Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Policymakers’ Perceptions About Providing Affordable Housing In Rural Georgia, Robert Joseph Wiley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The literature showed that low-income households face a persistent deficit of affordable housing, forcing these families to live in dilapidated housing or to live beyond their means to pay for adequate housing, and that this problem transcends rural and urban counties. Further, researchers indicated that solving this problem provided a stable workforce and a better quality of life for all income groups. A gap in the literature showed the need for more research on nonmetropolitan communities addressing housing and neighborhood revitalization; therefore, through this qualitative multiple-case study local policymakers' perceptions of the affordable housing problem in rural Georgia were explored. …

Social Workers Impact On Behavioral Health Patients In The Emergency Department, Hannah Grumbein

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The emergency department is designed to treat emergency medical conditions, stabilize the patients, and transition them to the next appropriate level of care. The social issue that prompted the search in current literature is increased readmissions to the emergency department for many at-risk populations, including mental health patients. The research problem addressed through this quantitative study was the increasing readmission rates in emergency departments for the mental health population for non-emergent needs. The purpose of the study was to determine whether having social work involvement with adult mental health patients in the emergency department would lead to more services at …

Commanders’ Perspectives On Training, Intervention, And Identity Adjustment For Reintegration, Chelsea Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Military reintegration presents significant challenges for service members returning home to civilian life. Previous research has indicated many reintegration challenges, including reintegration preparation, identity adjustment, and proactive intervention; however, there remains an essential gap in the literature regarding training for military commanders and how they can be updated to help better facilitate service members’ reintegration. Grounded in general systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to ask about the lived experiences of military commanders on reintegration preparation training, regarding proactive intervention during deployment, and about identity adjustment issues upon reintegration. The participants comprised six active and retired military …

Comparing The Strength Of The Confidence-Accuracy Versus Response Time-Accuracy Relationship For Eyewitness Identification, Curt A. Carlson, Robert F. Lockamyeir, Maria A. Carlson, Charles A. Goodsell

Faculty Publications

Research indicates that eyewitness identification (ID) accuracy increases with faster IDs and those supported with immediate high confidence, but it is not clear which measure, confidence or response time, is the better reflector of accuracy. It is also important to know how well these patterns hold up across important factors affecting eyewitness ID accuracy such as memory strength for the perpetrator’s face. We conducted four pre-registered experiments to investigate these issues across different levels of target memory strength (via encoding time or image quality) and ID procedure (showups vs. lineups of different filler quality). Correct IDs were faster than false …

Smu Wins Prestigious The Awards Asia 2025: Teaching & Learning Strategy Of The Year, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that it has been named Winner in the ‘Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year’ category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025. The accolade was awarded in recognition of SMU-X, the University’s flagship industry project-based experiential learning.

(Wp 2025-01) Trautwein's Challenge To The History Of Economics, John B. Davis

Economics Working Papers

Hans-Michael Trautwein’s presidential address to the European Society raised provocative questions regarding the nature of current economics that should concern not just historians of economics but economists as well (Trautwein, 2017). Are the processes driving current research in economics creating a greater and greater specialization in subjects and economic thinking that is fragmenting and disunifying the field? Here I discuss Trautwein’s question and his answer to it particularly as bear on the future status and responsibilities of the history of economics as a field within economics. First, I give an account of what is involved in research specialization in science …

Examining A Unl College Success Program Through The Culturally Engaging Campus Environments Model, Osvaldo Palma Vargas

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Higher education institutions have faced difficulties in providing environments designed to promote positive success outcomes among diverse student populations, especially first-generation students. While literature has focused on college success programs’ practices as a solution, there is a noticeable gap in what these programs do that integrate first-generation students’ cultures. This ethnographic-inspired study sought to identify what cultural practices within a college success program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Trenchard Foundation Institute of Excellence (TFIOE), contributed to creating culturally engaging campus environments for first-generation college students. Using Museus’s (2014) culturally engaging campus environments model (CECE) as a framework, I conducted …

“Analyzing The Relationships Between Substance Abuse And Mental Health Disorders In American Adolescents, Aged 12 To 25, Using A Quantitative, Correlational Design”, Jacob M. Rodriguez, Carolyn Tubbs

Posters - 2025

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “many people with substance use disorders also have another mental illness, and vice versa” (NIDA, 2024a). Because there is a bidirectional relationship between mental disorders and substance abuse, individuals who suffer from mental disorders are susceptible to the development of substance abuse disorders. The percentage of adolescents using substances in 2023 is like the percentage in pre-pandemic 2020, with approximately “10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders” reporting drug use in the past year (NIDA, 2024b). Welsh et al. (2017), reported significant relationships between mental health …

History Of The Bilateral Relation Between The United States And Ecuador To Tackle Drug Trafficking, Teagan Mcsherry, Luis Ramirez, Savannah Torres

Posters - 2025

This research analyzes the evolution of the relationship between Ecuador and the United States on security issues, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking. First, the political-historical context in which the war on drugs emerges in the United States is described. Second, the US national security strategy is examined regarding Plan Colombia and the Andean Regional Initiative. Third, it is analyzed how the issue of combating drug trafficking varies according to the ideological tendencies of the Ecuadorian leaders, paying particular attention to the role of the controversial Manta Base. The proposal to reform the constitution is discussed, particularly Article 5 …

How Are Emojis Interpreted By Different Generations, Brisa Mendoza, Jade Sanchez

Posters - 2025

Emojis have become a universal tool for expressing emotions, improving intelligibility, and expressing tone in text-based conversations as their use in digital communication has grown substantially. The purpose of this study is to investigate how emojis function in communication and how they affect the emotional tone and intelligibility of messages. In order to find out more, we will look at how various groups use emojis in different situations, such as formal versus informal communication. In order to present a thorough grasp of their impacts on communication dynamics, we will concentrate on quantitative elements

Conlang: Muzibogun, Serena Parra, Renee Alonzo, Cj Spears, Maurissio Gonzalez

Posters - 2025

Constructed Languages or “conlangs” have exploded in popularity in recent years through books and television shows such as Dothraki in Game of Thrones and Klingon in the Star Trek series, as well as in films such as Na’vi in Avatar and Heptapod in Arrival. British linguist and writer, J.R.R. Tolkien, who invented the Quenya and Sindarin languages for The Lord of the Rings, called the language creation process glossopoiea. As glossopoieans, we studied the layers of language: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics. We are the land of Muzibogun! We speak Muzibogun, and our people are called Muziboguns. In our …

The Effect Of Different Incentives On Student Attendance Of Campus Events, Liam M. Riley

Posters - 2025

Research has shown that students who attend more events tend to perform better academically (Bergen-Cico & Viscomi, 2013). Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between incentives and student attendance of events at St. Mary’s University. Events hosted during the 2023-2024 academic year were used as a sample. However, events hosted after February 21 st , 2024, were excluded due to staff turnover in the student life office. It was hypothesized that a food and giveaway item would result in the highest attendance, followed by food only, then prize only events. It was also hypothesized that events that …

Navigating Outsourced Manufacturing: General Motors' Strategic Challenges In Mexico, Alvaro Soler, Jose Maria Gallegos

Posters - 2025

Outsourcing manufacturing has become a strategic necessity for many global corporations in today’s fast-changing global economy. Over the past decades, many U.S. companies have outsourced production to regions like Latin America and China, seeking geographical advantages, lower labor costs, and access to skilled workforces to remain competitive. General Motors, one of the largest automobile manufacturers globally, exemplifies this trend. By outsourcing production to Mexico since 1935, GM highlights how multinational companies strategically use outsourcing to optimize costs and improve efficiency. Employing over 25,000 workers and contributing over 12% of its annual production in 2023, GM demonstrates the broader significance of …

The Human Touch: Exploring Emotional Attachment Responses To Human And Artificial Intelligence (Ai)-Generated Imagery, Belyn P. Thompson

Posters - 2025

Considering the new age of marketing, consumer reactions and interactions with marketing have drastically changed and flexed over the decades. The most recent hit revelation is AI marketing, specifically AI-generated images, and the worry that it brings to not only marketing specialists but to the whole community. Within other studies, there is often mention of an emotional connection to images used in advertisements (among videos, media, etc.) through various methods such as senses, loyalty, connection, and empathy. This paper works to better understand how AI-generated images used for advertising could affect emotional attachment and purchase behavior in consumers.

Mente -Mental Health Tracking App, Vu Han

Posters - 2025

Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet many digital tools in this space are either overly complex or lack usercentered design. Mente is a streamlined, web-based application created to support daily mental health engagement through simplicity and ease of use.

•Purpose: To provide a minimal, intuitive platform for users to reflect on their emotional well-being and develop healthier habits over time.

•Core Features:

• Mood tracking with visual trends

• Journaling for personal reflection

• Goal setting and progress tracking

• Health assessment for self-awareness

• Analytics for self-reflection •Design Focus: A clean, distraction-free interface that emphasizes …

The Black Voice, Anisha Smith

Posters - 2025

With the current state of the country my research provides an overview of what respondents in 2020 felt about racial issues. Mainly focusing on comparing Black respondents to other races.

Reentry Reinvented: The Dayton, Ohio Foodbanks Approach, Carina Yleana Vlaun

Posters - 2025

As of 2024, there are currently 621 incarcerated people per 100,000 people in the general population of Ohio. Due to collateral consequence, many returning citizens have found it difficult to reenter society effectively. The lack of support in safe housing, food assistance, transportation, family support, and much more has increased the percentage of recidivism. Over the years, the Foodbank Inc. of Dayton, Ohio (the Foodbank) has adapted to providing support for people who are leaving the incarceration system to help returning citizens reenter society.

Shaping Effective Food Action Groups: Participant Perspectives On Structure And Stakeholder Involvement In Regional And Remote Western Australia, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah Goodwin, Jess Doe, Melissa Stoneham, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Food systems strongly influence food security outcomes. Food Action Groups (often termed Food Policy Councils/Coalitions/Networks internationally) offer a co-ordinated and collaborative approach to local food system issues. Their organisational structure and stakeholder membership significantly impact their focus and impact. Therefore, it is imperative to understanding community member and food system stakeholders' perspectives on how regional and remote Australian Food Action Groups should be structured to maximise their impact on local food systems, and identify the most appropriate stakeholders to facilitate and drive their action. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups, was conducted in regional and remote townships …

El Campanario (Volume 1, Issue 2), St. Mary's University

Honors Program Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Domestic Violence And Women In Education, Elizabeth Gonzalez

Posters - 2025

Domestic violence has prevailed especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to its excessive impact on intimate partners, it is known that it has been impacting people in various ways whether it be technological, emotional, financial, physical, sexual, or economic (Domestic Violence, 2024).

In particular, domestic violence has targeted women who have educational attainment due to many factors. With this in mind, we study the different potential risk effects that cause women to have fewer opportunities whether it be financially or employment along with geographic factors impacting them to experience domestic violence.

Importance Of Intervention, Megan Lexi Maldonado

Posters - 2025

Domestic violence is a global issue, and research extensively highlights its impact on individuals, especially children. This poster examines the detrimental effects of exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) on children, such as attachment problems, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), resilience, cognitive abilities, and trust. Despite growing awareness, there is still a lack of information on effective community and school interventions to aid affected children. The intent of this poster is to promote discussion on strategies for communities and schools to better assist children impacted by IPV.

Rattler Notehub, Emily Medlin

Posters - 2025

Students lack diverse and comprehensive study materials that help develop effective learning. More specifically, students at St. Mary’s may find that study material outside of class are not as effective or not relevant to what was taught in class. This leads to prolonged study sessions or completely missing information that was taught when the student was absent. Rattler NoteHub tries to accomplish giving access to students to collaborate, find supplement resources and promote efficient studying.

Rattler NoteHub is a full-stack website that was initially developed as a Software Engineering project. Since then, the website has expanded its functionality to better …

Catholic Church Involvement Across Different Cultures, Lucia Martinez

Posters - 2025

There is a widespread religious deconversion in Western culture (Hardy & Taylor, 2024).

• Data from The Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) shows that 29.7 million US Hispanics identify as Catholic, which translates to approximately 59% of the Hispanic population in the Unites States (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, n.d.).

• This study examined the difference between Catholic church involvement in predominantly Hispanic cities versus predominantly Caucasian cities.

Fifty Years Of Exponent Ii, Karen Glenn, John Murphy, Bethany Budge

Faculty Publications

Drawing from the Exponent II Records (MSS 1527) in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, this exhibit featured photographs, writings, and records that document the first fifty years of the periodical Exponent II, a publication dedicated to Latter-day Saint women's voices. Display items included letters, original and draft publications, advertising materials, and scrapbook pages.

The exhibit illustrates that Exponent II has played a significant role in preserving and amplifying the voices of Latter-day Saint women for five decades.

Child-Caregiver Relational Closeness And Child Mental Health In Nonparental Care Settings, Amanda Stafford Mcrell

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines child-caregiver relational closeness and child mental health within nonparental care systems in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs). Five key factors impacting the well-being of orphaned, separated, and vulnerable children in LMICs are explored using the Positive Outcomes for Orphans (POFO) dataset: child maltreatment, social support, child-caregiver relationships, and nonparental care systems. First, I examined the relationship between maltreatment, social support, and mental well-being. Findings showed that maltreatment was associated with lower mental well-being, where social support (emotional support, tangible support, positive social support) was associated with greater mental well-being, even in the concurrent presence of maltreatment. Second, …

Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro

Theses and Dissertations

Bibliotherapy is a psychotherapy technique utilized to teach individuals about concepts through the use of literature and the arts. The primary aim of this research was to examine how a bibliotherapy model could be applied to improve diet and treatment adherence for people affected with Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Prior to this research, no paper has proposed a tailored bibliotherapy approach for genetic conditions. Through analysis of the caregiver-child relationship and disclosure process and the perceived support needs of both caregivers and providers caring for children with IEMS, our goal was to propose a bibliotherapy model to improve adherence and …

Intimate Partner Violence In Post-Conflict Communities: The Case Of Peru, Karen Eliana León Negreiros

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue worldwide and the most common type of violence experienced by women. In the last decade, a growing number of studies have evidenced that situations of civil conflict, post-conflict, and displacement can significantly exacerbate IPV and increase the likelihood of experiencing IPV later in life. This study expands on the literature by taking a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping approach to understand how civil conflict violence in Peru (1980-2000) is associated with IPV rates in the country, 4 years (2004) and 19 years (2019) after the conflict. Study results evidence the …

Stories Between The Stacks: Current Black Women School Librarians' Lived Experiences, Cynthia R. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Black women school librarians navigate complex professional landscapes shaped by their lived experiences, intersecting identities, and systemic barriers. Despite their significant contributions to school librarianship, their perspectives remain largely absent from scholarly work. This qualitative study explored how the lived experiences and positionalities of Black women school librarians shape their practices. It addressed the critical gap in research on Black women school librarians. Grounded in Black Critical Theory (BlackCrit) and guided by Black feminist-womanist storytelling, this study employs a narrative approach to explore the experiences of four Black women school librarians in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Data …

The Role Of Platform Design In Excessive Short Form Video Use And The Resulting Impacts On Cognitive Processes, Katherine Levey

Senior Theses

Short form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels have rapidly reshaped global media consumption. This thesis investigates how the defining technological elements of SFV platforms contribute to prolonged viewing behavior by inducing flow, a psychological state characterized by deep immersion and diminished self-awareness. Through a review of nineteen scholarly articles, this study examines how features like infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithmic personalization create a low-effort, high-reward user experience that sustains attention and facilitates continuous engagement. Once immersed, users often fall into a cycle of passive, prolonged scrolling, consuming more content and spending more time than intended. Findings …

Healing Histories: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Practices In Libraries To Support Resilience And Recovery, Cearra Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the impact of public library closure on the Edgewood community in Columbia, South Carolina, an area with a rich history and significant ties to the two nearby historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Benedict College and Allen University. It explored the intergenerational effects of historical trauma through the lens of collective memory, as documented in oral histories from community members and public library staff. The research aimed to understand the implications of the library's absence in a marginalized community context, emphasizing how such closures can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Through oral histories, questionnaires, and interviews, the findings reveal …