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Grand Valley Magazine, Vol. 25, No. 2, Spring 2026, Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley Magazine

Grand Valley Magazine is a quarterly publication about Grand Valley State University produced by University Communications since 2001.

More Than Just Hyper: The Mislabeling And Overmedicating Of Adhd In Children Ages 5-10, Katlyn Waltz

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the frequency and consequences of the misdiagnosis and overmedicating of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in elementary school aged children, ages 5-10. The information within this paper utilizes recent evidence-based psychological and medical research done surrounding ADHD in children. Specifically focusing on what a misdiagnosis looks like and how this can affect the child. Physically, if an alternative diagnosis is overlooked, the severity of the problem worsens. Emotionally children often feel misunderstood. Misdiagnosis often occurs due to symptoms being shared with other disorders such as thyroid disease, sleep disordered breathing, developmental delays or anxiety/depression.

For children who are …

The Role Of Suffering In The Development Of Character: A Philosophical, Psychological, And Theological Analysis, Taylor Moore

Honors Theses

Suffering is an inherent aspect of the human condition, often perceived as negative yet capable of fostering profound growth. This study explores the transformative potential of suffering through philosophical, psychological, and theological lenses. Specifically, it examines whether suffering is inherently evil or can instead serve as a catalyst for developing character traits essential to eudaimonia—the flourishing life described by Socrates and Aristotle. Drawing on theories of meaning-making and virtues-centered living, this research argues that suffering can create the conditions that can cultivate perseverance, resilience, hope, and relational intimacy, all of which are vital for human flourishing. Under certain conditions, suffering …

Musculoskeletal Risk Among Radiology Professionals: Ergo, The Importance Of Ergonomics, Jodie M. Caithamer

Honors Theses

Workers in physically demanding occupations are at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly with prolonged exposure to awkward postures and static loading. Healthcare workers, including those in radiology, are particularly affected. This study used an anonymous survey based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), to assess body regions of discomfort and ergonomic risk factors.

In total, 48 radiology healthcare workers participated. Musculoskeletal discomfort was highly prevalent, with 96% reporting symptoms in the past 12 months. The most affected areas were the lower back (76.1%), neck (56.5%), and shoulders (34.8%). Awkward postures such …

Media On Trial: The Effects Of Media Coverage On Legal Proceedings In High-Profile Cases, Julia Luxon

Honors Theses

This paper examines the constitutional tension between the First Amendment and the Sixth Amendment, specifically in relation to media coverage and the right to a fair trial in high-profile criminal cases. This study explores the contextual and media environments surrounding the high-profile cases of Sheppard v. Maxwell, The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson, and State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh. By conducting a comparative analysis, I examined the media narratives present in each case and how they influenced public perception and its impact on the administration of justice. This study …

You Hit Your Head, What Comes Next? How Can Speech-Language Pathologists Assist In Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery?, Elayna R. Wollam

Honors Theses

Traumatic Brain Injuries are complex injuries caused by an impact or penetrating wound to the head that disrupts the typical functioning of the brain. TBIs are highly prevalent and complex injuries. They can present in different severities, have numerous causes, and result in a variety of different types of symptoms and impairments. These impairments can include articulation disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, swallowing disorders, social communication disorders, cognitive communication disorders, and more. Every injury will be different, and every individual will experience different symptoms and have different priorities for their recovery. This means treatment should also be nuanced to reflect …

Legalizing Sex Work: Transforming Hidden Jobs Into Professions, Sakura L. Wilder-Hamilton

Honors Theses

Prostitution, also known as the “world’s oldest profession,” has long been tried and remembered as a tolerated vice. However, sex work is still a stigmatized and criminalized profession around the globe that has yet to become a real profession. Because of this stigma and criminal label, sex workers have become a hidden population within society. Meaning, although there is a lot of stigma attached to sex work and sex workers, there is relatively little known about the realities of sex work, as sex workers are often excluded from scholarly research and discussions regarding their work. This research, through a thematic-chronological …

Me Or We In Criminal Behavior: A Cross-National Examination On The Impact Of Narcissism On Criminal Behavior, Adrian J. Zaragoza

Honors Theses

Crime is a worldwide issue that exists within any society. Many studies have not examined narcissism and its relation to crime in a cross-cultural perspective. The current study aimed to examine how culture can impact narcissism and criminal behavior. Hypothesis 1: Individual narcissism will be positively associated with criminal and antisocial responses to provocation scenarios in the United States. Hypothesis 2: Collective narcissism will be positively associated with criminal and antisocial responses to provocation scenarios in Kenya. Hypothesis 3: The association between individual narcissism and criminal/antisocial behavior will be stronger in the United States than in Kenya, …

"See Something, Say Something": The Effect Of Bystanders And Public Posting On Campus Crime Reporting, Makiah Hollinden

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to see if bystanders reacting (versus not reacting) and the presence (versus no presence) of a public crime post, on a college campus, affected student participants' intent to report a crime. We hypothesized that if bystanders responded to the crime, and if there is a public post about crime reporting, then participants would be more likely to intend to report the crime. Research participants (n = 68) were given an online survey assessing the intent to report the crime and other social norms in one of four vignette conditions: bystanders react/public post, bystanders do …

Sol Fridge Kenya (Turkana County), Ava Valdez, Dhuha Almutairi, Go Ogawa, Jeremy Boze

Business Core Student Work

Sol Fridge is a solar-powered refrigeration solution designed to improve food security and nutrition for low-income communities in Kenya. The project responds to the challenges of food spoilage, limited refrigeration, and poor access to affordable nutritious food, especially in rural and arid regions where electricity is unreliable or unavailable. By providing portable, affordable, and durable cold storage for families and small vendors, Sol Fridge helps preserve fresh food, reduce waste, and support healthier daily meals. The project also promotes sustainability through solar energy, recycled materials, and community-based distribution, creating social, environmental, and economic benefits for the communities it serves.

Yes Under Duress: The Paradox Of The Fawn Trauma Response In Consent Law, Madeline Paoli

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

This article examines the evolving landscape of sexual consent law through the lens of trauma-informed legal analysis, focusing on the underrecognized trauma response known as fawning. Existing consent frameworks fail to capture the complex behaviors of many survivors who outwardly feign consent as a survival mechanism. To assess how fawning evidence might fit into consent statutes, I categorize U.S. state law into four subtypes of consent: affirmative, hybrid, forcible compulsion, and statutory silence. Each sub-type fails to adequately account for trauma-informed behaviors. By examining each of these subtypes and its corresponding case law, I identify statutory and doctrinal gaps that …

How Did We Get Here? The Rise Of Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric As A Sociopolitical Force In U.S. Immigration Discourse And Enforcement Policy Through A Latino Lens, Andrea Maldonado

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Private Coverage, Public Risk: The Role Of Cyber Insurance In National Security Governance, Deborah L. Johnson

Faculty Publications

This Article explores the growing yet underexamined role of the commercial cyber insurance market in shaping the United States' approach to cybersecurity readiness. It argues that, as cyber threats against U.S. critical infrastructure and essential services increase, commercial cyber insurance has quietly come to function as a de facto governance tool in national cybersecurity. In hospitals, water and energy systems, and other public-facing sectors, policy language, underwriting questionnaires, and post-breach claims practices help define what counts as "reasonable" security, influence how organizations plan for and respond to incidents, and affect the pace and scope of recovery after an attack. Yet …

Toward A Neuroleadership Framework, Bryan G. Wood

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Neuroleadership is an emerging field that seeks to connect neural mechanisms, psychological processes, and leadership behaviors within organizational contexts. Despite continued scholarly interest, the literature remains conceptually fragmented and lacks a coherent framework for organizing its recurring themes and constructs. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for neuroleadership through a quantitative analysis of records retrieved from the PsycINFO database and interpreted through qualitative synthesis. The findings revealed recurring themes related to core leadership processes, applied contexts, and associated outcomes while also indicating thematic convergence without full conceptual integration across the field. These patterns were organized …

Military Recruiting Crisis: A Qualitative Study On The Motivation Of Generation Z, Ruth D. Kane

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This qualitative study investigates the declining motivation of Generation Z to join the U.S. military, using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework. Despite significant investments in recruitment, enlistment rates continue to decline, revealing a gap between military structures and the psychological needs of potential recruits. SDT provides a useful perspective by emphasizing the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in motivating and promoting well-being. Through in-depth interviews with eight Gen Z individuals eligible for service, this study explores how social, cultural, and institutional factors influence perceptions of military service and career decisions. Results indicate that motivation to enlist increases when …

As I Remember Your Tears: A Biblically Grounded, Integrated Ecosystemic Model For Mentoring Ministers In Distress, John R. Dingle

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This study addressed a gap in the literature concerning how mentoring supports ministers who are experiencing distress and turnover intention. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a biblically grounded model for mentoring ministers in distress. This qualitative study employed a two-phase design consisting of a sociorhetorical analysis of 2 Timothy and a phenomenological study of four Assemblies of God ministers who experienced turnover intention but remained in ministry because of a mentor’s intervention. The biblical text was analyzed using the sociorhetorical textures of inner texture, intertexture, and sacred texture. The phenomenological data were analyzed using open, values, and …

An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention To Enhance Nurses' Knowledge Of Metabolic Syndrome In Residential Care Facilities, Marie Tanyi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The project addresses a critical gap in nursing education by implementing a structured, evidencebased educational intervention led by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to improve nurses’ knowledge of metabolic syndrome in residential care facilities. The purpose was to determine whether this intervention could significantly enhance nurses’ understanding and management of metabolic syndrome, a complex cluster of disorders present in adult populations. Nine nurses participated in targeted educational sessions focusing on definition, diagnosis, complications, and evidence-based prevention and management strategies. Each participant completed the Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge Scale (MSKS) questionnaire before and after the intervention to assess changes in knowledge. …

Butterflies & You: Considerations Of Human Relationships With The Natural World (Paper), Madison Colby

2026 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents & Media

Science communication only accounts for approximately 2% of the entire scientific output of 2017-2022 (Parejo-Cuéllar et. al, 2024). It is an under-researched and under-valued field, especially in an age that has devalued science as a whole. The delicate art of explaining complicated ideas to people who are unfamiliar with scientific jargon is vital to humans’ understanding of the world. Butterflies & You is a documentary film exploring the relationship between humans and the many different butterfly species that call Illinois home. Video-based science communication is important to research and practice because of its impact on environmental advocacy and the growing …

Clothing, Comportment, And Court Femininity In Domenico Ghirlandaio's Portraits Of Elite Florentine Women (C. 1475-1490), Emmerson Stephens

Art History Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines a focused group of Domenico Ghirlandaio’s portraits of women from the Medici–Tornabuoni–Sassetti circle in Florence (c. 1475–1490), arguing that these works construct, rather than simply represent, an ideal of courtly femininity. Situating portraiture within systems of social regulation, it demonstrates how comportment, dress, and visual conventions disciplined the female body. Clothing functioned as a material technology that structured posture, gesture, and movement, shaping how women appeared both socially and pictorially.

Through analysis of panel portraits and fresco cycles, particularly in the Tornabuoni Chapel, the study shows how controlled formats, gestures, and surfaces produced figures that embody modesty, …

Sticks And Blackstone: Regulatory Takings And The Definition Of Property, Maryann Herman

West Virginia Law Review

When private property is subject to regulation, courts sometimes find that it effects a taking requiring just compensation under the U.S. Constitution. This Article explains that what is deemed a regulatory taking can depend on the definition of property the court applies. There are two predominant ways property is defined: either as a bundle of rights or as a person’s dominion over a thing. The bundle of rights, or bundle of sticks, definition conceives of property as a collection of various, discrete rights held by a property owner and others in relation to a thing. These rights can be disaggregated …

Behind The Suit: How Recovering A Biblical Worldview And Implementing Spiritual Formation Practices Can Improve The Mental Health Crisis In The Legal Profession, Makayla G. Johnson

Senior Honors Theses

A Biblical worldview is the foundation upon which the United States government and legal system is built, however in recent years the understanding of a Biblical Worldview has been in decline. This shift has had a profound impact on the legal field, causing a loss of purpose and meaning in the profession, which research asserts has in part caused many mental health issues found in the legal field. With this in mind, the following study will include information regarding the extent to which the implementation of spiritual formation practices, when practiced specifically by those in the legal profession, could impact …

Developing A Pediatric Pain Curriculum For Pediatric Anesthesia Fellows In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Delphi Study, Anisa Bhettay, Rebecca Gray, Romy Parker, Nikki Allorto, Abigail Amponsah, Brian Anderson, Lillian Baranzila, Charles Carapinha, Susan Carolus, O' Brien Kyololo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Comprehensive pain management in children requires a specialized skillset, with a limited number of clinicians possessing the level of expertise required to successfully navigate the complexities of holistic care. The emergence of pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs in sub-Saharan Africa presents an opportunity to embed a pediatric pain curriculum for trainees, improving the availability of specialist skill and knowledge in the field. Existing pain curricula fall short in addressing the sociocultural aspects of pediatric pain identified through research as being unique to the African context, and do not include elements of leadership and advocacy training required to navigate the complexities …

Antecedents And Consequences Of Consumer Behavior In Circular Fashion: Cognitive, Normative, And Behavioral Pathways Shaping Purchase And Participation Intentions, Mahmudul Hasan Sabuj

Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The increasing environmental impact of the fashion industry has intensified the need for a systemic transition from linear to circular production and consumption models. Despite growing interest in circular fashion, there remains a limited understanding of the underlying behavioral dimensions that drive consumer engagement in sustainable practices. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Norm Activation Theory (NAT), this study examines consumer behavior through an integrated framework capturing cognitive, social, and normative influences.

Using data collected from a structured online survey (N = 575), the study employs Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), reliability analysis, and multiple regression techniques to …

Stakhanov Lives Forever: How Art And Culture Outlasted Politics In The Communist World, Samuel Shewmake

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

The Stakhanovite movement and its long term consequences has been heavily debated in the field of Soviet history for several decades. The dominant scholarly narrative is that the Stakhanovite movement and Stakhanovism were largely extinguished during the period following the buildup to the Second World War. Previous works have relied heavily on solely political analysis of the movement, presuming that its character was primarily state-driven with little social component. This paper analyzes the social and artistic legacy of the Stakhanovite movement through novel analysis of film, music, and art of the Stakhanovite period and following decades. Contrary to what has …

Implementing And Evaluating A Mental Health Education And Mindfulness Program For Police Officers, Patricia Lynn Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Police officers are routinely exposed to occupational stress and trauma, contributing to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Targeted mental health interventions are needed to proactively address their mental health. Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented and evaluated a mental health education and mindfulness program designed to reduce operational stress and increase knowledge and use of departmental mental health resources and mindfulness techniques among police officers. Methods: A pre–post intervention design was used over a 10-week period. Participants (n = 14) completed the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op) and …

Evaluation Of The Prevention And Management Of Assaultive Behaviors (Pmab) Training For Outpatient Ambulatory Care Staff, Michaela Bowles

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) disproportionately affects healthcare workers and harms both staff well-being and the healthcare organization. Despite growing attention to WPV prevention, effective solutions remain limited. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Prevention and Management of Assaultive Behaviors (PMAB) training in an outpatient ambulatory care setting and to assess staff’s confidence and ability to respond to escalating situations. Methods: A pre/post observational survey using Likert-scale, multiple choice, yes/no questions and narrative responses measured confidence before, immediately after, and 3 to 12 months following PMAB training. A retrospective review of WPV incident reports three months before and …

Mindbodystrong: A Pilot To Address Nursing Burnout & To Promote Wellness, Leilah Hunt

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Nursing burnout rates have increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, not only within the United States but throughout the world. As burnout is multifaceted in nature, identifying and addressing the root cause of burnout has been challenging. One approach to remedy burnout effects is by enhancing wellness through daily practice of healthy habits. Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to pilot and evaluate the effects of the MINDBODYSTRONG Cognitive Behavioral Skills Building Program on self-rated anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and burnout symptoms in a sample population of nurses at a large psychiatric hospital. This program has …

Measuring Provider Confidence In Using Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics In Hospitalized Adults With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Rachel Mccluskey

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are severely disabling conditions requiring ongoing pharmacological management. Rates of medication nonadherence among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder are high and strong evidence exists for the benefits of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) over oral antipsychotics. Despite this, only 10% of patients in Washington State with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are administered longacting injectable antipsychotics. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to measure change in provider’s confidence in prescribing LAI for hospitalized patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders following one-on-one motivational information (MI) style informational/discussion sessions coupled with a prescribing reference. Methods: This quality improvement project surveyed provider’s …

How Media Framing Impacts Juror Bias In A Fictional Criminal Case, Teah Sharon Swartzon

Journalism

This study examines how media framing influences juror bias among college-aged students when evaluating a defendant's guilt in a fictional criminal case. Utilizing framing theory, the research explores whether biased news coverage can shape perceptions of a defendant's guilt before trial.

Participants, consisting of students at California Polytechnic State University, aged 18-22, were asked to read two news articles about a fictional criminal case. One framed the fictional defendant as guilty, while the other framed him as innocent. Both articles were generated using the Artificial Intelligence Platform, Claude.

Data was collected in a survey where participants indicated whether they believed …

Assessing The Association Between Musculoskeletal Injury And Mental Health In Rugby Players-A Cross-Sectional Study, Mordicai Atinga, Jasmit Shah, Sarah Karanja, Mark Lumbasi, Miriam Ndungu, Sarah Kiburi, James Ondiege, Njalalle Baraza

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries are common among athletes and can negatively affect both physical and psychological wellbeing. Beyond physical disability, injuries have been linked to poor mental health, loss of athletic identity, and increased substance use. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where awareness and management of mental health remain limited, the psychological burden of sports injuries may be underrecognized. Rugby, a physically demanding contact sport, has one of the highest rates of injury, but little is known about how such injuries influence mental health and related outcomes in African contexts. This study explored the relationship between musculoskeletal injuries and health …