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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Anthropology

Western Kentucky University

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

2003

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Young Childrens' Understanding Of Superstitions, Kara Yeckering Jul 2003

Young Childrens' Understanding Of Superstitions, Kara Yeckering

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The aim of this study was to examine young children's understanding of superstitions—specifically bad luck superstitions. Children between the ages of 4 and 9 received a set of interview questions concerning their experiences with superstitions, their beliefs about the efficacy of superstitions, and their knowledge of the mental and physical components of superstitions. Participants also completed a belief task designed to assess the relative importance of belief and action in superstitions. The findings indicate developmental patterns in children's awareness of superstitions and beliefs in efficacy of superstitions. With age, children demonstrated a significantly greater awareness of superstitions. In contrast, children …


Narratives Of Cancer Survivors In Religious Life, Andrea Kitta Jul 2003

Narratives Of Cancer Survivors In Religious Life, Andrea Kitta

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Narratives of Cancer Survivors in Religions Life is a careful consideration of the narratives of cancer survivors, specifically those in Catholic religious life. Through the use of interviews and secondary sources, the author addresses such issues as relationship with God, stigmatization, community life, Parson's Sick Role, and labeling theories. This thesis also considers the perceived audience during the performance of narratives, specifically, if cancer survivors in religious life perceive God to be a part of their audience and looks at the structure of narratives concerning cancer survivorship.