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Physical Fitness and Wellness in Law Enforcement
Full text linkLong hours, shift work, and general poor nutrition factor into a multitude of reasons why first responders are obese, suffering from mental illnesses, and dying at a faster rate than the general public. First responders also suffer from PTSD, alcoholism, and commit suicide as a direct result of the horrendous things they see and respond to. Administrators should attempt to mitigate these issues by leading from the front when it comes to physical fitness and mental health. Administrators should also give first responders ample opportunity to work on their mental health and physical wellbeing. Law enforcement is one of the most difficult and strenuous professions an individual can do. Often times people relate PTSD with soldiers coming home from war. Similar to a soldier coming home from war is the peace officer. They fight battles and see traumatic things as well. PTSD is very real and people should be aware of the signs and symptoms. Physical and mental wellness in law enforcement is critical. Furthermore, in order to serve the community in an ethical manner, police personnel should be at the top of their game physically and mentally. This can be done through the implementation of a workout on duty policy that also includes jiu jitsu
To Protect and Survive: Acknowledging Adverse Childhood Experiences in Law Enforcement
Full text linkThis literature review explores the influence Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have on choosing a helping profession as well as their effect on law enforcement personnel and their ability to cope with occupational trauma. Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to high-stress, high-risk environments which can exacerbate underlying trauma stemming from early life experiences. Officers with a history of ACEs may be more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation, hyper-vigilance, burnout, and substance abuse which can influence their decision making, relationships, and professional conduct potentially resulting in negative outcomes. Key themes include the identification of risk factors, the development of screening tools, and policy recommendations for tailored mental health interventions to not only address preexisting trauma but to provide protective methods to address the unavoidable occupational trauma before it occurs. Addressing moral injury, secondary trauma, and emotional survival can build upon preexisting mental health programs to expand into individualized proactive plans. Research showed early identification and intervention can reduce the risk of developing complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
Keywords: ACEs, occupational trauma, PTS
Development and Implementation of Mental Health Court: Benefits, Barriers, and Bridges
Full text linkThe effective development and implementation of a specialty treatment court program such as a Mental Health Court is tedious, involved, and thorough; the impact of these comprehensive efforts is equally worthwhile, valuable, and substantial. The overall success of a mental health court program’s development and implementation derives from equal and intentional consideration of legal, ethical, and administrative factors. Considering these lenses collaboratively establishes the necessary groundwork for any new mental health court program in its infancy to build upon. This research expands on the ongoing statewide crisis involving individuals who are inadvertently left to slip through the cracks of the State’s mental health and criminal justice systems. A policy change is proposed that would aid in the resolution of this crisis, in addition to an action plan for leadership containing the necessary ethical principles that will need to be considered throughout various stages of development and implementation. The success of Mental Health Court will directly benefit the mental health community, court participants’ overall well-being, and associated entities, including areas of the criminal justice system, public safety, and issues of law and order. It is important to focus on these benefits while also being cognizant of the possible barriers and potential bridges to overcome them
Harm Reduction in Corrections and Improved Treatment Programs
Full text linkThe prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in the United States corrections system is discussed. The importance of implementing harm-reduction strategies to help reduce the spread of bloodborne viruses is described. Also examined are rural communities\u27 barriers to behavioral health and substance use treatment programs. The need for these treatment programs will be defined, and a policy to correct the issue will be proposed. These programs are not without criticism, and the ethics of implementing these programs are often called into question. Ethical considerations of these programs are considered, and an action plan is described to implement harm reduction strategies ethically. Barriers to these programs are explained, along with ways to overcome them
Hear’em Out! 10th-grade student interest in and experiences of STEM at an international high school in Honduras
Full text linkOur world’s needs are rapidly shifting due to technology and innovation. Yet is education changing to appropriately prepare students? Are students even interested in pursuing an education oriented around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? Dominant theorists in this arena have been Jacqueline Eccles and Allan Wigfield with Situated Expectancy Value Theory (SEVT) and Robert Lent and Steven Brown with Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Nonetheless, Central America remains an understudied region generally and even more so regarding these explanatory theories about student interest. This study sought to investigate this question at the high school level by conducting interviews and a focus group with 10th-grade students at an international school with an American-styled curriculum in Honduras. The findings aligned with many factors from the models of SEVT and SCCT, along with some new surprises. Students identified the role of the teacher, their ability to set their own goals and grow, and learning activities significantly contributed to their interest or lack thereof in classes related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the study site. Interestingly, students advocated strongly for hands-on assignments as well as working with peers. Students were also clear that long, repetitive, and abstract assignments did not capture their interest. Surprisingly, however, students did not perceive gender differences in student STEM interest nor in teacher effectiveness. In sum, multiple avenues of the topic deserve further investigation such that students can be further interested in meeting the needs of our ever- changing world
Effects of Kefir Consumption on Perceived Athletic Performance and Recovery in Grappling Athletes
Full text linkThis study examines the influence of fermented product consumption, specifically kefir, on perceived performance and recovery among grappling athletes. Using a sample of 13 athletes divided into two groups—those with gastrointestinal issues (GIP) and those without (NGIP)— the study evaluated the effects of an 8-week dietary intervention incorporating kefir. Results revealed that athletes in the high-consumption group experienced significantly enhanced recovery success and perceived performance compared to their low-consumption counterparts. Athletes without gastrointestinal issues demonstrated superior outcomes, including better differentiation between training soreness and injury, highlighting the critical role of gut health in athletic perceived performance. These findings emphasize the potential of fermented products to improve recovery, reduce inflammation, and optimize athletic performance, particularly when personalized dietary strategies are applied. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of gut microbiota considerations into sports nutrition practices
Supporting Students and Educators Impacted by Early Trauma in Early Childhood Education
Full text linkResearch has indicated that early childhood trauma continues to be an increasing concern for educators across the nation. In fact, “early childhood trauma is a mounting public health concern, as approximately twenty-five percent of children in the United States either witness or experience a traumatic event before the age of four years” (Razza, 2019, p. 82). As the number of students impacted by trauma has increased, there was a need for an increase in teacher resources and training to support educators in the classroom (Brunzell et al., 2016)
Coaching Burnout
No full textThe purpose of this study is to search and identify the leading causes of coaches\u27 burnout and identify the number of coaches who are experiencing these symptoms or are close to it. This study will also identify how many coaches have left the coaching profession and how many have stayed, whether because they wanted to or need the extra income. Coaches will complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess if they are experiencing burnout and if so, what is creating this push. The three areas of burnout that will be investigated are exhaustion, depersonalization, and accomplishment. The decision to quit or keep coaching after burnout is a question that will be discussed throughout the study. Outside sources have talked explicitly to coaches who are still currently coaching. Studies conducted with coaches who have left the profession are lacking and not as available. Most of the studies and results from prior research have been done by coaches still in the profession. Further research should be conducted to find ways to help prevent burnout
Social-Emotional Learning Curricula\u27s Impact on Elementary School Students
Full text linkAbstract
Most elementary educators might have argued that they always taught social-emotional learning (SEL) in general education classrooms. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this crucial aspect of education, with students missing out on valuable opportunities to develop their social skills at school. In response, several schools adopted more explicit social-emotional learning curricula. While this pedagogical approach has become more prevalent in recent years, educational leaders need to understand the impact that this approach has on their students.
This paper reviewed 15 literature articles to guide educational leaders, primarily in the elementary domain, seeking to understand how SEL curricula impact students. The reviewed articles vary in types of study: quantitative, mixed-methods, and case studies. The studies gathered within this review focused on four categories: SEL\u27s Impact on Emotional Intelligence Growth, SEL\u27s Impact on Student Behaviors/Relationship Skills, SEL\u27s Impact on Academic Performance, and Challenges and Criticisms of SEL. The resources reviewed suggested that SEL implementation positively impacts emotional intelligence, student behavior, and relationship skills. In addition to this, academics showed growth as well. Positive bias was combated by including studies about equity concerns surrounding SEL implementation. Competent leaders understand both the positives and negatives of pedagogical practices before implementing them in their respective educational settings.
Keywords: social-emotional learning, elementary student, emotional intelligence, academic performanc
Jewish Orthodox Women in Higher Education: A Case Study
Full text linkThis qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of Orthodox Jewish women navigating higher education within the United States. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 participants enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, this study investigates the intersectional challenges these women faced as students, mothers, and members of a visibly religious minority. This research examines barriers related to gender expectations, religious observance, and antisemitism on college campuses. Participants reported a complex interplay of community support, institutional challenges, and personal resilience in their pursuit of academic success. The analysis reveals a pressing need for higher education institutions to implement culturally responsive policies, including religious accommodations, flexible learning environments, and safety protocols that address the rising threats of antisemitism. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on inclusive educational leadership by amplifying the voices of an understudied minority and offering recommendations to support their academic and personal advancement