2018 Theses and Dissertations
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Item A biomechanical comparison of successful and unsuccessful triple-turn pirouette en dehors trials in ballet(1/9/2019) Kim, Jemin; Kwon, Young-HooPirouette en dehors is a turn in which the dancer's body rotates and completes at least one full revolution with one foot on the floor. It is considered difficult to learn and perform in classical ballet. The purpose of this study was to identify biomechanical kinetic differences between the successful- and unsuccessful-trials groups in triple turn pirouette en dehors motion. It was hypothesized that the successful trials group would have larger longitudinal whole body angular momentum (AM), pivoting moment (PM) and ground reaction force moment (GRFM) than the unsuccessful trials group. Forty skilled collegiate or professional classic ballet dancers (11 males and 29 females) were recruited for this study. The participants were divided into two groups based on their successful and unsuccessful trials. Selected variables were computed through a seven-camera (Qualisys-three-dimensional) motion capture system (250 Hz) and two force-plates (Kistler-2500Hz), with 48 reflective markers. The data was imported into the Kwon3D (5.0) motion analysis software for subsequent data processing. Three MANOVA (SPSS 25.0) were used to compare the dependent variables between successful trials group and unsuccessful trials group conditions (each MANOVA was set p < .025). The first MANOVA was completed to compare all primary variables. The second MANOVA was performed to compare expannatory variables. The peak longitudinal AM, AM generation rate, and peak combined PM, gesture foot PM at TPM (time of peak PM) and gesture foot horizontal GRF at TPM were significantly different between the successful- and unsuccessful-trials groups. The successful trials group was characterized by larger whole body longitudinal AM, AM generation rate and peak PM, meaning this group demonstrated superiority in the generation of angular motion. The unsuccessful trials group had an inefficient double-to-single stance phase for the kinetic variables which caused unsuccessful triple turn pirouette en dehors motion. While peak PM is lower for the unsuccessful trials group, a loss of whole body AM and AM rate creates a failed motion. Kinetics plays a major role in the performance of the triple-turn pirouette en dehors. Further investigation to compare kinematic variables for successful- and unsuccessful- trials group is warranted.Item A comparison of a school district's music curriculum and ensemble directors' expectations of preparedness within a feeder pattern(7/23/2018) King, Kelli R; Youngblood, PamelaThe purpose of this study was to compare the level of ensemble directors’ expectations of musical knowledge and skills of their students entering 5th, 7th, and 9th grade in schools within a district feeder pattern. The researcher-designed survey was based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the grade level students had completed the previous year. Participants (N=51) included elementary music specialists and intermediate, middle, and high school band and choir directors employed by a large suburban school district. Band and choir directors and elementary specialists had similar expectations for 3 out of 15 (20%) musical concepts for incoming 5th graders. Band and choir directors had similar expectations for 6 out of 17 (35%) musical concepts for incoming 7th graders and 4 out of 11 (36%) musical concepts for incoming 9th graders. These results suggest that the district could benefit from greater vertical collaboration.Item A comparison of music literacy scores between 6th and 7th grade band and choir students in relationship to practice regimen, private instruction, ensemble membership, and student/teacher ratio(6/20/2018) Burton, Stephanie R; Baker, Vicki D.; Woolery, Danielle; Thomas, PaulThe purpose of the study is to compare the development of music literacy skills between 6th and 7th grade band and choral students and determine what factors lead to higher achievement. Data were collected while surveying 5 middle school choir and band directors and collecting scores from their district’s benchmark test that they administered to their 24 ensembles/classes at the beginning and the end of the Fall semester to measure their students’ musical literacy. Results showed that the five groups with the highest gains in scores were four 6th-grade band classes (bassoon, trumpet, percussion, clarinet) and one 7th-grade band. Among these five groups, 100% were required to practice outside of class hours, 80% had a student/teacher ratio of 13:1 or less, and 60% had students that were either selected or auditioned. Thirty-eight percent of the combined membership of the five groups were enrolled in private lessons.Item A comparison of the impact of curriculum on the perceived level of self-determination in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities(1/2/2019) Guthrie, Terry Mike; Pemberton, JaneHigher levels of perceived self-determination (SD) in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often correlate to improved post-school outcomes in education, employment, independent living, and relationships. It is imperative that instructional practices used with students with IDD address the behaviors and skills that a person must possess to be self-determined. This study used a quasi-experimental design to measure the perceived level of self-determination (SD) and the four essential characteristics of self-determined behavior and skills: autonomy, self-regulation, psychological empowerment, and self-realization in 18 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The curriculum used was Life Centered Education (LCE) (Wandery, Wehmeyer & Glor-Scheib, 2013). Results of the study revealed statistically significant differences in self-regulation interpersonal cognitive problem-solving norm sample and self-regulation interpersonal cognitive problem-solving positive scores between participants with an intellectual disability compared to those with a developmental disability. Additionally, there were significant differences in mean scores between disabilities in all four essential characteristics of self-determination.Item A content analysis of 10 scholarly journals from 2007-2017: What has been written about long term African American married couples(12/20/2018) Chism-Nicholas, Edna; Armstrong, Joyce; Gillum, NerissaThe purpose of this study was to examine what has been written about long term African American marriages in 10 selected scholarly journals. Marriages greatly impact multiple domains and relationships in the African American community. There is a multitude of marital research in many social science fields. However, there is a lack of literature as it specifically relates to African American long-term couples. Due to the lack of literature in this field it would benefit social science professionals, especially family therapists, to learn more about these relationships. In this study the researcher utilized a quantitative and qualitative approach to explore the literature, identifying themes found in the journal articles. The major themes discovered were Spirituality, Cultural issues, Equity, and Family. The Journal of Black Studies had the largest number of articles on the topic with 4 of 3,877 (0.00103%) articles being relevant to the research topic. Recommendations for future research were suggested.Item A content analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles: How is mindfulness applied in couples therapy in the mental health field?(5/2/2018) Runge, Lori J.; Ladd, Linda; Brock, Linda J.; Muro, JoelABSTRACT LORI J. RUNGE M.S. A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES: HOW IS MINDFULNESS APPLIED IN COUPLES THERAPY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH FIELD? March 2018 The rationale behind this study is to understand how mental health professionals currently use and apply mindfulness in couples therapy. This study was guided by two primary research questions: “Since 2000, how are mindfulness interventions and techniques applied in couples therapy in the mental health profession with relationship to understanding variables such as well-being, empathy, self-esteem, and emotional regulation?” and “How have researchers explored and expanded the usefulness of mindfulness in evidenced based research journals specific to couple therapy in the mental health profession with particular examination on relationship satisfaction?” This study included articles retrieved from peer reviewed scholarly research journals with emphasis on the mental health profession. Articles that were published between 2000-2017 with content pertaining to mindfulness in couples therapy were retrieved for analysis. There were 13 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles that met the final criteria for inclusion in this study. The coding procedure began by developing a coding form to assist the coding team in analyzing the collected data. The final sample of 13 articles were then coded for relevant information applicable to mindfulness in couples therapy. Three major themes emerged from the coding process; mindfulness was found to have a positive effect in relationship satisfaction, emotional reactivity and acceptance and awareness. These themes give insight into how mindfulness is being applied and used in the mental health field in couples therapy. The potential benefits of mindfulness on relationships have only recently begun to be explored. The results of this content analysis have multiple implications for researchers to add to the understanding and application of mindfulness in the mental health profession with emphasis on the benefits of mindfulness in regard to relationships. In summary, mindfulness is not just a tool or technique, it is a way of being (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Shapiro and Carlson (2017) stated that, “Mindfulness is both a process (mindful practice) and an outcome (mindful awareness)” (p. 10). Understanding that mindfulness has tools and techniques that can be taught to individuals and couples to benefit their lives can be confusing due to the fact that there is not a definitive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the positive changes reported in research study results. Blending ancient philosophies of the East into the Western world of modern science is indeed encircled with challenges; and yet the possibilities of bringing these two epistemologies together creates enormous potential and opportunities to diminish the suffering of clients in the mental health profession.Item A qualitative study: African Americans' perceptions of family therapy and treatment(5/30/2018) Billingsley, Dauphine L; Armstrong, Joyce; Brock, Linda J.; Norton, Aaron, Ph. D., LMFTThe purpose of this qualitative study was to examine and explore African Americans’ perception of family therapy and treatment as it pertains to key barriers of service utilization. Specifically, the study examined the role that culture plays on the lack of service utilization as well as how cultural factors shape the attitudes and beliefs of African Americans regarding mental health, family therapy and treatment. In addition, this study was designed to link historical and present day ecological systems that continue to impact the African American community. Three separate focus groups were utilized to explore the research question that guided this study: How do African Americans perceive family therapy and treatment? 18 African Americans, 25 years of age and older discussed their perceptions, attitudes and beliefs regarding family therapy and treatment. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Six themes emerged; cultural understanding, cultural barriers, cause of mental strain, coping mechanisms, cultural support, and cultural communication. Findings support previous research that highlight the uniqueness of African Americans and the important role that culture plays on treatment seeking behaviors. Suggestions for overcoming barriers and future research are discussed.Item A rhetorical analysis of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia(8/31/2018) Joshi, Giribala; Fehler, Brian, 1976-In this thesis, I analyze Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica in the framework of Aristotle’s theories of rhetoric. Despite the long-held view that science only deals with brute facts and does not require rhetoric, we learn that science has its own special topics. This study highlights the rhetorical situation of the Principia and Newton’s rhetorical strategies, emphasizing the belief that scientific facts and theories are also rhetorical constructions. This analysis shows that the credibility of the author and the text, the emotional debates before and after the publication of the text, the construction of logical arguments, and the presentation style makes the book the epitome of scientific writing. Through this analysis, I discover the significance of rhetoric science and how it helps us understand science as a subject and how it can be used for the benefit of society.Item A unified framework for addressing sexual minority stress in psychotherapy(11/15/2017) Gargurevich, Milagros; Harris, Jeff E.Sexual Minority Stress (SMS) is a persistent concern for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. SMS has been studied extensively as an important factor in health disparities between LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Within the literature of psychology, the conceptual framework of SMS is well established, including a good understanding of the mechanisms through which sexual minority stressors affect mental health. In contrast, ideas about treatment of SMS are preliminary and fragmented in the literature. While there has been some discussion in the literature about how to address SMS treatment, clinicians do not have a comprehensive model of psychotherapy that addresses the biological/physical, cognitive, affective, behavioral, cultural, and interpersonal/systemic factors that are affected by and affect SMS. Given the high prevalence of mental health disorders among the LGB community and the high rate at which LGB individuals seek psychotherapy, scholars have noted a strong need for the development of a comprehensive model to address SMS in psychotherapy. The author of this dissertation used a critical literature review to construct a unified framework for the treatment of SMS in psychotherapy. Current literature was reviewed in order to identify propositions about causes and consequences of SMS, hypotheses about treatments, and operational definitions of interventions. Specific treatment interventions validated in general populations were adapted to LGB clients. Lastly, a five-step unified treatment planning method was developed. The author of this dissertation lays the theoretical groundwork for developing a treatment manual that can be tested using applied research methods.Item Acculturation, civic engagement, and help-seeking behaviors in the Latinx community(1/9/2019) Sierra, Josefina; Porras Pyland, ClaudiaThis research study examined the impact of civic engagement and acculturation on the help-seeking behaviors of Latinx individuals living in the United States as well as examine civic engagement as a mediator between acculturation and help-seeking behavior. The likelihood of engaging in help-seeking behaviors is related to race and inversely related to acculturation, with White individuals and more acculturated Latinx individuals engaged in more help-seeking behaviors than less acculturated Latinx individuals (Sabina, Cuevas, & Schally, 2012b). Civic engagement entails a similar process as acculturation by forming social networks within a community and is typically less present in the Latinx community. A demographic form created by the researcher, the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II, Civic Engagement Scale, the Digital Citizenship Scale, the researcher-created Informal Help-Seeking Questionnaire, and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help were administered through an online survey in PsychData. Ninety participants completed the survey of whom 90% identified as women and 10% identified as men. A series of regression analyses was used to analyze the hypotheses on acculturation, civic engagement, and help-seeking behaviors. Based on the results, it appeared that there is no significant positive relationship between acculturation and help-seeking behaviors for Latinx individuals. Civic engagement and acculturation did not appear to have a statistically significant positive relationship therefore, civic engagement was not shown to be a mediator in the relationship between acculturation and help-seeking behaviors. Limitations and implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.Item Accuracy of water delivery in enteral nutrition pumps(10/3/2018) Toth, Erin Jade; Patterson, Mindy A.Background: Adequate delivery of both enteral formula and water in patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) is critical in illness recovery and maintaining hydration status. Pump malfunction has recently been identified as a factor that impedes enteral formula delivery, however rarely is inadequate enteral water delivery investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the accuracy of delivering 1 L of water by EN pumps using different flush volumes and hang heights. Methods: Three EN pumps were used in vitro to flush 1 L of water at 50 mL per hour for 20 hours and 500 mL every 4 hours for 8 hours, at 0” and 18” hang heights. Fifteen test runs were conducted at each volume and hang height per pump. Actual delivered enteral water, remaining volume in feed bags, and volume reported by the pump were recorded. Results: Hang height of 18” delivered a mean 3.91% (95% CI, 3.25 to 4.57) more water than bags hung at 0” (p < 0.0005). When delivering water in 500 mL increments, 1.57% (95% CI, 0.92 to 2.23) more water was delivered than when delivered in 50 mL increments (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Appropriate hang height recommendations improve enteral water delivery in patients receiving EN. The most accurate setting was 500 mL at 18”, resulting in adequate delivery in 97.8% of the test runs, while 50 mL at 0” delivered adequately 17.8% of the time. More research is needed to understand the implications of inadequate water delivery caused by EN pump inaccuracy.Item An educational intervention to improve registered nurses' data quality in the electronic health records(9/5/2018) Dragan, Elena; Malecha, AnnItem An exploration of mothers' online qualitative self-reports concerning their perceived influence in their sons' development of masculinity(12/17/2018) Terry, Melissa; Ladd, Linda, Ph. D.This purpose of this study was to study mothers’ values, beliefs, and behaviors relating to topics of masculinity as well as their perceived influence on their sons’ development of masculinity. Mothers are under-represented in the literature related to gender role socialization and gender role ideology. While it is widely acknowledged that rigid forms of masculinity are detrimental to boys and men, and the literature is plentiful reporting interventions to address the issues caused by gender role strain in a way that involves men such as fathers, male teachers, mentors, community members, or therapists, the literature does not address what mothers do and can do to assist in mitigating issues related to adolescents’ development of masculinity. A qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach, was used to gain understanding about what mothers believe related to masculinity, how they interact with their sons concerning topics related to masculinity, and how they perceive their impact on their sons’ development of masculinity. Through convenience sampling, 23 mothers of adolescent sons participated in the study. The following five research questions were addressed in the study: (1) What traits and characteristics of masculinity and male gender roles do mothers value? (2) How are mothers’ beliefs about masculinity and gender roles related to their discussions with their sons about masculinity ideology? (3) How do mothers report what works and what does not work when they talk to their sons about issues related to masculinity and gender roles? (4) What are the challenges or motivating factors that influence mothers’ approaches to discuss topics related to masculinity? (5) Do mothers fear that some traits of positive masculinity will result in femininity in their sons? Using an online survey, data were gathered and themes were constructed. Four themes were identified: (1) Balancing Between What Impacts Sons and Sons’ Impact on Others, (2) Respect--Treatment of Women, Treatment of Others, Emphasis on Humanness Over Masculinity, (3) Moms’ Attitudes and Approaches towards Emotion with Their Son(s), (4) Moms’ Important and Unique Role in Sons’ Development. An analysis of the data provided insight into the ways mothers value and reject traits of masculinity, how they approach topics of masculinity with their sons, and how they perceive the impact they have on their sons’ development of masculinity. The mothers in this study did not relegate the exploration and development of masculinity to someone else, rather, they were involved and clear about their goals for their sons. Likewise, it was discovered that mothers conceptualize their role to develop good people or quality human beings, and the qualities of masculinity that they value most are not gender dependent. Based upon the findings, recommendations are given for including mothers in the research on gender role socialization and gender role ideology, as they are a valuable, untapped resource.Item An exploratory factor analysis of the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities and Tests of Oral Language for the 14 to 19 year old age range(6/12/2018) Spurgin, Angelia R; Maricle, Denise E.Not only has intelligence been an elusive construct, but methods for measuring it continue to be hotly debated in present day. A multitude of theories currently exist that attempt to objectively explain the mechanisms of intelligence, but the fact remains that any discussion regarding intelligence is theoretical in nature. In an attempt to understand the concept of general intelligence, numerous psychologists and researchers have attempted to quantitatively define this intangible paradigm through various forms of assessment. Accurate test interpretation centers around how well a test measures the construct it contends to measure. The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG) and Tests of Oral Language (WJ IV OL) are two testing batteries in the Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV) that purportedly measure general intelligence as well as seven broad cognitive factors. The publishers of the WJ IV denote that this most recent iteration of the test is based on modern Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory as well as advances in neuropsychological research. Of concern, the WJ IV Technical Manual is exceedingly complex and the results from the presented studies supporting the factor structure of the WJ IV are profoundly obscured for the general practitioner. The primary purpose of this study is to provide an objective analysis of the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL for the 14- to 19- year old age group to determine the factor structure of the assessment battery. Data analyses included an exploratory factor analysis utilizing the correlation matrix provided in the technical manual by the test publishers. Results from this study indicate the WJ IV COG and WJ IV OL measure five broad CHC factors in the identified age range: comprehension knowledge (Gc), short-term working memory (Gwm), auditory processing (Ga), processing speed (Gs), and a final factor that incorporates fluid reasoning (Gf), long-term storage and retrieval (Glr), and visual processing (Gv) together.Item An exploratory study of reflective journaling in a college composition I course(1/2/2019) McMillin, Jennifer Lynn; Scott, GrayThis exploratory study investigates the impact of directed reflective journaling in a first-year college English Composition course. Student reflections were analyzed for self-regulatory behaviors, evidence of skills associated with course objectives, and writing skill development. Changes in self-efficacy perceptions were analyzed using pre- and post- self-efficacy surveys. It was found that self-regulatory behaviors can be encouraged through reflective journaling and that self-efficacy attitudes were impacted positively as a direct result of the self-regulatory activities. The journaling task met two of the English Composition core objectives (interpretation and evaluation) and students demonstrated gains in writing fluency, conventions, and word choice. Student and teacher perspectives of the reflective exercises are given along with recommendations for future implementations and research.Item An investigation of rhythm reading practices in Texas middle school choirs(1/22/2019) Morgan, Shelby; Baker, Vicki D.The purpose of this study was to investigate rhythm reading instructional practices used in the middle school choral classroom. The study included an assessment of the amount of time spent on rhythm instruction per week, an examination of choral sight reading method books and pedagogical techniques employed, and the rhythm counting system used. A link to a researcher-designed survey was emailed to current Texas middle school choral directors and 129 responded with a response rate of 15%. Questions addressed demographics, teaching experience, musical training, and teaching methodology. Analysis of popular choral methods books showed that most of the available literature support a separation of pitch and rhythm during instruction. Results of the survey indicated that time spent on rhythm instruction and the pedagogical approaches used varied greatly among middle school choral directors. Further, many participants had not received rhythm training in middle school or high school choir. Recommendations for future research include a study of band and orchestra rhythm instructional practices and how they could be adapted for the choral classroom. Additionally, investigation into rhythm pedagogy presented in university choral methods classes could provide possible solutions to raising the level of rhythmic aptitude among middle school and high school choral students.Item An investigation of the cognitive profile of deaf and hard of hearing students on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition(6/6/2018) Arrington, Leah M; Pemberton, Jane; Marshall, David, Ph. D.; Whitworth, Jerry, Ed. D.; Allman, Tamby; Donelson, Mary DellIn the academic setting, the measure of intelligence is used to predict the success of learning or to identify possible disabilities due to identified strengths and weaknesses in cognitive processes. The predominant theory of intelligence is the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory in which broad cognitive processes are determined by the measurement of narrow abilities within each broad area of cognition. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is a cognitive tool that provides scores of both the broad and narrow cognitive processes, which can then provide a profile of strengths and weakness to be used for individualized educational planning. The purpose of this study was to determine if a cognitive profile exists on the WISC-V for D/HH students. Furthermore, if the cognitive profile is affected by known dependent variables (amplification, degree of hearing loss, mode of communication). Participants were first through fifth grade students who had been identified as D/HH and had been administered the WISC-V. A total of 49 students met criteria for the study. In addition to subtests and index scores, the degree of hearing loss, mode of communication, and type of amplification used was recorded. Results showed that overall the profile of the D/HH student was within the average range established by the WISC-V norms except in the area of Verbal Knowledge (Gc) which was slightly below average. The Vocabulary subtest was also found to be below average. Type of amplification did not appear to significantly impact the profile of the broad or narrow abilities. The degree of hearing loss identified moderate to severe and profound had a significant difference in Gs and Coding. The mode of communication had reported significant differences in NVI, Gv, Gf, and in Visual Puzzles, Matrix Reasoning, and Picture Span subtests. This study demonstrates that D/HH students perform similarly to the expected norms on the WISC-V verbal and nonverbal indexes. However, the Crystalized Knowledge Index and more specifically Vocabulary subtest are below the expected norms and are important factors when considering educational planning for D/HH students.Item Are older people really happier than younger people?(1/22/2019) Leone, Erica C; Yang, Philip Q.In recent years, quite a few studies and media reports have claimed that older people are happier than younger people. Although this argument may contain partial truth, I question the total validity of this claim. This study investigates several possibilities. I first examine how the effect of age on happiness varies by health status and economic status. I then investigate a possible non-linear effect of age over a life time. I also analyze the effect of generational cohorts and period on happiness. Data from General Social Surveys 1972-2016 and logistic regression are used to test the possibilities. The results show that the effect of age on happiness is moderated by health status and by income. This study also detects a significant nonlinear effect of age on happiness, namely, as people age they become less happy and least happy at the age of 52, and then gradually regain happiness. It is also found that later generations are happier than earlier generations and that the happiness of Americans has ebbed and flown with the peak in 1990. The findings of this study challenge the popular position that older people are happier than younger people and provide a more complete picture of the relationship between age and happiness. The findings also have significant implications for government policies and programs to improve the well-being of the elderly.Item Arising and passing: The embodied and emotional experiences of meditators(7/27/2018) Patel, Sapna Jatin; Stabb, Sally D.Meditation has been recognized for centuries across cultures as a means for personal development and spiritual growth. Over the last 40 years, meditation practices have gained in popularity due to their therapeutic value (Ospina et al., 2007). Scientific research on meditation has grown significantly in recent years exploring the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation (Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer & Toney, 2008; Brown & Ryan, 2003; Chiesa & Serretti, 2009; Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2004; Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011; Shapiro & Walsh, 2003). While there have been significant gains made in understanding the effects of meditation through quantitative studies on the concept of mindfulness, there remains a lack of in-depth phenomenological understanding within the scientific literature of the meditative process. Furthermore, there have been very few studies exploring the lived experiences of long-term meditators, including formal practice through meditation retreats. This study explored the lived experiences of 8 practitioners of Vipassana meditation, a form of insight meditation. More specifically, the study aimed to understand the embodied and emotional experiences of Vipassana meditators through their accounts of intensive meditation practices. This inquiry used interpretive phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews to understand meditators’ experiences. Results yielded 10 major themes: Understanding of Meditation, Experience of Sensations, Experience of Emotions, Interpretation of Emotions and Sensations, Awareness, Equanimity, Processes of Change, Changes and Motivations, Challenges and Barriers and Individual Experiences. Each major theme was composed of subthemes, with a total of 52 subthemes which are outlined in detail. The results were consistent with existing literature, while also adding to the theoretical and philosophical understandings of meditation. The investigator has provided additional interpretations in understanding the mechanisms of action and processes of change underlying meditation, as well as implications for research and practice. The findings of this study may guide the development of further research models and provide insight into clinical practice.Item Arm ergometry exercise intensity interaction with motor memory(8/23/2018) Warner-Codish, Kristen A.; Becker, Kevin A.; Biggerstaff, Kyle D.Exercise interventions have demonstrated improvements in long-term declarative memory (Labban & Etnier, 2011; Potter & Keeling, 2005; Winter et al., 2007), and a smaller number of studies have produced the same benefit with procedural memory (Roig, Skriver, Lundbye-Jensen, Kiens, & Nielsen, 2012; Thomas et al., 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine if procedural memory was improved by either high or low-intensity arm ergometry exercise. Participants (N = 32) were assigned to control (CON), low-intensity (LOW), or high-intensity (HIGH) groups. Two motor tasks were investigated, fine and gross, utilizing three blocks of five trials at acquisition and one block of five trials at follow-up testing (one day and seven day). Repeated measures ANOVAs were executed. No significant effect was observed on fine or gross motor memory (p > 0.05). Many confounding variables existed to produce this outcome. Further research needs to be done to extrapolate a decisive conclusion.