<p> Parent income and educational attainment (EA) influence children&rsquo;s eating behaviors (EB). Psychological distress and socioeconomic disadvantage can trigger maladaptive EB that cause obesity (Hemmingson, 2014). Associations between Latino and African American (AA) parents&rsquo; income and EA with the child&rsquo;s EB and psychological distress were explored. Baseline data for 79 AA and Latina 8-11 year old girls were collected via self-report surveys and 24-hour recalls; parent data was derived from demographic forms. T-tests, one-way independent ANOVA, and correlations assessed relationships. Children&rsquo;s total fat intake differed by EA (<i>p</i>=.001) and income (<i> p</i>=.022). Total sugar intake (<i>p</i>=.011) differed by income. Fruit intake differed by income level <i>F</i>(2, 47)=4.93, <i> p</i>=.011. Number of fruit servings was inversely correlated with children&rsquo;s depressive symptoms (DS; <i>p</i>=.009) and trait anxiety (TA; <i> p</i>=.018). Emotional eating (EE) was positively related to DS (<i> p</i>&lt;.001), TA (<i>p</i>&lt; .001), and perceived stress (PS; <i>p</i>&lt;.001). Findings indicate that higher parent EA and income are associated with higher fat intake in children; higher income was associated with higher sugar intake. Fruit consumption seems to decrease with lower income, and higher DS and TA. Further, increased DS, TA, and PS are related to increased EE. Findings are contrary to expectations that poverty and low-education are associated with poor eating habits.</p>

abstract: Timing performance is sensitive to fluctuations in time and motivation, thus interval timing and motivation are either inseparable or conflated processes. A behavioral systems model (e.g., Timberlake, 2000) of timing performance (Chapter 1) suggests that timing performance in externally-initiated (EI) procedures conflates behavioral modes differentially sensitive to motivation, but that response-initiated (RI) procedures potentially dissociate these behavioral modes. That is, timing performance in RI procedures is expected to not conflate these behavioral modes. According to the discriminative RI hypothesis, as initiating-responses become progressively discriminable from target responses, initiating-responses increasingly dissociate interval timing and motivation. Rats were trained in timing procedures in which a switch from a Short to a Long interval indexes timing performance (a latency-to-switch, LTS), and were then challenged with pre-feeding and extinction probes. In experiments 1 (Chapter 2) and 2 (Chapter 3), discriminability of initiating-responses was varied as a function of time, location, and form for rats trained in a switch-timing procedure. In experiment 3 (Chapter 4), the generalizability of the discriminative RI hypothesis was evaluated in rats trained in a temporal bisection procedure. In experiment 3, but not 1 and 2, RI enhanced temporal control of LTSs relative to EI. In experiments 1 and 2, the robustness of LTS medians to pre-feeding but not extinction increased with the discriminability of initiating-responses from target responses. In experiment 3, the mean LTS was robust to pre-feeding in EI and RI. In all three experiments, pre-feeding increased LTS variability in EI and RI. These results provide moderate support for the discriminative RI hypothesis, indicating that initiating-responses selectively and partially dissociate interval timing and motivation processes. Implications for the study of cognition and motivation processes are discussed (Chapter 5). / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Psychology 2018

abstract: The advancement of technology has transformed information consumption into an accessible and flexible process. The open learning ecosystem that exists online relies on self-direction. Learners are able to effectively fulfill personal learning goals with preferred content forms, specifically by utilizing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). It is essential to investigate the role of mediums in distributed learning to initiate human-centric design changes that best support the learner. This study provides insight into how choice influences self-learning and highlights the major engagement difficulties of MOOCs. Significant attrition was experienced while issuing text and audio material to participants for three weeks. Although this prevented valid statistical tests from being run, it was clear that text was the most desirable and effective medium. Students that read exhibited the highest comprehension levels and selected it as their de-facto consumption method even if audio was made available. Since this study involved complex topics, this supported the transient information effect. Future studies should focus deeply on the structure of online courses by implementing personable engagement features that improve overall participation rate. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Defense Presentation / Masters Thesis Human Systems Engineering 2019

abstract: As deception in cyberspace becomes more dynamic, research in this area should also take a dynamic approach to battling deception and false information. Research has previously shown that people are no better than chance at detecting deception. Deceptive information in cyberspace, specifically on social media, is not exempt from this pitfall. Current practices in social media rely on the users to detect false information and use appropriate discretion when deciding to share information online. This is ineffective and will predicatively end with users being unable to discern true from false information at all, as deceptive information becomes more difficult to distinguish from true information. To proactively combat inaccurate and deceptive information on social media, research must be conducted to understand not only the interaction effects of false content and user characteristics, but user behavior that stems from this interaction as well. This study investigated the effects of confirmation bias and susceptibility to deception on an individual’s choice to share information, specifically to understand how these factors relate to the sharing of false controversial information. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Human Systems Engineering 2019

Radiofrequency neurotomy is a pain intervention procedure designed to coagulate nerves that innervate a specific area of spinal vertebrae known as the facet joint. Despite moderate to strong research support for the efficacy of radiofrequency neurotomy to improve short-term subjective pain levels, much of the literature to date has used strict selection criteria and has not focused on functional and quality of life outcomes. Moreover, few studies have examined outcomes in worker's compensation patients or considered biopsychosocial predictive variables for the procedure. The current study aimed to characterize injured workers who have undergone radiofrequency neurotomy across a number of pre and post-procedural variables, evaluate multidimensional functional and quality of life outcomes, and examine biopsychosocial variables predictive of success and failure in this sample. The current study comprised 101 injured workers who had undergone at least one radiofrequency neurotomy of the spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) in the past 11 years. Participants were solicited through the Worker's Compensation Fund of Utah computerized database. Employing a retrospective cohort design, patients' medical charts were reviewed and various preprocedural variables were coded for analysis including age at the time of the first neurotomy, history of depression, lawyer involvement in the claim, prior back and neck surgical history, and quantity of other compensation claims. Of the total sample, 56 patients (55.4%) were contacted and completed outcome surveys that assessed patient satisfaction, functional impairment, disability status, pain catastrophization, and general physical and mental health functioning. Findings revealed a moderate proportion of patients with total disability (40%), poor back/neck specific functioning (63%), and dissatisfaction with their current back/neck condition (75%). A multivariate regression model was consistently predictive of patient outcomes. Specifically, litigation status was a robust predictor of multidimensional outcomes, while depression and age retained slightly less predictive power. Results of descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses are compared to existing data for radiofrequency neurotomy and other spine procedures with similar populations. Limitations of the study are discussed, such as the retrospective design, lack of matched controls, and small sample size.

<p> Many U.S. adolescents suffer from sleep disorders. Although poor sleep habits may contribute to health issues, less is known about how parental perspectives influence sleep health in adolescents. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to address a knowledge gap in understanding parental views to promote better sleep habits in adolescents. The blended theoretical framework included the theories of caring science, social learning, advocacy paradigm, and repair and restoration of sleep. Twenty parents in the Southeastern United States participated in open-ended interviews. Research questions were designed to elicit parental perspectives about recognizing unhealthy sleep habits, improving daily sleep health routines, and identifying conditions that led to consultation with health professionals. Colaizzi&rsquo;s data analysis strategy demonstrated thematic parental reports of declines in attitudes, behaviors, and performances as factors for recognizing unhealthy sleep habits; consistent and routine schedules as options for promoting improved sleep habits; and irregular sleep or health problems as reasons for consultation with health professionals. Recommendations for future research include exploring other geographical locations and investigating school bus schedules interfering with early morning sleep loss. To affect positive social change, dissemination of this study&rsquo;s findings to health practitioners may influence enhanced provider-patient communications and ultimately contribute to improved sleep habits among adolescents. Additionally, this study&rsquo;s findings may inform health care administrators with strategies to develop effective parent and provider education programs while reducing unnecessary health services&rsquo; utilization and resulting costs for adolescent health.</p>

<p> The peripartum period is a potentially difficult time in a woman's life, a time when up to 70% of women experience transient mood symptoms and approximately 15% will suffer from a severe mood event which impacts not just her, but her family as well. The symptoms and clinical features of the mood symptoms are linked to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD). Appropriate diagnosis as early as possible has a critical impact on the immediate and long-term health of the peripartum woman, especially in those with a bipolar diathesis. While treatment for BD versus MDD may be markedly different, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two, especially during a depressed episode, with postpartum onset. To date, no study has evaluated the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for its value as a screening measure for the differentiation of BD versus MDD in the postpartum period. </p><p> This study sought to: 1) to describe the demographic differences between women diagnosed with BD versus MDD seeking treatment for a major depressive episode, with postpartum onset; 2) to characterize the features of the major depressive episode; with postpartum onset in women diagnosed with BD versus MDD; and 3) to examine scale characteristics of the EPDS as a predictor of the diagnosis of BD versus MDD. </p><p> Results revealed that postpartum depressed women diagnosed with BD reported a) an earlier age of onset, b) a greater number of prior mood episodes, c) greater incidence of psychotic symptoms in the current depressive episode, and d) lower overall scores on the EPDS versus postpartum depressed women diagnosed with MDD. There were no reliable differences between the groups on family history of a) mood disorders; b) number of generations; c) weeks postpartum at symptom onset; d) scores on a 4-item subscale of the EPDS; e) suicidal/homicidal ideation; nor the incidence of symptoms of f) atypical depression, g) generalized anxiety disorder, or h) obsessive-compulsive disorder. The findings support the use of a thorough clinical and demographic history when evaluating postpartum depressed women and the use of a measure in place of or in addition to the EPDS to ensure the appropriate differentiation of BD versus MDD.</p>

<p> This study examined the influence of personal networks on the career decision-making of African-American professional women through the lens of social cognitive career theory. A review of the career development literature shows growing interest in social networks, both online and face-to-face, and their relationship to individual career development. While research has been conducted on the career development of African-American women, the network research on African-American women is relatively scarce (Combs, 2003; Young, 2013). Combs (2003) noted that informal socialization activities impact career advancement and that few studies have examined the intersection of race and gender on informal networks. This study sought to address that gap. Furthermore, research on the influence of personal networks on the career decision-making of African-American women could both add to the network literature on African-American women and have implications for the career counseling of African-American women.</p><p> The primary research question addressed in this study was: What is the relationship, if any, between informal personal networks and the career decision-making of African-American professional women? A basic qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews serving as the primary method of data collection. Ten African-American women with at least ten years of professional experience and a minimum of two career decision points were purposefully selected for this study.</p><p> Data was analyzed using coding and thematic analysis to understand and interpret the meaning that each participant construed from their experiences with career decision-making and their personal networks. Themes emerged in four primary areas: (1) the career decision-making process, (2) the composition of the participants' personal networks, (3) the influence participants' personal networks had on their career decisions, and (4) key learnings. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations for future research and practice are presented.</p>

<p> The study examined how Black lesbian women perceive risks to their sexual health and how community discourse shapes these perceptions. Data from interviews with 28 Black lesbian women in Southern California were qualitatively analyzed and 10 were used in this study. It was expected that their sexual health risk perceptions would be shaped by discourse they heard from their peers in their communities. Results showed that participants define sexual health in terms of both psychological and physical aspects. Also, results showed that beliefs in physiological likelihood, generational experiences, and gender expression differences in attitudes toward casual sex shape how participants perceive risks to their sexual health. Results showed that community discourse did not directly shape risk perceptions, rather participants expressed processes of contradiction, negotiation, and disidentification in this relationship. The importance of these findings on resources for this community is also discussed. </p>

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> There is research documenting negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, but few studies from the perspective of the wheelchair user. Research on perceived attitudes and discrimination has been conducted in the workplace and store environment, but not the restaurant setting. <b>Purpose:</b> develop and initiate validation of a novel instrument for measuring the perception of attitudes and discrimination by restaurant personnel toward individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are wheelchair users in a restaurant setting; investigate the perception of attitudes and discrimination by restaurant personnel toward individuals with a SCI who are wheelchair users; investigate the relationship between perception of attitudes and discrimination and age, gender, race/ethnicity, level of injury, time since onset, and quality of life (QOL). <b>Methods: </b> A cross-sectional, mixed methods design. Participants had a SCI, were 18 years old or older, at least 1 year post-SCI, and used a wheelchair when in a restaurant. Data regarding perception of attitudes and discrimination were obtained with a novel questionnaire; the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9) measured QOL. <b>Results:</b> 86 participants: 41 male (47.7%); mean (SD) age 46.5 (13.0) years; White (87.2%). Internal consistency of the attitudes and discrimination measure, Cronbach&rsquo;s &alpha; = .87. The mean item response scale score of the perception of attitudes and discrimination questionnaire was 2.78 (0.55). Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed no relationship between age, gender, race, level of injury, time since onset of injury, and the mean item response score of the attitudes and discrimination measure. Multiple regression analyses were conducted, controlling for age, gender, and race to identify variables associated with the LiSat-9. Entering the variables of level of injury, time since onset, and the mean item response score of the attitudes and discrimination measure resulted in a Multiple <i>R</i>² = .23; <i>F</i> = 3.38, <i>p</i> = .01. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed problems of physical access of restaurants and negative attitudes of restaurant employees. <b>Conclusions:</b> Individuals with SCI who are wheelchair users perceive physical and attitudinal barriers when in a restaurant. Improvements in physical design and research and training aimed to reduce attitudinal barriers in restaurants are needed. </p>