Certain stimuli evoke reflexive responses, (e.g., jumping in response to a loud noise), which are typically adaptive (e.g., escaping a predator). However, when some of these eliciting stimuli are repeated and not followed by harm (e.g., a woodpecker pecking the bark of a tree), maintaining a strong response can be costly. Diminished responding to an eliciting stimulus after repeated presentations is referred to as habituation. A recovery of the response following habituation can occur when a novel stimulus (e.g., a context change) is presented. Previous research has found wheel running in rats habituates within daily sessions (Aoyama & McSweeney, 2001). We investigated whether pseudorandomly varying the order of two types of exercise within each session for 14 days (e.g., Day 1: running wheel -> open field (OF); Day 2: OF -> running wheel) would reduce habituation of wheel running in rats. Control rats were given the same order of 20-min access to a running wheel followed by 20-min access to the OF, or the reverse order for another group, during each session. It is hypothesized that the Experimental group will demonstrate slower habituation (i.e., more running) both within and across sessions. Results will be discussed in terms of the number of wheel rotations and the factors known to influence habituation.

Being socially rejected is a highly distressing experience that threatens our fundamental social needs. Social rejection activates highly sensitive threat detection and response systems that seek out sources of social recovery, or, when reaffiliation is unlikely, ways to avoid further rejection through social withdrawal. Existing research suggests that socially rejected individuals are more open to strategies that promote affiliation, such as giving more positive ratings to a student service that is advertised as helping students make friends. However, this increase in prosocial behavior is limited to likely sources of affiliation, and does not extend to unlikely sources (e.g., the person that rejected us, someone described as aggressive). To date, no research has tested prosocial responses to rejection within the context of intergroup contact, wherein an outgroup member may be viewed as an unlikely source of affiliation, compared to ingroup members. As such, the present study aimed to examine whether rejected individuals would express less interest in a social affiliation service if that service is centered around interactions with outgroup members. Participants consisted of 254 Caucasian undergraduate students, who were randomly assigned to write about a time in which they felt rejected, accepted, or about their morning routine (neutral control). Then, participants were presented with a flyer for a fictional student service that was described as trying to help students on campus form diverse friendships, and completed a questionnaire assessing their interest in using this service. As predicted, the results showed that there was no significant difference among the groups in interest in the diversity affiliation service. These results provide some preliminary support for our hypothesis that rejected individuals would not be any more interested in an affiliation service if that service involves contact with outgroup members. Implications of this work for the relationship between social rejection and intergroup perception and interaction will be discussed.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system and reduces the body’s ability to fight against other infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, is a medication that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. Unfortunately, PrEP uptake is low, particularly among women. A contributing factor is the way that PrEP has been under-advertised to women. Tarrant County is a known national hot spot for new HIV infections. Thus, women’s focused sexual health education is essential in order to improve the health of our community. In the current study we developed an online educational tool regarding women’s sexual health. The educational tool was developed using Articulate360, an online software that can be utilized to create interactive educational modules. The curriculum contains an overview of HIV, risk factors for acquiring HIV, PrEP education and resources, and an overview of STIs and cervical cancer. The current study hopes to observe an increase in PrEP knowledge and a decrease in PrEP stigma among women in Tarrant County after they view the educational tool. This tool has far reaching implications to improve the sexual health knowledge of women in our community.

In 2023, over 650,000 people experienced homelessness in the United States. Homelessness is often associated with alcohol consumption, feelings of helplessness, and lack of social support. The purpose of this study is to identify alcohol use patterns in adults within the homeless community and its relationship to an individual's perceived social support (e.g. family, friends, and/or community). The current study collected surveys from 46 participants who regularly visit True Worth Place, asking participants questions related to alcohol consumption habits, perceived social support, and their living situation. We suspect that there will be a negative correlation between alcohol use and perceived social support. We believe that individuals with high alcohol use will be unlikely to seek help from family or friends, and that there is a perceived lack of support in general within the homeless community. This study’s results will provide us knowledge as to whether demographics such as age, gender, and ethnicity in homeless populations influence patterns of alcohol use and the social assistance they receive. This will help inform policy recommendations to improve support for those in the homeless community suffering from alcohol abuse.

Background: During the fourth quarter of 2023, Tarrant County reported 2,658 individuals experiencing homelessness, contributing to Fort Worth's 24th rank among American cities with a 22% increase in homelessness rates over the past three years. Homelessness is frequently linked to substance abuse, a lack of familial and social support, and mental illness. Understanding the factors contributing to alcohol use in high-risk populations, particularly the homeless community, is essential for comprehensive intervention strategies. This study aims to investigate alcohol use patterns and perceived social support levels among the local homeless community to identify potential predictors of detrimental alcohol use behaviors. Methods: A 15-minute survey was administered at True Worth Place of Homelessness over 2, 3-hour visits. 42 participants were recruited to evaluate alcohol usage patterns, homelessness information and social support levels. Upon completion of the survey, participants received hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, soap, deodorant floss, shampoo. Results/Findings: based on data collected from participants, the researcher projects that there will be a strong correlation between social support and homelessness, but not a correlation between alcohol abuse and social support. Conclusion/Implications: The projected findings offer insights into the intricate relationship between substance abuse patterns, wellbeing, and homelessness rates. These results can inform policymakers in developing targeted and effective programs to assist homeless individuals within the Tarrant County community.