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Rethinking Behavior - Winter 2025, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Winter 2025, Volume 8, Issue 2

Subcontracted Detention Centers: Potential Oversights In Migrant Detention Regulation And Human Rights Enforcement, Caia Marcee

Undergraduate Student Research Awards

No abstract provided.

Patenting The Taboo: Sex, Drugs, And Abortion, Andrew Gilden, Sarah R. Wasserman Rajec

Faculty Publications

The patent system provides a surprisingly rich archive of the interplay between social norms and technological change. Patent law requires applicants to publicly disclose the novelty and usefulness of their inventions, thereby bringing to light areas of innovation that may have previously lived in the shadows. In other words, patent law encourages public disclosure of technologies that are taboo—developed and practiced in secret, for reasons such as social approbation, illegality, or religious sanctity. To obtain a patent for a taboo technology, patentees must establish their legitimacy as innovators while navigating cultural norms that are hostile to their fields of innovation. …

Thai Pre-Service And Early-Career Teachers' Professional Identity Formation, Duangkamon Winitkun

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Beginning teachers, including pre-service (PSTs) and early-career teachers (ECTs), face various types of challenges such as classroom management, instructional planning, building relationships with school stakeholders, adjusting to school culture, and limited resources (Kozikoglu, 2017). Many studies focus on these challenges as technical issues, neglecting the role of teacher identity in how educators experience and address these difficulties (e.g., Burden, 2020; Doyle, 1990; Hoy & Weinstein, 2013). Moreover, most teacher identity studies are predominantly conducted in Western contexts where sociocultural values and systemic constraints shape teachers’ professional roles differently from those in Eastern contexts. This three-manuscript dissertation investigates the identity formation …

Does Fairness Shape Environmental Attitudes? Evidence From Nigeria’S Extractions, Isaiah Chukwudi Samuel

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This thesis argues that citizens’ perceptions of fairness in the distribution of natural resource revenues influence their support for environmental regulation in Nigeria. The analysis shows that individuals who perceive revenue distribution as fair are more likely to back environmental policies. Utilizing data from Afrobarometer Round 9, this study employs logistic regression to assess this relationship while controlling for demographic and attitudinal factors, including age, education, urban residency, climate awareness, trust in government, and party affiliation. The results demonstrate a strong and statistically significant relationship between perceived fairness and support for environmental regulation, even after isolating these variables. Overall, the …

Investigating The Social Effects Of Doomscrolling, Sean Daniel Hronek

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the social effects of doomscrolling, a behavior characterized by the compulsive consumption of negative content on social media, which has become increasingly prevalent. The research explores how doomscrolling may contribute to adverse social outcomes. Three hypotheses are proposed: (H1) doomscrolling correlates with increased acceptance of authoritarian behaviors, (H2) doomscrolling correlates with decreased trust in news media, and (H3) doomscrolling correlates with reduced interpersonal trust. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 108 (n=108) participants. Results indicate modest correlations between doomscrolling and the hypothesized social effects. Qualitative interviews further revealed that users often …

Race Into The Future: Counselor Educators' Experiences Training With An Antiracist Pedagogy, Darita Rose Grays

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of counselor educators in incorporating an antiracist pedagogy to prepare counselors-in-training to work as culturally competent counselors with all clients, with emphasis on marginalized groups. The research examines the lived experiences of counselor educators, focusing on how their personal and professional journeys influence their approach to integrating antiracist teaching strategies in counselor education programs. It highlights the critical need to address and acknowledge racism within counselor training while emphasizing the importance of developing an antiracist identity among both educators and trainees. The study further explores the potential of antiracist pedagogy in fostering a more inclusive, …

Hidden Wounds And Secret Scars: The Post-World War Ii Western As A Cinema Of Trauma, Maggie Sue Scanlan

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

In this project, I consider the post-WWII Western film as a site that represents and navigates war traumatized American masculinity. Through a discussion of the significance of the Western as a national myth that speaks directly to American masculinity and nation-building through individual violence, I situate the genre as an ideal vehicle to reframe war traumatized masculinity and analyze seven Westerns through a threefold analysis: metaphoric (a cinema of trauma), psychoanalytic (the traumatic gaze), and therapeutic (recovery and reintegration). In Chapter One, I track anxieties and preoccupations signaling the cultural concern with war trauma in genres more routinely associated with …

The Impacts Of Trust In The Time Of Covid-19, Hannah Temes

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Over 350,000 Americans died from COVID-19 in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Federal health institutions such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Human Health Services (DHHS) established guidelines for the public to follow during the pandemic. However, trust in these institutions varied resulting in differing public response —some followed the COVID protocols while others did not. It has been argued that when someone’s self-interest is at risk, they need to trust the government to take care of them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when public health and self-interest were intertwined, …

Statelessness And The Social Construction Of Rohingya’S Citizenship Rights In Myanmar, Md Imamul Hossain

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The Rohingya’s statelessness is a result of their systematic exclusion from protection mechanisms and citizenship rights. The Burmese government and the majority Buddhist population have marginalized and discriminated against the Rohingya, deeply impacting identity politics among the Rohingya. Due to their lack of a national identity document in Myanmar, the Rohingya are easy targets for discrimination and violence. The fact that they are not considered full citizens has also made it hard for them to receive essential support. My thesis carefully analyzes how dominant narratives, legal instruments, and bureaucratic mechanisms systematically excluded Rohingya from citizenship rights in Myanmar as well …

Carceral Bonds, Tyler E. Dougherty

Faculty Publications

Over the past 50 years, the U.S. financed a massive physical and fiscal expansion of prisons via the municipal bond market—with devastating results. This project is the first to shine a light on the role of municipal debt in state-level carceral decision making, spotlighting the ways that the municipal bond market affects states’ capacities to incarcerate.

This Article argues that the two primary controls of states’ use of the carceral bond market—(1) market discipline and (2) states’ fiscal constitutions—are particularly ineffective at limiting states’ spending on prisons. This failure to restrain states’ spending through the carceral bond market enables private …

Designing Policymaking Mechanisms For Regulatory Dynamism, Nina-Simone Edwards

Library Scholarship

The project’s third concept paper focuses on the design of regulatory policymaking mechanisms that translate decisions about public values–such as “avoid deceiving consumers”–into operationalized forms that support iteration and experimentation. It outlines a set of foundational principles for a dynamic, effective regulatory toolkit that empowers regulators to act sooner, experiment, create governance seams, mandate beneficial friction, and extend regulatory authority in ways that mirror the scale and interdependence of digital supply chains.

To support this expanded regulatory toolkit, the paper recommends empowering regulators to mandate data flow restrictions, to develop design requirements for both user-facing and technical interfaces, to require …

Ai Fetishism And Perverse Climate Disavowal: Why Denying Destructiveness Facilitates Our Ecological Collapse, Alexander M. Stoner, Alexander M. Stoner, Anthony J. Knowles

Journal Articles

As ecological crises intensify, scholars and activists increasingly question the sustainability of economic growth. Yet, the dominant growth-oriented paradigm remains foundational to advanced capitalist societies and cannot be altered without significant social disruption. The resulting tension between ecological limits and the imperative for continuous growth generates “climate anxiety.” This article advances the concept of perverse climate disavowal: a mode of climate denial that acknowledges climate threats while maintaining faith in the illusion of infinite economic expansion. This disavowal functions as a psychological defense mechanism, enabling individuals and institutions to avoid confronting structural contradictions. The article examines the increasing use of …

Navigating The Digital Frontier: New Perspectives On Cybercrime And Governance, Christopher S. Kayser, Thomas Dearden, Katalin Parti, Sinyong Choi

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

No abstract provided.

Modus Operandi And Blockchain Analysis Of Romance Scams: Cryptocurrency-Driven Victimization, Amy Lim, Kyung-Shick Choi

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

No abstract provided.

The Legal Response To The Intrusion Into Digital Identity In Social Media, Maria González-García Vinuela

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Pattern Of Cybercrime Abuse Of Individual Internet Users In Umuahia North Lga, Abia State Of South-Eastern Nigeria, Ogochukwu Favour Nzeakor, Rita Ngozi Okafor, Chibuike Ndubuisi Nwoke

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

Although a number of studies exist on cybercrime and its abuses, little is known about the pattern of cybercrime abuses individual Internet users experience in Nigeria, especially the south eastern region. Using data collected via various methods, this study examines the pattern of cybercrime abuses of individual Internet users in Umuahia, Abia State, of South Eastern Nigeria. The result of the analysis of 1,067 samples drawn from 223,134 Internet users in Umuahia North LGA of Abia Sate showed that: while most users are victims of stolen ICT-gadgets (19%), fraud related offences (17%), and hacking (15%); they rarely fall victims of …

The Dual Dynamics Of Succession: Unveiling The Interplay Among The Former Leader, The New Leader, And Followers' Implicit Theories Of Leadership On Subsequent Leader Evaluations, Emily Hill

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Leader succession is the planned or unplanned change in formal leadership at an organization. Ample research has investigated the effects of leader succession at higher levels of leadership on team and organizational performance, yet little is known about the effects of leadership changes at lower levels of management on followers’ reactions to their new leader. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and contrast effect theory (Markman & McMullen, 2003), this dissertation empirically tested a model in which the congruence of followers’ implicit theories of leadership with characteristics of the new leader were expected to influence three leader-related …

Confirming The Factor Structure Of The Police Officer Stigma Scale, Daniel R. Horning

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

First responders routinely face exposure to critical incidents within the line of duty, resulting in higher prevalence of psychopathological conditions compared to the general population. However, a growing body of research identified a severe underutilization of mental health-related services among this population, with stigma towards mental illness being the most cited barrier to seeking care. Stigma as a construct is being actively measured, but the factor structure of stigma towards mental health remains contested in literature. Optimal model fit for Stuart’s Police Officer Stigma Scale is an example of these empirical debates, as both single-factor and two-factor models are offered …

2025-2026 Graduate Catalog, Morehead State University. Registrar's Office.

Morehead State Catalog Archive

2025-2026 graduate catalog for Morehead State University.

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog, Morehead State University. Registrar's Office.

Morehead State Catalog Archive

2025-2026 undergraduate catalog for Morehead State University.

A Feminist Evaluation Of The Joint Programme: Assessing The Cultural Sensitivity Of Unicef And Unfpa's Strategies On Female Genital Cutting/Circumcision In Senegal And Nigeria, Coumba Soumare

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Female Genital Cutting/Circumcision (FGC) encompasses procedures involving the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other genital injuries, performed for non-medical reasons. Typically carried out on young girls, often between infancy and age 15, FGC is widely condemned in global discourse as a harmful and barbaric practice. However, within certain cultures, it is viewed as a rite of passage or a necessary tradition. I argue that to effectively address FGC, organizations must adopt a culturally sensitive approach. This research examines the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) initiatives in Senegal and Nigeria. …

Yes, Those Are My Biological Parents: Growing Up Multiracial In The United States, Angie Navejas

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

“Multiracial individuals are the fastest growing racial population in the United States” (Atkin & Jackson; 2021:305). Literature highlights how parents transmit culture through racial socialization, however there is a missing piece, the perspective of the children. This study sought to expand the existing literature to include children’s perspectives and how it relates to their multiracial identity formation. Recognizing the complexity of conducting research with children, a survey was administered to adults ranging from the ages of 18 to 35 years old. This resulted in a collection of data from their recollection of experiences and interactions with their parents or caregivers …

Shattering The Glass Ceiling: Comparative Narratives Of Women Leaders In Public Relations In Ghana And The United States Of America, Adriana Kukuwaa Adu

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study explores the lived experiences of women in public relations (PR) leadership roles in both Ghana and the United States, focusing on the cultural, institutional, and societal barriers that shape their professional journeys. Employing a qualitative research design, the study involved ten women in senior PR positions, five from each country, through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified six key themes: institutional barriers and gendered expectations; double standards in leadership communication; the influence of stereotypes; mentorship and support; intra-gender competition; and leadership agency and optimism. Guided by Social Role Theory, Glass Ceiling Theory, Feminist Standpoint Theory, and Transformational Leadership …

From Gossip To Guidance: Analyzing Student Posting On Yik Yak, Mikayla Nemgar

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examines how college students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, use the anonymous social media app Yik Yak, and what they discuss within it. Using qualitative content analysis, 963 anonymous posts were collected and coded into five initial categories: (1) Seeking and Sharing Information, (2) Giving Raw and Unfiltered Opinions, (3) Attempting to Socialize, (4) Seeking Belonging, and (5) Complaining. The findings show that most posts expressed raw opinions, followed by seeking for belonging. Sub-themes emerged in these two categories, which offered more specific examples of how students use Yik Yak. These trends provide insight into how anonymity may …

Exploring The Experiences Of Collegiate Black Female Student-Athletes From A Phenomenological Perspective, Deja L. Jackson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Collegiate Black female student-athletes at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) face a unique experience as they navigate the complex intersections of race, gender, and sports while striving for academic and athletic success. Their encounters with racism, discrimination, and marginalization remain largely underexplored. This research provides findings from a transcendental phenomenological study that examined the lived experiences of these athletes. The goal was to understand how racism, discrimination, and marginalization impact these student-athletes both individually and in context sport. Grounded in social constructivism and informed by Black Feminist Thought and Intersectionality Theory, the study involved semi-structured interviews with eight current and former …

Evaluating The Accuracy Of Stature Estimation From Tibial Radiographs Using Known And Newly Developed Regression Formulas, Atlantis Kae Baron

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This study assesses the accuracy of stature estimation from tibial radiographs using digital measurements as an alternative to traditional osteometric tools. Stature estimation is crucial in forensic anthropology for identifying individuals, especially cases involving skeletal remains. Traditional methods rely on physical measurements and established regression formulas, such as those by Trotter & Gleser (1958).

This research analyzed tibial radiographs from the Forensic Anthropology Skeletal Trauma (FAST) database with ImageJ software to measure tibial lengths digitally. The sample included 59 tibiae, with measurements compared against three regression formulas; Trotter & Gleser (1958), Simon et al. (2023), and a new regression formula …

Testing The Hefner (2009) Ancestry/Population Affinity Estimation Method On Japanese Bioarchaeological Populations And Observing Changes In Trait Frequency Distribution Over Time, Tristan Charnock Hershberger

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Population affinity is the most controversial aspect of the biological profile to assess for forensic anthropologists due to an array of factors, both historical and in application. This has led to many calls for the abandonment of this type of estimation, however, many have challenged this by arguing for the category’s importance in the death investigation process. While the abandonment of population affinity estimation is unlikely, that does not mean that current approaches to population assessment should not be reassessed. This study attempts to reevaluate the category by applying an evolutionary lens to population affinity assessment. This project applied a …

Comparative Bioinformatic Methodologies In Paleogenetic Pathogen Identification In The Casas Grandes, Victoria Lynne Giovannangelo

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The application of metagenomic tools to further elucidate ancient DNA (aDNA) holds promise in paleopathology, particularly for inferring disease patterns in ancient populations, especially in those that are understudied. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the efficacy of taxonomic pipelines--Kraken 2, HOPS/MALT, and HAYSTAC--in detecting pathogens within highly degraded aDNA samples extracted from 22 Medio Period Paquimé individuals from the Casas Grandes archaeological site in Northwest Mexico. The taxonomic results from the pipelines are compared with contamination detection program mapDamage, although concerns arose about the latter program’s ability to work with prokaryotes. Additionally, the findings are compared against prior …

There's Still Time To, Lily Kip

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

There's Still Time To is a body of work composed of 51 photo-derived oil paintings. Each piece illustrates a relational situation which resists straightforward interpretation and generates infinite narrative possibilities. My source images come from my adolescent engagements with smartphone photography and social media, but the painted results are not focused on "photography" as a subject. Instead, I paint the photo to re-tread old memories and old relationships. The ambiguity of each figurative situation reflects the lived experience of relating to others and also serves as an invitation to the viewer who must base any assumptions about the painting on …