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Articles 11551 - 11580 of 14564

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

A Quantitative Link Between Face Discrimination Deficits And Neuronal Selectivity For Faces In Autism, Xiong Jiang, Angela Bollich, Patrick Cox, Eric Hyder, Joette James, Saqib Ali Gowani, Nouchine Hadjikhani, Volker Blanz, Dara S. Manoach, Jason J.S. Barton, William D. Gaillard, Maximilian Reisenhuber Jan 2013

A Quantitative Link Between Face Discrimination Deficits And Neuronal Selectivity For Faces In Autism, Xiong Jiang, Angela Bollich, Patrick Cox, Eric Hyder, Joette James, Saqib Ali Gowani, Nouchine Hadjikhani, Volker Blanz, Dara S. Manoach, Jason J.S. Barton, William D. Gaillard, Maximilian Reisenhuber

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) appear to show a general face discrimination deficit across a range of tasks including social–emotional judgments as well as identification and discrimination. However, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies probing the neural bases of these behavioral differences have produced conflicting results: while some studies have reported reduced or no activity to faces in ASD in the Fusiform Face Area (FFA), a key region in human face processing, others have suggested more typical activation levels, possibly reflecting limitations of conventional fMRI techniques to characterize neuron-level processing. Here, we test the hypotheses that face discrimination abilities …


Ethnicity And Gender Comparisons Of Health Consequences In Adults With Alcohol Dependence, Karen G. Chartier, Michie N. Hesselbrock, Victor M. Hesselbrock Jan 2013

Ethnicity And Gender Comparisons Of Health Consequences In Adults With Alcohol Dependence, Karen G. Chartier, Michie N. Hesselbrock, Victor M. Hesselbrock

Social Work Publications

The moderating effects of ethnicity and gender on factors associated with physical health consequences in adults with alcohol dependence was examined using data from the 2001–2002 U.S. National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Black and White respondents with a lifetime diagnosis of DSM-IV alcohol dependence were selected for the study (n = 3,852). A multiple-group structural equation model tested ethnicity, gender, and intervening variables as predictors of physical health status in alcohol dependent men and women. Study findings offer implications for clinical practice with alcohol dependent individuals by identifying likely target groups and problems for intervention.


Proyecto Interconexiones: A Pilot Test Of A Community-Based Depression Care Program For Latina Violence Survivors, Christina Nicolaidis, Angie Mejia, Marlen Perez, Anabertha Alvarado, Rosemary Celaya-Alston, Yolanda Quintero, Raquel Aguillon Jan 2013

Proyecto Interconexiones: A Pilot Test Of A Community-Based Depression Care Program For Latina Violence Survivors, Christina Nicolaidis, Angie Mejia, Marlen Perez, Anabertha Alvarado, Rosemary Celaya-Alston, Yolanda Quintero, Raquel Aguillon

Chicano/Latino Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Latina intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors often face great barriers to depression care. We sought to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to create and evaluate a community-based depression care program for Latina IPV survivors.

Methods: We created a multifaceted, culturally tailored intervention, based on principles of chronic illness management. A promotora provided case management services and led 12 weekly group sessions. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 6 months and participated in open-ended exit interviews.

Results: Ten Spanish-speaking Latina women participated in the intervention. The program had excellent attendance, with 100% of women attending …


Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: Does Family Systems Therapy Improve Family Functioning And Decrease Drug Use?, Darin J. Wallis Jan 2013

Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: Does Family Systems Therapy Improve Family Functioning And Decrease Drug Use?, Darin J. Wallis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Family systems therapy is a way of working with individuals, couples, families, or a group of people that emphasizes relationships and a person's/family's greater "system" as important factors in establishing change and health (Haley, 1976; Minuchin, 1974). Treating adolescent substance abuse with family systems therapy has been demonstrated in the literature as being an effective method of intervention (Coatsworth, Santisteban, McBride, & Szapocznik, 2001; Kumfer & Alvarado, 2003; Leichtling, Gabriel, Lewis & Vander Ley, 2006; Liddle, 2002; Liddle et al., 2001; Rowe & Liddle, 2003), as the various ecological and epidemiological factors associated with adolescent substance abuse can be addressed …


Mental Health Literacy Of Latina Women In The United States For Their School-Aged Children, Annarheen S. Pineda Jan 2013

Mental Health Literacy Of Latina Women In The United States For Their School-Aged Children, Annarheen S. Pineda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite known mental health (MH) disparities faced by Latino children relative to children from other minority groups of similar socioeconomic status (SES), little is known about how Latina mothers make MH decisions for their children. The present study examined links between Latina mothers' mental health literacy (MHL), including the recognition of and response to child psychiatric symptoms, and maternal acculturation factors as well as interpersonal violence (IPV) related symptomatology. Participants were 80 Latina mothers from Denver, Colorado and Modesto, California with at least one child between the ages of 8-12 years. Mothers were presented vignettes depicting child internalizing and externalizing …


The Influences On Job Search Behaviors Among Convicted Felons With Substance Abuse Disorders, Anthony Raymond Saldana Jan 2013

The Influences On Job Search Behaviors Among Convicted Felons With Substance Abuse Disorders, Anthony Raymond Saldana

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined job search intensity among felony-convicted, substance-abusing individuals who have been court mandated to attend community based treatment. Drug courts provide counseling and other services to help convicted felons become productive members of society. Studies show that if released prisoners become employed, they are less likely to return to prison.


A Path Analysis On The Acquisition Of Mental Health Treatment And The Effect Of That Treatment On Subsequent Offending, Gabriel Jude Saucedo Jan 2013

A Path Analysis On The Acquisition Of Mental Health Treatment And The Effect Of That Treatment On Subsequent Offending, Gabriel Jude Saucedo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to determine how various demographic and systemic factors interacted to either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of mental health treatment, and if once acquired, what effect did that treatment have on subsequent offending. Mental health treatment is viewed as an effective and cost effective way of reducing offending in this population. Unfortunately, research also indicates that many juveniles due to various demographic and systemic impediments, do not acquire the mental health treatment they need. Consequently, their symptoms deteriorate to the point they manifest as delinquent.


Adolescent And Adult Nicotine Exposure On The Acquisition Of Methamphetamine Self-Administration And The Reinstatement Of Extinguished Methamphetamine-Seeking In Male Rats, Joseph Allan Pipkin Jan 2013

Adolescent And Adult Nicotine Exposure On The Acquisition Of Methamphetamine Self-Administration And The Reinstatement Of Extinguished Methamphetamine-Seeking In Male Rats, Joseph Allan Pipkin

Theses Digitization Project

This study sought to determine the individual and combined contribution of adolescent and adult nicotine exposure on METH self-administration and METH-seeking behavior in male rats. Nicotine is a commonly abused substance among adolescents and is believed to be a "gateway" to other drugs of abuse. In support of the gateway hypothesis, cigarette smoking during adolescence is related to increased methamphetamine (METH) use in adulthood.


Preweanling Exposure To Selective Catecholamine Transporter Inhibitors Differentially Effects Morphine-Induced Antinociception In Adulthood, Joseph Marco Valentine Jan 2013

Preweanling Exposure To Selective Catecholamine Transporter Inhibitors Differentially Effects Morphine-Induced Antinociception In Adulthood, Joseph Marco Valentine

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to determine how early methylphenidate exposure alters opioid receptor functioning in adulthood. To this end, we will administer selective monoamine transporter inhibitors for dopamine and norepinephrine (GBR-12904 and atomoxetine) during preweanling period and assess opioid function in adult rats by testing morphine-induced antinociception using the hot-plate and tail-flick tasks. In order to assess the effects of methylphenidate use on brain functions during development, investigations have been conducted in rats using ages roughly analogous to early and late childhood.


Luba’S Theme, Amy Clements-Cortés Jan 2013

Luba’S Theme, Amy Clements-Cortés

Music Faculty Publications

The following case study is of Luba, a 4 year old girl diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease and her music therapy process. Foundational information on Tay-Sachs disease is provided alongside a discussion of anticipatory grieving, and the death of a child.


Prevalence Of Hiv, Hepatitis B And C, And Co-Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Avina Sarna, Vartika Sharma, Ira Madan, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Waimar Tun Jan 2013

Prevalence Of Hiv, Hepatitis B And C, And Co-Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Avina Sarna, Vartika Sharma, Ira Madan, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Waimar Tun

HIV and AIDS

India has a large injection drug user (IDU) population estimated at 177,000 nationally with an HIV prevalence of 7.2 percent. Historically, the presence of IDU populations and associated HIV infection was concentrated in the northeastern states of the country. Recent evidence documents IDU populations in other parts of the country. Delhi has an estimated 17,000 IDUs and the second highest HIV prevalence in India at 18.3 percent. The probability of becoming infected with HIV after using an infected syringe ranges from 0.34 percent to 1.4 percent. By comparison, the risk for hepatitis C (HCV) ranges from 1.5 percent to 5 …


Self-Management Of Unpleasant Auditory Hallucinations: A Tested Practice Model, Robin Buccheri, L Trygstad, M Buffum, P Birmingham, G Dowling Jan 2013

Self-Management Of Unpleasant Auditory Hallucinations: A Tested Practice Model, Robin Buccheri, L Trygstad, M Buffum, P Birmingham, G Dowling

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Individuals who experience auditory hallucinations (AH) frequently report hearing unpleasant voices saying disturbing things to them, making derogatory remarks about them, or commanding them to do something, including harming themselves or someone else. The Self-Management of Unpleasant Auditory Hallucinations Practice Model was developed to help psychiatric-mental health nurses in both inpatient and outpatient settings implement evidence-based nursing care for voice hearers who are distressed by unpleasant voices. The model's utility extends to nursing education, administration, and research. The model is comprised of three parts: (a) Assessment of Voice Hearer's Experience, (b) Nursing Interventions, and (c) Voice Hearer's Expected Positive Outcomes. …


2013 Annual Report, Center For Applied Research On Substance Use And Health Disparities Jan 2013

2013 Annual Report, Center For Applied Research On Substance Use And Health Disparities

Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities Annual Reports

No abstract provided.


Social Workers' Perceptions Of Psychotropic Medication Use On Children And Adolescents In Foster Care, Tina Latrice Johnson Hollman, Dominic Marcus Ruffin Jan 2013

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Psychotropic Medication Use On Children And Adolescents In Foster Care, Tina Latrice Johnson Hollman, Dominic Marcus Ruffin

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of social workers' regarding psychotropic medication use on children in foster care. This study also addressed any prospective concerns that social workers may have had as they relate to psychotropic medications being administered to children in foster care.


Needs Of Transitional Age Youth, Evelyn Kelli Ensman Jan 2013

Needs Of Transitional Age Youth, Evelyn Kelli Ensman

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into needs of transitional age youth by interviewing experts in this field. The study participants for this research study are the employees that work with the transitional age youth population. The study participants consisted of: Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Masters level Social Workers (MSW), and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT). The research site for this study was Bilingual Family Counseling Service, INC located in Ontario, California. It is a non-profit behavioral health-care organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals and families. This study used a post positivist methodology. …


The Hispanic Paradox And Older Adults’ Disabilities: Is There A Healthy Migrant Effect?, Esme Fuller Thomson, Amini Nuru-Jeter, Dawn M. Richardson, Ferrah Raza, Meredeth Minkler Jan 2013

The Hispanic Paradox And Older Adults’ Disabilities: Is There A Healthy Migrant Effect?, Esme Fuller Thomson, Amini Nuru-Jeter, Dawn M. Richardson, Ferrah Raza, Meredeth Minkler

Community Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

The “Hispanic Paradox” suggests that despite rates of poverty similar to African Americans, Hispanics have far better health and mortality outcomes, more comparable to non-Hispanic White Americans. Three prominent possible explanations for the Hispanic Paradox have emerged. The “Healthy Migrant Effect” suggests a health selection effect due to the demands of migration. The Hispanic lifestyle hypothesis focuses on Hispanics’ strong social ties and better health behaviors. The reverse migration argument suggests that the morbidity profile in the USA is affected when many Hispanic immigrants return to their native countries after developing a serious illness. We analyzed data from respondents aged …


The Health And Well-Being Of Indigenous Drug And Alcohol Workers: Results From A National Australian Survey, Ann M. Roche, Vinita Duraisingam, Allan Trifonoff, Amanda Tovell Jan 2013

The Health And Well-Being Of Indigenous Drug And Alcohol Workers: Results From A National Australian Survey, Ann M. Roche, Vinita Duraisingam, Allan Trifonoff, Amanda Tovell

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

The increasing demand for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services among the Australian Indigenous population, complex organisational challenges and limitations, and high unemployment rates are likely to negatively impact Indigenous AOD workers' health and well-being. Building the capacity of Indigenous AOD workers is vital, as they play a crucial role in the delivery of treatment services and offer essential support to their communities. A national online survey was conducted to examine organisational, workplace and individual factors that might contribute to levels of stress and well-being among workers who provide services to Indigenous clients. A total of 294 eligible surveys …


Disulfiram In The Management Of Alcohol Dependence: A Comprehensive Clinical Review, Amresh Srivastava Jan 2013

Disulfiram In The Management Of Alcohol Dependence: A Comprehensive Clinical Review, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

ABSTRACT Disulfiram remains a viable option as a treatment for alcohol dependence and has been shown in recent studies to be successful in treating patients with alco- hol dependence in a manner that is superior to both naltrexone and acamprosate. It is also useful in dual diagnosis patients and those with co-morbid cocaine and alcohol dependence. Although disulfiram’s me- chanism of action in alcohol dependence was long thought to be its effects as a psychological deterrent, more recent studies have uncovered potential anti- craving effects as well. Recent reviews exhort to the importance of supervised disulfiram therapy in high- lighting …


Symptom Overlap Between Schizophrenia And Bipolar Mood Disorder: Diagnostic Issues, Amresh Srivastava Jan 2013

Symptom Overlap Between Schizophrenia And Bipolar Mood Disorder: Diagnostic Issues, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Although the Kraepelinian classification paradigm is widely used, observations of overlapping boundaries between the symptoms associated with bipolar disor- der and schizophrenia are beginning to challenge this dichotomy. The objective of this research was to explore the symptoms of individuals diagnosed with schizo- phrenia and with bipolar mood disorder in order to de- termine the frequency of symptom overlap. One hun- dred patients of a psychiatry ward were divided into two main groups based on their diagnosis—schizo- phrenia or bipolar mood disorder. Chi-square analy- ses were used to determine whether the symptoms mea- sured in this study differed between individuals …


Clinical Consequences Of Stigma (Suicide, Non-Compliance And Rehospitalisation), Amresh Srivastava Jan 2013

Clinical Consequences Of Stigma (Suicide, Non-Compliance And Rehospitalisation), Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

ABSTRACT Stigma and discrimination continue to be a reality in the lives of people suffering from mental illness, particu- larly schizophrenia, and prove to be some of the greatest barriers to access care, continue to remain under care, and regain a normal lifestyle and health. Research advances have defined stigma, assessed its implications and have even examined intervention strategies for dealing with stigma. The delay in treatment due to stigma causes potential complications like suicide, violence, harm to others and deterioration in capacity to look after one’s physical health. These are preventable clinical complications. In order to deal with the …


Extrapyramidal Symptoms In 10 Years Of Long Term Treatment Of Schizophrenia: Independent Of Psychopathology And Outcome, Amresh Srivastava Jan 2013

Extrapyramidal Symptoms In 10 Years Of Long Term Treatment Of Schizophrenia: Independent Of Psychopathology And Outcome, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Extrapyramidal Symptoms in 10 Years of Long Term Treatment of Schizophrenia: Independent of Psychopathology and Outcome Amresh Srivastava1, Megan Johnston2, Kristen Terpstra3, Larry Stitt4, Avinash De Sousa5*, Nilesh Shah6 1Department of Psychiatry, Elgin Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, The University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada, and Mental Health Resource Foundation, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 2.Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3G3 Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1 5Research Officer, Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai 6 Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai: One of …


Psychologists And Medications In The Era Of Interprofessional Care: Collaboration Is Less Problematic And Costly Than Prescribing, William N. Robiner, Tim R. Tumlin, Tanya Tompkins Jan 2013

Psychologists And Medications In The Era Of Interprofessional Care: Collaboration Is Less Problematic And Costly Than Prescribing, William N. Robiner, Tim R. Tumlin, Tanya Tompkins

Faculty Publications

Increasing emphasis on interprofessionalism and teamwork in healthcare renders psychologists’ collaborations critical and invites reexamination of psychologists’ roles related to medications. The Collaboration Level outlined by the APA’s Ad Hoc Task Force is more achievable and in synch with health reform than prescription privileges (RxP). RxP remains controversial due to training and safety concerns, lacking support from health professionals, psychologists, and consumers. Differences in educational preparation of psychologists relative to prescribing professionals are discussed. Enactment of only three of 170 RxP initiatives reveals RxP to be a costly, ineffectual agenda. Alternatives (e.g., integrated care, collaboration, telehealth) increase access without risks …


The Adjustment Of Asian American Families To The U.S. Context: The Ecology Of Strengths And Stress, Yan Ruth Xia Jan 2013

The Adjustment Of Asian American Families To The U.S. Context: The Ecology Of Strengths And Stress, Yan Ruth Xia

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

The number of Asian American families is on the rise. Asian American families are a diverse group. This chapter focuses on Asian American families that migrated to the United States in the last three decades. This chapter challenges the media’s depiction of them as a Model Minority. Because of this stereotype, many challenges that this group encounters may not gain adequate attention. The chapter examines their strengths and resiliency, along with the ecology of stress that influences family dynamics.


Promotion Of Mental Health Wellness Among Second Generation Immigrants In The Cedar Riverside Neighborhood, Caroline Abenakyo Jan 2013

Promotion Of Mental Health Wellness Among Second Generation Immigrants In The Cedar Riverside Neighborhood, Caroline Abenakyo

Theses and Graduate Projects

Effects of the stigma associated with mental health illness among immigrant populations are exacerbated by challenges like language barrier, poverty and low education status. Immigrant children and teenagers are more vulnerable to compromised mental health wellness due to their dependence upon adults and their critical developmental stages. The purpose of this project is to explore the collaborative effort between health care professionals, law enforcement, community leaders and volunteers in the development of a nursing based support group for East African immigrant parents to promote mental health wellness for second generation immigrants in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. Madeleine Leininger's Theory of …


High Hiv Incidence Among Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, India, Waimar Tun, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Vartika Sharma, Amita Yadav, Ira Madan, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna Jan 2013

High Hiv Incidence Among Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, India, Waimar Tun, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Vartika Sharma, Amita Yadav, Ira Madan, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna

HIV and AIDS

India has a large injection drug user (IDU) population estimated at 177,000. The overall national HIV prevalence is around 7.2 percent in this group, the highest among all key populations in the country. There is limited HIV incidence data among IDUs in India. In collaboration with Arise—Enhancing HIV Prevention Programs for At-Risk Populations, the Population Council initiated a prospective cohort study at five centers in Delhi to examine HIV incidence and behavior change both pre-introduction and post-introduction of HIV prevention services among IDUs. HIV transmission risk remains high among IDUs in Delhi despite targeted prevention interventions. Despite the widespread availability …


The Patient Process And Affordable Care Act Of 2010: Implementation Challenges In The Context Of Federalism, Robert F. Rich, Eric Cheung, Robert Lurvey Jan 2013

The Patient Process And Affordable Care Act Of 2010: Implementation Challenges In The Context Of Federalism, Robert F. Rich, Eric Cheung, Robert Lurvey

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.


Genetics Of Non-Syndromic Autosomal Recessive Mental Retardation, Bushra Afroze, Bushra Chaudhry Jan 2013

Genetics Of Non-Syndromic Autosomal Recessive Mental Retardation, Bushra Afroze, Bushra Chaudhry

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Non-syndromic mental retardation is one of the most serious neurodevelopmental disorders, which has a serious impact not only on the affected individuals and their families but also on the health care system and society. Previously research has been more focused on the X-linked mental retardation and only recently studies have shown that non-syndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation is extremely heterogeneous and contributes much more than the X-linked mental retardation. But very little is known about the genes and loci involved in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation than the X-linked mental retardation. To date only thirty loci and ten genes have …


Exploring Active Video Games (Avgs) As An Intervention Promoting Wellbeing As It Relates To Depression, Dania Berjaoui Jan 2013

Exploring Active Video Games (Avgs) As An Intervention Promoting Wellbeing As It Relates To Depression, Dania Berjaoui

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Depression and anxiety are the two most common forms of mental illness that affect people in the U.S. Great strides have been made over the years in improving the mental health of persons with these and other forms of mental illness. Although newer medications such as SSRls can greatly enhance one's quality of life, there are lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and meaningful engagement in activities that have also purported similar positive outcomes. A challenge for health care providers is how to motivate mental health patients to change their behaviors, especially considering the apathy and passivity, typically associated with the …


Random Assignment Of Schools To Groups In The Drug Resistance Strategies Rural Project: Some New Methodological Twists, John W. Graham, Jonathan Pettigrew, Michelle Miller-Day, Janice L. Krieger, Jiangxiu Zhou, Michael L. Hecht Jan 2013

Random Assignment Of Schools To Groups In The Drug Resistance Strategies Rural Project: Some New Methodological Twists, John W. Graham, Jonathan Pettigrew, Michelle Miller-Day, Janice L. Krieger, Jiangxiu Zhou, Michael L. Hecht

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Random assignment to groups is the foundation for scientifically rigorous clinical trials. But assignment is challenging in group randomized trials when only a few units (schools) are assigned to each condition. In the DRSR project, we assigned 39 rural Pennsylvania and Ohio schools to three conditions (rural, classic, control). But even with 13 schools per condition, achieving pretest equivalence on important variables is not guaranteed. We collected data on six important school-level variables: rurality, number of grades in the school, enrollment per grade, percent white, percent receiving free/assisted lunch, and test scores. Key to our procedure was the inclusion of …


The Conceptualization And Communication Of Risk Among Rural Appalachian Adolescents, Jennifer J. Moreland, Janice L. Krieger, Michael L. Hecht, Michelle Miller-Day Jan 2013

The Conceptualization And Communication Of Risk Among Rural Appalachian Adolescents, Jennifer J. Moreland, Janice L. Krieger, Michael L. Hecht, Michelle Miller-Day

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

This study employs a meta-theoretical perspective for examining risk perceptions and behavior in the rural, Appalachian cultural context, an area that remains largely unexplored. In-depth interviews were conducted with 113 rural adolescents to describe how youth conceptualize risk and how risk is communicated in the rural environment. Analyses revealed adolescents viewed behavior as risky when they had personal or vicarious experiences resulting in a loss of control or physical harm. Elements of the rural Appalachian culture including activities, familism, and community ties can both prevent and promote adolescent risk-taking in various forms. This study demonstrates the conceptualization of risk and …