Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Differences In Debt Holdings And Financial Satisfaction Across Age During Covid, Loryn Elaine Law

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Access to credit has allowed many individuals to reach their own version of the American dream as credit offers them resources to improve quality of life by buying homes, purchasing automobiles, funding higher education, and financing everyday needs. However, accumulating debt may have negative impacts on their financial satisfaction. Since the 2021 wave of the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) was collected during the COVID-19 Pandemic, this study was able to look at how financial stressors (e.g., unexpected income drops, being laid-off, difficulty paying on-going bills), financial anxiety, and financial literacy variables (e.g., subjective financial knowledge, objective financial knowledge, perceived …

Peer Relationships, Social Identity, And Motivational Experiences In Youth Sport, Justin T. Worley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Organized sport is a setting in which youth can make friends and explore their identity. Teammate relationships may make important contributions to athletes’ social identity (i.e., their psychological connection to their sport team) and their motivation for sport. This idea was tested across three studies. A review of literature was conducted in study one to identify factors that may contribute to athlete social identity. Seven categories were identified across 60 studies including leadership factors, environmental factors, personal factors, team factors, interventions, moral factors, and interpersonal factors. Less than a third of these studies were conducted with youth athletes and interpersonal …

Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences And Non-Live Births, Mudasir Mustafa

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Around 62 percent of adults in the United States have endured at least one type of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), and 25 percent of women reported experiencing three or more ACEs in their lifetime. This study explored whether maternal exposure to ACEs was associated with pregnancy loss or abortion, utilizing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (known as Add Health) to explore this association. I found that cumulative ACEs, assessed through either the conventional ACE scale (reflecting 10 types of ACEs) or the extended ACE scale (reflecting 14 types of ACEs), are associated with a higher likelihood …

The Restorative Design Scale (Rds) An Assessment Guide: Measuring The Potential For Mental Restoration In Urban Green Spaces, Corinne Bahr

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Mental health is a growing national priority, and green space has been proven to benefit mental health. There is a massive amount of recent research studying the influence of green space characteristics on mental health improvement and restoration. However, professional landscape architects, designers, and planners involved in creating physical spaces have not been able to assess and therefore prioritize mental health in their designs due to the sheer quantity of information that has not yet been synthesized and applied efficiently. The Restorative Design Scale (RDS) Assessment condenses this material into a scientifically inspired resource for professionals to easily understand and …

Raising Awareness Of The Link Between Coal Mining And Mental Health, Kristen Koci, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Courtney G. Flint, Ashley Yaugher, Amanda Mcintosh, Gabriela Murza, Aaron Hunt

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Mental health is a concern in Carbon and Emery Counties of Utah, particularly in its association with coal mining. An event was held to raise awareness about how the industry impacts mental health and resources to address it. Results from pre- and post-surveys show the usefulness of the event to attendees.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Using Trail Cameras, Kaitlin Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

Trail cameras (also called game or wildlife cameras) have been used for decades to document wildlife for personal use, education, and scientific use (documenting distributions of animals worldwide for conservation). Using a trail camera can allow us to see the biodiversity around us. Trail cameras are often used to help conserve and monitor wildlife populations. You can participate in these efforts too!

Review Of Family And Justice In The Archives: Historical Perspectives On Intimacy And The Law, Ashley Achee

Journal of Western Archives

Review of Family and Justice in the Archives: Historical Perspectives on Intimacy and the Law.

Documented Newborn Hearing Screenings In Florida Administrative Hospital Data: State Policy Compliance By Hospital Types, Teresa Anthony, Blake Barrett, Adam Brown, Jessica Ryan

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: Volume 9 Issue 1, pages 1-53

Purpose: Florida policy mandates newborn hearing screenings (NBHS) in hospitals. U.S. inpatient administrative hospital data reflects low rates of documented screenings. This analysis investigates inconsistencies between Florida policy and administrative records.

Method: Analysis of Florida statutory language was completed. Florida hospital administrative data was retrospectively analyzed using various statistical methods to explore differences in proportions of documented NBHS among distinct hospital types based on profit and teaching statuses.

Results: Florida mandate requires NBHS completion in the hospital prior to discharge from the birth facility or within 21 days after birth and allows for billing a third-party payer. …

A Review Of Social Media Platforms Of State Early Hearing Detection And Intervention Programs In The United States, Rohit Ravi, Karl R. White

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: Volume 9 Issue 1, pages 1-53

Purpose: Social media tool is increasingly used to support good health practices. Almost every Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program has a website, and it would be useful to know how they are using social media. The aim of this article was to analyse how social media is being used by Early Hearing Detection & Intervention programs in the United States, as well as how frequently.

Method: The present study analysed existing social media handles of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs. The search for social media accounts & data extraction was carried out between 1st January 2022 to …

Transition Readiness Toolkit: Filling A Gap In Assessing Pre-Employment Transition Services, Brian Nelson Phillips

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Building Resilience: Incentivizing Agricultural Water Conservation In Utah Amid Climate Uncertainty And Prior Appropriation Water Rights, Man Li

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Listener Training For Improved Intelligibility Of People With Parkinson's Disease, Stephanie Anna Borrie

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Trust Everybody, But Always Cut The Cards: An Exercise For Exploring Truth-Bias And Deception Detection, John S. Seiter

Communication Studies and Philosophy Faculty Publications

This activity helps students examine key elements of truth-default theory. Specifically, by participating in a deception detection game, which secretly prompts different teams to be more or less suspicious, students learn that people’s tendency to be “truth-biased” leads to lower accuracy when judging actual lies and higher accuracy when judging actual truths (i.e., “the veracity effect”).

Impact Of County-Level Urbanicity On Quality Of Life For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In A Rural State., Alyssa M. Smith, Allison Caudill

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face challenges, such as decreased access to physical, environmental, and social health-related services that can negatively impact their overall quality of life (QoL). Additionally, people living in rural communities may experience geographic distancing and other factors, like decreased transportation and available housing, that contribute to increased isolation and decreased health outcomes, overall. It is important to consider the QoL of people with IDD living in these communities given the additional intersectional constraints of rurality and having an intellectual disability or other co-occurring conditions. A secondary data analysis reviewed closed and open-ended survey data …

Impact Of A Narrative Language Intervention On Language, Behavior, And Self-Concept Among Bilingual Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Nancy Tarshis Ma, Ms, Ccc-Slp, Kathleen Mcgrath Mss, Lsw, Ida Barresi Ma, Ccc-Slp, Risa Battino Ms, Ccc-Slp, Bcs-F, Sarah Henderson Msed, Ms, Ccc-Slp, Shankar Viswanathan Drph, Jee-Young Moon Phd, Karen Bonuck Phd

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The growing research on narrative interventions is promising but has gaps regarding cultural/linguistic diversity and outcomes beyond language. We evaluated whether a structured, oral narrative intervention affects narrative language, problem behaviors, and self-concept in a diverse group of children with developmental language disorder. A 10-session intervention was implemented within routine care. Baseline and follow-up data included: (a) Narrative recordings—coded by therapists using the CUBED Narrative Language Measure, (b) Child Behavior Checklist—a parent-reported behavioral assessment, and (c) the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale. Among the sample’s n = 33 children, aged 6-16, 55.6% were bilingual. Post intervention, participants’ narrative language scores improved …

An Examination Of Transition Professional Profiles Based On Value-Based Principles: A Latent Profile Analysis, Anthony Plotner, Angie Starrett, Charles Walters, Rebecca Smith Hill

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This paper presents findings from a study utilizing Latent Profile Analysis to examine the value-based principles of transition professionals from two distinct disciplines: special education and Centers for Independent Living (CIL). Specifically, this paper aimed to identify profiles emerging from the value orientations of special education and CIL professionals, and to explore how individual factors such as professional role, disability status, education, and years’ experience differ across these profiles. Findings revealed a taxonomy comprising four distinct profiles within the transition professionals sampled. These profiles delineate varying dominant values that encapsulate the convergence of special education and independent living philosophies. Implications …

Inclusion In Disability Evaluation And Surveillance Projects: Reflections And Recommendations For Inclusive Project Teams, Tamara M. Douglas, Nathan J. Rabang, Marlene A. Attla, Tasha Boyer, Vanessa Hiratsuka

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Disability rights advocates emphasize “Nothing about us without us,” yet a program evaluation or surveillance team’s composition rarely reflects inclusion of the individuals from the disability populations they focus on. Individuals who have lived experience with disabilities should be present during all steps of program evaluation and surveillance projects in meaningful ways to progress the impact of disabilities work. In this paper, we describe a process used by staff at Alaska’s University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) to hire, train, and work with individuals with intellectual, development disabilities (IDD) as team members. The case example for the inclusion …

Applying A Framework Of Epistemic Injustice To Understand The Impact Of Covid-19 On People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Sarah Lineberry, Matthew Bogenschutz

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Epistemic injustice, the theory of unfairness related to knowledge, is a useful framework for understanding the ways in which historic and ongoing marginalization and stereotypes have shaped the ways that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a scoping review of the literature and divided findings into physical health (cases, hospitalization, and death) and psychosocial outcomes (access to services, mental health symptoms, community participation, etc.). Impacts were then analyzed using the key principles of epistemic injustice. Findings suggest that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experienced high rates of negative …

Technology Skill Building For Adults With Intellectual And/Or Developmental Disabilities, Heather J. Williamson, Hailee E. Riddle, Cynthia Sloan, Cameron Dogan, Byran Dai, Jon Meyers

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Compared to their peers without disabilities, adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are less likely to be employed. Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities also face a digital divide, with less access to and use of technology in their daily lives. This lack of technology use also limits the types of employment available to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of an individualized technology skill-building program for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Arizona. The community-engaged project was overseen by a Community Advisory Board who provided insights on program …

Conducting A Pilot Evaluation Of A Civic-Engagement Program For Youth With Disabilities, Megan Best, Amanda Johnston, Sarah Demissie, Julianna Kim, Ruchi Mendiratta Khanna, Kelly Fulton, Abby Hardy, Catherine Cheung, Timothy Kunzier, Oscar Hughes, Meghan M. Burke, Zachary Rossetti

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that ensures all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. In the last IDEA reauthorization in 2004, only 1% of public comments were from individuals with disabilities—the population that IDEA serves. To ensure that the feedback of individuals with disabilities is reflected in the next IDEA reauthorization, it is important to support them to learn about IDEA and advocate. To this end, for this pilot study, 16 transition-aged youth with disabilities participated in a 6-hour civic-engagement program across four states to learn about IDEA …

Acknowledgments, Matthew T. Wappett Ph.D.

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Exploring Parental Perspectives On The Transition To Kindergarten For Children With Disabilities, Kari Alberque, Somer Matthews

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This qualitative interview study explores the personal narratives of parents of children with disabilities regarding the transition of their child to kindergarten. Informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, we conducted six parent interviews during the kindergarten year to collect insights about their experiences, challenges, and sources of support. This study aimed to inform the development of effective practices that support families during this critical transition period. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified several themes from the data, which include: (1) challenges in understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the transition process, (2) the value of parent-to-parent support networks, (3) …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Implementing A Hands-On Diabetes Course Curriculum In Community Settings, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Carrie Durward

Transforming Communities

Diabetes remains a significant health concern in the United States, with millions affected and at risk. Despite the known benefits of diabetes education programs, barriers such as accessibility and engagement persist. To address these challenges, Utah State University Extension developed the Diabetes Cook Along (DCA) program and conducted a study to determine the feasibility of implementing these classes in community settings. The DCA curriculum is based on national standards and emphasizes changes in dietary and lifestyle components critical for diabetes management. Data collection included pre- and post-surveys, along with qualitative feedback. Overall participation in the classes and satisfaction of participants …

Educational Neglect In Utah: How The State Allows Children To Fall Through The Cracks, Celeste D. Barker

Transforming Communities

Chronic absenteeism due to educational neglect is a prevalent social need in the state of Utah. Thousands of children in Utah are falling through the cracks of the system that is designed for their success and it is imperative that Utah’s State Legislature examines this dilemma more closely. It is recommended that the legislature examine real cases of educational neglect and realize how current decision making and policy framework is impacting the future success of Utah’s children. Modifications include extending the scope of intervention to secondary school-aged children, creating standardized attendance infraction letters for every school district in Utah, reevaluating …

Ephemera As A Versatile Primary Resource: A Case Study Of The Nancy Tucker Postcard Collection, Dylan J. Mcdonald, Jennifer Olguin, Monika Glowacka-Musial

Journal of Western Archives

Ephemera are rich primary sources too often overlooked within archival materials and at collecting institutions. This case study argues that archivists and librarians should recognize ephemera, specifically postcards, as powerful historical documents worthy of scholarly investigation. By analyzing a sample set of digitized postcards held at the New Mexico State University Library, we show how scholars can use postcards to develop evidence-based arguments. Through the images, printed texts, and hand-written inscriptions found on these early 20th century postcards, we demonstrate how researchers can examine the pro-development messages found in southern New Mexico postcards.

Dynamic Optimization With Timing Risk, Erin Cottle Hunt, Frank N. Caliendo

Economics and Finance Faculty Publications

Timing risk refers to a situation in which the timing of an economically important event is unknown (risky) from the perspective of an economic decision maker. While this special class of dynamic stochastic control problems has many applications in economics, the methods used to solve them are not easily accessible within a single, comprehensive survey. We provide a survey of dynamic optimization methods under comprehensive assumptions about the nature of timing risk. We also relax the assumption of full information and summarize optimization with limited information, ambiguity, imperfect hedging, and dynamic inconsistency. Our goal is to provide a concise user …

Coping With Loneliness (Part 1): Look Inward, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

Experiencing loneliness sometimes is part of the human experience. However, when experienced long-term, loneliness can lead to detrimental impacts on physical, mental, and emotional health. In a series of four fact sheets, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty compiled some of the most effective ways to enhance connectedness. This first fact sheet describes ways of looking inward that can reduce loneliness. These include identifying sources of loneliness, increasing acceptance, practicing mindfulness, seeking solitude, practicing self-reflection, and practicing self-care.

Coping With Loneliness (Part 4): Support Others Who Experience Loneliness, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

It is natural to want to offer help and support when someone we love or care about is experiencing loneliness. Paradoxically, this is one of the best ways to reduce our own loneliness. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed three fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This fourth fact sheet suggests ways to ensure our efforts to support others who are experiencing loneliness are helpful and supportive.

Coping With Loneliness (Part 2): Look Outward, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

Experiencing loneliness sometimes is part of the human experience. However, when experienced long-term, loneliness can lead to detrimental impacts on physical, mental, and emotional health. In a series of four fact sheets, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty compiled some of the most effective ways to enhance connectedness. This second fact sheet suggests simple ways of looking outward to experience greater connectedness. These include increasing social group memberships, connecting through art and laughter, spending time in nature, strengthening friendships, and providing service.

Coping With Loneliness (Part 3): Focus On What You Can Change, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

The U.S. surgeon general named loneliness a top public health issue in the U.S. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed four fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This third fact sheet describes both actions and ways of thinking to help you focus on what you can change. These include using social media intentionally, reaching out for support, avoiding unhealthy relationships, focusing on helpful thoughts, adopting a growth mindset, and practicing gratitude.