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Evolutionary models of adolescent and young adult risk-taking posit that risk-taking increases during this period of the life span as a strategic way for males, in particular, to show dominance, increase perceptions of attractiveness by the opposite-sex, and maximize their chances of acquiring a romantic partner (and ultimately produce offspring). Consistent with this perspective, existing research demonstrates that attractive females increase risk-taking in single males, in part by enhancing males’ sensitivity to rewards and diminishing their ability to inhibit impulsive behavior. By contrast, romantically committed males engage in less risk taking than their single counterparts, although the mechanisms underlying the effect of romantic partners/partnerships on male risk-taking are less clear. In the present study, I employed a behavioral paradigm that has been used in prior studies of peer influence to examine how romantic partners affect decision-making processes and risk-taking behavior in young heterosexual males (18 to 24 years old). I also explored whether there are particular individual and relationship characteristics that moderate the effect of romantic partners on males’ decision-making. This study was conducted using a sample of 134 romantically involved males (mean age=20.2, SD=1.65; 64% White) who were randomly assigned to participate in one of three experimental conditions: alone, in the presence of an attractive female confederate, or in the presence of their romantic partner. Across conditions, I compared males’ behavioral performance on five outcome measures: risk taking (using the Stoplight Task), preference for immediate rewards (using a Delay Discounting Task), reward learning and cost avoidance (using a modified version of the Iowa Gambling Task), and inhibitory control over both neutral and emotionally charged stimuli (using cognitive and emotional versions of the Stroop Task). I found that the presence of romantic partners diminishes risk taking in males, but that romantic partners do not have a significant impact on males’ sensitivity to rewards (neither immediate nor long-term), sensitivity to loss (i.e., cost avoidance), or their ability to inhibit attention to interfering—neutral or emotional—stimuli. However, improvements in cognitive control in the presence of romantic partners were observed among males who report low levels of passionate love. That is, mildly infatuated males exhibited better cognitive control in the presence of their romantic partners relative to mildly infatuated males who were alone. Partner presence had no such effects among males who reported being highly infatuated with their girlfriends. The presence of an attractive female stranger triggered a protective response among romantically involved males—prompting them to take fewer risks (when they are highly committed to their partners), to more quickly avoid decisions that lead to long-term loss (among older males only), and to exhibit better cognitive control (only among males in relatively longer relationships). The presence of an attractive female stranger did not affect males’ sensitivity to rewards. Evidently, the relative impact of an attractive female stranger on males’ risk taking and decision-making is highly dependent on individual and relationship factors, a finding that emphasizes the importance of context when it comes to understanding males’ relative susceptibility to temptation (e.g., other females) and opportunities for potential risk (e.g., infidelity). By contrast, the dampening effect of romantic partners on male risk taking is neither dependent on individual or relationship characteristics nor the result of romantic partners’ influence on reward sensitivity or inhibitory control. However, given the finding that romantic partners enhance cognitive control when feelings of passionate love are relatively low, future research should examine how passionate love and cognitive control interact to predict risk taking. Although I could not identify potential mechanisms to explain why the presence of romantic partners diminishes males’ risk-taking, the current study demonstrates that under specific circumstances—such as when there is high relationship commitment or when the relationship is relatively long—the presence of an attractive female stranger can stimulate romantically involved males to engage regulatory processes that may contribute to their reduced inclination toward risky behavior in that context. This finding is consistent with prior studies and suggests that the presence of tempting stimuli and potential threats to relationship fidelity can trigger males’ deliberate engagement of regulatory processes in effort to maintain their current romantic relationship. In contrast, males’ reduced inclination to engage in risky behavior in the presence of their romantic partners may be automatically activated (without inducing a particular psychological state) regardless of individual and relationship characteristics. / Psychology

The greatest and most persistent lag in academic achievement in the United States is between African American males and all other groups of students. This study was designed to investigate one possible approach to ameliorating the gap: a school-based mentoring program that helps African American males internalize a positive racial-ethnic identity regarding their academic-self competency and possible future-selves. This study 1) examined the quality of 6th grade African American young males experience in a school-based mentoring program, 2) examined the impact of the program in terms of participants’ racial-ethnic identities in their grade point averages, academic achievement, behavior, academic self-efficacy, and possible future selves. Qualitative findings showed the mentees enjoyed the mentoring program as it allowed for meaningful interactions with guest speakers and co-learning with classmates. Academic self-efficacy findings revealed the mentees grew in their understanding that academic work may be rigorous, but persistence is key. For possible future-selves, the mentees were motivated to pursue different career-paths, believed that more things were possible in life, along with being prompted to take school more seriously. Quantitative results showed there were positive increases in the mentees’ perception of their racial ethnic-identity and grade point average. There was also statistically significant data in the academic self-efficacy and possible future-selves. The results of an ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the mentees’ academic self-efficacy. The results of an ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the mentees possible future-selves. Additionally, the mentees’ possible future-selves Cohen’s d test showed a large effect size. / Educational Leadership

This study examines the effects of the Breakthrough to Literacy (BTL) reading program on first grade African American males in two urban elementary schools in southeastern Virginia. The BTL computer enhanced reading program includes computer assisted instruction as a major component that research from the National Reading Panel (NRP) indicates is beneficial in the education of African American males (NRP, 2000). This is a comparative study utilizing quantitative methodology to report the reading outcomes of African American males in grade one and their teacher's perceptions of the BTL program. The study measures reading outcomes as well as teachers' perceptions of the BTL program. The treatment group consisted of the first grade populations from schools A and B who received the BTL treatment in kindergarten (2006-2007) and first grade (2007-2008). The treatment group was compared to schools C and D, the control group, who received the BTL treatment in kindergarten (2006-2007) only. The data were gathered to determine if there were mean gains from the treatment and control groups through pre and posttests. Frequency, mean, and standard deviation were calculated for each variable. Inferential statistics were used to determine mean differences and comparisons among both groups' reading results. To determine if there was a difference in the reading outcomes of African American males who received the BTL treatment as compared to other racial/ethnic groups and gender, ANOVAs were utilized. Overall results indicated higher level performance by the treatment group. The study also incorporated survey methodology to determine the utility of the BTL program on first grade students in the year 2007-2008 from a teacher's perspective. The teachers in the BTL treatment group were administered the Children's Software Evaluation Instrument Surveys (Children's Software Revue, 2008). Out of a 5-point Likert scale, teachers rated the overall value of the BTL program as good (Overall rating 4.0). The teachers also gave overall ratings of good (4.0) and excellent (5.0) in the following areas: Childproof; Ease of Use; Entertaining; Design Feature; and Educational. / Ph. D.

Historically, African American male students have been disproportionately overrepresented in special education under the eligibility categories emotional disturbance, and behavior disorders. Additionally, African American male students with disabilities have consistently underperformed academically. If a student does not perceive that the teacher cares for him, it may be more difficult for a teacher to be successful in engaging the student in the learning experience. The literature indicates that care is a basic need that is grounded in relationships. In schools, those relationships are based on the interaction between the student and teacher. There is a lack of data that specifically addresses the care of African American male students with special needs in nonpublic-school settings. This qualitative study utilized interviewing as a methodology to better understand how the care of a teacher supported the educational experience of African American males for the purpose of informing teachers and leaders in how to work with this specific population of students by addressing the following research questions: (a) How do African American male secondary school students with special needs define care? (b) To what extent do African American male secondary school students with special needs’ perceptions of teacher care affect their educational experiences? (c) Based on African American male secondary school students' with special needs perceptions of teacher care, how are the components of the ethic of care demonstrated in the classroom by the teacher? (d) How are the three suppositions of culturally relevant pedagogy demonstrated by the classroom teacher, according to the perceptions of African American male secondary school students with special needs?

This study focused on the experiences of Black male student-athletes in Division I sports and used critical race methodology to present counter narratives. These narratives highlighted successes and heightened awareness about the needs and concerns of an extremely important, but often silenced, population. The purpose of this research was to examine the experiences of Black male student-athletes in the Division I revenue-generating sports of basketball and football. This study examined how Black males perceived the effectiveness of the NCAA supports in place for their academic success, degree attainment, and postcollegiate leadership and career opportunities. This dissertation also sought to understand the extent to which the legacy of racism in the United States has impacted the collegiate experience of these athletes. This research utilized critical race theory to frame the counter narratives of Black male student-athletes participating in this study. Through counter stories, the researcher offered suggestions that more effectively serve NCAA Black male student-athletes during their transition into and beyond Division I university sports participation as a strategy to achieve social justice for a historically marginalized group.

There were contradictions from the beginning regarding Jesuit education’s mission of faith, which does justice and supports African American male students. Limited research examined the experiences of African American males attending Jesuit secondary schools and their perceived support from Jesuit school leadership in ensuring they had increased feelings of belonging, inclusion, and culture through social justice efforts. In order to address this gap, this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study centers on the lived experiences of African American male alumni in Jesuit secondary schools regarding social justice leadership and how they make meaning of their racialized and gendered experiences while attending a predominantly White Jesuit secondary school. By utilizing African American Male Theory (AAMT) as a theoretical framework (Bush & Bush, 2013), the research informs social justice leadership practices within Jesuit education to create more inclusive learning environments. Through semi-structured interviews, journaling, and examination of artifacts, the research reimagines social justice leadership practices while contributing to a deeper understanding of how Jesuit secondary schools can better support African American males and confront racial injustice within the educational system. Data analysis included thematic analysis. Findings exposed a pervasive presence of racial violence, both physical and psychological, that was deeply rooted and entrenched in the attitude and actions of leadership. Moreover, empirical findings underscored the importance of spaces of fugitivity or Black Fugitive Space for the Black male alumni. Acting as sanctuaries, these Black Fugitive Spaces were constructed in defiance of anti-Black racism, becoming bastions for resilience, reclamation, and love.

The problem of this study was to determine the relationship of the self concept, ideal self concept, values, and parental self concept to the vocational aspiration of adolescent Negro males.

I Österdalälven har mängden Siljansöring (Salmo trutta) minskat avsevärt på grund av kraftverk som stoppar fiskens vandringsvägar. För att lyckas med att stärka beståndet krävs en fördjupad kunskap kring fiskens beteendemönster, bland annat rörelser i samband med uppströms lekvandring. Denna studie är ett försök att ge en överblick av den lekmogna Siljansöringens uppströmsvandring i Österdalälven och se om det föreligger några skillnader mellan odlad/vild öring respektive hanar/honor. Genom akustisk telemetri har 18 Siljanöringars rörelser längs en begränsad älvsträcka registrerats under 56 dagar. Analys har gjorts för hitta variationer både rumsligt och tidsmässigt samt mellan odlade/vilda Siljansöringar respektive honor/hanar, likväl som skillnader avseende rörelser, tim- och dygnsaktivitet och benägenhet att söka sig uppströms till det definitiva vandringshindret Spjutmo kraftverk. Siljansöringarna rörde sig mer under dagen jämfört med natt vilket skulle kunna kopplas till påverkan från elproduktion och vattenströmmar som skapas vid Spjutmo kraftverks turbinutlopp och/eller att dagsljuset är en fördel då de använder sig av synintryck för att kunna navigera. Skillnader (dock ej statistiskt säkerställda) kunde urskiljas mellan odlade och vilda fiskar och hanar/honor, såsom exempelvis att vild fisk simmade längre sträckor än odlad. Studier som denna är viktiga för att kunna få en helhetsbild kring livsvillkor och beteendemönster för Siljansöring och därigenom lyckas med framtida förvaltnings- och åtgärdsarbeten. / The number of Siljan trout (Salmo trutta) in the River Österdalälven has declined due to hydropower development. To restore the river information about the behavioural patterns of the trout, such as upstream migration, are needed. The aim of this study is to describe the upstream movements of tagged Siljan trout as well as to identify differences between hatchery-reared and wild trout and between males and females. During 56 days, 18 individuals tagged with acoustic telemetry transmitters were registered in a section of the River Österdalälven. The data were analysed to identify variation in time and space as well as differences between origin (hatchery-reared vs wild trout) and sex. Analyses were also performed on hourly and diel movement patterns and if the fish swam upstream to the first migration barrier, the power station in Spjutmo. Variation in diurnal activity was identified, with higher activity during daytime compared to night, which might be related to power production in relation to currents flowing from turbine outlets and/or the importance of daylight for effective navigation. There were no significant differences identified between hatchery-reared and wild trout, respectively, nor were there any sex-related differences. Information obtained from this study is important to understand the situation for Siljan trout, to help in future management and restoration of this valuable stock of trout.