Sociology Commons^™

Pinkwashing Palestine: Exploring The Perceptions Of Utah College Students, Addison Fish

Student Research Symposium

The United States' role in the escalation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine has become a subject of heated political debate, especially on college campuses.

• This project investigates college students’ perceptions of pinkwashing and Israel

• Aims to understand how their perceptions affect their stance on the occupation

• Goal is to provide insight into how we can understand and critically engage with pinkwashing narratives and support Utah-local advocacy movements, as well as broader political campaigns in the U.S

Religious Trauma And Young Adults: What Is Their Perspective?, Ethan Lefevre

Student Research Symposium

How does religious trauma influence young adults' perspectives on organized religion and spirituality?

Effects Of Cbt For Anxiety On Sleep Quality (A Proposed Study), Brin Bement

Student Research Symposium

Good sleep has consistently been associated with good mental and physical health, yet nearly 1 in 5 Americans report sleep disturbances. Sleep-related problems (SRPs) are highly comorbid with anxiety, and the two variables have a bidirectional relationship.

Digital Audience: The Bystander Effect On Social Media, Riley Carlisle

Student Research Symposium

In the United States, cyberbullying is a massive problem that shows no sign of slowing down. - Cyberbullying effects 46% of teens aged 13-17 (Vogels, 2022)

- We are more connected than ever before

- Cyberbullying will only increase as we become more connected over social media

How Has Lgbtq+ Representation In Media Influenced The Perceptions And Identities Among Both Lgbtq+ And Non-Lgbtq+ Individuals Ages 18-24?, Miki Beckstrom

Student Research Symposium

The modern era has allowed for a new age of storytelling. As our society continues to diversify, the question we must ask ourselves, how is the media we consume reflective of our society? Internet discourse surrounding representation of race, sexuality, and gender have continued to infiltrate our community and be a topic of contention. This study hopes to explore both the positive and adverse effects that LGBTQ+ representation in media can have.

How Do The Implications Of A Juvenile's Surroundings Genuinely Affect Them And Their Upbringing?, Ramon Ramirez

Student Research Symposium

Traditional theories assume that socioeconomic status and residential mobility in a neighborhood are linked to criminal behavior, but the findings showed that variations in ethnic composition didn’t have a significant effect.

Did Covid-19 Change How Adolescents Connect? Analyzing Social Media's Role In Post-Pandemic Relationships, Tessi Hurst

Student Research Symposium

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased social media use among adolescents, altering the way they formed and maintained relationships. As in-person interactions became limited, social media platforms played a crucial role in shaping social behaviors.

Existing research highlights the shifts in friendship quality, mental health and social interaction patterns, revealing both positive and negative effects.

Urban Green Space And Violent Crime Rates: Urban Green Spaces Promote Safety, Wellness, And Community Connection, Athena Degroff

Student Research Symposium

• Some studies suggest that well- maintained green spaces can deter crime by fostering community interaction, increasing natural surveillance, and reducing stress- related aggression.
• However, other research indicates that poorly maintained or isolated green spaces may provide opportunities for criminal activity.
• Understanding these patterns is essential for designing safer cities.

How Are Mental Health Professionals Impacted By Their Personal Religious Beliefs Within A Client-Interaction Setting?, Olivia Kenney

Student Research Symposium

Understanding how mental health professionals’ personal religious beliefs influence client interactions is important to ensuring ethical, productive, and effective care.

Soc 3110 Presentation, Eduardo Valles

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

What do you think is the percent of inmates in jails/prisons that have a mental illness?

23. Debate Team Back In The Spotlight [Article, April 9, 2025]

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

Citation: Westendorf, J. (2025, April 9). Debate Team back in the spotlight: UNI Debate returns to nationals for the first time in nine years. Northern Iowan, 7.

Description: Article from the Northern Iowan about the UNI debate team going to The National Debate Tournament for the first time in eight years. Kat Van Buren, Captain of the UNI Debate Team, argues for trans/queer rights within Debate while also strategizing for ways in which to do the same outside of debate.

37. Protest 2025. Protest At Applied Engineering Building 2 [Photograph]

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

Citation: Villatoro, J. (2025, April 9). Students protest during Applied Engineering Building ribbon cutting, Gov. Reynolds is a no-show. Northern Iowan, 1.

Description: Front page of "The Northern Iowan" paper titled "Students protest during Applied Engineering building ribbon cutting, Gov. Reynolds is no-show".

Photo Essay: Japan’S Demographic Changes And Opportunities: A Tale Of Two Cities, Ryoko Yamamoto

Asia Pacific Perspectives

Japan is in the midst of a population implosion. Schools struggle to fill classrooms, and vacant houses are a common sight in smaller towns. While the demographic shift makes it difficult to sustain traditional ways of life, it also brings opportunities for new possibilities. This essay highlights the challenges and opportunities of demographic change through the stories of two communities: Tsushima City in Aichi Prefecture and Ikuno Ward in Osaka City. In Tsushima, residents have embraced a more inclusive approach to their autumn festival, inviting women and non-residents to perform roles previously reserved for male residents. In Ikuno, a closed …

Developmentalism, Christianity, And Population Decline In East Asia, Elizabeth Lacouture

Asia Pacific Perspectives

In 2024, Taiwan and South Korea had the lowest fertility rates in the world. Instead of solving this demographic conundrum, this paper examines the ways in which women, family and fertility have been described, measured, and discussed across time and space in East Asia and introduces the role of US Christian ideology in propagating population control. US Christian missionaries and networks forged in China and Korea in the nineteenth century built a foundation for the social sciences of the family in early twentieth century China that developed into US modernization theory-led demography in the Republic of China on Taiwan and …

Book Review: Gietel-Basten, Stuart. The “Population Problem” In Pacific Asia., Yang Jixi

Asia Pacific Perspectives

No abstract provided.

The Need For Gender Equity In Outdoor Adventure Sports: The Impact Of Gender Disparities On Women In The Outdoors, Suzanna Stegelmeier

Student Research Symposium

What obstacles do women face when participating in outdoor adventure recreation?

Domestic Violence Against Women, Mckaye Didericksen

Student Research Symposium

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse
• Physical Violence
• Emotional Abuse
• Non-Physical Behavior
• Financial Abuse
• Control Financial Situation
• Sexual Abuse
• Partner Controlled Sexual and Physical Intimacy in the Relationship
• Often non-consensual and forced

Is Modern Day Dating Damaging Our Mental Health?, Kamilla Rayann Stone

Student Research Symposium

In contemporary society, dating has undergone significant transformations, with modern dating practices increasingly influenced by technology, shifting social norms, and evolving expectations. This study seeks to answer the question: Is modern-day dating damaging our mental health? Given the rising concerns about relationship satisfaction, anxiety, and self-esteem in the digital dating era, this research aims to explore the potential psychological implications of modern dating trends.

The High Cost Of Substance Use Disorder And Recidivism, Paula Hogg

Student Research Symposium

What policy changes can the Idaho State Criminal Justice System implement to address problems of high incarceration and recidivism rates for individuals with substance use disorder?

American Reads Mentor/Tutor, Rivers Tullis

Student Research Symposium

This was a great opportunity to work in the community and to learn how to better work with younger kids. For this past school year I worked for an after-school program at Summit Elementary doing a variety of educational activities. We were able to invite several different organizations to help introduce the kids to new technologies such as drones and coded remote-control cars. This helps kids to think creatively and give them opportunities to find their passion for a potential future career.

Gendered Rehabilitation: Male And Female Offenders' Experiences In Reintegration, Ellie Hansen

Student Research Symposium

• Gender: Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations assigned to women, men, girls, and boys (World Health Organization).
• Gender specific (responsive) programing: Tailored interventions addressing distinct learning styles, relationship dynamics, and life circumstances of men and women (The Oregon Intermediate Sanctions for Female Offenders Policy Group 1995).
• Recidivism: Relapse into criminal behavior after sanctions or interventions (NIJ).
• Reentry: The inevitable consequence of incarceration (Visher 2015).
• Rehabilitation: Programs reducing crime by addressing root causes and improving reintegration outcomes (NIJ).
• Reintegration: Reconnecting individuals with societal institutions as both a process and goal (Visher 2015).

The Correlation Between Mental Health And Electronic Media Usage In Adults, Thea Lefave

Student Research Symposium

How does an adult's electronic media usage impact their levels of anxiety and depression and overall emotional well-being?

Research Presentation, Cassee Pugmire

Student Research Symposium

• How does childhood environment influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior?
• Home Life Situation
• Parents' Information and Involvement
• Status Offense vs Delinquent Offenses

Immigration, Almendra Ramirez, Leslie Villagomez

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Immigration issues are a prominent topic in the United States. The United States is known for freedom and better living conditions. In the United States there are about 50.6 million immigrants, making up about 15% of the total population. However, an estimated 10.5 million individuals are paying the most in taxes and they help with agriculture, the immigration policy which brings fear and high risk of families being separated. The path to residency is long and difficult, especially for those seeking immediate improvements in their lives. Therefore this research seeks to bring awareness and educate the American public on this …

Prison Environment And Conditions Affect Recidivism Rates — Norway And South Africa, Hayes Breitbach, Abby Horstmann, Gus Beirman

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Harsh prison conditions and lack of rehabilitation and reintegration programs in South African prisons reflect the high recidivism rates in the country. South African prisoners are subject to inhumane conditions such as overcrowding and health concerns, violations of human rights, and are stripped of their dignity. Paired with social stigma against those who have been incarcerated, these inhumane conditions lead to poor reintegration and higher recidivism rates. This research project advocates for prison reform focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and improved facility conditions. There are multiple examples of competent and humane prisons in the world, such as Norway’s correctional institutions, which …

The Importance Of Domestic Violence Reform In First World Countries, Morgan Klein, Stephanie Hines Meyers, Jasmyne Sauceda, Ark Van Donslear

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Globally, 1 in every 3 women has experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), and the impact of this prevalent issue extends beyond the boundaries of developed and underdeveloped nations. In the United States, 22% of women have endured IPV, while in New Zealand, this figure stands at 24%. Despite the availability of national resources, frameworks adopted by developed countries are presumed to provide effective interventions through their judicial systems and policies. However, judicial injustices frequently allow perpetrators to persist in their violent behaviors without facing substantial consequences. Measures such as restraining orders or no-contact orders often fail to deter offenders effectively. …

The Impact Of Human Trafficking, Jenna Diprima, Eboni Patterson, Gabriela Meza

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Human trafficking is a crime that has been documented since the 1500s and continues to be a significant issue, reaching unprecedented levels today. Human trafficking is an act in which an individual coerces/compels another and forces them to provide services for financial gain. Victims often come from connections with people they trust. In 2023, it was monitored that 348 people in the US were victims of human trafficking, 316 of 348 victims were children. Worldwide, however, this number is much higher standing at 49.6 million with Guatemala taking up a significant chunk as it has been estimated that 24.9 million …

Freedom To Change: Comparing U.S. And Norwegian Recidivism, Sofia Low

Student Research Symposium

The U.S. criminal justice system is set up to fail those leaving!

Latinx Education: Catalyst For Permanent Socio-Economic Change, Evan Schellhous

Student Research Symposium

This poster explores the transformative impact of education in empowering the Latinx community, drawing on insights from four contemporary films: Spare Parts, McFarland USA, Walkout, and A Million Miles Away. Each film depicts unique narratives where education is pivotal in overcoming socio-economic challenges, cultural barriers, and systemic inequities. Spare Parts narrates the inspiring journey of Latino students who, with determination and innovative spirit, defy stereotypes to excel in science and technology. McFarland USA illustrates how mentorship and community support enable under-resourced Latinx athletes to break the cycle of poverty through academic and athletic success. In Walkout, historic student-led protests …

How Does Social Media Influence The Self-Perceived Well-Being Of Rural Residents?, Danalee Welch-O'Donnal

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.