Digital Commons Network^™

Changes In Counselor Intentions After Empathy Training, Dominic J. Barraclough

Theses and Dissertations

Using Hill and O'Grady's (1985) model of assessing counseling intentions, this study examined the effects of a two-hour empathy training component in an introductory counseling methods course, as well as the relationship between intentions categories and the intention of being empathic. Participants also completed the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI) as a pretest measure, again immediately preceding the empathy training, and finally as a posttest measure. Due to unequal distribution within the control and treatment groups, gender was also examined. The results indicated that men responded more than women during role-play sessions as well as had more intentions. There was also …

The Effect Of Biculturalism On Depression In Northern Plains Native American College Students, Alan H. Storey Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biculturalism on depression in a propsed sample of 52 Northern Plains Native American College students (32 female, 20 male). This study tested the applicability of the Orthogonal Theory of Biculturalism (Oetting and Beauvais, 1992). Subjects completed the Northern Plains Biculturalism scale (NPBI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second edition (BDI-II). A descriptive analysis, Pearson product moment correlational analysis, independent t-tests, and multiple regression analysis were performed. The multiple regression utilized the two-culture orientation subscales of the NPBI as predictor variables and the total score of the BDI-II as outcome …

The Effects Of Rumination And Distraction Tasks On Psychophysiological Responses And Self-Reported Mood In Dysphoric And Nondysphoric Individuals, Kristin S. Vickers Douglas

Theses and Dissertations

According to the response style theory of depression (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987), the way in which individuals respond to depressed mood affects the severity and duration of that mood. Prior laboratory studies of response style have not included psychophysiological measures or investigated the relationship between ruminative response style and the conceptually-related constructs of worry and neuroticism. Dysphoric (n = 84) and nondysphoric participants (n = 86) were randomly assigned to either a rumination task (i.e., self-focused attention) or a distraction task (i.e., other-focused attention). In addition to the pre-task and post-task mood ratings used in prior response style studies, the present study …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Eye Protection Methods Used In General Anesthesia, Larry W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi experimental, clinical study was to determine whether taping of the eye or applying ophthalmic ointment along with taping of the eye yields a difference in occurrence and symptoms of corneal epithelial defects in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia. Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory provided the theoretical framework for this study.

Fifty subjects were randomly selected from a convenience sample of surgical patients in two 300 bed hospitals located in a Midwestern state. The subjects ranged from 18 to 60 years of age. The subjects had no history of previous eye surgery or glaucoma, and were not …

The Impact Of A College Wellness Course On Wellness Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior, Marion L. Askegaard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in a college wellness course resulted in an improvement in knowledge, attitude, and behavior relating to physical activity, nutrition, and stress management.

Three hundred forty-eight students enrolled in the Wellness course at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, took The Wellness Knowledge. Attitude, and Behavior Instrument during the first class period (pretest) and last week (posttest) of the course.

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with repeated measures on one factor, was conducted to determine whether there would be statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest wellness knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores. Three-way …

Five Graduate Teaching Assistants In The Upper Midwest: Their Struggles, Their Strategies, Their Strengths, Carrie B. Brouse

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to describe the first semester graduate teaching experience had by five newly appointed graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), each from different departments across a midwestern university campus. Its purpose was to gain insight into the ways GTAs might come to make meaning of their experiences, construct knowledge in their disciplines, develop their personal teaching styles and skills, and further their way into their chosen professions. The study spanned the fall of 1999 semester.

Qualitative methods, including participant observations, personal interviews, and reviews of journal entries written by the GTAs, were used to study the first semester graduate teaching …

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus : Implications For Cardiac Surgery, Karen L. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen first emerging in Great Britian in 1961. Since that time, it has spread worldwide and caused epidemic infection rates in several countries. It is most commonly spread in the healthcare setting where it is labeled a "nosocomial" infection, frequently infecting patients undergoing invasive medical procedures and immune-compromised patients. Depending on the severity and location of infection in conjunction with the patient's health status, MRSA infection can be mild to fatal. The surgical setting is a key area of concern. Cardiac surgery complicated by MRSA is relatively rare, but when it does occur, …

Determination Of Phenols In Water Using Solid Phase Microextraction And Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy And Measurement Of Distribution Constants For Solid Phase Microextraction Using A Successive Extraction Technique, Betsy J. Bannier

Theses and Dissertations

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) is an effective method for concentrating organic compounds prior to analysis by a variety of detection methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography (GC). The first part of this work focused on the selection of an infrared-compatible solid phase that would partition phenols out of aqueous solutions. The criteria we employed dictated that potential solid phases be polar yet insoluble in water, have open regions in their IR spectra between 400-1200 cm·', 3010-3095 cm·', or 3200-3650 cm·' and be less than 200 μm thick.

Infrared spectra of a variety of proprietary epoxies and …

Influential Factors Perceived By Adult Students In The Selection Of Nontraditional Graduate Degree Programs, Kristi World-Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study identified factors that influenced adult learners in their selection of nontraditional graduate programs of study over traditional programs in their communities. Twenty subjects who had each completed one of two nontraditional graduate degree programs, teacher education or management, were interviewed to learn what motivated them in their college selection process. The programs from which they graduated were identified as nontraditional because they were: ( 1) offered in communities hundreds of miles from the main campuses; (2) offered entirely during evening and/or weekend class times; and (3) designed to be completed in an accelerated time frame. Both programs …

A Resident Teacher Program: Perceptions Of Those Involved, Sara Beth Vinje Triggs

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the experience of master's students in an elementary education resident teacher program The experience of the resident teachers was generally defined as how resident teachers made meaning of a resident teacher program through the perceptions of the resident teachers themselves. The resident teachers' perceptions and experiences were studied from January 1999 through the completion of their teaching experience in May 1999.

Qualitative research methods were used in this phenomenological study, including a brief period of observation, analysis of mentor/resident teacher communications journals, and interviews with participants in the Resident Teacher …

Occupational Therapy Treatments And Upper Extremity Motor And Self-Care Outcomes Of Patients Post-Cva, Jan E. Stube

Theses and Dissertations

Cerebrovascular accident (or stroke) afflicts approximately 550,000 Americans per year. It is estimated that three million U.S. citizens live with the disabling effects of strokes, which can limit function in one or more of the following areas: mobility, basic activities of daily living, bowel or bladder control, cognition, emotional functioning, among other disabling conditions (Gresham et al., 1995). Occupational therapists, as rehabilitation professionals, provide sensorimotor and basic activities of daily living assessment and intervention to promote recovery of function post-stroke. Upper extremity neuromuscular electrical stimulation is one strategy that may be used to promote motor recovery.

This study's purpose was …

An Evaluation Of Coastal Community Response To Sea Level Rise On The Delmarva Peninsula, Timothy Villanueva

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the response of coastal community comprehensive plans to the threats posed by sea level rise. The communities evaluated are Chincoteague, VA, Ocean City, MD, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. The results of the evaluations illustrate to what extent these communities are prepared to deal with sea level rise and provide a basis for recommendations to improve plan quality. The level of community risk and the components of the individual comprehensive plans are evaluated using new models created for this project. Risk level is measured using computer disaster simulations, topographic and demographic data. The …

Airline Reputation: Customer Service In Crisis, Mary Catherine Demarco

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to show that listening to customer concerns can improve the reputation of the airline industry. The results show through quantitative and qualitative research that the airlines are experiencing a decline in customer service and may be on the verge of a reputation crisis.

A content analysis of articles from The New York Times and USA Today was done to show the type of message the media is sending to the public. Results show that the media is reporting on the airline industry in a negative light. The media is warning that the decline in …

The Efficacy And Application Of Cause-Related Marketing Techniques, Ralph S. De Simone

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined what was the attitude of the general public and public relations practitioners toward three distinctive cause-related marketing techniques (event sponsorship, product sale donations, and licensing). The study required 203 telephone surveys of the general public and 23 interviews via phone, electronic mail, and in-person with public relations and marketing practitioners involved with cause-related marketing. This researcher proved that both the general public and the causal marketing practitioners prefer or favor event sponsorship over licensing and product sale donations, and females favor the three techniques and causal marketing more than males.

What Can't Public Relations Graduates Write? A Study And Evaluation Of Professional Writing Skills Lacked By Public Relations Graduates, Ginger Buganski

Theses and Dissertations

Through a survey of roughly 50 public relations practitioners, this study identified specific writing skills public relations graduates lack and compiled recommendations for improving public relations education.

The author sent double post-cards to 100 public relations professionals nationwide. The post-cards asked for participation in a public relations writing questionnaire. At the same time, the author posted the questionnaire to two professional listservs (e-mail groups). A total of 46 professionals completed the questionnaire.

Nearly 90 percent of respondents ranked writing as one of the top three skills essential for public relations success. However, 70 percent of the professionals rated recent graduates' …

The Relationship Between Gender, Grade Level, And Attitude Toward Reading For First Through Fourth Grade Students, Meghan T. Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between gender and attitude toward reading and grade level and attitude toward reading. This correlational study used a non-random, convenience sample population that was derived from an elementary school that houses one transitional-first grade, and five classes each of first, second, third, and fourth grades. The sample consisted of 153 first through fourth grade students. Forty-three students were in the first grade, thirty-four students were in the second grade, forty-three students were in the third grade, and the remaining thirty-three participants were in the fourth grade.

The Elementary Reading Attitude …

Decreasing The Rate Of Turnover By Enhancing Employee Morale, Kyra De Blaker

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the impact of morale on employee turnover. High employee satisfaction levels can reduce turnover. Eight in ten highly satisfied employees intend to stay with a company for more than two years, when compared to only two in ten dissatisfied employees.

To counter the disastrous effects of employee turnover, companies are establishing programs to boost employee morale. This thesis examines the morale programs of a New Jersey financial institution and the company's turnover rates. The author surveyed current employees to determine the level of employee morale and effective long-term motivators.

The financial institution recognizes the importance of employee …

Nutrition And Student Achievement In Kindergarten Students: An Experimental Study, Stephanie Lynn Terista

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the effects of nutrition on student achievement. The subjects were a transitional kindergarten class, ages 5-6, who took part in a 3-week experimental study.

Each week the subjects were instructed to perform a cognitive task directly following a treatment. Week 1, the cognitive task was performed following a nutritional snack; week 2, the cognitive task was performed following a non-nutritional snack; and week 3, a cognitive task was performed without any snack at all.

The results indicated that the findings for each week were not statistically significant: F (1,13)=213.86, …

Public Service Announcements For Broadcast Television: A Guide For Non-Profit Agencies, Karen Anne Jess

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of preparing this guide was to create a reference for non-profit agencies to assist in creating a public service announcement for broadcast television. The author assumed that non-profit agencies are often working with no budget and the quality of the prepared PSAs is unacceptable. Also, the techniques used to create and distribute the announcements are incorrect. Since public service announcements are key to reaching a large audience for little or no money, the author felt it essential to create a reference for non-profit agencies to guide them in the production of their public service announcements. The primary research …

Cybercrisis Management: Handling Crises At The Speed Of Light, Thomas Stanley Jason

Theses and Dissertations

This study's purpose was to compile information on how to handle different types of cybercrises and compile them into an easy to use guide for experienced public relations professionals. The data search included library and Internet searches for information on handling cybercrises. Additionally, an e-mail survey was sent out to on-line public relations personnel to determine their experience with cybercrises. From that survey, professionals who stated that they have handled cybercrises were interviewed via e-mail.

The study determined that 20 percent of those surveyed had faced a cybercrisis. The study determined that the most important parts of cybercrisis management were …

Understanding Students With Diabetes: A Communication Handbook For High Schools, Karen M. Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

Effective communication between students with diabetes and school personnel is essential to the well-being of the student. The author conducted this study to identify the needs, feelings, and behaviors of students with diabetes.

The author performed literature searches and conducted informal, qualitative research techniques to obtain information for the handbook. The author conducted telephone interviews with seven nurses from selected counties in Southern New Jersey. The author asked the nurses questions about diabetes management in their schools. The author also questioned 15 students with diabetes regarding communication efforts with the school, signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugars, …

New Jersey Municipalities' Methods For Building Non-Emergency Community Relations, Lizabeth Miller Galantino

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of conducting this study was to record the various methods of community relations held in New Jersey municipalities between January 1 and December 31, 1999.

A literature search was conducted; an original mail survey distributed to 210 mayors statewide; data was analyzed and presented in a quantitative format.

The following major conclusions were drawn:

A. If given an unlimited amount of funding, direct mail is conceived as the most effective way to publicize events and projects.

B. Newspapers were reported as the most effective, measurable publicity tool to get exposure for events and projects.

C. Mayors play a …

Rapid Sample Preparation Methods For Use With High -Speed Gas Chromatography., Robert Wesley Current

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid sample preparation schemes for analysis of high humidity gas and aqueous samples by high speed gas chromatography (HSGC) are described in this dissertation. Sample preparation methods are known to be a limiting factor in HSGC analysis. Most notably, cryointegrating HSGC instruments have been limited to the analysis of dry gas samples. This dissertation addresses known limitations, and provides methods for expanding the use of cryointegrating HSGC to high humidity gas samples, as well as samples in an aqueous matrix. Cryointegrating HSGC was used to monitor the efficiency and changes in activity of a biofiltration apparatus. This was done by …

Group Supervision: A Qualitative Examination., Pamela Rae Hilber

Theses and Dissertations

Group supervision is a frequently used modality for training counselors. Past publications have described the advantages and disadvantages of group supervision and have constructed models to conduct group supervision. Yet very little is known regarding participants' experiences of group supervision. This study addressed the experience of group supervision for counselor trainees in the academic setting. Utilizing qualitative methodology, participants described their experiences and their perception of the link between participation in group supervision and service delivery to clients. Fourteen Master of Arts Counseling students at a Midwestern public university were interviewed about their experiences and observations of their supervisory group. …

The Effects Of Acute Alcohol Intoxication On The Cognitive Performance Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Controls., Stephanie Marie Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

A decreased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol has been consistently demonstrated in adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) and has been hypothesized as a predictor of future risk of alcoholism. The present study investigated whether family history of alcoholism would influence response to alcohol on a number of cognitive tasks. ACAs and controls were administered either a dose of alcohol in the form of 1.25 ml/kg body weight of absolute ethanol or placebo and subjected to the FAS test of word fluency, the Sternberg memory scanning task, a reaction time task, a test of prose memory, the WAIS-R Digit Span …

The Role Of Acetaldehyde In The Pathogenesis Of Alcoholic Heart Muscle Disease., Qiangrong Liang

Theses and Dissertations

Alcohol abuse is a major health problem in the United States with 14 million people affected. Long term alcohol abuse leads to alcoholic heart muscle disease (AHMD) in one third of alcoholics. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain alcohol's damaging effects on the heart but neither the mechanism nor the ultimate toxin has been established. The principal candidates for the specific toxin are alcohol, acetaldehyde and fatty acid ethyl esters. In order to test the hypothesis that acetaldehyde, the major oxidative metabolite of ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), is the specific toxin responsible for AHMD, seven lines of transgenic …

Employee Efficiency: A Case Study Of Former Welfare Mothers, Julie Kozempel

Theses and Dissertations

Welfare is a social phenomenon that comes with a variety of stigmas and stereotypes. Recipients are often categorized as lazy, uneducated and socially unacceptable.

Recently, corporations and whole regions are unable to find the qualified labor force they need. This researcher will discover whether ex-welfare recipients make worthy hires, thereby reversing stereotypes and furthering efficiency in the workplace.

A major component of employee relations involves retaining good employees who will extend the company's good image. Image and profits matter to CEO's who worry about the second bottom line. After reading this study, public relations practitioners can approach the CEO and …

Communicating Special Education Student Performance, Michael C. Dicken

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to develop effective methods and strategies of communicating special education student progress to the student's parent and school district representatives. The research problem was posed in two questions. (1) What are the effective methods of reporting special education student progress to their parents and school district representatives? (2) Are the current methods of interpersonal communication between special education teachers and the parents of those students promoting academic and behavioral growth within the student population?

Approximately 150 subjects were involved in this project. These subjects were special education teachers, parents of special education students, and …

A School Discipline Plan, Thomas J. Campo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a comprehensive school discipline plan in an elementary school setting where no definitive discipline plan previously existed. This study will take place at the Charles L. Spragg School in Egg Harbor City. C.L. Spragg is a Pre-K to grade 4 school with approximately 375 students from diverse multi-cultural backgrounds. The study will focus around the development and use of a comprehensive disciplinary referral form. This form will serve as the research instrument as data analysis will be bases on the total number of forms completed by teachers during the time …

An Administrative Internship Experience At Maple Shade Junior/Senior High School, Maple Shade, New Jersey, 1999-2000, Frank Jankowski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a plan that would allow teachers in the junior high at Maple Shade High School to incorporate technology into their lessons on a more consistent basis. The use of technology would improve learning and better prepare our students for the future.

The intern used interview and survey as data gathering techniques for the project. The intern brought meaning to the data through a thorough analysis of interview responses. Also, surveys were collected, coded, and analyzed.

Teacher preparation and prior teaching experience were cited as reasons behind the fear of technology. Staff claimed …