Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pennsylvania State University, 2008. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. Thesis advisor: Garry Chick.

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1992. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-122).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1992. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-66).

Thesis (M.A.)--Missouri State University, 2009. / "May 2009." Includes bibliographical references (leaf 8). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 220-231).

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1992. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-122).

published_or_final_version / abstract / Architecture / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The purpose of this research was to construct and test two instruments to measure concepts in the Revelation Readiness Model of Lifestyle Change, a nursing theory generated from previous research. The Marsh Revelation Readiness Index (MRRI) referenced readiness for revelation and measured eight concepts. The Marsh Revelation Scale (MRS), referenced the revelation construct and measured three concepts. Three groups of well adults (N = 132) who were making or had made health lifestyle changes were tested. Testing consisted of completing the MRRI, and MRS and other instruments that were used in estimating validity. Reliability testing included tests of stability and internal consistency. Test-retest coefficients for the MRRI ranged from .57 to .82. Alpha coefficients ranged from .23 to .79, and theta coefficients ranged from .34 to .80. To improve consistency the MRRI was revised. Reliability testing of the revised scale, revealed test-retest coefficients of .73 to .75. Alpha coefficients of .74 and .86, and theta coefficients of .77 and .87. Reliability testing of the MRS revealed test-retest coefficients of .64 to.83, alpha coefficients of .65 to .91, and theta coefficients of .68 to .91. Criterion related validity between the MRS and the Power as Knowing Participation in Change Test was estimated with correlations ranging from .19 to .43. The MRRI and the Cantril Ladder of Life Satisfaction demonstrated convergence on the Readiness construct (r = -.44 to -.52, and r =.33). Construct validity was estimated on both instruments by factor analysis and predictive modeling. Three components of the MRRI reflected the two predicted theoretical components. Five underlying factors of the MRS indicated that the theoretical components were not explained as predicted. Failure of predictive modeling to meet theoretical expectations was discussed in relation to violation of the method's underlying assumptions.

The study of consumer behaviour has attracted much attention from researchers. Models have been postulated and re-postulated in many attempts to explain the decision process of consumers as it changes over time and space, as well as in different environments such as culture, race and religion. The growing interest in investigating the relation between psychographics and consumer behaviours with regard to their purchase preferences has helped marketers in segmenting the market more accurately so as to ensure certainty of profitability. This is especially relevant in the modern market where “crossing culture” (Davies and Fitchett, 2004, p.315) and acculturation, as well as the process of cultural integration, are common as a result of many factors such as travelling both for leisure and business, emigration and re-location, etc. Nevertheless, these studies have mainly focussed on a single community or ethnic group. This current study differs in that it attempts to compare two ethnic groups of diverse culture and religious background, i.e. the Malays and the Chinese, within a single Malaysian community. The political and social environments in Malaysia make the current study unique in that the Malays receive financial aids and incentives from the ruling Malay-dominant government while the Chinese have little or no assistance at all. Therefore, apart from looking at the psychographical aspects of consumption habit, the current study also includes source of income as a variable factor in comparing the presume differences in spending between the two ethnic groups – the Malays receive extensive financial aids and benefits from the ruling government while the Chinese work hard and save as much as possible to ensure a better future. 5 The current study focuses on University Technologi Mara (UiTM) and University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) because of their respective racial composition of Malay and Chinese youths. The findings in this study elucidate that there seems to be no apparent difference in spending behaviour between the Malays and the Chinese despite their cultural and religious differences. This could be the result of the many years of co-existence and the influence of global media and culture on both the Malay and Chinese youths. The current study also does not find any strong basis in supporting the perception that the Chinese would be more frugal in their spending because of unfavourable economic support for them in the country. On the contrary, the study shows that the Chinese are indeed financially wealthier than the Malays because of their life-long culture of prudence in savings. Another reason for this could be the failure of the government’s New Economic Policy in addressing the economic needs of the masses of the Malay population. Rather, the policy only favoured the selected few with strong political link or clout. This study also shows that there are significant differences in the spending behaviour between the genders. This study also highlights the differences in spending behaviour of the cluster groups with their respective attached inherent value-traits. The study also reveals that the Malays are no longer the homogenous group as previously thought. Rather they indicate distinct differences in their spending behaviour. It is hoped that in future, wider and in-depth studies can be conducted to further examine the consumption behaviour of races according to their value-traits.

Nurses are caregivers who are instrumental in improving patient outcomes through providing hands-on care and health education. In addition to performing prescribed interventions and providing instruction to patients, nurses can also have a positive impact by modeling healthy behaviors for their patients (Blake & Harrison, 2012). Nurses educate patients on the importance of maintaining healthy habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drug use; however, studies demonstrate that nurses have similar difficulty maintaining healthy lifestyles as the general population’s and in some cases are even more prone to develop problems with unhealthy habits. This discrepancy in knowledge versus behaviors may be due to high levels of occupational stress, struggles with balancing life and work, and added strain from working extended shifts (Marchiondo, 2014). This perceived discrepancy may negatively impact the patient-nurse relationship as patients may be less likely to follow the health advice of someone who does not appear to apply their own recommendations for healthy living (Zapka, Lemon, Magner, & Hale, 2009). Exploring how the patient views the nurse’s role is critical to determining if patients perceive nurses as one dimensional in their role as caregivers or if nurses’ care and personal appearances or behaviors impact patient health, care, and wellness. The results may identify a barrier to treatment requiring additional education for nurses regarding expanded role development and improving patient health.