Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Job Persistence Of Female Faculty In Higher Education, Ellen Hutcheson Mcmahan

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand facets of job satisfaction and levels of burnout and to determine the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment of female faculty across various career stages at a regional Kentucky university. Due to increasing workload and expectations for performance, greater understanding is warranted of the need for balance between work duties and personal responsibilities, in order to avoid burnout. Regardless of the growth in the field of Organizational Psychology, female faculty continue to leave academia. This study helps to clarify for organizational leaders facets of job satisfaction which lead to commitment …

Supportive Measures: A Grounded Theory Analysis Of The Needs And Aspirations Of First-Generation College Students Enrolled In The Federally-Funded Trio Student Support Services (Sss) Program At A Community College In Rural Kentucky, Michelle R. Carter

Online Theses and Dissertations

For more than forty-nine years (since 1968) the federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs have served disadvantaged students across the United States of America by providing wrap-around services to further the progress of their enrollment in postsecondary educational opportunities. The SSS program aims to assist students with disabilities, and who identify as low-income and first-generation (LIFG) college students, towards the successful completion of certification in a technical program and an undergraduate level degree from either a two or four-year college or university.

This study evaluated the needs and aspirations of [ten] first-generation college students at the point-of-entry of enrollment …

A Qualitative Examination Of Master's Level Counseling Students' Experiences Of The Supervisory Working Alliance And The Use Of Online Supervision, Ashley Nicole De La Torre-Brooks

Online Theses and Dissertations

Supervision is essential to counselor development and the selection of a supervision model, as well as appropriate uses of interventions, are critical to an effective supervisory relationship. As there may appear to be several factors and models that can play a significant role in outcomes of supervision, the relationship between supervisor and supervisee is critical to the effectiveness in the process of growth and change. Counselor educators and faculty supervisors are charged with the task of evaluation and facilitation of the knowledge acquired through learning and application in the field. Recent trends of supervised practice have included technology. Technology and …

Leaving Journalism: Self-Identity During Career Transition For Female Former Kentucky Reporters, Sarah May Heaney

Online Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study focused on how did leaving the field of journalism affected the life narratives of female former Kentucky reporters.

Method: Three former Kentucky female reporters were interviewed to gather data on their experiences, including how leaving journalism affected their personal and professional self-identities, what about journalism was meaningful to them and what is meaningful in the work they do now, and what values and beliefs did they hold as reporters, and do they still hold them.

Discussion: Thematic data analysis revealed three overarching themes: self-identity as journalists persists after leaving newspaper jobs, other life roles took …

The Effects Of College Diversity Education On Ethnocultural Empathy, Addison Dean Monroe

Online Theses and Dissertations

Gains in ethnocultural empathy are one way to establish positive changes in social attitudes. The goal of the present study was to assess changes in ethnocultural empathy among students in a wide range of diversity courses. Preliminary data was collected from two groups of undergraduate students at a large, public university located in the Southeast (n = 47). Pre and post-test measures of ethnocultural empathy (EMC/RSEE) were completed by both the control group (i.e., undergraduate psychology students) and the experimental group (i.e., students enrolled in a diversity course). Post-test, qualitative data related to student perceptions and empathy was also collected …

Metacognition And Moho Collide: Creating Effective Tutor And Mentoring Programs For College Students On Academic Probation, Rachel Helen Vick

Online Theses and Dissertations

Current legislation offers K-12 students identified as having special needs support in school settings, resulting in increased opportunities including attending college. In college, these students become part of a population of high-risk students. In an effort to retain students, universities create assistive learning centers offering tutoring and mentoring programs. Best practices in these centers include implementation of metacognitive strategies which are proven to improve student outcomes, but not all students utilize them. This study implemented a tutor and mentor training program developed through Occupational Therapy consultation in a university assistive learning center. Tutors and mentors in the center were trained …

Pre-Sleep Routines In Adult Normal Sleepers, Jean Koketsu

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Sleep is the most important restorative occupation, and pre-sleep routines, which precede sleep, have not been explored in normal adult sleepers. Routines are an important construct in occupational therapy, but it is not well-researched.

The purpose of this project is to add to the body of knowledge regarding pre-sleep routines through description by normal sleepers. This research can inform occupational therapists in regard to the usual patterns and dynamics of pre-sleep routines. Open systems theory, a grounded theory approach, and graphic and interview methods were used in this qualitative study.

Participants were 16 adults, between the ages of 23 and …

Occupational Therapy Intervention For Project Search Interns With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential For Improved Transition Outcomes, Jessie L. Bricker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, it is increasingly important to address the needs of adults with ASD as they transition into the work world. Project SEARCH, an internationally recognized program, has been successful in assisting individuals with disabilities in attaining competitive employment. Yet even in this program model, individuals with ASD have lower employment outcomes than individuals in other disability categories. The purpose of this action research study was to explore the needs of individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) within the Project SEARCH program from their own perspectives, and to examine …

Investigations Of The Impostor Phenomenon Among Female First-Generation College Students And A Research University, Martina A. Martin

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether first-generation female students experience the Impostor Phenomenon, and the extent these students suffer from the phenomenon. A convenience sample was used to draw from a targeted group of 205 first-generation college students. The method of data collection was a self-reporting survey, the Survey of First-Generation College Students, which consisted of a demographic survey and the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Descriptive statistics found 90% of students in this study experienced impostor feelings. Of those experiencing IP, 31.7% experienced moderate feelings, 45% experienced frequent feelings, and 13.3% of participants reported intense feelings. Fear and hesitation of potential …

Oil Dries: A New Absorbent Material For Collection Of Ignitable Liquids From Semi-Porous Material, Jessica Sosa

Online Theses and Dissertations

Extraction of an ignitable liquid sample from a semi-porous surface such as concrete is especially difficult. For this purpose, two different solid oil dry absorbent materials, Instazorb and MAXXAbsorb, were researched for use of collection of ignitable liquid samples at a fire scene. These oil dries were spiked with different ignitable liquids (Coleman fuel, gasoline, kerosene, and diesel). Isolation of the ignitable liquid from the oil dry absorbent was accomplished by passive headspace isolation. Data was obtained by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chromatograms obtained from both oil dries …

Play Like You Mean It: Motivational Predictors Of Female Student Athletes' Practice And Game Performance, Zipporah Rebekah Foster

Online Theses and Dissertations

The current study explores how motivational reasons for goals influence athletic performance on a women's basketball team. The purpose of the current study was to expand on past research associated with fluctuation of motivation in practice and game performance throughout a season. Participants (n = 15) in the current study were female student-athletes, who completed a motivational survey that measured Relationally-Autonomous Reasons (RARs), Personally-Autonomous Reasons (PARs), and Controlled Reasons (CRs). Athletic performance was measured by examining daily practice performance and game statistics for each athlete. The results of the current study showed that RARs were associated with game performance (p < .05), however PARs and CRs were not. RARs were positively associated with game performance whereas PARs were not. The association for RARs and game performance was stronger than RARs and practice performance. Overall, the findings confirm that RARs are associated with game performance in women's sports.

Culture, Religion, And Homonegativity, Erica Cecelia Dawn Leach

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to connect possible factors that may influence homonegativity within an individual. Specifically, we hypothesized that a) high amounts of societal threats and high levels of tightness will predict orthodox orientation, which will be associated with higher levels of homonegativity, b) high amounts of societal threats and high levels of tightness will predict intrinsic orientation, which will be rated with higher levels of homonegativity, c) high amounts of societal threats and high levels of tightness with extrinsic orientation will predict high on levels of homonegativity, d) low amounts of societal threats and looseness with extrinsic …

Do Different Music Genres Differentially Affect Autonomic Activity? How Music And Sound Affect Autonomic Activity Aroused By Visual Stimuli, Andrew Manson

Online Theses and Dissertations

The primary researcher sought to determine whether different genres of music would differentially influence measures of autonomic nervous system activity (heart rate, galvanic skin response) while viewing visual stimuli in a sample of college students. All participants listened to the same songs and music genres and viewed the same International Affective Picture System (IAPS) images. Autonomic nervous system activity was recorded by attaching electrodes to participants' non-dominant hand and torso. Music order presentation and picture order presentation were randomly determined by E-Prime. Heart rate and skin conductance responses were both significant, with melodic metal music inducing greater intensity of responses …

The Link Between Overweight, Obesity, And Perceived Exercise Benefits And Barriers Among College Students, Alexandra Szarabajko

Online Theses and Dissertations

The transition to college is a critical period in a young adult's life. Education about obesity and physical activity has significant effects on lifetime wellness before graduating and reaching adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine exercise benefits and barriers of overweight, obese, and normal weight college students. Participants (n = 595) were college students who completed a questionnaire and whose body composition was measured. Results of this study revealed significant differences in perceived exercise benefits and barriers based on weight group. Slight group differences were mainly found between normal weight and obese students. Implications for future studies …

Can You Hear Me Now: Being Deaf And Healthcare Experiences., Jordan Blackaby

Online Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of the study was to examine how deaf culture impacts an individual's experience in accessing healthcare. Research conducted by Montoya et al. (2004) found that the adult deaf population is severely underserved in the healthcare system. Sheppard and Badger (2010) found that it is important to also consider the deaf culture when evaluating a deaf patient. For this research, the Deaf community and culture will be explored to determine Deaf individuals' experiences in healthcare. This study is a cross-language qualitative approach using narrative description to describe Deaf individuals' and their experiences accessing healthcare. Data analysis was conducted …

Talking Sports: Rhetorical Benefits Of Blogging Sports Journalism, Lucas Green

Online Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of new publishing platforms like blogs into the world of sports journalism has forced journalists to modify their technique and approach to writing. This paper addresses that shift through examination of rhetorical theory, in-depth first-person research, and a culmination of rhetorical advantages for digitally publishing sports journalists. In the first section of this thesis, the author establishes the rhetorical act of blogging through the theoretical lenses of Mikhail Bakhtin and Mary Hocks while analyzing the sports blog, SB Nation. Then, the author conducts survey-driven research with actual blogging sports journalists to understand their opinions and viewpoints about blogging. …

Validity And Constitutionality Of Inter Parte Reviews Before The U.S. Supreme Court, Helen Kathryn Emmons Kelly

Online Theses and Dissertations

For 400 years, courts have adjudicated disputes between private parties about the validity of patents. Inventors apply for patents to an administrative agency. Patent examiners review the application to determine whether or not an idea is valid to have a patent issued. Patent examiners are people and sometimes errors are made. An administrative agency must have an administrative avenue to review a potential error. Six years ago, Congress created a review with the implementation of inter parte reviews. An argument before the U.S. Supreme Court looks at whether or not Inter partes review violate Article III of the U.S. Constitution. …

The Horse: A Driving Force For The Lifestyle Of Grooms, Nicole Foright

Online Theses and Dissertations

The fundamental components of co-occupational relationships between humans and animals and their impact on occupational identity is an area for exploration in the study of occupation. Evaluating the lives of persons whose daily occupations involve working with animals contributes to the exploration of human-animal co-occupations. The aim of this research was to understand the lifestyle of International 4-in-Hand Combined Driving grooms and their symbiotic relationship with horses. This qualitative descriptive study used three methods for data collection and triangulation: semi-structured interviews, observation, and photographs, from 4 participants who served as gatekeepers understanding the culture surrounding the driving community. The data …

Assessing The Implicitness Of Visual Statistical Learning At The Individual Level, Derek Mcclellan

Online Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has examined visual-statistical learning at the individual level but have used measurements which are not sensitive enough to detect differences at the individual level. This study investigates temporal visual-statistical learning but uses a recently modified task designed to be more sensitive to individual performance. This study also incorporated an indirect measure of learning in the form of a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm (RSVP), a cover task, and binary confidence judgments, to assess how aware participants were of the statistical structure. Although there was strong evidence of participants learning the statistical structure at the group level, there was …

Experiences Of Balance Among Novice Occupational Therapists, Mary Nell Wagner

Online Theses and Dissertations

For new occupational therapists, finding balance between the demands of work and their personal lives is challenging. The transition from student to practitioner is filled with uncertainty as new therapists try to meet the demands of working in a continuously changing environment. Research describing how new therapists define and experience balance in their own daily lives is currently missing in the literature. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of novice occupational therapists in creating occupational balance while working in the healthcare system. Six novice therapists in their first year of practice were recruited for this …

Perspectives Of Female Athletic Trainers Working In Male Professional Sports, Taylor Mae Temnick

Online Theses and Dissertations

"In athletic training, males have dominated the profession for the initial 30 years of its existence, opening the doors for women only as recently as the 1970s" (Dieringer, 2007, p. 106). There has been a limited amount of research and data regarding female athletic trainers working with and at the level of professional sports, particularly with male teams. Within the last decade there has been an increase in interest of female athletic trainers and their professional pursuits; especially since 2007, there have been more females in the field of athletic training than males. The following literature and results provide various …

Kentucky 4-H Minimizes Barriers To Stem Education, Rachel Elizabeth Noble

Online Theses and Dissertations

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs are a national priority. The increase in the number of jobs that require a STEM-minded workforce raises the demand for education systems and communities to focus on fostering the development of STEM competencies of students. American youth are not gaining the skills necessary to compete in the global workforce. This study investigates how Kentucky 4-H minimizes the barriers of accessing STEM programs for youth in grades 4-8. Barriers of accessing STEM programs investigated are: lack of funding and resources, time, professional development, integration across curriculum, and out-of-school experiences. 4-H is the largest youth …

The Johari Wonderland: The Fusion Of Classic Literature And Film To Enhance Key Group Counseling Concepts And Counselor Reflexivity, Jan Parker

Online Theses and Dissertations

The Johari Window is a model of relational dynamics and key to understanding group counseling. Counselors-in-training must grasp the concept in order to flourish as group leaders in the field. Therefore, how might this concept be explained in a way that provides clarity and enhances students' reflexive skills? This narrative analysis explored in what ways, if any, an originally designed Johari Window experiential activity can help students obtain understanding of the topic. A summarization of Carroll's (1865/2014) Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Other Classic Works as well as movie clips from Tim Burton's production of Disney's Alice in Wonderland (Lebenzon …

Behavioral Style Indicators Of Communication And Professionalism In A Family Medicine Residency, Jillian Marie Atherton

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study examined DiSC behavioral style profiles and their indications of Communication and Professionalism for family medicine residents. DiSC profile reports, and ACGME Milestone Project Communication and Professionalism competency scores were used as predictive variables for the purpose of this study. Data were collected from the University of Kentucky Department of Family & Community Medicine residency program. The analysis of the results revealed that the "I" DiSC profile type scored the lowest Professionalism and Communication milestone scores among all four profile types. Further, "C" DiSC profile types scored the highest among all four profile types in Communication milestone scores; and …

Resisting Gendered Sport Roles: A Criminological Sports Analysis Of Women's Rugby In The U.S., Kelsey Basham

Online Theses and Dissertations

The passing of Title IX has allowed women of all ages to begin engaging with contact sports in the United States. Although growing, women's participation in contact sports remains adolescent in comparison to men's. The elements of physicality, masculinity, and gendered expression often associated with rough sports may affect women's willingness to play them as well as others' perceptions of the women who play them. Rugby, a high-intensity contact sport played by both men and women throughout the world, is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. Rugby offers a unique opportunity for women to play against other …