Digital Commons Network^™

Birth Order’S Impact On Conscientiousness & Personality In Adults: Mixed-Method Insights On The Firstborn Profile, Liliana Mejia

Liberty University Research Week

The impact of birth order on personality, particularly the trait of conscientiousness in firstborns, remains a controversial topic due to methodological inconsistencies and differing theoretical perspectives. This study examines whether firstborns exhibit significantly higher scores on measures of conscientiousness than laterborns or only children, and how adults perceive the impact of birth order on their personality development in childhood and adulthood. Utilizing a convergent mixed-method design, this study assesses the impact of birth order on personality among 300 U.S.-residing adults. Participants were divided into three groups (firstborns, laterborns, and only children), and all took the HEXACO-100 Personality Inventory. A subset …

Evaluation Of Social Connectedness And Loneliness Scale As Predictors Of Flourishing, Abigayle Minger, Aaron Hall, Faith Davis, Isaac Uehling, Kailyn Rowland, Tanner Simoneaux

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the roles of social connectedness and loneliness as predictors of the subsequent levels of flourishing. This study will use multiple regression analysis from data collected on 478 U.S. adults to determine how each of the six levels of the Secure Flourishing Index are predicted by the UCLA Loneliness Scale and Social Connectedness Instrument. More specifically, how does social connection, or loneliness, act as a predictor for happiness and life satisfaction, mental & physical health, meaning & purpose, character & virtue, close social relationships, and financial & material stability. Previous literature indicates that …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of A Sensory Reduction Room, Wyatt Price

Liberty University Research Week

Stress is a significant issue amongst university students, and many interventions are being developed to decrease stress to increase the general well-being of students. The Office of Disability and Accommodation Support (ODAS) has developed a sensory room open to all residential students as an intervention to decrease stress. Methods: A quasi- experimental, non-equivalent group design was used with a convenience sample of university students (N = 58) recruited through the Office of Disability and Accommodation Support (ODAS). The experimental group sat in a sensory room for 20 minutes, while the control group engaged in routine ODAS activities while connected to …

Exploring The Changes In First-Year Students’ Self-Regulated Learning From High School To College, Nancy E. Rodriguez, Anna C. Brady

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

During the first semester of college, students experience drastic changes in their independence, and learning strategies. This transitional period from high school to the first semester of college requires researchers to understand students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) processes during their first year. It is important to understand the connection between students’ experiences, learning strategies, and persistence in college. Knowledge on this connection can support funding for institutional resources like first-year seminar classes. These classes can improve students’ commitment for graduating on time, and academic achievement. For this reason, the proposed project aims to investigate students’ engagement in SRL by answering the …

Honoring Survivors’ Wholeness: Recommendations For University Offices Of Wellness, Maeve Jillian King

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Rates of child abuse are nationally significant, especially after considering how much violence goes unreported. Many college students have experienced sexual violence prior to arriving on campus, where incidents of sexual victimization are prominent. With this in mind, how can university offices of wellness support survivors wherever they are in their journey of survivorship? Previous research rarely considers both realities of victimization, but displays large concerns surrounding survivor’s mental health and educational obtainment. Additionally peer and social support play significant roles in survivor outcomes. This interdisciplinary literature review examines current university practices, mental health realities, and impacts of culture on …

Thinking Under Pressure: Does Mindset And Mood Affect Cognitive Performance?, Pamela Kplivi, Hannah Nowicki, Emmy Carmichael, Charlie Guri, Abigail Blanda, Brandon Sookkasem, Shayne Alexander, Hope Williams, Gabriella Tossah, Meeraben Patel, Michael Woodcock, Virginia Wickline

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Cognitive performance, particularly on tasks requiring creative problem-solving, can be influenced by both individual and situational factors. Prior research highlights intrinsic beliefs about intelligence and external factors such as mood states as determinants of problem solving outcomes (Baumeister & Vohs, 2016; Okon-Singer et al., 2015). The present study utilizes a 2 x 3 between-subjects experimental design to examine how mindset (growth vs. fixed) and temporary mood state (positive, neutral, negative) interact to shape performance on a creative problem solving task. Mindset is assessed using the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS; Dweck, 1999), cognitive performance is measured using a shortened …

The Effect Of Early Sport Specialization On Psychological Burnout In Youth Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Caitlynn Ybarra, Brylee Starling

Liberty University Research Week

Context: The prevalence of youth athletes specializing in a single sport prior to puberty has steadily increased, often driven by aspirations to achieve elite performance status and secure scholarships. Clinicians, however, have observed significant negative consequences associated with early specialization, including psychological burnout, premature retirement, amotivation, and exhaustion. Within youth athletics, how does single-sport specialization early on compare with multi-sport participation when looking at the impact it has on psychological burnout throughout growth and maturation?

Methods: Across the included studies, early single-sport specialization was consistent in having higher levels of psychological stress and burnout symptoms when compared to multi-sport youth …

Relationships Among Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Reactivity, And Heart Rate Variability, Miriam Bowser

Liberty University Research Week

Ability emotional intelligence (EI) and trait EI have been correlated with heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting adaptive regulation facilitated by the autonomic nervous system. Emotional reactivity (ER) is also positively correlated with EI, possibly because individuals with higher EI are more sensitive to emotional information. The current study utilizes a cross-sectional design (N = 71) to measure trait and ability EI, self-reported emotional reactivity, and HRV. The current study found no relationships among trait and ability EI, suggesting that they encompass distinct underlying constructs. EI did not have a relationship with HRV, which could be due to the study’s small …

Prayer As A Predictor To God Attachment, Levi Morgan, Hampton Still

Liberty University Research Week

Attachment theory describes the innate desire for infants to form bonds with their caregivers, which impacts biopsychosocial functioning across the lifespan. Attachment theory has expanded to religious and spiritual contexts to describe the innate desire for individuals to form a relationship with God. One prominent religious practice is prayer, which is a relational tool performed by an individual or a group to communicate with and form a stronger relationship with God. Prayer has demonstrated relationships with various positive mental health outcomes and a stronger attachment to God. However, previous literature has yet to examine the relationship between various forms of …

Hope: A Vital Sign In Behavioral Health, Isaac Uehling, Alexis Lykins, Jade Gordon, Kelsey Messer

Liberty University Research Week

Hope at its core is the key motivating factor for patient’s pursual of behavioral health interventions, and is a critical upstream factor in the success of behavioral health treatments. The current understanding of hope is centered around goal-making and pathway engagement (Snyder et al., 1991). Although these concepts contribute to hope’s definition, they don’t fully encapsulate the multifaceted nature of hope. Our current study is a continuation of a previous study that expanded the definition of hope through an explorative lens by developing a multi-dimensional instrument – the Powers of Hope Scale. This scale assesses an individual’s level of hope …

The Effects Of Digital Restriction On Psychological And Physiological Well-Being, Rachel Anderson, Andrew Gatto, Caroline Berghuis, Kaden Randlett, Lilianna Franke

Liberty University Research Week

Past research on digital restriction has shown that limiting smartphone usage could have a significant effect on psychological well-being. We also propose that smartphone restriction could have an effect on physiological well-being. To understand these effects, we completed a mixed-methods randomized delayed intervention factorial experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to smartphone restriction immediately (1A) or delayed (1B), or social media restriction immediately (2A) or delayed (2B). During each lab visit (baseline, two weeks, and four weeks), data on perceived well-being and smartphone screentime logs were collected. To assess physiological well-being, heart rate variability (HRV) was collected using Polar-brand H10 chest …

Neuroplasticity On The Water: Transforming Mental Habits Into Elite Performance, John Paul Fryrear, Dayne Harter, Jada Ward

Liberty University Research Week

This proof-of-concept study examined whether a brief cognitive intervention could enhance key psychological skills in collegiate athletes. Twenty-four student-athletes from a university rowing team completed three workshops targeting neuroplasticity, attentional control, and emotional intelligence. Pre-, post-, and competition-based assessments, supplemented by qualitative feedback, indicated small but meaningful improvements in growth mindset, attentional control, and reductions in adverse competitive cognitions. Although most quantitative changes were not statistically significant, qualitative findings supported positive shifts in mindset, trust, and emotional regulation under pressure. Results suggest that targeted mental skills training may benefit athletes’ psychological adaptability despite methodological limitations.

The Psychological And Physiological Effects Of Acute Social Media Use, Noah Rimmer

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Loneliness And Health Behaviors, Haylee Goral, Jianna Bigio, Ashley Bustamante, Ruby Maton, Sullivan Morefield, Avery Owen

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Connectedness And Mental Health, Annie Barnish, Brooke Akins, Hadley Harris, Katiann Kasell, Noah Mathis, Sophia Lashey

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Creative Resilience In Career Counseling: Innovative Strategies For Diverse Populations, Janita Daggy, Deepa Michelle Emmanuel, Stacey Coyne

Liberty University Research Week

Ongoing workforce shifts and social inequities have intensified the challenges many individuals face during career transitions. While creativity and resilience are each associated with career adaptability and success, their combined application in career counseling has received limited attention. This presentation introduces a creative resilience framework grounded in career construction and narrative approaches. Creative interventions, including narrative reframing, metaphor, expressive writing, and experiential strategies, are highlighted as tools for supporting flexibility, meaning-making, and engagement. A culturally responsive practitioner toolkit is proposed for use with diverse populations such as first-generation students, veterans, and displaced workers. Implications for counseling practice and future research …

Systemic Barriers To Parental Involvement In Immigrant Families: Impact On Children’S Academic Outcomes, Ama Jane Baffoe

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This literature review examines how parental involvement and systemic barriers influence children’s academic outcomes, specifically within immigrant families. By analyzing research on language proficiency and work schedules, this study identifies how these factors limit parental participation in school-based activities. Findings indicate that while parental involvement consistently correlates with academic achievement and emotional stability, current school systems often disadvantage immigrant families facing these barriers. The review concludes that schools must develop more inclusive involvement strategies to eliminate educational inequalities and better support the success of students from diverse backgrounds.

Unpaid Internship Award Presentation By Cella Porter, Cella Porter

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

As a Behavioral Health Intern at Alternatives, I support students at Theodore Roosevelt High School through weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings. Because of my impact at this unpaid internship, Loyola University of Chicago has granted me the Unpaid Internship Award. This presentation outlines my role, work, and takeaways from my time at Alternatives.

What Is The Impact Of Stress? A Comparison Study Of College Athletes & Non-Athletes, Paige M. Christianson, Kyra Nelson, Kylie S. Buck, Kaidin S. Barnes

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The aim of this study was to explore differences in stress mindset, perceived stress, and extreme life stressors among athlete and non-athlete college students. The sample included participants recruited from a Midwestern university (N = 312), in which 28.2% identified as an athlete in either a NCAA Division II team and/or a sports club. Participants completed an online anonymous Qualtrics survey answering questions measuring their stress mindset, perceived stress, and current most extreme life stressor. Comparisons between the two groups, stress mindset scores and perceived stress scores were evaluated through independent samples t-tests, while differences in most extreme life stressor …

Public Health Book Club, Ashia Meister, James W. Durst, Ameila Beyer, Kelly K. Freymiller, Julia I. Kunz, Jaci M. Winchell, Josephine M. Sandquist, Chloe F. Sand

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: This project describes the development and implementation of a book club focused on population health topics to promote learning, discussion, and community engagement. A public library is a safe space to host book club meetings due to its non-intimidating environment. All members of the community are welcome to participate. A book club was hosted on campus for members of the nursing cohort to attend. With a focus on public health, these book clubs build awareness, critical thinking, and community engagement around population health issues. Purpose: The promotion of a book club can improve health literacy in the community by …

What Do Healthy Eaters Do?: A Qualitative Analysis Of Self-As-Doer Healthy Eater Identities, Ava N. Krolnik, Esther A. Gauerke, Megan L. Ekern, Georgia R. Jeddeloh, Isabelle C. Okeson, Riley G. Buck, Madeline Bersch

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Healthy eating is critical for promoting longevity, lowering risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and maintaining a healthy weight. However, only 1 in 10 Americans are meeting dietary guidelines and 60% have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. Research on psychosocial factors like the Theory of Planned Behavior and identity may help promote the engagement of healthy eating behaviors. Longitudinal research suggests that factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intentions predict long-term eating behaviors and lifestyle changes when intentions are internalized and believed. Research also demonstrates that constructs such as the self-as-doer identity predict healthy …

Social Dominance In Cd1 Female Mice, Hannah G. Casselman, Eli Illescas-Huerta, Nancy Padilla-Coreano

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Social rank and dominance have a profound impact on the survival of many animals. Social dominance fosters social stability and modulates neuroactivity, immune response, and endocrine function. Understanding and measuring social rank in laboratory mice is crucial when assessing social behavior. Previous research has focused primary on dominance in male mice based on measurements of aggressive and competitive behaviors. However, it remains unclear how social dominance is exhibited in female mice and which behavioral assays are most effective for measuring their rank. Males tend to be aggressive and territorial, whereas females engage in less aggressive and visibly competitive behaviors. Given …

The Role Of Partisan Indifference And Contradictory Ideas In Split-Ticket Voting Across Offices, Venushi K. Haththalla

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Split-ticket voting has traditionally been examined through the lenses of institutional incentives, strategic preferences for divided government, and candidate-centered evaluations. This study investigates the role of partisan indifference and contradictory political ideas in shaping split-ticket voting across offices in contemporary U.S. elections. Building on scholarship that distinguishes strong partisan attachment from weak, ambivalent, or indifferent orientations, the analysis argues that voters who lack meaningful affective ties to either major party are less constrained by partisan loyalty and therefore more likely to divide their electoral support between Democratic and Republican candidates. Using individual-level survey data from the American National Election Studies …

Hiawatha Hall Internship Presentation, Preston V. Brand

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Hiawatha Hall Internship Presentation

2026 Urs Abstract Booket, Undergraduate Research Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Complete Schedule of Events for the 28th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Role Of Group Guidance With Psychodrama In Promoting Self-Adjustment: Does It Really Work For Adolescents?, Hanifa Salsa Bila, Dian Ari Widyastuti, Sri Tutur Martaningsih, Agungbudiprabowo Agungbudiprabowo, Taquddin Abd Mukti

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group guidance using psychodrama techniques in improving self-adjustment among students. The study employed a quantitative approach with an experimental research design, specifically a pretest–posttest control group design. The participants consisted of ten students, divided into an experimental group of five students and a control group of five students. The experimental group received group guidance with psychodrama techniques, while the control group received treatment as usual. The research participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-adjustment scale, which had been analyzed for validity and reliability using …

The Enhancement Of Learning Inspiration By Strategic Life Planning Using After Model Assembly With Goodness Based Learning For The Lower Secondary Students In Buriram’S Private School, Adisorn Bansong

Journal of Education Studies

This pre-experimental research aimed to compare the students’ learning Inspiration before, and after using AFTER model assembly with Goodness Based Learning (GBL) on the Strategic Life Planning lesson plans to enhance student’s learning inspiration, A one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted on 40 lower secondary students using a lesson plan with IOC = 0.80-1.00, high-level quality was implemented 1 period a week for 15 weeks. The Learning Inspiration Scales with IOC = 0.90-1.00 and Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient = .86 were utilized as instruments for data collection. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test were used for data analysis. The findings were as …

April 23, 2026, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

College Students, Immigration, And The News: Navigating What Is Reliable News, Alexis Pineda-Bautista

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

People treat mainstream media as a trustworthy source, but mainstream media has recently come into question. Mainstream media’s ability to quickly deliver accurate information has been called into doubt and there has been an increase in partisan reporting (Bennett and Livingston, 2018 as cited in Besalú and Pont-Sorribes, 2021; Besalú and Pont-Sorribes 2021). This research aims to demonstrate how the public views the mainstream media’s ability to deliver reliable information, why some participants are turning towards social media as a news source, and how people use their personal experience to verify the validity of media claims.

In semi-structured interviews, 13 …

Understanding Hospital-Based Nurses’ Perspectives On Workplace Well-Being, Frankie B. Hale, Holly B. Fontenot

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Purpose: Uncover nurses’ perspectives related to factors associated with well-being and garner opinions for interventions in the workplace.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted nurses and has led to a potential crisis in staffing. Poorer mental health and well-being stemming from personal and organizational issues have driven nurses to leave the profession. In a recent survey of nurses in Hawaii, individual factors such as working 36 hours or more per week, reports of burnout, having primary caregiving responsibilities outside of work, and lower self-reported physical health, along with organizational factors like the experience of workplace violence, all contributed to an …