Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Hair Cortisol As A Biomarker Of Stress In Mindfulness Training For Smokers., Simon B Goldberg, Alison R Manley, Stevens S Smith, Jeffrey M Greeson, Evan Russell, Stan Van Uum, Gideon Koren, James M Davis

Jeffrey M. Greeson

OBJECTIVES: Stress is a well-known predictor of smoking relapse, and cortisol is a primary biomarker of stress. The current pilot study examined changes in levels of cortisol in hair within the context of two time-intensity matched behavioral smoking cessation treatments: mindfulness training for smokers and a cognitive-behavioral comparison group. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen participants were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Hair samples (3 cm) were obtained 1 month after quit attempt, allowing for a retrospective analysis of hair cortisol at preintervention and post-quit attempt time periods. Self-reported negative affect was also assessed before and after …

Decreased Symptoms Of Depression After Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Potential Moderating Effects Of Religiosity, Spirituality, Trait Mindfulness, Sex, And Age, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Moria J. Smoski, Edward C. Suarez, Jeffrey G. Brantley, Andrew G. Ekblad, Thomas R. Lynch, Ruth Quillian Wolever

Jeffrey M. Greeson

Objective: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a secular meditation training program that reduces depressive symptoms. Little is known, however, about the degree to which a participant's spiritual and religious background, or other demographic characteristics associated with risk for depression, may affect the effectiveness of MBSR. Therefore, this study tested whether individual differences in religiosity, spirituality, motivation for spiritual growth, trait mindfulness, sex, and age affect MBSR effectiveness.

Methods: As part of an open trial, multiple regression was used to analyze variation in depressive symptom outcomes among 322 adults who enrolled in an 8-week, community-based MBSR program.

Results: As hypothesized, depressive …

A Narrative Review Of Yoga And Mindfulness As Complementary Therapies For Addiction., Surbhi Khanna, Jeffrey M Greeson

Jeffrey M. Greeson

This paper reviews the philosophical origins, current scientific evidence, and clinical promise of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Historically, there are eight elements of yoga that, together, comprise ethical principles and practices for living a meaningful, purposeful, moral and self-disciplined life. Traditional yoga practices, including postures and meditation, direct attention toward one's health, while acknowledging the spiritual aspects of one's nature. Mindfulness derives from ancient Buddhist philosophy, and mindfulness meditation practices, such as gentle Hatha yoga and mindful breathing, are increasingly integrated into secular health care settings. Current theoretical models suggest that the skills, insights, and self-awareness …

Changes In Mindfulness, Well-Being, And Sleep Quality In College Students Through Taijiquan Courses: A Cohort Control Study, Karen Caldwell, Lisa Emery, Mandy Harrison, Jeffrey M. Greeson

Jeffrey M. Greeson

Objectives: This study sought to determine whether participants in taijiquan classes would report increases in mindfulness greater than that of a comparison group, and whether changes in mindfulness were associated with improvements in mood, perceived stress, self-regulatory self-efficacy, and sleep quality. Design: The study design was quasi-experimental with repeated measures. Settings/location: The study was set in a midsized public university. Subjects: Students aged 18–48 years old enrolled in 15-week courses of either taijiquan (n = 76) or special recreation (control group, n = 132). Intervention: Chen-style taijiquan classes were offered 2 times per week for 50 minutes each time. Outcome …

Changes In Spirituality Partly Explain Health-Related Quality Of Life Outcomes After Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction., Jeffrey M Greeson, Daniel M Webber, Moria J Smoski, Jeffrey G Brantley, Andrew G Ekblad, Edward C Suarez, Ruth Quillian Wolever

Jeffrey M. Greeson

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a secular behavioral medicine program that has roots in meditative spiritual practices. Thus, spirituality may partly explain Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction outcomes. Participants (N = 279; M (SD) age = 45(12); 75% women) completed an online survey before and after an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis that, following Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, the relationship between enhanced mindfulness and improved health-related quality of life is mediated by increased daily spiritual experiences. Changes in both spirituality and mindfulness were significantly related to improvement in mental health. Although the initial mediation hypothesis …

Developing Mindfulness In College Students Through Movement Based Courses: Effects On Self-Regulatory Self-Efficacy, Mood, Stress, And Sleep Quality, Karen Caldwell, Mandy Harrison, Marianne Adams, Rebecca H. Quin, Jeffrey M. Greeson

Jeffrey M. Greeson

Objective—This study examined whether mindfulness increased through participation in movement based courses and whether changes in self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, and perceived stress mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and better sleep. Participants—166 college students enrolled in the 2007-2008 academic year in 15 week classes in Pilates, Taiji quan, or GYROKINESIS®. Methods—At beginning, middle, and end of the semester, participants completed measures of mindfulness, self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, perceived stress and sleep quality. Results—Total mindfulness scores and mindfulness subscales increased overall. Greater changes in mindfulness were directly related to better sleep quality at the end of the semester after adjusting for sleep …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Koru: A Mindfulness Program For College Students And Other Emerging Adults., Jeffrey M Greeson, Michael K Juberg, Margaret Maytan, Kiera James, Holly Rogers

Jeffrey M. Greeson

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Koru, a mindfulness training program for college students and other emerging adults. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety students (66% female, 62% white, 71% graduate students) participated between Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. It was hypothesized that Koru, compared with a wait-list control group, would reduce perceived stress and sleep problems, and increase mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude. RESULTS: As hypothesized, results showed significant Group (Koru, Wait-List)×Time (Pre, Post) interactions for improvements in perceived stress (F[1, 76.40]=4.50, p=.037, d=.45), sleep problems (F [1, 79.49]=4.71, p=.033, d=.52), mindfulness (F [1, 79.09]=26.80, p CONCLUSIONS: Results support the …

Use What You Choose: Applying Computational Methods To Genre Studies In Technical Communication, Brian N. Larson, William Hart-Davidon, Kenneth C. Walker, Douglas M. Walls, Ryan Omizo

Brian Larson

This paper reports on the results of an intensive application development workshop held in the summer of 2015 during which a group of thirteen researchers came together to explore the use of machine-learning algorithms in technical communication. To do this we analyzed Amazon.com consumer electronic product customer reviews to reevaluate a central concept in North American Genre Theory: stable genre structures arise from recurring social actions. We discovered evidence of genre hybridity in the signals of instructional genres embedded into customer reviews. Our paper discusses the creation of a prototype web application, "Use What You Choose" (UWYC), which sorts the …

Collaborative Growth Toward Discovery: Becoming Stronger Through Change, Margaret Heller, Hong Ma

Hong Ma

The radical act of replacing a traditional OPAC and ILS with a hosted library services platform (LSP) and web-scale discovery (WSD) system creates the impetus for libraries to rethink core workflows and practices. Both of these tools have the potential to greatly improve access to library collections and enhance user experience, but only if the implementation is a collaborative effort between different stakeholders, technical experts and subject librarians, grounded in a thoughtful selection process that emphasizes user needs. Furthermore, because this model removes the traditional OPAC, subject librarians must take on the challenge of understanding the tool and work as …

Spirituality, Religion, And Aging Illuminations For Therapeutic Practice, Holly Nelson-Becker

Holly Nelson-Becker

This highly integrative book was written for students, professionals in aging, ministers, and older adults themselves. Readers will gain the knowledge and skills they need to assess, engage, and address the spiritual and religious needs of older persons. Taking a fresh approach that breaks new ground in the field, the author discusses eight major world religions and covers values and ethics, theories, interventions, health and caregiving, depression and anxiety, dementia, and the end of life. Meditations and exercises throughout the book allow readers to expand and explore their personal understanding of spirituality. Referencing the latest research, the book includes assessments …

Spirituality In Professional Practice With Older Adults, Holly Nelson-Becker, Edward Canada, Mitsuko Nakashima

Holly Nelson-Becker

No abstract provided.

Review Of Latino Catholicism: Transformation In America’S Largest Church, Elfriede Wedam

Elfriede Wedam

No abstract provided.

Reconsidering Incarceration: New Directions For Reducing Crime, Don Stemen

Don Stemen

Little empirical study had been done to confirm or refute the effectiveness of incarceration in reducing crime rates when America began its historic reliance on prisons in the 1970s. Today, conversely, policymakers are faced with a large, complex, and sometimes contradictory body of research. This paper seeks to help officials make sense of this information and offers an up-to-date understanding of what works best. It also examines research on several of the other factors that might be developed as part of an expanded notion of public safety. Informed by this more inclusive understanding of current research, it suggests that effective …

Illinois Felony Sentencing: A Retrospective, David E. Olson, Donald Stemen

Don Stemen

This research bulletin provides an overview of forces that have influenced the number of felons under the supervision of Illinois' justice system, including crime and arrest trends, sentencing policies and practices related to probation and prison sentences.

Drivers Of The Sentenced Population: Probation Analysis, David E. Olson, Donald Stemen, Sema Taheri, Michelle D. Mioduszewski

Don Stemen

The report examines trends in the number and characteristics of felony probation sentences and caseloads in Illinois, as well as short-term outcomes measures for those discharged from felony probation. The research was performed in collaboration with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council.

Finding The Jury: State Legislative Responses To Blakely V. Washington, Don Stemen, Daniel F. Wilhelm

Don Stemen

No abstract provided.

Aggravated Sentencing: Blakely V. Washington, Jon Wool, Don Stemen

Don Stemen

No abstract provided.

Changing Fortunes Or Changing Attitudes: Sentencing And Corrections Reforms In 2003, Jon Wool, Don Stemen

Don Stemen

No abstract provided.

An Examination Of Felony Case Processing In The Circuit Court Of Cook County, 2000-2012, Don Stemen

Don Stemen

This research bulletin provides an examination of felony cases filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County between 2000 and 2012. The examination considers trends in the volume of felony cases filed, the percent of cases disposed of within twelve months of filing, and the average length of time to dispose of cases. The analyses indicate that the number of felony cases filed in Cook County has decreased over the last decade and the percentage of felony cases disposed of within 12 months of filing has increased during the same period. However, the time to case disposition has increased -- …

Foundations And Grants Workshops: Grant Preparation Basics, Sarah Cisse

Sarah Cisse

No abstract provided.

Partnering With Public Library Services: A Town And Gown Affair, Sarah Cisse

Sarah Cisse

This article describes the collaborative effort between academic reference and Public Library Services (PLS) in developing and sustaining a resume resources program at a joint-use library. The resume resources workshops are a part of the summer workshop series, Adult Computer Camp, organized by the PLS department at the Alvin Sherman Library (ASL) of Nova Southeastern University (NSU). The summer workshop series offers an innovative variety of workshops to the public featuring online and computer resources. These workshops have been a successful collaboration between these two departments at the ASL, a joint-use or “town and gown” library

Outreach To Broward County High Schools: Nsu's Alvin Sherman Library Research And Information Technology Center, Sarah Cisse

Sarah Cisse

No abstract provided.

Nfbpa-Boston Chapter Events 2015 - 2017, Michael P. Johnson Jr.

Michael P. Johnson

National Forum For Black Public Administrators - Membership Brochure, Michael P. Johnson Jr.

Michael P. Johnson

• Meetings with local leaders, policymakers and managers 
• Networking and professional development
• Cultural activities & public service

Learning Commons Reference Collections In Arl Libraries, Cindy Pierard, Sever Bordeianu

Cindy Pierard

Many academic libraries have developed or partnered in the development of learning commons over the last two decades. Although the nature of these environments may vary, learning commons are characterized here as adaptable spaces in which services, programming, and specialized resources are brought together to support and enact specific learning and research activities.The development of learning commons spaces has resulted in significant changes in traditional library collections, including decisions to weed or relocate physical collections, to transition from print to electronic collections, and to develop collections to support new learning services, programs, and collaborations (Brown et al., 2014; Detmering and …

The Greatest Problem With Which The Library Is Confronted: A Survey Of Academic Library Outreach To The Freshman Course, Cindy Pierard, Kathryn A. Graves

Cindy Pierard

The Freshman Year Experience movement has created an excellent opportunity for academic library outreach. Its values, which include collaboration among various campus units charged with supporting student success and a focus on student mastery of key academic skills, correspond well with the objective of many college and university libraries: to become a more central part of the institution's educational mission. This chapter provides a discussion of academic library outreach to one of the movement's most significant components, the freshman course. The aim is to provide an overview of historic and contemporary trends in postsecondary freshman programming and corresponding library outreach …

Let The Sun Shine In: Promoting Civic Engagement With Sunshine Week, Cindy Pierard, Josefine Smith, Caitlin Wells

Cindy Pierard

Sunshine Week is a national effort to promote the importance of open government and freedom of information. Although originally begun as a news media initiative, it has grown to include community groups, libraries, schools, governments, and others who are committed to civic engagement and access to information. For academic libraries, Sunshine Week offers opportunities for forge collaborations with campus and community partners, and to connect programming with broader student learning goals. This chapter makes the case for Sunshine Week as a mechanism for bringing together campus and community groups around issues of common concern, either as a standalone effort or …

The Ugly City Beautiful - A Policy Analysis, Richey Piiparinen

Richey Piiparinen

No abstract provided.

The Fifth Migration: A Study Of Cleveland Millennials, Richey Piiparinen, Jim Russell, Charlie Post

Richey Piiparinen

Many studies and reports about the “millennial” generation have been conducted at the national level in the past few years. However, little has been done to look at the effects the members of this generation have at the local level. Framed in what has been termed “the fifth migration” or “re-urbanization” this project looks at trends surrounding the millennial generation both nationally and locally. This project not only examines where young people are living, but also dives into trends and changes surrounding mobility, housing, public transit, civic engagement, the changing workplace, and the sharing economy. Across these topics this project …

Center For Population Dynamics Quarterly Brief July 2016: Population Loss And Development Trends In Cleveland, Richey Piiparinen, Jim Russell, Charlie Post, Kyle Fee

Richey Piiparinen

When a place loses population, it’s assumed that’s because people leave. But it’s not that simple. What’s lost in translation is today’s households have fewer people living in them than they did years prior. For instance, 40% of mothers aged 40 to 44 had four or more children in 1976. Today, it’s 14%. Overall, the average American household contracted from 3.14 people in 1970 to 2.54 today. This can explain the apparent paradox of population loss in “shrinking” communities while the number of occupied households grows. Such was the case in Cuyahoga County. There were 1.72 million residents in the …