View All Items

Title: Water consumption of children in Head Start classrooms.
Creator: Zhang, Bingbing, Culp, Anne, Culp, Rex, Macy, Marisa, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) identifies the importance of water consumption and suggested that children need to consume water each day (IOM, 2011). Head Start Performance Standards requires that the children have free access to drinking water throughout the program day (DHHS, 2016a).The first goal of this study was to identify the quantity of water consumed by children during the program day (8am-2pm). This study employed a person-centered approach to explore the water consumption of the...
Show moreThe Institute of Medicine (IOM) identifies the importance of water consumption and suggested that children need to consume water each day (IOM, 2011). Head Start Performance Standards requires that the children have free access to drinking water throughout the program day (DHHS, 2016a).The first goal of this study was to identify the quantity of water consumed by children during the program day (8am-2pm). This study employed a person-centered approach to explore the water consumption of the children through observations and direct measurement to identify the amount of the water consumed during a program day. Four classrooms from a Head Start center in a southeastern school district were included in the study. A total of 80 children were observed during the program day (8am-2pm) over a period of 8 weeks. Each child was given a water bottle and instructed to drink freely from the water fountain or the water bottle. In the classroom, water intake from the water fountain and water bottles were recorded.The second goal of this study is to examine profiles of the water consumption from both the school and at home. A person-centered approach combined the individual data of water consumption, from both observation and parental reports, to deepen our understanding of the issue. The 80 parents or legal guardians completed a brief survey to provide information on water consumption at home. No statistically significant differences across demographic characteristics were found. However, large to moderate effect size were discovered.The third goal of the present study was to compare the usage of the sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs) with the national Head Start Faces data 2009 (DHHS, 2017). The current study group had statistically significant difference in consumption of those sugary sweetened beverages. The current study concluded that the water consumption of the children in Head Start classrooms are far less that recommended level. Suggestions on how to increase water consumption were made based on observed behaviors of children across four classrooms. Policy changes regarding water consumption is suggested to increase the water consumption.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007270, ucf:52201
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007270

Title: ACCULTURATION FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Desir, Suzeline, Quelly, Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and...
Show moreChildhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and lifestyles, has been shown to be associated with the increased obesity rate among immigrant children and adolescents. Understanding the association between acculturation factors and CO is necessary to effectively combat obesity among children and adolescents in immigrant populations. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the association of acculturation factors on the prevalence of CO among U.S. immigrant children and adolescents. Only articles that examined CO and at least one aspect of acculturation were included in this review. Twelve articles meeting the criteria were retrieved from CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Academic Search Premier, and ERIC. The review identified the following acculturation factors to be associated with CO: parental immigration factors, child immigration factors, country of birth, generational status and primary home language, parental level of acculturation, and CO related lifestyle practices. There is modest evidence to suggest that a combination of acculturation factors is associated with increasing CO rate in immigrant populations. This review enhances the knowledge and awareness of public and pediatric healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions that promote healthy weight in immigrant children and adolescents at increased risk for obesity.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004776, ucf:45357
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004776

Title: SELF-EFFICACY AND COPING IN TRANSITION OF CARE AFTER REMISSION OF CANCER IN ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: McDonnell, Leah M, D' Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The improvement in cancer remission rates in children and adolescents due to advances in cancer treatment and therapy has led to the development of guidelines that address long-term follow up for survivors of childhood cancers. Adolescents often experience negative emotions related to the fear of uncertainty about long-term survival after cancer remission, yet often report feelings of hope and optimism for the future more than adult cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to...
Show moreThe improvement in cancer remission rates in children and adolescents due to advances in cancer treatment and therapy has led to the development of guidelines that address long-term follow up for survivors of childhood cancers. Adolescents often experience negative emotions related to the fear of uncertainty about long-term survival after cancer remission, yet often report feelings of hope and optimism for the future more than adult cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of self-efficacy and coping in adolescents after remission of cancer. A secondary purpose was to analyze which coping strategies supported long-term survival goals after cancer remission in adolescent populations. A systematic literature review was conducted from the following online databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature On-line (MEDLINE), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsycInfo. Selected articles included those published between 2000-2016 that were written in English and were peer-reviewed. The results of the study revealed that most adolescents with cancer remission do not experience long term psychosocial issues related to their cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, a large percentage of adolescent cancer survivors report intermittent depression, suicidal ideation and a lower quality of life due to survival after remission. The literature indicates that multiple, integrative forms of behavioral therapy: cognitive, psychosocial, and family based treatment models, help to enhance long term quality of life in adolescent cancer survivors. Strategies that use positive coping methods and improve self-efficacy related to long term survival after remission have demonstrated improvement in psychosocial behaviors in adolescents and promote a better outlook on planning for the future. Future research that analyzes the most effective coping skills to practice after cancer remission and that optimize self-efficacy related to long term survival can positively influence quality of life for adolescent cancer survivors.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000049, ucf:45552
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000049

Title: THE EFFECT OF NURSING INTERVENTIONS AND HEALTH PROMOTION ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW.
Creator: Mageloff, Grace N, Decker, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States that has short-term and long-term health consequences for the children affected. Nurses are patient advocates and are responsible for speaking up for the patient; in the pediatric population, a nurse must act as an advocate on behalf of the child. The purpose of this literature review is to look at different barriers to nursing interventions in regard to childhood obesity. A literature review was done by using different databases,...
Show moreChildhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States that has short-term and long-term health consequences for the children affected. Nurses are patient advocates and are responsible for speaking up for the patient; in the pediatric population, a nurse must act as an advocate on behalf of the child. The purpose of this literature review is to look at different barriers to nursing interventions in regard to childhood obesity. A literature review was done by using different databases, with 11 articles having similar themes and interventions used. The main themes from the literature review were parental willingness and involvement in weight loss strategies with their child, a lack of training for nurses in the area of childhood obesity, and a lack of standardized assessment methods for charting and tracking children's weight status. The research suggests that the more involved a parent is, the more successful the child's weight loss will be. Additionally, an overall lack of training in health promotion was noted among nurses alone with a feeling of discomfort when speaking to parents and children about the child's weight, indicating a need for further education in health promotion techniques. Finally, articles did not commonly use a standardized assessment method to track weight status in the pediatric population, making cross-examination of different result difficult and points to a need for a standardized measure that is as objective as possible, such as a body fat percentage measure.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000466, ucf:45818
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000466

Title: EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF LEARNING MATHEMATICS FOR A CHILD WITH CANCER: A CASE STUDY.
Creator: Bello, Elizabeth M, Nickels, Megan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this research report, I utilize interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2009) to examine the mathematics education experiences of a child with cancer. Two qualitative interviews with a 13-year-old male patient with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and his mother were analyzed. Findings revealed several storylines or themes: living with cancer, environmental barriers, and mathematics in virtual school. Grade level mathematics, content knowledge, and delivery during treatment...
Show moreIn this research report, I utilize interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2009) to examine the mathematics education experiences of a child with cancer. Two qualitative interviews with a 13-year-old male patient with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and his mother were analyzed. Findings revealed several storylines or themes: living with cancer, environmental barriers, and mathematics in virtual school. Grade level mathematics, content knowledge, and delivery during treatment in comparison to the child's healthy peers are also discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000250, ucf:46003
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000250

Title: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFICACY OF THE TEXT TALK STRATEGY ON PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS' VOCABULARY ACQUISITION.
Creator: Batchelder, Heather, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT Using a single subject Multiple Baseline design, this study examined the efficacy of the Text Talk vocabulary acquisition strategy with regard to the use of new vocabulary by pre-kindergarten students in an inclusive classroom within a public charter school. Five pre-school students participated in the study. Students with varying exceptionalities as well as students with typical development were included in the study. Three classroom teachers implemented the Text Talk strategy...
Show moreABSTRACT Using a single subject Multiple Baseline design, this study examined the efficacy of the Text Talk vocabulary acquisition strategy with regard to the use of new vocabulary by pre-kindergarten students in an inclusive classroom within a public charter school. Five pre-school students participated in the study. Students with varying exceptionalities as well as students with typical development were included in the study. Three classroom teachers implemented the Text Talk strategy utilizing eight books and vocabulary scenario models during an interactive story time that included the direct instruction of vocabulary in the study. During the baseline and intervention phases data collection occurred during story time and during a word chart activity. Data were collected as to whether the participants used the new vocabulary when prompted and demonstrated the meaning of new vocabulary during activities embedded in the direct instruction of vocabulary within the context of story time. A pre and post assessment was utilized during baseline and following the intervention. The data suggest that all participants exhibited an increase in the use of new vocabulary and demonstration of meaning of new words during story time. The increase in scores from the pre assessment to the post assessment may indicate that immersion in activities with new vocabulary and opportunities to represent the new words phonologically may have led to the acquisition of new vocabulary by all student participants. The teachers perceived the implementation to be effective and manageable within the classroom setting.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002345, ucf:47780
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002345

Title: The Contribution of Adult Attachment Style on the Experience of Posttraumatic Growth Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
Creator: Nelson, Kristina, Hagedorn, W. Bryce, Lambie, Glenn, Jones, Dayle, Xu, Lihua, Foster, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between adults' attachment styles and perceived impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with their experience of posttraumatic growth. This investigation tested the theoretical model that adults' (N = 292) attachment styles as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short Form ([ECR-S] Wei et al., 2007) and impact of childhood sexual abuse as measured by the Impact of Event Scale-revised ([IES-R]...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between adults' attachment styles and perceived impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with their experience of posttraumatic growth. This investigation tested the theoretical model that adults' (N = 292) attachment styles as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short Form ([ECR-S] Wei et al., 2007) and impact of childhood sexual abuse as measured by the Impact of Event Scale-revised ([IES-R] Weiss (&) Marmar, 1997) contributed to their experience of posttraumatic growth as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory ([PTGI] Tedeschi (&) Calhoun, 1996). Specifically, this investigation tested the hypothesized directional relationship that adult survivors of CSA scoring in the insecure attachment range (i.e., avoidant or anxious) with higher levels of trauma would have lower levels of posttraumatic growth. In addition, this investigation examined the differences in relationship between adults' attachment styles, perceived impact of CSA, and posttraumatic growth based on their reported demographic information (e.g., age, race, and gender). The results of the structural equation model (SEM) analyses identified that trauma experienced by adult survivors of CSA contributed to 39% of the variance in the attachment style (p (<) .000; standardized coefficient = .63), and the mediating effect of attachment style contributed to 8% of the variance in the presence of PTG (p (<) .05; standardized coefficient -.31), while trauma showed to have no significant influence on the presence of PTG in this sample (p = .756). Implications of the findings from the study include insight (a) for counselors to better understand the experiences of adult survivors of CSA and areas to address in treatment; (b) for counselor educators to better prepare future counselors to work with adult survivors of CSA; and (c) insight into the instrument development of the ECR-S, IES-R, and PTGI.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006696, ucf:51919
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006696

Title: Perceptions Influencing School Nurse Practices to Prevent Childhood Obesity.
Creator: Quelly, Susan, Covelli, Maureen, Bushy, Angeline, Norris, Anne, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Approximately one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese with increased risks for numerous physical and psychosocial comorbidities. Schools are ideal environments to address this serious health crisis and school nurses are uniquely positioned qualified healthcare providers to actively participate in childhood obesity prevention (COP). A review of the literature provided findings to identify a gap in the knowledge regarding the association between school nurse COP...
Show moreApproximately one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese with increased risks for numerous physical and psychosocial comorbidities. Schools are ideal environments to address this serious health crisis and school nurses are uniquely positioned qualified healthcare providers to actively participate in childhood obesity prevention (COP). A review of the literature provided findings to identify a gap in the knowledge regarding the association between school nurse COP perceptions and practices. A modified theoretical framework based on Bandura's health promotion by social cognitive theory guided this study. The purpose of this study was to identify the key perceptions (self-efficacy, perceived benefits and perceived barriers) influencing school nurse participation in COP practices and determine associations between school nurse characteristics and COP perceptions and practices. Preliminary research was conducted to determine content validity for modified perception scales, clarity of instructions and questions, data collection and retrieval procedures, and refinement of recruitment strategies. Adequate reliability and validity was determined for modified scales measuring school nurse self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and COP practices targeting individual children (child-level) and the entire school population (school-level). Florida RN school nurses (n = 171) completed self-administered anonymous questionnaires from an emailed weblink or a paper version offered at two Florida Association of School Nurses conferences. School nurses with characteristics reflecting more education engaged in more COP practices (p (<) .05) than those without education-related characteristics. School nurses with (>) 8 hours of COP education reported higher COP self-efficacy than those with none (p (<) .01). Linear regressions showed that a model comprised of self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers significantly explained 12.0% of the variance in child-level practices (p (<) .001) and 9.1% of school-level practices (p (<) .001). Self-efficacy explained the most variance of school nurse child-level and school-level practices (p (<) .001), and perceived barriers were inversely associated with child-level practices (p (<) .05). Four series of regressions showed that only perceived barriers partially mediated the influence of self-efficacy on child-level practices. Data analyses indicated self-efficacy and perceived barriers were key determinants of school nurse COP practices. Therefore, policy changes and educational interventions to increase self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers may be effective in mobilizing school nurses to actively engage in COP practices.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004585, ucf:49188
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004585

Title: Childhood Predictors in the Severity of Combat Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans with Combat Related Exposure.
Creator: Bermes, Michael, Abel, Eileen, Burg, Mary, Steen, Julie, Johnson, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Emerging research suggests that childhood adversities may increase both the risk and symptomology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our veteran population. Over 40% of our reintegrating military veterans return with significant mental health issues led by combat-related PTSD. PTSD impacts veterans in numerous areas including unemployment, increased criminal justice involvement, increased treatment costs, divorce, co-morbid mental illness, greater levels of domestic violence,...
Show moreEmerging research suggests that childhood adversities may increase both the risk and symptomology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our veteran population. Over 40% of our reintegrating military veterans return with significant mental health issues led by combat-related PTSD. PTSD impacts veterans in numerous areas including unemployment, increased criminal justice involvement, increased treatment costs, divorce, co-morbid mental illness, greater levels of domestic violence, homelessness, high college dropout rates, suicide, and long term health problems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of childhood adversities (abuse, neglect, and poverty) upon the severity of combat-related PTSD in veteran populations. Specifically, the researcher examines the direct effects of: (1) childhood trauma; (2) childhood neglect; and (3) childhood poverty (as assessed based on socioeconomic status [SES]) upon the severity of combat-related PTSD. This study of student veterans (n=102) receiving services from a veteran service center at a major metropolitan university in Central Florida is a non-experimental, explanatory, retrospective survey design using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the relationships among study variables. Findings strongly supported a relationship between childhood trauma and neglect and the severity of combat-related PTSD. Similarly, findings also supported that no relationship existed between childhood SES and the severity of combat-related PTSD. Both childhood trauma and neglect were significantly associated with combat-related PTSD at an even greater effect than that of combat exposure. SES was not found to be significant in the severity of combat-related PTSD. The findings suggest that preventive screening policies to reduce costs and severity of combat-related PTSD might be needed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004815, ucf:49739
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004815

Title: ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PRE-PREGNANCY WEIGHT STATUS AND/OR GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND OBESITY IN OLDER CHILDREN.
Creator: Hammond, Marisa P, Quelly, Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood obesity is a global health concern that puts children at risk for developing serious health complications. With increasing rates worldwide, it is important to determine how to decrease its prevalence and promote prevention in future generations. Emerging evidence indicating that pre-pregnancy weight status and/or gestational weight gain (GWG) may be linked with overweight/obesity in children. Much of this body of research focused on weight status of offspring at birth and at...
Show moreChildhood obesity is a global health concern that puts children at risk for developing serious health complications. With increasing rates worldwide, it is important to determine how to decrease its prevalence and promote prevention in future generations. Emerging evidence indicating that pre-pregnancy weight status and/or gestational weight gain (GWG) may be linked with overweight/obesity in children. Much of this body of research focused on weight status of offspring at birth and at preschool age. The purpose of this study is to: (1) analyze the research findings regarding obesity in children 5 to 18 years and their mother's pre-pregnancy weight status and/or GWG, and (2) make recommendations for prevention based on a review of current research. A database search of CINAHL, Medline, ERIC and PsycInfo was conducted. A total of 14 articles were identified based on their relevance to key search terms and meeting criteria. This literature review indicated support for associations between an underweight/overweight/obese pre-pregnancy weight status combined with greater than recommended total GWG and higher overweight/obesity in older children and adolescent offspring. Findings also supported the associations between pre-pregnancy weight status with high GWG during early pregnancy and increased offspring overweight/obesity. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obese weight status of mothers was the single factor consistently found to be strongly associated with risk for overweight and obesity in children 5 to 18 years of age. Results of this review support the need for further education, interventions, and policies aimed at healthy nutrition for women during and prior to pregnancy to prevent childhood obesity.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000160, ucf:46019
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000160

Title: THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE.
Creator: Merkley, Melissa J, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101 women) who completed five questionnaires assessing exposure to ACEs; psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance misuse behaviors. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations among the variables of interest. Exposure to ACEs was a significant predictor of substance misuse behaviors in both men and women. Additionally, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of men's substance misuse behaviors, whereas only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of women's substance misuse behaviors. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD each contributed unique and significant variance to the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors in men, consistent with partial mediations. A different pattern of prediction was evident for women. Such findings suggested that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD may serve as a risk factor for substance misuse behaviors in men later in life, especially when they have had a history of ACEs. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed mental health care to remediate negative substance outcomes, particularly in those who have had significant ACEs. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000557, ucf:45609
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000557

Title: An Exploratory Analysis of a Five Minute Speech Sample of Mothers of Children with Selective Mutism.
Creator: Kovac, Lisa, Culp, Anne, Hundley, Gulnora, Szente, Judit, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Selective mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder wherein children have difficulty speaking or communicating when they are uncomfortable, is relevant for the early childhood population as symptoms often manifest upon school entry (Steinhausen (&) Juzi, 1996) and early treatment leads to better treatment prognosis (Oerbeck, Stein, Wentzel-Larsen, Langsrud (&) Kristensen, 2014). Bergman, Gonzalez, Piacentini and Keller, (2013) utilized an integrative behavioral treatment for children (ages 4-8) with...
Show moreSelective mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder wherein children have difficulty speaking or communicating when they are uncomfortable, is relevant for the early childhood population as symptoms often manifest upon school entry (Steinhausen (&) Juzi, 1996) and early treatment leads to better treatment prognosis (Oerbeck, Stein, Wentzel-Larsen, Langsrud (&) Kristensen, 2014). Bergman, Gonzalez, Piacentini and Keller, (2013) utilized an integrative behavioral treatment for children (ages 4-8) with SM and reported a 75% treatment responder status after 24 weeks of therapy. Their mothers are the focus of this study.This exploratory study examined the content of Five Minute Speech Samples at baseline and end of treatment condition for 9 mothers whose children had participated in the randomized controlled trial. Via a content analysis of language samples, this study examined emergent themes and a priori codes of Expressed Emotion (a construct associated with a variety of disorders) and parental overcontrol (a construct associated with the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders). Results revealed five categories of content expressed by mothers: (a) child characteristics (b) child's activities, (c) relationships with others, (d) difficulties other than SM, and (e) thoughts related to SM. Analysis revealed mothers who had children with SM had higher levels of expressed emotion and emotional overinvolvement than samples of mothers of children without SM. The implication of this finding is unknown and is a direction for future research. Overcontrol was overtly present in one mother and subtle in other mothers. Levels of expressed emotion largely remained unchanged over the course of treatment. Overall, information garnered from giving mothers the five minutes speech sample provides insight for therapists to design intervention. Giving the mothers a chance to discuss their views and experiences with their children is valuable in determining the behavioral and emotional support they need as they parent their child with SM.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007033, ucf:51990
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007033

Title: Evidence of Lives.
Creator: Cummings, John, Bartkevicius, Jocelyn, Rushin, Patrick, Neal, Mary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Evidence of Lives is a novel that deals with themes of childhood abuse, mental illness, and alienated families. The book opens with the main character, forty-two-year-old Mark Barr, who has returned home from New York to West Virginia after eleven years for his older brother Steve's funeral. Steve, having died of a heart attack at forty-six, was mentally ill most of his adult life, though Mark has always questioned what was (")mentally ill(") and what was the result of their father's verbal...
Show moreEvidence of Lives is a novel that deals with themes of childhood abuse, mental illness, and alienated families. The book opens with the main character, forty-two-year-old Mark Barr, who has returned home from New York to West Virginia after eleven years for his older brother Steve's funeral. Steve, having died of a heart attack at forty-six, was mentally ill most of his adult life, though Mark has always questioned what was (")mentally ill(") and what was the result of their father's verbal and physical abuse during their childhood. When Mark discovers that there is to be no funeral, but a cremation without service, he calls his girlfriend, an attorney back in New York, who tells him he has a (")legal responsibility(") to voice his brother's oral will. Just nights before his death, Steve called Mark and conveyed his last wishes to be buried, not cremated. The book unfolds into an odyssey for Mark to discover love for his brother posthumously in a loveless family. Evidence of Lives is a portrait of an oldest brother's supposed mental illness and unfulfilled life, as well as a redeeming tale of a youngest brother's alienation from his family and his guilt for abandoning them.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004530, ucf:49248
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004530

Title: Enriching Students With Developmental Delays in an Early Childhood Classroom Using iPads With Mathematics Applications.
Creator: Powell, Selma, Dieker, Lisa, Little, Mary, Cross, Lee, Culp, Anne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Laws and legislation related to early childhood and special education have shaped the field and impacted the need for early intervention services, but the outcomes of those services both academically and socially at the forefront. Children with developmental delays today are eligible for school services beginning at birth across the country, the new challenging is determining the impact of services on the social and academic outcomes. Many children with developmental delays are served in...
Show moreLaws and legislation related to early childhood and special education have shaped the field and impacted the need for early intervention services, but the outcomes of those services both academically and socially at the forefront. Children with developmental delays today are eligible for school services beginning at birth across the country, the new challenging is determining the impact of services on the social and academic outcomes. Many children with developmental delays are served in inclusive early intervention classrooms. A need for developmentally appropriate quality mathematics instruction exists to prepare students to meet the demands of a global economy; students must demonstrate mastery of core subjects, such as mathematics, along with skills in information and communication technology (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009). To promote mathematics achievement technology should be infused in instruction. Data were collected through a variety of sources including: student records review, TEMA-3 test scores, researcher's observation field notes, transcripts from student exit interviews, teacher interviews pre and post data collection, and parent questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Atlas-ti and was triangulated from the various data sources. Inter-observer agreement was obtained for all the results. Researcher observations occurred for 19 days in a pre-kindergarten inclusive classroom. The data were analyzed to identify themes for the four individual cases as well as two overarching themes as it related to the investigation of utilizing handheld technology for mathematics instruction in an early childhood education setting.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004584, ucf:49197
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004584

Title: THE MEMORY OF FORGOTTEN THINGS.
Creator: Metz, Brittany, Poindexter, Carla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis investigates my lack of childhood memories and documents how my artwork stands in as a substitute for that lost memory. The first part of the thesis analyzes my early life and influences; the second part analyzes my art making and process. The narrative style of writing is intentionally autobiographical to mimic the narrative style and structure of the thesis installation. My upbringing, interests, creative process, access to materials, and inspiration are fully explored. The...
Show moreThis thesis investigates my lack of childhood memories and documents how my artwork stands in as a substitute for that lost memory. The first part of the thesis analyzes my early life and influences; the second part analyzes my art making and process. The narrative style of writing is intentionally autobiographical to mimic the narrative style and structure of the thesis installation. My upbringing, interests, creative process, access to materials, and inspiration are fully explored. The impact my early life has on my current work is evident. Real memory is combined with created memory in the thesis multi-media installation. I wish to transport the viewer into the dreamlike space I have constructed with found objects and multi-media materials by offering an immersive experience into my world.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003649, ucf:48814
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003649

Title: EXAMINING THE GENERAL QUALITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND STRUCTURAL VARIABLES IN SUPPORT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD INCLUSION IN BEIJING, CHINA.
Creator: Hu, Bi Ying, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary purpose of this study was to (a) explore the global quality of early childhood programs within the Chinese socio-cultural context, and (b) examine the effects of teachers' years of experience, degree, major, and class size on teachers' perceptions of developmentally appropriate practices, inclusion, and training needs in order to provide services for children with disabilities in regular classrooms. The researcher completed observations in 40 early childhood classrooms...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study was to (a) explore the global quality of early childhood programs within the Chinese socio-cultural context, and (b) examine the effects of teachers' years of experience, degree, major, and class size on teachers' perceptions of developmentally appropriate practices, inclusion, and training needs in order to provide services for children with disabilities in regular classrooms. The researcher completed observations in 40 early childhood classrooms using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R). Results from classroom observations revealed that the global quality of the early childhood learning environment was between minimum and good. Areas that were in need of improvement included materials, time for free play, and provisions for children with disabilities. In addition, 276 teachers from 12 inclusion pilot kindergartens in Beijing completed 3 surveys. Teachers' responses to the developmentally appropriate practices survey revealed a gap between teachers' self-reported developmentally appropriate beliefs and activities. Further, MANOVA results indicated that both class size and years of teaching experience contributed to the differences between teachers. In surveying teachers' inclusion perceptions, MANOVA results suggested that only class size contributed to the differences between teachers. A discriminant function analysis was performed as a follow-up procedure to determine which of the independent variables contributed most to group differences. Moreover, the researcher found that no variables made a difference to teachers' perceived training needs for inclusion. Implications of current study findings for teacher preparation, future research, and policy formation will be discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002699, ucf:48216
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002699

Title: Childhood Maltreatment and Mother-Young Child Attachment: Examining Interactions among Attachment, Depression, Reflective Functioning, Parenting Behaviors, and Young Children's Outcomes in Mothers with Histories of Childhood Maltreatment.
Creator: Khan, Maria, Renk, Kimberly, Paulson, Daniel, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although previous research identified mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment as exhibiting an especially heightened risk for attachment difficulties with their own young children, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship have been lacking. Thus, the current study introduced mothers' depressive symptoms and the novel construct of reflective functioning as potential mediators to help explain the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment as exhibiting an especially heightened risk for attachment difficulties with their own young children, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship have been lacking. Thus, the current study introduced mothers' depressive symptoms and the novel construct of reflective functioning as potential mediators to help explain the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure (i.e., anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) mother-young child attachment. The current study included a community sample of 146 mothers with children who ranged in age from 1(&)#189;-to 5-years. Mothers provided ratings of their own childhood maltreatment experiences, attachment with their young children, depressive symptoms, reflective functioning, parenting behaviors and attributions, and young children's problems. Correlational analyses displayed significant associations among the variables of interest. Additionally, mediational analyses indicated that mothers' depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure mother-young child attachment. Given that mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences failed to predict reflective functioning, the mediational role of reflective functioning was unsupported. Further, mothers' reflective functioning mediated the relationship between mothers' depressive symptoms and patterns of mother-young child insecure attachment. Finally, hierarchical regression analyses showed that mothers' adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms uniquely predicted their young children's internalizing and externalizing problems. These data suggested that the psychological consequences resulting from adverse childhood experiences may be more damaging to mothers' attachment with their young children than mothers' adverse childhood experiences alone. Moreover, these findings suggested that mothers' depressive symptoms and reflective functioning work together in predicting mother-young child attachment. Altogether, these results demonstrated the importance for promoting trauma-informed parenting interventions for facilitating secure emotional connections between mothers and young children, especially in mothers with childhood traumatic experiences themselves.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006753, ucf:51860
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006753

Title: An Analysis of Robot-Assisted Social-Communication Instruction for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Creator: Donehower, Claire, Vasquez, Eleazar, Dieker, Lisa, Marino, Matthew, Correa, Vivian, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Social and communication deficits are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and impact an individual's ability to be a full participant in their school environment and community. The increase in number of students with ASD in schools combined with the use of ineffective interventions have created a critical need for quality social-communication instruction in schools for this population. Technology-based interventions, like robots, have the potential to greatly impact students...
Show moreSocial and communication deficits are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and impact an individual's ability to be a full participant in their school environment and community. The increase in number of students with ASD in schools combined with the use of ineffective interventions have created a critical need for quality social-communication instruction in schools for this population. Technology-based interventions, like robots, have the potential to greatly impact students with disabilities, including students with ASD who tend to show increased interest and engagement in technology-based tasks and materials. While research on the use of robots with these learners is limited, these technologies have been successfully used to teach basic social-communication skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a social-communication intervention for young children with ASD that is rooted in evidence-based practices and utilizes a surrogate interactive robot as the primary interventionist. This study utilized a multiple baseline design across behaviors to determine the impact of the robot-assisted intervention on the manding, tacting, and intraverbal skills of four, 3-year old students with ASD. The researchers found that this intervention was effective in increasing the rate of all three the target behaviors.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006736, ucf:51852
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006736

Title: Childhood Trauma, Reflective Functioning and Attributions, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Parenting Competence: What Happens When the Traumatized Child Grows Up and Becomes a Mother?.
Creator: Cunningham, Annelise, Renk, Kimberly, Paulson, Daniel, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research documented the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived parenting competence. Further, previous evidence supported the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of early exposure to trauma. To build on these previously noted relationships, the present study examined the relationships among reflective functioning and attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence, with self-efficacy serving as a mediating variable. Specifically, this study...
Show morePrevious research documented the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived parenting competence. Further, previous evidence supported the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of early exposure to trauma. To build on these previously noted relationships, the present study examined the relationships among reflective functioning and attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence, with self-efficacy serving as a mediating variable. Specifically, this study sought to focus on the cognitive variables associated with mothers' perceived self-efficacy and parenting competence and how those variables interact differently when early exposure to trauma is present. As part of this study, a national community sample of 126 culturally diverse mothers of young children who were between the ages of 1(&)#189;- to 5-years rated their own reflective functioning, attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence as well as their young children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Correlational analyses showed significant relationships among the variables of interest. Further, mediation analyses indicated that, for the overall sample, mothers' self-efficacy mediated the relationship between both mothers' reflective functioning and attributions and perceived parenting competence. Interestingly, a varying relationship among reflective functioning was found among mothers with a trauma history in comparison to the total sample. Additionally, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that, for both samples, mothers' reflective functioning, attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence collectively predicted young children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Lastly, through an auxiliary hypothesis, a curvilinear relationship was identified between mothers' perceived self-efficacy and parenting competence. Overall, this study contributed information regarding the importance of self-efficacy as a mechanism through which reflective functioning and attributions may potentially be related to perceived parenting competence. Accordingly, these findings suggested that mothers' perceptions about their own abilities may be a potentially important point of intervention.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006092, ucf:51191
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006092

Title: Mothers' Temperament, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Psychological Symptoms: How Are Enduring Maternal Characteristics Related to Mothers' Perceptions of Children's Temperament, Behavior Problems, and Adaptive Functioning?.
Creator: Kolomeyer, Ellen, Renk, Kimberly, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Extant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective...
Show moreExtant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective functioning and attributions serving as two potential mediating variables in these relationships. A community sample of 224 diverse mothers of young children who were between 2- to 5-years of age rated their own adverse childhood experiences, temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, specific parenting behaviors, satisfaction with their maternal role, and psychological symptoms. Additionally, mothers rated their children's temperament, behavior problems, and adaptive functioning. Statistical analyses were conducted on the overall sample as well as on a subsample of participants who reported a high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Correlational analyses indicated a variety of significant relationships among the variables of interest. Next, mediational analyses indicated that mothers' attributions mediated the relationship between mothers' temperament and parenting behaviors in both the overall sample and the subsample of mothers who reported high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Further, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that a number of maternal characteristics predicted young children's outcomes. Overall, this study identified unique predictors of mothers' parenting behaviors and of mothers' perceptions of the outcomes experienced by their young children. Most importantly, this study highlighted the importance of serving families as a whole when wanting to provide lasting improvements to individual and family functioning through intervention services.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006130, ucf:51167
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006130

childhood (7)	+ -
childhood obesity (5)	+ -
early childhood (5)	+ -
Childhood (3)	+ -
Parenting (3)	+ -

children (3)	+ -
memory (3)	+ -
nursing (3)	+ -
Early Childhood Education (2)	+ -
Young Children (2)	+ -
adulthood (2)	+ -
cancer (2)	+ -
child (2)	+ -
childhood cancer (2)	+ -
childhood sexual abuse (2)	+ -
depression (2)	+ -
diet (2)	+ -
early childhood education (2)	+ -
gender roles (2)	+ -
mathematics (2)	+ -
military (2)	+ -
narrative (2)	+ -
poems (2)	+ -
poetry (2)	+ -
Acculturation (1)	+ -
Activity Trackers (1)	+ -
Adolescents (1)	+ -
Adverse Childhood Experiences (1)	+ -
Archetype (1)	+ -
Art (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (31)	+ -
Honors Collection (11)	+ -

University of Central Florida (42)	+ -
Culp, Anne (5)	+ -
Quelly, Susan (5)	+ -
Renk, Kimberly (5)	+ -
Sims, Valerie (4)	+ -

Cross, Lee (3)	+ -
Levin, Judith (3)	+ -
Szente, Judit (3)	+ -
Abel, Eileen (2)	+ -
Bartkevicius, Jocelyn (2)	+ -
Boote, David (2)	+ -
Decker, Jonathan (2)	+ -
Dieker, Lisa (2)	+ -
Foster, Jennifer (2)	+ -
Hagedorn, W. Bryce (2)	+ -
Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie (2)	+ -
Lambie, Glenn (2)	+ -
Macy, Marisa (2)	+ -
Norris, Anne (2)	+ -
Paulson, Daniel (2)	+ -
Poindexter, Carla (2)	+ -
Price, Mark (2)	+ -
Stap, Donald (2)	+ -
Thaxton, Terry (2)	+ -
Williams, Lana (2)	+ -
Albers-Biddle, Laura (1)	+ -
Barden, Sejal (1)	+ -
Batchelder, Heather (1)	+ -
Beidel, Deborah (1)	+ -
Bello, Elizabeth M (1)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner