Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Sociology

Historically and in the present, immigration looms large in the American consciousness. Today, we find ourselves in a challenging moment, struggling with political polarization alongside key questions about the causes and consequences of immigration. In this contemporary context, I explore the views that Americans hold about immigration, which may in turn impact immigrant integration. I then explore how first, second, and third-generation immigrants experience national and transnational social ties with attention to their health impacts. Broadly speaking, my dissertation seeks to understand how proximity to the immigrant experience is an important marker of group change. Since a large number of Americans are immigrants or have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who are or were immigrants, understanding variability in the ideas or stereotypes that Americans hold with respect to contemporary immigration is crucial to understanding how today's immigrants will be incorporated into the fabric of American life. To that end, I collect and analyze original survey data through the American Population Panel (APP) to first examine variability by generation in how Americans view immigrants in today's climate (Chapter Two). I find that generation is an important predictor of views towards immigration, but generation matters less for how individuals perceive diversity. Next, I use the commentary associated with my original APP survey to understand the thought processes and ideas that respondents invoke when presenting their views of immigration (Chapter Three). I find that oftentimes respondents cannot separate immigration from illegality, with politics, nationalism, and mistrust combining to create archetypes that respondents superimpose on immigrants broadly. Last, I conduct interviews with first, second, and third-generation immigrants in order to characterize the social ties that immigrants hold, how these ties inform their experiences in both the U.S. and in t (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Reanne Frank (Committee Chair); Tasleem Padamsee (Committee Member); Townsand Price-Spratlen (Committee Member); Cindy Colen (Committee Member) Subjects: African Americans; Applied Mathematics; Asian American Studies; Asian Studies; Behavioral Sciences; Behaviorial Sciences; Demographics; Demography; Health; Hispanic American Studies; Hispanic Americans; Mental Health; Political Science; Public Health; Public Policy; Social Research; Social Structure; Sociology

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2020, School Psychology

Anxiety is on the rise in the world today. The American College Health Association (2018) surveyed 31,463 college students and found that 60.9% of the respondents had experienced overwhelming anxiety at some point within the last 12 months. Social media use has become more and more rampant, with research suggesting that the majority of people in the United States use social media in some form. Media literacy, which incorporates the ability to critically assess and interpret digital content, is a topic are that is increasingly becoming of interest with the pervasiveness of technology. The present study examined the relationship between social media use, media literacy, and anxiety in first-year college students. A sample of (n = 82) first-year college students was surveyed to investigate these variables. Results indicated a significant relationship between social media use and anxiety as well as between social media use and media literacy. No significant relationship was found between media literacy and anxiety. Implications for how educational professionals can serve students based on these results are discussed in this paper.

Committee: Elana Bernstein Dr. (Committee Chair); Sawyer Hunley Dr. (Committee Co-Chair); Ronda Scantlin Dr. (Committee Co-Chair) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Continuing Education; Counseling Psychology; Curricula; Demographics; Developmental Psychology; Early Childhood Education; Education; Educational Evaluation; Educational Psychology; Educational Sociology; Educational Tests and Measurements; Elementary Education; Higher Education; Mental Health; Psychological Tests; Psychology; Quantitative Psychology; Social Psychology; Social Research

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2020, Spatially Integrated Social Science

Agricultural runoff from farm fields (specifically dissolved reactive phosphorus) is considered the largest non-point source pollution to Lake Erie and other nearby water bodies leading to algal growth. Previous studies have emphasized that implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural fields reduce pollution to water and soil and increase crop yields. Not all farmers support use of BMPs on their fields. The goals of this dissertation are to 1. identify the spatial distribution of BMPs using Remote Sensing and GIS tools, 2. learn about farmers' perceptions and motivations through a survey and face to face survey, and 3. investigate spatial relationship between practices and attitudes. Conservation BMPs, like cover crops, buffer strips and tillage practice, are mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) and remotely sensed aerial imagery. The results were the visual representation of locations implementing BMPs. The research aggregated farmers' perceptions in Monroe County, MI and the St. Joseph in Ohio - a sub watershed to the Maumee watershed, in relation to the BMPs and Lake Erie's algae bloom. An in-person, semi-structured survey was used to gain insight into social attributes like age group, education level, land ownership and technical attributes such as agricultural practices, land acreage, crop type and motivating factors to use a BMP. Twelve, in-depth interviews on agricultural practices, tile drains and policy implications were conducted in the St. Joseph watershed located in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. A Likert scale and a nominal scale survey questionnaire in Monroe was used to obtain the responses from farmers and open-ended questions were used for farmers in the St. Joseph watershed. Chi square statistical test on the 40 respondents from Monroe County revealed that 17.5% believed that nutrient runoff is not considered a major factor for causing algal blooms in Lake Erie. Forty percent of respondents felt it was likely a problem (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kevin Czajkowski (Committee Chair); Patrick Lawrence (Committee Member); Mary Beth Schlemper (Committee Member); Daryl Dwyer (Committee Member); April Ames (Committee Member); Saatvika Rai (Committee Member) Subjects: Agriculture; Geographic Information Science; Geography; Remote Sensing; Social Research

BS, Kent State University, 2020, College of the Arts / School of Fashion

The fashion industry is driven by the consumer. The introduction of Generation Z to the retail marketplace brings a unique set of consumer preferences and expectations that must be met to ensure a brand's success with this soon-to-be largest living generation. Retail is undergoing a major evolution and research is essential to determine the “how”; how retail is changing and how retailers can adapt for the future. Learning the customer is an essential part of this process. Very few studies have directly asked Generation Z shoppers what they want from the retail environment. Moreover, none were identified that specifically asked fashion students—our future industry professionals—what they want to see from fashion retailers. To address this gap, these representatives of the cohort were specifically chosen for this study because of their curricular focus and first-hand experience in the retail and fashion industry. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of what these educated consumers value most in the customer experience, the advantages and drawbacks of brick-and-mortar retail shopping today and changes they wish to see in the future. Findings of this research will inform initiatives related to technology, products, services and the customer experience that fashion retailers should adopt to meet evolving customer needs and ensure success long-term. Overall, the results supported the literature and added to understanding that Generation Z is not a homogeneous group when it comes to shopping behavior and preferences. The entire fate of retail is based on how well brands can adapt to the changing face of its customer.

Committee: Catherine Leslie (Advisor); Alison Smith (Committee Member); Pamela Grimm (Committee Member); William Hauck (Committee Member) Subjects: Demographics; Marketing; Social Research; Sustainability; Technology

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2018, Journalism (Communication)

For a long time habit has been a blind spot of research on media attendance generally and Internet usage particularly. Especially uses and gratifications approaches have mainly focused on intentional and conscious motives. Psychological research and recent studies on media attendance, however, suggest that habit is an important determinant of media behavior, too. This study set out to examine the role of habit in the use of online news, a medium traditionally associated with instrumentality and information needs. The study draws on social cognitive theory as theoretical framework. Two hundred fifty-nine usable datasets were gathered through an open online survey. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed habit strength as an independent factor. Habit strength had a significant influence on overall usage of online news. It was further correlated to deficient self-regulation, pass time and other self-reactive incentives, and context stability. An exploratory factor analysis tentatively confirmed hypothesized dimensions of online news behavior such as searching, elaboration, use of visual elements, follow-up actions, and distraction. These dimensions, however, lacked internal reliability.

Committee: Michael S. Sweeney (Committee Chair); Benjamin Bigl (Committee Member); Hans-Jo¨rg Stiehler (Committee Member) Subjects: Cognitive Psychology; Communication; Journalism; Mass Communications; Mass Media; Multimedia Communications; Psychology; Web Studies

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2017, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) is an empirically supported therapeutic modality used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It is an important area of research considering there is much research lacking in this area, especially regarding trainee and qualified psychology clinicians' attitudes which are informative in terms of uptake and adherence. This study examined trainee and qualified psychology clinicians' attitudes towards CCBT for use in their future clinical practice, with regard treating those suffering from anxiety and depression. Overall, 31 participants took part in the research, which resulted in 31 completed informed consent forms and questionnaires being returned to the researcher. This data was gathered using an email-based survey and a convenience, voluntary sample, which was comprised of 31 participants with varying employment statuses, who had achieved a minimum of a Masters degree in the counseling/ psychology fields. The survey consisted of quantitative questions such as Credibility and Expectancy Scales (Borkovec & Mathews, 1988) to measure participant's perceptions of CCBT and how likely they were to recommend CCBT to a client, and qualitative questions were used to gather more details regarding their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of CCBT. All participation was voluntary. This mixed-methods survey found results that suggested that participant's attitudes towards CCBT were less than favorable; specifically, results showed low ratings of the logical nature of CCBT, its potential to facilitate successful client outcomes and low rates of probable referral of a client to CCBT. Participants also indicated a lack of knowledge surrounding such programs and their implementation. Qualitative results found that attitudes towards CCBT were less than favorable, and that clinicians' had a lack of information and knowledge about such programs. Further research should examine if these results would be maintained among (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Ron Pilato PsyD (Committee Chair); Bella DePaulo PhD (Committee Member); Kate Cavanagh DPhil, DClinPsych (Other) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Cognitive Therapy; Counseling Psychology; Information Technology; Mental Health; Neurosciences; Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2017, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that has been demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing chronic pain, substance use, and eating disorders, as well as aiding in the treatment of sleep disorders, cancer, and psychological distress. In an effort to enhance the benefits, many contemporary meditation practices have been secularized, focusing on the cognitive, the psychological, and the emotional components, while de-emphasizing the spiritual aspects of meditation. However, spiritual meditation practices also demonstrate benefits, including stress reduction, improved emotional well being, increases in pain tolerance, reductions in mental health symptoms, and increased faith. However, little is known regarding the effects of different types of meditation on the reported achievement of a sense of "spiritual height." Further, it is unclear whether age, gender, or months of meditation practice might be related to achieving spiritual height. The present study was specifically designed to determine whether meditation results in achieving spiritual height, and whether the rates of reportedly achieving spiritual height "many times" or "almost always" might significantly differ by various meditation types, including Transcendental Meditation (TM), Relaxation Response (RR), Mindfulness Meditation (MM), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Christian Devotion Meditation (CDM) and "Other" types of meditation that do not fit into these categories by analyzing an international database of meditators. Survey data (N = 965) were tested using t-tests, chi square, and logistic regression statistics at the p < .05 threshold for statistical significance. Overall, 53% of the total sample reported achieving spiritual height "many times" or "almost always" during meditation, with 62% of MM practitioners reporting experiencing spiritual height "many times" or "almost always." Additionally, one third or more of secular meditation (MBSR and RR) practitioners reported achieving spi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Betsy Bates Freed Psy.D. (Committee Chair); Brett Kia-Keating Ed.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Cassandra Vieten Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychology; Religion; Spirituality

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2015, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Little research has examined the role that loneliness and perceived stigmatization play in the decision to seek mental health services among older adults enrolled in opiate substitution treatment. Researchers studying this at-risk population have called for more studies to examine services that can be implemented within current opiate substitution treatment settings. This study advances research in the field by utilizing standardized self-report measures to examine the relationship between loneliness, perceived stigmatization, and the impact of said variables on the utilization of available mental health services among older adults enrolled in opiate substitution treatment programs. Ninety-four 50-71-year-old adults from an opiate substitution treatment program completed self-report measures querying age, degree of perceived stigmatization, perception of loneliness, and engagement in mental health services. Results indicated that participants who reported feeling greater loneliness and perceived stigmatization were more likely to utilize available mental health services, not supporting the primary hypothesis; however, identifying that participants' experiencing greater difficulty were willing to seek supportive services. A significant relationship was identified between loneliness and perceived stigmatization, supporting a secondary hypothesis regarding the impact of compounding factors experienced by older adults in opiate substitution treatment. This study demonstrated the importance of the availability of mental health services for older adults in opiate substitution treatment settings, particularly targeting those experiencing a higher degree of loneliness and perceived stigmatization. Mental health services may help to alleviate the burden of the complex interaction of substance abuse and aging. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd

Committee: Alejandra Suarez Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Bill Huesler Psy.D. (Committee Member); Douglas M. Kerr Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Aging; Behavioral Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Ethics; Families and Family Life; Health Care; Health Care Management; Psychology; Public Health; Quantitative Psychology; Rehabilitation; Therapy

PHD, Kent State University, 2015, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies

The purpose of this study was to find out what preschool teachers know about the NCTM Process Standards. A 56 item survey instrument was designed to assess, a) teachers' perceived content and pedagogical content knowledge, b) teachers' reported behaviors, and c) teachers' attitudes and beliefs, all regarding the value and importance of the mathematics processes in preschool settings. The recommendation in the literature is that quality mathematics instruction is important in preschool and should include a focus on these processes. There were 217 preschool teachers in the state of Ohio that completed the online survey. Data analysis revealed areas where teachers would benefit from more professional development opportunities. Teachers have some knowledge of the mathematics processes but not a strong knowledge base. They had the most knowledge of mathematical connections and least knowledge of problem solving. A look at reported behaviors revealed that teachers promote representation of mathematical ideas the least, and for attitudes/beliefs teachers are least confident with reasoning & proof and representation. There was a meaningfully significant correlation between teachers' reported behaviors and attitudes/beliefs. Further analyses indicated that teachers with a state teaching license had more knowledge of the processes, particularly for reasoning & proof and representation. Also, work setting did have an affect on teacher behaviors with significant differences found between teachers who work in Head Start programs and teachers in public school settings, with Head Start teachers reporting more frequent behaviors that promote the mathematics processes.

Committee: Anne Reynolds PhD (Committee Chair); Karl Kosko PhD (Committee Member); Karen Kritzer PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Early Childhood Education; Mathematics Education; Preschool Education; Teacher Education

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2011, Higher Education

This study addressed a need for comprehensive quantitative empirical studies to determine the effectiveness of using popular culture media as a teaching technique. A quasi-experimental design was implemented to examine whether a group of community college students taking a first-semester introduction to business course who were exposed to a teaching method incorporating popular culture media (Treatment Group) would have increased levels of knowledge and stronger preferences toward this method versus a group of students taking the same course who were not exposed to this teaching style (Control Group). Specifically, this study examined: (1) Do differences exist relative to student learning; (2) Do differences exist relative to perceived student comprehension; (3) Do differences exist relative to student semester retention; (4) Do differences exist relative to student semester attendance; (5) Do differences exist relative to student interest in the discipline of business; (6) Do differences exist relative to student's interest in taking additional business courses; (7) Do differences exist relative to student satisfaction; (8) Do differences exist relative to student satisfaction between Millennial students and non-Millennial student. The 143 students taking part in the study comprised six intact groups, meaning they selected the days and times of the sections available that appealed to them (non-random samples). Without the students' knowledge, the researcher/instructor arbitrarily selected three sections as the Treatment Groups and three as the Control Groups. Throughout the semester, general business concepts from the course textbook were taught to the Treatment Group using films, television shows, comic strips, and music. The Control Group were taught the same concepts but without the use of any popular culture media. Participants completed Pre-Delivery and Post-Delivery attitudinal questionnaires and took five multiple-choice exams during term. The fit of survey (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: David Meabon PhD (Committee Chair); Mary Ellen Edwards PhD (Committee Member); Angela M. Nelson PhD (Committee Member); Gregory E. Stone PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Adult Education; Business Education; Education; Educational Tests and Measurements; Experiments; Higher Education; Inservice Training; Instructional Design; Mass Media; Pedagogy; Teacher Education; Teaching