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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Neurobiological Research That Confirms Freud's Trauma Theory And Its Implications For Treatment With Children Diagnosed With Reactive Attachment Disorders, Carla Gerber-Weintraub Sep 2011

Neurobiological Research That Confirms Freud's Trauma Theory And Its Implications For Treatment With Children Diagnosed With Reactive Attachment Disorders, Carla Gerber-Weintraub

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis argues that children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder are best served with psychoanalytic treatment. Four major components are examined to support this argument. First, the progression of reactive attachment disorder criteria set forth in the 1980 DSM-III up through a recent DSM V proposal are reviewed. Secondly, a history and development of Freud's trauma theory is discussed. Thirdly, neurobiological research of the social brain and limbic system that confirm certain hypotheses of Freud's trauma theory are outlined. Lastly, current treatment modalities used with children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder are scrutinized. Each of these components leads to …


The Integration Of Ego Psychological And Cognitive Behavioral Interventions For First Episode Psychosis : Strengthening The Self And Treating The Symptoms, Megan Mary Czaja Sep 2011

The Integration Of Ego Psychological And Cognitive Behavioral Interventions For First Episode Psychosis : Strengthening The Self And Treating The Symptoms, Megan Mary Czaja

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study is an exploration of the use of ego psychological and cognitive behavioral interventions as an integrative treatment for the beginning phase of schizophrenia known as first episode psychosis. Schizophrenia develops as first episode psychosis in young adults who are navigating complex developmental tasks. Current research on schizophrenia treatment indicates that appropriate and prompt care following first episode psychosis improves prognosis and allows individuals to regain and maintain developmentally appropriate levels of functioning. This study was undertaken in an effort to identify the holistic treatment needs of young adults experiencing first episode psychosis. The clinical phenomenon of schizophrenia …


Voices To Be Heard : An Exploratory Look At International Students' Experiences Of Maintaining And Making Meaningful Connections, Sarah Christine Smith Sep 2011

Voices To Be Heard : An Exploratory Look At International Students' Experiences Of Maintaining And Making Meaningful Connections, Sarah Christine Smith

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study is an investigation of the experiences of International Students who were enrolled at a college in the Northeastern United States during the 2007-2008 academic year. Participants in this qualitative study were asked to describe their experiences of making and maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family from their home country, fellow International Students, American students, and diaspora populations. Findings of the study provided rich examples of how the participants made and maintained meaningful connections as well as their thoughts and feelings about those connections. The study at hand was intended to provide an overview on which further research …


Aid From Without, Healing From Within : An Examination Of The Use Of Target Population Cultural Knowledge Of Mental Health And Healing In Refugee Camp Mental Health Programs, Madeline Erin Kilpatrick Sep 2011

Aid From Without, Healing From Within : An Examination Of The Use Of Target Population Cultural Knowledge Of Mental Health And Healing In Refugee Camp Mental Health Programs, Madeline Erin Kilpatrick

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative survey of reports is an examination of the use of target population cultural knowledge of mental health and healing in refugee camp mental health programs. The data for this study came from a survey of reports from completed refugee camp mental health programs. The survey was designed to examine how refugee camp mental health workers use the target refugee population's cultural knowledge of mental health and healing throughout the process of needs assessment, program implementation and evaluation and how the use of the target population's cultural knowledge coincides with UNHCR and affiliated NGO operating procedures regarding the participation …


The Experience Of Fathers Upon The Receipt Of The News That Their Newborn Babies Had Been Given A Diagnosis Of Down Syndrome : An Exploratory Study, Desiree Danielle Lowit Sep 2011

The Experience Of Fathers Upon The Receipt Of The News That Their Newborn Babies Had Been Given A Diagnosis Of Down Syndrome : An Exploratory Study, Desiree Danielle Lowit

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study was undertaken to investigate the experience of fathers upon the receipt of the news that their newborn baby had been given a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Skotko's (2005a, b) study revealed that mothers of children with Down syndrome had predominantly negative postnatal experiences. Mothers reported feeling anxious, frightened, guilty, angry, and in a few cases suicidal. I gathered information from interviews with 13 fathers. Interview questions were designed to explore the fathers' experiences of postnatal support. The criteria for the study involved that the participants must have a biological child who was born with Down syndrome in …


"Because She's My Mom" : An Exploratory Study Of Adult Lesbian Women's Understanding And Management Of Relationships With Mothers Who Reject Their Sexuality, Ana Elisa Echevarria Sep 2011

"Because She's My Mom" : An Exploratory Study Of Adult Lesbian Women's Understanding And Management Of Relationships With Mothers Who Reject Their Sexuality, Ana Elisa Echevarria

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored the ways in which lesbian adult women, who have been rejected by their mothers because of their sexuality and maintain relationships with them, understand and manage those relationships as well as their motivation for maintaining the relationships. Since limited research has focused on adult lesbian women who have maintained a relationship with a mother who rejects their sexuality, a qualitative, exploratory study was chosen as an appropriate research design. This qualitative study used a flexible interview format comprised of semistructured, open-ended questions presented to 13 self-identified adult lesbian women who had been out to their mothers for …


Postpartum Depression Support Group Of Motherwoman, Inc. : Cognitive-Behavioral Methods Embedded In Feminist Theory : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Motherwoman, Inc., Amherst, Massachusetts, Leslie Ann Lauf Sep 2011

Postpartum Depression Support Group Of Motherwoman, Inc. : Cognitive-Behavioral Methods Embedded In Feminist Theory : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Motherwoman, Inc., Amherst, Massachusetts, Leslie Ann Lauf

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The research reported in this paper was undertaken to examine and evaluate the usefulness of a particular support group for mothers suffering symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). The new DSM-V, scheduled for release in 2013, will reflect some changes in our understanding of this affliction, including an extension of the onset time period of symptoms. Broadening the diagnostic criteria has implications for both screening and treatment. Literature on treatment tells us that this population of mothers is underserved, due to lack of access to treatment and/or poor diagnostic screening and detection of PPD. MotherWoman, Inc. is a non-profit organization in …


"When Joanie Comes Marchin' Home" : An Exploratory Study Of Community-Based Mental Health Services For Lesbian Military Families, Dianne Marie Terp Sep 2011

"When Joanie Comes Marchin' Home" : An Exploratory Study Of Community-Based Mental Health Services For Lesbian Military Families, Dianne Marie Terp

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The U.S. military invests significant resources into support for servicemembers and their families. Due in part to the federal policies known as "Don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) and The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the military does not provide this support to lesbian military families. This study researched the potential of lesbian-focused community mental health centers as viable alternative providers for these servicemembers. The findings of the study showed that the best prepared lesbian-focused mental health centers can provide only 73% of the resources which the military states are needed. The average center had access to only 40% of the …


How Do They Do It? : An Exploratoration Of Program Supports Within Agency Settings And Levels Of Compassion Fatigue And Compassion Satisfaction Among Direct Care Staff Members Working In Residential Treatment Facilities, Kathryn Philomena Welch Sep 2011

How Do They Do It? : An Exploratoration Of Program Supports Within Agency Settings And Levels Of Compassion Fatigue And Compassion Satisfaction Among Direct Care Staff Members Working In Residential Treatment Facilities, Kathryn Philomena Welch

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quasi-experimental study examines the impact of program supports in agency settings on levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among direct care staff members working in residential treatment settings, with consideration of demographics and personal characteristics inherent in the worker, by asking the following questions: Are there significant differences in levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction depending on utilization of program supports among direct care staff members? Do variables of gender, ethnicity, income, education and training, previous work experience and length of time working in current position impact levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction? This study utilizes …


The Effects Of Systemic Ableism On Those With A Visual Impairment : A Theoretical Perspective, Jessica Lynn Wierzbowski Sep 2011

The Effects Of Systemic Ableism On Those With A Visual Impairment : A Theoretical Perspective, Jessica Lynn Wierzbowski

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical investigation examines the link between systemic ableism towards those with visual impairment and whether it elicits symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the visually impaired. For the purpose of this thesis ableism will be defined as, –often makes the world unwelcoming and inaccessible for people with disabilities_С_ (Hehir, 2007, p.10). Meaning, barriers exist (Madriga, 2007) for those with a visual impairment. An example of a barrier for those with a visual impairment is the desire to want those with a visual impairment to read regular print instead of large print or Braille (Hehir, 2007). Society maybe be …


Invisible Jews : Does Internalized Anti-Semitism Play A Role In Unaddressed Jewish Poverty In America?, Lilith Gabrielle Wolinsky Sep 2011

Invisible Jews : Does Internalized Anti-Semitism Play A Role In Unaddressed Jewish Poverty In America?, Lilith Gabrielle Wolinsky

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study looks at unexamined Jewish poverty in contemporary America through the two lenses of internalized anti-Semitism/internalized oppression/self-hate, and internalized superiority/Jewish exceptionalism/ethnocentrism with the intention of determining whether or not the constructs represented by these composite lenses have any bearing on the continued existence of Jewish poverty in the United States. Study results indicate that while the relationship between Jewish poverty and internalized Jewish oppression is not causal, unexamined internalized anti-Semitism may be a factor which prevents Jews from acknowledging and addressing this ill within their midst and as such, which perpetuates Jewish poverty. Study results also indicate that …


An Exploratory Study Of The Perceptions Of U.S. Military Veterans That Have Served Since The 1993 Enactment Of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (Dadt) About The Impact Of The Recent Repeal Of Dadt On Veterans, Jamie Robert Wright Sep 2011

An Exploratory Study Of The Perceptions Of U.S. Military Veterans That Have Served Since The 1993 Enactment Of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (Dadt) About The Impact Of The Recent Repeal Of Dadt On Veterans, Jamie Robert Wright

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore what U.S. military veterans that have served under the Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) policy since 1993 think the potential impact might be regarding the repeal of DADT on LGBT veterans' willingness to disclose their sexual orientation. An online survey was designed and administrated on the website SurveyMonkey.com asking questions about the following issues: 1) Do Veterans think that Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals (LGB) Veterans are willing to disclose their sexual orientation under DADT and after the repeal? 2) Do Veterans think that a LGB Veterans military branch and occupation will have an impact …


Stress And Status : How Socioeconomic Status Affects Stress In Young Adult Women, Emma Katharine Yovanoff Sep 2011

Stress And Status : How Socioeconomic Status Affects Stress In Young Adult Women, Emma Katharine Yovanoff

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Numerous studies highlight the connection between women with low socioeconomic status (SES) and stress; however, there is a gap in the literature in regards to women with high SES status or what these two groups may have in common. The present study used a mixed methods approach to examine how types and levels of stress differ between women ages 18-24 years who have lower and higher socioeconomic status. Participants were 106 women with either low or high SES between the ages of 18-24 years. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey to determine each participant's SES and to identify …


Health Worker Experiences With Environmental Pollution : Health In Urban Targeted Community : A Study Of Pollution And Clinicians' Experiences And Attitudes Towards It In Urban Low-Income Communities And Communities Of Color, Leslie B. Bosworth Sep 2011

Health Worker Experiences With Environmental Pollution : Health In Urban Targeted Community : A Study Of Pollution And Clinicians' Experiences And Attitudes Towards It In Urban Low-Income Communities And Communities Of Color, Leslie B. Bosworth

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Research suggests that exposure to pollution can impact people's health, and that there are more chances for exposure in some urban low-income communities or communities of color. The purpose of the study is to explore whether social service oriented clinicians consider whether their clients are exposed to pollution, how large of a problem the believe pollution is for their clients, and what actions they and their clients have taken to protect against pollution. A second purpose is to assess whether clinicians view pollution as product of discrimination. A third purpose is to see if pollution is indeed higher in lower-income …


Climate Change And Social Work : Steps To An Eco-Social Work Practice, Abigail Ellen Tischler Sep 2011

Climate Change And Social Work : Steps To An Eco-Social Work Practice, Abigail Ellen Tischler

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Although many professions and citizen groups are actively working to create practice models and policies that will help people adapt to climate change, the social work profession is not currently engaging with this issue. If the social work profession would join these other groups and create its own practice models based on meeting the physical, psychological, and social needs that result from climate change, then the core social work value of creating a just society and empowering underrepresented populations can be strengthened in climate change adaptation work. This qualitative, exploratory study asked eleven social workers what concerns they have for …


Saying Goodbye To Sports : A Study On The Experiences Of Female College Students Who Have Disengaged From Athletics, Lee Ostberg Welch Sep 2011

Saying Goodbye To Sports : A Study On The Experiences Of Female College Students Who Have Disengaged From Athletics, Lee Ostberg Welch

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of female college students who have disengaged from athletics. The study sought to identify factors that influence a young, female college student's transition out of athletics and better understand the ways that these individuals experience and perceive their transition. Through interviews of twelve undergraduate, female, disengaged athletes, this qualitative study explored some of the unique and shared experiences that make up these individual's stories as former athletes. Study participants were asked a series of open-ended questions related to their personal athletic history, decision to disengage from athletics, and life after …


Stress Reduction For Helping Professionals : A Mini Yoga Intervention (A Pilot Study), Sheila Elizabeth Thorn Sep 2011

Stress Reduction For Helping Professionals : A Mini Yoga Intervention (A Pilot Study), Sheila Elizabeth Thorn

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study examined the efficacy of a two-minute yoga intervention used during the working hours of helping professionals. It explores the benefits of self-care and stress reduction methods for helping professionals. Participants engaged in a two-week study in which they were asked to rank their stress before and after using of the yoga intervention during their workday. Findings supported the stress reduction benefits of the yoga intervention for the participants.


When Therapists Attack : An Aggressive Instinct In The Countertransference And Aggressive Behavior In Technique, Lauren Durbin Walther Sep 2011

When Therapists Attack : An Aggressive Instinct In The Countertransference And Aggressive Behavior In Technique, Lauren Durbin Walther

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This is a theoretical thesis focused on aggression in countertransference for the purpose of increasing clinicians' awareness and understanding of aggressive feelings and actions towards patients. Firstly, this research examines the evolution of theories about countertransference in psychoanalytic literature with attention to the experience of hate and aggression. Secondly, this research presents contemporary understandings of the behavioral features of aggression and considers a methodic examination of the behavioral manifestations of aggression in countertransference. Acting out one's aggressive instincts towards a client is potentially damaging to the therapeutic relationship. A classification system of aggressive behavior is outlined and applied to therapists' …


Staff Members' Perceptions Of The Effective Aspects Of Psychiatric Treatment Within A Therapeutic Community Setting, Megan Karise Wimmersberger Sep 2011

Staff Members' Perceptions Of The Effective Aspects Of Psychiatric Treatment Within A Therapeutic Community Setting, Megan Karise Wimmersberger

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore staff members' perceptions of the effective aspects of psychiatric treatment within a therapeutic community setting. Twelve staff members who had been working within a therapeutic community setting for a minimum of one year participated in semi-structured interviews which explored the various aspects of treatment which were considered to be particularly conducive to recovery. The total sample (N=12) included three participants from each of the four therapeutic communities included in the study: Gould Farm, Spring Lake Ranch, Hopewell Therapeutic Farm, and Cooper Riis. Since very little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of psychiatric …


When East Meets West : An Exploratory Study Of How Reiki Is Integrated Into Psychodynamic Practice, Kimberly Ann Winnegge Sep 2011

When East Meets West : An Exploratory Study Of How Reiki Is Integrated Into Psychodynamic Practice, Kimberly Ann Winnegge

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore the experience of mental health professionals who use Reiki in their therapeutic practice. Secondly, the study examined clinicians' perceptions of the efficacy of Reiki in a mental health setting. Recruitment letters were sent out via internet professional listservs to individuals who held both Reiki certification and mental health licensure. Sixteen participants, twelve social workers and four licensed mental health counselors, were interviewed regarding their views on the integration of Reiki within their practice. Narrative data was collected that described clinicians' personal experiences with Reiki, their practice and how they considered Reiki as a therapeutic …


An Exploration Of The Relationships Between Young Adult Women And Their Sisters With Intellectual Disabilities, Katharine Ruth Wilson Sep 2011

An Exploration Of The Relationships Between Young Adult Women And Their Sisters With Intellectual Disabilities, Katharine Ruth Wilson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored the nature of the relationships between young adult women and their sisters with intellectual disabilities. This study sought to contribute to the growing body of literature on siblings of people with intellectual disabilities by addressing the dearth of research on sisters in young adulthood, and their experience of the sibling relationship. The narratives of twelve young adult sisters of women with intellectual disabilities were gathered through open-ended interviews. Research questions explored such topics as the level of contact participants had with their sisters, how their relationships had changed in adulthood, and the most fulfilling and challenging …


Encompassing Acholi Values : Culturally Ethical Reintegration Ideology For Formerly Abducted Youth Of The Lord's Resistance Army In Northern Uganda, Neil James Bilotta Aug 2011

Encompassing Acholi Values : Culturally Ethical Reintegration Ideology For Formerly Abducted Youth Of The Lord's Resistance Army In Northern Uganda, Neil James Bilotta

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The focus of this study was to explore the historical underpinnings of culturally specific "healing" strategies associated with returning formerly abducted children in northern Uganda, post captivity in the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group. Although studies exist that examined both individualistic and collective approaches to aid in the reintegration process for youth who escape the war, there is minimal literature focusing on the cultural implications of Western therapeutic interventions for former child combatants in northern Uganda. Are Western mental health practitioners culturally aware of the distinctions between the Western world and that of Acholi youth? Are traditional Acholi values maintained …


From Bullies To Brotherhood : An Exploratory Qualitative Study Of Aspergian Adolescents' Perspectives On Friendship, Michelle Charney Kaye Aug 2011

From Bullies To Brotherhood : An Exploratory Qualitative Study Of Aspergian Adolescents' Perspectives On Friendship, Michelle Charney Kaye

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored how Aspergian adolescents attending a specialized school perceive and understand friendship. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to further knowledge of how Aspergian adolescents understand friendship for clinicians, parents, teachers and researchers. Another primary goal of this project was to collect the views and perceptions of Aspergian adolescents and to disseminate the findings to the participants and other Aspergian adolescents. The primary goal of this research project was to examine how being educated in a specialized school affects how Aspergian adolescents understand the concepts surrounding friendship. This study was conducted at Orion Academy, an 8th-12th grade preparatory high …


The Use Of Art In The Therapeutic Setting By Graduate Level Clinicians, Alison Ruth Kemple Aug 2011

The Use Of Art In The Therapeutic Setting By Graduate Level Clinicians, Alison Ruth Kemple

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory descriptive study surveyed clinicians and art therapists about their use of art in the therapeutic setting. The survey was done online eliciting both responses to a questionnaire and also collecting brief narrative elaborations of participants' questionnaire answers in dialogue boxes. A significant finding is that clinicians and art therapists who participated in this study reported the use of art in a myriad of clinical locations and types of practices, as well as using art for various mental/ emotional difficulties. One unexpected finding is that some participants were adamant in their opinions that art therapy should not be used …


Transgender Perspectives On Accessible Primary Healthcare : A Mixed Method Study, Ann Marie Coakley Aug 2011

Transgender Perspectives On Accessible Primary Healthcare : A Mixed Method Study, Ann Marie Coakley

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This mixed method study was undertaken to explore and describe the transgender perspective of socially sensitive and medically competent primary healthcare provision. So far the focus of activists and researchers has concerned the barriers to care rather than positive models of the transgender healthcare experience. To gather viewpoints nationally from people of various transgender identities, an internet survey was conducted yielding responses from 116 participants from ages 18 to 72. Quantitative data was gathered on demographic, gender identities and present healthcare access and quality. Qualitative questions were asked about positive models for accessible healthcare in four areas: office structure, staff …


Parents' Perceptions Of The Impact Of Teachers' Attitudes And Behaviors On The Social-Emotional Functioning Of Children With Adhd/Add, Margaret Elizabeth Gaskell Aug 2011

Parents' Perceptions Of The Impact Of Teachers' Attitudes And Behaviors On The Social-Emotional Functioning Of Children With Adhd/Add, Margaret Elizabeth Gaskell

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder, affecting attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, in 3 to 7 percent of school age children (American Psychiatric Association, 2000; Daley and Birchwood, 2010). ADHD/ADD can impact all aspects of life, in particularly school and social-emotional functioning (Mash and Barkley, 2006; Daley and Birchwood, 2010). Few studies have directly examined teachers' attitudes and behaviors related to teaching children with ADHD/ADD (Kos, Richdale, and Hay, 2006). The goal of this study was to explore the impact of teacher attitudes and behaviors on the social and emotional functioning of children with ADHD/ADD, …


Figuring Out The Birds And The Bees : Parents' Experiences Navigating Issues Of Sex And Sexuality With Their Teenage And Young Adult Children With Intellectual Disabilities, Jessica Welson Markowitz Aug 2011

Figuring Out The Birds And The Bees : Parents' Experiences Navigating Issues Of Sex And Sexuality With Their Teenage And Young Adult Children With Intellectual Disabilities, Jessica Welson Markowitz

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This interpretative phenomenological analysis explores parents' experiences navigating issues of sex and sexuality with their teenage and young adult children with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the study was to examine parents' perceptions of the sexual knowledge and sexual identity development of their children, as well as provide a glimpse into their experiences as parents navigating these issues. Six parents of individuals ages 16-25 with an intellectual disability diagnosis were interviewed via semi-structured interviews. Parents were asked to speak about their children's sexual development as well as the role they have played as parents in fostering that development. Parents shared …


There Is (Not) A Black President : A Psychodynamic Exploration Of Doubts About Obama's Citizenship In A Post-Racial America, Luke David Mechem Aug 2011

There Is (Not) A Black President : A Psychodynamic Exploration Of Doubts About Obama's Citizenship In A Post-Racial America, Luke David Mechem

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Using the psychodynamic concepts of projection and paranoia, this paper examines the phenomenon of challenges to Barack Obama's American citizenship. Through analysis of various acts of media and political discourse, the birthers' claim that Obama is not a citizen—and can thus not be president—is situated within the larger context of the current ideological position of 'colorblind' racism and of America as 'post-racial.' Further links are made with sociopolitical conspiracy theory as well as with historical Nativist and populist movements. Through this exploration, the paper suggests that the significance of Obama's presidency and the intensity of the anxiety that it has …


Leaving The Drug Addict Role And Creating A Recovering Identity-Variations By Gender : A Qualitative Study, Georgiana Mora Aug 2011

Leaving The Drug Addict Role And Creating A Recovering Identity-Variations By Gender : A Qualitative Study, Georgiana Mora

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study seeks to understand gender variance when an individual leaves a "drug addict role" and creates a "recovering addict role" within the ideological constraints of 12-step programs (Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous). Noting the limitations of addiction literature when examining the experiences of the entire gender variation spectrum, the researcher set out to identify whether this process varied among the genders and explore these results. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with addicts of various genders who had at least one year of sobriety within the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Participants were asked to share their …


No Purer Joy : The Developmental, Social And Motivational Aspects Of Elite College Squash, Matthew Aaron Munich Aug 2011

No Purer Joy : The Developmental, Social And Motivational Aspects Of Elite College Squash, Matthew Aaron Munich

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This is a study of the experience of elite level college squash players from three angles: development, social context and motivation. Primary aims included describing an intense human experience in terms of developmental gains, identifying social cues the participants received from their social context, understanding motivations for participation, and exploring cultural differences most pertinent to squash participation. The sample was comprised of 15 American and international players from the Yale University men's and women's squash teams who completed semi-structured interviews. The players represented all academic classes and 7 countries. Findings revealed a number of important developmental gains that were fostered …