No description available.

Abstract available through the 2004 NCFR Abstracts.

Introduction: Postpartum Depression and postpartum depressive symptoms have been found to have a strong association with breastfeeding duration in a significant portion of women across a variety of geographical locations. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between postpartum depressive symptoms at 6 months postpartum and total duration of breastfeeding measured at 15 months postpartum in Appalachian women. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in which 1,063 mostly low socioeconomic status women were recruited across 6 prenatal practices in Appalachia. At 6 weeks, 6 months, and 15 months postpartum, depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). From the original sample, 134 completed a self-report measure of breastfeeding initiation and duration at 15 months postpartum. Results: EPDS score did not predict whether or not women breastfed, only their duration of breastfeeding. Women who scored in the clinically significant range (13 or higher) on the EPDS at 6 months postpartum breastfed a significantly shorter length of time (Mean = 1.75 months, SD = 2.70) than women who scored below 13 on the EPDS (Mean = 4.48 months, SD 5.22; t(133) = 3.61, p = .001). Conclusion: Clinically significant Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores were predictive of shorter duration of breastfeeding.

Abstract available through the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

No description available.

Abstract available through the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Abstract available through the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Many instruments have been developed to determine whether someone claims to be religious, but they do not address the degree to which someone is satisfied with their religious commitment. Therefore, an instrument was revised to measure both a person’s level of religious commitment and satisfaction with that level of religious commitment. The instrument was named the Religious Surrender and Attendance Satisfaction Scale (RSASS). This study was conducted to determine initial validity for the satisfaction portion of the RSASS. Construct validity measures provided initial confirmation of the utility of RSASS as a measure of satisfaction with religious commitment that can be used by nurses in practice and research.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy can lead to myriad poor physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and child. There is a paucity of research examining IPV risk factors for rural pregnant women and the course of specific types of IPV throughout pregnancy. The current project investigated the prevalence of IPV and the risk factors for different types of IPV in an Appalachian sample that contained pregnant women from rural and non-rural locations (Study 1). Additionally, for women reporting IPV, the different types of IPV were examined throughout the course of their pregnancies (Study 2). Study 1 included 1063 pregnant womenparticipating in the Tennessee Intervention for Pregnant Smokers (TIPS) program. IPV prevalence was measured using a modified Hurt Insult Threaten Scream (HITS) screen administered at entry into prenatal care, and rural status was defined using Rural Urban Commuting Area Codes based on the participants’ ZIP codes. Self-report prevalence rates during pregnancy were 26% for psychological, 2% for physical, and 1% for sexual IPV. With the exception of one woman, all women that reported physical or sexual violence also reported experiencing psychological violence occurring at the same time (3.5%). Chi-squared analyses indicated that rural pregnant women were not significantly more likely to experience any of the types of IPV compared to non-rural pregnant women.Furthermore, logistic regression analysis supported previous literature findings that pregnant women who are younger, have an unplanned pregnancy, have high levels of stress, and have low levels of social support, are at a greater risk of experiencing anytype of IPV during pregnancy compared to those without these risk factors. To investigate IPV over the course of pregnancy, Study 2 participants included a TIPS participant subsample of 337 pregnant women who indicated they had experienced IPV at any timeduring their current pregnancy. The modified HITS screen was administered up to four times throughout the course of pregnancy, with responses coded based on gestational age at the time of assessment (first trimester, first half of second trimester, secondhalf of second trimester, and third trimester). Generalized estimating equation logistic models indicated that women who experienced IPV at some point during pregnancy were most likely to experience IPV during the third trimester. These results speak to the importance of screening for all types of IPV multiple times throughout the course of pregnancy. If multiple screens do not occur as the pregnancy progresses, some women may not be identified as having experienced IPV, and therefore miss opportunities toassuage the possible negative health outcomes due to IPV. Information obtained from the current research is valuable to prenatal health care providers who need to be aware of IPV risk factors, and that different types of IPV, especially psychological IPV,can occur at any time during pregnancy.

Criminal rehabilitation continues to be a significant social problem. Previous research suggests that the majority of offenders leave the penal system with little to no discharge planning (Placido, Simon, Gu, and Wong, 2005). Researchers have also found that rates of recidivism are often influenced by the degree of the offender’s motivation to succeedand their personal outlook on life (Allen, 2013). Thus, the combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the offender’s chances of successful and persistent rehabilitation. This qualitative case study sought to examine and describe the experiences of formerly incarcerated adults (n=4, all male) and describe a rehabilitation program currently in place in the East Tennessee region. The Day Reporting Center (DRC) is a rehabilitation program where offenders are on house arrest and are required to attend scheduled program classes and counseling. The DRC is part of an $800,000 crime reduction grant funded by the Department of Justice. All respondents have had issues with substance abuse at some point which is a selection requirement of the program. All claim to be completely disassociated from past bad influences, and report having been in and out of jail. Participants indicated that the DRC has been extremely helpful for them and all four have support from their family, partner, or both. In addition,3 out of 4 participants have had parents who struggled or currently struggle with substance or drug abuse. 2 out of 4 participants experienced physical and emotional abuse growing up. Moreover, 3 out of 4 participants stated that being a convicted felon and getting a job outside of the program hours has been difficult. One participant has already received his GED and is currently working on a degree in Automotive Technology in addition to attending the DRC Program. Another participant aspires to attend trade school after graduating from the rehabilitation program. Although respondents reported challenges faced by those in the penal system, they are hopeful for their success in this program. For example, one participant brought up one of his most memorable moments from prison, where he watched his son take his first steps and watched him walk for the first time in prison through the glass. He was genuine and honest about this moment and said, “To be honest with you, I cried. It was so hard. You just want to give him a hug and praise him for his accomplishment, and you can’t, because of the glass.” This participant also recalled the first time he walked on grass after getting out of prison and discussed how this was “one of the greatest feelings in the world” for him. As a final point, remembering those types of moments in the darkest of times may in fact be enough reason for an offender to never want to resort back to that kind of lifestyle again. Keywords: incarcerated, real-world, forensic psychology, criminology, penal system, rehabilitation, rehabilitation programs, research, offenders