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Liberty University

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Salvation May Just Be A Click Away: A Case Study In The Impact Of New Media Communications In The Evangelical Church In The Bible Belt, Robert Montgomery Peerson May 2024

Salvation May Just Be A Click Away: A Case Study In The Impact Of New Media Communications In The Evangelical Church In The Bible Belt, Robert Montgomery Peerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This was an exploratory qualitative case study into the usage of new media in the evangelical church within the context of the Bible Belt region of the United States. The problem with the current status of new media communications within the evangelical church is that some churches seem to struggle with using these mediums successfully. The purpose of this study was to gather information on how churches are using new media communications in their environment and equip churches with greater knowledge and tools on how to leverage new media communications to grow the Kingdom. This study features three main research …


Using The Motivated Information Management Theory And The Social Support Theory To Understand Caregiver Perspectives Of Currently Available Health Communication Regarding Dementia: A Qualitative Study, Sara J. Alig May 2024

Using The Motivated Information Management Theory And The Social Support Theory To Understand Caregiver Perspectives Of Currently Available Health Communication Regarding Dementia: A Qualitative Study, Sara J. Alig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dementia brings a cascade of changes into the life of not only the person facing it, but also the lives of the supporting family and caregivers. Dementia manifests with a gradual decline, or in some cases, a variably progressive decline in cognitive abilities. This decline requires the individual to rely more and more on caregivers. Caregiving necessitates the giving of oneself for another’s sake and oftentimes results in negative physical and social-emotional side effects. To navigate through the changes that are happening to their loved ones, as well as to themselves, caregivers need educational and social support. The purpose of …


Ethics As A Stand-Alone Course For Ph.D. In Public Administration, Daniel Scott May 2024

Ethics As A Stand-Alone Course For Ph.D. In Public Administration, Daniel Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Ethics is an essential aspect of society and public administration (PA). Despite being an essential aspect of PA, ethics courses are not universally integrated into higher education programs. Few higher education institutions have adopted a comprehensive approach to ethics, and ethics courses are not required for most doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) graduates in PA. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to understand the ramifications of not having a stand-alone ethics course in PA Ph.D. programs. The research questions that guided this study are: What are the ramifications of not having a stand-alone ethics course in PA Ph.D. programs? …


Impact Of Leadership Decisions On Police Officer Well-Being: A Covid-19 Response, Jason N. Spencer May 2024

Impact Of Leadership Decisions On Police Officer Well-Being: A Covid-19 Response, Jason N. Spencer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative dissertation research project is to determine the impact that law enforcement leaders, their leadership styles, and decision-making processes have on the well-being of police officers. This study sought to understand this impact by focusing on the perspectives of frontline police officers, detectives, and first-line supervisors from various law enforcement organizations in the Central Virginia Region and within the context of leadership decisions made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the constructivist grounded theory approach to research design, 12 participants responded to an initial qualitative questionnaire, followed by a semi-structured interview to gain the rich, …


Perceptions Of Leadership From Hispanic, Latino, And Spanish Employees In The Department Of Defense, Howard D. Thevenin May 2024

Perceptions Of Leadership From Hispanic, Latino, And Spanish Employees In The Department Of Defense, Howard D. Thevenin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the satisfaction levels within the Department of Defense (DOD) of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish (HLS) employees. The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is used to identify the perspectives and attitudes of HLS employees as they pertain to organizational and leadership satisfaction. These perspectives are conceptualized using the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which points to the relationships among these workplace actors as a principal characteristic of workplace satisfaction and intentions to leave an organization. The sample size acquired from the 2020 FEVS, administered from September 16th, 2020, …


Wellness In Licensed Professional Counselors: Counselor Perception Of Documentation Expectations On Professional Satisfaction, Aleta Seay Gibbs May 2024

Wellness In Licensed Professional Counselors: Counselor Perception Of Documentation Expectations On Professional Satisfaction, Aleta Seay Gibbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Counselors are important parts of a community, helping people heal and learn to cope with life. Communities are seeing staffing shortages, counselors leaving the field, and increasing mental health needs of residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, regulations concerning documentation requirements and service provision rapidly changed, often several times. Counselors were permitted different ways of doing things in light of the constraints imposed by the virus. This included a reduction of how much documentation is required and might have included reductions in paperwork, policy changes, and service provision exceptions for licensed professional counselors (LPCs), like switching to telehealth for health and …


The Shared Experiences Of Self-Care Practices Among Postgraduate Residents-In-Counseling, Pursuing Virginia Licensure: A Phenomenological Study, Audrey A. King May 2024

The Shared Experiences Of Self-Care Practices Among Postgraduate Residents-In-Counseling, Pursuing Virginia Licensure: A Phenomenological Study, Audrey A. King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the shared experiences of residents-in-counseling in the state of Virginia seeking postgraduate hours who are currently in supervision, and how it affects their self-care. The central phenomenon for the study surrounded the encouragement, emphasis of, and practice of self-care by supervisors at the participant’s supervision site. The theory grounding the study is cognitive-behavioral supervision with an emphasis on the evaluation of a supervisor on the behavioral interactions of a resident-in-training obtaining direct client contact hours to meet state licensing requirements to practice as a mental health counselor. Four participants were …


Evangelism Development In A Multigenerational Rural Church, John E. Baldwin May 2024

Evangelism Development In A Multigenerational Rural Church, John E. Baldwin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Berea Baptist Church in Rockville, VA lacks a multigenerational means of evangelism.


Perceptions Of Paid Pastoral Staff Of Volunteer Engagement In The Assemblies Of God, Glorielba Orta Meléndez May 2024

Perceptions Of Paid Pastoral Staff Of Volunteer Engagement In The Assemblies Of God, Glorielba Orta Meléndez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Volunteers play a critical role in churches, and successful collaboration between paid pastoral staff and volunteers is essential for achieving the church’s mission. However, conflicts can arise when defining the roles and responsibilities of volunteers and paid pastoral staff. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceptions of paid pastoral staff regarding volunteer engagement in the Assembly of God’s (AG’s) church mission. The research drew from Harold Kelley and John Thibaut’s interdependence theory, which shed light on human interactions and their influences. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with 10 AG pastors in paid staff positions, the findings described the volunteer manager role that …


Avoiding The Cliff: A Case Study Exploring A Community-Based Program Working With Young Adults With Disabilities, Jon Christopher Mckinnon May 2024

Avoiding The Cliff: A Case Study Exploring A Community-Based Program Working With Young Adults With Disabilities, Jon Christopher Mckinnon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When young adults with disabilities (YAWD) age out of the system, they face what has colloquially been termed “the cliff,” which symbolizes the sudden drop in services that occur as they transition out of high school; needs previously met at school are left unaddressed. Multiple options have been suggested to meet these needs, including employment, vocational rehab, sheltered workshops, supported employment, postsecondary education, and volunteering. Despite this, options for YAWD remain limited, especially when they have intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to understand how Top Crops, a community-based program in Bowling Green, KY, helps meet …


Exploring The Relationship Between Perception Of Mindfulness In Email Communication And Employee Stress, Jacqueline Christine Snook May 2024

Exploring The Relationship Between Perception Of Mindfulness In Email Communication And Employee Stress, Jacqueline Christine Snook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between the perception of leadership mindfulness with email communication and employee stress. Foundational to this research was the theoretical basis of the Job Demands Resource model, the Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness, and the Bible. The framework provided a necessary structure for investigating the application of mindfulness to organizational behavior in terms of email communication practices. The study was conducted using a sample of 69 participants. The participants responded to a 33-item Likert inventory through Survey Monkey. Reliability was assessed to determine the consistency and trustworthiness of each item for …


A Qualitative Exploration Of Practitioner Perspectives On Resilience In Children Who Have Experienced Csa And The Role Of Spiritual And Religious Coping, Lauren S. Hamrick May 2024

A Qualitative Exploration Of Practitioner Perspectives On Resilience In Children Who Have Experienced Csa And The Role Of Spiritual And Religious Coping, Lauren S. Hamrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traumatic events, such as child sexual abuse (CSA) can negatively impact a child’s development across multiple biopsychosocial domains. Yet, many who experience CSA emerge resilient. Resilience involves multiple internal and external strengths that enhance a person’s ability to move beyond adversity and thrive. Research has pointed to the protective influence of spiritual and religious coping (R/S coping) among trauma survivors; however, there remains an absence of knowledge regarding the use of R/S coping in children. Therefore, I sought to fill the gap in the literature and capture the experiences of mental health practitioners who treat children who have experienced CSA, …


Applying Stewardship Leadership That Impacts Employee Work Attitudes To Reduce Voluntary Turnover, H. Dea Dietrick Wood May 2024

Applying Stewardship Leadership That Impacts Employee Work Attitudes To Reduce Voluntary Turnover, H. Dea Dietrick Wood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

At a time when leadership corruption threatens a hazard to sustainable organization development, a new brand of leadership governance is in demand. Therefore, the importance of this quantitative study was to examine a unique, newly proposed theory—stewardship leadership (SSL). SSL theory, based on a biblical worldview, was hypothesized to influence subordinates perceived organizational support (POS), subordinate affective commitment (AC), and subordinate organizational identification (OI) that, in turn, reinforces job embeddedness (JE) and reduces voluntary turnover intentions (TI) in comparison to servant (SL), transformational (TL), and leader-member exchange (LMX) leadership styles on work attitudes. SSL also appeared to be a composite …


The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae May 2024

The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effects of online learning on mental health. The focus included six aspects: academic performance, physical activity, social isolation, food insecurity and other stressors, pros and cons, and religion and mental health. Each aspect included advantages and disadvantages that adolescent students experienced. The study included 6th - 12th graders attending a Charter school. The eligibility requirement was that participants participated in online learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Academic performance data was obtained from the school office for students who attended the school during online learning and requested from parents if they attended other schools. Both positive …


Women In The Leadership Of Church Worship Upholding And Manifesting Biblical Principles Of Their God-Given Design, Joyce Ann Walter May 2024

Women In The Leadership Of Church Worship Upholding And Manifesting Biblical Principles Of Their God-Given Design, Joyce Ann Walter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the existing literature and changes in church governments that promote women in leadership roles of church worship, there remains a gap that specifies the biblical feminine qualities of women in worship leadership. These specifics should clarify the manifested characteristics of those women in leadership who exhibit the biblical distinctness of their gender from that of the male gender. Historical study shows in past generations that many denominations have banned women from such leading roles because of the interpretation of Scripture pertaining to the man being the head over the woman. This stance has been changing in the 21st century …


Childhood Trauma And The Impact On Education, Lakisha Yvetta Davis May 2024

Childhood Trauma And The Impact On Education, Lakisha Yvetta Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to evaluate the complex relationship between childhood trauma and mental health disorders of bipolar, anxiety, and depression and their impact on education. Childhood trauma and mental health disorders have been on the rise, creating the need to understand their impact on educational outcomes. Thus, the study's purpose is to comprehend the present gaps in comprehending how these elements, childhood trauma, and mental health disorders affect educational outcomes such as grades and attendance rates. Data from 1000 students between the ages of 12 to 18 years from New York City was utilized. The method of analysis used for …


An Investigation Of The Effect Of A Combined Physical Exercise And Counseling As A Therapeutic Approach To Reducing Anxiety Symptoms, Andrea C. Beltran May 2024

An Investigation Of The Effect Of A Combined Physical Exercise And Counseling As A Therapeutic Approach To Reducing Anxiety Symptoms, Andrea C. Beltran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health issues are on the rise as the increase in emotional, psychological, and social well-being affects how people think, act, or feel toward themselves and others. The topic of physical exercise and mental health services has been researched to show a strong relationship between physical activity and positive mental health outcomes. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the United States (Goodwin et al., 2020). This study aims to investigate and quantify the impact and explore the relationships of the combined intervention approach of physical activity and counseling in reducing symptoms of anxiety. This research will utilize …


A Phenomenological Study Exploring Secondary School Counselors’ Perceptions Of Implementing Social And Emotional Learning (Sel) Within Their School Setting, Rhonda Lindsey May 2024

A Phenomenological Study Exploring Secondary School Counselors’ Perceptions Of Implementing Social And Emotional Learning (Sel) Within Their School Setting, Rhonda Lindsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social and emotional learning (SEL) has become a standard practice in public education due to the many social and mental health challenges faced by young people. Teachers have been directed to incorporate SEL lessons daily, which sometimes can be a challenge to facilitate when having to teach core instruction. However, secondary school counselors are trained to facilitate SEL as part of their comprehensive school counseling programs and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national model. Unfortunately, they experience challenges with facilitation. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was to analyze the lived experiences of secondary school counselors’ implementation …


A Phenomenological Study Of Adult Patients With Auto-Immune Disease And Their Exposure To Adverse Childhood Experiences, Milton Louis Gonzalez May 2024

A Phenomenological Study Of Adult Patients With Auto-Immune Disease And Their Exposure To Adverse Childhood Experiences, Milton Louis Gonzalez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described the shared experiences of individuals impacted by an autoimmune disease and their exposure to adverse childhood experiences. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, utilizing Kaiser Permanente’s Adverse Childhood Experience study as a guide to create awareness amongst physicians and mental health professionals, leading them to a more holistic approach when treating patients affected by an autoimmune disease. This was a qualitative study using Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology (TPh). The data collection methods used in the study included questionnaires, individual interviews, and document analysis. These forms of data were analyzed through …


Beyond The Pulpit: A Quantitative Analysis Of Midwest Church Leaders' Confidence And Competence In Addressing Sexual Trauma, Eryka Mcmillan May 2024

Beyond The Pulpit: A Quantitative Analysis Of Midwest Church Leaders' Confidence And Competence In Addressing Sexual Trauma, Eryka Mcmillan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study investigates the interconnectedness of confidence and competence within the context of Midwest church leaders in addressing survivors of sexual trauma. Sexual Trauma encompasses crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse, and it presents complex challenges within faith communities. This research employs an ordinal logistic regression, combining a survey instrument to assess leaders' confidence, known as the Readiness to Work with Trauma-Exposed Patients (RTEPS), and a comprehensive tool to measure competence, referred to as the Trauma-Informed Care Questionnaire (TICQ). Additionally, demographic factors, including race, age, gender, denomination, previous trauma training, and years of ministry experience, are analyzed …


An Exploration Into The Effectiveness Of Yoga In Reducing Anxiety In Female Military Personnel, Aubrey C. Berry May 2024

An Exploration Into The Effectiveness Of Yoga In Reducing Anxiety In Female Military Personnel, Aubrey C. Berry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research indicates that female service members remain more anxious than their male counterparts, as these women report facing additional familial and occupational stressors. However, despite this evident incongruence, women in the military also remain less likely to seek mental health treatment for chronic anxiety. Current research indicates that yoga could serve as an efficacious alternative treatment to reduce anxiety, as study conclusions hint at elevated benefit and minimal risk when compared to counseling session attendance. A review of existing research presents several positive features and positive effects of yoga that lead to decreases in anxious mood. However, there is a …


An Exploration Of Divorced Professional Black Women (Pbw) Perspectives Of Mutual Submission In Marriage, Montreal D. Ravenel May 2024

An Exploration Of Divorced Professional Black Women (Pbw) Perspectives Of Mutual Submission In Marriage, Montreal D. Ravenel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the viewpoints of divorced Professional Black Women (PBW) on reciprocal submission in marriage. The theories that guided this study were social exchange theory, womanist theory, and equity theory. The central research question for this study was, what is the lived experience of mutual submission in the marriage of divorced professional women? In certain instances, traditional submission behaviors have been perceived as reticence, servitude, inferiority, debasement, and a show of weakness. In addition, biblical submission is recognized as subjective to the reader or practitioner. Because submission has a long history and …


Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell May 2024

Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic created historical trauma that will be felt for years to come. As the world begins sifting through the impacts, adolescents with previous trauma could be among the greatest sufferers. Rooted in trauma theory, this study aimed to examine the effects on high school students with previous trauma in a rural county in the southeastern United States. Variables such as previous mental health or counseling services, gender, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, and number of generations living in the home were all examined for those students having four or more ACEs. Through a quantitative design and with passive …


An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Exploring African American Women’S Perceptions Of Access To Healthcare In The Midwest, Ramona D. Benson May 2024

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Exploring African American Women’S Perceptions Of Access To Healthcare In The Midwest, Ramona D. Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore access to healthcare through the lens and lived experiences of African American Women (AAW) in Midwestern towns throughout the United States. African American women and other people of low socio-economic backgrounds continue to live with poorer health outcomes than many of their counterparts African American Women experience barriers to healthcare from a unique perspective than their White counterparts. Although medical professionals endeavor to attain equal treatment among each of their patients, significant healthcare disparities are prevalent among AAW Commonly recognized ethnic stereotypes are not always intentionally supported, however, their mere …


A Phenomenological Study Of Clergy Hindrances To Seeking Help And Implementing Self-Care, Kerri S. Wilson May 2024

A Phenomenological Study Of Clergy Hindrances To Seeking Help And Implementing Self-Care, Kerri S. Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to identify and understand clergy members’ described hindrances to seeking help and implementing self-care for overcoming burnout. The theory guiding this study was transcendentalism from Husserl’s ontological approach to phenomenology. The United Pentecostal Church, International (UPCI) organization was chosen as the site for this study because the participants were clergy members licensed by the UPCI religious organization who had experienced burnout and hindrances to seeking help and implementing self-care. Participants included twelve UPCI clergy members. Data collection involved one-on-one initial interviews with each clergy member and follow-up interviews for clarification where needed. Data analysis …


Bridging Faith And Restoration: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Evangelical Pastors’ Experiences Ministering To Congregants With Trauma In The Greater Toronto Area, Lindsay Knox Mcvety May 2024

Bridging Faith And Restoration: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Evangelical Pastors’ Experiences Ministering To Congregants With Trauma In The Greater Toronto Area, Lindsay Knox Mcvety

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how evangelical pastors in the Greater Toronto Area describe their experiences with discussing trauma with congregants and their experiences with trauma-informed care in the church. The theory guiding this research is Transformative Learning Theory (TLT). As discussed by Mezirow (1991), TLT explains transformation occurs by increasing knowledge by learning about topics where outdated or misinformed concepts previously existed. The main research question is, how do evangelical pastors in the Greater Toronto Area describe their experiences ministering to congregants who have experienced trauma? Further sub-questions ask, how do evangelical pastors in …


A Phenomenological Study Of Psychological Experience In The Mental Health Crisis Of Korean American Christian Older Adolescents, Munmi Son May 2024

A Phenomenological Study Of Psychological Experience In The Mental Health Crisis Of Korean American Christian Older Adolescents, Munmi Son

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experience of psychological distress witnessed in the mental health crisis of Korean American Christian adolescents. Korean adolescents are at increased risk of attempting suicide. Therefore, it is important to understand the phenomenon and psychological experience of mental health problems among Korean Christian adolescents. This study explores Korean-American cultural characteristics and the psychology of access to mental health services by these adolescents with mental health concerns. The design of this study is an interpretative qualitative study and includes open semi-structured interviews and observations for data collection. This study identifies the distinctiveness …


The Impact Of Infertility On Relationship Satisfaction, Mental Health, And Expectations During The Transition To Parenthood, Jill Giresi Apr 2024

The Impact Of Infertility On Relationship Satisfaction, Mental Health, And Expectations During The Transition To Parenthood, Jill Giresi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between the method of conception (assisted reproductive technology [ART] vs. spontaneous conception) and the associations between parenting expectations, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. First-time parents (N=100) completed an online questionnaire within the first six months postpartum. Results indicated a significant difference in reported postpartum relationship satisfaction between couples who conceived via ART and those who conceived spontaneously, with ART couples reporting higher relationship satisfaction. This result was in the opposite direction than what was hypothesized. All other results were as expected. Postpartum relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with both unrealistic parenting expectations and psychological distress. …


Measuring Coporate Social Responsiblity Leading To Organizational Commitment And Belongingness, Clifford J. Strawder Apr 2024

Measuring Coporate Social Responsiblity Leading To Organizational Commitment And Belongingness, Clifford J. Strawder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following the completion of the study, it was found that there exists a significant relationship between perceived Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) congruence and employee outcomes, particularly organizational commitment, as elucidated through the lens of social identity theory. The investigation aimed to elucidate how employees' personal values and assessments of CSR dimensions could positively shape their attitudes and commitment to their organizations. The study, conducted with participants from various organizations recruited via the Amazon Mechanical Turk (M-Turk) platform, delved into three key CSR dimensions: Discretionary, Ethical, and Economic Responsibility. Results indicated that organizations can bolster organizational commitment by fostering a sense …


A Mediation Analysis For Agency And Turnover Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Inquiry For Army Talent Management, Joshua P. Cowin Apr 2024

A Mediation Analysis For Agency And Turnover Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Inquiry For Army Talent Management, Joshua P. Cowin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study contributed to theoretical and practical implications for retention. Targeting a population of mid-career soldiers in the United States Army, the predictor variable of interest was agency and its relationship with turnover intentions. The Army was a good candidate organization for this study because contemporary recruitment pressures and higher-than-average attrition rates place increasing importance on the effectiveness of organizational retention efforts. Accordingly, this study aligned research questions with a mediation model wherein agency influenced the relationships affective commitment, needs-supply fit, and career satisfaction held with turnover intentions. The hypotheses for this study were: (a) that agency significantly influenced turnover …