Resilience of Domestic Violence and How it Affects the Family Dynamic

Student Researcher: Rebecca Mott

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steven Jacob

Abstract: The importance of this PowerPoint is to make a point that domestic violence is a significant issue in American society. To prove that domestic violence affects not only the individual that is being abused but by the family members that are exposed to this violence as well. The problem is to try to stop or limit domestic violence and help the individuals that have been affected by domestic violence in any way by giving them support and advice to utilize rehabilitative programs to have resilience to overcome their past experiences.

Americans and Their Obsession with the Personal Lives of Celebrities and How it Affects Intimate Relationships and Interactions

Researcher: Victoria Brooks

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: In the highly sociable world of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we are fascinated and attracted to celebrities. Social media makes it very easy for us to connect with celebrities with a simple ‘follow’ and become a part of their lives. In some cases, people may take this relationship a bit further and then becomes over-influenced by our famous figures. Studies have shown that the over-influence and worship of celebrities have negative impacts on our own lives and who we interact with daily. My research focuses on the negative effects including parasocial relationships and low self-esteem. When does it become an obsession and how can we stop it from harming our self-identity?

Terrorism: How Does it Impact Youth

Researcher: Alyssa Stielper

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: My research was conducted to show how terrorism impacts youth throughout the world. I looked at how it impacted their beliefs, how they behaved after, symptomatology related to the attacks, if there were any developmental issues, and how their political and social attitudes changed. It was found that terrorism impacts youth more on the negative side, but there actually are some positive impacts that it can have on youth.

Influences Affecting the Decision of a Career

Researcher: Kierstin Moulden

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: This project was based along the guidelines of what factors influence the career choice of individuals, specifically gender and socioeconomic status. I focused on these two factors because they are not often discussed when asking someone what they want to pursue. Gender and socioeconomic status are typically overlooked when investigating why an individual chooses their career; however, it plays a much larger part. Gender is a complex concept, as it is associated with many stereotypes and expectations. Socioeconomic status adds advantages and disadvantages depending on the status of the individual. There has been quantitative data on how these factors have influenced individuals; however, there is limited qualitative data, which would allow researchers to learn the experiences individuals have had in relation to this topic. This project’s information was analyzed in a literature review with six different sources This is an important topic due to the current social problems of equality, along with the large number of graduating college students each year finalizing their choice of career. Gender and socioeconomic status have the capabilities to push individuals into a career that was not their first choice, which could result in additional future problems.

How Deaths in the Family can help the Family System Adjust

Researcher: Julia Keane

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: People must deal with death every day, and it is personal to my own life, relying on other people in my life, coping, and coming to terms with what happened. My question is how can deaths in the family help the family system adjust? I gathered information about relationships, end of life care, death, social media use, and how to cope with grief. My methods included focus groups and interviews, and surveys. 

Homeless Children

Researcher: Catherine Thomas

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: This project describes how children become homeless, as well as the affects it has on their physical and cognitive/emotional development, and the hardships they face in the education system.

Pretrial Detention & the Perpetuation of Poverty & Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

Researcher: Sarah Foster

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: The United States incarcerates more people than any other nation in the developed world, maintaining nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners despite holding slightly under five percent of the world’s population. The exponential increase in the number of people behind bars within only decades is a phenomenon commonly referred to as mass incarceration. This presentation discusses and analyzes pretrial detention, the practice of placing defendants in jail while they await their trial, as arguably the largest contributor to the astronomical amount of people entangled in the criminal justice system in America today. The relationship between the implementation of bail through pretrial practices and the perpetuation of poverty receives special attention in this presentation. Not only does America’s system of bail disproportionately affect people of low socioeconomic status, but it also negatively impacts people of color and furthers racial disparities in society. This presentation examines the collateral damage that incarceration has on not only the individuals personally affected but on their families, their communities, and the taxpayers at large. The commercial bail bonds industry’s connection to mass incarceration also exhibits adverse consequences when it comes to reinforcing racial and economic disparities within the justice system.The final component of this presentation is a list of reforms made to remedy issues with pretrial detention, as well as suggested solutions and considerations about where to go from here.

Academic Disparity Facing Boys in the United States

Researcher: Christopher Wilson

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: The academic disparity facing boys within the United States has been a particularly controversial topic, especially in relation to the social factors which impact male achievement scores during primary education. However, most sources agree this growing achievement gap between boys and girls correlates to many of the negative trends represented by males today, such as the steady decline in college enrollment and occupational attainment. My review of the literature was compiled into two main sections: the influence of teachers on male academic achievement and the role in which male students play on their own academic progress. Themes explored under the former topic included the impact that a teacher’s gender perception, curriculum, and class structure may possess in shaping male academic disparity. Subjects explored for how personal factors may affect the student’s academic success within the classroom included their perceptions of teachers, their overall academic proclivities, and their racial and socioeconomic composition. The most consistent idea represented throughout the literature was that teachers do possess a significant role for students within the classroom and that a healthy student-teacher relationship which can address the educational needs of all students is paramount to ensuring male academic prosperity.

Americans and Their Obsession with the Personal Lives of Celebrities and How it Affects Intimate Relationships and Interactions

Researcher: Victoria Brooks

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: In the highly sociable world of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we are fascinated and attracted to celebrities. Social media makes it very easy for us to connect with celebrities with a simple ‘follow’ and become a part of their lives. In some cases, people may take this relationship a bit further and then becomes over-influenced by our famous figures. Studies have shown that the over-influence and worship of celebrities have negative impacts on our own lives and who we interact with daily. My research focuses on the negative effects including parasocial relationships and low self-esteem. When does it become an obsession and how can we stop it from harming our self-identity?

Cultural Adaption to Repeated Disasters: The Case of Buras LA

Researcher: Joliet MacColl Nicholson

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Jacob

Abstract: Buras, LA is a vulnerable community due to the intersections of population composition and natural and technological disasters. Located approximately 30 miles south of New Orleans, Buras is on a precarious spit of land that extends out into the Gulf of Mexico in the Bird’s Foot Delta. Buras has been beset by numerous disasters including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Isaac, restructuring of shrimping, the Deepwater Horizon event, and numerous flooding and/or tidal inundation events. The population fluctuates drastically after each disaster losing about 70% since Katrina. With these disasters occurring more frequently over the last decade, the population of Buras has been forced to change their shelters to avoid losing their homes when a disaster hits. Many citizens have shifted to mobile home living finding that the homes are more efficient when looking at the vulnerability of the area. This study uses population and housing data to analyze Buras’s resiliency, and how they have suffered due to the disasters. The focus will be on community resiliency vs. community vulnerability and individual resiliency vs. individual vulnerability. While the community has shown a shift in their resiliency by changing their shelters, “grass roots” organizations have continued to struggle. The town survives but its social networks are seriously disrupted. We have been concerned with the stress and mental health outcomes of the natural and technological disasters. We have been able to document substantial impacts related to the event in a natural experiment design. With the collection of population and survey data we have been able to see the vulnerability of the Buras community at the individual and community levels, recognizing the acts of resiliency, and focusing on other areas where resiliency is needed.

Trauma Project: Gun Violence

Researcher: Gabrielle Ingoglia

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amanda Rich

Abstract: Trauma Informed Care is an approach that looks at the prevalence of traumatic experiences and the effects that it has on the people involved. Professionals that use this approach are there to help the survivor build resiliency, avoid re-traumatization, and to support them. A trauma informed response to gun violence is vital to the survivors. My project looks at gun violence, its impact, survivors, and the trauma informed responses that help survivors and communities heal. This project brings about awareness of gun violence and how a trauma informed response can make a difference in the lives of survivors.