This study was carried out to ascertain the relationships between wellness role modeling and professional training in Health Science. The research subjects participating in this study were assigned to four groups, (1) Health Science majors nearing the end of professional training (N=24), (2) Health Science majors beginning their professional training (N=26), (3) non-Health Science majors nearing the end of professional training (N=18), and (4) non-Health Science majors beginning their professional training (N=21). Wellness levels were measured utilizing the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wellness Inventory. The central null hypothesis tested in this investigation was: (A) There are no significant differences between student groups concerning wellness levels as measured by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wellness Inventory.It was found, through a primary analysis of the data, that while Health Science majors have higher mean scores on the wellness inventory than their non-Health Science major controls, these Health Science majors are not statistically different from the controls. A two-way analysis of variance failed to reject the central null hypothesis at the .05 level of significance. A secondary analysis of the data was conducted after inclusion of a fifth group, Health Science faculty.

The main purpose of this quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental study was to explore the perceptions of nurses in supervisory roles (NSRs) regarding competence of novice professional nurses (NPNs) in health education. The study’s conceptual frameworks were the objectives of the Regulation R.425 programme and the scope of practice of professional nurses. The study sought to reveal whether the NPNs were competent in health education and in identifying barriers to health education, and to make recommendations. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from the professional nurses in supervisory roles. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 program. The results revealed that NPNs were competent in health education, however, paid less attention to family involvement and patients’ level of education (a barrier to health education). The study recommended assessment of the level of education of patients and involvement of family members when giving health education / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The main purpose of this quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental study was to explore the perceptions of nurses in supervisory roles (NSRs) regarding competence of novice professional nurses (NPNs) in health education. The study’s conceptual frameworks were the objectives of the Regulation R.425 programme and the scope of practice of professional nurses. The study sought to reveal whether the NPNs were competent in health education and in identifying barriers to health education, and to make recommendations. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from the professional nurses in supervisory roles. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 program. The results revealed that NPNs were competent in health education, however, paid less attention to family involvement and patients’ level of education (a barrier to health education). The study recommended assessment of the level of education of patients and involvement of family members when giving health education / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Grounded theory analysis, informed by a socio-cultural lens, was applied to the narratives of eighteen motorcycle riders in order to understand, from the rider’s perspective, receptivity to warning messages regarding motorcycle helmet use. This study relied upon narrative analysis to identify patterns in communication that surround motorcycle riders’ experiences. Socio-cultural cues identified importance in the process of interest development in motorcycle riding, search for information regarding motorcycle riding, response to danger within the motorcycle riding experience, and attitude toward protection messages. Narratives specific to danger, or experiences of motorcycle accidents were analyzed for comparison with fear appeal theory. Special focus was applied to Terror Management Theory (TMT) and applied to the communication surrounding the real experiences of motorcycle accident and the perceived threat of danger while motorcycle riding. Communication evidencing relational influence was examined for examples of socially constructed interpretation of social identity and an individual rider's perspective of their lifeworld. The analysis revealed evidence of the TMT concept of burying or denying thoughts of danger. The TMT concept of lifeworld influence on behavior was evidenced in riders who did not accept warning messages involving helmet use. Examples of attitude and behavior change where present in two study participants’ narratives that described experience of severe injury and also the death of a friend. The riders cited these occurrences as experiences that inhibited their previous behavior of placing thoughts of motorcycle injury and death in the back of mind. Although small in number, this participant group offered multiple categorizations of rider descriptions. The narratives offered distinction in time of life when riding interest developed. As well, motorcycle training facilities were often noted as a source of communication from which riders obtained influence on their future behaviors. From this information insight was gained to offer suggestions for future research on time of message delivery. Riders who develop interest in riding as adults represent a category on which to focus preliminary educational messages. Individuals who have not yet developed an interest in motorcycle riding may benefit from societal cues that demonstrate safe riding behavior. Future research in mass media appeals focused on motorcycle riders are suggested, as is development of educational programs for delivery to high school audiences.