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Browsing by Author "Hughes, Shannon, committee member"

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    An assessment of previously unresolved homicide cases in Colorado to investigate patterned outcomes leading to resolution
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Reese, Amber, author; Unnithan, Prabha, advisor; Nowacki, Jeffrey, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
    The purpose of this research is to consider whether specific characteristics of an unresolved homicide impact whether it is likely to be solved and what the implications of the findings mean for the future. First, a review of the literature proposes that urbanization and other factors have resulted in the dramatic decline of homicide cold case clearance rates and examines the factors associated with case clearance, including case-specific as well as departmental responses. To assess relationships across previously unresolved homicide cases, data were collected and coded from a list of solved Colorado cold case homicides from 1970 to 2017. An initial qualitative analysis of the data (N=111) was completed, and exploratory correlative tests were implemented to investigate patterned outcomes moving from the cause of death towards factors that assist in cold case homicide resolution. The analysis suggests, among others, that access to resources, specifically a Cold Case Unit, leads to greater likelihood of case resolution in certain causes of death, not including death by firearm. There is support for findings from prior literature on the topic which argue that level of funding is crucial to cold case investigation. Given the implications of this important topic, more research is needed to better understand the relationship between cold case homicides, factors involved in the solvability of various cause of death, and for the use of specialized Cold Case Units.
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    College veterans' experiences of involvement in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia program
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Smith, Jessica, author; Eakman, Aaron, advisor; Atler, Karen, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
    Objective. Despite quantitative research which indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia, there is little qualitative research which exists regarding the experiences related to participation and adherence. The purpose of this study was to explore veterans' experiences of adherence to a multicomponent CBT-I program and its impact on occupational engagement. Method. To answer the two research questions:1)What, from the perspective of veteran participants, influenced adherence to a multicomponent CBT-I program? And 2) How is adherence to multicomponent CBT-I experienced in relation to its impacts on occupational engagement? Qualitative data were gathered through the use of semi-structured interviews which were then transcribed and coded via a process of First and Second Cycle coding by three separate researchers. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) was used as a guiding framework to interpret results related to motivation in the current study due to its proven application in behavior change programs such as CBT-I. Results. Qualitative data analysis revealed the presence of three categories that captured the experience of adherence and occupational engagement as a result of participation in a CBT-I program: Extrinsic Forms of Motivation Influenced Adherence, Social Environment can Support or Hinder Adherence and Bidirectional Relationship between Activities and Routines. Extrinsic Forms of Motivation were influenced by the receipt of a reward, emotional responses (i.e. guilt), past experiences and understanding the mechanisms that impact sleep and gaining "tools" as a result of this understanding. An additional motivating factor came from the body itself. As the body's sleep-wake system became entrained as a result of continued adherence, participants experienced the body as motivating. The social environment was determined to be composed of factors within the home and outside of the home. Both people and obligations (such as being a part of a sports team) had the potential to support or hinder adherence to CBT-I components. Additionally, there was evidence that coursework and academic commitments associated with being a college student were important facets of the social environment that influenced participants' ability to adhere. Finally, research revealed that activities and routines played an important role in adherence. The restructuring of activities and the purposeful use of activities as a way to occupy waking time were strategies participants used to support adherence. The development of routines also went on to aid in building sleep drive, which in turn positively impacted adherence. Conclusion. The present study provides novel qualitative data regarding adherence and occupational engagement as a result of participation in CBT-I that can be understood in regards to three categories: Extrinsic forms of motivation influenced adherence, social environment can support or hinder adherence and bidirectional relationship between activities and routines. Designing CBT-I programs which are built on factors that are experienced as supportive has the potential to impact overall adherence and therefore effectiveness, of CBT-I programs.
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    Exploring the occupational experiences of individuals with mental health conditions living in the community
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Studee, Jade Elizabeth, author; Atler, Karen, advisor; Hooper, Barbara, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
    Background. One way to help meet the needs of individuals with mental health conditions in the recovery process is through supporting participation in meaningful and purposeful activity (SAMHSA, 2018; WHO, 2018). Previous researchers have explored how individuals with mental health conditions spend their time and experience meaning within their recovery process, however little is known about how individuals experience their activities within the context of their actual time use. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences associated with the everyday activities of individuals with mental health conditions. The research questions were: 1) what are individuals with mental health conditions' experiences of pleasure, productivity, and restoration within the context of their daily activities and 2) what factors influence individuals with mental health conditions' experiences associated with their daily activities. Methods. Nine individuals who attended a community-based behavioral health center volunteered to participate in this study. Participants used the Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile to capture the subjective experiences they had within the context of their daily activities. The researcher then conducted interviews with the participants to discuss their experiences within their daily activities and create a plan to support their engagement in the activities that they associated with their desired experiences of pleasure, productivity, and restoration. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the researcher transcribed and coded the interviews and then analyzed the codes for themes within and across participants. Results. Three themes emerged for each research question through participant PPR Profiles and interviews that reflected how participants described their experiences of pleasure, productivity, and restoration within the context of their everyday activities. Productivity was associated with getting things done that "I need to do," pleasure was associated with enjoying activities that "I want to do," and restoration associated with feeling energized by caring for myself. Person and contextual factors, experiences carry over, and routine were the three themes that answered the second research question exploring what factors influenced participants' experiences associated with their activities. Conclusion. Exploring individuals with mental health conditions' experiences within their daily activities provides insight into how pleasure, productivity, and restoration are experienced by the individual and the dynamic factors which influence these experiences. These findings emphasize the need for occupational therapy professionals to facilitate participation in activities that evoke experiences of pleasure, productivity, and restoration, which contribute to a sense of meaning and purpose as necessary for supporting the recovery process for individuals with mental health conditions.
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    Legal financial obligations: a focal concerns perspective
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Parks, Megan, author; Nowacki, Jeffrey, advisor; Unnithan, Prabha, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
    Using State Court Processing Statistics (SCPS) data from 2009, I examine the effects of personal characteristics on the amount of legal financial obligations (LFOs) imposed on defendants and the monetary amount of these LFOs. Drawing on focal concerns theory, first developed by Steffensmeier (1980), which identifies three factors used by court actors in criminal sentencing: blameworthiness of the offender, protection of community, and practical constraints and consequences. Adjusting to these practical constraints causes court actors to employ "perceptual shorthand", utilizing defendant's characteristics in sentencing decisions. Applying focal concerns perspective is a novel approach to evaluating the effect of race/ethnicity, age, and gender on LFO imposition and LFO amounts.
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    School social workers' perceptions of electronic media on practice
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Keeney, Adrianne Jane, author; Buchan, Victoria, advisor; Quijano, Louise, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member; Marx, Nick, committee member
    Electronic media has provided new challenges and opportunities for school social workers. The use of electronic communication to interact with others is a normative and daily part of life for children, adolescents, and adults. Currently there are few, if any guidelines regarding electronic media behavior and standards for school social work practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions, beliefs, and experiences from the perspective of school social workers on how electronic communication has affected their practice. A phased research design with quantitative and qualitative components was utilized for this exploratory research. Data from (N=379) school social workers practicing in the United States were collected. A combination of descriptive, correlation, exploratory factor analysis, and analysis of variance were used to analyze differences and associations among school social worker responses based on current age of the practitioner, community of practice, and student population served. Age associations were found with the incorporation of electronic elements in service delivery as well as digital knowledge being perceived as a factor impacting the ability to effectively problem solve. School social workers' incorporation of electronic media into service delivery was found to vary depending on the student population served. Age, community of practice or population served were not found to be a contributing factor to ethical dilemmas encountered or the perceived need for electronic media policies to further inform practice. Guidelines related to mandated reporting in regards to electronic communication and social media boundary guidelines were the top two policies that respondents identified needing the most to further inform their practice. Results suggest that school social workers perceive their practice is affected due to electronic media and these perceptions may differ based upon age, community of practice and population served. It is hoped that the results of this research would be used to guide: (1) recommendations for professional practice policies and social work education; (2) future research that will further inform school social work practice and support school social workers providing services in a digital era.
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    The effects of musical attention control training on attentional impairments of schizophrenia
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Doty, Lindsey A., author; LaGasse, Blythe, advisor; Knight, Andrew, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
    Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by complex symptomatology and disabling psychotic symptoms including disturbing hallucinations and bizarre delusional ideation. Individuals with chronic schizophrenia also experience impairment of cognition. The impact of impaired cognitive functioning is significant in individuals with schizophrenia. Cognitive deficits such as attentional impairments are likely to persist even after treatment with medication and may be the primary cause of negative emotion, social dysfunction, and the inability to attain full and functional recovery. While research indicates that remediation of attentional impairments is difficult but possible, little is known about which methods of remediation are most effective. Music therapy has been determined to be a cost-effective and successful means of decreasing negative symptoms, psychosocial deficits, and promoting improvements in executive function related to schizophrenia. Additionally, some research indicates it may be effective in remediation of attentional impairment. Musical Attention Control Training (MACT) is a specific music therapy protocol which has been utilized to effectively train attention after traumatic brain injury, stroke, as well as with autism and dementia, and is thought to be likely to be helpful with other neurological disorders including schizophrenia. However, a limited amount of research has been published regarding the efficacy of therapeutic music in treating attention, and no research yet exists exploring the potential effect of MACT with individuals with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to gather initial data regarding the efficacy of MACT in improving attentional deficits of persons with schizophrenia through a pre- and post-test design. In addition, the researcher sought to answer the following research questions: 1) what are the effects of MACT on the attentional impairments of schizophrenia and 2) how do these structured therapeutic music experiences impact individual outlook and perception of the recovery process. Participants in this study were male adults with schizophrenia recruited from three forensic units of an inpatient psychiatric facility and who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group (MACT, n = 9) and a control group (Treatment as Usual, n = 10). Participants assigned to the experimental group participated in five 30-minutes sessions occurring over a period of five consecutive days. Music interventions include structured improvisational and receptive exercises designed to target sustained attention. Data were collected both pre- and post-intervention through a questionnaire prepared by the researcher as well as through administration of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) by a licensed psychologist. An independent t-test of difference scores was conducted to compare the effect of MACT on attention. The results indicated no significant result of music on attention at the p < .05 level for the two conditions. Findings and application for future research is discussed.
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    Understanding military and veteran suicide: a social work perspective on risk and protective factors
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Bylotas, Josh, author; Williford, Anne, advisor; Currin-McCulloch, Jennifer, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member; Wolfgang, David, committee member
    Substantial efforts have been made to address the phenomenon of disproportionate veteran suicide deaths and rising active-duty military suicide. Nonetheless, the problem persists: despite considerable time, research, and financial investment suicide rates among veteran and military populations remain historically elevated. This three-article dissertation focuses on the role of risk and protective factors in contributing to stymied prevention efforts as well as their role in potential paths forward. To that end, how risk and protection are contextualized in existing research, what risk and protective factors have historically been attended to, the epistemological frameworks from which they are viewed, and the methodological practices applied, are central characteristics considered here. Study one introduces a trans-conceptual model for understanding suicide in the context of social work practice. This conceptual piece serves to lay the foundation for a contextualized framing of suicide risk and protective factors. Study two is a thematic analysis exploring the role of suicide risk and protective factors among an online community targeting military personnel and veterans. Finally, study three uses Analysis of Variance and multinomial logistic regression to explore differences that exist between veteran students and non-traditional students in university settings on measures of suicide, loneliness, resilience, flourishing and distress. Together, the research presented within this dissertation underscores the importance of an individual's unique social ecology in understanding their overall risk and protective makeup. It highlights the importance of social work perspectives and the continuing need for social work contributions to the greater field of suicidological research.