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Awe psychotherapy analogue
No full textAwe has the properties of prompting individuals to reevaluate their worldview, rely less
on heuristics, and enhance mental flexibility. This is the first known study assessing the utility of
awe in a psychotherapy analog. Participants were randomized into either an awe induction or
neutral group. All participants were shown videos that guided participants in restructuring their
thoughts. Between the two groups, significant differences were detected among all four
variables, including cognitive restructuring ability, belief in participants' restructured thought,
cognitive reflection, and cognitive flexibility. Notably, only three of the four variables resulted in
differences in the hypothesized direction, with the awe induction prompting greater cognitive
restructuring ability, cognitive reflection, and cognitive flexibility. However, greater cognitive
flexibility was only reached by participants who reported extreme elevations of induced awe.
The neutral condition group produced higher ratings of belief in their restructured thoughts. The
results of the current study warrant further investigation into the therapeutic utility of awe.
Application toward theory, future research, and counseling psychology are discussed.Ph. D
Systems thinking and middle school leadership
No full textThis qualitative constructivist grounded theory study explores middle school principals’
descriptions of the leadership practices they employ as they lead the implementation of a middle
school model, the ways these descriptions reflect systems thinking concepts, and how these
systems thinking concepts influence these leadership practices. Nine acting middle school
principals were interviewed using a semi structured interview protocol that included 10
predetermined interview questions designed to reflect core themes that emerged as a result of a
literature review surrounding middle school principal leadership, systems thinking concepts, and
this study’s theoretical framework, Holistic School Leadership (Shaked & Schechter, 2017).
Interview transcripts were analyzed using initial in vivo coding, focused coding, and axial coding
methods, generating three overall themes representing the study’s most salient results:
• Middle school principals coordinate and rely upon specific structures and systems.
• Middle school principals value and regularly leverage intercommunication.
• Middle school principals cultivate trust and interdependence with and among staff.
Multiple exemplar interview excerpts are included to illustrate and validate the
identification of these themes, which are discussed relative to the results of this study’s literature
review and within the specific context of each of the study’s research questions. Implications regarding the results of the study are presented, including a new theoretical proposition
illustrating Holistic School Leadership’s (Shaked & Schechter, 2017) influence on participants’
perceived leadership practices. This study concludes with recommendations for future research,
policy, and practice.D. Ed
Men in female-dominated majors
No full textResearch has scarcely examined the experiences of men in female-dominated majors (FDM) despite growing concern for workers in fields such as teaching. The aim of this study was to understand if being a man in FDM indirectly predicts lower performance and persistence via social belonging and engagement. Participants (N = 798) were recruited from Ball State University and completed measures on belonging, engagement, performance, and persistence. Results showed belonging predicted higher performance and persistence, however none of the other relationships were significant. Belonging and engagement did not mediate the relationship between gender, performance, and persistence. Follow-up analyses revealed no differences between students in FDM and non-FDM, except in collect self-esteem. The results of this study suggest men do not experience adversity in these fields, and encouraging men to enter these fields could combat current employment issues.M. A
Problematic social media use among college students: the role of social achievement goals and fear of missing out
No full textThe concern about college students' neglect of their daily responsibilities and addiction-like symptoms due to social media use has been concerning. Given the social function and purpose of social media platforms, we applied social achievement goal theory, which focuses on the distinctive purpose of social interactions. Based on the significant differences between in-person and online social settings, the current study assessed social achievement goals specifically for online settings. The study examined whether college students' online social achievement goals predict the extent to which social media use interferes with their daily responsibilities and functioning. Additionally, the study tested whether fear of missing out (FoMO) mediates the effects of social achievement goals. Path analysis was conducted using data from 366 students attending a Midwestern U.S. university. The results confirmed significant mediation for social demonstration-approach and social demonstration-avoidance goals, but not for social development goals. Social development goals buffered students against mild social media interference. In contrast, social demonstration-approach and social demonstration-avoidance goals were linked to mild and severe social media interference through heightened FoMO. Interestingly, social demonstration-approach goals emerged as a strong direct predictor of severe social media interference. Given that time spent on social media was controlled for in the
analysis, the results indicated that individuals who spend the same amount of time on social media may be affected differently depending on their social achievement goals.M. S
Designing for Life on the Spectrum
No full textWhile autism exists on a spectrum, many individuals with autism have issues with sensory processing in one way or another. Often times these sensory issues make it difficult to navigate life. Architecture is typically designed by and for neurotypical people, and does not consider the needs of neurodivergent people.
How would architecture that is sensitive to sensory issues look? What would it feel like to interact with a space that takes into consideration the difficulties people have with sensory processing? What would a space, designed through the lens of someone with autism, look like?
The design answers these questions through designing a campus for adults with autism that provides various resources to better support and empower people with autism through architecture.
Through designing for the senses in a way that accommodates a spectrum of people, design can provide effective residential, recreational, and educational resources. Through the use of hypo and hyper-sensitive sensory cues, along with site design, material selection and permeability, the project enables people with autism to explore adult life with confidence.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Relationship between perceived physician empathy and health-related quality of life among young adults with cancer
No full textYoung adults coping with current cancer diagnosis face a number of biopsychosocial stressors in the face of the numerous challenges that cancer presents. Oncology literature frequently explores the experiences of older adults with cancer, adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and young adult cancer survivors. Patients interface with their oncologists regularly, highlighting the importance of a collaborative patient-physician relationship. However, research does not offer insights into how physician empathy impacts the wellbeing of young adults coping with cancer. This study investigated the relationship between perceived physician empathy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among young adults with cancer (n=291). HRQoL was defined as physical, emotional, and social domains of wellbeing. Participants completed the Jefferson Scale of Perceived Physician Empathy and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. They also identified the perceived gender of their oncologist (i.e., male or female). Participants perceived male oncologists as more empathic than female oncologists. Gender, individually, had no significant effect on any of the three domains of HRQoL. There was a significant interaction between gender and empathy on emotional wellbeing. Finally, perceived empathy significantly predicted young adults’ self-reported social wellbeing during cancer.Ph. D
Assessing the role of hearing impairments and socioeconomic disparitites in grade retention during the covid-19 era
No full textThis study investigates the predictors of grade retention among school-aged children, with a
focus on the role of hearing impairments, socioeconomic status, and demographic factors, as well
as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the National Survey of Children's
Health (NSCH) 2017-2022, logistic regression models were employed to analyze the effects of
these variables. Significant predictors of grade retention were identified, including hearing
impairments (OR = 2.20, p < 0.001), older age (12-17 years, OR = 1.67, p < 0.001), and lower
income levels. In addition, females were found to have lower odds of retention compared to
males (OR = 0.70, p < 0.001). The COVID-19 period was associated with a decrease in retention
likelihood (OR = 0.78, p < 0.01), suggesting policy changes during the pandemic may have
influenced educational outcomes. The study concludes that while the pandemic influenced
overall retention rates, comprehensive policies and targeted support are needed to address the
systemic factors contributing to grade retention.M. S
Grocery run: a game to reduce stigma through identification
No full textStories can shape the way we see the world, especially in interactive media like video games.
With players having direct agency in the narrative, this can increase a player’s identification with
a playable character in the story and lead to an impact on the player's opinions by seeing through
a different perspective. Games like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice use this heightened level of
identification to reduce the stigma associated with those who experience mental health
difficulties, but some games reinforce negative stereotypes through misrepresentation. Utilizing
previous research on loneliness and leveraging the increased transportation and subsequent
identification of interactive storytelling, a game designed to depict loneliness in an accurate and
empathetic way was created. By creating this portrayal of mental health struggles Grocery Run
may reduce the stigma players may hold towards loneliness by seeing through the lens of a
character who struggles with these difficulties.M. A
Personality, social structure, and suicide mortality rates: a comparative dada mining approach
No full textSuicide is a growing problem in the United States, yet research often emphasizes either individual psychological factors or environmental influences, typically favoring the former, with limited studies integrating both. Given the complex and multifaceted nature of suicidal behavior, a more comprehensive approach may yield greater insights. This study compares three state-level datasets using Random Forest models. The first dataset, from 2008, includes state-level estimates of the Five Factor Model’s personality traits and various sociodemographic variables. The second dataset excludes personality data to assess the impact of its absence, while the third replicates the second dataset but with updated predictors for 2022. Several predictors, such as divorce rates, gun ownership, permit laws, per capita income, and educational attainment, were consistently important predictors across all models. Additionally, the inclusion of personality data explained the most variance in suicide mortality rates. Notably, predictor importance shifted from 2008 to 2022, emphasizing the dynamic nature of factors associated with suicide mortality over time.M. S
Reclaiming rivers with architecture
No full textRivers have had a critical role in human history, civilizations have started near rivers, major cities across the world have been built around rivers, and rivers have played a large part in human and material transportation. Now it seems like people have lost interest in the overall health of rivers. They allow large amounts of pollution and runoff to infest the river’s water and ecosystems. This project aims to reduce the harmful effects that the pollution is having on the river and its ecosystems, while also educating and inspiring the public to protect the river. The project is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the Maumee River near downtown. The built project, along with the site design, helps to de-pollute river water. The design of the architecture is inspired by log jams that occur in the nearby dam. This inspiration has created an architectural language that is rectilinear, framing key moments. These key moments are part of the filtration process occurring on the site, framing these moments will educate and inspire the public as they explore the project.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin