Advocacy and Empathy

Catharine MacKinnon lays out a framework for understanding U.S. law through an intersectional feminist perspective, arguing that laws and policies affecting rape, reproduction, and domestic violence are interpreted through a masculine perspective. In this thesis paper, I draw on MacKinnon’s theories to consider cases of institutionalized inequality that undermine women’s bodily autonomy in the United States. Drawing on MacKinnon as well as Katie Oliviero, I trace the emergence of women’s bodily autonomy in the 1970s and how women lost this autonomy at the beginning of this century. I hope to highlight sexism and inequality present in U.S. court cases and the law to provide visions of a more just set of power arrangements.

Both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and bilingualism show atypical language lateralization, and many individuals who have ASD are bilingual. However, research connecting these two components is limited. This study analyzed existing literature to answer the question “How does bilingualism affect hemispheric language processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder?” and to propose a developmental theory. In early childhood, some participants showed right hemisphere (RH) compensation to cover left hemisphere deficits, while others did not. In middle childhood, deficits in the RH emerged, likely regardless of previous RH compensation. Bilingualism likely encourages RH compensation and mitigates RH deficits.

Students rely on social supports while pursuing a university education. Previous research has investigated how differences in social support effect student outcomes, but differences in the effect of mentoring relationships between students with different contexts has not been well explored. This study uses survey data to perform a moderation analysis using multiple regression to understand how DePaul psychology students’ sense of social support, first- or returning-generation student status, and relationship with a mentor impact those students’ sense of university belonging and academic self-efficacy. Implications for students, professors, and administrators, and study limitations, will be discussed.

The role of communication in neonatal-perinatal end-of-life care is critical as effective dialogue between families and healthcare providers supports shared decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and compassionate care during distressing periods. A comparison of memoirs and scholarly research has revealed gaps between ideal practices and real-world applications through applying bioethics and public health considerations. The thesis examines the ethical and cultural complexities that affect these interactions within the healthcare system.  This study explores how institutional constraints, and emotional burdens can influence communication in neonatal-perinatal end-of-life care. This analysis aims to spotlight the challenges providers and families face, emphasizing the profound impact of communication on the experience of loss and decision-making during critical moments.