Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11875/18

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A Phenomenological Study: Experiences of Black Women Leading as Assistant Principals During the Racial Turmoil of 2020
(2024-05) Robinson, Olivia Grace; Combs, Julie P; Martinez-Garcia, Cynthia; Resilla, Clare A
During Spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic collided with the murder of George Floyd which created a racial divide throughout the United States. This point in time brought feelings of fear, frustration, and exhaustion throughout the country. Though the United States had experienced riots and protest in past decades, 2020 was different. Due to the emotional, physical, and psychological effects related to the pandemic as well as the continued murdering of Black and Brown people, school leaders were faced with an array of challenges that impacted the communities they served. The purpose of this dissertation was to understand the lived experiences of Black women who served as assistant principals during the racial turmoil of 2020. A phenomenological method of research facilitated the collection of the lived experiences of five Black women serving as assistant principals in several school districts in Southeast Texas to describe the common meaning of their experiences following the racial turmoil of 2020. One-on-one interviews were used throughout the entire duration of the study to collect data from participants who had experienced the phenomenon and then a composite description of the experiences of the individuals was developed. The results of this study of Black women leading schools during the racial turmoil of 2020 included an identification of five themes: “being on edge,” “there really wasn’t a plan,” “it was more about COVID,” “look, I’m just trying to make it through,” and “being the representation at the table.” Each theme was created using the participants words. The women who participated in this study vocalized their initial emotions surrounding the murder of George Floyd were that of sadness, shock, and confusion. The year 2020 brought a lot of challenges for the women in this study but they were able to use their resilience to move through this difficult time. This study revealed that Black women mostly struggled with the balancing of emotions, balancing of work and life, and supporting their staff. Furthermore, this study revealed recommendations that stakeholders should consider when supporting and retaining Black school leaders during crisis or turmoil such as addressing racial concerns, providing resources, and including Black leaders in decision making.
EXPERIENCES OF US-BORN LONG-TERM EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS OF HISPANIC ORIGIN IN TITLE I SECONDARY SETTINGS
(2024-05) Sibrian-Aleman, Norma Beatriz; Holzweiss, Peggy P; Silvestre, Gabriela J; Silvestre, Gabriela J; Cole, Corinna O
In this phenomenological study, the researcher examined the experiences of USborn Long-Term Emergent Bilingual (LTEB) students of Hispanic origin who tend to remain with EB designation after six or more years receiving services in an English as a second language program in high school. This study aimed to identify factors that can help reduce the achievement gap of US-born LTEBs of Hispanic origin. The context for this study was three Title I high schools in an urban school district in Texas. The data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. Participants comprised three language proficiency assessment committee (LPAC) administrators, two Emergent Bilingual (EB) specialists, and two teachers who worked with LTEBs. Four major themes emerged: students’ well-being, programming and funding, professional development, and additive practices. All participants concurred that addressing well-being was vital to help students remain engaged in school and reiterated the critical role intentional district and campus-level support structures play in meeting the needs of EB students and LTEBs. Recommendations included EB-focused professional development for all content-area teachers as well as family and EB students' empowerment initiatives that promote self-advocacy. The researcher discusses research gaps, practice recommendations, and implications for future research.
FIRST TO SECOND SEMESTER PERSISTENCE AMONG UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS IN A SOUTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
(2024-05) Simon, Dea'Vanca; Price, Debra P; Holzweiss, Peggy P; Silvestre, Gabriela J; Price, Debra P
Earning a bachelor’s degree or work certificate can close social equity gaps and increase social mobility and economic stability in American society. Barriers exist to upward mobility for underrepresented groups (first-generation, low socioeconomic, African American, and Hispanic). Underrepresented students are falling below their peers in graduation and completion rates, particularly from term to term. This qualitative case study explored reasons why seven first-year underrepresented students at a selected community college in Southeast Texas matriculated to the second semester. Data were collected through individual, semistructured interviews with the participants to address the primary research question: What are the experiences of underrepresented first-year community college students at a selected institution that influence their persistence from their first semester to the second semester? Analysis of the data provided insight into the various factors that led to the persistence of underrepresented students from semester to semester. Three major themes emerged: (a) collegial relationships, (b) campus resources, and (c) motivation. Findings from this study revealed that underrepresented students enrolled in the subsequent semester due to the community college experiences they encountered during their first term. Opportunities for future research should include conducting research among underrepresented students at other community colleges across the United States, including a larger audience of this population to gather a more in-depth understanding of their needs.
How Negative Emotional States are Associated with the Dual Substance Use of E-cigarettes and Cannabis
(2024-05) Tayebi, Shayon; Langley, Hillary A; Henderson, Craig E; Ratcliff, Chelsea G
E-cigarettes and cannabis are two of the most used substances among young adult Americans, and use is continuing to increase (Boakye et al., 2022; Clendennen et al., 2021). Moreover, dual use of these substances is common among college students (Buckner, Morris, et al., 2021). Research has found significant linkages between negative emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress), impulsivity, and e-cigarette and cannabis use individually; however, only one previous study has examined the relationship between this dual substance use and negative emotional states. This research suggests that dual substance use is associated with increased mental health symptomology (Buckner, Morris, et al., 2021), but it does not elucidate directionality of this relationship. The aim of this study was to assess whether negative emotional states and impulsivity are associated with individual and dual substance use of e-cigarettes and cannabis. A secondary data analysis examined college students’ (overall n = 585) negative emotional states, impulsivity, e-cigarette use (n = 112), cannabis use (n = 210), and dual substance use (n = 82). This study found higher anxiety and impulsivity scores significantly predicted higher cannabis use while higher stress scores significantly predicted lower cannabis use. Moreover, anxiety was found to significantly predict dual substance use, illustrating how anxiety plays a vital role in problematic cannabis use and high dual substance use. These findings suggest that anxiety treatments could lower dual substance use as a result. Thus, future research should examine how anxiety-targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) impacts monthly cannabis use and dual substance use.
FORAGING SOURCES OF POLLEN FOR EAST TEXAS MELISSODES SPECIES (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE: EUCERINI)
(2024-05) Trimm, Travis Ethan; Cook, Jerry L; Pascarella, John; Williams, Justin K
Melissodes is a genus of native bees found throughout east Texas. Their presence on plants found in the region is understudied and could reveal novel or important plant pollinator interactions. This study explores the dietary range of Melissodes species across east Texas and creates a list of plants utilized in pollen collection. To accomplish this, specimens of Melissodes were collected from areas across east Texas and taken from institute collections in order to extract pollen samples from their bodies. Pollens were then examined using a scanning electron microscope in order to be identified. Many of the Melissodes species examined exhibit generalist foraging tendencies as well as having a direct preference for pollen of the Asteraceae family.
Police Perceptions of Human Trafficking in Thailand and Understanding of a Recently Implemented National Referral Mechanism
(2024-05) Nielson, Kyler R.; Gerber, Jurg; Zhang, Yan; Iesue, Laura
It is estimated that trafficking in persons affects millions of individuals in various countries across the world. Despite local and international efforts to combat human trafficking through identification, investigation, and prosecution, challenges remain. In Thailand—a major transit, origin, and destination zone for human trafficking—the issue is a focus for government and law enforcement personnel. As frontline officials, police officers fulfill an essential function in anti-human trafficking initiatives. This research examines Thai police officers’ perceptions of human trafficking by focusing on adherence to human trafficking myths and understanding of sex trafficking. Additionally, the current study provides an initial examination of Thai police personnel’s understanding of a recently implemented national referral mechanism aimed to improve police responses and the delivery of victim services through interagency cooperation. Data are derived from the survey of 522 current and imminent police officers and six semi-structured interviews with Thai police leaders in the human trafficking space. Results demonstrate the general tendency of respondents to endorse several human trafficking myths, while attitudes toward sex trafficking and understanding of the national referral mechanism indicate an overall comprehensive and accurate understanding. Regression results demonstrate the significance of attitudes toward immigrants, belief/victim blame, and understanding of and attitudes toward human and sex trafficking. Implications for law enforcement organizations, broadly, and the Royal Thai Police, specifically, are discussed.
USING PHOTOVOICE TO EXPLORE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PHYSCIAL SPACE OF THE COLLEGE UNION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ON CAMPUS: A CASE STUDY
(2024-05) Webber, Robert W; Holzweiss, Peggy P; Fuller, Matthew B; Montelongo, Ricardo
College unions are a common feature on the traditional American campus. The Association of College Unions International, the Association that advances the role of the college union, has long claimed that the college union assists with community building on campus and that the college union is a place where everyone on campus can come to gather. Still, research surrounding the relationship between the physical space of the college union and community is limited. DeSawal and Yakaboski (2013) highlighted this gap in the literature and since then several practitioners have conducted studies examining this relationship. To better understand this relationship, a case study was conducted exploring student perception of the physical space of the college union and community. Strange and Banning’s (2001) Hierarchical Model of Environmental Purposes and Design Model provided the framework to explore how students understood the relationship between the physical space of the college union and community. Through photograph analysis, interviews, and observation data showed that participants were keenly aware of the physical space of the college union. They paid close attention to where things were in the building and how the location of these things impacted their decisions and use of the space. They also acknowledged the importance of the services and amenities within the physical space of the college union. Design elements like natural light, color, and open space were also acknowledged and valued by students. Finally, participants drew on the connections between the physical space of the college union and community. They saw the college union as a place to gather, a place that nurtured belonging, a place that was safe, and a place where they felt welcomed and could engage with their peers. Participants believed that the college union served as the hub of campus life, and as the hub, the college union was and place that encouraged the development of community on campus.
The Lived Experience of Counselors Working with End of Life Clients
(2024-05) White, Danielle; Li, Chi-Sing; Henderson, Susan E; Henriksen, Richard C
Phenomenological inquiry was used to explore the feelings, experience, and education of licensed professional counselors working with end-of-life clients. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling processes. The participants met the following inclusion criteria: (a) currently fully licensed professional counselor and (b) work with end-of-life clients. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted to answer the research question. The research question guiding the study was: What are the experiences and perceived levels of preparedness of counselors working with end-of-life clients? Eleven participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. Of the 11 participants, nine were women and two were men. Participants’ years of experience ranged from two to 26 and their ages ranged from 31 to 58. Moustaka’s (1994) modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi Keen method was utilized for data analysis. A total of three themes and subthemes were identified: counselor experience (end-of-life client experience, work knowledge, and death knowledge), counselor self-management (self-care and self-awareness), and counselor’s advice.
From Slavery to Household Staple: American Literature and the Consumption of Black Women's Labor
(2024-05) Ritzi, Catherine Marie; Shemak, April A; Evelyn Soto; Hubrig, Ada L
Introducing the Nurturing Black Woman trope, this thesis investigates the works of Harriet Jacobs, Toni Morrison and Harper Lee to discuss caregiving characters and their part in the Southern Home. By studying novels from different eras in America’s history, the evolution of how Black caretakers is depicted reflects the racial climate and tensions of their respective time. The work done by Black women, specifically mothers, has traditionally been used in literature as a means of support to the white family and society as a whole. However, the labor surrounding motherhood and domestic labor (such as cooking, cleaning, and child rearing) have a greater tax than expected and white expectations are pitted against Black lived realities through the analysis of this character trope. The inclusion of recipes and archival studies in food elaborate on domestic labor, rarely documented but fundamental to understand the influence of Black labor in America and its part in creating the image of the Home.
Exploring the Link Between Personality Pathology and Perception of Sexual Orientation Microaggressions
(2024-05) Paez, Monica Maria; Ruchensky, Jared R; Cash, Daniella K; Russell, Tiffany D
Personality disorders are broadly impairing forms of psychopathology that affect an individual’s self-perception as well as their relationships with others. Research has previously focused on the impact that personality pathology has on interpersonal factors like emotion recognition, interpersonal style, and aggression. However, little research has focused on the relationship between maladaptive personality and discriminatory behaviors, such as microaggressions. To that end, the present study examined how personality pathology, as conceptualized by the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, related to perceptions of social interactions depicting microaggressions against gays and lesbians. Participants in this study were presented with vignettes depicting seven types of microaggressions toward sexual identity minorities along with control vignettes to assess participants’ perceptions of the interactions. Overall, I predicted a main effect of vignette type, such that participants would perceive vignettes in which a microaggression is present differently than vignettes in which no microaggression has occurred. If differences were found, I predicted interactions between personality pathology and perceptions of microaggressions. Results revealed differences in participants’ perceptions of microaggressive versus control vignettes and significant associations were shown between AMPD constructs and ratings of microaggressions. Findings provide a basis for continuing research on the relationship between personality dysfunction and perceptions of other harmful behaviors.
Identifying Ways to Improve Preemployment Psychological Evaluations for Law Enforcement Officers: Accounting for Context-Specific Variability in Stress and Lethal Force Decision-Making
(2024-05) Murdock, Jacy G.; Natoli, Adam P; Ruchensky, Jared R; Crosby, James W
Preemployment psychological evaluations (PPEs) are part of the hiring process for law enforcement (LE), which can provide information on LE officer candidates’ emotional functioning, behavioral dispositions, cognitive skills, and psychological support systems (Holzman & Kirschner, 2003). Multiple studies support the predictive validity of measures used in PPEs in predicting LE officers’ performance. One of the most commonly used instruments, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 3 (MMPI-3), is a reliable and valid broadband measure in LE settings. Its predictive qualities have been well assessed, but not in the context of predicting lethal force decision-making. The present study served as the necessary initial step in evaluating the potential of the MMPI-3 to predict variability in lethal force decision-making under normal and acutely stressful conditions. Using a convenience sample of university students, proof-of-concept was demonstrated for the proposed research design. Results did not support initial hypotheses; hypothesized scale scores on the MMPI-3 did not significantly relate to performance on the First-Person Shooter Task (FPST) under stressful or control conditions, nor did MMPI-3 scores moderate the relationship between FPST control and FPST stress performances. An unexpected significant relationship was shown between aggression, as measured by the MMPI-3, and performance on the FPST under stress. Manipulation checks revealed successful induction/reduction of stress as measured through self-report data, but this was not supported by non-self-report data. These results suggest self-reported stress and difficulty used as manipulation checks might be inaccurate determinants of the successful induction of stress; decision-making on the FPST did not vary as a function of successful induction of acute stress or personality and/or psychopathology as measured by the MMPI-3; and/or limitations discussed later are partly responsible for the nonsignificant findings obtained. Continuing to investigate the relationship between acute stress, decision-making, and psychopathology/personality, has the potential to offer further insight into methods for experimentally manipulating stress, as well as the validity and utility of manipulation checks. Present results notwithstanding, the data acquired from this pilot study will contribute to future directions of the proposed research design and investigations of the MMPI-3’s potential for predicting variability in decision-making under normal and acutely stressful conditions.
The Moderating Role of Marijuana Policies on the Association Between Social Bonds and Marijuana Use
(2024-05) Moscrop-Blake, Kelsi; Leal, Wanda; Lehmann, Peter S; Hartsell, Elizabeth
Over the past century, there have been ongoing changes in marijuana policies, leading to evolving attitude towards its use and an increase in adolescent use (Goodwin et al., 2021; Hall & Weier, 2015; Hopfer, 2014; Martins et al., 2021; Wilkinson et al., 2016). This increase in usage poses risks, as it can adversely affect the physical and mental health of adolescents by hindering brain development and increasing the likelihood of mental health disorders. With the growing prevalence of adolescent marijuana use amid legalization efforts, it becomes crucial to understand the factors safeguarding them from involvement in marijuana use. Consistent criminological research indicates that adolescents with strong social bonds, such as strong parental attachment and commitment to school, exhibit lower tendencies towards substance use and delinquency (Bond et al., 2007; Dornbusch et al., 2001; Fairbairn et al., 2018; Hahlbeck & Vito, 2021; Hwang & Akers, 2017). However, what remains uncertain is whether the increased accessibility of marijuana undermines the effectiveness of these protective factors against marijuana use and delinquency. Therefore, this study employs a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to investigate whether state-level medical marijuana policies and perceptions of state-level marijuana possession penalties serve as moderators in the relationship between social bonds and marijuana use among adolescents.
Investigating the Impact of Test Preparation Programs on Teacher Candidates' Performance on State Certification Exams
(2024-05) Pigg, Christina Elizabeth; Haas, Lory E; Miller, Melinda S; Price, Debra P; Reed, Jolene B
The purpose of this ex post facto quantitative study was to examine the correlation between the scores of preservice teachers on 240 Tutoring STR practice tests and their scores on the actual STR exam and to explore the extent to which test preparation programs predicted performance on certification exams. In addition, this study compared the scores of teacher candidates who used only the 240 Tutoring software to those who indicated the use of test preparation materials outside of the 240 Tutoring system. It was the intent that the data harvested from the 240 Tutoring archival records would reveal which components of the test preparation software were most effective in predicting greater score yields and how time spent on each of the components influenced exam scores. The current study was conducted by analyzing quantitative data consisting of overall time spent using the 240 Tutoring test preparation software, time spent using each of the program’s study components, scores earned on practice tests within the system, and actual scores on the STR exam. Along with these data, survey responses were collected from a smaller sample of participants and analyzed to determine if patterns of usage affected exam scores and what, if any, additional materials teacher candidates used to study for the certification exam. Findings indicated that more time spent utilizing the 240 Tutoring test preparation materials, along with a greater percentage of dedicated time spent focusing on instructional materials, had the greatest impact on STR exam scale scores. Survey results also revealed that candidates who supplemented their studies with additional resources were more successful on the STR exam than participants who utilized only STR materials.
DOES AGE DIFFERENCE MATTER?: AN EXAMINATION OF ARREST AND INITIAL CHARGING IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES
(2024-05) Meeker, Katherine A.; Toman, Elisa L; Narvey, Chelsey S; Ratajczak, Kathleen R
Due to sexual assault case processing being plagued with attrition, scholars have explored officer and prosecutorial decision making to understand why some sexual assault cases proceed through the criminal-legal system while other cases do not. Despite research examining various factors that influence case processing decision making, few studies have examined the influence of suspect-victim age difference on sexual assault case outcomes. In response, the current study used 650 sexual assault case files reported to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department to examine the influence of suspect-victim age difference on police officers’ decision to arrest a suspect and prosecutors’ decision to file an initial charge. Empirical, theoretical, and policy implications as well as considerations for future scholarship are discussed.
The Use of Collaborative Dialogic Practices with Clients who have Experienced Trauma
(2024-05) McCarthy, Lindsay; Henderson, Susan E; King, Catherine; Rice, Kathleen
Trauma-informed care has been an important movement in the field of psychotherapy, to which researchers often note the importance of understanding trauma as a necessary component to being a competent clinician. Marriage and family therapy models have been identified to be effective when working with clients who have experienced trauma. Several models of psychotherapy have been identified to successfully treat clients who have experienced trauma. Additionally, there has been common factors identified in models that work specifically with trauma. Although Marriage and family therapy models have been identified to be successful with trauma work, there are no studies exploring collaborative dialogic practices as a possible model to work with clients who have experienced trauma. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of collaborative dialogic practitioners who work with clients who have experienced trauma. Twelve participants completed semi-structured interviews, resulting in the development of four themes: 1) language of trauma, 2) relationship building, 3) trust our clients, and 4) it’s in the “how.” These themes were used to provide implications for marriage and family therapists and counselor educators. Limitations and recommendations for future research were also discussed based on the findings of the study.
DOC AS A DRIVER OF MICROBIAL DIVERSITY IN AN EAST TEXAS FLUVIAL NETWORK
(2024-05) Lannom, Max Logan; Ulseth, Amber J; Harper, James M; Lynne, Aaron M
Freshwater stream ecosystems are rich in microbial life and various environmental factors may influence the diversity of these microbial communities. By virtue of the continuous flow of water from upstream to downstream, rivers form a metacommunity that is linked by downstream dispersal of organic materials and microorganisms. River ecosystems are further complexed with microhabitats such as the benthic zone and the water column. Drawing from ten months of sample data collected from a forested headwater site, this study analyzed correlations between microbial diversity and nine potential drivers: dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and composition, centimeters of rainfall, river kilometers, and water chemistry (total nitrogen, nitrate, and phosphorous). It was found that the diversity of benthic samples was positively correlated with spectral slope ratio and no other variable, while water column diversity was correlated with SUVA254, DOC, rainfall, and negatively correlated with phosphorous in the temporal study. Microbial diversity patterns were also analyzed along a longitudinal continuum (upstream to downstream). The diversity of water samples was found to be positively correlated with Sr, DOC, and river kilometers in the longitudinal study. A clear pattern emerged in which there was higher diversity at the unimpacted large river site than in the headwater sites, but that diversity began decreasing once the river flowed into an artificial reservoir, and especially so downstream of the dam itself.
DIFFERENCES IN INDUSTRY-BASED CERTIFICATION ATTAINMENT RATES BY TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AS A FUNCTION OF ETHNICITY/RACE, GENDER, AND ECONOMIC STATUS: A STATEWIDE, MULTIYEAR STUDY
(2024-05) Hicks, Robert Todd; Slate, John R; Hemmen, Janene W; Resilla, Clare A
The purpose of this journal-ready dissertation was to determine the extent to which differences existed in the attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications of Texas high school graduates by their ethnicity/race, gender, and economic status. In the first study, the degree to which the attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications of Texas high school graduates differed by their ethnicity/race (i.e., Black, Hispanic, White, and Asian) was examined. In the second study, the degree to which attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications differed between high school boys and girls was determined. In the third study, the extent to which economic status (i.e., Poor, Not Poor) was related to attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications of high school graduates was ascertained. Finally, the presence of trends in student attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications was addressed. A causal-comparative non-experimental research design was employed to complete this statewide, multiyear study. Archival data analyzed were made publicly available by the Texas Education Agency through the Texas Academic Performance Reports. Specifically analyzed were industry-based certification attainment rates for Texas high school graduates from the 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021 school years. Regarding ethnicity/race, Black and Asian students were identified to have statistically significantly lower industry-based certification attainment rates than Hispanic and White students. Certification attainment rates for Black and Asian students were similar across the three years of data analyzed, whereas attainment rates for Hispanic and White students were also similar. For gender, male Texas high school graduates had statistically significantly higher industry-based certification attainment rates than female Texas high school graduates across the three years of data analyzed, with the gap in attainment between genders increasing across the years studied. Regarding economic status, students from impoverished backgrounds earned industry-based certifications at statistically significantly lower rates than their non-economically disadvantaged peers. It should be noted, however, that attainment rates between the two groups only differed by 0.54% to 1.41% over the three years of data analyzed. A final observation was that industry-based certifications increased across the three years of data analyzed for all student groups.
Academic Tracking: An Educator's Perspective
(2024-05) Kay, Dustin; Scherer, Mary L; Gardner, Jeffrey A; Douglas, Karen M
This study investigates high school educators' perspectives on academic tracking. Through open-ended interviews with teachers from diverse content areas, the research confirms existing findings on tracking's role in perpetuating social inequality and stratifying education. Despite recognizing these issues, educators exhibit a paradoxical engagement with tracking, participating in its maintenance while expressing critical awareness. This phenomenon is framed as institutional compliance, highlighting the complex interplay of bureaucratic rationality and regimes of truth within educational systems. The study offers insights into the nuanced dynamics of tracking practices and their implications for fostering more equitable educational environments.
Exploring the Link Between AMPD Criteria and Racial Discrimination and Microaggressions
(2024-05) Hernandez, Sarah Kathleen; Ruchensky, Jared R; Anderson, Jaime L; Cash, Daniella K
As overt discrimination is becoming less tolerated in the United States, covert discrimination still persists and has been associated with decreased quality of life due to its impact on mental health (Douds and Hout, 2020). More common forms of covert discrimination have been termed ‘microaggressions’ which represent subtle, automatic statements or behaviors which, consciously or unconsciously, communicate a rudeness, slight, or invalidation of minoritized individuals (Pierce, 1970; Sue et al., 2007). Previous research has identified associations between microaggressions and discrimination to the presence of internalizing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms (Lui & Quezada, 2019). Some research has identified mediating factors in the relationship between microaggression, discrimination, and mental health symptoms. For instance, Latino/a adults with higher self-efficacy and ethnic-identity stability had lower rates of association between experiences of ethnic microaggressions and traumatic stress symptoms (Torres & Taknint, 2015). While this study highlighted how identity is connected to discrimination, limited research is available on the associations between microaggressions, discrimination and other personality pathology components. The proposed study seeks to identify associations between frequency of experienced microaggressions and discrimination and personality pathology aligning with the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). Self-report survey data from 255 minoritized undergraduate students was used to identify bivariate associations. I hypothesize greater frequency of microaggression and discrimination experiences as well as increased trauma symptoms from discrimination would be associated with higher personality impairment (Criterion A of the AMPD) and elevated severity in maladaptive personality traits (Criterion B of the AMPD).
RHETORICAL ECOLOGY’S EFFECTS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH ORGANIZATION WEB DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
(2024-05) Hernandez, Brianna Lynn; Obrien, April L; Hubrig, Ada L; Anglesey, Leslie R
Community health organizations serve marginalized communities with their health needs. One such community is the transgender community. This study compares the communication via community health organization websites with the transgender community regarding services offered of two different sites. One site located in Houston, Texas, and the other located in San Francisco, California. The sites are examined for accessibility, queer usability, and rhetorical content. The comparison utilizes a framework melding Richard Bucannon’s design rhetoric, Ramler’s queer usability, and Edbauer’s rhetorical ecology called Queer Rhetorical Design Ecology that says that design choices are rhetorical choices, and queer design accounts for marginalized users in the design phase. It is posited that the negative rhetorical ecology regarding transgender and gender non-conforming people in Texas, surrounding the Legacy site, acts as a limiting factor in the amount and style of communication the organization utilizes when it designed and redesigned its website. Likewise, a promoting factor is the result of the rhetorical ecology surrounding the San Francisco site which leads to a more robust design and more robust level of communication with the transgender community.

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