Digital Commons Network^™

Connecting The Dots: Teacher Self-Efficacy, Student-Teacher Relationships, And Behavior Management In Early Childhood, Courtney Lewis

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This study was designed to explore the relationships between teacher self-efficacy, student-teacher relationships, and use of behavior management strategies in early childhood education. Previous research suggests that effective early childhood education improves a child’s academic and social outcomes. This study sought to explore factors contributing to teacher effectiveness in preschool teachers. The hypotheses were that (1) teacher self-efficacy will directly affect student teacher relationships, (2) that studentteacher relationships will directly affect teacher’s frequency, confidence, and success of their behavior management strategies, and (3) that student-teacher relationships will act as a mediating variable between teacher self-efficacy and the frequency, confidence, and …

Associations Between Social Support, Social Control, And Stage Of Change With Self-Reported And Objectively Assessed Physical Activity In Adult Latino Dyads, Jemima C John, Minjae Lee, Soo K Park, Lorna H Mcneill, Deanna M Hoelscher, Susan M Schembre, Belinda M Reininger, Larkin L Strong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) are socially influenced, such that individuals from shared social networks or living environments may exhibit similar habits. This cross-sectional study examined associations of social support, social control, and family member stage of change with moderate-to-vigorous self-reported and objective PA in dyads of adult Hispanic family members. We used the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess self-reported PA and accelerometry for objective PA. Validated scales assessed social support, social control, and stage of change. We performed multivariable multilevel analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for within-dyad correlations. We conducted multivariable negative …

A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Study Of Gene-Sleep Duration Interactions For Blood Pressure In 811,405 Individuals From Diverse Populations, Pavithra Nagarajan, Thomas W Winkler, Amy R Bentley, Clint L Miller, Aldi T Kraja, Karen Schwander, Songmi Lee, Wenyi Wang, Michael R Brown, John L Morrison, Ayush Giri, Jeffrey R O'Connell, Traci M Bartz, Lisa De Las Fuentes, Valborg Gudmundsdottir, Xiuqing Guo, Sarah E Harris, Zhijie Huang, Mart Kals, Minjung Kho, Christophe Lefevre, Jian'an Luan, Leo-Pekka Lyytikäinen, Massimo Mangino, Yuri Milaneschi, Nicholette D Palmer, Varun Rao, Rainer Rauramaa, Botong Shen, Stefan Stadler, Quan Sun, Jingxian Tang, Sébastien Thériault, Adriaan Van Der Graaf, Peter J Van Der Most, Yujie Wang, Stefan Weiss, Kenneth E Westerman, Qian Yang, Tabara Yasuharu, Wei Zhao, Wanying Zhu, Drew Altschul, Md Abu Yusuf Ansari, Pramod Anugu, Anna D Argoty-Pantoja, Michael Arzt, Hugues Aschard, John R Attia, Lydia Bazzanno, Max A Breyer, Jennifer A Brody, Brian E Cade, Hung-Hsin Chen, Yii-Der Ida Chen, Zekai Chen, Paul S De Vries, Latchezar M Dimitrov, Anh Do, Jiawen Du, Charles T Dupont, Todd L Edwards, Michele K Evans, Tariq Faquih, Stephan B Felix, Susan P Fisher-Hoch, James S Floyd, Mariaelisa Graff, Charles Gu, Dongfeng Gu, Kristen G Hairston, Anthony J Hanley, Iris M Heid, Sami Heikkinen, Heather M Highland, Michelle M Hood, Mika Kähönen, Carrie A Karvonen-Gutierrez, Takahisa Kawaguchi, Setoh Kazuya, Tanika N Kelly, Pirjo Komulainen, Daniel Levy, Henry J Lin, Peter Y Liu, Pedro Marques-Vidal, Joseph B Mccormick, Hao Mei, James B Meigs, Cristina Menni, Kisung Nam, Ilja M Nolte, Natasha L Pacheco, Lauren E Petty, Hannah G Polikowsky, Michael A Province, Bruce M Psaty, Laura M Raffield, Olli T Raitakari, Stephen S Rich, Renata L Riha, Lorenz Risch, Martin Risch, Edward A Ruiz-Narvaez, Rodney J Scott, Colleen M Sitlani, Jennifer A Smith, Tamar Sofer, Maris Teder-Laving, Uwe Völker, Peter Vollenweider, Guanchao Wang, Ko Willems Van Dijk, Otis D Wilson, Rui Xia, Jie Yao, Kristin L Young, Ruiyuan Zhang, Xiaofeng Zhu, Jennifer E Below, Carsten A Böger, David Conen, Simon R Cox, Marcus Dörr, Mary F Feitosa, Ervin R Fox, Nora Franceschini, Sina A Gharib, Vilmundur Gudnason, Sioban D Harlow, Jiang He, Elizabeth G Holliday, Zoltan Kutalik, Timo A Lakka, Deborah A Lawlor, Seunggeun Lee, Terho Lehtimäki, Changwei Li, Ching-Ti Liu, Reedik Mägi, Fumihiko Matsuda, Alanna C Morrison, Brenda Wjh Penninx, Patricia A Peyser, Jerome I Rotter, Harold Snieder, Tim D Spector, Lynne E Wagenknecht, Nicholas J Wareham, Alan B Zonderman, Kari E North, Myriam Fornage, Million Veteran Program, Adriana M Hung, Alisa K Manning, James Gauderman, Han Chen, Patricia B Munroe, Dabeeru C Rao, Diana Van Heemst, Susan Redline, Raymond Noordam, Heming Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Although both short and long sleep duration are associated with elevated hypertension risk, our understanding of their interplay with biological pathways governing blood pressure remains limited. To address this, we carried out genome-wide cross-population gene-by-short-sleep and long-sleep duration interaction analyses for three blood pressure traits (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure) in 811,405 individuals from diverse population groups. We discovered 22 novel gene-sleep duration interaction loci for blood pressure, mapped to 23 genes. Investigating these genes' functional implications shed light on neurological, thyroidal, bone metabolism, and hematopoietic pathways that necessitate future investigation for blood pressure management that caters to sleep health …

The Power Of Social Capital For First-Generation College Students, Inez M. Gonzalez Perezchica

Journal of College Access

First-generation college students (FGCS) face unique challenges in achieving career success, challenges which stem from limited access to social capital. Social capital refers to the value derived from access to social structures, which serve as resources that enable individuals to pursue and attain their interests (Coleman, 1988). Enhancing mentoring for FGCS requires an understanding of how social capital facilitates success and upward mobility. FGCS face information gaps that can hinder their ability to navigate college bureaucracy, advance their careers, and beyond. To address this information gap, FGCS can seek advisors and mentors, or institutional agents, who can provide critical insights …

Complete Issue, Claudia Martinez, Lorenzo M. Sianez Jr

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Connections: Toward A Framework For Equity In Social Capital Development In College And Career Pathways, Samantha L. Perez

Journal of College Access

The attention on college and career pathways over the last decade has revitalized interest in key activities like early career exploration, work-based learning, and labor market alignment of career and technical education. One essential element of this work, and perhaps among the most critical, has not received as much attention. Research shows that social capital—the relationships and networks an individual has and their ability to build, leverage, and mobilize them— is often how people get access to new information and educational and career opportunities; however, it is not something that most school systems have made an explicit priority for preparing …

Debunking Myths: Preparing Black Students Who Are Accelerated Learners For Postsecondary Opportunities, Erik M. Hines, Donna Y. Ford, Renae D. Mayes, Tanya J. Middleton, James L. Moore Iii, Desmond Mcglone

Journal of College Access

Black students are the most underrepresented in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Advanced Placement (AP), honors, dual enrollment (DE), and other programs for advanced learners (Ford, 2011, 2013; Hines, 2024; Hines, Fletcher et al., 2022). However, accelerated learners, particularly Black students, are usually seen as individuals who understand their educational trajectory, are more likely to know where they plan to attend college, and quickly know their career choice (Smith & Wood, 2020). Accelerated learners are students who are engaged in advanced coursework or programs such as Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Advanced Placement (AP), honors, dual enrollment (DE). In this …

Effects Of Emotional Intelligence In Enhancing Team Collaboration And Conflict Resolution In Agile Project Management, Shaikh Muhammad Sinan

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

In this study, I explored the use of emotional intelligence (EI) in enhancing team collaboration and conflict resolution within agile project management environments. Though agile methodologies have gained more popularity, most projects still suffer from interpersonal conflicts and communication failures that detract from project performance. Though the literature is particular to the dynamics of agile project management, little is known about the emotional and interpersonal dynamics that influence team effectiveness. I examined how EI skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills influence team dynamics and project success. Guided by Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Framework, in this qualitative study, …

The Relationship Between Perceived Racial Discrimination And Psychological Distress: The Role Of Psychological Inflexibility, Kyrah Breann Frank

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research has shown that marginalized groups experience perceived racial discrimination as traumatic, humiliating, and hurtful (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014). Multiple studies have associated perceived racial discrimination with physical and mental health outcomes such as depression (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014.; Shallcross & Spruill, 2017; Zapolski et al., 2018), cardiovascular problems (Watson-Singleton et al., 2019; Zapolski et al., 2018), anxiety (Zapolski et al., 2018), and stress (Graham et al., 2013; Watson-Singleton et al., 2019). Studies have also shown that mindfulness buffered/moderated the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and health outcomes (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014; Graham et al., 2013; Shallcross & Spruill, 2017; …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Prebiotics And Probiotics Among University Students, Itzel Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Gut health gained significant attention in recent years, with prebiotics and probiotics widely promoted for their potential health benefits. However, misinformation about this topic was common, particularly among young adults who were heavily influenced by social media and advertising on health-related topics. Research studies had indicated that knowledge and perceptions of prebiotics and probiotics are based on factors such as age, gender, and academic background. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of university students on prebiotic and probiotic foods, identify commonly used resources for information, and analyze the impact of media and demographic variables on their …

Addressing Jail Recidivism Among Inmates With Substance Use Disorders Through Treatment Interventions: A Scoping Review, Rosa C. Contreras

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project studies effective treatments for formerly incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders (SUD’s) who become homeless. This study examines evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical interventions identified in current research, analyzing their effectiveness in addressing key social issues. It explores how these interventions contribute to improving outcomes for individuals and communities, particularly in areas such as mental health, addiction recovery, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the study assesses their significance within the field of social work, emphasizing their role in shaping policies, informing best practices, and fostering more holistic, client-centered approaches to care. The potential impact of these interventions is considered in relation to reducing …

Building Safer Spaces:Exploring Supportive Leadership And Remote Work As Strategies Against Lgbtqia+ Mistreatment, Saray Valenzuela Jaime

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Organizations worldwide are undergoing significant transformations driven by employees’ demands for healthier, more inclusive workplaces (Mercer, 2022). This shift amplified by the influx of Gen Z and Millennial workers, whose higher rates of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) identification have nearly doubled the proportion of sexual- and gender-minority employees over the past decade, reshaping work dynamics. Yet, nearly half of all LGBT employees experience unfair treatment based on their gender identity or sexual orientation (Sears et al., 2021). LGBTQIA+ identity and hostile workplace climates, marked by mistreatment and discrimination, negatively impact organizational effectiveness by undermining employee …

Clocking Out: Experiences Of Customer Sexual Harassment, Coping, And Psychological Well-Being Among Waitresses, Paola Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Workplace sexual harassment (WSH) is an ongoing issue which has been growing in literature especially when looking at the effects of WSH on employees. Yet, few studies have looked at workplace sexual harassment that occurs from customers towards employees known as customer sexual harassment (CSH). The current study investigates the role of coping strategies as a moderator when responding to CSH and the effects on employees' short- and long-term psychological well-being in terms of anxiety and depression.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Expansive, And Queer+ Client Experiences Discussing Consensual Nonmonogamy In Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Evan Wendell Engle-Newman

Dissertations

This dissertation presents the findings from an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study on how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, and queer+ (LGBTGEQ+) clients experience discussing consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) in therapy. This study explored how five individuals made meaning of their experiences discussing CNM with current or prior therapists. The meaning they made of these experiences were situated in the context of social and cultural factors that influenced their discussions of CNM in therapy.

There were three research questions for this study including one primary question and two guiding sub-questions. The primary question was: what are the experiences of LGBTGEQ+ …

From Foster Care To College Graduation: A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of College Graduates Who Aged Out Of Foster Care, Antonia Irene Thomas

Dissertations

Students who have spent time in the foster care system encounter a myriad of barriers and challenges to academic success. Among these challenges is attending post-secondary school and completing a college degree. High school academic performance, knowledge of the college application process, and lack of financial support are some factors that act as barriers to post-secondary attendance. Lack of support and difficulty navigating the college experience can negatively impact the ability to complete college. Even in instances of desire and academic ability to attend college, many of these students never attend, or do not complete and obtain a degree. Between …

Beliefs Of California And Colorado Parents, School Professionals, And School Administrators Around Providing Comprehensive Sexuality Education To School-Aged Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Michelle Aleen Kalos

Dissertations

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are victims of sexual assault at a rate seven times higher than people without IDD (Shapiro, 2018a). “One of the best ways to stop sexual assault is to give people with intellectual disabilities the ability to identify abuse and to know how to develop the healthy relationships they want” (Shapiro, 2018b, p. 1). Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) could be a scientifically accurate, evidence-based, age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and inclusive educational experience for youth with IDD (Koch et al., 2024). However, only around 16% of students with IDD were likely to receive sex education in …

Internalized Heterosexism Through Intersectionality: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Devon Alexandra Monica Bortfeld

Dissertations

While the impact of LGBQ+ individuals experiencing overt, interpersonal discrimination (i.e., heterosexism) is well-documented, the propensity for stigmatization, invisibilization, and violence to be internalized by LGBQ+ has only recently been examined as a factor contributing to poorer health outcomes. Internalized heterosexism (IH) was defined as the consumption and internalization of negative societal attitudes, assumptions, and beliefs towards homosexuality by LGBQ+ individuals and was linked to multiple forms of psychological distress. However, the methodological and clinical gaps in the research contributed to a clinical utility that was lacking for multiply marginalized LGBQ+ individuals. The purpose of this study aimed to understand …

A Formative Evaluation Of A Combined Reading And Emotional-Behavioral Intervention, Katlyn Fowler Frey

Dissertations

The current study is a formative evaluation of an intervention that combined reading instruction with exposure therapy strategies, with the goal of teaching avoidant readers how to engage with learning through their own volition. The purpose of the current study was to assess the potential efficacy of a reading intervention with an emotional-behavioral adaptation on reading and emotional-behavioral outcomes. Specifically, the researcher sought to determine whether the adapted intervention could improve readers’ reading achievement, reading self-efficacy, and reading-related emotions at a faster rate than treatment as usual. Additionally, teachers of the participating readers were surveyed for social validity purposes. The …

Teacher Leadership In Social Studies: The Search For Meaning And Identity, Zachary F. Lawson

Dissertations

This qualitative research study brings together social studies education and teacher leadership. Social studies lacks study in the teacher leader literature. This study aimed to understand whether the disciplinary nature of social studies education influenced the enactment of teacher leadership. This study sought an answer to the central research question: What does it mean to be a social studies teacher leader? Using a hermeneutic phenomenology research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews across two groups of participants. Seven social studies teacher leaders made up one group, and five social studies teachers without leadership roles comprised the other. Findings indicated …

Investigating The Impact Of Adaptive Sports And Recreation Involvement For Veterans, Ashley Bowen

All Dissertations

Adaptive sports and recreation programs offer a promising complementary recreation-based treatment option for veterans with service-connected disabilities and health conditions, and these programs can positively impact veterans’ lives. The many biopsychosocial benefits of veteran adaptive sport and recreation participation have been researched, but studies focused on measuring the broader impact of these programs are new. The Experience Type Framework (ETF) and its associated measures, the Experience Impact Scale (EIS) and Experience Type Scale (ETS), offer options for measuring that broader impact. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adaptive sports and recreation experiences for veterans, explore …

Supporting Autistic Students' Mental Wellness: A Community Readiness Model Approach, Cady Walker

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Autism spectrum disorder or difference (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability, usually identified during childhood. However, many adults miss the opportunity for diagnosis during childhood due to previous misunderstandings about autism presentation, camouflaging behaviors, and misdiagnoses. While current diagnostic tools for assessing autism in children are more robust, similar measures are lacking for adults who were not diagnosed in childhood. This gap poses risks for poor mental health outcomes among adults who missed a timely ASD diagnosis, which can be especially challenging for autistic college students. Although some higher education institutions offer support programs for autistic students, most do not, …

Pierce County Juvenile Justice Assessment, Alya Azman, Kathryn Cunningham, Anna Duncan, David M. N. Garavito, Noah Gubner, Jean Hernandez, Robyn Metcalfe, Rachel Porter, Santiago Pedraza Arenas, Meli Sameh, Sarah Cusworth Walker

Articles

Following a 2024 County Council request, the Pierce County Performance Audit Committee contracted with the CoLab for Community and Behavioral Health Policy at the University of Washington to conduct an audit of the county’s juvenile justice system against national and research best practice. The assessment is intended to guide future county investments in preventing and responding to youth crime, particularly youth violence, and to inform current policy discussions around the need to invest significant county funds into a renovation or reenvisioning of the current Juvenile Justice Court and Detention Center (Remann Hall).

College Leaders’ Perspectives Of Diversity At A Community College System In Texas: A Phenomenological Study Of Validation, Xandelyn Wright Washington

All Dissertations

The United States has undergone dramatic changes in student demographics over the last 40 years. Nowhere is this reflected more than in the field of education (Center for Public Education, 2012; Fabina et al., 2023). Disaggregation of student demographics is a useful and common method for measuring student outcomes, and in the United States, non-majority students consistently have lower student outcomes (Gay, 2013; Howard, 2010; Ocay et al., 2023).

Ma and Baum (2016) and McNair et al. (2015) stated that the role of community colleges is pivotal in postsecondary education. As such, college leaders and administrators have focused attention on …

Post-Disaster Economic Outcomes Of Community Development Financial Institutions (Cdfis) In Underserved Communities: The Role Of Government Funding Allocations, Regulatory Transparency, And Accountability Requirements, Bridget Elaine Steele Ross

All Dissertations

This research explored how institutional transparency, accountability mechanisms, and organizational scale relate to Community Development Financial Institutions' (CDFIs) effectiveness in economically marginalized areas after federally declared disasters. Drawing on principles from Agency Theory and Resource Dependency Theory, the study investigated how government financial support influences CDFI performance, measured by job creation and the initiation of new small businesses.

A quantitative approach was applied using aggregated data drawn from authoritative sources, including the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The dataset comprises 199 CDFIs across 25 …

Aligning Remote Work Preferences With Workplace Outcomes: Investigating The Impact Of Person-Environment Fit, Sandylane Y. Oquendo

All Dissertations

Remote work gained steady popularity in all sectors after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined how matching employees' preferred remote work setup with their actual work environment affected job satisfaction, engagement, stress, and the desire to leave the company. Framed by Person-Environment Fit, the research examined how the match between individual preferences and work arrangements influenced these outcomes. Participants were surveyed using a 4x4 factorial design to capture responses across various remote work scenarios. Data regression analyses indicated that alignment between remote work preferences and actual work arrangements significantly improved job satisfaction and reduced stress and turnover intention. The expected …

Factors Influencing Healthcare Cybersecurity Effectiveness: An Empirical Investigation, Machuria Mallette Johnson

All Dissertations

The healthcare sector faces escalating cybersecurity risks due to its reliance on electronic health records, legacy systems, medical devices, and health information exchanges. These interconnected technologies expand attack surfaces and create vulnerabilities that threaten patient data, operational continuity, and public trust. These challenges cause many healthcare organizations to struggle to implement effective cybersecurity strategies.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence healthcare cybersecurity effectiveness by integrating Institutional Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Top Management Support, and IT Infrastructure Quality. A survey was administered to healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and executive professionals across the United States. The final …

Evaluating Tax Preparers’ Perception Of The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (Tcja) Through The Lens Of The Tax Misperception Theory, Cari Valita Barnes

All Dissertations

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 represented one of the most extensive overhauls of the U.S. tax code in decades. While it is credited with reducing statutory tax burdens, the TCJA also introduced substantial complexity, which shaped tax preparers’ behavior and reshaped the tax preparation industry. Designed to stimulate economic growth through broad changes to both corporate and individual taxation, the TCJA’s impact on the profession cannot be understood without considering how preparers perceived the legislation. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of the TCJA on tax preparers’ perceptions using the Tax Misperception Theory.

Results from Tobit …

Vision To Reality: Groundbreaking Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence On Key Performance Indicators In The Built Environment, Christopher Hamilton Sr

All Dissertations

As construction transitions into an era shaped by Industry 4.0 and data-driven decision-making, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool with the potential to enhance key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule adherence, cost management, quality assurance, safety, resource allocation, and customer satisfaction. However, few studies have empirically assessed the direct influence of AI adoption on operational performance or examined the innovation diffusion factors that facilitate its integration. This gap underscores the need to align AI initiatives with broader organizational strategies, ensuring that technological adoption translates into measurable improvements in construction performance.

This quantitative study investigated two core research …

Do The Theoretical Frameworks Surrounding Union Wage Negotiations Align With Empirical Data?, Sajid Bin Hasnat

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper investigates whether the strategic bargaining models developed in game theory align with outcomes observed in laboratory and field settings. We aim to synthesize theoretical literature with experimental and field data to assess the predictive power of game-theoretic models in labor-union wage negotiation contexts. We analyze Rubinstein's bargaining model and its extensions, focusing on how relaxed assumptions affect equilibrium behavior, gains from trade, and dispute occurrence. The theoretical analysis reveals that many bargaining failures stem from asymmetric information between both parties, where delay, transaction costs, deadlines, and reputational effects lead to distinct equilibrium predictions. To test these theoretical predictions, …

Challenging The Gaze: A Feminist Interpretation Of The S.M.S. Mail Art Collection, Karissa A. Krievins

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In the late 1960s, many people called for radical, immediate change to America’s political, societal, and cultural structures. The artistic practices of the time reflected the social and political realities of the moment and played a crucial role in advocating for change. The title of the 1968 S.M.S. (Shit Must Stop) subscription art portfolios was a bold and urgent call for action, challenging artists and audiences alike to confront the pressing injustices of the era and inspire a collective awakening to the necessity of transformative change across the United States. Despite a fifty-six-year gap, today we are …