Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

News Mediated Reporting And Governmental Narratives About The Enforcement Of Elite Criminality: Exploring The Social Construction Of Financial Frauds And Discrepancies In Punishment, Dominic J. Zicari

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how financial crime enforcement decisions are socially constructed through a qualitative content analysis of news articles and government communications pertaining to two specific cases: the Enron scandal of 2001 and the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008. The study was guided by a theoretical framework that utilizes Barak’s (2017) theory of state-routinized crime control. The rigorous analysis of 394 news articles and government communication documents revealed that the media and the state rarely framed the subprime mortgage crisis as a criminal issue. Although the Enron scandal was frequently described as financial crime, journalists and government communicators were often …

Wiring Attachment, Alexander K. Bacon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis began with a question: can diagrams create understanding, or only reflect it? Through paintings that layer automotive wiring schematics with family photographs, I explore how the human attachment system resists easy mapping. Using digital tools like Photoshop and scanning, alongside analog methods such as papier-collé and photo transfer, I examine how systems built for clarity—like wiring diagrams—contrast with the layered, often messy realities of human relationships. Drawing from attachment theory’s empirical foundation, rather than the metaphorical leanings of psychoanalysis, my work investigates how emotional bonds form, falter, and repair over time. Material loss and layering are not flaws, …

Through The Lens Of Social Media: Examining The Relationship Between Exposure To Social Media Videos Of Police Misconduct And Perceptions Of Legitimacy And Cooperation With Campus Police, Kamal Alhassan

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how exposure to social media and internet news videos depicting police misconduct influences college students' perceptions of campus police legitimacy, procedural justice, and willingness to cooperate. Although prior research has demonstrated the impact of media portrayals on perceptions of municipal police, limited attention has been given to campus policing contexts. Guided by Tyler’s process-based theory of police legitimacy and Gerbner’s cultivation theory, this quantitative study surveyed 400 students at a large public university in the Southeastern Mid-Atlantic region. Measures included self-reported viewing and engagement with police misconduct content on social media, internet, and traditional media platforms, as …

The Dance Of Human Affairs: Public Administration Leaders’ Perceptions Of Candor’S Impact On A Sense Of Belonging, Aaron Dimmock

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines public administration leaders’ perceptions within the executive branch of the state government studied to determine if the components of radical candor, care personally and challenge directly, are associated with the sense of belonging in a public administration setting. Questions from surveys conducted by the state government studied were used to create the variables analyzed in this study. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study to apply components from the Radical Candor® Framework to determine a relationship with sense of belonging in a public administration setting.

The significance of these components was tested through a quantitative, …

Identification Of Mechanisms Associated With Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Use For Weight Control In Young Adults, Gabrielle Maldonado

Theses and Dissertations

Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use continues to rise among young adults in the United States, raising public health concerns as the harmful effects of ENDS continue to rise while tailored cessation programs lag. Weight control motives may drive ENDS initiation and frequent use, particularly among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations, who report higher ENDS use, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors than those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. Understanding these behaviors, their mechanisms, and at-risk populations is critical for improving public health. Seven hundred and eight young adults (ages 18–30; M = 26, SD = 3.3) reporting …

Exploring The Stem Career Identity Development Of Black Women Across Their Lifespan, Veronica Hurd

Theses and Dissertations

Although STEM is the fastest-growing career sector, Black women are grossly underrepresented as they account for 2.5% of the workforce. Research highlights that this underrepresentation is due to racialized structures in K-12, postsecondary, and career settings that restrict Black girls’ and women’s STEM opportunities. While macrosystems such as hegemonic ideologies, attitudes, and social conditions shape Black girls’ and women’s opportunities in STEM, they continue to persist and achieve their career goals. To explore these barriers and Black women’s persistence in this industry, this study draws from the autobiographical memories of 10 Black women in the field or formerly in the …

Using A Dimension Reduction Approach To Parse Heterogeneity In Dietary Restriction, Amanda Makara

Theses and Dissertations

Dietary restriction, the problematic reduction of caloric or macronutrient intake, is a critical eating behavior occurring transdiagnostically across eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating. The definition of dietary restriction is highly heterogeneous, and restriction is often conflated with other distinct constructs, such as dietary restraint. The current practices related to the definition and measurement of dietary restriction have notable flaws, negatively impacting the ability to identify and establish risk, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders. There is also limited evidence that commonly-used dietary restriction measures can validly predict food choice and objective intake. These issues raise questions about whether dietary …

Examining Mental Health Providers’ Differential Sensitivity To Youth And Caregiver Treatment Engagement Problems By Studying Clinical Decision-Making Behaviors, Wendy Chu

Theses and Dissertations

Clinical decision-making is a systematic process of collecting and using information to guide action regarding client care. Across frameworks of clinical decision-making, there is an emphasis on the assessment of a problem – which involves considering, identifying, and selecting a problem – as it directly informs intervention. In youth mental health services, problems related to treatment engagement or the ability to meaningfully participate in services are important to assess given their association with premature termination and poor outcomes. However, research suggests that assessment of engagement problems may be challenging, and one potential reason pertains to providers’ ability to assess across …

Integrating School Mental Health Services: How Therapeutic Alliance May Improve Outcomes In A Mental Health Literacy Intervention, Alena Quinn

Theses and Dissertations

The youth mental health crisis continues to face persistent barriers of stigma, workforce shortages, and fragmented service delivery systems. Schools play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, as youth are six times more likely to access mental health services in schools than in community settings. Frameworks such as the Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) and the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) have improved access and quality of school-based mental health services through integration and partnership efforts. However, stigma remains a persistent barrier for seeking help and perpetuating untreated mental health difficulties. Research has found that mental health literacy (MHL) …

Iq Trends In Preschoolers With Autism And Co-Occurring Developmental Delay Are Associated With Autism Severity Not Anxiety, Chandler Elizabeth Knott

Theses and Dissertations

Intellectual functioning constitutes a significant source of heterogeneity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, little is known about how intellectual functioning manifests over development in preschool children with non-syndromic ASD (nsASD) and co-occurring global developmental delay (GDD) or how this relates to functionally impairing co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety. Study participants included 57 children with nsASD and co-occurring global developmental delay (ASD+GDD), 24 categorized with mild GDD, and 33 categorized with moderate GDD. Drawing on dynamic systems theory, the present study explored developmental trends within the context of multiple complex systems, including intelligence, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning. Moderated …

Social Support And Gratitude In Adolescents: An Exploratory Study, Mimi Webb Kurtz

Theses and Dissertations

Dispositional gratitude is a construct associated with numerous benefits in youth. However, existing research has primarily focused on the outcomes of gratitude, with limited exploration of the underlying factors that may contribute to individual differences in its development. Because gratitude is considered malleable, identifying key factors associated with its growth in youth is essential. The present study aims to address this gap by exploring perceived social support as a presumed antecedent of dispositional gratitude in older adolescents. Cross-sectional, self-report data and structural equation modeling were used to assess the relationship of perceived social support with gratitude levels among high school …

Cerebellar Contributions To Speech And Clinical Outcomes In Stroke: A Multimodal Investigation Of Structural Integrity Across Chronic And Acute Cohorts, Makayla Joy Gibson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the critical role of the cerebellum in speech production, with a focus on chronic post-stroke apraxia of speech (AOS), lesion-related cerebellar degeneration, and age-related changes in cerebellar structure among healthy individuals. While speech deficits have traditionally been attributed to cortical lesions, mounting evidence suggests that the cerebellum contributes significantly to speech-motor planning, execution, and error correction. Using multimodal neuroimaging, lesion-symptom mapping, and standardized speech assessments, this research examines cerebellar gray matter volume (GMV) across three complementary studies.

Aim 1 evaluates the association between cerebellar GMV and AOS severity in individuals with chronic left hemisphere stroke. Findings support …

Examining Effects Of A Cultural And Family Resilience Program On Improving Physical Activity And Eating Behaviors Among Overweight Black Adolescents, Mary Quattlebaum

Theses and Dissertations

Black adolescents have higher rates of physical inactivity, lower quality dietary intake, and fewer family meals compared to their White peers. These health inequities place Black adolescents at greater risk for overweight and obesity, as well as long-term health consequences, including chronic disease and early mortality. However, few health promotion programs have been successful in improving health behaviors among Black adolescents and families. Elevated rates of chronic stress, namely racial stress, among Black families may be a prominent obstacle for engagement in and effectiveness of health promotion initiatives. Limited family-based health promotion programs with Black families have incorporated cultural and …

The Effects Of Schema Therapy On Shame In Victims Of Intimate Partner Violence, Annette Ibarra Skeen

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in the United States and worldwide. Despite the deleterious effects of IPV on personal and societal wellness, there is limited research on effective interventions for IPV victims. Among the detrimental effects of IPV on mental health, shame is a common emotion experienced by IPV victims. Shame can contribute to an array of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidality. Using a multiple baseline, singe case design, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Schema Therapy (ST) on shame on IPV victims. Based …

The Effects Of Physical Exercise On Emotion Dysregulation In Postsecondary Students With And Without Adhd, Elizabeth Bodalski

Theses and Dissertations

Emotion dysregulation is a common issue among college students with ADHD, and emotion dysregulation in adults with ADHD is associated with many negative outcomes including higher levels of psychological distress and social impairment, poorer functioning at school and work, greater symptoms of anxiety and depression, and lower quality of life. Past work suggests that physical exercise can be useful in treating core ADHD symptoms for children and adolescents with ADHD, but less is known about its effects for young adults with ADHD. Exercise has been shown to be effective in targeting emotion dysregulation among the general adult population. Some work …

Cultural Preservation Through Promotion: Marketing The Muscogee Way, Stephanie Lawson

Theses and Dissertations

Cultural tourism is on the rise. According to UNESCO (2021), cultural tourism accounts for 40% of global tourism and is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. Today, travelers worldwide seek authentic experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures, learn about ancient history, and engage in unique cultural activities. Meanwhile, Indigenous tourism experiences are also a growing trend in the tourism industry. Indigenous tourism is growing by 4% annually, and this growth is projected to continue until 2034 (Future Market Insights, 2024). The rising popularity of cultural and Indigenous tourism presents a unique opportunity for Native …

Cross-Cultural Narratives: A Comparative Analysis Of "Yo Soy Betty, La Fea" And "Ugly Betty", Marcos Falck Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the cross-cultural adaptation of the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea (1999–2001) into the American dramedy Ugly Betty (2006–2010), by analyzing how the latter reimagined the original narrative to address U.S.-specific cultural dynamics. Through qualitative analysis and literature review of the narrative structure, this study shows how “Ugly Betty” expanded its predecessor’s critique of beauty standards to explore Latino identity, multiculturalism, and workplace diversity in America. While both series center on an unconventional protagonist navigating the fashion industry, “Ugly Betty” uniquely foregrounds the experiences of a Mexican American family, offering nuanced depictions of immigration, cultural assimilation, …

Boosting Three Dog Bakery’S Social Media Presence Through Short-Form Vertical Videos, Mary Litz

Theses and Dissertations

This professional project explores how consistent, short-form vertical video content can enhance the social media performance of Three Dog Bakery, a boutique pet store in Columbus, Georgia. As the bakery’s social media manager, I implemented a one-month video campaign using storytelling-based, behind-the-scenes videos featuring the owner and the baking process. Drawing on transformational message strategy and best practices in social media marketing, the campaign aimed to increase reach, views, engagement, and viewer retention on Instagram.

Throughout the campaign, six videos were posted and various strategies were tested, including optimal posting times, video lengths, and hooks. Results showed a 45.4% increase …

Exploring Advancement Department Staff Perspectives On Strategic Communication And Philanthropic Donor Giving At Public Universities, Miranda Hodges

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated advancement staff perspectives on how donor communication impacts philanthropic giving at higher education institutions. The purpose of this study was to identify the communication practices that are most influential for philanthropic donor giving. While prior research has examined university marketing efforts, why alumni give back, and how affinity for a university compels donors to give, there is a research gap in how strategic communication impacts donor behavior at public universities. Eight university advancement staff members (N=8) from public universities across the Southeast United States were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed via semi-structured interviews. After interviews, …

Social Reproduction And Teen Pregnancy: A Comparative Case Study Of Six Rural Georgia, E'Nariel Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Teen pregnancy remains a persistent public health concern in the United States, with rural regions experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to urban areas. This study examines adolescent pregnancy in six rural Georgia counties between 20125 and 2024 using the framework of social reproduction to understand how structural, socioeconomic, and cultural forces shape reproductive outcomes. Despite national declines in teen birth rates, rural regions of Georgia continue to exhibit elevated rates due to entrenched inequalities, limited access to comprehensive reproductive health services, and inconsistent sed education policies. Social reproduction theory provides a lens to understand how intergeneration disadvantages such as poverty, …

Refining Albert O. Hirschman’S Model: High-Performance Employee Covert Behavior Toward Organizational Identity Change, Lisa Christine Bahar

Theses and Dissertations

This explanatory single case study revisited economist and philosopher Albert O. Hirschman’s (1970) exit, voice, and loyalty (EVL) model to explore two covert scenarios, which included how and why a high-performance employee stays silent and turns to apathy and neglect amid organizational identity change. A case study focused on Elon Musk’s Twitter, Inc. takeover was selected with a cross-case analysis procedure for validation and reliability. The unit of analysis was one high-performance employee and one organization that both served as an archetype for each unit. The study focused on occurrences before and during the takeover from June 2019 through July …

Consumer Satisfaction & Complaint Resolution In The Los Angeles Home Improvement Industry, Aimee Joy

Theses and Dissertations

Home has many layers of meaning as does the term, home improvement. The first and most common way of thinking about home is the structure in which we reside. For decades the American dream has involved home ownership. It is important to understand both the emotional and financial value of having a shelter and structure to call home. Losing this can be one of the most stressful events in life. The fires in Los Angeles County during the beginning of 2025 impacted thousands of people. Individuals, families, and communities were disrupted and forced to rebuild as well as reconsider what …

Navigating Leadership As A Black Woman In The United States Space Industry: An Exploration, Rogena Thurber

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the ontological perspectives and leadership experiences of Black women in the U.S. space industry, employing an intersectionality conceptual framework. The research aimed to understand how Black women navigated their paths to leadership at the intersection of gender and race within Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in the U.S. Space Industry (USSI).

Following a pilot phase to refine the research approach, eight one-hour, one-on-one interviews were conducted with Black women leaders from seven major USSI organizations in Southern California (LibGuides, n.d.). The study probed participants' leadership approaches, educational backgrounds, access to opportunities, and professional development experiences.

Emotional Intelligence …

Culturally Specific Interventions And Indigenous Practices In Correctional And Forensic Settings: A Systematic Review, Jordyne James

Theses and Dissertations

While professional guidelines, legislation and research emphasize the importance of adapting treatment approaches to patient characteristics and culture (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021, 2019; Correctional Service of Canada [CSC], 2013; Canadian Psychological Association [CPA], 2017; Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA], 2021), psychological and forensic research and practice related to culturally specific programming lags behind expectations to meet the needs of ethnically diverse clients. Given the continued overrepresentation of minorities within forensic institutions (Aguiar, 2020; Carter & Forsyth, 2007; Hanser & Gomila, 2015; Leguizamo et al., 2018), this systematic review aimed to raise awareness of culturally-specific interventions and Indigenous practices …

Assessing The “Plateaus” Vertical Development Model With A New Likert Scale Instrument, Mark Divine

Theses and Dissertations

This research project will focus on the assessment of the Five Plateaus (Plateaus) vertical leadership development model with a newly constructed Likert Scale instrument. Part one of the research project was a pilot study to create a simple, internet-based instrument. The scale, comprised of 100 questions and completed in 30 minutes, assesses participants' self- perceived stage of development as presented in the Plateaus vertical development model. The instrument was designed to capture the experience of participants and to overcome limitations of existing assessments by mitigating the subjectivity of sentence completion instruments, as well as to enhance efficiency and reliability. The …

Polarization And Civil Discourse In America: A Case Study Of Respectful Dialogue As A Moderating Influence On Generation Z, Liane Weintraub

Theses and Dissertations

Animosity between opposing political parties is longstanding, but the phenomenon is now acutely pervasive and dangerous. Today, polarization is further fueled by social media algorithms that create echo chambers, limiting discourse about diverse viewpoints. Consequently, polarization has become pernicious and threatens the founding principles of American democracy. This dissertation considers the roles of free speech, civility, and social capital in the US polarization problem. Through an exploration of historical scholarship on virtue, ethics, and civility, the study seeks to identify actionable tools for promoting civil discourse. The dissertation investigates Generation Z (Gen Z), focusing on intergenerational differences, the role of …

Leading Organizational Learning Through Stories In U.S. “Big Technology” Companies, Stephanie R. Voss

Theses and Dissertations

Storytelling is becoming increasingly influential across various domains, particularly in executive education and leadership development, where it plays a crucial role in the concept of leadership as performance (Gonzalez & Chakraborty, 2012). Storytelling in the classroom setting provides an opportunity for learners to embed elements of narrative and identity in classroom pedagogy (Edwards et al., 2013). In the professional context, employees construct meaning in their workplace by hearing and/or participating in stories (Echeverria et al., 2017).

This qualitative exploratory study investigates the influence of storytelling in driving organizational learning. The research focuses on the U.S. Big Technology (Tech) sector, home …

The Phenomenon Of Collaborative Leadership At Gensler: Work-Life Balance Of Co-Leaders, Chidimma Abuka

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of co-leaders operating within a male-female leadership dyad, with a particular focus on how collaborative leadership influences work-life balance. As organizations increasingly explore shared leadership as a strategy for adaptability and innovation, the co-leadership model - defined by the equal sharing of roles and responsibilities - offers a compelling alternative to traditional hierarchical leadership structures. Grounded in shared leadership theory (Pearce & Conger, 2003) and dual leadership theory (Hasija et al., 2017), this study examines the dynamics of co-leadership within a global architecture and design firm, shedding light on the …

Assessment And Treatment Outcomes Of Women Experiencing Miscarriage And Pregnancy Loss: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Hanieh Fakhrai

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review examined the assessment tools, mental health outcomes, supportive resources, and intervention strategies related to women experiencing miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Despite affecting 10-20% of recognized pregnancies, the psychological impact of miscarriage is often overlooked in healthcare settings. Following PRISMA guidelines, 18 studies published between 2010-2021 from diverse international contexts were systematically analyzed. Findings revealed significant mental health consequences, including depression (prevalence 31-48.8%), anxiety (2.4-61%), and PTSD symptoms (14.7-43.9%). Risk factors for adverse outcomes included previous mental health conditions, history of infertility, multiple pregnancy losses, and difficulty finding meaning. Women identified helpful, supportive resources, including internet forums, sensitive …

Rewriting The Climb: How Black Women Leaders Illuminate The Gaps In Organizational Advancement Efforts, Leslie Williams

Theses and Dissertations

As another generation of Black women enter the workforce (Gen Z being the most recent as of this writing), organizations face a critical opportunity to reimagine how they identify, develop, and elevate leadership talent. Despite decades of progress in gender equality, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles. While organizational programs, such as mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development initiatives have aimed to close this gap, their effectiveness in advancing Black women remains inconsistent and under examined. This qualitative study examines to what extent organization programs and initiatives address or fail to address the unique barriers faced by Black …