Mikiyasu Hakoyama

Ecocultural Adaptive Research: A Synthesis of Ecocultural Theory, Participatory Research, and Adaptive Designs

Recently ethical codes of conduct for research with ethnic families, communities, and groups have emerged. Therefore, a model that includes ethical codes of conduct for researchers and ethnic participants is needed to advocate for change. By integrating aspects of ecocultural theory with the strengths of various research designs and approaches, revisions and strategic changes during the course of planning, proposing, and conducting research can result in specific applications congruent with a unique ethnic population as well as optimized outcomes. The proposed research model is a synthesis of ecocultural theory, participatory research, and adaptive designs. This research model is built on the uniqueness of the ethnic community, issues of participatory social justice and the need for sense making, and valuing the balance of power between the professional researcher and the participants of communities and groups.

Predictors of Grandparent–Grandchild Closeness: An Ecological Perspective

ABSTRACT Improved health and extended life expectancy have provided opportunities for more adult grandchildren to interact with their grandparents. Applying an ecological perspective, the current study examined demographic, personal, and environmental factors associated with close grandparent–grandchild relationships. Participants were 470 young adults aged 18–27 (M = 20.16). Adult grandchildrens perceptions of their relationships with their favorite/close grandparents were examined retrospectively in three stages (childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood). Predictors of grandparent–grandchild closeness include grandparent–grandchild contact frequency, grandparents’ education levels and general health, and personality traits. Path analysis revealed intertwined directional effects of these predictors of grandparent–grandchild closeness.

Transferable Principles from a Formative Evaluation of a Couples' Empathy Program

ABSTRACT Sixteen individuals took part in a 12-hour empathy training program for married couples. The purpose of the current paper was to demonstrate the unique and beneficial information that comes from formative assessments, and provide an expanded and updated description of an empathy program. The information derived from formative evaluation was useful in making changes in session presentations, and demonstrating whether or not the objectives of each session were met. To date, the marital enrichment literature lacks examples of formative evaluations of relationship education programs. This study has implications for relationship educators and expands the current thinking that only outcome assessments need to be done in relationship education programs.

Farmers’ Beliefs and Risks of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle

This research examined farmers’ beliefs and possible association with Mycobacterium bovis in cattle. A survey of farmers in Midwest, U.S. with TB Positive herds, a Matching Control sample from TB positive areas, and farmers from areas that were TB Free was conducted. Data from 31 respondents yielded insights about the beliefs of farmers concerning how Bovine TB was transmitted and how the disease can be prevented. Comparison of the three groups suggests some important differences. Evidence suggests that farmers’ beliefs are important factors to consider with regard to control of the transmission of Bovine TB. While beliefs alone do not translate into behaviors, the findings suggest possibilities for preventive solutions that are specific to characteristics of a particular human ecosystem.