Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Towards A Theory Of Sobriety Barriers: The Development Of A Novel Measure Of Alcohol Sobriety Barriers, Lindsay L. Arader

Theses and Dissertations

At present, there is no formal theory of barriers to sobriety from alcohol, and subsequently no standardized way to assess such barriers in the population. The goal of the current study was to formalize both a sobriety barriers theory and sobriety barriers measure via psychometric analysis. Researchers designed a sobriety barriers theory based on available literature, generated a multidimensional item-set representing this theory, administered the item-set to a sample of 1,187 respondents (56.4% female), and evaluated the extent to which the structure and contents of the item-set corresponded to the proposed theory using psychometric analysis. Structural analyses revealed a bifactor …

Comparison Of Professional Impressions Of Hikikomori Across Cultures: A Secondary Data Analysis, Marko Lamela

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impressions of two hikikomori vignettes by professionals across different countries to determine possible similarities or differences across countries. Originally viewed as a cultural disorder, hikikomori has been observed in different countries. This study used an existing data set of a 2010 study to review diagnostic impressions using the ICD-10 and DSM-IV-TR coding systems, as well as a free response. Additionally, this study reviewed professional impressions on the best treatment for hikikomori. This study reviewed these responses based on country of origin and cultural type. A correlation was found between ICD-10 and DSM-IV-TR diagnosis, country, and cultural …

Change In Blame Attributions As A Mediator Of Symptom Reduction In Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Michelle Cusumano

Theses and Dissertations

Youth exposed to interpersonal violence often develop maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions about the event(s), the world, and themselves. These maladaptive cognitions have robust associations with onset and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and internalizing symptoms (Mitchell et al., 2017). Growing literature suggests changes in cognitions, particularly appraisals about control, vulnerability, and personal change following trauma exposure, serve as a mechanism of change in trauma-specific psychotherapy interventions for youth (Meiser-Stedman et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2007). Little research has examined change in blame attributions as a mediator of treatment outcome, despite their importance in understanding how youth process their trauma …

Identity Denial And Food Choice: Do Chinese Americans Reassert Their American Identity Through Food?, Shelagh Mahbubani

Theses and Dissertations

Food choice is impacted by a variety of different factors, including cultural, social and socioeconomic (Chen & Antonelli, 2020; Contento, 2008; Rozin, 2015). Food choice has a major impact on an individual’s health, and research has shown an association between the prototypical “American diet” and an increased risk for health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke (Liu et al., 2020). One important social factor that can influence food choice is the desire to appear as a prototypical member of a social group (Cruwys et al., 2012). For example, when an individual’s social identity is questioned (identity threat), they may …

Developing Policies For The Ethical Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education And Libraries, April Sheppard, Matthew Mayton

Staff and Faculty Scholarship

This presentation will provide sample artificial intelligence policy language from various higher education institutions and academic libraries. Topics covered will include the acceptable use of AI in the classroom, the role of faculty in making AI-related decisions, syllabus statements, AI use and detection, AI literacy, and library policies regarding AI. Participants will be able to compare and contrast policies to help them develop their own policies that work for their unique organization.

Discursive Exclusion Of Chinese Americans:A Case Study Of New York City’S Political Media Landscape, Andrew G. White Iv

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to answer the following question: Between November 2020 and November 2021, were Chinese Americans discursively excluded from New York City’s political media landscape? The Chinese American experience has been punctuated with countless examples of faith and investment in the American ideal. Despite that fact, it has also been marred with periods in which that faith was tested and in which the return on their investment fell short of expectations. To arrive at this study’s findings, a summative content analysis of two-hundred-forty-three news articles was conducted. To reinforce these findings, a subsequent, discursive analysis, of …

Examination Of Reading Motivation Levels And Associated Factors In Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Adolescents, Sarah Carlton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine self-rated levels of reading motivation and reading activity among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Adolescents and the relationship to overall Language Arts skills. This study is framed by social learning theory and self-determination theory. DHH Adolescents (n=38), between the ages of 11 and 17, with bilateral hearing loss, located in Southern California participated in the study. Data collection included administration of the Motivation for Reading Questionnaire (MRQ), Reading Activity Inventory (RAI) and a demographic survey. Phase 2 included a focus group of Phase 1 participants (n=5). Survey data was analyzed quantitatively for mean …

Is The Juridical Field Of Environmental Law In India Gendered? A Study Of Environmental Justice In Goa Through An Ecofeminist Lens, Shweta Dilip Singh Sinha

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study is to examine whether the “juridical field,” as defined by Bourdieu, of environmental law in India (Goa), is gendered. As per Bourdieu, the legal field is neither as neutral nor as autonomous as the legal profession asserts it is. It relies heavily on the juridical practices of universalization, appropriation, and naming or categorization in order to constantly reimagine and negotiate its own boundaries. This study examines these juridical practices including acts of symbolic violence committed in the process of ‘naming’ or ‘defining’ within legal terms extra-legal concepts, mainly environmental toponyms, such as, ‘“forest,” “CRZ” (Coastal …

A Meta-Analysis Of Grief-Focused Interventions For Bereaved Children And Adolescents: Examining The State Of The Literature And Moderators Of Treatment Effect, Emily C. Hockenberry

Theses and Dissertations

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents face a greater need than ever for effective mental healthcare to address distressing and disabling emotional and behavioral reactions that can occur following the death of a significant person in their lives. However, current evaluations of grief-focused interventions for bereaved youth are limited by a lack of consensus regarding how to define and measure grief symptoms in children and adolescents, a lack of clarity regarding grief-specific effects compared with effects on other forms of psychopathology, and limited power to detect moderators of intervention effect. The present meta-analysis evaluated the pooled …

Clinicians’ Attitudes Towards Using Cognitive Restructuring With Individuals At The End-Of-Life, Daniel H. Lydon

Theses and Dissertations

This cross-sectional study involving 156 clinicians explores the influence of personal factors on psychotherapy interventions and clinicians’ decisions to engage with individuals at the end-of-life (EOL) in psychotherapy. Extending qualitative research on perceived barriers to applying CBT in cancer care, this quantitative investigation delves into death anxiety, attitudes toward Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and clinician distress tolerance in predicting the use, comfort, and confidence in applying cognitive restructuring (CR) with individuals at the EOL. Clinicians read a vignette of a terminally ill patient who is presenting as distressed and reporting several different irrational beliefs. Clinicians were then asked about their …

Does Dbt-Informed Treatment Address Comorbid Symptoms Of Social Anxiety For Adolescent Eating Disorder Patients In A Day Program? Exploring Emotion Regulation As A Mechanism For Change, Megan Bisanzo

Theses and Dissertations

Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN), often begin in adolescence and can be extremely challenging to treat effectively (Dawson, 2018; Martin & Golden 2014; Robatto et al., 2024). Eating disorder behaviors such as acute caloric restriction, excessive exercise, binging and purging can cause dangerous medical complications, while comorbid psychological conditions can lead to suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2022; Dancyger & Fornari, 2005; Martin & Golden, 2014). Social anxiety is one such comorbid disorder that can be a barrier to patients fully engaging in treatment (Goodwin & Fitzgibbon, 2002; Smith, 2018). Deficits …

Maine Provider Attitudes Towards Contingency Management For Substance Use Disorders, Evelyn Ali, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

This report summarizes healthcare provider attitudes toward Contingency Management (CM), including barriers and facilitators to its implementation. A 17-question electronic survey, including the Contingency Management Beliefs Questionnaire (CMBQ), was distributed to providers across Maine. Of 131 eligible respondents, 80% reported treating SUD, yet only 27% had experience with CM. While training and organizational support were cited as barriers, overall attitudes toward CM were favorable. Providers expressed strong willingness to implement CM, citing its potential to engage clients and support treatment adherence. The report concludes that positive perceptions of CM outweigh concerns and suggests that training and organizational support could enhance …

Treatment And Recovery Beliefs Of Rural Vermont Family Members Of People With Opioid Use Disorder, Kate Peasley-Miklus Phd, Julia Shaw Mph, Katie Rosingana Ba, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, S. Sigmon, Sarah H Heil Phd, J. Jewiss, Andrea C Villanti, Valerie S Harder

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

Purpose: Few studies have addressed beliefs about treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among family members of people with OUD, particularly in rural communities. This study examined the beliefs of rural family members of people with OUD regarding treatment, including medication for OUD (MOUD), and recovery. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with rural Vermont family members of people with OUD. Twenty family members completed interviews, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four primary themes related to beliefs about OUD treatment emerged: (1) MOUD is another form of addiction or dependency and should be used short-term; (2) essential …

Healthy Acadia Downeast Community Opioid Response Program: Year 3 Summary, Tyler Egeland Ba, Gordon Mcintire Ba, Evelyn Ali, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Katie Rosingana Ba

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

The Downeast Substance Treatment Network is a group of diverse organizations working to improve integration and access to treatments and services for people with substance use disorder. The consortium’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program grant project aims to: (1) expand the reach of their treatment network, (2) increase awareness and practice of harm reduction, and (3) facilitate transitions of care to improve partner efficacy. This project included a mixed-methods evaluation led by Catherine E. Cutler Institute’s Substance Use Research and Evaluation Team (SURE). This final year 3 summary presentation includes feedback from program partners, key informants, and program clients, in …

An Exploratory Study Of Research Contexts For Information Literacy Instruction, Allison Hosier

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

In a previous study, the author argued that information literacy instruction which takes into account the contextual nature of research is more meaningful to students and has more potential for long term impact than instruction that focuses narrowly on academic research skills. As part of that argument, the author identified six types of research that represented the contextual nature of research—academic, creative, personal, professional, scholarly, and scientific. This list of research types has since proven useful in the classroom. However, it is still an open question whether this framework is a useful way of thinking about research. The author set …

Evaluation Of Resurgence Following Differential Reinforcement Of Alternative Behavior With And Without Extinction In A Human-Operant Model, Skylar Dewitt

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) plus extinction for problem behavior is an evidence-based intervention for individuals diagnosed with autism. However, researchers have recently begun investigating DRA without extinction, given this treatment component may be unsafe or impractical to implement in practice. Although preliminary research has indicated DRA without extinction as an effective intervention alternative, little is known about the long-term implications of this intervention, especially as it relates to resurgence. This study investigated resurgence following DRA with and without extinction using a three-phase resurgence assessment in a human-operant arrangement across 60 college-aged participants. Several study iterations were required to …

How’D They Make That?: Analyzing The Ingredients That Produce A Google Ngram Chart, Laura Baker

Library Research and Publications

Preprint for chapter in Digital Humanities Cookbook, published by ACRL in 2024.

Chapter Abstract:

Google Ngram is an online tool that graphs the relative frequency of words or phrases that appear over time in the millions of books digitized by Google. It is often used by digital humanists to analyze the popularity of topics, to track the rise and fall of words throughout the ages, and to explain changes in culture and history. Google Ngram is free and requires very little training to use, making it a popular tool for many. It is astonishingly convenient. Anyone can create an Ngram …

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, Quarter 1, 2024, Pittsburg State University, Gladys A. Kelce College Of Business

Pittsburg Micropolitan Reports

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report is created by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Pittsburg State University.

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, Quarter 4, 2024, Pittsburg State University, Gladys A. Kelce College Of Business

Pittsburg Micropolitan Reports

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report is created by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Pittsburg State University.

Relationship Building Advice For Liaison Librarians: Putting It Into Practice And Troubleshooting, Bettina Peacemaker, Kelsey Cheshire, Janet M. Reid, Carla-Mae Crookendale, Julie Arendt, Sergio Chaparro, John Glover, Stephani Rodgers, Erin Carrillo

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Liaison librarians depend on communication and cooperation to be successful, so professional publications about liaison librarianship regularly include discussions of relationship building methods. As a department of experienced liaison librarians, we identified the relationship-building ideas from previous publications that were proactive in nature and had worked for us. Even though the advice has been helpful, we faced challenges or heard about challenges from other librarians when we discussed implementing the ideas. To improve on the published ideas, we have added tips for putting them into practice and answered troubleshooting questions based on our experiences. Adapting to and working around challenges …

Effects Of (2r,6r)-Hydroxynorketamine In Assays Of Acute Pain-Stimulated And Pain-Depressed Behaviors In Mice, Todd M. Hillhouse, Kaitlyn J. Partridge, Patrick I. Garrett, Sarah C. Honeycutt, Joseph H. Porter

Psychology Publications

Ketamine has been shown to produce analgesia in various acute and chronic pain states; however, abuse liability concerns have limited its utility. The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) has been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects similar to ketamine without abuse liability concerns. (2R,6R)-HNK produces sustained analgesia in models of chronic pain, but has yet to be evaluated in models of acute pain. The present study evaluated the efficacy of acute (2R,6R)-HNK administration (one injection) in assays of pain-stimulated (52- and 56-degree hot plate test and acetic acid writhing) and …

Navigating The Labyrinth: An Analysis Of Gender Bias In Leadership Development Using Natural Language Processing, Michael Schwendeman

Wayne State University Dissertations

This study employs a multi-trait, multi-method approach to investigate gender bias in leadership development evaluations in an organizational setting by combining traditional quantitative analyses with natural language processing (NLP) methodologies. Specifically, analysis of 360-degree ratings of leader competency revealed a null effect of leader gender on ratings of Agency and Communion when controlling for leader level, leader work region, rater gender, and rater source. These secondary variables, with the exception of rater gender, demonstrated small yet significant effects on competency ratings. Moreover, dictionary-based NLP and structural topic modeling analyses on narrative developmental feedback comments revealed minimal gender differences in feedback …

Government Documents Constitution Day Display; August-September 2024, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Constitution

Bibliography and photographs of a display of government documents from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Supervisors Are Carrying The Bag: The Nurses' Emergency Council, Settlement Houses, And The 1918 Influenza Pandemic In New York City, Eric C. Cimino

History and Political Science: Faculty Publications

This article examines the combined efforts of the Nurses’ Emergency Council (NEC), settlement houses, and the Department of Health during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in New York City. To coordinate public health nursing, the NEC united the settlements and municipal agencies into an umbrella organization that was chaired by Lillian Wald of the Henry Street Settlement. Together, the NEC and the Health Department recruited a corps of nurses to treat influenza patients, primarily in their homes. Historical accounts of the 1918 Pandemic often emphasize the incompetence of American cities in dealing with influenza’s spread. New York’s Health Commissioner Royal Copeland, …

Cbt And Me: A Beginning Therapist's Journey Utilizing Client Feedback, Haley Scruggs

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

Cognitive behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) is a model of therapy targeting cognitions, emotional responses, and behavioral interactions between couples experiencing relationship distress. Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is a tool that clinicians can use to track the progress of their clients in therapy from the perspective of the client. This study aimed to use MFT-PRN, a type of ROM, to gather client progress throughout CBCT treatment. Prototypical change trajectories were created in Microsoft Excel for examination of presenting problem progress, couple satisfaction, and overall relationship functioning. It was found that small data sensitivity affected the trajectories immensely, though ROM outcomes revealed …

Routine Outcome Monitoring In Emotionally Focused Therapy: A Clinical Perspective, Lillian Dunn

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

The field of couple and family therapy has a foundation in systems theory and recognizes the intricate dynamics of relationships. Therapists often navigate complex webs of connection, aiming to enhance communication, foster healthy interaction patterns, and cultivate emotional well-being to strengthen relational bonds. This thesis focuses on the integration of routine outcome monitoring (ROM) within Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and aims to shed light on its role in achieving therapeutic goals. ROM tools offer insights into the therapeutic process, facilitating tailored interventions to meet clients' needs. The findings suggest that integrating ROM into EFT benefits therapists and clients, enhancing our …

The Rise And Fall Of Political Optimism And The Ongoing Consequences Of A Failed Optimistic Society, Eric Trujillo

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

When Nelson Mandela was set free and millions of South Africans rushed to the streets to celebrate the long awaited democratic regime in their country, many believed that the injustices and inequalities from Apartheid would disappear. Before the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994, millions of South Africans anticipated the ability to vote to change South Africa for the better. However, only 30 years into the democracy, South Africans are now challenged with the most important election in their history in 2024. South Africans are fed up with their democracy following years of political corruption, economic stagnation, deteriorating …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Reilly Miller

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Habitat loss due to deforestation is a primary threat to global biodiversity. Clearing tropical rainforests for agriculture leads to forest fragmentation. Forest fragments contain fewer large trees and provide lower food availability for primates compared to continuous forests. Mantled howler monkeys inhabit the increasingly fragmented rainforests of Central and South America and may need to alter their activity and spatial cohesion to mitigate competition and preserve energy in fragments where there is lower quality food. We compared howler monkey activity and spatial cohesion across a small forest fragment (La Suerte Biological Research Station, LSBRS) and a large, continuous forest (La …

Unlocking Children’S Potential Through Play: Improving Early Childhood Experiences In Nyarufunzo Village, Sereverien Ngarukiye, Sereverien Ngarukiye

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

From the study conducted in February 2024, 80 parents with children under the age of 6 participated in the research. 68 parents (38 women and 30 men) who participated in the survey live in Kigali city and have a bachelor’s degree or beyond. Other 12 parents, 4 men and 7 women, who participated in both focus group discussions and in a survey are parents who live in Nyarufunzo village and have a high school degree or below. This last group of parents has similarities to my village where I was born from where the majority of parents have finished primary …

It Takes A Village: Understanding Community College Chief Diversity Officers’ Experiences With Mentoring Relationships, Keith R. Barnes Dr.

Dissertations of Practice

This interpretive phenomenological analysis explores community college CDOs’ experiences with mentoring relationships. Seven CDOs employed at community colleges in the US Midwest Region participated in a semi-structured interview to share how they made meaning of their mentoring experiences and their impact on their career and psychosocial development. The findings highlighted two pivotal moments when the community college CDOs in the study received mentoring experiences to form an evolutionary process: the onboarding phase, when the participants sought mentoring relationships from the institution, and the sustaining phase, when the participants were more self-directed in securing high-quality mentoring experiences. The findings illuminated five …