This dissertation aimed to explore the use of machine learning (ML) models in in-patient clinical settings. A literature review was conducted to identify existing guidelines and frameworks for such models, and an in-depth study was conducted on ML-based models to understand their behavior and implications on patient outcomes. A conceptual…

Many students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need evidence-based intervention in school, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) offers an array of treatment options shown to improve outcomes. However, in Michigan, ABA has not been thoroughly integrated into public schools. The present dissertation assessed the mechanisms thought to…

Feeding difficulties occur at a high rate in children with normal development and at a disproportionally high rate in children with developmental disabilities. Prolonged problematic eating, categorized as Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), can result in poor physical growth and jeopardize overall health. Extant research on applied behavior analysis…

In recent decades, neuroscience research has provided consistent evidence that counseling and psychotherapy alter the brain in prosocial and adaptive ways. An evolving understanding of the neurobiological basis of psychological processes has led to a push for the integration of neuroscientific findings into the counseling field. Trauma treatment…

Body image dissatisfaction and biases on weight as well as body size and shape, cultivated by a stance of privilege, often excluding many individuals, pervade societal norms. Due to the multivariant nature and connectedness of body image concerns, counselors working with clients who present with these issues could struggle with their own biases.…

Outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) have failed to meet the standards of educators and educational researchers. For several decades, such students have had worse academic and postsecondary outcomes than any other student population. This has led to emphasis on implementation of evidence-based practices to combat the…

The researcher investigated the self-reported test anxiety levels of students at a college of osteopathic medicine and a college of veterinary medicine at a university in the southeastern United States at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Student's test anxiety levels were measured using the Spielberger Test Anxiety inventory at the…

Patient outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH), which influence differing exposures to opportunities or health risks. Holistic care of geriatric patients includes considering SDOH in patient assessment, diagnosis, and care delivery. Understanding how NP students care for geriatric patients using a SDOH lens provides…

Research suggests that newly graduated nurses lack confidence in caring for deteriorating patients and this lack of confidence could lead to poor patient outcomes. The aim of this project was to examine the effectiveness of a simulation intervention on the confidence level of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students in caring for deteriorating…

Kindness has been generally defined as being compassionate, empathetic, friendly, forgiving, generous, considerate, or as showing genuine concern for and a desire to help others. This definition has utility when speaking informally but lacks technical precision when used in a scientific capacity. Given that kindness encompasses several different…

Although function-based treatments have been proven to decrease challenging behavior, it is unclear whether these results translate to socially significant outcomes. In fact, researchers rarely analyze what happens outside the highly controlled setting in which behavior analytic sessions typically occur. In our first study, we used a changing…

This dissertation was designed to determine which behavior analytic intervention was more effective in the treatment and reduction of mouthing non-nutritive substances in children diagnosed with autism. This study included four participants in an A-B-A reversal design with a component analysis across four intervention phases. The study…

Students with disabilities often present social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems that can adversely impact their educational progress. As a result, interventions that are effective in addressing these non-academic challenges are needed. Self-management is an intervention that has demonstrated effectiveness across individual studies and…

Promoting positive relationships among young children is an important step towards improving their long-term social and academic outcomes. Children who have low rates of interactions with peers, who are identified as self-isolating, and who demonstrate other internalizing behaviors are at-risk for poor social and academic outcomes and therefore,…

Approximately one in five U.S. young adults suffer from psychiatric disorders annually. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is even more significant in college students. Despite the large population of college students who experience mental health disorders, they are unlikely to receive treatment on their campuses, even though campus health…