Current Search: Donley, Amy (x)
View All Items
(21 - 37 of 37)
Pages
- Title
- Don't do the crime if you can't do a man's time: examining sentencing disparities using offender demographics.
- Creator
-
Rinker, Vanessa, Corzine, Harold, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Looking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level,...
Show moreLooking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level, the number of female offenders often remains about the same (8555 in 2000; 9451 in 2007; and 9302 in 2008). While it is illegal to openly discriminate against a defendant and give them a sentence based on his or her demographics, the laws are written in ways where discrimination can still be allowed. The current research examines the relationship between not only gender, but also looks to education, race, age, and the crime committed to explain this gap in sentencing. Methodology: The data for the current research are from the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC), an annual report comprised of details for every person who entered federal prison in the given year. The current research used data from the year 2016 and includes 67,660 cases. Findings: Findings are supportive of previous research. Whether or not a defendant will receive a sentence is influenced by gender, age, race, education, and offense type. Sex, race, and education also affected the length of the sentence received. Unlike previous studies, age did not appear to be significant when determining the length of a sentence.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007087, ucf:51958
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007087
- Title
- Teachers' Perceptions of Safety Regarding School Shootings.
- Creator
-
Olive, Megan, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, Mustaine, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As a result of high media attention surrounding school shootings in recent years, it may appear that American public schools are becoming dangerous places (Schildkraut (&) Elsass, 2016; Elsass, Schildkraut, (&) Stafford, 2016; Toppo, 2013). Though schools remain to be one of the safest locations for children, various safety measures are discussed and implemented in schools to combat this perceived problem and ensure the safety of school campuses. Discussions of best safety practices spikes...
Show moreAs a result of high media attention surrounding school shootings in recent years, it may appear that American public schools are becoming dangerous places (Schildkraut (&) Elsass, 2016; Elsass, Schildkraut, (&) Stafford, 2016; Toppo, 2013). Though schools remain to be one of the safest locations for children, various safety measures are discussed and implemented in schools to combat this perceived problem and ensure the safety of school campuses. Discussions of best safety practices spikes directly following a school shooting event from relevant parties, such as school administration, law enforcement agencies, parents, and students, (Crawford (&) Burns, 2015; Chrusciel, Wolfe, Hansen, Rojek, (&) Kaminski, 2014) but little existing literature focuses on teachers, more specifically how safe teachers perceive schools to be with regard to gun violence and school shootings. This study seeks to build upon the small body of literature that currently exists on teachers' perceptions of safety and hopes to introduce new opportunities for research in the future. This study is comprised of 212 teachers throughout Central Florida. The results of this research show that while teachers overall feel very safe teaching at their schools, there are areas they believe can be improved upon. Of the safety measures used to prevent and reduce gun violence at schools, program-based safety measures and School Resource Officers make these teachers feel the safest. These perceptions of safety do not vary from one Central Florida county to the next, as most teachers are largely in agreement as to what measures make them feel safe. It was also revealed that most teachers in the sample are also unsupportive of legislation that would allow classroom teachers to carry firearms on school campuses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007698, ucf:52449
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007698
- Title
- Attitudinal Trends in Support for Police Use of Force Before and After Ferguson.
- Creator
-
Dennison, TaShanda, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, Gay, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since the 2014 death of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown by a white Fergusonpolice officer, there has been a string of similar incidents that have occurred in a relatively shortperiod of time. These high profile incidents of police officers using questionable amounts offorce have shaken public trust in law enforcement. Studies have shown that public confidence inlaw enforcement often erodes drastically following heavily publicized, controversial mediareports of police misconduct (Tuch...
Show moreSince the 2014 death of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown by a white Fergusonpolice officer, there has been a string of similar incidents that have occurred in a relatively shortperiod of time. These high profile incidents of police officers using questionable amounts offorce have shaken public trust in law enforcement. Studies have shown that public confidence inlaw enforcement often erodes drastically following heavily publicized, controversial mediareports of police misconduct (Tuch and Weitzer 1997; Weitzer 2002). The current levels ofpublic outrage in response to allegations of police brutality have surpassed the levels of outragethat followed similar, highly publicized incidents in previous decades (Lawrence 2000; Weitzer2015). Scholar suggest that recent events, may have a longer-term impact than those in previousdecades (Lawrence 2000; Weitzer 2002). This study seeks to extend the current literature oncitizens' interpretations of police violence and how, if at all it is impacted by highly-publicizedincident of police misconduct. Specifically, the current research uses a national sample tocompare citizens' endorsement of police use of force before and after the 2014 death of MichaelBrown. Overall, the results from a series of logistic regression analyses found that publicattitudes toward police use of force are multifaceted and are shaped by a variety of individualand contextual level variables. Race/ethnicity was determined to be the strongest predictor ofcitizens' endorsement for police violence. It was also revealed that attitudinal support variesdepending on the situational-context surrounding police/citizen interactions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006992, ucf:51616
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006992
- Title
- THE PERCEPTION OF HOMELESS PEOPLE: IMPORTANT FACTORS IN DETERMINING PERCEPTIONS OF THE HOMELESS AS DANGEROUS.
- Creator
-
Donley, Amy, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study uses two quantitative and two qualitative data sources to determine if homeless people are viewed as dangerous and if they are what factors contribute to this perception. Areas examined are respondent's characteristics, media affects and the perceived rights of homeless people to urban space. Actual levels of perpetration among the homeless are examined to allow for comparisons between perception and reality to be made. Findings showed that race plays a major role in the...
Show moreThis study uses two quantitative and two qualitative data sources to determine if homeless people are viewed as dangerous and if they are what factors contribute to this perception. Areas examined are respondent's characteristics, media affects and the perceived rights of homeless people to urban space. Actual levels of perpetration among the homeless are examined to allow for comparisons between perception and reality to be made. Findings showed that race plays a major role in the perception of homeless peo-ple among whites, while gender is more influential among blacks. There was no rela-tionship between media and perceptions. A negative relationship was found between support of rights of the homeless and the perception that they are dangerous. While the homeless have higher incarceration rate as compared to the poor-but-never-homeless, the crimes for which they are sentenced appear to be non-violent in nature and are of-ten what are characterized as nuisance crimes. Recommendations were made to study actual perpetration rates among the homeless to allow for a more in-depth analysis of criminal involvement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002261, ucf:47846
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002261
- Title
- Damned to Hell: The Black Church Experience for College Educated Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals.
- Creator
-
Andrews, Edwanna, Gay, David, Grauerholz, Liz, Donley, Amy, Matejowsky, Ty, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Despite increased acceptance nationally towards same-sex sexuality, intolerance within the Black Church against those who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) continues to persist. As one of the most important institutions in the African American community, the significance of the Black Church makes the religious experience particularly influential. LGBs frequently experience homonegativity in the Black Church in the form of homophobic laced sermons, Microaggressions, and church...
Show moreDespite increased acceptance nationally towards same-sex sexuality, intolerance within the Black Church against those who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) continues to persist. As one of the most important institutions in the African American community, the significance of the Black Church makes the religious experience particularly influential. LGBs frequently experience homonegativity in the Black Church in the form of homophobic laced sermons, Microaggressions, and church gossip. The stigma LGBs encounter around homosexuality in the Black Church has created a dissonance between their religious beliefs, faith, and sexual identity. This study explores the multifaceted experience of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in Black Church. Drawing from the theoretical frameworks of Patricia Hill Collins' Intersectionality and Erving Goffman's stigma, this research focuses on how the intersections of one's religious and sexual identities is impacted and influenced by stigma experienced within the Black Church. This study is based on 14 in-depth interviews with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who attended the Black Church and reveals the complex relationship LGBs experience trying to integrate their religious and sexual identities. Additionally, participant narratives provides insight into the impact of homonegative stigma sexual minorities experience in the Black Church.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006714, ucf:51890
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006714
- Title
- Factors Contributing to Low Adequate Prenatal Care Rates in Orange County, Florida.
- Creator
-
Daniel, Lauren, Donley, Amy, Hinojosa, Melanie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In 2017, only 56% of births in Orange County, Florida, received adequate prenatal care(-)care that has been shown to prevent maternal and infant death. The Florida Department of Health uses the Kotelchuck Index to determine care adequacy. This index rates care adequacy based on when the mother first receives care, and how many recommended appointments she attends. Prenatal care is rated (")inadequate(") if it starts after the fourth month of pregnancy, and/or if less than half of the...
Show moreIn 2017, only 56% of births in Orange County, Florida, received adequate prenatal care(-)care that has been shown to prevent maternal and infant death. The Florida Department of Health uses the Kotelchuck Index to determine care adequacy. This index rates care adequacy based on when the mother first receives care, and how many recommended appointments she attends. Prenatal care is rated (")inadequate(") if it starts after the fourth month of pregnancy, and/or if less than half of the recommended appointments are attended. Receiving earlier and consistent prenatal care has been shown to be an effective way to improve birth outcomes.In Florida, counties that have low adequate prenatal care rates like Orange County's tend to be less populous and rural. However, Orange County stands out with its large population of 1.3 million and more urban environment; other Florida counties similar in population and environment to Orange tend to have rates like that of the state's, at approximately 70%.The objective of this study is to determine which factors contribute most significantly to prenatal care inadequacy in Orange, Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Pinellas counties; determine the differences between the most significant factors in Orange County and those in the other four counties; and to determine if residing in Orange County in of itself a risk factor for inadequate prenatal care, using logistic regression. By identifying factors that may lead to low adequacy rates, interventions intended to increase care adequacy in Orange County can be better targeted towards populations in need.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007447, ucf:52715
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007447
- Title
- Success Rate of Student Accessibility Services Determined by Students Cumulative Grade Point Average.
- Creator
-
Brown, Christine, Donley, Amy, Koontz, Amanda, Hinojosa, Melanie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: National studies have previously found that those within the disabled population are underserved in regard to healthcare, education, employment and medical access. Historically, the majority of those who are disabled due to this engrained inequality receive government assistance. Multiple laws have been enacted to protect those who fall into this minority such as ADA, section 504 and IDEA. These laws ensure the disabled equal access to employment, public services, education,...
Show moreBackground: National studies have previously found that those within the disabled population are underserved in regard to healthcare, education, employment and medical access. Historically, the majority of those who are disabled due to this engrained inequality receive government assistance. Multiple laws have been enacted to protect those who fall into this minority such as ADA, section 504 and IDEA. These laws ensure the disabled equal access to employment, public services, education, public accommodations and telecommunications. Federally funded departments called student disability services (SDS) are on college/university campuses to ensure equal access and treatment throughout a student's college career. Under the SDS department, students can request accommodations, advocacy, and support throughout their 4- year degree. The purpose of this study is to explore whether student's who utilize the SDS department at the University of Central Florida are earning equivalent or higher GPA percentages in comparison to student's who do not utilize services from the department.Method: I worked along with the SDS department on the University of Central Florida's campus to gather data on current students being assisted by the department without any identifying information from the spring 2018 term. The sample total was 2,569 students who were active with the SDS department. In order to assess this question, an OLS regression analysis will be run to regress each of the variables: ethnicity, sex, diagnosis and academic classification.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007436, ucf:52726
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007436
- Title
- Predicting Gun Ownership in America: Birth Cohort, Political Views, and Attitudes Towards Gun Control Legislation.
- Creator
-
Adams, Jared, Gay, David, Donley, Amy, Corzine, Harold, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With mass shootings occurring with frightening regularity, research into gun ownership behavior is becoming increasingly important for public policy creation and public safety. While extant research tells us that firearm ownership is woven deep into the historical fabric of American culture, scholarship has yet to fully explore predictors for gun ownership. Employing 2015 Pew Research Center political survey data, this study examines the predictive effects of birth cohort, political ideology,...
Show moreWith mass shootings occurring with frightening regularity, research into gun ownership behavior is becoming increasingly important for public policy creation and public safety. While extant research tells us that firearm ownership is woven deep into the historical fabric of American culture, scholarship has yet to fully explore predictors for gun ownership. Employing 2015 Pew Research Center political survey data, this study examines the predictive effects of birth cohort, political ideology, and attitudes towards gun control legislation on gun ownership, with and without controls, using hierarchical binary logistic regression models. The presented models examine three separate cohorts: The Millennials, Generation X, and the Baby Boomers. Findings reveal that Millennials, liberal political ideology, attitudes which stress the importance of controlling, as opposed to protecting, gun ownership are significantly less likely to own a firearm. Furthermore, gender, household income, population density, southern residency, and race were also found to significantly influence gun ownership. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are also discussed. While this research cannot perfectly predict individual gun ownership, it does effectively highlight several important facts to consider. From the fog of media speculation, political grandstanding, and overly simplistic and unwarranted assumptions, the results of this study bring into full view the inherent complexity of American gun ownership.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006706, ucf:51913
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006706
- Title
- Repro, But Make It Fashion: Discourses on Sex, Sexuality, and Reproduction in Teen Vogue Magazine.
- Creator
-
Londono, Estefany, Carter, Shannon, Armato, Michael, Donley, Amy, Bubriski, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
There are many possible sources for youth to become educated about sexuality and reproduction, however the media are cited as particularly powerful and prominent sources of information (Jaworski, 2009). Particularly in an era in which abstinence-only messaging dominates sex education, media become a source to which young people turn and where they receive much of their sex-based messaging. Due to backlash over problematic content that perpetuates gender stereotypes and relays harmful messages...
Show moreThere are many possible sources for youth to become educated about sexuality and reproduction, however the media are cited as particularly powerful and prominent sources of information (Jaworski, 2009). Particularly in an era in which abstinence-only messaging dominates sex education, media become a source to which young people turn and where they receive much of their sex-based messaging. Due to backlash over problematic content that perpetuates gender stereotypes and relays harmful messages about sex and sexuality, some magazines, including Teen Vogue, have attempted to shift towards more feminist-minded content (Keller, 2011, Milkie, 2002). This study is a qualitative critical feminist media analysis that examined the framing of sex, sexuality, and reproduction content in a sample of 60 Teen Vogue articles, an online publication that targets adolescents and young adults. The analysis revealed that overall, articles conveyed positive representations of sexuality, advocating for affirming and evidence-based sex education, self-empowerment through knowledge, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all. However, contradictory frames of sex stigmatization and a reproductive rights framework that advocates primarily for abortion rights were still highly prevalent in the data. Considering media is a significant component of the sexual socialization of youth, Sex Positive framing of sexuality which prioritizes pleasure, healthy relationships and sexual dynamics, and inclusive and affirmative sex education helps to create new narratives in media concerning how sex is viewed. These messages may have positive impacts by creating healthier sexual scripts and becoming dominant narratives in the future. However, articles in the data also utilized fear-mongering tactics that are notoriously used in abstinence-only sex education. These messages aid in further stigmatizing young people not only for having sex but also for not being informed of the potential associated risks, creating a harmful paradox that may counteract the goals of sexual health and sex positivity. Additionally, reproductive rights and reproductive justice messaging and the presentation of policy updates relevant to young readers has the potential to inform and socialize young people to be better informed about sex and sexuality, which may, in turn, lead to greater sexual empowerment. Such messaging may also empower youth activists in a time of political turmoil, connecting teen readers to what is going on around them, and providing concrete actions they can take to create political change. ?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007832, ucf:52815
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007832
- Title
- An Examination of Perceptions and Intentions of Preservice Educators in Title I Settings.
- Creator
-
Kaczmarczyk, Annemarie, Roberts, Sherron, Lue, Martha, Hoffman, Elizabeth, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15...
Show moreWith the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15 total, participated in this qualitative study examining the perceptions and intentions of PSTs who were exposed to course content and field experiences that focused on Title I and CARE students. The PSTs were placed into two focus groups based on the number of times they were exposed to both throughout their undergraduate career. Participants who had one to two episodes of previous exposure comprised the first group. Participants who had three opportunities for exposure (course content, field experience, and/or first internship) comprised the second focus group. All PSTs were completing their final internship with placements in Title I schools. Findings gleaned from the transcripts indicated that stereotypes and previous perceptions of Title I schools and CARE students were positively impacted through their experiences. Throughout their internship semester, all participants used words that denoted respect and understanding for their diverse students and for their beginning challenges to implement instruction. PSTs noted a need for additional preparation in undergraduate courses related to best practice and classroom management within their Title I school settings. Despite challenges, six participants opted to seek employment in Title I schools. Of the remaining participants, five indicated intentions to teach in non-Title I, while four remained neutral. Future related research will focus on creating and providing meaningful experiences for PSTs that lead to positive intentions for teaching in Title I schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007202, ucf:52270
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007202
- Title
- Hurricane Maria: A Qualitative Study of Recently Displaced Students to the State of Florida.
- Creator
-
Cabrera, Esmeralda, Rivera, Fernando, Donley, Amy, Hinojosa, Melanie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Over the past ten years Puerto Rico has been experiencing a severe economic crisis that was worsened when Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017. Maria hit Puerto Rico as a category 4 storm, devastating the whole island and its 3.4 millionresidents. Many students were left with minimal educational choices after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Research on Latino/a students shows that they are met with unique experiences and challenges as they pursue higher education. The current...
Show moreOver the past ten years Puerto Rico has been experiencing a severe economic crisis that was worsened when Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017. Maria hit Puerto Rico as a category 4 storm, devastating the whole island and its 3.4 millionresidents. Many students were left with minimal educational choices after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Research on Latino/a students shows that they are met with unique experiences and challenges as they pursue higher education. The current study uses qualitative data to investigate what are the unique challenges and needs of displaced students from Puerto Rico? and what role does social capital play in confronting and navigating the challenges and needs associated with their transition to a new institutional setting? This study proposes to research the issues that many displaced Puerto Rican college student's face and add to the growing body of knowledge. It is important to understand how these recently displaced students will be affected by leaving behind, economic capital and cultural capital that they had built up in their communities on the island. Participation in the study included 9 participants from a large southeastern university that provided in-state tuition to displaced students for semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results revealed that family support was the main source of support for many of the students. Mentorship support was key in their educational success because the more support and encouragement from faculty led to a better transition. Support from peers was positively associated with a better transition and feeling of acceptance. Higher campus resources were positively associated with a better transition.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007606, ucf:52526
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007606
- Title
- Emotional Labor and Identity Management Among HIV Counselors and Testers.
- Creator
-
Caldwell, James, Anthony, Amanda, Donley, Amy, Gay, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emotional labor, an idea first developed by Arlie Hochschild, became a main component of work developing the field of sociology of emotions. Emotion labor provides a conceptual framework for understanding the outward and inward emotional experiences that are deemed either appropriate or inappropriate during interactions with others, specifically in the workplace. A product and derivation of this emotional labor is carefully outlined display rules. These rules vary from position to position,...
Show moreEmotional labor, an idea first developed by Arlie Hochschild, became a main component of work developing the field of sociology of emotions. Emotion labor provides a conceptual framework for understanding the outward and inward emotional experiences that are deemed either appropriate or inappropriate during interactions with others, specifically in the workplace. A product and derivation of this emotional labor is carefully outlined display rules. These rules vary from position to position, but are often part and parcel of work in the human services sector. This labor can be understood as resulting from the employee's adherence to display rules, which may or may not match the employees' organically felt or perceived emotions at the time. The current study draws from these conceptual frameworks and emotion work typologies introduced by Arlie Hochschild to analyze in-depth, the emotional labor performed by HIV Testers; this study does so through the analytical categories of Bodily Emotion Work, Expressive Emotion Work, and Cognitive Emotion Work. While the current study upholds many conclusions of prior research related to human services, and high rates of emotional labor, this study contributes through introducing the term Emotional Tuning. As based in the dynamic of emotional labor existing between HIV Testers and the patients that they serve, this study puts forth the term Emotional Tuning as the process of one individual scanning or reviewing the emotional state of another. The individual then acts accordingly, based on their interpretation of the other's emotional state, to help influence that emotional state, typically by matching or contrasting with that emotional state. This research contributes by expanding on prior research of emotion work and emotion labor through the specific field of client-based counseling, as there is no known prior research that has delved specifically into the work performed by HIV Testers and the rich experiences had by those delivering HIV results and sexual education, particularly as the emotional labor being studied is not commodified. Such topics as HIV status and sexual health education have been, even recently, overshadowed by stigma. Many Testers in the current study found HIV work to be both the hardest and most rewarding experience of their life. The current study looked closely at the effect that this emotional work had on both the testers interviewed, and the patients they serve and has broad implications for both tester training and client support initiatives.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006274, ucf:51036
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006274
- Title
- 'Til Death Do I Wait: Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Elders on the Meals on Wheels Waiting List.
- Creator
-
Gualtieri, Marie, Donley, Amy, Gay, David, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Food insecurity is not a new phenomenon experienced by elderly persons living in the United States. In a recent report by Feeding America, approximately 4.8 million Americans over the age of 60 are food insecure, which has doubled since 2001, and is 50% higher than in 2007. Due to lack of funding to the program, Meals on Wheels by Seniors First is unable to give meals to seniors in the Central Florida area who are food insecure. Through structured face-to-face interviews, this study examines...
Show moreFood insecurity is not a new phenomenon experienced by elderly persons living in the United States. In a recent report by Feeding America, approximately 4.8 million Americans over the age of 60 are food insecure, which has doubled since 2001, and is 50% higher than in 2007. Due to lack of funding to the program, Meals on Wheels by Seniors First is unable to give meals to seniors in the Central Florida area who are food insecure. Through structured face-to-face interviews, this study examines elders on the program's waiting list and explores how this population obtains food if they are not being served through the program. Findings suggest that seniors on the waiting list are in need of the resource for survival, not convenience. This study has strong implications in which additional funding is needed as the Baby Boomer population ages and the need for food programs increases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005175, ucf:50667
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005175
- Title
- Then and Now: Using Syllabi to Shape the College Classroom.
- Creator
-
Valentin, Jessica, Grauerholz, Liz, Donley, Amy, Anthony, Amanda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While the college classroom has been researched, its climate has received little attention in research. This study analyzes the climate of the classroom using 189 syllabi from various sociology courses. Drawing from data collected by Grauerholz and Gibson (2006) and syllabi from the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), the current study compares college classroom syllabi from two different times periods (pre-2005 and post- 2010) to analyze the frequency of...
Show moreWhile the college classroom has been researched, its climate has received little attention in research. This study analyzes the climate of the classroom using 189 syllabi from various sociology courses. Drawing from data collected by Grauerholz and Gibson (2006) and syllabi from the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), the current study compares college classroom syllabi from two different times periods (pre-2005 and post- 2010) to analyze the frequency of classroom climate statements, the variables that may contribute to the presence of a statement, and common language/themes existent in syllabi that did contain a statement. Results showed a large increase in climate statements between the two time periods. The findings also indicated that compared to post-2010 syllabi, those with climate statements from the pre-2005 sample were more likely to also include a statement showing a sense of collaboration among students. The themes and language used in the statements were very similar, however syllabi after 2010 placed a stronger emphasis on behavioral expectations and contained punitive language. Since syllabi are available the very first day of class, these findings suggest that more instructors believe addressing behavioral expectations and shaping the dynamic of the classroom is important.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006814, ucf:51806
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006814
- Title
- The Religious Beliefs and Behaviors of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Millennials: are there still gender differences?.
- Creator
-
Chase, Jessica, Gay, David, Donley, Amy, Corzine, Harold, Matejowsky, Ty, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The literature describes how changing demographics and cultural factors in recent generations may be contributing to gender differences regarding religion. The present exploratory study uses cross-sectional survey data from the 2012 and 2014 General Social Survey to examine the gender differences in religiosity for Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. The findings show significant gender and demographic results for attendance at religious services, frequency of prayer, belief in the...
Show moreThe literature describes how changing demographics and cultural factors in recent generations may be contributing to gender differences regarding religion. The present exploratory study uses cross-sectional survey data from the 2012 and 2014 General Social Survey to examine the gender differences in religiosity for Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. The findings show significant gender and demographic results for attendance at religious services, frequency of prayer, belief in the Bible as the word of God, and belief in life after death for all three generations. Baby Boomer and Millennial women attend religious services more than men, but there is no gender difference for Generation X. However, Women from all generations pray more than men. For belief in the Bible as the word of God, only Baby Boomer women believe more than men. Finally, Millennial women and Generation X women believe in life after death more than men, whereas there is no gender difference in belief for Baby Boomers. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006282, ucf:51592
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006282
- Title
- Down in the Mouth: Homelessness and Oral Health.
- Creator
-
Kleinberger, Jessica, Wright, James, Rivera, Fernando, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The burden of dental disease in American has been termed a (")silent epidemic,(") affecting the most vulnerable populations in society. Poor oral health has been linked with general health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as decreased mental health and impairments in social functioning. This burden weighs particularly heavy on the homeless, who are not only denied access to private systems of care, but are further rejected by an inadequately supported public safety...
Show moreThe burden of dental disease in American has been termed a (")silent epidemic,(") affecting the most vulnerable populations in society. Poor oral health has been linked with general health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as decreased mental health and impairments in social functioning. This burden weighs particularly heavy on the homeless, who are not only denied access to private systems of care, but are further rejected by an inadequately supported public safety net. Despite the recognition of social inequalities and the call for further scientific research, oral health care has not been extensively recognized within sociology. The aim of this research was to uncover how Central Florida's homeless adults cope with oral health issues in the face of barriers. This study intends to begin closing the gap by exploring the ways in which structural inequalities are embodied in the teeth of the homeless. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in the Central Florida area in regards to their oral health and coping mechanisms. Results indicate that without conventional access to dental care, homeless are forced to rely on emergency departments, alcohol, illegal drugs, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications. When treatment was received, only emergency services were provided. This led to an extraction-denture treatment model which left many homeless individuals edentulous, with continued complications in their ability to eat, work, and talk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005192, ucf:50640
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005192
- Title
- Devising Strategies, Managing Needs: A Multi-Level Study of Homelessness in Central Florida.
- Creator
-
Young, Rebecca, Mishtal, Joanna, Matejowsky, Ty, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The homeless are a marginalized population vulnerable to structural forces and policy decisions, including lack of affordable housing, systemic inequalities, and lack of adequate social safety net. Homelessness is commonly medicalized (linked to individual deviancy and mental illness) by service administrators and policymakers, causing structural causes to be overlooked. A (")vertical slice(") approach is particularly useful to show perspectives and strategies that affect homelessness from...
Show moreThe homeless are a marginalized population vulnerable to structural forces and policy decisions, including lack of affordable housing, systemic inequalities, and lack of adequate social safety net. Homelessness is commonly medicalized (linked to individual deviancy and mental illness) by service administrators and policymakers, causing structural causes to be overlooked. A (")vertical slice(") approach is particularly useful to show perspectives and strategies that affect homelessness from multiple levels.Using ethnographic research methods, this project explores homelessness in Central Florida from three distinct but interrelated angles: (1) the perspective of homeless persons, (2) the perspective of staff members at Hope Helps, a non-profit organization seeking to help the homeless, and (3) the perspective of policymakers. Methods include participant observation at Hope Helps, interviews with people from each group, and policy document analysis. Specifically, I examine how perceptions and discourses of homelessness affect the strategies of these three groups, and ways in which these strategies intersect. Findings demonstrate that while homeless persons view the reasons for their own homelessness as economic, they perceive other people to be homeless for individualized reasons, including the use of medicalization and criminalization. Many perpetuate rhetoric that blames immigrants, minorities, and other poor persons for the lack of assistance services and jobs available. This greatly reduces homeless persons' ability to collectivize, support each other, and protest for change. Staff at Hope Helps also uses individualized discourses, focusing on helping homeless and low-income persons budget resources, rather than working towards systemic change. Policymakers in Orlando, which in 2009 was considered the third (")meanest city(") in the nation due to criminalization measures, are now focusing on a new Housing First approach, though the efficacy of this approach and their motives remain questionable.This research has potential to make politics behind policies affecting the homeless more transparent. It would further identify a common language and interests, which can serve as the bridge between homeless seeking services, and service providers. Thus, results of this research have potential to improve the way services for the homeless are structured, and to inform policy relevant to the homeless in Florida. Further, it contributes to anthropological literature on discourse and neoliberalism, and how discourse can be used to justify particular policy directions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006202, ucf:51115
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006202
