Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining The Addictive Qualities Of Smartphone Usage, Daniel J. Pasquini

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Individuals in today’s society, both nationally and globally, have become exceedingly reliant on their smartphones, i.e., cellular devices with the ability to perform many tasks similar to a traditional computer, for both recreational and productivity purposes. As smartphones become increasingly accessible and affordable for the general population, smartphone usage will continue to grow exponentially. As a result, a comprehensive investigation into the possible addictive properties of smartphone usage is warranted. The purpose of this study is to examine and highlight any possible addictive qualities of excessive smartphone usage. The research methodology that will be implemented within the study will be …

Ecological Attunement: Exploring Eco-Informed Clinical Supervision, Ari C. Bonagofski

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation examined what constitutes eco-informed clinical supervision, identified its essential components, described its practical implementation, and analyzed how it expands systemic practice. The lack of attention climate- and nature-related issues receive in the couple and family therapy field coupled with the climate crisis and disconnection from nature create a gap in training and care for those experiencing ecological distress. Clinical supervision is one method of addressing this issue by teaching and developing competence working with climate- and nature-related issues. Using a modified three-part Delphi methodology, this study included two surveys followed by an optional individual interview. Panelists agreed on …

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …

The Lived Experience Of Fly Fishing And Its Significance For Cultivating A Communion Of Subjects, Eric Landon Mcduffie

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Inspired by the lived fly fishing experiences encountered with my grandfather and the spiritually ecological writings of Thomas Berry, I explored how the sacred art of fly fishing connects participants with the natural world from a universal perspective given to us by Thomas Berry in The New Story. Berry described three principles that make up the entire universe: Differentiation, Subjectivity and Communion. I wanted to understand how lived fly fishing experiences fit into Berry’s three universal principles and how an individual’s lived fly fishing experience(s) cultivate(s) a “Communion of subjects.”1 Answers to these two questions informed five initial approaches to …

From Fear To Resilience: An Autoethnography Detailing A Teacher's Battle Against Bullying By Public School Principals, Laurie Etta Reif

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This paper tells my story within the realm of public education, particularly focusing on the interactions between teachers and the principals overseeing their schools. Grounded in social context, this autoethnography explores the challenges in these relationships while offering insights into best practices for fostering constructive engagement between educators and administrators. The discussion highlights my struggles with the power dynamics that are prevalent in public schools. Through my story, informed by Indigenous Women’s Research Theory and storytelling methodologies, this dissertation recounts experiences of harassment and intimidation I encountered across multiple school settings. The narrative is an analysis of existing resources and …

Supports For Mental Well-Being Valued By Healthcare Workers: Qualitative Analysis Of Data From A Canadian Cohort Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Shannon Marie Ruzycki, Anil Adisesh, Quentin Durand-Moreau, France Labrèche, Tanis Zadunayski, Erica Stroud, Nicola Cherry

Études primaires

A prospective cohort of 4964 HCWs from four Canadian provinces was established early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to comment about workplace mental health supports at three time points. We performed a thematic content analysis of responses from 1738 participants using the Social Support Behaviour Code framework to categorize barriers to support as informational, tangible, emotional, social, or expressing esteem. Themes were synthesized into suggestions for healthcare organizations to prepare for future crises. Formal and informal peer support, workplace mental health supports, and one-on-one counseling were most often mentioned as valued. Analysis suggested that workplace social networks as …

The Relationship Between Perceived Racial Stress And Academic Achievement Of African American Students, Jodie E. Felder

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Educational institutions are not only places of learning, but they can be places of refuge and support for students. Academic engagement and performance can be negatively affected for ethnic students of color. This can lead to a disconnection between the education system of teachers, administrators, and students. Studies suggest racial stress contributes to negative environmental factors, to which African American (Black) students have been found to be especially vulnerable. Overlooked, ignored, and misunderstood environmental factors for African American students exacerbate educational obstacles, widening achievement gaps and increasing attrition rates. A lack of culturally guided knowledge among stakeholders lessens the opportunity …

Sex Life Post Childbirth And The Role Of The Partner Relationship: A Qualitative Study, Agata Kopacz

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Sexual problems are common among postpartum women, and sexual functioning during the postpartum period is affected by biological, psychological, and social factors. There is limited research exploring women’s experiences within their romantic relationships and sex lives during the postpartum period. This qualitative study utilized the phenomenological approach to gain a better understanding of the experiences of postpartum women in their romantic relationships and their sexual functioning after childbirth. A total of eight eligible postpartum women were interviewed individually. Data from the interviews were analyzed utilizing the phenomenological data analysis approach and grouped into emerging themes. Four themes were extracted for …

Translating Knowledge Of Functional Cognition Into Occupational Therapy Practice, Mckenzie R. Behrendt, Emilea Rogers, Azia Ourada, Sara Mengler, Mackenzie Post, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

Functional cognition is a critical component for safely and effectively performing daily occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned and trained to address functional cognition while considering a client’s abilities and environments. A multimedia e-learning module was developed as a teaching modality to enhance understanding and application of functional cognition concepts for OT students and practitioners. As educators, it is important to assess the effectiveness of the teaching and learning experiences we create. We evaluated the multimedia e-learning module for quality, value, and usefulness using critical reflection perspectives. These perspectives included a literature review, as well as from learner, …

Évolution Des Troubles Mentaux Liés Au Travail Au Québec Entre 2012 Et 2021, Jaunathan Bilodeau, Martin Lebeau, Marc-Antoine Busque, Alain Marchand

Études primaires

Introduction : Plusieurs pays ont connu une augmentation du nombre de troubles mentaux acceptés au cours des dernières années, mais les variations possibles de cette évolution dans la main-d’œuvre demeurent à explorer.

But de l’étude : Cette étude examine la distribution dans le temps des troubles mentaux acceptés selon la profession, le secteur industriel, le sexe et l’âge au Québec.

Résultats : Les taux d’incidence des troubles mentaux et leur évolution varient selon la profession et le secteur industriel. Alors que le taux est généralement plus élevé dans les professions mixtes et le secteur tertiaire, l’augmentation de ces taux s’observe …

Exploring The Effect Of Personal Mental Health Disclosures On Perceptions Of Doctoral Psychology Applicants, Hunter C. Schow

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

While some research exists discussing the attitudes around personal mental health disclosures as they pertain to both professional decorum and admission to doctoral psychology training programs, little research has analyzed the actual impact of such disclosures on how applicants are perceived. This study aimed to assess whether personal mental health disclosures in admissions essays ultimately affect how applicants are perceived by doctoral faculty determining whether or not to admit them to their program. The hypothesis was that ambiguous disclosures do have an impact, and especially those showing unaddressed or ongoing struggles. An electronic survey utilizing a mixed-methods approach was distributed …

Reducing Burnout In Healthcare Professional Training Programs, Michaela Lillie

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

There is an immense need for behavioral health clinicians in the United States, with an estimated 43.4 million people having behavioral concerns in 2015. An estimated 37% of counties in the United States are facing a shortage of behavioral health workers, which means many people are going without treatment. It also means caseloads will be elevated for current behavioral health clinicians. Research consistently shows that these workers face high burnout rates every year. Though burnout is typically studied at the organizational level, there are elevated rates of burnout at the academic training level. Because research has focused on the organization …

Creating The I-Ace: A Revised Ace Measure Incorporating Perceived Impact And Broader Adversity Experiences, Katherine M. Adams

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) survey is a widely used, evidence-based tool that assesses the number of adverse events an individual experienced before the age of 18 years. Research has shown that total ACE scores are associated with physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. The original ACE survey—often referred to as the conventional, standard, or primary version—consists of 10 items measuring adverse experiences across categories of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. However, it does not fully capture experiences that are increasingly relevant when assessing childhood adversity and trauma, particularly among historically marginalized minority and socio-economic populations. One area …

A Psychometric Investigation Of The Consumption Of Pornography Scale (Cops-G) In Undergraduate Students At A Private Christian University, Liberty Jedidiah Lillibridge

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Pornography is a multidimensional and complex topic that provokes feelings of shame, curiosity, and anxiety. In recent times, pornographic searches on the internet amounted to 25% of total search engine requests (Cooper et al., 2000). In a Canadian study on college students’ problematic pornography use, a higher level of pornography use was associated with negative psychosocial functioning and maladaptive use of cannabis, alcohol, gambling, and video games (Harper & Hodgins, 2016). Many researchers have attempted to mitigate the inconsistent measurement of pornography usage (Mckee et al., 2020; Short et al., 2012). Hatch et al. (2020) addressed these measurement issues and …

Self-Compassion And Shame: The Role Of Socioeconomic Status, Amanda Louie

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Undergraduate student mental health concerns are a growing issue on a global scale. One proposed intervention to support student well-being is to increase student self-compassion. Previous research has found that self-compassion can decrease negative affect and shame, and improve well-being and resilience, which in turn may reduce stress. A lesser area of study concerning self-compassion is what effect, if any, socioeconomic status may have on the development of self-compassion in individuals. To address this gap in the literature, this study collected data from college students on the West Coast and used a correlational design to explore the relationships between self-compassion, …

Utilization Of Assessment Results To Improve Identification Of Prenatal Substance Exposure, Whitney R. Mendenhall

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Prenatal substance exposure (PSE) significantly increases the risk of behavioral, emotional, and neurological challenges in children (Eiden et al., 2023). Children with PSE present similarly to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are often diagnosed with ADHD due to shared symptomatology (Garrison-Desany et al., 2022). However, PSE has a greater association with long-term cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral deficits (Eiden et al., 2023). While PSE and ADHD share similar symptomologies, treatment and outcomes vary substantially, where early identification and treatment is a critical protective factor against the development of other psychological conditions in children with PSE. PSE can …

Exploring The Relationship Between Individual Value Priorities And Pathological Psychological Traits, Dennis Kurtz

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Values are central to the ways that humans evaluate the world and make decisions, and they play an important role in individual psychological functioning and well-being. Although human values are frequently used in psycho-therapeutic interventions in clinical practice, the precise nature of their relationship to psychopathology is unclear. This research explored the relationship between human values and psychopathology using the Schwartz basic theory of human values and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–3. Participants were recruited from a community mental health clinic. Data were analyzed to determine relationships between value priorities and clinical scales.

The study hypothesized positive associations between self-enhancement …

Sport-Related Concussions In Division Iii Athletes: A 10-Year Prospective Analysis Of Trends And Incidence, Shaylyn R. Thorne

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sports-related concussions (SRCs) among college athletes remain a growing area of concern due to a myriad of potential short and long-term implications. Understanding concussion trends and incidence in collegiate sports is critical for guiding prevention and management strategies. This study examined concussion injuries among NCAA Division III collegiate athletes at a single institution over a 10-year period. Analyses focused on trends in concussion incidence across sports, genders, and changes associated with institutional and NCAA policy updates. Results indicated that concussion incidence varied across sports and time, with higher rates in contact sports such as football and soccer. Significant differences occurred …

Securitization Of African Migrants In Europe And North America, Chick Edmond

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

The securitization of African migrants in Europe and North America refers to the framing of immigrants as an existential security threat rather than a socioeconomic or humanitarian concerns. This discourse driven by political rhetoric, media narratives, and policy measures, often depict African migrants as risks to national security, cultural identity, and economic stability. Governments in host countries employ stringent border controls, detention and deportation policies often justified by counterterrorism and crime prevention frameworks. However, critics argue that securitization exacerbates xenophobia, violates human rights, and fails to address root causes of migration, such as conflict, poverty, and climate change. This paper …

Rethinking Trust In The Refugee Resettlement Process: How Service Providers Can Enable Refugee Agency Through Diasporic Connections, Mahfoudha Sidelemine, Emily D. Campion

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

Current guidance for refugee resettlement agency workers encourages the simultaneous pursuit of trust-building and administrative tasks (e.g., housing, transportation and employment). This dual goal is resource-intensive, and focusing on the former may come at a cost to the latter. The purpose of the current research is to challenge the importance of trust-building by resettlement agencies. Drawing from our qualitative data from in-depth interviews with resettled refugees (N = 20) and agency workers (N = 15), we adopt a grounded theory approach and find that the burden of responsibility for both caregiving and administrative responsibilities can overtax agency workers …

Manifesting A Shift In The "Overton Window": The Threat Of Project 2025 On The Lgbtq+ Community In Higher Education, Athena M. King, Sara Sanatkar

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

Since the first Trump administration, historically marginalized groups in the United States have been subjected to greater instances of bigotry and discrimination due to conservative influence on sociopolitical institutions. These actions suggest a shift in the "Overton Window," whereby policy preferences previously deemed "unacceptable" are given consideration in the mainstream, especially by conservative policy actors. "Project 2025" is a comprehensive plan to restructure the federal government according to conservative dictates in the second Trump administration. This article is an examination of how higher education may be impacted by this plan, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+ faculty, administration, staff, and …

Development Of Physics-Based Deterioration Models For Reinforced Soil Retaining Structures, Amr Morsy, Islam Ebo

Mineta Transportation Institute

Reinforced soil walls are key earth retention features in the transportation infrastructure. They are used to support and retain soil in a wide variety of crucial structures, such as highways, bridges, and railways, to ensure stability. They also provide solutions for constructing embankments and slopes in constrained spaces, allowing for efficient land use and improved infrastructure planning. This study used advanced numerical modeling to improve the understanding of the behavior and long-term performance of the aging reinforced soil walls from the 1970s for asset management purposes. An asset-scale model was created to simulate the effects of weather on these walls. …

The Method Is The Message: Movement Law And The Social Change Commons, Raymond H. Brescia

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Legal scholars have long sought to understand the relationship between social movements and the law. A new group of such scholars has argued that to better understand this relationship, and to advance social change that is effective, sustainable, equitable, and just, they must engage in dialogue with such movements to generate ideas that will catalyze that change. For those interested in generating ideas that can spark meaningful and lasting social change, such developments in legal scholarship represent an exciting evolution in the relationship between legal scholarship, legal scholars, and social movements: a relationship that appears to be growing stronger, deeper, …

Dobbs V. Brown, Benjamin H. Barton

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization1is the most important and impactful Supreme Court decision since at least Roe v. Wade, and potentially since Brown v. Board of Education. Past survey data show that most Americans can only name two Supreme Court opinions: Roe and Brown. Dobbs will surely join that list. This Article compares the history, drafting, and opinions of Dobbs and Brown to show what a missed opportunity Dobbs represents. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the opinion, it should be clear that Dobbs was one of those unique times (like that of Brown) where the Court …

Coming Out To My Christian Loved Ones: Online Workshop Effectiveness For Increasing Lgbtq+ Individuals And Lgbtq+ Ally Communication Efficacy And Impacts On Personal-Enacted Identity Gaps, Samantha Renee Leggett-Bradley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

It is not uncommon for passages from the Christian Bible to produce schisms in families, friendships, mentorships, workplace relationships, individual churches, and denominations. These challenging conversations are often around LGBTQ+ topics. Many marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in these spaces become outgroup members who feel insecure and less confident enacting aspects of their own identities or identities they support. A lack of communication efficacy for how to navigate LGBTQ+ related conversations with Christian loved ones may lead to detrimental physical, mental, and emotional outcomes.

This study surveyed 134 LGBTQ+ individuals and allies as well as conducted semi structured interviews with …

Racial And Ethnic Threat And The Accessibility Of The Legal Recreational Cannabis Market In California, Kathryn L. Burnham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Racial and Ethnic Threat and the Accessibility of the Legal Recreational Cannabis Market in California

By Kathryn L. Burnham

Drug prohibition has a racialized history in the United States (US). Cannabis became synonymous with the perceived enhanced criminality of Black and Hispanic populations by the White public. Despite similar prevalence of cannabis use among people who are Black, White, and Hispanic, the vilification and stigmatization of Black and Hispanic cannabis users began in the early 1900s and continued for over a century. As individual states continue to legalize cannabis use and public opinion favors the federal legalization of cannabis, it …

Assessment Of Analytical Workflows Of Gunshot Residue Evidence And Strategies For Implementation Of Advanced Technology In Crime Laboratories., Leah D. Thomas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rise in gun violence in the United States has increased the demand on forensic agencies to process evidence promptly and accurately. The exchange of imperceptible traces among objects, suspects, and victims can provide critical insights into the interactions and sequence of events during a crime. Gunshot residue (GSR) is a type of trace evidence that holds significant investigative value in shooting reconstructions. GSR can help identify potential shooters, intermediate targets, and bullet trajectories; however, its analysis is often expensive and time-consuming. Consequently, there is an urgent need for more effective solutions.

Methods for on-site screening can significantly streamline forensic …

Girl Gamers, Online Community, And Social Identity Theory: The Role Of Positive Distinction Strategies On Group Engagement On R/Girlgamers, Rachael Green

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Identity theorists have studied the complex relationship between gender and gaming for over two decades, but research on how women persist in gaming communities despite harassment remains underdeveloped. Grounded in Social Identity Theory, this dissertation examines the subreddit r/GirlGamers to evaluate the prevalence and impact of positive distinction strategies in countering identity threats. Based on a mixed-methods approach, the findings highlight three key strategies (group permeability, social creativity, and social competition) alongside themes of emotion, structural inequality, and interpersonal violence. Statistical tests indicate that posts employing at least one positive distinction strategy receive significantly more upvotes and comments than those …

An Intersectional Approach To Examining The Impact Of Cigarette Taxes On Tobacco Use By Urbanization Level, Andrea R. Milstred

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rates of traditional tobacco use have reached a century-level low though not universally with some vulnerable populations continuing high rates of tobacco use, such as those located in geographically isolated areas of the United States (US). Rural populations experience a unique set of challenges (i.e., decreased access to health promoting resources, high density of tobacco retailers, increased pro-tobacco advertising) that compound to produce a “cumulative disadvantage” ultimately increasing their risk of tobacco use. To curb and prevent tobacco use, tobacco control policies, such as excise taxes, can be implemented. At least one study suggests tobacco control policies are less effective …

Three Essays On Local Labor Markets, David Henry Nason

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation consists of three essays that employ applied econometric analysis to examine issues related to local labor markets. These analyses explore three distinct sources of structural change or policy interventions and evaluate their implications for regional labor markets. I examine the impact of occupational skill endowments on regional resilience to a recessionary shock, how exposure to increases in employer skill demand affects local labor markets, and whether grants extended by an existing federally chartered regional commission have a positive impact on distressed local labor markets within its service area.

The first chapter of this dissertation studies the impact that …