Browsing by Author "Shumway, Sterling T."
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Item Applications, limitations and deviations of a multiple-horizon approach in asset allocation(Texas Tech University, 2006-08) Zhu, Dandan; Cordell, David; Tombs, Joe; Joo, So-Hyun; Shumway, Sterling T.; Gustafson, WilliamFinancial services professionals are in the position of educating and serving the public need for financial planning and retirement planning. Retirement planning is a major component of comprehensive financial planning, especially for people approaching retirement age. Therefore, this dissertation provides an analysis of appropriate asset composition in retirement portfolios in an effort to aid financial planners to accomplish their missions. To accomplish this, the dissertation presents a Multiple-Horizon Asset Allocation (MHAA) approach in retirement portfolio management and its applications in real world. Moreover, an extension of the MHAA (MHAA-E) approach was introduced to make it more applicable in the real world. This study also tests the MHAA approach with historical data to evaluate how portfolios with 25-year horizon allocated under the MHAA approach would have performed. Portfolios historical performances were also compared vertically among conservative, moderate and aggressive allocations. The development of the MHAA and the MHAA-E approaches in retirement portfolio management add to the limited literature on asset allocation for retirement portfolio management. Financial services providers can put these approaches to practical use to assist investment decision making in retirement and investment planning. Financial educators can also use the MHAA and the MHAA-E approaches to educate the general public about theoretical asset allocation in retirement portfolio management.Item Gamer widow: the phenomenological experience of spouses of online video game addicts(Texas Tech University, 2008-12) Northrup, Jason C.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Kimball, Thomas G.; Morelock, Catherine N.; McGovern, Thomas F.Recent studies have examined the concept of addiction to video games, particularly to the genre known as Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). To date, however, none have examined the impact of this addiction on family members of video game addicts. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game addicts. This study uses a phenomenological methodology as described by Moustakas (1994). Data were gathered via a qualitative online survey solicited to members of three different online forums that cater to “gamer widows.” Data suggested three categories that described participants’ experiences of being married to an online video game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship. Among these categories, 12 themes emerged, including Isolation…Except His Gamer Friends, Protecting His Gaming, To Get Back to His Game, Personal Consequences, Emotional Consequences, Concept of Addiction, Aversion to MMORPGs, Ignoring the Addict, Our Roles and Responsibilities, More Distance Between Us, Financial Losses, and Why I Stay. In addition, 37 subthemes were identified. The study concludes by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as implications for mental health professionals who might encounter gaming addicts and their spouses in their practices. Recommendations are made for future studies as well.Item Military family finances: An exploratory study(2013-08) Degraff, Alycia N.; Ivey, David C.; Durband, Dorothy B.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Smith, Douglas B.This study aimed to explore the topic of military family finances in a sample of enlisted U.S. Army personnel stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. The study investigated the role of rank, relationship status, ethnicity, income, and parental status in the financial adjustment and dyadic adjustment of active duty military personnel and their families. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used for three separate models. The first model examined dyadic adjustment and financial readiness to change by looking at relationship status, parental status, and income. This model found that married participants with incomes over $40,000 showed greater readiness for financial change when compared to their non-married counterparts and, that childless participants and those with multiple children showed less tension in their dyadic relationship at the income levels of below $30,000 and above $40,000 in comparison to the participants with one child. Additionally, participants with one child at the income level of $30,000-$39,999 showed significantly less tension that those with no children or multiple children. The second model examined dyadic adjustment and financial readiness to change by looking at ethnicity and military ranking. This model found that E4 ranked participants were more motivated for financial change in comparison to E1-E2 and E5-E7 participants and that Caucasian participants were less motivated for financial change than African American, Hispanic, and Other Ethnicity participants and that Caucasian and Other Ethnicity participants experienced greater dyadic distress in comparison to the Hispanic participants. The third model examined dyadic adjustment and positive financial behaviors by parental status, relationship status, and income. This model found that that E1-E2 ranked participants experienced greater dyadic distress in comparison to E5-E7 participants and that non-married participants experience greater relationship distress than married participants.Item Money attitudes, economic locus of control, and financial strain among college students(Texas Tech University, 2006-08) Hayes, John V.; Bagwell, Dorothy C.; Olivarez, Arturo; Gustafson, Bill; Joo, So-Hyun; Shumway, Sterling T.The relationship between attitudes and behavior has been studied extensively, yet research on money attitudes, perceptions of economic locus of control, and financial strain among college students is less abundant. Toward a better understanding of college student�s attitudes and perceptions about money, an investigation of student money attitudes and perceptions of economic locus of control is advanced. Research favors the validity of Furnham�s assertion that money attitudes are clearly not one-dimensional, and encompass a multitude of dimensions. Assessing these attitudes yields clearly defined constructs that may be influenced through additional stimuli. Numerous studies support the contention that money attitudes are learned dispositions, initially developed through parental teachings and observation of family money practices, later refined through socialization and experience. Thus it might be considered that money behavior change may be best accomplished through money attitude change, the latter accomplished by additional focused stimuli. Results of this study indicate significant differences in attitudes and perceptions of control over money matters between female and male college students, differences in the perceptions of influence over money matters between students from the Mexican American, Latino / Latina cultures and students from the Anglo American cultures, and differences in attitudes and practices between freshman students and upper class students. This analysis suggests female students tended to feel less personal control over positive outcomes compared to male students, yet perceived uncontrollable chance as less influential on their financial circumstances. Female students indicated less difficulty in meeting current obligations than did male students, while placing less importance on planning for future financial circumstances. Female students feel higher levels of anxiety over financial issues, have lower scores in financial literacy, and use money to impress or influence others less than male students. This analysis found that freshman students from the Mexican American and Latino / Latina cultures felt a significantly higher influence over their financial situation from Powerful Others; this influence increasing as the student advanced through class levels. The analysis also indicates junior and senior level students spend significantly higher amounts of time working (including work study), and have a much higher probability of reducing class load or withdrawing from class due to financial constraints. Implications of the study and recommendations for further research are discussed.Item Money attitudes, economic locus of control, and financial strain among college students(2006-08) Hayes, John V.; Bagwell, Dorothy C.; Olivarez, Arturo; Joo, So-Hyun; Gustafson, Bill; Shumway, Sterling T.The relationship between attitudes and behavior has been studied extensively, yet research on money attitudes, perceptions of economic locus of control, and financial strain among college students is less abundant. Toward a better understanding of college student’s attitudes and perceptions about money, an investigation of student money attitudes and perceptions of economic locus of control is advanced. Research favors the validity of Furnham’s assertion that money attitudes are clearly not one-dimensional, and encompass a multitude of dimensions. Assessing these attitudes yields clearly defined constructs that may be influenced through additional stimuli. Numerous studies support the contention that money attitudes are learned dispositions, initially developed through parental teachings and observation of family money practices, later refined through socialization and experience. Thus it might be considered that money behavior change may be best accomplished through money attitude change, the latter accomplished by additional focused stimuli. Results of this study indicate significant differences in attitudes and perceptions of control over money matters between female and male college students, differences in the perceptions of influence over money matters between students from the Mexican American, Latino / Latina cultures and students from the Anglo American cultures, and differences in attitudes and practices between freshman students and upper class students. This analysis suggests female students tended to feel less personal control over positive outcomes compared to male students, yet perceived uncontrollable chance as less influential on their financial circumstances. Female students indicated less difficulty in meeting current obligations than did male students, while placing less importance on planning for future financial circumstances. Female students feel higher levels of anxiety over financial issues, have lower scores in financial literacy, and use money to impress or influence others less than male students. This analysis found that freshman students from the Mexican American and Latino / Latina cultures felt a significantly higher influence over their financial situation from Powerful Others; this influence increasing as the student advanced through class levels. The analysis also indicates junior and senior level students spend significantly higher amounts of time working (including work study), and have a much higher probability of reducing class load or withdrawing from class due to financial constraints. Implications of the study and recommendations for further research are discussed.Item Personal idiom use and affect regulation in romantic relationships(2005-12) Morelock, Catherine N.; Ivey, David C.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Carter, Narissra P.; Kimball, Thomas G.This study used self-report data to explore the key ingredients of positive sentiment override and other relational behaviors that contribute to the maintenance of positive sentiment in romantic relationships. Although marital and relationship satisfaction have been the topic of many studies, the ongoing high rates of divorce suggest there is still much to learn about how relationship satisfaction is achieved and maintained. A previously identified factor in the maintenance of satisfying relationships is a couple’s ability to recapture a positive outlook after experiencing negative feelings associated with relational conflict. As an extension of such a focus in couple research, the present study examined how personal idioms and idiosyncratic language were related to positive relational behaviors and the ability to maintain a positive affective climate. Six positive relational behaviors (Ego Building Comments, Salutary Recognition, Revisiting Memories, Exciting Activities, Small Talk, and Feedback) were found to be significantly related to marital friendship and positive sentiment override. The frequency, purpose, and perceived influence of idiosyncratic communication were also explored. Expressing affection to partner and being playful/having fun were the most commonly cited reasons for utilizing idiosyncratic communication for both males and females; however, gender differences emerged for the remaining categories of use. Females indicated using idiosyncratic communication significantly more often than males when asking for a favor, seeking affection from partner, and as partner nicknames. Use of idiosyncratic communication was overwhelmingly perceived as having a positive impact on the relationship, independent of frequency of use. Use of idiosyncratic communication was significantly related to feelings of closeness, knowledge of one’s partner, feelings of fondness and admiration, bids for connection, and repair attempts. To highlight the clinical implications of the study, the results were interpreted using a Symbolic-Experiential approach to relational therapy. Suggestions for future studies exploring the development and maintenance of an enduring positive relational climate are also included.Item Personal idiom use and affect regulation in romantic relationships(Texas Tech University, 2005-12) Morelock, Catherine N.; Ivey, David C.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Carter, Narissra P.; Kimball, Thomas G.This study used self-report data to explore the key ingredients of positive sentiment override and other relational behaviors that contribute to the maintenance of positive sentiment in romantic relationships. Although marital and relationship satisfaction have been the topic of many studies, the ongoing high rates of divorce suggest there is still much to learn about how relationship satisfaction is achieved and maintained. A previously identified factor in the maintenance of satisfying relationships is a couple’s ability to recapture a positive outlook after experiencing negative feelings associated with relational conflict. As an extension of such a focus in couple research, the present study examined how personal idioms and idiosyncratic language were related to positive relational behaviors and the ability to maintain a positive affective climate. Six positive relational behaviors (Ego Building Comments, Salutary Recognition, Revisiting Memories, Exciting Activities, Small Talk, and Feedback) were found to be significantly related to marital friendship and positive sentiment override. The frequency, purpose, and perceived influence of idiosyncratic communication were also explored. Expressing affection to partner and being playful/having fun were the most commonly cited reasons for utilizing idiosyncratic communication for both males and females; however, gender differences emerged for the remaining categories of use. Females indicated using idiosyncratic communication significantly more often than males when asking for a favor, seeking affection from partner, and as partner nicknames. Use of idiosyncratic communication was overwhelmingly perceived as having a positive impact on the relationship, independent of frequency of use. Use of idiosyncratic communication was significantly related to feelings of closeness, knowledge of one’s partner, feelings of fondness and admiration, bids for connection, and repair attempts. To highlight the clinical implications of the study, the results were interpreted using a Symbolic-Experiential approach to relational therapy. Suggestions for future studies exploring the development and maintenance of an enduring positive relational climate are also included.Item Solution-focused home-based family therapy for delinquent adolescents: an outcome study(Texas Tech University, 1995-05) Shumway, Sterling T.Not availableItem The Impact of Competence and Compliance Fidelity on The Delivery of an Integrated Adolescent Behavioral Health Screening, Assessment, and Brief Intervention In Five Distinct Primary Care Settings.(Texas Tech University, 2009-08) Graff, Chad Allen; Harris, Steven M.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Karakurt, Gunnur; Korinek, Alan W.Recent literature indicates that behavioral health disorders among youth are increasing and costly to treat. Ineffective care due to the traditional fragmentation of the nation’s health care system has contributed to the increased prevalence rates and costs. Many health and mental health professionals have worked diligently to increase their efforts of collaboration. The growing field of collaborative health care is evidence of these efforts. Many studies suggest that primary care is a prime portal of entry for youth seeking help with behavioral health problems. Thus, MFTs and other mental health professionals have focused attention on researching the integration of mental health and primary care services. Despite these efforts, many youth suffering from behavioral health disorders still go unrecognized and untreated. Several researchers have identified multiple barriers to integration that must be overcome in order for youth to benefit fully from collaborative health care. Some of these barriers to integration include: (1) time constraints placed on primary care providers (PCPs); (2) PCPs’ lack of training in screening, assessing, and treating behavioral health disorders; and (3) implementing evidence-based behavioral health interventions in primary care settings with fidelity. To date, much of the MFT research has focused on increasing collaboration between family physicians and family therapists, assessing the effectiveness of family interventions in treating various behavioral health disorders, and developing of family-centered, collaborative, biopsychosocial models of health care. However, few MFT studies have been conducted that specifically focus on the fidelity of implementing evidence-based youth behavioral health screening, assessment, and brief interventions into primary care settings. This study is important to the MFT field because it addresses the systemic challenges of transporting evidence-based interventions into real world settings that Sprenkle (2002) identified. Data used for this study are part of the Texas Adolescent Behavioral Health in Primary Care Initiative (TABHPCI) feasibility study. While the overall conceptualization of the study is grounded in systemic ideas much of the analyses in this document have to do with the specifics of how the study was carried out. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which compliance fidelity (i.e., the extent to which PCPs utilized core intervention components of the TABHPCI Clinical Model) and competence fidelity (i.e., the level of skill demonstrated by PCPs in utilizing the core components of the clinical model) influenced the implementation of an integrated adolescent behavioral health screening, assessment, and brief intervention program. The findings of this study indicate that primary care providers (PCPs) at the feasibility study sites experienced difficulty adhering to the standardized clinical model with an adequate level of fidelity. Implementation research requires knowledge of how organizational systems are embedded within many different contexts. To be successful, many of the barriers to integration must be overcome. Despite efforts to utilize an evidence-based implementation framework to minimize the complexity of measuring fidelity, the author was unable to fully evaluate the fidelity of the implementation of the adolescent behavioral health intervention. This study highlights the importance of developing interventions that are clearly defined and evaluable. The overall findings from this study suggest that PCPs level of competence in administering, scoring, and interpreting behavioral health screening and assessment measures influenced their levels of compliance to the TABHPCI Clinical Model. Moreover, the findings call for more MFT research that addresses the systemic nature of implementing evidence-based interventions in real world settings.Item The Texas Tech Relationship Interaction Scale (TTRIS): development of a relationship interaction measure for couples(Texas Tech University, 1998-05) Shumway, Sterling T.The most widely used measures of marital satisfaction are global in nature, relying on a heterogeneous mix of items that measure both behavior and satisfaction. Mixing behavior and satisfaction presents problems in that satisfaction scores provide no specific information regarding particular behaviors. When behavioral information is obtained, it is confounded with satisfaction responses. The goal of this dissertation was to develop an instrument (Texas Tech Relationship Interaction Scale; TTRIS) that allows for the measurement of partnership behaviors. The TTRIS is a 36-item instrument with 6 scales representing important relationship behaviors:(1) Salutary Recognition, (2) Ego-Building Comments, (3) Expanding Shared Memories, (4) Exciting Activities, (5) Feedback, and (6) Small-Talk.