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Latinas' postpartum sexual health
No full textIn this study, postpartum sexual health of Mexican American postpartum women in rural
Indiana was examined using interpretative phenomenological approach, grounded in Chicana
feminism theory and narrative therapy. This study was a replication of Pardell-Dominguez et al.
(2021) and Martinez-Martinez et al. (2017) studies. Interviews with nine Latina mothers
revealed that their postpartum sexual health was influenced by psychosocial and cultural
factors. The women experienced significant tensions between traditional cultural values and
personal sexual health desires, leading to internal conflicts, silence, and limited access to
comprehensive sexual health education. The interplay of familismo, machismo, marianismo,
and cultural taboos created complex expectations that shaped women’s postpartum sexual
experiences. Psychosocial factors affecting these women’s sexual health included caregiving
demands, body image concerns, communication gaps with healthcare providers, cultural
stigma, and limited access to sexual health guidance, which exacerbated their feelings of
shame and isolation. This study contributes to the growing body of qualitative research on
postpartum sexual health by centering the voices of Latina women, and it challenges patriarchal narratives
that suppress open discussions of sexuality. Implications for theory, practice, and policy are
discussed, which emphasize the need for culturally responsive sexual health education,
psychological support, and healthcare interventions that acknowledge cultural tensions
experienced by postpartum Latina women.Ph. D
The effect of pre-performance routines on anxiety and cognitive functioning in student athletes
No full textPerformance anxiety is a pervasive issue among collegiate athletes, often impairing both
physical performance and cognitive functioning (Weber et al., 2023). This study examined
whether individualized pre-performance routines (PPRs) could reduce anxiety and enhance
cognitive performance among student-athletes. Twenty NCAA Division I student-athletes
completed executive functions tasks in two conditions in a counterbalanced order: one with a
pre-performance routine (PPR) and one without (control). Participants in the PPR condition
developed and practiced a personalized PPR, while in the control condition, participants
completed the cognitive tasks without a PPR. One week later, participants completed the other
condition. In both conditions, anxiety was induced using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST)
which includes a mock job pitch and an arithmetic task. Both conditions completed anxiety and
self-efficacy measures before and after the TSST. Results revealed that, compared to the control
condition, the PPR condition significantly reduced both pre- and post-TSST anxiety (pre: p =
.003, post: p < .001), and increased task-specific self-efficacy (p < .001). Cognitive performance
also significantly increased in the PPR condition across all three executive functioning measures
(all ps < .031). These findings suggest that PPRs not only reduce anxiety and improve self -
efficacy but also improve cognitive performance. This study advances existing literature by
demonstrating that PPRs serve as a dual-purpose tool for psychological regulation and cognitive
enhancement. The findings suggest that PPRs could be effectively incorporated by mental
performance consultants to help athletes reduce anxiety, improve self -efficacy, and sharpen
cognitive performance. Furthermore, academic advisors, professors, and counselors may be able
to apply PPRs in various settings to help students manage performance anxiety and enhance
academic performance. These findings underscore the value of PPRs as a flexible, evidencebased strategy to improve performance in high-stakes environments.M. A
The learning nexus: redefining K-12 education through space and self-direction
No full textFor the past 100 years, the traditional school model has remained largely
unchanged—fixed classrooms, standardized teaching methods, and rigid
structures that often fail to accommodate the diverse ways students learn. The
Learning Nexus challenges this outdated paradigm by designing a progressive
learning environment in downtown Pendleton, Indiana. This project reimagines
education through a dynamic space merging indoor and outdoor learning,
fostering a more adaptable and engaging experience for students. By replacing
conventional classrooms with open, collaborative studios and shifting the role of
teachers to guides, this design supports a student-driven approach rooted in the
Acton Academy learning model.
This innovative school prioritizes collaboration, self-directed learning, and
adaptability to different learning styles. The built environment plays a crucial role
in shaping these experiences, offering flexible spaces that encourage interaction
and creativity. Outdoor areas extend learning beyond walls, creating a seamless
transition between structured and exploratory education. The design promotes
autonomy while ensuring students have the support they need to navigate their
educational journey. By rethinking the physical and conceptual structure of a
school, this thesis aims to set a new precedent for how educational spaces
empower students to take control of their own learning.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Review of Infrastructuring Urban Futures: The Politics of Remaking Cities by Alan Wiig et al
No full textN/AN/AN/
Exploration of the relationship between race/ethnicity, stereotype threat vulnerability and infant feeding method intention
No full textPurpose: Neither socio-demographics nor psychosocial factors have fully explained the racial disparity seen in the breastfeeding rates for Black women in the United States. This study proposed that the low breastfeeding prevalence for Black women in the United States may also be a result of historical generational factors that created a racial/ethnic socioculture with a strong preference for formula feeding coupled with a societal expectation that Black women do not breastfeed their infants.
Methodology: Local WIC agencies and a national online platform were used to administer a demographic questionnaire, an infant feeding intention scale and a stereotype threat vulnerability scale. Data from 138 never pregnant or first-time pregnant participants were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlation and categorical multiple regression.
Findings: The model was successful in predicting intention to breastfeed, p = < .001 . The regression showed a positive correlation between the variables of race/ethnicity and stereotype threat vulnerability that explained 16% of the variance in infant feeding intention, R = .40, R2 = .160. Race/ethnicity was a significant predictor for Black women and indicated a lower intention to breastfeed than White women, β = -.25, p = .008. Stereotype threat vulnerability was significant for predicting intention to breastfeed, β = .42, p < .001.
Implications: The findings of this study denoted stereotype threat vulnerability as a new racial/ethnic sociocultural factor that helped to explain intention to breastfeed in this sample. Previously identified breastfeeding predictors, such as education and SES, are challenging to influence, however, stereotype threat has a vast history of pragmatic, expeditious and successful interventions that are feasible to implement for researchers. The findings of this study also suggested that research for stereotype boost as a racial/ethnic sociocultural factor towards breastfeeding is warranted.Ph.D
ECOPARK: innovating parking design for sustainability
No full textParking structures lack architectural design elements while meeting efficiency
standards. Mainly made of concrete and lacks natural elements such as green
space and access to sunlight. Broad Ripple, located in central Indiana, is a
dense small city in which parking is inaccessible and dangerous. Incorporating
a parking structure and green space that benefits the users’ everyday
environment.
Designing a parking garage that incorporates green technologies, energyefficient
systems, and multifunctional spaces to reduce the environmental
impact and improve the user experience. Creating a structure that includes
natural lighting, green walls, and social gathering spaces that invite the public
to interact with the building. This leads to a concrete parking structure that
is efficiently designed to incorporate parking, reduce carbon emissions, and
encourage pedestrians to gather and explore. Therefore, this lends to the
question of whether a parking structure can become sustainable and inviting to
pedestrians while maintaining the parking requirement.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Diploma project: thesis report
No full textThe redevelopment of Gary Roosevelt High School seeks to transform the
historic site into a vibrant center for education, culture, and community
engagement. By integrating modern learning environments with dynamic
social spaces, the project fosters creativity, collaboration, and artistic
expression, ensuring its long-term impact on the community. At the heart of this
transformation is a landmark structure celebrating Gary’s rich musical heritage.
The School of Michael Jackson, dedicated to one of the city’s most iconic
figures, will provide specialized education in performing arts, nurturing young
talent in music, dance, and theater. Adjacent to it, a museum will preserve and
showcase Gary’s influential contributions to music, inspiring future generations
through interactive exhibits and historical archives.
Beyond its educational mission, the redevelopment serves as a community hub,
stimulating economic and social growth. A shopping and food marketplace
will provide opportunities for local businesses, while makerspaces will foster
innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, residential spaces, including
temporary housing, will offer stability and support for those in need, ensuring
an inclusive and sustainable future for the community. By uniting education,
commerce, and culture, this project not only revitalizes an important historical
site but also strengthens the economic and social fabric of Gary, honoring its
past while shaping a brighter future.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
The tale of three trees
No full textA Tale of Three Trees is the introduction to a full-length novel in process. This project
seeks to create a cohesive opening for a work of fiction that has been slowly progressing for
many years. It is the story of a woman who has experienced numerous losses in her life, but
who eventually finds hope and meaning without the people who meant the most to her. The
focus of this opening has been to introduce the reader to key characters and their relationships
with the protagonist while using flashbacks to fill in backstory. The narrative explores themes
of love, loss, and connection.M. A
Gamification in fitness apps: analyzing user motivation through the Octalysis Framework
No full textThis paper examines gamification in popular fitness apps through the lens of the Octalysis Framework to evaluate its potential for fostering long-term behavioral change, guided by Self-Determination Theory. A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze 17 top fitness apps, categorizing their game elements within the Octalysis Framework and assessing whether these elements engaged intrinsic or extrinsic motivators. The findings reveal distinct motivational patterns across app categories: Lifestyle and Self-Help apps exhibit a balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, which may limit their effectiveness in sustaining long-term behavioral change. In contrast, Workout and Food apps emphasize intrinsically motivating game elements, suggesting a greater capacity to support enduring user engagement and long-form habit formation.M. A
The impact of furniture color on consumer purchasing decisions
No full textColor plays a massive role in maximizing success, majorly influencing consumer
perceptions. As a result, understanding the impact of color is essential for anticipating and
comprehending how consumers would perceive the chosen colors. This study investigates the
complex relationship between color and consumer preferences in the context of outdoor
furniture, with the goal of understanding the distinct ways in which color impacts perceived
product attributes and purchasing decisions. The goal of this research is to contribute to both
the academic knowledge pertaining to design and the strategic use of color in outdoor furniture
in the retail environment. With the utilization of comprehensive research techniques, it
explores the substantial impact of furniture color on consumer purchasing decisions through a
quantitative survey method.M. S