The College of Health has may researchers, working hard to advance the knowledge in their respective fields. Here is just a few of the articles published recently.

Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology and Counseling

Psychology in the Schools explores the relationship between memory and adaptive functioning with a sample of autistic youths/young adults. This study was conducted to provide recommendations when evaluating autistic people in other settings and how it is based on memory function. By the results of this study, memory was found to be notably related to autism. By understanding the relationship between executive functioning and its connection to working memory, we can create better employment efforts to allow individuals with autism the opportunity to gain work experience. The aim for this article is to explore the components of executive function and memory that can inform school to adulthood transition plans in specific ways by looking at their relationship to adaptive functioning and observable autistic characteristics. By better understanding the relationships between executive function and memory, we can improve workplace success for individuals with autism. Hernandez Finch, M.E,, Trammell, B,. Hulse, Finch W.H., Wildrick, A., Floyd, E,F., Pittenger, J., & McIntosh, D.E Psychology in the Schools

 

Nutrition and Health Science

Frontiers in Public Health talks about obesity and how it has been recognized as a significant contributor to the development of many chronic diseases and their negative health effects. This can be seen in Africa, where the commonness of fat and being overweight is increasing. The sharp increase in obesity rates suggests that chronic non-communicable illnesses and communicable diseases now coexist in low-income countries. To combat this issue, places like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are receiving assistance from The World Health Organization, the International Development Law Organization, the International Development Research Centre, and the Swiss Development Cooperation as part of a global initiative to develop and implement legislative standards and financial incentives to support a healthy diet and regular exercise. By creating campaigns and community-based approaches, we will be able to approach this issue with solutions that are effective, safe, and available to all. Aborode, A.T., Favour Obianuju, A., Onyeaka H., Fawawe, A.S., Adegoye, G.A., Oko, C., & Uro-Chukwu, H.C. Frontiers in Public Health

 

School of Kinesiology

International Journal of Behavioral Medicine explores the combined effect of stress appraisal and fitness level on stress responses and consistent cognitive performance. Research had previously been done that examined the separate effects of the two, but never a combination of both factors. There is many health issues associated with high stress levels that can significantly impact an individual. Because of this, it is important to find new ways to regulate stress response. A study was performed on 24 young men across the fitness spectrum, the goal was to examine the combined effects after a stressful event. They participated in a stress test and had to view their stress as facilitative or debilitative. Stress responses and cognitive performance were evaluated before and immediately after the stress test. The study concluded that fitness level might have a larger impact on stress response than stress appraisal, and stress reappraisal manipulations require more than just reading a note and self-talk. Andersen, L., Lebeau, J., & Nagelkirk, P.R., International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

 

School of Nursing

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners writes an assessment about stuttering priapism in individuals with sickle cell disease. Stuttering priapism is a rare urologic condition that often starts in childhood and can occur in male children, adolescents, and adults. It manifests as repetitive and painful episodes of prolonged erections without sexual stimulation. It can happen at any time; however, most cases occur when the individual is asleep. Sickle cell disease is a common contributor of stuttering priapism, in fact it is the most common cause of stuttering priapism. Sickle cell disease is a common congenital blood disorder that affects 100,000 individuals in the United States. Stuttering priapism is a poorly understood condition, and more attention and awareness are necessary to avoid further complications in years to come. Abebe, S., Goldsby, E., & Renbarger, K. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners

 

Speech Pathology and Audiology

Psychology in the Schools explores executive functioning skills of children with listening difficulties. Children with listening difficulties are often referred for assessment of auditory processing disorder. Often, children referred for auditory processing disorder display executive functioning deficits. They hypothesized that a possible root cause of listening deficits may be executive functioning deficits, rather than auditory processing alone. Children with reported listening difficulties may benefit from classroom intervention to address executive functioning. Effective listening skills in the classroom are crucial for academic achievement, which is why it is important to know all the information possible for the correct diagnosis. McGrath, M.A., Fletcher, K.L., & Bielski, L.M. Psychology in the Schools

 

Social Work

Sport Social Work Journal writes about the impact of post-collegiate playing opportunities on DI field hockey players and their athlete identity. Data was collected from NCAA DI field hockey players using the 10-item Athlete Identity Measurement Scale questionnaire. Researchers hypothesized the number of years playing field hockey, the belief of playing at the next level would impact athlete identity, and student-athlete grade level or graduation year. The study found athlete identity is quite complex and is needed to assist student-athletes while they navigate their athlete identity for their overall well-being. The study concluded with suggestions for implications for exploring athlete identity and suggestions for future research about the topic. Caravaglia, G., Reynolds, J., & Moore, M. Sport Social Work Journal