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The Influence Of Gender And Sex Role Orientation On The Perceived Effectiveness Of Therapist Self-Disclosure, Dena Fennell

Masters Theses

The present study examined the influence of therapist gender and subject sex role orientation on theperceived effectiveness of therapist self-disclosure. Subjects were 207 female college students who read written vignettes of a mock therapist discussing interpersonal issues in an initial therapy session. Therapist gender and disclosure level (negative versus no disclosure) were manipulated; ratings of perceived attractiveness, expertness, and trustworthiness were measured by the Counselor Rating Form (Barak & Lacrosse, 1975), and subject sex role orientation was measured by the Bern Sex Role Inventory (Bern, 1974). Results indicate that male therapists who negatively self-disclose are perceived as more trustworthy than …

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Language & Mathematics In Regards To Problem Solving, Heather A. Grant

Masters Theses

While previous research has established language as a component of mathematical performance (Kintsch, 1988; Simon, 1985), none have identified a relationship between language and mathematics. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between language and mathematical abilities, specifically problem solving abilities and concept knowledge.

The subjects consisted of 29 fifth-grade students selected from an elementary school in central Illinois. These students were not receiving special education services. Each subject was administered the Test of Problem Solving (Zachman, et al., 1984) to assess the subjects' ability to utilize reasoning skills and expressive language to solve situational problems; and The WORD …

Gender Differences In Cognitive Ability Of Children With Hearing Impairment On The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children-3rd Edition, Damian D. Jones

Masters Theses

This research thesis investigates possible gender differences of deaf children on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd ed.). The Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) in Jacksonville, Illinois collated the standard scores of the five standard WISC-III Performance scale subtests and the Performance IQ of 25 students attending ISD. To examine gender differences on the Performance scale subtests and the Performance IQ's, a series of oneway-analyses of variance was calculated. No significant differences were noted on any comparison. A hypothesis that gender differences would occur was not confirmed. The results are discussed with respect to the intellectual assessment of …

Computer Assisted Instruction And The Basic Writer, Kathy Ford

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Personality Traits And The Extent To Which They Are Valued By Practicing Physical Therapists In The General Hospital Setting, Shiela M. Robison, Rachel K. Seppanen

Masters Theses

This descriptive study seeks to identify the value placed on personality traits by physical therapists and to develop a personality trait profile indicating what is desired of physical therapists in the general hospital setting. Five hundred surveys were sent to the physical therapy (PT) directors of a nationwide sample of randomly selected hospitals accredited by the American Hospital Association with greater than 75, but less than 150 beds. Two hundred and ninety-four surveys (59%) were returned. Survey responses were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analyzed by using the descriptive measures …

Investigating Use Of The Transdisciplinary Approach In The Public School System: Assessment Of The Interaction Between The Physical Therapist And The Regular Education Teacher, Jennifer C. Bunker, Jennifer M. Wolffis

Masters Theses

The purpose of our research was to determine the extent that physical therapists utilize components of the transdisciplinary approach in their interaction with regular education teachers when working with children kindergarten through sixth grade who participate in regular education classes. 325 surveys were distributed to physical therapists in the Midwest region of the United States who work in a school environment. 46% of the surveys were returned and met our inclusion criteria. Our results showed that 28.7% of the respondents indicated use of the transdisciplinary approach. 41% of the respondents reported presence of a written philosophy. 9% of the therapists …

Timed Wheelchair Ambulation Of Children Aged 11-17 Years And Their Perceptions Of Their Function, Karen Feuerstein, Susan Fisher, Kristy Van Zee

Masters Theses

Problem. Little data is available to aid physical therapists in writing functional wheelchair velocity goals. Purpose. This study begins to establish baseline data on wheelchair velocity. The authors hypothesize that there will be a significant relationship between a child's perceived function and their wheelchair velocity over a given distance. Methods. One female and 10 male community manual wheelchair users aged 11-17 completed 3 time trials of 150 feet on carpet with 1 minute rest between trials. Following the WRAT-R reading screen, the subjects completed a questionnaire about wheelchair function in the community. Results. A two-tailed significance test of the correlation …

Cooperative Learning: Does It Work And Do Students Like It?, Thomas Neal Vander Stelt

Masters Theses

This study compares a teacher-centered approach to learning with a cooperative learning method in order to discover if either method has greater ability to deliver academic success in a fourth grade geography unit. In addition, the study examines the students' preferences for or against the teacher-centered method and the cooperative method.; There has been some movement toward cooperative learning methods in the school in which this study takes place, but there is also some reluctance of some teachers to try it because they feel that the time it takes is not worth the results it brings. This study includes an …

Mathematics Placement At A Community College, Bonnie E. Morris

Masters Theses

There are few recently documented effectiveness studies of locally designed math placement tests, while there are many that utilize a professionally designed test. All tests that are used in placement whether professionally designed or created by faculty need to conform to the same standards.; This research assimilates the current best knowledge of the qualities required of a math placement test. It delineates the procedures required in the creation and evaluation of a valid and reliable mathematics placement test by addressing a variety of issues. These include calculating difficulty and discrimination indexes, validating and setting cut scores, and evaluating test validity …

Effectiveness Of An Interdisciplinary Chronic Low Back Pain Program Based On Return To Work Outcome, John R. Bromfield, Deborah A. Knowles, Stacie M. Schoenberg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a Midwestern Hospital's Interdisciplinary Outpatient Chronic Low Back Pain program. Rate of return to work was selected as the outcome measure for effectiveness. For purposes of discussion, the percentage of patients who were compliant with home exercise, who were involved in a vocational rehabilitation program, and who consulted a physician since discharge were analyzed. There were 118 male and female subjects, average age of 43; who successfully completed the 8 week chronic low back pain program between 1992 and 1994. Subjects were then sent questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, …

The Effects Of Relative Frequency Of Knowledge Of Results On Brain Injured And Neurologically Normal Individuals Learning A Linear Positioning Task, Deborah M. Thomas

Masters Theses

Twelve normal and 12 brain injured subjects aged 18-56 years learned a linear positioning task involving moving a slide to a target position while blind folded. During the acquisition phase, feedback was provided as 33%, 67% or 100% KR. Immediate (10 minute) and delayed (24 hour) retention tests were performed without feedback. ANOVAs were used to compare the effects of feedback frequency. At the acquisition and immediate retention phases, the normal group performed with significantly less error than the brain injured group. This trend continued in the delayed retention test, but was not significant. Both groups performed best in the …

Prediction Of In-Hospital Delirium In Elderly Hip Fracture Patients Using Family Assessment Of Pre-Morbid Cognitive Behaviors, Ronell R. Ruhlandt

Masters Theses

The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States. Elderly persons are at high risk for developing delirium when hospitalized. The purpose of this study was to determine if pre-morbid cognitive behaviors were predictive of in-hospital delirium in elderly hip-fracture patients. The ability to predict or diagnose delirium early could prevent complications during hospitalization and decrease the length of hospital stays. The study was descriptive correlational. Subjects were admitted to a metropolitan teaching hospital during February through August 1993, were 60 years or older, and were diagnosed with hip fracture. Admission assessments included the Cognitive …

The Effect Of Support Groups On Aids Patients, Karen Bouwman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to answer the following question: Will individuals with HIV/AIDS have the same or decreased levels of anxiety and hopelessness after participating in a support group? A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. A convenience sample consisted of 40 persons with HIV/AIDS attending a large support group which met on a weekly basis. Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Beck's Hopelessness Scale (HS) were administered to the participants. Six weeks later, the HS and SAI were repeated. A Social Support Inventory was also given to assess the subject's perceived satisfaction with the support group. Based on …

The Impact Of Delirium On Mental Status And Physical Functioning Of The Hip Fracture Patient One To One And One Half Years Post-Injury, Delores L. Arendsen

Masters Theses

Delirium occurs frequently among hospitalized hip fractured elders. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a delirious episode on physical and mental status of those patients 12-18 months post-injury. This ex post facto correlational study utilized Levine's Conservation Principles as the conceptual framework. The sample consisted of 67 subjects age 60 or older. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were administered on admission and by telephone at the post-injury interview. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) Diagnostic Instrument was used to assess for the syndrome of delirium. Eleven (16%) …

The Relationship Between The Level Of Codependent Behavior And The Level Of Differentiation Of Self Among Nursing Students, Vicki Lynn Brandes Hillborg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between the level of codependent behavior and the level of differentiation of self among nursing students. This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The convenience sample of 241 nursing students (221 female, 20 male, ages 18-55) from associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate degree nursing programs completed, by self-report, the Friel Adult Child/Codependent Assessment Inventory (Friel & Friel, 1988), the Haber Level of Differentiation of Self Scale (Haber, 1990), and an author created respondent characteristics questionnaire. There was a significant moderate negative correlation between the level of codependent behavior and the …

Perceived Stress And Health-Promoting Behaviors In Nursing Students Using Pender's Health Promotion Model, Gail E. Dunham

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to add support to the literature that there is a relationship between the perceived stress (Student Stress Inventory) that nursing students report and their practice of health-promoting behaviors (Health Promoting Lifestyle Inventory). A convenience sample of 36 first-year associate degree nursing students was obtained. The conceptual framework used was Pender's Health Promotion Model. No relationships were found between demographic variables and perceived stress. Results indicated that subjects reported they engaged in health-promoting behaviors more than sometimes and they perceived themselves overall as slightly stressed. A negative correlation between perceived stress and health-promoting …

The Effects Of Aids Education On Knowledge And Health Care Beliefs Of Freshman Nursing Students, Suzanne M. Nahan

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of AIDS education on knowledge and health care beliefs of freshman nursing students. It was hypothesized that freshman nursing students presented with AIDS instruction would have more AIDS knowledge than freshman student nurses without AIDS instruction. In addition, it has hypothesized that the strength of health care beliefs related to AIDS susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers and health motivation of freshman nursing students with AIDS instruction would differ from those without AIDS instruction.; A quasi-experimental control group pretest/posttest design was used. The sample consisted of 50 freshman student nurses enrolled in …

Relationship Between Coping Strategies And Perceived Quality Of Life In Icd Recipients, Jacquelyn M. Oliai

Masters Theses

A descriptive, correlational design was used to examine the relationship between use of the 8 coping strategies as identified by Jalowiec (1987) and quality of life (QOL). In addition, relationships and differences among demographic variables and stressors, as well as answers to open ended questions were examined. Thirty-nine Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) recipients who were {dollar}\ge{dollar}1 year post implant completed the Jalowiec Coping Scale, a revised Quality of Life Index Scale, and an informational questionnaire. Betty Neuman's conceptual framework for nursing provided the theoretical framework for this study.; There were no statistically significant results found from the data of this …

The Impact Of Total Hip Replacement, Teri L. Holwerda

Masters Theses

This descriptive, correlational study replicated an investigation by Selman (1989) exploring the effects of Total Hip Replacement (THR) on quality of life to identify adaptation level in the four effector modes of Roy's Adaptation Model: physiologic function, self-concept, role function and interdependence. The convenience sample consisted of 43 subjects with a mean age of 67 electing to undergo primary TBR at one 410-bed midwestern medical center July, 1994 through December, 1994. Subjects were tested prior to undergoing THR and four months postoperatively. The instrument used was the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) an arthritis-specific, self-administered questionnaire.; Analysis of data revealed …

Measurement Of Self-Care Agency In A Noninstitutionalized Elderly Population, Julie A. Nelson-Mcevers

Masters Theses

Major focus should be on the elderly's ability to initiate and perform self-care. Interventions to improve health in this age group are most appropriately based on an assessment of their ability to engage in self-care. Orem's framework guided this descriptive study of self-care ability of a convenience sample of 56 seniors residing within a midwestern community. A revision of the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale developed by Kearny and Fleischer (1979) was used to measure self-care agency. Relationships between self-care agency and age, gender, living pattern, education, income, and other variables were analyzed. A majority of the subjects perceived their …

Relationship Of Perceived Social Support To Readmission Of The Congestive Heart Failure Patient, Margaret A. Guthaus

Masters Theses

This study examined the relationship between perceived social support and the time between hospital admissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients based on Lazarus' Stress and Coping Theory. A descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 40 inpatients aged 33-100 at a mid-western hospital. The Personal Resource Questionnaire was used to measure social support.; Data indicated that 50% of the sample were readmitted within 90 days of discharge. However, the hypothesized positive relationship between perceived social support and the number of days between admissions was not supported. Subjects' age was related to time between admissions(r =.33, df …

Low Income Women's Perception Of Preparedness For Self Care And Infant Care Following Discharge From A Less Than Forty-Eight Hour Hospitalization For Birth, Patricia M. Ritola

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of preparation for self care and infant care of new mothers of low income following a short hospitalization for childbirth. Orem's nursing model was used as the conceptual framework for the study. A descriptive correlational, cross sectional design was used to examine preparedness for self care and infant care. The sample (N = 50) consisted of women who were served by Michigan Medicaid, 18 years or older and were hospitalized less than 48 hours. A telephone interview was conducted seven days after discharge.; Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings identified …

A Descriptive Study Of The Needs Of Family Members Of Trauma Patients, Sally Laur Sutkowi

Masters Theses

This study examined the perceived needs of family members of trauma patients using Molter's (1979) Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. The ranking of needs of major and minor trauma patients family members were analyzed to determine differences between these two groups.; A convenience sample of 41 family members of trauma patients were surveyed. They included family members of 17 minor trauma patients and 24 major trauma patients. Minor trauma patients were those patients with Injury Severity Scores 12 or less. Major trauma patients had ISSs scores of 13 or greater. All 45 needs were considered very important by at least …

Caregiver Wellness Following Interventions Based On Interdisciplinary Geriatric Assessment, Julie A. Smith

Masters Theses

The study purpose was to examine the effect on interventions based on interdisciplinary geriatric assessment on family caregiver's wellness. A pretest-posttest research design was used, including a sample of 35 family caregivers of frail older adults. Neuman's Systems Model provided the theoretical framework. Care recipients and caregivers were evaluated by an interdisciplinary geriatric team and interventions for that family were developed and implemented. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test were performed to compare scores of pretest and posttest scores on self-rated health, the Burden Interview and Life Satisfaction, before and after the intervention. Results indicated that there was …

Perceived Needs Of Parents Of Critically Ill Children, Linda D. Scott

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to (a) identify the perceived needs of parents of critically ill hospitalized children, (b) identify parental needs as perceived by critical care nurses, and (c) identify the differences in these perceptions.; A descriptive research design with a non-probability convenience sample was used. The sample consisted of 30 parents or primary caretakers of critically ill children and the responses of 30 pediatric critical care nurses. Data were obtained by a structured interview technique. Data analysis included a comparison of the relationship of parental total scores and the nurses' total scores. No significant differences were found …

The Representation Of Older Women In Gerontological And Women's Studies Research In Selected Psychological Publications, Anna Jean Mehl

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Service Delivery Options In The State Of Illinois For Students With Behavior Disorders, 1987 To 1995, Shelli K. Jennings

Masters Theses

This study was a replication (Hipple, 1987) designed to ascertain the utilization of a service delivery continuum in the State of Illinois for students with behavior disorders. Responses were randomly solicited from teachers in various-sized community unit school districts throughout the state and compared according to the size of the teachers' school district. The findings were then compared to those from the original study. The results from this study revealed nine significant variables when statistically comparing the grouped responses of teachers according to the size of the district: (a) the teachers' levels of education, (b) the teachers' employer (school district …

Prediction Of Wisc-Iii Scores From The Iowa Tests Of Basic Skills And The Cognitive Abilities Test In Order To Predict Premorbid Cognitive Functioning In Children With Traumatic Brain Injury, Kent A. Riley

Masters Theses

The present study examined the relationship of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, Form J (ITBS-J) and the Cognitive Abilities Test, Form 4 (CogAT-4) with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) in order to establish a better method for predicting premorbid intellectual functioning in children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) aged 6 through 11 years. The subjects included 73 children in grades one through six from four elementary schools within a rural city in southeastern Illinois. The results of the study supported all six hypotheses: The CogAT-4 and ITBS-J significantly predicted the variability observed in WISC-III scores; …

Personality Variables Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics In A Treatment Sample As Measured By The Personality Research Form-E, Tamara K. Young

Masters Theses

There has been much personality research in the area of Adult Children of Alcoholics with varying results. This study examines personality variables in archival data of alcoholic clients in a residential treatment center with the use of the Personality Research Form-E (Jackson, 1984). A comparison was made between groups of non-ACOA clients and those with alcoholic parents in the areas of aggression, defendence, dominance and desirability. No significant differences were found between groups. Two other hypotheses were generated concerning male participants only. No significant differences were found for the trait of autonomy; however, male ACOA alcoholic participants were found to …

Explanatory Style And Perception Of Negative And Positive Daily Events, Amy K. Jester

Masters Theses

This study investigated explanatory style and people's perceptions of negative and positive daily events. Explanatory style can be measured by rating causal explanations that people give on three dimensions; internality, stability, and globality. College students wrote stories in response to pictures, using the Thematic Apperceptive Test (TAT), and also completed a 28-day Daily Event Log Questionnaire. It was expected that how people explain good and bad events that happen to them, would be the same whether someone was explaining a personal daily event or explaining a story written in response to a picture. To prove this, it was expected that …