Digital Commons Network^™

Integration Of Adverse Childhood Experiences In Adulthood Through Dance Movement Therapeutic Techniques, Kimberly Hoj

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expanding knowledge about how to self-regulate when faced with challenging circumstances has the potential to benefit individuals and communities, especially in our post-pandemic environment with increasing needs for mental health support. This thesis provides a psychoeducational basis for use of dance movement therapeutic techniques to integrate adverse childhood experiences. The literature review refines an understanding of big T and little t trauma as it relates to mental illness, polyvagal theory, nervous system regulation, the window of tolerance, body armoring, somatic psychotherapy, trauma- informed care, adverse childhood experiences and post-traumatic growth.

This thesis culminates in a personal arts-based autoethnography informed by …

Gardner-Webb Honors Experience, July 14-19, Introduces Qualified High School Students To College Life, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

The Honors Experience at Gardner-Webb University this summer invites students to explore an array of topics through innovative learning techniques. Offered July 14-19, the program gives high-achieving high school students an opportunity to experience all aspects of life on the GWU campus from attending classes and chapel to staying in residence halls and eating at the many campus dining options.

Dance/Movement Therapy And The Beginnings Of Decolonizing The Post-Restraint Process: A Literature Review, Marissa Jax

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Restraints are used to ensure and provide safety across populations and in a multitude of settings. It is also acknowledged that restraints are at a high risk of causing trauma for all involved in the restraint process (Cui, et al., 2021; Dotson et al., 2022; Rose & Slack, 2016; Singal et al., 2023). There is an abundance of research on how the body is affected by trauma (Barnstaple & Dieterich-Hartwell, 2022; Levine, 2010; Maté, 2022; Menakem, 2017; Mullan, 2023; van der Kolk, 2014). Trauma from restraints can disproportionately affect people of color and indigenous peoples (Dotson et al., 2022; Linklater, …

Regulating Through Music: A Community Engagement Project At A Therapeutic Elementary School, Lexi Ugelow

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Emotional regulation is a skill that involves an ability to be aware of what is happening both within one’s own body as well as in their surroundings. There has been some discussion and research around the way that musical activities can provide the stimuli and participatory actions to practice these skills used in emotional regulation. This community engagement project was designed as a two-time class called Big Music which gave students with special needs an opportunity to come together as a community to sing and make music. Each structured 30-minute session used techniques such as call and response, varying tempos, …

The Millennial Novel: Examining A Generation Through Literature, Isabella Bokan

English Honors Theses

This undergraduate thesis examines the relationship between contemporary social circumstances and fiction novels. Generational novels are focused on cohorts or individuals who share traits that reflect recognizable social conditions of a specific era. The new generational novel is the Millennial novel. These Millennial novels generally depict American characters in American settings, but the characters are increasingly ethnically and racially diverse. These characters are often in economic precarity, they are generally highly educated and invariably find themselves at odds with traditional romantic, occupational, and domestic expectations. In many of these novels, new technologies play an important role in the narrative and …

Dystopian Novels And The Greater Boston Area: A Reflection On Privilege, Leonersy J. Guerrero

English Honors Theses

Dystopian fiction has long been a vehicle for exploring societal issues and envisioning potential futures. Although many view the genre as a form of escapism, these novels have the potential to make grand statements about the nature of humanity. From George Orwell's 1984 to Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, these narratives serve as a reflection of our current societal standing and project potential consequences of our collective actions. However, within the realm of dystopian literature, there exists a significant gap in equal representation of the experiences and unique perspectives of the Black community. Specifically, within the context of …

Comparing Ait And Eft In Reduction Of Negative Emotions Associated With A Past Memory: A Randomized Control Study, Gregory Brown, Kavita Batra, Emily Dorin, Raveena Bakhru, Andrew Han, Arianna Palermini, Robert Sottile, Sherine Khanbijian

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Faculty Research

PURPOSE: To assess whether Quick AIT was statistically equivalent to Basic Recipe Clinical EFT for the reduction of negative emotion associated with a past event.

The Effects Of Text-Based Gaming On Reading Comprehension For Students With Intellectual Disability, Faith Ihrig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, reading comprehension and reading engagement have decreased in the United States. Our world is also becoming increasingly technological, and a large percentage of individuals in the United States, specifically children, are playing video games. There are increasing amounts of video games that target educational skills, such as reading and math, and video games that have been created strictly for entertainment. This study examined the potential effects of playing text-based video games on the comprehension and engagement of 6-8 grade students with intellectual disabilities. A Multiple Baseline Across Participants single case design was used to measure the …

From Tidewater To Tennessee: The Structuring Influences Of Virginia Schemata In The Settlement Of East Tennessee, Slade Nakoff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For over two hundred years, historians have debated the historical importance of early Tennessee migrants in shaping the state’s history. These discussions center around North Carolina's impact compared to Virginia's. By shifting discourse to the retention of migrant mentalities, the overwhelming influence of Virginia emerges through the continuity of privilege and commodification schemata. This study employs an interdisciplinary methodological approach combining schema theory, memory studies, and material culture analysis to outline the retention of mentalities from Tidewater, Virginia, to East Tennessee during the early settlement period. By utilizing the case study of John Carter of Watauga (1728-1781), the research illustrates …

Using Story In Postsecondary Theological Education To Increase Student Engagement And Formation, Jake Abrams

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the formative power of stories and their ability to captivate an audience, we should be supplementing contemporary postsecondary theological education (which typically relies upon the relaying of facts and fails to engage students on an emotional level) with story. This article takes a look at three studies that have tested similar concepts in other disciplines. Their findings suggest that stories do, in fact, increase and sustain student engagement, as well as increase the formative impact of the knowledge they impart. Based on their findings and my own analysis of their methods, I conclude that story would be an …

The Art Of Hoarding: Hoarding Behavior As It Relates To Art Engagement, Amanda Carr

Honors College Theses

There has been a long history of artists as collectors, amassing objects as both part of their creative process and for personal enjoyment. However, it remains to be seen if some of the more extreme collecting tendencies of artists may be instead classified as hoarding. Although, there has been some examination of the relationship between artists and creativity to hoarding, there is a dearth of empirical investigation into the relationship between art engagement and hoarding behavior. Further, artists’ and hoarding behavior are mutually associated with some personality traits and cognitive functions. Given such parallels and the overall lack of research …

Exploring The Potential Effect Of Google Chrome’S Removal Of Third-Party Cookies On Paid Display Advertising, Zhenya (Yevgen) Naydonov

Honors College Theses

The digital marketing industry continues to experience tremendous challenges caused by rising consumer privacy concerns. One of the industry’s most notable challenges revolves around the constant technological advancements and changes that these advancements pose on the advertiser’s strategies. My study explores the relationship between advertising expenditure and key performance indicators, such as impressions in paid display advertising. Google Chrome’s removal of third-party cookies could potentially affect this relationship. I chose this topic because of my passion for online consumer behavior and the role of technology and advertising in the continually evolving field of my study, where consumers’ behavior plays a …

The Kids From Yesterday: An Examination Of The Motivations And Social Role Of Camping Culture In Music Fandom, Natasha Ryan

Sociology Student Papers and Posters

With the return of arena concerts after the COVID-19 pandemic and the hyper-availability of social media communities to those who were not previously inclined to be fannish, there has been increased strain on the metrics of what makes a successful concert attendance, and further, how those metrics reinforce identity as both a real fan and a member of the fan group. This research focuses specifically on the act of arduous overnight queueing for general admission shows, referred to in the populace as “Camping Culture," aiming to answer the question of what is the motivation to undergo significant effort to experience …

Exploring The Role Of Restorative Practices Facilitators In The Secondary School Setting: Self-Efficacy, Collective Efficacy, And Systemic Implementation Recommendations, Rachel K. Bachmeier

Theses and Dissertations

While restorative practices (RP) is hailed as one of the oldest criminal justice models in the world, the official advent of RP in education did not occur until the 1990s. Mirroring the reemergence of RP into legal systems, educators began experimenting with the application of RP in the educational setting. Today, restorative work in schools has expanded beyond an alternative to exclusionary discipline measures into an effort to build, maintain, and, when necessary, restore community. More and more teacher preparation programs address restorative justice principles and the rising dedication to Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching often embraces RP. …

The Effects Of Juror Characteristics And Case Type On Trans Panic Defense Verdicts, Isabella Noel Coppa

Theses and Dissertations

The trans panic defense is a provocation defense that uses the victim’s transgender identity as justification for the defendant’s violent actions. Previous research has identified juror characteristics that predict support for the gay panic defense (Michalski & Nunez, 2022) and trans panic defense (Michalski et al., 2022), but less is known about whether case type impacts support for the trans panic defense. This study sought to fill this gap by manipulating case type and further exploring juror characteristics that predict greater support of the trans panic defense. This study utilized 188 participants that read crime vignettes featuring transgender or cisgender …

A Qualitative Case Study Of Students' Of Color Perceptions And Experiences Of Academic Success In College Algebra At Snow College, Melanie Larsen Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored perceptions of learning support and student success, particularly for students of color who had enrolled in a college algebra course. The purpose of this study was primarily to include student voices in the conversations about student success. The study uses a qualitative case study approach in two ways: 1) to interview nine students who found success and students who did not find success in College Algebra to glean information about their personal experiences and perceptions of learning and 2) to interview three professors of College Algebra to understand their pedagogical strategies that are designed to …

Stem Teacher Shortage In American Schools: A Case Study Exploring The Recruitment Of Stem Majors Into Teacher Education Programs, Adekunle Lawal

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teacher shortage in K-12 schools across the United States (Klassen et al., 2021; Luft et al., 2005). To help provide a possible solution to the nationwide STEM teacher shortage, this study investigated the factors that influence STEM majors to change careers from STEM disciplines to teaching. In the current study, six American STEM teachers who have switched careers from the STEM profession to the teaching field were interviewed to find out the factors that led them to change careers; and how schools of education could use these factors in creating …

Law Enforcement And Traumatic Experiences: A Qualitative Study With Administrators, Tami Jo N. Lieberg

Theses and Dissertations

The culture and work experiences of law enforcement lead to unique workplace trauma. The cumulative and complex trauma commonly faced by law enforcement officers can activate multiple stress-related illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These illnesses can have high personal costs to the individuals, lead to loss of departmental productivity and effectiveness, and incur higher expenses for taxpayers due to overtime and high turnover rates and potential lawsuits. Research over several decades has identified risk and resiliency factors for officers. One identified risk and resiliency factor is relationship with management. This research study explores how department leaders can assist officers …

Metamemory And Disconfirming Feedback: An Evaluation Of The Blank Lineup Procedure, James Robert Owens

Theses and Dissertations

Evaluating an eyewitness for their efficacy is a difficult endeavor. Traditionally, scientists have used post-identification confidence to gauge the accuracy of an eyewitness. Recently, other methods are being explored to evaluate the efficacy of an eyewitness, such as, using blank lineups, measures of metamemory, and pre-identification confidence. The present study evaluated a blank lineup procedure where participants were given disconfirming feedback when they made an incorrect decision on an initial blank lineup. Participants then moved to a target present or target absent final lineup. I sought to evaluate the potential effects of disconfirming feedback using the Eyewitness Metamemory Scale (EMS) …

Victimization And Perpetration Of Sexual Violence In College Men: Factors Influencing Overlap And Prevention, Jasmine Ann Skorheim

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between victimization and perpetration of sexual violence, referred to as victim-offender overlap, and explained this relationship through theories such as the cycle of violence. The current study examined this relationship by grouping participants based on experiences of victimization only, perpetration only, and both victimization and perpetration (both group). Exploratory analysis also considered childhood sexual abuse. Interpersonal and psychological risk factors relevant to perpetration prevention programming were then analyzed between groups. Participants consisted of 486 college men recruited from Kent State University’s psychology subject pool who completed an online survey through Qualtrics. It was found …

An Exploration Of Education Strategies In National Board Of Health And Wellness Coaching Programs, Brenna Joy Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

Health and wellness coaching (HWC) is a vital and growing profession effective in preventing and managing chronic diseases. The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) established comprehensive training guidelines to advance and uphold the field. Each NBHWC-approved program develops a unique curriculum blending education strategies with NBHWC content requirements that prepare individuals to become aspiring health and wellness coaches (HWCs). Pedagogical approaches are well studied; however, education strategies utilized in NBHWC programs and across competency categories are not widely known. Thus, this three-article dissertation provides an understanding of educational strategies used within NBHWC programs. This study aims to …

The Role Of Attachment And Childhood Trauma For Men Parenting During The Reentry Phase: A Mixed Methods Secondary Analysis, Lily A. Hoerner

Master's Theses

Mass incarceration is a major problem in the U.S., with people of color being the ones most affected by it. Most of the people who are incarcerated are men, and a stark number of these men are parents. Reentry is a critical period for people released where they return home to their communities and families and have to reintegrate into life outside of prison. The recidivism rate in the U.S. is the highest of any other nation, making reentry an important area of focus to help repair the harms caused by mass incarceration. Many men who return home from incarceration …

Rotten To The Corps: Understanding The Human Rights Consequences Of Military Failure Through The Eyes Of Russian Prisoners Of War, Gary Mercer

International Studies (MA) Theses

The February 24th , 2022, Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent unresolved conflict it created has threatened the human rights of combatants and noncombatants alike on both sides, with discernable battlefield factors of Russia’s military failure contributing to human rights abuses and war crimes. Sixty interviews with Russian prisoners of war conducted by Ukrainian journalists published online were analyzed to determine which specific factors of Russia’s military failure contributed to human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine. Training, logistics and equipment, and the failure of the officer corps were identified as factors of military failure which contributed to …

Fast Fashion: A Thorough Examination On Human Rights Violations In Bangladesh And Global Environmental Degradation, Maggie Quiroz

International Studies (MA) Theses

Fast fashion is one of the most popular industries in the world as it provides consumers with clothing at an affordable price, however, despite its heightened popularity, it is one of the leading industries in human rights violations and environmental degradation. The thesis explores the different implications of fast fashion in a form that focuses on the human right violations workers are enduring and the global effect of such high demand for fast fashion. It uses a mixed methodology composed of both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is used to analyze the historical impact fast fashion has on human …

Negative Social Perceptions And Their Impacts On The Maya People, Eleina Beltran

International Studies (MA) Theses

However, the existing literature on the Maya Train does not encompass geographically the entirety of the Yucatan Peninsula. Furthermore, the majority of literature on colorism that is available in English is focused on the impact of colorism on mental health and poverty levels, mostly for Afro-Latinos (preferably referred to as afrodescendientes), while not addressing Indigenous groups. This project examines the social perceptions that non-Indigenous Mexicans hold towards Indigenous people, specifically the Maya people from the case of the Maya Train. I argue that the social perceptions of the people in the Yucatan . By conducting interviews and surveys with both …

Humanizing The Migration Experience: The Stories And Struggles Of Unaccompanied Immigrant Children From The Northern, Stephanie Santiago

International Studies (MA) Theses

This research paper explores the migration journey of unaccompanied immigrant children (UICs) from the Northern Triangle countries of Central America to the United States, focusing on the reasons why children leave their home countries, the challenges they face during their journey, and the legal processes they undergo upon arrival in the USA. Drawing on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit), the study examines the structural inequalities and injustices that drive migration, as well as the impact of trauma and mental health issues on UICs. The paper also analyzes the policies and frameworks in place to protect …

Career Technical Education: Perceptions Of Medical Career Pathway Students Regarding Preparation For Post Secondary Goals, Charles Russel Dalusong

Theses and Dissertations

Career technical education (CTE) has evolved markedly over the past century to provide a viable avenue for high school students who may seek an alternative and successful academic path that leads to a well-paid future career in the workforce.Recent studies have found that Career and Technology Education can lower dropout rates among high school students (Stone and Lewis, 2012). Students that are enrolled in Career and Technical Education are exposed to a plethora of career opportunities that they may not be cognizant of. . . . (Smith, 2015, p. ii) If high-quality career and technical education (CTE) makes it possible …

Risk Perception, Dread, And The Value Of Statistical Life: Evidence From Occupational Fatalities, Perry Singleton

Center for Policy Research

In a model of occupational safety, biased perceptions of risk decrease welfare, which may justify government regulation. Bias is examined empirically by the correlation between subjective and objective risk, the former measured by self-reported exposure to death on the job. The correlation is negligible among workers with no high school diploma, consistent with underestimating risk in more dangerous occupations, and strongest among more educated workers when objective risk is specific to harmful and noxious substances, which in psychological studies rank high in dread. Biased perceptions of risk may also lead to biased estimates of value of statistical life. VSL estimates …

Political Orientation And Its Effect On Engagement And Perception Of The Arts, Parker Robert Mckenzie

Communication Studies

Utilizing the Symbolic Interactionism Theory (Gusfield, 2011), this study explored the relationship between political orientation and one’s engagement with and perception of art forms. The study utilized qualitative methods analysis to analyze similarities between participant responses. Findings from participants revealed the following themes: engagement with history leading to a more profound understanding of art, art causing real-life inspiration, and engagement with art leads to the formation of sub-cultures. Additionally, interviews revealed that people choose not to engage with certain art based on political orientation, people who consider themselves to be “spiritual” engaged with art differently, and many people’s perception of …

Psychiatric Morbidity Among Patients On Treatment For Tuberculosis At A Tertiary Referral Hospital In Western Kenya, Robina Momanyi, Edith Kwobah, Philip Owiti, Henry Nyamogoba, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Mental disorders account for nine percent of the overall global burden of disease and are among the top ten leading causes of disability. Mental illness and tuberculosis share risk factors including poverty, overcrowding, stigma, poor nutrition, substance use and retro-viral disease co-infection. Presence of mental illness in tuberculosis delays health-seeking, affects drug adherence, increases cost of treatment, prolongs disease duration, lowers quality of life, and increases mortality. Early diagnosis, linkage, and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among patients with tuberculosis would improve outcomes for both. This study thus aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychiatric morbidity among …