’ burnout levels in a 1994 study by Niebrugge and a 2004 study by Hoffman have held constant over the last two decades. Additionally, the varying roles of school psychologists and how they have impacted burnout and job satisfaction were addressed by identifying differences between ideal and actual role involvement. Survey materials used included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, 4^th edition, a Job Satisfaction …

The Influence Of Family-School Communication On Junior High School Students’ Academic Success, Stephen Junior Amoah

Masters Theses

This study examines the influence of family-school communication on students' academic success in the context of Ghana, with a particular focus on Junior High School (JHS) students. While existing research emphasizes the importance of family involvement in educational outcomes, limited studies explore how family-school communication directly affects academic success in Ghana. By using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data collection. The quantitative component includes an online survey distributed to JHS graduates, assessing the frequency, impact, methods, and barriers of communication between families and schools, as well as their perceived effect on academic performance. The survey includes …

Examining Group Components On Exercise Adherence In Older Adults, Brody Polk

Masters Theses

Older adults remain the least active population despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise (Beauchamp et al., 2007; Rúa-Alonso et al., 2023). Researchers examining exercise adherence in older adults have determined two modalities of training—individual and group—with individual training being the preferred mode of exercise for older adults (Beauchamp et al., 2007). However, previous research has failed to evaluate the various components of group exercise before making a comparison with individual exercise to determine which form best predicts older adults’ adherence to exercise (Hawley-Hague et al., 2014). As such, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effects …

I Can’T, I’M On-Call: The Psychological Effects Of On-Call Duty On Graduate Assistants In Residence Life, Dyjerlynn T. Peter

Masters Theses

Graduate Assistants (GAs) face various demands such as conducting research, completing coursework, holding assistantships, and other personal responsibilities. GAs working in housing and residence life (HRL) departments face unique challenges, especially those who serve as crisis responders for students who live on-campus. This study examines the mental health challenges faced by graduate assistants in housing and residence life who live on-campus and serve in on-call roles at higher education institutions. It explores the effects of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, offering key findings, trends, and recommendations while sharing personal stories of GAs balancing on-call duties with graduate studies.

Time To Reassess: Campus Programming In The First Six Weeks And Its Impact On Belonging For First-Time Students, Joe Smith

Masters Theses

Research has shown that a student’s first six weeks of college have a strong impact on the rest of their college experience. Because of this, institutions concentrate programming efforts in the first six weeks of the academic year to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for their first-time students. However, little research has been done on this topic in recent years. This quantitative study sought to examine first-time student event attendance in the first six weeks of the academic year and its impact on sense of belonging, which has been shown to be an important factor of the college experience. …

Buscando El Paraíso: Imposter Syndrome Amongst First-Generation Latino/A/X Students At Predominately White Institutions, Luis Fernando Paniagua

Masters Theses

As more first-generation Latino/a/x college students enter universities across the United States, it is essential to understand the various challenges this population may face. One major challenge these students may face is the psychological phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. This study was conducted to understand the causes of imposter syndrome in first-generation Latino/a/x college students as they attend a predominantly White institution (PWI). Using a semi-structured phenomenological design, data was collected from six participants at a medium-size PWI in the Midwest. Qualitative analysis revealed that there is a connection between Latino/a/x students and imposter syndrome being developed both prior to …

Investigating The Pathways Between Social Factors, Physical Activity, And Mental Health On Cognitive Efficiency In Young Adults, Emma Hurston-Gates

Masters Theses

Cognitive health is important across the life span and cognitive functions, particularly executive functions, are positively correlated with subjective well-being and success in adulthood (Loprinzi, 2013). The present study aimed to investigate how social factors, mental health, and physical activity impacts cognition in young adults. Young adults aged 18-30 (N = 134) answered questionnaires regarding levels of physical activity, social support, social participation, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. Participants completed Trail Making Tasks A and B to measure their cognitive efficiency (i.e., combined processing speed, psychological flexibility, visual search, and attention). Across all samples, one of the most consistent …

For Her Horror: Sociopsychological Gratifications Obtained By Fem Fans Of The Slasher, Brooke Eaglesong Wilson

Masters Theses

Those who side with the unjustified killer in slasher films are doing so to fulfill sociopsychological needs that are not being met in social reality. There were three main findings found in this study. First, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs that were not being fulfilled in their careers such as the need to perform without having to consult mentors, not unlike how the unjustified killer murders victims without discussing with others. Second, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs in their romantic relationships such as the need to …

The Impacts Of International Students’ Membership In Co-National Student Organizations, Krofaa Otuo-Srebour

Masters Theses

This study explores the impact of international students' membership in co-national student organizations on their adjustment to U.S. higher education institutions. Despite significant literature on the psychological predictors of adjustment, there is a gap in examining the social support gained through non-academic student organizations composed of individuals from the same country or region. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study investigated challenges international students face in the U.S. and how culturally specific groups impact their adjustment. The findings underscore the importance of co-national student organizations in supporting international students’ adjustment processes and suggest practical implications for university administrators to enhance …

The Forgotten Student Leader: The Leadership Experiences Of Ncaa Division I Team Captains, Alex Warrick

Masters Theses

In the modern era, NCAA Division I sports fans and the media fixate on which teams have the biggest stadium, the implications of the transfer portal, which of their favorite players has the largest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) or scholarship deal, and who has the most accolades. Due to this, what goes on behind the scenes for the athletes that are impacted by these headlines and tall ordeals often gets lost. The purpose of this narrative, qualitative study was to examine the leadership experiences of the student athletes who have been historically forgotten in discussions about student leadership, the …

Vertical Transfer Students: Experiences With Orientation Programs And Transition, Gulmira Abdyrahmanova

Masters Theses

Community college students are a growing student population in the United States, however their transition to four-year institutions remains complex and students face different challenges. This study explores the student’s orientation and transition experiences. While academic integration was generally positively supported by articulation agreements, personalized academic advising, and family support many transfer students reported difficulties with social integration, impacting their sense of belonging. The findings suggest that successful transfer requires three stages of support as pre-transfer planning; orientation and initial transition; and continued personalized support throughout the first semester. Recommendations include stronger partnerships between institutions, more individualized advising, and ongoing …

Understanding First-Generation College Students’ Perceptions Of Sorority Recruitment, Megan Morecraft

Masters Theses

This study explores first-generation college students’ discovery of sororities, influences for going through a recruitment process, and motivations for selection. There is a gap in the literature when it comes to first-generation college students and greek organizations, specifically sororities, and this study aides in bridging the gap and providing information regarding strategies for recruitment and marketing practices. With more informed practices on first-generation student populations, an increased quality of marketing and programming could be implemented, as well as retention. This study and its findings allow for more intentionality and enhancements to occur, especially when promoting the greek experience and sorority …

Construct Validity Of The Cognitive Assessment System- 2nd Edition: Rating Scale: Comparisons With The Learning Behaviors Scale, Cameron Graham

Masters Theses

Cognitive assessment instruments, such as the Cognitive Assessment System Second Edition: Rating Scale (CAS2: Rating Scale), are frequently utilized by school psychologists to assess children’s cognitive abilities and psychopathology. However, the CAS2 and the CAS2: Rating Scale have little research regarding their psychometric properties. The present thesis examined the construct validity of the CAS2: Rating Scale in comparison to the Learning Behaviors Scale (LBS). Canivez and Gaboury (2013), while assessing the construct validity of the CAS, found that for the ADHD group, the LBS Attitude Toward Learning, Attention/Persistence, and Strategy/Flexibility scores and the CAS Planning and Attention scores were significantly …

Emotion Regulation And Social Support As Protective Factors To The Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Mental Health-Related Issues, Cassidy B. Mccarthy

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine emotion regulation and perceived availability of social support as possible protective factors to the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health issues. The study explored both emotion regulation difficulties and perceived availability of social support (PASS) as mediators to the relationship between ACEs and mental health issues. Emotion regulation difficulties were also assessed as a mediator between PASS and mental health issues. PASS was tested as a moderator between ACEs and mental health issues by affecting emotion regulation.

Results indicated that emotion regulation and PASS each partially mediated the relationship between ACEs …

Mental Health Supports In The Public Schools, Elizabeth Walters

Masters Theses

Increasingly, young students experience mental health challenges, some as early as first grade. With mental health challenges reaching students at younger ages, teachers and school staff need to be ready to assist their students in need. Roughly a third of young people experience mental health challenges, and 70-80% are unable to receive mental health services. As a large portion struggle in school with mental health concerns, teachers and school staff are likely to be the first to see any potential signs of struggle. When teachers notice signs of a student struggling with mental health, the staff often do not know …