Digital Commons Network^™

The Development And Maturity Of Borderline Personality Disorder In Modern Times, Kevin M. Reynolds

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a dynamic condition that significantly varies between afflicted individuals, with a diverse variety of contributing factors in terms of symptom manifestation. Better comprehending BPD is essential in generalizing the contributing, etiological factors of the condition to broad demographics. Unfortunately, the existing research has failed to accomplish this goal, usually only studying how the condition and its symptoms manifest in Caucasian females. This study focused on closing this gap by discovering links between broader demographics within the context of etiology, comorbidities, and spiritual affiliation. This quantitative study involved collecting etiology, symptom, comorbidity, and spirituality data from …

What Is Happening In The World Today And Why: Humanity’S Evolving Consciousness And The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding, Carroy U. Ferguson

Journal of Conscious Evolution

What is happening in the world today and why? Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels. Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say. However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be. That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an …

The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Decision-Making, Nelson Fernandes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explores how leaders with high emotional intelligence (EI) experience and describe decision-making in personal, organizational, and leadership contexts. Guided by Rational Choice Theory (RCT), Behavioral Decision Theory (BDT), and Moon’s (2021) emotional intelligence framework, the study integrates psychological perspectives with biblical principles to examine how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal awareness contribute to ethical and effective decision-making. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten to fifteen purposively selected participants identified as possessing high levels of emotional intelligence. The findings indicate that leaders with high EI view emotions as informational resources rather than obstacles and intentionally integrate emotional …

Investigating The Impact Of Childhood Trauma On Marital Satisfaction: A Moderated Multiple Regression Analysis, Clarence Duff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma and its negative impact on adult life is well documented as a growing global concern and has been a focus of research for many years. A growing body of literature has demonstrated its impact on psychological and physical health, as well as emotional and social well-being. However, research on how it affects marital satisfaction and variables that moderate this relationship is unexplored. Using the Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire (ACE) and Pearson correlation, the study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and marital satisfaction. Furthermore, a linear multiple linear regression was used to examine whether Experience in Close Relationship …

The Role Of Forgiveness: Spirituality, Loneliness, And Depression In A Christian University, Elda Botello-Ramirez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For university students, loneliness has harmful effects, like depression, but choosing to forgive and embracing spirituality can lead to better mental health. Yet, limited studies have examined these constructs among students enrolled in long-distance learning (LDL) courses. This is important because an increase in loneliness continues, and more students are taking LDL classes. Still, there is a paucity of work on mental health among students in Christian universities. Thus, this quantitative research study examined context-specific or transgression-specific forgiveness (state forgiveness) while considering the role of personality traits (i.e., trait forgiveness) related to forgiveness to investigate its impact on loneliness and …

Attitudes Of Postpartum Women Accessing Women, Hayley Logan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is an increase in substance use and mental health concerns among postpartum women. Although primary care, behavioral health, and integrative care services are available to postpartum women to increase wellness, these services are not being accessed. While there have been many barriers and challenges identified with postpartum women accessing services, stigma around services has been identified as the most common barrier. This led to looking at the attitudes that postpartum women have regarding accessing these services to improve wellness. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore postpartum women’s attitudes toward accessing behavioral health services, primary care services, …

Experiences Of Loneliness And Belonging Among U.S.-Born Women During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Germany, Anna Sizorina

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Existing literature indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased levels of loneliness, particularly among individuals with transnational ties. Travel and entry bans, along with social distancing, led to separation from family abroad and from people and communities in the countries of new residence. In this qualitative phenomenological study, experiences of loneliness and belonging among U.S.-born women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany were explored. The transaction theory of stress guided the scientific enquiry, and the evolutionary theory of loneliness served as a conceptual framework for examining loneliness in the given context. Six adult female participants, born in the United …

Navigating Analytical Challenges In Clinical Trials Using The Multiverse Approach, Alexander O. Crenshaw, Nicole Pukay-Martin, Anne Wagner

Faculty Articles

Making decisions regarding data processing and analysis are crucial steps toward extracting insights from data in clinical trials. Trial registries like clinicaltrials.gov promote transparency about these decisions and encourage making them in advance. However, clinical studies often face decisions with multiple reasonable options outside the bounds of preregistration, such as when studies conduct post hoc analyses, deviate from preregistered plans, or simply were not preregistered. Additionally, even a priori decisions often have multiple reasonable options from which to choose. Methods that maximize transparency and minimize bias in such situations are needed. This paper advocates for applying a “multiverse” approach to …

Teaching Peace, Stopping Bullying: The Transformative Power Of Kh Ahmad Dahlan’S Psychoeducation, Wahyu Nanda Eka Saputra, Anya Ahda Mahira, Salsa Puspita Dwi Djajuli

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Bullying in schools remains a serious problem that negatively impacts students' academic and psychological development. A safe and violence-free learning environment is crucial to supporting the achievement of national education goals, thus requiring effective interventions to reduce bullying behavior. This study aims to test the effectiveness of group counseling services using psychoeducational techniques based on the teachings of KH. Ahmad Dahlan in reducing bullying behavior. The scope of the study focuses on the application of peaceful values in junior high schools as a prevention strategy and as a positive character development strategy for students. This study used a quantitative approach …

The Efficacy Of Rapid Counseling With Single-Session Music Therapy On Enhancing Emotion Regulation In Response To Activating Events, Aloysius Selo Aryobimo Oentarto

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study examines the efficacy of Rapid Counseling with Single-Session Music Therapy (RCSSMT) in enhancing emotion regulation in response to activating events. Many daily circumstances are uncontrollable, often leading individuals with negative thought patterns to experience distress and anxiety, known as activating events. Music therapy, as a holistic approach, acts as an emotion-focused coping strategy by calming physiological stress responses and preparing the individual for cognitive restructuring. This research employed a single-subject pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design, with the subject being SG, who had the lowest initial score on the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The scores showed a gradual but significant …

The Moderating Role Of Self-Esteem In The Relationship Between Perceived Gender Bias And Job Satisfaction Among Women In The Technology Industry, Roberta L. Minicola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Women employed in the technology industry continue to experience gender-based bias that may adversely affect job satisfaction. Although the deleterious impact of gender bias on women’s job satisfaction has been well documented, the potential of self-esteem to mitigate this impact has not yet been examined. Informed by social dominance theory, the purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was to examine the moderating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between perceived gender bias (i.e., insufficient support, devaluation, hostility) and job satisfaction among women working in the U.S. technology sector. Data were collected from 138 female technology professionals recruited through Amazon …

Teachers And Administrators' Perceptions Of School Resource Officers, Shameka J. Duncan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School Resource Officers (SROs) play a significant role in middle and high schools in Metro Atlanta; however little research has included the perceptions of school administrators and teachers about their roles. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding the roles of SROs and their perspectives on the practices that could enhance collaboration among these stakeholders in ensuring school safety. Informed by Gregory’s theory of perception, the study investigated how educators and administrators described their interactions with SROs. Data was gathered via semi-structured interviews with three teachers and three administrators and …

Determinants Of Clinical Supervisor Self-Efficacy In Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Victoria A. Nagel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use disorder counselors face increasing challenges in responding to a growing and more severely affected population, often presenting with co-occurring mental health conditions and complex clinical needs. Clinical supervision plays a critical role in supporting counselor development, yet little is known about the factors that contribute to clinical supervisors’ self-efficacy in providing supervision for alcohol and drug counselors. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether years of counseling experience, years of substance use disorder (SUD) counseling experience, years as a clinical supervisor, professional counseling credentials, and supervisory credentials predicted self-efficacy among clinical supervisors. This study …

Cv: Matthew Domico (Clinical Psychology), Matthew Domico

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Psychological Correlates Of Audiological And Self-Report Indicators Of Hyperacusis In Adults With Misophonia, Mercedes G. Woolley, Karen F. Muñoz, Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Anderson Clements, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Purpose:

Misophonia and hyperacusis are distinct sound sensitivity conditions that can co-occur and are linked to heightened emotional distress and impaired functioning. This study investigated the convergence between audiometric-based and self-reported indicators of hyperacusis and examined how each related to misophonia severity and psychological outcomes in adults with misophonia.

Method:

Participants (N = 60) completed self-report measures and underwent loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing.

Results:

Analyses revealed discrepancies between self-reported and LDL-defined hyperacusis, with no significant associations between LDL-based classifications and psychological or misophonia-related outcomes. In contrast, hyperacusis identified via a standardized self-report measure was significantly …

Preventing Burnout In School-Based Behavioral Health Clinicians: Organizational Strategies For Mitigating Work-Related Mental Health Impairment, Virginia W. Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This is a qualitative case study on Organization X that used the Baldrige Framework to investigate employee burnout, a growing concern associated with staff turnover, reduced job satisfaction, depression, and disengagement. The goal was to examine how organizational leaders assess the effectiveness of burnout prevention strategies, identify organizational factors and leadership practices that either mitigate or increase burnout, and discover key factors that contribute to burnout. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Baldrige Framework, were conducted with three leaders at Organization X. The themes resulting from interviews included burnout, open-ended communication, team cohesion, real-time protection, ethical leadership and authenticity, restoring norms, …

Community Reintegration Programs For Successful Reentry For Individuals Deemed Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity, Joanna Baker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Very little research has been conducted on the institution of community reintegration programs for individuals deemed not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). In the United States, each state can determine the path for community reentry with the NGRI population. California has a strategic and supportive reentry program that requires services such as drug testing, individual therapy, and close monitoring. Other states, including North Carolina, do not have a reentry program in place for the NGRI population. No research exists comparing states with conditional release programs and states without these programs. Consistence in community reintegration programs among all states can …

Utility Of The Wasi–Ii 2-Subtest Full Scale Iq For Identifying Impaired Cognitive Functions, Joseph J. Ryan, David S. Kreiner, Samuel T. Gontkovsky

Archives of Assessment Psychology

This study focused on how accurately the WASI–II 2FSIQ predicts the 4FSIQ. If two subtests can identify intellectual disability, a low score might prompt a switch to the WAIS–IV or WISC–V prior to completing the four WASI–II subtests. Participants were 94 individuals with psychiatric or neurological disorders (age M = 49.04 yrs, education M = 13.48 yrs) seem for clinical evaluation. The correlation between the 2FSIQs and 4FSIQs in the total sample was high, r(92) = .96, p < .001, but the former cannot be relied upon to predict 4FSIQs. It overestimated 4FSIQs in 69.1% of the cases, with only 50% of the 2FSIQs falling within + 3 points of the 4FSIQs. However, classification accuracy statistics indicated that the 2FSIQ effectively screened for the presence of intellectual disability. A 2FSIQ standard score cutoff of ≤ 79 yielded a high probability that the 4FSIQ was also at or below the cut score.

Potential Mediators In The Relationship Between Racial Identity And Neuropsychological Performance In A Retired Nfl Cohort, Claire Stafford, Charles Golden, Ryan Bennett

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Historically, Black Americans have consistently performed more poorly than White Americans on various neuropsychological tests, with debates surrounding the causes of these differences ranging from genetic to societal factors. These differences have been documented across various cognitive domains, including memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Findings from previous research suggest that individuals with higher levels of education and stable marital relationships tend to exhibit better cognitive functioning, while certain football positions are linked to differences in cognitive abilities. However, the specific effects of these factors on neuropsychological performance require further investigation. The present archival study was derived from a …

Victims Of Bravery (1): Impacts Of Acts Of Bravery On Australian Civilian Bravery Award Recipients, Tom Voigt, Angela Dew, Susan Balandin

Heroism Science

We admire those who perform acts of bravery involving physical risk and life-threatening trauma, yet little attention is given to civilians who experience negative consequences following such acts. This study examined unintended consequences through qualitative interviews with 24 Australian civilian bravery award recipients using constructivist grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: (1) Direct impacts, including high psychological distress, physical and health impacts, financial and employment consequences, and lack of formal counseling support; (2) Changes within, including hypervigilance, avoidance behaviours, anger, alcohol misuse, and social isolation; (3) Then and now, encompassing relationship difficulties, changed life approaches, and regret. …

Emotion Regulation And Stress In Adult Learning Through Social Media Platforms, Jennifer Irocky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social media platforms have become significant contexts for informal learning among adults, offering access to information and peer exchange outside of formal educational settings. These platforms are also emotionally complex environments in which stress and emotion regulation may shape learning outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between social media use and informal learning in adults, with perceived stress and emotion regulation examined as moderating variables. Secondary data from the Stress in America: The State of Our Nation, 2007–2018 surveys were analyzed, using binary logistic regression with moderation while controlling for age, gender, and …

Incarceration’S Impact On Young Adults’ Psychological Development, Well-Being, And Reintegration Into Society, Monica Murrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how individuals who experienced incarceration during emerging adulthood understood and made meaning of their developmental, emotional, and psychosocial experiences. Emerging adulthood, defined as ages seventeen through twenty-five, is a critical developmental stage, and incarceration during this period may disrupt identity formation and emotional maturation. The purpose of the study was to examine the perspectives and coping mechanisms of individuals incarcerated during this stage to better understand how early adult imprisonment shapes trauma responses, identity development, and reintegration. Social learning theory served as the conceptual framework. Data was collected through interviews with six formerly incarcerated adults …

Energy And Fluid Balance During A 214-Km Winter Ultraendurance Race: A Case Study, Kyle W. Wehmanen, Brent C. Ruby, Timothy C. Shriver, Michele N. Ravelli, Shalaya Kipp, John Mcdaniel, Erich Petushek, Steven J. Elmer

Michigan Tech Publications

The upper limits for total energy expenditure (TEE) and water turnover (rHO) in humans have been reported during several continuous single-day ultraendurance races (running, cycling, and triathlon). Currently, the upper limits for TEE and rHO during continuous single-day activity in cold weather (< 0 °C) remain unknown. The Arrowhead Ultra is one of the coldest ultraendurance races in North America and provides a unique opportunity to answer these questions. Racers select a bicycle, cross-country skis, or foot travel to traverse a 214-km snow-covered trail (altitude range: 345-426 m, 2,030-m elevation gain). Historically, approximately one-half of the racers complete the event. In this case study, we assessed TEE and rHO from the racer [cyclist: age: 22 yr, height: 1.84 m, body mass: 87.7 kg, and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o): 5.0 LO·min] who won the 2025 Arrowhead Ultra (17.9 h, -13 to -1 °C) using the doubly labeled water method. Total energy and fluid intake were recorded to assess energy and fluid balance. Mean heart rate was 141 beats·min (71% of maximum heart rate). TEE was 63.9 MJ (15,273 kcal, 9.6 times basal metabolic rate) while total energy intake was 33.2 MJ (7,941 kcal). Mean carbohydrate intake was 88 g·h. Water turnover was 17.7 L, yielding a rHO/TEE ratio of 0.28 L·MJ for the race. The cyclist demonstrated high TEE and rHO that were comparable to values from other ultraendurance athletes competing in a range of temperatures (3-34°C). Notably, rHO from this cyclist was higher compared to athletes performing other ultratype endeavors in cold weather conditions (-25 to -19 °C). Our observations shed light on energy and fluid demands during continuous single-day activity in the cold and have endurance training and performance implications. In this short report, we detail new data on the upper limits of human energy expenditure (9.6 times basal metabolic rate) and water turnover (10.5 L·12 h) during continuous single-day exercise in the cold. Our results indicated elevated energy use, and impressively, water turnover comparable to exercise in warmer conditions. These findings have implications for training and endurance performance of strenuous exercise in cold weather environments.

The Predicting Value Of Grit And Helicopter Parenting On Relational Satisfaction, Ashley Ann Puga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Helicopter parenting has been extensively studied within the emerging adult population. However, previous studies have recruited their participants solely from a university setting. The current literature on grit and emerging adults is limited. Therefore, this study sought to add to the current literature by recruiting emerging adults through multiple platforms, such as multiple social media platforms, to allow non-university participants. This study also sought to add to the current literature on emerging adults and grit. Utilizing the theories of social learning theory and self-determination theory, the purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine if helicopter parenting and grit …

Cv: Gregory Benson-Flórez (Counseling Psychology), Gregory Benson-Flórez

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Self-Esteem And Interpersonal Trust In African American Women, Elizabeth Omorodion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is known to affect survivors’ subsequent self- esteem and interpersonal trust levels, its long-term impacts among African American women were not fully understood. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, which was grounded in attachment theory and trauma theory, was to explore how CSA shapes African American women’s self-esteem, interpersonal trust, and healing processes in adulthood. To answer the study’s seven research questions, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight African American women. The use of Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach yielded seven themes: (a) impaired trust, (b) disrupted self-esteem, (c) resilience and strength …

What Is Happening In The World Today And Why: Humanity’S Evolving Consciousness And The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

What is happening in the world today and why? Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels. Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say. However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born--to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be. That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an …

Solvability Factors And Psychological Stressors In Cold Case Sexual Homicides: Insights From Investigators And Detectives, Jamie Borba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore solvability factors and psychological stressors experienced by investigators and detectives who work on cold case sexual homicides. The study includes eight participants’ perspectives of conditions that influence case solvability and psychological challenges inherent in investigating unresolved sexual homicide cases. Guided by the resource-based theory, the research involved examining how investigative techniques, organizational support, and available resources contribute to the successful closure and clearance of cold cases. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. This involved understanding how resource and institutional constraints affect their ability …

Associations Between Big Five Personality Traits, Facets, And Sexual Fantasies, Emily Cannoot, Amy C. Moors, Wiliam J. Chopik

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The present study investigated associations between Big Five personality traits, their facets, and the frequency and variety of sexual fantasies in a sample of 5,225 adults (M = 58.30 years old; 56.5% men). People high in conscientiousness and agreeableness report fewer sexual fantasies across exploratory, intimate, impersonal, and sadomasochistic domains; these effects were primarily driven by respectfulness and responsibility facets. Negative emotionality, particularly the depression facet, was associated with more frequent sexual fantasizing. Extraversion and open-mindedness showed minimal relationships with sexual fantasy frequency. These results underscore the importance of personality dimensions in understanding sexual thoughts, emphasizing the heterogeneity of …

Role Of Depression And Anxiety On Brain Care Scores In A Primary Care Setting: A Preliminary Analysis Of The Bham Registry, Terina Lane Myers

ETDs from 2020-2029

While the field of brain aging research continues to grow at a rapid pace, there is still much to learn about how certain factors influence brain aging as well as when and how these factors can be intervened upon. Cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases continue to pose a major obstacle to healthy brain aging and the better we understand the risk factors of these diseases, the greater chance we have at mitigation strategies and prevention. Previous research has identified key factors, consisting of physical, lifestyle, and socio-emotional aspects of life, which have the greatest impact on brain aging. These factors overlap …