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Title: An examination of immediate outcomes following a single session of mindfulness meditation.
Creator: Stiksma, Melissa, Levy, Morgan, Vernon, Laura
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361193
Subject Headings: Meditation, Mindfulness in behavioral health
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Adult Learners’ Preferred Methods of Learning Preventative Heart Disease Care.
Creator: Alavi, Nasim, Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferred method of learning about heart disease by adult learners. This research study also investigated if there was a statistically significant difference between race/ethnicity, age, and gender of adult learners and their preferred method of learning preventative heart disease care. This research study further explored the effectiveness of adult education on reducing or preventing serious, life-threatening heart disease, including heart...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the preferred method of learning about heart disease by adult learners. This research study also investigated if there was a statistically significant difference between race/ethnicity, age, and gender of adult learners and their preferred method of learning preventative heart disease care. This research study further explored the effectiveness of adult education on reducing or preventing serious, life-threatening heart disease, including heart attack. This research is of significant importance as the adult population and age in many developed countries is increasing. It was anticipated that the study would unearth the effectiveness of various educational methods of providing information to adult learners to inform them how to prevent heart attacks. For this quantitative investigation, participants were limited to students enrolled in at least one college course (three credit hours) at the Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton campus who were 25 years of age or older. During the course of this study, three methods of learning; formal, informal, and non-formal, as well as two delivery methods; online and traditional, were evaluated. Over one third of the study’s participants (35%) preferred to receive healthrelated information via email (35%). This major finding was statistically significant (x² (6) = 82.171; p < .001). Further, statistically significant findings were manifest for study participants for omnibus age grouping and in the 25-35 years of age grouping, for those who were White and Hispanic by ethnic background, and for both females and males participating in this study. The results of this research may assist health department administrators in utilizing varying methods for distributing health information, keeping the preferred knowledge acquisition method of students on college and university campuses especially in mind.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004740, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004740
Subject Headings: Health behavior., Health attitudes., Adult education., Health education., Health--Information services., Medicine, Preventive--Information services.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Behavioral contingencies, not pharmacological exposure, determine the development, loss and retention of tolerance to amphetamine hypophagia.
Creator: Hughes, Katherine M., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine whether behavioral contingencies or pharmacological exposure governs the development, loss and retention of tolerance to amphetamine-induced hypophagia in rats. In Experiment 1, rats that had developed tolerance by learning to suppress stereotypy that interfered with feeding from a bottle were divided into three groups to test the retention of tolerance. The Before group received injections of amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) before access to milk, the After...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether behavioral contingencies or pharmacological exposure governs the development, loss and retention of tolerance to amphetamine-induced hypophagia in rats. In Experiment 1, rats that had developed tolerance by learning to suppress stereotypy that interfered with feeding from a bottle were divided into three groups to test the retention of tolerance. The Before group received injections of amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) before access to milk, the After group received injections of amphetamine after access to milk, and the Saline group received injections of saline before access to milk. Both the After and Saline groups lost tolerance when later tested with amphetamine before milk tests. Thus, the loss of tolerance was not a function of drug withdrawal, because drug exposure remained constant in the After group. When milk reward was obtained noncontingently, tolerance was lost even though pharmacological exposure was maintained. Behavioral strategies that were learned while intoxicated were replaced with new learning when the contingencies were changed. Experiment 2 determined that tolerance loss was a function of new learning and not simply ingesting milk in the unintoxicated state. Bottle-fed tolerant rats were given amphetamine prior to intraoral feeding of milk during a retention interval. Subsequent testing with amphetamine in the bottle condition revealed that tolerance was lost. Because the cannula feeding condition does not require suppression of stereotypy, milk reward was available noncontingently in the intoxicated state and tolerance was lost even though drug exposure was maintained. In Experiment 3 rats were given chronic amphetamine injections and intraoral feeding. Subsequent tests with amphetamine and bottle feeding revealed that no tolerance developed. These results demonstrate that even when ingestion occurs in the intoxicated state, no tolerance develops if milk reward is available noncontingently. Animals that drank intraorally were not tolerant when tested in the bottle condition.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12659
Subject Headings: Psychology, Psychobiology, Psychology, Behavioral, Health Sciences, Pharmacology, Psychology, Experimental
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of a spiritually-guided intervention on breast self-care attitudes in afro-Caribbean women.
Creator: Marshall, Jacqueline S., Gordon, Shirley C., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Little is known about breast health behaviors in Afro-Caribbean women (ACW) residing in the United States, as they are often included in the collective group of African American women (AAW). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a spiritually-guided intervention on breast health self-care (BHSC) attitudes in ACW residing in southeastern Florida using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. One hundred and seventeen women were recruited from three local south...
Show moreLittle is known about breast health behaviors in Afro-Caribbean women (ACW) residing in the United States, as they are often included in the collective group of African American women (AAW). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a spiritually-guided intervention on breast health self-care (BHSC) attitudes in ACW residing in southeastern Florida using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. One hundred and seventeen women were recruited from three local south Florida Caribbean churches. Inclusion criteria included: (a) self-identification as Afro-Caribbean, (b) female aged 30 years or older, (c) living in the United States for at least 1 year, (d) able to provide informed consent, (e) able to speak and read English at the 8th grade level, and (f) no previous history of breast cancer.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004388, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004388
Subject Headings: Breast -- Cancer -- Prevention, Health attitudes, Health behavior, Medical care -- Religious aspects, Self care, Health, Self examination, Medical -- Afro Caribbean women -- Attitudes, Spirituality, Women, Black -- Caribbean Area -- Attitudes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Parameters impacting the reproductive fitness of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin): interactions between native endocrinology and endocrine-disruptors.
Creator: Homer-Drummond, Sharon M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid...
Show morePersistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355561
Subject Headings: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Health aspects, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals, Environmental toxicology, Marine mammals, Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Transformational learning and self-efficacy: an investigation into their role in prophylactic mastectomy.
Creator: Gordon, Faith, Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States. Estimated new breast cancer cases for 2012 in the U.S. are 229,060 women (American Cancer Society, 2012). For all women it is important to be informed regarding all current treatment options. For women in high-risk categories of breast cancer it is even more important. Risk-reducing strategies for women at high-risk of breast cancer include surveillance, chemoprevention, and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Prophylactic...
Show moreBreast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States. Estimated new breast cancer cases for 2012 in the U.S. are 229,060 women (American Cancer Society, 2012). For all women it is important to be informed regarding all current treatment options. For women in high-risk categories of breast cancer it is even more important. Risk-reducing strategies for women at high-risk of breast cancer include surveillance, chemoprevention, and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Prophylactic mastectomy reduces the risk of breast cancer by excision of most breast tissue. Breast cancer among those initially diagnosed as high-risk is 90-94.3% (Hartmann et al., 1999). This procedure entails serious surgeries with numerous physical, social, and emotional ramifications and is not without side effects. The patient has the right to be informed and base her decision-making on the suitability of the procedure for herself. This research describes six (6) woman’s experiences, focusing on the role of transformational learning and self-efficacy, as these women progressed through the stages. Prophylactic mastectomy is radical, irreversible, and costly at the onset. The procedure may preclude a whole lifetime of surgeries, radiation, and chemical treatments. If this treatment is the right fit, and has been fully researched, balanced with options, family history, genetic predisposition, personal concerns, and anxiety levels, along with physician recommendations, a woman should consider pursuing it.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004374, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004374
Subject Headings: Control (Psychology), Educational leadership, Health behavior, Mastectomy -- Decision making, Mastectomy -- Psychological aspects, Organizational learning, Self efficacy, Women -- Medical care, Women's health services
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessing influences of dietary supplement use in south Florida adolescent athletes.
Creator: Godo, Jennah R., Florida Atlantic University, Graves, B. Sue
Abstract/Description: Dietary supplement use influences and effects of gender and grade by 184 adolescent athletes in ten Broward County high schools, grades nine through twelve, were examined in this study. A survey (Survey to Predict Adolescent Athletes Dietary Supplement Use) based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was used to predict how the supplement group users/non-users demonstrated a relationship with the theory components. Results yielded supplement group differences with regard to gender and grade....
Show moreDietary supplement use influences and effects of gender and grade by 184 adolescent athletes in ten Broward County high schools, grades nine through twelve, were examined in this study. A survey (Survey to Predict Adolescent Athletes Dietary Supplement Use) based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was used to predict how the supplement group users/non-users demonstrated a relationship with the theory components. Results yielded supplement group differences with regard to gender and grade. Regarding behavioral intention, supplement group users (current, past, or experimental) had a stronger intention to use supplements in the future than did non-users. Main effects emerged with male athletes having a stronger intention to use supplements than did females. The health risks that accompany supplement products show evidence of the need for health educators to understand more about the issue in order to establish intervention strategies.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13174
Subject Headings: Dietary supplements, Athletes--Drug use--Florida, Sports--Physiological aspects, Health risk assessment--Florida, Athletes--Nutrition, Health behavior, Maturation (Psychology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Native American Early Adolescents Response to a Cultural-Based Prevention for Obesity.
Creator: Kelley, Melessa N., Lowe, John, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Over the past 30 years, obesity has increased rapidly as an epidemic and major public health concern in the United Stated, particularly among Native American children and adolescents. Native American adolescents have the highest prevalence rates of obesity of all ethnic groups in the United States. Although there has been an increasing effort to develop and evaluate obesity prevention programs for children and adolescents, very little attention has been devoted to understanding culturally...
Show moreOver the past 30 years, obesity has increased rapidly as an epidemic and major public health concern in the United Stated, particularly among Native American children and adolescents. Native American adolescents have the highest prevalence rates of obesity of all ethnic groups in the United States. Although there has been an increasing effort to develop and evaluate obesity prevention programs for children and adolescents, very little attention has been devoted to understanding culturally effective approaches for ethnic populations. There is a significant gap in the research literature regarding effective obesity intervention and prevention studies for Native American children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a culturally based talking circle approach, KCTC-O, for the prevention of obesity among early adolescent Native American (Keetoowah-Cherokee) and to examine the relationships between Cherokee self-reliance; perceived stress levels; and obesity knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. A 7-week intervention in which a 2-condition quasi-experimental design was implemented to compare the KCTC-O experimental condition with a standard school health education (SE) control condition on three outcome variables (Cherokee self-reliance; perceived stress levels; and obesity knowledge, attitudes, and behavior at pre- and post-intervention. A total sample of 100 participants were recruited for this study, 50 participants per condition. The participants were distributed almost evenly in terms of gender: 55 females compared to 45 males for both groups combined. Participants ranged in ages from 10 to 13, with a mean age of 11.5 years of age, and ranged in grades from 4 through 7, with Grade 6 being the most frequently reported grade in school. The results of this study revealed the effectiveness of the KCTC-O condition was not significantly greater than the SE condition. However, although not statistically significant, the results of this study provided some evidence that a culturally based intervention was slightly more effective for the prevention of obesity than a non-culturally based intervention for Native American early adolescents. This study helps to validate the need for more robust obesity prevention programs from a cultural perspective among Native American early adolescents.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004685, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004685
Subject Headings: Community based social services, Health behavior in adolescence, Indians of North America -- Health, Indians of North America -- Psychology, Obesity in adolescence -- Prevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The relationship among commuting, dietary, and exercise behaviors in college students.
Creator: Goodwin, Priscilla N., Florida Atlantic University, Whitehurst, Michael
Abstract/Description: Objective. This study examined the association between commuting time and/or distance and body mass index (BMI), and dietary and exercise behaviors in college students. Methods. Behaviors were assessed using self-report, dietary screeners, and an exercise questionnaire in 400 college students ages 18--35 taking classes on a commuter campus. BMI was determined through measurement of height and weight. Results. Pearson correlations revealed no relationship between commuting time and/or distance...
Show moreObjective. This study examined the association between commuting time and/or distance and body mass index (BMI), and dietary and exercise behaviors in college students. Methods. Behaviors were assessed using self-report, dietary screeners, and an exercise questionnaire in 400 college students ages 18--35 taking classes on a commuter campus. BMI was determined through measurement of height and weight. Results. Pearson correlations revealed no relationship between commuting time and/or distance and BMI, and dietary and exercise behaviors. However, total meals eaten out the week prior and number of meals obtained from any away-from-home food vendors was related to total, saturated, and percent fat in the diet, as well as cholesterol. Conclusion. Commuting distance nor time were related to BMI, dietary or exercise behaviors. Regardless of commuting behaviors, better dietary behaviors should be recommended among college students.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13265
Subject Headings: Commuting college students--Health and hygiene, College students--Attitudes, Health behavior, College students--Recreation, Exercise--Psychological aspects, College students--Anthropometry
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Meanings of folk and professional health care experienced by Guatemalan Mayans in southeast Florida.
Creator: Herp, Cheryl Ann., Florida Atlantic University, Ray, Marilyn A.
Abstract/Description: In the 1980s civil unrest in Guatemala forced many Mayans to flee their native land for Southeast Florida. Their rich cultural heritage has long been a source of wonder to anthropologists and tourists traveling into Mexico and Guatemala, yet little is known about their experiences of daily life and caring practices when they arrive in the United States. This study used Leininger's theory, Culture Care Diversity and Universality, and ethnonursing method to discover Mayan folk care practices...
Show moreIn the 1980s civil unrest in Guatemala forced many Mayans to flee their native land for Southeast Florida. Their rich cultural heritage has long been a source of wonder to anthropologists and tourists traveling into Mexico and Guatemala, yet little is known about their experiences of daily life and caring practices when they arrive in the United States. This study used Leininger's theory, Culture Care Diversity and Universality, and ethnonursing method to discover Mayan folk care practices and their relationship to professional care. Sixteen universal and four diverse themes were discovered. The struggle to preserve cultural identity while finding ways to be part of a new culture was an important theme. The use of healers, herbal medicines, rituals and unregulated injections were accepted practices within the community. Professional health care along with folk care practices were often used simultaneously. The processes of acculturation, enculturation, and marginalization influence caring modalities as well as contribute to the Guatemalan Mayan contribution to the South Florida Cultural Mosaic.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15311
Subject Headings: Mayas--Medicine, Traditional medicine--Florida, Nursing--Cross-cultural studies, Health behavior--Cross-cultural studies
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Partnering: An exploration of the process occurring between couples engaged in a Partner Breast Exam Program.
Creator: Scheinberg-King, Caryn R., Florida Atlantic University, Hektor, Lynne M.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of what happens when partners participate in the Partner Breast Exam Program. A qualitative research design, using a grounded theory approach was used to understand the perspective of the couples participating in "Men Can Too" a Partner Breast Exam program. This approach was chosen because the experience of participation in Partner Breast Exam is "unchartered territory." Preliminary findings suggest that the process of partnering results...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of what happens when partners participate in the Partner Breast Exam Program. A qualitative research design, using a grounded theory approach was used to understand the perspective of the couples participating in "Men Can Too" a Partner Breast Exam program. This approach was chosen because the experience of participation in Partner Breast Exam is "unchartered territory." Preliminary findings suggest that the process of partnering results in a synergy between the couples. The three processes that comprise the Dynamics of a Synergistic Couple include: Sharing, Dyad: Male/Female Interaction, and Motivation. Partnering, by removing barriers such as fear, can promote a shared journey toward health for a couple, where they become synergistic partners in health, when they share the burden.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15363
Subject Headings: Breast--Cancer--Diagnosis, Breast--Examination, Helping behavior, Men--Attitudes, Women--Health and hygiene, Breast--Cancer--Nursing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A review of corporate-based wellness programs for general health promotion and prevention of type II diabetes mellitus.
Creator: Hemmings, Jodian R., Blanks, Robert H., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science
Abstract/Description: This research focuses on obesity and other major risk factors for chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Disease, and Stroke. Worksite wellness programs have been successful in this realm of health promotion and disease prevention for heart disease and stroke, but their effectiveness in treating diabetes has been uncertain partially due to poor patient compliance, lack of stress reduction strategies, poor diet and lack of persuasive health education on the risk of being...
Show moreThis research focuses on obesity and other major risk factors for chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Disease, and Stroke. Worksite wellness programs have been successful in this realm of health promotion and disease prevention for heart disease and stroke, but their effectiveness in treating diabetes has been uncertain partially due to poor patient compliance, lack of stress reduction strategies, poor diet and lack of persuasive health education on the risk of being obese. Published peer-reviewed articles were reviewed, coded and analyzed to determine best practices, using a modified systematic review approach. The findings from these studies yield results that were used to develop a new employer-sponsored wellness program that is in accordance with the recently passed Affordable Care Act.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004201, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004201
Subject Headings: Behavior modification, Employee assistance programs, Health promotion, Medicine, Preventive, Non insulin dependent diabetes -- Prevention, obesity -- Risk factors, Preventive health services, Psychology, Industrial, Social responsibility of business, United States -- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Adult learning for healthy aging: an investigation of health literacy and technology use in older adults.
Creator: Swann, Elizabeth G., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study explored the healthy aging process by: (a) examining the selected demographics of older adults in South Florida; (b) examining technology use of older adults in South Florida; (c) examining the health literacy levels of older adults in South Florida; (d) determining whether a relationship exists between older adults living in South Florida use of technology and their health literacy levels; and (e) evaluating the effects of health literacy as it relates to technology use in older...
Show moreThis study explored the healthy aging process by: (a) examining the selected demographics of older adults in South Florida; (b) examining technology use of older adults in South Florida; (c) examining the health literacy levels of older adults in South Florida; (d) determining whether a relationship exists between older adults living in South Florida use of technology and their health literacy levels; and (e) evaluating the effects of health literacy as it relates to technology use in older adults in South Florida. Variables explored included health literacy, education, ethnicity, and technology use. The sample study included 102 older adults (age > 60) living in South Florida that had completed profiles on the South Florida Quality Aging Registry, a part of the Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI). The sample size represented 22.3% of the total South Florida Quality Aging Registry population. The ethnicities of the participants among the South Florida Quality Aging Registry were African American (17%); Afro Caribbean (7.8%); Hispanic (10.7%); and European American (63.7%). The education mean was 15, indicating that the majority of participants had an education level equivalent to completing high school. The mean health literacy score was 3.88, demonstrating that the majority of the participants had moderate levels of health literacy. The mean technology use score was 7.5 on a scale of one through ten, indicating that the majority of the participants had a moderate level of technology use. Analysis of variance, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis was used to explore the variables that may influence health literacy. There was a statistically significant difference among Afro Caribbean and African American, Afro Caribbean and European American, European American and Hispanic ethnicities related to their health literacy skill level (p < .01). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference among Afro Caribbean American and European American ethnicities and technology use (p. < .01).
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004165, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004165
Subject Headings: Aging -- Psychological aspects, Aging -- Social aspects, Cognition in old age, Computers and older people, Health behavior, Internet and older people, Older people -- Health and hygiene, Technology and older people
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Adolescent informants about rural teen pregnancy.
Creator: Weiss, Josie A.
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3183266
Subject Headings: Rural health--U.S., Sexual ethics for teenagers --Decision making, Sexual ethics for youth --United States, Teenage pregnancy, Teenage pregnancy --Prevention, Teenage pregnancy --Prevention & control, Teenage pregnancy --United States, Teenage pregnancy --United States --Prevention, Teenagers --Sexual behavior --Decision making
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Can I Ask for Help? The Relationship among Incarcerated Males’ Sexual Orientation, Incarceration History, and Perceptions of Rape in Prison.
Creator: Ratkalkar, Mina, Smykla, John Ortiz, Florida Atlantic University, College for Design and Social Inquiry, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Abstract/Description: In 2003, Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act to address the problem of sexual violence in prison. Although research has shed light on the prevalence and incidence of sexual violence in U.S. prisons, few studies examine inmates’ perceptions of rape and safety from rape in prison. This study examined rape perceptions and the likelihood to seek mental health treatment in prison of three distinct groups of male inmates who are at greater risk of sexual victimization or exposure to...
Show moreIn 2003, Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act to address the problem of sexual violence in prison. Although research has shed light on the prevalence and incidence of sexual violence in U.S. prisons, few studies examine inmates’ perceptions of rape and safety from rape in prison. This study examined rape perceptions and the likelihood to seek mental health treatment in prison of three distinct groups of male inmates who are at greater risk of sexual victimization or exposure to sexual violence while incarcerated: gay and bisexual inmates, inmates with a juvenile incarceration history, and inmates who were first incarcerated in the adult criminal justice system during adolescence or emerging adulthood. This study examined the relationships between sexual orientation and inmates’ perceptions of the threat of rape and seeking of mental health treatment in prison. Data from 409 incarcerated men residing in 23 maximum security correctional institutions revealed that gay and bisexual inmates were significantly more likely than straight inmates to fear the threat of rape and to voluntarily request mental health treatment in prison. Incarcerated men with a history of childhood abuse were significantly more likely than inmates without an abuse history to fear the threat of rape. Having a history of childhood sexual abuse, identifying as black, and being incarcerated for longer than 18 years also significantly predicted increased likelihood to voluntarily request mental health treatment in prison. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004624, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004624
Subject Headings: United States.--Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003., Prisoners--Sexual behavior., Prisoners--Mental health services., Prisoners--Legal status, laws, etc., Prisons--Law and legislation--United States., Prison violence--Prevention., Rape--Prevention.
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (13)	+ -
FAU College Collections (1)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (1)	+ -

Health behavior (5)	+ -
Adult education. (1)	+ -
Aging -- Psychological aspects (1)	+ -
Aging -- Social aspects (1)	+ -
Athletes--Drug use--Florida (1)	+ -

Athletes--Nutrition (1)	+ -
Behavior modification (1)	+ -
Breast -- Cancer -- Prevention (1)	+ -
Breast--Cancer--Diagnosis (1)	+ -
Breast--Cancer--Nursing (1)	+ -
Breast--Examination (1)	+ -
Cognition in old age (1)	+ -
College students--Anthropometry (1)	+ -
College students--Attitudes (1)	+ -
College students--Recreation (1)	+ -
Community based social services (1)	+ -
Commuting college students--Health and hygiene (1)	+ -
Computers and older people (1)	+ -
Control (Psychology) (1)	+ -
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Educational leadership (1)	+ -
Employee assistance programs (1)	+ -
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Environmental toxicology (1)	+ -
Exercise--Psychological aspects (1)	+ -
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Health attitudes (1)	+ -
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College of Education (3)	+ -
Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (3)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (2)	+ -

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