Browsing by Subject "Female"
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Item Advertising to female runners : a comparative evaluation of Nike and Brooks Running, Inc. in Runner's world magazine(2012-08) Martin, Elizabeth Jane; Eastin, Matthew S.; Stout, Patricia A.This research report aims to examine and evaluate the ways in which two leading running product companies, Nike and Brooks Running, Inc., target female runners in the context of Runner’s World magazine (the world’s leading running-related magazine). It presents relevant past research, theories and methodologies and applies them to the analysis. From the analysis and comparisons, a collection of best practice recommendations are determined in order to inform and advise any company’s future advertising efforts directed at female runners.Item Beyond sports : a guidebook for potential collegiate female student-athletes(2013-05) Bauerkemper, Paige Elizabeth; Tharinger, Deborah J.Female student-athletes are a growing population on most college campuses. While incorporated into a historically male model, their experiences and outcomes are unique. This report guides potential female student-athletes in the process of deciding to participate by providing information about the female student-athlete experience. Issues to be explored include decision-making, academics, health, and stress. Sports can be a rewarding experience despite the challenge of balancing academics with athletic commitments.Item The Developing Economist, Volume 8(University of Texas at Austin, 2023) Di, Nicholas; Oschner, Chase; Baylor, SolveigItem Female veterans face complex transition, high unemployment(2015-05) Kulshrestha, Kritika Pramod; Todd, Russell; Rivas-Rodriguez, MaggieJulie Puzan left Falls City, Texas, to join the Air Force in September 2003 as soon as she completed high school. Over the next six years, she was deployed to Guam twice as a weapons loader. In 2009 she left the service. That’s when things got tough. When she mustered out, she knew she needed help getting back in civilian life. She just didn’t know where to get it. Eventually she navigated the maze of assistance programs for vets and began putting her life together. Help was out there, but it was hard to find. She also realized that a flood of female vets was coming home to assistance that had been designed for men. Lots of programs dealt with problems like combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, but few were out there to treat the aftermath of sexual assaults and other challenges faced by females. Puzan is among 2.3 million female veterans in or entering the American work force after America's recent series of wars. The economy hasn't been good at absorbing these veterans. The V.A. and other veterans organizations are beginning to reach out to female vets, but find themselves behind the curve given the fast growth of the population they serve. As long as that's true, female vets will have to look hard to find the help they need in a system designed for males.Item Physical activity in early adolescent girls : an examination of biological, affective, interpersonal and sociocultural influences(2013-08) Standiford, Anne Elizabeth; García, Alexandra Anne, 1964-; Rew, LynnPediatric overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) for age of 85th-95th percentile, and occurs in approximately 33.6% of adolescents 12-19 years of age. Hispanic adolescents are disproportionately at risk for overweight. Excess weight can predispose adolescents to develop diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, asthma, and certain types of cancer, whereas physical activity can help prevent and treat these diseases. Little is known about the factors that contribute to physical activity in Hispanic adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the influence of personal characteristics, perceptual influences, interpersonal influences and sociocultural influences on physical activity in White and Hispanic adolescent girls. The theoretical framework for this study was self-designed--the Physical Activity Lifestyle Model. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected from girls age 11-14 who presented to the Children's Wellness Center in Del Valle, TX (N = 121) in the summers of 2011 and 2012. Most participants self-identified as Hispanic (n = 106). Participants completed a survey consisting of a 1-day physical activity recall, a demographic questionnaire, and several validated (primarily Likert-type) questionnaires. Height and weight were measured in the clinic. Data analysis began with descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation and percentage) of demographic characteristics, dependent and independent variables, then Pearson correlations, and finally multiple linear regression to determine the influence of the independent variables on physical activity. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups on age, grade or school (p > .05). Physical activity was significantly related to body image (r = .189, p < .05), friend social support (r = .279, p < .01), and family social support (r = .401, p < .01). In addition, physical activity significantly predicted BMI percentile (B = -.043, SE = .019, t = -2.249, p = .027), appearance-related media messages (B = .259, SE = .127, t = 2.038, p = .044), pressures to be thin (B = .311, SE = .149, t = 2.082, p = .040), family social support for physical activity (B = .089, SE = .042, t = 2.139, p = .035), body image (B = .367, SE = .123, t = 2.987, p = .004), and physical activity enjoyment (B = .083, SE = .040, t = 2.089, p = .040). When designing an intervention to promote physical activity, health care providers and educators should consider that multiple external factors influence physical activity participation in Hispanic adolescent girls. Healthcare providers should involve parents and siblings in physical activity interventions for overweight adolescent girls. Interventions should be tailored to work with the adolescent girls' physical and social environment. Public health nurses should work with schools and communities to increase physical activity opportunities for adolescent girls in physical education classes, girls' sports, and after-school programs.Item Pink booth confessions : unpacking the booth(2020-06-29) Heckler, Millie Catherine; Mason, GeselPink Booth Confessions emerges as a genre-bending performance piece, created as a means of survival for grappling with, confronting, and attempting to heal from sexual harassment and violence. A collaboration between three women, the work bridges concert dance, durational meditative performance art, original music production and live instrumentation. Within a pressurized theatrical “pink booth” performers activate a marriage between the dancing body and the expressive voice. Employing autobiographical dance to re-present and revisit moments from the performers’ pasts, dancers conjure memory worlds and embody various characters—including themselves—whom have impacted their lives through sexually-charged interaction. The work draws from feminist, queer, Hip Hop, Africanist, somatic, and psychoanalytic theoretical frameworks to investigate: How many voices live inside the body? Through supportive rehearsal and performance spaces, dancers play with staging and subverting gender and racial identities as a means of claiming and re-writing their stories. Within realms of conjured memory, the guiding question is: What would I say if I could say what I mean? Bringing voice to stories that lurk in closets, locked in secrets, performers ask: What happens when we bring life to secrets—stories that don’t make sense? How might the embodiment of these memories provide clarity about their complexity? And how might finding answers about the body, through the body, facilitate healing for all bodies?Item Post-deployment social support and social conflict in female military veterans(2010-08) Nayback-Beebe, Ann Marie; Yoder, Linda H.; Carter, Patricia A.; Harrison, Tracie C.; Angel, Jacqueline L.; Gaylord, Kathryn M.BACKGROUND: There have been prevailing gender differences in negative mental health outcomes for U.S. female service members (FSMs) returning from combat deployments with rates of depression and post-traumatic stress nearly twice that of their male peers. AIM: The aim of this research study was to examine the extent to which the absence or presence of social support, social conflict, and stressful life events either facilitated or hindered optimal mental health during the post-deployment period and shaped FSMs’ mental health in the context of the post-deployment experience. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What was the nature of the relationship between social support, social conflict, and stressful life events and mental health symptoms (PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) in FSMs after deployment to Iraq? And was the degree of social support or the degree of social conflict more highly associated with negative mental health symptoms (greater PTSD symptoms, greater depression symptoms, greater anxiety symptoms, and greater alcohol abuse symptoms) in FSMs after deployment to Iraq? THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: The theoretical framework for this study was derived from Vaux’s theory of social support (Vaux, 1988) and from a model developed by Berkman and Glass (2000) that hypothesized how social support and social networks have direct effects on an individual’s physical, mental, and social health. These two frameworks were viewed from a feminist standpoint perspective. METHODS: This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design used a convenience sample of 150 active duty FSMs who were 6-12 months post-deployment from Iraq and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. FINDINGS: During preliminary exploratory data analyses and statistical assumption testing, significant between group differences were found between the officer and enlisted FSMs on four variables: annual household income, stressful life events, education, and prior exposure to violence (physical assault, sexual assault, or domestic violence). Additionally, significant differences emerged in bivariate correlations between the predictor and outcome variables when the 13 officer FSMs were separated out from the original sample during statistical analyses. These findings suggested these were two distinct populations; therefore, the sample was divided into two groups based on rank. For the officer FSMs, there were no significant bivariate correlations between social support, social conflict, or post-deployment stressful life events and any of the mental health outcomes although a one-tailed analysis was conducted due to low sample size (n = 13). In contrast, the two-tailed analysis of the enlisted FSMs (n = 137) showed significant positive bivariate correlations (p < .01) between social conflict and stressful life events and the outcome variables depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptom severity. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between social support and the outcome variables depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptom severity. Hierarchical linear regression of the enlisted FSM group showed that depression symptom severity was best explained by the presence of comorbid PTSD symptoms and the absence of social support. The presence of social conflict was excluded in the final model, and stressful life events were not found to be significant in explaining depression symptom severity. Overall, comorbid PTSD symptom severity and the absence of social support accounted for 71% of the variance in depression symptom severity in this group of enlisted FSMs. In contrast, greater PTSD symptom severity in the post-deployment period was best explained by greater comorbid depression symptom severity, the presence of social conflict, and greater stressful life events. The absence of social support did not significantly contribute to the model for PTSD symptom severity. Comorbid depression symptom severity, stressful life events, and the presence of social conflict, which were entered in three steps, accounted for 74% of the variance in PTSD symptom severity reported by this group of enlisted FSMs. And finally, greater anxiety symptom severity was best explained by greater comorbid depression symptom severity, the presence of social conflict, and the absence of social support. The presence of social conflict had a stronger relationship with anxiety symptom severity than the absence of social support in the final model. In addition, the presence of more stressful life events did not significantly contribute to the overall variance in anxiety symptom severity. Comorbid depression symptom severity, the absence of social support, and the presence of social conflict accounted for 68% of the variance in anxiety symptoms reported by this group of enlisted FSMs. The implications and recommendations based on these findings span strategic planning for the military, nursing practice, and future research.Item Risk and protective factors in commercially sexually exploited females(2015-08) Brewer, Chelsea Lynn; Tharinger, Deborah J.; Keith, Timothy, 1952-; Bentley-Edwards, Keisha; Busch-Armendariz, Noel; Awad, Germine; Fernando, April DThe commercial sexual exploitation of female minors is a problem that continues to grow domestically in the United States. Although pathways into exploitation as a minor have been addressed in the current literature, little is known about how to best meet the needs of this elusive and vulnerable population. This dissertation attempted to inform treatment, intervention, and policy for commercially sexually exploited females. The sample consisted of 160 mostly African-American females currently identified as being commercially sexually exploited. Data from the Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths for Commercial Sexual Exploitation version 1.3 were collected by service providers during a initial assessment for mental health and case management services. Resiliency Theory and the Transactional Stages of Change were used to conceptualize risk and resilience for this sample. This study addressed three specific aims. The first described demographics, individual strengths, environmental strengths, and mental health needs of this sample. The second used path analysis to analyze hypothesized relations between risk variables including caregiver risks, abuse history, and living instability, on the outcome variables of mental health symptoms, environmental strengths and individual strengths. The third aim used path analysis to explore hypothesized relations among strength variables, Stockholm Syndrome and exit variables. Two models in aim three explored the outcome variables of exit time and stage of readiness. Results indicated that cultural identity was the greatest individual strength and that the greatest environmental strength was attitude toward education. Adjustment to trauma and depression were rated as the greatest mental health needs for this sample. Age, caregiver risk and abuse history significantly predicted mental health symptoms. Caregiver risk significantly predicted fewer individual and environmental strengths. No variables were found to predict exit time or stage of readiness. However, paths from environmental strengths to Stockholm Syndrome and age of exploitation onset to Stockholm Syndrome were significant in both the exit time and stage of readiness models. These findings suggest the importance of early identification and prevention, and provide support for the construct of Stockholm Syndrome in describing and understanding the exit process. Additional treatment implications are discussed.Item Single-gender female urban middle schools : teachers' perceptions of factors for successful implementation(2018-12-03) Lusk, Brian Christopher; Olivárez, Rubén; Ovando, Martha N., 1954-; Pringle, Patrick; Cantu, NormaThe aim of this study was to examine teachers’ perceptions of the factors for successful implementation of a single-gender female, urban middle school. The literature suggests there are benefits and drawbacks to the single-gender schooling model. Moreover, research indicates there are fewer benefits for boys than girls. While the literature illuminates there are more benefits for girls, little research outlines the specific factors for the successful implementation of the all-girls, single-gender urban middle school. Teachers involved in this qualitative case study were able to identify factors, share their experiences, identify challenges, and ways in which they addressed the challenges in implementing the all-girls, single-gender urban middle school. The study findings revealed the critical factor of staffing the school with a committed group of educators motivated to meet the instructional needs of the girls. Additionally, perceptions for factors of successful implementation of the single-gender middle school included administrative leadership and expectations as essential components, as well as staffing, professional development, campus culture, and a pilot program. Teachers’ experiences in implementing the single-gender middle school illustrated the importance of building positive relationships with the students and developing teaching strategies to meet the needs of the students. Teachers also faced challenges in implementing the all-girls school, including preparation and planning for lessons as well as consistency in procedures. Such challenges were addressed by building relationships, differentiating instruction, and creating an advisory period.Item Trauma and disruption of psychological needs in delinquent female adolescents(2012-05) Groomes, Amber Nicole; Sander, Janay Boswell; Carlson, CindyThe proposed study will explore the relationship between trauma and delinquent behaviors and how this relationship differs between male and female adolescents. I aim to investigate why childhood exposure to interpersonal trauma is a stronger predictor of delinquency in females than males. Within female adolescents, I propose that the relationship between trauma and delinquency is mediated by disruption in attachment schema which is caused by exposure to trauma. Therefore, I will use multiple regression to analyze a moderated mediation model. This model is informed by Social Control Theory and a Feminist Pathways Perspective of crime and delinquency. Study participants will include male and female adolescents attending public high school in Austin, Texas.Item Under the radar : posttraumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, and the college woman(2011-05) Langford, Lindsey Ariene; Awad, Germine H.; Rude, Stephanie S.The current report reviews the recent literature on the relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexual assault, and the resulting psychological impact on college women. This document is an overview of PTSD and sexual assault as defined in recent literature, and then reviews the significant impact both factors have on the college woman and her surrounding environment. Intervention and prevention strategies for the negative consequences of sexual assault and PTSD are included. Finally, this report provides suggestions for counselors on appropriate treatment and intervention plans for a college campus.Item Weaving experiences : a study of the learning experiences of two Maya weavers in Guatemala(2020-02-05) Lopez, Elainy Rebeca; Bain, ChristinaThis thesis is an autoethnography that explores the informal learning and teaching experiences held by two Maya weavers from Guatemala. I traveled to Guatemala where I conducted interviews and made observations in order understand how weavers learned to weave, as well as how they maintain the tradition alive by passing their knowledge on to younger generations. Through this research, I began to see the significant role ancestral and familial connections played within the weaving experiences of the Maya weavers. Culture and tradition were at the center of the weaving process, but the creativity and ingenuity of the weavers allowed for changes to occur within the weaving practice allowing it to stay alive. The experiences and perspectives of Maya weavers are often overlooked, but through this research I share how learning more about their informal learning and teaching experiences influenced my personal art educator pedagogy. Exposure to multiple perspectives and experiences can help art educators, like myself, create more inclusive art curriculum, as well as learn about different forms of teaching art that can potentially apply to the art classroom.Item When and where I enter : a phenomenological study of Black women at a selective predominantly White institution(2017-05) Tillis, Tiffany Vanese; Reddick, Richard, 1972-; Saenz, Victor B; Sharpe, Edwin R; Gilbert, Dorie J; Bumphus, Aileen TBlack females are the majority of Black students enrolled at both PWIs and HBCUs. HBCUs award a significant number of degrees to Black students despite the fact that they only educate 11% of all undergraduates enrolled today (Gasman, 2012). Why aren’t we seeing the same completion rates of Black women at PWIs that we see at HBCUs? Studies show that African American women attending PWIs experience greater social and emotional distress than their counterparts attending HBCUs (Fleming, 1984; Watt, 1997). These factors and others tend to depress success for African American women. Furthermore, Black women face challenges just as Black men do when it comes to participation in, graduation from, and overall success in educational institutions compared to their White counterparts (Bush, Chambers & Walpole, 2010). The purpose of this study is to gain an in-depth account of the college-going experience of Black women at a selective predominantly White institution and understand their pathways to graduation. In particular, the hope is that this investigation will provide more insight into the phenomena that contributes to these women’s ability and/or inability to secure degrees. By learning their effective survival tips and success strategies, hearing how they cope, and documenting the skills they have acquired to help them move in the direction of attaining their goal of a college degree, the hope is that this information will have implications for practice in places where attrition is an issue for Black women and in policy making. To understand the phenomena, a qualitative research design is in order and more specifically, a phenomenological approach. This approach will allow for exploring and analyzing these women’s lived experiences at this institution (Creswell, 1998). This study will investigate using the frameworks of both “Black Feminist Theory” and “Intersectionality.” Black Feminist Theory will allow for the opportunity to place Black women’s voices at the center of research in an effort to make visible Black women’s unique experiences and acts of resistance (Robinson, Esquibel, & Rich, 2013) and intersectionality will equip me with the tools to understand and explain the Black woman’s multidimensional experience.