5105 research outputs found
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The Impact of Absent Fathers in Forensic and Criminal Justice Settings
No full textThis capstone examines the interplay between father absence, marginalization through economics, and larger structural factors in shaping youth crime and intergenerational patterns of risk. This review synthesizes studies in family instability, neighborhood disadvantage, and barriers to paternal involvement in demonstrating the interplay between larger forces in shaping developmental outcomes. Father absence correlates with diminished protective factors, increased exposure to stressful contexts, and elevated dangers of system contact. Larger structural factors of concentrated poverty levels, resource scarcity in neighborhoods, and inconsistent levels of support upon return from incarceration exacerbate dangerous outcomes and intergenerational patterns. The applications analysis in this capstone evaluates common areas in human service delivery of family stability initiatives, paternal involvement strategies, support in incarceration release and return reunification support, and community-developed preventative methods. This review connects recommendations in trauma-informed care approaches in responding to paternal absence outcomes with culturally relevant levels of engagement, emphasizing early childhood interventions in high levels of risk contexts. This capstone determines that mitigating outcomes of father absence needs multilevel approaches combined in family-contextual, community-level, and policy-informed meta studies. Improving support systems access and diminishing larger structurally based inequities are key strategies in improving developmental outcomes in perpetually underprivileged populations.
Keywords: father absence; structural disadvantage; economic marginalization; youth crime; reentry support; human services; intergenerational ris
Changing Lives of Incarcerated Juveniles: A Case Study in Leadership Strategies to Impact the Education of Incarcerated Juveniles
No full textInstructional staff play a crucial role in meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of incarcerated juveniles, bridging gaps in their education, and helping them reintegrate into schools, communities, and society. Without structured guidance and mentorship, these students face significant barriers to educational success, employment, and long-term stability. This qualitative study explores how instructional staff support incarcerated juveniles and advance research on best practices in correctional education at regional and national levels. The study includes interviews with 12 instructional staff who teach incarcerated juveniles at a correctional facility in an Upper Midwest United States school district. The key findings show the importance of fostering student-centered relationships that emphasize trust and individualized support, implementing trauma-informed practices and mental health resources to address students\u27 complex emotional needs, and overcoming staff resource constraints that affect the ability to provide consistent and comprehensive education. These themes highlight the interconnected factors that shape the effectiveness of educational programs, interventions, and support systems for instructional staff and incarcerated students. The top recommendations relate to enhancing national and state legislative policies; additional funding and resource allocation, leadership commitment, and instructional practices support; and future research suggestions to support systems for instructional staff and incarcerated students. These recommendations help equip students with the tools and support they need to succeed in life and access meaningful educational and career opportunities after their release from incarceration
Barriers to Exercise for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Full text linkIndividuals with developmental disability have been known to be less physically active and more prone to obesity than the rest of the population. One way to understand this is to examine the barriers that these individuals perceive to prevent them from getting the proper amount of exercise. An online survey was conducted to determine whether previously known barriers significantly affected these individuals\u27 perceptions. The survey consisted of 513 individuals who identified as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or being a parent/caregiver. The barriers they were asked about were time, cost, transportation, energy, and interest. It was shown that the only statistical difference was the barrier of cost between the age groups of 18-24 and 24-34. Location also showed a significant difference; however, it could not be found where the difference (urban, suburban, rural) for a specific barrier. Further research is needed to understand fully what this population may perceive as barriers to exercise in order to gain adequate exercise to close the gap with the general population
The Acute Impact of Reflexive Performance Reset on Heart Rate Recovery in Division II Collegiate Basketball Athletes
Full text linkReflexive Performance Reset (RPR) is a system of breathing and tactile input that utilizes specific reflex points that could impact heart rate recovery (recHR), average concentric power output (W), and athletic performance. Participants were recruited from the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Bemidji State University. All participants were between 18-25 years old, had no current injuries, and all had a minimum of 3 years experience. Subjects were randomly selected to be in 1 of 3 groups: Control (CON), RPR first session only (RPR1), and RPR second session only (RPR2). Acute effects of RPR on HR and W were assessed each session. All assessments were performed on the same day. The power output tests were completed prior to the Repeated Ability Sprint Test (RAST) and in this order: 3 reps of Countermovement Jump (CMJ), 3 sets of 3 reps Trap Bar Deadlift (TBDL), and 3 sets of 3 reps Push Jerk (PJ). The CMJ was assessed based on jump height in inches on a Plyomat. The TBDL and PJ average W was assessed utilizing a vmaxpro velocity measuring device. The HR was analyzed using Polar HR monitors. Control group went first, followed by the RPR 1 group and RPR 2 group for both sessions. Three minutes of rest between all sets of power output exercises was maintained. TBDL and PJ load was adjusted each set for each individual to maintain a 1.0 m/s reading throughout the testing. Once the power output testing was completed, a 10-minute rest was implemented prior to the RAST protocol. RAST protocol involved 6, 30-meter sprints with 10 seconds of rest between each sprint. AHR and peakHR were assessed during the test. RecHR was taken after 1-minute to assess the recHR. SPSS software was utilized, as well as independent T-tests to assess significance between groups. Results showed a significant improvement in recHR within the combined RPR(intervention) compared to the CON group (p=0.004). In conclusion RPR was shown to have a positive impact on recHR
From Prison to Community: Challenges of Recidivism in the United States
Full text linkRecidivism among adult females in the United States is often an overlooked and under analyzed aspect of the justice system. Women criminals encounter unique challenges and often need distinct rehabilitative needs while incarcerated and following release. This paper explores the many factors contributing to recidivism in adult females including mental health challenges, biological, neurologic and social factors. It provides insight into how lower recidivism rates can be achieved by adapting other reform measures such as education programs
Rate of Injuries Among Fitness Enthusiasts WHen Exercising with a Fitness Professional vs without a Professional
No full textThis research paper delved into the comparative injury rates among fitness enthusiasts who engaged in physical activity with the guidance of a fitness professional versus those who did not. With the proliferation of health and wellness pursuits, individuals increasingly sought various avenues to achieve fitness goals, ranging from running and resistance training to yoga and Pilates. The study investigated whether the involvement of a fitness professional influenced the likelihood of sustaining injuries during these activities. Through survey questionnaires and retrospective injury reports, comprehensive data on injury occurrences were collected to shed light on the impact of professional guidance on injury prevention and management. Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the research process to protect participants\u27 rights and well-being. The methodology outlined provided a robust framework for investigating injury rates and aimed to contribute valuable insights to the field of exercise science while promoting the safety and well-being of individuals engaged in physical activity. The findings aim to support safer exercise practices and inform the fitness community about injury prevention strategies
Prenatal Exercise: The Importance of Patient-Provider Communication
Full text linkThere is a low adherence to prenatal exercise guidelines which may be affected by several barriers including a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits to, safety of, and general guidelines for prenatal exercise. This study sought to investigate the communication that occurs in prenatal appointments and the barriers associated with low exercise rates. Data was collected from 54 pregnant and postpartum women between the ages of 18-40 through an anonymous survey and analyzed through SPSS software. Twenty-four (44.4%) respondents indicated discussion regarding exercise recommendations occurred and five (9.3%) shared that resources for exercise recommendations were provided. Twenty-three (42.6%) participants were made aware of benefits to prenatal exercise and nine (16.7%) women discussed risks with their provider. Eleven (20.4%) were diagnosed with a prenatal complication and most of these women counseled further regarding exercise. Respondents generally liked (n=45, 83.3%) or trusted (n=41, 75.9%) their provider and participants found the top barriers to exercise during pregnancy to be fatigue (n=49, 90.7%), lack of time (n=32, 59.3%), and nausea (n=29, 53.7%). Just three participants increased frequency of exercise and only two women increased duration of sessions while pregnant. Chi-Square Testing, Fisher’s Exact Testing, and, when applicable, Cramér’s V were used to study relationships between variables. The two major associations found were between the change in exercise frequency and both receipt of recommendations and resources from a provider. With myriad benefits to prenatal exercise, better communication practices may allow more women to be encouraged to exercise and raise the rate of adherence to guidelines
Impact of Name, Image, and Likeliness (NIL) on Collegiate Athletics
No full textThis graduate project examined the impact of the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation on collegiate athletics. The study explored how this policy, enforced in 2021, reshaped the amateur status of student-athletes by allowing them to endorse their personal brand. It focused on the legislation’s implications across gender, sport, and division levels, while also considering how universities, teammates, and administrative practices were affected. The proposed method employed a two-phase mixed-methods design: an initial online investigation of university NIL practices, followed by a qualitative survey distributed to student-athletes across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA institutions. Survey responses were analyzed using thematic coding and statistical comparisons to identify trends based on demographic factors and NIL awareness. If carried out, the study would have provided practical insights for student-athletes navigating NIL opportunities and for university administrators shaping support systems. Moreover, it would have helped the NCAA understand the broader effects of its policy and offered guidance for improving NIL legislation moving forward, while also identifying disparities and ethical concerns linked to gender and access
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency – Reforming a Broken System
Full text linkThe juvenile justice system faces significant controversies, primarily concerning accountability and the treatment of young offenders. With rising juvenile crime rates, especially in urban areas like Hennepin County, there is an urgent need for reform. How does the system balance the urgency to hold young offenders accountable while providing the necessary support to foster their rehabilitation? Together, we must explore these challenges to pave the way for a more even-handed and effective juvenile justice system that prioritizes the future of our youth. As legal frameworks intersect with adolescent growth, three key ethical domains emerge: ensuring developmental appropriateness, upholding fair treatment, and addressing mental health concerns. Rather than dismantling juvenile detention facilities, the emphasis should be on enhancing their capacity for effective intervention, fostering a balanced approach to juvenile criminality that prioritizes rehabilitation and community safety. The increase in juvenile crime necessitates a long-lasting response through innovative intervention strategies such as Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). By focusing on practical validated strategies tailored to individual needs, practitioners can enhance rehabilitation outcomes, advocating for a transformative shift within detention centers, that can help deter juveniles from the life of crime. We can shift from punitive approaches to supportive, developmentally appropriate practices that facilitate the reintegration of youth into society
Investigating Impacts of Music and Cadence on Military Physical Training Test Performance
Full text linkThis dissertation investigates the impacts on the use of music and cadence on military physical training test (PTT) pass/fail outcomes. The study looks at the use of auditory stimuli, of music and military cadence, both which allowed for type choice in the participant when possible and its influence on overall pass and fail rates in military testing contexts. The problem focuses on improving outcomes in military personnel pass rates while performing physical training tests without physical intervention. A mixed-methods approach of research was used to combine quantitative analysis of PTT, with qualitative assessment of the participant’s subjective experiences of the test while using the randomly assigned interventions. These findings suggest that while music and cadence may not directly affect measurable physical outcomes, they play a pivotal role in improving participants\u27 psychological readiness, which could enhance military physical training outcomes. These findings should relieve any concern of those who question if the music or cadence use might unfairly give a participant an advantage if not physically prepared for their (PTT). This study concludes with discussions for improving physical training test experiences, recommendations for future research, and potential applications for use in non-military populations in the future