Self-esteem, Self-determination and Behavior Outcomes: Applications for the Secondary School Context

Self-esteem and self-concept theories are associated with psychological and social well-being as well as specific behavioral outcomes such as academic performance. The theories represent two ideas that are part of a multitude of empirical work stemming from self-theories in general. Furthermore, self-esteem and self-concept elements relate in myriad ways to the literature of motivation theory, particularly self-determination theory and perceived control. This paper will begin by examining the literature of self-esteem and self-concept in order to define the constructs and examine their relationships to age and sex differences. Then, a summary of self-determination theory will be necessary in order to understand causal relationships between self-theories, motivation, and academic performance. In addition to literature research, the paper will include information from a small correlation study which was performed in order to determine the relationship between self-determination orientations and self-esteem scores. The results will be reported and analyzed and, then discussed in relationship to the literature with an interest in articulating theoretical and practical implications especially as they relate to adolescent girls in the secondary school environment

A comparison of vibrotactile and air puff stimulation for inducing swallowing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two types of non-invasive, sensory stimulation on increasing the rate of swallowing and for inducing cortical activity associated with swallowing. The types of stimulation investigated were vibrotactile stimulation to the external throat area surrounding the laryngeal tissues and oral air puff stimulation to the anterior faucial pillars. A functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system measured relative changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) in cortical sensorimotor regions as an indirect measure of brain activity. The experiment included 16 healthy adult participants between the ages of 28 and 60 years of age with no reported history of swallowing problems. Results indicated a significant difference between stimulation types on the frequency of swallowing. A significant change in the number of swallows was found between the air puff stimulation and control periods, while no difference was found between the vibrotactile stimulation and control periods. A significant main effect of type of stimulation (p ≤ .0005) indicated that the two stimuli also differed in the effects on changes in blood oxygenation in the brain. Reduced concentration of HbO, particularly in the right sensory region, was seen during air puff stimulation compared to the control period. There was no overall difference in concentration of HbO in the cortical somatosensory and motor regions between the vibrotactile stimulation and control periods. Data recorded from fNIRS suggest an increased concentration of HbO in some participants during vibrotactile stimulation in the right sensory region which was positively related to the degree of increase in swallowing rate. The findings of an inverse blood oxygenation level at the cortex would suggest that although air pressure stimulation of the faucial pillars is upregulating swallowing at the brainstem level, it might interfere with cortical activation for swallowing when applied concurrently. The potential for cortical activation seen by vibrotactile device is important. If the vibrotactile device activates the cortex, the device could be used in targeted interventions aimed at enhancing voluntary swallowing control

Backlash against gender equality is arising in new forms

Backlash is a negative, hostile or aggressive reaction to a political idea. The term has been applied to civil and race rights. Recently however, it has been prominent in politics, business and the media, as an opposing stance to initiatives designed to advance women’s rights and social status

The Role of Anxiety in Binge Eating Behavior: A Critical Examination of Theory and Empirical Literature

The purpose of this manuscript is to expand the understanding of binge eating by reviewing the role of aspects of negative affect. Specifically, this paper will present evidence for further investigation of the bearing that anxiety may have in binge eating development and maintenance. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the relation of binge eating and anxiety was performed. Valuable contributions have been made to the binge eating literature regarding some aspects of negative affect (i.e., depression); however, outside of bulimia nervosa studies, much of the theoretical and empirical binge eating research to date has not directly addressed the role of anxiety. Research supports expansion of investigations of negative emotionality and binge eating to include specific study of anxiety. Greater inclusivity and specificity in the unique contributions of various negative emotions may further the development of temporal models and intervention efforts

The role of anxiety in binge eating behavior: a critical examination of theory and empirical literature

The purpose of this manuscript is to expand the understanding of binge eating by reviewing the role of aspects of negative affect. Specifically, this paper will present evidence for further investigation of the bearing that anxiety may have in binge eating development and maintenance. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the relation of binge eating and anxiety was performed. Valuable contributions have been made to the binge eating literature regarding some aspects of negative affect (i.e., depression); however, outside of bulimia nervosa studies, much of the theoretical and empirical binge eating research to date has not directly addressed the role of anxiety. Research supports expansion of investigations of negative emotionality and binge eating to include specific study of anxiety. Greater inclusivity and specificity in the unique contributions of various negative emotions may further the development of temporal models and intervention efforts

Photos Can Inspire a Thousand Words: Photolanguage as a Qualitative Evaluation Method

Finding ways to encourage expression of individuals who are young, shy, or have limited verbal abilities can be challenging for evaluators. Photolanguage can be used to aid personal expression and small group interaction and as a tool to enhance qualitative evaluation activities. This method offers an interesting evaluation process that uses black-and-white photographic images specifically chosen for their aesthetic qualities; their ability to stimulate emotions, memory, and imagination; and their capacity to stimulate reflection in the viewer. Evaluators may find Photolanguage provides a valuable tool for use with evaluation participants who experience barriers to involvement, actual or perceived