Digital Commons Network^™

Diasporic Transnationalism In Zoë Wicomb’S "The One That Got Away" And "October", Aaron Eastley

Faculty Publications

Whereas the early works of South African/Scottish writer Zoë Wicomb delved into racial tensions caused by apartheid, her more recent works excavate diasporic tensions tied to present-day travel and transnationalism. In her 2009 short story collection The One That Got Away and her 2014 novel October, Wicomb presents a series of narratives in which Cape Town and Glasgow collide. In these narratives Wicomb gravitates toward the experiences of mostly middle-class immigrants and visitors, often in later stages of life, operating in the relatively established multiculturalism of today's South Africa and UK. The irony of present-day transnational mobility as Wicomb …

The Value Of A Master’S Degree To Recreation Professionals, Camilla J. Hodge, Brian J. Hill, Christian Brinton

Faculty Publications

This study assessed the nature of the relationship between earning advanced degrees and career outcomes such as salary, job satisfaction, social capital, and human capital among professionals in the parks and recreation field. The sample (n = 196) was drawn from parks and recreation agencies located in the United States. Agencies, excluding educational institutions, were identified via an Internet search for parks and recreation agencies in urban areas. Findings indicated there was a positive relationship between earning a master’s degree and salary. Earning a master’s degree, however, was not significantly related to job satisfaction, social capital, or human capital. Furthermore, …

The Association Between Family Leisure And Family Quality Of Life: A Meta-Analysis Of Data From Parents And Adolescents, Camilla Hodge, Mat D. Duerden, Eric K. Layland, Andrew Lacanienta, Michael C. Goates, Xiaoyue Maggie Niu

Faculty Publications

The body of family leisure research has grown over the past 25 years; however, efforts to quantitatively synthesize that body of literature have not been made. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of published and unpublished literature reporting on parent and adolescent child data regarding shared leisure experiences and family quality-of-life indicators across k=23 articles identified from a broad, systematic search of literature. Using random effects, we measured the associations of (a) family leisure participation with family quality of life and (b) family leisure satisfaction with family quality of life. Results indicated significant associations of small to moderate effect sizes in …

Lexicography In-Your-Face: The Active Semantics Of Pastaza Quichua Ideophones, Janis B. Nuckolls, Tod D. Swanson, Diana Shelton, Alexander Rice, Sarah Hatton

Faculty Publications

English:

We argue that a multimodal approach to defining a depictive class of words called ‘ideophones’ by linguists is essential for grasping their meanings. Our argument for this approach is based on the formal properties of Pastaza Quichua ideophones, which set them apart from the non-ideophonic lexicon, and on the cultural assumptions brought by speakers to their use. We analyze deficiencies in past attempts to define this language’s ideophones, which have used only audio data. We offer, instead, an audiovisual corpus which we call an ‘antidictionary’, because it defines words not with other words, but with clips featuring actual contexts …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions In U.S. Schools-A Systematic Review, Cheryl A Reeves

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

181 pages

Measuring Presence: Hypothetical Quantitative Framework, Krzysztof Szczurowski, Matt Smith

Conference papers

Virtual Reality Head - Mounted Display (HMD) manufacturers claim that consumer electronics can finally deliver a high degree of presence in virtual and remote environments. Certainly, current consumer-grade HMD systems offer rich and coherent mediated experiences of such environments. However, the very concept of presence is still a subject of debate, and researchers' investigation of the phenomenon of `presence' is based primarily on qualitative (i.e. questionnaire-based) assessments. Some researchers attempted to develop real-time, quantitative methods to facilitate more objective investigation of presence in mediated environments. Most such methodologies are derived from attempts to correlate presence with cardiovascular and electrodermal activity …

Perceptions Of Risks And Barriers To Participation In Tourism For The Disabled, David M. A. Fraser

Plymouth Business School Theses

There has been much research on the physical barriers that those with disabilities experience. This research investigates the level of participation of disabled people in tourism and explores the perceptions of risks and barriers to participation in tourism for people with a disability. The barriers that were explored included information, economic, social, physical barriers and the perceptions of risks these barriers cause, within the concept of the 'Social Model‘ of disability (Shaw and Coles, 2004). Data was gathered from a sample group of 149 disabled people through an online survey and through face-to-face survey using paper questionnaires. Analysis of the …

Holistic Approach To The Factors Affecting Individual Investor’S Decision Making In The Gcc Markets: Evidence From Oman And Saudi Arabia, Alamir Nasser Salim Al-Alawi

Plymouth Business School Theses

Behavioural finance studies have documented that investors are subject to psychological factors (cognitive and emotional) and demographic factors (internal), and external factors that make their financial decisions less than fully rational. However, most of these studies have concentrated on developed countries and few on emerging countries. This study is aimed at investigating the internal and external factors that influence individual investors’ financial decision making in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. It contributes to the behavioural finance literature by filling the gaps existing in the GCC countries in particular and emerging countries in general. The study …

Affirmative Action Policy And Labour Market Structure: Evidence From Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alothman

Plymouth Business School Theses

Few public and social policy subjects have attracted as much attention as Affirmative Action Policy (AAP) in social sciences. AAP’s main aim is to eliminate or prevent past discrimination against disadvantaged groups and to enhance their position in society. Its role has become controversial around the world. In Saudi Arabia, despite changes and improvements in laws and strategies, over past decades, to tackle the age-old issue of native unemployment, the problem is still deeply ingrained in society. This research has investigated the role, effectiveness and consequences of AAP on Saudi labour market structure. The research has employed a pragmatic methodology …

A Study Of The Factors Influencing Last Mile Residential Fixed Broadband Pricing In Kentucky, Michael Ramage

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ever since the first telegraph, a technology management challenge has existed to expand the availability of communication services farther into rural and unserved areas, while maintaining the affordability of those services to residential users. Over the years, that challenge has transformed from telegraph to broadband communications or high-speed Internet access. The challenge of affordable expansion of broadband services is seen all across the United States including the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This study examined the extent to which community and provider-related supply and demand factors among last mile residential fixed broadband service areas impact the non-promotional advertised price of last mile …

Emerging Adult Bereavement Experiences After The Death Of A Close Peer, Grissom Dynesha Mason

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the early bereavement experiences of emerging adults (ages 18 to 25) who have lost a close peer to death within the past 24 months. Data for this study were gathered through a semi-structured face-to-face or Skype interview, short essay, demographic questionnaire, member check, and brief field note. Eight African American men and women participated in this study. The majority of their peers died as a result of gun violence. Five themes emerged: (a) emerging adults had prior experiences of bereavement, (b) the extent to which emerging adults felt connected to their …

Exploring Female Stem Learners' Perceptions Of Masculinity As Presented By Male Instructors Of Technology, Chad Clark

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Men dominate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree programs and occupations. Even though many individuals are not cognitively aware of how pervasive hegemonic masculinity is in day-to-day life, the ramifications of the concept are real. This study looks to understand how female STEM students perceive the masculinity of their male STEM instructors and what effect that perception might have on their desire to persist in a STEM program of study. This study assumes a power differential exists between teacher and student. The assumption is supported in literature. Additionally, the classroom management hierarchy wherein the teacher controls the direction for …

Homosexuality As Haram: An Examination Of The Effects Of Gender, Contact, And Religiosity On Sexual Prejudice In Muslim College Students, Amanda T. Yeck

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined how gender, contact, and religiosity influence sexual prejudice in Muslims. Given that the preponderance of research examining attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women has been conducted with Judeo-Christian populations, research exploring sexual prejudice in Muslim individuals is warranted. Social Identity Theory was used as a theoretical framework to explore these factors, as sexual prejudice has been linked with both gender role and moral transgressions. The final sample consisted of 166 heterosexual Muslims, and 12 non-heterosexual Muslims collected through a snowball sample. Participants completed the Multidimensional Scale of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men, the Santa …

School Climate And Positive Behavior Supports, Maria Gray Peek

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the perceived impacts of Positive Behavior Supports (PBIS) on high school climate. The research question was how PBIS impacts school climate. Three Indiana schools with different demographic make-ups matching the criteria of having used PBIS for at least three years were chosen for this research. Semi-structured interviews were held with key personnel at all three schools. Emerging themes for factors affecting perceived effects of PBIS were administrative and teacher turnover, administrator and teacher buy-in, principal leadership, and teacher groups and cliques. Implications included implementing PBIS with turnover in mind, …

Sponsorship, Sobriety, And Spirituality: The Effects Of Sponsorship In Alcoholics Anonymous On Self-Efficacy Related To Abstinence And Other Outcomes, Eve N. Lasswell

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study aimed to contribute to the research base of studies exploring components of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a mutual-aid program whose primary purpose is to help its members maintain sobriety from psychoactive substances. This study concerned itself with sponsorship, a relationship consisting of two alcoholics where one helps the other to work the Twelve Steps of AA and navigate sober life. It was hypothesized that after controlling for gender, income, and involvement in AA, there would be a main effect of sponsorship on psychological well-being (including specific domains of well-being), confidence in refusing drinks, number of daily spiritual experiences, …

The Responsibility To Reflect Your Soul: Expectation, Experience, And Perception Of Quality Of Higher Education From The Perspective Of Saudi Arabian Students At A Midwestern University, Saadi A. Alzahrani

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the expectations, experiences, and perceptions of quality of higher Education from the perspective of Saudi Arabian students at a Midwestern university. The perception of a selected sample of Saudi Arabian students attending for their higher Education in an American institution of higher Education was investigated. The study explored how the Saudi Arabian students at a Midwestern university perceive the notion of higher Education quality. The study included eight Saudi Arabian graduate students at a Midwestern university. In general, the study found the participants to have highly positive perceptions about American higher Education. The participants expected to have …

The Role Of Diagnostic Criteria: Changes In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prevalence, Ruth Viehoff

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) prevalence rates using the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000) and DSM-5 (APA, 2013) diagnostic criteria, while also examining the influence of gender, trauma type, and number of traumas. PTSD may occur following exposure to trauma, and is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and changes in reactivity (APA, 2013). Women have shown higher PTSD prevalence rates than men, and both interpersonal trauma and multiple trauma exposure have been associated with higher rates of PTSD development (Kilpatrick et al., 2013). The DSM-5 PTSD criteria were …

Timed Tests And Math Anxiety As Factors Affecting Elementary School Math Performance, Jonathan Emmons

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study sought to evaluate the effects of timed tests and math anxiety as factors that influence the math performance of second- and fourth-grade students, including evaluating differences based on gender. Relevant literature was reviewed, examining the concept of math anxiety and the effects of timed testing. In the experimental phase, students participated in an age-appropriate math test in either a timed or untimed condition. Each participant also responded to the Childrens Anxiety in Math Scale (Jameson, 2013). Initial results from a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a main effect for gender on math performance, with males performing …

What Are Saudi Students' Perceptions Toward Using Blackboard As A Learning-Management System In United States Universities?, Ghadeer Alsobahi

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate Saudi students perceptions toward Blackboard as a Learning Management System in U. S. universities. This study focused on the attribute to students gender, level of experience, and the interaction between gender and level of experience. A questionnaire was sent through email to Saudi students who used Blackboard in their hybrid classes. A total of 90 students participated in the survey. Findings showed students have positive perceptions toward Blackboard. In addition, no significant differences existed in their perceptions based on their gender, level of experience, or based on the interaction between gender and …

Women In Science 2017, Clark Science Center's Summer Research Fellows Program

SURF Abstracts (Women in Science)

Ever since its 1967 start, SURF has been a cornerstone of Smith’s science education. Women in Science 2017 summarizes research done by Smith College’s SURF Program participants during the summer of 2017. 151 students participated in SURF (144 hosted on campus and nearby eld sites), supervised by 58 faculty mentor-advisors drawn from the Clark Science Center and connected to its eighteen science, mathematics, and engineering departments and programs and associated centers and units. At summer’s end, SURF participants summarized their research experiences for this publication.

An Exploration Of Creative Arts-Based Self-Care Practices Among Music Therapy Students, Marion Kaiser

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theory based on the experiences of music therapy students’ use of creative arts as a self-care practice. In addition, this study was intended to determine these students’ perception of self-care and the perceived differences between self-care practices among students and professionals. A grounded theory methodology (Strauss & Corbin, 1990) was utilized in order to analyze the data gained from semi-structured interviews. From this data, six themes emerged and a formal theory was developed. The main theory emphasizes the importance of incorporating access to and information regarding the utilization of …

An Analysis Of Burnout And Music Therapy Methodologies, Samara Berry

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this survey study was to explore professional burnout in music therapists and factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing it. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (1981) and researcher-developed questions were used to test for burnout and variables among board-certified music therapists, such as demographics, longevity, and the music therapists’ ideologies. The list of board-certified music therapists from 2017 was randomized and the survey was distributed to 1635 potential participants. Out of the 200 responses that were received, 199 agreed to participate in this study. On average, participants scored an average degree of burnout …

Factors Influencing The Perceived Stressors Of New Graduate Nurses Transitioning Into Acute Care Settings: A Secondary Data Analysis, Eileen K. Mahler

Theses & Dissertations

Background: The transition into practice of new graduate nurses continues to be of concern to the nursing profession. Smooth transition into practice takes on increased importance in the current era of healthcare transformation and resulting impact on the clinical environments within which nurses practice. It is important to study the stressors and challenges new graduates face in the practice environment. Methods: This descriptive study utilized secondary data analysis to explore new graduate nurses' self-report of clinical stressors during their transition into the professional RN role. Meleis’ Transitions Theory and Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping provided the …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy As A Treatment For Anxiety And Depression: A Review, Michael P. Twohig, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a modern form of cognitive behavioral therapy based on a distinct philosophy (functional contextualism) and basic science of cognition (relational frame theory). This article reviews the core features of ACT’s theoretical model of psychopathology and treatment as well as its therapeutic approach. It then provides a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ACT for depression and anxiety disorders. Summarizing across a total of 36 RCTs, ACT appears to be more efficacious than waitlist conditions and treatment-as-usual, with largely equivalent effects relative to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Evidence from several trials also indicate …

The Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Matrix Mobile App: A Pilot Randomized Trial On Health Behaviors, Michael E. Levin, Benjamin G. Pierce, Benjamin Schoendorff

Psychology Faculty Publications

Mobile apps provide a promising format for delivering acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to improve diet/exercise. This pilot trial evaluated a novel ACT-based app for health behaviors based on the matrix approach. A sample of 23 community adults were randomly assigned to use the app for two weeks or to a waitlist condition. Findings indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the app and acceptable adherence. Although the intent-to-treat sample indicated few intervention effects, when focusing on program engagers only, health behaviors significantly improved in the app condition relative to waitlist. There were no differences between conditions on valued action …

Observación Conductual De Las Interacciones Durante La Dolución De Problemas En Familia: Desarrollo Y Validación De Una Escala [Behavioral Observation Of Interactions During Family Problem Solving: Development And Validation Of A Scale], Jahaira Félix Fermín, Melanie M. Domenech-Rodriguez

Psychology Faculty Publications

La familia es el núcleo principal de socialización de los niños, ya que a través de las interacciones con sus padres y madres aprenden destrezas sociales e interpersonales. Existen pocos estudios sobre las interacciones durante la solución de problemas en familias y la mayoría de éstos se deriva de medidas de auto-informe. Se presenta el desarrollo y validación de una escala de observación para evaluar las interacciones entre padres e hijos y examinar la calidad de la solución de problemas en familia. Se evaluaron las estrategias de evasión, medidas de tiempo y la calidad de solución de problemas. Se encontró …

Do College Students Use Online Self-Help? A Survey Of Intentions And Use Of Mental Health Resources, Michael E. Levin, Krista Stocke, Benjamin G. Pierce, Crissa Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Online self-help may help increase the reach of mental health services for college students, but little research has examined students’ actual interest/use of these resources. An online survey of 389 college students examined intentions and use of online mental health resources as compared with other support options. Findings indicated the highest intentions/use of informal supports (e.g., parents, friends) for mental health problems and lowest intentions/use for online self-help. However, a subset of students showed a preference for online self-help over other forms of support. Participants were also more likely to request online self-help resources (21%) than in-person therapy resources (9%) …

The Role Body-Esteem Plays In Impairment Associated With Hair-Pulling And Skin Picking In Adolescents, Elle Brennan, Douglas W. Woods, Martin E. Franklin, Nancy Keuthen, John Piacentini, Christopher A. Flessner

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder, HPD) and pathological skin picking (PSP) are associated with significant rates of psychosocial impairment and distress. Little research has addressed the physical consequences and associated impairment in youth (e.g., poor body-esteem). The present study explores the relationship between body-esteem, skin picking (SP), and pulling-related impairment in a sample of adolescents with primary HPD. Ninety four adolescents who pull their hair, 40 of whom also pick their skin, were recruited via internet-sampling as part of the Child and Adolescent Trichotillomania Impact Study (CA-TIP). All youth and a parent completed anonymous questionnaires online assessing psychiatric symptoms, repetitive behaviors, …

Act-Enhanced Behavior Therapy In Group Format For Trichotillomania: An Effectiveness Study, Ashild Tellefsen Haaland, Shirin O. Eskeland, Erna M. Moen, Patrick A. Vogel, Svein Haseth, Kjetil Mellingen, Joseph A. Himle, Douglas W. Woods, Benjamin Hummelen

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background

This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of group treatment for trichotillomania (TTM) in ordinary clinical settings. Treatment consisted of a combination of habit reversal training (HRT) and acceptance and commitment treatment (ACT). Both short- and long-term effects were explored, as well as individual change trajectories.

Methods

The sample consist of fifty-three patients with TTM. Treatment outcomes were evaluated at post-treatment and at one-year follow-up using self-report questionnaires (Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale, MGH-HS), structured clinical interviews (National Institute of Mental Health Trichotillomania Severity Scale, NIMH-TSS), and the Clinical Global Impression scale for TTM (CGI-TTM).

Results

Analyses by …

Clergy Academic Management Training In Non-Denominational Faith-Based Organizations, Patricia Anne Jenks-Greene

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is little research about how clerics manage and lead small to midsized non-denominational nonprofit organizations. The rate of clergy failures in non-denominational organizations has left many questions about what is needed to create organizational success. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of clergy manager-leaders' management training in non-denominational organizations. Fourteen full-time clerics from Bloomingdale, Georgia, Rincon, Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process involved the use of Edward and Welch's extension of Colaizzi's data analysis procedures, which resulted in the emergence of 4 themes. …