Development Studies Commons^™

The Unintended Consequences Of Normalization: Unmonitored Mental Health Discourse Among Youth And Suicide Risk, Farley Morris

Social Work Theses - Archive

Suicide has become an increasingly common cause of death among U.S. children ages 10–14. In 2001, suicide accounted for 8% of deaths in this age group; by 2010 the proportion rose to 12%, and by 2020 it reached 22% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Although factors such as adverse childhood experiences (Felitti et al., 1998; Jones et al., 2024), psychache (Shneidman, 1998), burdensomeness (Joiner, 2005; O’Connor, 2011), and hopelessness (Bat Tonkus et al., 2022; Qiu et al., 2017) are associated with suicide, these elements alone do not explain the significant rise in suicide deaths over the past …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Developing Staff Training Modules To Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care In An Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are admitted to psychiatric hospitals at higher rates and for longer durations compared to neurotypical individuals (Kuriakose et al., 2018). Externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, significantly increase hospitalization risk, yet standard psychiatric interventions (e.g., traditional process groups) are often ineffective for this population. A key barrier is the lack of ASD-specific training among hospital staff (Siegel & Gabriels, 2012). This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing an educational training program to improve patient-centered, neurodiversity-affirming care across all inpatient psychiatric units. The primary aims were to: …

Longitudinal Relationship Between Problematic Social Networking Use And Internalizing Problems, Lindsay Roesel

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

The purpose of this study is to examine the longitudinal and bidirectional relationships between problematic social networking use (PSNU) and internalizing problems (depressive symptoms and self-esteem) in adolescents. Data were collected from N = 360 adolescents from two public high schools in Turkey, 14.58 years old in 9^th grade at Time 1 (54.3% females). Participants completed four assessments regarding problematic social media use, depression and self-esteem, over the course of two school years, once per semester in 9^th and 10^th grades. The study tested a series of hypotheses which tested the bidirectional relationships between PSNU on depressive …

Analysing The Us—China “Ai Cold War” Narrative, Yujia He, Richard Heeks

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining prominence in the recent revival of “cold war” narratives comparing US-China relations today to the historical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union. Drawing on a review of existing academic and policy literature engaging with the “AI cold war” narrative, this paper examines how the narrative is justified, and numerous ways that it can be challenged. It finds that the framing is largely driven by the securitisation of AI, as state actors and policy pundits view AI innovations’ dual-use capabilities as key to national security and ideological competition. However, critics posit that …

Searching For The City - A Study Of Tourism And Urban Development, Ethan Miskelly Paul

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis uses an interdisciplinary study of urban tourism development to examine a number of points of interest with regard to urban tourism governance. It explores what motivates cities to plan development projects intended to attract tourism, what distinguishes the city as ‘place to visit’ from ‘place to live’ from the perspective of a resident, and if tourism is a viable strategy for promoting sustainable development and resident wellbeing in an urban environment.

These questions are ever more relevant as tourism itself comes to represent a major driver of the global economy. Beginning with a review of the relevant literature …

Secondary Teachers' Perceptions Of Social Emotional Learning: A Mixed Methods Study, Ryan Taylor

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The mental health needs of adolescents continue to rise, and there is consensus within the literature that universal promotion of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools is one way to improve student well-being (Vetter et al., 2024). Teachers play an important role in the success of new Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, yet their voices appear to be missing from the literature. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to dig deeper into the landscape of SEL in secondary classrooms in Pennsylvania. Participants included 63 secondary teachers who completed a survey, with nine of those teachers participating in one-on-one …

A Geopolitical Economy Analysis Of China And India’S Approaches To Transnational Data Governance, Yujia He, Ka Zeng

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

Recent literature on the behavior of rising powers in digital trade and data governance highlights their discourses of data sovereignty and desire to preserve domestic policy autonomy. This article contributes to the literature by employing a political economy lens that shifts the focus from the nation-state/inter-state framework towards the dynamics of state–capital relations, allowing for a more historical and contextual understanding of the geopolitics of data governance in emerging economies. Using China and India—two of the largest emerging economies—as comparative cases, and drawing on secondary data from government documents and other sources, the article argues that the interplay between the …

Exploring The Association Between Childhood Anxiety And Stressful Urban Life Events, Diya Cheema, Sydney Sumrall, Robin Everhart, Marcia Winter

Undergraduate Research Posters

Objective: Research indicates that children who live in underserved urban environments are more likely to experience behavioral problems, such as social withdrawal, school adjustment problems, and self-reported delinquency (e.g., King, Huang, & Dewan, 2022). Studies have shown that for adolescents who later develop anxiety and depression, the neighborhood during childhood development could be a factor (Lee et al., 2018). Environmental conditions such as a higher risk of exposure to violence, limited community resources, and undergoing a significant life change in childhood can result in greater risk for psychological distress, including anxiety (King, Huang, & Dewan, 2022). The purpose of this …

Barriers To Mental Health Among International Students: Identifying Challenges And Developing Support Strategies For Depressive Symptoms, Esi Tb Afful

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine barriers to mental health service utilization among international students, with a specific focus on challenges related to depressive symptoms and their coping mechanisms. The study also sought to identify factors that influence international students’ engagement with mental health resources.

Method: A total of 30 international students enrolled at a midwestern university participated in this mixed-methods study. Data were collected through an online survey, which included both closed- and open-ended questions. The quantitative portion of the survey assessed demographics, cultural and immigration challenges, mental health service utilization, and social support. Hierarchical multiple …

Livelihood Adaptive Strategies And Marginalization In Decision-Making: A Study Of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) Vulnerable Communities In Northern Pakistan, Sobia Shah

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This study examines livelihood adaptation strategies and the dynamics of marginalization in decision-making within communities vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. Grounded in a vulnerability framework encompassing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, it addresses two objectives: identifying household and community-level adaptation strategies to GLOF risks and analyzing structural drivers of marginalization in adaptation decision-making. A mixed-methods design was used, combining a systematic review of GLOF measures in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region with a household survey of 150 respondents in Hassanabad and Hoper valleys. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) assessed how socio-demographic, economic, institutional, and …

The Demand For Educational Functions Of Study Tour Products: From Students’ Perspectives, Yaqi Yu, Azizan Marzuki

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Few academic studies have comprehensively examined the actual demands of students regarding the educational function of study tours. This paper develops a demand index system based on three dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral demands. A questionnaire survey was administered to 397 students. Initially, student demands were categorized using the Kano model. Subsequently, the “dependence” and “expectancy” characteristics were analyzed through the dissatisfaction index (DI) and satisfaction index (SI). The impact of fulfilling each demand on dissatisfaction and satisfaction levels was then determined. The results indicated that among the three dimensions, there were 7 must-be demands, 6 one-dimensional demands, 8 attractive …

Understanding The Impact Of Foster Care On Child Development, Catherine Pleska

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to explore the developmental impact of the foster care system on children, focusing on how early trauma and systemic factors influence emotional, social, and cognitive development. Through a systematic literature review, the project will highlight the unique experiences foster children face, examining how early adversity shapes their long-term outcomes. The project will emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care in educational environments, advocating for strategies that create supportive and empathetic classrooms. The objectives include identifying key challenges for foster children and offering recommendations for teachers and school administrators to effectively engage students impacted by trauma. The study also …

Artsparks And The Vincent House: A Deep Dive Into Nonprofit Dance In Akron, Grayce Thomas

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores the benefits of accessible dance programs for children in the Akron area, focusing on programs like ArtSparks and the Vincent House. It looks at how these programs help kids grow physically, emotionally, and socially, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to dance. As a dancer and teacher, my personal experience with the positive impact of dance motivates this project, as I know how important it can be for a child's development. Through interviews, observations, and online resources, I’ll examine how these programs work and how they support the kids involved. The goal is to …

Decolonizing The Pedagogy Of Development Studies In Selected Universities In The Philippines, Leslie Advincula-Lopez, Nota F. Magno, Maria Victoria F. Punay

Development Studies Faculty Publications

It has been forty-two (42) years since the first cohort of Development Studies majors graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila Campus. Today, two (2) other universities in Metro Manila are offering undergraduate courses on Development Studies. Kapoor (2023) discusses criticisms of Development Studies and refers to arguments that the discipline is (neo)colonial and carries the baggage of imperial plunder. In the same article, she also refers to observations that the discipline has persistently sanitized colonialism and suffers from “imperialist amnesia.” Since this program aims to mold and train development professionals in the Philippines, we engage in this reflexive …

Exploring The Stem Career Identity Development Of Black Women Across Their Lifespan, Veronica Hurd

Theses and Dissertations

Although STEM is the fastest-growing career sector, Black women are grossly underrepresented as they account for 2.5% of the workforce. Research highlights that this underrepresentation is due to racialized structures in K-12, postsecondary, and career settings that restrict Black girls’ and women’s STEM opportunities. While macrosystems such as hegemonic ideologies, attitudes, and social conditions shape Black girls’ and women’s opportunities in STEM, they continue to persist and achieve their career goals. To explore these barriers and Black women’s persistence in this industry, this study draws from the autobiographical memories of 10 Black women in the field or formerly in the …

Weaving A Tapestry Of Community Based Child Trafficking Interventions In High-Trafficking Incidence Areas In Ghana, Crispin Mbamba

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background: This dissertation addresses the urgent issue of child trafficking in high-incidence areas of Ghana, where sociocultural, economic, and structural factors sustain and exacerbate this complex social challenge. The rationale for the study is grounded in the need for a holistic understanding of child trafficking beyond traditional justice-based approaches. The research emphasizes the necessity of community-led interventions informed by local cultural norms and protective values that have been largely unexplored in the Ghanaian context. Specifically, this dissertation applies an integrative approach, rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy, to explore community interdependence as a central component of sustainable anti-trafficking interventions.

Methods: …

The Overlooked Dynamics Of Sibling Violence: Sociological Perspectives And Intervention Strategies, Rowland Edet

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Sibling violence (SV) represents a pervasive yet underexplored dimension of family violence, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. This paper critically examines the intersection of gender dynamics, societal norms, and family structures in shaping SV behaviors. Using social learning theory (SLT) as a foundational framework, the analysis explores how gendered expectations and traditional roles influence the prevalence and forms of aggression, with boys more likely to exhibit overt physical aggression and girls engaging in relational aggression. The paper critiques the deterministic tendencies of SLT, highlighting the agency of individuals in rejecting modeled behaviors, and incorporates intersectionality to address the interplay …

Living With Flying Colors: Associations Among Lgbtq+ Identity, Religiosity, Spirituality, Community, And Overall Well-Being Among Lgbtq+ Older Adults, Madison T. Diomede

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Experiences of discrimination and prejudice place LGBTQ+ individuals in older adulthood (i.e., 55 years old and older) at risk for poor overall well-being. This risk can be especially salient in the Southern and Midwestern U.S., where LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy fewer legal protections than in the Northeast and Western regions of the U.S. In defiance of these odds, LGBTQ+ individuals in older adulthood cultivate overall well-being through psychological-level constructs, like LGBTQ+ identity affirmation, and community-level constructs, LGBTQ+ community connection. Yet, little research has examined these avenues of strength among LGBTQ+ individuals in older adulthood. Guided by Iridescent Life Course Theory and …

Gender Equality And Social Capital Empowerment Of Rural Women, Nuraedah Nuraedah, Syamsul Bahri -

Masyarakat: Jurnal Sosiologi

This study explores the role of social capital in empowering rural women, focusing on how social networks, trust, and community norms contribute to gender equality and women's decision-making. Despite the recognition of gender equality as a fundamental right, rural women continue to face structural barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities. By examining the interaction between social capital and women's empowerment, this research aims to fill the gap in understanding the mechanisms that support women's empowerment in rural areas. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with 30 women from various villages in Indonesia, complemented by …