Tammy Harpel | Illinois State University (original) (raw)

Papers by Tammy Harpel

Research paper thumbnail of Fear of the unknown: ultrasound and anxiety about fetal health

Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine, 2008

Using a qualitative approach, this study sought to explore the role of ultrasound in fetal health... more Using a qualitative approach, this study sought to explore the role of ultrasound in fetal health anxiety. One semi-structured interview was conducted with 30 pregnant women. Data analysis was inductive, following the principles of the template and editing organizing styles of coding and analysis. Overall, 93 percent of the women reported anxiety over fetal health, with 96.5 percent of these women indicating that ultrasound played a role in their anxiety. The women reported heightened fetal health anxiety in anticipation of the ultrasound, as well as during the ultrasound due to the sonographer's behavior and an inability to see the monitor. Findings indicated that fetal health anxiety was relieved by the ultrasound, particularly when women had access to the visual image and received encouraging verbal feedback. The findings are discussed with regard to their implications for policy and obstetric practice.

Research paper thumbnail of Infant Simulators in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Technological Tool for Teaching about Parenthood

Family Science Review

The purpose of this paper is twofold. It describes the use of infant simulators to teach undergra... more The purpose of this paper is twofold. It describes the use of infant simulators to teach undergraduates about the experience of parenting. It also examines empirical evidence of the use of the infant simulator among undergraduates enrolled in parenting courses at two universities. In particular, the evaluative evidence explores lessons learned about parenting from the caregiving experience, along with the role of duration of the simulation on caregiving performance, reported caregiving difficulty, and lessons learned about parenting. Data from 261 students enrolled in undergraduate parenting classes at two universities were used for the evaluation. Qualitative findings indicated that students learned these lessons about parenthood: (1) It is demanding, (2) It requires patience, (3) A parent must be selfless, (4) Parents lose sleep, and (5) Single parenthood is difficult. Duration of the simulation was significantly associated with specific lessons. The evaluation data indicate that ...

Research paper thumbnail of Say It in a Song: Using Popular Music to Teach About Marriage and Romantic Relationships

Explore the use of popular music in the family studies classroom with a specific focus on the use... more Explore the use of popular music in the family studies classroom with a specific focus on the use of popular music to teach about marriages and romantic relationships. Objectives Provide a list of songs that can be used to teach about marriage, relationship disillusionment and communication problems, relationship dissolution, divorce, and remarriage. Describe three techniques for using popular music. Rationale Today’s human development and family studies undergraduates grow up and live in a media rich world. In fact, recent U.S. Census Bureau (2007) projections estimate that the average U.S. citizen will spend 3,518 hours consuming various forms of media over the next year. Not surprisingly, college instructors have attested to the benefits of incorporating a variety of media

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing FCS Professionals: Using Simulations To Raise Awareness and Change Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of FCS Teacher Transformation: A Shift in Poverty Perceptions

Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a poverty simulation on family and con... more The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a poverty simulation on family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers' perception of poverty. FCS teachers (N = 47) from a midwestern state participated in a poverty simulation. Participants completed a questionnaire prior to and following participation in the simulation. Quantitative data suggested improvements in attitude, and the qualitative data produced themes for future education activities and teacher-student interactions. The simulation encourages more positive attitudes among FCS teachers regarding their perception of poverty.

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant Women Sharing Pregnancy-Related Information on Facebook: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Research indicates expectant and new mothers use the Internet, specifically social med... more BACKGROUND Research indicates expectant and new mothers use the Internet, specifically social media, to gain information and support during the transition to parenthood. Although parents regularly share information about and photos of their child or children on Facebook, researchers have neither explored the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information nor investigated factors that influence such sharing. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to address a gap in the literature by exploring the use of Facebook by pregnant women. Specifically, the study examined the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information, as well as any association between prenatal attachment and the aforementioned aspects of sharing pregnancy-related information on Facebook. METHODS Pregnant women who were at least 18 years of age were recruited for participation in the study through posts and paid advertisements on Facebook and posts to professional organization listservs. Individuals interes...

Research paper thumbnail of Registered dietitian nutritionists and perceptions of liberalizing the hemodialysis diet

Nutrition Research and Practice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness, comfort,... more BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness, comfort, and likelihood of liberalizing the hemodialysis diet in practicing renal registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). SUBJECTS/METHODS: An original, cross-sectional survey was sent to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Renal Practice Group in May 2017, consisting primarily of renal dietitians. RESULTS: A total of 187 renal dietitians responded to the survey designed to assess their current practices regarding the renal diet for hemodialysis patients and how comfortable they would be liberalizing the current restrictions. On average, 16.3% of dietitians are extremely likely to liberalize the restrictions on various food groups including fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, and whole grains. CONCLUSIONS: RDN feel confident in their ability to interpret and apply evidence-based literature into practice, and they are moderately comfortable liberalizing the renal diet. The participants were generally more comfortable liberalizing the phosphorus restriction than the potassium restriction, and the sodium restriction remains important to control interdialytic weight gain and hypertension. Future research is needed to establish efficacy of a liberalized diet as well as interventions to help RDN feel more comfortable implementing a liberalization of the renal diet.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Parent Distraction with Technology at Mealtimes and Child Eating Behavior: a Pilot Study

Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant Women Sharing Pregnancy-Related Information on Facebook: Web-Based Survey Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Ultrasound on Prenatal Attachment Among Disembodied and Embodied Knowers

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Pinterest as a Tool for Dissemination of Nutrition Information for Parents of Teenagers

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of Fear of the unknown: ultrasound and anxiety about fetal health

Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine, 2008

Using a qualitative approach, this study sought to explore the role of ultrasound in fetal health... more Using a qualitative approach, this study sought to explore the role of ultrasound in fetal health anxiety. One semi-structured interview was conducted with 30 pregnant women. Data analysis was inductive, following the principles of the template and editing organizing styles of coding and analysis. Overall, 93 percent of the women reported anxiety over fetal health, with 96.5 percent of these women indicating that ultrasound played a role in their anxiety. The women reported heightened fetal health anxiety in anticipation of the ultrasound, as well as during the ultrasound due to the sonographer's behavior and an inability to see the monitor. Findings indicated that fetal health anxiety was relieved by the ultrasound, particularly when women had access to the visual image and received encouraging verbal feedback. The findings are discussed with regard to their implications for policy and obstetric practice.

Research paper thumbnail of Infant Simulators in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Technological Tool for Teaching about Parenthood

Family Science Review

The purpose of this paper is twofold. It describes the use of infant simulators to teach undergra... more The purpose of this paper is twofold. It describes the use of infant simulators to teach undergraduates about the experience of parenting. It also examines empirical evidence of the use of the infant simulator among undergraduates enrolled in parenting courses at two universities. In particular, the evaluative evidence explores lessons learned about parenting from the caregiving experience, along with the role of duration of the simulation on caregiving performance, reported caregiving difficulty, and lessons learned about parenting. Data from 261 students enrolled in undergraduate parenting classes at two universities were used for the evaluation. Qualitative findings indicated that students learned these lessons about parenthood: (1) It is demanding, (2) It requires patience, (3) A parent must be selfless, (4) Parents lose sleep, and (5) Single parenthood is difficult. Duration of the simulation was significantly associated with specific lessons. The evaluation data indicate that ...

Research paper thumbnail of Say It in a Song: Using Popular Music to Teach About Marriage and Romantic Relationships

Explore the use of popular music in the family studies classroom with a specific focus on the use... more Explore the use of popular music in the family studies classroom with a specific focus on the use of popular music to teach about marriages and romantic relationships. Objectives Provide a list of songs that can be used to teach about marriage, relationship disillusionment and communication problems, relationship dissolution, divorce, and remarriage. Describe three techniques for using popular music. Rationale Today’s human development and family studies undergraduates grow up and live in a media rich world. In fact, recent U.S. Census Bureau (2007) projections estimate that the average U.S. citizen will spend 3,518 hours consuming various forms of media over the next year. Not surprisingly, college instructors have attested to the benefits of incorporating a variety of media

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing FCS Professionals: Using Simulations To Raise Awareness and Change Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of FCS Teacher Transformation: A Shift in Poverty Perceptions

Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a poverty simulation on family and con... more The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a poverty simulation on family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers' perception of poverty. FCS teachers (N = 47) from a midwestern state participated in a poverty simulation. Participants completed a questionnaire prior to and following participation in the simulation. Quantitative data suggested improvements in attitude, and the qualitative data produced themes for future education activities and teacher-student interactions. The simulation encourages more positive attitudes among FCS teachers regarding their perception of poverty.

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant Women Sharing Pregnancy-Related Information on Facebook: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Research indicates expectant and new mothers use the Internet, specifically social med... more BACKGROUND Research indicates expectant and new mothers use the Internet, specifically social media, to gain information and support during the transition to parenthood. Although parents regularly share information about and photos of their child or children on Facebook, researchers have neither explored the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information nor investigated factors that influence such sharing. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to address a gap in the literature by exploring the use of Facebook by pregnant women. Specifically, the study examined the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information, as well as any association between prenatal attachment and the aforementioned aspects of sharing pregnancy-related information on Facebook. METHODS Pregnant women who were at least 18 years of age were recruited for participation in the study through posts and paid advertisements on Facebook and posts to professional organization listservs. Individuals interes...

Research paper thumbnail of Registered dietitian nutritionists and perceptions of liberalizing the hemodialysis diet

Nutrition Research and Practice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness, comfort,... more BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness, comfort, and likelihood of liberalizing the hemodialysis diet in practicing renal registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). SUBJECTS/METHODS: An original, cross-sectional survey was sent to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Renal Practice Group in May 2017, consisting primarily of renal dietitians. RESULTS: A total of 187 renal dietitians responded to the survey designed to assess their current practices regarding the renal diet for hemodialysis patients and how comfortable they would be liberalizing the current restrictions. On average, 16.3% of dietitians are extremely likely to liberalize the restrictions on various food groups including fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, and whole grains. CONCLUSIONS: RDN feel confident in their ability to interpret and apply evidence-based literature into practice, and they are moderately comfortable liberalizing the renal diet. The participants were generally more comfortable liberalizing the phosphorus restriction than the potassium restriction, and the sodium restriction remains important to control interdialytic weight gain and hypertension. Future research is needed to establish efficacy of a liberalized diet as well as interventions to help RDN feel more comfortable implementing a liberalization of the renal diet.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Parent Distraction with Technology at Mealtimes and Child Eating Behavior: a Pilot Study

Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant Women Sharing Pregnancy-Related Information on Facebook: Web-Based Survey Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Ultrasound on Prenatal Attachment Among Disembodied and Embodied Knowers

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Pinterest as a Tool for Dissemination of Nutrition Information for Parents of Teenagers

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, or Both? Student, School Staff, and Parent Perceptions

Children & Schools, 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and paren... more The goal of this study was to investigate the views of school staff, early adolescents, and parents about which behaviors constitute bullying or teen dating violence (TDV), with attention focused on perceived overlap between the two. To achieve this aim, a mixed-methods design was used to quantitatively investigate the factors associated with middle school students (n = 198), their parents (n = 131), and school staff (n = 113) designating behaviors as TDV, bullying, or both and to qualitatively assess the factors that influenced perceptions of a smaller sample of school personnel (n = 44). Survey results indicated that differences in categorizations of behaviors across groups did exist, whereas focus group data provided in-depth insights into school staff perceptions of behaviors on the bullying–TDV continuum. Overall, results indicated that perceptions of TDV as a significant problem within the school varied between students, parents, and school staff. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for school policy and avenues for future research.