Matching Items (104)
Description
Anecdotally, native Mandarin speakers have difficulty distinguishing between the “s” (as in sink) and the “th” (as in think) sounds as well as between the “a” (as in dad) and “ea” (as in dead) sounds. Here, 29 native English speakers, 52 native Mandarin speakers who live in China, and 34 native Mandarin speakers who have been living in an English language dominant environment were recruited to serve as participants. To assess the phoneme contrasts that may occur in native Mandarin speakers in China, and possible improvement in native Mandarin speakers living in an English environment, relative to Native English speakers living in America, a phoneme discrimination test was administered, three paired phonemes were used in the current study: /b/ paired with /p/ as a control pair, /æ/ paired with /ɛ/, and /θ/ paired with /s/. The results showed that native English speakers have significantly higher accuracy rates for the three paired phoneme discrimination tasks than the native Mandarin speakers who live in China. But there was no significant difference between the native English speakers and native Mandarin speakers who have lived in an English environment on the phonemes or words discriminations tasks.
ContributorsChen, Hao (Author) / Nanez, Jose (Thesis advisor) / Horne, Zachary (Thesis advisor) / Holloway, Steven (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
Meditation app usage is associated with decreases in stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Many meditation app subscribers, however, quickly abandon or reduce their app usage. This dissertation presents three manuscripts which 1) determined the behavioral, demographic, and socioeconomic factors associated with the abandonment of a meditation app, Calm, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) determined which participant characteristics predicted meditation app usage in the first eight weeks after subscribing, and 3) determined if changes in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms from baseline to Week 8 predicted meditation app usage from Weeks 8-16. In Manuscript 1, a survey was distributed to Calm subscribers in March 2020 that assessed meditation app behavior and meditation habit strength, and demographic information. Cox proportional hazards regression models were estimated to assess time to app abandonment. In Manuscript 2, new Calm subscribers completed a baseline survey on participants’ demographic and baseline mental health information and app usage data were collected over 8 weeks. In Manuscript 3, new Calm subscribers completed a baseline and Week 8 survey on demographic and mental health information. App usage data were collected over 16 weeks. Regression models were used to assess app usage for Manuscripts 2 and 3. Findings from Manuscript 1 suggest meditating after an existing routine decreased risk of app abandonment for pre-pandemic subscribers and for pandemic subscribers. Additionally, meditating “whenever I can” decreased risk of abandonment among pandemic subscribers. No behavioral factors were significant predictors of app abandonment among the long-term subscribers. Findings from Manuscript 2 suggest men had more days of meditation than women. Mental health diagnosis increased average daily meditation minutes. Intrinsic motivation for meditation increased the likelihood of completing any meditation session, more days with meditation sessions, and more average daily meditation minutes. Findings from Manuscript 3 suggest improvements in stress increased average daily meditation minutes. Improvements in depressive symptoms decreased daily meditation minutes. Evidence from this three-manuscript dissertation suggests meditation cue, time of day, motivation, symptom changes, and demographic and socioeconomic variables may be used to predict meditation app usage.
ContributorsSullivan, Mariah (Author) / Stecher, Chad (Thesis advisor) / Huberty, Jennifer (Committee member) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Larkey, Linda (Committee member) / Chung, Yunro (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
This dissertation research project developed as an urgent response to physical inactivity, which has resulted in increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease worldwide. Incorporating enough daily physical activity (PA) is challenging for most people. This research aims to modulate the brain's reward systems to increase motivation for PA and, thus, slow the rapid increase in sedentary lifestyles. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves brain neuromodulation by facilitating or inhibiting spontaneous neural activity. tDCS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) increases dopamine release in the striatum, an area of the brain involved in the reward–motivation pathways. I propose that a repeated intervention, consisting of tDCS applied to the DLPFC followed by a short walking exercise stimulus, enhances motivation for PA and daily PA levels in healthy adults. Results showed that using tDCS followed by short-duration walking exercise may enhance daily PA levels in low-physically active participants but may not have similar effects on those with higher levels of daily PA. Moreover, there was a significant effect on increasing intrinsic motivation for PA in males, but there were no sex-related differences in PA. These effects were not observed during a 2-week follow-up period of the study after the intervention was discontinued. Further research is needed to confirm and continue exploring the effects of tDCS on motivation for PA in larger cohorts of sedentary populations. This novel research will lead to a cascade of new evidence-based technological applications that increase PA by employing approaches rooted in biology.
ContributorsRuiz Tejada, Anaissa (Author) / Katsanos, Christos (Thesis advisor) / Neisewander, Janet (Committee member) / Sadleir, Rosalind (Committee member) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
The relationship between sleep and physical activity is an area of growing scientific interest, particularly in the context of older adults. The importance of examining long sleep duration and its influence on physical activity in this demographic becomes increasingly relevant given rising healthcare costs. This dissertation aims to investigate this intricate relationship via secondary analysis by examining the effects of moderate time-in-bed (TIB) restriction (60 minutes per night)) on various intensities of physical activity (sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-vigorous physical activity) in older adults classified as long sleepers and average duration sleepers. It was hypothesized that moderate TIB restriction would result in differential changes in physical activity levels across various intensities, with long sleepers exhibiting increased physical activity and average sleepers displaying decreased activity, potentially influenced by alterations in TST (total sleep time) and SE (sleep efficiency). Utilizing a randomized controlled trial design, this study examined the effect of treatment changes in objectively measures activity (waist actigraphy) and subjects physical activity levels as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire . Eligible participants were long sleepers (sleeping > 9 hours per night) and average sleepers (sleeping 7-9 hours per night). Both types of sleepers were either randomized to TIB restriction or asked to maintain their average sleep patterns. Mean TIB restriction compared with baseline was 39.5 minutes in average sleepers and 52.9 minutes in long sleepers randomized to TIB restriction . Contrary to the original hypothesis, no significant effect of TIB restriction was observed across all physical activity levels in either long sleepers or average sleepers. However, a notable association was found between increased sleep efficiency (+0.09% [SD = ± 4.64%]) and light physical activity (±31 minutes [SD = ± 104.81, R=0.445, P < 0.007]) in long sleepers undergoing TIB restriction. While this study presents several methodological limitations, including its nature as a secondary analysis and the less-than-intended achievement of TIB restriction, it adds a valuable layer to the existing body of research on sleep and physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that moderate TIB restriction may not be sufficiently impactful to change behavior in physical activity levels, thus highlighting the need for more nuanced, targeted research in this domain.
ContributorsPerry, Christopher (Author) / Youngstedt, Shawn D (Thesis advisor) / Petrov, Megan (Committee member) / Swan, Pamela (Committee member) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Previous evidence implicating fighting gameplay with markers for cardiovascular changes in response to stress appraisals emphasizes the plausibility of additional biopsychosocial factors varying between players and dictating gameplay changes (Porter & Goolkasian, 2019). The current study builds upon previous research using the Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat (Blascovich and Tomaka, 1996) alongside the Mental Load Rating Scale (Hughes, 2023) to link perceptions of increased stress during gameplay with increases in gameplay errors. Participants were allotted a set time to acclimate to fighting game mechanics, then began combo trials. The game used in research (Street Fighter 6) requires precise movements in rapid succession completion the completion of a “combo”. Competitive fighting game players were compared to players lacking fighting game experience in post-participation response measuring stress salience or hindrance perception, as well as total input error comparison. Current findings suggest Competitive fighting game players report factors such as spectator viewing and time limits as hindrances capable of being overcome as opposed to Noncompetitor reports of factors and stressors during game acclimation. Findings between Competitor and Noncompetitor groups allude to cultural significance when navigating gameplay. Future research should continue measuring sociocultural perception of stress when navigating specific genres of video game play and avenues for stress reappraisal techniques.
ContributorsDavis, Nicholas (Author) / Holloway, Steven (Thesis director) / Flores, Valerie (Committee member) / Davis, Mary (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2023-12
Description
The present thesis investigated the effect, if any, that recreational marijuana legalization laws had on fast food businesses and whether the legalization of such laws differed from the previous year's annual profit recorded from Yum! Brands. We compared annual profit margins from Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut before and after the legalization process. Here show that the legalization of recreational-specific marijuana did not seem to affect the profit margins of these restaurants. Interestingly, during the time periods investigated, some of the restaurants’ profits decreased because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the economy. Since interest in this topic is increasing in popularity more research needs to be done to understand just how much, if any, marijuana legalization laws affect any fast-food restaurants
ContributorsYates, Shelby (Author) / Holloway, Steven (Thesis director) / Koop, Gregory (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor)
Created2022-12
Description
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of tap water safety perceptions on plain water intake (PWI) and hydration status in US Latinx adults. Participants (n=492; age, 28±7 y; 37.4% female) completed an Adapted Survey of Water Issues in Arizona and household watersecurity experience-based scales. A sub-sample (n=55; age, 33±14 y; body mass index, 27.77±6.60 kg·m2) completed dietary recalls on two weekdays and one weekend day via Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool to determine average PWI and total water intake (TWI). A 24-h urine sample was collected on one recall day and analyzed for urine osmolality (UOsm). Binary logistic regression determined odds ratios (OR) for the odds of perceiving tap water to be unsafe. Hierarchical linear regression was employed with 24-h UOsm and PWI as primary outcomes for the sub-sample. Overall, 51.2% of all participants and 52.7% of the sub-sample mistrust their tap water safety. The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly greater (P<0.05) for each additional favorable perception of bottled over tap water (OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.50, 2.50), each additional negative home tap water experience (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.12, 1.56), each additional use of alternatives and/or modifications to home tap water (OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.04, 1.51), and decreased water quality and acceptability (OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01, 1.45). The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly lower (P<0.05) for those whose primary source of drinking water is the public supply (municipal) (OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.01, 0.63) and for those with decreased water access (OR=0.56, 95% CI=0.48, 0.66). There were no differences (n=55, P>0.05) in TWI (2,678±1,139 mL), PWI (1,357±971), or 24-h UOsm (460±234 mosm·kg-1). Tap water safety perceptions did not significantly explain variance in PWI or 24-h UOsm (P > 0.05). In conclusion, Latinx mistrust in tap water safety is prevalent. Mistrust appears to be influenced by organoleptic perceptions and to lead to reliance on alternatives to the home drinking water system. Perceptions of tap water safety do not appear to be related to PWI, TWI, or hydration status in Latinx adults.
ContributorsColburn, Abigail (Author) / Kavouras, Stavros (Thesis advisor) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Wutich, Amber (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Abstract Evidence suggests fetal androgen exposure influences the development and function of the neuro-endocrine system. Recent research suggests people might be hesitant to get vaccinated because they are misinformed about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Others may have concerns about the potential side effects or may have religious or philosophical objections to vaccination. Additionally, recent studies suggest that prenatal testosterone plays a critical role in the development of sex-specific characteristics, such as adult aggressiveness. However, little is known about the potential impact of fetal androgen exposure on adult behavior such as vaccine hesitancy. The current pilot study aims to clarify any relations between these factors as well determining whether fetal androgen exposure could serve as a bioindicator for understanding how these hormones may influence the future development of adult behavior and any consequences for public health. Here we show that high fetal androgen exposure is related to a significantly greater likelihood of getting vaccinated as compared to low fetal androgen exposure. Future studies should explore the extent to which fetal androgen exposure impacts adult behavior such as vaccine hesitancy.
ContributorsBhat, Rahul (Author) / Holloway, Steven (Thesis director) / Koop, Gregory (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
South Asian students are known for having immense pressure on them due to parental expectation and oftentimes that stress can present in psychosomatic symptoms. This investigation aimed to better understand the physical presentations of stress and how South Asians compare to their white peers. An online study was conducted with both South Asian (n = 15) and White (n = 58) individuals that use the Perceived Stress Scale and the New York State United Teachers physical stress assessment to understand the differences in stress. It was found that South Asians have a higher average perceived stress core of 25 versus 20 for whites and experience headaches, sore neck, an overall feeling of worry and anxiety, and diarrhea more frequently than their white counterparts. This suggests that South Asians may in fact have more psychosomatic manifestations of stress. It is posited that this is due to South Asian students not having an adequate outlet in which they can express negative emotions.
ContributorsSyed, Haniyah (Author) / Holloway, Steven (Thesis director) / Roberts, Nicole (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
This study investigated attachment styles as they apply to dog and dog-owner dyads. While the study was inconclusive, it examined how the four attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, dismissive, fearful-avoidant) can be measured in dogs and how attachment styles can be measured in dog and dog-owner dyads as opposed to studying each side of the relationship individually.
ContributorsEdwards, Elizabeth (Author) / Holloway, Steven (Thesis director) / Wynne, Clive (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2022-05