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The Effects Of Acculturation, Marianismo, And Religiosity On Pregnancy Related Anxiety In Latina Women, Jennifer M. Zanoli

Doctoral Dissertations

There is a dearth of information about pregnancy related anxiety (PRA) in Latina women, yet a growing body of literature demonstrates adverse birth outcomes for mother and infant due to PRA. This study examined the association between acculturation, religiosity, marianismo, parity, and a Latina pregnant woman’s relationship with her healthcare provider with PRA in Latina women aged 18 and above. Acculturation was expected to be the more robust factor amongst the independent variables.

Participants in this study (n = 53) were Hispanic, Chicano, Latino or had a Latin or Spanish heritage, over the age of 18, pregnant at the …

Working With Other Immigrants Brings The Parts That I Lost Back To Me: The Experiences Of Latin American Immigrant Therapists Working With Latin American Immigrant Populations, Elizabeth P. Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations

Therapists who work with traumatized populations are vulnerable to experiencing trauma indirectly. This experience may be exacerbated for those who have experienced trauma themselves. As LatAm immigrant populations have often experienced trauma at the various migration phases, therapists who are LatAm immigrants and work with LatAm immigrant clients may also experience secondary traumatization as an inherent part of their work. While the research on secondary trauma spans decades, there is a dearth of literature on the experiences of LatAm immigrant therapists specifically. This qualitative dissertation study begins the conversation of what the lived experiences of LatAm immigrant therapists are via …

Mental Health And Experiences Of Pregnancy Among Black Women And Birthing People With Type 1 Diabetes (T1d), Madeleine E. Marcus

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explored the potential effects of intersections of oppression (i.e., anti-Black racism, diabetes discrimination, and sexism) on mental health and pregnancy experiences among Black women and birthing people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Previous studies about pregnancy and T1D have included mainly white, cisgender women. Three participants qualified for inclusion in the present study and participated in semi-structured interviews, which the researcher analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework. Participants described feeling uncertain about whether aspects of their pregnancy experiences were related to obstetric and/or medical racism. Similarly, participants sometimes seemed uncertain about how racism may affect their …

The Effectiveness Of Interventions To Increase Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) Adherence Among Latinx Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm) With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) In The United States: A Systematic Review, Everardo Leon

Doctoral Dissertations

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to affect Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM). Interventions have been developed to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, but little is known about the number of available interventions and their effectiveness to assist Latinx MSM. The current systematic review investigated the effects of interventions aimed at improving ART adherence for the treatment of adult Latinx MSM with HIV in the United States. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to communicate the results. The inclusion criteria comprised Latinx MSM with HIV, any type of …

The Grindr Complex: The Behavioral Health Impact Of Sexual Racism On Latinx Men Who Have Sex With Men, Luisalfredo Plascencia

Doctoral Dissertations

Given the social history surrounding the issue of HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ+ community and the unique and intersectional experiences that Latinx Men who have Sex Men (MSM) have in their community, this dissertation’s research will contribute to the growing work on sexual racism and how it correlates with various elements of behavioral health. The study investigated the moderation impact of Latinx cultural values of caballerismo and familismo on the relationship between experiences sexual racism to mental health symptoms. The study also examined the moderation of caballerismo and familismo and psychological flexibility on the relationship between experiences of sexual racism to …

The Mental Health Of First-Generation College Students Of Color, Devin Hallquist

Doctoral Dissertations

College students who identify as a person of color and are also the first person in their family to attend college must navigate challenges related to white supremacy, institutional racism, and structural inequality. Though the amount of research on first-generation college students of color is steadily increasing, there remains a lack of research on the mental health of these students. Through an intersectional approach, the current study explored the mental health of first-generation college students of color during their sophomore year of college. Participants in the current study completed questionnaires related to psychological symptoms, experiences of racial/ethnic stress, and ethnic …

Understanding Filipino Wellness: Investigating The Effects Of Colonial Mentality And Enculturation, Juliene Grace P. Fresnedi

Doctoral Dissertations

Filipino Americans are the third largest Asian American group within the United States and report significantly worse mental health when compared to other population groups. As a result of colonization by both Spain and the United States, Filipino culture has been perceived as a unique blend of cultural influences. Despite there being over 4.1 million Filipinos residing in the US there is a significant lack of research that directly investigates the well-being of this population and to what extent factors such as colonial mentality, enculturation, and generational status have an impact. The present study seeks to address this gap in …

A Case Study Of A School-Supported Extracurricular Activity's Influence On Stem Identity And Interest For Females, Letta Meyer

Doctoral Dissertations

Even though there has been a narrowing of the gender gap in STEM, there is still a pronounced gap in the physical sciences, engineering, and computer science. Females who persist in these fields have a strong STEM identity, including developing specific STEM interests. Females can develop STEM identity through long-term, active involvement in extracurricular STEM programs. Extracurricular STEM programs significantly impact the persistence of females in the STEM pipeline. This case study examined the effect of Science Olympiad, an extracurricular STEM program, on current high school students and alumnae’s perceptions of their STEM identity and personal specific STEM interest. Potential …

Alleviating Mathematics Anxiety For Middle School Students Using A Combined Intervention Approach Versus Only Using The Cognitive Intervention Approach For Increasing Mathematical Achievement: A Comparative Study, Patricia Anna Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations

Current research has found evidence of effective interventions for mathematics anxiety, both motivational and cognitive interventions can affect learning through instructional design and increased student engagement. Thus, this study investigated whether a combined (cognitive and motivation) intervention approach was more effective than only using a cognitive intervention approach for alleviating mathematics anxiety in middle-school students in order to develop a positive mathematical self-concept. The design used in this study was a comparison pretest-posttest study using the modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (mAMAS) to measure the participants’ level of mathematics anxiety and the STAR Mathematics diagnostic assessment to measure gradual mathematics …

Decolonizing Mental Health Through He/A/R/Tography: Corazonar, Sentipensar Y Sentisaber, Patricia Rojas-Zambrano

Doctoral Dissertations

Decolonizing mental health at large entails transformations in research, curriculum, and praxis. Activist scholars and mental health practitioners at the frontlines of social justice struggles must take part in collaborative inquiry that re-centers decolonial knowledge and praxis.

Taking a decolonizing approach to research requires more than selecting a specific technique or method. We must also consider the context in which the research is being designed as well as the implications of the research, its values, its claims, and its relation to power. This means creating avenues beyond those privileged by cartesian dichotomies to access embodied knowledge, not only disembodied intellectual …

Parent-Child Conversations About Body Safety And Consent, Natasha Gerber

Doctoral Dissertations

This is a qualitative study of parents who shared their experiences discussing body safety and consent with their children. Twelve parents participated in a semi-structured interview, and conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. There were five common themes that emerged from the data, with several categories within each theme: (1) parental motivation for engaging in discussions about bodies, consent, and sex; (2) teaching and modeling body safety and consent in the home; (3) variation of language used to discuss boundaries, bodies, behavior, and consent; (4) potential barriers to having parent-child conversations; and, (5) other factors that impact …

African American Women Make Meaning Of Historical Trauma, Deidre A. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Historical trauma may be a fairly new concept for some providers; therefore, this research offers another clinical lens through which providers can view the presenting problem(s) of their African American female patients. This qualitative study used descriptive methodology to examine the range of African American women’s lived experiences connected to historical trauma with two interlocking systems of oppression: race and gender. Two themes and six subthemes were developed from the data collected: Theme A: Prevalence of Racist Experiences Throughout Their Lifespans; and Theme B: Responses to Racism (e.g., Emotions & Coping Mechanisms).

This study gives clinicians insight into the …

The Association Between Psychotic Symptoms And Romantic Relationship Quality Among Young Adult Ethnic Minorites, Tashagaye T. Mckenzie

Doctoral Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the association between psychotic symptoms and the quality of romantic relationships amongst ethnic minority young adults. Approximately 10.4 million people, which represents 4.2% of the adult population in the U.S, are currently diagnosed with severe mental illnesses, including psychotic disorders. Prior research found that ethnic minorities, in general, have an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. People with SMI generally have issues being and maintaining romantic relationships. However, being in positive romantic relationships is associated with better physical and mental well-being. The final sample size for the study consisted of 411 young …

We Are Still Playing: A Meta-Analysis Of Game-Based Learning In Mathematics Education, Thomas Conmy

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of the use of games as part of mathematics instruction on academic achievement in grades Kindergarten to 12 in the United States. There were 17 studies selected for investigation published from 2010 to 2023 that focused on game-based learning and mathematics. This meta-analysis fills the gap in the knowledge by examining classes that are using game based learning across three platforms of instruction: nondigital games, digital on computers, and mobile devices. The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that the usage of game-based learning in a classroom has a positive effect …

Students As Co-Researchers: Using Participatory Action Research To Address College Food Insecurity, Rachel Brand

Doctoral Dissertations

Studies indicate that college students experience high rates of food insecurity. Growing awareness of food insecurity on college campuses has resulted in efforts by many institutions to address the problem through innovative programs such as food pantries, campus gardens, and educational workshops. While these initiatives play an important role in facilitating food access, they fall short of meeting students’ needs. There is little research on how students’ experiences or knowledge can inform strategies to address food insecurity, nor is there extensive research on how students view this issue for themselves and their peers. This study looks at the benefits of …

Moving Between Entitlement And Co-Conspiracy: A Study Of How Support, Skills, And Community Can Advance Anti-Racism Efforts Of White Parents, Karin Marianne Cotterman

Doctoral Dissertations

Many white parents of white children (WPWC) do not know how to engage in conversations about race and racism with their children. Simultaneously, the lived realities of white identity are embodied and enacted in material and cultural terms in the lives of all white-identified folk who continue to be re-socialized into our dominant culture of white supremacy. As such, racism and white supremacy are taught through socialization via media, schooling, familial relationships and other social interactions (Harro, 2000). And as a result, whiteness and white supremacy are pervasive and endemic (Bell 2016; Delgado, & Stefanick, 2012; Ladson-Billings 2013, 2016; Ladson-Billings …

White Womanhood: Finding Oppositional Epistemologies And Community At The Intersection Of Whiteness And Womanhood, Hannah Joy Fischer

Doctoral Dissertations

White women continue to contribute to the reproduction and maintenance of White supremacy even when they attempt to pursue antiracism. To better understand their antiracist agency, this study analyzed White women’s experiences and comprehension of White womanhood. Using phenomenology and critical autoethnography, this qualitative study invited six self-proclaimed antiracist White women to participate in individual interviews, attend two focus groups, and reflect on five guided prompts on White womanhood and antiracist action. The study revealed antiracist White women’s feelings of responsibility and lack of perceived agency for antiracist action. Participants demonstrated attempts to disengage from whiteness while also expressing desires …

A Qualitative Study Of Ableism On The Postsecondary Campus, George Stuart Fuller

Doctoral Dissertations

This study aimed to learn about the experiences and challenges of disabled students on college campuses. The qualitative research gave voice to the nine disabled students so we can hear, in their own words, their lives, successes, failures, most enjoyable aspects of campus life, and the least pleasant parts of the campus environment. Zoom interviews took place with nine undergraduate disabled students, eight with non-visible disabilities and one with visible disabilities, located on four different campuses within the United States. During the nVivo data analysis, three themes emerged. The three themes identified were: the disabled students' connections with the campus, …

Meta-Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Project-Based Learning Approach On Academic Achievement In Higher Education Worldwide, Ziyu Meng

Doctoral Dissertations

This research study conducted a meta-analysis to integrate the studies that investigated the effectiveness of project-based learning on academic achievement based on a worldwide higher-education population. The researcher explored the variables that previous meta-analysis studies used to evaluate academic achievements, such as student grade point average (GPA), course grades, and test scores, to explore the use of these variables in project-based learning. There were 17 studies in total included in the meta-analysis evaluating the effect size of academic achievement, which was influenced in moderator variable by subject-matter areas, school location, hours of instruction, technology support, and group size. The researcher …

Identity Formation And Role Expansion For Nurse Practitioner Residency Preceptors: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis, Angel Chen Kuo

Doctoral Dissertations

Employer-based nurse practitioner residency programs have been implemented to address the significant shortage of primary care providers in the community clinic settings. However, there continues to be a shortage of clinicians who serve as preceptors to nurse practitioner residents and students. Preceptors, also referred to as clinician educators, are essential in the training of learners and their socialization into the profession. Just as there is a shortage of clinicians of diverse backgrounds to reflect the population served in the community, there is also a significant shortage of preceptors of color to train learners from diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this …

The Association Between Physical Pain, Depression, Anxiety, And Nervios Among Latinx Agricultural Workers, Iveth Cuellar Celallos

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical pain, chronic pain, socio-cultural factors and mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and nervios among Latinx agricultural workers. Survey data were collected in Northern California (N = 104). The sample of Latinx agricultural workers consisted of 47 (45.2%) female and 57 (54.8%) male respondents. The average age of participants was 43.13 years (SD = 14.37). Over half of participants were married (60.6%). The majority of participants (95.2%) reported Mexico as their country of origin. Most (85.6%) participants reported currently working in agriculture. Two hierarchical multiple linear regressions …

African American Female Identified Therapists' Experiences Working Culturally Similar And Dissimilar Populations, Kimiko J. May

Doctoral Dissertations

African-American female-identified individuals continue to be one of the smallest subgroups of licensed therapists. However, this group continues to grow steadily and offer services to a broad array of clientele. While the aims of literature have grown to include populations that have been historically marginalized, the research surrounding African-American female-identified therapists is scarce. Deep understanding of their lived experiences while navigating the multifaceted nature of clinical work has been grossly overlooked. This study aimed to qualitatively analyze the lived experiences of African-American female-identified therapists who work with diverse populations using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Since the nature of clinical work is …

Developing Queer Faith: Exploring Experiences Of Cognitive Dissonance And Identity Integration For Lgbq Catholics Individuals, Kendal M. Vaarwerk

Doctoral Dissertations

While religion may be meeting existential needs, it may, at the same time, be asking the LGBQ youth to be someone different than who they are (Longo et al., 2018). LGBQ individuals experience severe cognitive and emotional consequences because of oppressive religious doctrine, including guilt, shame, self-loathing, and suicidal ideation (Schuck & Liddle, 2001). When LGBQ individuals are involved with religious belief systems that cast rejecting or disapproving messages about LGBQ individuals, these individuals often experience more internalized negative self-messages, as well as more significant challenges in developing and accepting one’s sexual identity (Page et al., 2013). Therefore, this very …

Incorporating Andragogy And Cognitive Theory Of Multimedia Learning Into Self-Paced Training And Development Programs, Shanshan Gao

Doctoral Dissertations

In the modern higher educational system, technology permeated almost all the provisions of educational processes and transformed individual learning transactions. Empirical evidence reveals students’ skill gaps in the digitized campus and the real-world work environment driven by technology. Technical training is of high value and in high demand in helping students to develop the skills necessary to carry out schoolwork and be prepared for the real-world work environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the combined method of Andragogy and Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) in enhancing learning results and optimizing students’ learning experience …

An Exploration Of Higher Educational Experiences For Mixed Blood American Indian Males In The Santa Clara Valley, Edward Salcedo

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the availability of higher educational opportunities in the Santa Clara Valley for mixed blood American Indian males in the Santa Clara Valley from lower middle class and middle-class backgrounds born between the early 1980’s and early 1990’s who enrolled in community college courses but did not graduate. The study uses Critical Race Theory as the guiding theoretical framework but focuses on Tribal Critical Race Theory pioneered by Brayboy (2005) to understand the educational and societal experiences of American Indian people from their unique ethnic prism. The dissertation uses Red People’s Oral Tradition as the methodology, drawing from …

Hearing Impaired And Leadership: Struggles Of Individuals With Hearing Loss In The Workplace, John Cleese Relihan

Doctoral Dissertations

With the passing of federal legislations such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Americans believe all issues relating to disability have been addressed. While Americans with disabilities gained civil rights under these two federal laws and educational opportunities have expanded, they are still struggling against the stigma of disability. They encounter many barriers as they enter the workplace and navigate toward leadership roles in their organizations. This narrative phenomenological qualitative study seeks to understand the experiences of individuals with hearing loss as they enter and navigate through their careers. Its purpose is …

A Collaborative Autoethnography: Your Passport To Immigrant Women Of Color Leader's Stories Of Identity Exploration And Leadership Barriers And Possibilities, Fraylanie Adan Aglipay

Doctoral Dissertations

The study of the personal and career narratives of immigrant Women of Color can lead to more appropriate standards in mainstream work environments and to the expansion of professional leadership opportunities for immigrant Women of Color. The experiences of immigrant Women of Color leaders are varied and complex, with each leader’s experience offering unique perspectives on their leadership journey. Additionally, it is important to analyze their identities because they contain multiple layers, serving as the foundation that has shaped them into the authentic leaders they are today. As scholars, researchers, and activists, we have a duty to address the lack …

Exploring Latinx Parents’ Experiences With Special Education: Developing A Community-Based Workshop To Empower Latinx Parents Of Children In Special Education, Gabriela Alejandra Perez

Doctoral Dissertations

Parent involvement has been found to be predictive of successful student learning. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents are required to be active participants in the development of their child’s special education. Latinx parents of children in special education face various challenges when it comes to parent involvement. A sample size of seven Latinx mothers with children in special education participated in this study, whose aim was to examine Latinx parents’ experiences in navigating the special education process and to identify and explore culturally responsive interventions that can increase parents’ participation and advocacy for their children with …

Clinicians' Perspectives On The Effectiveness Of Trauma - Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With African American Children: A Qualitative Study, Jada Carter

Doctoral Dissertations

Literature exploring clinicians' perspectives on the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy with African American children who suffer from trauma-related disorders is very limited. The current study examined clinicians' perspectives on the TF-CBT model when utilized with this population, including their experiences working with African American children and families with observable types of trauma-related disorders. This research study also explored the various facets of trauma that African Americans encounter in childhood and the barriers that prevent them from receiving adequate mental health care. Thematic analysis was utilized to explore themes that emerged when treating African American children with TF-CBT. Five …

The Impact Of #Metoo On Reasons For Sexual Assault Disclosure, Cheryl H. Tien

Doctoral Dissertations

Sexual assault is a long-standing widespread problem. Yet, despite the high prevalence of sexual assault, it is the most underreported crime of all crimes reported to the police (Bureau of Justice, 2018). The #MeToo movement has had a significant impact on the way in which sexual assault survivors disclose their experiences and the reasons they disclose. Disclosure appears to be an important factor in survivors’ healing from their assault, with increasing coping, greater attachment to others, and positive growth cited as effects of disclosure provided that the response to the disclosure is positive to the survivor (Ahrens & Aldana, 2012; …