Melanie Otis - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Melanie Otis

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing Provider Delivery of Tobacco Treatment Within the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting

Social Work in Public Health, Jun 27, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Moral distress during COVID-19: The importance of perceived organizational support for hospital nurses

Journal of Health Psychology, Jul 14, 2022

Moral distress, or the inability to act congruent with moral beliefs, has been of concern for hea... more Moral distress, or the inability to act congruent with moral beliefs, has been of concern for healthcare professionals especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital nurses are particularly affected in their roles with mounting administrative pressures and demands. We examined whether general and COVID-specific support in employing healthcare organizations predicted moral distress in a sample of inpatient hospital nurses. A total of 248 nurses completed the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, COVID Organizational Support survey, and the Hospital Ethical Climate Scale. We found that general and COVID-related organizational support were predictors of moral distress after controlling for age, gender, working in an intensive care unit setting, and ethical climate. Findings support the need for a comprehensive strategy to address moral distress, including institutional efforts to convey support and commitment. Strategies moral distress may be experienced differently based on gender identity.

Research paper thumbnail of Intrapsychic Correlates of Professional Quality of Life: Mindfulness, Empathy, and Emotional Separation

Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 2010

Research Problem and Background A growing literature documents the inherently stressful nature of... more Research Problem and Background A growing literature documents the inherently stressful nature of working with persons who are suffering or traumatized, and the potential for the development of stress disorders among social workers and other helpers. Over the last two decades, considerable attention has been given to concepts such as vicarious trauma (VT), compassion fatigue (CF), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and the somewhat older concept of burnout among helping professionals. Several scholars have suggested that there is a direct relationship between work-related stress and retention in the profession, and have expressed concerns about the social, psychological, and economic costs of worker turnover (

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Youths' Attitudes Toward Difference: A Community-Based Model that Works

Social Work With Groups, 2006

... The issues and concerns Gaertner and Dovidio describe in relation to racism can be seen in a ... more ... The issues and concerns Gaertner and Dovidio describe in relation to racism can be seen in a ... the number of men whose lives could have been enriched by exploring their interests ... also ac-knowledging the importance of creating a sense of connection between group members ...

Research paper thumbnail of Youth as Engaged Citizens and Community Change Advocates Through the Lexington Youth Leadership Academy

Journal of Community Practice, 2006

SUMMARY The Lexington Youth Leadership Academy is a leadership development and community change p... more SUMMARY The Lexington Youth Leadership Academy is a leadership development and community change program which has helped high school-aged youth develop into effective leaders in a diverse society. The author describes a multifaceted approach emphasizing education and dialogue about diversity, training in problem solving and leadership skills, adult and peer mentoring, and community collaborations. The program employs an empowerment approach that begins with youth leadership development skills training, and culminates in youth-driven community change projects that focus on social injustice and educational reform.

Research paper thumbnail of The Predictors of Parental Use of Corporal Punishment

Family Relations, 2007

Corporal punishment has been the focus of considerable study over the past decade. Some recent re... more Corporal punishment has been the focus of considerable study over the past decade. Some recent research suggesting that the use of corporal punishment may have significant long-term negative effects on children has prompted increasing exploration and interest in the issue. We used tobit regression analysis and data from the 2000 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine both the prevalence and the chronicity of spanking in a nationally representative sample of parents. Mother's characteristics (e.g., age, education) and neighborhood context did not show a relationship with parental use of corporal punishment. Among parents who used corporal punishment, being Protestant had a relatively large relationship with its use. Although children's externalizing behaviors had some association with parent's propensity to spank, findings suggest that use of corporal punishment may be better understood as part of a constellation of behaviors relating to a parenting style. Further, findings indicate that it is easier to predict the incidence of corporal punishment than to predict its frequency of use.

Research paper thumbnail of Rampage School Shootings and Cultural Scripts: A Content Analysis of all 29 Shootings

Three distinct timeframes became evident in the media and journal articles, which illustrated the... more Three distinct timeframes became evident in the media and journal articles, which illustrated the construction and implications of cultural scripts around middle and high school shootings. The analysis produced nineteen categories that showed significant differences ...

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Faculty Attitudes and Perceptions of Diversification Efforts At a Christian University

Research paper thumbnail of Survivors’ conceptualizations of human trafficking prevention; An exploratory study

Evaluation and Program Planning

Research paper thumbnail of A survey of moral distress and end of life care in mechanical circulatory support nurses

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Child Temperament, Maternal Parenting Stress, Maternal Child Interaction and Child Health Rating

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Mental Health on Perceptions of Relationship Satisfaction and Quality Among Female Same-Sex Couples

Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2006

Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor... more Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor-partner) level analyses were conducted to determine the associations between couple members' global mental health, internalized homophobia, and perceptions of relationship qualities and satisfaction (N = 90). Findings at the dyadic level indicated that an individual's global mental health was uniquely associated with her partner's assessment of relationship satisfaction and qualities, beyond the effects of the individual's own mental health and internalized homophobia. Implications for further research on the strengths and challenges within female same-sex couple relationships are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of victimization risk and fear of crime among lesbians and gay men

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Feb 1, 2007

Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between ... more Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors. Past work generally focuses on predominantly heterosexual populations; this study examines correlates of fear of crime and perceptions of risk among a sample of 272 self-identified lesbians and gay men. Higher levels of perceived risk and fear of victimization were found among females, persons in neighborhoods characterized by incivility, and persons who had experienced previous victimization. Perceived risks of personal and property victimization were similar for males and females. Contrary to past research, women did not seem to view all types of potential victimization as opportunities for sexual assault. Instead, fear of victimization was offense specific--past personal victimization predicted fear of future personal victimization, and past property victimization predicted fear of future property victimization. Similarities and differences between current findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploratory Study of Differences in Views of Factors Affecting Sexual Orientation for a Sample of Lesbians and Gay Men

Psychological Reports, 2004

An exploratory study of lesbians (70) and gay men (118) from a rural state in the mid-South was c... more An exploratory study of lesbians (70) and gay men (118) from a rural state in the mid-South was conducted using a self-administered, mail-out survey. The nonrandom sample was drawn from organizational mailing lists, snowball sampling, and a convenience sample at a community event. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which each of the following affected sexual orientation: genetics, relationship between parents, relationship with parents, birth order, peers, growing up in a dysfunctional family, growing up in a single-parent family, negative experiences with the opposite sex, and positive experiences with the same sex. Similar to studies of heterosexual men and women, these gay men were more likely to view sexual orientation as a result of genetics than the lesbian respondents. Further, the lesbian group were more likely to view positive relationships with the same sex to have a great influence on sexual orientation. These data indicate there are sex differences in views on factors that affect sexual orientation.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Mental Health on Perceptions of Relationship Satisfaction and Quality Among Female Same-Sex Couples

Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2006

Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor... more Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor-partner) level analyses were conducted to determine the associations between couple members' global mental health, internalized homophobia, and perceptions of relationship qualities and satisfaction (N = 90). Findings at the dyadic level indicated that an individual's global mental health was uniquely associated with her partner's assessment of relationship satisfaction and qualities, beyond the effects of the individual's own mental health and internalized homophobia. Implications for further research on the strengths and challenges within female same-sex couple relationships are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Fear of Crime Among Lesbians and Gay Men

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2007

Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between ... more Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors. Past work generally focuses on predominantly heterosexual populations; this study examines correlates of fear of crime and perceptions of risk among a sample of 272 self-identified lesbians and gay men. Higher levels of perceived risk and fear of victimization were found among females, persons in neighborhoods characterized by incivility, and persons who had experienced previous victimization. Perceived risks of personal and property victimization were similar for males and females. Contrary to past research, women did not seem to view all types of potential victimization as opportunities for sexual assault. Instead, fear of victimization was offense specific--past personal victimization predicted fear of future personal victimization, and past property victimization predicted fear of future property victimization. Similarities and differences between current findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence of Victimization and Its Effect on Mental Well-Being Among Lesbian and Gay People

Journal of Homosexuality, 1996

ABSTRACT. Research on victimization among oppressed groups such as lesbian and gay people has pro... more ABSTRACT. Research on victimization among oppressed groups such as lesbian and gay people has provided limited insight into its impact on the lives of those who are frequently targeted. This is due in part to small sample sizes and the absence of significant variables known to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Drug and Alcohol Use Among Lesbian and Gay People in a Southern U.S. Sample

Journal of Homosexuality, 1996

William F. Skinner is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Kentucky. He received... more William F. Skinner is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Kentucky. He received his PhD from the University of Iowa in 1984. Dr. Skinner is the principal investigator of the Trilogy Project. Melanie D. Otis has a Master's in Social Work and is currently a PhD candidate in ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploratory Study of Religiosity and Same-Sex Couple Relationships

Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 2008

... negative messages about their relationships that originate from prejudicial social attitudes ... more ... negative messages about their relationships that originate from prejudicial social attitudes and are ... The remaining couple members reported their race/ethnicity as African American (5.6%), Native ... future research should also ex-amine the role of religiosity among distressed ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Childhood Maltreatment on Adult Criminality: A Tobit Regression Analysis

Child Maltreatment, 2003

This article reports on the results of an analysis of a data set containing information on 667 no... more This article reports on the results of an analysis of a data set containing information on 667 nonmaltreated and 908 maltreated children. The data also contain information on whether the study subjects were arrested in early adulthood. Because adult arrests are an imperfect and censored measure of antisocial behavior, tobit regression analysis was used to examine the effect of the subjects’ experiences of child maltreatment on later arrests while controlling for those subjects’ demographic characteristics. The analysis finds that children’s age, race, and sex and experiences of child neglect all have an impact on subsequent adult arrests. However, physical abuse and sexual abuse do not emerge as statistically significant predictors of arrests in this model. The study also illustrates a method for the decomposition of tobit coefficients to extract more information from them.

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing Provider Delivery of Tobacco Treatment Within the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting

Social Work in Public Health, Jun 27, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Moral distress during COVID-19: The importance of perceived organizational support for hospital nurses

Journal of Health Psychology, Jul 14, 2022

Moral distress, or the inability to act congruent with moral beliefs, has been of concern for hea... more Moral distress, or the inability to act congruent with moral beliefs, has been of concern for healthcare professionals especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital nurses are particularly affected in their roles with mounting administrative pressures and demands. We examined whether general and COVID-specific support in employing healthcare organizations predicted moral distress in a sample of inpatient hospital nurses. A total of 248 nurses completed the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, COVID Organizational Support survey, and the Hospital Ethical Climate Scale. We found that general and COVID-related organizational support were predictors of moral distress after controlling for age, gender, working in an intensive care unit setting, and ethical climate. Findings support the need for a comprehensive strategy to address moral distress, including institutional efforts to convey support and commitment. Strategies moral distress may be experienced differently based on gender identity.

Research paper thumbnail of Intrapsychic Correlates of Professional Quality of Life: Mindfulness, Empathy, and Emotional Separation

Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 2010

Research Problem and Background A growing literature documents the inherently stressful nature of... more Research Problem and Background A growing literature documents the inherently stressful nature of working with persons who are suffering or traumatized, and the potential for the development of stress disorders among social workers and other helpers. Over the last two decades, considerable attention has been given to concepts such as vicarious trauma (VT), compassion fatigue (CF), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and the somewhat older concept of burnout among helping professionals. Several scholars have suggested that there is a direct relationship between work-related stress and retention in the profession, and have expressed concerns about the social, psychological, and economic costs of worker turnover (

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Youths' Attitudes Toward Difference: A Community-Based Model that Works

Social Work With Groups, 2006

... The issues and concerns Gaertner and Dovidio describe in relation to racism can be seen in a ... more ... The issues and concerns Gaertner and Dovidio describe in relation to racism can be seen in a ... the number of men whose lives could have been enriched by exploring their interests ... also ac-knowledging the importance of creating a sense of connection between group members ...

Research paper thumbnail of Youth as Engaged Citizens and Community Change Advocates Through the Lexington Youth Leadership Academy

Journal of Community Practice, 2006

SUMMARY The Lexington Youth Leadership Academy is a leadership development and community change p... more SUMMARY The Lexington Youth Leadership Academy is a leadership development and community change program which has helped high school-aged youth develop into effective leaders in a diverse society. The author describes a multifaceted approach emphasizing education and dialogue about diversity, training in problem solving and leadership skills, adult and peer mentoring, and community collaborations. The program employs an empowerment approach that begins with youth leadership development skills training, and culminates in youth-driven community change projects that focus on social injustice and educational reform.

Research paper thumbnail of The Predictors of Parental Use of Corporal Punishment

Family Relations, 2007

Corporal punishment has been the focus of considerable study over the past decade. Some recent re... more Corporal punishment has been the focus of considerable study over the past decade. Some recent research suggesting that the use of corporal punishment may have significant long-term negative effects on children has prompted increasing exploration and interest in the issue. We used tobit regression analysis and data from the 2000 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine both the prevalence and the chronicity of spanking in a nationally representative sample of parents. Mother's characteristics (e.g., age, education) and neighborhood context did not show a relationship with parental use of corporal punishment. Among parents who used corporal punishment, being Protestant had a relatively large relationship with its use. Although children's externalizing behaviors had some association with parent's propensity to spank, findings suggest that use of corporal punishment may be better understood as part of a constellation of behaviors relating to a parenting style. Further, findings indicate that it is easier to predict the incidence of corporal punishment than to predict its frequency of use.

Research paper thumbnail of Rampage School Shootings and Cultural Scripts: A Content Analysis of all 29 Shootings

Three distinct timeframes became evident in the media and journal articles, which illustrated the... more Three distinct timeframes became evident in the media and journal articles, which illustrated the construction and implications of cultural scripts around middle and high school shootings. The analysis produced nineteen categories that showed significant differences ...

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Faculty Attitudes and Perceptions of Diversification Efforts At a Christian University

Research paper thumbnail of Survivors’ conceptualizations of human trafficking prevention; An exploratory study

Evaluation and Program Planning

Research paper thumbnail of A survey of moral distress and end of life care in mechanical circulatory support nurses

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Child Temperament, Maternal Parenting Stress, Maternal Child Interaction and Child Health Rating

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Mental Health on Perceptions of Relationship Satisfaction and Quality Among Female Same-Sex Couples

Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2006

Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor... more Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor-partner) level analyses were conducted to determine the associations between couple members' global mental health, internalized homophobia, and perceptions of relationship qualities and satisfaction (N = 90). Findings at the dyadic level indicated that an individual's global mental health was uniquely associated with her partner's assessment of relationship satisfaction and qualities, beyond the effects of the individual's own mental health and internalized homophobia. Implications for further research on the strengths and challenges within female same-sex couple relationships are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of victimization risk and fear of crime among lesbians and gay men

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Feb 1, 2007

Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between ... more Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors. Past work generally focuses on predominantly heterosexual populations; this study examines correlates of fear of crime and perceptions of risk among a sample of 272 self-identified lesbians and gay men. Higher levels of perceived risk and fear of victimization were found among females, persons in neighborhoods characterized by incivility, and persons who had experienced previous victimization. Perceived risks of personal and property victimization were similar for males and females. Contrary to past research, women did not seem to view all types of potential victimization as opportunities for sexual assault. Instead, fear of victimization was offense specific--past personal victimization predicted fear of future personal victimization, and past property victimization predicted fear of future property victimization. Similarities and differences between current findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploratory Study of Differences in Views of Factors Affecting Sexual Orientation for a Sample of Lesbians and Gay Men

Psychological Reports, 2004

An exploratory study of lesbians (70) and gay men (118) from a rural state in the mid-South was c... more An exploratory study of lesbians (70) and gay men (118) from a rural state in the mid-South was conducted using a self-administered, mail-out survey. The nonrandom sample was drawn from organizational mailing lists, snowball sampling, and a convenience sample at a community event. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which each of the following affected sexual orientation: genetics, relationship between parents, relationship with parents, birth order, peers, growing up in a dysfunctional family, growing up in a single-parent family, negative experiences with the opposite sex, and positive experiences with the same sex. Similar to studies of heterosexual men and women, these gay men were more likely to view sexual orientation as a result of genetics than the lesbian respondents. Further, the lesbian group were more likely to view positive relationships with the same sex to have a great influence on sexual orientation. These data indicate there are sex differences in views on factors that affect sexual orientation.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Mental Health on Perceptions of Relationship Satisfaction and Quality Among Female Same-Sex Couples

Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2006

Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor... more Using data from both partners in female same-sex couples, individual and dyadic (individual/actor-partner) level analyses were conducted to determine the associations between couple members' global mental health, internalized homophobia, and perceptions of relationship qualities and satisfaction (N = 90). Findings at the dyadic level indicated that an individual's global mental health was uniquely associated with her partner's assessment of relationship satisfaction and qualities, beyond the effects of the individual's own mental health and internalized homophobia. Implications for further research on the strengths and challenges within female same-sex couple relationships are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Fear of Crime Among Lesbians and Gay Men

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2007

Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between ... more Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors. Past work generally focuses on predominantly heterosexual populations; this study examines correlates of fear of crime and perceptions of risk among a sample of 272 self-identified lesbians and gay men. Higher levels of perceived risk and fear of victimization were found among females, persons in neighborhoods characterized by incivility, and persons who had experienced previous victimization. Perceived risks of personal and property victimization were similar for males and females. Contrary to past research, women did not seem to view all types of potential victimization as opportunities for sexual assault. Instead, fear of victimization was offense specific--past personal victimization predicted fear of future personal victimization, and past property victimization predicted fear of future property victimization. Similarities and differences between current findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence of Victimization and Its Effect on Mental Well-Being Among Lesbian and Gay People

Journal of Homosexuality, 1996

ABSTRACT. Research on victimization among oppressed groups such as lesbian and gay people has pro... more ABSTRACT. Research on victimization among oppressed groups such as lesbian and gay people has provided limited insight into its impact on the lives of those who are frequently targeted. This is due in part to small sample sizes and the absence of significant variables known to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Drug and Alcohol Use Among Lesbian and Gay People in a Southern U.S. Sample

Journal of Homosexuality, 1996

William F. Skinner is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Kentucky. He received... more William F. Skinner is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Kentucky. He received his PhD from the University of Iowa in 1984. Dr. Skinner is the principal investigator of the Trilogy Project. Melanie D. Otis has a Master's in Social Work and is currently a PhD candidate in ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploratory Study of Religiosity and Same-Sex Couple Relationships

Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 2008

... negative messages about their relationships that originate from prejudicial social attitudes ... more ... negative messages about their relationships that originate from prejudicial social attitudes and are ... The remaining couple members reported their race/ethnicity as African American (5.6%), Native ... future research should also ex-amine the role of religiosity among distressed ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Childhood Maltreatment on Adult Criminality: A Tobit Regression Analysis

Child Maltreatment, 2003

This article reports on the results of an analysis of a data set containing information on 667 no... more This article reports on the results of an analysis of a data set containing information on 667 nonmaltreated and 908 maltreated children. The data also contain information on whether the study subjects were arrested in early adulthood. Because adult arrests are an imperfect and censored measure of antisocial behavior, tobit regression analysis was used to examine the effect of the subjects’ experiences of child maltreatment on later arrests while controlling for those subjects’ demographic characteristics. The analysis finds that children’s age, race, and sex and experiences of child neglect all have an impact on subsequent adult arrests. However, physical abuse and sexual abuse do not emerge as statistically significant predictors of arrests in this model. The study also illustrates a method for the decomposition of tobit coefficients to extract more information from them.