Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Immune System Under Pressure: Understanding The Impact Of Stress On Immune Function And Health, Kaeshwinie Murugan

Honors Theses

Stress has a profound impact on the immune health of college students, exacerbated by challenges such as academic pressures, sleep deprivation, and inadequate coping strategies. This study investigates the relationship between stress and immune function among students at Western Michigan University, utilizing survey data and existing literature to explore mechanisms of stress-induced immune suppression and identify effective interventions. The survey, conducted with 100 participants, revealed that over 70% experienced stress that adversely affected their immune systems, with 60% reporting insufficient sleep and 20% sleeping less than five hours per night.

The survey further highlighted students' reliance on specific coping mechanisms, …

Fostering The Forum: Examining The Progress And Challenges In Cultivating A Free Speech Campus At Western Michigan University, Kalloli Bhatt

Honors Theses

The First Amendment’s breadth has narrowed on college and university campuses. Students, once staunch defenders of free speech, have become the censors themselves. In fact, there have been so many incidents of speaker disinvitations and scholars under scrutiny that the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, otherwise known as FIRE, has amassed years’ worth of data documenting these occurrences. This phenomenon has been so widespread for so long that scholars have been sounding the warning bells since 1987 (Bloom, 1987). While it may seem as if these problems occur at bigger universities, events that have violated First Amendment rights of …

Bridging The Gap: Examining The Discrepancies In Communication Skills Between University Education And Employer Expectations, Valerie Chan

Honors Theses

Effective communication is a critical skill in the workplace, yet a persistent gap exists between the communication abilities of university graduates and the expectations of employers. This study explores the alignment between the communication skills taught in the Western Essential Studies (WES) general education curriculum at Western Michigan University (WMU) and the communication needs identified by employers. By examining four communication types—oral, written, interpersonal, and digital—this research investigates the similarities and differences in how faculty and employers define and emphasize communication skills.

Findings reveal a misalignment between the skills emphasized in university curricula and those prioritized in the workplace. Faculty …

The Relations Between The Financial Wellbeing Of Custodial Grandparents, Their Overall Wellbeing, And Their Perceived Social Support, Paige L. Miller

Honors Theses

There have been numerous studies on how the financial wellbeing of custodial grandparents affects their overall wellbeing, and how the amount of social support custodial grandparents receive impacts their depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, little is known regarding the ways in which all three variables are related – financial wellbeing, overall wellbeing, and social support – or their impact on custodial grandparents. We examined the relations between these variables, as well as the moderating relation of financial wellbeing on social support and wellbeing. The data used in the current study was collected as part of a larger project, during which …

Parenting Practices And Attachment Levels In Relation To Externalizing Behaviors In Children Raised By Nonparental Caregivers, Kourtney Mia Barfield

Honors Theses

Current literature supports parenting practices and the quality of child-caregiver attachments are correlated with child externalizing behavior. However, these results typically come from samples of biological parents and their children. It is unknown if parenting practices (i.e. poor supervision, inconsistent discipline, and positive parenting) predict attachment and externalizing behavior among children of grandparents and foster parents. Previous studies have also found
that attachment mediates the relation between parenting practices and externalizing behavior among children raised by biological parents. This study aims to determine if similar relations will be found among grandchildren and foster children and if the level of attachment …

Reusable Takeout Container Research And Implementation In The City Of Kalamazoo, Alexa Hempel

Honors Theses

In 2018 alone, the United States added 830,000 tons of single use takeout containers to landfills. The City of Kalamazoo’s Community Sustainability Plan calls for a reduction of waste going into landfills, so single use takeout containers were targeted as an item to reduce for implementation of this goal.

Research was conducted on the feasibility and interest of adding reusable takeout container options to downtown Kalamazoo food establishments. This involved a survey of Kalamazoo residents which garnered over 1,100 responses and a survey of downtown food establishments, which displayed interest from both parties. However, even with the strong initial interest, …

Effects Of Experimenter Behaviors On Participants' Mood, Jackson Everett

Honors Theses

This study investigated whether experimenter behaviors affected self-reported levels of state and trait anxiety, emotional valence memory, and projective interpretations of ambiguous stimuli. I hypothesized that participants exposed to anxious experimenters would report higher levels of state anxiety, recall more negative words, and render more negative interpretations while warm experimenters would lead participants to report lower levels of state anxiety, recall more positive words, and produce more positive interpretations. Participants (N = 98) were randomly assigned to either an anxious, flat, or warm experimenter condition and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger et al., 1983), heard a list of …

Giving True Blood Some Credit: A Paratextual Analysis Of A Tv Show’S Opening Sequence, Ava Nessell

Honors Theses

HBO’s television series True Blood is clear in the statement it is making about the mistreatment of minority groups in society. The show uses vampires as an allegory for these people with thinly veiled allusions. The purpose of this proposed study is to apply Gerard Genette’s theory of paratextuality to explain how the opening credits are an avenue to understanding not only the show, but the statement to society the show is making. The method to discuss paratextuality in the show will be to analyze each clip of the opening credits to see how it relates to the diegesis–the narrative …

Study Of The Effect Of Social Anxiety And Social Support On Third Place Perceptions In Student Samples, Lillian M. Lestrange

Honors Theses

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and perceived social support are well-documented to influence social interaction styles and behaviors. Some data suggests that SAD and social support relate to perceptions and familiarity with various public spaces outside of home and work (i.e., third places). This study assessed relations among social anxiety, self-perceived social support, and attitudes/beliefs about ten common third places (i.e., perceived degree of restorativeness, preference, and sentiment for these places) among undergraduate psychology students (n = 92). Contrary to predictions based on prior research (Fong et al, 2021, Case & Hunter, 2012), social anxiety symptoms did not correlate with any …

Creating A Space For Relaxation And Wellbeing At The University Of South Alabama, Mary Wolf

Honors Theses

A program to provide supplementary support for the mental health and wellness of students at a midsize Southern University by providing a centrally located “relaxation space” for students on campus during the last two weeks of the semester is proposed and tested. A central location was found on campus to host the space. The researcher also developed an online survey for students to review the space. The trial was run for two weeks, and participants were able to access the online survey throughout those weeks. The results of the survey were analyzed to better understand the students’ responses to the …

Barriers In Reporting Sexual Violence On College Campuses, Amber Hartman

Honors Theses

This thesis is designed to examine the underreporting of sexual violence on college campuses by exploring the systemic, cultural, and logistical barriers that hinder victims from disclosing their assault. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research identifies three overarching influences for non-reporting. Fear, shame, and lack of resources are presented as the basis of the decision that victims make to not report. Meta-analysis of the research concludes that there is a profound impact of internalized victim-blaming narratives, fear of repercussions and institutional deficiencies in providing accessible support. Recommendations for solutions emphasize creating trauma-informed policies, improving communication and accessibility of …

Influence Of Head Sway On The Availability Of Visual Information In An Affordance Task, Ron Dickson Jr.

Honors Theses

This thesis investigated how varying postural conditions and environmental challenges influence human affordance perception in virtual environments, focusing specifically on participants’ judgments about whether they could stand upright on sloped surfaces. Using virtual reality (VR) to simulate ramps at various inclines, participants assessed their ability to stand on these slopes under different postural constraints (unaided standing, leaning, and touch-supported). Data was collected on head movement dynamics, including movement magnitude, variability, and complexity, using measures such as Euclidean distance and effort-to-compress (ETC). Logistic and linear regression analyses revealed that slope angle and stance significantly impacted participants' affordance judgments and movement patterns, …

The Disconnect Between Spanish-Speaking Communities And Law Enforcement And The Detrimental Effect It Has On Both, Belma Kurpejovic

Honors Theses

The increase of Latino communities in mid-sized and smaller cities, along with the impact of language competency and lack of programs for law enforcement, has been sufficiently explored, yet issues persist. This study examines the disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement, which has created significant distrust and communication issues. Examining these communities is important because there is still a need to mend these relationships. This study explores the effects of this divide and how to help fix it. Information obtained from law enforcement officers at the Chattanooga Police Department, highlights key issues, including the lack of community-based policing, cultural …

Racial Disparities In Domestic Violence: Analyzing The Intersection Of Race And Gender, Nia Grace Sharp

Honors Theses

This research explores the intersection of race, gender, and the litigation of domestic violence cases in Memphis, Tennessee. This is explored through qualitative research that combines a theoretical framework with structured interviews of criminal defense attorneys. Utilizing a sample of 5 attorneys with recent exposure to domestic violence cases, this study aims to reveal whether or not intimate partner violence is litigated differently across racial lines. This is done through analysis of the treatment of victims depending on race, sentencing rates, and perceptions of credibility within the justice system. The methodology involves five key steps: conducting a literature review to …

Disney's Postfeminist Follies: Disney’S Postfeminist Portrayal Of Women In The Age Of Fourth Wave Of Feminism, Morgan Crafton

Honors Theses

In 2022, Disney CEO Bob Chepak spoke out against the "Don't Say Gay" bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis’ supporters derisively labeled Disney as “woke." However, the company does not warrant the label. Though Fourth Wave feminism has broadened Disney’s idea of a woman, the entertainment company largely operates with a postfeminist lens that prevents its heroines from being feminist representations of women. Audiences see this in "Frozen," (2013), "Moana" (2016), "Encanto" (2021), and "Turning Red" (2022). Disney’s postfeminist rhetoric allows it to portray supposedly progressive women without challenging societal notions of misogyny. Thus, Disney’s criticisms for “wokeness” …

Examination Of Urban Spatial Structure After Covid Based On Hedonic Price Model, Shaoting Wen

Honors Theses

The traditional monocentric and polycentric city model assumes that people commute to the urban centers/subcenters (UCS) for work and, thus the houses close to the centers have convenience premium in commuting cost which drives up their prices. However, with more and more people switching to hybrid /remote working, average commute cost decreases, leading to the location of UCS and commute time influence less on housing price. This paper revisited the hedonic price model under the polycentric city context with the introduction of kernel density estimation (KDE). By choosing three of the top ten high-remote potentials and three of the top …

Social Patterns In Physical Infrastructure: Associations Between Socioeconomic Status And Walkability, Kaylee Coursey

Honors Theses

Studies analyzing the relationship between socioeconomic status and physical infrastructure of a city are inconsistent in findings but agree on racial and class disparities. Utilizing walkability (Walk Score) as a measurement for physical infrastructure, this thesis aims to understand the relationship between socioeconomic status and the walkability of a city. The Socio-Ecological framework suggests that environmental experiences are correlated with the social functioning of a community. Thus, socioeconomic status has a significant impact on the quality of one’s built environment.

Using housing data from the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) and Walk Score, a series of quantitative analyses were conducted …

Sands Of Change In The Mississippi Delta: How Local Newspapers Prevent News Deserts From Silencing Their Communities, Sophia H. Lapalme

Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes the results from four interviews conducted with media professionals working in the Mississippi Delta to determine the risks news deserts pose in the Mississippi Delta. The interviewees represented The Yazoo Herald, Greenwood Commonwealth, The Panolian, and The DeSoto Times-Tribune. The Mississippi Delta is the poorest region of the poorest state in the United States of America, increasing the likelihood of news deserts since they form in poor and rural areas. The interviewees answered thirteen questions that addressed changes in the newspaper industry, the roles journalists fill in society, the future of journalism, and their concerns about news …

A Modern Moral Dilemma: A Utilization Of Culture Wars For Political Gain Within The United States Government, Abigail K. Lowry

Honors Theses

The present study researches the background of culture wars within the United States and showcases how these culture wars are being utilized by political entrepreneurs in order to achieve a goal separate from resolving the expressed policy issue. In an effort to investigate this phenomenon, this paper analyzes the historical timeline of several prominent culture wars within the United States and then uses this background as a lens to examine the political successes and failures of two United States governors who attempted to utilize culture wars in order to advance themselves politically. By examining the rhetoric used by Ron DeSantis …

Dental Modification Among The Classic Maya Of Chac Balam And San Juan, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Katherine Kelly

Honors Theses

Perceptions of beauty and health are embedded within everyday actions, even a simple smile. How do dental modification practices among the Classic Maya from Ambergris Caye, Belize relate to these perceptions and a person’s identity and status? This thesis analyzes the practice of notching, filing, and placing inlays in maxillary incisors and canines through a qualitative analysis of Classic period AD 250-1000 Maya teeth from the sites of San Juan and Chac Balam. A lack of patterns related to sex, socioeconomic status, and the type of modification in the dentition of five individuals, including two males, two females and one …

Explaining The Wealth Gap In Chattanooga Through Housing Policy Design: Do Chattanooga Housing Policies Contribute To The Wealth Gap?, Kendall Davis

Honors Theses

Some scholars contend various public policies have continued to play a role in the creation and persistence of racial wealth inequalities particularly in housing. This thesis explains the wealth gap in Chattanooga through housing policy design and answers the question: Do Chattanooga housing policies contribute to the wealth gap? The thesis also explores local Chattanooga policies believed to influence the wealth gap such as the destruction of the Big Nine, the redevelopment of the Golden Gateway, and the many City of Chattanooga zoning codes (redlining). In addition, this thesis will examine federal policies that have contributed to the wealth gap …

American And German Environmental Policy: Differences In Institution Building Between The Great Lakes And Lake Constance, Thomas Johnson

Honors Theses

When it comes to the protection of water sources, the relationships between stakeholders around the Great Lakes region and the Lake Constance region differ remarkably. This is due to a variety of different reasons, the biggest reason being the major differences between the political norms of these two areas. During the 1960’s and 1970’s the relations between America and Canada and their respective ecological coalition groups were very different from those between Germany, Switzerland, Austria and their coalition groups. These differences resulted in a distinct evolution in the formation and handling of Transnational Advocacy Coalitions, or parapublic institutions, in the …

Communication Research On Sign Language Telecommunication And Digital Modes Of Interpretation., Scooter Briody

Honors Theses

Since the invention and proliferation of the telephone in the late nineteenth century, our world has become increasingly dependent on technologically mediated communication. Nowadays we are just as likely to have our next human interaction through our smartphone or computer screen as we are to meet another person face to face. We do not even tend to think of these things as tools for telecommunication anymore, but rather as extensions of our own will. Despite the overwhelming convenience of this technology, it is also fundamentally created with the interests of certain people in mind. If you are able to use …

Russian Interventionism: A Case Study Of President Vladimir Putin's Personal Influence In The Syrian Civil War, Lee Holmes

Honors Theses

The most influential factors in implementing interventionist policies into vulnerable countries are widely debated depending on political factors in the international relations sphere. Russia’s decision to intervene in Syria’s civil war in 2015 while Syria collapsed from civil unrest and authoritarian corruption is a prime example. Although most literature agrees that Russia’s intervention stemmed from an attempt to solidify political influence and diplomatic relations in the Middle East, hardly any addresses President Vladimir Putin’s individual influence as a determining factor. Since national power is consolidated to the individual leader in authoritarian regimes, it is crucial to understand President Putin’s personal …

Scared To Give? A Look Into How Terrorism Affects The Flow Of Foreign Aid, Madelyn Jarjoura

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the role of formal ties to terrorism and its effect on foreign aid

from donor countries considered either democratic or not. I hypothesize that as more seats are occupied in a recipient country’s government by a known terrorist organization, the less total aid democratic donor countries will send to that country (vice versa for non-democratic donors). However, with stronger ties to terrorism, the more aid democratic donors will bypass through NGOs (vice versa for non-democratic donors). To test this, I used Hezbollah’s seats in Lebanon’s Parliament from the years 1995 – 2021 as a case study for …

Exploring Social Workers Potential Role In Mitigating Maternal Mortality Through Coordinated Care, Jena Brown-Talib

Honors Theses

Maternal health disparities persist as a significant challenge in Mississippi, particularly for African American women. This thesis explores the intersection of coordinated care models and social work interventions in addressing maternal mortality. Coordinated care involves collaboration among physicians, nurses, practitioners, social workers, community health workers, and other support services, aiming to maximize pregnant patients' overall health outcomes.

Analyzing strategies of social workers within coordinated care models is important for improving maternal health outcomes within this study. A qualitative approach was chosen to delve beyond statistics and illuminate the reality of maternal health disparities and the efforts to resolve them. Data …

Predicting Personal Growth: An Analysis Of Self-Relevant Approaches, Cole Morse

Honors Theses

Identifying predictors of personal growth–defined as striving to fulfill one’s unique potential–may be important for achieving a life of flourishing (Ryff & Singer, 2008). While existing research demonstrates the link between self-esteem and personal growth, gaps remain in our knowledge of the relationship between other potential self-referential predictors and personal growth (Paradise & Kernis, 2002). The intention of the current study is to not only conceptually replicate the link between positive self-regard (i.e., a positive self-evaluation that is theoretically akin to self-esteem) and personal growth, but to also investigate whether different ways of relating to the self offer unique pathways …

We Get To Live Here?: Housing Insecurity And Assistance Availability In Oxford, Mississippi, Ashlyn Hinton

Honors Theses

As Oxford continues to thrive as a university town and tourist destination, the rates of housing insecurity are rising for full-time residents in the community. The types of housing insecurity experienced and their effects can range broadly across households in Oxford, but they consistently lead to low to middle income families experiencing the negative side effects associated with increased transience, poor housing conditions, or being cost-burdened by housing. This study seeks to determine the factors contributing to housing insecurity in Oxford, how this affects residents, and if the current resources are accessible and proportionate to the levels of need within …

Framing Identity: Russian Media In The Baltics As A Mechanism Of Soft Power, Jackson Mcarthur

Honors Theses

Societal tensions surrounding language, national identity, collective memory, citizenship, and integration exist between the titular Baltic population and Russian speakers living in the Baltic states (Simons, 2015). The Russian government has tried to exploit these tensions via non-violent yet subversive political and cultural influence—or “soft power”—with limited success, particularly through Russian-language media (Kudors, 2015). While many scholars have focused on the reception of Russia’s soft power among the Baltic Russian-speaking population, which has been primarily ineffective at advancing Russia’s political goals (Cheskin, 2015; Kallas, 2016; Coolican, 2021), few have analyzed Russian-language media as a mechanism of Russian soft power in …

An Analysis Of Congressional Disgust Language On Twitter By Party Identification, Martha Nichols

Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to advance the existing work in the field of political communications through a study of congressional Twitter use. While there has been a significant amount of study focused on presidential Twitter presence, there is less existing literature on the use of Twitter by members of the U.S. Congress. This study focuses on the use of disgust language on Twitter and tests the hypothesis that Republican congressmen and women will have a higher proportion of disgust language in their Twitter presence over time. The hypothesis was unsupported, as the results produce an unexpected outcome that Democratic members of …