Digital Commons Network^™

True Beauty: A Self-Development Program For Urban Teenage Girls, Michelle Hamilton Mcpherson

Theses

This project will explore how to overcome barriers that seem to limit young girls from wanting to become young ladies. It will offer suggestions on how to assist young girls with identifying and interpreting internal barrie1·s, e.g. low self esteem, peer pressure, failure to recognize their opportunities, or abilities to discern wrong from right. It will also offer suggestions on how to help young girls realize that beauty comes from within. It will discuss why it is important to provide a loving and safe environment where young girls are given opportunities to express themselves in an atmosphere that lends them …

Facets Of Job Satisfaction Among Social Service Workers, Mary Ann Meegan

Theses

Workers in the field of social services report being overworked and underpaid. Studies have shown evidence that this is an accurate perception. Yet those same studies, as well as others, indicate that social service workers are generally satisfied with their jobs. This presents a question as to what the source or sources of this satisfaction are. An instrument designed to explore facets of job satisfaction specifically in the social services professions was administered to 40 Children's Services Workers of the Division of Family Services in St. Charles Co., Mo. The results indicate that, while less than satisfied with salary, promotional …

Cultural Diversity, Desiree D. Whitlock

Theses

This thesis will focus on a historical view of cultural diversity. It will include a comprehensive overview of cultural diversity, discrimination, racism and reverse discrimination. This will include well known authors and spokespersons on the subject matter and the effects in the workplace.

People in the workforce have noted numerous concerns regarding racism, discrimination and the need for cultural diversity.

A review was conducted of a cultural diversity plan in a local healthcare organization. The subjects used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the plan were healthcare managers. The subjects read a cultural diversity plan and were interviewed by …

Concepts Of Career Planning, Stephanie G. Venable

Theses

This thesis study consists of general information and historical perspectives on vocational guidance. Vocational guidance is researched and the problems of managing one's own career. This study introduces major writers and summarizes their contributions of work in vocational guidance. Specifically the research of what organizations and schools are doing to help individuals manage their careers. The most important research to this focus is job hunting and in-depth discussion on various topics related to this focus.

An Investigation Into The Development Of A Volunteer Training Program, Brian P. Watkins

Theses

This thesis is an investigation into the development of a volunteer training program for use in human service, not- for-profit agencies .

The impact of volunteers on society is significant. Over 120 million people will volunteer in the United States at the turn of the century. The effectiveness of these volunteers will depend on their proper utilization on the part of these human service agencies.

The research has shown there are no generally accepted training guidelines for volunteers. Training research is abundant in the for-profit sector; however, information on training volunteers is scarce.

The purpose of this thesis is to …

Nursing Home Management Of The Certified Nurse's Aide: Voluntary Job Turnover, Job Satisfaction, And An Overview Of Industry Challenges With Proven Solutions, Kevin G. Sullivan

Theses

This thesis will focus on the issues surrounding the voluntary turnover rate of the certified nurse's aide population. Research has attributed the high turnover rate to numerous factors such as inadequate monetary compensation, lack of job satisfaction, difficulty in being promoted, inattention of management to the relevant issues, and the failure of management to use proven solutions utilized by other non- health care businesses in attracting and retaining qualified and desirable employees.

With annual turnover rates of the certified nurse's aide population estimated in the 100% to 300% range, the magnitude of the problem cannot be disputed. However, with the …

Health Promotion And Wellness For The University Faculty, Staff, And Students, Amy C. Stifel

Theses

In this paper, the author attempt to suggest that a health promotion program in higher education can be successful by using a needs and interest survey of the participants.

In order to suggest that this research question is plausible, the author initially provides background information on health promotion and higher education. Included are definitions of terms related to health promotion and wellness and the status of Healthy People 2000.

A review of the literature is included to establish current health promotion programs. Attention is given to related areas of rising costs. This is followed by a theoretical orientation of effective …

The Role Of Non-Verbal Communication In The Maintenance Of Stratification By Gender And Race In America, Barbara Ann Dulaney

Theses

The research goal of the following culminating project is to identify the role of non-verbal communication in the maintenance of social stratification based on gender and race in America.

The first chapter seeks to clarify the two main components: social stratification and non-verbal communication. Social stratification is defined and a summary is given of several theories regarding stratification and of how, in various religious, political and social movements, it is a significant factor. The constituents of non-verbal communication are identified.

The second chapter reviews literature on the subject of general social stratification. In order to present a concise look at …

Cost Efficiency Of Managed Care, Tammie M. Scott-Thorpe

Theses

This paper studies the role of health maintenance organizations in the health care market. Managed Care represents the growing wave of health care in the future by eliminating unnecessary and costly procedures. Vanishing are the repetitive tests that once victimized the consumer. By regulating fixed costs, the industry is forcing a change in testing and research.

Since Managed Care regulates costs, they appear particularly prominent in the elderly population. Financial efficiency helps provide the proper organized system of long term care brought by the aged. Also, complex paper work and bills should be eliminated or at least decreased to a …

The Effects Of Industrial Quality Management Of The Japanese And United States Health Care Systems, Mary Jo Sexton-Tosh

Theses

This thesis will focus on the effects of industrial quality management on the Japanese and United States Health Care Systems.

Research bas attributed the lack of quality management information in terms of the Japanese health care system to the closing of Japan's borders prior to the Meijing Restoration Era. Because of the isolation from the western world, Japan is behind the United States in its implementation of quality measurement standards to the provision and outcome of health care services.

Over the years the development of the health care industry in both the United States and Japan has taken different paths. …

A Comparison Of Depression In Males And Females After The Loss Of A Spouse, Thomas N. Dejong

Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore differences in depression between males and females after the loss of a spouse. After a review of the literature, a twenty-one item inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory was given to thirty nine surviving spouse's (17 males and 22 females). AT-test of difference between means of the three factors of the Beck Depression Inventory, (negative self-attitudes, physiological symptoms, and sadness) was performed and the hypothesis that there were differences in depression between males and females after the loss of a spouse was not supported.

Effectiveness Of Stress Management Intervention, Sandra F. Filer

Theses

The relationship between stress management interventions and improved stress levels on employees was examined. Fifty subjects were involved in this study, 25 who received stress management training and 25 who did not receive training. All participants volunteered to complete the Occupational Stress Inventory. Results revealed no significant difference in the level of stress reported by the two groups of employees. i

The Relationship Between Announced Layoffs And Financial Performance, Carol E, Goldman

Theses

This thesis focuses on the impact of downsizing on financial performance. Downsizing has become a catchall term for plant closures, eliminating entire layers of management, and even subcontracting large amounts of a firm's operations. Although many American firms are downsizing they often do hot consider what they are trying to achieve by cutting jobs or closing plants. Generally, U.S. companies are eliminating - jobs in their organizations in an attempt to cut costs believing that to do so will increase profitability and result in more efficient organizations. It is naturally assumed that any strategic change in a corporation, such as …

The Effects Television Has On Young Children And Solutions For Parents, Alissa Dawn Shively

Theses

Children's television bas been the focus and cause of many arguments over the past fifty years. Parents and researchers continue to debate the quality and quantity of programming that children view. Those who support the argument that television is harmful and causes harmful effects are vastly in the majority. Generally, they subscribe to the notion that television has little to offer children in the way of education and entertainment. Those who oppose this view argue that there are many merits to children's television. Although this stance is not as popular, they attest that television does have benefits to children. They …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Identity, Style, And Locus Of Control In Later Adolescent Development, Polly A. Sharp

Theses

This study investigates the psychosocial crisis of later adolescence Berzonsky's ISl2 and Levenson's I. P, and C Scales were correlated. The I, P, and C Scales measure locus of control. The I Scale measures internal locus of control. The P and C Scales describe external locus of control. The P Scale measures a belief that powerful others control event outcomes. The C Scale measures the belief that things happen due to chance or fate. The Identity Style Inventory - Revised (1512) measures an individual's identity style. Identity style 1s the characteristic pattern of behaviors most often used by an individual …

Cost Efficiency Of Managed Care, Tammie M. Scott-Thorpe

Theses

This paper studies the role of health maintenance organizations in the health care market. Managed Care represents the growing wave of health care in the future by eliminating unnecessary and costly procedures. Vanishing are the repetitive tests that once victimized the consumer. By regulating fixed costs, the industry is forcing a change in testing and research.

Since Managed Care regulates costs, they appear particularly prominent in the elderly population. Financial efficiency helps provide the proper organized system of long term care brought by the aged. Also, complex paper work and bills should be eliminated or at least decreased to a …

The Building Of A Diversified Work Force, Kirstie K. Hickman

Theses

This thesis will discuss the trend toward a diversified labor force, as we move toward Workforce 2000. Many statistics show that the upcoming workforce will have fewer white males. Significant increases in the numbers of minorities , women, and immigrants will have a serious effect on how Human Resource Departments operate within companies. These demographical changes in the face of the labor market will require new methods of managing and training in all sectors of the corporate structure.

Moving forward t o manage and train individuals for the challenges of the year 2000 and beyond will require corporations to address …

A Study To Evaluate Individual Attributes And Correlate These Qualities With Investment Means To Compose An Appropriate Portfolio Mix, Paul J. House Iii

Theses

This applied learning plan will focus on the area of developing individual's financial profile and correlating these attributes with investment means to compose an appropriate portfolio mix.

Research has indicated a growing trend for individuals to "do-it-themselves" and use discount brokers to save money. The use of discount brokerage's supports the notion that there is no financial advice, and the investor must do the research to make the proper decisions.

The problem for individuals "doing-it-themselves" is that they sacrifice the interpretation of the objectives and goals. The individual utilizing a discount broker may alleviate the ethical concern and may even …

Value Comparison Among Native American Indians And Non-Native American Counseling Students, Marion Hardin

Theses

This study examines the value differences and similarities between Native American Indians and non-native American graduate students who have had multi cultural training. The Rokeach Value Survey, which ranks 18 Terminal values and 18 Instrumental values, was administered to 22 non- Native American students enrolled in a counseling program at Lindenwood College in St. Louis, Mo. and 21 Native American Indians who are studying at Haskell College for Indians in Lawrence, Kansas. For this study, Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to rank values and determine agreement between values and Chi Square analysis was performed to more accurately determine results. …

Family Rituals And Adolescence: A Study Of The Relationship Between And Adolescent's Race, Gender, Parental Marital Status, And The Amount Of Ritual In His/Her Family, Kim Hunziker

Theses

This study explores the relationship between an adolescent's gender, race, parental marital status, and the self-reported level of ritual in his or her family. Participants included 37 White, and African American youth from age 13 to 18, who were active in either a suburban church youth group or an urban community center. Each participant completed a demographic profile and the Family Routine Questionnaire. AT-Test and a chi-square were performed to compare a number of the independent variables (gender, race, and parental marital status) to the dependent questionnaire scores. The results of the T-Test indicate a statistically significant difference in the …

A Study Of Relationship Between The Symptomatology Of Trauma And Chemical Dependency In Two Outpatient Samples Of Women, V. Michela Bailey

Theses

This research tests for independence between the symptomatology of chemical dependency and trauma in two self referred outpatient samples of women. Subjects are 18 years or older, and samples of convenience from the St. Louis metropolitan area. Five symptom clusters common to both groups are identified from the literature: avoidance and intrusion, depression, dissociation , anxiety , and chemical dependency. A series of correlational studies were performed on the results of five corresponding self report inventories to test for independence . Of the five symptom clusters tested, one statistically significant relationship was found for symptomatology consistent with chemical dependency . …

A Comparison Of Hiv/Aids Prevention Knowledge Between Students Receiving Mandated And Non-Mandated Aids Prevention Education, Constance Mogg Davis

Theses

The HIV Prevention Behaviors Knowledge Test for Teenagers was given to two samples of high school students to determine their knowledge about HIV prevention. The samples were taken from a high school in a state where AIDS prevention is recommended and the other sample was from a high school 1n a neighboring state where AIDS prevention education is mandated by state law This testing was done to see if a difference in knowledge would exist between these two groups. As measured by a t-test of the two sample means there was no significant difference in HIV/AIDS knowledge between the two …

Family Preservation: An Outcome Study, Jeff Chandler

Theses

Although Family Preservation (FPS) programs have been intensely scrutinized and better evaluated than many other social service programs, more exploration will be required under the demands of managed care. This study examines program outcomes from a FPS program at Edgewood Children's Center in St. Louis, MO. These outcomes included the degree of positive change in family functioning and its' relationship to out-of-home placement, client satisfaction with services and the manner in which they were delivered, and the cost effectiveness of Family Preservation compared to foster care and residential treatment in Missouri. The author makes conclusions and recommendations about future research …

Managed Care And The Impact On Senior Adults, Melissa Breville

Theses

Managed care companies are advocating changes in the health care market and demanding changes in the delivery of health care services to the elderly. The managed care companies are focusing on wellness and prevention of illness for senior adults. Seniors are focusing on wellness and prevention by changing lifestyles as they gain knowledge about health care.

The managed care industry and elderly population are viewing health care as a basic right not a luxury. The collaboration of the elderly and managed care companies can yield results in improved health care access and delivery.

Because seniors have criticized health care organizations …

Strategic Planning For Downsizing And The Human Resource Factor, Kathleen M. Kaiser

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of downsizing , the importance of a strategic plan for downsizing and the effect the on human resource factor .

Businesses experienced unprecedented growth throughout the 1960 1 s and early 1970 ' s ; in the 1980 1 s the recession slowed this growth and downsizing became a necessary economic device for businesses to remain competitive . Some of the reasons stated for downsizing are : to safeguard profit mar gins , stagnant growth , poor earnings , market driven cuts , foreign competition , advancing technology , and a last ditch …

Health Of The Older African-American Population, Dana M. Hardy

Theses

Health promotion and disease prevention has made a major impact in the United States in the past 20 years. However in terms of disease and risk behavior minority groups in this country are not uniformly disadvantaged. African - Americans had age - adjusted mortality rates well above the rates of white Americans, whereas Hispanic Americans have rates that are comparable to white Americans. Asians and Pacific Islanders and American Indians and Alaska Natives have mortality rates lower than white Americans.

The challenge for chronic disease prevention among minority groups is to get the attention of church and other community leaders …

Do Minority Elderly Have Equal Access To Physical And Mental Quality Health Care, Shantayce Juanice Tobias

Theses

This paper discusses inequality among the elderly in health care services and programs. The minority elderly should have equal access to quality health care and services. The literature identifies several factors relative to health care and service utilization for the elderly. Tables and graphs are provided to show the disparities that exist between minority groups and non-minority groups. Findings of a survey are provided to illustrate the need for better access to health care services and program information for all the elderly.

An Interventional Approach To Managing Psychological Stress In The American Workplace, Shirley A. White

Theses

This thesis will focus primarily on occupational stress management. The information contained therein advocates that the responsibility to relieve stress both in the workplace and in the home fall in either of two categories; one is the corporate or managerial responsibility to ameliorate occupational stress, while the other is the individual responsibility to self-manage stress. One's reaction to stress has a defining influence on whether a stressful event is either good ( eustress) or bad (distress).

The purpose of this study is to explore a task-oriented • multidisciplinary approach (a combination of perspectives) to occupational stress management which will serve …

The Development Of A Learning Resource Center In Response To The Changes In Health Care, Valerie J. White

Theses

This thesis will focus on the evolution of the health care system in the United States and how changes from multiple sources have impacted upon it. The manner in which some health care institutions have responded to those changes will also be explored.

The current health care system under which we operate has undergone some tremendous changes that have affected its development. In general, those changes include: scientific breakthroughs, implementation of governmentally-imposed policies, changes in the economy and transformations in personal lifestyles. The manner in which health care providers are reimbursed for their services has also undergone some dramatic changes …

An Examination Of A Juvenile Rehabilitation Model: Effects Of Length Of Stay On Depression, Anxiety, And Self-Esteem Scores, Joseph B. Worth

Theses

This paper is an investigation of the relationship between length of stay in a Missouri based juvenile rehabilitation program on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression levels. A critical analysis of studies that support the fostering or purging of these variables as beneficial toward the rehabilitation process will be conducted.

The results of the research indicate no significant correlations between length of stay and self-esteem scores on the Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory. Furthermore, scores on the Depression and Anxiety in Youth Sub-Scale (DAYS) yielded no correlations with length of stay within the program. A Chi-square procedure found length of stay and scores …