Digital Commons Network^™

Archaeology And Settlement Histories Along The Pra River, Southern Ghana, Circa 500 B.C. – Ad 1970, Samuel Amartey

Dissertations - ALL

Archaeological and historical data are used to examine transformations in settlement organizationand settlement patterns along the Pra River, southern Ghana, from the first millennium BC to the mid-twentieth century. The study's focus is on Supomu Island and Wawase, two abandoned settlement sites located in the lower reaches of the Pra River, 15 kilometers north of the coastal trading and port town of Shama. Mapping of surface features, surface collections, shovel test pits, and test excavations are used to document intra- and inter-site artifact distributions. These lines of evidence are used in conjunction with historical sources to explore the processes of …

Treasure, Women, And Agency: Exploring Objectification In A World Of Living Objects, Alexa Parker

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the poems Beowulf and Judith with a focus on the ways in which peaceweavers and treasure objects are portrayed. In Old English texts, such as Beowulf, peaceweaving women have been compared to the role of treasure, with claims that peaceweavers act in the same way and perform the same duties as objects of exchange: they bring peace between men. By using an object-oriented perspective to examine the relationships between these agentive objects and the women objectified as such, I argue that a more nuanced understanding of women’s agency and power in early medieval England can be reached. …

Arabic Teachers Rating Degree Of The Importance Of Pre-Reading Questions (As An Instructional Scaffolder) On Enhancing Reading Comprehension And Their Practices Of It, Mohammed A. Al-Khawaldeh

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The study aimed at investigating Arabic teachers rating degree of the importance of pre-reading questions (as an instructional scaffolder) on enhancing reading comprehension and their practices for it, and whether there were statistical significant differences due to their qualification and teaching experience. To achieve the aims of the study, the researcher prepared a rating degree of the importance of pre-reading questions on enhancing reading comprehension scale consisted of 17 items, and their practices scale, consisted of eight items, administered on 155 Jordanian basic stage Arabic teachers. The results of the study revealed that the teachers rating degree of the importance …

Coherence Of Dysfunctions, Ayesha Rumi

Theses - ALL

“Colonization” is by far the most sophisticated word for the attempts made to make a society financially broke and culturally orphaned. My work is a product of thoughts that occur in the midst of cultural and linguistic existential crises left by the white man’s burden . My focus on Pakistani society goes beyond its relevance as the culture I call home; my focus is intended to provide a microscopic view of how culture, traditions, and norms often work in concert to dictate the course of history and the future of nations. In my work I have used western philosophy to …

The Construction And Formation Of Chinese Character, Lejia Zhang

Theses - ALL

Chinese characters are very unique. As one of the most widely used scripts in the world, its complex forms and large volume of characters make it always daunting for beginners, which is related to the long history of Chinese characters. This paper is divided into five parts, based on a definition of the nature of ancient Chinese characters. In the first part, it is argued that Chinese characters are made up of smaller elements. A single Chinese character, as a morpheme, is the smallest ideographic unit of the Chinese language, but a single character may also be formed by combining …

Beyond The Dominant Paradigm: Integrating Expressive Arts Therapy And Narrative Therapy To Best Serve The Needs Of Trans And Gender Non-Conforming People: A Literature Review, Ej Huston

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this paper, I reviewed the past, present, and what I argue is the best possible future for clinical practice with TGNC clients. I began with an overview of the broad approaches to deviance from the norm in the field of mental healthcare: starting with approaching trans people with a pathologizing model; continuing on to a cultural competence model, which was an improvement but did not ultimately challenge the larger colonial framework that led to the pathologization in the first place; and ended with the humanity-affirming paradigms of decolonization and cultural humility.

The literature review was concerned with narrative therapy …

Public Discourse On Migration In Germany And The United States Before And After 2015: Racist Media Narratives In The Global Right, Amy Chang

Senior Theses

Within the past decade, migration has become an increasingly controversial subject in Western countries, producing a right-wing and nationalist backlash. In Europe, Germany became the core of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015 and gained global attention for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door policy towards refugees. This substantial influx of refugees into the country caused a sharp discursive shift regarding migrants and refugees in the German media during and after 2015. At the same time, Donald Trump announced his eventually successful presidential campaign by cultivating a starkly anti-immigrant platform, which generated disproportionate media attention for his campaign and intensified anti-immigrant rhetoric …

Authoritarianism And The Rentier State - Venezuela And Nigeria, Victoria Zobeida Castillo

Senior Theses

The oil states scattered throughout the developing world are no more democratic or peaceful than they were at the beginning of the twentieth century's natural resource era. In fact, some countries are worse, tainted by civil unrest, plummeting per capita income, and rising inflation. These socioeconomic ailments are often referred to as the Resource Curse or Dutch Disease. Mineral wealth, however, should not be confused with the dangers of sole oil wealth. The oil states are significantly more likely to be governed by authoritarian leaders. The irony of oil's unusual properties of fluctuating prices and secretive contracts do not solely …

Exploring White Extremism As A Function Of Historical Legacy, Globalization, And Populism In The United Kingdom, United States, And Australia, Catherine Gassiot

Senior Theses

In this thesis, I will examine the contemporary issue of white extremism in the context of increasing globalization and populism. The Western world has witnessed an increase in terrorism by white extremists in the last decade. The object of this thesis is to identify the factors which prompted the present increase and different character of white extremist groups in comparison to prior white extremist movements like the racist skinheads in the 1980s and 1990s. To answer this question, I evaluate historical racism, impacts of globalization, the rise of right-leaning populism, racist skinhead subcultures of the 1980s and 1990s, and contemporary …

The Integration Of Foreign-Born Dominicans In Spain And The United States 1990-2011: Historical, Spatial, & Racial Considerations, Petros Akosta Gkalinto

Senior Theses

Dramatically shifting immigration patterns, incentives, and origins in the Atlantic have diminished opportunities for Dominican immigrant communities to integrate into traditional host nations like the United States, but created opportunities in emerging host nations such as Spain. Yet, the lingering impacts of the Great Recession and racial segregation have sustained or aggravated inequities in both nations. An immigrant generation cohort method analysis of integration trends between native populations and foreign-born Dominicans in the United States and Spain from 1990 to 2011 confirm persistent or increasingly segregated experiences in education, employment, and urban areas. However, as a result of greater cultural …

Music As A Gateway To Healing Speech Disorders And Mental Health Holistically In The Patient With Aphasia: A Literature Review, Susan Warren

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

People with some types of post-stroke aphasia often experience depression as well as loss of speech. Music therapy has unique properties that allow it to be used therapeutically to treat both speech impairment and depression yet it is rarely used to treat both disorders. This literature review seeks to examine the underlying causes for this discrepancy, review methods used by practitioners to treat both disorders and suggest future directions for additional research and implications for the treatment of patients with aphasia who have both language impairment and depression.

Reclaiming Voice Following Sexual Trauma Utilizing Photo Narrative Therapy: A Literature Review, Mikayla G. Crieger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this critical literature review, the question of how to reclaim voice and re-empower self following singular or multiple experiences of sexual trauma by means of utilizing photo narrative therapy is explored. Cognitive processing therapy, a general trauma-informed framework, narrative therapy, and a creative arts therapy lens, specifically art therapy, focusing on the use of photography and writing, is used to analyze this topic. Sexual trauma and violence is pervasive, with research often focusing on women and involving traditional methods of psychotherapy as treatment. Photography, phototherapy, and narrative have become emerging interventions that have a place in helping individuals grow …

Considerations And Reflections On Being A Brazilian - Latina Expressive Arts Therapist Working In Usa, Maiara Bastos

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper focuses on the experience of being a Latina expressive arts therapist working in the United States of America (USA). Through literature review and a personal art-based research process, the definitions of identities, therapeutic relationships, and microaggression are discussed and explored. This paper is theoretically grounded in the notion of expressive arts therapy and gestalt therapy as a means to understand the author’s experiences in the field of counseling. Autoethnography and art-based inquiry are used to conceptualize microaggressions within the therapeutic relationship.

With the intent of increasing awareness about the author’s identities, the expressive arts were used to make …

Life Narrative Examination Through Art Therapy With Psychotic Disorders, Anna Farrell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Though there is some research regarding the use of art therapy with those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, there is less research on utilizing it with those who have other psychotic disorders or using it with this population within an inpatient setting. Research largely suggests that art therapy is beneficial to this population in reducing and managing negative symptoms, increasing self-awareness, understanding one’s narrative, and as a coping technique. However, there are few specific interventions suggested and researched. Therefore, a directive was developed and utilized in group art therapy on a mood and psychotic disorders inpatient unit. The group …

The Integration Of Tbri & Expressive Therapies Continuum: In-Home Expressive Arts Interventions For Foster And Adoptive Families During Covid-19, Jill Stockburger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

With the onset of COVID-19 and the necessary isolation of a global pandemic, the therapeutic space was forced to redefine itself within the virtual realm as the ripple effect of collective trauma further compounded families healing from complex or relational trauma. Clinicians were virtually invited more into participants’ living spaces and interdependence with interpersonal family dynamics through this evolution. By combing the evidence-based practice of Trust-Based Relational Interventions with the framework of the Expressive Therapies Continuum, a more expansive, embodied, and uniquely client-centered, neurologically developmental approach emerged that engaged the healing potential of the caregiver-child relationship through increased co-regulation and …

A Review Of Integrated Embodied Therapies And Racial Healing In Public Schools, Grace Fosler

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Anti-Black racism lies in the social, political, and economic foundations of the United States of America. Race and racism are manifestations of unhealed generational trauma that negatively impact the minds and bodies of all Americans. Black children are exposed to institutional and interpersonal racism upon entering the public school system, leading many Black students to experience discrimination and segregation, exclusionary discipline, and juvenile entry into the Prison-Industrial Complex. Educators have a unique opportunity to engage in individual and collective racial healing while fostering social change and collective healing in students. An integrated approach of individualized coaching and group embodiment, dance/movement …

Language As The Medium: A Literature Review. Harnessing The Prolific Power Of Dramatic Language As A Therapeutic Tool In Drama Therapy, Edward Freeman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Language in and of the theatre, with its palate of variegated writing styles and playwrights from throughout time, has the potential to be harnessed, focused, and systematized for use as a therapeutic tool within drama therapy – the field’s artistic medium. Drama therapy could benefit from having a specific medium germane to its artform which has the potential to provide practitioners with a common resource and means of communication, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, as well as align the field with other creative arts therapies. Language encompasses all forms of human communication – speaking, writing, signing, gesturing, expressing facially – …

Body Image And The Causes Of Dissatisfactions: Re-Shaping Negative Thinking Through Symbolic Powers Of Collage, Susie Thom

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Understanding why so many individuals struggle with their body image becomes easier by analyzing how society promotes a “thin ideal” through the media, the way women talk to one another about their bodies (a term known as fat talk), social comparisons, and how families advocate for a slender build. Body image refers to our perception, feelings, and actions in regard to our body (Kaslow & Eicher, 1988; Seijo, 2016). Negative thoughts and feelings about one’s body as a result of viewing the media’s unattainable thin ideals, engaging in harmful and negative dialogue about one’s body, comparing one’s body or appearance …

Bringing The Body Into Art Therapy: The Use Of Touch And Body Awareness In Creative Healing, Janna Corsetti

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The focus on the use of healing touch and body awareness in art therapy is critically lacking. Despite the research supporting the use of body-oriented techniques in clinical therapy, there is little research related to this use specifically in art therapy. Research reveals that healing touch and body awareness can be instrumental in healing trauma, if done with the proper training and boundaries in place. The first form of attachment and comfort for children is that of touch. Therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge the power of touch and body awareness when healing from traumatic experiences. The purpose of this …

Connecting The Dots: Positive Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy With Immigrant Children; A Literature Review, Kyeyoung Park

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Growing data recommends dance/movement therapy as a promising approach for documented immigrant children’s mental health. I was a documented immigrant when I was 12 years old, and dance as therapy supported me emotionally and behaviorally. This paper mainly focuses on documented immigrant children with dance/movement therapy. This paper touches on various categories of refugees and undocumented immigrants, though insights into the lives of undocumented immigrants was also added to better understand the challenges they experience in general, including mental health issues. Immigrant children face challenges in every aspect of their life, such as adjusting in their new country, peer relationships, …

Storytelling As An Expressive Arts Therapy Intervention With Children Via Telehealth, Sidney Marie Joines

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As an expressive arts therapist in training working in the midst of a global pandemic, I sought to develop a creative, safe, accessible, and effective intervention for children via telehealth during a time of great uncertainty. Coronavirus 2019 has had a massive impact on mental and physical health and disrupted the lives of billions across the globe; the pandemic also forced mental health professionals to online formats. I found a significant lack of literature around expressive arts therapy via telehealth. Through considering theoretical approaches from cinematherapy, narrative therapy, metaphor therapy, play therapy, and expressive arts therapy, I developed an eight-week …

Exploring Tactile Art-Making With Deafblind Students And Their Families: An Opportunity For Creative Play, Alice Rodgers

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The impact of a deafblind diagnosis on an individual’s mental health and the well-being of the family involved can be profound. However, current research and available literature for the mental health treatment and therapy practices of deafblind persons and their families is limited (Kyzar et al., 2016; “WFDB Global Report 2018,” n.d.). This thesis used the Leeds Family Psychology and Therapy Service principles (Leeds FPTS) and the Expressive Therapies Continuum with established deafblind teaching strategies to facilitate an original arts-based community project entitled: “Things We Like.” This project provided an opportunity for deafblind students (ages three to 22) and their …

Helpers In Divided Times: The Psychological Experience Of Care Providers In The Ongoing Social Movement In Hong Kong, A Community Engagement Project, Sofia Lee

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project highlights the psychological experience of care providers from Hong Kong in the ongoing social movement. While the largest-scale Hong Kong social movement since June 2019 has led to an unprecedented mental health crisis, little is known about the psychological narratives of its affected communities, including care providers. The literature review first introduces the historical context of Hong Kong, as well as the relationship between social movements and internal experiences using the Movement Cycle framework. It then discusses the concept of political trauma, challenges for care providers, and the importance of an embodied approach in community-based work. …

How The Expressive Therapies Continuum Informs Intermodal Transfers, Erin M.L. Little

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expressive arts therapy (ExAT) is a therapeutic approach that incorporates visual art, music, drama, and dance/movement into the counseling environment. An essential element in ExAT practice is the intermodal transfer, an intentional shift between arts modalities to enhance clients’ understanding and realization. Currently, no theoretical guidelines for intermodal transfers exist in the field of ExAT. In search of a theoretical structure, the author of this Capstone Thesis proposed that the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) informed intermodal transfers. Predominantly presented as an art therapy approach, the ETC originally intended to include all expressive therapies. Yet, there is minimal recent literature that …

Vocation Or Victimization: An Analysis Of Legal Models Addressing Prostitution, K'Reisa J. Cox

Honors Projects

This discussion of legal models addressing prostitution evaluates the three predominate models currently implemented worldwide: criminalization, legalization/full decriminalization, and partial decriminalization (also termed the Nordic Model). Specific focus is given to each model’s capacity to maintain nations’ human rights obligations to people in prostitution, specifically the right to free choice of employment, and the right to safe working conditions free of exploitation and coercion. Along with evaluating the origins, structure, strengths, and weaknesses of each, case studies of all three models in practice are incorporated to transition from theoretical to practical evaluation. Each model’s unique design, purported outcomes, and various …

Examining The Efficacy Of Providing Writing Prompt Choices And Performance Feedback: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Josh Circe

Theses - ALL

Research has indicated that the majority of students in the United States are not able to write at the proficient level (Persky et al., 2003). Prior research has demonstrated that performance feedback interventions successfully lead to students’ gains in writing fluency (Hier & Eckert, 2014; Hier & Eckert, 2016; Truckenmiller et al., 2014), and that providing students with academic choices benefits their academic performance (Dickerson & Creedon, 1981; Steinman 2017). The goal of this study was to examine the combined and isolated effects of two academic interventions (i.e., providing writing prompt choices and performance feedback) on third-grade students’ writing performance. …

The Associations Of Chronic Stress, Social Support, Health Behaviors And Metabolic Syndrome Among Hispanic Women, Edna Esquer

Dissertations

The Associations of Chronic Stress, Social Support, Health Behaviors and Metabolic Syndrome Among Hispanic Women

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence is 25% among Mexican American women 30 – 49 years of age, compared to 22% among non-Hispanic Whites in the United States. Little is known about the additional contributions of chronic stress, social support and health behaviors to the development of MetS among this population.

Purpose: Describe the associations between chronic stress, social support, and health behaviors and the presence of MetS in Hispanic women living in an underserved community.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study design. The Adult Treatment Panel …

Toward A Public Relations Theory Of Integration, Kelly Coolican Gaggin

Dissertations - ALL

Health and human service nonprofit organizations provide a multitude of support services to marginalized and underserved populations in the United States and abroad. Public relations and communications professionals are often focused on supporting goals that are directly tied to the organization which are also strongly tied to revenue seeking through increasing awareness of mission and need for financial contribution. This qualitative constructivist grounded theory study explores the extent to which public relations and communications roles can impact the integration of service populations into their communities.Through interviews with 13 refugee aid organization staff and 11 refugees, primary barriers to integration, including …

Negotiating The Experience: Liminality, Intersubjectivity, And Writing On The Path To A Doctoral Degree, Jon Brammer

Educational Studies Dissertations

Doctoral students usually exhibit a proven track record of academic success as demonstrated by the completion of both undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, despite that success, attrition rates across doctoral program are high. The challenges inherent in completing a doctoral program are well-documented, but the over-arching concepts that account for those challenges are often subject to compartmentalization and reductionism.

This interdisciplinary qualitative study explored the experiences of current doctoral students and recent graduates through interviews with twenty-seven participants across a variety of academic disciplines. Using a set of scripted questions, each participant was asked to characterize their motivations for doctoral …

Centering The Voices Of Transgender Supervisees Through Critical Inquiry, Kimberly Cherry

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

Reflecting the systemic cisgenderism within dominant culture, transgender perspectives have been historically silenced in psychological literature. There is growing research regarding therapy with transgender clients; however, transgender therapists have not been the subject of substantial study. This critical narrative dissertation explores the experiences and insights of transgender therapists during clinical supervision. Drawing from intersectional feminism, queer theory and liberation psychology, this study utilizes a critical, relational approach in attending to issues of power, oppression, and social change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight transgender therapists regarding their experiences in supervision.

Employing the Listening Guide method, a feminist narrative voice-centered approach, …