Digital Commons Network^™

Self-Management And Support Needs Of Patients Experiencing Persistent Symptoms Consistent With Hypothyroidism: A Qualitative Study, Marike De Reuver-Schuurman, Esther C. Bakker, Lilian Lechner, Liset Van Dijk

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: To gain insight into the self-management and support needs of patients experiencing persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite thyroid laboratory values within the normal range.

Methods: A qualitative study using the phenomenological approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews including 19 patients diagnosed with persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite receiving adequate replacement therapy, were performed. Respondents were recruited using purposive sampling via Schildklier Organisatie Nederland (Dutch Thyroid Organization) (www.schildklier.nl). After transcription and coding, a thematic analysis was performed.

Results: All respondents reported that the persistent symptoms reduced their quality of life. The patients’ main focus was on finding the cause …

What Kinds Of Experiences And Activities Contribute To College Students' Sense Of Purpose? A Mixed-Methods Study, Katlyn Rochelle Viers

Dissertations and Theses

For many young people, attending college is a core marker of the transition to emerging adulthood. Some students thrive in college while others become lost, confused, or seem to be just marking their time. Some researchers have hypothesized that one thing that can help students take advantage of their college experience is if they are firmly anchored in their own life goals and sense of purpose. The primary goal of this study is to contribute to knowledge about the role of a sense of purpose in college students' development, including not only its potential benefits to their academic functioning and …

Development Of A Career Awareness Board Game Based On Augmented Reality For Generation Z Students, Caraka Putra Bhakti, Difa Ardiyanti, Agus Ria Kumara, Muhammad Alfarizqi Nizamuddin Ghiffari

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The purpose of this research is to develop an augmented reality-based career awareness board game for Generation Z students. The current development of the era demands that Generation Z have a good career. In reality, currently, there are still many Generation Z students in schools who do not have the skills, competencies, and awareness to have an optimal career. One important thing that Generation Z students need to have is career awareness. Having career awareness will help someone recognise their career needs based on their competencies, talents, and interests. Developing career awareness can be achieved through guidance and counselling services. …

Plastic Makes Perfect: An Analysis Of Plastic Surgery As Rehabilitation In Early To Late 20th Century Prison Populations, Jack West

The Ozark Historical Review

As early as 1910, journalists from around the United States reported on the cause-and- effect relationship between a criminal’s physical appearance, their offenses, and the plastic surgeons willing to help them. These surgeons were interested in changing the physical “causes” of criminality to sever the mental roots of crime, inferiority, and anti-social attitude. This paper examines the use of plastic surgery programs as reform in prison through the lens of popular newspaper and journal articles and argues that public perception and reaction revealed in these articles shaped the prison program’s journey from its underground beginning to its eventual demise.

Paws And Effect: Canine Companionship And Outcomes In The Chronic Health Condition Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Kimberley C. Schenke, Joanna Foster, Danielle Stephens-Lewis

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Emerging research suggests canine companions may support the management of health conditions, yet evidence within complex, long-term conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) remains limited. hEDS is a multifaceted condition often associated with social withdrawal. Thus, the current research provided a high-powered investigation into whether the nonjudgmental support of canine companions could improve health and well-being outcomes for individuals with hEDS. An online survey of 401 participants was utilized to compare differences in health and well-being among individuals with hEDS who have a canine companion to those who do not. Results revealed that participants with canine companions experienced fewer difficulties …

Effectiveness Of An Adapted Physical Activity Program On Anxiety, Depression, And Self-Esteem On A Heterogenous Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Mathilde Plard, Claire El Jor, Rebecca Shankland, Quentin Hallez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

In recent decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) interventions in improving the mental health of individuals. However, a limitation of these studies is their predominant focus on homogeneous groups, characterized by similar diseases or disorders and characteristics. Thus, effects associated with these groups may largely account for the observed benefits, rather than the physical activity itself. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an eight-week APA intervention on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in a heterogeneous group of participants with diverse health conditions and ages. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group …

“Who All Gon Be There”: The Relationship Between Racial Identity, Perceived Social Distance, And Anxiety Among People Of African Descent, Veronica R. Mixon

All ETDs from UAB

Mental health disparities among people of African descent are an important public health issue within the US. During COVID, between 2020 and 2021, anxiety symptoms among African American adults increased, which led to an overall increase in anxiety and depression rates (Vahratian et al., 2021; CDC, 2023). Despite this increase, only 39% of African Americans who experience mental health difficulties, receive treatment. The pandemic made it difficult for people to come together and there were heightened experiences of racial distress due to the events surrounding George Floyd. Prior research has shown that experiences of racism, isolation, and cultural disconnection have …

Prospective Associations Among Loneliness And Health For Servicemembers: Perceived Helplessness And Negative Coping Appraisal As Explanatory Mechanisms, Sarah N. Arpin, Cynthia D. Mohr, Todd Bodner, Leslie B. Hammer, James D. Lee

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Links between loneliness and health are robust, though evidence for associations with alcohol use is mixed. Previous research has supported perceived stress as a predictor of alcohol use and as a pathway through which loneliness impacts health over time. Yet findings are primarily limited to civilian samples, and less is known about how loneliness relates to stress and health among service members. The current study explores prospective associations among loneliness, stress, and health (i.e., sleep, alcohol misuse, and psychological distress) within a sample of mostly male service members. We examine two dimensions of perceived stress, perceived helplessness and negative coping …

The Complete Leader: Relationships Between Leader Identity, Efficacy, And Psychological Well-Being And The Influence Of Gender And Leadership Level, Michelle I. Benami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Contributing factors to a leader’s psychological well-being and their ability to be fully functional, mature, and self-actualized, are highly under-researched. This study examined the relationship of leader identity and leader efficacy on a leader’s psychological well-being. The study also explored whether a leader’s gender and leadership role level influenced their leader identity, efficacy, and psychological well-being. Participants were 165 working organizational leaders from a variety of industries, ages 19-72 years old with 1-40 years of leadership experience. Data was collected via online self-report survey using the Leader Self-Identity, Leader Efficacy Questionnaire, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being scales. Analyses revealed leader identity …

Exploring The Relationship Between Perceived E-Working Experience And Autonomy In It Professionals, Sherry Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As remote work reshapes the professional landscape, understanding how e-working conditions influence the need for autonomy, a core component of motivation and well-being, is increasingly important. This quantitative, correlational study explored the relationship between perceived e-working experience and the psychological need for autonomy among 120 U.S.-based information technology (IT) professionals. Participants completed an online survey comprised of the E-Work Life (EWL) Scale (Charalampous et al., 2023; Grant et al., 2019) and two autonomy subscales from the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Work Scale (BPNSFWS) (Olafsen et al., 2021). Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2000, 2017, 2020) …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: How They Shape Employees' Perceptions, Experiences, And Performance In The Workplace, Marcia A. Beasley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been well researched, and the lifelong consequences of medical conditions have been documented. Recently, research has linked mental health concerns to ACEs, including depression, anxiety, and health risk behaviors. ACEs occur during important stages of childhood development and can disrupt these stages, leading to children learn maladaptive coping skills. The resultant maladaptive behaviors that are developed as a response to maltreatment may also hinder social relationships in adulthood. Given this, research is lacking on the influence of ACEs on perceptions in the workplace, especially from the employee’s perspective. This qualitative phenomenological study …

Stigma And Attitudes Of Hearing Parents Regarding Sign Language On The Perceived Resilience Of Their Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Emerging Adults: A Correlational Study, David Eric Barr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research studies investigating DHH emerging adults’ resilience are scarce. Current resilience investigations suggest that success in overcoming life challenges depends on the personal resourcing of learned social skills. For the DHH emerging adult, adversity (i.e., stigma and attitudes regarding sign language) fosters hindrance against resilience, which is imperative for one’s successful adaptation to challenging life experiences. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine stigma and the attitudes of hearing parents, the target population, regarding sign language and its perceived impact on the resilience of their Deaf and hard-of-hearing emerging adults. Data were collected using an online anonymous …

The Relationships Between Grief, Depressive Symptoms, Family Resiliency, And Spiritual Struggles And The Moderating Effect Of Hope Among Bereaved Fathers Following Miscarriage, Taylor Marie Sparks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Miscarriages are primarily treated as tragedies that impact women; however, the existing literature highlights that men experience similar impacts as women following the loss of their baby to miscarriage. Despite this, men widely report feeling forgotten and alone during their time of bereavement, with a lack of understanding and support in place for men who have lost a baby to miscarriage. This current study sought to fill the gap in the existing literature by investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles, family resiliency, depression, and grief levels in bereaved fathers following their wife’s miscarriage, using the moderating influence of hope on …

Reclaiming Eve: The Importance And Benefits Of Women In Leadership, Takesha S. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite considerable progress in women's career representation, global barriers remain rooted in gender discrimination through the lens of historical, cultural, and theological traditions. Imposing invisible obstacles such as the glass ceiling and sticky floors are entrenched biases that obstruct upward career advancement. Amid these challenges, the diverse talents and unique perspectives of women often remain overshadowed by their male counterparts in perceptions of quality leadership. This study aimed to explore the connection of the sins in the Garden of Eden narrative to the origins of and ongoing disqualification of women as unfit to lead. The study aimed to reaffirm gender …

A Study Of The Relationship Between The Stress Responses From Rehearsal Preparations For Music Ensemble Performance Evaluations And Performing Arts Adolescents’ Working Memory, Gregory Thomas Minter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The organization of memory retrieval is vital to the association between stress responses and negative educational achievements. These stress responses offer an opportunity to study the harmful consequences of prolonged strain on the developing brain, which may impair emotional restraint, self-control, and cognitive development. However, little research considers the fundamental notions of how stress responses from rehearsals for music ensemble performance assessments impact adolescent working memory. This mixed-methods study explored how rehearsal-related stress in music ensemble settings may affect adolescents' working memory. Participants included high school students in grades nine through 12 who participated in performing arts band ensembles. The …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Eeg Neurofeedback For Anxiety In Adults, Leah M. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, yet many treatment options are inaccessible, ineffective for some, or lack long-term efficacy. One treatment for with substantial research support is neurofeedback, though it remains categorized as an experimental treatment and is underutilized in clinical practice. The qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of adults who received neurofeedback treatment for anxiety. The purpose was to understand participants’ perceptions of neurofeedback’s efficacy and the interactive effects of neurofeedback and psychotherapy. Data were collected from two Oregon clinics that offer Neurofeedback and from students at Liberty University. An open-ended survey …

Psychological Safety And Its Impact On Teacher And Staff Morale, Yvonne R. Crace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psychological safety is a concept that has been around since 1965. Psychological safety exists when employees feel safe to share their ideas and opinions without fear of retaliation, retribution, or belittlement. Studies on psychological safety have mainly focused on businesses and corporations and work team learning behaviors. In recent years, it has become evident that psychological safety is needed in additional types of industries, including all stages of education, from primary to graduate school. In education, teachers and staff often feel isolated and have concerns about voicing their opinions which creates relational stress and conflict, thus lowering staff morale. This …

Examining Perceived Leadership Effectiveness Among Secular And Christ-Centered Leaders, Koljonna S. Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Successful leadership has been studied extensively and several theories of effective leadership exist. Though there are many leadership theories that provide explanations for leader behaviors and outcomes, this study aimed to explore effective leadership that is Christ-centered and inspired by Christian faith. Research has shown that the success or failure of an organization is often dependent upon its leadership and the leader’s ability to be effective. This study proposed that the most effective leadership is reliant upon a relationship with God and an understanding of His Word. Therefore, this study examined how leaders who have Christ-centered or secular worldviews describe …

Tv Versus Video Games: Their Distinctive Effects On Adolescent Behavior And Academic Achievement, Faiaz Rahman, Kathy L. Schuh

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

The current paper uses data collected from a publicly available, nationally representative data set to examine the effects of TV viewing and video gaming on adolescent behavioral problems and cognitive achievement. Results revealed that extended hours of TV viewing were associated with greater anxiety/depression and antisocial problems. On the other hand, extended hours of video gaming were associated with higher reading comprehension scores. Differing effects of TV viewing and gameplay by an individual’s sex was also found during the analysis. It is also important to note that the opposite effects that the two media has on outcomes, indicate that, although …

Exploring Underrepresented Stem Undergraduates' Stem Identity Development: The Role Of Social Partners, Sandy Cerda-Lezama

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation employs a three-study qualitative design to investigate the role of mentorship and social interaction in the identity development of racial minority undergraduate students in STEM disciplines. Grounded in Communities of Practice theory, this research amplifies student narratives to elucidate the relational and contextual factors that inform science identity, belonging, competence, and persistence in higher education. Study One draws upon interview data from fifteen participants in the BUILD program to analyze the role of recognition, particularly from expert scientists--in students' science identity development. This study aims to understand how racial and ethnic identity intersections influence the processes and impact …

Patient Care And Certified Nursing Assistants’ Motivation And Job Satisfaction In Nursing Facilities, Roswell Royce Lawrie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was focused on certified nursing assistants’ (CNAs) views of the association between their motivation, job satisfaction, and the quality of care they offer to patients in one chosen nursing home center in New Jersey. Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation and a generic qualitative design were used to explore CNAs’ experiences and perspectives relating to their motivation, job fulfillment, and the level of care. The study included semi structured interviews with the 12 CNAs, who were directly and consistently in contact with their respective patients at the selected nursing home center. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed …

Exploring Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of Individuals With Substance-Use Disorder Recovery Management From A Biopsychosocial Perspective, Robin Carter Priest

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance-use disorder (SUD) poses significant biological, psychological, and sociological impacts that negatively affect areas of employment, health, family systems, and interactions with social welfare and legal agencies. Although there has been research on SUD treatment, relapse rates remain high at approximately 40%–75%, demonstrating a gap in the literature involving individuals who completed SUD treatment and continuation or management of recovery. Grounded in phenomenological theory and through a biopsychosocial lens, this qualitative study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of individuals with substance-use disorder managing their recovery. Data were collected from 8 individuals who completed partial hospitalization or intensive-outpatient levels of …

Prevalence Of Work Stress On Marital Stability Of Married Lecturers In University Of Ilorin, Modupe Gbemisola Fatoye, Foluke Nike Bolu-Steve

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the prevalence of work stress and its impact on marital stability among married lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed, and 100 married lecturers were selected through a multistage sampling technique across five faculties. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed instrument titled “Work Stress and Marital Stability Questionnaire (WSMSQ),” which demonstrated strong reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant …

Gnome Logic: Evidence-Based Strategies For High-Impact Medical Education Pathways, Barbra A. Roller, Sasha R. Sioni

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Socioeconomic inequities divert underrepresented talent from the physician pipeline. Integrating Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), leaky-pipeline diagnostics, and 14 years of mixed-methods research on Florida International University’s pathway program, we present a logic model aligning Goals, Needs, Objectives, Methods, and Evaluation (GNOME). GNOME links diagnosed barriers to SCCT-aligned supports and pre-specified metrics, yielding gains in self-efficacy, application intent, and matriculation. The model offers a practical, cost-effective roadmap for institutions seeking a more equitable medical workforce.

Promoting Educative Antiracism Dialogue And Activism Through Community Engagement, Greg Bartley, Danielle Ligocki, Robert A. Martin, Chaunda L. Scott

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article highlights lessons learned from bringing together antiracist/activist faculty representing the Initiative to Eradicate Racism at Oakland University and community members from the Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership. We use Byrd and Scott’s (2010) Critical Racism Pedagogy Model as a lens to understand how university/community partners can discuss social issues in productive and engaging ways. Specifically, this partnership demonstrates how faculty and communities can work collaboratively to create communities of practice with parallel antiracism/activist goals.

Structurally Framing Service Learning As Teaching Excellence: An Examination Of Collaborative Efforts Between Community Engagement And Faculty Development Centers, James Morgan Lewing, Lisa Bunkowski

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study explores collaborations between faculty development centers and service learning and community engagement structures at public institutions awarded the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with five chief academic officers, none of the respondents stated intentional collaborations were present at their respective institutions. The study underscores the need for strategic alignment to institutionalize community engagement, avoiding siloing and enhancing sustainability through faculty development initiatives that promote teaching excellence.

Preparing Future Educators: Using Service-Learning In Mathematics Courses For Prospective K-12 Teachers, Sayonita Ghosh Hajra, Brianna Davis, Jose Alanis, James Tokunaga

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Although experiential learning is widely recognized for its benefits, its implementation in content-focused mathematics courses for prospective teachers remains limited. To address this gap, this paper explores the integration of service-learning into three distinct mathematics courses for prospective teachers, detailing how it was implemented in each course. Results highlight opportunities for learning, particularly in developing agency, a sense of belonging, competence, and enriched experience among prospective teachers.

Cultivating Community Resilience Through Youth Engagement, Elizabeth K. Anthony, Allison Mullady, Kendelle Brown, Michelle Blagg-Catone, Stephanie Castillo

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article presents the impact of Arizona State University’s Design Studio for Community Solutions (DSCS) on youth engagement and community resilience. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study assesses the impact of DSCS programs on youth engagement and community resilience. The findings highlight best practices, underscoring the importance of consistent communication, trust-building, and community representation. Additionally, the research offers nuanced recommendations for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of continuous data collection and periodic assessments to drive ongoing improvement and address unmet community needs.

Gathering At The Table: Using Food To Heal On One’S Grief Journey, Jamie B. Daugherty, Jada Staat, Julie Rachford

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This research study explored the registered dietitian nutritionist’s (RDN) role and impact while supporting those on their grief journey. Data collection methods included a focus group, journaling, workshop evaluations, and photo elicitation. Qualitative data analysis highlighted three themes emerging from a six-week culinary nutrition education support workshop: providing intention, building community, and showcasing RDNs as encouraging companions, by contributing their skills of nutrition education and hands-on culinary applications, supporting individuals continuing to grieve.

Carry On: A Multi-Campus Faculty Perspective On The Barriers And Facilitators To Implementing Service Learning Curriculum During A Global Pandemic, Adrianne Widaman, Kirsten Leisses Tuck

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning (SL) faculty faced substantial and unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore SL faculty perspectives during the crisis. Higher education faculty who taught SL designated courses during 2020/2021 identified and prioritized challenges and strategies to teaching SL courses without direct person contact. A total of 144 unique responses were collected from 16 faculty from 5 universities using the nominal group technique, a qualitative and quantitative method. Highly ranked themes included the emotional burden felt by the faculty, decreased student learning, a lack of faculty time, the need for alternative assignments, and …