Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2000
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
Abstract
The lives of persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) are often plagued by recurring or unrelenting negative symptomotology affecting their mood and behavior. The literature supports the influence environmental light can have on the mood and behaviors in susceptible persons. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the degree of environmental light experienced by a control group of non-SPMI persons as compared to a comparison group of persons with SPMI. The study consisted of two groups with seven control and seven comparison group members. The study matched one control and one comparison group member for each 48 hour period of study. Group members each wore a Sleepwatch-L on their non-dominant wrist during the 48 hour study. The device measured lux variables and stored the data until downloaded onto a computer via an interface unit. The data was saved and later statistically analyzed. The sample in this study was small. No statistically significant (p:S.05) difference in environmental light exposure was determined between the control and comparison group in this pilot study. However, interesting differences in means of lux variables did occur between groups. These differences in means could serve as a basis for future research.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Mental illness -- Phototherapy
Phototherapy
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
98
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Weaver, Susan Elizabeth, "Differences in Exposure of Environmental Light Between an SPMI and a Non-SPMI Group" (2000). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 783.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/783