College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Item Adolescents at Risk for Suicide: Parents’ Perception in Implementing a Mandatory Suicide Screening Schedule and Importance of Parent Involvement(2022) Mota, JanetShould parents be more concerned and pay more attention to their adolescents’ behaviors? What signs of possible thoughts of suicide should parents be looking out for? This current study proposes the need for mandatory suicide screenings during early and late adolescence to not only help parents but to help our society in monitoring the mental health of our adolescents on a routine, early intervention, and resourceful approach. Nearly 100 parents volunteered to complete a 20-question questionnaire to gather their opinion on whether mandatory suicide screenings are necessary among our adolescents today. Three variables are measured: the belief in suicide prevention, parent involvement, and the need for mandatory screenings. Volunteers were made known of this study through two different platforms. Results showed nearly half of the participants had known someone in their family or close to them who has attempted suicide at least once. A total of 30.43% reported having lost someone in their family or someone close to them to suicide. A positive correlation was seen between individuals with a strong belief in the importance of suicide prevention and their perception of mandatory screenings.Item Adult women with childhood trauma: How religion/spiritual practice impedes the healing process(2024) Winchell, RobinThis research paper demonstrates the role that past childhood trauma can affect engagement with religious or spiritual organization of community involvement if negative impacts are present as seen through a purposive sample. An original survey was utilized to identify if negative impacts would cause disengagement in religious or spiritual involvement for those with past childhood trauma. 26 participants of U.S. citizens, who identified as female, confirmed past childhood trauma, as well as being engaged in mental health therapy, and engagement with a religious or spiritual organization were derived through the survey platform SurveyMonkey. The study yielded results that indicate that the type of mental health counseling received could impact an individual’s decision to disengage from their religious or spiritual organization or community if a negative impact was present. The result of this research provides supporting evidence that the data supports the hypothesis that a negative impact can cause disassociation with a coping strategy. The results contribute to the discussion of childhood trauma and the relationship between mental health counseling and the effects that can happen to the individuals religious or spiritual experience if a negative impact occurs. This can help mental health professionals and religious counselors understand the connection between childhood trauma, disengagement, and utilizing religious and spiritual organizations in a positive manner and being aware of what could cause issues with this coping strategy.Item Attitudes Toward Succession Planning in the Virtual World: The Role of Social Media in Organizational Community Building(2021) Braunstein, DanielleAttitudes about succession planning for those working in the virtual environment were investigated in this preliminary study. Applying concepts related to personality factors, extraversion and amiability were used to understand the sample’s likelihood of participation in programs to be launched on social media for succession planning remotely. Socio-political effects within the United States a year after COVID surfaced was a key factor for understanding social media habits that could be harnessed into productive organizational resources. Surveys were administered through Survey Monkey with 31 full responses. Recruitment was obtained through a social media link where colleagues, friends, and acquaintances were directed to go to enter the survey. Scales for measuring experiences in the past office workspace and the current virtual ones were presented. Results indicate a likelihood that Facebook may be used as a vehicle for organizations when career development is offered but only when socio-political factors match or are omitted. Many other factors for succession planning may be at risk for virtual workers as contradictory answers may be indicative of lack of knowledge, confusion, or fear from a past negative experience that was not accounted for in the survey. These scales and additional suggested questions can be used to follow up with specifics for organizations to better understand their virtual employees for increased employee engagement, succession planning, and brand ambassadorship.Item Authoritarian Leadership Style and Psychological Safety: Differences Between In-person and Remote Workers(2023) Wilson, AndreThis study systematically reviews the literature on the relationship between authoritarian leadership and psychological safety in remote and in-person work. The study delves into the dynamics of leadership style and work setting, aiming to explain how authoritarian leadership can affect psychological safety across these two work settings. Further, it explores how authoritarian leaders can impact psychological safety by thoroughly analyzing the differences and similarities between remote and in-person workers. The review did show that authoritarian leadership is consistently associated with lower psychological safety in the workplace, and employees under this type of leadership tend to report increased levels of fear, stress, and apprehension about expressing their opinions or concerns. The effects may increase in remote work, where the dependency on virtual communication can amplify perceptions of control and dominance. Overall, this review aims to highlight leadership's role in fostering communication, trust, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for building an environment of psychological safety in any work setting. The implications of this empirical review provide a thorough understanding of the challenges posed by authoritarianism on psychological safety, offering a clear understanding that organizations can provide support and help improve the well-being and performance of employees.Item Bipolar Disorder: Microdosing Psilocybin to Lessen Depressive Symptoms(2021) Heath, Ashley NResearch on microdosing psilocybin as a novel treatment option for bipolar depression is still in its infancy; however, new research studies show significant improvement in major depression and treatment-resistant depression after a one-time large dose of psilocybin. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to evaluate recent studies on psilocybin and the reduction of depressive symptoms in participants with treatment-resistant depression or major depression, as well as the benefits of microdosing psilocybin. A total of seven studies met the criteria for statistical data, population characteristics, and the use of psilocybin for depression. One study examined the benefits versus challenges of microdosing psilocybin recreationally along with depression screening via online self-reporting questionnaires and DAS-A-17 scale. The additional six studies evaluated the effects of psilocybin on depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances. Quantitative results indicate that psilocybin can significantly reduce depressive symptomatology in treatment-resistant depression, along with anxiety, neuroticism, anhedonia, anger and hostility, and impulsiveness. Results also found an increase in joy, awe, the feeling of love, and positive emotions. The researcher discussed the strengths, limitations, and suggestions for future research. Further studies with more rigorous analysis, larger and more inclusive sample sizes, and increased double-blind and controlled designs would be necessary to understand treatment options involving psilocybin for depression.Item Building Effective Work Relationships: How employees are Building and Maintaining Relationships in the Office and Remote Environment By Generation(2023) Wisniewski, BethanieThis study looks at how employees build and maintain work relationships in a remote environment compared to in-person and by generation. The study takes from research by Vangelisti and Caughlin (1997), Lubben et al. (2006), and Golden et al. (2006) to measure the quality of the coworker relationship by work location and generation. Additionally, the study includes an original survey to measure the methods, actions, and use of technology that the participants employ to build and maintain these relationships by work location and generation. The results show no significant difference in the coworker relationship quality by location. However, there was a significant difference in the psychological closeness of the coworker relationships between the different generations, with older generations rating higher quality relationships with their colleagues. There was also a significant difference in the use of technology by work location and generation, with remote workers and older employees (Baby Boomers) using more forms of technology to build relationships with their colleagues.Item Can You Hear Me Now? An Examination of Online Learner Communication Preference(Academic and Business Research Institute, 2017) Bailie, JeffreyDevelopments in technology including the Internet, social media, and mobile devices have opened the choices of available means for communication in the online classroom. The emerging means of communication between online students and faculty has spawned an interest for an examination of pedagogical influences in relation to existing theoretical frameworks and best practices. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the communication preferences of a group of students enrolled in an online program of higher education. A panel of 78 knowledgeable online learners was offered a survey that was intended to examine certain preferences and expectations for online communication with faculty and classmates. The results of this investigation offer practitioners insight into communication media preferences of an informed group of undergraduate online students.Item Childhood Experiences and Cognition: Relationships Between ACEs, Working Memory, and Criminality(2021) Rush, James MRecent research has suggested that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact a number of aspects of adult behavior and cognition, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and criminality. ACEs have also been associated with a lower Working Memory (WM) capacity. However, research is limited in determining the effect that an impacted WM capacity has on individuals with high ACE scores when observing criminal behavior or cognition. This study then presents the question: What is the relationship between ACEs and criminality and how is that relationship mediated by WM? ACEs were measured using a scale primarily created from combinations of the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS; Straus & Gelles, 1990) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ; Bernstein & Fink, 1998), which was assembled by Dube et al. (2003). The Working Memory Questionnaire (Vallat-Azouvi et al., 2012) was utilized to measure WM capacity. Demographics were also collected in an original questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that there were significant positive correlations between ACEs, WM difficulties, and criminal behavior. However, the relationship between ACEs and criminal behavior did not appear to be moderated by WM. These findings suggest that early childhood traumas impact WM and criminal behavior, but that relationship may be moderated by a separate, undiscovered variable. Further research should be conducted to better understand the relationship between these constructs and how that information could be utilized in early intervention therapeutic services for victims of child abuse or neglect.Item The Classroom Management Experience of Educators in Diverse Classrooms: Informing Teacher Education(Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators, 2018-03) Dees, Laura; LaCour, MistyThe purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the phenomenological nature of seventy two education professionals and to report findings to express the cognitive strategies employed regarding classroom management. The research questions sought to determine participant’s perceptions of classroom management strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom. The research study findings suggest that in any classroom with management strategies, students respond to caring teachers. Therefore, a culturally responsive classroom that provides differentiation of classroom strategies appears to be the best for students with diverse needs. These results can inform teacher educators as to the strategies identified by current teachers as most effective in providing classroom management for diverse classrooms.Item Closing the Excellence Gap for English Learners and Students of Color(2018-05-29) Nyberg, Julia; LaCour, Misty; Dees, Laura; Hansen, LaurieCurrently, a gap exists in which English Learners (ELs) “are persistently underrepresented in advanced classes and in programs for students identified as gifted” (Coronado & Lewis, 2017, p. 238). While the number of ELs has increased in classrooms across the nation, the “excellence gap” has widened over recent years due to the underrepresentation of students of color in gifted programs. One strategy that school districts can implement to close the excellence gap and open the opportunity to support gifted programs for ELs and students of color is by providing a family engagement workshop which addresses the needs of underrepresented gifted students.Item Complex PTSD and Traumatic Calls For Service: The Impact on Active Duty Police Officer’s Decision Making(2023) McReynolds, CortaziaI investigated the relationship between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic calls for service and how that impacts police decision-making. The study was conducted using SurveyMonkey and posted in various Facebook groups of the targeted audience. The study focused on individuals over the age of 18 who are active-duty police officers and have suffered from PTSD. The methods used included the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS), the Impulse Control Scale, and the Responsive Distress Scale. There was a total of 13 participants. The results suggest a significant correlation between PTSD in police officers and the impact on their decision-making during traumatic calls for service.Item Constructing Student Knowledge in the Online Classroom: The Effectiveness of Focal Prompts(Project Innovation, 2017-01) Howell, Ginger; LaCour, Misty; McGlawn, PennyThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three Structured Divergent discussion board prompt designs on knowledge construction in a graduate online course. According to Andrews (1980), the form of the question affects the extent of the response within a discussion. The Playground prompt, the Brainstorming prompt, and the Focal prompt were implemented in an online classroom to determine impact on student knowledge construction. The Interaction Analysis Model (1AM) tool was used to investigate the online discussion posts. Concept maps were also developed representing the concepts learned. The Focal Prompt design proved most effective in encouraging knowledge construction among online graduate students. The Focal Prompt design requires students to choose an argument and support the view point with a rationale. By doing so, students were better able to construct knowledge as related to course content. The results of this study can be used by instructors and curriculum designers to create a more effective online experience which furthers student knowledge and learning in the online classroom.Item Covid-19 Restrictions and Substance Use: The Effects of Lockdown Orders on Symptoms and Relapse of Alcohol Use Disorders(2021) Stevens, CatherineThe author investigates how the COVID 19 lockdown has affected individuals with alcohol use problems and alcohol use disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and address the effects the COVID 19 lockdown orders had on the symptoms of alcohol use and alcohol relapse. A total of 437 participants ranging from 18 – 65+ years of age, come from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as educational levels. Announcements included a link to a survey to participate in the study, were e-mailed to clients and posted on LinkedIn and Facebook, and a link was sent to a targeted SurveyMonkey audience. Three questionnaires were combined to create a 43-question survey. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test: Self-Report Version (AUDIT) is a 10-item screening tool used to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behavior, and alcohol-related problems in adults. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological tool used for measuring an individual’s perception of stress. The remaining 22 questions addressed socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral indicators. SPSS database was used to analyze data. Results found the strongest positive correlations to the AUDIT were participant’s alcohol intake before the COVID-19 lockdown, how often the participant drank alcohol as a way to cope with the stress, alcohol being the first thing they thought of when feeling stressed, and how much alcohol is consumed while feeling stressed. The PSS moderately correlated with the AUDIT, when feeling stressed, how often the participant drank alcohol as a way to cope with the stress, alcohol being the first thing they thought of when feeling stressed, and how much alcohol is consumed while feeling stressed. The findings concluded that stress caused by the COVID-19 lockdown were factors in alcohol use disorder and alcohol relapse.Item Creating a Positive Classroom Environment to Meet the Needs of the Foster Child(Project Innovation, 2016) LaCour, Misty; McGlawn, Penny; Dees, LauraFoster children often struggle socially, emotionally, and academically in the school setting leading to school failure. By establishing a positive classroom environment, teachers can provide for the needs of the foster child while encouraging academic achievement. This study seeks to determine teacher best practices for meeting the needs of foster children to ensure success in the classroom. Themes emerged from the research indicating teachers’ best practices for incorporating proactive disciplinary techniques, praise and encouragement into the daily routine, and effective homework strategies. These best practices can be implemented by the classroom teacher to ensure the success of the foster children.Item The Criticality of Verbal Immediacy in Online Instruction: A Modified Delphi Study(Journal of Educators Online, 2012) Bailie, JeffreyIn this 2011 investigation, a modified Delphi technique was introduced to determine whether an informed group of post-secondary online faculty and students could arrive at a consensus regarding the importance of previously recognized verbal immediacy behaviors. Two expert panels were presented with Gorham’s (1988) Verbal Immediacy Scale and tasked with determining those behaviors perceived as being the most important in the online learning venue. The result of the study confirmed that a consensus of opinion between online students and faculty is indeed possible, albeit resulting in a new iteration of Gorham’s scale. A discussion of the findings suggests that further consideration for the development of an updated version of a verbal immediacy scale specific to online instructional behaviors may be warranted.Item The Disillusion of Victorian Youth: Oliver Twist's Descent into Gang Life(The Journal of International Social Research, 2018) LaCour, MistyWith the inability to secure adequate employment to sustain life, individuals in the Victorian Era developed street gangs as a substitution for jobs. During this era, novelists published writings depicting this rise of street gangs in London. As some of these novelists met harsh consequences due to their realistic representation of these events, Charles Dickens masterfully depicted the disillusion of Victorian youth by embedding the issue of street gangs within his works. Oliver Twist represents street gang activity prominent in the Victorian Era through the characters of Sikes, Fagin, and their adolescent gang members. As a street gang leader, Fagin substitutes as an authoritarian father-figure for homeless adolescents, using methods of psychological abuse as a means to manipulate,coerce, and control the gang members, leading to Oliver’s inclusion in the gang. Oliver’s experiences in Fagin’s gang depict the events of the street gangs during the era as well as the psychological impacts of gang involvement on youth.Item Do Instructional Protocols Placed on Online Faculty Correlate with Learner Expectations?(Academic and Business Research Institute, 2014) Bailie, JeffreyThe purpose of this study was to examine whether a set of instructional practices commonly prescribed to online faculty in the higher education setting were consistent with the expectations of a group of experienced online student participants. Online faculty performance conventions were collected from 20 institutions of higher learning located in the United States. The collective practices yielded three primary domains related to administrative faculty performance expectations in online instruction: Communication, Presence/Engagement, and Timeliness/Responsiveness. Undergraduate participants representing a cross section of colleges and universities in the United States were surveyed to determine their expectations for online faculty as compared to scaled items derived from the lists of participating institutions. The results of this investigation offer practitioners insight into how administrative instructional guidelines relate to the user demands of an informed group of undergraduate online students.Item The Effect of Dissociative Identity Disorder and Daily Life Routines(2022) Eckman, BreAnaDissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a diagnosis that has not had much research. It has had sporadic attention in relation to treatment, memory, brain structure, and the effect on daily life. The study presented here focused on how having DID can affect one’s daily life routines. Participants were recruited via a Facebook support group for those with diagnosed DID and completed a demographic questionnaire, a DID and Daily Life Routine questionnaire created by the researcher, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Sale-2.0, 36-item version self-administered. There was a total of 27 people who participated, but only 11 fully completed questionnaires on SurveyMonkey. The results showed that these participants have moderate difficulty in conducting day-to-day activities of self-care, engaging with people, being productive and conducting work and/or school work, as well as maintaining relationships. There was a positive correlation between having DID and the difficulty level of being able to conduct daily life routines. The average number of days out of the last 30 days in which it was difficult to conduct any of the aforementioned activities, was 20-25 days as well as responding to how many days, out of the last 30 days, did they have to cut back or reduce usual activities, was 20 days. The average age in which one was diagnosed was 26.5 years old and the average amount of alters was 25.Item Effect of Pre-Term Course Access on Online Learner Performance(Academic and Business Research Institute (AABRI), 2019) Bailie, JeffreyAsynchronous delivery of instructional content makes access to online course material ahead of the official start of the academic term possible. Online courses can be “flipped” to provide enrolled students with an opportunity for access to the instructional content (course announcements, calendar dates, assigned readings, individual/group learning activities, select graded assignments, etc.) ahead of the official start of the term. This paper presents the findings of an investigation that sought to determine the influence of learner pre-term access to graduate level courses delivered entirely online. The study employed a causal-comparative research design, analyzing archival data of the pre-term login patterns of online graduate students in an examination of early access to course materials presented asynchronously. The results of this investigation offer online practitioners further insight into the potential benefit of providing early access to online courses ahead of the official beginning of the term.Item Effective Online Instructional Competencies as Perceived by Online University Faculty and Students: A Sequel Study(MERLOT, 2011) Bailie, JeffreyIn this sequel investigation, the author utilized a modified Delphi technique to validate whether graduate level online faculty and learners could reach a consensus on the criticality of previously identified online faculty competencies. Comparisons of the leading competencies identified for online instruction and the differing modalities from previous investigations were examined in this study to determine whether they continue to be representative of those contained in the literature. This investigation confirmed that when a modified Delphi approach was instituted, competencies that were identified by similar research studies over the past decade continue to be regarded by vested constituents as important. Finally, it was shown that a consensus between what online faculty and online students perceived as important instructional competencies continues to be possible.