Digital Commons Network^™

Land Of The Free, Home Of The Blazed: Legalized Recreational Cannabis Among Undergraduate College Students, Pietro A. Sasso, Shelley Price-Williams

Faculty Publications

Within the United States, attitudes toward cannabis consumption, especially among college students, have grown increasingly positive. Parallel to this trend, various additional social, cultural, and legal shifts have continued to occur in support of open cannabis consumption, though not without potential consequences. This phenomenological qualitative study explored undergraduate college students’ (n = 22) a priori experiences with cannabis use in states with legalized recreational cannabis. Findings in this study suggested a general lack of knowledge regarding cannabis consumption within the surrounding legal framework but a desire to practice safe consumption and receive a more meaningful education. Recommendations for practice included …

Partial Least Squares Multimodal Analysis Of Brain Network Correlates Of Language Deficits In Aphasia, Sigfus Kristinsson, Dirk B. Den Ouden, Chris Rorden, Roger Newman-Norlund, Lisa Johnson, Janina Wilmskoetter, Ezequiel Gleichgerrcht, Argye E. Hillis, Gregory Hickok, Julius Fridriksson, Leonardo Bonilha

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Articles and Research

Lesion-symptom mapping techniques are essential to determine brain regions critical for language functions. However, high collinearity in neuroimaging and behavioural data remains a challenge for distinguishing neural substrates supporting multiple language domains (shared variance) and those subserving specific language functions (unique variance). Here, we employed a novel approach to multimodal lesion-symptom mapping using multivariate partial least squares regression to delineate the latent structure of lesion-behavioural mapping in aphasia and decompose the shared and unique neural determinants of language impairments. A total of 86 participants with chronic (>12-month post-stroke) aphasia after left hemisphere strokes were examined. Language impairment was assessed …

Exploring The Association Between Self-Esteem And Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Investigation, Bijou C. Allard, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

High self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (M_age = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, …

Implementation And Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Enabled, Shared-Care Follow-Up Model For Early Breast Cancer Survivors (The Ibis-Survivorship Study): Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomised Trial, Raymond J. Chan, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Bogda Koczwara, G. Bruce Mann, Elizabeth Eakin, Jane Turner, Meinir Krishnasamy, Louisa G. Collins, Helen Skerman, Karla Hemming, Nicolas H. Hart, Jon Emery, Bethany Crowe, Kerry Patford, Jane Mahony, Caroline Kristunas, Gillian Blanchard, Laura Healey, Jasotha Sanmugarajah, Rhea Liang, Paul Craft, Amy Shorthouse, Ruth Mccaffery, Mary Azer, Patsy Yates

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Survivors often experience physical and psychological effects arising from breast cancer and its treatment, which can last months and years, adversely impacting quality of life. As the number of early breast cancer survivors increases, models of specialist-led follow-up care in hospital settings are not sustainable and evidence suggests that they may not meet survivors’ needs. Nurse-enabled, shared-care, follow-up models between cancer specialist and primary care teams have potential to address this need. Methods and analysis The proposed research is a multicentre, prospective, pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial designed to …

Community Engagement In Digital Banking: Insights From Jakarta And Perth, Safaruddin Husada, Ulani Yunus, Latifa Ramonita, Mark Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In the digital era, community engagement plays a pivotal role in driving market share expansion in the banking sector, yet the impact of such initiatives across diverse regulatory and cultural contexts remains underexplored. Purpose: This study examines the influence of community engagement on the digital bank market share in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Perth, Australia, while addressing disparities in digital access and customer experience. Methods: Employing a quantitative methodology, the study analyzed structured surveys from 300 respondents (150 each from Jakarta and Perth) to uncover relationships between community engagement and market expansion. Results: Findings reveal that robust community engagement significantly …

Incorporating Generative Ai Into Research Consultations: Opportunities, Challenges, And Best Practices, Aleshia A. Huber

Library Scholarship

With the rapid rise of generative AI tools, academic librarians have new opportunities to enhance research consultations and support student learning. This poster shares strategies for incorporating freely available AI tools into one-on-one and small group consultations, emphasizing their use in brainstorming, refining research questions, and improving search strategies. It also addresses how to guide students in evaluating AI-generated content critically and ethically. Based on the experiences of an academic engineering librarian, this poster presents practical examples, highlights successes and limitations, and offers best practices for librarians looking to thoughtfully integrate no-cost AI tools into their own practice.

The Case For Compulsory Dna Testing At Birth To Confirm Paternity: Ethical, Legal, And Social Considerations, Michael Mncedisi Willie

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Compulsory paternity testing at birth has sparked significant legal, ethical, and social debate due to its potential impact on family dynamics, child well-being, and parental responsibility. This review explores the ethical, legal, and societal implications of such testing, using Bioecological Systems Theory and Rawls' Theory of Justice to frame the discussion. This review evaluates the benefits and challenges of mandatory DNA testing at birth, particularly in reducing paternity fraud, ensuring fairness in child support allocation, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes, especially in low-income households. This qualitative review draws on multidisciplinary literature from family law, genetic counseling, social policy, and fathers' rights …

Power And Praise: The Case Of The Late Brezhnev Era, Andrew Buck, Jeffrey Hass

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The culture of praise in the late Brezhnev era was highly developed and ritualistic. This research explores the purpose of praise in Soviet society and maps out its different faces through a structural analysis of letters to the editor. We conceptualize praise as a kind of symbolic capital that Soviet citizens use to signal their loyalty to one another. Soviet citizens expressed agreement through public praise of others published on the pages of widely-circulated newspapers. The analysis demonstrates variation in the structure of praise that depends on its direction, location, topics and the identities of givers and receivers. We identify …

Psychopathy, Emotion, And Mock Juror Decision-Making, Bailey A. Hall

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests that mock jurors impose harsher sentencing (including death sentencing) when defendants are described as psychopathic, but reasons for this are unclear. This preregistered study investigated the role of juror anger and cognitive biases (predecisional distortion [PDD]) in the relationship between defendant psychopathy descriptions and mock juror decision-making. In an online experiment, participants (undergraduates in a large Southeastern university [n=410] and a US Census-representative online sample [n=384]) reviewed case facts of a murder, were randomized to expert witness testimony of defendant psychopathy or control conditions and read the prosecution and defense arguments before sentencing the defendant to death or …

Patient Experiences After Open Heart Surgery: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Halil Kaya, Orachorn Lumprom, Patricia Schofield, Matt Carey, Jos Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences in hospital or at home following open-heart surgery.Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. Studies were selected if they reported a qualitative inquiry into patients’ experiences after open-heart surgery. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. A metaaggregation approach was used to synthesise the findings.Results: Twenty-one studies were included, representing 266 patients across 10 countries. Findings were aggregated into five …

An Investigation Of Violence Sustained By Nursing And Midwifery Students, Kevin Hambridge, Matt Carey, Francis Thompson

School of Nursing and Midwifery

AbstractBackgroundMany laws exist which protect healthcare personnel from violence within the workplace. Evidence suggests that violence towards nursing students continues and remains unreported. These violent incidents have been proven to have psychological effects.AimsThe aim of the study was to identify the extent, type and impact of violence and aggression sustained by nursing and midwifery students.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was employed in a UK University to investigate the violence and aggression sustained by 369 pre-registration nursing and midwifery students.FindingsIn total, 54.7% (n=202) of students reported sustaining violence or aggression in their current academic year. This included verbal violence and aggression (92.7% …

Ngo Decision-Making During Typhoon Disaster Response: Towards A Relational Approach, Pamela Gloria Cajilig, Mona Nasser

Peninsula Dental School

This paper examines the decision-making processes of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) during Typhoon Odette (Rai) in Palawan, Philippines. The typhoon, which struck during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated vulnerabilities in the province, leading to the destruction of homes and livelihoods, disruptions in education, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure. Focusing on a health- and development-centred NGO, the qualitative case study draws from phenomenological approaches to decision-making and studies that emphasise relational ontologies. The discussion employs a framework that categorises decision-making into three types of processes that underscore the latter's entangled nature: ‘knot’ represents situations of confusion and desperation and where …

Understanding The Care Needs Of People With Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Qualitative Study Of Stroke Care Transitions, Amy B. Thomas, Gerasimos Fergadiotis, Lonnie A. Nelson, Catherine R. Van Son, Celestina Barbosa-Leiker

Speech and Hearing Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Communication difficulties experienced by people with aphasia (PWA) cause disconnects between meaningful conversations and care received. The purpose of this study was to identify concepts PWA define as (1) the most critical facilitators to transitional care and communicative access success, and (2) transitional care and communicative barriers. A qualitative descriptive study design was utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six PWA and two communication partners and analyzed using directed content analysis, guided by the theory of Human Scale Development. Findings revealed that barriers and facilitators centered on three Needs: (1) Participation: Participation in life events was directly related to public …

Adapting And Evaluating A Positive Psychology Intervention For Children With Cancer And Their Families, Camryn Legra

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a mixed methods approach in two phases. The first phase entailed adapting an evidence-based positive psychology intervention—the Well-Being Promotion Program (WBPP; Suldo, 2016)— for children with pediatric cancer. The WBPP has mostly been provided to students at public schools, and to the researcher’s knowledge, has never been used for children with pediatric cancer. To make it culturally appropriate for this group of students, adaptations were made by collecting input and recommendations from a sample of two caregivers of children with pediatric cancer who participated in a focus group. A micro-interlocutor analysis (Onwuegbuzie et al., 2009) was completed …

Food For Thought: Binge Planning Cognitions And Behaviors Within An Online Sample Of Adults With Binge-Type Eating Disorders, Rose H. Miller

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research has begun exploring the phenomenon of binge planning, wherein individuals who binge eat do so with forethought, rather than impulsively. What specific thought processes and behaviors comprise binge plans remains unexamined. How, or if, the eating disorder presentations of individuals who plan binges ahead of time differ from those who binge impulsively is also still unknown. The present study sought to explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with binge planning, and to identify how the motivations, symptomologies, and personality traits (i.e., impulsivity) differ between binge eaters who do or do not plan their binges. An online study using …

"You Should Not Judge, You Should Understand": The Effects And Perceptions Of An Empathy Embedded Teacher Inquiry Framework, Erica J. Milor

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A slew of challenges make up the landscape of special education today-from teacher shortages to lack of resources and vast inequities. Teachers must be able to effectively address the diverse needs of students in the midst of the aforementioned challenges at a micro, meso, and macro level. Teacher Inquiry, an iterative problem-solving cycle, is an effective framework for teachers to do so. The purpose of this study was to develop a systematic empathy-embedded problem-solving cycle for special education teachers in order to increase student progress and effective problem-solving in the educational setting, while exploring how teachers say they perceive this …

Branding In The Spotlight: The Impact Of Name, Image, And Likeness (Nil) On Athlete Brand Image In College Athletics, Timothy Jeremiah Ervin Ii

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative thesis explores the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on athlete brand image within college athletics, with a focus on the lived experiences of men and women college basketball players. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight Division I athletes, the study examines how NIL has influenced personal branding, identity construction, and public visibility. Guided by brand identity theory and athlete brand image, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, four central themes emerged: athlete (brand) empowerment, legacy through authenticity, navigating influence, image, and objectification, and economic viability and opportunity. Additionally, the concept of self-presentation emerged as …

Integrating Motivational Traits Into The Approach-Avoidance Distinction, Wesley D. Gardiner

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the potential for integrating motivational traits into the established approach-avoidance motivational framework, which describes individuals’ general tendencies to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Although various theories and empirical studies have advanced our understanding of approach-avoidance motivation, critical constructs such as achievement motivation and trait anxiety have often been overlooked or misoperationalized. Addressing these gaps, the current study integrates Kanfer and Heggestad’s (1997) motivational trait taxonomy with constructs from achievement goal orientation, regulatory focus theory, and reinforcement sensitivity theory. This research evaluated a hypothesized two-factor model of approach and avoidance motivation using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses with …

Exploring The Interplay Between Diet, Obesity, Mental Health, And The Gut Microbiome. The Mind-Gut Pilot Intervention Study, Deborah Gustafson Dg, Elisabet Rothenberg Er, Fabrizio Belloni Fb, Nagalakshmi Eruvuri Ne, Steinn Steinngrimsson Ss, Hanne Carlssen Hc, Rajna Knez Rk, Erika Olsson Eo, Robert D. Burk Rdb, Hellas Cena Hc, Rachele De Giuseppe Rdg, Gianluca Tognon

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: Obesity and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are significant global health concerns (1). Dietary interventions may improve physical and mental health, likely via gut microbiome changes. This study assesses the feasibility of the MIND diet and its effects on weight loss, mental well-being, and gut microbiome composition in adults with obesity.

Method: This 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial includes two arms: an intervention group following the MIND diet and a control group assigned recommendations for a balanced diet. The study will recruit 126 adults with obesity in Sweden. Data collection includes body measurements, mental health questionnaires, …

Heart Core: A Framework For Leading With Empathy In Medical Education, Akash Patel, Do, Mark Liotta, Md

The Medicine Forum

In medical training, much of what defines leadership happens outside of clinical decision-making. It happens at 2 a.m. when a resident breaks down from burnout. It happens when a team is navigating interpersonal conflict or when a trainee is overwhelmed by grief, imposter syndrome, or failure. While these moments are deeply impactful, many of us are never taught how to lead through them.

This gap inspired us to create HEART CORE, a framework designed to help residents, faculty, and administrators approach complex, emotional, or high-stakes situations with clarity and compassion. Although it was originally built for chief residents handling difficult …

A Shock To The Heart? A Case Of Phantom Shocks In A Patient With Brugada Syndrome, Virginia Gonzalez, Md, Rebecca Goldfinger-Chanin, Md, Behzad B. Pavri, Md

The Medicine Forum

Brugada syndrome is an inherited condition characterized by an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) secondary to lethal ventricular arrhythmias occurring most often in the fourth decade of life. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are recommended in patients who have documented ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) and in patients presenting with a spontaneous type 1 Brugada pattern on electrocardiogram (ECG) and a history of arrhythmic-sounding syncope.¹ However, patients with ICDs are at risk of developing “phantom shocks” which occur when a patient reports the sensation of receiving a shock that is not confirmed upon subsequent device interrogation.^{2 …}

Validation Of The Czech Version Of The Srs-22r Questionnaire For Assessing Quality Of Life In Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis, Pavlína Hušková

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) significantly affects the quality of life of patients, not only due to visible spinal deformities but also through pain, limited mobility, and psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social isolation. (Bettany-Saltikov et al., 2018; Danielsson et al., 2001; Freidel et al., 2002; Negrini et al., 2018; Payne et al., 1997) Our project focuses on validating the Czech version of the SRS-22r questionnaire, which provides a comprehensive assessment of both physical and psychological aspects of life in AIS patients. The goal is to offer a tool for better monitoring of these patients in the Czech …

A Pilot Intervention To Promote Physical Activity Participation Among Youth With Cerebral Palsy: Action Research, Karin Kleinhans Dr

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is important for health and well-being, yet youth with cerebral palsy (CP) in South Africa encounter structural, sociocultural, and psychological barriers that hinder participation. To ensure they can experience the benefits of PA, effective, feasible, and acceptable interventions are needed. This study piloted a psycho-educational behaviour change protocol to assess its feasibility and acceptability in promoting active lifestyles.

Methodology An 18-week, non-randomised trial was conducted with five participants (ages 15–24), with GMFCS levels I, III, and IV, including youth who use assistive technology. Participants tracked their PA using activity monitors and self-reported diaries. Semi-structured interviews explored …

Attitudes And Intentions Of Mothers Of Autistic Children Toward Yoga: A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Gayatri Swarup, Susan Andreae, Kristen Pickett, Luis Columna

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: Mothers of autistic children face physiological and psychological health concerns (Li et al., 2022; Lovell et al., 2021). While yoga may improve physical and emotional well-being in parents of children with disabilities (Özdemir & Karadağ, 2024), research on yoga programs specifically designed for mothers of autistic children remains limited. To develop effective yoga interventions that promote health and well-being of mothers of autistic children, it is essential to understand their perspectives on yoga and the factors influencing their participation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the attitudes and intentions of mothers of autistic children toward yoga participation.

Methodology …

Understanding The Experience Of Participating In A University-Hosted Inclusive Sports Event, Yaejee Kim, So-Yeun Kim

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction A foundational principle of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is the right of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society (UN, 2019). University-based inclusive sports events can offer a structured, professional, and safe environment that facilitates meaningful social interactions and attitudinal changes toward individuals with disability (IWD) (Kim & Kim, 2023). However, empirical research on the experiential impact of such events remains limited. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of participants in a university-based inclusive sports event (UBISE) and to derive implications for promoting sustainable social participation for IWD.

Methodology Thirty-six participants (including individuals with …

Evaluating The Impact Of The 'I Can' Health And Wellbeing Programme On Adults Who Are Blind And Vision Impaired., Áine Stanley

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

The ‘I Can’ Programme is a six-week remote health and well-being initiative developed by Vision Sports Ireland to support adults who are blind and vision impaired (BVI) in improving physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress management. BVI individuals face significant barriers to physical activity, contributing to lower participation rates and poorer health outcomes. This evaluation examines the programme’s impact on lifestyle behaviour changes and long-term habit sustainability. By assessing physical activity levels, well-being, and engagement, the study provides insights into accessible, evidence-based interventions that empower BVI individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.

Method

The ‘I Can’ Programme evaluation …

Beyond Just Moving - Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity Enhances Inhibitory Control In Children With Adhd: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Ruiyuan Tao, Cindy Hui-Ping Sit Prof., Andy Chia-Liang Tsai Prof., Wendy Yajun Huang Prof., Stephen Heung-Sang Wong Prof., Parco Ming-Fai Siu Prof., Savio Wai-Ho Wong Prof., Jie Feng Dr., Sima Dastamooz Dr., Chang Liu Dr.

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

No abstract provided.

Balancing Care And Challenge: Integrating Trauma-Informed Learning And Desirable Difficulty, Cerise L. Glenn, Katie Lind, Jessica D. Mccall

Feminist Pedagogy

Amid changing landscapes of campus culture (e.g., new technologies, increasing accommodations requests, program reviews), we utilize pedagogical strategies to expand feminist frontiers in ways that re-energize and promote an inclusive culture of feminist pedagogy. By implementing “desirable difficulty,” we seek collaborative learning environments that address the changing needs of students and teachers while fostering learning effectiveness. Combining aspects of trauma-informed learning with desirable difficulty helps balance these demands with a culture of care, created through approaches designed to promote learning opportunities and meet student needs without overwhelming faculty.

The Phoenix Takes Flight: The Importance Of Trauma-Informed Positive Education, Kathleen Turner Ledgerwood

Feminist Pedagogy

Since the pandemic, trauma has touched almost everyone. Pervasive illness, death, and isolation affected us in ways we have not paused to process. Many students were young and particularly affected by the pandemic. The rise in mental health concerns has made it more imperative to address mental health within our pedagogy. This article will outline strategies for helping to manage mental health within our pedagogy in order to better help everyone using an approach that aligns with trauma-informed and positive psychology pedagogical practices. Our future is one of compassionate, caring, trauma-informed work that bolsters the well-being of our students.

Choose Your Own Reading Assignment: A Strategy To Diversify Perspectives In Class Discussion, Breena J. Brockmann

Feminist Pedagogy

This activity reimagines course reading assignments by offering students a choice between multiple texts that work together to explore a shared theory or theme. Students are invited to select readings that align with their interests or learning goals. This activity embraces the feminist pedagogical principle of collaborative learning and uses the active learning strategy of learning through teaching by asking students to work in groups to create mini lessons that teach their classmates about their selected reading. Through their discussion of multiple case studies, the class develops an understanding of feminist theory as “geographically, historically, and culturally grounded (Mohanty, 2003, …