Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Stress-Related Phenotypic Differentiation Identified By Motivational Behaviors In Male Mice, Renee A. Brummels

Honors Thesis

Social stress substantially contributes to psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recognizing these disorders affect millions, it is essential to understand social stress’s impacts on behavior and how these behaviors vary among affected populations. We address these questions through a social defeat/avoidance paradigm, the Stress-Alternatives Model (SAM), which demonstrates defeat (Stay) and avoidance (Escape) responses across species, including fish, rats, hamsters, and mice. Avoidance of social conflict in the SAM is possible by utilizing escape routes for smaller test mice during aggressive interactions. Additionally, measurements of SAM motivational behaviors, like time near and nose pokes into escape …

Loadshedding And Nighttime Light Intensity In South Africa: Evidence From High-Frequency Satellite Data, Jurney Lajos

Master's Theses

This paper investigates the relationship between loadshedding and nighttime light intensity in South Africa using high-frequency satellite data from 2020 to 2024. By linking rotational blackout schedules to daily radiance measurements at the suburb level, the study examines how electricity disruptions affect visible light emissions and whether these effects vary by wealth. Results show that while load shedding has be-come increasingly severe in recent years, its impact is not felt equally. Poorer suburbs experience larger and more persistent reductions in nighttime radiance during black-outs, suggesting limited capacity to adapt. In contrast, wealthier suburbs show signs of resilience, with smaller drops …

Roger Williams University School Of Law Commencement Exercises (Program) 05-16-2025, Roger Williams University School Of Law

School of Law Commencement (1996- )

No abstract provided.

06.16.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email address Matters with SPAN and ARC Forms

Participant Support Costs training for PIs available in Blackboard

Analyzing Immigrant Pay Gaps & The Policies That Influence Them, Rebeca Perez, Prachi Jain

Honors Thesis

Despite making up 14% of the US population, little research has been done on pay gaps for immigrants, the majority of whom are Latin American immigrants. I analyze the effect of immigration on immigrants’ wages, specifically looking at the effects of region of birth, citizenship, and state immigration policies. I find that even when compared to natives with similar education, Latin American immigrants earn significantly less. Furthermore, while noncitizens earn less than natives and naturalized citizens earn more overall, Latin Americans face a larger penalty for noncitizenship and lower returns to citizenship. Finally, while living in Sanctuary and Anti-Sanctuary States …

Mitigating Agricultural Income Volatility: Evidence From Crop Insurance Adoption In India, Annoushqa Bobde

Master's Theses

Income volatility resulting from crop loss presents a significant threat to rural livelihoods in India, where nearly half of the workforce is employed in agriculture. This study examines the causal impact of crop insurance uptake on farm income using nationally representative data from the 70th and 77th rounds of the National Sample Survey, merged with satellite-derived climate data and Harmful Degree Days (HDD), which is used as a proxy for crop-damaging temperature. To address selection bias in insurance enrollment, Propensity Score Matching, Inverse Propensity Weighting, and a Two-Way Fixed Effects model are used. Results show that insurance uptake is associated …

The Effects Of Sudden Telework On The Productivity And Engagement Of Hr Employees, Lisa Renee Schlichtig

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in how individuals perceived the way of conducting work in the United States. Human resources (HR) leaders need to understand this change because many employees lost their jobs without the means for sustainable work. Other employees maintained their jobs, suddenly shifting to telework, resulting in mixed productivity and work engagement levels. The purpose of this quantitative moderation analysis study was to examine whether there was a moderating effect of employer-provided psychological resources on perceived productivity and work engagement among HR employees after the sudden shift to telework. The conservation of resources theory and the …

Adolescents And Technology - The True Impact Of Tech, Paige A. Schaefer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

With the rapid advancement and increasing accessibility of technology, research has begun to focus on the impacts technology use can have on adolescents. Many young people think they understand how to use technology, but they may not understand the impacts it can have on their life. By having an understanding of these implications, both positive and negative, they can adjust their technology habits to increase their quality of life and set themselves up for success in the future. This paper begins with a review of the literature about the relationship between adolescents and technology followed by a training made for …

What Makes Me The Counselor I Am?, Alison M. Ayotte

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Throughout this self-analysis, I evaluate relevant background information, various experiences, personality assessments, and counseling theories, and reflect on how they have shaped me as the person and counselor I am today. Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Piaget's Developmental Stage Theory are mentioned throughout most of this self-reflection piece, as well as an in-depth reflection on interviews with important people in my life. Taking the time to delve into deep levels of self-exploration has proven to be difficult, yet very rewarding. The impact of this type of internal work is infinite, and my increase in self-awareness was accomplished. A plan for continuous …

Analysis Of Self: Bloody Fingers & Bald Spots, Cregyn Demarce

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this academic capstone project is to examine the fundamental concepts of my personal self-awareness, self-concept, and self-identity. This project explored my lived experience and the impact these experiences had on my behaviors and relationships. The process of this project included exploring my relevant background information, completing assessments, administering personal interviews and reflecting on responses, developing my theoretical orientation, reflecting on the impact of this project, and plan for professional development.

Keywords: Analysis of self, capstone project, mental health counseling

Phenomenological Study Of Disabled Student Experiences Related To Inclusive Learning Environments In Public Higher Education, Kristin Burgess

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Students with disabilities represent the largest and most diverse minority group in higher education, facing numerous barriers to accessing their learning environments. Historically, societal views have marginalized individuals with disabilities, perpetuating exclusion and discrimination. This study explores the experiences of disabled students in higher education, examining various models of disability, including the moral, charity, medical, social, and human rights models. These models influence how students experience their learning environments.

Higher education has traditionally been exclusive, primarily serving privileged groups. However, as societal narratives evolve, disciplines like disability studies have emerged, challenging these dominant narratives. The researcher, a community faculty member …

Alexithymia: A Review Of Existing Literature And A Prospective Route For Future Training, Jessica C. Friedman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Alexithymia, a trans-diagnostic construct characterized by a disability to identify and articulate emotions, has received increasing attention within the medical and psychiatric communities due to its profound, negative impact on treatment outcomes. This paper provides insight into its complex and pervasive nature, its conceptualization and assessment, underlying neurobiological mechanisms and acquisition, extensive comorbidities, treatment implications, clinical manifestations, clinical considerations, and analysis of the existing body of research. While previous research assumed Alexithymia to be largely untreatable, recent publications have indicated its ability to be affected by emotional-awareness skill building and relationally based interventions, though no specific treatments for Alexithymia currently …

Understanding My Journey: A Self Analysis Of Personal And Professional Growth., Mindy L. Ost-Schullo

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis describes my personal and professional growth through the lenses of Attachment Theory, Systems Theory, Person Centered Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. By reflecting on my experiences. My goal is to deepen self-awareness and enhance my effectiveness as a school counselor, The analysis connects these experiences to theoretical concepts to explore how they have shaped my empathy, resilience, and approach to counseling. Utilizing assessment tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and ACEs Questionnaire, I will evaluate how early life events have influenced my identity, copying strategies, and professional orientation. This reflection also includes how experiences like cognitive reframing have …

Hyperfocused On Growth: An Act Group Manual For College Students With Adhd, Kathryn E. Erickson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Several studies highlight the challenges faced by students with ADHD in a college setting (Bodalski, Abu-Ramadan, et al., 2023; Bodalski, Flory, et al., 2023; DuPaul et al., 2009, Mak et al., 2022; Nelson et al., 2015; Swartz et al., 2005; Willoughby & Evans, 2019). With less structure and more demands than high school, students with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, executive functioning, self-worth, and social relationships in college. This paper addresses these concerns by creating a group therapy program for college students with ADHD. Highlighting common treatments for ADHD, this group is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to …

Restorative Practices In Action: A Hands-On Guide For K-12 Schools, Rosa Frazee

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Restorative justice is a practice well known in many criminal justice systems but most recently gained traction in school settings. Restorative approaches prioritize fostering positive relationships, accountability, and conflict resolution through communication and understanding. This project seeks to develop a complete implementation guide for restorative practices in school settings. This guide will focus on educator's role to foster community, reduce punitive disciplinary actions and promote equity. It will also explore the blending of restorative approaches and frameworks that are already in place such as MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). By providing educators …

Analyzing The Influence Of Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls (Mmiwg) Cases And Their Impact On Society, Ivy J. Anderson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This research paper analyzes the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) cases and how this issue is continuously impacting society. Through the process of thematic analysis, the social media platform Reddit was analyzed on how social media plays a role in spreading awareness on this topic.

First Annual Advances In Business Education Conference 2025 Proceedings, Kelsey Metz, Joshua Ray

Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference Proceedings

Conference Overview: The First Annual Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference was held on May 16, 2025, at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Hosted by the LMU School of Business, the ABE Conference was established to promote teaching excellence through innovation and collaboration in business education. With a focus on fostering meaningful dialogue among educators, researchers, and students, the conference welcomed participants from across disciplines and institutions. The event was structured around three key tracks:

Pedagogy & Teaching Excellence: Showcasing innovative teaching methods and strategies for enhancing student learning and engagement.

Business Research: Presenting research focused on advancing knowledge …

Reason And All My Senses: Surveying The Post Enlightenment Frame Of Reason Through Contemporary Philosophy, Cognitive Psychology, And Cognitive Linguistics, Joshua T. Lowe Rev. Dr.

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

This dissertation argues that Christian theology and practice are aided and enriched by a more complete understanding of reason by surveying recent studies and views in theology, philosophy, cognitive psychology, and cognitive linguistics. Since the Enlightenment, Christian theology has assumed widely the Enlightenment model of human reason as ideally acontextual, that is, free from constraints of contexts, and therefore universal, that is, applicable in all contexts. Recent developments from a variety of perspectives challenge this model of rationality. Some challenge the acontextualism of the Enlightenment understanding by showing how it arose from and depends on a context, and that context …

Pedaling Toward Justice: Exploring The Role Of Community Advocacy In Shaping Bicycle Policy In Oakland., Claire Farrell Lowe

Master's Projects and Capstones

The way people move through a city fundamentally shapes their access to jobs, essential services, and economic and social opportunities. While Oakland’s bicycle infrastructure has improved over the past decade, vehicle-centric planning has historically sidelined cycling, creating mobility inequities. This thesis examines the role of community advocacy in advancing equitable bicycle planning and prioritizing cycling infrastructure as a core element of urban development. This thesis project follows the question: what role do advocacy groups play in addressing the gaps between the Oakland Bicycle Plan and its implementation? Through policy analysis, community engagement, and interviews with key informants from Bike East …

A Correlational Study Of The Relationships Between The Big Five Aspects Of Personality And Career Interest: Practical Implications For Teachers In Guidance Counseling Roles, Mary J. Haberman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Classroom teachers are often required to teach advisory courses that include career counseling and social emotional learning components. The author used a combination of personality and career assessments to guide students into careers that were a good fit, not only for their interests but their temperaments as well. This holistic approach to advising allowed the author to address a wide variety of personal issues (e.g., unmet needs) that students were having and help them to discover their own motivations for approaching these issues. While the study is focused on collecting information from working adults, the results of this study could …

Improvement Of Natural Environment Teaching Using Behavioral Skills Training, Josephine E. Elliott

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects individuals through persistent deficits in social communication and excesses in restricted and/or repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the only evidence-based treatment for ASD and uses behavioral and learning principles to shape behavior change (Ferguson et al., 2022; Lax et al., 2023; National Autism Center, 2015). ABA has many teaching methods, one being discrete trial training (DTT; Smith, 2001). DTT is a highly structured method of teaching in which the instructor provides clear instructions, the learner responds in some way, and then the instructor gives a consequence for the response …

Drone Strikes In Pakistan, Muhammad Shumail

Capstones

my capstone maps all the drone strikes in Pakistan from 2004 to 2018. it show how many drone strikes were conducted during each president tenure and how many civilians were killed.

https://techman96.github.io/drone-strikes/

Analyzing Ballast Water Treatments, Invasive Species, And Pathogens, And A Decade-Long Analysis On The San Francisco And Baltimore Ports, Jasmin Ibarra-Cortes

Master's Projects and Capstones

Installation of advanced technologies to treat ballast water on ships is necessary to meet current ballast water management standards and reduce the secondary spread of invasive species during intracoastal voyages. This research includes a literature review on non-native aquatic species, particularly diapausing eggs, and available treatment methods for installation. A comparative analysis from 2014 - 2024 on bulker, tanker, and container vessels arriving coastwise to the ports of San Francisco and Baltimore was performed to evaluate treatment installation trends, traffic patterns, and the effectiveness of treatment(s) on targeting diapausing eggs. Use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation combined with filtration has increased …

Gender And Age Differences Among Juvenile Homicide Offenders, Amanda Nichole-Wells Jabaay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The involvement of juveniles in homicide-related crimes has been a matter of growing public concern in the United States. Although prior research suggests that boys and girls who kill vary in important ways, there is limited research that has examined gender and age differences among juvenile homicide offender (JHO) characteristics and crime-related variables on a national level, with only eight previous national studies to date. Guided by the social control theory, the purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to explore gender and age differences among JHOs and other crime-related variables on a current national level. Archival data (N = …

Why Bips Mattered In The Past & Will In The Future, Chase Steinbach

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

The Politics Of Being Heard: Communication And Power Struggles In Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Caroline Trejo

Master's Projects and Capstones

The environmental and public health challenges in Bayview-Hunters Point have catalyzed widespread community activism, as residents and advocates respond to the ongoing fallout from radiological contamination at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. Communication plays a vital role in bridging the gap between affected communities and government entities throughout the cleanup process. This research asks: how have the communication strategies of advocacy groups influenced government actions and policies during the Bayview-Hunters Point Shipyard cleanup? To explore this question, I conducted semi-structured interviews with three community advocates, two former members of a non-partisan civil jury, one independent researcher, and one government official. …

Having A Home To Come Home To: How Subsidized Housing Impacts Unhoused Pregnant Women, Stephanie O. Porvaznik

Master's Projects and Capstones

Community based organizations (CBOs) lead the charge in the fight to end housing insecurity and often must make up where local governments fall short. San Francisco is an example of a municipality that has a long history of addressing instances of housing insecurity for its residents, and where CBOs step in to provide housing support for populations with unique and special circumstances. One CBO that operates in San Francisco that I was interested in studying was the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), and the Jelani House, a housing subsidy that is funded and operated by the HPP for pregnant women who …

Connecting Through Context: A Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resource For K-12 School Counselors, Erica Knebel

Master's Projects and Capstones

This field project, Connecting Through Context: A Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resource for K–12 School Counselors, explores the intersection of decolonial theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, and school-based mental health practices. Rooted in both personal and academic experiences, the project addresses the significant gap in culturally responsive mental health resources for immigrant and refugee students, with a personal emphasis on those from Southeast Asian backgrounds. With nearly 27% of the U.S. student population being immigrants, traditional Western mental health models, centered on talk therapy and medication, often fall short in effectively supporting culturally diverse students. Through a literature review grounded in …

Who Owns The Wind: The Absence Of Community Wind Farms In California, Sky Berry-Weiss

Master's Projects and Capstones

Community ownership structures for wind farms have been around for decades, particularly in European countries, due to high socioeconomic benefits. Given these significant benefits, one might expect community wind to thrive in the United States—especially in a state like California, which prides itself on progressive climate policy and renewable energy leadership. Yet utility-scale community wind remains largely absent from research on California’s energy system, raising questions about its existence in the state. To pinpoint how many utility-scale community owned wind farms are in California, this study surveys every operational wind turbine in the state. After classifying each wind farm by …

A Tale Of Two Organizations: San Francisco & Tokyo, An Analysis Of Urban Youth Poverty In The Developed World, Arturo Paredes

Master's Projects and Capstones

This study analyzes the experiences of low-income youth in terms of their access to educational opportunities in connection to their social mobility, the study focuses on two highly prosperous cities: San Francisco and Tokyo specifically dwelling into some affected population groups and overall neighborhoods where low-income populations are clustered in. The study delves into youth poverty as a complex phenomenon facing communities and its direct implications for the lives of youth in the context of educational experiences and its connection to socio-economic outcomes. By focusing on two organizations addressing this issue in each of the contexts, the study highlights interventions, …