View All Items
(1 - 20 of 68)
Pages
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP, WORKING MEMORY, AND DECISION MAKING IN YOUNG AND OLD ADULT POPULATIONS.
- Creator
-
Merz, Melissa G., Lighthall, Nichole, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Sleep is known to influence basic tasks concerning working memory, reaction time and executive functioning (Silva, Wang, Ronda, Wyatt, & Duffy, 2010; Nebes, Buysse, Halligan, Houck, & Monk, 2009). However, the amount that sleep influences these functions varies from study to study possibly due to differences in age and task design. Aim 1A of this study is to determine if sleep quality affects working memory. Aim 1B of this study is to determine if age affects sleep quality and working memory...
Show moreSleep is known to influence basic tasks concerning working memory, reaction time and executive functioning (Silva, Wang, Ronda, Wyatt, & Duffy, 2010; Nebes, Buysse, Halligan, Houck, & Monk, 2009). However, the amount that sleep influences these functions varies from study to study possibly due to differences in age and task design. Aim 1A of this study is to determine if sleep quality affects working memory. Aim 1B of this study is to determine if age affects sleep quality and working memory in comparison of young and old adult populations. Finally, Aim 2 of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between sleep quality, working memory, and decision making in the younger adults. These aims were researched using a validated and commonly used sleep questionnaire: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In addition, the study utilized an n-back test to measure working memory and executive functioning, and an economic decision task to measure decision making accuracy. Results show that sleep quality did not significantly influence accuracy on an n-back test in either age group, but age was significantly correlated with accuracy on an n-back test in the older adults. The study also found a relationship between working memory performance and complex decision making among younger adults, but this relationship was not modulated by sleep quality. Our findings suggest that self-reported sleep quality is not a strong predictor of working memory or complex decision making, particularly in early adulthood. Future research on this topic may benefit from a more objective measure of sleep quality and from larger samples across different phases of the lifespan.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000210, ucf:46023
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000210
- Title
- USING YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE TO TEACH THE CLASSICS: A STUDY ON PAIRING YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH THE CLASSIC WORKS IN SECONDARY ENGLISH CLASSROOMS.
- Creator
-
Velazquez, Deanna, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Young adult literature is a genre of literature that is often overlooked. Adolescents would greatly benefit from reading young adult novels, academically and also for enjoyment. Educators are not using young adult literature as often as they should in the classrooms as a tool, due to strict curricula. However, young adult literature is a perfect tool for aiding with comprehension of the classic works. Pairing certain young adult books with classics would help adolescents understand the...
Show moreYoung adult literature is a genre of literature that is often overlooked. Adolescents would greatly benefit from reading young adult novels, academically and also for enjoyment. Educators are not using young adult literature as often as they should in the classrooms as a tool, due to strict curricula. However, young adult literature is a perfect tool for aiding with comprehension of the classic works. Pairing certain young adult books with classics would help adolescents understand the classic novel, but also assist in intriguing the student enough to pick up both books. After an online survey given to nine Seminole County school English or Reading teachers, I found that high school teachers today do feel as though young adult literature would benefit the students greatly.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003819, ucf:44732
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003819
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND PERCEPTUAL VARIABLES ON A YOUNG ADULT'S DECISION TO PURCHASE HEALTH PRIVATE INSURANCE.
- Creator
-
Cantiello, John, Fottler, Myron, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Each year the number of uninsured individuals in the United States continues to grow. This unfortunate occurrence creates negative consequences for those who are uninsured, but also for those who are covered by health insurance plans. Through cost-shifting practices, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are increasing the cost of other healthcare services to help subsidize the care they must provide for those who cannot pay for that care. There have been attempts to solve this problem...
Show moreEach year the number of uninsured individuals in the United States continues to grow. This unfortunate occurrence creates negative consequences for those who are uninsured, but also for those who are covered by health insurance plans. Through cost-shifting practices, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are increasing the cost of other healthcare services to help subsidize the care they must provide for those who cannot pay for that care. There have been attempts to solve this problem, but a successful solution has not been implemented. Rather than attempt to study the entire uninsured population, this study seeks to determine precisely why young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are the largest segment of our population that does not purchase health insurance. Socioeconomic status, perceived health, cost, gender, race, and perceived need are all examined in order to determine what type of relationship each one has with a young adult's decision to purchase private health insurance. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze data obtained from the 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. This study is unique because is includes latent variables and examines a variable that is not often included in health insurance studies that exist in the literature, perceived need. The results of the study indicate that being uninsured is largely a matter of having a higher socioeconomic status and being a non-minority. Perceived health, cost, gender, and perceived need were not shown to have a significant relationship with the dependent variable, private health insurance coverage.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002147, ucf:47527
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002147
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN EMERGING ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Bartel, Kendra, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of the current study was to observe how music affects the mood of those who suffer from anxiety and depression and those who do not. While previous research has examined this many of the previous studies have induced either physical pain or mood in participants in order to measure the impact of music. The current study, however, intends to examine how music affects mood without attempting to induce mood in participants. Six-hundred and seventy college students were given a...
Show moreThe purpose of the current study was to observe how music affects the mood of those who suffer from anxiety and depression and those who do not. While previous research has examined this many of the previous studies have induced either physical pain or mood in participants in order to measure the impact of music. The current study, however, intends to examine how music affects mood without attempting to induce mood in participants. Six-hundred and seventy college students were given a questionnaire containing an anxiety questionnaire, depression scale, demographic questionnaire, and music listening questionnaire. Intercorrelations, ANOVAS, as well as linear regressions were performed on the data and results for the study were significant in that music was found to impact participant's anxiety and depression. Results of the current study indicate that participants' preference for alternative music and soundtracks/showtunes impacted their level of depression and anxiety.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004328, ucf:45048
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004328
- Title
- Development of filial obligation in young adults: An examination of crisis and lifespan theory.
- Creator
-
Bassett, Rachel, Paulson, Daniel, Wharton, Tracy, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Formal care institutions are unable to meet care demands. As a result, informal caregivers (friends, family, neighbors) are called upon to fulfill this need. Adult children make up the majority of these informal caregivers. Adult children vary with respect to whether or not they provide care, and the amount of care provided. Filial obligation and attachment are positive predictors of these care behaviors. A better understanding of how these factors emerge and invoke caregiving behaviors is...
Show moreFormal care institutions are unable to meet care demands. As a result, informal caregivers (friends, family, neighbors) are called upon to fulfill this need. Adult children make up the majority of these informal caregivers. Adult children vary with respect to whether or not they provide care, and the amount of care provided. Filial obligation and attachment are positive predictors of these care behaviors. A better understanding of how these factors emerge and invoke caregiving behaviors is crucial. The primary hypothesis of this study was that anxiety attachment dimension score would positively relate to baseline filial obligation, and that avoid attachment dimension scores would negatively relate to filial obligation at baseline. The second hypothesis was that participants randomized to the experimental group (filial challenge task, requiring administration of a living will to their parents) would experience greater change in filial obligation pre- to post-0task than would those randomized to the control group (autobiographical questionnaire). The third hypothesis was that anxious and avoid attachment dimension scores would moderate the (filial obligation) response to the filial challenge task (living will), whereby those with higher anxious attachment dimension scores would experience greater increases in filial obligation and those with higher avoid attachment dimension scores will experience greater decreases in filial obligation. Overall, hypotheses were not supported, though post-hoc analyses suggest an empirical basis for future research. Empirical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. Future work may examine complementary experimental paradigms for studying the development of filial responsibility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007593, ucf:52552
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007593
- Title
- Hope and Low Level Literacy of Haitians in Petit-Go(&)#226;ve: Implications for Hope Theory and Adult Literacy Education.
- Creator
-
Grissom, Donita, Nutta, Joyce, Crevecoeur, Edwidge, Clark, M. H., Ana M. Leon, Ana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This cross-sectional study extended Snyder's Hope Theory (1991) by analyzing the difference in trait hope levels, pathway thinking, and agency thinking of pre-literate (no prior access to literacy) and non-literate (access to literacy, but little or no prior literacy education) Haitian adults. The data were derived from archival records of 135 students enrolled in Haitian-Krey(&)#242;l adult literacy classes in Petit-Go(&)#226;ve, Haiti. Mann-Whitney U results indicated that there were no...
Show moreThis cross-sectional study extended Snyder's Hope Theory (1991) by analyzing the difference in trait hope levels, pathway thinking, and agency thinking of pre-literate (no prior access to literacy) and non-literate (access to literacy, but little or no prior literacy education) Haitian adults. The data were derived from archival records of 135 students enrolled in Haitian-Krey(&)#242;l adult literacy classes in Petit-Go(&)#226;ve, Haiti. Mann-Whitney U results indicated that there were no significant differences in trait hope, pathway thinking, or agency thinking between the pre-literate and non-literate Haitian adults. Both groups reported average trait hope, average pathway thinking, and low agency thinking. Potential implications for adult literacy program and curriculum developers, evaluators, and teachers are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005341, ucf:50480
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005341
- Title
- FALL RISK ASSESSMENT IN COMMUNITY- DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL MIXED METHODS STUDY.
- Creator
-
Dool, MaryAnn, Thiamwong, Ladda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Abstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional...
Show moreAbstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic data sheet, an objective tool: BTrackS Balance Test (BBT), and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: In phase 1, 37% of participants had a high risk for falls assessed by the objective measure (BBT), and about 11% had high concern of fall risk assessed by the subjective measure (Short FES-I). Approximately 32% had congruent results between subjective and objective measures and 68 % presented incongruent results between subjective and objective measures. In phase 2, three themes were generated from the qualitative data :1) Perception and experience on fall risk assessment; 2) Perception of the subjective measure (Short FES-I) and 3) Perception of the objective measure (BBT). Conclusion: Those who have incongruent perceptions of their fall risk and physical abilities are most at risk. Performing fall risk assessment using both subjective and objective measures is critical for developing fall prevention plans, to identify those most at risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000571, ucf:45616
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000571
- Title
- DOES MENTAL STATUS MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY HISTORY AND LIFE SATISFACTION?.
- Creator
-
Payne, Charlotte A, Bedwell, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) history has been linked to damaged cognition and poorer quality of life. While this link has been established, there is not much known about this relationship in older adult populations experiencing normal cognitive decline. In the current study, mental status was predicted to moderate the relationship between TBI history and life satisfaction among older adults. Additionally, details of the injury - years since injury and time spent unconscious - were expected to...
Show moreTraumatic brain injury (TBI) history has been linked to damaged cognition and poorer quality of life. While this link has been established, there is not much known about this relationship in older adult populations experiencing normal cognitive decline. In the current study, mental status was predicted to moderate the relationship between TBI history and life satisfaction among older adults. Additionally, details of the injury - years since injury and time spent unconscious - were expected to play a role in this relationship. Per analyses, there was no relationship found between TBI history, mental status, and life satisfaction. Moreover, there was no link found between time since injury, time spent unconscious, mental status and life satisfaction. While insignificant, these results yield important findings. The results lend support to more positive long-term outcomes for those with a history of TBI than initially expected, especially if the TBI was mild and resulted in no loss of consciousness or a loss of consciousness less than 5 hours.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000475, ucf:45896
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000475
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF CEREBROVASCULAR AGING ON SLEEP QUALITY IN A SAMPLE OF AGING ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Mapp, Chelsea Tia, Paulson, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cerebrovascular burden (CVB) is a significant factor among the aging population. Age-related cognitive decline is an important social and economic issue, and understanding the mechanisms has clinical implications, both in selecting potential therapies and in choosing specific modifiers for their evaluation. In summary, past work suggests that high CVB is one source of variance in neurovascular functioning among older adults. High CVB and associated brain-changes have been identified as causes...
Show moreCerebrovascular burden (CVB) is a significant factor among the aging population. Age-related cognitive decline is an important social and economic issue, and understanding the mechanisms has clinical implications, both in selecting potential therapies and in choosing specific modifiers for their evaluation. In summary, past work suggests that high CVB is one source of variance in neurovascular functioning among older adults. High CVB and associated brain-changes have been identified as causes of age-related changes and it may be that high CVB is a correlate of age-related changes in sleep quality. The primary hypothesis to be tested is that cerebrovascular burden measured using an index variable reflecting blood pressure, resting heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation, will predict subjective sleep quality in a sample of adults over age 70. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A sample of 8 dementia-free, community dwelling participants over the age of 70 completed the study. Though individual cerebrovascular risk factors (blood pressure, resting heart rate) had moderate but non-significant correlations with sleep quality, only the CVB index variable significantly related (1-tailed) to sleep quality. Findings support the hypothesized relationship. Future research should seek to replicate these findings with a larger sample, and to identify mechanisms by which this relationship may function.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000065, ucf:45532
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000065
- Title
- EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Strickland, Amelia, Holladay, Sherry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are connected; therefore this thesis explores the individual and social theories that may give reason for this connection. Theories that are discussed include: the impact of sedentary behaviors on mental health, displaced behavior, sleep interruption due to blue light exposure, social media's effects on romantic relationships, and social media's effects on platonic relationships.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004704, ucf:45405
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004704
- Title
- THE NEXUS BETWEEN COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY AND PREJUDICIAL ATTITUDES IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Germosen, Yerika, Negy, Charles, Lighthall, Nichole, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The mutability of prejudicial attitudes can be elucidated by taking into account the declines in cognition that tend to emerge as we age. This study aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between prejudice towards different ethnic groups and cognitive flexibility throughout adulthood. Ninety-five older adults and 118 younger adults were asked to complete an electronic survey encompassing measures of cognitive flexibility, social desirability, personality, optimism, empathy, ethnic...
Show moreThe mutability of prejudicial attitudes can be elucidated by taking into account the declines in cognition that tend to emerge as we age. This study aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between prejudice towards different ethnic groups and cognitive flexibility throughout adulthood. Ninety-five older adults and 118 younger adults were asked to complete an electronic survey encompassing measures of cognitive flexibility, social desirability, personality, optimism, empathy, ethnic attachment and prejudice. It was hypothesized that older adults would report lower levels of cognitive flexibility and higher levels of ethnic attachment in comparison to younger adults, which would in turn make the inverse relationship between cognitive flexibility and prejudice stronger in older participants. The results did not support the hypotheses predicting that there would be cohort differences in cognitive flexibility and ethnic attachment. As expected, there was a negative correlation between prejudice and cognitive flexibility, but it was only significant in younger adults before controlling for the influence of social desirability. Additionally, regression models predicting prejudice based on cognitive flexibility and ethnic attachment were significant before and after controlling for social desirability, but only in younger adults. Exploratory analyses indicate that the strength of the correlations between all study variables were generally lower in older adults. The findings presented here raise an argument for evaluating how the interplay between prejudice and cognitive flexibility may change in the later stages of life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000497, ucf:45671
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000497
- Title
- OLDER ADULTS AND ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING: RELATING ISSUES OF ATTITUDES, EXPERTISE, AND USE.
- Creator
-
Hernandez, Elise, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The social transition to older adulthood can be challenging for elderly individuals and their families when isolation poses a threat to well-being. Technology is currently providing younger generations with an opportunity to stay in contact with social partners through the use of online social networking tools; it is unclear whether older adults are also taking advantage of this communication method. This study explored how older adults are experiencing online social networking. Specifically,...
Show moreThe social transition to older adulthood can be challenging for elderly individuals and their families when isolation poses a threat to well-being. Technology is currently providing younger generations with an opportunity to stay in contact with social partners through the use of online social networking tools; it is unclear whether older adults are also taking advantage of this communication method. This study explored how older adults are experiencing online social networking. Specifically, this research addressed how older adults' attitudes towards online social networking are related to their expertise in using computers and the internet for this purpose. A survey methodological approach was employed whereby older adults aged 65 and over were recruited from senior centers across the Central Florida area to fill out a series of questionnaires. The Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) was used to measure attitudes and expertise with computers. The Internet Technical Literacy and Social Awareness Scale was used to measure interest and expertise with the internet. The relationship between older adults' use of online social networking and their attitudes and expertise was also investigated. Finally, social connectedness, (measured using the Social Connectedness Scale) and subjective well-being (measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale) were measured to explore whether older adults receive a psychosocial benefit from using online social networking. Findings showed expertise and attitudes scores were strongly correlated, and these scores were also predictive of online social networking use. The results of this study may help social service providers for elderly individuals begin to understand the many factors associated with using new forms of technology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004078, ucf:44786
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004078
- Title
- WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AGE AT MENARCHE ON ADULT HEIGHT RELATIVE TO OTHER KNOWN FACTORS?.
- Creator
-
Kacerosky, Pamela, McIntyre, Matthew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Objectives: To analyze the association between age at menarche, as a measure of sexual maturation, and adult height from ten published studies. Methods: Compared published measurements of age at menarche, adult height, and within-sample relationships observed in ten studies, for women from several societies and socioeconomic backgrounds, living in the 20th century, Results: In these studies, early maturers were taller during pre-puberty, but had shorter adult height then later maturers. Late...
Show moreObjectives: To analyze the association between age at menarche, as a measure of sexual maturation, and adult height from ten published studies. Methods: Compared published measurements of age at menarche, adult height, and within-sample relationships observed in ten studies, for women from several societies and socioeconomic backgrounds, living in the 20th century, Results: In these studies, early maturers were taller during pre-puberty, but had shorter adult height then later maturers. Late maturers experience a longer period of pre-pubertal growth and a delayed age of peak height velocity, leading to an extended overall time of growth, until adult stature was obtained. Conclusions: Improved living conditions and energy balance increase childhood growth rate, and are associated with an earlier puberty, and shorter duration of growth. In developed countries duration of growth may play an increasingly important role in adult stature.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004090, ucf:44803
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004090
- Title
- EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL SERVICES AMONG HOMELESS LGBTQ YOUNG ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Kadel, Fallon, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The goal of this research is to explore what programs and services are being provided at various homeless shelters in the South Florida area that would appeal to homeless clients who self-identify as a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community, if staff and faculty are trained on how to better address LGBTQ specific issues, how often staff receive LGBTQ sensitivity training, what demographic information is being recorded upon client intake and...
Show moreThe goal of this research is to explore what programs and services are being provided at various homeless shelters in the South Florida area that would appeal to homeless clients who self-identify as a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community, if staff and faculty are trained on how to better address LGBTQ specific issues, how often staff receive LGBTQ sensitivity training, what demographic information is being recorded upon client intake and whether or not homeless LGBTQ young adults would feel safe using their facility when receiving social services. Data for this research was collected through brief, confidential telephone interviews with staff members at twenty-five various social service providers throughout the Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties of South Florida. Short interviews were also conducted with two major LGBTQ advocacy groups in Broward and Miami-Dade County. As a result of completing my research, I have found that no shelters in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County provide programs or services that are identified as LGBTQ-friendly. There are a few shelters that are affiliated with the local LGBTQ advocacy groups and will refer LGBTQ clients to these groups for services. Training on cultural diversity is required of all staff members of each social service provider, however in these cultural diversity training sessions, LGBTQ issues are just reviewed and not the main focus of the sessions. In addition to a lack of direct focus on LGBTQ specific issues, these training sessions are infrequent. This research also shows that social services are taking into account demographic information such as race and sex but not really focusing on sexual orientation or gender identity, leaving us with a severe lack of data on where this specific population is going to receive social services. My findings imply that homeless LGBTQ young adults are very limited in where they can go to find LGBTQ-accepting services. Even though all the shelters that were interviewed claimed they did not discriminate against LGBTQ persons, they do not provide and are not affiliated with services or programs that are considered to be LGBTQ- accepting. Based on the research, shelters would rather have clients conform to their pre-existing structure rather than the shelters conforming to the specific needs of the clients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004256, ucf:44910
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004256
- Title
- The Influence of Online Dating on Emerging Adults' Levels of Empathy, Objectification of Others, and Quality of Romantic Relationships.
- Creator
-
Bloom, Zachary, Lambie, Glenn, Taylor, Dalena, Barden, Sejal, Gutierrez, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between emerging adults' intensity of online dating and their levels of empathy, objectification of others, and quality of romantic relationships. This investigation tested the theoretical model that emerging adults' (N = 1,613) intensity of online dating (as measured by the Online Dating Intensity Scale [ODI]) contributed to their levels of empathy (as measured by the Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between emerging adults' intensity of online dating and their levels of empathy, objectification of others, and quality of romantic relationships. This investigation tested the theoretical model that emerging adults' (N = 1,613) intensity of online dating (as measured by the Online Dating Intensity Scale [ODI]) contributed to their levels of empathy (as measured by the Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy [AMES]; Vossen, Piotrowski, (&) Valkenburg, 2015), objectification of others (as measured by the Sexual-Other Objectification Scale [SOOS]), and quality of relationships with romantic partners (as measured by the Relationships Structure Questionnaire [ECR-RS; Fraley, Heffernan, Vicary, (&) Brumbaugh, 2011] and Relationship Assessment Scale [RAS; Hendrick, 1988]). Specifically, the researcher tested the hypothesized directional relationship that emerging adults with greater intensity of using online dating services (e.g., websites and applications) would have (a) decreased levels of empathy, (b) increased levels of objectification of others, and (c) decreased quality of relationships with romantic partners. In addition, the researcher investigated the relationship between emerging adults' demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) and the intensity of their use of online dating services, levels of empathy, objectification of others, and relationship quality with romantic partners.The researcher conducted a thorough review of the literature regarding the constructs of interest in this investigation, providing conceptual evidence and empirical support for the research hypotheses and exploratory research questions. A convenience sample of emerging adult undergraduate or master's level students enrolled in various colleges and universities throughout the United States were invited to participate in this study. The researcher collected data through web-based survey and face-to-face administration. The researcher employed structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses to test the research hypothesis. In order to utilize SEM, the researcher also conducted confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory factor analyses to evaluate the validity and reliability of the assessment data used in the investigation. Additionally, the researcher conducted multiple linear regression, Pearson Product-Moment correlations, Spearman Rank Order correlations, and analysis of variance to analyze the data for the exploratory questions.The results of the structural equation model (SEM) analyses identified that emerging adults' intensity of online dating contributed to their levels of empathy (5.3% of the variance explained) and objectification of others (9% of the variance explained). Furthermore, the results of the analyses indicated a dynamic relationship between emerging adults' levels of empathy and objectification of others. Specifically, emerging adults' level of empathy shared a strong negative relationship with their level of objectification of others (98% of the variance explained). In contrast, emerging adults' level of objectification of others positively related to empathy (59.3% of the variance explained). Lastly, emerging adults' levels of empathy and objectification of others contributed to emerging adults' quality of romantic relationships (64% of the variance explained; 37% of the variance explained respectfully). The researcher compared the findings from the current investigation to previous research and assessed the limitations of this study. The findings from the study have implications for future research, clinical practice, counselor education, and instrument development. Specifically, findings from this investigation provide support for (a) increased clinical awareness of emerging adults' widespread use of online dating services; (b) the incorporation of social communication technology and online dating subjects into CACREP accredited counseling courses; and (c) and insight into the instrument development of the ODI, AMES, and SOOS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006075, ucf:50943
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006075
- Title
- A Senior Water Aerobics Class as a Subculture.
- Creator
-
Halbert, Sarah, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, Anthony, Amanda, Sikorska, Elzbieta, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Although previous research has focused on subcultures among deviant groups, very little research has been conducted on older adults' subcultures or subcultures within exercise settings. Given the lack of research on older and non-deviant groups, the current research study was designed to reveal how a senior water aerobics exercise class is indeed a subculture and provide a rich description of this understudied and unappreciated subculture. Data collection took place at a water aerobics...
Show moreAlthough previous research has focused on subcultures among deviant groups, very little research has been conducted on older adults' subcultures or subcultures within exercise settings. Given the lack of research on older and non-deviant groups, the current research study was designed to reveal how a senior water aerobics exercise class is indeed a subculture and provide a rich description of this understudied and unappreciated subculture. Data collection took place at a water aerobics exercise class at a health club in Central Florida. In the first phase of data collection, ethnographic observations were utilized to identify the social processes in the pool setting. In the second phase of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 seniors to provide a rich description of a water aerobics subculture. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the results revealed that the water aerobics class resembles a subculture with distinctive norms, social roles and rituals. Based on these findings, this study concludes that groups such as water aerobics classes may influence seniors' self-esteem, wellbeing and transition into late adulthood.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005179, ucf:50668
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005179
- Title
- A STUDY OF WHY OLDER PEOPLE 65+ DO OR DO NOT EXERCISE.
- Creator
-
Williams, Nancy McCoin, Rohter, Frank, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACTThis qualitative study uses interviews to examine factors explaining why 20 elderly individuals from a variety of occupations and still living in the community independently did or did not exercise. Within the limits of this qualitative study, the reasons elderly participants gave for avoiding exercise included fear of injury, joint pain, poor health, complications from various degenerative diseases, and a lack of enjoyment of exercise. The reasons for exercising included necessity...
Show moreABSTRACTThis qualitative study uses interviews to examine factors explaining why 20 elderly individuals from a variety of occupations and still living in the community independently did or did not exercise. Within the limits of this qualitative study, the reasons elderly participants gave for avoiding exercise included fear of injury, joint pain, poor health, complications from various degenerative diseases, and a lack of enjoyment of exercise. The reasons for exercising included necessity due to post-heart attack motivation, work-site exercise program or equipment availability, opportunity to habituate work-related tasks, spouse support, history of exercise experience, ability to exercise without injury, enjoyment of family outings, and an appreciation of the enjoyment of exercise.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000015, ucf:46097
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000015
- Title
- MEDIA INFLUENCE ON RISKY DRIVING BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND EMERGING ADULTS.
- Creator
-
Silberman, Kelly, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Within the last few decades there has been an abundant increase in the amount of violent video games and movies shown within the media. Many of these violent video games and movies include reckless driving behaviors or certain car scenarios that engross the viewer into wishing to imitate the actions they see on the screen. With that being said, majority of these viewers are adolescents or emerging adults who are beginning to drive and are prone to replicating what they see as adequate driving...
Show moreWithin the last few decades there has been an abundant increase in the amount of violent video games and movies shown within the media. Many of these violent video games and movies include reckless driving behaviors or certain car scenarios that engross the viewer into wishing to imitate the actions they see on the screen. With that being said, majority of these viewers are adolescents or emerging adults who are beginning to drive and are prone to replicating what they see as adequate driving behaviors. The intent of this thesis is to indicate whether or not the amount of risky driving behaviors an adolescent or emerging adult is exposed to, the more likely they are to replicate these scenarios. Through the UCF Sona system participants answered questions related to risky driving behaviors, safety habits, and how often they viewed or played certain video games and movies. Overall, the results of the study indicate that participants exposed to risky driving behaviors in the media replicate these actions themselves. Further research and results should be taken into effect in order to raise awareness among adolescents and emerging adults who are at their early stages of driving.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004680, ucf:45282
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004680
- Title
- DETERMINING COMMON PATTERNS OF GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH IN EMERGING ADULTS: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS APPROACH.
- Creator
-
Vivier, Helize, Cassisi, Jeffrey E., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emerging adulthood is often-overlooked in current gastrointestinal (GI) health research; however, epidemiological evidence suggests that GI disorders are increasing in this population. The purpose of this study was to first define common GI symptom subgroups within emerging adults and then to characterize these group differences with key biopsychosocial factors encompassing diet, depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as physical and social functioning related to quality of life. A total of...
Show moreEmerging adulthood is often-overlooked in current gastrointestinal (GI) health research; however, epidemiological evidence suggests that GI disorders are increasing in this population. The purpose of this study was to first define common GI symptom subgroups within emerging adults and then to characterize these group differences with key biopsychosocial factors encompassing diet, depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as physical and social functioning related to quality of life. A total of 956 emerging adults from a southeastern US university were surveyed on GI symptoms, psychosocial factors, and demographics. Latent class analysis uncovered three statistically significant GI symptom patterns within the sample identified by the degree of severity: Normal (n=649), Mild (n=257), and Moderate (n=50). This study demonstrated that significant impairment in GI functioning emerges at much earlier ages that are commonly assumed. In addition, these GI symptom levels were associated with important biopsychosocial factors. Assessing GI functioning in emerging adults may provide important insights into understanding the development of FGIDs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000461, ucf:45919
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000461
- Title
- TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE OPTIMAL GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES.
- Creator
-
Hassett, Shannon L, Gonzalez, Laura, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background People with type 1 diabetes make up approximately two million of the American population. Every day, these two million people struggle to fight this lifelong, sometimes life threatening disease. While type 1 diabetes currently has no cure, there are technologies that can make diabetes management more effective. This study surveyed the type 1 diabetes (T1D) young adult population aged 18-30, to evaluate what technologies and tools are most often associated with achieving optimal...
Show moreBackground People with type 1 diabetes make up approximately two million of the American population. Every day, these two million people struggle to fight this lifelong, sometimes life threatening disease. While type 1 diabetes currently has no cure, there are technologies that can make diabetes management more effective. This study surveyed the type 1 diabetes (T1D) young adult population aged 18-30, to evaluate what technologies and tools are most often associated with achieving optimal glycemic control (OGC). Methodology The instrument is a 35 question, investigator developed survey that is designed to measure how often a participant utilizes the technology identified in each question, with the response choices ranging from 0 (never) to 5 (multiple times daily). In addition, there were some yes/no and fill-in-the-blank questions to identify demographic variables. The technology topics that were explored are 1) mode of insulin therapy, 2) mode of blood glucose monitoring therapy, 3) mode of communication with designated care provider, 4) electronic applications used, 5) demographic variables, and 6) pertinent comorbidities. This information was used to evaluate variables that assist T1Ds in achieving optimal glycemic control. Participants were invited to participate in this study via email using the Students with Diabetes email listserv. The email contained the IRB approved explanation of research letter, which informed participants of the study and the research being conducted. If the student chose to participate, they checked a box that served as an electronic signature, and they continued on to the 35-question survey. All responses to the survey will be kept confidential; as the survey and research did not require any personal identifying information. Data regarding the specific demographics, technologies used for diabetes control, and hemoglobin A1C levels were recorded and analyzed. The results of the survey will be shared with the participants via the same email list-serv by which they were originally recruited. Results There were 59 participants. A total of 21 out of 59 respondents had optimal glycemic control (A1C less than 7.0, per American Diabetes Association guidelines). Eighty eight percent of those with OGC wore their CGMs all the time, while only 66% of those with IGC wore their CGMs all the time. Ninety five percent of those with OGC used their insulin pumps all the time, while 89% of those with IGC did. It is likely that the combination of both CGMs and insulin pumps worn all the time are the most powerful tools to achieving OGC. Students that were employed, enrolled in classes, and still under their parent�s insurance plans had a higher incidence of optimal glycemic control. Discussion It was hypothesized that those with OGC would have a higher incidence of diabetes technology use. This PI found that even though almost all participants had access to the diabetes technology, still only 37% of the participants had optimal glycemic control. There are many components to diabetes care that impact glycemic control that were not explored within this scope of this diabetes technology study. Conclusions It is likely that both CGMs and insulin pumps worn all the time are the most powerful tools to achieving OGC. Students who graduate from college and transition to adulthood are vulnerable as they may encounter added stressors such as employment, and financial responsibility that cause them to deviate from the recommendations for diabetes technology use. Care providers need to be cognizant that young adulthood is a vulnerable time in terms of OGC and optimal diabetes management. Providers need to work with young adults, and encourage them to adhere to the recommended diabetes care regime.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000030, ucf:45592
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000030
