Theoretical Approach. A conceptual framework informed by several theories and constructs in health behavior and social epidemiology will be used to guide study development, operationalization of constructs, selection of study measures, organize results, and inform research and practice implications. Overall, the dissertation is guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) proposed by XxXxxxx (1988). This model posits that there are multiple levels of factors, with several factors working together within and between levels, to influence a health behavior. This model is essential to study design because it provides a multi-level perspective. Sociocultural theory, specifically the process of acculturation, will provide insights into the conceptualization of acculturation and its potential impact on health behavior, namely health care access and utilization of mammography. Finally, a five-factor model by Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx (1981) will be used to conceptualize access to care. Descriptive studies on the utilization of mammography among Hispanic women have indicated that there are a myriad of determinants and correlates associated with screening (Xxxxxxxx et al., 2008). Given the array of factors associated with mammography, theoretical models applied to this area of research must be broad and allow for consideration of multiple levels of influence. Social-ecological models of health behavior, such as the Social Ecological Model (XxXxxxx et al, 1988), do just this by considering broader contextual determinants of behavior, such as public policy or environmental factors, while also taking social and individual determinants into account (Sallis et al, 2008).
Figure 1.1 The social ecological model, with acculturation included as a crosscutting construct.
1). The broadest level or outermost layer is public policy. At this level of the SEM the focus is not on the health of an individual, but rather that of a population. Public policy impacts health behavior through laws, policies or regulations that can change or protect a population’s health (XxXxxxx 1988). In the context of mammography screening in Hispanic populations in the U.S., there are several key public policy efforts that need to be considered. The first of these policies is related to immigration. While Hispanics are routinely seen as a homogeneous group, immigration laws and policies differ depending on one’s country of origin, family reunification, refugee or asylum status, and employment or educational history (American Immi...
Theoretical Approach. A theoretical study was carried out to identify the effect of the particle shape, polydispersity, agglomeration and aggregation on the VSSA threshold. The key results are summarized hereafter.
Theoretical Approach. I use a psychodynamic approach to help clients uncover underlying tension and unresolved issues that are hindering them from living their full potential. I also utilize some aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with more accurate narratives. I have experience and training in expressive therapy, which uses art and sandtray to delve into deeper experiences and emotions with clients. However, I reserve the right to utilize techniques from other theories that have shown success with particular issues. Participation in therapy is voluntary unless mandated by the state court system. You have the right to terminate therapy whenever you would like.
Theoretical Approach. The CDC’s social ecological model will be used to build, contextualize, and present foundational evidence to answer leadership questions. The social ecological model helps explain how problematic behaviors emerge at different levels (e.g., individual, relationship, community, and society) and helps show how the effects of an intervention at one echelon (e.g., community) can have consequences at other echelons (e.g., relationships). Further, it helps with understanding the range of factors associated with a risk of violence or protection from experiencing or perpetrating violence. As shown in Figure 2, the overlapping rings, illustrate how factors at one level, influences factors at another level. The model also suggests that, in order to prevent violence, it is necessary to act across multiple levels of the model at the same time (CDC, 2018).
