Nursing Commons^™

A Study Of Loneliness And Health Related Complaints In Residents Of High Rise Apartment Buildings For The Elderly, Susan H. Jones

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore feelings of loneliness among relocated elderly residents of age-segregated, high-rise apartment buildings and any relationship between these subjective feelings of loneliness and certain variables which were hypothesized as predictors of feelings of loneliness. The variables studied in relation to loneliness were cathectic investment, activity, and perceptions of health. A non-experimental survey design where data were collected by interviewing subjects was used. The sample consisted of 18 female residents of a high-rise apartment building for the elderly. Each was interviewed using the Loneliness Rating Scale developed by Dr. Gloria M. Francis and a …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Touch On Anxiety And Physiological Measures, Marie Nicholas Bremner

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of therapeutic touch to anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate of 30 hospitalized women between the ages of 30 and 65 with the medical diagnosis of cancer. Subjects were matched into three intervention groups; three consecutive days subjects received a five minute intervention by therapeutic touch, casual touch, or no touch. A-trait and A-state anxiety were measured by the Self-Evaluation Questionnaires developed by Spielberger, Gorsuch, and Lushene. A factorial two-way analysis of variance revealed that subjects who received intervention by therapeutio touch experienced a significant reduction in A-state …

The Effect Of Self-Help Support Groups On Self Esteem And Blood Glucose In Young Insulin-Dependent Diabetics, Linda L. Woertz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Successful adaptation to diabetes is probably a function of many factors: the stress involved, the rewards, the motivation of the individual, and the self concept. The more optimal the self concept the more optimal the behavior may be. By helping the patient shape a positive self concept, a base can be built for blood glucose control (Bruhn, 1977, pp. 93-97). One method of improving self concept or self esteem may be through the development of self-help support groups for diabetics.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of self-help support group intervention on the levels of self …

The Effects Of Exercise On Women's Self-Esteem, Wendy Laurie Biddle

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The effects of a 12-week session of aerobic dancing were examined on two groups of women, assigned into fit and unfit groups. The subjects had voluntarily enrolled in aerobic dancing prior to the study. Self-Esteem scores were obtained using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale during the first and tenth or eleventh weeks of the session. Pretest and posttest scores were analyzed along with the variables of age, marital status, weight loss, and smoking habits. A significantly higher gain score (posttest score subtracted from pretest score) was found on those women who attended three weekly classes compared to those who attended two …

A Comparative Analysis Of Factors Influencing Registered Nurse Retention And Turnover Below The Head Nurse Level In Acute Care Hospitals, Jean M. Snyder

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

In a comparative survey, two groups of registered nurses (stayers and leavers) below the head nurse level were measured in the areas of human need satisfaction perception, role perception, and equity perception. The two registered nurse groups were further subdivided by educational preparation into diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degree stayers and leavers for comparative analysis. Literature reviews revealed considerable research in the area of retention and turnover, but few studies used a theoretical framework and a multivariate basis for observation. One hundred nine registered nurses from the ten area acute care hospitals were surveyed using an independently developed Nursing Perceptions …

A Comparison Of Self-Esteem And Health Locus Of Control In Adolescents With Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Janice Mace

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was a descriptive survey establishing a baseline level of self-esteem and health locus of control in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) adolescents. The purpose of the research was to study and describe health behaviors of IDDM adolescents in regards to self-concept and health locus of control. These behaviors are believed to have life-long ramifications on the IDDM adolescent's health status.

The sample consisted of 91 IDDM adolescents, 34 male and 57 female, in a nonrandom convenience cluster attending a 10-day summer camp.

Null hypothesis one was: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus would make no difference at the .05 level …

The Effect Of Individual Instruction Versus Group Instruction On Compliance In C.O.P.D. Patients, Renee L. Hills

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Because of the evolution of hospitals from general care to acute care centers, the need for more outpatient therapy programs had increased in an effort to aid patients in managing their health care at home. As a result, health care professionals were concerned with the extent to which patients would follow their medication and treatment programs. Marston estimated that approximately 30 to 35 percent of patients fail to follow their physicians' medical recommendations (Marston, 1970).

Discovering a means of insuring patient compliance was a prevalent concern in the nursing and medical professions. Previously we had attempted to blame noncompliance on …

Parental Perception Of The Neonate, Liza Ann Webb

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine maternal and paternal perceptions of the neonate. The Broussard Neonatal Perception Inventory was used to measure perception.

Thirty couples who delivered normal, healthy, first-born infants at a Naval Hospital in San Diego volunteered for the study. Consent forms were signed during the hospital stay and the Broussard Neonatal Perception Inventory was administered to both parents in the homes when the infants were one month old.

Statistical analysis of data showed that mothers and fathers did rate their one-month-old infants as above the average infant using the Broussard Neonatal Perception Inventory. The range …

The Cardiovascular Effects Of Human Contact With Coronary Artery Disease Patients In The Coronary Care Unit, Margaret A. Palmour

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ten coronary artery disease patients were selected using purposive method of sampling and observed for six hours. It was postulated that 1) Human contact with coronary artery disease patients in the coronary intensive care unit would be associated with significant (p = 0.05) changes in the electrocardiogram such as: (a) increased heart rate more than 10 per cent, (b) changed atrio-ventricular conduction more than 10 per cent, (c) changed ST segment one millimeter or more and (d) increased frequency of ectopic beats more than 10 per cent. 2) The degree of stress and cardiac response was related to a number …

Attitudes Of Psychiatric Nurses And Aides At An Oregon State Hospital Toward Homosexuality, Don Andersen

Dissertations and Theses

Homosexuality is something which has been a part of almost every society throughout history. In western society this has been a subject of secrecy and taboo. Throughout our history homosexuals have been persecuted and forced to hide their sexual identity. The effects of this on an individual should be something of concern to professionals in the mental health field.

While in the past there has been little knowledge of homosexuality, and no self-expression on the part of homosexuals, there has, in recent years, been growing information and expression. The effect of this change on mental health workers is what this …

The Effects Of Systematic Relaxation On The Number Of Times Pain Medication Was Administered To Immobilized Traction Patients, Brenda Carol Armstrong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Depression And Non-Responsive Behavior Displayed By Low Socio-Economic Latino Mothers In An Urban Child And Youth Clinic, Raquél María Aguayo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

During the researcher's experience as a public health nurse, she became aware of two types of depressed women. The first type is the withdrawn, weeping, self-isolating woman while the second type cited numerous physical complaints which prevented her from caring for her home and children. Both exhibited non-responsive behavior to her children's needs.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not low socio-economic latino mothers displaying non-responsive behavior had levels of depression different than low socio-economic latino mothers displaying responsive behavior.

Non-responsive behavior Is defined as an inability to utilize clinic services appropriately for health by exhibiting …

The Relationship Of Locus Of Control Of The Diabetic Patient And Compliance With Medical Regimen, Lois Daniel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The literature indicates that many diabetic patients do not adhere to their prescribed medical regimen and that there is a need to discover factors that stimulate compliant behavior. It has been proposed that the patient's decision to accept or reject treatment has many determinants. This study explored the effect of one such determinant, the locus of control (the source of the stimulus for a person's behavior). It was hypothesized that a person with an internal locus (one who believes his actions influence his future) would be more likely to comply with a medical regimen than one with an external locus …

The Use Of E.M.G. Biofeedback To Promote Relaxation And Relief Of Chronic Low Back Pain, Esther Fashina, Dorothy Holm

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if relaxation instruction and electromyographic (E.M.G.) feedback would reduce chronic low back pain. A secondary aim was to determine if the locus of control variable as defined by Rotter would influence the results obtained.

Fourteen non-hospitalized subjects with chronic low back pain, meeting the criteria of this study became the sample group. The training program consisted of six 30-minute sessions during which the subjects were taught relaxation with the use of a feedback electromyograph and relaxation instructions. After an interval of two weeks, a seventh session was conducted to evaluate if …

The Effect Of Preadmission Orientation On Post Hospital Behavior In Children, Alice Loo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Hospitalization was assessed as imposing stress on a child which may result in negative behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a planned preadmission orientation in decreasing negative behavior after hospitalization.

An experimental randomized group design was used.

There were fifteen subjects ages 3.8 to 10.6 years who had a planned admission to Loma Linda University Medical Center for a minor surgery and brief hospital stay. The children were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. It was hypothesized that those receiving an orientation would have less negative post hospital behaviors than …

Two Emotional Factors And Weight Loss Among Females Attending A Weight Control Class, Karen Lynn Carrigg, Eileen Rae Wangerin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A descriptive study was conducted on twenty-four females attending a weight control class to discover the effect of weight loss upon levels of self-esteem and anxiety, as an understanding of the relation of these factors to reduction and control of weight would prove helpful to community health nurses in counseling with overweight and obese persons in the community.

The entire sample was tested for self-esteem (TSCS) and A-State and A-Trait anxiety levels at the initial class of the weight control program sponsored by the Health Education Department of Loma Linda University Medical Center, and again after seven weeks of class …

The Degree And Time-Course Of Stress In The Patient Undergoing Cardiac Surgery, Hulda Esther Serra, Patricia Jo Yvonne Tygret

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An important nursing objective is to assist patients through stressful experiences. It has been assumed that cardiac surgery constitutes such a stress situation. For this reason, twenty-two patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Loma Linda University Hospital studied for the purpose of exploring the degree and time-course of were psychological stress.

The methodology consisted of administration of psychological tests before and after surgery; determination of urine catecholamines (UCA) before, during and after surgery; administration of a coping assessment tool before surgery, and a recall interview on the fifth day after surgery. The Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL)-Today form, and the …

Using A Participating Relationship To Improve Teen-Age Unwed Mother's Self-Esteem, Linda Gail Reeves

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The study was to provide an approach to help teen-age unwed mothers increase their feelings of self-esteem and thereby attain a conceptual buffer for better coping with life. Self-esteem was defined as individual perception of the worth of oneself relative to that of significant others. The hypothesis tested was that the participating relationship a community health nurse has with a teen-age unwed mother will significantly increase the mother's self-esteem as measured by statistical Q-Sort analysis.

A convenience sample of twenty teen-age unwed mothers was obtained from referrals from San Bernardino County Health, Welfare, and Probation Departments. The girls were between …

Effects Of A Series Of Nurse-Patient Interactions On Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Lynne Campbell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of the study was to learn whether a series of nurse-patient interactions would result in changed psychophysiologic functioning in multiple sclerosis patients.

Psychophysiologic relationships were described in the theoretical framework. Literature, reviewed in the areas of disease description and psychotherapeutic approaches to treatment, indicated that there is a high incidence of multiple sclerosis in the United States; that symptoms often include psychological alterations; that there is an emotional component to the illness; that these patients have a need for a psychotherapeutic relationship; and that psychotherapeutic approaches may have beneficial psychophysiologic effects.

Two groups of multiple sclerosis subjects were …

Play Preparation For The Adeno-Tonsillectomy Patient, Carol Brown, Harriet Hecker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Hospitalization and surgery have been recognized as being psychologically stressful for the majority of children. Hospital personnel have attempted to reduce some of the unnecessary psychological stress incurred by children by the use of many different methods. This study attempted to evaluate the use of preoperative play preparation sessions for minimizing this stress. The method was experimental with one variable. The subjects were forty-one children aged three and one-half to seven and one-half who had adeno-tonsillectomies. Twenty-one children comprising Group E were involved in a play session by the researchers. Twenty children were not prepared in this way. The tools …

The Relationship Of Instructions During Labor And Relaxation, Frances Josephine Hume Lopez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A causal-comparative study was done in a county hospital using twenty subjects to determine if the ''unprepared" primigravida patient in active labor will experience less pain if given instructions to aid relaxation. It was hypothesized that the "unprepared" primigravida patients receiving continuous nurse attendance plus instructions to aid relaxation by (1) breathing techniques, and (2) body positions would show less evidences of pain, tension and anxiety during the first and second stages of labor than the group of patients which received only the continuous nurse attendance.

Two devices, (1) a structured observation, (2) a questionnaire with fixed-alternative questions, were used …

Morbidity, Growth And Development Of Prematurely-Born Twins In Early Childhood, Lynelle King

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was concerned with the problem of determining the effect of twinship on the prematurely-born twin's growth and physical and emotional morbidity during early childhood. The immediate purposes of the study were to compare prematurely-born twins with prematurely-born singletons regarding their incidence and types of physical and emotional morbidity, and their growth during early childhood. It was hypothesized that prematurely-born twins have slower growth and more physical and emotional morbidity than prematurely born singletons. The descriptive survey method was used. From children cared for at a selected premature clinic, nineteen twins were matched with nineteen singletons for: race, sex, …

A Comparative Study Of Discomfort Experienced By Surgical Patients On Three Selected Postoperative Days, Lillian Barker Bartlett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A descriptive survey was conducted to compare the discomfort experienced on three selected postoperative days to determine if there is one day identified by the patient as the most uncomfortable and to assess the symptoms of which he might complain. A checklist of twelve symptoms common to postsurgical patients was administered on the evenings of the second, third and fourth postoperative days by the researcher. Findings indicated that nineteen or 56 per cent of the thirty-four patients interviewed stated that the second day was most uncomfortable, nine or 27 per cent the third and six or 17 per cent the …

The Reaction Of Hospitalized Children To Food, Lois Masat Magnussen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Hospital personnel are becoming more aware of the fact that hospitalization is traumatic to the emotional life of the young child. Since eating habits and emotions are so closely allied, it is probable that the young child's eating pattern will be affected during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to determine the reaction of children between the ages of one through four to food during the first three days of hospitalization at the White Memorial Hospital. The method chosen to obtain this information was the descriptive survey. The tools used were a checklist for the researcher to record her …

Effects Of Music Therapy And Personal Interaction On The Preoperative Patient, Phyllis Jean Nix

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was conducted to discover the effects of (1) an interpersonal relationship and (2) an interpersonal relationship and music therapy on preoperative patients in a selected hospital.

The descriptive survey was chosen as the method of study. A checklist and a tape recording of selected music were used as a tool of research. Two groups of preoperative patients were given nursing care by the researcher. Patients in Group One received care with an aim toward developing an interpersonal relationship, while patients in Group Two received the same as Group One with the addition of music therapy.

Findings revealed a …

Identification Of Emotional Needs Of Patients With Infectious Hepatitis, Elizabeth Tidmore Shafqat

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

It was the purpose of this study to identify the emotional needs of patients with infectious hepatitis through the use of nursing process studies. The information obtained, it was hoped, would be helpful in giving nurses better insight into the emotional needs of these patients and to give a basis for planning nursing care.

The descriptive survey was the method used; the tool, the nursing process study. Nursing care was given to six patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who had infectious hepatitis without other complications.

The nursing process studies were filled out by the investigator on each …

Distress In Children Going To X-Ray, Ina Madge Longway

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

It is commonly recognized that hospitalized children need psychological support and preparation for painful procedures. It is probable that little thought is given by hospital personnel to a similar preparation of the child for non-painful procedures. This study attempted to evaluate the distress incurred by children subjected to non-painful hospital procedures with little or no preparation. The procedure of x-ray was selected as being common and typical. The method used was the descriptive survey. The tools used were the taking of a series of six blood pressure readings per child, the administration of two forms of a short psychological test …

Change In Selected Sensitive Psychological Areas Of The Only Child When A Sibling Is Born, Eveline H. Loewe

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A study was undertaken to see if, through the use of story projective fables, data could be obtained about the change in selected sensitive psychological areas of an only child when a sibling is born.

Projective stories from the Fine Revision of the Despert Fables were used to form brief tests of the sensitive psychological areas of parental rejection/sibling rivalry, dependency and aggression/hostility. These tests were given, both before and six weeks after the birth of a sibling, to fifty children from families in the Santa Clara Valley. Criteria used in selecting the children limited the subjects to those who …

Change In Selected Sensitive Psychological Areas Of The Only Child When A Sibling Is Born, Eveline H. Loewe

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A study was undertaken to see if, through the use of story projective fables, data could be obtained about the change in selected sensitive psychological areas of an only child when a sibling is born.

Projective stories from the Fine Revision of the Despert Fables were used to form brief tests of the sensitive psychological areas of parental rejection/sibling rivalry, dependency and aggression/hostility. These test were given, both before and six weeks after the birth of a sibling, to fifty children from families in the Santa Clara Valley. Criteria used in selecting the children limited the subjects to those who …

The Relationship Of Certain Personality Traits To The Underachievement Of Bright Students In Nursing, Muriel Arline Glover

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The problem of underachievement among bright students of nursing at the college of Medical Evangelists School of Nursing revealed a need for a better understanding of these students by instructors and guidance personnel in order that improved selection and guidance of these students might result.

It was the purpose of this study to identify the relationships of certain personality traits to certain levels of achievement among bright students of nursing at the college of Medical Evangelists, in order to obtain information which might guide the faculty in the selection and guidance of these students.

Bright students were defined as those …