5th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways to the Doctorate Student Research Symposium
November 2-3, 2007
Hosted by Tarleton State University

Abstracts of Student Presentations: Social Sciences and Humanities

WHITNEY ADAMS. "Childhood Obesity: Nutrition in School Lunch Programs"

Childhood obesity is recognized as a serious public health issue. Children from ages six to nine, 15% are considered overweight (Krebs, 2005). We hypothesized that there is a close relationship between school lunch programs and children’s obesity since students are provided at least two meals and a snack per day. Our findings show that the school lunch program in public schools has a major influence on childhood obesity. From our survey of twenty parents of children kindergarten to twelfth grade, the majority of parents agreed that their child’s school lunch program affects childhood obesity. To provide a possible solution, alternatives for school lunch programs were also explored. The findings suggest the following healthier alternatives to implement into the existing public school lunch programs: serve modified versions with less fat and sodium, while maintaining original taste; have fresh fruits available to students; eliminate vending machines or offer alternative, healthier snacks; use portion control by serving proper serving sizes; change preparation of food from frying to grilling and baking.


STACEY BAKER and GARRETT DODD. "Effects of Immediate Induced Mild Hypothermia in Spinal Cord Injuries"  *Second place award - Social Sciences and Humanities undergraduate student*

Introduction:  Spinal cord injuries affect an estimated 250, 000-400, 000 Americans, with 11, 000 new cases annually, with the majority affecting individuals younger than 30 years old (The National Spinal Cord Injury Association, 2007).  Males are more likely than females and Blacks more likely than Whites to be affected by SCI’s (Centers for Disease Control).  SCI’s cost the nation an estimated $9.7 billion each year (Berkowitz, 1998).  Studies of hypothermic treatment have been conducted since the 1960’s and 1970’s.  The studies lost favor during the 1980’s due to adverse effects.  Primarily, the treatments involved use of generalized hypothermia (Journal of Neurological Sciences, 2003).  Recently, the use of localized mild hypothermia in humans has regained acclaim; showing potential benefits for functional outcomes. Currently, protocols for assisting in maintaining functional outcomes include steroid treatments, which have shown only limited effectiveness.  Purpose:  The purpose of this research study is to identify whether immediate mild hypothermic treatments reduce paralysis in mammalian species with recent spinal cord injuries and may potentially be utilized for humans.  Methods:  A meta-synthesis of research studies including randomized controlled trials were reviewed.  Evidence based research articles that identified research based on treatment of mammalian; including non-human primates, were selected for inclusion into the study.  Articles were retrieved using the databases CINAHL, and Medline.  Results:  Through our preliminary research, we found that mild induced hypothermic therapy initiated immediately following a spinal cord injury, lessened the febrile and inflammatory responses of the body, thereby reducing secondary damage to the neuronal bodies.  There still detrimental reactions to the mild hypothermic treatments.  Until further studies can be completed in which those reactions are reduced or inhibited, the therapy is not yet ready for wide-spread human use.


KATIE HULL and JULIE HONEYCUTT. "Best Treatment Modalities for Youth with ADHD"
Faculty mentor: Dr. Marilyn Duran

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common problem among American youth. ADHD is a growing issue that affects 4.4 million youth ages 4-17 years within the United States. Of these 4.4 million youth it is estimated that 56 percent of them are currently taking medication for this disorder (Centers for Disease Control, 2003). ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by pervasive inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and resulting in significant functional impairment.(Center for disease Control, 2003). Management of this condition is a challenge for nurses, teachers and parents. Evidenced based research studies show that the most common treatments for ADHD include behavioral modification, pharmacological treatment or a combination of the two. Purpose:  The purpose of this research study is to identify the best treatment approaches for ADHD and therefore gain an understanding of the best treatment and management approaches for youth with ADHD.  Methods: A meta-synthesis of research studies including randomized controlled trials of best treatment interventions for ADHD were reviewed. Evidenced based research  articles that identified researched based treatments for ADHD were selected for inclusion into the study. Articles were retrieved using the databases  CINAHL, ProQuest, Medline  and the Centers for Disease Control. Results: Through our preliminary research we found that the most effective treatment for the symptoms of ADHD include a combination of pharmacologic and behavioral treatment. Based on the evidence we reviewed the best treatment for ADHD will need to focus on improving societal education among teachers, parents, doctors, nurses and the community regarding both medication and behavioral management of ADHD.


AMANDA RILEY and KAYLEE GFELLER. "Positive Impacts on Marriage."

Healthy couples and families are characterized to practice adaptive ability, commitment, communication, encouragement, religion, roles, and shared time. The purpose of our study is to examine that marriages can last, even though divorce rate is high, through healthy characteristics. We have interviewed twenty couples in three different marital years: couples who have been married from one to ten years, eleven to thirty years, and thirty-one and more years. Unlike our hypothesis, communication and religion played key roles in a healthy marriage regardless of different marital years. Regardless of different marital years ninety five percent of the couples interviewed felt that communication played a major role in their marriage. Other important characteristics of healthy marriage were also discussed in this study such as adaptation, encouragement, shared time, friendship, and listening.


LEIGHAN STEPHENS and MELISSA CONNER. "A Look at Family Economics."
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eun-Jin Kim

Many people have a narrow view of savings practices, and as a result have limited savings behaviors and are overall unsatisfied financially.  This study looks at the range of savings practices, as well as how health care costs and budgeting influenced financial satisfaction.  We surveyed 20 individuals about their savings and spending habits and how the cost of health care affected their family economics.  It was found that most people had a budget or other spending plan, but a significant number of those with a budget still had little to no savings practices.  We also saw how the rising cost of health care is straining families, with most of those surveyed having coverage yet still feeling unprepared should unexpected medical costs arise.


LINDSAY WRIGHT. "Adaptation and Production of a Short Story: Hills Like White Elephants."  *First place award - Social Science and Humanities undergraduate student*
Faculty Mentor: Mark Holtorf

Through Tarleton State University Theatre and the Presidential Honors Program, I am adapting the Ernest Hemingway short story "Hills Like White Elephants" into a theatrical production to be performed December third in the Workshop Theatre of the Clyde H. Wells Fine arts Center.

The story is based around the relationship of an American and his companion "Jig" who are discussing what is commonly agreed (although never clearly stated) to be abortion. It is a deep look into a controversial subject in terms of its affect on the people directly involved.

It will be as close to a full-fledged stage production as possible in that it will have designers, actors, and a stage manager made up entirely of willing volunteers from Tarleton Theatre. Theatre professor Mark Holtorf serves as the supervisor and advisor for the project.