Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Alexandra Smola, Lauren Hurley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has positive health related outcomes in children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 10-week THR intervention on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with developmental disabilities. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and the physical stress theory guided the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design (N=20) was implemented with a 10-week THR class at a riding center in Midwest United States. The first research question was: In children with developmental disabilities ages 5 to 18, does one 10-week session of THR affect balance? With time 1 balance mean at …

Suicide Prevention: The Professional And Moral Responsibilities Of The Speech-Language Pathologist, Madelyn Anderson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible connection between suicide and stuttering, identify warning signs and risk factors of suicide as they apply to our clients, and examine the moral implications and professional responsibilities of speech-language pathologists as they pertain to suicide prevention. From the research I conducted, I found that, as a whole, the national community of speech-language pathologists does not recognize any correlation between stuttering and suicide. However, as dictated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Code of Ethics, we as speech-language pathologists are obligated to make referrals outside of our profession as the need …

A Systematic Review: Effects Of Psychosocial Interventions On Outcomes In Refugee Adolescents Resettled In The Us, Canada, And The Uk, Lauren Herr, Halle Kurtz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

Problem: The number of refugee and displaced people in the United States (US) increases annually. Because of trauma in countries of origin, they may have mental health problems and disrupted adjustments during resettlement, resulting in problems with refugee adolescents and their quality of life, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and overall well-being.

Purpose: To describe and appraise evidence about the effects of psychosocial interventions in refugee adolescents resettled in the US.

Methods: Studies from US, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK) were identified in four databases. Inclusion criteria included: primary studies, children and/or adolescents, psychosocial health interventions, and refugees.

Review of …

You Shouldn't Be Reading These, Taylor Jacobs

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research was based on an introspective view of one's inner dialogue and the science behind when it came into existence for all of us, and why we continue to use it as adults

Artist Statement:

This body of work originated in the shower, where my best and worst thoughts are conjured. My constant stream of thoughts are typically about the connections I have with the people in my life- friends, family, people no longer in my life, and those who have passed. I consistently try to organize my thoughts and feelings.

Some friendships are constant and stable, and I …

Smart Tail-Light System, Julia Wood, Donald G. Haiss

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Vehicle Research, 29% of all vehicle accidents are rear end collisions. Many are a result of failure to respond to a slowing or stopped vehicle. [1] The purposed LED rear lighting system will incorporate attention getting techniques to increase vehicle visibility to other drivers. Due to the small size and stature of the 2015 human powered vehicle called Joey, it will be out of the ordinary when traveling on roadways. “Three in four (72%) bicyclists who rode after dark said they tried to do something to make themselves more visible.” …

Practical Implications Of Learning From Unsuccessful Retrieval Attempts, Ann C. Rossmiller, James R. Houston

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Recent findings suggest that retesting oneself facilitates better learning than studying alone. Building off previous experiments where correcting participants has significantly increased correctness, the current study furthers our understanding about learning from unsuccessful retrieval attempts by manipulating the frequency of correction. Using a set of 42 associated word pairings, each participant was exposed to two blocks where they would memorize the word pairs. This was followed by two quizzing blocks and a final exam block where participants were asked to write down the associate to the stimulus presented on screen. Frequency of correction was manipulated during the quizzing blocks where …

Ann Arbor And The Ann Arbor Public Schools: A Cultural Geography, Lisa R. Anglin

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the persisting disparity in academic achievement between Caucasian and African American students within the Ann Arbor Public School District. This research analyzed the historical and geographical evolution of the city of Ann Arbor, specific to the organization of its public schools. This study sought to define the dominant cultural groups of Ann Arbor, how they evolved, as well as how they migrated to the region. In addition, a critical component of this study was to explain the relationship between the cultural geography of Ann Arbor and structure of the school organization, which …

A Review Of Secondary Mathematics Textbooks On Families Of Functions, Emily Nyszczy

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In 2008, twelve commonly used textbooks were studied for their use of technology and content across 5 families of functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Since 2008, the Common Core State Standards have been released and many textbook companies have used this as an opportunity to change their textbook content. This study reevaluates new high school algebra and precalculus textbooks across many of the same criterion studied in 2008. Some topics such as increasing and decreasing functions significantly increased their presence in the mathematics textbooks while topics such as sketching graphs has decreased. The reason for this shift in …

Young Adult Fiction Writing In The Classroom: Emily’S Investigation And Insights, Emily Westfall

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores the field of young adult literature, while also discovering the creative writing process required to develop a young adult novel. The project is organized into three separate parts. Part One focuses on young adult writers and the literature they create, along with the benefits of using these novels in a high school classroom. To benefit my future career as a future writing teacher, I researched the process required to write a fiction novel, specifically one in the young adult genre. Within this section, sources are cited such as experienced teachers and the scholarship on young adult literature. …

The Association Between Cognitive Function And Objective Adherence To Dietary Sodium Guidelines In Patients With Heart Failure., Mary A Dolansky, Julie T Schaefer, Misty Aw Hawkins, John Gunstad, Anup Basuray, Joseph D Redle, James C Fang, Richard A Josephson, Shirley M Moore, Joel W Hughes

Heart and Vascular Articles

BACKGROUND: Although cognitive impairment is common in heart failure (HF) patients, its effects on sodium adherence recommendations are unknown.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to examine if cognitive function is associated with patient sodium adherence.

METHODS: Sodium collection/excretion and cognitive function were assessed for 339 HF patients over a 5-8-week period. Neuropsychological testing was performed at baseline (Visit 1), whereas two 24-hour urine samples were collected within 7 weeks postbaseline. The ability to collect two 24-hour urine samples and the estimation of sodium excretion levels from these samples were used to estimate sodium adherence recommendations.

RESULTS: Nearly half (47%) of the …

Palatable Help: Experiences Of Food Insecurity In A Suburban Environment, Tannya L. Forcone

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Food insecurity is a ubiquitous and stigmatized, equal-opportunity threat to community health. Irregular access to nutritious foods impacts both physical and emotional well-being. Food insecurity is burgeoning in the suburbs. Economic hardships of the recession have impacted families that were previously middle class, and in this environment, food insecurity is often hidden and unacknowledged with unique challenges and coping strategies. This ethnographic study in the Midwestern U.S. examines the intersection of poverty and shame associated with diminished household resources. The research considers solutions and applications beyond food provisioning that can reverse negative emotional impact on individuals while stabilizing the community.

The Effects Race And Socioeconomic Status Have On Infant Mortality Rates, Gabrielle Schramm

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper is going to look at the role that race and socioeconomic status play in infant mortality. While we have made progress, there is still a huge difference between the infant mortality rate for black women than white women and people who have a lower socioeconomic status are much more likely to suffer from infant mortality than people who have a higher socioeconomic status. I used data from outside sources to help create charts that will clearly illustrate the difference in infant mortality rate in regards to race and socioeconomic status. The data will show that African American women …

To Trade Or Not To Trade: Public Opinion And Trade Liberalization In Chile, Nicholas J. Surkala Ii

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Public opinion polling has been a major source of information regarding opinion data from respondents within a geographical area. Trade liberalization, or reducing barriers to trade, has been a source of controversy throughout history, more recently since the world has globalized. In this paper, four social factors will be analyzed based on responses to public opinion questions to determine if these factors influence people’s opinions on trade liberalization. Chile has been used as a model for successful trade liberalization in Latin America, and is the country analyzed in this paper.

The public opinion data gathered from Latino Barometer surveys will …

Peer Tutoring In Physical Education: A Review Of Evidence-Based Practices, Kanica Yiep

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Including students with disabilities in physical education may cause many challenges such as having teachers who are not properly trained to include students with various disabilities. The active nature of the environment and needs of students with disabilities may require extra assistance in addition to having a physical education teacher. Although there are many challenges to include students with disabilities into a general physical education class research demonstrates inclusion is beneficial for students with and without disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to review research on peer tutoring in physical education and to discuss evidence-based practices for implementation of …

The Effectiveness Of Physical Activity Interventions On Young Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis, Adam Nacario

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Objective: The purpose of the study is to examine the efficacy of physical activity interventions and practices on psychomotor, cognitive, or affective outcomes on young individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Methods: Standard meta-analytical procedures determining inclusion criteria, literature searches in electronic databases, coding procedures, and statistical methods were used to identify and synthesize articles retained for analysis. Cohen’s d (1988) will be utilized in order to interpret effect sizes and quantify research findings. The impact was assessed using coding procedures that categorize independent variables.

Results: A total of 23 independent samples (N=896) were utilized in this analysis. Results …

Concept Analysis: Music Therapy, Carolyn J. Murrock, Abir K. Bekhet

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Down through the ages, music has been universally valued for its therapeutic properties based on the psychological and physiological responses in humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of the psychological and physiological responses to music have been poorly identified and defined. Without clarification, a concept can be misused, thereby diminishing its importance for application to nursing research and practice. The purpose of this article was for the clarification of the concept of music therapy based on Walker and Avant’s concept analysis strategy. A review of recent nursing and health-related literature covering the years 2007–2014 was performed on the concepts of music, …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Diagnosis And Prognosis-Related Communication: An Integrative Review, Amy Rose Newman

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Disclosure of diagnostic and prognostic information has become the standard in the United States and increasingly around the world. Disclosure is generally identified as the responsibility of the physician. However, nurses are active participants in the process both intentionally and inadvertently. If not included in initial discussions regarding diagnosis and prognosis, the nurse may find it challenging to openly support the patient and family.

Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize published literature regarding nurses’ perceptions and experiences with diagnosis and prognosis-related communication.

Methods: The Whittemore and Knafl method guided the integrative review process. …

Exploring Student, Family, And School Predictors Of Self-Determination Using Nlts2 Data, Karrie A. Shogren, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Chantelle Dowsett, Todd D. Little

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This study conducted secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) to examine the degree to which student, family, and school constructs predicted self-determination outcomes. Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to examine predictive relationships between 5 student, 4 family, and 7 school constructs developed from NLTS2 data and self-determination outcomes (autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization) across disability groups. The pattern of predictive relationship between the constructs and self-determination outcomes across disability groups was complex. Only one construct—self-concept—showed a positive predictive relationship with all three self-determination constructs across most disability groups. Implications of the complex pattern of …

Latina Adolescents' Perspectives On Relationships, Kristin Haglund, Ruth Ann Belknap, Juanita Terrie Garcia, Aimee A. Woda, John O'Hara

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To explore adolescent Latinas’ perspectives on relationships and generate knowledge to inform interventions. Setting: Seven Latina adolescents participated. Design: This qualitative study was guided by principles of community-based participatory research and utilized the photovoice method. Method: Participants took photos depicting elements of relationships and participated in guided discussions. They identified and named five elements of healthy relationships. Results: The five elements included commitment, communication, faith, amigos y amores (friends and lovers) and play. These elements occur across all forms of relationships. Conclusion: The results revealed important information that may be used to tailor health promotion interventions for Latina/o youth.

Thinking Positively: Optimism And Emotion Regulation Predict Interpretation Of Ambiguous Information, Nakia S. Gordon, Samantha A. Chesney, Katherine Reiter

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

The way individuals interpret their worlds is influenced by emotion and its regulation. Indeed, negative affect typically increases negative interpretations of ambiguous stimuli and may have a role in dysfunctional psychosocial function. Yet, it is not currently known whether explicit and implicit emotion regulation can counteract this effect. To address this question, undergraduates (N = 103) used cognitive reappraisal under angry and control mood states to disambiguate sentences by selecting either a neutral, positive, or negative word. While explicit cognitive reappraisal decreased negative affect, it had no effect on interpretation of ambiguity. Still, reported use of reappraisal predicted decreased …

Pilot Testing Behavior Therapy For Chronic Tic Disorders In Neurology And Developmental Pediatrics Clinics, Emily J. Ricketts, Donald L. Gilbert, Samuel H. Zinner, Jonathan W. Mink, Tara D. Lipps, Geoffrey A. Wiegand, Amy E. Vierhile, Laura J. Ely, John Piacentini, John T. Walkup, Douglas W. Woods

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an efficacious treatment with limited regional availability. As neurology and pediatric clinics are often the first point of therapeutic contact for individuals with tics, the present study assessed preliminary treatment response, acceptability, and feasibility of an abbreviated version, modified for child neurology and developmental pediatrics clinics. Fourteen youth (9-17) with Tourette disorder across 2 child neurology clinics and one developmental pediatrics clinic participated in a small case series. Clinician-rated tic severity (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) decreased from pre- to posttreatment, z = –2.0, P < .05, r = –.48, as did tic-related impairment, z …

An Empirical Examination Of Symptom Substitution Associated With Behavior Therapy For Tourette's Disorder, Alan L. Peterson, Joseph F. Mcguire, Sabine Wilhelm, John Piacentini, Douglas W. Woods, John T. Walkup, John P. Hatch, Robert Villarreal, Lawrence Scahill

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Over the past six decades, behavior therapy has been a major contributor to the development of evidence-based psychotherapy treatments. However, a long-standing concern with behavior therapy among many nonbehavioral clinicians has been the potential risk for symptom substitution. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate symptom substitution in response to behavioral treatments, largely due to measurement and definitional challenges associated with treated psychiatric symptoms. Given the overt motor and vocal tics associated with Tourette’s disorder, it presents an excellent opportunity to empirically evaluate the potential risk for symptom substitution associated with behavior therapy. The present study examined the possible presence …

Personality Characteristics And Experiential Avoidance In Trichotillomania: Results From An Age And Gender Matched Sample, Chad T. Wetterneck, Eric B. Lee, Christopher A. Flessner, Rachel C. Leonard, Douglas W. Woods

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Despite its prevalence and a growing body of research, significant gaps remain in the knowledge of trichotillomania (TTM). The current study sought to address this issue by examining personality characteristics, impulsivity, and experiential avoidance of those with TTM compared to an age and gender matched sample. 56 Female participants (28 with TTM and 28 non-clinical age-matched controls) completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ). Paired-sample t-tests compared each of the 28 individuals who met criteria for TTM to an age and gender matched individual who did not meet criteria …

Assessing Impairment In Childhood Adhd: Validation Of The Parent And Teacher Adhd-Fx Rating Scale In A Dual-Site Clinical Sample, Lauren M. Haack, Kelsey Gonring, Michael Harris, Alyson C. Gerdes, Linda Pfiffner

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: The current study sought to establish psychometric properties of the ADHD-FX (a culturally sensitive measure designed to assess functional impairment related to ADHD) in a dual-site clinical sample. Method: We analyzed patient charts of 67 children (47 boys and 20 girls, ages 5 to 15 years) receiving comprehensive assessments from two university-based ADHD clinics. Results: The parent and teacher ADHD-FX rating scales demonstrated good psychometric properties via adequate reliability (Cronbach’s α > .70), convergent construct validity (significant correlations with majority of theoretically related measures), and divergent construct validity (insignificant correlations with majority of theoretically unrelated measures). Conclusion: Results extend upon …

Strengths, Narrative, And Resilience: Restorying Resilience Research, Sherry L. Hamby, Victoria Banyard, John H. Grych

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To envision a path toward a more strengths-based approach to violence research, prevention, and intervention—a path that focuses on thriving and resilience. Key Points: Both the content and the process of research need to change if we are to transform our efforts to understand and overcome adversity. Greater focus on strengths and the achievement of well-being despite adversity is 1 important avenue; focusing on the narrative and the power of story is another important path. However, merely shifting the focus of traditional research and scholarly efforts is not enough. At another level of analysis, the field needs communication across …

Exercise Training And Functional Connectivity Changes In Mild Cognitive Impairment And Healthy Elders, Theresa J. Chirles, Katherine Reiter, Lauren R. Weiss, Alfonso J. Alfini, Kristy A. Nielson, J. Smith Carson

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Effective interventions are needed to improve brain function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus is a hub of the default mode network (DMN) and is preferentially vulnerable to disruption of functional connectivity in MCI and AD. Objective: We investigated whether 12 weeks of aerobic exercise could enhance functional connectivity of the PCC/precuneus in MCI and healthy elders. Methods: Sixteen MCI and 16 healthy elders (age range = 60–88) engaged in a supervised 12-week walking exercise intervention. Functional MRI was acquired at rest; the PCC/precuneus was used as a …

Validation Of The Vaccination Confidence Scale: A Brief Measure To Identify Parents At Risk For Refusing Adolescent Vaccines, Melissa Gilkey, Paul Reiter, Brooke E. Magnus, Annie-Laurie Mcree, Amanda F. Dempsey, Joseph M. Brewer

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To validate a brief measure of vaccination confidence using a large, nationally representative sample of parents.

Methods

We analyzed weighted data from 9018 parents who completed the 2010 National Immunization Survey–Teen, an annual, population-based telephone survey. Parents reported on the immunization history of a 13- to 17-year-old child in their households for vaccines including tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines. For each vaccine, separate logistic regression models assessed associations between parents' mean scores on the 8-item Vaccination Confidence Scale and vaccine refusal, vaccine delay, and vaccination status. We repeated analyses for the scale's 4-item …

Nursing Faculty Reports Of Their Intention To Design Instruction To Support Student Learning In Community College Classrooms, Ann-Marie Evans

Nursing Faculty Publications

The purpose of this exploratory case study was to describe community college nursing faculty members' reports of their intention to design instruction to support learning for a broad range of students in their classrooms. Specifically, Ajzen's (1985) Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was the conceptual framework used to analyze nursing faculty members' reports of their attitudes, normative beliefs, and control beliefs related to the three Universal Design for Learning (CAST, 2011) principles. Ajzen theorized that individuals base their behaviors on intention and intentions are based on the individuals' attitudes toward the behavior, their perceptions of how others wanted them to …

A Grounded Theory Analysis Of The Functions Of Pro-Ana Social Media Accounts, Kate Happel Krautbauer

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Anorexia nervosa is an extremely dangerous eating disorder whose etiology has recently been examined in relation to difficulties in emotion regulation. The phenomenon of pro-anorexia (pro-ana) on social media sites and websites has also received recent attention; however, the functions served by these pro-ana accounts are not well understood. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the possible functions of these accounts, particularly with regard to emotion regulation, through the use of a Grounded Theory analysis. An emotion expression function was supported in this analysis, in addition to seven other functions: defining anorexia as a lifestyle, identity, or disease; discussion …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lauren M. Hurley, Alexandra Smola

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The prevalence of developmental disabilities in children in the United States is a serious problem. Since children with developmental disabilities often show decreased self-efficacy and balance, researchers have studied the effects of interventions in this population. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a 10-week THR session on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with physical disabilities ages 6 to 18 years old. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and The Physical Stress Theory will guide the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design will be implemented over a 12 week span at 3 different riding centers in the …