Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Document formatted into pages; contains 201 p. Includes bibliographical references. Abstract available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center; full text release delayed at author's request until 2007 Dec. 1.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-111).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2009. / Title from title page (Digital Archive@GSU, viewed July 20, 2010) Wendy Simonds, committee chair; Dawn Baunach, Denise Donnelly, committee members. Includes bibliographical references (p. 146-147).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Anne C. Fletcher; submitted to the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-53).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (April 25, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population in the United States is families, with women and their children heading up to 90% of these families. African-Americans represent a disproportionate number within the homeless population. Homelessness is a devastating experience for women and their children who often seek an emergency homeless shelter as their only option for temporary housing. This grounded theory study explored how homeless African-American mothers and their children defined their health and managed and obtained their health for themselves and their children within the context of an emergency homeless shelter. The grounded theory of Layered Stressors emerged after fifteen homeless African-American mothers were interviewed. Health was perceived by the participants as “having your own.” In the first stage, a perceived “loss of self-control” or loss of autonomy was given over to the shelter. In the second stage, homeless mothers experienced layered stressors which consisted of “following the shelter’s rules,” “living with strangers,” “mothering in public,” “changed behaviors of their children,” “smoking more,” “feeling trapped, helpless and powerless,” “shared infectious illnesses.” Chronic stress affects an individual’s physical, psychological and social make-up and may contribute to allostatic load, the cumulative biologic burden exacted on the body and brain. McEwen (2002) described allostatis, and allostatic load as stressors. Allostatic load may contribute to chronic medical illnesses.

Thesis (M. S.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Lauren Haldeman; submitted to the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-70)

Physical activity is a critical factor in preventing obesity and other chronic illnesses. African American women experience higher rates of physical inactivity than the general population. As a key figure in the family, African American mothers should model healthy behaviors to the family, especially their children. This qualitative study explored the physical activity attitudes of African American mothers who frequently visit a recreation center in the Columbus, Ohio, area. The research questions focused on the possible barriers and motivators for physical activity engagement. The theory of planned behavior, which emphasizes behaviors, intentions, and attitudes when exploring health behaviors, guided the study. Purposeful sampling was applied to recruit a sample of 17 African American mothers over the age of 18 from 5 recreation centers. Participants who met inclusion criteria participated in a semi-structured one-on-one interview. Data were analyzed by hand coding and NVivo to capture and analyze themes, including (a) physical movement, (b) physical health, (c) environment, (d) schedule, (e) physical appearance, and (f) well-being. The findings indicated that African American mothers are aware of the value of physical activity for themselves and their families. However, personal responsibilities may prevent them from engaging in regular physical activity. The study contributes to social change by providing community center directors and public health professionals with information that they can use to create more culturally sensitive physical activity interventions.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2006. / Principal faculty advisor: Donald G. Unger, Dept. of Individual & Family Studies. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2007. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-130). Also available online in Scholars' Bank; and in ProQuest, free to University of Oregon users.