Digital Commons Network^™

Suicidal Risk Factors In Male Veterans: The Protective Role Of Emotional And Sexual Intimacy In Romantic Relationships, Rachel Goodman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

In light of the heightened suicide risk among male Veterans, identifying contributing factors remains a critical priority. One of the most empirically supported models explaining suicide risk, the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS), highlights the importance of interpersonal connection. Although intimate partner distress is commonly reported among Veterans who die by suicide, little is known about how intimacy within romantic relationships functions as a protective or risk factor within the IPTS framework. Further, while meaning in life has emerged as a robust protective factor against suicide—and is shaped by both intimate connection and IPTS-related interpersonal risks—research exploring how these …

The Impact Of Othermothering On Black Male Persistence In The Hbcu Context, Terrance D. Pryor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Black male students in higher education continue to face disproportionate challenges to their academic persistence and success, often navigating institutions that marginalize their identities and potential. Within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black women faculty, staff, and administrators have historically served as vital pillars of support—embodying the practice of Othermothering, a culturally rooted, communal form of care and mentorship. This dissertation investigates how Othermothering shapes the persistence trajectories of Black male undergraduates at an HBCU, illuminating a relational pedagogy that sustains and empowers students often underserved by dominant educational paradigms. Grounded in African American Male Theory (AAMT), the concept …

Examining The Perception Of Transactional Distance Sub-Constructs Learner-Facilitator Interaction, Learner-Learner Interaction And Learner-Content Interaction Predictive Qualities For Employee Satisfaction With Course Outcomes And Professional Development In A Synchronous Instructor-Led Online Course, Angela Cetera Garner-Samuels

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

In recent years, there has been an increase in providing training and professional development via online environments. Employees have reported positive and negative experiences with workplace training in online settings. This study examined whether Transactional Distance Theory sub-constructs Learner-Facilitator Interaction (LFI), Learner-Learner Interaction (LLI), and Learner-Content Interaction (LCI) predict learners' satisfaction with workplace training course outcomes and perceptions of professional development for individuals enrolled in a synchronous instructor-led online course (SILOC) offered through their employer. The utilization of Transactional Distance Theory provided a theoretical framework to address the structural, social, and psychological distance learners experience in distance education, which influences …

Effects Of Psychological Arousal And Relaxation On Muscle Performance, Activation, And Heart Rate Variability During Maximal Muscle Strength And Precision Tasks, Allison Ann Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological arousal plays a vital role in athletic performance, with the optimal point of arousal and performance level varying by task complexity. A common manipulator of arousal is music, which can produce multiple physiological effects. This study investigated whether unfamiliar arousing or relaxing music influences heart rate variability, muscle activation, maximal muscle strength, and muscle precision. Theoretically, if participants are found to have differing muscle performance responses as a result of differing music selections, this would further support the notion that the optimal point of arousal and performance is dependent upon the complexity of the task at hand. Thus, coaches …

Soil Ethics In Practice: Harvesting Conservation Choices Among Puerto Rican Coffee Farmers, Patricia Marie Cordero-Irizarry

Theses and Dissertations

Coffee farming in Puerto Rico has declined over recent decades, partly due to deteriorating soil quality. However, the decision-making process behind farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices remains unclear, particularly the overlooked role of soil ethics, which emphasizes the moral principles guiding human relationships with the soil. This mixed-methods study examined coffee farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices by integrating the Values-Beliefs-Norms (VBN) theory and a newly developed Soil Ethics Survey (SES) instrument for the quantitative component, while using Decision-Making Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to qualitatively explore how farmers’ experiences and reflections shape their soil ethics. Quantitative findings revealed …

The Evaluation Of Traditional And Latency Based Functional Analyses On The Identification Of The Function Of Inappropriate Mealtime Behavior, Mallie N. Donald

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that up to 80% of children with developmental disabilities have feeding problems. Feeding problems typically coexist with the presence of inappropriate mealtime behavior which includes behaviors such as aggression, throwing food or utensils, or turning head away from the presented bite. As a result, functional analysis procedures are commonly used to determine the function of inappropriate mealtime behavior to later inform effective function-based interventions. Traditional functional analysis procedures utilize the measurement of the rate of inappropriate mealtime behavior. Several limitations exist within traditional procedures for the assessment of inappropriate mealtime behavior which include demands across all test and …

Social Validity Of Functional Analysis Variations, Rita M. Druffner

Theses and Dissertations

The functional analysis was developed to systematically identify the antecedent and consequent conditions mediating challenging behavior. Modifications to the traditional procedures have been developed to address barriers to implementation, including duration, environmental control, and safety. Much of the research surrounding functional analyses addresses effectiveness, barriers to implementation, and practitioner acceptability. However, there is a lack of research assessing caregiver social validity of functional analysis procedures. Social validity is the assessment of the goals, procedures, and outcomes of behavior analytic practice. Even though there has been advocacy for including measures of social within behavior analytic research and practice, there is limited …

Measuring Emotional Biases In Attention And Memory In Individuals Who Fear Happiness, Michael R. Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

A central goal in contemporary clinical science is to measure emotionally driven factors of psychopathology through cognitive experimental methods. However, limitations in previous experimental paradigms have led to a lack of sensitivity and reliability in measuring the biased processing of positive and negative information. Additionally, these biases have not been investigated in individuals who fear happiness. Therefore, this study examined the unique relations between attention and memory biases of emotional stimuli and fear of happiness scores. A more sensitive experimental paradigm tracked eye positions while participants viewed faces over time to measure tendencies to attend to emotional content. A memory …

Tabletop Role-Playing Games As A Therapeutic Intervention: Translating Ttrpgs To Therapy, Joanne Adelle Hillerman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the aspects of tabletop role-playing games, or TTRPGs, that are appealing to therapists, aspects of TTRPGs that may be challenging for therapists to implement, and to identify outside factors that may associated with therapists’ interest in using TTRPGs. This study used the technology acceptance model (Davis, 1989) as a theoretical framework. A sample of therapists and mental health workers (N = 102) answered survey questions on their perceptions of the ease-of-use and usefulness of TTRPGs in therapy, their likelihood to use TTRPGs in therapy, and additional items measuring outside influences on their …

Documenting Children’S Use, Physical Activity, And Social Play In Tom Lee Park’S Playscape, Laurel Kelton

Theses and Dissertations

The benefits of nature and physical activity on children’s health and development are well documented. However, many children lack access to nature and physical activity. Researchers have found that “innovative playgrounds” —which, by definition, are more likely to include natural elements that facilitate nature immersion— are associated with increased physical activity and duration of stay. This thesis is a case study of a public innovative playground at Tom Lee Park. It sought to understand the playground’s areas and physical characteristics that have higher levels of use, physical activity, and social play and longer durations of stay. Data was collected over …

Understanding Pollinator-Forb Interactions And Evaluating Trapping Methods For Pollinator Monitoring In Lawns Of The Southeastern United States, Sara Rose Kirby

Theses and Dissertations

Urban turfgrass landscapes are widespread across the southeastern United States but offer limited ecological value under conventional management. This thesis evaluates the pollinator support potential of ten forb species commonly found in low-maintenance lawns and assesses the effectiveness of two insect sampling methods, sweep netting and pan trapping. Over two years of field surveys, native forbs such as Symphyotrichum divaricatum and Claytonia virginica supported significantly greater insect abundance and diversity than introduced species. Network and modularity analyses revealed that native plants facilitated more specialized pollinator interactions, including those involving oligolectic bee species. In a complementary study, pan traps effectively sampled …

My Grandparents Raised Me: The Role Of Formative Individual And Family Experiences In Predicting Emerging Adult Substance Use, Attachment, And Mental Health Outcomes, Acacia Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals raised in a grandfamily, or family structure in which a grandparent raises their grandchildren, experience higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), insecure attachment, and negative mental health outcomes during childhood. Literature on outcomes of these individuals across the lifespan is extremely limited, however, and it is unclear how formative individual and family experiences of being raised by grandparents carry into emerging adulthood (e.g., 18 to 25-years-old). Emerging adulthood is a developmental stage marked by significant instability and unpredictability that is linked with increased vulnerability to mental health concerns and substance use. It has been identified as an important …

Older Adult Men’S Well-Being: The Impact Of Masculinity And Negative Perceptions Of Aging, Darby D. Mackenstadt

Theses and Dissertations

Stereotype embodiment theory states that individuals who hold negative aging stereotypes may internalize them, and thus view their own aging process as negative. This study aimed to evaluate how older adult men may be influenced by their adherence to masculinity standards, such as men are expected to be strong and independent, in older adulthood. A sample of 438 men aged 55 and older living in the southern United States was analyzed, finding that beliefs of masculinity moderated the relationship between negative perceptions of aging and depression. Participants who reported a high adherence to masculinity beliefs and a negative perception of …

Transforming Movement Assessment In Physical Therapy Through Subaquatic Data Collection, Kaitlyn Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the interest and perceived barriers to integrating subaquatic diagnostic technologies (SDTs) into hydrotherapy among licensed physical therapists. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted using a mixed-methods design, with 15 interviews included in the final analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests, while qualitative responses were coded thematically. Results indicated no statistically significant relationships between SDT interest and career stage or hydrotherapy access, though qualitative data highlighted concerns about cost, limited access, and usability. Despite mixed interest in adoption, participants identified several potential benefits of SDTs, including improved treatment tailoring, increased patient buy-in, and enhanced outcome monitoring. Functional …

Family Matters: How Caregiver Influence And Internal Locus Of Control Relate To Academics, Maia Mclin

Theses and Dissertations

Academics in college predicts life outcomes; students from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds often face greater challenges. One such population, consisting of many individuals from marginalized backgrounds, are those raised by nontraditional parents. This study investigated predictors of academics among 357 college students, examining authoritative parenting style, intrinsic motivation, academic locus of control (LoC), SES, and caregiver type (parental vs. non-traditional). Academics was assessed using two composite scores: 'academic knowledge' (GPA/ACT) and 'compensatory attention' (working memory via n-back task accuracy and attention/concentration via SMALSI-C). Hierarchical regressions revealed that higher authoritative parenting, higher SES, and being raised by biological parents significantly …

Spatial Variability Of Heat Mortality Rate Relationships In Arizona At Primary Care Area Level, Ria Mukherjee

Theses and Dissertations

Heat Mortality Rates (HMR) in Arizona (AZ) are one of the highest in all of US. The HMR association with environmental, socioeconomic, demographic, and occupational factors has been widely investigated to inform mitigative policy. This study employed linear and spatial models- Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), across AZ at Primary Care Area (PCAr) level to identify important spatial trends in HMR relationship. Results indicated a significant global association between heat mortality and environmental variables and the elderly population aged 65 and older. In contrast, the working age group between 54 and …

In Good Times & Bad: Measuring Ambivalence In Custodial Grandparents, Marin Gail Olson

Theses and Dissertations

Like other forms of caregivers, custodial grandparents experience both the joys and trials of raising their grandchildren. This culmination of positive and negative feelings is called “caregiver ambivalence." It has only recently been studied in relation to caregiver burden and wellness in the form of caregiver ambivalence theory (CAT). By collecting data from approximately 395 custodial grandparents via an online survey, the current study aimed to test if custodial grandparents’ feelings of burden influence their perceived well-being and if feelings of ambivalence mediate this relation. Implications of this research include identifying areas of strength and growth within custodial grandparents and …

Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of The Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised: Short Form In College-Attending Emerging Adults, Lydia Stanhope

Theses and Dissertations

Psychopathy research stems from the work of Dr. Hervey Cleckley, whose research aided in providing the foundation for psychopathy assessments currently utilized in the field. Several researchers used Cleckley’s framework to further home in on characteristics that are central to psychopathy. Among the primary researchers who adapted the characteristics into their own measures are Robert Hare, Paul Frick, and Scott Lilienfeld; the work of these researchers is what helped lead to the creation of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised: Short Form (PPI-R: SF). The current study aimed to confirm the two-, three-, and eight-factor models from previous versions of the measure …

Mastering Skills Together: Effects Of Video Modeling On Parent-Implemented Academic Intervention, Chelsea S. Thorpe

Theses and Dissertations

Reading proficiency is a fundamental skill for academic success and long-term developmental outcomes. Yet, despite ongoing efforts to strengthen literacy education, a significant number of students continue to face reading difficulties that hinder comprehension, critical thinking, and overall academic achievement. National data demonstrate the urgency of this issue. The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that 40% of fourth-grade students and 33% of eighth-grade students scored below the Basic level in reading, marking the highest rate on record for eighth graders. Early reading challenges can often lead to other academic and psychosocial challenges such as low achievement, low …

“It Just Builds Character”: Building The Bullying Myths Scale, Jessica Weiss Utley

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 20% of American children and adolescents report being victims of bullying each year (Irwin et al., 2022). Bullying victimization is linked to serious behavioral and psychological outcomes, like depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide (e.g., Chou et al., 2020; John et al., 2018; Mulder et al., 2017; Schoeler et al., 2018). Despite these sobering data, misconceptions continue to portray bullying as a normal part of growing up, that it is trivial in nature, and that some kids deserve to be bullied (Dawes et al., 2022; Kulig et al., 2008). This study tested the validity and efficacy of the Bullying Myths …

Academics Vs Athletics: Prioritizing The Students In Student-Athletes And The Importance Of Their Return To The Classroom, Stephen Walker

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) aims to enhance student- athletes' educational experiences but Law 6.5.1 inadvertently causes students to miss 300 hours of academic instruction annually. This dilemma forces school districts to choose between robust sports programs and rigorous academic schedules, ultimately creating a disadvantage for students. While participation in sports has been linked to improved academic performance, the current structure disproportionately allocates resources to athletics over academics, with only 51% of schools offering after-school academic programs compared to 77% for sports. This paper discusses the benefits of sports, including higher attendance and graduation rates, but also highlights …

The Interplay Of Biomarkers And Psychosocial Variables In Ipv Perpetration, Arturo L. Cantos, María L. Mondolfi, K. Daniel O'Leary

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Relevant biopsychosocial factors, including testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) levels, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and difficulties in emotion regulation, have been implicated in IPV perpetration. However, further research is needed to clarify how biomarkers and psychosocial variables interact. The authors herein predicted that emotion regulation difficulties would moderate the association between ACES and IPV perpetration. The sample consisted of 30 IPV perpetrators aged 18 to 51 (M = 30.80, SD = 8.43) and 30 control non-perpetrator participants aged 18–35 (M = 24.13; SD = 4.28). All participants provided saliva samples to assess T and C levels and completed a sociodemographic …

The Relationship Between Hindrance Demands And Work Engagement: The Moderating Role Of Resilience, Adoré Davis

Master's Theses

The coronavirus pandemic decreased work engagement globally due to increased hindrance demands. Many organizations were motivated to increase work engagement, which is positively correlated with beneficial organizational outcomes. The intention of this study is to examine if personal resources like resilience moderate the relationship between hindrance demands and work engagement. Hindrance demands are refined from job demands and hindrance stressors, which are stressors that impede progress in employees. Resilience is a personal resource correlated with pro-social behavior, internal locus of control, and higher levels of empathy. Resilience as a personal resource has mainly been studied as a predictor of work …

The Case For Mass Media Communication Theories In The Study Of Artificial Intelligence: A Uses And Gratifications & Parasocial Interaction Theory Approach, Colin Farmer

Theses

This study analyzes communication and relationship building between textual generative Artificial Intelligence programs and their users through the lens of parasocial interactions and uses and gratifications. It measures loneliness, knowledge gaining, and task completion as the primary reasons motivating perceived relationship development with AI applications. Through a quantitative survey, it explores the connections between time spent using AI, as well as the previously mentioned factors and seeks to determine what influences a user’s perceived relationship with an AI chatbot program. Comparisons are also drawn between the relationships with AI and the user’s relationships with celebrities, further expanding the justification for …

More Than A Ramp: Rethinking School Design For Sensory And Cognitive Inclusion, Andrew Ho

University Honors Theses

This thesis advocates for the integration of the ASPECTSS framework, developed by Magda Mostafa, into legislative standards that would govern the design of educational environments that accommodate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Drawing on evidence from a case study demonstrating significant improvements in student behavior and overall satisfaction through ASPECTSS-based interventions, the thesis highlights the urgent need for these principles to move beyond voluntary adoption and rather, toward enforceable design mandates.

The ASPECTSS framework includes the seven following criterias; Acoustics, Spatial Sequencing, Escape Spaces, Compartmentalization, Transitions, Sensory Zoning, and Safety. This model provides a comprehensive and actionable approach to …

Partnership, Collaboration, And Co-Production To Improve Patient Experience Beyond Conducting Surveys – Lessons From The Quebec Model, Canada, Marie-Pascale Pomey, Catherine Wilhelmy, Myriam Fournier-Tombs, Vincent Dumez, Cécile Vialaron, Monica Nelea Iliescu, Karina Prevost, Simon Courtemanche, Louise Normandin, Geneviève David

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: The objectives of this article are to present how, in the province of Quebec (Canada), healthcare and service partnerships have been implemented, to take stock of the current situation and to suggest ways to continue strengthening the model over the coming years, in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. Methods: Three methods were mobilized: (1) a review of the literature and reports published in recent years on implementations of partnerships in Quebec; (2) a survey sent to the persons responsible for partnerships in Quebec’s health and social services establishments; and (3) a working committee comprised of patient experts, partnership …

Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, And Support (Pmcs) Of Southern New Jersey: Suicide Prevention Using Human Experience And Social Determinants Of Health, Ali A. Poorani, Matthew Jacobs, Patrick Carney, Jaclyn Tomasetti

Patient Experience Journal

Suicide prevention is a high priority for Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Recent data show an increase in suicide rates, especially among Veterans that had not used VHA health services and nor had received any VHA benefits. Meanwhile, data collected for the past two decades reveals a decline in suicide rates among Veterans who were recent VHA users with mental health or substance use disorders. The objective of the Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, and Support (PMCS) Program was to explore novel ways to reengage and reintegrate Veterans into their earned VA healthcare benefits, and examine the effectiveness of this new initiative by …

“All Together”: A Case Study Demystifying Patient And Public Involvement (Ppi) In Brief Psychological Interventions Within A Community Mental Health Service For Adults In The Uk, Molly H. Nadel, Katherine Parkin, Stephanie Casey, Rachel Maciag, Alice Xie, Mu-Yin Chang, Youngsuk Kim

Patient Experience Journal

The importance and value of involving patients and the public in the decision-making processes within services designed to support them, and research projects aimed at understanding and improving those services, have long been established. This is often referred to as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). However, establishing good quality involvement work in practical terms is often less well understood and therefore, the uncertainty surrounding this can lead to hesitation by clinicians in practice. In this paper, we will share our lessons learned and the practical outcomes of PPI when applied in an NHS community mental health service for adults. We …

Understanding Online Reviews Of Geriatricians: Correlations Within A Dataset Of 53,210 Physician Reviews, Yizhong Wu, Eric Reuben Smith, Nick Shaffer, Hanh Dieu Trinh, Becky Powers

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: Online reviews are increasingly influential in how patients find and choose physicians. Patients appreciate the transparency of online reviews, and they offer an avenue for physicians to receive feedback. This cross-sectional study aims to provide insight into correlations between provider level information such as wait times or physician demographics, and the reviews patients submit online for geriatricians.

Methods: ParseHub software was used to extract and pool data from 6,631 provider profiles categorized under “geriatric medicine” on the popular open-source physician review website Healthgrades.com. Physician race or ethnicity was modeled by profile last name based on 2010 US census data. …

Family-Centered Care In Pediatric And Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review Of Effects On Parental Satisfaction And Length Of Stay, Vincenzo Andretta, Valentina Cerrone, Veronica Strini, Angela Prendin

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is essential in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICUs), potentially increasing parent satisfaction and reducing length of hospital stay, but evidence of its effectiveness is inconsistent. Objective: To assess the effects of FCC interventions on parent satisfaction and length of hospital stay in PICUs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, with 17 studies meeting the established inclusion criteria. The McMaster tool was used to assess the methodological quality of studies, along with an assessment of risk of bias. Results: The review identified a wide range of FCC interventions, including promoting parental …