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Liberty University

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pastoral Care For Intimate Partner Violence: An Examination Of Attitudes And Behaviors, Francine P. Young Sep 2024

Pastoral Care For Intimate Partner Violence: An Examination Of Attitudes And Behaviors, Francine P. Young

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV) is willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and other abusive behaviors. They are utilized as a part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of social status, how they identify themselves, or how others identify them. Religious affiliation is no exception to these abusive exploits; however, your spiritual practices may aid in the recovery and escaping IPV. This dissertation addressed the ministerial process of counseling congregants victimized by intimate partner violence. At the same time, examining the attitudes …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences And Psychological Well-Being Among African-American Christian Evangelicals: The Role And Impact Of Prayer, Mikenley Lundy Sep 2024

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences And Psychological Well-Being Among African-American Christian Evangelicals: The Role And Impact Of Prayer, Mikenley Lundy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences and psychological well-being of African-American Christian evangelicals, with a particular focus on how prayer influenced their psychological well-being. Building on the African-American community's longstanding tradition of religious participation and interaction, the study predominantly took place within urban African-American Christian evangelical communities in northwest Roanoke, Virginia. Cognitive theory, religious coping theory, and social support theory provided the theoretical framework for understanding the role and impact of prayer among African-American Christian evangelicals. Data collection involved surveys and interviews with 10 participants. Inductive coding techniques were used to identify themes, patterns, and categories within the …


The Effects Of Race-Related Stress, Racial Socialization And Burnout In African American Teachers Who Attended Hbcus Vs. Pwis, Catava M. Burton Sep 2024

The Effects Of Race-Related Stress, Racial Socialization And Burnout In African American Teachers Who Attended Hbcus Vs. Pwis, Catava M. Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research has indicated racial socialization (RS) safeguards against race-related stress (RRS). Despite previous investigations, there has been a dearth of scholarship exclusively examining how RRS, RS, and burnout effect African American teachers with divergent collegiate experiences. To illuminate this research gap, this quantitative study used an online survey to examine the predictive role of RRS and RS on burnout in African American teachers (N = 20) who attended HBCUs or PWIs. This study also measured the potential moderating role of collegiate experience on RRS and RS. The respondents were administered the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS), Cultural and …


Exploring School Counselors’ Perceptions Of How Poverty Impacts Elementary School Students’ Capacity For Academic And Emotional Success: A Phenomenological Study, Latesha Dixon Sep 2024

Exploring School Counselors’ Perceptions Of How Poverty Impacts Elementary School Students’ Capacity For Academic And Emotional Success: A Phenomenological Study, Latesha Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate school counselors’ viewpoints regarding poverty’s influence on elementary school students’ executive functioning, self-regulation abilities, and academic performance. The impact of poverty on children’s academic achievement is widely acknowledged, and school counselors’ assistance to students from low-income families is considered paramount. The study provided a unique viewpoint regarding alleviating poverty by highlighting the crucial significance of education and skills. The guiding theory in the research study was the social cognitive theory that offers a conceptual structure for comprehending how school counselors’ observations and experiences within the educational setting influence their perspectives regarding …


Social Work Interventions And Emergency Room Utilization, Paige Elaine Bartholomew Sep 2024

Social Work Interventions And Emergency Room Utilization, Paige Elaine Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Emergency Room (ER) resources are a valuable commodity that are often misused as a point of care into the health system. Families who have no medical home and psychosocial needs frequent the ER on a regular basis to access care and necessary resources. Primary care and psychosocial ER utilization is costly and inefficient. Reducing avoidable visits is an important health system goal that must be balanced with the desire to deliver quality care to every family in a fiscally responsible manner that promotes long term health and wellness. In pediatrics, the first step will be to better understand the frequent …


The Affect Of Diversity And Ethical Principles In Primary And Secondary Educational Leadership: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Study, Charles P. Holloway Jr. Sep 2024

The Affect Of Diversity And Ethical Principles In Primary And Secondary Educational Leadership: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Study, Charles P. Holloway Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of diversity and ethical principles in educational leadership for teachers, administrators, and classified licensed professionals within minority school districts. Downton’s (2016) theory on transformational leadership guided this study's theoretical framework for the research and ensuing findings. This research was created to answer the following central question: What are the perceived effects of diversity and ethical principles on teachers, administrators, and classified licensed professionals within minority school districts? Three sub-questions were used to understand the experiences of diversity and ethical principles in educational leadership within minority school districts. The …


Teachers' Financial Literacy Knowledge And Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Alyssa Lynne Eisenhart Sep 2024

Teachers' Financial Literacy Knowledge And Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Alyssa Lynne Eisenhart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs related to financial literacy knowledge for educators in the United States. The theory guiding the study was self-efficacy as it explained how one’s belief in abilities is shaped by their unique background, experiences, and knowledge. The central research question was what are the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs of educators who teach financial literacy? The study aimed to understand the perspectives of teachers as it related to financial knowledge and self-efficacy. A purposive sample, with ten to fifteen participants, were selected based on the criteria that …


Journey To Becoming A Superintendent In New York: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeremy R. Koch Sep 2024

Journey To Becoming A Superintendent In New York: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeremy R. Koch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences an individual encounters on their journey to becoming a superintendent at a school district in New York. The theory used in this study was the push-pull model (PPM) by E. G. Ravenstein and the push-pull mooring model by E. S. Lee and later B. Moon, to study the lived experiences of those who have become school district superintendents. The PPM was used to determine what themes are present in an individual’s journey to the superintendency that pulls them to the position, pushes them away, or causes them …


General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Low-Intensity Behavior Management Strategies: A Phenomenological Study, Jessica D'Orazio Sep 2024

General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Low-Intensity Behavior Management Strategies: A Phenomenological Study, Jessica D'Orazio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore general education teachers’ successes and challenges implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies while teaching in a public school setting. Guiding this study was Bernard Weiner’s attribution theory, as the theory relates to teachers’ perceptions and use of behavior management strategies. The central research question was, “How do general education teachers describe their experiences implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies?” Fifteen teachers participated in the study, and all teacher participants previously received training in low-intensity behavior management strategies from the district Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Data collection involved three approaches: open-ended surveys, individual interviews, …


An Explanatory Study Of Toxic Leadership And Servant Leadership Related To Organizational Culture And Behavioral Trust, Daniel Timothy Thames Sep 2024

An Explanatory Study Of Toxic Leadership And Servant Leadership Related To Organizational Culture And Behavioral Trust, Daniel Timothy Thames

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto correlational study was to determine if a relationship exists between followers’ perceptions of toxic leadership and servant leadership as they relate to organizational culture and behavioral trust as measured by the Toxic Leadership Scale (TLS), the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (SL-7), the Organizational Culture Scale (OCS), and the Behavioral Trust Inventory (BTI). Toxic leadership was evaluated through the framework of Padilla et al.’s (2007) toxic triangle and Thoroughgood et al.’s (2012) susceptible circle of followers of toxic leaders. Exploring the theoretical context of toxic leadership, this project studied the effects of toxic leadership …


Pastoral Counseling In African American Churches, Allen Tyrone Smith Jr. Sep 2024

Pastoral Counseling In African American Churches, Allen Tyrone Smith Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African Americans, as a people group, are generally reluctant to pursue clinical support related to emotional or mental health issues. Black people underutilize professional services that address emotional and mental health-related problems (Hankerson & Weissman, 2012). According to Neighbors et al. (1998), regardless of problem type or severity, individuals less likely to secure assistance from professionals are those who contact pastors first. Avent et al. (2015) noted that African American Christians who seek religious support tied to a variety of circumstances choose to access their pastor in order to be supported in opposition to a professional counselor. A perception exists …


Crisis Of Youth Homelessness In Birmingham, Alabama, Velma Annette Williams Sep 2024

Crisis Of Youth Homelessness In Birmingham, Alabama, Velma Annette Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The economic and educational conditions of Jefferson County, Alabama, have contributed significantly to the increase of homeless families with children (LaGory et al., 2018). The failures of the foster care system have exponentially increased the population of homeless youth ages 19 to 26 (Burge et al., 2021). The lack of efficient public transportation emergency and affordable long-term housing has created a permanent population of homelessness (Kelly, 2020). Within the homeless culture, the increased incidents of violence, substance abuse, and sexual and physical abuse combined with functional illiteracy create an environment that breeds repetitive behaviors that reproduce the homeless outcomes (Burge …


Success Treating Substance Use Disorder: A Case Study Of Minnesota Adult And Teen Challenge, John Joseph Lenss Sep 2024

Success Treating Substance Use Disorder: A Case Study Of Minnesota Adult And Teen Challenge, John Joseph Lenss

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge (MNTC) is an addiction treatment center. The reason for this qualitative case study was to discover why clients of substance use disorder treatment programs believe that they can graduate from their program when 50% of those who start the same long-term program drop out. This case study focused on graduates from MNTC in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This study discovered the graduates' common attributes that may improve MNTC treatment center programs, which could decrease the number of people who walk away from addiction recovery programs prematurely and increase the number of those who graduate. According to MNTC …


Biblical Counseling Curriculum: Building A Counseling Curriculum To Train Ministry Students To Counsel Advanced Topics, Nicholas A. Piervicenti Sep 2024

Biblical Counseling Curriculum: Building A Counseling Curriculum To Train Ministry Students To Counsel Advanced Topics, Nicholas A. Piervicenti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project was dedicated to the creation of a higher education curriculum that would support the needs of ministry students who study at West Coast Baptist College. Counseling is at the heart of what Christ committed himself to during His earthly ministry. (Mark 2:16–17, King James Version). The skills to counsel advanced topics in the local church arena should be an essential element of instruction that takes place in colleges that train ministry leaders. In order to effectively transfer these truths to students, a qualitative research project was implemented which utilized thirty-six interviews of alumni in order to assess areas …


Aiding A Reformed Church Into A Multiethnic And Economically Diverse Congregation, Leroy E. Childress Jr. Sep 2024

Aiding A Reformed Church Into A Multiethnic And Economically Diverse Congregation, Leroy E. Childress Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Ethnic and economic diversity can be experienced in the local church. There is a biblical undertone in the Scriptures that shows Jesus, the apostles, and Old Testament themes that point to Revelation 7 for the reality of it. This reality can be lived on earth while Christians practice for heaven. While 95 percent of the churches around America remain homogeneous, with intentionality, adequate training, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, historically Reformed churches can also experience ethnic and economic diversity within their congregations. Although many churches do not feel the capabilities to become multiethnic and economically diverse, by …


Measuring Technical Super-Efficiency Of Christian Faith-Based International Humanitarian Organizations, Barbara G. Price Sep 2024

Measuring Technical Super-Efficiency Of Christian Faith-Based International Humanitarian Organizations, Barbara G. Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 left a wake of destruction upon its descension, pervasion, and diffusion across the continents. Not only did this happen at individual, household, and corporate levels, but also the nonprofit world. Christian ministries, faith-based organizations, and faith-based charities are among some of the largest international relief and development agencies that are on the front lines of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts (MinistryWatch & Smith, 2023). Understanding the effects of COVID-19 or phenomena with similar magnitudes on faith-based organizations is critical to understanding the impact at the level of their international humanitarian development and relief programs. There is a need for …


Leading The Families Of First Baptist Church Of Long Beach, Ca, To Support The Foster Care And Adoption Community, David B. Delaney Sep 2024

Leading The Families Of First Baptist Church Of Long Beach, Ca, To Support The Foster Care And Adoption Community, David B. Delaney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The PLACED project is a faith-driven initiative to equip First Baptist Church to support the foster care community through practical care, education, and community engagement.


The Interaction Between Frequency Of Cannabis Use And Method Of Delivery In Predicting Lack Of Interest In Eating, Joanne Lynn Pomeroy Sep 2024

The Interaction Between Frequency Of Cannabis Use And Method Of Delivery In Predicting Lack Of Interest In Eating, Joanne Lynn Pomeroy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cannabis use, its benefits, and adverse effects are being increasingly studied due to the abundance of existing dispensaries created under recreational and legalization policies. While research is inconclusive, an established association exists between increased cannabis concentration and anorexigenic properties. This study examines the interaction between the frequency of cannabis use and the method of delivery in predicting the lack of interest subtype of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in emerging adults. Cannabis use was measured by the Cannabis Engagement Assessment (CES). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety, and the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Questionnaire …


Relationship Among Parenting Styles And Latino Adolescent Self-Esteem And Aggression, Jocelyn Evans-Shaw Sep 2024

Relationship Among Parenting Styles And Latino Adolescent Self-Esteem And Aggression, Jocelyn Evans-Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is considerable evidence that parenting influences the development and growth of children. Research on the psychological effects of parenting styles on children has traditionally neglected some cultures, such as the Latino community. The proposed study explored Latino parenting (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) styles and how they affect children's wellbeing. This quantitative study used correlational analysis to examine the relationships among aggression, self-esteem, and parenting styles among Hispanic adolescents. The study sample consisted of 77 participants. Snowball sampling (technique used in which research participants are asked to identify other potential participants) and social media platforms were used to acquire a …


An Exploration Of Turnover Intentions Of Substance Abuse Treatment Rns During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Ciara Patrice Jones Sep 2024

An Exploration Of Turnover Intentions Of Substance Abuse Treatment Rns During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Ciara Patrice Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nurses working in many different settings. As they were frequently the last personnel left at the frontline during COVID-19, nurses’ experiences provide distinctive narratives in the alcohol and other drug treatment workforce. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses working in a substance abuse treatment setting have experienced significantly increased stressors, including fear and anxiety, the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a lack of workforce sustainability. Therefore, this generic qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of nurses working in a substance abuse treatment program on the barriers in their workforce that influence their turnover …


The Relationship Between Servant Leadership, Supportive Work Environment, And Tech Employees' Mental Well-Being, Parsa Peykar Sep 2024

The Relationship Between Servant Leadership, Supportive Work Environment, And Tech Employees' Mental Well-Being, Parsa Peykar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research explored the relationship between servant leadership, supportive work environment, and mental well-being of tech employees. Understanding this relationship is crucial as the technology (“tech”) industry faces high stress levels and burnout rates, potentially affecting employee’s performance and retention. This quantitative, cross-sectional study surveyed 90 tech employees to examine the relationship between servant leadership, supportive work environment, and employees’ mental well-being. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (Liden et.al, 2008), Work Environment Scale (Tsai et al.,2015), and Mental Health Continuum Short Form (Keyes, 2002). A series of regression analyses were conducted to understand the relationship between …


Job Satisfaction Among Generation Z And Millennials In The Mental Health Field, Terence Fleeton Sep 2024

Job Satisfaction Among Generation Z And Millennials In The Mental Health Field, Terence Fleeton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Millennials and Generation Z perceive job satisfaction in different ways. The mental health profession requires a lot of time and sacrifice to meet the needs of clients, and the organization served. The diverse beliefs, ambitions, and work-related attitudes of these younger generations are critical in shaping the dynamics of the mental health profession for employers seeking to hire younger talent as the workforce increased. The problem in this study is that some employers don't understand how supervisory support affects job satisfaction in millennial and Generation Z mental health employees. Managers struggle to maintain an environment where work-life balance provides job …


Clash Of Convictions: Examining Divergences Among Traditional And Progressive Christians In Contemporary America, Aimee Marie Tarte Sep 2024

Clash Of Convictions: Examining Divergences Among Traditional And Progressive Christians In Contemporary America, Aimee Marie Tarte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Contemporary American Christianity is experiencing a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical interpretations. This study explored the interplay of personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance on biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Florida Christians. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study aimed to explore how personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance influence biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Christians in Florida in the context of a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical worldviews. Cognitive Dissonance and Social Identity theories provide psychological frameworks for understanding individual and group religious behaviors. Data collection involved a survey of 118 …


Purpose In Life And The Liberal Arts: An Investigation Of Antecedents, Barriers, And Purpose Among And Between Emerging Adults With And Without A Liberal Arts Degree, Caroline Elizabeth Sawyer Sep 2024

Purpose In Life And The Liberal Arts: An Investigation Of Antecedents, Barriers, And Purpose Among And Between Emerging Adults With And Without A Liberal Arts Degree, Caroline Elizabeth Sawyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The construct of life purpose and the vast array of associated positive outcomes has been widely studied in recent years. While research has contributed to the knowledge of the construct, there remains a gap in understanding how life purpose develops in emerging adulthood and what, if any, contribution a liberal arts education makes towards developing purpose. This quantitative, cross-sectional study utilized a survey instrument to explore family and social supports (PSSFa/PSSFr), religiosity (DSES), and gratitude (GQ-6) as antecedents to purpose (SOPS-2) and group differences between 308 emerging adults 20-30 years of age who did versus did not hold a degree …


Communication And Posttraumatic Growth: The Power Of Positive Declarations, Jennifer L. Owen Sep 2024

Communication And Posttraumatic Growth: The Power Of Positive Declarations, Jennifer L. Owen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has explored the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and communication trends. Yet, there is a gap in research regarding how positive declarations of desired outcomes can influence PTG and be applied in a therapeutic context. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if positive declarations of psychological growth facilitate PTG after trauma and impact levels of hope, anxiety, or depression. A small pilot study was conducted through six counseling sessions with participants (N = 16) divided into either the control (n = 8) or experimental group (n = 8). A novel Positive Communication Approach (PCA), distinguished by …


Media Ecology In Journalism: A Phenomenological Study Of The Adaptation Strategies Of Senior Journalists, Ali Cinar Sep 2024

Media Ecology In Journalism: A Phenomenological Study Of The Adaptation Strategies Of Senior Journalists, Ali Cinar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the adaptation strategies of senior journalists in the ever-evolving media landscape. The extensive technological advancements in media informed the idea behind this dissertation. The study employs a phenomenological approach in exploring the experiences of seasoned journalists and their approaches toward transitioning from conventional journalism to the modern digital landscape. Neil Postman’s media ecology theory is the theoretical framework for this dissertation. The theory postulates that the changes in media greatly influence communication, interaction, and human perception. The research commences by investigating the historical context of journalism, taking into consideration the shift to digital media from print and …


Anime: A Qualitative Study Exploring Miyazaki’S Influence On Fans And Fan Art Through The Perspective Of Visual Communication Within The Sociocultural And Cybernetic Traditions, Lynda C. Welch Sep 2024

Anime: A Qualitative Study Exploring Miyazaki’S Influence On Fans And Fan Art Through The Perspective Of Visual Communication Within The Sociocultural And Cybernetic Traditions, Lynda C. Welch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Visual communication has been an acknowledged form of human communication for millennia, dating back to prehistoric cave paintings. Aristotle noted its importance, although it lost its prominence as a recognized communicative form until the 20th century, when scholars such as Innis, McLuhan, Postman, and Foss expanded upon its importance. This identification was a crucial point in visual communication, heralding the birth of comics, film, television, animation, and Japanese anime. Lamarre, McCloud, and McLuhan were a few theorists who grasped the significance of animation and visual communication, although this recognition did not extend to fan art and the visual communication possibilities …


The Effects Of Body-Worn Cameras On Officer Training, Report Writing, Discretion, And Officer-Initiated Enforcement, David I. Rios Sep 2024

The Effects Of Body-Worn Cameras On Officer Training, Report Writing, Discretion, And Officer-Initiated Enforcement, David I. Rios

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research addressed police officers' perceptions of body-worn cameras and how the technology impacted their assigned responsibilities. The research allowed police officers to discuss their personal experiences with a device geared to provide law enforcement transparency and accountability. This qualitative study was guided by Smith's institutional theory, in which organizations strive to attain and maintain legitimacy within the communities they serve. Under the institutional theory, police-issued body-worn cameras (BWCs) have become the latest technological gadget, allowing transparency in law enforcement encounters with citizens. The methodology used was a qualitative research approach to capture data until saturation was met. Patrol officers …


Basic Digital Forensic Course, Alberto Feliberty Sep 2024

Basic Digital Forensic Course, Alberto Feliberty

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project was to solve the problem of the absence of a digital forensic training program for first responders at Operation Underground Railroad and to design a fundamental digital forensic training program to address the problem. First, this research project employed interview questions to gather comprehensive client responses, using follow-up questions for clarification and depth. The data collected was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to draw conclusions and recommendations. The project aimed to enhance accessibility to digital forensic training for those with limited resources and technical expertise. Sub-questions explored barriers, accessibility factors, and potential benefits. Thematic analysis was …


An Examination Of Employee's Perceived Level Of Their Leader's Religiosity As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between An Employee's Religiosity And Job Satisfaction, Brad Carney Aug 2024

An Examination Of Employee's Perceived Level Of Their Leader's Religiosity As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between An Employee's Religiosity And Job Satisfaction, Brad Carney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an employee’s perceived level of their leader’s religiosity moderates the relationship between an employee’s level of religiosity and job satisfaction. The participants in this research study were recruited through the utilization of a snowball sampling method, primarily leveraging Liberty University’s doctoral student email list and social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Participants in the study were required to be 18 and older and had been employed under their current leader for a minimum of one year. The total sample size was N=65. The researcher used a quantitative self-reporting survey …