Digital Commons Network^™

Using Stakeholder Comments To Inform Further Development Of The North Dakota Child Welfare System Of Care, Jennifer Ann Boeckel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Behaviors Of The Home Health Nurse Towards The Patient And Influence On Medication Compliance, Rhoda A. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Ins And Outs Of School Provider Literature: A Multi-Year Content Analysis On Lgbt Youth, Caitlin Conor Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

This study is based on a content analysis of two primary sources: 1) literature published on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in professional journals for school providers (school counselors, nurses, psychologists and social workers) over more than a 30-year period; and 2) materials developed for school providers on LGBT youth by states with laws, regulations and professional policies related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity in schools. Fifteen professional journals were identified that serve as primary and secondary journals for school providers. A total of 41 articles were published in these journals on LGBT youth between 1937 and …

Child Care Decision Making Among Parents Of Young Children: A Constructivist Inquiry, Kathleen Albright Didden

Theses and Dissertations

In order to understand parents' child care decision making for young children (under 6), this interpretive research interviewed 24 parents and 7 child care professionals from a mid-sized region in Virginia. Using a constructivist research design, the research question explored how parents make child care decisions. Working hypotheses focused the data collection on the role of experience in shaping parents' preferences, the relationship between family needs and child care decisions, and the interactions with family and child care services. The research product is a narrative case study. Child care decision making is conceptualized as an ongoing process bounded by the …

Conceptualizing Hoarding Behavior Among Elderly Women: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Susan Jan Murdock

Theses and Dissertations

Hoarding in the community involves substantial cluttering and impaired functioning, often exposing the hoarder to extensive health and safety risks. This research, based on Functionalism social theory, explores the three elements of hoarding—relentless acquisition, intense possessiveness of objects, and a reluctance to discard possessions—as a sociocultural phenomenon. The mixed methods methodology entailed a quantitative study involving a survey completed by 134 adult protective services workers throughout Virginia and a qualitative study of five randomly-selected adult protective services workers who volunteered for in-depth interviews.Findings revealed that adult protective services workers come in contact with very severe cases of hoarding, with over …

Individualistic Roamers Or Community Builders?:Differences And Boundaries Among Rvers, Gloria Anne Mattingly

Theses and Dissertations

The number of leisure and working RVers roaming America?s highways, now conservatively estimated at over eight million, continues to increase (Curtin 2001; Sommer 2003). In spite of their growing presence and unique lifestyle, these populations remain sociologically understudied. This exploratory case study of two distinctly different RV parks is a small but significant step toward filling that research gap. At both RV parks I found a diverse population of individualists who value self-contained travel, freedom, relaxation, and sociality. In spite of sharing a collective, subcultural lifestyle, they differed along multiple axes. Marked differences separate RVers into three broad groups (full-timers, …

Proposal For Implementation Of A Nursing Theory Into Nursing Care Delivery, Margaret A. Gadaire

Theses and Dissertations

Jean Watson, in the introduction to her book, Nursing: Human Science and Human Care: A Theory of Nursing, states that “A Theory is an imaginative grouping of knowledge, ideas and experience that are represented symbolically and seek to illuminate a given phenomenon. ” (1999, pg.l) The phenomenon in this proposal is nursing care delivery. The symbol of nursing is caring. The question; How does a hospital implement a patient care delivery system that will demonstrate the caring provided by its nurses? This proposal provides a mid-sized urban hospital with a method for implementing a nursing theory into its patient care …

How Virtues And Values Affect Marital Intimacy, Natalie Jan Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand how virtues and values affect marital intimacy. Ten married couples were given a marital satisfaction assessment and participated as individuals in 1-1/2 hour interviews which were audiotaped and then transcribed. Using grounded theory and also the constant comparative method, researchers were able to generate a theory involving a core theme of showing love for self and other, which strongly contributes to increased intimacy. This process is connected to living virtues and to becoming other-oriented. Two different ways of "being" were found to be connected both with showing love, living virtues, increasing …

How To Create A Successful Team Teaching Partnership, Travis Haskins

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that there is a movement towards inclusion and team teaching in schools throughout the nation. This movement has not only affected the students who are being mainstreamed, but the teachers who are now co-teaching these classrooms. This study used questionnaires, teacher interviews, and a teacher research journal to sample a southern New Jersey elementary school. The participants' responses provided insights to answer the question "How do teachers create a successful team teaching partnership?" The study suggests criteria for successful teams and discusses possible barriers which may hinder effective teaching partnerships. The four main themes which emerged from …

Occupational Stress In Child Protection Social Workers, Kristina M. Narcum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine if social workers in a child protection agency report greater levels of stress than individuals working in other professions. Paper-and-pencil versions of the Pressure Management Indicator (PMI) questionnaire were distributed to all participants as a measure of occupational stress. Participants' responses were analyzed using an independent samples t-test to examine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the responses of the two groups. There were significant findings in nine out of twenty-four subscales of the PMI. The results from these areas show that the social workers feel more insecure about …

Perceptions Of North Dakota Registered Nurses Regarding Advance Directives, Nichole A. Fritel

Theses and Dissertations

One of the functions of nurses is to assist individuals to achieve a peaceful death. In order to fulfill this role, patient end-of-life wishes must be communicated to family members and health care providers. Since passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) in 1990, advance directives have served as the legal vehicle and communication tool for bringing about an understanding of these wishes, should the patient be unable to competently speak for him/herself. Unfortunately, although the majority of Americans favor the provisions that living wills and health care powers of attorney contain, only a small fraction actually complete advance directives. …

Domestic Violence Screening Education And Implementation In Nursing Station In Northern Manitoba, Sherie Anne Wray

Theses and Dissertations

Domestic violence (DV) has been around for many years. Today and for the last several decades, it had become increasingly known as a large social problem. This project gave the nurses working in the federal nursing stations of isolated northern Manitoba information and education on DV. The aim of this project was to improve the nurses' ability to screen, detect, communicate, support, and refer victims ofDV to the appropriate resources. This project was based on two parts: an education package and a telephone conference that took place with the nursing stations . The education package consisted of a variety of …

What Impact Does An Attendance Incentive Program Have On Student Attendance?, Marilyn Cosme

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an attendance incentive program on the attendance of students in a small, rural elementary school setting. The methodology of the study consisted of collecting attendance data from the previous school year. The data were then compared to the attendance data from the current school year. During the previous school year there was no attendance incentive program. During the present school year an attendance incentive program was created and promoted by the school. The study was conducted on the entire student population in a New Jersey elementary school that housed …

The Effects Of Direct Supervision On Therapist Behavior: A Functional Analysis, Shawn L. Thurber

Theses and Dissertations

Live (Direct) Supervision has always been key to training therapists. However, little research has been done to determine which type of direct supervision is most effective in changing therapist behavior. This study compared bug-in-the-ear (BITE), phone-in, and computer assisted (CA) supervision. The purpose of this study was to (a) complete functional analysis of each supervision type via an alternating feedback session, to determine each therapists' most effective form of supervision; (b) determine the effect of using the most-effective form of supervision on the therapists' adherence to treatment protocols during follow-up sessions; (c) determine the effect of therapist adherence on client …

The Financial Feasibility Of Marriage For Women Receiving Tanf: An Analysis Of Six States, Sally Margaret Brocksen

Theses and Dissertations

This project employed a descriptive case study methodology guided by rational choice theory to examine the financial feasibility of marriage for low income women. By modeling the income and expenses of eight different low income family types in six states (Arizona, California, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin) this study illustrates the financial situation of various low income families. The family types under investigation include: a single parent family, a family receiving TANF, cohabiting couple with two wage earners, cohabiting couple with one wage earner, a married family with two wage earners, a married couple with one wage earner, a …

An Undergraduate Theatre History Course Design Utilizing Problem-Based Learning, Mary Alice Blackwell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was written to provide an alternative teaching model for an undergraduate theatre history class. The course design, utilizing the Problem-Based Learning educational model, aims to create a student-centered, experiential theatre history class. The first section explores the history and evolution of the theatre discipline in academia. These chapters examine the expansion and transformation of the theatre curriculum within the discipline and higher education. The second part examines the history and the methodologies of Problem-Based Learning. Based on the philosophy of educator John Dewey, PBL is considered to be a non-traditional method of teaching and learning that encourages the …

Addiction And Recovery Experiences Of African American Women: A Phenomenological Study, Patricia Diana Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, substance abuse research has for the most part excluded African American women. The small body of existing substance abuse research regarding African American women does not examine gender and socio-cultural issues from African American women's perspectives. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to develop a deeper, contextual understanding of the experiences and perspectives of this marginalized population of women. The major goal of the study is to examine the perspectives of African American women about their substance abuse, treatment and recovery. The knowledge gained from this research with African American women regarding their experiences and specific needs in …

The Internet World Of Fan Fiction, Melissa Jean Herzing

Theses and Dissertations

Fan fiction, the most popular creative outlet for fans, allows the amateur writer an opportunity to be published and receive immediate feedback from peers. As educators, we can learn from the fan communities as they participate in online activities, especially fan fiction. Students are more likely to embrace entertaining and creative assignments. And since much of the world is linked to the Internet in one way or another, we can allow students an opportunity to not only improve their writing skills, but also enhance their knowledge of the Internet and its capabilities. My study included online interviews with fan fiction …

Social Ministry, Congregations, And The Faith Based Initiative, Ruth L. Reimer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose for this exploratory research was to find out to what extent Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) church members from a midsize Midwest City perceive social ministry programs as a priority within their church and to identify priority populations with whom they would like to see their church serve. Priority areas of service listed by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (at risk youth, ex-offenders, homeless, hungry, substance abusers, people with HIV/AIDS, welfare to work families) were used as a framework in developing categories and used for comparisons.

A survey was distributed to a total …

Reducing The Use Of Seclusions And Restraints In A Residential Treatment Center For Children, Stephanie L. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Fourteen children participated in this study to examine if specific or clusters of interventions are able to reduce the ultimate outcome of the use of seclusion and restraint in a residential treatment center. The purpose of this study was also to develop an increased knowledge in alternative treatment methods for reducing the use of seclusion and restraint. A modified single subject research design, utilizing multiple baselines across behaviors and individuals was used to examine least restrictive and restrictive interventions. The results indicated that the utilization of least restrictive interventions increased by the time children were discharged and the use of …

Intercultural Knowledge And Skills In Social Service Work With Refugees: Perspectives From Providers And Recipients Of Service, Katherine Amy Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examined how social service providers and refugee recipients of public social services in a small city in an upper mid-western state described the intercultural knowledge and skills they felt were necessary for effective provision of services to refugees. The study sought to add to a body of knowledge related to the concept of “cultural competence,” a concept that has received increasing attention in human service fields over the past twenty years. Lum (1999) describes cultural competence as an outcome goal “related to the master of cultural awareness, knowledge acquisition, skill development, and inductive learning” (p. 12). …

Bias In Perceptions Of Parenting Roles: Analysis Of Gender And Socioeconomic Status, Krislea E. Wegner

Theses and Dissertations

After industrialization in the United States, men primarily moved from the farm to the workplace, leaving women responsible for the children and maintaining the household alone. This arrangement contributed to the so called "tender years" doctrine, which suggested that mothers were better caretakers of the children and should therefore receive sole custody. The preference for mothers continued until the 1960's, after the women's liberation movement, when a large portion of women moved from the home into the workforce. State statutes were later changed to establish gender-neutrality for the purposes of determining custody decisions and suggested the custody of children should …

Traumatic Brain Injury: Personal Experience With Employment Services, And Supports Rural North Dakota, Robin F. Medalen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Using The Personality Type System To Assess Personality Types Of Social Workers, Stephanie Anne Canal

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a tendency for a certain personality type among social workers. Sixty-four social workers were given the Personality Type System and a demographics information sheet. The Personality Type System is a self-report inventory that categorizes personality on four scales: extraversion/introversion, sensation/intuition, thinking/feeling, and perceiving/judging. The demographics information sheet categorized the participants in five areas: gender, age, marital status, childhood family dynamics, and years of social work experience. The scores and categories were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations. The personality test scores indicated that the social workers had …

Factors Influencing The Educational And Occupational Choices Of Women, Jennifer Bertino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine self-efficacy in mathematics and various motivating factors among female college students who choose college majors in traditionally female-dominated fields as compared to those who chose college majors in traditionally male-dominated fields. The Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale and an adapted version of the College Survey were administered to forty-six female college students. Differences between groups in the outcomes of the surveys were measured using a one-way ANOVA for the MSES and a chi-square and gamma test for individual items from the College Survey. The findings were that the MSES indicated differences between the groups …

Three Woman Pioneers In Manitoba: Evidence Of Servant Leadership, Carolyn L. Crippen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Evolution Of A Collaborative Teaching Team In Higher Education, Gail Irene Shimer Bass

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research project is the study of a group of University of North Dakota (UND) faculty who developed and are teaching an innovative interdepartmental, transdisciplinary, pre-service early intervention course and the students who have taken the course. The purpose of this research was to study the perceptions of the faculty and students regarding their experiences with the course. The study was designed to answer the following research questions: 1) What are the dynamics within the faculty collaboration that have led to the success and longevity of this course, and 2) How did this happen and why has it lasted? …

The Efficacy Of Bridging Middle School To High School Programs For The Improvement Of Ninth Grade Performance, Brian Repici

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, at Timber Creek Regional High School, there is no supportive program for entering students and a lack of communication with the sending school district, Gloucester Township. The purpose of this study was to develop a bridge program that would better the transition for students entering into high school using an action research design resulting in evidence to support the need for teacher and student training in eighth and ninth grades. Through teacher training sessions, the intern provided an atmosphere for sharing teaching methodologies and exchanged expectation levels. Achievement loss associated with the transition to high school from middle school …

K-8 Reconfiguration Of A Middle School And Its Impact On The Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment, Samuel C. Hull

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to determine the effectiveness of the reconfiguration of a middle school to a K-8 building and its impact on the eighth grade students and their performance on the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) test using a method of inquiry design. This study addresses (a) the change agents and how to handle them and (b) identifies the components and ramifications of change. Interviews, observations, and the review of material culture were used to conduct the study. The data gathered was compiled in the narrative with information being shown as tables, charts and graphs. The …

Identifying At-Risk Students And Providing Them With Leadership Opportunities To Create A Bullying Prevention Program, Jennifer R. Baldwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a bullying prevention program within Oakcrest High School. The bullying prevention program was established in accordance with the New Jersey State laws on bullying in schools. It was also created to be in accordance with regulations that determine whether or not schools qualify as a safe school.

The program identified at-risk 10^th grade girls who have had a history of discipline issues and bullying type activity during their freshman year. The program provided these students with the opportunity to be leaders within their school community and in our sending districts. In …