To Post or Not to Post: An Examination of Gender Differences in Undergraduates\u27 Self-Disclosure on Facebook

Due to the popularity and role Facebook plays in society, the present study seeks to better understand why undergraduates disclose on Facebook and what they are willing to share. The research questions for the study include: RQ 1: Are undergraduate women, ages 18-23, or undergraduate men, ages 18-23, more likely to disclose personal information on Facebook?, RQ 2: Are undergraduate women, ages 18-23, or undergraduate men, ages 18-23, more likely to disclose contact information (e-mail address, phone number, address, instant message screen name) on Facebook?, and RQ 3: Are the reasons for engaging in self-disclosure different between undergraduate women, ages 18-23, and undergraduate men, ages 18-23? The sample consisted of 507 participants, 244 males and 263 females. The participants took a 5 part online survey that included closed-ended and open-ended questions. The results revealed that females were more likely to disclose personal information about friends, family, holidays, school, and religion. Men were more likely to disclose personal information about politics and sports. In regards to contact information, men were more likely than women to include their e-mail addresses and mobile phone numbers. Overall, the results revealed that the reasons for engaging in disclosure were similar; however, a few differences emerged

Communicating with Americans: Chinese International Students' Experiences and Perceptions

Chinese international students are the fastest growing group of internationals nationwide and in the state of Kansas (see: Open Doors Data, 2012; & University of Kansas ISSS, 2012). This research investigates the interaction between Americans and Chinese internationals from the perspective of 33 Chinese international students in Kansas. This inquiry is necessary because international students have a high need and desire to communicate with and befriend the hosts, yet research indicates that most internationals: lack intensive interactions that are key to their adjustment, success, and overall well-being in the United States (Gareis, 2000; Sias, et al, 2008); struggle with the English language; and remain isolated from Americans, in spite of their desire to adapt to American culture and befriend Americans. Analysis of in-depth interviews with Chinese international students reveals that they perceive Americans as friendly and outgoing, but also closed to new perspectives. Disappointment over friendship development and communication is exacerbated by language and cultural differences, which often leads to separation strategies of acculturation for Chinese. While Chinese typically exert great effort in academic performance and language study, they exhibit weak adaptation behaviors, perhaps mistaking familiarity with American media with an in-depth understanding of American culture and norms. This research provides needed feedback regarding what is working well with international programs, the extent and quality of intercultural contact occurring on American campuses, and allows Chinese international students to express their experiences, opinions, and emotions regarding their experiences through the use of the Chinese language. Recommendations are made for Chinese international students, and for higher education administrators regarding how to facilitate integration between Americans and Chinese international students

Beyond barriers: A phenomenological study of women reporting intimate partner violence in college

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of intimate partner violence and help-seeking in college women. This study used a phenomenological approach and qualitative interviews to elicit descriptions from a sample of five college women who had been in abusive relationships and had subsequently sought counseling. These were undergraduate women who had experienced abuse while in college and had recently been or were currently in counseling. Themes from the analysis of the participant interviews highlight the individual experiences of intimate partner violence as well as bring to light the experience of intimate partner violence in the context of college life. Textural themes include (a) shame and embarrassment; (b) isolation; (c) being controlled; (d) distress; (e) help-seeking; and (f) helpful counseling. Structural themes include (a) impact on academic performance; (b) impact on overall college experience; (c) impact on functioning in college setting; and (d) suggestions for administrators. These themes provide valuable information to the field of psychology in terms of the implications of intimate partner violence in a college woman’s life as well as how to facilitate and provide services to this population. Further implications for mental health professionals and those on college campuses include prevention strategies and beneficial responses to these situations from the women themselves. Limitations of the study, recommendations for clinical practice, future directions and the researcher’s reflections are also included. Advisor: Roger Brunin

Thank You For Being a Friend: Women\u27s Self-Disclosures and Social Support on Facebook

This study focused on women\u27s self-disclosures on Facebook and how they functioned to both gain and give support on the site. After employing 17 textual analyses of participants\u27 Facebook pages and 17 in-depth interviews, a variety of themes emerged in regards to how and why women give and seek support on the site, the types of information disclosed, and the benefits of self-disclosing to gain support on the site. More specifically, results indicate that gender role expectations, which for women include exhibiting behaviors that convey warmth, kindness and politeness, play a large role in giving and receiving support on the site. Furthermore, the public nature of Facebook created a supportive and positive environment for women to both receive and give support. It is suggested that future research explore the ways in which others contribute to one\u27s self-presentation. Future research should also explore the themes related to this study using survey methodology

Qualitative Study of Male Asperger\u27s Syndrome Students : Transition from High School to College

This study examines the narrative statements of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome concerning their recollections of the transition from high school to college. Nine male college students are led, via interviews, starting with their experiences in high school, to the initial stages of preparing for college life, and ending with current experiences in college. Analysis of the data focuses on the factors that have impact on this transition. The study is intended to contribute to the development of qualitative data about Asperger’s Syndrome, informing students with Asperger’s Syndrome who intend to apply to college, and providing recommendations for parents, and professionals who are supporting transition goals. This study is designed to add to the body of information available about students with Asperger’s Syndrome

How Do I Fit? Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Social Services among Women Involved in Commercial Sexual Exploitation through Identities, Traumas, and Substance Use

Sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation can lead to devastating health and mental health consequences for women, such as elevated rates of substance use, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression, as well as sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Consequently, access to and engagement with services that address addiction, mental health, housing, and provide general advocacy are critically important to women\u27s increased safety, stabilization, and quality of life. The purpose of this grounded theory study is to 1) understand self-identities (with regard to sex trading) and the role of substance use among women involved in CSE and 2) identify perceived barriers and facilitators to service access and engagement with addiction treatment and related services among women involved in CSE. Using a constructivist approach, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 women (ages 18 and older) with experiences of trading sex as adults and 20 service providers who come into contact with this population. Findings suggest women held varied identities, as they had diverse experiences with sex trading, trauma, and substance use. Women experienced judgment when disclosing sex trading in social service intakes, and in individual and group sessions from providers and other women in the groups. Racial tensions among women engaging in services and experiences of racism for African American women were also identified. A grounded theory model is presented depicting how women navigate social services. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed

Coping strategies among Mexican American women living with HIV

textThe literature has documented the disproportionate rate of HIV infection among women of color, mainly, African American women and Latinas. The current trend shows that the number of cases affecting these sub-populations will continue to increase. A gap exists in the literature in understanding the coping strategies of Mexican American women living with HIV. Using an ethnographic approach, this research answers the central question of how Mexican American women live with and make meaning of their HIV status. This researcher used a sample of 15 Mexican American women living with HIV who had participated in the Mujeres Unidas support group in San Antonio, Texas. The most common theme found was how the role of faith was central to their lives. It was clear that this belief served as their primary source of strength. The findings suggest the need for social workers to examine new paradigms, strategies, and interventions that focus on the broad social, economic, and community factors that put Mexican American women disproportionately at risk for HIV. These factors include poverty, income and wealth inequality, poor quality of life, racism, sexism, and low socioeconomic status, which are all major risk factors for ill health and health disparities. This research demands that social workers and other researchers examining coping skills address the issues of resiliency and strengths perspective in understanding the ways in which the life journey unfolds for Mexican American women living with HIV. Although, this study focused on Mexican American women, future research is needed to compare this group to other women living with HIV as there may be cultural differences that exist. Additional research is needed in studying the role that religion plays in the lives of Mexican American women living with HIV as many of the participants revealed that they left things up to “God’s will.” Among the unexpected findings, the theme of viewing their situation from the perspective of “Un dia a la vez” (One day at a time) suggests that the belief that the course of their lives is not necessarily under their control which could be related to fatalism (fatalism).Social Wor

Turkish-Dutch Muslim and Orthodox reformed parents in the Netherlands: religious identity negotiations in contexts of children's education

Religious parents can be thoroughly involved in tensions in educational contexts in western,secular countries. This study explores the understudied religious parents’ processes of religious identity negotiation in educational contexts in a western, secular country, the Netherlands. Compared to other western countries, the Netherlands is more strongly observed in shifting away from collective religious freedoms, towards a focus on individual rights. It therefore forms a particularly relevant arena to explore these tensions. Ten in-depth semi-structured interviews (N=16) were conducted. Participants are selected from two religious minority groups: Dutch-Turkish Muslim parents (N=6), attending Diyanet mosques, and Dutch Christian orthodox reformed parents (N=10), attending the Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands. The psychological and sociological perspective of identity theory and related theoretical aspects are used as an analytical framework in the abductive analysis of the interview data. The findings highlight an individualised nature of parents’ religious identities, relevant across situations and strongly interwoven with their parenting identities. This interwovenness seems expressed through an identity concern towards their children’s identities. The parents’ experiences of frictions in educational contexts appear to be surprisingly diverse, in this study analysed in theoretical terms of macro and micro contexts. The findings indicate that parents’ identity negotiations move beyond social recognition, instead prioritising a relationship with God and religious transmission to children. Importantly, this seems to result in an avoidance of religious identity expressions and interactions in educational contexts, and in an involvement with children’s religious identities at home instead. Thus, drawing on a limited number of interviews, this study deepens an understanding of religious parents’ religious thinking processes when confronted with tensions in educational contexts. The findings are relevant in debates in the field of religion and educational policy in western countries, and in debates concerning the Dutch approach to freedom of education in particular