School of Public Health

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The collections in this community comprise faculty research works, as well as graduate theses and dissertations.

Note: Prior to July 1, 2007, the School of Public Health was named the College of Health & Human Performance.

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STANDARDS OF LIVING OF MARYLAND FARM FAMILIES
(1938) Teeter, Viola; Metzger, J.E.; Welsh, Claribel; DeVault, S.H.; Family Science; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This thesis represents the results of a standard of living study of seventy-two farm families in Carroll County, Maryland, for the year beginning in the summer of 1936 and ending in the summer of 1937. The data were collected in the summer of 1937. Carroll County is located in the northern part of the state and borders on Frederick County on the west, Howard County to the south, Baltimore County on the east and borders on Pennsylvania to the north. See Figure 1. The county is very irregular and comprises an area of 447 square miles of 286,080 acres. Topographically, the land is gently rolling to hilly with many streams. There is an excellent drainage system in the county. The area is adapted to the production of field corn, sugar corn, and other general crops, being a fertile agricultural region. Oil of Chenopodium or "worm seed oil" has been produced on many of the farms in Carroll County for the past 100 years, and is a very lucrative crop. Dairying is the principle type of farming in the county. Even though the county is definitely agricultural, several clothing, shoe, and canning factories, and a distillery flourish, thus supplying a ready market for farm produce. The county has an excellent system of public records and is served by three railways-- the Baltimore and Ohio, Western Maryland, and the Pennsylvania. No part of the county is over ten miles from a railroad. It has a splendid home market and is ideally located in relation to two of the principle markets of the East, Baltimore, and Washington. There are two local colleges to serve the youth of the county-- Blue Ridge College, located at New Windsor, and Western Maryland College, located at Westminster. The average acreage per farm was 106 acres, of which 83 acres were under cultivation. The number of tenant farms surveyed was so few that no breakdown of farms was made on an owner-operated and tenant-operated basis. The analysis was based on averages for all farms. The length of tenure on the same farm varied from 1 year to 54 years, the average tenure being 20 years. Distribution of families by length of tenure on the same farm is shown in Table 1. The purpose of the study was to determine as accurately as possible the amount of cash available for family living; now the farm families use their incomes; to judge their standards of living; and determine the adequacy of their diets according to accepted standards. The information was obtained by means of a questionnaire and a personal interview with each family. The questionnaire, or schedule, was explained and was left with the homemaker and farm operator, so that an accurate record of food consumed by the family during the week, and number of meals served to individual members of the household could be recorded. At the end of the week the worker returned for the schedule and recorded the data as given by the homemaker and farm operator.
A Study of Intercollegiate Soccer Data In The United States From 1905 to 1961
(1962) Cochrane, Cornelius R.P. Jr; Eyler, Marvin H.; Kinesiology; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
While there have been several studies completed on the history of soccer in this country, the absence of complete and accurate records was frequently noted when attempting to trace various coaching and collegiate achievements in the sport. Therefore the general purpose of this study was: (1) to compile and record from the existing sources) as accurately and completely as was possible, an inclusive record of Intercollegiate soccer statistics in this country; (2) to study and analyze this data and to ascertain what implications, trends and conclusions) if any, could be drawn from this information. The desired information was gathered essentially from the NCAA Soccer Guides, the North American Soccer Guides) Soccer Journal, various newspaper articles and from correspondence and interviews with retired coaches and charter members of the National Soccer Coaches Association. The assembled information was presented in tabular form, leaving blank the years and areas where data was unobtainable. The first thirteen tables showed the specific findings of the study and the final three tables illustrated certain comparisons and conclusions. The specific findings of the study were: (1) A complete list of National Championship teams for the years 1905 to 1961 was reconstructed. (2) A list of annual champions and the year of organization for twenty-one collegiate soccer conferences was compiled. (3) All-American teams from 1909-1910 to 1961 were obtained with the exception of the 1919 team list. There was no All-American team in 1918. (4) The names of the officers of the three national college soccer organizations that existed during the period 1905 to 1961 were reconstructed. The names of the officers of the Intercollegiate Association Football League for 1905 through 1913 and 1918 through 1920 were not obtainable. (5) A list of Honor Award recipients of the National Soccer Coaches Association from 1942 through 1961 was compiled. (6) There were thirty college coaches who had coached soccer for twenty years or longer during the period from 1905 to 1961. (7) There were eighteen winstreaks of twenty or more consecutive soccer victories or ties during the years 1905 to 1961. (8) Eleven Olympic berths were earned by college players during the years 1924 to 1960.
Physical and Psychological Adjustments Associated with Home and Family Management Problems of Selected Normal and Handicapped Homemakers
(1963) Lacy, Julia Carter; Lippeatt, Selma F.; Family Science; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to determine some physical and psychological adjustments associated with home and family management problems of homemakers. The hypotheses formulated were: (1) There is no significant difference between the experimental and control groups either in the number of responses made or the intensity of attitude expressed toward physical disability, homemaker's role, family life, or life in general; (2) there is no significant difference between paired subjects with respect to their attitude toward these aforementioned factors; and (3) there is no correlation between the duration of the disability and attitudes expressed toward these identical factors. The experimental group consisted of ten physically-disabled homemakers, while the control group was comprised of ten normal ones, all between the ages of twenty and fifty. Personal interviews and case studies were utilized to collect data concerning physical and psychological adjustments of test subjects. Two somewhat structured interviews were conducted in the home of each subject. Data were tabulated and treated statistically. Major findings indicate that: (1) The two groups did not differ in intensity of attitude toward selected aspects of personal and family life; (2) paired test subjects were not significantly different in their attitudes toward selected aspects of personal and family life; and (3) disabled homemakers related the duration of disability to attitudes toward their disability and selected aspects of personal and family living. Two conclusions were drawn, namely: (1) Those homemakers who reflected the greatest insight into educational opportunities for the handicapped tended to reflect better understanding of inherent problems and to have more wholesome attitudes toward life in general, and (2) disabled homemakers were approachable in terms of assistance needed to strengthen management practices, and sought resources available to them. In light of the findings and conclusions, the following implications for further study are identified: (1) Experimental use of specifically trained management aides to implement multiple-purpose programs to assist disabled homemakers; (2) experimentation to provide maximum help to families confronted with temporary disability; and (3) investigation to test for specific changes in attitudes in light of given conditions. This study points up the nature and extent of problems faced by disabled homemakers and their interest and concern for specific professional help in their day-to-day living experiences.
A Comparison of the Personality Characteristics of Highly Successful, Moderately Successful, and Unsuccessful High School Basketball Coaches as Measured by the Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire
(1973) McCarthy, Eugene F. Jr.; Steel, Donald H.; Kinesiology; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This study compared the personality characteristics of successful, moderately successful, and unsuccessful high school basketball coaches. Winning percentage was the criterion chosen to measure success. The subjects were 52 varsity high school basketball coaches from Anna Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties public schools. Each coach was administered individually the Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Form A at their respective schools. The coaches were grouped into highly successful, moderately successful, and unsuccessful categories according to their cumulative winning percentage in their last three years of varsity high school basketball coaching. To be highly successful, the coaches needed a winning percentage of .60 or greater, for moderately successful .41-.59, and for unsuccessful .40 or lass. A one-way analysis of variance was computed to determine if any significant differences existed between the three groups on any of the twenty personality factors measured. The results indicated that there are no significant differences on any of the twenty personality factors measured for the three groups. Within the limitations of this study, it would appear reasonable to conclude that there is no difference between the personalities of the highly successful, moderately successful, or the unsuccessful coaches.
The Relative Efficacy of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, EMC Biofeedback and Music for Reducing Stress Arousal of Internally Vs. Externally Controlled Individuals
(1978) Prager-Decker, Iris J.; Girdano, Daniel; Behavioral & Community Health; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to test the relative efficacy of four relaxation techniques (music listening skills, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), EMG biofeedback and EMG facilitated PMR) in reducing tension levels of internally or externally controlled individuals who were experimentally exposed to a psychosocial stressor. The study utilized 81 college aged males randomly assigned to one of four relaxation training groups or to a control group based on their locus of control - (Rotter's I-E Scale). EMG pre-training baseline measurements were taken via an ASI A1700 and all training groups were given seven 20 minute relaxation training sessions. Three days later each subject was exposed to the six repetitions of a 92 second segment of It Didn't Have to Happen (an industrial accident film). Baseline EMG levels were obtained prior to and following the exposure to the stressor. Data was also collected during the six repetitions. STAI (state) and MAACL (today form) were administered before, after the second exposure to the film and following the post stressor relaxation period. The results of the statistical analyses indicated that the film was able to elevate EMG levels, that biofeedback training produced significantly lower EMG levels during a resting period than music or PMR training, that externally controlled subjects trained with biofeedback reduced their resting EMC levels more than their internal counterparts, that externally controlled individuals trained with biofeedback reduced their EMG levels at a faster rate than internals and that initial muscle tension during exposure to the stressor seemed to be uneffected by the type of relaxation training the subject received or whether he received training at all.
The Sharing of Family Tasks and Role Strain in the Commuter Marriage
(1984) Spruill, Jane Woodley; Anderson, Elaine A.; Family Science; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to examine the husband - wife sharing of family tasks and the presence of role strain in a selected sample of commuter marriages. Thirty-nine commuter couples located geographically throughout the United States participated in the study. The mean score of the sharing of family tasks was 2.99 which indicated that family tasks in commuter couples were shared equally. However in examining tasks individually, wives seemed to have more responsibility. The correlation between the length of marriage when the commute began and role strain was significant. The distance of the commute and role strain did not correlate. No significant difference was found among groups based upon how often a couple reunites and how they shared travel time. There was also no significant difference between those individuals with dependent children and those without dependent children, although there was some indication that role strain was higher for individuals with preschool children. It was concluded that commuter couples may be nontraditional in choosing their lifestyle but they still seem somewhat traditional in the sharing of family tasks. An established relationship between spouses is important if a couple is contemplating commuting. The distance of the commute and how often a couple reunites did not seem to affect the level of role strain. Although t he sharing of travel time and the stage of the family life cycle indicated no significant effect on role strain, differences in means indicate t ha t couples may want to consider these factors in making the decision t o commute.
A Confirmatory Study on the Motivational Orientations of Older Adults Involved in Formal Education at the University of Maryland
(1988) McMahon, Megan Catherine; Riddick, Carol Cutler; Behavioral & Community Health; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was two-fold. One objective was to confirm Pritchard's (1978) typology of older adults' motives for education participation. Another purpose was to examine the influence that selected demographic variables (age, gender, socioeconomic status, and marital status) had on motivations of older students to participate in the "Golden Identification" (Golden I.D.) Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. The sample consisted of 160 participants from the Golden I.D. Program who were selected through a systematic probability sampling procedure. A mailed questionnaire comprised of three instruments was used for conducting this research. The first part of the questionnaire measured motivational orientations for participation in education by older adults and consisted of the Education Participation Scale for Older Adults and the Older Learner Participation Scale. The third instrument measured demographic characteristics of the study participants. The results revealed that the motivation of the Golden I.D. students to participate in education can be divided into the following six factors (in decreasing order of importance): "cognitive interest," "self actualization," "adaptation/self-understanding," "social contact," "social contribution," and "escape/stimulation . " Furthermore, significant relationships emerged between the socioeconomic status of the participant, and the motives "social contribution," "escape/stimulation," and "self actualization." The implications of these findings and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Resting Metabolic Rates in Child-Onset and Adult Obese Women
(1989) Summerfield, Liane M.; Gold, Robert; Health Education; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This study investigated differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) between obese nonobese females and between females with adult and childhood onset of obesity. Subjects were 18 healthy, Caucasian women, ages 20-38 (M=28.16), 6 from each of 3 groups: nonobese with no history of obesity (M-18.53% fat), child-onset obese (COO) (M=41.00% fat), and adult-onset obese (AOO) (M=37.8% fat). Subjects were nonsmokers, weight-stable for at least 3 months prior to the study, and not following a low-calorie diet. All obese subjects had lower-body obesity (waist/hip girth ratio < .80). Subjects underwent three measures: RMR by indirect calorimetry, residual lung volume, and hydrostatic weighing. In addition, a questionnaire elicited information about weight history, educational level, occupation, frequency of exercise, and activity level. When data from the 12 obese subjects were combined, RMR per kg body weight (RMR/BW) was significantly lower in the obese (18.47 kcal/kg/day) than the nonobese (22.94 kcal/kg/day). The obese subjects also had significantly lower RMR per kg fat mass (RMR/FM) than the nonobese. When data from COO and AOO subjects were analyzed separately, COO were found to have significantly lower RMR/FM than the nonobese. COO and AOO subjects did not differ statistically in absolute RMR, RMR/BW, RMR/FM, or RMR/FFM, although COO had lower values on all measures. Multiple regression analysis indicated that, in all groups, more of the variance in RMR was explained when the variables, FM and FFM. However, the effect of activity and exercise on explained variance in RMR was much smaller in COO women.
AIDS AND THE COLLEGE STUDENT: KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, AND INFORMATION SEEKING
(1989) Shelnutt, Emily Houston; Beck, Kenneth H.; Behavioral & Community Health; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
A questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs, and information-seeking behavior about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was administered to a total of 1,300 university students, and 1,001 were completed and returned. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between college students' knowledge and beliefs about AIDS and their information-seeking behavior about AIDS. Students were found to be knowledgeable about the disease, but the majority (50.5%) were not worried about contracting AIDS. The findings revealed that students who are more knowledgeable about AIDS seek more information than those less knowledgeable about AIDS. It was also found that students who feel more highly susceptible to AIDS are more likely to seek information about the disease. The primary sources of student information on AIDS were television, newspapers, magazines, and radio; however, doctors and health-care professionals were considered the most trust-worthy sources of AIDS information. The data suggest that medically supported information on AIDS should be provided to college students by health educators via the popular media sources.
The Effect of Variability of Practice on the Performance of the Layout Squat Vault
(1989) Khayat-Mofid, Fariborz; Church, Kenneth; Physical Education; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
This study focuses on Schema Theory which maintains that the practice of motor skiIIs store a set of general memory of movements. This memory guides the performance of demands specifically made from the environment as well as the objective or goal of the performer. The layout squat vault was selected as the motor task to be studied, since it is a basic vault of gymnastics. The most important factor of a good vault is the angle of the hips and shoulders to the horse at the moment of contact by the hands. It was hypothesized that if Schema Theory is applicable, subjects who practice vaulting at varying heights will achieve a better angle of contact with the horse than wiII subjects who practice when the vault remains at a constant height. The investigation examined the effects of varied heights of the vault during practice to the transfer of new tasks. The study specifically studied the Schema Theory in the performance of the layout squat vault at the time of contact with the horse. Subjects were 38 females, aged 9 to 11 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group practiced at a single height; the other group practiced vaulting at varying heights for 36 practice trails over a period of two days. When this was completed, three consecutive vaults were assigned at a new height for each subject of both groups. At the same time, the subjects were video-taped. Using the tape, four qualified judges scored each of the subjects. The highest and lowest scores for each vault were eliminated. The two remaining scores were averaged to produce the final score. The Students t test for the difference of means was used to determine the differences between the groups. The results showed that the high variability practice group was superior to the non variability practice group. It was concluded that Schema Theory could be applied to closed skills such as vaulting in gymnastics and that there was support for the Schema Theory.
LEARNED RESOURCEFULNESS, SELF-MOTIVATION, AND COMMITMENT AS PREDICTORS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ADHERENCE IN COLLEGE STUDENTS
(1990) Mahoney, Colleen Anna; Allen, Roger; Kinesiology; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
In this study of exercise adherence among traditional-age college students, a number of variables were used to discriminate between those who adhere to regular aerobic exercise, those who adhere to regular non-aerobic exercise, and those who do not exercise regularly but intend to do so. The relative importance of learned resourcefulness, self-motivation, commitment to aerobic exercise, and various demographic variables to predict exercise adherence was assessed. The instruments employed in this study were a demographic questionnaire, the Self-Control Schedule, the Self-Motivation Inventory, and the Commitment to Aerobic Exercise scale. In order to test the hypotheses in this study, one-way analyses of variance and a multiple discriminant function analysis were conducted. Chi-square analyses were used to assess the relationship between demographic variables and exercise group membership. Furthermore, a two-way analysis of variance (group x gender) was performed on the Self-Control Schedule, Self-Motivation Inventory, and Commitment to Exercise scale. Hypotheses were generated for the following variables: weekly time commitments, learned resourcefulness, self-motivation, and commitment to aerobic exercise. Three of these were fully supported and one was partially supported by the data. In order of their relative importance, the following three psychological variables distinguished between the three exercise groups: commitment to aerobic exercise, self-motivation, and learned resourcefulness. Among the demographic variables examined in this study, only gender discriminated significantly between the three exercise adherence groups. Males were much more likely to be non-aerobic exercise adherers than females, and females were much more likely to be non-exercisers than males. weekly time commitments, class standing, and place of residence explained little of the variance among the three groups. The analyses of this study indicated that psychological variables were the strongest discriminators among exercise adherence behavior patterns. Moreover, these findings dispute the notion that barriers, such as time commitments, prevent college students from engaging in regular, Physical exercise. Implications of these findings and strategies for enhancing exercise adherence among College students are discussed. Specifically, it appears that interventions need to emphasize affective strategies in order to modify attitudes toward regular exercise.
Meditation, Flow, and Heavy Social Alcohol Use among College Students
(1992) Francis, Timothy Lewis; Iso-Ahola, Seppo; Recreation; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The basis for this study was an experiment designed to explore the effectiveness of various meditation practices and choice and combination of such, regardless of focus, in achieving more drug-free flow experiences, longer periods of meditation adherence, and decreases in heavy social alcohol use among college students. The study also examined the hypothesis that higher frequencies of reported flow in meditation were associated with lower levels of reported alcohol use and higher frequencies of post-training meditation practice, regardless of meditation focus. The interaction of several critical intervening variables not comprehensively addressed in previous studies on meditation and substance abuse, including experimental expectancy and demand, previous alcohol use, hypnotic susceptibility, and personality was checked and controlled for in this experiment. After receiving basic meditation training, 53 subjects with drinking rates typical of heavy social alcohol users were randomly assigned to one of four meditation groups or to a control group. Three groups practiced only one of three foci--object focused, visualization, or mindfulness. The fourth group chose their meditation foci each day from any of the above three types. The fifth (control) group practiced an attention Placebo activity. Four weeks of daily diaries following meditation were used to determine the level of the dependent variables--frequency of flow and amount of alcohol use. Subjects then reported post-required meditation frequency and alcohol use through four weekly phone interviews. MANOVA, ANOVA, and zero-order correlations were employed to analyze the relationships between the variables. No one specific meditation focus nor having choice and combination of foci, was indicated to result in significantly more flow, less alcohol use, or longer mediation adherence. There was a slight indication that higher frequencies of flow were related to higher frequencies of meditation practice, but no indication that more flow was related to less alcohol use. These results should be interpreted with caution for several reasons, including the short meditation training and practice period, low reliability and validity of subject reports, and problems associated with large variations in drinking rates. Future research on these issues should refine training and testing methods so that better treatment methods can be found.
Mature Humor or Immature Wit?: The Interaction Effects of Laughter Humor Production, Humor Aprreciation, and Defensive Coping Strategies on Emotional and Physical Stress Symptoms
(1993) Carey, Coral Sue; Beck, Kenneth; Health Education; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of humor and mirth in stress management by an adult population with the potential for high occupational stress. The primary objective was to test the efficacy of each of the humor components (laughter, humor appreciation, and humor production) in mediating the stress response while controlling for other coping strategies. Two new instruments were developed for use in this study; (1) the Emotional Coping Scale to assess laughter and humor production, (2) the Stress Mediators Inventory to measure mature coping and immature defense strategies. Over 2,000 employees of the University of Maryland College Park campus were surveyed, using random probability sampling, stratifying by the 9 EEO occupational categories, such as administration and professionals. Questionnaires were dispersed through inter-campus mail. Results from the 754 returned questionnaires were analyzed with the appropriate multivariate techniques. Males, minorities, faculty skilled crafts, service maintenance, and fellowship students were under-represented. With these limitations in mind, results suggest: (1) men scored significantly higher than women on all three components of humor, as measured by this study; (2) humor appreciation and laughter, but not humor production were significantly related to emotional stress, while only laughter was related to physical stress symptoms, such that those with higher humor scores showed lower stress scores; (3) the type of humor response (self directed, other directed, or neutral) as related to stress symptoms; (4) the interaction effect between humor variables and immature defense strategies for coping with stress did not significantly predict stress; (5) there appears to be a stress and coping profile that is significantly different for many of the 9 occupational groups, such that those with high demand and low control jobs show higher stress scores.
The Evolution of the Baltimore City Bureau of Recreation: 1940-1988
(1993) Jordan, Cheryl L.; Churchill, John; Recreation; Recreation; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of the Baltimore City Bureau of Recreation from its inception in the 1940, as the Department of Public Recreation to the beginning of 1988. Research focused on major policies that were developed in the areas of administration, budget, staff, facilities, and programs. Social, political an economic factors were examined to determine the effect each had on the formation of these policies. The historical method research was used to examine the artifacts and documents gathered for this study. The data were ordered utilizing the following chronological eras: 1) World War II and the Post-War Era of the 1940s; 2) Desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s; 3) Urban Renewal of the 1970s and the Changing Social Climate of the 1980s. Changes in the policies of the Bureau of Recreation were quantified to measure increases and decreases in budget, staff, facilities and programs. Decisions of the Board of Recreation and Parks, the policy-making body of the Department of Recreation and Parks until 1987, were examined in light of the three factors mentioned above. The research showed that the policies of the Bureau of Recreation changed significantly over the years, most dramatically with the desegregation of the Department after the landmark Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision, and the influx of Federal funds for the City of Baltimore after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Board of Recreation and Parks focused much of its attention on the "showcase" areas of the Department, like the Baltimore Zoo, Memorial Stadium and the five public golf courses. In 1984, when most of these units were privatized, a power struggle ensued eventually leading to a 1987 referendum that stripped the Board of its policy-making powers. The conclusions of this study indicated that while economic and social factors had obvious influence over policy decisions in the Bureau of Recreation out of necessity, the political factors had the most dramatic effects.
College Student Stress: Who Is Resilient? Who Is Vulnerable?
(1994) Yeaman, Jan; Alexander, Linda L.; Health Education; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This study explored and described the pervasive stress on college campuses. It focused on what it is that distinguished those students who did and those who did not develop physical, psychological and/or academic sequelae in response to exposure to stressors during their college experience. A comprehensive model of stress and coping, based on a review of the literature, was presented. The model was affirmed by the data analysis. To conduct the research, 672 participants were randomly selected from those attending a Christian liberal-arts college in south central Pennsylvania. Of those who were selected and participated, 317 completed usable questionnaires. Data collection occurred over a one week period, using a self-report questionnaire. Subjects were categorized into Resilient (n = 43, 13.6%), Average (n = 96, 30.3%) and Vulnerable (n = 178, 56.1%) groups prior to data analysis. Incorporated into the 192 item questionnaire was the Brief Personal Survey (Webb, 1988). It contains 88 items on nine subscales: denial, health distress, pressure-overload, anger-frustration, anxiety, depression, social support, philosophical-spiritual resources and coping confidence. Subjects also indicated their magnitude of stress on 78 items. The remaining items focused on demographics. The data showed that Resilient subjects experienced less pressure-overload, anger-frustration, anxiety and depression than either Average or Vulnerable groups. Males and females were not found to differ with regard to pressure-overload, anger-frustration or depression. Females experienced higher levels of anxiety, stressor magnitude, health distress, social support and philosophical-spiritual resources. Correlations between stressors were also reported, as were the rankings of stressors. These were presented on the basis of variables such as gender, academic year and academic major. Because of the nature of the stressors identified, this study has shown the mutual importance of the curricular and cocurricular in the lives of college students. The findings of this research pointed out the clear and urgent need for various types of prevention and intervention programs. These were discussed from the perspective of institutional concerns, for curricular and cocurricular faculty, as well as for health educators.
Psychometric Assessment of Two New Self-Rating Depression Scales: The Correa-Barrick Depression Scale
(1994) Barrick, Christina Barrett; Clearwater, Harvey E.; Health Education; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
Depression is a prevalent condition that is responsive to treatment. Efforts to screen and educate the public on depression are beneficial. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the psychometric properties of two new self-rating depression scales, the Schiraldi Depression Check-up (DC) and the Correa-Barrick Depression Scale (CBDS), based upon classical test theory and comparisons to published scales: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology, Self-Report (IDS-SR). The study was conducted on a total of 387 participants. There were two convenience samples used. Sample I was composed of 337 faculty and staff from a metropolitan comprehensive university. A subset of Sample I was composed of 203 faculty and staff. Sample II included 50 outpatients diagnosed with depression under the treatment of a board certified psychiatrist. Correlation coefficients for the DC and CBDS with the BDI were r = . 75 and r = . 71, respectively. Cronbach alpha coefficients for the DC and CBDS in the patient sample were r = .95 and r = .96, respectively. Correlation coefficients for the IDS-SR with the DC and the CBDS in the patient sample were r = .85 and r = .81, respectively. Two-week test-retest correlation coefficients in the university sample for the DC and CBDS were r = .81 and r = . 70, respectively. Factor analysis for the DC revealed a threefactor structure: "Cognitive-Emotional Disturbance," " Psychophysiological Symptoms," and "Physiological Symptoms." Factor analyses for the CBDS revealed a four-factor structure: "Cognitive-Emotional Disturbance," "General Outlook," "Physiological Symptoms," and "Sensory/Perceptual Disturbance." Discriminant analysis did not support the Depression Check-up or the Correa-Barrick Depression Scale in discriminating between the university and patient samples. There were several conclusions from this study. Findings provided preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the Depression Check-up and the Correa-Barrick Depression Scale in measuring depression in an adult population. The findings that sensory-perceptual disturbance may be an additional variable in depression and that a single-factor structure emerged for "emotional-cognitive disturbance" was discussed as well as implications for health education theory, practice, and research.
PREDICTING UNIVERSITY FRESHMEN'S PERCEPTIONS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF DATE RAPE AS DEPICTED IN TWO VIDEOTAPED SCENARIOS
(1994) Reynolds, Martha Sue; Beck, Kenneth H.; Behavioral & Community Health; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which certain variables (social context of drinking, alcohol use intensity, experience of sexually aggressive behavior, level of dating skills and social assertiveness, and perceived susceptibility related to date rape) predict university freshmen's perception of whether or not date rape occurred as depicted in two videotaped scenarios. Freshmen students enrolled in an orientation course (N = 232) during Fall semester 1993 completed a voluntary and anonymous pretest questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of six scales developed to measure the variables listed above; in addition to, demographic variables and items related to sexual behavior. Within two class periods of completing the pre-test questionnaire, students viewed a 15-minute videotape depicting two potential date rape scenarios (one scenario presented the situation from the male character's point of view [MARK], the other scenario was from the female character's point of view [SUZANNE]). Immediately following the videotape, students completed a brief post-video questionnaire to assess their perceptions of the occurrence of date rape in the two scenarios. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were completed to assess differences in independent measures based, on perception of the occurrence of date rape. Of the variables explored, the only one which provided any consistent significant findings was gender. For both scenarios, females were more likely than males to perceive the situation as date rape. With regard to social context of drinking, some ,of the results hinted at a possible link between social context of drinking and the perceptions of the occurrence of date rape. Subjects who reported SUZANNE as being "date rape with some doubt'" were more likely to use alcohol 1) to provide relief from external pressures; 2) in the context of close family members or friends; and 3) to conform to the norms of the group. Further analyses suggested that males who drink in certain social contexts reported more doubt regarding the occurrence of date rape for SUZANNE. This exploratory research study provides a broad foundation for future research related to predicting college students' perceptions of the occurrence of date rape.
The Interrelationships of Leisure Attitude, Leisure Satisfaction, Leisure Behavior, Intrinsic Motivation and Burnout Among Clergy
(1995) Stanton-Rich, Howard Michael; Iso-Ahola, Seppo; Kinesiology; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This study focused on the interrelationships of leisure behavior, leisure attitude, leisure satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and burnout among clergy in The United Methodist Church in Western North Carolina. Responses were obtained from the clergy by a questionnaire that operationalized the primary variables (i.e., leisure behavior, leisure attitude, leisure satisfaction, intrinsic motivation), demographic variables (i.e., gender, age, marital status, education, years in ministry, years in present church), and burnout with its three components (i .e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment). A systematic random sample, further stratified to include no less than one-half of all women clergy in their geographic districts, was taken. A final sample of 438 was obtained representing a 55% return rate. Hypothesized relationships among study variables were tested using path analytic techniques. Also, tests of reliability were run on each of the instruments to compare them with prior studies. Significant relationships among several variables were detected, with the entire pool of independent variables accounting for about 27% of the variance in emotional exhaustion, 22% in depersonalization and 27% in personal accomplishment. Variables with significant relationships with emotional exhaustion included age, years in ministry, years in present church, leisure behavior, and leisure satisfaction. In each of these cases, the relationships were direct and inverse. Variables with significant relationships (all direct and inverse) with depersonalization included age, years in ministry, leisure behavior, leisure satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Variables found to have significant relationships to personal accomplishment were leisure behavior, leisure satisfaction, and intrinsic motivation. In each of these cases, the relationships were found to be direct and positive. Further, significant relationships existed among the independent variables that confirmed earlier studies highlighting the positive relationship between intrinsic motivation, leisure attitude and leisure satisfaction.
MOTIVATION FOR AND SOURCES OF ENJOYMENT FROM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACROSS THE ADULT LIFESPAN
(1996) Hyman, Dorothy C.; Steel, Donald H.; Kinesiology; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md)
This research describes the development and validation of measures designed to assess physical activity motivation and physical activity enjoyment across the adult lifespan. Two stages were used with samples of 259 and 275 adults respectively counterbalanced for age and sex. All respondents were currently engaged in a variety of sport and exercise activities and settings appropriate for all age groups. Stage one respondents completed an initial 50 - item physical activity motivation inventory and an initial 39-item physical activity enjoyment inventory. Results were used to identify factors and items for physical activity motivation and enjoyment that appeared consistent and stable across the adult lifespan in order to develop the Physical Activity Motivation Scale (PAMS) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES). Alpha reliabilities were calculated for each sub -scale of the PAMS and PAES, and a convenience sample (n=40) completed the PAMS and PAES two weeks apart to determine test~retest reliabilities. Stage two respondents completed the PAMS, PAES, the short form of the Leisure Motivation Scale, the short form of the Leisure Satisfaction Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in order to confirm PAMS and PAES stage one factor structures, determine the convergent and divergent validity of the PAMS and PAES, and describe adult patterns of physical activity motivation and enjoyment across the lifespan. Additionally, results from stage two were used to distinguish between motivation for and enjoyment from physical activity. The Physical Activity Motivation Scale (PAMS) consists of 22 items and five sub-scales: Mastery and Autonomy, Social Recognition and Rewards, Affiliation, Family, and Self-Control. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES) consists of 14 items and sub-scales: Self Rewards, Social Recognition and Rewards, and Responsibility/Family. The PAMS and PAES sub-scales have acceptable internal consistency and testretest reliability, share expected variance with related constructs, and appear relatively stable and consistent across the adult lifespan. In stage two, the relationship between motivation and enjoyment in the physical activity setting was explored and preliminary support found for their cyclic, yet distinguishable natures. Directions for further research are proposed.
Emergency Preparedness: Knowledge and Perceptions of Latin American Immigrants
(1999) Carter-Pokras, Olivia; Zambrana, Ruth E.; Mora, Sonia E.; Aaby, Katherine A.
This paper describes the level of public emergency knowledge and perceptions of risks among Latin American immigrants, and their preferred and actual sources of emergency preparedness information (including warning signals). Five Latino community member focus groups, and one focus group of community health workers, were conducted in a suburban county of Washington D.C. (N51). Participants came from 13 Latin American countries, and 64.7% immigrated during the previous five years. Participants had difficulty defining emergency and reported a wide range of perceived personal emergency risks: immigration problems; crime, personal insecurity, gangs; home/traffic accidents; home fires; environmental problems; and snipers. As in previous studies, few participants had received information on emergency preparedness, and most did not have an emergency plan. Findings regarding key messages and motivating factors can be used to develop clear, prioritized messages for communication regarding emergencies and emergency preparedness for Latin American immigrant communities in the U.S.