Thesis (Sc.D.)--Boston University, 2006. / (UMI)AAI3240633. Adviser: Patricia Nemec. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6355.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1999. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 60-07, Section: B, page: 3562. Chairperson: Neil Massoth. Available also in print.

No description available.

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> There is research documenting negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, but few studies from the perspective of the wheelchair user. Research on perceived attitudes and discrimination has been conducted in the workplace and store environment, but not the restaurant setting. <b>Purpose:</b> develop and initiate validation of a novel instrument for measuring the perception of attitudes and discrimination by restaurant personnel toward individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are wheelchair users in a restaurant setting; investigate the perception of attitudes and discrimination by restaurant personnel toward individuals with a SCI who are wheelchair users; investigate the relationship between perception of attitudes and discrimination and age, gender, race/ethnicity, level of injury, time since onset, and quality of life (QOL). <b>Methods: </b> A cross-sectional, mixed methods design. Participants had a SCI, were 18 years old or older, at least 1 year post-SCI, and used a wheelchair when in a restaurant. Data regarding perception of attitudes and discrimination were obtained with a novel questionnaire; the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9) measured QOL. <b>Results:</b> 86 participants: 41 male (47.7%); mean (SD) age 46.5 (13.0) years; White (87.2%). Internal consistency of the attitudes and discrimination measure, Cronbach&rsquo;s &alpha; = .87. The mean item response scale score of the perception of attitudes and discrimination questionnaire was 2.78 (0.55). Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed no relationship between age, gender, race, level of injury, time since onset of injury, and the mean item response score of the attitudes and discrimination measure. Multiple regression analyses were conducted, controlling for age, gender, and race to identify variables associated with the LiSat-9. Entering the variables of level of injury, time since onset, and the mean item response score of the attitudes and discrimination measure resulted in a Multiple <i>R</i>² = .23; <i>F</i> = 3.38, <i>p</i> = .01. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed problems of physical access of restaurants and negative attitudes of restaurant employees. <b>Conclusions:</b> Individuals with SCI who are wheelchair users perceive physical and attitudinal barriers when in a restaurant. Improvements in physical design and research and training aimed to reduce attitudinal barriers in restaurants are needed. </p>

Diss. Linköping : Univ.

This thesis explores the perspectives of people on psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). It is presented in three separate papers: a systematic literature review; an empirical research paper and a critical reflection of the research process as a whole. The systematic literature review aimed to provide a detailed understanding of stakeholder perspectives on PNES. A systematic search identified relevant studies that were subsequently synthesised using thematic analysis and the broader principles of narrative synthesis. Three broad themes relating to stakeholder perspectives were identified: the nature of PNES as a condition; diagnosis; and management and treatment issues. It was found that both patients and professionals experienced uncertainties in relation to understanding and managing the condition. This highlighted the need for further information and awareness of PNES and the development of clear treatment guidelines. Important differences in opinion were also identified between patients and professionals and consideration was given to how these may disrupt the development of effective partnerships in care. The research into patients' and families' perspectives was found to be lacking and further research was identified as being needed in this area. The empirical paper reports an exploratory qualitative study that aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the perceived treatment needs of patients with PNES. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and findings were analysed inductively using the principles of thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: return to normality; post-diagnostic limbo; uncertainty and apprehension about therapy; and need for validation. Patients with PNES described clear goals for their recovery and clear ideas about their treatment needs. However, following their diagnosis, many felt caught in 'limbo' due to uncertainties about their diagnosis and as a result of a lack of post-diagnostic support. Being in 'limbo' also linked to patients' uncertainties about psychology meeting their needs and for some there was apprehension about the potential negative consequences of therapy. The clinical implications of the research are discussed and recommendations for future research are made. The third paper is a critical reflection of the research process as a whole. It provides an overview and evaluation of the first two papers and personal reflections of the lead researcher are offered throughout. Implications for further research and clinical practice are offered and a summary of the research as a whole is offered.

Thesis (Master of Military Studies)-Marine Corps Command and Staff College, 2008. / Title from title page of PDF document (viewed on: Feb 2, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Disputats, Linköping, 2006. / Med litteraturhenvisninger.