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Resilience Characteristics In Law Enforcement Officers, Jocelyn Grace Jameson
Resilience Characteristics In Law Enforcement Officers, Jocelyn Grace Jameson
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Resilience characteristics in law enforcement officers have been a focus of scholars for several decades. Repetitive trauma requires officers to establish coping mechanisms and manufacture varying resilience factors. Researchers have demonstrated that interventions to improve resilience may result in a higher demand for psychoeducation, training and well-being, and stress management. Researchers have yet to establish what shared characteristics are among law enforcement officers that promote resilience. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of law enforcement officers’ experiences, beliefs, and knowledge about their exposure to repetitive traumatic events. The resilience theory supported the research. A qualitative, …
Public Policy And African American Victims Of Inner-City Violence, Michael Andrew Benson Sr.
Public Policy And African American Victims Of Inner-City Violence, Michael Andrew Benson Sr.
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The effects of being victimized or being a witness to a violent traumatic event without the support of public institutions, such as criminal justice, social service agencies, and mental health care clinics has led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and success factors for victims of inner-city violence as it related to access to public administration institutions to address their victimization. Self-efficacy theory was used as the theoretical foundation, and the study’s research question focused on victimization and access to public policy institutions. The study used a qualitative design with 10 …
Non-Nightmare Recurring Dreams And Trauma, Asmai Fathelbab
Non-Nightmare Recurring Dreams And Trauma, Asmai Fathelbab
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
This study examined the relationship between trauma and non-nightmare recurrent dreams (NNRD). Although there is extensive literature on the psychological consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma, studies on the role of sleep processes have focused almost exclusively on nightmares. The potential relationship between NNRD and traumatic experiences has been overlooked by researchers. The purpose of this study was to assess if history of trauma and NNRD were correlated. More specifically, using Revonsuo’s threat simulation theory as a framework, the study evaluated if gender, quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, stress, and history trauma predicted NNRD. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was …
Resilience Characteristics In Law Enforcement Officers, Jocelyn Grace Jameson
Resilience Characteristics In Law Enforcement Officers, Jocelyn Grace Jameson
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Resilience characteristics in law enforcement officers have been a focus of scholars for several decades. Repetitive trauma requires officers to establish coping mechanisms and manufacture varying resilience factors. Researchers have demonstrated that interventions to improve resilience may result in a higher demand for psychoeducation, training and well-being, and stress management. Researchers have yet to establish what shared characteristics are among law enforcement officers that promote resilience. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of law enforcement officers’ experiences, beliefs, and knowledge about their exposure to repetitive traumatic events. The resilience theory supported the research. A qualitative, …
Public Policy And African American Victims Of Inner-City Violence, Michael Andrew Benson Sr.
Public Policy And African American Victims Of Inner-City Violence, Michael Andrew Benson Sr.
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The effects of being victimized or being a witness to a violent traumatic event without the support of public institutions, such as criminal justice, social service agencies, and mental health care clinics has led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and success factors for victims of inner-city violence as it related to access to public administration institutions to address their victimization. Self-efficacy theory was used as the theoretical foundation, and the study’s research question focused on victimization and access to public policy institutions. The study used a qualitative design with 10 …
Non-Nightmare Recurring Dreams And Trauma, Asmai Fathelbab
Non-Nightmare Recurring Dreams And Trauma, Asmai Fathelbab
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
This study examined the relationship between trauma and non-nightmare recurrent dreams (NNRD). Although there is extensive literature on the psychological consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma, studies on the role of sleep processes have focused almost exclusively on nightmares. The potential relationship between NNRD and traumatic experiences has been overlooked by researchers. The purpose of this study was to assess if history of trauma and NNRD were correlated. More specifically, using Revonsuo’s threat simulation theory as a framework, the study evaluated if gender, quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, stress, and history trauma predicted NNRD. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was …
Substance Abuse Disorders And Veteran Homelessness, Donald Rufus Williams
Substance Abuse Disorders And Veteran Homelessness, Donald Rufus Williams
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
AbstractVeterans constitute a significant proportion of the homeless population in the United States. Studies indicate that substance abuse is a major issue these veterans face that can result in homelessness. Despite improvement since 2009, substance abuse among this population remains a significant problem. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of homeless and substance-abusing veterans to provide information to government agencies that may help them develop a practical approach for addressing the issue. The social cognitive theory and Lowry's dimension on federalism provided the theoretical framework for this study. A general qualitative research …
The Experience Of Providing Direct Care To Children Victims Of Boko Haram Insurgencies In Nigeria, Felicia Etuke
The Experience Of Providing Direct Care To Children Victims Of Boko Haram Insurgencies In Nigeria, Felicia Etuke
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The insurgency of terrorism leaves lasting economic, social, academics, spiritual, religious, and psychological effects, but often children’s psychological welfare is neglected in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Boko Haram’s presence in Nigeria has left many children orphaned, displaced, and impoverished. Thus, there is a need to highlight the importance of the role that care providers play in securing the psychological health of the child victims of Boko Haram insurgency. This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the experiences of care providers to the child victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Compassion fatigue theory was used as a theoretical framework for the …
Veteran Defendant Reasons For Opting Out Of Veterans' Treatment Court, Delilah A. Moore
Veteran Defendant Reasons For Opting Out Of Veterans' Treatment Court, Delilah A. Moore
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) are problem-solving courts created to address the specific treatment needs of veteran defendants. Consistent with general strain theory, the stressors of military service can lead to negative emotions that have been linked to criminality. Despite the favorable results of studies on the efficacy of VTCs to reduce recidivism, participation is voluntary, and not all eligible candidates elect to participate. The purpose of this study was to discover why defendants choose to opt out. Understanding the barriers to participation is critical for VTC actors charged with providing treatment to as many veterans as possible. A qualitative study …
Effects Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder For U.S. Women Veterans, Bobbi N. L. Mount, Phd
Effects Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder For U.S. Women Veterans, Bobbi N. L. Mount, Phd
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived postdeployment experiences of U.S. women veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their perception of the impact their diagnosis had on their immediate families. The theoretical framework was Heider’s causal attribution theory. The first two research questions directly addressed the purpose of the study, and the third research question addressed each participant’s experience with accessing mental healthcare services. NVivo was used to transcribe, code, and analyze data derived from semistructured interviews with six U.S. women veterans who were diagnosed with PTSD by a licensed mental health professional postdeployment. …
Workplace Violence, Trauma, And The Lived Experience Of Corrections Officers: A Phenomenological Study, Amanda Smith
Workplace Violence, Trauma, And The Lived Experience Of Corrections Officers: A Phenomenological Study, Amanda Smith
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Corrections officers are required to ensure compliance from inmates, and sometimes they have to use force, resulting in violent encounters. Such incidents can be traumatic for those directly and indirectly involved. Previous studies examined the working conditions of jail staff, but their focus was not primarily directed toward corrections officers. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how everyday occurrences of violence associated with working in jails influence corrections officers’ physiological well-being. The theory of constructed emotions framed this study. Recruiting was conducted using a demographic and interest survey distributed through Facebook. Using purposive sampling, semi structured …
Impact Of Trauma On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intention Among Emergency Dispatchers, Sherrie Johnston
Impact Of Trauma On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intention Among Emergency Dispatchers, Sherrie Johnston
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Emergency dispatchers in the United States are exposed to traumatic events, which may lead to a staffing shortage. Though it is well-established that decreased job satisfaction increases turnover intentions, little research investigates whether trauma impacts these constructs. Therefore, this quantitative non-experimental study was focused on whether education was a protective factor against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and whether trauma moderated the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention among emergency dispatchers. The relationship between vicarious trauma (VT) and PTSD among dispatchers was examined, and whether it is possible to predict PTSD among dispatchers based on VT, education level, and job …
The Relationship Between Sexual Assault And Ptsd, Beverley Priest
The Relationship Between Sexual Assault And Ptsd, Beverley Priest
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
People who have experienced trauma, such as sexual assault, are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD from a traumatic event than men, especially from a sexual assault. Alcohol abuse is associated with more cases of and more severity of PTSD symptoms. Intimate partner violence can strongly contribute to or worsen the symptoms of PTSD. The research questions examined the relationship between sexual assault (SA) and the subsequent development of (PTSD, SA and the presence of alcohol dependence/addiction and the subsequent development of PTSD, and SA) and the presence of intimate …
Perceptions Of Effectiveness Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Treatment Intervention From Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Laurinda Cumming
Perceptions Of Effectiveness Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Treatment Intervention From Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Laurinda Cumming
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a national health care problem. This violence affects 10 million people on average in the United States every year. This research focused on the treatment resistance for PTSD, a severe and disabling condition. This qualitative descriptive study provided a purposeful sampling of female survivors’ lived experiences and perceived effectiveness of EMDR in treating PTSD symptoms as a result of IPV. Study participants were 7 females, 18 years or older, residing in the Southwestern United States. The theoretical framework of the self-efficacy model was used to look at how posttraumatic symptoms can be so severe from …
Substance Abuse Disorders And Veteran Homelessness, Donald Rufus Williams
Substance Abuse Disorders And Veteran Homelessness, Donald Rufus Williams
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Veterans constitute a significant proportion of the homeless population in the United States. Studies indicate that substance abuse is a major issue these veterans face that can result in homelessness. Despite improvement since 2009, substance abuse among this population remains a significant problem. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of homeless and substance-abusing veterans to provide information to government agencies that may help them develop a practical approach for addressing the issue. The social cognitive theory and Lowry's dimension on federalism provided the theoretical framework for this study. A general qualitative research …
Florida’S Veteran Treatment Courts, John Rocco Capra
Florida’S Veteran Treatment Courts, John Rocco Capra
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Following the terror attacks on the United States, an increasing number of veterans are returning to civilian life after having experienced service in active combat zones. As a result, many of these veterans are returning from their military service suffering from serious mental health issues and other injuries that include posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and major depression. Since the early 1990s, several specialized therapeutic courts have been developed as part of an effort to address a specific population within the state criminal justice systems. One of these recent court systems is the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), created first …
Experiences Of Ptsd Sufferers Who Participate In Internet-Based Virtual World Activities In Desktop Virtual Reality Environments, Colleen Margaret Crary
Experiences Of Ptsd Sufferers Who Participate In Internet-Based Virtual World Activities In Desktop Virtual Reality Environments, Colleen Margaret Crary
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Treatments for posttraumatic stress have remained largely static for 3 decades, resulting in low recovery rates, high degrees of retrogression, and noncompliance by patients, calling for new approaches for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of people with PTSD who participate in Desktop Virtual Reality Environments (DVREs). The research questions asked about the lived experiences of adults with PTSD who use the DVRE, and what they perceive as changes in their narratives about PTSD through their use of the DVRE. Twenty-three participants responded to a 10-item, open-ended questionnaire. Findings show that although each …
Does Counselor Type Affect A Manualized Treatment?, Cynthia C. Kay
Does Counselor Type Affect A Manualized Treatment?, Cynthia C. Kay
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
This quantitative study was to determine whether there are differences in client treatment outcomes based upon the type of counselor who conducted an empirically supported treatment called Seeking Safety for persons diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Many studies show that counselors’ personal attributes impact treatment; however, this study added to the literature by focusing on a standardized treatment for the co-occurrence disorder of substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder. Archival data from an outpatient treatment facility was used. Clients were provided integrated services, which included psychological and substance use treatment. The participants/clients were men and women …
Perceptions Of Organizational Support Among Social Workers Exposed To Vicarious Trauma, Paula Denise Downie
Perceptions Of Organizational Support Among Social Workers Exposed To Vicarious Trauma, Paula Denise Downie
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Repeated exposure to clientsâ trauma has led to secondary or vicarious emotional distress for social workers, which has negatively impacted their professional and personal lives. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore social workersâ perceptions of organizational support of social workers with symptoms of vicarious trauma. Ecological systems theory provided the framework for the study. The sample consisted of 6 clinical licensed social workers who participated in 2 focus group sessions, one with 4 participants and one with 2 participants. Data were inductively coded and analyzed to identify patterns and themes. Findings indicated that social workers …
Factors Affecting Commitment For Military Couples, Laura Villalobos Garza
Factors Affecting Commitment For Military Couples, Laura Villalobos Garza
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The reintegration process for combat veterans is challenging not only for soldiers but also for their spouses and family members. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine factors affecting relationship commitment in military couples in which a service member has shown signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sternberg’s triangular theory of love provided the framework for the study. Independent variables were passion, intimacy, age, and social support, and the dependent variable was commitment. Survey data were collected from 116 participants using Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The results of multiple linear regression …
Veterans' Perceptions Of Behavioral Health Services For Posttraumatic Stress, Larence Kirby
Veterans' Perceptions Of Behavioral Health Services For Posttraumatic Stress, Larence Kirby
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Behavioral health services exist for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); yet, untreated diagnoses may lead to the risk of compromised behavioral health. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of OEF/OIF veterans regarding their decision to seek and retain behavioral health services for addressing PTSD. The research focus and questions were employed through the theoretical concepts of Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological theory, Heider’s attribution theory, and Beck’s cognitive behavioral theory. In-person interviews were conducted to collect data from 8 OEF/OIF veterans who had encounters with behavioral …
Compassion Fatigue And Police Use Of Force, Amanda K. Devan
Compassion Fatigue And Police Use Of Force, Amanda K. Devan
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Compassion fatigue is a natural response to caring, where burnout and exhaustion result from helping professions which includes police officers. Exposure to trauma and stress increases the risk of developing compassion fatigue in helper professions and may have negative implications on overall mental health and physical well-being. However, not much is known about the behavioral effects of compassion fatigue among police officers during use-of-force incidents. The purpose of this study was to examine whether compassion fatigue in police officers is predictive of use-of- force incidents. The theoretical foundation was Figley’s theory of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Survey data were …
Lived Experience Of Veterans With Service-Linked Ptsd Utilizing Non-Clinical Employment Programs, Reina Diana Cubbage
Lived Experience Of Veterans With Service-Linked Ptsd Utilizing Non-Clinical Employment Programs, Reina Diana Cubbage
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Currently, employment programs for veterans focus heavily on the clinical nature of veterans with service-linked PTSD, with little to no focus on the lived experience of non-clinical employment programs. The purpose of this qualitative study explored the lived experience of male veterans with service-linked PTSD utilizing non-clinical employment programs designed to assist them in finding and maintaining employment while transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce. This study utilized an explanatory case study design with a sample of 8 male combat veterans with service-linked PTSD who have utilized non-clinical employment programs. Data for this study were collected through interviews …
Exploring How Emdr Social Workers In Eastern Canada Experience Vicarious Trauma, Ashley Amara Spinney
Exploring How Emdr Social Workers In Eastern Canada Experience Vicarious Trauma, Ashley Amara Spinney
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Social workers are increasingly using eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients recover from trauma. Little is known about how social workers who work with traumatic client material while using EMDR as their main psychotherapeutic modality experience vicarious trauma. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experience of vicarious trauma among social workers in Eastern Canada who used EMDR in their practice with clients. Constructivist self-development theory was the framework that informed this study. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 7 EMDR social work participants who were selected using purposive sampling. Participants were required …
Assessing Perceptions Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among A Cohort Of Noncontracted Rotc Cadets, Stephen P. Gontz
Assessing Perceptions Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among A Cohort Of Noncontracted Rotc Cadets, Stephen P. Gontz
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Stigmatization has shown to negatively impact service members with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Published research has shown stigma to significantly affect service members through increased suicide, homicide, unemployment, homelessness, and criminal justice system interaction rates. Additionally, stigma also affects overall readiness and cohesion of the military organization. However, little research has focused on the perceptions of Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets about service members with a combat-related stress disorder in which they will eventually be charged with leading. The purpose of this quantitative study was to measure a cohort of ROTC cadets and determine their perceptions about service members …
Psychological Effects Of Training In Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma, Alexandro Garcia Vargas
Psychological Effects Of Training In Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma, Alexandro Garcia Vargas
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Individuals who experience a traumatic event may have an adverse emotional reaction that negatively impacts their quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the influence of training in the martial arts as an intervention in the treatment of interpersonal trauma. The biopsychosocial model provided the framework for the study. The research questions addressed the effects of training in the martial arts and the biological, psychological, and social functioning of individuals who had sustained a form of interpersonal trauma. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 9 participants. Data were analyzed using Moustakas's modified van …
Social Workers' Perceptions Of The Effects On United States Soldiers Of Multiple Deployments, Cynthia Louise Wilson
Social Workers' Perceptions Of The Effects On United States Soldiers Of Multiple Deployments, Cynthia Louise Wilson
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Military personnel who have served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn have experienced longer and more frequent deployments than U.S. personnel involved in any previous conflict. These multiple tours in combat zones have resulted in complex psychosocial needs for military personnel. The goal of this action research study was to understand social workers' perceptions and experiences of military personnel who experienced 3 or more deployments in a combat zone. The theoretical foundation for the study was narrative theory. Research questions sought to understand the social workers' perceptions of the psychosocial treatment needs of these veterans, …
Relationship Between Preparedness Training And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Severity In Combat Veterans, Charles F. Snay
Relationship Between Preparedness Training And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Severity In Combat Veterans, Charles F. Snay
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In the past decade, the military has deployed approximately 1 million members into combat, and a factor that plagues the military veterans returning from combat is the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A factor to examine is preparedness training before combat because the research has shown that postcombat resilience training has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Using the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this study was to determine whether self-reported preparedness training before deployments was related to lower severity of self-reported PTSD. Based on prior research, age and gender are other variables that this study examined. …
The Impact Of Service Dogs On Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Christine R. Hansen
The Impact Of Service Dogs On Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Christine R. Hansen
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related symptoms often require the use of complementary therapeutic aids, such as service dogs, to assist them in their recovery in addition to traditional evidence-based therapy. Anecdotal literature was available on the use of service dogs, but quantitative research has not been conducted to answer the question of what the impact was of the use of service dogs on reducing symptoms of PTSD among combat and non-combat veterans. Attachment theory was one of the most common theoretical frameworks for exploring the use of service dogs for treating combat PTSD. The theoretical framework for …
Time And Transitions As Predictors Of Effective Postdeployment Resilience, Ricarlos Marcell Caldwell
Time And Transitions As Predictors Of Effective Postdeployment Resilience, Ricarlos Marcell Caldwell
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Since 9/11 over 2.77 million U.S. service members have deployed 5.4 million times to a theater of war with the majority serving in the U.S. Army. The increased stress inherent in a single combat deployment grows exponentially with each subsequent deployment, resulting in behavioral issues and suicide attempts and ideations. This study's purpose, following resilience theory, was to explore the associations of military life experiences (permanent changes of station, promotions, retirements, etc.) and deployment characteristics (number of deployments, operational specialties, combined lengths of deployments, etc.) to postdeployment resilience in U.S. military personnel. The study's design was a quantitative correlational research …