Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Confronting Bullying: Searching For Strategies In Children's Literature, Emily Ellen Moulton

Theses and Dissertations

Literature is a great resource for teaching valuable principles to children, including how to cope with bullying. However, no analyses exist regarding the appropriateness of these books. Children's books were identified as potential stories for bibliotherapy with elementary school children who face bullying. Information presented in selected books was compared to the current research literature on bullying. Each book's content was analyzed according to important variables, including the type of bullying behavior, gender of the perpetrator and target, presence of bystanders, adult involvement, and resolution of the problem. Verbal bullying was most commonly observed, followed closely by physical bullying. The …

Marriage Preparation Education Programs: An Evaluation Of Essential Elements Of Quality, Geniel Childs

Theses and Dissertations

The efficacy of marriage preparation education (MPE) continues to be demonstrated through participant outcome research. However, understanding the elements that make MPE effective is still unclear and standards for quality have not been established. In an effort to address these deficits and promote improvement in the field of MPE, currently available and widely recognized marriage preparation education programs were examined according an evaluative model created by Hughes (1994). The four components of the Hughes model (content, instructional process, implementation process, and evaluation) outline research-supported elements that are essential in the development of quality family life educational programs. Eight MPE programs …

The Main Effects Of Gender And Faculty Rank On Occupational Stressors, Technology Stressors, And Coping Strategies Of Journalism And Mass Communication Educators In The U.S, Paulette Helen Walter

Theses and Dissertations

Assistant professors who teach journalism and mass communication tend to be more stressed than either associate professors or full professors, and female faculty members are more stressed than male faculty. Both female and male assistant professors ranked the following three items as causing them the highest stress: having inadequate time to devote to research, not having clear criteria for evaluation of research, publication, or creative activities, and teaching inadequately prepared students. Journalism and mass communication faculty generally use positive coping strategies such as prioritizing work or planning ahead. Additionally, across the board, the levels of stress reported for preparing to …

Infant Facial Discrimination And Perceptual Narrowing, Joseph Edward Fair

Theses and Dissertations

During the early stages of infant development the capacity for perceptual (i.e., visual) discrimination is shaped by infants' perceptual experience. Perceptual narrowing is one process hypothesized to account for developmental change. Perceptual narrowing research often demonstrates that infants before 6 months of age are able to discriminate a wide variety of events whereas infants beyond 6 months of age seemingly "lose" some perceptual abilities. Two investigations are proposed to examine the claim that younger, but not older infants can discriminate faces across species. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to determine whether an increase in familiarization and trial times would …

Communities And Colleges: Utilizing Public Relations Techniques And Strategies To Solve Chronic Town-Gown Problems, Kristin M. Leavey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine what public relations techniques and strategies could be utilized to alleviate or even solve the five most prevalent problems faced by colleges and their communities. This researcher also verified that the top five problems as determined in a 1998 study still reign as the major problems in 2004.

An extensive literature review was conducted in conjunction with in-depth interviews with three college relations directors, surveys sent via email to over 1,000 college relations personnel, and intercept studies within the communities of the three chosen colleges.

It was concluded that the top five …

Do State Regulatory Institutions Matter: Using Network Theory To Explore Linkages Between Air Policy Boards And Pollution Outcomes, Debra Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to test an adapted model of network theory against state air pollution control institutions. Air pollution control presents a regulatory problem that has interstate, intrastate and multiple federal dimensions. It is one of extreme complexity and uncertainty, from both a regulatory and scientific perspective. The changing political environment federally has enabled states to redefine their roles in the regulatory process (Adler, 1997; Krane, 2007). Drawing from network theory in intergovernmental policy processes my research tests three key factors in explaining state air pollution levels: tenure in office of the air policy administrator, the use …

Expressive Writing As A Therapeutic Process For Drug Dependent Women, Meshberg Cohen Sarah

Theses and Dissertations

Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) have high rates of trauma and PTSD, which is linked to greater physical and mental health problems and poorer SUD treatment outcomes. While research affirms trauma should be addressed during SUD treatment, the majority of addiction programs do not offer such services. One promising intervention is Pennebaker’s expressive writing paradigm, which includes disclosure of traumatic/stressful experiences through 20-minute writing sessions over 3-5 consecutive days. While expressive writing has been linked to improvements in mental and physical health, the intervention has not been studied in persons with SUDs. The present study was a randomized clinical …

Expressive Writing With University Students With Disabilities, Geraldine Lotze

Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests college students with high incidence disabilities experience more distress than their peers without disabilities as they adapt to college. The expressive writing paradigm developed by Pennebaker and Beall (1986) effectively reduced distress in college students and other nonclinical samples when participants wrote about emotions they experienced surrounding an upsetting event. Previous research on expressive writing has not addressed the effectiveness of the paradigm with students with disabilities. A randomized control trial study examined changes in distress and daily hassles for participants with disabilities who engaged in expressive writing compared to a control condition in which participants wrote about …

Cultural Responsiveness In The Special Education/Esl Department: Faculty Perceptions At Brigham Young University, Temma Jo Devereaux

Theses and Dissertations

Faculty members from Brigham Young University's special education/ESL program participated in professional development centered on increasing multicultural competence. The primary investigator interviewed faculty members regarding their perceptions of professional development. After conducting the interviews, faculty members' feedback was coded to determine whether or not the professional development aided them in infusing more culturally sensitive practices into the curriculum and created a more sensitive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Researchers also coded the faculty members' feedback to determine if faculty members felt they have changed at an individual/personal level in terms of how they view their own cultural background …

Predicting Perceptions Of Rape: Relationship Status And Perpetrator Motivation, Lisa M. Romano

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether perpetrator motivation or relationship status of the victim and perpetrator influence participant perceptions of a sexual assault. Participants were 143 students exposed to a stimulus in which the perpetrator's motivation was varied as having feelings of entitlement, rejection, or sexually motivated. The relationship status of the victim and perpetrator were also varied as either dating for six months or on a first date (acquaintance). Male participants were found to attribute more blame to the victim and less blame to the perpetrator when compared to female participants. Women who read the …

The Effects Of Rumination On Social Problem-Solving In Depressed And Anxious Mood, Yong W. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the relationship between rumination and social problem-solving changes based on symptom level, rumination status, type of social problem solving measure used, or type of problem being solved. Specifically, this study examined if rumination impairs social problem-solving by negatively distorting interpretations of problematic situations, promotes an avoidance problem-solving style, and/or impairs rational problem-solving. In the current study, measures of depressive and anxious symptoms, rumination, and social problem-solving were administered to 129 undergraduate students. Three multivariate analysis of variances revealed that the relationship between rumination and social problem-solving was unique to ruminators with …

The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas, Chronic And Acute Depression, And Help Seeking Behaviors, Jason Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Depression is a disorder that affects many people's lives; approximately 24% of Americans are diagnosed with some form of depression in their lifetime. In order to effectively treat depression we must first understand the disorder and how the symptoms affect people. This study aims to investigate unipolar depression in two ways through the use of a questionnaire. One is to understand the etiology of depression, specifically the role of Early Maladaptive Schemas in the etiology of chronic and acute depression. Hierarchical regressions on 88 participants indicated that EMS and anxiety significantly predict acute and chronic depression. The other aim of …

The Psychosocial Effects Of Rape On Heterosexual And Homosexual Men, Alison Heather Litvack

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated the psychosocial effects of rape on heterosexual and homosexual men. It was hypothesized that 1) non-closeted homosexual men would have less symptomology and more resilience than closeted homosexual men and heterosexual men; 2) the more protective factors a man had, the less symptomology he would display and the more likely he would exhibit posttraumatic growth; 3) there would be an interaction between sexual orientation of the perpetrator and sexual orientation of the victim on symptomology. One-way ANOVAs revealed that homosexual men and bisexual men reported significantly less PTSD symptomology than heterosexual men. Further, homosexual men endorsed …

Does Mindfulness Reduce Negativity Bias? A Potential Mechanism For Reduced Emotional Distress, Laura Kiken

Theses and Dissertations

The present research examined if mindfulness reduced negativity bias on measures of attitude formation and cognitive style, as a potential explanation for the beneficial effects of mindfulness on emotional disturbance. Two studies were conducted. Study One was correlational and found that trait mindfulness inversely correlated with measures of negative cognitive style, and that the latter partially mediated an inverse association between mindfulness and predisposition to depression and anxiety. Further, correlations between mindfulness and both positive attitude formation and optimism hinted at a potential positivity bias. Study Two extended these findings using a randomized experimental design comparing a mindfulness induction to …

Needs Assessment Of Users Of Psychiatric Services In Saudi Arabia, Khalid Aldeham

Theses and Dissertations

Background: the aims of this study were to assess the outpatients needs among 155 patients at Al-Amal Complex for Mental Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and identifying the demographic variables that are associated with these needs. Method: the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS) was used to assess the needs and the demographic questionnaire was used to identify the patient’s demographic variables includes gender, age, income and level of education. Results: patient who meets any one of these criteria; being elderly, poor, and the uneducated are more likely to have higher total number of needs. Men and women …

Neural Correlates Of Self-Reflection In Fmri: Brain Activation Differences Between Males And Females, Tyler Eugene Owens

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies in affective neuroimaging have addressed the question of how the "self" is represented in brain activation. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is implicated in many of these studies and an essential component self-representation in the brain. In this study we looked at differences between men and women in the mPFC in terms of how they assessed comparisons of the body image. Participants viewed images of thin and overweight bodies and were asked to consider how they would feel if someone were to compare them to the image. Brain activations were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results …

A Content Analysis Of Young Adult Novels Featuring Mentally And Emotionally Disabled Characters, Lisa L. Ballistreri

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to closely examine twenty works of young adult fiction that featured a character with either a mental or emotional disability. Specifically, it addressed the following research questions: 1.) What percentage of the books evaluated portrayed the disabled character as a major character or a supporting character? 2.) What percentage of the books were written from or included the disabled character's point-of-view? 3.) What percentage of the books portrayed the disabled character as a dynamic as opposed to a static character? 4.) Did the character's disability play a major role or a minor role in …

Are Public Libraries In New Jersey Providing Early Literacy Programs For Children Age Birth To 23 Months Based On The Pla "Every Child Ready To Read @ Your Library" Program?, Beverly C. Jacob

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if public libraries in New Jersey provide early literacy programs for children age birth to 23 months based on PLA "Every Child Ready To Read @ your library" program. Questionnaires were provided electronically to a sample of 52 public children's librarians in New Jersey.

A total of 15 responses were received. When asked if the respondents used the Early Literacy Every Child Ready To Read birth to 23 months program materials sent to them by the State Library in 2005, 33% used some of the aspects of the workshop outline and 33% …

Self-Censorship In Middle School Libraries, Jennifer M. Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Self-censorship and the middle school library was the focus of the research contained in this study. The purpose was to investigate, through OPAC searches, the holdings of fifteen New Jersey public middle school library media centers to determine if thirty titles were included in the collections. The titles selected received positive reviews from at least two sources as being suitable for students in the 7^th through 10^th grade or ages 12 and up. The titles included in the study contained one or more of the following topics: abuse (drug, sexual, or domestic), homosexuality, interpersonal relations, family problems, religion, …

High School Media Center Web Sites: Essential Elements, Debra Ann Cathcart

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research investigation was to determine what was considered essential for a high school media center's Web page. A content analysis research method using high school media center Web pages was performed to verify contents and functionality, as well as similarities and differentiations. The results of this study indicated that some elements were considered essential for high school media center Web pages, such as online magazines and/or encyclopedias, databases, and information and/or resources on bibliographies and citations. The research also provided elements considered tentative in regards to level of essentialism for these Web pages, such as links …

How Do Elementary School Boys Characterize Their Reading Favorites And Behaviors?, Brenda J. Koonce

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a boy crisis in our schools. It also looked at what the boys are interested in and what are they reading. The study investigated the latest research on young boys struggling to read, and their comparison to young girls.

The study provided evidence of their favorite books and authors. It furnished information on the boys' computer and television time. The study showed how the boys selected books and where they located new books. Percentages were presented about their personal libraries.

Overall, the study investigated how to make classrooms and …

Risk Factors And Protective Factors For Depression In Early Maturing Females, Lauren Lirio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of early onset of menstruation and biological father absence on depression in females. Participants (n=46) were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and a series of psychometric assessments. It was hypothesized that females who reached puberty earlier than their peers as well as females growing up in a one-parent household, with the biological father absent, would experience more depressive symptoms than females who reached puberty later than their peers or were being raised in two-parent households. Statistical analyses revealed early maturing females reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than on-time …

Policing And Firearms: Exploring Data Collection Practices And Attitudes Toward Gun Control, Adam V. Moltisanti

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to measure what, if any, differences exist between law enforcement and non law enforcement personnel in their opinions towards gun control, as well as investigate the types of information that are recorded in police reports. Using a test population of police officers (n = 90) and students (n = 131), a self administered, anonymous survey was used to test the hypotheses that police officers are a) more likely to support gun control policies, b) more likely to view gun control policies as increasing community and police safety, c) more likely to view gun …

Using Author Studies To Incorporate Multicultural Literature Across The New Jersey Core Curriculum, Carol Lynn Raines-Sapp

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to incorporate one author's work of multicultural literature to determine its significance in other subject areas within the New Jersey Core Curriculum exclusive of Language Arts/Literacy curriculum. It was to provide media specialists and classroom teachers with integral skills, concepts and ideas found in multicultural literature. The study used one author study, Virginia Hamilton, and one culture, African American in its evaluation within the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The study showed that readability level of the selected works by Virginia Hamilton was excellent for students in grades four through six. Also, it …

Sexual Harassment: Male Dominance Or Positions Of Power In The Workplace?, Bobbi Jo Hardimon

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a growing issue. It is difficult to determine which case is sexual harassment and which is not. Many cases that make it to the court room involve female victims. This study examines if women are in fact seen as the victim more often or if men are taken less seriously. Participants include 98 employees of various organizations of Southern New Jersey. Each participant was given four case studies. The genders and relationship of workers vary in each case. Each case involves one male and one female that have either a co-worker relationship of equal …

How Does Mothers' Depression Influence Adolescents' Aggression? The Role Of Parenting, Family Functioning, And Informant Discrepancy, Kelly Pugh

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has found that maternal depression is predictive of adolescents’ aggression. The present study examined three mechanisms believed to account for this relation: parenting practices, family functioning, and informant discrepancy. The data for this study are from the Multisite Violence Prevention Project which collected data from a high-risk sample of sixth grade students, parents, and core teachers. A within-subjects analysis of variance examined the association between maternal depression and informant discrepancy. Structural equation modeling compared the relation between maternal depression and adolescents’ aggression as a function of parenting practices and family functioning. Results indicated that maternal depression was related …

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness And The Psychosocial Well-Being Of Obese Adolescents, Nichole Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Overweight and obesity are associated with an array of negative physical and psychosocial symptoms in adolescents. Numerous pediatric obesity interventions have emerged in an attempt to address this significant public health concern. However, few have focused on African American females, a particularly high risk group for negative health behaviors and associated complications. Moreover, research examining the psychosocial changes associated with increases in physical activity and fitness, although promising in elder and adult populations, is nearly nonexistent in adolescents. Thus, the current study addressed limitations in the research and examined the psychosocial outcomes of adolescent participants in T.E.E.N.S., a culturally sensitive, …

Determinants Of International Long-Distance Eldercare: Evidence From Ghanaian Immigrants In The United States, Stephen Kodwo

Theses and Dissertations

Studies of Ghanaians who have immigrated to the United States indicate that both economic and emotional support continue to be provided to non-migrant families in Ghana. However support to “family relatives” has been studied generally, without specifying age. Thus, relationships between immigrants and their elderly relatives, particularly those who may be frail and vulnerable, have not been the focus of previous research. In addition, it is necessary to examine the dynamics that shape attitudes towards elderly people, and which in turn influence eldercare patterns among Ghanaian immigrants. Based on the literature, the researcher identified four factors relevant to international long-distance …

Understanding Death Anxiety In Women With Gynecologic Cancer, Hana Kim

Theses and Dissertations

For most of us, thoughts about our own mortality are largely unconscious, an invisible backdrop to our daily living. However, when forced to face a potentially life threatening event, these otherwise underlying thoughts about human transience rise to consciousness. Given the seemingly inherent link between receiving a cancer diagnosis and developing an increased awareness of one’s own mortality, the present study sought to address the following research question, “What are the experiences and processes by which women with gynecologic cancer construct meaning and manage death anxiety in the face of their cancer diagnosis?” Based on an interpretive grounded theory paradigm, …

Criminally Responsible Or Insane? The Influence Of Jurors' Concept Of Self Toward The Insanity Defense, Marta Hess

Theses and Dissertations

The investigator examined the relationship between jurors' locus of control and verdict. Three hypothetical insanity cases were constructed: mental illness, mental retardation, and drug intoxication, and were randomly distributed to 96 graduate students from a mid- Atlantic university. Participants read a murder vignette and selected a verdict-either guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). To measure locus of control, the investigator administered Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. As predicted, results indicated that participants' locus of control influenced their verdict and that internally oriented participants were more likely than externally oriented participants to choose the guilty verdict (p=.044). …