Digital Commons Network^™

Teacher Motivation To Implement Evidence-Based Interventions With Fidelity: Development And Testing Of A New Psychometric Instrument, Jaden Miles Nyberg

Dissertations

The purpose of the present research study is to develop and test a novel psychometric instrument designed to measure teacher motivation to implement evidence-based interventions with fidelity, termed the TMI E-BI. The study addresses four research questions. First, does the TMI E-BI have acceptable inter-item consistency and construct validity? Second, with respect to the TMI E-BI, does the best factor model for explaining teachers’ motivation to implement EBIs with fidelity consist of expectancy, task value, cost, and orientation towards fidelity as related but meaningfully distinct constructs? Third, does the TMI E-BI predict teachers’ self-reported treatment fidelity? Lastly, how do teachers’ …

Meaning In Occupational Therapy Practice: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Perceived Meaning And Burnout In Occupational Therapists, Rebecca Lauren Reinhardt

Dissertations

Decreasing burnout and increasing retention of occupational therapists (OTs) is a pressing issue in the field as attrition rates and intention to leave the profession are on the rise. One of the core tenets of occupational therapy (OT) practice is supporting recipients with engaging in meaningful occupations to promote wellbeing. While burnout in the profession has been more widely researched, very little research has explored how OTs perceive meaning in their own practice. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the lived experiences of how OTs perceive meaning and meaning gaps in the profession, as well as …

The Effects Of Childhood Trauma And The Ongoing Coronavirus-19 Pandemic On College Student’S Mental Health, School Performance, And Smartphone Usage, Shane Odiorne

Dissertations

Several individuals who attend post-secondary education have experienced at least one instance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Those who experience significant ACEs in their lives are at risk for a number of negative mental health outcomes, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse problems, among others. Past studies have demonstrated that there is a potential mediating factor that leads to negative mental health stemming from ACEs. One of these mediating factors is psychological wellness, characterized by overall life satisfaction, resiliency, positive relationships, and self-acceptance. During times of uncertainty, the risk for exacerbating problems brought on by past trauma may …

Gender Identity Development In Social Virtual Reality: A Phenomenology, John Michael Sullivan Iii

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which trans and gender-diverse individuals engage with social virtual reality (VR), what kinds of experiences they have on social VR platforms, and how their experiences translate into gender identity exploration, expression, and development. Inquiry was driven by two primary research questions: (a) What are the experiences of trans and gender diverse individuals in social VR platforms and (b) How do trans and gender diverse individuals use social VR to develop and to express their gender identities? This study utilized a qualitative and phenomenological methodology that was guided by a …

Emerging Adulthood, Identity Conflict, And Self-Compassion’S Impact On Mental Health Interference Of Collegiate Student-Athletes, Courtney Amber Shields

Dissertations

Prior research identified a strong connection between experiences of being a collegiate student-athlete with mental health-related struggles; however, little research has been conducted into how the competing identities of student and athlete within a heavy identity developmental period (emerging adulthood) might be impacting mental-health interference. The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand how emerging adulthood, student identity, athletic identity, and the conflicting role of student-athlete identity had in mental health interference on training, competition, and willingness to see a sports psychologist within collegiate student-athletes as well as how self-compassion moderated these relationships. The following research questions guided this …

Supporting Cultural Capital In Undergraduate Biology: Instructor Roles And Practices, Lydia Nicole Mayo

Dissertations

Undergraduate biology students must navigate complex academic environments that require more than content mastery alone. Increasing evidence shows that students’ attitudes, beliefs, and values—such as motivation, confidence, and a sense of belonging—are critical to student engagement, persistence, and success, especially among first-generation college students and those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to use cultural capital theory to explore how instructor practices in college biology classrooms support these non-content resources, framed as three forms of cultural capital: aspirational, navigational, and emotional capital for college biology.

To investigate this phenomenon, the dissertation integrates three complementary studies. …

A Moderation Analysis Of The Relationships Between Burnout, Internalizing Symptoms, And Self-Care, Alexandra Mccorkle Ryan

Dissertations

Amidst growing awareness of burnout among school psychologists, self-care has been suggested as an essential practice for managing the emotionally and psychologically taxing elements of the job. Indeed, self-care has been included in the American Psychological Association’s list of professional competencies for health service psychologists (HSPs) in training. Mitigating burnout is an important objective, however, the current conceptualization of burnout as a problem that can be managed by an individual alone is inaccurate. Rather, burnout is a product of an occupational system in which job demands outweigh job resources. Furthermore, burnout can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression. While self-care …

Academic Self-Efficacy In Nurse Anesthesia Residents, Nathan Seth Jones

Dissertations

Academic self-efficacy is a student’s belief in their ability to accomplish educational goals. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of academic self-efficacy in nurse anesthesia residents using the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES). Three research questions guided the study:

Q1 What is the academic self-efficacy of current nurse anesthesia residents as measured by the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale?

Q2 What are the factors that predict academic self-efficacy in nurse anesthesia residents?

Q3 What is the appropriate cut-off score on the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale for identifying residents with low academic self-efficacy?

A total of 233 completed …

Through Their Eyes: A Photovoice Study Of Mental Health And Well-Being Among Rural-Dwelling Latina Adolescents, Ashley Marie Coburn

Dissertations

Latina adolescents are more prone to depressive symptoms, less likely to receive mental health services, and face higher rates of suicidality compared to their non-White peers. This population becomes more vulnerable to adverse outcomes when their problems are compounded by barriers to mental health care common in rural communities such as limited resources, stigmatization, and systemic inequities related to race/ethnicity, income, and insurance status. Despite Latinx youth representing the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in rural areas across the United States, there is limited research on the distinct factors shaping mental health outcomes for this population. Guided by an …

Integrating Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Into An Undergraduate Sport And Exercise Science Program: A Holistic Case Study Utilizing Social Justice Education, Genevieve R. Altomare

Dissertations

It has been recommended by many scholars to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content into higher education curricula across disciplines; however, several institutions have yet to do so. The ongoing discourse surrounding social justice continues to influence the careers of future professionals, especially in the fields of sport and exercise science. Yet, there remains a limited understanding of the perceptions and experiences of students who have participated in a college course centered on DEI topics. Therefore, the purpose of this holistic case study was to provide an in-depth examination of a newly developed DEI course by exploring the authentic …

Ai-Enhanced Structured Literacy Intervention For Secondary Students: A Case Study Of Science Of Reading, Jennifer Bird

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This study examines the effectiveness of Lexia PowerUp, an AI-powered literacy program, for sixth-grade students requiring Tier 3 reading intervention. Seven sixth-grade students (six boys, one girl; five African American, two Caucasian; all qualifying for free/reduced lunch) participated in a six-month intervention combining 50 minutes of daily small-group instruction with individualized Lexia PowerUp usage. Researchers measured progress through Achieve 3000 Lexile assessments and Lexia PowerUp performance data across three skill strands: Word Study, Grammar, and Comprehension. All participants demonstrated Lexile level improvements from beginning-of-year to mid-year assessments, though students remained below sixth-grade benchmarks (925-1070L). Analysis of Lexia PowerUp progression showed …

Use Of Infrared Spectroscopy In Animal Studies: Aspects Of Health Science, Brian Manzanares

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Non-invasive imaging technologies, such as infrared thermography (IRT), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are revolutionizing the field of animal research by enabling real-time, stress-free assessment of physiological conditions. Such methods like these are align with the ethical standards of the 3Rs, replacement, reduction, and refinement-by reducing the need of invasive procedures while enhancing data quality and animal welfare. These methods can also provide critical insight into animal health, behavior, and stress responses without the need for invasive procedures or restraint, thereby minimizing harm and distress. This literature review will explore the practical applications of IRT, NIRS, and …

The Role Of Nicotine In Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases, Jacquelyn T. Deaton

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Neurodegenerative diseases have emerged as a critical medical challenge because they cause progressive neuronal death alongside structural or functional deterioration. Families, healthcare institutions, and affected individuals face significant challenges due to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, which impair both cognitive function and motor abilities. Researchers have found that nicotine in tobacco products is a compound with therapeutic potential. This literature review explores how nicotine interacts with neurodegenerative mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, and assesses its potential neuroprotective effects in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In the central nervous system, nicotine binds to the …

A Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Analysis Of The Experiences Of Women Under Community Supervision, Gifty Kinful

Research Papers

Research reveals that women parolees or probationers encounter both challenges and support systems as they navigate their reintegration into the community. More specifically, most women returning from prison and those on probation are released into a society of stigma where access to housing, employment, education, transportation, and healthcare services is either severely limited or nonexistent. These serious obstacles can undermine their ability, motivation, and desire to succeed while on probation or parole. Support systems may be more or less available and effective. The qualitative literature on women under community supervision is large but to our knowledge, the diverse studies have …

Inhibitory Control In Asian Elephants, Gillian Schmitt

Theses and Dissertations

Inhibitory control is defined as the ability to suppress a prepotent motor response in favor of a more efficient or advantageous behavior, and is an important core executive function. Although elephants are known to behave flexibly and display other executive functions, there is currently little information available on if, and to what extent, they display inhibitory control. We tested 16 captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) (N = 8 males, 8 females) ranging in age from 4-years-old to 60-years-old at the National Elephant Institute in Thailand using a classic detour paradigm adapted to be more ecologically salient for them through the …

Learning From Adolescents’ Lived Experience: Recommendations For Suicide Prevention For Youth And Their Caregivers, Genesis Minaya

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored adolescents’ views on which supports are most helpful during suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Interviews revealed six themes: Communication & Disclosure, Empathic Non-Judgmental Support, Consistent Presence, Parent/Family Education, Coping Tools, Hope and Future Orientation. These findings highlight the critical role of family dynamics in adolescent suicide prevention.

In The Name Of The Mother, The Nation, And The Race: White Women, The Jim Crow South, & Moralized White Supremacist Feminism, Shayna M. Lawson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces the concept of moralized white supremacist feminism to examine the central role white women played in constructing, legitimizing, and sustaining racial hierarchies in the Jim Crow South through a network of cultural and political organizing, particularly through the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Women’s Ku Klux Klan. Far from passive observers, white women were strategic agents of segregation, leveraging ideals of purity, motherhood, and moral virtue to enforce anti-Black violence and oppression through educational, civic, legal, and symbolic institutions, as well as extra-legal practices. Drawing from archival materials, oral histories, and critical race theory, this study …

The Effect Of An Invasive Species (Lantana Camara) And A Fast-Growing Herb (Acanthus Pubescens) On The Plant And Animal Communities In Kibale National Park, Uganda, Kathleen Bufka

Theses and Dissertations

Fast-growing plant species, like Lantana camara and Acanthus pubescens, could threaten biodiversity in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I surveyed plants and wildlife in areas where these plants were frequently encountered compared to those areas where they are infrequent. I found mixed results based on plant traits and the animals considered. My findings support management efforts on these two species to prevent forest degradation.

Improving The Screening And Management Process For Mental Health Disorders And Health Risk Behaviors In College-Age Students: A Quality Improvement Project, Brooke L. Styslinger

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Establishing a standardized electronic screening process for mental health disorders and health risk behaviors is crucial for early identification and intervention before poor outcomes occur. This quality improvement project addresses a gap in care relating to screening practices in a college health services office which primarily relied on a provider-based interview screening processes in students reporting for care. Pre-implementation data showed providers most often screened for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), alcohol use, and drug use, with inconsistent screening for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or tobacco/vaping use. Follow-up screening form administration was also inconsistent, only given 3.3% of the time for …

Exploring Available Admission Criteria For A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing/Midwifery: A Scoping Review, Jackline Estomihi Kiwelu, Aminieli Usiri, Gadiel Ketto, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Eunice Pallangyo

Libraries

Background: Nursing and midwifery are crucial professions in healthcare systems, and the availability of well-trained professionals in these fields contributes to achieving global and national health goals. The process of equipping nurses and midwives with professional knowledge and skills starts with selecting candidates that are suitable for the profession, and able to complete nursing/midwifery education and become lifelong learners.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and document currently available admission criteria for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing/Midwifery.

Methods: This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework to explore admission criteria for BSc in Nursing/Midwifery …

Application Of Machine Learning In Early Childhood Development Research: A Scoping Review, Faith Benson, Daisy Chelangat, Willie Brink, Patrick Mwangala, Akbar Waljee, Cheryl Moyer, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Early childhood development (ECD) lays the foundation for lifelong health, academic success and social well-being, yet over 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. Traditional measures fail to fully capture the risks associated with a child’s development outcomes. Artificial intelligence techniques, particularly machine learning (ML), offer an innovative approach by analysing complex datasets to detect subtle developmental patterns.

Objective: To map the existing literature on the use of ML in ECD research, including its geographical distribution, to identify research gaps and inform future directions. The review focuses on …

Social Cohesion, Trust, And Utilisation Of Maternal Health Services Among Refugee And Host Community Women In Bangladesh And Kenya, Haeun Lee, Ryan Rego, Neyat Fiseha, Ashok Barman, Nimo Sharif, Peninah Wachira, Joe Kolars, Akbar Waljee, Rubhana Raqib, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

The global refugee crisis places significant pressure on host communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Social cohesion and trust between refugee and host communities are critical for maternal health service utilisation. This study explores the relationship between host–refugee trust, social cohesion, and maternal health service use in Bangladesh and Kenya, focusing on facility-based delivery, antenatal care visits, and postnatal care attendance. To do so, a cross-sectional survey was administered among 649 refugee/displaced women and 371 host community women in the two locations. The results show high trust levels in both groups, while social cohesion is greater among refugee/displaced women. …

The Effects Of National Elite Signaling On Ranked Choice Voting In Utah, Mathew Woodman

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) is a voting method used in few cities in the United States. There has recently been an increase in interest in adoption of the voting method in other cities using pilot programs, much like the one introduced in Utah. Ranked-Choice Voting has become a topic of contention with strong disapproval coming from opponents of the voting system. The questions are why there is disdain for Ranked-Choice Voting, and why such disdain seems to exist more heavily in Republican camps. Public opinion polling from “likely and confirmed Utah voters” in Salt Lake, Utah, and Grand Counties, conducted by …

The Lasting Impact Of Childhood Maltreatment On Parenting: A Qualitative Study, Leslie K. Moorman

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This qualitative study explored how Child Protection Service (CPS)-involved parents made meaning of their parenting and what informed their meaning making. Bronfenbrenner’s Person Process Context Time (PPCT) framework was utilized to examine the context of parenting within the CPS system. The PPCT theoretical assumptions were used to discuss the results of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants, from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All but one returned for a second interview. The CPS-involved parents disclosed childhood experiences that were consistent with childhood maltreatment. The participants were preoccupied with stories of their own childhood and not wanting to parent like …

Analysis Of Popular Songs In The Us Market, Michael Myers

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

In today’s digitally driven music landscape, understanding what drive’s a song’s popularity requires insight not only into its acoustic and lyrical content, but also into patterns of listener engagement across platforms. This thesis explores the predictive and descriptive dimensions of song popularity by applying supervised and unsupervised machine learning models to a multi-source dataset integrating audio features, sentiment analysis, and temporal consumption behavior. Drawing from a novel, multi-platform dataset that includes Billboard Hot 100 rankings, Spotify acoustic features and popularity scores, streaming, airplay, and sales metrics as reported on Luminate’s Music Connect, and lyrics from AZLyrics, the study investigates the …

The Lived Personal History Of Queer Teachers Engaged In Queer Pedagogy, Michael C. Shera

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study examines a group of five queer teachers of varied ages and genders who discussed their lived experiences navigating the heteronormativity of public school structures in conjunction with their work using queer pedagogy to support students. It answers the research question: How does the lived personal history of queer educators influence how, when, and in what ways they take up queer pedagogy? Employing a life history interview methodology, along with queer theory as a theoretical framework, this study explores intersections of the participants’ life history and their engagement in queer pedagogy to examine why and how they are driven …

A Pilot Study Exploring Vitamin D, Mental Health, And Gastrointestinal Health In Humans, Brianna C. Williams

Master's Theses

Mental disorders are experienced by nearly one billion people worldwide. Depression is one of the most common. Treatments exist, yet a devastating 75% of individuals suffering from depression do not receive adequate treatment. An emerging treatment strategy includes exploring the connection between mental health and nutrition, which includes the areas of gut health and nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin D is obtained through food, supplements, and sunlight. Many individuals are considered deficient (25[OH]D concentrations < 12 ng/mL) or insufficient (25[OH]D concentrations < 20 ng/mL). Purpose: This study aimed to explore mental and gastrointestinal (GI) health using surveys and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) concentrations, a biomarker of GI health, in individuals considered 25(OH)D deficient (DEF) vs not deficient (N-DEF). Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited physically active participants aged 18-45 years who underwent three evaluations in one visit. Health was assessed using surveys to evaluate mental health, GI symptoms, and vitamin D intake. Serum from fasting blood samples was used with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine 25(OH)D and LBP concentrations. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare DEF vs N-DEF and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Thirty-two participants (mean age 25.3 ± 6.3 years) with mean and body fat percentage of 24.0% ± 10.7%, were placed into DEF (n=16) and N-DEF (n=16) categories. Interestingly, five of the 16 participants in DEF (31%) showed some level of depression (scores ranging from mild to severe) and only two of the 16 participants in N-DEF iv (13%) scored positively in the depression category (scores ranging from mild to moderate). Additionally, the participant with the lowest 25(OH)D concentration (5.42 ng/mL) was the only participant to meet the “severe” depression category criteria, with a score of 24 compared to other participants who scored within 0-16. Also, the only participant who scored “severe” in the stress category, was in the bottom 20% of 25(OH)D concentrations. As for GI health, the difference between average GI scores and average serum LBP concentrations between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between DEF and N-DEF in perceived depression (p = 0.16), anxiety (p = 1.0), stress (p = 0.96), GI symptoms (P values ranged from 0.27 to 1.00), nor in LBP concentrations (p = 0.77). Funding: Support was received from the Graduate Student Association and College of Natural Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado.

White Piedra, Jane Hong, Andrew Tran, Lisa Gelles

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Examining The Impact Of A Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program On High School Students' Health And Well-Being, Joshua Robinson

Doctorate in Kinesiology

This dissertation examined the impact of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) on high school students’ perceived physical, mental, emotional, and academic wellness. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 701 pre-surveys, 175 post-surveys, 603 post-intervention impact surveys, and two student focus group interviews. The yearlong CSPAP intervention was implemented using the CDC’s seven-step framework at a public charter high school during the 2024–2025 academic year. Quantitative results revealed statistically significant improvements in students’ self-reported physical health, mental wellness, emotional resilience, and academic engagement, with mental health and perceived enjoyment of physical activity showing the strongest gains. Perceived …

What Values Best Distinguish The World's Cultures? The Machine Learning-Based Cultural Values Inventory, Abhishek Sheetal, Shilpa Madan, Rui Ling Lee, Krishna Savani

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Scientists studying culture typically focus on a small number of theoretical constructs, such as individualism–collectivism, when seeking to explain cultural differences in psychological tendencies and behaviors. However, existing theories of culture could have missed out on important constructs that are useful for explaining cross-cultural differences. We used an abductive approach combining prediction and explanation to uncover important cultural values. In the prediction phase, based on 594 attitudes, values, and beliefs included in the World Values Survey, a neural network could classify respondents’ nationalities with 90% accuracy in out-of-sample data. In the explanation phase, a feature importance analysis identified the values …