Thesis (M.S. in Management)--Naval Postgraduate School, September 1990. / Thesis Advisor(s): Thomas, George W. Second Reader: Kocher, Kathryn M. "September 1990." Description based on title screen as viewed on December 21, 2009. DTIC Identifier(s): Theses, Marine Corps Personnel, Office Personnel, Personnel Retention, Males, Surveys. Author(s) subject terms: Officer Retention, Turnover. Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-59). Also available in print.

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This thesis examines factors that influence the retention of male Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCOs) in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve who have completed their six-year initial military obligation. Data were extracted from the Reserve Components Common Personnel Data System. Logit regression was used to measure the influence of various demographic and military variables on retention to 15 years and retention to 18 years. Models were developed to assess the probability of a Marine SNCO staying to 15 years of service and 18 years of service, respectively. The thesis identified four significant factors that influence retention in the 15 year model, and five significant factors in the 18 year model. In both models, single Marines with no dependents are more likely to separate from the Selected Reserves than married Marines with dependents. Staff Sergeants (E6) are more likely to separate from the Selected Reserves than Gunnery Sergeants (E7), while Master Sergeants/First Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants/Sergeants Major are more likely to reach the 15 and 18 year milestones than E7s. Serving in a combat support occupational field proved to be a significant predictor in the 18 year model, but it was not useful in the 15 year model. / Major, United States Marine Corps

For years, eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, have been studied extensively among adolescent girls and young women. However, despite recent research revealing a significant percentage of men display behaviours related to eating disorders, their individual experiences remain relatively unstudied. Additionally, given the reality that many males usually conceal or deny having the disorder, few studies yielding in-depth accounts of their lived experiences have also not been completed. This study, however, examined, through narrative inquiry, the experiences of two young adult males who were medically diagnosed with and treated, or were presently being treated, for disordered eating. Though each was not impervious to societal and familial pressures to look and be perfect, such pressures, tragically, were exacerbated by the pronounced fear, and actual experience, of being stigmatized by helping professionals. These findings provide a preliminary understanding of the threat that disordered eating poses for males, irrespective of background and lifestyle. Aside from having implications for theory, these findings are also expected to contribute in ways that will help to inform the practices of counsellors and therapists in the field of psychology.

For years, eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, have been studied extensively among adolescent girls and young women. However, despite recent research revealing a significant percentage of men display behaviours related to eating disorders, their individual experiences remain relatively unstudied. Additionally, given the reality that many males usually conceal or deny having the disorder, few studies yielding in-depth accounts of their lived experiences have also not been completed. This study, however, examined, through narrative inquiry, the experiences of two young adult males who were medically diagnosed with and treated, or were presently being treated, for disordered eating. Though each was not impervious to societal and familial pressures to look and be perfect, such pressures, tragically, were exacerbated by the pronounced fear, and actual experience, of being stigmatized by helping professionals. These findings provide a preliminary understanding of the threat that disordered eating poses for males, irrespective of background and lifestyle. Aside from having implications for theory, these findings are also expected to contribute in ways that will help to inform the practices of counsellors and therapists in the field of psychology.

Suicide is a multifaceted issue and its prevention requires addressing multiple contributors. Currently, it is the third leading cause of death worldwide for those ages 15-44, the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the eighth leading cause of death among U. S. men. Among African American males aged 20-44, suicide is the third, fifth, and sixth leading cause of death, respectively, when categorizing the age groups as follows: 20-24, 25-34, 35-44. Given the published data, a public health focus exists regarding suicide prevention among racial/ethnic minorities and vulnerable populations. The jail population is especially vulnerable to suicide. Few studies have focused, however, on addressing suicidal behavior among African American males, in general, nor those incarcerated. To reinforce prevention, a need exists to examine preceding behavior to suicide, specifically suicide attempts. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate risk and protective factors associated with suicide and suicide attempts among African American males, including those that are incarcerated. To fulfill the purpose, two components were executed: a systematic literature review and an empirical study. Within the empirical study, two research questions were designed to illuminate differences regarding sociodemographic, criminal, and psychosocial characteristics between Black male suicide attempters and Black male non-attempters, White male attempters, and Black female attempters. Data from the 2002 Survey of Inmates in Local Jails was used for analysis. Results from the literature review indicated nine suicidal risk and protective factors for African American males. The empirical study isolated three suicidal protective factors (completing at least a high school or college education, drug trafficking) and two risk factors (depression and mental disorders) that differentiated African American male suicide attempters from non-attempters. Preventing suicides can occur by preventing the first attempt or preventing recurrent attempts. The dissertation provides critical information to assist in accomplishing this endeavor by illuminating risk and protective factors. Suicide research requires public health attention and intervention. Moreover, a collaborative approach is necessary. Research and practice efforts must begin now to thwart the increasing rate of suicide among adult African American males.

Latino males have one of the lowest college attainment rates among traditional college-aged students. Using a qualitative method, this study examined the experiences of Latino males at a South Central Texas Community College and a North Texas Community College. The proposed study utilized a qualitative design methodology, and a conceptual framework of Critical Theory as a lens to analyze the collected data. The study included, 1) Latino male student focus groups, 2) one-on-one administrator, faculty and staff interviews, 3) document analysis. The study answered two primary questions focusing on factors that influenced Latino males to attend and persist in community colleges. These firsthand accounts provided useful information for staff and community colleges interested in increasing the number of minority and Latino males in higher education. The study also attempts to advance discussion around the reality of the disappearing of Latino males in higher education. Using critical theory, this proposed research study explored relationships of factors that may involve inequities and power, and as Willis (2007), explains, a desirable aspect of critical research is to help those without power to acquire it. As such, data analysis is at the center of this study to understand factors associated to Latino male attendance and persistence at their community colleges. / text

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to highlight the lived experiences of Christian African American college males attending a Christian predominately White institution (PWI) in the South. Through in-depth personal interviews, I offer insights into this specific student population's experience. Furthermore, I provide recommendations for key stakeholders at Christian PWIs in the South as they strive to create an inclusive campus environment. The ultimate goal of the research is to aid in the recruitment and retention of this particular student population.

This project was a synthesis of studies of the academic achievement of African-American males in undergraduate, four-year institutions in the United States. The purpose of this synthesis was twofold. The first purpose was to collect studies on the academic achievement of African-American males. The second purpose was to identify variables associated with achievement of African-American males. In this review of 13 studies, 48 variables associated with academic achievement of undergraduate, African-American males were identified. These variables were placed into three categories: personal variables, demographic variables, and institutional variables. Personal variables were sub-divided into non-cognitive and cognitive variables. Findings specific to each category of variables are included below: <u>Personal, non-cognitive variables.</u> African-American males with high scores on measures of educational aspirations, values (courage, exciting life, cleanliness, imagination, and helpfulness), emotional intelligence, acceptability of mixed dating, self-confidence, satisfaction with academic advising and tutoring, being in control of academic outcomes, preference for long-term goals, academic self-concept, self-esteem, self-concept of ability, specific personality traits (achievement aspirations, affiliation, dominance, endurance, exhibition, harm avoidance, nurturance, order, play, and understanding), favorable opinions of their study habits and relationships with others, and low scores on alienation and reliance on family and institutions to solve social and academic problems had higher grade-point averages than those with contrasting scores on these variables. Encouragement from family and other role models appears to be associated with academic achievement of African-American male undergraduates as well. <u>Personal, cognitive variables.</u> African-American males with high grades in high school, high class ranks in high school, and high scores on college entrance examinations had higher college grade-point averages than those with lower high school grades, high school ranks, and entrance examination scores. <u>Demographic variables.</u> Non-transfer, younger students in nondevelopmental and humanities and arts programs were more likely to persist in college than transfer and older students in developmental and math and science programs. Participants in a math workshop achieved higher grade-point averages in a freshman calculus course than students who did not participate in the workshop. <u>Institutional variables.</u> African-American males who attended predominantly black colleges and universities earned higher grade-point averages than those who attended predominantly white colleges and universities. African-American males who attended four-year institutions earned higher grade-point averages than those who attended community colleges. Those on both black and white campuses who scored higher on a college environment opinion survey covering academic integration, satisfaction with the campus environment, and institutional support achieved higher grade-point averages than those who scored lower on the survey. For those on white campuses who came from high schools with very different racial compositions from those of the colleges they were attending achieved higher grade-point averages than students who came from high schools with very similar racial compositions to those of the colleges they were attending. In conclusion, academic achievement of undergraduate African-American males is associated with a combination of personal variables, demographic variables and institutional variables. The majority of these variables are personal, non-cognitive variables. / Ph. D.

Immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) reduces boar taint occurrence in male pigs and likely alters the rate and composition of body weight gain. Serial slaughter and nitrogen-balance studies were conducted to evaluate dynamics and hormonal control of body protein deposition (PD) and body lipid deposition (LD) in entire male pigs (EM), entire male pigs immunized against GnRH with IMPROVEST (IM), conventional, early castrates (EC), and male pigs surgically castrated between 25 and 40 kg body weight (late castrates; LC). Growth performance and physiology were similar in EC and LC. The PD was highest and LD was lowest in EM, while LD was highest in IM. Following immunization, PD in IM gradually changed from that in EM to that in EC and LC. Changes in PD and LD were consistent with changes in the animal’s physiology. Dynamics of PD and LD should be considered when optimizing feeding programs for IM. / Pfizer, Swine Innovation Porc, Ontario Pork, OMAFRA

The symptoms of adolescent depression are often dismissed as quirks of the age—increased irritability or agitation, lack of concentration, frequent complaints, sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, decrease in grades or missed assignments. The impact of these symptoms reaches deeply into the both the academic and social lives of these adolescents. Exercise is beginning to emerge as a potential alternative to standard drug treatment for depression; however, very little research has been conducted with adolescents. The purpose of this case study is to describe the experiences (thoughts, feelings and actions) of four adolescent males with symptoms of depression from multiple perspectives, while they were participating in a daily aerobic exercise program. Throughout an eight-week program of daily three-on-three basketball scrimmages led by the researcher, four “at risk” boys aged 10-13 were invited to describe their experiences: their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and their beliefs about their social and academic life. Their parents and teachers also shared their perspectives through questionnaires, interviews and informal conversations. Researcher observations and field notes made by the researcher throughout the school day, in addition to the other data were used in a cross-case analysis to develop an understanding of exercise and its effects on the social, emotional, and academic lives of these boys. / Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-16 10:16:52.226