Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Mood On Error Processing, Alexander Gray, Michael J. Larson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

In mood-induced states, anxious participants were most attentive, happy and calm participants were intermediately attentive, and sad participants least attentive. This study investigates if participants in mood-induced states will demonstrate ERN amplitudes that correspond to the outcomes demonstrated in the above study in which greater attentiveness should correspond to larger ERN amplitudes and visa versa.

Moral Conceptions And Parent-Adolescent Congruence: What Does It Mean To Be A Moral Person?, Ryan J. Funk, Sam Hardy

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

In recent years scholars have argued for the importance of greater understanding naturalistic conceptions of moral maturity (Walker & Pitts, 1998). However, given the limited work done thus far in this area, we still know very little about how these conceptions of morality develop. Further, most prior studies of lay conceptions of morality have involved adults (e.g., Smith, Smith, & Christopher, 2007; Walker & Pitts, 1998). Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between adolescent’s conceptions of morality and how it relates to their parents’.

Parent-Adolescent Attachment As A Mediator Of Relations Between Parenting And Adolescent Social Behavior And Well-Being In China, Mengfei Cai, Blake Hudson, Ashley Maag, Sam Hardy

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

The study of adolescents’ attachment to parents and its relation to adolescents' well-being has received increasing attention in recent years. But the mechanic in this relation and even in the whole working pattern is still not very clear---not only in western background, but also in eastern culture. This study examined how parenting dimensions (authoritative, psychological control, and over-protecting) relate to adolescent outcomes (self-esteem, autonomy, and peer relationships) by way of parent-teen attachment, among Chinese families.

Parental Involvement Among Immigrants: Examining Group Differences Of Latent Means Using Categorical Data, Wade C. Jacobsen, Joseph Olsen

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Bourdieu’smodel of cultural and social reproduction suggests that parents of mainstream backgrounds possess higher levels of cultural and social capital, thus magnifying their level of participation in their children’s educations. Previous studies supporting this theory, have categorized parents of racial-ethnic minorities by pan-ethnic categories (Black, Asian, Hispanic, etc.). This study is one of the first to explore parental involvement levels of parents from different nationalities.

Predictors And Outcomes Of Work-Family Conflict: A U.S. And Singapore Cross-Cultural Comparison, Lydia A. Buswell, Adam M. Galovan, Tamara A. Fackrell, Blake L. Jones

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

This paper examines the predictors and outcomes of work-family conflict in a cross-cultural comparison between nationally-representative samples from the United States (N = 1870) and Singapore (N = 1035). As expected, schedule flexibility was positively related to mental health in the United States, but in Singapore the relationship was negative. Likewise, work-to-family conflict was negatively related to marital satisfaction in the United States, however, it was positively related to marital satisfaction in Singapore. Similarly, family-to-work conflict was positively related to job satisfaction in United States, but was negatively related in Singapore. The findings suggest that theoretical relationships in the work-family …

Religion's Influence On Adolescent's Self-Esteem, Diane M. Bowns, Benjamin R. Malczyk, Rachel Dodge, Randal Day

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Self-esteem, or mattering, is important as it has been found to be positively related to things like perceived social support and school performance for adolescents (Elliott, Kao & Grant 2004). We wonder if an adolescent’s self-esteem is specifically affected by his religiosity. Plante and Boccaccini (1997) used the SCSORF Questionnaire and found that stronger faith promoted lighter interpersonal sensitivity, greater belief in personal control and higher self-esteem. Likewise, Ellison (1991) asserts that those with strong religiosity report higher self-esteem; yet Bahr and Martin (1983) report that there was little relationship between religiosity and self-esteem. In our study we test to …

Service-Learning In Emerging Adulthood: Positive Development And Outcomes, Katie E. Rasmussen, Larry Nelson, Laura M. Padilla-Walker

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

The current study qualitatively examined positive development and outcomes during emerging adulthood specifically in the context of service-learning experience in the Romania International Internship program. We hypothesized that compared with emerging adults who do not participate in service-learning experiences, those who do participate develop more positive outcomes including (1) more positive self-perceptions, (2) greater identity development, and (3) achievement of criteria deemed necessary for adulthood.

Service-Learning: Does It Matter?, Katie E. Rasmussen, David Nelson, Jason Carroll, Sarah Coyne

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

We hypothesized that those who participated in service-learning experiences, relative to the comparison groups, would experience greater growth in self-perceptions or valuing of religious identity (RI), cultural awareness (CA), balanced living (BL), lifelong learning (LL), and critical thinking (CT). We also expected study abroad participants to experience more growth than our control group participants, given the demands and opportunities of an international experience.

The New User: Revisiting The Digital Divide, David S. Lassen, David Magleby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Though many scholars and commentators are optimistic about the influence of the Internet on American political culture, some decry the presence of a “digital divide” wherein individuals of higher socioeconomic status have greater access to online political tools. I argue that this is an unnecessarily limited view of online political behavior and that analyses of online political engagement should go beyond questions of access to include considerations of individual preference. Using the results from a new survey of 2008 campaign donors, I find that differences between online and offline political participators are largely skill-and interest-based, not demographic. I also present …

To Stay Or To Leave: Factors Which Predict Women's Tolerance Of Abusive Relationships, Melinda Cook, Lauren Woodward, Bert Burraston

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

This study focuses on domestic violence victimization, specifically partner abuse towards women. Domestic violence is a major problem in the United States with far reaching consequences. Some estimates have shown that nearly 2 million women in the United States are severely assaulted by their significant others each year. A major problem that researchers face is, why do these women stay? If they are in an abusive relationship, why would they not end it? There is no definitive answer presented in prior research as to why women choose to leave or to stay in abusive relationships. This study seeks to identify …

Male Dating Initiation At Byu, Lara A. Jubber, Jessica Hansen, Tamara Fackrell, Thomas B. Holman

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Through qualitative dating analysis, we interviewed 12 males from BYU and found several patterns regarding dating initiation. First, there was perceived male responsibility to initiate the date. Second, there were expectations that females should be straightforward with their interest. Third, males expressed concern about their readiness for marriage and the pressures for marriage. Fourth, dating is viewed as a game with rules that vary depending on the participant.

Why Are You Nice? Relational And Dispositional Correlates Of Adolescent Prosocial Behavior, Noelle L. Pitcher, Drew Egan, Julie Lutz, Brent Black

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

IntroductionProsocialbehavior is defined as voluntary behavior to help and benefit another (Padilla-Walker & Christensen, in press). Most research looking at adolescent’s prosocialbehavior has taken a dispositional approach, meaning adolescents help people because of their personal traits such as empathy (Krevans & Gibbs, 1996), and values (Bardi& Schwartz, 2003). In addition, the majority of research focuses on prosocialbehavior toward strangers. There is also research showing that adolescents are more frequently prosocialtoward friends and family than toward strangers (Padilla-Walker & Christensen, in press). Thus, recent studies have turned their attention to a relational approach of prosocialdevelopment. This approach states that adolescents are …

Self Indulgence...Competition For The Relational Dollar, Jeff Finch, Keshia Lai, Ivan Beutler

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Little is known about the development and the possible malleable nature of adolescent money and relational aspirations. This research examines the patterns and tradeoffs observed between money aspirations of youth from two disparate communities: Alaska—Prince William Sound, Utah—Wasatch Front

Marital Ideals, Franklin O. Poulsen, Kyle Reid, Thomas B. Holman

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

There is a scant but growing literature exploring how marital ideals influence dating and marriage among young Americans. This research indicates that a person’s marital ideals are predictive of marital success (Fletcher, Simpson, & Thomas, 2000), and that similarity in ideals especially those that are value based help ensure positive marital outcomes (Acitelli, Kenny & Weiner, 2001). Americans in particular are looking for a partner who is caring, social, a good communicator, involved in a career, independent, family-oriented, and intelligent. (Knobloch-Fedders& Knudson, 2009). In this study we were interested in exploring a conceptual model that includes the source of marital …

Marital Quality And Risk Factors For Chd, Rebecca Wallace, Nicole Barber, Bryan J. Jensen, Paige Vella

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Epidemiological research indicates that marriage may significantly protect individuals from various causes of morbidity and mortality including cardiovascular disease6,7. There is also growing evidence that marital quality may be equally if not more important than marital status. While married individuals have greater health benefits relative to unmarried individuals, unhappily married individuals may be worse off than unmarried8-10. For instance, marital distress has been associated with a 2 to 3 fold increase in the risk of heart disease11and for recurrent coronary events12.

Making It: A Comparison Of Hispanic And Asian Immigrants' Annual Income, Ben Harrison, Deborah Erickson, Ham Mitala, Lauren Vanderhorst

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Research indicates that the number of immigrants in U.S. in 2006 was 37.5 million. The purpose of this study was to examine if Asian or Hispanic immigrants had a higher income and the factors that influence these differences. To gain a foundation on the subject the researches reviewed literature completed on Asian and Hispanic immigrants to the U.S. They discovered that Asians are considered the model minority by the American public. The researchers then looked at the New Immigrant Survey (NIS) from Princeton University done in 2003 and 2004. The variables explored are ethnicity, income, education, documentation, gender, and English …

Modern-Day Conceptions Of Marriage In Visakhapatnam, India: “Bridging The Gap” Between Globalized Young Women And Their Parents, Courtney E. Petersen, Charles Nuckolls

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Though the globalization of Visakhapatnam is causing a drastic shift in how university-age women understand and relate to current marriage practices and the power relationships associated with them, I propose that the tensions resulting from this change can be overcome through a revived importance placed on communication between the young woman and her parents.

We Are Widows, We Are Women: The Oral Histories Of Low Caste Indian Widows And How They Maintain A Sense Of Self In The Face Of Social Role Change, Suzanne Powell, Charles Nuckolls, Valerie Hudson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Despite having social widowhood imposed upon them, these wides are able to create a continuance of self by taking a conscious stand on their new role through utilizing value systems they maintained prior to widowhood and by giving personal meaning to the prescribed rites and behaviors associated with widowhood.

Parents Raising A Child With Type 1 Diabetes: Experiences And Recommendations For Services, Joan Leishman, Ann Jubber, Colette Dalton, Stacey Mork

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Twenty parents raising a child with type 1 diabetes participated in one hour focus groups. Parents identified challenges related to having a child with diabetes and possible recommendations for services to overcome those challenges.

Predictors Of Performance Monitoring Abilities Following Traumatic Brain Injury: The Influence Of Negative Affect, Cognitive Dysfunction, And Injury Severity, Joseph E. Fair, Michael J. Larson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Survivors of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often demonstrate impairments in cognitive control and performance monitoring. Performance monitoring is a cognitive control process modulated by both cognitive and affective variables. Performance monitoring functions can be evaluated using the error-related negativity (ERN) and post-error positivity (Pe) components of the event-related potential (ERP).

Rising To The Top (And Hitting Rock Bottom): A Look Into The Relationship Between Promotion And Depression, Karen Spence, Cori Murphy, Blake Torgerson, Jessica Thompson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

A job promotion or an increase in supervisory responsibility is typically seen as something to be congratulated; but could there actually be a dark side to it? Due to few previous studies regarding this topic in relation to women and mothers, the subject was of great interest to us. Our findings revealed that job change and increased supervisory responsibilities had a negative association with depression levels. Marriage, number of children, and dual-earner households were also negatively associated with levels of depression. Women with more children also had significantly lower levels of depression than men or women without children. Further research …

The Positive Effects Of Video Gaming Within Families, Maren K. Christiansen, Sarah Lewis, Jesse Croskrey, Meredith Mehner

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Although in the past, research on video games has focused on the negative aspects, our study examines the positive influence of video games if used in the right context. Though co-playing, spending time together, and aiming for a common goal, family connectedness and other good outcomes could be expected to increase (Aarsand, 2007). In sum, our study seeks to find any potential for the enhancement of family relationships through the use of video games.

The Realty Of Inequality, Aimee Farnsworth, Valerie Hudson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Although women’s property and inheritance rights are recognized in international law, women in many countries still lack the ability to own or inherit property, either by law or by the trumping of law in practice. The increasing number of women as heads of household who are in critical need of land and property for economic security is a particular concern in the developing world, and a major factor for the progress of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (United Nations 2009). Even where laws are present, the rift between property rights and actual ownership is immense. Discrepancies between statutory and …

Not All Aid Flows Are Created Equal: An Analysis Of The Allocation Of Foreign Aid To Combat Infectious Diseases, Shane W. Dayton, Sven Wilson

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

The developing world is plagued by infectious diseases. Controlling infectious diseases will reduce suffering and promote economic development. Foreign aid donors fund projects for developing countries to help combat infectious diseases. However, foreign aid is not always allocated based on need. Often, it is given for political and strategic reasons1. With respect to aid for the health sector, the research has focused primarily on the global-disease level and not on the country-disease level. The limited research on the latter suggests that donors are responding to need2. The focus of my research is to examine the allocation of foreign aid specifically …

Income And Health Outcomes: Revisiting The Income-Health Gradient, Craig H. Carter, Mark Showalter

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Much of the current debate surrounding health care is centered on the perception that the socio-economically disadvantaged are less healthy than their richer counterparts. This idea, known as the income-health gradient, has been studied heavily in the academic literature and this poster is an update of one such study conducted by Case et al. in 2002. In their study, the researchers found that those with lower incomes also have lower self-reported health scores, and that this relationship not only persists, but actually worsens, as people get older. Using updated data, I found that this problem is still very prevalent in …

Adjustment To Correctional Confinement: Investigating The Correlates Of Violence And Disorder In A Jail Environment, Fred W. Meyer Iii

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the individual- and institutional-level variables that are correlated with violence and disorder within a jail facility. Previous research indicates that deviant behavior is one of the main challenges that negatively impacts the safe and effective management of correctional facilities. While many studies have been conducted on prison populations, few studies have focused upon jail populations. Using official institutional data, this study explores the factors associated with general infractions and violent misconduct among a stratified random sample of inmates (n=447) incarcerated during a one year period in a large county jail facility. The logistic regression and conjunctive analyses …

The Efficacy Of Emotional And Instructional Support (Eis) Training And Consultation On Head Start Teacher-Child Interactions, Rory Brown Sipp

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There is an increased need for quality in the field of early care and education and, teachers interactions with his or her students are the catalyst for providing and ensuring quality within early childhood environments (La Paro, Pianta, & Hamre, 2008). The study examined the effect of training and consultation on Head Start teacher and child interactions as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System, also known as the CLASS.

Twenty-one Head Start teachers located in Southern Nevada served as participants in the study where non-threatening and evidence based training and consultation was provided over six weeks. Trainings were provided …

Expressive Writing: A Technique For Improving Communication In Individuals With Autism And Related Disorders, Taryn G. Aldrich

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

This capstone provides a survey of personally expressive writing approaches in psychology and composition and rhetoric, followed by an overview of symptoms and treatments of autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and ReH Syndrome. A series of graduated expressive writing exercises is proposed to facilitate communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. These exercises are intended to serve as a complement to traditional autism therapies.

Employment Of People With Disabilities In Georgia Local Governments: Identifying Barriers To Employment, Natasha Singh, Laura Creamer

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

One in five Americans lives with a disability, yet this group has one of the highest unemployment rates. Over the years, many surveys have been conducted to understand the reasons for the high unemployment rate facing this group. Nearly all these studies have concentrated on the private sector, indentifying various barriers to employment including: lack of knowledge and awareness among employers, legal and safety concerns, financial issues, lack of recruitment strategies, limited social relationships among people with disabilities, potential attendance problems, and conflicting government programs. Among the myriad of obstacles facing people with disabilities, these are just some of the …

Immediate Aftercare Program For Survivors And Families Of Homicide Victims: The Case Of Cobb County Government, Susan B. Stern

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

Cobb County, Georgia is a rapidly growing, upscale, suburban county in the metro-Atlanta region. However, the County lacks the ability to provide a comprehensive array of services to family members of homicide victims and other non-natural death cases. While various counseling and service programs exist in the area, there is no singular focus on the delivery of services to homicide survivors, families, and friends. Other than the general information provided to surviving family members by the Medical Examiner’s Office at the time of death, there is little to no emphasis currently placed on services to or the needs of those …