Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of A Narrative Language Intervention On Language, Behavior, And Self-Concept Among Bilingual Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Nancy Tarshis Ma, Ms, Ccc-Slp, Kathleen Mcgrath Mss, Lsw, Ida Barresi Ma, Ccc-Slp, Risa Battino Ms, Ccc-Slp, Bcs-F, Sarah Henderson Msed, Ms, Ccc-Slp, Shankar Viswanathan Drph, Jee-Young Moon Phd, Karen Bonuck Phd

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The growing research on narrative interventions is promising but has gaps regarding cultural/linguistic diversity and outcomes beyond language. We evaluated whether a structured, oral narrative intervention affects narrative language, problem behaviors, and self-concept in a diverse group of children with developmental language disorder. A 10-session intervention was implemented within routine care. Baseline and follow-up data included: (a) Narrative recordings—coded by therapists using the CUBED Narrative Language Measure, (b) Child Behavior Checklist—a parent-reported behavioral assessment, and (c) the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale. Among the sample’s n = 33 children, aged 6-16, 55.6% were bilingual. Post intervention, participants’ narrative language scores improved …

An Examination Of Transition Professional Profiles Based On Value-Based Principles: A Latent Profile Analysis, Anthony Plotner, Angie Starrett, Charles Walters, Rebecca Smith Hill

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This paper presents findings from a study utilizing Latent Profile Analysis to examine the value-based principles of transition professionals from two distinct disciplines: special education and Centers for Independent Living (CIL). Specifically, this paper aimed to identify profiles emerging from the value orientations of special education and CIL professionals, and to explore how individual factors such as professional role, disability status, education, and years’ experience differ across these profiles. Findings revealed a taxonomy comprising four distinct profiles within the transition professionals sampled. These profiles delineate varying dominant values that encapsulate the convergence of special education and independent living philosophies. Implications …

Inclusion In Disability Evaluation And Surveillance Projects: Reflections And Recommendations For Inclusive Project Teams, Tamara M. Douglas, Nathan J. Rabang, Marlene A. Attla, Tasha Boyer, Vanessa Hiratsuka

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Disability rights advocates emphasize “Nothing about us without us,” yet a program evaluation or surveillance team’s composition rarely reflects inclusion of the individuals from the disability populations they focus on. Individuals who have lived experience with disabilities should be present during all steps of program evaluation and surveillance projects in meaningful ways to progress the impact of disabilities work. In this paper, we describe a process used by staff at Alaska’s University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) to hire, train, and work with individuals with intellectual, development disabilities (IDD) as team members. The case example for the inclusion …

Applying A Framework Of Epistemic Injustice To Understand The Impact Of Covid-19 On People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Sarah Lineberry, Matthew Bogenschutz

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Epistemic injustice, the theory of unfairness related to knowledge, is a useful framework for understanding the ways in which historic and ongoing marginalization and stereotypes have shaped the ways that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a scoping review of the literature and divided findings into physical health (cases, hospitalization, and death) and psychosocial outcomes (access to services, mental health symptoms, community participation, etc.). Impacts were then analyzed using the key principles of epistemic injustice. Findings suggest that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experienced high rates of negative …

Technology Skill Building For Adults With Intellectual And/Or Developmental Disabilities, Heather J. Williamson, Hailee E. Riddle, Cynthia Sloan, Cameron Dogan, Byran Dai, Jon Meyers

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Compared to their peers without disabilities, adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are less likely to be employed. Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities also face a digital divide, with less access to and use of technology in their daily lives. This lack of technology use also limits the types of employment available to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of an individualized technology skill-building program for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Arizona. The community-engaged project was overseen by a Community Advisory Board who provided insights on program …

Conducting A Pilot Evaluation Of A Civic-Engagement Program For Youth With Disabilities, Megan Best, Amanda Johnston, Sarah Demissie, Julianna Kim, Ruchi Mendiratta Khanna, Kelly Fulton, Abby Hardy, Catherine Cheung, Timothy Kunzier, Oscar Hughes, Meghan M. Burke, Zachary Rossetti

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that ensures all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. In the last IDEA reauthorization in 2004, only 1% of public comments were from individuals with disabilities—the population that IDEA serves. To ensure that the feedback of individuals with disabilities is reflected in the next IDEA reauthorization, it is important to support them to learn about IDEA and advocate. To this end, for this pilot study, 16 transition-aged youth with disabilities participated in a 6-hour civic-engagement program across four states to learn about IDEA …

Acknowledgments, Matthew T. Wappett Ph.D.

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Exploring Parental Perspectives On The Transition To Kindergarten For Children With Disabilities, Kari Alberque, Somer Matthews

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This qualitative interview study explores the personal narratives of parents of children with disabilities regarding the transition of their child to kindergarten. Informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, we conducted six parent interviews during the kindergarten year to collect insights about their experiences, challenges, and sources of support. This study aimed to inform the development of effective practices that support families during this critical transition period. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified several themes from the data, which include: (1) challenges in understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the transition process, (2) the value of parent-to-parent support networks, (3) …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Implementing A Hands-On Diabetes Course Curriculum In Community Settings, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Carrie Durward

Transforming Communities

Diabetes remains a significant health concern in the United States, with millions affected and at risk. Despite the known benefits of diabetes education programs, barriers such as accessibility and engagement persist. To address these challenges, Utah State University Extension developed the Diabetes Cook Along (DCA) program and conducted a study to determine the feasibility of implementing these classes in community settings. The DCA curriculum is based on national standards and emphasizes changes in dietary and lifestyle components critical for diabetes management. Data collection included pre- and post-surveys, along with qualitative feedback. Overall participation in the classes and satisfaction of participants …

Educational Neglect In Utah: How The State Allows Children To Fall Through The Cracks, Celeste D. Barker

Transforming Communities

Chronic absenteeism due to educational neglect is a prevalent social need in the state of Utah. Thousands of children in Utah are falling through the cracks of the system that is designed for their success and it is imperative that Utah’s State Legislature examines this dilemma more closely. It is recommended that the legislature examine real cases of educational neglect and realize how current decision making and policy framework is impacting the future success of Utah’s children. Modifications include extending the scope of intervention to secondary school-aged children, creating standardized attendance infraction letters for every school district in Utah, reevaluating …

Ephemera As A Versatile Primary Resource: A Case Study Of The Nancy Tucker Postcard Collection, Dylan J. Mcdonald, Jennifer Olguin, Monika Glowacka-Musial

Journal of Western Archives

Ephemera are rich primary sources too often overlooked within archival materials and at collecting institutions. This case study argues that archivists and librarians should recognize ephemera, specifically postcards, as powerful historical documents worthy of scholarly investigation. By analyzing a sample set of digitized postcards held at the New Mexico State University Library, we show how scholars can use postcards to develop evidence-based arguments. Through the images, printed texts, and hand-written inscriptions found on these early 20th century postcards, we demonstrate how researchers can examine the pro-development messages found in southern New Mexico postcards.

Dynamic Optimization With Timing Risk, Erin Cottle Hunt, Frank N. Caliendo

Economics and Finance Faculty Publications

Timing risk refers to a situation in which the timing of an economically important event is unknown (risky) from the perspective of an economic decision maker. While this special class of dynamic stochastic control problems has many applications in economics, the methods used to solve them are not easily accessible within a single, comprehensive survey. We provide a survey of dynamic optimization methods under comprehensive assumptions about the nature of timing risk. We also relax the assumption of full information and summarize optimization with limited information, ambiguity, imperfect hedging, and dynamic inconsistency. Our goal is to provide a concise user …

Coping With Loneliness (Part 4): Support Others Who Experience Loneliness, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

It is natural to want to offer help and support when someone we love or care about is experiencing loneliness. Paradoxically, this is one of the best ways to reduce our own loneliness. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed three fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This fourth fact sheet suggests ways to ensure our efforts to support others who are experiencing loneliness are helpful and supportive.

Coping With Loneliness (Part 1): Look Inward, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

Experiencing loneliness sometimes is part of the human experience. However, when experienced long-term, loneliness can lead to detrimental impacts on physical, mental, and emotional health. In a series of four fact sheets, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty compiled some of the most effective ways to enhance connectedness. This first fact sheet describes ways of looking inward that can reduce loneliness. These include identifying sources of loneliness, increasing acceptance, practicing mindfulness, seeking solitude, practicing self-reflection, and practicing self-care.

Coping With Loneliness (Part 2): Look Outward, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

Experiencing loneliness sometimes is part of the human experience. However, when experienced long-term, loneliness can lead to detrimental impacts on physical, mental, and emotional health. In a series of four fact sheets, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty compiled some of the most effective ways to enhance connectedness. This second fact sheet suggests simple ways of looking outward to experience greater connectedness. These include increasing social group memberships, connecting through art and laughter, spending time in nature, strengthening friendships, and providing service.

Habits And Externalities, Arthur J. Caplan

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

We develop a conceptual model characterizing two types of individuals: one myopic and the other hyperopic. A myopic individual ignores his private contributions to both a social and private negative externality, as well as the effect that his accumulation of stuff (i.e., the stock of consumption goods) has on his habit parameter. A hyperopic individual internalizes both externalities as well as his habit-formation effect. We find that the hyperopic individual consumes a greater amount of a clean good and a lesser amount of a dirty good, with the magnitude of the latter difference being greater than the magnitude of the …

Coping With Loneliness (Part 3): Focus On What You Can Change, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

The U.S. surgeon general named loneliness a top public health issue in the U.S. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed four fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This third fact sheet describes both actions and ways of thinking to help you focus on what you can change. These include using social media intentionally, reaching out for support, avoiding unhealthy relationships, focusing on helpful thoughts, adopting a growth mindset, and practicing gratitude.

"We Are In A Complete Crisis": Navigating The Lack Of Resources To Mental Health Care For Individuals With Idd, Abby Julian, Lindy Strand

Student Research Symposium

IDD and Mental Health

●What is IDD?

●Approximately 7.3 million Americans with IDD (University of Minnesota)

●59% of people with IDD have 1+ mental health conditions (Reichard et al., 2019)

●Many Utah families experience significant difficulty

Cognitive Reappraisal: The Bridge Between Cognitive Load And Emotion, Rebecca Brockbank, David F. Feldon

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Within this integrative review, cognitive load theory (CLT) is asserted as a powerful framework for conceptualizing human cognitive processes within learning. The relationship between cognition and emotion is then examined and further integrated within the scope of CLT. Emotion regulation strategies are discussed and adaptive strategies are proposed as being of particular relevance to broadening the theoretical and practical impacts of CLT. Central to the argument of this review is the use of cognitive reappraisal as a potential mitigator of cognitive load. Cognitive reappraisal involves reframing or reassessing understandings or beliefs that underlie an emotional response, which may mitigate cognitive …

A ‘Nuclear Bomb’ Or Just ‘A Joke’? Groundwater Models May Help Communicate Nuanced Risks To The Great Salt Lake, Matthew D. Laplante, Piyush Dahal, Shih-Yu Simon Wang, Kirsti Hakala, Avik Mukherjee

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

The Great Salt Lake entered the zeitgeist of environmental concern in 2022 when a coalition of scientists and activists warned in a highly publicized report that the lake might be just five years away from complete desiccation, a possibility one state official warned was tantamount to an “environmental nuclear bomb”. Shortly thereafter, an unpredicted and unprecedented pluvial winter resulted in an increase in inflow, temporarily halting the lake’s decline and prompting Utah’s governor to mock the dire prediction as “a joke”, an outcome that speaks to the tension between agenda-setting and trust-building that researchers face when sharing worst-case warnings, particularly …

The Perceived Community And Environmental Impacts Of Development Around Bear Lake, Alexander Theophilus, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad

Publications

Bear Lake is a popular recreation and tourist destination split between the borders of northeastern Utah and southeastern Idaho. Bear Lake’s beaches, watersports, and other outdoor recreation opportunities have attracted tourists for decades. Communities around Bear Lake include Garden City and Laketown, Utah, as well as Paris, Montpelier, Fish Haven, St. Charles, and Bennington, Idaho. Additionally, Bear Lake lies in close proximity to larger metropolitan areas along the Wasatch Front of Utah, such as Salt Lake City and Logan.

Bear Lake Project Overview, Charlotte Williams, Alexander Theophilus

Publications

Bear Lake is a popular recreation and tourist destination split between the borders of northeastern Utah and southeastern Idaho. Bear Lake's beaches, watersports, and other outdoor recreation opportunities have attracted tourists for decades. Communities around Bear Lake include Garden City and Laketown, Utah, as well as Paris, Montpelier, Fish Haven, St. Charles, and Bennington, Idaho. Additionally, Bear Lake lies in close proximity to larger metropolitan areas along the Wasatch Front of Utah, such as Salt Lake City and Logan.

Legend Trips And Vernacular Film Theory: Spooky Encounters In Tiktok Mediated Legend Trips, Drew Holley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In this thesis I looked at how legend tripping is mediated through the affordances of new social technologies and apps, specifically TikTok. Short video formats allowed for folk cinematography to spread legend narratives and at the same time create more visual online landscapes for people to interact with. I defined folk cinematography as the way in which people make videos based on a vernacular level. This has been based on people having more access to video making tools and learning from informal patterns such as trends on sites like TikTok. Because of this, I explored how audiences participate in a …

How Are Global Trade Relationships Affected By Western Sanctions?, Colin A. Martinez

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Do sanctions actually have an impact on their intended targets? This paper seeks to fill a gap in the existing literature on the effectiveness of sanctions by measuring potential impacts on the trade relationships of targeted states after the imposition of sanctions. To do so, it turns to a comprehensive dataset that combines all trade and sanctions data for each of 229 states, arranged in 23,132 dyads, from 2000 through 2019. It then examines 792 regressions using a hybrid fixed effects difference-in-difference model applied to twelve different types of sanctions, differentiated by the sanctioning state’s membership in certain groups of …

Exploring The Role Of Whiteness In Sociopolitical Development: Predictive Contexts And Trajectories, Jesiah P. Salazar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Critical consciousness is the ability to understand and challenge oppressive social systems, believe in one's power to create positive social change, and take actions toward making those changes. Sociopolitical development theory suggests that this awareness grows through a mix of social influences, opportunities for activism, and personal identity. Historically, this concept has been viewed as a way to empower youth of color to challenge systemic oppression, rather than just cope with it. Therefore, most research has focused on critical consciousness in youth of color. Recently, however, researchers have begun to explore critical consciousness among White adolescents. Using a person-centered approach, …

Contrasting Management Styles And Differing Outcomes Of Capping And Orphaning Of Utah Oil And Gas Wells By Conditions And Land Types, Maxwell C. Parson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The issue of public lands management and ownership in the West has long been contentious. This thesis takes a quantitative approach examining outcomes of the rates at which oil and gas wells in the state of Utah are orphaned and/or capped. Findings indicate that orphanings occur at a statistically significant higher rate on state owned land as opposed to federal and private, and wells on tribal land have no recorded orphaning. No other variables were significant in their relationship to orphaning. The proposed explanations for this disparity are two-fold: First the longer periods of inactivity permitted by the state simply …

Birds, Bees, And The Babies: Study Of The Influence Of Self-Efficacy On Parent-Child Sex Communication, Cassandra M. Craig

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Previous studies show that parents tend to be uncomfortable discussing sexual topics with their children, such as menstruation, masturbation, and/or condom use. This study offers a look at the part confidence plays in a parent's intentions to talk to their kids about such topics. The results indicated that the confidence parents feel about discussing sexual topics is not related to how much their own parents talked with them about sex. However, the confidence they feel that could be coming from other models, like social media or peers, is related to how much parents intend to talk with their own children …

The Rise And Fall Of Elizabeth Holmes: Investigating Myths Within Media Coverage, Charlotte Emelia Williams

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

When Elizabeth Holmes became the youngest female billionaire in 2014, news media framed her as the next Steve Jobs due to her similarities as a dropout, a passionate industry disruptor, and a visionary. When she was discovered as a fraud in 2018, coverage framed her as a feminine, seductive monster who duped everyone. I analyzed the media coverage in both years to uncover myths that guided these narratives and argue that these news frames contributed to the large interest in her rise and fall while also reinforcing harmful ways of thinking toward success and female leadership.

A Theory Of Conditional Party Opposition, Samuel Nelson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper takes a critical look at executive power in the United States. Recent years have shown an increase of executive power that many people including: scholars, media, and the public have become skeptical of. The new norm has been for the executive to bypass Congress in order to accomplish policy goals. Traditionally the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches has been the remedy to executive power. This thesis, however, argues that scholarship has largely ignored the role of political parties in government. Due to this, scholarship has misunderstood the role parties play in the separation …

Stratigraphic Evidence For Indigenous Use Of Fire As A Dryland Agricultural Landscape Management Tool On The Northern Colorado Plateau, Mariah Walzer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

While documented in ethnography and traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous burning practices are rarely recognized in the archaeological record of the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. I analyzed charcoal from an arroyo wall to understand the relationship between Indigenous farmers and fire at the Cub Creek archaeological site (AD 300-1300) in Dinosaur National Monument. The size, shape, and amount of charcoal in each sediment layer indicates the fuel types (woody or grassy) and relative size and/or intensity of fires. I compared my data to a precipitation reconstruction for the area to evaluate the influence of climate on fire activity. The results …