Thesis (M.A.)--Youngstown State University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf [87]).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--American University, 1972. / " ... authorized facsimile ..." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 301-317).

This research addresses the relationship between television programming and body image. It specifically investigates what the Music Television network's (MTV) dance show, "The Grind," communicates about female body image. Two studies were conducted. Study one used seven coders from a western United States high school to record female body images using E. Collins (1991) seven female figure drawings. From the 2,367 female body images recorded, the dominant female image portrayed on "The Grind" emphasizes thinness. The research discovered that female images were slightly thinner than the perceived average female. Furthermore, the perceived White female images were slightly thinner than the Black or Hispanic perceived body images. Compatibility of the body image figures developed by E. Collins were also recorded. The study revealed the scale to be somewhat compatible, but not a perfect fit for White, Black, and Hispanic female images. The second study showed an episode of "The Grind" to twenty three students in a high school sociology class and had the students respond to a pre and post-show questionnaire. The students felt more body image conscious after watching "The Grind." Females felt less attractive, less self assured, and less in shape after watching "The Grind." No males desired to lose weight before or after watching the show. Fifty eight percent of females desired to lose weight before watching the show and one female changed to not wanting to lose weight after watching "The Grind." The responses to the open-ended questions in study two related to sexual dancing, body image, attractiveness, and music. Overall students responded that the message "The Grind" sends to teenagers is that you have be "in shape" and "look good." While this study had examined female body images, it relates to a larger issue of the messages MTV and music video programming sends and the meanings viewers create. This research provides application for use for teachers, parents, and teenagers. Further research relating to body image and the media is recommended. / Graduation date: 1997

There is no abstract available for this thesis.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1984. / Bibliography: leaves [219]-228. / Photocopy. / Microfilm. / vii, 228 leaves, bound

Thesis (M.A.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-103). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 299-318).

Several social forces shape and influence one’s identity. The interaction of race, ethnicity, gender, and social class creates lenses through which a person experiences life and reality. These variables must be understood as they relate to each other to gain a better understanding of an individual’s life experiences. This study aimed to expand research on identity development and contribute to research on intersecting identities among American women of Mexican descent. The first goal of the proposed study was understanding feminism among American women of Mexican descent. Gathering data on the feminist perspectives of these women assisted in dispelling stereotypes that exist regarding this population. The second goal centered on examining the salience of an ethnic and feminist identity within this population. The study explored conflicts related to holding these identities simultaneously. The proposed study also examined the relationship between an achieved identity (such as ethnicity and feminism) to self-esteem. Consistent with past research, using the label feminist was related to feminist beliefs. Findings further demonstrated that those women that simultaneously identify as feminists and of Mexican descent scored higher on measures of feminist and ethnic identity. Analyses showed that participants identified more with an ethnic identity than a feminist identity. In this study, women with higher levels of feminist identity were likely to have higher levels of ethnic identity. Furthermore, women that simultaneously identified as feminists and of Mexican descent experienced some conflict in relation to family relationships, spiritual life, employment or school life, and personal relationships. Participants’ responses to open-ended questions regarding conflict provide context to empirical findings; responses suggest different ways of managing conflicts regarding feminist identification in the areas of family relationships, employment, spiritual life, and personal relationships. This study provides relevant information for professionals working with women of Mexican descent. Understanding the interaction of salient identities, such as ethnicity and feminism, may result in improved counseling treatment models for women of Mexican descent. / text

Homelessness has increased in the United States over the last 15 years, but one of the most distressing trends has been the increase of homeless families. Current literature suggests that healthcare services for the homeless family may be fragmented and difficult to access. Rationale for this study was to gain understanding of homeless families, and therefore increase the effectiveness of nurses working with homeless families.This qualitative study used a Heideggerian hermaneutical phenomenological approach as the philisophical framework. A script of questions and information about the study was presented to mothers at a shelter in a group meeting. The researcher then contacted each mother to learn of the mother's desire regarding participation. Seven mothers participanted. Shelter residents were informed that they may refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any time without prejudice from the researcher. Audio-taped interviews will took place in a private vacant office at the shelter. The researcher transcribed the interviews, eliminating any information (names, cities, agencies, relatives, etc.) that could identify the participants. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for common themes identified by the mothers. Audio-tapes were destroyed after data analysis.Risks involved included possible discomfort as residents discuss issues in their past. Should a mother become emotionally distressed in the interview, the researcher was prepared to assist her to identify coping resources. i ne motners were also iniormeu that, in one unlikely event information was shared that may indicate child abuse, the researcher was required to report child abuse to the State of Indiana. Benefits included ability to express feelings in a confidential setting. A $20 item of jewelry or a household commodity was presented to participants as an honorarium after completion of the interview.The lived experience of being a homeless mother with a family can only be fully understood by the mother who has lived the experience. Six common themes were identified by the mothers who participated in this study. Lack of assistance from biological fathers, or "I can't count on him" was a contributing factor towards the mothers' circumstances. Experience of a recent traumatic event without sufficient coping skills or resources emerged as a second theme, and was described by the quote "I don't know what to do." The third theme regarding the mother's concern for meeting the needs of their children was summarized by the insight "And kid's time don't stop." The perception of ineffective or demeaning treatment by helping agencies or "They really didn't care for me" was the fourth theme. The difficulty of carrying on family life was described in the fifth theme as "Things that are hard". And finally, the sixth theme described the difficulty in finding a residence as the mothers were told by landlords repeatedly, "I really don't have anything right now."The conclusion from the study was that homeless mothers and their familys have many needs not yet met by healthcare and helping agencies. This population is overwhelmed by the stresssors they face, and principles of crisis intervention are not adequately used to assist them. At the same time, these mothers demonstrate a great deal of concern and determination to care for their children.Through this study, nurses can learn of the obstacles common to homeless mothers, and the strengths that assist homeless mothers to persist and meet the needs of their family. By better understanding homeless families, nurses can adopt a more comprehensive approach to address their healthcare needs. / School of Nursing

Thesis (M.A.)--Central Connecticut State University, 1999. / Thesis advisor: Heather Munro Prescott. " ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master Arts in History." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-98).