This study examines how lesbian domestic violence is constructed by various social actors from within a social representations framework. In particular, the study compares and contrasts the ways in which social representations on lesbian domestic violence are constituted by practitioners working within the spheres of both domestic violence and lesbian mental health in Quebec. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with workers from the shelter movement and with practitioners who work with lesbians. Findings indicate that proximity, either by identifying as a lesbian or by having lesbian friends or family members, is an important and central factor in understanding how social representations of lesbian domestic violence are constructed within and these social actors. The results also suggest that the silence surrounding lesbian domestic violence in Quebec reflects particular preoccupations within each group. Implications for practice research and policy in Quebec are considered in light of these findings.

Computerization is changing how hospitals do business as well as how nursing is practiced. Use of computer applications depends on the attitudes and motivation nurses have about computers.The purpose of this replication study is to examine relationships between nurses' attitudes toward computer use satisfaction, beliefs, and motivation. This study used an adaptation of Vroom's expectancy theory as a framework to identify and relate nurses' attitudes and identify variables that may relate with computer use.An instrument developed by Burkes (1991), the Nurses' Computer Use Attitude Questionnaire was used to measure nurses' attitudes toward computer usage. This includes satisfaction, beliefs, and motivation.The convenience sample included 101 (67%) nurses from three rural hospitals who agreed to participate in the study. Confidentiality was maintained, and only group data was reported.Findings in this study support Vroom's theory that there is a relationship between beliefs and motivation, between satisfaction and motivation, and between beliefs and motivation. Findings in this study were the longer the nurses duration of computer experience the more satisfied they were with using them. Age and level of nursing experience did not determine satisfaction, beliefs or motivation to use computer applications. Conclusions from this study were that knowledge levels can vary in regard to use. In this study the Beliefs subscale accounted for 46% of the variance in predicating motivation. Therefore what one comes to expect or believe will be a factor in how much effort is put into behavior changes.Further research should try to determine what if any demographic information is consistently a predictor of attitudes scores. This information could be helpful in enhancing the chances for successful implementation and utilization of computers. There should also be research in the variables that impact attitudes of nurses toward utilization of computers.This study is significant because findings will provide information about attitudes and usage of computers in rural hospitals. If attitudes are recognized, attitudes can be improved and better utilization will follow. / School of Nursing

The purpose of the study was to determine the perception of apparel quality based on perceived physical attractiveness of both the observer and model. Although there is research about apparel quality, what people view as physically attractive, and how people determine what is attractive, there has been little research about the relationship between these variables as well as observer background.Ninety-three Fashion Merchandising/Apparel Design and non majors completed one of two versions of a survey. The survey was presented on-line and included a picture that participants were asked to assess model attractiveness and apparel quality. A second version included a different model wearing similar clothing. Participants were also asked to rate their own attractiveness in relationship to the model and what quality features they consider when purchasing clothing.Frequencies and a two way ANOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant difference for model viewed/survey completed. Ratings of quality characteristics correlated to form a scale of quality. Education background influenced responses. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

This thesis investigated the differential effects of the medical and social learning models of mental disorders on the beliefs, attitudes, and stigma associated with alcoholism and depression. The beliefs and attitudes of 345 college students were manipulated through the use of six different video taped presentations so as to represent those associated with the medical, social learning, or control models. Analysis off subjects' responses on a questionnaire indicated the medical model to foster the perception of greater severity, less control over behavior, less understanding of the disorder, and a greater need for intervention, compared to the social learning and control models. There was no advantage to the medical model in terms of the stigma associated with the disorders. An unexpected finding was that alcoholism was generally stigmatized to a lesser degree than depression, regardless of the model in which the disorders were presented. Results were discussed in terms of previous research.

This study sought to test on the state level the validity of Thomas A. Bailey's theory on reactions to the proposal for a League of Nations following World War I. Bailey, a noted diplomatic historian, suggested that most groups were guided by partisan loyalties to either support or oppose the League. Indiana newspaper editors were chosen as the test group for study because of their influence with the public and the accessibility of their views. Ten Indiana newspapers were surveyed fully between January 1919 and the end of March 1920, and an additional eleven papers were spot-checked during that period. The state newspapers were divided as equally as possible based upon their support for either the Democratic or the Republican party, and then were compared to two national newspapers, one Democratic and one Republican.The results of these comparisons appear to validate Bailey's hypothesis. The editorial positions of most of the Indiana newspapers coincided with the positions of thepolitical parties with which they were identified. The study also revealed greater diversity of opinion among editors of both political persuasions during the early months of 1919 as the participants at the Paris Peace Conference worked toward the first draft of the Covenant. After President Wilson presented the Treaty of Versailles to the United States Senate, partisan debate ensued, and a narrowing of editorial opinion parallel to that debate was evident among newspapers on both sides. Pro-League newspapers supported Wilson's position from the time he presented it to the Senate in July 1919. Anti-League newspapers supported Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and his followers in the Senate from about the same time. Neither group changed significantly from then until the final defeat of the treaty in March 1920. Thus, it would appear that Bailey's hypothesis regarding the partisan origins of most group's positions was correct. / Department of History

This thesis explores public attitudes towards international development cooperation. Noting the lack of previous academic treatment of this particular topic, it includes an overview of available polling data on relevant questions, followed by a review of more general literature pertaining to public opinion towards foreign policy, as a macro-level concept. Finding the macro-level perspective insufficient, the thesis then explores one particular model for understanding public opinion on the individual level. The final chapter discusses in some detail how one particular form of development assistance---child sponsorship---might influence public opinion. Claims that child sponsorship necessarily has detrimental effects on public opinion are found to have little foundation in either empirical studies or relevant theory. Conclusive statements concerning any effect child sponsorship might have on public opinion are not made, but the thesis does argue that public opinion towards development assistance can, under certain conditions, be considered reasonable.

Graduation date: 1985

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-127). / vi, 127 leaves, bound 29 cm

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-78). / ix, 78 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-90). / viii, 90 leaves, bound col. ill. 29 cm