Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1983.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1990.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2007. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1985.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2004. / Advisor: Peter Walmsley. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 206-216). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

The present investigation assessed Health Belief Model (HBM) variables and a measure of physical activity for both younger and older adults. Results of discriminant analyses suggest HBM variables and physical activity can predict age-group membership with 89% accuracy. The younger sample (n = 88; M= 21.5 years) was significantly more anxious about aging, perceived more barriers to exercise, less control from powerful others, and more social support than the older sample (n = 56; M = 71.8 years). For the younger sample, those who perceived more benefits of exercise, had social support, were male, and were less anxious about aging were more active. For the older sample, those who perceived more benefits of exercise were more likely to be active.

This exploratory study examined the phenomenon of loss as expressed by the spouses of myocardial infarction patients. The purpose of the study was to describe the thoughts, feelings, actions and observable behaviours of the spouses from the initial impact of illness to six weeks post myocardial infarction and to develop a framework, based on the literature, which related the concept of loss to the experience of spouses of M.I. patients. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of 12 spouses, ten women and two men, whose partners had experienced their first myocardial infarction. Using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, the investigator interviewed each subject four times over a six week period; from the initial impact of illness to approximately six weeks post myocardial infarction. Each interview covered three content areas: thoughts, feelings and actions. Broad open-ended questions were used to elicit data on the spouses thoughts, feelings and actions. During the interview the investigator observed the verbal (type, quality, characteristics of speech, focus of conversation) and non-verbal (activity, eye contact, body language, appearance) behaviours of the spouses. An empirical inductive approach was used as the methodology for this study. Data coding and analysis were approached using the constant comparative method, an inductive method of discovering grounded theory developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967). The findings revealed that the spouses experienced behaviours in response to loss that were common and formed a pattern through time. Three distinct phases were identified: Phase I The Event and Initial Spousal Response; Phase II Reaction to the Event; Phase III Impact of the Event. The phases were described further in light of the constructs formulated from the literature review: (1) Reactions to Loss; (2) The Elements of Loss; (3) The Meaning of Loss. This study was designed to provide insight into understanding the event of a myocardial infarction within the context of the phenomenon of loss. The findings supported the use of a loss framework for assessing the reactions of spouses who are threatened with the death of their partner. Nurses are in a critical position to assist spouses experiencing loss. Implications and recommendations for nursing education, practice and research were delineated in light of the conclusions of the present study. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate