Large Northeastern University Research Articles

The Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII): A multisample study examining pandemic-related experiences and their relation to mental health.

The Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII) was developed to assess pandemic-related adverse and positive experiences across several key domains, including work/employment, home life, isolation, and quarantine. Several studies have associated EPII-assessed pandemic-related experiences with a wide range of psychosocial factors, most commonly depressive and anxiety symptoms. The present study investigated the degree to which specific types of COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences may be associated with anxiety and depression risk, capitalizing on two large, independent samples with marked differences in sociodemographic characteristics. The present study utilized two adult samples: participants (N = 635) recruited online over a 4-week period in early 2020 (Sample 1) and participants (N = 908) recruited from the student body of a large Northeastern public university (Sample 2). We employed a cross-validated, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression approach, as well as a random forest (RF) machine learning algorithm, to investigate classification accuracy of anxiety/depression risk using the pandemic-related experiences from the EPII. The LASSO approach isolated eight items within each sample. Two items from the work/employment and emotional/physical health domains overlapped across samples. The RF approach identified similar items across samples. Both methods yielded acceptable cross-classification accuracy. Applying two analytic approaches on data from two large, sociodemographically unique samples, we identified a subset of sample-specific and nonspecific pandemic-related experiences from the EPII that are most predictive of concurrent depression/anxiety risk. Findings may help to focus on key experiences during future public health disasters that convey greater risk for depression and anxiety symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

“I have my family right here”: Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and peer support among a cohort of fosterscholars

This paper presents findings from a focus group conducted as part of a larger Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) study with a cohort of university students with experience in foster care. Six foster scholars (ages 18–21) participated in a research collective offered as a collaboration between the School of Social Welfare and the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) at a large Northeastern public research university. Over the course of several semesters, students received an overview of research methods, evaluated existing research regarding the educational outcomes of youth with foster care experience, then designed an interview guide for a focus group that they later participated in. Focus group data was transcribed and then analyzed in two ways, first through thematic content analysis using ATLAS TI qualitative software, and simultaneously through participatory narrative analysis using an adapted version of Carol Gilligan’s Listening Guide. The cluster of findings presented in this paper highlights co-researchers’ experiences of a YPAR approach to research. Three themes emerged: validation of experience and peer support, connection to available resources, and YPAR as a tool of collective action and empowerment. An overview of the significant actions and change efforts associated with the YPAR process is also provided. Findings highlight the importance of peer support and the possibility of participatory research approaches in catalyzing peer connectivity and agency among foster scholars in higher education. Integrating youth voice and perspective to the existing body of knowledge about youth with foster care experience in higher education adds an important perspective needed to more holistically understand what resources and supports are most critical in ensuring their success. Recommendations are made for both universities and child welfare scholars desiring to center the voices and experiences of youth with foster care experience.

A Dual-Process Decision-Making Model Examining the Longitudinal Associations Between Alcohol-Induced Blackouts and Alcohol Use Disorder Risk Among College Student Drinkers.

The purpose of this study was to use a dual-process decision-making model to examine the longitudinal associations between alcohol-induced blackouts (blackouts) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk symptoms among college student drinkers. Undergraduate drinkers (N = 2,024; 56% female; 87% White; 5% Hispanic) at a large northeastern university completed online surveys each semester during their first (Time [T] 1, T2), second (T3, T4), third (T5, T6), and fourth (T7, T8) years of college (87% retention across the study). Path analyses were examined testing the longitudinal associations between T1 willingness to experience a blackout, T1 intentions to avoid a blackout, T2-T8 drinking, T2-T8 blackouts, and T8 AUD risk symptoms. Hypotheses 1 and 2 tested the associations between T1 willingness, T1 intentions, T2-T8 drinking, and T2-T8 blackouts. Hypothesis 3 tested the associations between T2-T8 drinking, T2-T8 blackouts, and T8 AUD risk symptoms. Students experienced an average of 8 (SD = 8) blackouts during college. Approximately 1,514 (88.8%) participants reported experiencing 1 of 8 AUD risk symptoms. T1 willingness was positively associated with T2-T8 blackouts. T2-T8 drinking and T2-T8 blackouts were positively associated with T8 AUD risk symptoms. T1 willingness significantly indirectly affected T8 AUD risk symptoms through its association with T2-T8 blackouts. Results estimated that, on average, college student drinkers experienced eight blackouts across 4 years of college, and 88% of participants reported experiencing at least one symptom of AUD in the last semester of college. Willingness to experience a blackout influenced students' AUD risk symptoms through the number of blackouts they experienced throughout college.

Underscoring the F in FoMO: How does anxiety sensitivity contribute to fear of missing out?

ABSTRACT Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a prevalent phenomenon associated with a range of mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. To our knowledge, the question of whether FoMO can be explained by other well-known mechanistic variables—namely, loneliness, rumination, and anxiety sensitivity (AS) – has not been previously evaluated. The current study investigated the predictive power of loneliness, rumination, and AS for explaining variance in FoMO within two independent samples of undergraduate students at a large Northeastern university. Participants completed an online battery of questionnaires. In Study 1, it was found that loneliness and rumination offered significant prediction of FoMO when AS was not considered in the model; however, when these three predictors were considered together, only AS offered significant, non-redundant prediction. Study 2 revealed that both rumination and AS offered significant prediction of FoMO, with AS offering stronger unique prediction. Such findings provide a new frame for understanding the nature of the relatively new concept of FoMO, and in particular, suggest that it may be important to consider AS and rumination in future studies.

The Effects of Target, Guardianship, and Lifestyle Characteristics on Stalking Victimization Risk among College Students

ABSTRACT Guided by lifestyles/routine activities and target congruence theories and using data from a campus climate survey from a large northeastern university, this study explored the influence of target (e.g., mental health, age, race), guardianship (e.g., relationship status, residency), and lifestyle characteristics (e.g., collegiate activities) on the risk of stalking victimization among 7,621 undergraduates. In addition to running models for the full sample, separate logistic regressions were completed for men (n = 3,544) and women (n = 4,077), and for those who identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (LGBTQ, n = 612) and those who do not (non-LGBTQ, n = 6,923). Results show target vulnerabilities including having lower scores on mental health and being younger increased victimization risk, guardianship factors including being married or living with parents or on campus reduced the risk of victimization, and lifestyle characteristics including participation in collegiate activities increased victimization risk. Consistent with prior research, those who identify as LGBTQ and women had higher odds of victimization than their respective counterparts. However, coefficient tests revealed only three risk factors varied significantly across sex (i.e., age and media activity) and LGBTQ status (i.e., mental health). Implications for research and campus policy are discussed.

Examining the impact of early college experiences on the cumulative number of alcohol-related consequences

ObjectiveTo estimate the total number of alcohol-related consequences students experience during 4 years of college and examine early college indicators that result in higher rates of consequences. MethodUndergraduate drinkers (N = 1,744; 58% female; 87% White; 5% Hispanic) at a large northeastern university completed an online survey at the end of the fall and spring semesters during their first (T1, T2), second (T3, T4), third (T5, T6), and fourth (T7, T8) years of college (87% retention across the study). First, descriptive statistics were calculated to estimate the total number of alcohol-related consequences students experienced across all 4 years of college. Second, a structural equation model was examined to identify early college indicators that influence individuals experiencing more cumulative consequences. ResultsStudents experienced an average of 102 (SD = 89.91) alcohol-related consequences during 4 years of college. Next, early parental approval of consequences, but not peer drinking norms, were positively associated with students’ willingness to experience consequences, which in turn, were positively associated with higher alcohol consumption and greater total consequences. ConclusionsResults estimated that, on average, students experienced 102 alcohol-related consequences across all 4 years of college. Parental approval of consequences influenced students’ total consequences through their willingness to experience consequences and drinking behaviors. Findings from the current study have several important implications for interventions.

Exploring Dental Students’ Perceptions of Mental Illness to Address Unmet Needs: A Preliminary Study

Background: There is little information about dental students’ perceptions about providing care to people with serious mental illnesses (SMI), despite the significant oral health challenges of this population. Objective: This brief report aims to explore gaps in dental students’ knowledge and skills for providing oral health care to people with SMI, along with their attitudes about working with this underserved population. Methods: Post-graduate dental students in the United States at a large northeastern university were asked to provide feedback and responses to 5 open-ended questions prior to an educational module about working with people with SMI, and 22 anonymous responses were received. Qualitative content analysis was used to code responses using independent coding and consensus meetings. Results: Dental students expressed concerns about working with this population and felt unprepared to provide services to them. Seven themes were identified and coded into three primary categories: Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Codes representing dental student knowledge gaps included mental health literacy and professional role clarification. Skill deficits were coded as an adaptation of dental care practices, communication skills, crisis management, and management of care. Attitudes were coded as beliefs about people with SMI. Conclusion: Additional attention to mental illness in dental education could assist future professionals in their skills and knowledge to address the extensive unmet oral health needs of people with SMI.

Know Your Safe Drinking Skills: Adaptation Strategies for the College Effect

Objective: The current study investigates the effects of an alcohol-prevention program delivered to college students in a formal classroom setting. Participants: The sample comprised 231 first-year college students who enrolled in a multisection “First Year Experience” course at a large northeastern university in the United States. Method: A naturalistic experiment was conducted, with a baseline evaluation at the beginning of the semester and a post-experiment evaluation near the end of the semester. Results: Social drinking attitudes, proximal drinking norm and the college effect are significant predictors of pre- and post-intervention episodic drinking frequency. The intervention reduced episodic drinking frequency as well as perceived distal and proximal drinking norms. It also increased drinking attitudes and did not change perceived efficacy or drinking-outcome expectancies. Conclusions: Practitioners could consider implementing a similar intervention to allow students to learn and practice safe drinking skills in the first year of their college life.

The effects of a sustainable vs conventional apparel advertisement on consumer perception of CSR image and attitude toward the brand

PurposeThis study examined whether marketing an apparel product via an advertisement with a sustainability vs a conventional message would affect consumer perception of the brand's CSR image and their attitude toward the brand.Design/methodology/approachAn online experiment via a posttest-only between-group design with random assignment was administered with a college student sample from a large northeastern university in the US.FindingsExposure to an advertisement with a sustainability message had a direct effect on the brand's CSR image, which mediated the relationship between advertisement exposure and (1) perceived brand innovativeness and (2) consumer-brand identification. CSR image positively predicted brand innovativeness, consumer-brand identification and attitude toward the brand. Prior attitude toward sustainable apparel was a significant moderator between advertisement exposure and (1) CSR image and (2) consumer-brand identification.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to test the effects of apparel advertising with a sustainability message on the relationship between consumer and the brand. Study findings contribute to industry knowledge by elucidating the potential effects of an apparel ad with a sustainability message on a brand's CSR image and innovativeness as well as consumer identification with and attitude toward the brand.

Place-Making for Informal Learning in an Online Programming Course

In this article, we report on exploratory research that documented the informal student-generated interactions in Piazza, an open-source discussion system. This research leverages the concept of place-making to understand how students co-designed Piazza as a place for their learning of the Python programming language in an advanced programming online course at a large northeastern university. Our analysis shows how students used Piazza in specific ways to connect their informal learning to their formal class learning. We suggest that educators and instructional designers can leverage a place-making approach to grant students learning opportunities by having them co-design their learning.

Food Insecurity Among Health Sciences Graduate Students at a Large Northeastern University

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of food insecurity and the factors associated with it among health sciences graduate students. MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey conducted in 2019 on an urban health sciences campus of a large, public northeastern university among health sciences graduate students. Food security status was assessed using the US Department of Agriculture validated 6-item short-form food security module. ResultsOf the 302 respondents (response rate, 8.8%), the mean age ± SD was 28.8 ± 7.30 years; 28.5% were food insecure. After adjusting for other covariates, receiving loans was independently associated with higher odds of being food insecure (P < 0.001). Conclusions and ImplicationsUniversities may consider screening graduate students for food insecurity risk, especially those receiving student loans. Future research on this topic with graduate students and program administrators in other universities may help identify potential interventions. The impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on food insecurity among graduate students merit exploration to develop context-specific interventions.

Association between active transport habits and physical activity levels in a diverse sample of college students in the United States

A lack of physical activity (PA) contributes to poor health. Active travel (AT) can help to achieve recommended levels of PA, though participation varies across racial/ethnic groups. This study examined differences in AT trips by race/ethnicity and the relationship between meeting PA recommendations with AT among college students. College students at a large northeastern university. This cross-sectional study (2014–2018) used an online survey where participants (n = 4859) reported demographics, PA and AT participation. Analyses of variance (AVONAs) examined differences in AT trips by race/ethnicity and t-tests examined AT trips by activity level. Significant differences were noted according to race/ethnicity for number of walking trips/week but not for bike trips. For non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, other ethnic groups and multiracial groups, there were significantly higher walking trips for those meeting PA recommendations. The variation by race/ethnicity in AT participation and the relationship between AT and PA has implications for long-term health outcomes and health disparities.

Evaluating the Impact of an Educational Program on Stigmatizing Attitudes in Dental Hygiene Students

ABSTRACT: People living with serious mental illness (SMI) are at high risk for poor dentition, poor oral health, and increased tooth loss. This mixed methods research study assessed the impact of an interdisciplinary education program on dental hygiene student attitudes toward people with SMI. Senior dental hygiene students ( n = 38) from a large northeastern university participated in 3 hours of didactic learning, followed by experiential service learning. Quantitative surveys and qualitative questions were administered at three time points. Results showed a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes from before to after the didactic learning, which was maintained following experiential learning for two of the three scales. Thematic analysis indicated students' willingness to work with the population after service learning. Interdisciplinary education programs combining didactic and experiential service learning offer promise to improve attitudes of dental hygiene students. Future work is needed to explore the most critical and impactful components of this type of educational program.

Food Insecurity among Health Professions Students at a Large Northeastern University

Food Insecurity among Health Professions Students at a Large Northeastern University

Bigger Necks Are Not Enough: An Examination of Neck Circumference in Incoming College Athletes.

Neck circumference is quick and simple to measure and thus an attractive proxy of neck strength, a putative mechanism underlying risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Research, however, is limited on the relationship of neck circumference to SRC. Our study examined differences in neck circumference based on sex, concussion history, concussions experienced subsequent to college entry, and participation in sports with high versus low risk for contact. Neck circumference was measured in incoming NCAA Division I athletes (N = 324) from a large northeastern university during athlete pre-participation physicals. Sex, sport team, and self-reported concussion history were obtained from retrospective pre-participation questionnaires and medical chart review. Concussion diagnoses during college were collected subsequent to neck measurements from medical chart review. Proportional neck circumference (normalized by bodymass index) was computed. Each sport was categorized as involving high or low risk of contact (as a proxy of risk for injury). Sex differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were assessed. Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were also characterized by contact risk and SRC history (with biological sex included as a covariate). Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were explored among those who did versus did not experience subsequent SRC diagnosis. Males had significantly larger neck circumference and proportional neck circumference than females. Neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were not related to SRC history or subsequent SRC. Neck circumference is a quick and simple measure; however, even when considered in proportion to body mass, it was unrelated to SRC. Future studies are needed to assess whether this is due to a lack of relationship between the neck and injury or limitations in circumference as a proxy measure of cervical spine characteristics and biomechanics.

Factors Associated with Food Insecurity Among College Students at a Large Northeastern University

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors among health sciences students at a large Northeastern University. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was emailed to students in the 2019 spring semester. Food insecurity was assessed using the United States Department of Agriculture validated 6-item short-form food security module. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression with food insecurity as the dependent variable was used to analyze the data. Results Of the 344 responses, the mean age was 29 ± 8 years, 79% were female, and 54% were White. One-third (33%) were first-generation college students, 59% had an annual income of &amp;lt;$25,000 and 58% were in a doctoral degree program. Thirty % of all respondents were classified as food insecure. In univariate logistic regressions, annual income &amp;lt;$25,000 (P = 0.007), being a first-generation college student (P = 0.008), receiving financial support that required repayment [loans] (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and receiving financial support through the university (P = 0.03) were all associated with higher odds of being food insecure. Having an excellent diet quality (P = 0.004), not utilizing a food pantry (P = 0.008) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] (P = 0.01) in the previous year were associated with lower odds of being food insecure. After adjusting for other covariates, having an excellent diet quality (P = 0.03) and not using SNAP in the previous year (P = 0.03) were associated with a lower odds of being food insecure. Receiving loans was independently associated with higher odds of being food insecure after adjusting for other covariates (P = 0.0003). Conclusions The prevalence of food insecurity in this sample was comparable to those found in other studies. We found that whilst receiving loans were associated with being food insecure, a diet of better quality, as well as non-utilization of SNAP, was associated with less odds of being food insecure. Interventions to target food insecurity on this health profession campus and other college campuses are needed to reduce the levels of food insecurity among college students and improve their health and academic outcomes. Funding Sources The office of the Chancellor provided funds for gift cards raffled off to participants.

Required Health and Wellness Courses: Associations With College Student Physical Activity Behavior and Attitudes

To assess the extent to which college student physical activity behaviors and attitudes are associated with enrollment in required, but self-selected, health and wellness courses. Data were analyzed from 1473 undergraduate students (60% women) taking health and wellness courses at a large northeastern university. Demographic characteristics and activity levels at the time of course enrollment were assessed in relation to course selection and activity levels after course completion. One-way analysis of variance tests were used to assess the differences in the characteristics of students enrolling in different types of health and wellness courses, and paired samples t tests were used to assess the differences in physical activity and related attitudes from the time of enrollment to the end of the semester. Course selection was predicted by demographic characteristics and precourse activity levels. Overall, no significant change in activity levels was observed over the course of one semester, although some effects were observed within certain types of activities. When given the option, college students appear to select health and wellness courses that match their current activity levels. These courses do not significantly change the average student's behavior or attitudes about physical activity.

Associations among Negative Urgency, Sensation Seeking, Alcohol Use, Self-Esteem, and Casual Sexual Behavior for College Students

Background: The present study proposed a moderated mediation model of relations among negative urgency, sensation seeking, alcohol use, self-esteem, and casual sexual behavior among college students. We hypothesized students’ alcohol use would mediate a positive relation between two facets of impulsivity, negative urgency and sensation seeking, with casual sexual behavior. We also examined the influence of self-esteem on alcohol use and casual sexual behavior to determine if self-esteem may serve as a point of intervention. We hypothesized that self-esteem might moderate the relation between casual sexual behavior and alcohol use, such that students who report high alcohol use in addition to low self-esteem would engage in more casual sexual behavior than individuals who report relatively higher levels of self-esteem. Methods: Data were collected in 2015 from 413 undergraduate students at a large Northeastern public university. Structural equation modeling tested the moderated mediation model. Results: Contrary to hypotheses, the theorized model demonstrated an inadequate fit to the data when self-esteem was included. A second structural model was calculated to test alcohol use as a mediator of associations between negative urgency and sensation seeking, and casual sexual behavior. As hypothesized, students’ alcohol use was found to be a mediator of the positive associations between negative urgency and casual sexual behavior and sensation seeking and casual sexual behavior. Conclusions: Findings suggest that alcohol use, negative urgency, and sensation seeking may serve as points of intervention to address casual sexual behavior, as appropriate, among college student populations.

Differences in Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Three Racial Groups

Background: Despite being a major public health concern, it is unclear how suicidal thoughts and behaviors differentially impact separate racial groups. Aims: The aim of the current study was to examine the occurrence of nonlethal suicide events, in addition to suicide attempt characteristics and factors contributing to suicide attempts. Method: A final sample of 7,094 undergraduates from a large northeastern university, identifying as members of three racial groups (White [67.30%], Black [17.30%], and Asian [15.40%]), completed online questionnaires. Results: White participants reported increased likelihood of endorsing lifetime suicidal ideation and plan, whereas Black participants reported decreased likelihood of these events; no differences were found in rates of lifetime suicide attempts. Black participants' suicidal behavior may involve greater ambivalence of intent. A higher proportion of Asian participants endorsed interpersonal factors as contributing to their suicide attempts, whereas a greater percentage of White participants reported internal contributing factors. Limitations: Findings are limited by the sample size and assessment of lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Conclusion: The findings present a more nuanced look at attitudes and actions related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may inform future research and risk assessment procedures.

Differences in college students' aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities based on gender, race, and sexual orientation.

Aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities are beneficial to both physical and mental health, though disparities in these behaviors exist based on social determinants. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in college students' aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities based on gender, race, and sexual orientation. Undergraduates enrolled in general education health and wellness courses at a large northeastern University in the United States responded to an online survey in August 2018 that assessed their demographics and physical activity behaviors. Differences in physical activity behaviors based on social determinants were examined using independent-samples t-tests and chi-square tests for independence. Less than half (40.3%) of participants (n = 606) met both aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening recommendations. No differences were found in physical activity based on sexual orientation. However, significantly more non-Hispanic white participants met aerobic physical activity (74.4% vs. 63.8%) and muscle-strengthening recommendations (47.2% vs. 37.6%); and, men reported significantly greater vigorous physical activity (p = .034, η2 = 0.01) and participation in muscle-strengthening activities (p < .001, η2 = 0.06), and were more likely to meet muscle-strengthening recommendations compared to women (50.8% vs. 41.4%). Findings demonstrate disparities in physical activity based on race and sex, particularly with respect to muscle-strengthening activities. Findings are of concern given the importance of muscle-strengthening activities to both physical and mental health. Colleges should consider ways in which they can facilitate increased participation of racial/ethnic minorities and women in muscle-strengthening activities.