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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Impact Of Social Influence, Gender, And Non-Parental Guardianship On Adolescents In Substance Use Recovery, Anne Thompson Heller, Beth S. Russell Oct 2015

The Impact Of Social Influence, Gender, And Non-Parental Guardianship On Adolescents In Substance Use Recovery, Anne Thompson Heller, Beth S. Russell

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study explored potential barriers to sustaining recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) in adolescence, particularly for youth enrolled in school-based recovery programs, or recovery schools. Participants (N = 28) enrolled full-time in a Massachusetts recovery high school completed a survey of demographic information and scales assessing social desirability, parent and peer influence, and stigma. Results indicated that peers have slightly higher influence than parents, particularly among girls and adolescents with non-parental guardians. Participants living with parents who use substances reported being sober an average of 28.7 months, versus 40.9 months for those living with nonusing parents. Participants with parental …


Longitudinal Study Of A State 4-H Fashion Revue, Kendra Taylor, Jan Scholl, Sandra P. Hall Oct 2015

Longitudinal Study Of A State 4-H Fashion Revue, Kendra Taylor, Jan Scholl, Sandra P. Hall

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The 4-H fashion revue contest gives young people the opportunity to create their own garment and present it in front of judges and an audience. To come to the conclusions reported here, the participant entry forms, participant evaluations, and judges’ comments representing seven years (2006-2013) of state fashion revue participation in Pennsylvania were analyzed. No differences were found in cost or time allocation among those who placed as award winners and those who did not place. Data and participant comments indicated that participants gained some life skills. In addition, more than one-third of the youth involved in these contests were …


The Impact Of Visuals On Nutrition And Health Education Materials, Emily Clyatt, Elisa Shackelton, Laura Bellows Oct 2015

The Impact Of Visuals On Nutrition And Health Education Materials, Emily Clyatt, Elisa Shackelton, Laura Bellows

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.


An Exploratory Study Of 4th, 5th, And 6th Grade Summer Camp Participants’ Attitudes And Intentions Towards Physical Activity, Melissa Cater, Anne Kean, Diane Sasser Oct 2015

An Exploratory Study Of 4th, 5th, And 6th Grade Summer Camp Participants’ Attitudes And Intentions Towards Physical Activity, Melissa Cater, Anne Kean, Diane Sasser

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Physical inactivity is a growing problem among children, particularly schoolaged youth. Research suggests children are especially prone to inactivity in the summer months when access to structured school-time and extra-curricular activities is reduced. Community programs like residential summer camps offer an excellent environment for engaging children in enjoyable physical activities while also helping them learn to be more physically active when they return home. Pre-existing attitudes often influence how much change a program inspires in an individual. The purpose of this study was to explore 4th, 5th, and 6th grade summer camp participants’ attitudes towards physical activity. Results of this …


Transformative Learning And The 4-H Camp Counselor Experience In Minnesota, Donna M. Leff, Michael S. Retallick, Nancy K. Franz Oct 2015

Transformative Learning And The 4-H Camp Counselor Experience In Minnesota, Donna M. Leff, Michael S. Retallick, Nancy K. Franz

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While many studies about the 4-H camping experience focus on youth who are campers, few studies examine the outcomes of the experience for counselors. This study examines the extent to which 4-H camp results in transformative learning for 4-H members who serve as camp counselors, examines the perceived changes that occur within counselors, and describes the factors and characteristics of camp that result in personal transformation. The population for this study was 2012 Minnesota 4-H camp counselors. Using the Transformative Learning and the Camp Experience Staff Member Survey, the results indicated that camp counselors experienced transformative learning. Major personal changes …


Programmatic Environmental Scans: A Survey Based On Program Planning And Evaluation Concepts, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey, Joanne Leatherman, Suzanne M. Le Menestrel, James Lang Oct 2015

Programmatic Environmental Scans: A Survey Based On Program Planning And Evaluation Concepts, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey, Joanne Leatherman, Suzanne M. Le Menestrel, James Lang

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Within Extension, environmental scans are most commonly used to assess community or organizational issues or for strategic planning purposes. However, Extension has expanded the use of environmental scans to systematically identify “what programs exist” on a given topic or focus area. Yet, despite recent attention to the topic of environmental scanning in Extension, survey instruments used to conduct environmental scans have not been published. Given the emphasis on implementation of evidence-based practices and programs, having a ready-made survey that can be used to identify programs on a specific topic and that could subsequently lead to an evaluability assessment of those …


College Students’ Perceptions And Practices Towards Environmentally Friendly Clothing: A Comparison And Exploratory Study, Jinhee Nam, Erika Chatmon Oct 2015

College Students’ Perceptions And Practices Towards Environmentally Friendly Clothing: A Comparison And Exploratory Study, Jinhee Nam, Erika Chatmon

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Despite the growing interest of environmentally friendly clothing (EFC), there have been discrepancies among customers in defining EFC. The purposes of this study were to assess the participants’ environmental orientation and environmental knowledge toward EFC, to compare them in terms of college major and gender and identify relationships between orientation and knowledge, and to acquire the current perceptions and practices toward EFC. The revised New Environmental Paradigm scale (NEP) with 15 items, the Environmental Apparel Knowledge scale (EAK) with 11 items, and the developed perception and practice question sets with 12 items were used. A total of 122 undergraduate students …


Extension And Research Faculty Perspectives Of Extension-Research Integration: Opportunities And Challenges, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Rama Radhakrishna Oct 2015

Extension And Research Faculty Perspectives Of Extension-Research Integration: Opportunities And Challenges, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Rama Radhakrishna

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study examined the perspectives of Extension and research faculty regarding integration of Extension and research (E-R) activities. Faculty with 50% or greater appointments in Extension or research at a Land-Grant University in the northeastern United States were identified as subjects for the study (N = 59). Study objectives were to determine the current status of E-R integration efforts, understanding of Extension and research faculty roles, barriers to E-R integration, and strategies for strengthening E-R integration activities. An instrument was developed by the researchers and data were collected using SurveyMonkey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Findings indicated that …


Cultural Core Competencies: Perceptions Of 4-H Youth Development Professionals, Janet E. Fox, Jenna M. Lachenaye Oct 2015

Cultural Core Competencies: Perceptions Of 4-H Youth Development Professionals, Janet E. Fox, Jenna M. Lachenaye

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

As society grows increasingly diverse, it is critical that youth development professionals are equipped with cultural core competencies. This descriptive study gauged the perceived level of cultural competence among 4-H Youth Development professionals from a Southern state in the United States. Based on the 4-H Professional Research, Knowledge, and Competency (PRKC) Model (Stone & Rennekamp, 2004), youth development professionals rated their cultural competence (equity, access, and opportunity) in eight core competency areas. Based on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 0 = No knowledge to 4 = Expert, youth development professionals evaluated their cultural competence ranging from 0.66 to 4.00. …


Full Issue, Volume 3, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson Oct 2015

Full Issue, Volume 3, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.


Editor’S Introduction To This Special Issue, Donna J. Peterson Jun 2015

Editor’S Introduction To This Special Issue, Donna J. Peterson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.


The Cooperative Extension Program Development Model: Adapting To A Changing Context, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Ryan J. Gagnon Jun 2015

The Cooperative Extension Program Development Model: Adapting To A Changing Context, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Ryan J. Gagnon

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

For over 100 years, Cooperative Extension in the United States has used a consistently articulated program development model including program planning, design and implementation, and evaluation that involves stakeholders in the process. This issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension examines the history and evolution of the program development model for successful Extension work and adaptations to that model that have emerged due to the changing educational context. This issue provides information on how elements of the model have changed over the last 100 years; delves into contemporary issues and challenges; and provides important analysis, implications, lessons learned, …


Solving Problems, Ensuring Relevance, And Facilitating Change: The Evolution Of Needs Assessment Within Cooperative Extension, Barry A. Garst, Paul F. Mccawley Jun 2015

Solving Problems, Ensuring Relevance, And Facilitating Change: The Evolution Of Needs Assessment Within Cooperative Extension, Barry A. Garst, Paul F. Mccawley

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Helping people solve the practical problems of everyday life while maintaining contemporary relevance describes the mission of Cooperative Extension. To achieve that mission, Extension professionals have increasingly relied on information gathered from stakeholders to identify relevant problems and potential educational solutions. The methods, efforts, and activities to understand people and their problems are collectively referred to as needs assessment. This article explores the history and evolution of needs assessment in Cooperative Extension, as well as in a broader educational context. While tracing needs assessment through the decades, this article examines the needs assessment opportunities and challenges faced by Cooperative Extension. …


Connecting The Dots: Improving Extension Program Planning With Program Umbrella Models, Mary E. Arnold Jun 2015

Connecting The Dots: Improving Extension Program Planning With Program Umbrella Models, Mary E. Arnold

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This paper builds on the Extension program planning framework presented by Seevers, Graham, Gamon, and Conklin (1997) in an effort to enhance and improve program planning in Extension. Using the 4-H Youth Development Program as an example, the paper considers the importance of program theory of change and theory of action in program planning, and the need for the translation of research into practice in order to elucidate the theory. In addition, the paper explores the utility of “umbrella” program models, based on sound theory and translated research, for guiding and supporting the program planning efforts of local Extension professionals. …


Factors Impacting Program Delivery: The Importance Of Implementation Research In Extension, Ryan J. Gagnon, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Matthew F. Bumpus Jun 2015

Factors Impacting Program Delivery: The Importance Of Implementation Research In Extension, Ryan J. Gagnon, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Matthew F. Bumpus

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Cooperative Extension is in a unique position, given its relationship with research-based, Land-Grant Universities, to advance the scholarship of implementation research. A stronger shift towards evidence-based practice has been occurring, oriented towards the assessment of programs for outcomes. This paper explores core concepts related to program implementation and delves into factors that influence successful implementation of Extension programs and services. The importance of implementation within the Extension Program Development Model is explored, along with emerging issues and trends.


Programming For The Public Good: Ensuring Public Value Through The Cooperative Extension Program Development Model, Nancy Franz Jun 2015

Programming For The Public Good: Ensuring Public Value Through The Cooperative Extension Program Development Model, Nancy Franz

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Effective Cooperative Extension programs produce important private and public value for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. However, the public value of Extension programming often goes unmeasured and unarticulated. Extension needs to reclaim its role as a key provider of public value for LandGrant Universities through strong educational programs driven by infusing public value into all elements of the Extension Program Development Model. This article describes Extension’s public value movement including organizational, professional, program, and scholarship development efforts to enhance public good effectiveness articulation. Lessons learned, implications, and next steps for Extension’s public value success through a strong program development model …


Looking Ahead: Envisioning The Future Of The Extension Program Development Model, Ryan J. Gagnon, Barry A. Garst, Nancy Franz Jun 2015

Looking Ahead: Envisioning The Future Of The Extension Program Development Model, Ryan J. Gagnon, Barry A. Garst, Nancy Franz

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This article synthesizes key points from this special issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension and provides recommendations for and predictions about the evolution of the Extension Program Development Model. A foundational question addressed by each of the authors of this special issue and summarized in this chapter is, “If your recommendations regarding the Extension Program Development Model were followed, what would Extension look like in five years?”


From Farm Results Demonstrations To Multistate Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates Its Way Through Evaluation Pathways, Allison Nichols, Stephanie M. Blake, Scott Chazdon, Rama Radhakrishna Jun 2015

From Farm Results Demonstrations To Multistate Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates Its Way Through Evaluation Pathways, Allison Nichols, Stephanie M. Blake, Scott Chazdon, Rama Radhakrishna

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Extension system, from the beginning of agricultural education in America in 1800 to the present day. Important periods across the history of Extension evaluation have been identified and categorized according to major themes and significant contributions of Extension individuals and organizations. Challenges for the future of evaluation within Extension are discussed.


Developing Extension Professionals To Develop Extension Programs: A Case Study For The Changing Face Of Extension, Scott R. Cummings, Kevin B. Andrews, Katy M. Weber, Brittney Postert Jun 2015

Developing Extension Professionals To Develop Extension Programs: A Case Study For The Changing Face Of Extension, Scott R. Cummings, Kevin B. Andrews, Katy M. Weber, Brittney Postert

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Development of Cooperative Extension programs depends upon the skills and abilities of competent Extension professionals. The most effective manner of building program development competencies in these Extension professionals is through professional development. A wide variety of competencies are necessary for Extension professionals to develop programs, including strong interpersonal skills. Differences exist between the professional development efforts of Extension institutions and are highlighted herein. Major challenges to delivery of professional development include time and budget, but these can be overcome through planning and innovation and use of online or hybrid methods. Professional development for program development is essential to furthering Extension’s …


Cooperative Extension Program Development And The Community-University Engagement Movement: Perspectives From Two Lifelong Extension Professionals, Karen Bruns, Nancy Franz Jun 2015

Cooperative Extension Program Development And The Community-University Engagement Movement: Perspectives From Two Lifelong Extension Professionals, Karen Bruns, Nancy Franz

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

For over 100 years, Cooperative Extension has been bringing university research and resources to communities to help them address critical issues. Historically, Extension was one of the first university engagement models in the country. In the last 20 years, community-university engagement models on campus have intersected and competed with Extension work. These engagement models are challenging Extension’s long-established Program Development Model. Extension is only one vehicle or methodology for engagement work. For Extension to continue to leverage an important place in community-university engagement, it must more fully align the Program Development Model with the standards for assessing successful community-university engagement. …


Extension Stakeholder Engagement: An Exploration Of Two Cases Exemplifying 21st Century Adaptions, Charles French, George Morse Jun 2015

Extension Stakeholder Engagement: An Exploration Of Two Cases Exemplifying 21st Century Adaptions, Charles French, George Morse

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Over the past 100 years, a number of societal trends have influenced how Cooperative Extension engages public audiences in its outreach and education efforts. These trends include rapid evolution in communication technology, greater specialization of Land-Grant University faculty, and diversification of funding sources. In response, Extension organizations have adapted their engagement approach, incorporated new technologies, modified their organizational structures, and even expanded the notion of public stakeholders to include funders, program nonparticipants, and others. This article explores the implications for future Extension efforts using two case studies—one which explores how a community visioning program incorporated new ways of engaging local …


Full Issue, Volume 3, Number 2, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Guest, Donna J. Peterson Jun 2015

Full Issue, Volume 3, Number 2, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Guest, Donna J. Peterson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.


Solutions To Burnout And Retention As Perceived By County Extension Agents Of The Colorado State University Extension System, Matt Benge, Amy Harder, Jeff Goodwin Feb 2015

Solutions To Burnout And Retention As Perceived By County Extension Agents Of The Colorado State University Extension System, Matt Benge, Amy Harder, Jeff Goodwin

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study explored solutions to the issue of burnout and retention of Extension agents. Extension agents experience burnout for reasons such as long hours, stress, and organizational factors. As Extension administration addresses job satisfaction and performance of Extension employees, burnout and retention issues identified in this study can facilitate efforts to enhance the effectiveness of a statewide Extension program. Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory was the theoretical framework for this study. Researchers used the constant-comparative method of analysis to identify recurring themes from the open-ended items of an online-administered survey. Twelve primary themes emerged, including (a) compensation, (b) hiring practices, (c) promotion …


Reducing Risky Driving Behavior: The Impact Of An Adolescent Driver Intervention Program With And Without Mandatory Parental Attendance, James L. Jordan, Kristi S. Lekies, Scott D. Scheer Feb 2015

Reducing Risky Driving Behavior: The Impact Of An Adolescent Driver Intervention Program With And Without Mandatory Parental Attendance, James L. Jordan, Kristi S. Lekies, Scott D. Scheer

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The United States is a vehicle-dependent society and allows adolescents to obtain driver’s licenses at age 16 or younger. This study examined the impacts of a driver intervention program on reducing risky driving behaviors among youths who had received their first traffic citation, as well as parental management of driving practices. Participants consisted of 243 youths ages 16 and 17 who were court-ordered to attend the Ohio 4-H CARTEENS (CAR = Caution and Responsibility and TEENS = Teens who volunteer as teachers) program with and without parents. Results indicated that risky driving behavior decreased significantly for both groups after the …


An Examination Of Extension Professionals' Demographic And Personal Characteristics Toward Fostering Diversity-Inclusive 4-H Programs, Douglas D. Lavergne Feb 2015

An Examination Of Extension Professionals' Demographic And Personal Characteristics Toward Fostering Diversity-Inclusive 4-H Programs, Douglas D. Lavergne

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

4-H youth professionals’ attitudes about the perceptions of diversity inclusion in their programs are variables that may have an influence on the number of youths that enroll in 4-H. This study examines the impact of Extension professionals’ demographic and personal characteristics on their perceptions of the benefits of diversity inclusion, perceived barriers to diversity inclusion, and proposed solutions to increase diversity inclusion in 4-H youth programs. Using a web-based questionnaire, the researchers employed a nonproportional stratified random sampling technique, and 117 Extension professionals participated. Through comparative analysis, the researcher found statistically significant differences existed in professionals’ perceptions toward the benefits …


Using Social Marketing Principles To Understand An Extension Audience’S Landscape Water Conservation Practices, Laura A. Warner, William L. Schall Feb 2015

Using Social Marketing Principles To Understand An Extension Audience’S Landscape Water Conservation Practices, Laura A. Warner, William L. Schall

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

A substantial amount of water is applied to Florida landscapes, and encouraging water conservation through irrigation practices has been identified as a priority programming area where there is great opportunity to positively affect the state’s water resources. Florida Extension addresses this priority area through educational programming. Social marketing has been identified as a promising approach to changing behaviors that influence environmental issues, such as water-saving irrigation technologies and practices. This approach recognizes that there are barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in positive behavior changes. This study evaluated an irrigation seminar using a retrospective pretest-posttest design that incorporated elements of …


Examining The General Global Competence Of Students Enrolled In An International Dimension Course: An Attempt To Internationalize Undergraduate Education In A College Of Agriculture, Samba Moriba, M. Craig Edwards Feb 2015

Examining The General Global Competence Of Students Enrolled In An International Dimension Course: An Attempt To Internationalize Undergraduate Education In A College Of Agriculture, Samba Moriba, M. Craig Edwards

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Many U.S. colleges and universities are concerned with how best to prepare students to become globally competent citizens. Therefore, the need existed to examine the general global competence of students enrolling in international dimension (ID) courses at Oklahoma State University. This investigation was a census study; the target population included all undergraduate students (N = 147) enrolled in three ID courses offered in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) during the fall semester of the 2010–2011 academic year. General knowledge instruments were used to gather pretest and posttest data to measure differences. Although students’ post-course scores were …


Documenting Program Outcomes Of Relationship Education With Incarcerated Adults, Kate Taylor Harcourt, Francesca Adler-Baeder Feb 2015

Documenting Program Outcomes Of Relationship Education With Incarcerated Adults, Kate Taylor Harcourt, Francesca Adler-Baeder

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The current study examined program outcomes for an understudied population of Relationship Education (RE) participants: incarcerated men and women. In addition to relationship functioning, we examined a number of individual and parenting outcomes which had not previously been explored. In a sample of 453 adult inmates, we found improvements in (a) trust, (b) confidence in the relationship, (c) intimacy, (d) individual empowerment, (e) conflict management, (f) help-seeking attitudes, (g) self-esteem, (h) depression, (i) global life stress, (j) faulty relationship beliefs, and (k) parenting efficacy. Tests of moderation by gender and race indicated minimal differences in change patterns between groups; however, …


Exploring The Use Of An Image-Based Approach To Assessing Nutrition Behaviors, Brianna Routh, Mary Jo Katras, Mary Marczak Feb 2015

Exploring The Use Of An Image-Based Approach To Assessing Nutrition Behaviors, Brianna Routh, Mary Jo Katras, Mary Marczak

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Formative evaluation was conducted for the Personal Health Behaviors Overview (PHBO) survey to evaluate nutrition behaviors with image-based questions in low-income populations. Forty-nine low-income adults from nutrition education classes were invited to participate with n = 42 included in the analysis. Participants completed the PHBO survey while an interviewer recorded observations. Upon completion, participants were asked questions regarding each PHBO survey item. Most participants completed the survey in an average of 4 minutes. The majority said the photographs of food made it easier to answer questions. Less than half indicated that the visuals depicting frequency made questions easier. While participant …


Personal Health And Finance Quiz: A Tool For Outreach, Research, And Evaluation, Barbara O’Neill, Karen Ensle Feb 2015

Personal Health And Finance Quiz: A Tool For Outreach, Research, And Evaluation, Barbara O’Neill, Karen Ensle

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension developed an online self-assessment tool called the Personal Health and Finance Quiz available at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/money/health-finance-quiz/. Believed to be among the first public surveys to simultaneously query users about their health and personal finance practices, the quiz is part of Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ (SSHW), a Cooperative Extension program developed to motivate Americans to take action to improve both their health and personal finances (see http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/). Respondents indicate one of four frequencies for performance of 20 daily activities and receive a Health, Finance, and Total score indicating their frequency of performing activities that health and financial …