Parent-child interaction therapy:An evidence-based treatment for child maltreatment

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Entropy rigidity of Hilbert and Riemannian metrics

In this paper we provide two new characterizations of real hyperbolic $n$-space using the Poincar\'e exponent of a discrete group and the volume growth entropy. The first characterization is in the space of Hilbert metrics and generalizes a result of Crampon. The second is in the space of Riemannian metrics with Ricci curvature bounded below and generalizes a result of Ledrappier and Wang.Comment: 14 pages, some revisions following the referees remarks. To be published in IMR

Electronic Transitions of Metal Complexes with Triphenylphosphine as a Ligand

The spectra of transition metal complexes with triphenylphosphine have been measured near 260 nm and the results interpreted in terms of perturbation of the it electron system of the phenyl ring. All complexes studied show sou degree of delocalization of the d-orbital electrons of the metal into the phenyl ring. However, for first row transition metals, the primary affect was found to be polarization of the phenyl ring due to the presence of the metal ion. For second and third row transition metal ions, the primary effect was found to be metal-ligand back-bonding. However, the effect of polarization of the rings due to the metal ion was noticeable

Borel reductions of profinite actions of SL(n,Z)

Greg Hjorth and Simon Thomas proved that the classification problem for torsion-free abelian groups of finite rank \emph{strictly increases} in complexity with the rank. Subsequently, Thomas proved that the complexity of the classification problems for $p$-local torsion-free abelian groups of fixed rank $n$ are \emph{pairwise incomparable} as $p$ varies. We prove that if $3\leq m<n$ and $p,q$ are distinct primes, then the complexity of the classification problem for $p$-local torsion-free abelian groups of rank $m$ is again incomparable with that for $q$-local torsion-free abelian groups of rank $n$

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationIntrinsic motivation is important for adolescents enrolled in residential treatment programs. According to Self-Determination Theory intrinsic motivation can be increased in environments that facilitate autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Residential treatment programs are frequently successful in facilitating competence and relatedness, but their rigid structure often makes them ill-equipped to facilitate autonomy. Constraints on autonomy within residential treatment settings are likely due to involuntary enrollment and reliance on extrinsic rewards to elicit desired behavioral change, both of which may inhibit intrinsic motivation. Understanding the constraints on intrinsic motivation is a necessary precursor to programming toward intrinsic motivation and long-term therapeutic success. Drawing on the premises of Self-Determination Theory, the purpose of this study was to better understand the dynamics of intrinsic motivation among adolescent males on outdoor trips within the context of a residential treatment program. Employing a qualitative case study, data collection consisted of interviews with 16 students and 6 staff members, as well as extensive observation and field notes. Data analysis was conducted using a constant comparison method. Research findings recognized five major thematically connected categories: (a) autonomy, (b) relatedness, (c) competence, (d) challenge, and (e) natural/outdoor environment, as well as three minor categories: (f) external consequences, (g) exercise, and (h) personal development/therapy. A discussion of the major and minor categories and corresponding subcategories is provided, as well as guidance for future research and recommendations for practitioners

The Impact of Individual Investment Behavior for Retirement Welfare: Evidence from the United States and Germany

Much of the industrialized world is undergoing a significant demographic shift, placing strain on public pension systems. Policymakers are responding with pension system reforms that put more weight on privately managed retirement funds. One concern with these changes is the effect on individual welfare if individuals invest suboptimally. Using micro-level data from the United States and Germany, we compare the optimal expected lifetime utility computed using a realistically calibrated model with the actual utility as reflected in empirical asset allocation choices. Through this analysis, we are able to identify the population subgroups with relatively large welfare losses. Our results should be helpful to public policymakers in designing programs to improve the performance of privately organized retirement systems.Asset Allocation, Retirement Welfare, Pension Reform

MS

thesisThis study examined the effectiveness of four college orientation programs on social self-efficacy beliefs among 158 college students. It was hypothesized that an outdoor orientation would increase social self-efficacy more than an on-campus orientation, and that an orientation with facilitated reflection would increase social selfefficacy more than a traditional orientation. Students chose between an on-campus and a wilderness-based orientation. Then, the students were randomly selected into a control or treatment group within both the on-campus and wilderness orientations. Outdoor orientations involved multiple days of a specific adventure activity (i.e., rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, mountaineering) located away from the college campus. These wilderness settings provide an environment that pushes students into social interactions, which can positively increase social self-efficacy. On the other hand, on-campus orientations involved speeches, skits, group initiatives, academic advising, and other activities located on the college campus. The treatment for both wilderness based and on-campus orientations consisted of the same daily activities as the control group; however, at the end of the second day the treatment groups participated in facilitated reflective provided by the orientation staff. This allowed students to learn from each other and see other student's perspectives, which can increase social self-efficacy. Students in all four orientations increased their social self-efficacy scores; however, significant differences between orientations types were not found. Although the two hypotheses were not supported, both on-campus and wilderness orientations were found to increase social self-efficacy