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Exploring Predictors of Healing from an Expressive Writing Intervention About Heterosexism and Why LGBTQ+ Clients Might Withhold from their Therapists
Get PDFHeterosexism is a cultural system that impacts LGBTQ+ individuals internally, interpersonally, institutionally, and structurally. Exposure to these different levels of heterosexism, whether enacted overtly, covertly, intentionally, or unintentionally, contributes to the well-documented and disproportionate negative mental health outcomes experienced by the LGBTQ+ community (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2020). Subsequently, LGBTQ+ individuals seek out professional mental health services at higher rates than cisgender and heterosexual populations, though access to therapeutic care that addresses sexual minority specific stressors, such as experiencing heterosexism directly, is limited (Williams & Fish, 2020). The current study is a secondary analysis of a larger study of an online expressive writing intervention designed to promote healing for LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced heterosexism. This study examined if and how characteristics of the heterosexist event that participants wrote about predicted healing outcomes. Specifically, I examined if and how the duration, recency, and severity of the distress during the heterosexist experience predicted changes in depressive symptoms and event-related stress among participants from Baseline, Day 4, and at two-month Follow Up as well as participants’ perceptions of change. In addition, I examined if and how participants’ prior disclosure (or non-disclosure) of heterosexist experiences to a therapist was a predictor of those healing outcomes. And, finally, I conducted a grounded theory analysis to understand the reasons why LGBTQ+ clients may or may not disclose their experiences to their therapists. This study can add nuance to the literature in understanding who benefits most from an online, free expressive writing intervention about heterosexism. The results also provide useful information for therapists seeking to foster a safe and comfortable environment for LGBTQ+ clients to discuss their heterosexist experiences
Comparisons Across Time: Natural Resource Use at Two New Mexican Colonial Sites
No full textThe state currently known as New Mexico has a storied culture, from its Indigenous history, through two periods of Spanish colonial occupation, to its present as a US state. Throughout these times of trade and colonialism, a variety of crops for food and other vital environmental resources, such as firewood and timber, were exchanged between the parties involved. Spanish colonists introduced new plants to the Southwest while incorporating native plants into their new daily lives. The arrival of Europeans in the American Southwest changed the natural landscape, and eventually led to the development of a unique culture, in which a cuisine is one of the main characteristics.
This thesis discusses the plant remains at two different archaeological sites that date to the two periods of Spanish occupation. The first site is LA 20,000, an estancia, or ranch, granted to Spanish colonists during the earlier period of Spanish colonialism. This site would have been inhabited by Spanish colonists and Indigenous servants. The second site is located further north in the Spanish village of Dixon, New Mexico. This area was settled during the second occupation of New Mexico by later generations of Spanish colonists from Mexico. This thesis uses these two sites to describe the types of plants found at each and begin a conversation about the use of these plants over time. The goal of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of how colonialism has contributed to shaping the New Mexico environment. It includes some discussion of the ethnic identity of New Mexicans and the influence that personal choice and environment exert on one another. However, the major focus of this work is to richly describe the environmental context, especially the plants, at LA 20,000 and Dixon to set the stage for future research regarding identity formation and cultural development. By setting the environmental background and environmental-human interactions of the region, this research serves as a starting point for more nuanced investigations
Culture Wars: North Carolina, Representation, and the Vote on the Federal Constitution of 1787
No full textNorth Carolina’s first ratifying convention at Hillsborough left the state outside of the Union. The state’s choice not to ratify the Constitution in 1788 has been widely overlooked given that North Carolina did ratify the Constitution a little over a year later. The thesis examines the motivating factors behind the decision not to ratify at Hillsborough, arguing the relationship between taxation and representation in the national legislature left many North Carolinians certain that the new federal system would end in despotism. The first chapter addresses the regional tensions that led to the development of two distinctive cultures between the eastern and western regions of North Carolina with a focus on the development of western culture. The second chapter addresses the role of the North Carolina delegation at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787. This chapter takes into consideration the backgrounds of the delegates as well as their actions at the convention to understand the eastern perspective on ratification. The final chapter focuses on the Hillsborough ratifying convention in 1788 and examines the arguments of both eastern and western delegates to understand the philosophical differences that emerged as a result of cultural differences. The thesis concludes that the western delegation, which easily outnumbered the eastern delegation, refused to ratify the Constitution at Hillsborough because of a history of government corruption and abuse at the expense of westerners, who believed the legislative structure proposed in the Constitution would result in despotism due to the relationship between taxation and representation
Joint Global Responsibility Fund for Climate, Conservation, and Communities: A Proposed Innovative Tax-Based Funding Mechanism
Get PDFNature-based solutions address biodiversity loss, climate change, and societal challenges at the local, national, regional, and global levels. The costs of their conservation, however, are mostly local and national in nature. Confronting the rolling dual crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change requires us to recognize nature’s intrinsic value. Moreover, we must find practical ways for their monetary valuation to be channeled as payment for the services of conservation custodians. It is suggested here to translate the value of natural assets and the understanding of the local costs and global benefits of their conservation, into an innovative and ambitious funding mechanism that is based on applying Pigouvian taxing at a global level, through a joint global responsibility fund for climate, biodiversity, and communities. We live in a critical time, and critical times call for bold solutions
College is For You!
Get PDFDid you know students with intellectual disability can go to college? This plain language resource shows what students can do in college, like join clubs and organizations, live on campus, and take classes. There is also information on how students can learn more about going to college
Lost in Translation: Training Experiences and Burnout Among Bilingual Trainees in Doctoral Psychology Programs
No full textBilingual psychologists serve the needs of the increasingly diverse US population, yet research suggests the training they receive to deliver bilingual or non-English clinical services is lacking, and many report feeling unprepared to deliver these services (Castaño et al., 2007; Verdinelli & Biever, 2009a). The aims of this study were to a) describe the training received by bilingual psychology trainees for providing bilingual/non-English services, b) examine their self-reported preparedness for delivering these services, and c) examine their experiences of burnout. Participants were bilingual (n = 65) and monolingual (n = 59) doctoral students and recent graduates from doctoral psychology programs across the US. a) Descriptive analyses showed that 49% of bilingual trainees had received only one type of bilingual training and 45% had received two or more types. The types of training received varied and the most common type of training was supervision in the non-English language (60%) while the least common type was relevant coursework (6%). b) Paired samples t-tests showed that bilingual trainees were significantly less prepared to conduct intake interviews, provide therapy, conduct assessments, and produce clinical writing in their non-English language versus in English (p \u3c .001, d \u3e 1.3). Further, hierarchical regressions showed that native speakers felt significantly more prepared than heritage speakers for providing non-English therapy (p = .04, d = 0.6). c) Hierarchical linear regressions showed that burnout did not differ significantly between monolingual and bilingual trainees, or between native speakers and heritage speakers. However, bivariate correlations showed that receiving more types of bilingual training was associated with higher personal accomplishment (i.e., less burnout) among bilingual trainees (r = .27, p = .04). These results highlight the need for more specialized training for this group of trainees and point to broader issues of linguistic and cultural diversity within the field, such as institutionalized English-centric biases, that likely contribute to this lack of training. Relatedly, bilingual psychology trainees feel significantly less prepared to deliver services in their non-English language versus in English. Third, results suggest that receiving specific and relevant bilingual training is associated with higher levels of personal accomplishment for bilingual psychology trainees. Given these results, larger efforts should be directed towards providing adequate training for bilingual psychologists to serve alternate language advantage (ALA) clients
Aging in Norwell: A Community Needs Assessment
Get PDFThis report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Norwell Council on Aging. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Norwell’s residents age 50 or older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Norwell, the Norwell Council on Aging and Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Norwell for the purposes of planning and coordination of services. The report will also help to build awareness about issues facing Norwell among community members at large.
Already, estimates suggest that 35% of Norwell’s population is age 50 or older and this trend stands to continue. This results from a number of factors—that adults who have lived and made Norwell home want to continue living in the community with which they are familiar and near to their family and friends and perhaps residents who are moving to Norwell to be closer to adult children or grandchildren. Another contributing factor includes the out- migration of young people seeking employment, education, or lower costs of living elsewhere. Regardless of the reason, this central overarching observation—that the older population of Norwell is already large and will continue to expand—makes clear the importance of considering how well features of the Town, the services and amenities available, and virtually every aspect of the community align with the age demographic moving forward.
In preparing for this demographic shift, the Norwell Council on Aging and the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at the University of Massachusetts Boston partnered to conduct a study to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of the Town’s residents age 50 and older. As part of this assessment, we conducted interviews and focus groups to hear from Norwell leadership, key stakeholders in the community, and a diverse group of residents. In addition, a survey was developed and administered to year- round Norwell residents age 50 and older. A total of 1,081 questionnaires were returned, reflecting a strong return rate of 25%. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources were examined in support of the project aims.
A broad range of findings are reported in this document, highlighting the many positive features of Norwell as well as concerns expressed by older residents. The COA plays an important leadership role in the community, serving as a resource to other Town offices and organizations working in the community, and collaborating on initiatives broadly beneficial to residents. The 2022 Needs Assessment process coincided with the Norwell Senior Center’s 40th birthday. Town leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the COA’s 40-year impact on the community and look forward to the future. The COA also launched their Dementia Friendly initiative in 2022, in response to planning needs related to the increasing prevalence of dementia, and other health challenges associated with aging. This needs assessment will inform the COA, and collaborative partners, in planning that builds upon the success of past efforts and continues to benefit the community of Norwell.
While many of our findings, and the recommendations that follow, intersect with the scope of responsibility of the Norwell Council on Aging, it is understood that responding to many needs and concerns expressed in the community will require the involvement of other municipal offices or community stakeholders, and some will require substantial collaborative effort
Aging in Westborough: A Community Needs Assessment
Get PDFThis report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Westborough. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Westborough’s residents age 55 or older by engaging the community regarding their experiences and needs relevant to the Council on Aging’s (COA’s) objective to identify and serve the needs of all Westborough citizens 55 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Westborough, the Westborough COA, Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Westborough for the purposes of COA mission fulfillment alongside planning and coordination of services for current and future needs of residents. The report will also help to build awareness about issues facing Westborough among community members at large.
A broad range of findings are reported in this document, highlighting the many positive features of Westborough as well as concerns expressed by older residents. While many of our findings, and the recommendations that follow, intersect with the scope of responsibility of the Westborough Council on Aging, it is understood that responding to many needs and concerns expressed in the community will require the involvement of other municipal offices or community stakeholders, and some will require substantial collaborative effort
Looking at the STEM Environment through an Intersectional Lens: Experiences of Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, Students of Color
No full textWithin the academic fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEM), there is a high value placed on scientific expertise, work at any cost, and the ideals of objectivity and meritocracy. Meanwhile, there is mounting empirical data highlighting pervasive inequities and injustices in these fields. This glaring disconnect between the assumption of meritocracy and the reality of inequity has been shown to perpetuate a lack of diversity and to exacerbate issues of harassment, discrimination, and exclusion within the STEM fields. Using a theoretical and methodological framework of intersectionality and transdisciplinarity, this project aimed to fill a gap in the research regarding our knowledge and understanding about the experiences of queer and trans STEM students who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC). The goal of this investigation was to explore which aspects of the STEM climate lead to disparities in the academic success and overall well-being of QTBIPOC students and to provide insight on what can be done to improve the STEM campus climate. To achieve this goal, I undertook a comparative study, employing mixed-methods and triangulating quantitative data from campus-wide quality of life surveys at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with quantitative and qualitative data from an additional survey and interview protocol. Findings from this inquiry revealed that QTBIPOC students have experienced significantly more bias and bigotry than their majority-identity peers and that STEM-specific cultural norms, MIT institutional barriers, and negative environmental phenomena combine to have a detrimental impact on QTBIPOC students’ health, wellness, sense of belonging, future, career, and ability to speak out against such harms. Study findings suggest that a combination of resources, spaces, and communities that celebrate intersecting identities can help QTBIPOC students to thrive. Findings also outline critical systemic changes that are needed in order to improve the campus climate experience for QTBIPOC students. These findings highlight the need for a more intersectional approach to research on complex social issues. In addition, this project contributes to the body of research that is working to eliminate institutional barriers, so that the next generation of STEM professionals all feel a sense of wholeness, are flourishing within the STEM environment, and are thus better equipped to address the most pressing scientific challenges of our time
The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Positional Plasticity During Axolotl Limb Regeneration
No full textThe recent conflicts in the Middle East have resulted in over 1600 amputations among American service members, which have significant implications for veteran independence and mental health. Though humans cannot regenerate from such injuries, the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) has this capacity, and it has fascinated researchers for hundreds of years. Axolotl limb regeneration is an amazing process where terminally differentiated cells revert to a progenitor cell-like state, known as a blastema cell, and rebuild the missing limb pattern. For this new pattern to be reconstructed, the pattern information within these “old cells” that contribute to the blastema must become competent to generate new pattern, a property we call positional plasticity. Although signals from the nerve have been shown to induce and maintain positional plasticity, the mechanisms mediating this process are not well understood. Using a new surgical based assay that allows us to detect when limb cells become positionally plastic I showed that blastema cells become positionally plastic once they begin proliferating and re-expressing limb development genes. Through the use of regenerative assays I developed, I identified signaling molecules downstream of the limb nerves that are required and sufficient to induce positional plasticity and that part of this mechanism involves largescale downstream modifications to chromatin structure. Using next generation sequencing assays, I identified genes that play key roles in the regeneration and positional memory located within regions of chromatin that are altered by nerve-dependent signaling. Finally, using novel regenerative assays, I uncovered a new state in which the blastema exhibits properties of both positional plasticity and stability called quasi-plasticity. I demonstrated that this quasi-plastic state appears to be part of the normal development of the blastema. As we begin to parse out the mechanisms controlling pattern generation and positional memory in regenerating systems, we are beginning to understand how various cell signaling pathways guide the development of limb-progenitors into functional pattern. These findings bring us one step closer to understanding how to one day induce limb regeneration in humans