A Psycho-linguistic Study on Adult Playfulness: Its Hierarchical Structure and Theoretical Considerations

By means of a linguistic corpus analysis, statements were derived that reflect trait-like characteristics of playful adults. These were given to a sample of 240 adults who also completed two measures of adult playfulness. Using Goldberg's (J Res Pers 40:347-358, 2006) top-down approach, the hierarchical factor structure of playfulness in this data set was examined. A solution with seven factors fits the data well and could be clearly interpreted. The retrieved factors were (1) cheerful-engaged; (2) whimsical; (3) impulsive; (4) intellectual-charming; (5) imaginative; (6) lighthearted; and (7) kind-loving. The two playfulness measures did not cover all of these dimensions. The intellectual-charming and the kind-loving variants of playfulness were less well represented in these instruments. The study contributes to the basic question of what factors underlie playfulness and suggests that there are aspects of adult playfulness that were hitherto less well describe

The Koukopoulos mixed depression rating scale (KMDRS) and the assessment of mixed symptoms during the perinatal period

Background: Mixed symptoms in depression may underlie bipolar diathesis rather than unipolarity. Uncovering mixed depression (MxD) is crucial for appropriate management, especially in the perinatal period, as it may affect treatment planning and impact future child development. We used a scale specific for identifying MxD and tested its validity in pregnant and postpartum women with depression. Methods: Women developing a major depressive episode (MDE) during their perinatal period extending from pregnancy to one year postpartum from November-2012 through June-2019 were assessed with BPRS-18, EPDS, CGI-S, GAF, HAM-A, HAM-D, Koukopoulos' Mixed Depression Rating Scale (KMDRS), TEMPS, and YMRS. They were classified, based on KMDRS criteria, as with mixed (MxD) or without (nonMxD) mixed symptoms. We conducted ROC analysis and performed factor analysis of the KMDRS. Results: Of 45 included, MxD (N = 19) were biased towards diagnosis of bipolar disorder and nonMxD (N = 26) towards major depressive disorder. Other sociodemographic variables did not differ significantly between MxD and nonMxD. MxD scored higher on total YMRS, BPRS, and KMDRS, and on KMDRS-6 Subjective Feelings of Irritability and KMDRS-12 Suicidal Impulsiveness items. The KMDRS correlated in the entire sample, in MxD and nonMxD, with the YMRS and the BPRS, while correlating with the HAM-D in nonMxD only. The KMDRS showed acceptable AUC distribution, with a 68% sensitivity and 58% specificity. Best-fit was three-factor-structure, explaining 54.66% of cumulative variance. Limitations: Small sample and cross-sectional design. Conclusions: The KMDRS is fit for investigating MxD along with the YMRS and the BPRS in perinatal women with a MDE

SEVEN WONDERS an exhibition by students of the American Studies Museum Exhibitions class

Exhibition Catalog. Students include Emily Bloom, Julia Falkowski, Caitlin Gura, Rachel Koladis, Erika Maciaszczyk, Caitlin Murphy, and Selby Nimrod

Promoting Sense of Belonging and Interest in Geosciences among Undergraduate Women through Mentoring

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether students’ university sense of belonging mediates the relationship between mentor network diversity and students’ interest development among undergraduate women in STEM majors. The sample for this study was consisted of 277 undergraduate women majoring in a STEM discipline with initial interests in geosciences across nine universities within the United States. A regression-based mediation analysis was performed using the Hayes’ (2013) macro to test the indirect effect of mentor support on interest through university sense of belonging. Consistent with our hypothesis, the analysis revealed a statistically significant and positive indirect effect of the mentor network diversity on interest in geoscience through university sense of belonging, a×b = .04, 95% CI = [.01,.08]. More specifically, the mentor network diversity positively predicts university sense of belonging (B = 0.19,

Distinction Between Language Acquisition and Language Learning: A Comparative Study

The study aspires at to pencil in a disparity between two seemingly alike but distinctive apart phenomenon i.e. language learning (LL) and language acquisition (LA). LA is an intuitive route that transpires naturally devoid of any exertion or intention. During that process, the acquirer of the language is unaware of the grammatical conventions or the syntactic structure of the language involved. All through the expansion of LA the learner necessitates a source of natural communication. It puts down emphasis on the memo and not the form that is why it is entitled communicative. Its deep-seated objective is to pass on the message or converse with the people around the apprentice. Language learning is cognizant or intentional activity of erudition a language for one or the erstwhile drive. A learner must contrive a laborious and systematic exertion to become skilled at or master a language unlike LA which he gets hold off exclusive of any methodical or even conscious involvement. The shot is qualitative in approach keeping in view the stratagems and dynamics affecting LL and LA. Keywords: Language learning, L acquisition, learning strategies, factors affecting learning

Journey to L\u27amour! An Exploration of Love and Loss

This narrative documents a student\u27s preparation and execution of her voice recital entitled, L\u27amour! An Exploration of Love and Loss. The author documents experiences, at the University of Mississippi and beyond which influenced the direction of this body of work. The author describes the purpose of her voice recital, and describes the process programming and preparing repertoire for the December recital. The author recounts and reflects upon her performance of L\u27amour: An Exploration of Love and Loss. The author includes a full copy of the program and notes provided to attendees on the day of the recital. The author includes stills from several of the sets from the December performance. Finally, the author reflects the immediate impact of the recital and predicts how this journey will effect her future performances. A file containing all video recordings from the performance of L\u27amour: An Exploration of Love and Loss is available for viewing