The Effects of ADHD on Children and Standardized Testing
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Health Sciences)
Presenters: Michael McManus
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be described as an individual’s inability to focus, causing impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and other behavioral problems. Worldwide, over 6 million children each year are diagnosed with this condition. Untreated ADHD can cause severe issues such as test-taking anxiety and can alter educational outcomes at all ages.
Objective: The goal of this literature review is to assess whether there is a correlation between ADHD and standardized test scores as well as an association between ADHD and lowered standardized test scores between those with ADHD and those without.
Methods: The articles and various data were collected using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and JSTOR. Keywords included “ADHD,” “SAT scores,” and “attention deficit disorders and standardized testing.”
Results: The themes within this review included a concrete correlation between ADHD and test scores, the difference in test-taking scores between study groups and control groups, and lastly, the differing academic and educational outcomes of those with ADHD.
Conclusions: This review shows a strong link between ADHD and lower standardized test scores. Some studies showed that accommodations are not always useful in a classroom setting as test results do not always differ amongst the experimental and control groups. These findings are independent of the severity of ADHD and accommodations included within various test settings such as classroom surroundings.
A Prospective Analysis of the Effects of Botox on Chronic Migraines
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Health Sciences)
Presenters: Teresa Ta
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Chronic migraine is one of the most complex neurological disorders that is one of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide in adults. Chronic migraine increases the frequency of headache days and has a negative effect on health-related quality of life. Chronic migraines affect up to 2.2% of the world population and can occur in 1.4%-2.2% of adults globally. The only US Food and Drug Administration-approved and recommended treatment to help lessen the effects of chronic migraines is Botulinum toxin type a, also known as Onabotulinumtoxin-A or Botox. Research in adults shows that Botox can diminish the frequency of headache days and elicit positive effects improving an individual’s quality of life and wellbeing.
Objective: This literature review aims to determine the effectiveness, tolerability, and safeness of Botox for preventing and reducing the frequency of chronic migraine in Botox users vs. non-botox users.
Method: A complete search of the literature regarding Botox and chronic migraine among adults on two databases resulted in six studies for review after exclusion and inclusion criteria were met.
Results: All six published studies observed a significant decrease in headache days for participants who received Botox treatment. Three published studies observed a significant increase in health-related quality of life.
Conclusion: Botox is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for reducing the frequency of headache days and improving patients’ functional well-being and quality of life.
The association between asthma and narcolepsy
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Health Sciences)
Presenters: Nhi Truong
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways can be narrow or swell, making breathing difficult. Narcolepsy is a lifelong neurological disease; the central nervous system is affected, causing poor control of sleep and wake cycles, regardless of circumstances. An estimation of 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States is struggling with narcolepsy. There is no cure for both conditions; patients must have the right combination between medication and lifestyle to improve their overall health.
Objective: This study aimed to learn about the association between asthma and the two types of narcolepsy in children, young and middle-aged adults.
Methods: With a high-quality review of the literature on the three primary databases, MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL, and after exclusion and inclusion criteria were met, four peer-reviewed articles focused on the relationship between narcolepsy and immunopathological disorders, where asthma is one of the diseases, and one study in 2021 focused specifically on the association between asthma and narcolepsy.
Results: Three studies found narcolepsy type 1 has a positive association with immunopathological diseases, where asthma was listed as one of the diseases. One study found narcolepsy type 2 is also positively associated with immunopathological diseases. One study found narcolepsy type 1 has a lower association level with asthma than narcolepsy type 2.
Conclusions: There is a significant positive association between asthma and narcolepsy. The presence of autoimmune diseases is also an essential risk for narcolepsy. Those who use inhaled corticosteroids for asthma treatment are less likely to develop narcolepsy.
Cognitive Differences: The Association Between Screen Time Exposure and Cognitive Delay in Toddlers
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Health Sciences)
Presenters: Rachel Goulder
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Cognition is the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought and experiences. In toddlers, cognitive abilities can be affected by external factors. These factors range from genetic differences to high exposure to screen time. Twelve out of every 1,000 children are affected by cognitive delays, ranging from mild to profound.
Objective: This review aims to examine the association between screen time exposure to television and delays in cognitive function. The purpose is to raise awareness among parents and pediatric care providers that reduction of screen time is beneficial to both short and long-term cognitive and executive health.
Methods: Data and information were gathered through searches of scholarly databases. These databases include, but were not limited to, PubMed, Wiley, NCBI, and JAMA Network. Key terms used for the search included “cognitive development in children”, “television”, “screen time”, “media”, “cognitive delay”, “language”, “cognitive ability”, “infants”, “toddlers”, and “executive function”. These search results were narrowed down to find the best articles to fit the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria consisted of a peer-reviewed, clinical study, published within the past 10-15 years, written in the English language, and able to take place outside of the United States.
Results: The overall results found a positive association between increased exposure to television and increased cognitive delays in toddlers. Measuring the results by the themes of the outcome results, measures of exposure, and populations under study form a conclusive analysis.
Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between screen time and delayed cognitive ability. This topic needs further research to provide more insight into this association and what it means for parenting choices and pediatric check-ups.
The fall out; Traumatic hairstyling, Black women and Alopecia
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Nia Greenidge
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
BACKGROUND: Alopecia is the scientific term and condition of hair loss. There are various forms of Alopecia but the main findings focus on two types of hair loss: Traction, and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia, or CCCA. Traction alopecia is hair loss due to traumatic hairstyling such as tight braids, chemical treatments, and extreme heat. CCCA is the hair loss that usually takes place in the central part of the head, causing scarring, and is irreversible. The importance of this disease is that the stress of meeting societal standards is influencing traumatic hairstyling and causing a whole population’s hair health to decline or depart completely.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this literature review is to bring awareness to a problem caused by the everyday manipulation of hair in the Black women population. Therefore the research in question is, are middle-aged Black women who take part in traumatic hairstyling from a young age more likely to develop Alopecia than those who do not?
METHODS: The databases CINHAL and MED-LINE were used to find the scientific articles and research presented.
RESULTS: Black women are at a higher risk for suffering from Alopecia later down the line in the late 20s and early 30s and beyond because of traumatic hairstyling. Traumatic hairstyling is associated with hair thinning, loss, and CCCA.
CONCLUSION: This potential risk of CCCA from traumatic hairstyling needs to be advertised and exposed so that the trigger of prevention is set on course and promotion and normalization of the natural wearing of Black hair inclusive of healthier styles.
Current Health-Related Quality of Life of Former Elite Athletes, and the Long-Term Effects of Sports Participation
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Juan Ross-Perkins
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Sports participation has many benefits, yet the intrinsic risks of injury and psychological challenges can adversely affect Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Despite established concerns around HRQoL of current athletes, the health of former athletes is neglected in research.
The objective: To examine the long-term effects of sports participation on the current HRQoL of former elite athletes.
Methods: A systematic search across four electronic databases retrieved peer-reviewed articles assessing HRQoL or physical and mental health in former collegiate or professional athletes. Each piece was individually screened for adherence to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles assessing HRQoL through valid standardized measures were included in an analysis of overall scores, Physical Component Scores (PCS), and Mental Component Scores (MCS). In a sub-analysis, HRQoL of former elite athletes was compared to general populations of non-former athletes.
Results: This literature review yielded nine articles; six examined current HRQoL in former elite athletes, two evaluated physical or mental health associated with former sports participation, and one investigated psychological response to injury. Overall HRQoL scores did not have noticeable differences compared to the general population. PCS scores were lower (worse) in former athletes compared to the general population. In contrast, MCS scores were slightly higher (better) than the general population. Across all studies, factors associated with lower HRQoL included sustaining ≥3 concussions (2 studies), an involuntary retirement (3 studies), competing in collision versus low-contact sports (3 studies), and osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal injury (6 studies).
Conclusions: The long-term physical health of former elite athletes appears to be lower. With common associations to physical injury and collision sports, further measures are warranted for improved injury management interventions for former athletes. Most importantly, further investigation around HRQoL and the long-term effect on mental health is necessary for former elite athletes.
The Effects of Dry Needling on Young Adults and Adults with Cervicogenic Headaches
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project
Presenters: Sofia Calvo
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Abstract: Cervicogenic headaches (CGH) are 20% of all reported headaches and can cause pain that radiates to different body parts. CGH can impact a person’s quality of life and lead to future complications. CGH can decrease the range of motion of a person’s neck and include numbness of involved arm, weakened neck muscles, muscular pain, and pain behind the eyes. An intervention suggested to improve pain is dry needling (DN). DN is a technique that is used to treat tissues known as trigger points, which elicit pain when palpated. Thin needles are inserted through the skin into the trigger points and do not include any medication. Research demonstrates that DN can reduce the amount of pain experienced by minimizing intensity, duration, and frequency. This literature review aims to determine if DN reduces pain in young adults and adults with CGH. Three databases were searched to obtain six studies for review after exclusions and inclusions were made. Articles were excluded if they were not in English or were not published within the past ten years. Articles were included if the young adult and adult populations were studied, utilized dry needling as an intervention, and assessed CGH pain as the outcome. These studies included three randomized control trials, one case report, one cohort study, and one quasi-experimental design. All six studies displayed reductions in pain in study participants with CGH who received DN. For example, every two patients treated with DN and spinal mobilization, one additional patient with CGH achieves important reductions in headache intensity (HI). There does not appear to be any harm with using DN other than mild soreness. DN has benefits that can assist in improving a patient’s quality of life. Additional studies are needed to determine if there is a long-term benefit of using DN in those with CGH.
The Effect of Racism & Discrimination on Maternal Outcomes Among African American Women.
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Hayley Mansfield
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Maternal complications such as maternal mortality, morbidity, preterm delivery, and low birth weights rates have increased in numbers within certain racial/ethnic groups. In the United States, Black women are more likely to die during or soon after childbirth, and understanding contributing factors to these maternal complications are important for prevention.
Objective: The purpose of conducting this literature analysis was to determine if exposure to racism and/or discrimination among African American women is a determining factor for unfavorable maternal outcomes compared to white women.
Methods: Three major databases were used provided by Springfield Library source to obtain the best literature to be reviewed. The databases used included CINAHL, Ethnic Diversity Source, and MEDLINE complete. Specific criteria were obtained for literature to be included in this analysis.
Results: Exposure to racism, perceived racism, perceived discrimination were found to correlate with negative maternal outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. Structural racism factors experienced by women resulted in an association with increased severe maternal morbidity.
Conclusion: Exposure to racism and or discrimination are contributors to chronic stress and correlated with negative maternal outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, preterm delivery, and low birth weight among women of color. Findings demonstrate that African American women who are exposed to high experiences of racism and discrimination can have increased rates of negative maternal outcomes compared to white women. Suggestions to improve increasing rates of maternal complications include further research directly studying the long-standing social issues that African American women face. This includes understanding how racism and discrimination within maternal healthcare can hinder providers' ability to make decisions about patient's care.
Can exercise reduce problem behaviors in children with Autism
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Wilson Smith and Luke Chastain
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence is growing each year and with that comes different behavioral issues for each child affected. It has been found through research that certain structured exercise paired with a visual aid can greatly improve behavioral issues and gives a way to manage them. There is a wide variety of exercises that each help different symptoms in ASD. For example, jogging helps with stereotypical behaviors while an increase in their muscular strength and endurance can be seen through biking and snowshoeing (Bittner et al. 2018). Through the use of different research papers, we were able to see a correlation between structured exercise and a dip in behavioral issues in children with ASD. With the help of technology like Exercise Buddy children in schools are able to join their classmates in gym class and other physical activities. Exercise Buddy is an application that can be downloaded to an Ipad or tablet and it helps children by showing visual aids, like how to do the exercise, and reminders to stay on task during the activity. With children that have ASD being at a higher risk for obesity, this gives them a way to lower the risk and be able to live a more normalized life. Schools all around America are starting to see the benefits of exercise on children with ASD from fewer behavioral issues to being more focused in class and staying on task more.
Promising Interventions for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Samuel Crain and Christopher Prizio
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are becoming more prevalent in the United States, with 12,000 new cases every year. Rehabilitation interventions are of utmost importance for those with spinal cord injuries who are looking to slow the deconditioning and muscle atrophy process as well as improve their daily quality of life. There are a few current methods of rehabilitation that allow patients to manage life with SCI, such as standard exercise guidelines and physical therapy. Gómara-Toldrà et al. (2014) and Martin Ginis et al. (2017) showed an increase in participants' ability to deal with SCI, along with everyday activities. A new promising method of rehabilitation for those with paraplegia and spinal cord injuries is the use of a fully immersive and interactive virtual reality walking interface called VRWalk to reduce neuropathic pain. Trost et. al (2022) utilized a non randomized singe-blind trial to examine the effectiveness of VRWalk on parameters of pain and levels of depression in patients with paraplegia. Participants were divided into two groups, one being a passive control group and the other group using VRWalk. The group that used the VRWalk fully interactive intervention reported significantly lower neuropathic pain and depression in multiple categories via pre intervention and post intervention surveys. This virtual reality intervention seems to be a promising step forward for those looking to treat the symptoms of spinal cord injuries and along with the current standard interventions we believe that further research and funding should go into progressing forward in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Use of Exercise to Treat Asthma in Athletes
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Amanda Hanley
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill and Mike Demko
Abstract: Asthma and its progression of exercise-induced asthma is the most diagnosed chronic medical condition in elite athletes. Asthma attacks present as a loss of breath, wheezing, coughing, and irritated ears, nose, and throat. Patients with asthma often report lower exercise tolerances compared to those without. Exercise is seen as the biggest trigger for an attack to those who suffer from asthma, however, exercise can be seen to increase exercise capacity. Asthma attacks occur when certain triggers are inhaled, like pollutants, chemicals, cold, dry air, or tobacco smoke, and the body responds by inflaming the bronchioles and lining them with mucus, causing the previously mentioned symptoms. Correctly diagnosing asthma is vital, as irreversible damage can occur to the airways and proper medication can help ease symptoms as well. Untreated asthma can lead to further cardiopulmonary issues. Those with asthma have increased heart rates and breathing rates and reduced forced expiratory volume and lung capacity. Regular and controlled aerobic exercise that gradually increases in intensity has been found to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks while improving quality of life, heart rate, exercise capacity, and tolerance. While asthma cannot be cured, helping patients reduce their fear of triggering an attack with exercise can help improve mental and physical health by facing one of their most common and debilitating triggers.
Aerobic Exercise Prescription Considerations for Children with ADHD
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Alec Noe and Erin Duffy
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that has been diagnosed at an increasing yearly rate amongst children in the United States over the past decade. Symptoms used as criteria for diagnosis, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, have typically been treated through both pharmacological and behavioral means to varying degrees of success. In treating mental health conditions that are often diagnosed alongside ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, and learning disorders, aerobic exercise has been prescribed with substantial efficacy in mental and behavioral symptom suppression while simultaneously providing physical health and social benefits. As such, numerous research studies have investigated the usage of aerobic exercise as treatment for ADHD in children (18 years or younger). These studies have controlled for variables in exercise such as intensity, duration, and modality, and found varying degrees of success in linking aerobic exercise to factors such as improved cognitive function and positive symptom reduction relative to control groups. Ultimately, through the compilation of collected data and analysis of exercise applications in studies, it can be surmised that aerobic exercise is optimally utilized in children with ADHD when it is limited to 45 minutes per bout, three days per week, and involves a healthy balance between challenge level and accessibility of task completion. While these are simply guidelines and not hard and fast rules, published literature has supported all of these claims in relation to their applicational efficacy in treatment of symptoms.
HIIT for Hypertensive Populations
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Adrian Gunning and Marissa Graham
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: High blood pressure (BP) affects approximately 40% of adults and is the cause of death for 9.4 million people every year due to heart diseases and stroke. Reducing systolic BP decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease events and mortality. A reduction of just 5 mmHg in systolic BP reduces the mortality due to stroke by 14%, coronary heart disease by 9%, and mortality by any health related cause by 7% with more recent studies showing there could be a linear association between magnitude of systolic BP reduction and the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease or any health related death. Aerobic exercise has been found to lower BP and historically Continuous Moderate intensity Training (CMT), or exercise that can be sustained for 30 minutes or more, was the recommended method for lowering BP. Comparing the chronic effects of CMT and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) over numerous controlled trials found similar reductions in resting systolic and diastolic BP for both prehypertensive and hypertensive populations. Notably, the review also concluded that HIIT was more effective at improving VO2 max, insulin sensitivity, arterial stiffness, mitochondrial biogenesis, endothelial function and markers. The same improved benefits of HIIT were also found with hypertensive and prehypertensive diabetic populations which becomes more valuable when considering the additional improvement in insulin sensitivity.
Modeling In-game NBA Win Probabilities
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Sports Analytics)
Presenters: Paolo Mondini
Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Perry
Abstract: ESPN allows users to look at an NBA team's in-game win probability play-by-play on their website. With my advisor Dr. Perry, we created our own model which is similar. To start, the model generates a random number between -4.35 and 4.35 for each minute remaining in the game which is what we call the factor. Each randomly generated number is added up for the remaining minutes. The model also takes into account ball possession, the initial point difference, minutes, seconds, and the spread set by Vegas. The point spread set by Vegas is divided by 48 and is then added to the sum of randomly generated numbers to account for difference in playing strength. To account for seconds, we created a first minute adjustment that randomly generates a number between -1 times the factor times the number of seconds divided by 60 and the positive version of that equation. To include whether the team has the ball, we created an adjusted point differential that adds the initial point difference plus whether the primary team has the ball (1 for yes, -1 for no, 0 for unknown) times 0.5 plus the first minute adjustment. If there is less than a minute left then the model adds “extra time” to account for desperation actions by the trailing team. If the sum of the random numbers and adjusted point difference is less than zero then the primary team lost and if it is greater than zero then they won. This process is then repeated 250,000 times to determine the win probability for that scenario. Tests of NBA games this season show that usually this model is within 2 percent of ESPN’s model and often even closer.
Utilization of Exercise to Combat Sarcopenia
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Bryan Finnegan and Jerod Gardner
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Sarcopenia is the process of muscle loss that is either age related or due to disease. Sarcopenia is directly related to increased frailty, increased falls, poor quality of life, and potentially death (Santilli et al., 2014). Sarcopenia is increasing in prevalence with an expected 32 million older adults to be diagnosed with Sarcopenia. That represents a 64% increase than the annual total in 2016 (Coll et al., 2020). Although during this age period it is very unlikely that muscle mass will be added, the goal is to maintain the muscle mass and function that is present. The main way to do this is via plyometric training or resistance training. Plyometric training utilizes quick bouts of lower body movements primarily. Plyometric training helps to maintain muscular power and increase functional movement patterns. Resistance training is done to maintain muscular strength. Resistance training helps strengthen neural activation and should reinforce movement patterns. Overall, plyometric training and resistance training are beneficial to this population. However, it is also important to note that nutrition also plays a role in Sarcopenic populations and should be addressed with the patients to reinforce the work that is being done via exercise. Practitioners should know that movement should be functional and age appropriate to reduce risk of injury which could stop the population from working out, increasing their potential risk for adverse events and decreased exercise adherence.
Effects of Exercise on Glucose Levels
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Joe Burke, Meghan Livingston & Joe Hutchinson
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Type II Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood glucose regulation is insufficient, due to insulin resistance in the person’s body. This has a negative effect on a person’s health because regulating metabolism is key to overall health and optimizing metabolism. Using resistance training and aerobic training can play major roles in not only overall health, but also assisting the body in regulating blood glucose. The current project examined how resistance and aerobic training can increase key glucose transporters, such as GLUT-4. GLUT-4 is a glucose transporter that can be activated through exercise, allowing blood glucose to be used with lower doses of insulin. In a 2010 study, participants were put on a high intensity cycle ergometer program and in just seven days, GLUT-4 level in the Vastus Lateralis had doubled (Stuart et al., 2010). Exercise exhibits high energy demands stimulating cardiorespiratory function and substrate mobilization and oxidation. Repeated bouts of exercise lead to whole-body adaptations and have been shown to help glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics. Using resistance and aerobic training can increase blood flow to muscles in the body, increase blood glucose uptake, increase GLUT-4 activation, and improve overall health and fitness levels. With anything in a clinical setting, all exercise modalities must be adjusted to fit the needs of the client, in order to be performed safely and effectively.
We The People: Accessing Civic Education
Subject: Critical Interpretation (History and Secondary Education in addition to the Honors Program)
Presenters: Molly Coates
Faculty Sponsor: Rebecca Lartigue and Thomas Carty
Abstract: Notable Judge Learned Hand poignantly commented that “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.” As we continue to evolve and grow as a human race, we inch closer and closer to the anarchy Hand highlights. For a so-called beacon of global democracy, the United States boasts a divisive, dysfunctional, and hyper-partisan government. The faith in our long revered system is crumbling on both sides of the aisle whether it is allegations of a stolen election or exposé focused congressional investigations. According to PEW Research, a measly 20% of Americans stated that “they trust the federal government to do what is right just about always/most of the time.” Triumphantly in 2020, American politicians championed a 66% turnout in the presidential election, as one out of three Americans watched from the sidelines. Evidence of concern for our nation is present in every mind unwilling to compromise and representative who remains adamant to a point of dismissal.
Yet, at the end of the tunnel of such dark times, there is a flame, which if treated can spark into monumental positive change. The answer to this pressing concern is the same as many, education. Specifically, the need to address and create accessible civic education. As a passionate fledgling history teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the impact on students who learn and work within their communities. With this project, I seek to address the difficulties in accessing civic education within the broader educational system, as well as attempt to kindle civic virtue and liberty within the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Impacts of Early Sports Specialization
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (College Writing)
Presenters: Emma Unverzagt
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: The trend of sports specialization is becoming more and more prevalent in young athletes. Sport specialization can best be defined as a process where athletes focus on one specific sport and train exclusively and almost year round for that one sport, in efforts to succeed and be the best in their game. A shift in focus from enjoyment to success - enforced by coaches, parents and society alike - within an athletes career has caused this climb in specialization, which isn’t even proven to be a successful method, and actually puts children at risk for mental illnesses and physical injuries. This survey questionnaire study is aimed to determine how successful early sports specialization really is through gathering research on a variety of collegiate level athletes. Specifically, it is going to determine how many collegiate athletes have specialized and at what age to determine whether or not they feel it has affected their performance and success in their sport. It is anticipated that the majority of athletes will have played multiple sports throughout their career and believe that it has helped them in their success, whereas the minority of those who did specialize will have felt like it was not optimal for their success.
The Death We Can Control
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Business Management)
Presenters: Nathaniel Emerton
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: This research project is a mixed-method methodology project and was conducted to show how the illegalization of purchasing or possessing guns for all citizens in the United States would create a safer society for the nation. The data for the research project was collected in two different ways: an anonymous survey sent out to Springfield college students and an interview with an Ethic Professor Tim Allen. In 2021, there were 20,726 deaths in the United States due to firearms and 693 mass shootings within the United States. The research project is being conducted to collect information on college students and experts' opinions on if guns were to be illegal for citizens and if it would create a safer society and community. With the "humanics" lifestyle of Springfield college and the Springfield community, the data proves that guns create more harm in the eyes of citizens than make people safer. With over 81.4 million United States citizens owning firearms, the data demonstrates how guns lead to deaths and fear of citizens and students, and the best way to create a safer society is to illegalize the purchasing or possession of guns for all citizens in the United States.
peak athletic diet poster
Subject: Critical Interpretation (
college writing two)
Presenters: Jay Kajander
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordtveit
Abstract: my poster presentation is about the best diet for athletic performance. i surveyed Springfield college students and also interviewed a cheney dining hall worker to get multiple opinions on diet and what works best for our physiological needs to perform better on the field.
Offseason Training and Athlete Performance
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (
Physical Therapy)
Presenters: Logan Schenck
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: All athletes look to gain a competitive edge in the offseason by improving their performance for many reasons, such as wanting to win a championship or wanting to earn playing time. This piece investigates what the most effective type of training is for an athlete to do in the offseason to improve their performance on the field to help reach their goals. The study is both a qualitative and quantitative study that includes mixed-method research through an interview with two expert strength and conditioning coaches at Springfield College, a survey sent to Springfield College Football Players, and a review of peer-reviewed literature and journalistic articles. An athlete can use many different types of training methods to improve athletic performance, such as powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and ballistic power training. A range of tests in peer-reviewed sources were done to correlate performance in the weight room to being very fast or explosive, two significant points of athleticism that can increase performance. The anticipated results are that the most effective type of training for an athlete is Olympic weightlifting mixed with ballistic power training. These training methods allow one to increase explosiveness, which perhaps can be the most critical skill for an athlete, through moving as heavy weight as fast as possible, allowing the movements to be transferred to the athlete’s performance.
Thyroid Conditions in Women
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (College Writing)
Presenters: Lydia Ramsden
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: Thyroid conditions are something that are so complex between the balance of hormones going through your body, as well as having an impact on a person’s health, and specifically women because they are more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than men. Having a thyroid condition made me eager to gain more knowledge about my disease and how it can affect women and what it means for us with our health going forward. These conditions are more common than people expect, so giving a glimpse into them hopefully will help inform those who don’t have a thyroid condition what it is like having one. To give readers more insight into the condition the sub topics were hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and what the disease is and why women are more impacted by it. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two most common thyroid conditions that affect people and women which is why the third topic is why it affects women more than men. The mixed method between quantitative and qualitative research is being done via Google Forms and it is asking women of all ages with thyroid conditions questions about their health and how having a thyroid condition impacts it. The survey/questionnaire is being done to compare and contrast the health and side effects of having a thyroid condition in a woman.
Difference in the Functioning of Male and Female Brains
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (English/ College Writing)
Presenters: Jillian Kenny
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: This research is a qualitative research study interviewing three different experts about the differences in the functioning of male and female brains. This research will ask experts in the specific fields of psychology if and how the two sexes differ anatomically, cognitively, and which sex is prone to certain mental health issues. The experts are from the fields of neuroscience, clinical psychology and cognitive psychology. They examine if and how the brain differs and if these difference actually make one sex think a certain way over the other. Cognitively, there is much debate over if people differ in their abilities to carry out cognitive tasks like perception, attention, and short and long term memory. Finally, the difference between the brains when it comes to mental health disorders is discussed. How the brain chemistry of males and females is different and how it can lead to one sex being more prone to a mental health disorder than another. The anticipated result of this study is to see what differences there are in how male and female brains function and if they make us think or perform tasks differently or not and if they make us more prone to certain mental health disorders.
How does mental health effect college athletes?
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (General Studies Temp)
Presenters: Marina Banksmith
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: Athletes are under constant stress and pressure going from day-to-day stressors to performance stressors. According to The American College of Sports Medicine, approximately 30% of women and 25% of men who are college athletes suffer from diagnosed mental health issues. This study will be conducted by sending a google form through social media to Athletes throughout the United S tates using mixed methods. Within this study, the researcher will learn from the current college athletes if they suffer from mental health issues and how mental health may affect their performance in their sport. The researcher will also learn the best ways the athletes have learned to cope; whether it is through resources a college campus might offer, or if it is something they do on their own. Through the 53 individuals who filled out the form, the researcher finds that the majority of colleges athletes do suffer from mental health. The athletes believe that although it negatively affects their performance sometimes the stress can push them harder. The main thing the researcher found out during this study is that athletes want to feel more supported by their coaches. To do that coaches need to be aware of all mental health issues and be trained on how to help those who are suffering from mental health.
Eating Disorders Within Female Athletes: The Female Athlete Triad
Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Christina Syryla and Jarrett Anderson
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: First defined in 1992, the Female Athlete Triad refers to the combination of three interrelated conditions, low energy availability (EA) with or without disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). EA relates to disordered eating which is a fear of gaining weight, where individuals often maintain a lower than normal weight. Menstrual dysfunction is defined as irregular menstruation. Lastly, low BMD is defined by a loss of bone mineral density and inadequate formation of bone. The development of the triad is often driven by pressure of self-image, weight control behaviors, controlling external factors, and societal isolation. Additionally, the societal perpetuation of the ideal body image factors into the drive for a certain physique. High risk sports include those with a focus on aesthetics and encourage a lean physique, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and ballet dancing, as well as sports with high training volumes such as distance running. In terms of treatment, nutritional status and deficiencies are addressed, followed by nutritional counseling and diet or meal plan recommendations in order to restore proper body weight, optimize body composition, and improve bone health. Management through natural and non-pharmacological treatment modalities should be initial management of the triad. This triad affects many adolescent athletes and can lead to serious long term effects including increasing your risk of fractures, slowed healing, and other complications such as organ damage. Without treatment, the triad can cause long-term health problems. When combined with a low body weight, it can even lead to death.
Effects of Exercise on Overall Health
Subject: Social Science (Physical Therapy)
Presenters: Nicole Anderson
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: This mixed methods research explores the ways in which exercise affects college student’s physical, mental and social health. The goal of this study was to find out why college students workout and if it makes them feel better mentally as a result. In another study conducted by The Global Health and Fitness Association, out of 1,158 students, there was an 89% positive association between physical activity and mental health. Data was collected by sending out a survey and questionnaire to college students at a mix of higher education institutions in northeastern US via social media. Most college students are under a lot of stress and pressure during the academic year, so this study explores the support exercising can give students to decrease stress and anxiety levels to manage their daily lives. Out of the 76 responses to the survey and questionnaire sent out, it was found that 94.7% of students feel better mentally and physically after a workout. Less than half of the students no longer play sports, however they still engage in physical activity at least 4-5 days a week. This shows that even though they are no longer part of a team, they still choose to engage in physical activity because it makes them feel better about themselves and keeps them in shape.
Cannabis and Collegiate Athletes
Subject: Clinical Case Study (
Recreation Management)
Presenters: Amir Preston
Faculty Sponsor: Fadia Nordveit
Abstract: This mixed methods study explores the benefits for Cannabis on athletic performance and well-being using participant observation and anonymous survey as research methodologies. Major leagues have banned marijuana tests due to the fact that there are no known harm to the body nor has it been proven to enhance performance. This research demonstrates the use of the different strains, Indica and Sativa, by athletes and the ways in which each of them impact the performance and well-being of athletes. With the legalization of marijuana, there is a widespread increase in Cannabis industries around the country with increased access to the public. Multiple elite athletes have stated openly that they used Cannabis products throughout their career which did not result in negative impacts, hence it is time to move beyond stigma to address the real impacts of Cannabis use in society.
Exercise for Cancer Cachexia
Subject: Science (Exercise Science)
Presenters: Bryce Finnegan & Riley Frye
Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth O'Neill
Abstract: Cachexia is the wasting of skeletal muscle and fat mass usually due to the advanced stages of disease. This wasting condition, which causes a deterioration in physiological functioning, cannot be completely reversed with dietary control. Almost 50% of cancer patients are affected by cachexia (Lira et. al., 2014). The percentage of patients affected has a positive correlation with the severity of the disease. Gastrointestinal, pancreatic and lung cancer patients have a higher likelihood of being affected by cachexia (Niels et. el., 2020). An increase in lipolysis caused by cancer cachexia contributes to adipose tissue loss. An influx of proinflammatory proteins and a decrease in insulin uptake contributes to skeletal muscle loss. Exercise alters the molecular cascade which can hold merit as a potential intervention because insulin uptake is increased and anti-inflammatory cytokines are activated. Furthermore, time tested proven benefits of exercise alleviate symptoms of cancer cachexia. Benefits include: skeletal muscle cell hypertrophy, metabolic stimulation, and appetite progression. Limitations to exercise for cancer cachexia revolve around the theme of a reduced capacity to participate in exercise based on the nature of the condition. Reduced capacity is even lower with anemic cancer patients which are commonly linked. Varying ranges of severity varies both the response and ability to exercise. The desired molecular mechanism of exercise for treatment remains elusive based on anabolic preference and the specifics within the molecular cancer cachexia cascade. Despite this, hopeful results have been found with anabolic resistance training and even some with varying oxidative exercise.
Provisioning rate and thermoregulatory behavior in supplementally fed eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis)
Subject: Science (Biology & Chemistry)
Presenters: Alexandra Sims
Faculty Sponsor: Melinda Fowler
Abstract: The extreme diversity of the order Passeriformes (“songbirds”), means much is still not known about the nesting behaviors of individual species. The purpose of this research was to determine whether eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) parental provisioning rates were influenced by mealworm supplementation or juvenile involvement, and whether nest maintenance behaviors are associated with thermoregulatory behaviors (panting). I compared the provisioning rate of males and females before and after supplementation as well as total provisioning rate (males and females) before vs after. Nests with juvenile help were compared to those without to see if parental provisioning rates were influenced. Nestling thermoregulatory behavior was compared to parental nest maintenance behaviors. I found that male versus female provisioning rates did not differ significantly when compared to each other however, total male and female provisioning rate increased significantly after supplementation. There was a non-significant trend for nests with juvenile help to have lower provisioning rates than those without juvenile help. This research suggests that the hypothesized relationship between thermoregulatory behaviors (panting) and nest maintenance behaviors is supported. These finding help us to understand how eastern bluebird parents allocate effort feeding chicks and how that contributes to their development. Nest maintenance behavior may relate to the insulative value of the nest and chick energy expenditure.
The Association Between Class Modality and Student Biostatistics Grades
Subject: Social Science (
Health Science / Rehab and Disability Studies)
Presenters: Zoë Przybycien
Faculty Sponsor: Sofija Zagarins
Abstract: COVID-19 has resulted in the need to change the format through which we learn. During the height of the pandemic, attending in person classes was deemed too risky as the close contact resulted in greater spread of the virus. Classes were forced to switch to online formats, though there has been concern that the ability to learn and retain information has been hindered by the lack of in person teaching. Zoom lectures allow students to easily check out and multi-task instead of being fully present in their education. To address these potential concerns, this research project aims to determine the impact of classroom format on a variety of student grades, including quiz, problem set, and midterm scores. To explore this association, average student grades on these assessments were compared from Biostatistics classes during the Spring 2019 through Fall 2021 semesters. These six semesters included a variety of classroom formats from before, during, and after the switch to remote and hybrid learning. Mean grades across these semesters were compared using ANOVA, followed by the Tukey Test to identify the means that were statistically significantly different from the others. The study results show that the quiz and problem set ANOVAs were statistically significant with respective p-values of 0.0 and 0.0032, and the midterm ANOVA was not statistically significant with a p-value of 0.0856. The Tukey test showed that the only significant differences were those relative to Spring 2019, which had the lowest average grades and was not a semester affected by COVID-19. All other semesters were not statistically significantly different from one another, and there were no apparent patterns between classroom format and student grades. Therefore, it appears that COVID-19 and classroom format had no impact on student grades.
Analysis of Parents' Item-Specific Comments on the Caregiver/Parent Understanding-the-Child Questionnaire (CPUCQ)
Subject: Social Science (Communication Sciences and Disorders)
Presenters: Sarah Picard, Olivia Baus; Lanae Goetz; Sarah Picard; Debra Burnett; Kristin M. Pelczarski and Ann B. Smit
Faculty Sponsor: Debra Burnett
Abstract: The Caregiver/Parent Understanding-the-Child Questionnaire (CPUCQ; Burnett, Smit, & Pelczarski, submitted; Smit, Burnett, & Pelczarski, submitted) is used to measure comprehensibility in children with typical development (TD) and children with speech-language disorders (SLD), ages 2;0 - 6;5 years, in a variety of everyday situations. The CPUCQ includes opportunities for open-ended comments in addition to the use of a quantitative rating scale. These comments are likely to provide additional information about how the child communicates; consequently, this study examined the comments that parents made about their child’s communicative behavior for situation-specific questions on the CPUCQ. We reported on a coding system with six main categories used to categorize these comments, and on the reliability of that coding system. From the TD sample, parents most frequently referred to the child’s use of conventional gestures and of these, the most prominent by far was pointing. From the SLD sample, the greatest proportion of parent comments were explanations and examples. Intercoder agreement between coders was 76% with greater reliability observed for the TD group compared to the SLD group. A preliminary review of possible factors affecting reliability included dividing multi-part comments. The CPUCQ has been shown, via exploratory work, to be an informative and reliable tool with relatively low effort by the respondent and examiner for its quantitative scoring. The present study supported the use of qualitative results from open-ended parent comments.
Attachment Style Impact on College Students: Reactions to Individuals of Authority
Subject: Social Science (
Psychology)
Presenters: Ari Susi, Brooke Valicenti, Allie Pisano-Stratton and Emmalina Toma
Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Brubaker
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to see if college students between the ages of 18-22 were impacted by their attachment styles with their parents/caregivers when it came to their responses to individuals of authority. Participants completed a two part survey. The first part of the survey (Sections 1-4 of the Survey), was based on the Somatic Attachment Style Tool, which allowed researchers to determine each participant’s measurement of how they relate to others in the context of ‘close’ relationships and determine an attachment style (secure, avoidant/dismissive, anxious/ambivalent, disorganized/disoriented) for each participant based on the results. Section 5 of the Survey was based on the Coach-Athlete Scale. Wording of the Coach-Athlete Scale was changed slightly so participants not on an athletic team can still fill out this survey with a different authority role figure in mind. That survey allowed researchers to measure and determine the participants' attitude and attachment towards authority figures. The survey consists of a total of 60 questions for all parts of the survey and the time to complete all of the surveys is approximately 10 minutes in total. The results will be discussed in terms of attachment style and the relationship participants hold with authority figures in their lives.
Springfield College Accessibility Audit
Subject: Social Science (Education)
Presenters: Madison Tubman
Faculty Sponsor: Sara Scribner
Abstract: Everyone should be able to access the buildings within Springfield College. Accessibility goes beyond having ramps and elevators for students and faculty that use wheelchairs; it can be about having bathroom sinks that are reachable to all people and having alarms with sounds and flashing lights for everyone to hear and see. Accessibility, according to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. The Department of Education (2013), is defined as “when a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.” Having an accessible building is essential for the safety and comfort of all students at Springfield College. This presentation will share the results of an accessibility audit of selected buildings and grounds on Springfield College campus. Based on the performance of ADA Standards for Accessible Design Checklist, Springfield College needs to make immediate improvements in the accessibility of the residence halls, academic buildings, and dining halls including but not limited to ramps, effective signage, passageway widths, etc in order to align with the social justice aims outlined by the college.
The Effects of Covid-19 on the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health of College-Aged Students
Subject: Social Science (
Psychology)
Presenters: Lauren Rankin, Evelyn Aguilar and Amari Bilal
Faculty Sponsor:
Matthew Brubaker
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental, emotional, and physical state of college students. A random, anonymous sample of Springfield College students between the ages of 18 and 24 was used in order to obtain the data. Participants were instructed to complete an approximately 15-minute-long survey via Google forms to the best of their ability. The survey included 30 questions relating to various aspects of their mental health, emotional health, and physical health. Examples of topics within the survey include academic performance, college experience satisfaction, anxiety, depression, stress, vision, sleep, and physical activity. Some of the given questions asked students to reflect on what their response would have been prior to the pandemic. Most of the questions related to the student’s current answer regarding their mental, emotional, or physical state. The students were able to answer each question with a scale of 1-5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. It was expected that college-aged students would report more occurrences of negative mental, emotional, and physical health after COVID-19 when compared to prior to the pandemic. Upperclassmen were anticipated to experience a higher rate of negative effects than underclassmen when compared to each other. Results were analyzed to determine the effects on each realm of health and will be discussed using each individual topic as a piece of the larger topics of general mental, emotional, and physical health.
Coping Strategies Used by Post Pandemic College Students to Treat Their Perceived Stress and Anxiety Levels
Subject: Social Science (
Psychology)
Presenters: Anastasia Kompocholi, Nathan Morrill & Aaron Almeda
Faculty Sponsor:
Matthew Brubaker
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to see the coping mechanisms Springfield College undergraduate students use to manage their perceived stress and anxiety levels, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (approx. N=50) completed a survey which included three close-ended questionnaires; the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) which asks participants to report their perception of experienced stressors in the course of the last month, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21) which is designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) which measures effective and ineffective ways to cope with a stressful life event. Additionally, a “personal response” questionnaire was included, with the question “What coping strategies do you rely on to deal with stress and anxiety?” The purpose of this survey was to understand the perceived levels of stress and anxiety both quantitatively and qualitatively, allowing for a great understanding of the students stress and anxiety in a wider facet (consider. depression) and how it affects their coping mechanism of choice. In total participants would respond to 60 items across all measures, taking them 20-30 minutes to complete. The hypothesis is that traditional full time college students will be more likely to use “negative” coping strategies, rather than “positive” coping strategies. The results will be discussed in terms of strategy value (positive or negative) and stress level data.
Violence Exposure : Shaping Adolescents
Subject: Social Science (Psychology)
Presenters: Brendaliz Velez-figueroa
Faculty Sponsor: Juan Zhong
Abstract: Violence is a behavior that includes physically or emotionally hurting a person. Adolescents that are exposed to severe acts of violence like physical violence or participating in these acts, tend to exhibit psychological harm. This study aims to understand the correlation between exposure to violence and depressive symptoms and anxiety. By utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Questionnaire, anxiety depression and violence were measured.The data indicated that exposure to violence is positively correlated with both depressive symptoms and anxiety. This study addresses the impact of violence exposure on adolescents’ psychopathology and emphasizes that this exposure leads to an unhealthy state of mind. Future studies should focus on implementing support systems within the community to decrease the negative impact violence exposure has on youth.
Effect of Major on Stress Levels
Subject:
Psychology
Presenters: Jessica Darby, Adrianna Boucher, Angelina Howland & Khari Osbourne
Faculty Sponsor:
Matthew Brubaker
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to determine if different majors experienced higher levels of perceived stress than others. We hypothesized that science-based majors, Physician Assistant programs, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy students will likely experience more stress than other college majors. To complete our data collection, we recruited 65 Springfield College students of varying majors, both undergraduate and graduate students. Our participants completed a two-page online survey. The first page collected information on their year in school, number of credits they are currently enrolled in, sports involvement, club/intramural involvement, gender identity, race, and primary language. The second page of the survey used the Perceived Stress Scale which is a ten item questionnaire that measures one's stress through a variety of rated questions. Participants were asked on a scale of 0-4 how often the given statement has applied to them in the past month. The primary variables of focus were year in school and major, as well as a fair evaluation on credit enrollment and extracurricular involvement, however all variables were evaluated to find any possible relationship with the results of the PSS. The results will be discussed in terms of their implications for college students in their respective majors.
Words Hurt: The Effect of Bullying on Mental Health and Academic Stress
Presenters: Kayleigh Emanuelson
Faculty Sponsor:
Juan Zhong
Abstract: Bullying has become an extremely prevalent topic for adolescents in today’s society. Approximately 30% of children are bullied at some point whilst in school and between 5% and 10% are bullied regularly. This statistic varies by location and definition but still represents a general population of adolescents in terms of the effects bullying has on their lives. For my research project, I studied the relation between bullying, mental health, and academic stress of adolescents in school.
The purpose of this research is to find how bullying effects adolescents in different factors of their lives, more specifically, the negative effects. I chose to focus on mental health and academic stress and how adolescents are negatively impacted when they are victims bullying. I used the HBSC Survey and picked carefully chosen questions within the survey to show how the data compare and how they may affect one another. This survey provided information that tied these three variables together and produce detailed information about how they correlate with one another.
In one of the studies I analyzed, there was evidence that mental health was negatively affected by bullying among males and females. In conclusion, there is evidence that bullying has a negative effect on mental health and academics. To further this research, longitudinal studies should be conducted to obtain more research and information to produce more evidence for this topic.
Benefits to Family Meals; Association with Adolescent Eating Habits and Body Image
Subject: Social Science (
Occupational Therapy Program)
Presenters: Kaitlyn Plummer
Faculty Sponsor:
Juan Zhong
BACKGROUND: In our society adolescents are held to such a high standard of achievable standards to achieve. At the age of thirteen 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This high percentage is preventable with the support given to adolescents by their parents to decrease the effect social expectations play on their perception of their body image. If their parents seem to view them in a positive light they are more likely to agree with their views.
OBJECTIVE: This research project was to examine the role that family support plays in the development of eating habits and body image among adolescents.
METHODS: The data was from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children data set. There were 12,642 adolescents surveyed in this study. Among the respondents, 51% were Male while 49% were female. The ages ranged from 10-17 years old.
RESULTS: The supportive relationships in relation to eating habits show significant findings. The supportive relationships in relation to body positivity also show significant findings.
CONCLUSIONS: The study presented findings that, with higher positive relationships with parents fewer participants engaged in inconsistent eating habits and negative portraying of body image. An explanation for this could be the desire adolescents could have to follow in their parent's footsteps of eating consistently and showing a level of self-confidence by perceiving their body in a positive way. Demonstrating that family relationships are a key factor in the development of adolescents.