Digital Commons Network^™

Health, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will investigate the topic of health among children and adolescents, providing an overview of lifestyle factors that impact one’s health, including socioeconomic status, familial involvement, and health programming led by institutions such as public schools. Students will use topical readings and video clips from Sesame Street and other media sources to analyze numerous aspects of young people’s health and methods of health education.

Depression And Anxiety, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore many aspects of depression and anxiety and how individuals with these disorders are affected by them throughout their development. Students will use topical readings and videos from Sesame Street and other media sources to learn about risk and protective factors, symptoms, and treatment of depression and anxiety. Students will also explore the impacts of parental depression and anxiety in addition to children's understanding and experience with these disorders. Students will participate in activities and discussions that broaden their understanding of how these disorders can impact children and adolescents and analyze these disorders' effects on their social …

Bullying And Victimization, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss concepts related to bullying and victimization. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider what it means to be a bully, victim, and bystander, as well as how teachers, parents, and educators can intervene. Additionally, this module will help students think critically about some of the potential impacts of bullying and victimization on development across the lifespan.

Ohio Northern University Catalog, 2024-2025, Ohio Northern University

University Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Taylor University Graduate Catalog 2024-2025, Taylor University

Graduate Catalogs

The 2024-2025 graduate catalog of Taylor University.

Exploration Of Associations Between Asthma And Depression In Older American Adults: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Medicare Recipients, Brian Ring

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background

While unclear in older populations within the US, individuals with asthma are disproportionally affected by depression relative to those without asthma. This work explores the associations between asthma, depression, sociodemographic, and disease-related factors in a US population ≥ 65 years of age.

Methods

A pooled cross-sectional analysis of Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data was utilized to determine the association between asthma and depression from 2018 to 2020. Depression was defined as a score of ≥ 10 from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Disease-related variables were recorded if the subject met Medicare claims criteria for the calendar year. Multivariable …

Second Look Commission, 2024 Annual Report, Tennessee Commission On Children And Youth

Second Look Commission Annual Reports

The Second Look Commission reviews cases of children from across Tennessee who have experienced a second or subsequent incidence of severe abuse to identify ways to improve the system and help other children avoid a similar fate. This document reports on the findings from the fiscal year.

Psilocybin’S Role In Major Depressive Disorder: A Scoping Review, Carlos Barajas

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Psilocybe cubensis are a group of mushrooms containing psilocybin with a history of consumption dating back to ancient civilization. Researchers believe the ritual use of psilocybin dates back 3,000 years amongst the indigenous people of Mexico and Central America.¹ Psilocybin is responsible for the effects associated with the consumption of “Magic Mushrooms”. These effects include hallucinations, delusions, and feelings of derealization. ² In 1973, the United States federal government classified psilocybin as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substance Act, and today the DEA continues to identify the chemical as “high potential for abuse” with “no currently accepted …

Decreasing The Price Of Fame: Research On The Use Of Child Life Specialists In The Entertainment Industry, Ashley King

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper explores how the use of a CCLS in the field of entertainment would positively impact the experiences of child stars while working on set.

Beyond Poverty: Exploring The Spatial Variability And Healthcare Determinants Of Opioid Mortality In West Virginia, Opeyemi Ojo

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study aims to investigate the multifaceted factors contributing to opioid-related deaths in West Virginia, focusing on healthcare determinants and regional disparities. Opioid mortality has become a critical public health issue in the United States, particularly in states like West Virginia, where rates of opioid-related deaths are disproportionately high compared to national averages. This thesis tends to investigate the impact of healthcare determinants on opioid mortality rates and explore the spatial variability of opioid-related deaths in West Virginia. To achieve these objectives, data was collected from secondary sources such as the West Virginia Health Statistics Center, the National Center for …

Modeling Nicotine, At-1001, And Varenicline At The Α3Β4 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor, Japji Madan, Andersen Cheong, Mourya Khandai

Protein Modeling Reports

The escalating global prevalence of nicotine addiction, particularly among younger populations, has been linked to the increasing use of e-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes. Approximately 1.63 million students (ages 11-18) currently use vapes, reflecting a concerning trend of nicotine dependence among adolescents. As the number of nicotine addiction cases continues to rise, the development of an anti-addiction drug market is evolving to address this urgent public health issue. One such treatment is varenicline that acts as a partial agonist at the α3β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptor nAChR, a key target for smoking cessation therapies. Activation of the nAChR can modulate the …

Impact Of The Methamphetamine Epidemic On Healthcare, Amanda Brumfield

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The surge in methamphetamine use in the U.S. has presented various challenges for individuals and healthcare systems. Research has shown high relapse rates, oral health issues, and increased susceptibility to blood-borne viruses among users, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the absence of approved pharmacological treatments and systemic barriers to effective treatment highlighted the pressing need for holistic approaches to address this epidemic successfully.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to identify the challenges faced by treatment providers specializing in substance use disorder treatment amid rising instances of methamphetamine abuse, including managing heightened relapse …

Policing Impacts On Racial And Regional Oppression In Appalachia, Grace Simpson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Appalachians continue to face the lasting effects of generations of state violence. Residents are often met with economic, environmental, physical, and mental hardships that are specific to these regions. Namely, the intersection of race with these region-specific hardships creates unique issues for Black Appalachians. Black Appalachians have a distinct history connecting the cultural nuances of the Appalachian region with the overall history of racial inequality in the USA. The following highlights Black Appalachian experiences by exploring the relationship between state violence, policing, and race in the region. Utilizing qualitative interviews with Black individuals in Appalachians, results gain a more detailed …

Massachusetts State Universities’ Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, And Title Ix Plan, Massacusetts State Universities

Equal Opportunity Plan

Together, Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University, and Worcester State University (collectively, “the Universities”) have carefully developed the major elements of this Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Plan (“Plan” or “EO Plan”) in accordance with applicable local, state and federal constitutions, statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

Parodies Of Pleasure: Remedios Varo's Queer Surrealism In Narrative And Painting, Kathryn Everly

Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics - All Scholarship

Remedios Varo (1908-1963) wrote numerous surrealist texts that dialogue with her prolific artistic production. Alchemy, feminism, and psychoanalysis have been studied as central themes in her paintings, yet this paper focuses on humor and parody in Varo’s written works –including her letters, short stories, and dreams– to uncover the seminal ideas and images that emerge in her visual art. Humor and parody are fundamental links between Varo’s narrative and paintings. She embraces the spontaneity of the surrealist écriture automatique and the illogical amor fou but at the same time pushes the limits of surrealist dogma and creates a uniquely nonpatriarchal …

A Liturgy For Wholeness Culture Shaping Practices For Flourishing In Ministry, Mike Bellanti

Doctor of Ministry

A Liturgy for Wholeness emerged from the opportunity to “shape ecclesiastical culture that reimagines the holistic flourishing of vocational pastors.” The research suggests that many pastors are not flourishing but surviving. Unrealistic expectations, comparison, an unreasonable number of needed competencies, and long work weeks contribute to this challenge, often resulting in burnout or moral decline. Reimagining pastoral work within the life arenas of divine calling, daily well-being, formational relationships, and resilience creates a significant opportunity for pastors to thrive holistically.

The context in which this project will be deployed is Northbrook Church, a large non- denominational church in the exurbs …

How Does Therapy Impact African American Christians?, Suzette Theresa Law

Doctor of Ministry

A fundamental problem for African Americans is the underuse of mental health services, leaving mental health needs unmet. Many African Americans have already been subjected to enough stigmatization to the point they refuse to open themselves up to further ridicule and do not acknowledge mental health problems as medical. As a culture, African Americans continue to be distrustful of Caucasians, who fill most roles in the mental health field. 1 The researcher found cultural mistrust was the most consistent and powerful predictor of help-seeking attitudes.

This research explores the reasoning behind why those in African American communities are reluctant to …

The United Churches Of America: Post-Denominationalism, Theocracy, And Justice Systems, Tyler Joshua Green

Doctor of Ministry

The purpose of this research is to the unify, organize and equip Christian churches to address the injustices of disenfranchised communities throughout the United States. This work calls for the 21st Century church to answer a charge to organize post-denominationally in an effort to expand the church’s reputation, reach and resources leveraged to address injustices. Upon identifying the identity crisis of the American church due to the vestiges of colonialism, this provides a totally different means by which churches can be identified beyond worship styles, liturgical idiosyncrasies and even biblical interpretations. Calling on the oneness that Christ invites the body …

Epic Preaching: Making Sermons More Participatory And Experiential To Maximize Engagement, Retention, And Transformation, Zach Fitzpatrick

Doctor of Ministry

Over the last three years, I have sought to answer the question: Given today’s technologically-sophisticated, experiential-learning world, how can preaching best engage hearts and minds in simultaneous virtual and in-person worship services? The past three years have taught me that people are hungry for participatory, experiential elements in sermons on occasion and that it does promote engagement, retention, and transformation.

This project was almost entirely conducted within the membership and ministries of Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church in Chickamauga, Georgia. Chickamauga is a small, Northwest Georgia town located in the heart of the Bible belt. The church is a medium-sized church …

Defeating Racism And Overcoming Generational Poverty: Re-Educating African American Youth, Adrian D. Ware

Doctor of Ministry

After the 2023 U. S. Supreme Court ruling that diluted President John F. Kennedy’s Executive Order Number 10925, commonly known as Affirmative Action, this research proposes viable strategies that could afford African American society solutions to re-educate its youth to advance future generations toward an educational and cultural evolution. Evolution suggests a systematic process toward improvement that takes time, strategy, effort, and resources. America’s founding fathers brought Africans to the United States to build an economic empire. While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis puts forth that enslavement was a form of apprenticeship where enslaved persons trained for lucrative careers, a more …

New Wine: A Spiritual Approach For The Intervention Of High-Functioning Alcohol Use Disorder, Elias J. Suddarth

Doctor of Ministry

Considering the approximately 29 million adults in the United States struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), we have discovered 85-90% do not seek available recovery options for alcoholism because a significant percentage do not see themselves within the typical narrative of a conventional recovery program. Most recovery approaches, whether secular or those involving spiritual principles, follow a century-old template for how any addict at any level ought to approach an abstinence-only treatment for their habitual misuse of a particular substance or behavior. Treatment for alcohol addiction has remained largely unchanged since the 1930’s even in the face of tremendous cultural …

Women Senior Pastors In The Black Baptist Church: A Study Of Pathways To Access And Model For Sustainability, Wendy Vanhosen

Doctor of Ministry

The thesis of this research is that the continued survival and influence of the Black Church hinges on the level of access and sustainability of women in senior leadership roles, emphasizing the historically protected position of senior pastor. It has become urgently necessary to move the needle beyond engaging in the perpetual debate about the role of women in ministry, and towards solutions that address the unique issues of this contemporary era. This era is characterized by a collision of the rise in women occupying senior leadership roles, increases in social justice concerns, and the unanticipated post-pandemic ramifications that have …

Carriers Of The Cloak: Six Steps For Christian Chaplains To Grow As Humble Leaders And Healthy Servants, John Gabriel Lawson

Doctor of Ministry

Chaplains are expected to be the spiritual leaders of their units, sometimes for thousands of people at a time, while also being expected to maintain the highest professional standards of regular military officers. They are charged with defending religious freedoms and guarding the spiritual development of those under their care, regardless of their faith background. These expectations, coupled with combat deployments and high levels of vicarious trauma that is often experienced through counseling, make it very difficult to maintain spiritual health. Given all these pressures, I noticed how spiritual health and leadership quality can suffer in the lives of military …

Transition Programming For Mild To Moderate Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Danielle Boisvert

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transition process for students with disabilities is a crucial part of their academic careers. Students with intellectual disabilities need the skill set to have an effective transition from high school to adulthood. They need to be given the resources and opportunities in order to succeed. In fact, it is the law that educators address all areas of transition through the legal document of the individual education plan. Educators and parents need to be aware of how to better ensure effective outcomes for transition for students with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. This can provide students with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities with higher …

The Neuroscience Of Reading And Implications For Early Reading Instruction, Edward J. Barron Jr

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following literature review investigates current research focused on the neural networks involved in reading and the implications of the research on early literacy education and instruction. The neural network is located in the left hemisphere of the brain and consists of two distinct pathways utilized during word reading, a decoding pathway and a sight-recognition pathway. As a reader learns to read they primarily utilize the decoding pathway and as their proficiency increases the more efficient sight-recognition pathway is used more frequently. It is clear from the research that the most effective way to move students toward the use of …

Trauma Informed Practices In Education, Simonne Starr

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trauma-informed teaching has become widely known since the COVID-19 pandemic despite it being adopted into teaching practices after trauma-informed care was introduced by Harris and Fallot in 2001. Through the many years of research surrounding trauma and its impact on the brain of developing children, studies have addressed the in depth information on how trauma-informed teaching can pave the way of success for our students and support school personnel. This thesis will explore the research regarding trauma-informed care and teaching in order to further define what trauma is, how it can impact children and their learning process, how children perceive …

Life Space Crisis Intervention: A Comprehensive Approach To Supporting Students In Crisis, Mackinzee A. Hayes

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper explores the behavioral model Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI). It is a trauma-informed approach designed to address the behavioral and emotional needs of students who are impacted by trauma that are displaying challenging behaviors. A review of existing literature highlights LSCI’s effectiveness in reducing disruptive behavior, improving emotional regulation, and facilitating the reintegration into less restrictive educational settings. However, the research also reveals gaps, such as the need for longitudinal studies, more diverse settings of sample groups, and clearer mechanisms for successful implementation. In response, this paper presents two practical tools: a brochure and a professional development PowerPoint. …

The Formation And Impacts Of Student Self-Efficacy In The Secondary Science Classroom, Alan Daniel Swanson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Student self-efficacy is a student’s belief that they can perform the tasks required to be successful in an academic setting. The focus of this research is how those beliefs are formed, how they impact student performance, and how teachers can increase student self-efficacy in the classroom. Self-efficacy foundations are examined as well as the impact positive self-efficacy beliefs have on student behavior and achievement. Educational practices that increase student self-efficacy are also summarized. A guide to implementing these strategies in the science classroom with an example is given, and connections to other research and future considerations are discussed.

The Impact Of Visuals And Graphic Organizers On Student Learning Of Social Studies, Nicole Eldred

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines the impact of nonlinguistic teaching methods on enhancing student learning. The review covers studies on using visuals, Content Acquisition Podcasts (CAPs), videos, and animations to improve vocabulary and content comprehension. Additionally, it investigates graphic organizers in both interactive and pre-made formats as tools to support learning. The findings indicate that combining nonlinguistic and linguistic approaches can significantly increase student understanding. Complex visuals should be paired with verbal explanations and sufficient processing time. Videos are particularly effective for illustrating complex vocabulary. Graphic organizers require careful scaffolding to minimize cognitive load. Premade graphic organizers are effective tools, especially …

Flipping The Classroom: Exploring Engagement, Technology, And Student Perceptions, Ryan J. Oden

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examined the effects of the flipped classroom on student engagement, perceptions, and academic performance. It reviewed studies comparing student outcomes in flipped classrooms to traditional classrooms. Meta-analyses were used to support overall trends. Quantitative and qualitative results were used to support the effects in five areas of the flipped classroom: independent learning, active in-class sessions, teacher-student interaction, technology, and academic performance. Results suggest that the emphasis on independent learning fosters self-regulation, but students may require support when transitioning to this new model. Technology tools were shown to enhance out-of-class learning and motivation. The model facilitated stronger student-teacher …