The Role of Relational Uncertainty in Topic Avoidance among Couples with Depression

To address a key gap in theorizing and research, we consider relational uncertainty as an explanation for why individuals experiencing depressive symptoms may be reluctant to talk about sensitive issues. We report closed-ended online survey data from 126 romantic couples in which one or both partners had been professionally diagnosed with depression. Results indicated that relational uncertainty mediated the positive association between depressive symptoms and topic avoidance. Partner effects from men to women also emerged. These findings are valuable for identifying relational uncertainty as a mechanism that may explain people's unwillingness to discuss challenging topics when they are experiencing depressive symptoms.     

Fine motor skills and executive function both contribute to kindergarten achievement

This study examined the contribution of executive function (EF) and multiple aspects of fine motor skills to achievement on 6 standardized assessments in a sample of middle-socioeconomic status kindergarteners. Three- and 4-year-olds' (n=213) fine and gross motor skills were assessed in a home visit before kindergarten, EF was measured at fall of kindergarten, and Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Academic Achievement were administered at fall and spring. Correlations indicated that EF and fine motor skills appeared distinct. Further, controlling for background variables, higher levels of both EF and fine motor skills, specifically design copy, predicted higher achievement on multiple subtests at kindergarten entry, as well as improvement from fall to spring. Implications for research on school readiness are discussed.     

What Youth Care About: Exploring Topic Identification for Youth-Led Research in School

The Urban Review - Youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) has been documented to increase youth’s social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes, foster critical thinking and...     

Mom Expo: Bridging the Gap Between Local Women and Perinatal Resources

The purpose of this project was to describe the implementation of a perinatal health fair intended to connect local women to holistic resources. Researchers used participatory strategies to develop the health fair with local women and perinatal educators. Researchers evaluated the health fair using pragmatic measures based on the (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Forty-two attendees were reached and 23 educators hosted booths and educational sessions. Feedback indicated strong enthusiasm for future similar events. Nearly three quarters of the time spent implementing the health fair was devoted to building relationships within the community. Overall, this project provides practical and empirical information to inform the planning, implementation, and evaluation of perinatal health fairs that establish meaningful connection between local women, perinatal educators, and health researchers.     

Imitation jumps in ski jumping: Technical execution and relationship to performance level

ABSTRACT

Imitation jumps are frequently used in training for ski jumping. Yet, the dynamics of these jumps differ considerably. Thus, the relevance of imitation jumps for ski jumping performance is not elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the technical execution of imitation jumps and ski jumping performance level. We compared the imitation jumps of 11 ski jumpers of different performance levels using a Spearman correlation transform of time traces of the kinetics (measured using force cells and motion capture) of imitation jumps. The kinetic aspects that were related to performance centred on the moment arm of ground reaction force to the centre of mass before the onset of the push-off, angular momentum early in push-off, thigh angle during the main period of push-off and vertical velocity towards the end of push-off. We propose that the thigh angle may be a key element allowing high development of linear momentum while preparing for appropriate aerodynamic position. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the kinetic development prior to (and during) push-off is more important than the kinematic end state at take-off.     

Communication and Environmental Designs Analyzing Organizational Culture to Improve Human Performance

The relationship between environmental design, communication, and organizational culture is examined to provide performance improvement practitioners with an analytical tool that helps determine appropriate interventions. Organizations are comprised of people who communicate and socially construct artifacts, norms, values, and assumptions that guide how they conduct business. That is, employees interact to create, maintain, and reify their organizational culture. One artifact of organisational culture that should be apparent to human performance technologists is the environmental design of the office in which the organization operates. While some performance improvement interventions focus on the orientation of humans to their physical surroundings (ie., ergonomics), our analysis focuses on the communication patterns and organizational culture imbedded in the physical environment. We posit that performance technologists should look beyond the explicit environment and analyze organizational culture to begin understanding the implicit nature of how employees perform. A case study is provided to illustrate how three levels of organizational culture can be used to analyze an environment in which employees work to determine appropriate performance improvement solutions.     

Ethnography in Action: Active Learning in Academic Library Outreach to Middle School Students

This article describes an outreach activity developed and coordinated by academic librarians as part of a state program for low-income middle school students. Rather than offering a traditional library tour, the library organizers wanted to provide the middle school students with a meaningful experience that would encourage active participation, critical thinking, and alleviate library anxiety. As a spin on the traditional tour, students applied an ethnographic approach to learning about the library. The authors describe the development and implementation of the activity and provide recommendations for other librarians involved in outreach to K–12 students.