Family, Life Course, and Society Commons^™

The Role Of Time And Place In Understanding The Quality Of Life Among Homeless Persons, Gail O'Connor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the role that life chances and choices play in determining quality of life among homeless people. Given the prominent negative impact of homelessness, this paper specifically examines the impact of length of time homeless and location on adverse quality of life. Data from Birmingham, Alabama and Northwest Arkansas Point-in-Time Homeless Census' was utilized and combined to create a sample of 264 homeless individuals. Using a quantitative approach, the topic of adverse quality of life for the homeless is analyzed through a three-model OLS regression, using a life chances and choices framework, with the addition of experiential context--time …

A Game Of Skill: Video Game Enthusiasm And Confidence With Computers, Rebecca L. Sevin

Masters Theses

This study explores the relationship between recreational involvement with video games and an interest in computer science as well as confidence with computers. Multiple works have acknowledged that the content in video games and the video game culture is presently very hostile towards women. Simultaneously, the number of women pursuing computer science has been decreasing since the 1980s. Past studies have suggested that playing video games can increase confidence with computers and may lead to an interest in computer science. Using data collected from 1,124 college students, this study addresses this issue by using a variety of measures to gauge …

The Relationship Between Attachment, Couple Conflict, And Recovery From Conflict, Nathan C. Taylor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Advances in technology have opened the door for increased understanding to the physiological changes that influence and are influenced by conflict. The objective of this research was to use these advances in technology to better understand the relationship between attachment and physiological reactivity during conflict, as well as during recovery from couple conflict. Skin conductance equipment was used to measure 10 couples (n = 20) physiological arousal while discussing an area of conflict, and during a recovery section which included a relationship distraction task and discussion. Five multiple regressions were used to analyze physiological reactivity during and after conflict …

An Innovative Approach To Improving Father-Child Relationships For Fathers Who Are Noncompliant With Child Support Payments: A Mixed Methods Evaluation, John R. Gallagher, Joan R. Rycraft, Tommy Jordan

Journal of Adolescent and Family Health

Mixed methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fathers Offering Children Unfailing Support (FOCUS) program. FOCUS is a diversion program which is designed to offer an alternative to incarceration for fathers who are noncompliant with child support payments. Quantitative data were collected through a pretest/posttest design (n = 55) and qualitative data were collected through telephone interviews with FOCUS instructors (n = 2) and community key stakeholders (n = 5) and focus groups with FOCUS participants (n = 76). FOCUS appears to be benefiting children by increasing their fathers’ emotional support, strengthening co-parenting relationships, and promoting their fathers’ …

Respect Learned Or Earned: A Misinterpretation Between Generations, Ashton Sellers

Learning Showcase 2014

Respect, whether viewed as value by some or a specific point of reference by others, causes one to wonder whether it is a learned behavior or detail that one earns. In review of this topic and asking groups of individuals from multiple generational eras, the results vary as to whether respect can be taught or even deserved based upon one’s behaviors and actions.

Many youth of today, do not take the ‘view of having respect for others’ serious enough to know that it is has been taught, it can be taught, and should remain a generational life lesson. Youth have …

Research Brief: "Fathering After Military Deployment: Parenting Challenges And Goals Of Fathers Of Young Children", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study was conducted in conjunction with the STRoNG Military Families program, and consisted of interviews with fathers of young children. It was found that deployed fathers shared similar issues upon reintegration, and many were interested in connecting with other deployed fathers to learn from their parenting experiences. Future research recommended highlighting that this sample was exclusively male and predominantly white, and acknowledged that the demographics of future studies should be expanded to include women and people of color. Likewise, a greater sample size from other armed forces branches is needed.

Alzheimer's Therapeutics Targeting Amyloid Beta 1-42 Oligomers I: Abeta 42 Oligomer Binding To Specific Neuronal Receptors Is Displaced By Drug Candidates That Improve Cognitive Deficits, Nicholas J. Izzo, Agnes Staniszewski, Lillian To, Mauro Fa, Andrew F. Teich, Faisal Saeed, Harrison Wostein, Thomas Walko Iii, Anisha Vaswani, Meghan Wardius, Zanobia Syed, Jessica Ravenscroft, Kelsie Mozzoni, Colleen Silky, Courtney Rehak, Raymond Yurko, Patricia Finn, Gary Look, Gilbert Rishton, Hank Safferstein, Miles Miller, Conrad Johanson, Edward Stopa, Manfred Windisch, Birgit Hutter-Paier, Mehrdad Shamloo, Ottavio Arancio, Harry Levine Iii, Susan M. Catalano

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Synaptic dysfunction and loss caused by age-dependent accumulation of synaptotoxic beta amyloid (Abeta) 1-42 oligomers is proposed to underlie cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alterations in membrane trafficking induced by Abeta oligomers mediates reduction in neuronal surface receptor expression that is the basis for inhibition of electrophysiological measures of synaptic plasticity and thus learning and memory. We have utilized phenotypic screens in mature, in vitro cultures of rat brain cells to identify small molecules which block or prevent the binding and effects of Abeta oligomers. Synthetic Abeta oligomers bind saturably to a single site on neuronal synapses and induce …

Alzheimer's Therapeutics Targeting Amyloid Beta 1–42 Oligomers Ii: Sigma-2/Pgrmc1 Receptors Mediate Abeta 42 Oligomer Binding And Synaptotoxicity, Nicholas J. Izzo, Jinbin Xu, Chenbo Zeng, Molly J. Kirk, Kelsie Mozzoni, Colleen Silky, Courtney Rehak, Raymond Yurko, Gary Look, Gilbert Rishton, Hank Safferstein, Carlos Cruchaga, Alison Goate, Michael A. Cahill, Ottavio Arancio, Robert H. Mach, Rolf Craven, Elizabeth Head, Harry Levine Iii, Tara L. Spires-Jones, Susan M. Catalano

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Amyloid beta (Abeta) 1-42 oligomers accumulate in brains of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and disrupt synaptic plasticity processes that underlie memory formation. Synaptic binding of Abeta oligomers to several putative receptor proteins is reported to inhibit long-term potentiation, affect membrane trafficking and induce reversible spine loss in neurons, leading to impaired cognitive performance and ultimately to anterograde amnesia in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have identified a receptor not previously associated with AD that mediates the binding of Abeta oligomers to neurons, and describe novel therapeutic antagonists of this receptor capable of blocking Abeta toxic …

Opinion: Too Many Veterans With Children Are Still Homeless, Christopher R. Fee, Joshua L. Stewart

English Faculty Publications

Don’t ignore homeless veterans.

As we pause this Veterans Day to reflect on those who have sacrificed in the service of our country, let us not neglect to address the plight of those who have returned to a civilian life with far less promise than they have every right to expect. [excerpt]

Becoming An Educator, Naveen Jonathan

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Presentations

Discusses employment options for Marriage & Family Therapists.

Women At A Glance, Vanessa B., Lori B., Laura K.

Women’s Studies, Feminist Zine Archive

Writings and art about female condoms, parenting, purity balls, marriage, abusive relationships, and rape culture.

Research Digest Number 10: Parents And Teachers: Working Together To Foster Children’S Learning, Kate Perkins, Pat Knight, Marion Meiers

Research Digest

This edition of the Research Digest focuses primarily on parent-teacher collaboration, considering what research can tell us about:

• why parental engagement is important
• key features of effective collaborations
• critical challenges and issues that teachers and parents may face
• strategies that have helped teachers and parents build effective relationships

Some examples of activities undertaken as part of whole-school programs are also included. These illustrate the kind of scaffolding that helps teachers, parents and children establish the foundations for effective interactions.

The Digest draws on searches of data bases and bibliographic resources including the Australian Education Index, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), …

Tiers 1, 2 & 3 Intervention: Reinforcement, Scott Fluke, Jenna Strawhun, Reece L. Peterson

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Conclusion

There is overwhelming evidence that the use of reinforcement can change behavior. Reinforcement is a beneficial tool for teachers and administrators and can be used to improve both academic and behavioral performance of students. It can be readily adapted to fit individual, classroom, and school-wide behavioral goals. Key implementation considerations can maximize the effectiveness of reinforcement. Reinforcement allows schools to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be functional members of society, and can maintain a positive school climate. It is one of the most powerful tools available, and should be one of the first strategies …

The Impact Of Parenting Education And Resources On The Development Of The Fathering Role, Bruce S. Sheppard

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This qualitative study is an inquiry into how men perceive their roles as fathers, how they developed those roles, and the influence those roles have on the success of their children. Interviews were conducted by the author with fourteen men who had previously participated in a prenatal class for new, first-time fathers. The transcribed data from these interviews were triangulated with interview notes, case notes, and a study journal. The data were also reviewed for accuracy through post-transcription telephone interviews with three of the interviewees. Five important themes emerged through analysis of the interview data: a) the men saw themselves …

Work To Do, Colby King

Bridgewater Review

No abstract provided.

Fact Sheet: Cohort Differences In Parents’ Illness And Nursing Home Use, Maximiliane E. Szinovacz

Gerontology Institute Publications

Surviving parents of the war baby and baby boom cohorts are now reaching very old age. Given their increased longevity and postponement of morbidity into very old age (see Fact Sheets on parental mortality and care needs), it is essential to estimate whether and to what extent these parents will require informal or formal care. Such care is typically most burdensome and costly if it involves long-lasting illness prior to death. Furthermore, Medicare and especially Medicaid expenditures will depend on whether or not these parents require nursing home care. To obtain some estimates of the prevalence of long-lasting illness and …

Fact Sheet: Cohort Differences In Parental Care Needs, Maximiliane E. Szinovacz, Linda C. Lieber

Gerontology Institute Publications

There has been considerable concern about the availability of informal and especially family care when the baby boom cohorts reach old age (Ryan and Smith et al., 2012). However, as care needs typically arise in late old age (age 70 or later), a more immediate issue is the care burden faced by the baby boomer cohorts themselves as their parents now reach late old age. To assess the potential care burden faced by baby boom adult children one first needs to assess their parents’ care needs. Such assessment is also essential as research shows that parental care needs do not …

Fact Sheet: Cohort Differences In Parental Survival, Maximiliane E. Szinovacz

Gerontology Institute Publications

Increases in longevity and especially increased survival into very old age have implications not only for individuals’ own life course but also for that of their families. For example, if parents survive into very old age they will have more opportunities not only to become grandparents but also great-grandparents and to experience these family roles for a longer time period (the so-called “beanpole family”). From their adult children’s perspective, longer survival of parents also can mean that needs for companionship arising from one parent’s widow(er)hood will be postponed into their adult children’s later years, possibly after the child’s retirement. Similarly, …

Male Ballet Dancers And Their Performances Of Heteromasculinity, Trenton M. Haltom, Meredith G. F. Worthen

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Although previous research has investigated men in feminized sports, we took a different approach in this study and examined men in ballet. Because ballet is one of the most highly gender-codified sports, male ballet dancers must negotiate their identities as men while performing a dance form that is highly stigmatized as effeminate. We investigated how five self-identified heterosexual male college dance majors perceive and perform heteromasculinity within male ballet culture using qualitative data gathered from structured interviews. Results provide three unique contributions to the literature. First, we found that these men develop and contextualize their heteromasculinity in the context of …

Tiers 1, 2 & 3 Intervention: Parent & Family Involvement, Jenna Strawhun, Amber Olson, Elisabeth J. Kane, Reece L. Peterson

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Conclusion

Parental involvement includes several factors related to parenting style/practices, communication, learning at home, volunteering, community collaboration, and parent decision-making using relevant data. Parental involvement has been shown to be an effective tool for increasing student engagement in the form of increased academic performance and adherence to behavior expectations. Research should extend to examining the effects of parent involvement for minority students and highlighting the specific factors that compose “parent involvement” and their influence on outcomes. Specific strategies to promote parent involvement should incorporate professional development for teachers, parent input regarding family-based needs, and multicultural considerations.

See related Strategy Briefs …