ScholarWorks (California State University)
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Free your breath: Addressing tobacco use and hypertension in bisexual women living in San Joaquin Valley
No full textProblem Identification:Hypertension affects nearly 50% of Americans and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease—the nation's leading cause of death. Bisexual women face 17% higher hypertension rates and are 30% less likely to use medication than heterosexual women. This population experiences disproportionately high tobacco use—a significant hypertension risk factor—while facing unique challenges including dual stigma from both heterosexual and LGBTQ communities. The San Joaquin Valley in California shows particularly high hypertension rates (32% versus 27% statewide), making it an important intervention focus.Analysis:Using the BARHII Framework, analysis reveals bisexual women's elevated hypertension risk stems from higher tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity rates, and poverty levels. These behaviors are influenced by minority stress, reduced social support, and frequent experiences of violence, compounded by healthcare barriers and targeted tobacco advertising. Limited Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) data collection significantly hinders addressing these disparities.Intervention:The Free Your Breath program employs: (1) a tailored smoking cessation program featuring Transtheoretical Model-based modules and an online support forum with successful quitter "seed users"; and (2) advocacy to amend California's AB-959 legislation to require comprehensive SOGI data collection across healthcare settings.Implementation and Evaluation:The program will track intervention fidelity and participant engagement through comprehensive process evaluation. Pre-test/post-test evaluation will measure changes in tobacco use, self-efficacy, social support, and blood pressure, with objectives of 30% tobacco abstinence and 50% smoking reduction among participants
Finding strength in community: A qualitative study on the impact of weekend retreats for mothers of children with 22q
No full textThis study examines the impact of weekend retreats for mothers of children with 22q Deletion Syndrome. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze responses from 10 interviews. Participants were selected through a purposive sampling method. Three main themes emerged through data analysis: Strength of Peer Connections, Experience of Respite, and Feelings of Empowerment. Overall, the study's findings suggest that weekend retreats foster a strong sense of community, provide emotional and physical respite, and empower participants to advocate for themselves and their children more confidently. Recommendations and implications for social work policy and practice are also discussed
Breaking news: A mythic criticism of digital news headlines in the cancel culture controversies of stand-up comedians Shane Gillis, Dave Chappelle, and Whitney Cummings
No full textThis thesis examines digital news headlines about the cancel culture controversies surrounding Shane Gillis, Dave Chappelle, and Whitney Cummings through mythic criticism to understand how online cancel culture discourse utilizes headlines as sensemaking tools. The study uncovered points of mythic activation across headlines using Rowland's (1990) formal/functional approach to myth. Analysis of media headlines revealed that each mentioned comedian was depicted as a unique villain archetype in headlines within one week of viral consciousness of cancel culture discourse: Shane Gillis as the scapegoat, Dave Chappelle as the shadow villain, and Whitney Cummings as the shapeshifter. A discussion of the study and directions for future research are included
Rethinking So-Called "Honor" in "Honor Killings": A Feminist Critique of Appiah's The Honor Code
No full textThis thesis critically engages with Kwame Anthony Appiah's The Honor Code, examining the applicability of his framework to the practice of so-called "honor killings," particularly in Pakistan. Appiah argues that moral revolutions occur when practices become dishonorable rather than merely immoral, citing the decline of dueling, footbinding, and Atlantic slavery as examples. However, I contend that his model inadequately addresses the gendered dimensions of honor and the patriarchal structures that sustain honor-based violence. This thesis demonstrates that dismantling so-called "honor killings" requires more than global condemnation, local or international shaming, and changing honor codes; it necessitates feminist interventions that challenge legal, economic, and social systems that perpetuate gender-based violence. By critically assessing Appiah's theory through a feminist and postcolonial lens, I argue that meaningful change requires structural transformation, not just shifts in honor perception.https://doi.org/10.46569/mg74qw68
Balance and Unity: The Value of Arts Integration in Digitized Elementary Classrooms
No full textIn this study, I explored the question: Why is arts integration important in a digitized classroom? Using Constructivist theory as my framework, my research found arts integration positively influenced student engagement, comprehension, retention, and overall deepened student learning. Educational technology, while not without its benefits, was found to decrease critical thinking and problem-solving skills, cause attention deficits, and cause cognitive and information overload, reducing knowledge construction. These effects can be mitigated through a balanced adoption of arts integration in the classroom. This work presents educators with information to help them make informed and intentional decisions about their classroom practices concerning educational technology
Guidelines For Interaction and Engagement in Pre-Kindergarten; An Overlooked Necessity
No full textDespite the focus on educational and safety qualifications in early childhood education, clear program guidelines for engaging with families remain largely absent from most onboarding and professional development programs. This paper explores the necessity of formal, structured guidance on family interaction for PreK educators, arguing that such protocols are critical for creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and effective learning environments. Drawing on Ecological Systems Theory and Sociocultural Theory, the study examines how meaningful educator-family partnerships positively influence child development, school readiness, and civic responsibility, as well as community support. A review of recent literature and a community partner interview reveal recurring challenges in engagement, ranging from inconsistent communication practices to educator uncertainty and legal liabilities. The findings underscore the importance of administrative leadership in establishing consistent engagement definitions and expectations, providing ongoing professional development, and utilizing proven communication tools. Without clear guidance, educators and families face increased risks of miscommunication and missed opportunities for collaborative support. This study advocates for systemic change that centers family-educator engagement as a foundational element of quality early childhood education
Diversity and Inclusion in Children's Literature
No full textThis study explores the critical issue of diversity and inclusion in children's literature and its impact on student identity, engagement, and educational equity. Guided by the Studio Habits of Mind theoretical framework, the research was grounded in both scholarly literature and a community partner interview with a veteran fifth-grade teacher. The literature review revealed four key themes: the ongoing representation of marginalized groups in children's books, the essential role of educators in promoting inclusive texts, the influence of representation on student development, and the need for systemic change in publishing and curriculum. The interview confirmed and extended these themes by providing real-world insight into how classroom practices can support–or hinder–efforts toward inclusivity. Three major findings emerged: (1) representation in literature shapes student identity and engagement, (2) teachers are key advocates for inclusion but face systemic barriers, and (3) inclusive texts must be embedded into the curriculum rather than treated as supplemental. The study concludes with recommendations for schools, teacher education programs, and policymakers to prioritize inclusive literature and support teachers in building diverse classroom libraries. While the study is limited by its scope–relying on one interview and a focused review of literature–it provides valuable insight into the changes needed to ensure all students are represented and affirmed in the stories they encounter at school
The Effectiveness of Social-Emotional Learning Interventions for First-Grade Students
No full textThis study looks at how to make social-emotional learning programs work well in first-grade classrooms, especially for students who have trouble with their feelings or behavior. I talked to a first-grade teacher and read about what other experts say about social-emotional learning. I found that starting the day with a morning meeting helps students feel connected and safe. Using scenario cards allows kids to practice solving problems together and learn important friendship skills. Also, when parents get involved, it helps kids practice what they learn about feelings at home. These findings show that when teachers use social emotional learning every day, students can control their emotions better, make friends more easily, and feel more excited about school. However, there are some challenges, like not having enough time or training for teachers. Overall, this study highlights how important social-emotional learning is for helping kids grow and learn in a happy classroom
Political Economy of Early Buddhism
No full textBetween the 6th and 3rd centuries BCE, Indian society experienced significant changes due to iron-based agricultural growth, expanding trade, urbanization, and new political systems. This period saw ideological clashes between Brahminism and Buddhism. The Buddha proposed a balanced economic approach, rejecting absolute state control and unchecked markets. He advocated state-regulated, equitable systems prioritizing collective welfare, believing economics should operate on ethics, not greed. Unlike pessimistic views of human nature, he saw potential for cooperative, value-driven economies. Buddhism offered a unified socio-economic and political philosophy, standing out among contemporary schools of thought. This paper examines Buddhism's emergence in the context of pre-existing social structures, agricultural and commercial growth, and the rise of competing philosophies. It explores how Buddhism's "Middle Path" appealed to oppressed groups, contrasting with Vedic-Brahminism. Unlike rigid traditions, Buddhism adapted to changing socio-economic realities, making it a lasting social philosophy. The paper first analyzes pre-Buddhist society, then discusses how new economic conditions spurred philosophical debates, with Buddhism offering an inclusive alternative
Beyond the glass ceiling: mentorship's impact on women's advancement in nonprofit decision-making leadership
No full textWomen comprise 75% of the nonprofit workforce. Women also account for the majority of degrees in public administration. However, women hold only 22% of top leadership positions in the sector. This suggests that there are systemic barriers women face in advancing their careers. This study will investigate which specific components of mentorship programs are most beneficial in assisting women's career progression into decision-making leadership roles within nonprofit organizations. Employing a qualitative research design, the study will conduct semi-structured interviews with 30 women currently in senior-level nonprofit leadership positions who have participated in mentorship relationships. Findings are expected to provide actionable insights into developing effective mentorship strategies that empower women to overcome barriers, enhance their leadership capacity, and contribute to a more equitable and impactful nonprofit sector