Threat Stress Appraisals Moderate the Relationship Between Social Support and Degree Commitment

College of Professional Studies

We examined the role of social support and perceptions of stress in predicting college students' degree commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students high in threat appraisals tend to interpret stressors as harmful or anxiety-inducing. These negative dispositional perceptions of stress are linked to lower motivation. Meanwhile, greater social support is related to greater college persistence, although students’ ability to cope can mitigate the beneficial effects of social support. We found support for a moderating effect of threat appraisals on the relationship between social support and degree commitment. Implications for student success and the importance of reappraisals are discussed.

Threats Mediate the Relationship Between Contact and Same-Sex Marriage Attitudes

College of Professional Studies

This study examines a mediating relationship between positive contact, perceived threat, and same-sex marriage. We hypothesized that perceived threat, both symbolic and realistic, mediates the relationship between positive contact and attitudes toward same-sex marriage. Findings indicate that positive contact relates to more positive attitudes toward same-sex marriage and in turn, less realistic and symbolic threat. For instance, if an individual had more positive contact with a gay acquaintance then they were less likely to believe that the legalization of same-sex marriage would threaten such things as their religious freedom (symbolic) or financial well-being (realistic).

TIBIAL ACCELERATION AND EMG DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISOCALORIC HIGH-INCLINE WALKING AND LEVEL-GRADE JOGGING

Taj Krieger, School of Applied Health Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This study will aim to determine the effects of high-incline exercises on impact forces (tibial acceleration) and various muscle activation metrics, including peak force, the area under the curve, and fatigue parameters between isocaloric exercises: walking at a high incline and jogging on level grade.

Too close for comfort: The impact of group entitativity on perceptions of group warmth and competence

College of Professional Studies

This research examines group type (intimacy, task, and social category) affect and its interactions with entitativity, the degree of cohesion between group members and their perceptual and cognitive bonds (Lickel et al., 2000; Campbell, 1958). Previous research suggests highly entitative groups are stereotyped differently based on their group membership compared with groups low in entitativity (Crawford et. al., 2002; Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2007). We found that ratings of warmth and competence were similar for intimacy groups and social categories, but task groups were seen as more competent than warm. Overall, a group’s degree of warmth is perceived differently depending on its type.

Tough Girls: Exploring Nonverbal Behaviors of Females at Rock Shows

College of Professional Studies

Because females have historically been socially and physically discouraged from participating in such events. It is important to examine effective nonverbal behaviors which promote gender inclusion in this setting. Utilizing a literature review and observation of the behaviors of females who attend rock music performances, this project describes community efforts to provide safety for female audience members through nonverbal communication and observations support the perceived female inhibition to participate equally to males in such an environment.

Traditional Storytelling

College of Professional Studies

My community project addresses the tradition of oral history through storytelling. There are many families who do not have storytellers within them and can’t pass traditional stories on to their children. I have been working with an individual to create a Native American children’s storybook. I have gathered data through analyzing local transcripts, articles, and books. Traditional stories have a vital role in culture, community, identity, and wellness. Since time immemorial, storytelling has been a form of passing down traditions, values, and history. These stories not only provide education but is a coping mechanism to the changes that have come over the years. (Walter & Gearhart, 2008)

Training and Continuing Education Manual for In Home Supportive Services

College of Professional Studies

This project is the creation of a training and continuing education manual for In Home Supportive Services, social workers. Gaps and barriers in training will be assessed through a survey to current staff. Results will be analyzed and considered in the development of new training materials. A variety of learning methods, as well as information on working with culturally diverse populations will be considered in the creation of the manual. The intended purpose of this project is to create equitable services to the clients, as well as providing extra education and resources to reduce burnout and turnover of staff.

Transition Age Youth Community Project

Robert Grady, Social Work Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This was a community project developed with The Transitional Age Youth Program of Humboldt county, which serves youth 16-26 that our houseless and/or have been in the foster care system. This program has an emphasis on working with youth that identify as LGBTQIA2S+. Our community project sought to bridge the gap that queer youth can experience when accessing gender affirming healthcare in rural areas.

Tri-Mindful: resilience, (re)indigenizing, renewal

College of Professional Studies

Tri-Mindful is a community wellness event that will raise money for our Mother (Earth) and our Sisters (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women). The mindfulness triathlon will consist of: 3k fun run/walk or 5k race, grounding exercise, and a guided meditation. The event will culminate to a space with Indigenous artists, speakers, and activities. By partnering with Seventh Generation Fund, our aim is to promote: (1) social, economic, and environmental justice for sovereign Tribal communities; (2) community wellness; and (3) holistic healing through the Indigenous traditional contemplative practice.

Twelve-Hour Nursing Shifts and the Impact on Patient Safety

Jaimi Wisner, Nursing Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Twelve-hour shifts for nurses have become increasingly popular due to the perceived benefits, including a way to fight nursing shortages. However, recent evidence suggests that twelve-hour shifts may negatively affect patient safety. Therefore, this project argues for creating a new policy for nurses to work eight-hour rather than twelve-hour shifts. The project examines the evidence regarding the impact of twelve-hour shifts on patient safety, nurse fatigue, and avoidable errors and discusses the benefits of eight-hour shifts. This project advocates for a change towards shorter work hours for nurses to improve their productivity and increase patient safety.