Date on Senior Honors Thesis

5-2020

Document Type

Senior Honors Thesis

Degree Name

B.A.

Department

Psychological and Brain Sciences

Degree Program

College of Arts and Sciences

Author's Keywords

fly ash; conduct disorder; aggression; delinquency; pollution; child behavior

Abstract

Minimal research has been conducted on fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) and health outcomes among exposed communities, and even less has looked at its effect on children’s behavior. This study specifically looks at fly ash exposure and conduct disturbance, using logistic regression to characterize their relationship. Conduct disturbance was gauged by t-scores of 55 or higher on the dimensions of aggression and delinquency of the Child Behavior Checklist. Fly ash exposure was determined by air and surface sampling of the children’s homes. While the odds ratios suggested fly ash exposure increases the likelihood of conduct disturbance, the results were not statistically significant. Future studies should have a larger sample size. If further research confirms a relationship between fly ash and conduct problems, this may lead to policy change and preventative measures. It is also important for community members to be informed of the potential hazards of fly ash, and for those exposed to know proper steps moving forward.

Lay Summary

Minimal research has been conducted on fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) and health outcomes among exposed communities, and even less has looked at its effect on children’s behavior. This study specifically looks at fly ash exposure and conduct disturbance, using logistic regression to characterize their relationship. Conduct disturbance was gauged by t-scores of 55 or higher on the dimensions of aggression and delinquency of the Child Behavior Checklist. Fly ash exposure was determined by air and surface sampling of the children’s homes. While the odds ratios suggested fly ash exposure increases the likelihood of conduct disturbance, the results were not statistically significant. Future studies should have a larger sample size. If further research confirms a relationship between fly ash and conduct problems, this may lead to policy change and preventative measures. It is also important for community members to be informed of the potential hazards of fly ash, and for those exposed to know proper steps moving forward.

Download

Share

COinS