Heavy drinking has been consistently associated with negative legal, academic, and health problems in college students and recent studies suggest that the frequency of undergraduates experiencing alcohol related problems may be increasing. Research aimed at lowering rates of consumption has begun to focus on individual differences in motivations for heavy alcohol use. The following study used a social-cognitive based model to prospectively examine heavy drinking among socially anxious college students. It was hypothesized that alcohol expectancies of social facilitation/anxiety reduction and self-efficacy for avoiding heavy drinking in socially anxious situations would be predictive of drinking in socially anxious college students. Using group testing and individual interview formats questionnaires assessing alcohol expectancies of improved sociability and self-efficacy were developed and shown to have adequate levels of reliability and construct validity. These questionnaires, along with measures of dispositional social anxiety, and a quantity-frequency index of alcohol use were then administered to 372 undergraduates. Seventy-one participants, identified as dispositionally socially anxious, were followed-up six-weeks later and completed both a time-line-follow-back assessment of their alcohol use over the six week interval and a semi-structured interview that assessed the types of situations in which they drank. Results of the study provided partial support for the hypothesized model as the expectancy X efficacy interaction accounted for a significant percentage of the variance in the quantity and frequency of alcohol use after controlling for the main effects of alcohol expectancies and self-efficacy. At the six-week follow-up however, the expectancy X efficacy interaction failed to account for significant variance beyond that accounted for by the expectancy and efficacy effects. Further examination of the follow-up data did provide partial support for the model, as it was found that the main effects of expectancy and efficacy were significant predictors of drinking behavior, but only in situations that were likely to elicit feelings of social anxiety. Results are discussed in terms of the relationship between social anxiety, outcome expectancies and self-efficacy and implications for developing alcohol intervention programs with high-risk college student drinkers. / Ph. D.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relative effectiveness of two different ways of operationalizing a mastery experience in an e-mail based fitness walking program. Mastery experiences are considered the best way to increase exercise self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997), which is strongly associated with regular physical activity, but little research has systematically explored how effective mastery experiences can be developed. Fifty-nine sedentary adult women were randomly assigned to a mastery experience group (n=29) that operationalized mastery experiences in a manner consistent with Bandura's social cognitive theory, or to a standard care group (n=30) that operationalized mastery experiences in a manner consistent with standard care. Both intervention conditions received the same physical activity prescription and were designed to promote equivalent levels of contact with the experimenter over the 12-week program. The effects of the program were examined on overall adherence to the program, one-mile walk test times, estimated VO2max, social cognitive outcomes, and program evaluation ratings. Both the mastery experience group and the standard care group had similar levels of adherence to the program. The mastery experience group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in one-mile walk test time than the standard care group. Although the mastery experience group also showed a larger increase in estimated VO2max than the standard care group, this difference did not reach significance. The mastery experience group had significantly greater increases in goal-setting relative to the standard care group, but the intervention did not show any differences between the two groups on three measures of self-efficacy. In program evaluation ratings, the mastery experience group demonstrated greater satisfaction with the program than the standard care group. / Ph. D.

The effects of setting goals on goal commitment and goal achievement in the context of an alcohol use intervention were examined using an experimental design in which participants were randomly assigned to participatively-set goals, assigned goals, and no goal conditions. The current study provides information regarding the links between degree of participation in goal setting, goal commitment, self-efficacy for one's goal, subsequent alcohol use, and goal achievement. It was hypothesized that: 1) Goal setting and participation in goal setting would significantly predict alcohol use outcomes: a) having a goal for alcohol consumption would cause lower quantity and frequency of alcohol use relative to not having a goal; b) participation in goal setting, rather than being assigned a goal, would influence goal achievement such that participation in goal setting would cause greater success in achieving one's goal. 2) Participation in goal setting would influence goal commitment such that participation in goal setting would cause greater goal commitment. 3) Goal commitment would influence goal achievement such that greater goal commitment would be predictive of greater success in achieving one's goal. 4) The facilitative effect of participation in goal setting on subsequent goal achievement would be mediated by goal commitment. 5) Self-efficacy for one's goal would influence goal achievement such that greater self-efficacy for one's goal would be predictive of greater success in achieving one's goal. One hundred and twenty-six binge-drinking college students received a single cognitive-behavioral assessment/intervention session and completed measures of goal commitment, self-efficacy for goal achievement, and alcohol use. Results were consistent with, and expanded upon, previous research by demonstrating that having a goal for alcohol consumption was predictive of lower quantity and frequency of alcohol use relative to not having a goal; however, participation in goal setting did not result in significantly better alcohol use outcomes or greater goal achievement relative to when goals were assigned. Participation in goal setting yielded greater goal commitment and self-efficacy for goal achievement than assigned goals. Lastly, goal commitment and self-efficacy contributed unique variance to the prediction of goal achievement across follow-up as well as changes in quantity and frequency of alcohol use at follow-up after controlling for baseline use. / Ph. D.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) refer to an integrated group of technologies which can improve safety, reduce congestion, enhance mobility, minimize environmental impact, save energy, and promote economic productivity in our transportation system. A driver-centered design philosophy will promote these benefits. These advanced technologies will thereby enhance the safety and efficiency of automobile transportation. This research dealt with In-vehicle Routing and Navigational Systems (IRANS). IRANS provide drivers with information about how to get from one place to another, information on traffic conditions, and recurrent and non-recurrent urban traffic congestion. The problem studied in this research was whether performance on navigation tasks can be predicted by cognitive theories (Multiple Resource Theory, Stimulus-Central Processing-Response Compatibility Theory, Recoding Mechanism Theory, and Dual Coding Theory). A secondary problem was the determination of the relationship between navigation and spatial ability. Spatial ability has been linked to map reading performance. Issues addressed included display modalities and information processing codes. The effect of different display modalities on driver performance and workload was the first issue. The different display methods investigated were visual systems (current dashboard mounted display types) and auditory systems (computer generated voice communication systems). The second issue was the effect of different information processing codes on driver performance and workload. The information processing code determines the method used to present information to the driver using the display; in this research both verbal and spatial codes were considered. Verbally coded information consists of a series of sequential directions (for example, "go to the next street and turn right"), while spatially coded information is presented using a map display for visual systems. The results indicate that the best cognitive theory for predicting navigational behavior is the dual coding theory. Subjects not only performed better, but also preferred navigational aids where the navigational information was presented in more than one way. This indicates that designers and engineers should develop navigational aid displays to incorporate redundant navigational information. Some differences for navigational performance were shown for high versus low spatial ability subjects, but the subjective measures of workload and preference did not show any differences. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this project is to explore potential social cognitive and psychosocial predictors of lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity behaviors, in a sample of colorectal cancer survivors who are at high risk of developing a second colorectal cancer. Participants, recruited from Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, are colorectal cancer survivors from families at high or confirmed risk of having a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome. Results indicate that, at the bivariate level, many of the psychosocial and social cognitive variables of interest are significantly associated with one another as well as with various health behaviors and health behavior changes. Correlational data indicate that lower distress is associated with higher psychosocial functioning, self-efficacy, and self-regulatory ability. In addition, the data also suggest that individuals with higher self-efficacy display higher self-regulation and more positive outcome expectations related to health behaviors. Overall, participants were more likely to increase healthy behaviors or remain consistent with moderately healthy lifestyles practiced prior to their colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, and decrease unhealthy behaviors. Implications and directions for future research are discussed within the paper. / Master of Science

College-age adults gain weight more rapidly than the general population, with a mean weight gain of ~1.8 to 4 kilograms during their first year at college. The purpose of this pilot RCT was to test the efficacy of a semester long internet weight-loss program based upon social cognitive theory for overweight college freshmen. Qualitative focus groups were used to provide feedback on content of the active intervention. Participants (n=27; mage=18.5±.6; mweight=90kg±18; 74% female) were randomly assigned to the active intervention (Fit Freshmen; FF) or a health information control group and completed baseline and 3 month follow-up measurements. When compared to controls FF participants experienced higher improvement in self-regulatory skills for portion control, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity (all p's<.05). Consumption of dietary fat and added sugar also decreased significantly for FF subjects when compared to controls (all p's<.05) while total energy intake differences were significant (p<.09). Trends in increased physical activity were present, but not significantly different between groups. Finally, FF lost significantly more weight than controls (mdifference=2.2kg; p<0.05) and more fat mass (mdifference=1kg; p<0.09). Themes for content improvement included providing a more detailed meal plan, reducing email contact, and increasing social activity opportunities. Program characteristics that were positively evaluated included the flexible exercise program, incentives for weight loss, and use of an onsite weigh station. This study provides promising outcomes for a scalable internet-based weight loss program for college freshmen and highlights features that could be improved to be more attractive to this population. / Master of Science

Diet and physical activity behaviors may be influenced by internal and external factors that may change over time, in response to personal development and changes in environments. The current literature does not explore specifically how the different factors and particularly Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs, affect behaviors of college students. This project, aimed to compare the influence of SCT constructs between college students and parents in healthier foods (HF) and physical activity (PA) categories (first part) and SCT on diet and physical activity of students (second part). In the spring of 2009 the cross-sectional survey was conducted with students and their parents from three different courses. Out of 720 students, 404 (56.1%) completed the survey. Out of 173 contacted parents, 118 (68.2%) completed the survey. Spearman rank correlation and multiple regression models were applied to test relations between SCT and behaviors in student-parent pairs and student groups. Student-parent pairs showed positive correlations for self-efficacy (p=0.0004), self-regulation (p<0.0001), and positive outcome expectations for HF (p= 0.03). For PA, social support from family (p<0.0001), self-efficacy (p=0.0003), self-regulation (p=0.004), and negative outcome expectations (p= 0.02) were significantly correlated. None of the HF or PA behaviors were correlated for student-parent pairs. Students who took at least one health-related course in college had significantly higher Godin (exercise) scores (p=0.014) than students who never took such a course. The students with a course had PA influenced by self-regulation, outcome expectations, and support from friends. Students with no courses had been influenced by friends' support, home exercise equipment, and outcome expectations. The students with a health course consumed more fiber (p=0.035) and less fat (p=0.008) than the other students. The correlation of SCT variables with diet revealed that self-efficacy and self-regulation were significantly correlated with all food variables, whereas negative outcomes were correlated only with fat (p<0.0001) and fiber (p=0.003). Beliefs about HF and PA may have demonstrated continuity between generations but dietary and PA behaviors may have been under stronger influence of changes in skills/knowledge and environments. Future research may focus on recruitment of balanced groups of participants who will represent similar skills/knowledge and interests. / Ph. D.

Yes / Social Cognitive Theory has been used to explain findings derived from focus group discussions (N = 4) held in the United Kingdom with the aim of informing best practice in personalised nutrition. Positive expectancies included weight loss and negative expectancies surrounded on-line security. Monitoring and feedback were crucial to goal setting and progress. Coaching by the service provider, family and friends was deemed important for self-efficacy. Paying for personalised nutrition symbolised commitment to behaviour change. The social context of eating, however, was perceived a problem and should be considered when designing personalised diets. Social Cognitive Theory could provide an effective framework through which to deliver personalised nutrition. / This work was supported by the European Commission under the Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology Theme of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (265494).

With a global and national shortage in the number of registered organ donors, this study employed a qualitative thematic analysis of thirteen episodes from popular medical dramas that aired between 2016-2020. The aim of this study was to allow for a better understanding of how the media utilizes entertainment television to portray storylines related to organ donation. The analyzed shows included in this study were: Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and The Resident. From the analysis, six major themes emerged: Urgency of Transplant, Ethical Decision-Making, Emotional Impacts of Organ Donation on Patient and Families, Familial Relationships Impacting Donation, Viewer Education via Vicarious Learning, and Excitement Surrounding Surgery. In addition to these themes, both favorable and unfavorable cues related to organ donation were present throughout the analysis. These findings have implications for audience members via social cognitive theory. This study illuminated the ongoing efforts made by the entertainment television industry to portray organ donation in a factual manner and to provide the viewing public with potential opportunities for organ donation education. / Master of Arts / With a global and national shortage in the number of registered organ donors, this study analyzed thirteen episodes from popular medical dramas that aired between 2016-2020 to determine what themes were present amongst the analyzed shows. The analyzed shows included in this study were: Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and The Resident. The aim of this study was to allow for a better understanding of how the media utilized entertainment television to portray storylines related to organ donation. From the analysis, six major themes emerged: Urgency of Transplant, Ethical Decision-Making, Emotional Impacts of Organ Donation on Patient and Families, Familial Relationships Impacting Donation, Viewer Education via Vicarious Learning, and Excitement Surrounding Surgery. In addition to the emergence of these themes, the analysis revealed both favorable and unfavorable cues related to organ donation were present in these entertainment storylines. This study illuminated the ongoing efforts made by the entertainment television industry to portray organ donation in a factual manner and to provide the viewing public with opportunities for organ donation education.

A modified grounded theory approach was used to analyze 200 parenting blog posts for instances of conforming to or deviating from gender stereotypes. A plethora of research recognizes the negative effects of perpetuating stereotypes on such aspects of life and culture as self-concepts, concepts of others, opportunities, obstacles, and occupations. Social cognitive theory informs how these gender stereotypes can affect parents even through blogs and how parents can then affect their children. Thus, research question one asked: Are there gendered instances in parenting blogs that deviate from or conform to a gender stereotype? and research question two asked: What categories and themes of gendered instances that deviate from or conform to a gender stereotype are present in the blogs? What categories and themes are most prevalent in the blogs? Findings indicated that there were gendered instance in the parenting blogs. Although only 30% of the analyzed blog posts contained gendered instances of deviating from or conforming to stereotypes, 75.6% of those instances were found to conform to a gender stereotype rather than deviate. Moreover, the categories that were present in the blog were as follows: Unrealistic Domestic Goddess, Perceived Gender Conformity of Children, Part-time Domestic Father, Realistic Domestic Mother, Normalizing Feminine Characteristics and Interests in Sons, Full-time Domestic Father, Negative Stereotypes Against Women, and Perceived Gender Nonconformity of Children. The category that was by far the most prevalent was the Unrealistic Domestic Goddess as 75.6% of the gendered instances fell under this category. / Master of Arts / Social media have become important communication media in the last several years with more than 252 million people from the United States utilizing at least one social networking site in 2016, and an estimated 2.95 billion users worldwide in 2020 (Statista, 2016) This is no less true for one form of social media called the blog, as evidenced by the 67% of Internet users who read blogs several times a week and 46% of Internet users reading blogs more than once a day (Marketpath, 2017). An impressive number of these Internet users are parents reading parenting blogs. Although exact statistics of how many parents read parenting blogs are not available, in 2010 more than 17 million mothers read blogs monthly (eMarket, 2010). A plethora of research recognizes the negative effects of perpetuating stereotypes on such aspects of life and culture as self-concepts, concepts of others, opportunities, obstacles, and occupations. Social cognitive theory informs how these gender stereotypes can affect parents even through blogs and how parents can then affect their children. Therefore, this study examined 200 blog posts from parenting blogs to determine if instances of conforming to or deviating from gender stereotypes were present in the blogs, what categories embodied these instances, and what categories were most prevalent. Although only 30% of the analyzed blog posts contained gendered instances of deviating from or conforming to stereotypes, 75.6% of those instances were found to conform to a gender stereotype rather than deviate. Moreover, the categories that were present in the blog were as follows: Unrealistic Domestic Goddess, Perceived Gender Conformity of Children, Part-time Domestic Father, Realistic Domestic Mother, Normalizing Feminine Characteristics and Interests in Sons, Full-time Domestic Father, Negative Stereotypes Against Women, and Perceived Gender Nonconformity of Children. The category that was by far the most prevalent was the Unrealistic Domestic Goddess as 75.6% of the gendered instances fell under this category.