Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program in Population Health Leadership DNP, Xavier University, 2022, Nursing

Nursing education transformation is necessary to change population health outcomes. A needs assessment is essential to learn practice expectations for population health competency before designing an education program. The purpose of the project was to develop a population health certificate program for post-bachelor nursing workforce. The project aims were 1) to identify population health competency needs, 2) to prioritize population health competency needs, 3) to assess the feasibility of a post-bachelor population health certificate program, and 4) to make recommendations for a certificate program. A hybrid framework of Witkin and Altschuld's three-phase needs assessment model and the PARIHS Framework Guide successfully organized project implementation and evaluation to make recommendations for the population health certificate. Purposive sampling selected six knowledgeable strategic stakeholders from academia and practice to participate in 30-to-40-minute recorded Zoom interviews. Reiterative thematic analysis of the transcripts identified and prioritized population health competencies. The triangulation comparison of the results with AACN Nursing Professional Education Essentials tested the validity of the convergence of themes. The overarching theme discovered is that the nursing workforce needs to move understanding beyond point of care encounters to population-focused needs. The needs assessment discovered compelling evidence that post-bachelor nursing workforce needs advanced development in population-focused care to improve actionable responses to change population health outcomes. The feasibility assessment determined a need for additional assessment of resources to build capability for the population certificate program.

Committee: Betsy List Ph.D. RN (Advisor); Victor Ronis-Tobin Ph.D. (Other); Elizabeth Bragg Ph.D. RN (Other) Subjects: Education; Health Care; Health Care Management; Health Education; Higher Education; Nursing

Bachelor of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2023, Computer Science

This paper aims to present a study on developing a program that assists nonprofit organizations in determining the ideal location for building their facilities based on community needs, thus maximizing their potential for success. The study highlights the importance of location in the success of nonprofit organizations, and the challenges they face in identifying suitable areas for their operations. The paper reviews existing literature on nonprofit organizations, location analysis, and data analysis techniques, and proposes a methodology for developing the program. The methodology involves data collection and analysis, and machine learning algorithms to predict community needs. The program provides a user-friendly interface for nonprofit organizations to access and analyze the data and offers recommendations for suitable locations based on their criteria. The study concludes that the proposed program can be a valuable tool for nonprofit organizations to make informed decisions about their location and maximize their potential for success in serving their communities.

Committee: Tyler Highlander (Advisor); Adam Parker (Committee Member); Kevin Steidel (Committee Member) Subjects: Business Administration; Computer Science; Geography; Management; Operations Research; Social Work

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2022, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

The pandemic has become a nationwide psychological trauma, posing a serious mental health risk in the United States. As the pandemic increases social disconnection and depression, amongst other psychological concerns, the need for accessible therapeutic interventions has become imperative. The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the interest and preferences in a web-based therapeutic horticulture intervention for connectedness and well-being. This study utilized a mixed methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. A needs assessment surveyed American Horticulture Therapist Association (AHTA) members as well as gardening hobbyists. Quantitative data was evaluated through descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was evaluated through a thematic analysis. The results indicated that there is an interest in the development of an online gardening resource and indicated directions for such a development. Directions included the importance of navigational ease and facilitation to increase likelihood of participation. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of previewing the website before enrollment. Results of the needs assessment were considered in the proposal of an initial prototype of the online gardening resource. The primary user flow of the website is detailed, as well as a plan to launch the web-based therapeutic horticulture intervention and future opportunities for research.

Committee: Theodore Ellenhorn Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Katherine Evarts Psy.D. (Committee Member); Gina Pasquale Psy.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2022, Psychology

The population of the United States is rapidly aging, and the number of Americans shouldering the burdens of providing informal care to aging family members is climbing steadily (National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). In response to mounting evidence that family caregivers of individuals with dementia face unique challenges, researchers have tested dozens of interventions designed to meet the specific needs of this population (Maslow, 2012). Although evidence-based dementia caregiver interventions generally produce significant benefits to participants (Brodaty et al., 2003; Laver et al., 2017; Vandepitte et al., 2016), very few caregivers have opportunities to access them. One significant barrier to the dissemination of evidence-based services to caregivers in the community is a lack of clarity about how best to assess individual needs and circumstances relevant to selecting evidence-based interventions (Bangerter et al., 2017; Mansfield et al., 2017). With this project, we used a two-phase mixed-methodological research design to develop and validate a self-reported assessment of dementia caregivers' unmet needs for use in clinical settings. Common factor analysis revealed a bifactor structure with a general factor and five specific factors (i.e., Leisure Difficulties, Grief Difficulties, Caregiving Difficulties, Emotional Difficulties, Physical Health Difficulties) that best fit the data. Scores on these subscales were internally consistent and were related to scores on existing validated instruments of caregiver burden, social functioning, impacts of caregiving, psychological well-being, and physical health. Strengths of this project include our focus on utilizing gold-standard scale development procedures throughout the multi-phase design. Future researchers should investigate the effectiveness of using this measure to match caregivers to current evidence-based interventions.

Committee: Jennifer Cheavens (Advisor); Holly Dabelko-Shoeny (Committee Member); Paulus De Boeck (Committee Member); Daniel Strunk (Committee Member) Subjects: Gerontology; Psychological Tests; Psychology

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Wright State University, 2020, School of Professional Psychology

The availability of behavioral health services within primary care meets the high patient need for mental health care within a familiar setting, which is especially impactful in safety-net settings where patients face higher levels of stress and psychosocial barriers that impact health outcomes (Kamimura et al., 2014). Behavioral health consultants (BHCs) may encounter challenges to successful integration of services, but adapting to the unique clinic environment, assessing needs, and facilitating effect collaboration with providers can lead to greater success (Hunter, Goodie, Oordt, & Dobmeyer, 2017). A needs assessment was conducted with volunteer providers at the safety-net clinic Reach Out of Montgomery County using quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) methods. The primary goals of the study were to identify perceptions, needs, and barriers related to collaboration with integrated behavioral health services at the clinic. A review of relevant existing literature is presented to outline the role of BHCs, factors that impact the effective implementation of integrated care, perceptions of providers, and applicability to the safety-net medical setting. Statistical and content analyses were performed, and results were found to be consistent with existing literature. Providers reported a high level of openness and perceived patient benefit related to behavioral health services, but rated BHCs to be significantly more helpful for mental health concerns than medical needs. Recommendations for the clinic and the behavioral health team are then discussed based on these findings.

Committee: Jeffrey Cigrang Ph.D., ABPP (Committee Chair); Larry James Ph.D., ABPP (Committee Member); Sharon Sherlock RN, BSN, MSA, DHA (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Health Care

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2017, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

STUDY 1 - BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to heat can result in illness, injury, and death among workers, particularly those in outdoor environments such as emergency oil spill cleanup responders. PURPOSE: This study assessed heat-related knowledge, perceptions, and barriers among oil spill cleanup responders. METHODS: A total of 65 oil spill cleanup responders completed an online survey which examined heat stress during cleanup activities. RESULTS: Of the respondents, most had 25 or more years' experience, worked for companies with 19 or fewer employees, were not classified as safety and health professionals, had a Bachelor's degree or higher, and worked in the northern/central regions of the U.S. While most were knowledgeable about heat stress, the items in which respondents were least knowledgeable were: identifying the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the appropriate use of salt tablets, the effects of air conditioning on acclimatization, and previous heat-related illness (HRI) as a risk factor. For heat stress knowledge, there was a significant difference between non-safety and health professionals (M = 5.70, SD = 1.081) and safety and health professionals (M = 6.62, SD = 1.024; t = -3.257, p = .002). Respondents reported that they tended to perceive that heat stress can be severe and that HRI's may affect workers. Regarding self-efficacy, most felt confident in contacting emergency medical services, recognizing symptoms, and knowing what to do if a coworker became ill. Discussion: The difference in heat stress knowledge between those with professional safety and health experience and those without experience is confirmatory. Oil spill cleanup responders are at high risk for HRI, injury, and death and those responsible for their training need to be knowledgeable about occupational heat stress. More research is needed to determine further information about knowledge, perceptions, self-efficacy, and barriers at the worker level. STUDY 2 (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Keith King Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Ashley Merianos Ph.D. (Committee Member); Rebecca Vidourek Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education

Doctor of Nursing Practice , Case Western Reserve University, 2017, School of Nursing

Aims. The purpose of this study to examine certified nurse practitioners' learning needs related to sexual health concerns, to assess frequency of sexual health interventions, and to evaluate the perceived barriers to the application of sexual health interventions in health care. Design. Descriptive study administered via internet-based questionnaire. Methods. A convenience sample of 574 certified nurse practitioners (CNP) was obtained from Ohio Board of Nursing. The Learning Needs for Addressing Patients' Sexual Health Concerns was used to assess knowledge. The Nursing Interventions on Sexual Health Scale was used to assess the frequency of sexual health interventions used in nursing practice. The perceived barriers to the utilization of sexual health interventions among CNPs were assessed using a checklist based on the literature pertaining to sexual health care in nursing. Results. “The influence of treatment on sexuality” was the highest learning need. “Biopsychosocial factors on altered sexual activity” was the lowest learning need. The frequency of nursing intervention in sexual health care among CNPs is average and the behavioral frequency of nursing intervention decreases from the permission level to the specific suggestion level when evaluating care based on the PLISSIT model. Barriers to sexual health care are similar to what is reflected in the literature. Conclusions. While nurse practitioners have the knowledge to manage sexual health concerns, there is a need for further research. CNPs require comprehensive sexual health education and specialized clinical preparation to manage sexual health concerns.

Committee: Joyce Fitzpatrick PhD (Committee Chair); Carol Musil PhD (Committee Member); Jeffrey Jones PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Nursing

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2015, Agricultural and Extension Education

Survey research methods were utilized to study The Youth Development Organization Needs of Students in Choluteca, Honduras. Research of current trends in Honduran culture and articles of youth development practices revealed a considerable need for this type of study. The study was powered by the problem that youth development program involvement of young people in Choluteca, Honduras had not been observed and measured. No previous study had been found to address all areas regarding Honduran youth needs which this study sought to explore; therefore, the researcher developed a student questionnaire designed to match research questions to objectives to be accomplished in the study. The Youth Development Organization Needs of Students in Choluteca, Honduras Student Questionnaire incorporated five sections of collected data. Study participants responded to questions regarding demographic data, activity interests in and outside of school, club activity involvement, programming questions, and ranked importance of selected interest areas. The questionnaire was distributed to students at two participating schools, El Centro Educativo Estados Unidos de America and Instituto Namasigue. Both schools are located close to the city of Choluteca, Honduras. Results of the study have provided usable data to better understand young people's current trends of interest and activity involvement in youth development programs of the surveyed population.

Committee: Jamie Cano (Advisor); Gary Straquadine (Committee Member) Subjects: Education

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2013, Secondary Education

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how Q Methodology can be used as a needs assessment tool for a Biology graduate teaching assistant (GTA) instructional training program. GTAs are used as the instructors of an increasingly diverse population of undergraduate students. GTAs are a diverse population of students with varying amounts of pedagogical preparation, research abilities, and motivation to complete their graduate study. They are often expected to prepare and grade exams, write their own syllabi, design course curriculum, prepare and present lectures, monitor student progress, hold office hours, and assign final grades, all with minimal faculty supervision. Although not all GTAs will become professors, many will, and the teaching assistantship remains the major preparation for their roles as faculty members. Since the majority of science professors have been GTAs, this instructional training program is of critical importance. Approaches to developing instructional training programs for GTAs vary from departmental workshops to campus-wide instructional seminars. Program evaluation is an intrinsic part of assuring that such programs best serve GTA needs, and that GTAs can best fulfill their roles in their respective departments. Q Methodology offers a number of potential advantages over traditional survey techniques for assessing needs of GTAs throughout their graduate school career, allowing program supervisors to evaluate and modify the program relative to GTA needs. Q Methodology allows the researcher to identify and interpret various viewpoints the GTAs hold in regard to graduate school. This is not only important to the supervisors of GTA instructional programs, but to the GTAs. This Q Methodology study led to three GTA viewpoints (“The Emerging Teacher,” “The GTA Who Prefers Research,” and “The Anxious GTA”) that provide insight about GTA and programmatic needs. Q Methodology can provide predictor profiles, or “typologies” that are more usefu (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jennifer Milam Dr. (Advisor); Susan Ramlo Dr. (Advisor); Robert Joel Duff Dr. (Committee Member); Gary Holliday Dr. (Committee Member); John Nicholas Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Education; Teacher Education; Teaching

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2010, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

Teenagers experience feeling of stress, confusion, pressure to succeed, self-doubt, and other fears while navigating their way to adulthood. Teens have common experiences of stress across race, ethnicity and economic background, but there are stressful experiences during the teen years that differ due to the context of the community and school environment. Research related to stress in high-achieving schools is limited. With the increasing pressures of achievement and competition for college entrance, particularly in a community with higher parental expectations and a long standing history of academic excellence, exploring stress through the eyes of those living the experience is needed to understand their experiences, identify the supports that exist to help them cope and initiate additional resources that may be needed to further support their healthy journey through high school and beyond. Photovoice has been an effective method for conducting participatory needs assessments. Students, parents, and high school faculty/staff in a high-achieving, Midwestern, suburban high school were engaged in conducting a participatory needs assessment. Students used a three-round, six-week photovoice project to depict their stressors and coping, whereas parents and faculty/staff participated in focus groups to discuss their perceptions of the high school student stress and coping. The overarching themes related to stress identified by the students, parents and faculty/staff included a sense of belonging and acceptance, time, expectations of school and success, and substance use. The themes related to coping identified by the students included reflections of self and situation, using nature and animals, positive relationships, finding an escape or distraction, and making choices to move on. Students also identified a two-stage process of coping which involved using emotion-focused coping strategies to deal with the stressful situations in the moment and then using problem-focuse (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Amy Bernard PhD (Committee Chair); Judy Murnan PhD, MPH (Committee Member); Mary Brydon-Miller PhD (Committee Member); Lisa Vaughn PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2010, Allied Health Sciences : Genetic Counseling

Despite the advances in genetic testing for hearing loss in recent years, testing for genetic causes is not comprehensive and negative genetic test results leave families with uncertainty regarding etiology, progression, associated medical conditions, and recurrence risk. From a genetic counseling standpoint, this gap in patient care should be assessed in order to provide the patient population with adequate information through educational materials and/or genetic counseling. The goal of the current study is to develop a comprehensive review of the services and materials that are provided, needed and preferred for parents whose children have had negative results from genetic testing for hearing loss. We hypothesize that this parent population would prefer some form of educational material or genetic counseling regarding the results of their child's genetic test. The study was accomplished through qualitative phone interviews of 16 parents and quantitative surveys of 35 healthcare providers involved in hearing loss genetic testing at a large pediatric institution. Both data sets were described individually and compared qualitatively to describe parallels and differences. Our data reveals that parents have a desire for more information regarding the genetic test ordered for their child's hearing loss and that modification of the current practices and provision of educational materials and genetic counseling for this population may improve their understanding and satisfaction with the hearing loss genetic testing process.

Committee: John Greinwald Jr., MD (Committee Chair); Erin Acra MS (Committee Member); John Clark PhD (Committee Member); Judith Johnson (Committee Member) Subjects: Genetics

MEd, University of Cincinnati, 2002, Education : Health Promotion and Education

The content of sexual education in China was not satisfactory according to both students and teachers (Liu, 2001). Most college students thought sexual education in China was too conservative and didn't meet their needs (Wu et al., 1997; Zhang, 2000). Therefore this study was designed to ascertain the opinions of Zhejiang University students on when sexual education should first be provided and the most common sources of sexual information. Further, the study was designed to determine what topics should be included in sexual education classes and the degree of comfort students felt receiving this information. Students were also asked to identify the most effective teaching strategies if a sexual education class were to be offered to Zhejiang University students. Differences between female and male college students regarding attitudes toward sexual education were also examined. A 58-question survey designed by researcher was used in this study. Four hundred and twenty students from Zhejiang University participated in the survey and 392 useful questionnaires were collected. Through statistical analysis, the study found that sexual education in China was neither consistent nor comprehensive. There were significant differences between female students and male students regarding sexual education in the number of topics suggested to be included in the sexual education curriculum, the degree of comfort receiving such education and preference of teaching strategies. There were also differences between female and male participants in the ways of receiving sexual information. Efforts should be made to make sexual education better serve Chinese youth. Sexual education teachers should be aware of the differences between genders and use the most suitable teaching strategies for a given audience.

Committee: Dr. Randall Cottrell (Advisor) Subjects: Education, Health

EdD, University of Cincinnati, 2002, Education : Counselor Education

There has been little empirical research regarding the needs of family members of incarcerated alcohol and drug offenders. The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of family members using a multisystemic model. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES II), the Quality of Life inventory, the Quality of Criminal Justice Services (QCJS) and the Quality of Counseling Services (QCS) self-report scales were administered to 85 family members visiting men incarcerated for alcohol and drug abuse issues in Hamilton County, Ohio. The design was exploratory utilizing correlational comparisons between cohesion, adaptability, family type, quality of life, quality of criminal justice services, and quality of counseling services. Additionally the variables were considered in combination with demographic variables, i.e., gender, race, relationship type, educational level, presence of dependents and interest in counseling. Preliminary findings suggest the sample population scored in the balanced, functional range of family type on FACES II. Respondents indicated general satisfaction with multiple life domains on the Quality of Life inventory. With the exception of financial issues, respondents were least satisfied with counseling and criminal justice services compared to other life domains on the Quality of Life instrument. Pearson Product-Moment Correlations for pairs of variables yielded a statistically significant relationship between quality of life scores and respondents' level of satisfaction with criminal justice and counseling services. A two-way factorial analysis of variance showed a statistically significant relationship between quality of life and gender, while an interaction effect between gender and race was evident on the quality of criminal justice scale. The results suggest Minority males were less satisfied with criminal justice services than Minority females and White females were less satisfied with criminal justice services than White males. I (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Dr. Ellen Cook (Advisor) Subjects: Sociology, Criminology and Penology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2005, Educational Policy and Leadership

It has been commonly accepted that needs assessment (NA) is a process that requires the consensus of multiple groups of stakeholders in planning and setting priorities for programs. Although NA practitioners have been advised to include a variety of stakeholders in the planning process, many assessments conducted to date have utilized only the views of a single group. Even when multiple views are collected, limited research has been done to explore whether the views of different stakeholders are consistent or contradictory, why differences in viewpoint occur, and what factors contribute to such differences. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted to clarify these issues by analyzing the perceptions of different groups regarding retention activities provided by the Ohio Science and Engineering Alliance. The goal of the Alliance is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities (URM) earning Bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Two groups of stakeholders, URM students and faculty/administrators affiliated with STEM were used, representing service recipients and providers. A mixed-method design, containing elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was utilized. A structured survey with a 5-point Likert scale was employed to investigate group perceptions about the importance, satisfaction, and frequency of use of services. Three items with notable group differences were then selected for a follow-up survey in which open-ended questions elicited student and faculty/administrator comments regarding the differences. ANOVA, the Weighted Needs Index, and NUD*IST were employed to analyze the numerical and text data. The major findings were: 1. A consistent descending pattern of the ratings for importance, satisfaction, and frequency of use for OSEA services was observed. No service obtained high values in the needs index. 2. Group effects on perception of a service were detected for some servi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: James Altschuld (Advisor) Subjects: Education, Social Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2005, Natural Resources

The focus of interpretive planning in Korean Naitonal Parks presented herein addresses, but extends beyond, stakeholders' wants and needs (SWAN). Parks, whether natural, cultural, or historical, have resource-dependent criteria or Resource Protection Criteria (RPC), such as maintenance of biological diversity, that must be recognized and protected. Likewise parks are established, governed, and managed by a set of enabling legislation/laws, policies, and guidelines. These are referred to here as Park Management Criteria (PMC). It is in the triangulation and interplay of stakeholders' wants and needs (SWAN), RPC, and PMC that inform the interpretive planning process. Each of these three is very much dependent on the park resources, political context, and stakeholders involved. Actual plans will vary with the data obtained. Data presented in this study were collected to illustrate types of data that can inform the process; they are not intended to explain. The research reported herein addresses developing an interpretive planning model for national parks based comprehensive data rather than solely upon expert opinion. The stakeholder (SWAN) data are triangulated with Resource Protection Criteria (RPC) and Park Management Criteria (PMC) to inform the interpretive planning process. A conceptually based interpretive planning model was developed. The model can readily guide those who try to adapt the model to their park's or park system's interpretive planning. The interpreters at the parks are the primary contact for visitors and the primary source of interpretive information during the program. Applying a stakeholder-based process gives direction to the interpretive field and interpretive planners. Stakeholder feedback serves as a reference point for assessing effectiveness of the park interpretation. This does raise the issue that some limitations inherent in the park management system, i.e. RPC and PMC, cannot be always changed to suit visitor wants. The results of the (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Gary Mullins (Advisor) Subjects: Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife

Specialist in Education, Miami University, 2011, School Psychology

This paper examines the existing literature on school connectedness and establishes the most commonly identified factors, which were then used to analyze the internal reliability of the CASEL Student Needs Assessment. School climate factors and theory are also compared and explored as they relate to the CASEL measure. Internal reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha for both the school climate subscales as well as the school connectedness constructs. Correlations between the seven identified school connectedness constructs were also assessed. Finally, a factor analysis was completed on the CASEL measure. No significant differences in reliability were found using either school climate factors or school connectedness constructs. Additionally, the correlation matrix and the factor analysis confirm the notion of one overall construct, as opposed to seven independent constructs. Theoretical implications of this and subsequent research are explored.

Committee: T. Steuart Watson (Committee Chair); Paul Flaspohler (Committee Member); Michael Woodin (Committee Member); William Boone (Committee Member) Subjects: Educational Psychology

Master of Science, Miami University, 2005, Family and Child Studies

This report is an outline of the research completed to understand whether or not Marines in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeuene, North Carolina are transitioning successfully from combat environment to home environment. A qualitative assessment was used to identify the needs of the Marines who underwent the USMC Warrior Transition program from Operation Iraqi Freedom. This program was designed to address the warriors' needs as they transition from a combat environment to a home environment. An analysis of qualitative interviews was then used to examine whether or not Marines attending Warrior Transition program consider themselves prepared for homecoming challenges post deployment.

Committee: Sally Lloyd (Advisor) Subjects: Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2008, Communication Studies

Communication scholars have acknowledged that racial diversity does not receive adequate examination from organizational communication scholars. This study examined race-related diversity training at a predominantly white Northwest Ohio university from the perspectives of undergraduate African, Latina/o, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American (ALANA) students. Research demonstrates that on predominantly white campuses, ALANA students may face unique challenges that may differ from the experiences of their white peers. However, race-related diversity training programs are frequently developed without assessing the needs of ALANA people. This research used open-ended surveys with 127 ALANA students, audiotape recorded interviews with seven ALANA students, and a diversity training manual. Grounded theory was used to develop themes. The manual themes were compared to ALANA-generated themes to assess whether students needs were being met by the current diversity training program. There were three race-related themes that materialized as unmet needs for the participants. The three unmet needs were assistance with coping with the biases of others; the ability to recognize support and develop richer interpersonal relationships; and the obligation to educate others about ALANA people while simultaneously representing all people from their respective ALANA groups. There were two themes that manifested differently in the manual and student data. These themes were examining natural behaviors and actions and making connections with life experiences. In conclusion, the diversity training activities contained in the manual do not fully meet the needs of ALANA students. This dissertation concludes with a discussion of the findings, implications, and future recommendations.

Committee: Lynda Dixon PhD (Advisor); Milton Hakel PhD (Committee Member); Laura Lengel PhD (Committee Member); Radhika Gajjala PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: African Americans; Communication; Higher Education; Hispanic Americans; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Multicultural Education; Native Americans