Browsing by Author "Fruhauf, Christine, committee member"
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Item Open Access Developing the LGBT Minority Stress Measure(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Outland, Pearl L., author; Harman, Jennifer J., advisor; Chavez, Ernest, committee member; Fruhauf, Christine, committee memberLesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals face significant mental and physical health disparities compared to their heterosexual peers. Such differential outcomes are often attributed to minority stress, chronic stress that is specific to one’s marginalized status and which is distinct from normal every day life stress. Current research, which attempts to assess the relationship between minority stress and health, is stifled by lack of a uniform measurement tool to operationalize the construct. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive tool that encapsulates all of the major dimensions of minority stress, as defined by Meyer’s (2003) LGB minority stress model. The final LGBT Minority Stress Measure is a 25-item self-report scale, with seven subscales: identity concealment, everyday discrimination/ microaggressions, rejection anticipation, discrimination events, internalized stigma, victimization events, and community connectedness. Results from 640 participants, including 119 of which identified as gender non-conforming, supported the psychometric properties of the scale. Additionally, consistent with existing literature, greater minority stress was associated with increased psychological distress.Item Open Access Exploring cancer survivors' preferences for a physical activity maintenance program(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Anderson, Hadalyn, author; Leach, Heather, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Faro, Jamie, committee memberPurpose: Physical activity (PA) offers long-term health benefits for cancer survivors (CS), if sustained. Community-based exercise programs have shown short-term effectiveness in increasing PA among cancer survivors, but evidence of their effect on long-term PA engagement (i.e., PA maintenance) is lacking. This study (1) quantitatively explored cancer survivors' preferences for a PA maintenance program and whether preferences were impacted by PA levels, and (2) qualitatively explored participants' preferences of a PA maintenance program and PA-related barriers. Methods: CS who completed one of three original cancer-specific community-based exercise programs participated in a pilot PA maintenance program (i.e., two exercise and discussion sessions). (1) Participants completed questionnaires via REDCap database to assess interest in a PA maintenance program (i.e., likelihood of attending, perceived helpfulness and enjoyment, and preferences of frequency, duration, and time until maintenance program commencement) and PA levels. Participants reported current PA levels compared to when they finished the original program (greater or same vs. lower PA levels) and completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to determine whether they were currently meeting PA guidelines (≥150 mins/week of moderate aerobic PA + 2 days of strength training). (2) Participants also completed semi-structured focus groups via Zoom that aimed to answer the following questions regarding participants': (i) maintenance program experience, (ii) suggestions for future maintenance program implementation, (iii) perceived elements of the original program that were helpful in maintaining PA, and (iv) barriers experienced following the original program. Frequencies from (1) were calculated, and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions between maintenance program preferences and participants' PA levels. Qualitative data from (2) were transcribed verbatim, coded inductively, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes and frequencies of references (%) were calculated. Results: (1) Participants (N=20) were M=60±13 years old, non-Hispanic White (95%), female (95%), and diagnosed with breast (50%), ovarian (20%), or other (30%) cancer. Average time since program completion was M=26.2 ± 35.7 (1-110) months. Most participants (65%) reported exercising more or the same amount since original program completion, and 35% met PA guidelines. The majority were likely to attend maintenance exercise (90%) and discussion (80%) sessions. All (100%) participants thought maintenance exercise sessions would be helpful and most (85%) for discussion sessions. There were no differences in responses based on PA levels (all p>.05). (2) Themes identified for (i) were Accountability (36%), Shared Cancer Survivor Experience (26%), Individualized Exercise Prescription (30%), and Discussion Session Content (8%); (ii) were Accountability (8.929%), Discussion Session Content (26.79%), and Discussion (19.64%) and Exercise (44.64%) Session Delivery; (iii) were Accountability (39.39%), Individualized Exercise Prescription (30.3%), and Discussion Session Content (30.3%); and (iv) were Psychological (41.38%), Physical (27.59%), and Environmental (31.03%). Conclusion: Participants had positive perceptions of the maintenance program. Future studies should measure effectiveness of a maintenance program to support PA maintenance and encompass program leader perspectives to work towards achieving pragmatic solutions to maintain PA maintenance programs within community-based settings.Item Open Access Group occupational therapy and yoga: the caregiver experience(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Hinsey, Katie M., author; Schmid, Arlene A., advisor; Atler, Karen E., committee member; Fruhauf, Christine, committee memberThe purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of caregivers of people with stroke after participating in a group occupational therapy and yoga intervention (MY-OT). Participants elected to either participate in the 8 week MY-OT intervention or to not attend. Participants completed the Zarit Burden Interview and Positive Aspects of Caring scale retrospectively after the MY-OT intervention. Caregivers also chose to participate in focus groups and individual interviews following the intervention. Qualitative data were analysed using an iterative, coding process to generate larger themes based on caregiver experience. Caregivers who attended the MY-OT intervention saw a 47% decrease in caregiver burden and a 26% increase in positive aspects of caring. Those who did not attend saw a 2% decrease in caregiver burden and a 4% decrease in positive aspects of caring. Five themes were elicited from focus groups and interviews: 1) Changes in daily life; 2) Coping Mechanisms; 3) Learning through observation; 4) Sense of community and 5) Learning new information. Group occupational therapy, focused on self-management, and yoga are effective and beneficial interventions for the caregiver and care recipient together.Item Open Access Hospice care: nurses' experience and perception of older adult patients' experiences(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Aeling, Jennifer, author; Chavez, Ernest, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Rickard, Kathryn, committee member; Richards, Tracy, committee memberThe current study sought to understand the experience of hospice nursing staff with hospice and the differences they perceived in caring for older adult patients who utilize hospice for longer and shorter periods. This study also sought to understand older adult patients' experience of hospice services and if length of hospice stays had an effect on the patients' end-of-life experience, as perceived by hospice nursing staff. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to extract themes and subthemes from 10 interviews conducted with hospice nursing staff. Major themes include nursing staff reporting a positive view of hospice, but also being aware of a perceived stigma against hospice among both older adults and their family members. Another major theme identified was how older adults' perception of hospice changes based on length of use, with longer use leading to more positive views of hospice. Participants discussed aspects that affect length of stay and how longer hospice stays are more positive than shorter. The last two major themes were participants believing more education about hospice is needed and a frustration with the Medicare reimbursement process of hospice. Content analysis was also utilized to extract two noteworthy concepts that did not fit within the guidelines of IPA. These noteworthy concepts were extracted from a comparison of two older adult deaths, one that used hospice for a short period (less than two weeks) and another for a long period (more than four weeks). When comparing these stories, it became evident that longer hospice stays had more aspects of a 'good' death and tended to utilize more services provided by hospice. These themes and noteworthy concepts suggest hospice nursing staff believe longer hospice stays are more positive, hospice nursing staff view hospice more positively than older adult patients, and more education may lead to longer hospice stays.Item Open Access Hospice services as experienced by long term care nusring staff and their perception of resident experiences(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Aeling, Jennifer, author; Vacha-Haase, Tammi, advisor; Borrayo, Evelinn, committee member; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Stallones, Lorann, committee memberThe current study utilized qualitative methods to understand long term care (LTC) nursing staff's experience with hospice services and their perceptions of how their residents have experienced hospice services. More specifically, this study sought to understand nursing home residents choices to utilize hospice services, as well as understand differences LTC nurses have experienced in regards to these deaths. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilized to extract themes and subthemes from 10 interviews that occurred with LTC nursing staff. Four main themes were extracted from the data. These main themes are: LTC nursing participant's positive view of hospice, their perception that residents view hospice very negatively, why residents choose to utilize hospice services, and why residents choose not to utilize hospice services. A number of subthemes were extracted as well. Content analysis was also utilized to extract one noteworthy concept that did not fit within the guidelines of IPA, which was a comparison of two resident deaths, one that occurred with and without the utilization of hospice services. These themes and the noteworthy concept pointed to a contradiction between the LTC nursing staff's positive view of hospice and their belief that their residents view hospice services very negatively.Item Open Access Improving physical activity maintenance following an exercise program for cancer survivors: a pragmatic hybrid randomized controlled trial(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) McGinnis, Emma L., author; Leach, Heather, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Rogers, Laura, committee member; Jankowski, Catherine, committee memberPurpose: Supervised exercise programs can help cancer survivors increase physical activity (PA), but maintaining PA following program completion is challenging. Randomized controlled trials have shown that adding behavior change counseling to supervised exercise can improve PA maintenance in cancer survivors, however, translating this work to real-world settings remains a challenge. This study examined (1) the feasibility and acceptability of implementing six, evidence-based PA behavior change counseling (PABCC) sessions into BfitBwell, an existing exercise program for cancer survivors, and (2) the effects of PABCC on post-program self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and on PA, 3-months following program completion. Methods: Cancer survivors enrolled in BfitBwell were randomized to receive (1) the current BfitBwell program, or (2) BfitBwell plus six PABCC sessions. Feasibility was assessed by participant representativeness, process fidelity, time and cost to adapt and deliver the PABCC sessions, and a focus group with BfitBwell staff. Acceptability was based on reasons for declining participation, adherence, and participant satisfaction. Barriers self-efficacy, exercise self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and PA were assessed via validated questionnaires at baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up (PA only). Quantitative feasibility and acceptability data were summarized using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Paired sample t-tests examined within group changes in self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Change in minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was calculated by subtracting MVPA at post-program from 3-month follow up, and the percent of participants meeting PA guidelines was calculated. Results: Out of (N=33) who enrolled, N=13 completed the post-program assessment, and N=9 completed the 3-month follow-up exercise questionnaire. Based on the staff focus group and study evaluation questionnaire, PABCC was well accepted and the idea of incorporating a behavior change component into BfitBwell was well supported by program staff. However, due to low enrollment rates (35%), reasons for declining participation such as "unable to make class time", and the staff time associated with delivering PABCC sessions, implementation of the sessions in their current form may not be feasible. There was no significant change in self-efficacy or outcome expectation measures from baseline to post-program. Minutes of MVPA tended to decline from post-intervention to three-month follow-up in both BfitBwell + PABCC (-81.7 ± 240.6) and control (-45.0 ± 63.7), however PA response was highly variable. Additional research to explore alternative PABCC delivery strategies such as virtual delivery modalities or a condensed PABCC format in the context of existing exercise programs is needed. Further, a study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the effectiveness of adding PABCC to BfitBwell on PA maintenance.Item Open Access In defense of wise emotions: the relation between emotion and wisdom in autobiographical memories(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Quinn, Amy, author; Le, Thao, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; McKee, Patrick, committee memberAutobiographical memories are an often untapped resource in research. The current study utilizes these memories to understand the role of emotions in individuals' reporting of gaining and using wisdom. Bluck & Glück's (2004) previous research on autobiographical memories and how wisdom is used in daily life forms the basis for this study. This study extends Bluck & Gluck's (2004) study by examining the nature of emotions in individuals' recollection of events in their lives in which they gained and used wisdom. To examine the role of emotion in wisdom, this study examined 122 community-dwelling adults' scores on the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS; Ardelt, 2003) and analyzed participants' responses when asked to recall situations in which the participants gained and used wisdom. Positive and negative emotion words were coded in the interviews, and analyses were conducted using thematic content coding. Results revealed that when participants discussed an experience in which they gained wisdom, they expressed more negative emotions words in their narrative. On the other hand, when participants were asked to recall an experience in which they used wisdom, they expressed more positive emotion words in their narrative. Participants' expression of using logic/reasoning with respect to wisdom was also examined; it was found that individuals used more logic words when discussing using wisdom but not when gaining wisdom. The influence of gender and age was also considered and revealed no statistically significant findings. Autobiographical narratives revealed some interesting findings on the role of emotions in gaining and using wisdom. Future interventions may want to facilitate emotional experiences in order to help individuals either gain or use wisdom to make their lives more positive overall.Item Open Access Mechanisms of growth: social-emotional learning and the PwrHrs program(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Boomsma, A'Lece J., author; Riggs, Nathaniel, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Portz, Jennifer, committee memberRecent public education reform initiatives have emphasized student academic achievement, primarily in reading and mathematics. To meet the pressure these initiatives present, a growing number of schools have chosen to implement social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula and instruction to promote academic development. PwrHrs (pronounced "power hours") is an after-school initiative of YouthPower365, an organization, based in Avon, Colorado. PwrHrs seeks to enrich students' academic and social-emotional competence through supplemental academic tutoring and intentional SEL instruction. Past evaluations of the PwrHrs program have demonstrated through single-group pretest-posttest designs that PwrHrs youth have exhibited increases in reading, mathematics, and social-emotional competency. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of PwrHrs' social-emotional learning components on gains in PwrHrs participants' academic achievement. The study used a non-randomized control group comparison design including 567 participants enrolled in three area schools during the 2017-2018 school year. Pre-, mid-, and posttest data in reading and math, as well as math and reading report card grades, were examined for differences based on PwrHrs participation and amount of exposure to PwrHrs SEL instruction. Main program effects were examined using multiple regression, controlling for appropriate covariates. Results revealed a significant effect of PwrHrs SEL instruction on reading mid-test achievement; however, this was the only significant effect found. Although few significant results were revealed, this study informs future directions for PwrHrs program design and implementation.Item Open Access Occupational therapists: the quarterbacks of pelvic healthcare(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Le Fevre, Eleanor, author; Schmid, Arlene, advisor; Weaver, Jen, committee member; Fruhauf, Christine, committee memberBackground: The ability to effectively manage chronic issues has a large impact on a person's quality of life. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a chronic and debilitating disorder which affects millions of people worldwide. PFD is often placed lower in the hierarchy of treatable medical conditions yet has a substantial impact on a person's functional capability. Pelvic health occupational therapists (PHOT)s are emerging practitioners in PFD management. PHOTs provide a client-centred, holistic approach to care. To date PHOT is not well described in the literature or well known in the practice of pelvic healthcare. Aim: To investigate the perceptions of PHOTs, their value in the management of PFD, and how this value is communicated to other healthcare providers (OHCP)s. Methods: This qualitative research study included a demographic survey and one-to-one interviews with PHOTs and lead researchers. Thirteen PHOTs were interviewed by a lead researcher and provided data on their perceptions and interactions with OHCPs. Data collection was completed over a five-month period from July 2022-December 2022. Data collection ended once saturation in responses was reached. Data were analyzed by lead researchers using an in vivo coding process, creation of categories and code book. I created themes and sub-themes driven by the data. Results: Two main themes were created from the data with PHOT participants supporting inclusion of OT in pelvic healthcare; (1) pelvic healthcare is an interdisciplinary field; (2) more practitioners are needed in PHOT. Conclusion: PHOTs perceptions and value on interdisciplinary teams are key to increased communication between PHOTs, OHCPs, and the clients they serve. Further research is needed to define the PHOT role and impact as part of an interdisciplinary team.Item Open Access Psychologist trainee clinical judgments of older adult clients(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Graham, Kirsten L., author; Vacha-Haase, Tammi, advisor; Rickard, Kathryn, committee member; Byrne, Zinta, committee member; Fruhauf, Christine, committee memberWith the steady growth of the population of older adults in the U.S., there is an ever-growing need to prepare more mental healthcare providers to work with older adult clients. However, decades of research indicate that clinicians may hold clinical biases toward older adults. The present study sought to explore current doctoral trainee clinical judgments of older adult clients. Results indicated that trainees rated themselves as less competent working with older clients than compared to younger clients. A positive relationship was also found between attitudes and trainees' perception of an older adult client's ability to form a therapeutic relationship. Additionally, increased training in aging-related topics was correlated with more positive attitudes toward older adult clients. Trainees' reports indicate a need for training programs and agencies to develop an emphasis on working with older adult clients in order to meet the mental health needs of this growing population.Item Open Access Users' perspectives of clinical utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity and Restoration Profile in a caregiver support group(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Stephans, Lindsey E., author; Atler, Karen, advisor; Fruhauf, Christine, committee member; Sample, Pat, committee memberOccupationally-focused assessments that consider the client’s occupational experience in context are crucial to providing interventions that are meaningful and ecologically valid for our clients. Yet, few assessments go beyond an evaluation of typical occupational performance to recognize the contextual elements that provide depth to an individual’s occupational experience. The purpose of this paper is to report on a utility study of one such assessment, The Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity and Restoration Profile (PPR Profile), used by an occupational therapist with a group of spousal caregivers. This pragmatic, single case study design sought to capture caregivers’ perceptions of utility in completing the PPR Profile and discussing it with an occupational therapist. Four major themes emerged: initial perspectives of using the PPR Profile, using the PPR Profile was helpful, but difficult, using the PPR Profile provided opportunities for change, and recommendations for using the PPR Profile. The results support the use of the PPR Profile to capture and discuss contextual occupational experiences as a client-centered and ecologically valid occupational therapy assessment to guide interventions for caregivers to self-manage their health. Discussion focused on issues that occupational therapists need to consider in using the PPR Profile. While these results are promising in one setting, further research is warranted.