Digital Commons Network^™

Transforming Faculty Development: Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Arts-Based Design, And Communities Of Transformation In Stem Education, Kristen L. Ferris

Organization, Information and Learning Sciences ETDs

This dissertation investigates the relational conditions enabling institutional transformation and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within STEM higher education. Despite needs for systemic change, sustaining faculty engagement remains difficult due to entrenched power dynamics, lack of pedagogical training, and political repression. To address these barriers this research introduces Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCB) as an analytic lens and functional infrastructure for change.

Through three papers, this study 1) establishes OCB via a systemic literature review as an actionable metric for faculty development; 2) details the design of a cross-institutional Community of Transformation (CoT) as a design case; and 3) Presents …

Borderline Personality Disorder (Bpd) And Witness Memory: A Beginner’S Guide For Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, And Legal Professionals, Jerrod Brown Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S.

Forensic Scholars Today

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with emotional instability, impulsivity, interpersonal difficulties, identity disturbance, and stress-related dissociative symptoms that may influence cognitive functioning. Research suggests that BPD may contribute to difficulties with attention, executive functioning, and memory, particularly during periods of emotional distress. These issues, combined with common co-occurring conditions such as trauma exposure, substance use disorders, and sleep disturbances, may affect the encoding, storage, retrieval, and recall of information. This article examines current literature on BPD and discusses how symptoms and associated factors could influence witness memory in forensic and legal settings. Because findings remain mixed, the presence of …

Consumer Prioritization Of Revenue Generation Strategies In College Football Programs, Nels Popp, Chris Greenwell

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Collegiate athletic departments face increasing financial pressures, making it vital to identify revenue generation strategies that align with fan preferences for sustainable growth. This study explores how various methods, including corporate logos on uniforms, increasing game-day costs, and accepting loans from private investors, are ranked by consumers in terms of their acceptability and potential impact on fan experience. Guided by prospect theory, we hypothesize fans prefer strategies seen as gains rather than losses and fan identification influences these preferences. Results from rank-ordered surveys of 7,110 respondents reveal that strategies enhancing program visibility without direct financial impact, such as corporate logos, …

Stop Blaming My Users: Illumination Of The Technocentric Mythos Bias, Ervin H. Frenzel, Richard Lightcap

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

 Abstract -This conceptual essay addresses the need for systemic and systematic transdisciplinary analytical techniques within cybersecurity and technical security. This conceptual essay is contingent upon recognition that cybersecurity is not simply technical in nature, it does not need an adversary, and more importantly it is based upon systems engineering and systems thinking.  The essay contributes a socio-technical attribution chain and field-specific ontology/taxonomy which distinguish user-triggered events from root causes, latent conditions, technical debt, validation failures, governance failures, and attribution bias before assigning responsibility to end users. It systematically defines an ontology inclusive of developer technical debt, organizational debt arising from …

Exercise Self-Efficacy And Physical Wellness In A Worksite Wellness Program: Exploring Factor Structure And Perceptions, Micah B. Mcglathery

Dissertations

Exploring Perceptions of Exercise Self-Efficacy and Physical Wellness in a Worksite Wellness Program

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs are increasingly adopted to address insufficient exercise participation and other health-related behaviors that put employees at risk of chronic disease. Although quantitative outcomes are well-documented, there is limited research exploring how employees perceive these programs' impact on personal behavior change, particularly in relation to exercise self-efficacy. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and the Exercise is Medicine initiative, this study qualitatively investigates employee perceptions of a worksite wellness program’s influence on physical wellness and confidence to exercise. A phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews …

Childbirth Experiences Of The Bangladeshi Immigrant Women In South Florida, Tahsina Ferdous

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This qualitative research was conducted among Bangladeshi immigrant women living in South Florida who have given birth here. Twenty Bangladeshi immigrant women were selected using the snowball sampling method from various cities in South Florida. The unit of analysis was the individual Bangladeshi immigrant woman, focusing on her experiences and behavior during pregnancy and childbirth. Semi-structured interviewing and case study methods were used for data collection. The results reveal the coping strategies and the navigation process of socio-cultural transition from non-mother to mother, and the Bangladeshi traditional views regarding beliefs, rituals, and practices of Bangladeshi immigrant women regarding their pregnancy …

Investigating Learning In Immersive Virtual Reality, Andrew Negrette

Master's Theses

Students often struggle with learning challenging subjects throughout their education. This also tends to lead to lower enjoyment and science self-efficacy for learning. Some subjects may be better represented in 3-dimensional spaces utilizing immersive virtual reality (IVR). Recently, IVR headsets have become more accessible and affordable and therefore are in wider use. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether differences in science selfefficacy, enjoyment, presence and knowledge retention exist between IVR and controls on an ocean acidification lesson. I predicted that participants taking the lesson in IVR would score higher compared to a laptop on all measures, due …

The Moderating Role Of Flexible Work Styles On The Relationship Between Relational Identification And Affective Organizational Commitment, Justine Lee

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the moderating role of flexible work styles (in-person, hybrid, and remote) on the relationship between relational identification and affective organizational commitment (AOC). The study utilized an online survey to collect data from 69 respondents. The results demonstrated that although relational identification and AOC were related, this relationship was not moderated by flexible work styles. The three different work styles of in-person, hybrid, and remote work did not show differing affects for a subordinate’s relational identification and the strength of their AOC. The results emphasize that organizations can foster strong relational identification to …

The Process Of Workplace Creativity Spillover To Improving Personal Relationships, Kaushik Ram

Master's Theses

There is substantial research on how work and non-work experiences are closely intertwined, with workplace experiences often spilling over to shape individuals’ relationship dynamics. Despite this, creativity, an increasingly valued skill in the workplace, remains largely overlooked in spillover research. Drawing on broaden-and-build theory, this study examined whether creative process engagement would be positively associated with romantic relationship satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through creative self-efficacy (CSE), conceptualized as a transferable personal resource built through positive experiences. Additionally, it investigated whether supervisor praise would moderate the relationship between creative process engagement and CSE to examine the role managers have in …

A Closer Look At The Relationship Between Workplace Harassment And Negative Workplace Behavior: The Mediating Role Of Revenge Cognitions And The Moderating Role Of Fear Of Internal Threat, Keely L. Sinclair Smith

Master's Theses

The purpose of the current study was to provide a closer look at the relationship between workplace harassment and negative workplace behavior by investigating the mediating role of revenge cognitions and the moderating role of fear of internal threat, a novel construct that included both formal and informal organizational sanctions. A sample of 103 employees from a variety of occupational backgrounds participated in the study by completing an online survey. Results of the simple mediation analysis showed that workplace harassment was positively related to negative workplace behavior, and revenge cognitions fully mediated this relationship. In other words, employees who experienced …

The Moderating Effect Of Pay Satisfaction On The Relationship Between Generational Differences And The Desire For Meaningful Work, Mia J. Kottgen

Master's Theses

The modern workforce is increasingly generationally diverse, with generational cohorts such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z differing in their work values and attitudes. Prior research suggests that meaningful work may be experienced differently across generations and that workplace factors, such as pay satisfaction, may influence these differences. However, few studies have examined generational differences in the desire for meaningful work while also considering workplace influences. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between generational identity and the desire for meaningful work, and whether pay satisfaction moderates this relationship. A survey was administered …

The Relationship Between Imposter Syndrome And Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Sakina I. Read

Master's Theses

Prior research consistently shows that imposter syndrome is associated with a wide variety of negative psychological and work-related outcomes such as stress, burnout, and lower job satisfaction. However, other research suggests that individuals with higher levels of imposter syndrome may engage in compensatory behaviors such as increased effort and discretionary helping for impression management purposes. Additionally, research has found that women tend to report higher levels of imposter syndrome and higher engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) than men, suggesting a gender difference in both variables. The present study sought to examine the relationship between imposter syndrome and OCBs and …

Perceptions Of Speech-Language Therapy Among Generations Of One Mexican-American Family, Sabrina A. Macias

Master's Theses

This research is a modified replication of Salas-Provance et al. (2002) and analyzes the perceptions of speech-language therapy among one Mexican-American family. It investigates opinions about causes of speech-language disorders, for whom speech therapy can be helpful, characteristics and stereotypes about people with hearing and speech disorders, and the influence of education level on such opinions. With the assistance of three family members and two cultural informants, an online survey was developed consisting of demographic factors, Mexican folk and medical beliefs, and potential stereotypes of people with speech, language, and hearing disabilities. Twenty-three family members (response rate = 76.7%) completed …

The Great Return In Higher Education: Employee Perspectives Survey, Tonya P. Person

Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed traditional workplace structures across higher education, accelerating the adoption of hybrid and remote work arrangements. In the post-pandemic period, as universities implement or refine mandatory return-to-office (RTO) policies, understanding employee perspectives remains critical for informed decision-making. The present exploratory study investigated staff experiences with hybrid work, anticipated reactions to a five-day in-office mandate, and preferences for future work models within a large public university. Data were collected from 155 university staff members through a 12-item survey assessing perceived benefits of hybrid work, expected impact of a mandatory in-office requirement, and preferred work arrangements when given a …

Establishing E-Prodeskel, An Integrated Village Information System For The Empowerment Of The Local Community In Kediri, Ani Budi Astuti, Eni Sumarminingsih, Wayan Firdaus Mahmudy, Maulina Pia Wulandari, Wigbertus Ngabu, Nur Kamilah Sa'diyah, Gusti Ayu Putu Rawi Rotchildi, Izza Lailatul Kasanah, Yusuf Gladiensyah Bihanda, Akbar Satya Nugraha

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Digital transformation has become an important strategy for strengthening community empowerment by improving access to public information, governance transparency, and village services. However, many rural communities in Indonesia still face challenges in managing accurate village profile data and utilizing digital technologies to support good governance and sustainable development. This study examines a community engagement program in Purwokerto Village, Kediri Regency, Indonesia. The program intended to develop and implement E-ProDesKel (Elektronik Profil Desa Kelurahan or Electronic Village and Wards Profile), a web-based portal for an integrated village profile information system. The program adopted a participatory approach starting from an assessment …

Health Literacy, Health Information Seeking Behavior, And Vocal Hygiene Amongst Video Game Voice Actors In The United States, Wendy Lau

Master's Theses

Video game voice actors (VGVAs) perform vocally demanding tasks to bring video game characters to life, and are at high risk for voice disorders. This exploratory study aims to characterize vocal health in VGVAs by investigating the relationships between health literacy, health information seeking behavior, and vocal hygiene practices. Thirty-one VGVAs completed an anonymous online survey. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative health literacy scores were calculated, and qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis in NVivo. Results show that VGVAs are highly proactive with their vocal health due to their desire for career longevity and their professional vocal …

The Role Of Social Emotional Learning In Utah’S Implementation Of Essa, Sharon Walles

Transforming Communities

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), as a policy, offers an additional tool to address the escalating adolescent mental health crisis. By acknowledging the critical link between student well-being, academic success, and evidence-based practices, this policy analysis explores how funding from ESSA can be leveraged to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within Utah’s schools. Experts, educators, and parents can be voices to combat misinformation surrounding the recent politicization of SEL and its implementation. This analysis connects Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory, which highlights the interconnectedness of the environment, with the importance of prioritizing mental health within schools to help adolescents with issues …

Assessing A Fourth Trimester Support Group Using An Adapted Ripple Effects Mapping, Kayleigh Gregory, Aubrey Jones, Isabel Paulk, Krysten Munn, Karli Adams, Diana Frankenburger

Transforming Communities

Purpose: Maternal mental health disparities warrant attention, particularly as rural communities face substantial barriers to timely screening and treatment. The Fourth Trimester group at the University of Kentucky was established in April 2022 to address the need for additional postpartum support. This qualitative study examined participants’ perspectives on the group.

Method: Participants included 8 mothers who engaged in the online fourth-trimester social support group. Data were collected using an adapted ripple effects mapping via semi-structured interviews.

Findings: Results of the thematic content analysis revealed six key themes: (1) Community and Belonging, (2) Circle of Wisdom, (3) Empowerment, (4) Practical Support, …

Sense Of Safety And Quality Of Life Among Immigrants, Rachel Gomez

McNair Scholars Research

This study examined the relationship between sense of safety and quality of life among Hispanic/Latinx immigrant communities. The study sought to determine whether perceived sense of safety was associated with quality of life and whether differences existed based on immigration status, gender, and age. A quantitative, non-experimental survey design was used with a convenience sample of 33 first- and second-generation Hispanic immigrants from Arkansas. Participants completed a survey combining the Immigrant Enforcement Fear Scale and the 10-Item Well-being Instrument, which were translated into Spanish to increase accessibility. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and independent-samples t-tests with an alpha …

“I’Ll Cry Tomorrow”: The Heroism Of Anti-Alcoholism Advocate Lillian Roth, Elizabeth Gritter

Heroism Science

Lillian Roth (1910–1980) is remembered primarily for her bestselling autobiography I’ll Cry Tomorrow and its successful film adaptation, yet her broader significance as a social hero has received little scholarly attention. This article examines Roth’s transformation from celebrated entertainer and alcoholic to influential public advocate whose confessional storytelling helped reshape public attitudes toward alcoholism during the mid-twentieth century. Drawing on Roth’s autobiographies, contemporary media coverage, and historical sources, the article argues that her willingness to publicly disclose trauma, addiction, and recovery represented an act of social courage that challenged prevailing stigma. By leveraging celebrity to promote compassion, recovery, and public …

International Student Athletes And The Covid-19 Global Pandemic: Disruption, Uncertainty, And Coping, Isabella M. Franks, Trent A. Petrie, Whitney G. Moore, Carmyn Hayes

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

COVID-19 and its ripple effects (e.g., social distancing, sport cancellations, quarantining) negatively affected the careers of collegiate student-athletes. The disruption to university systems and collegiate athletics and the stress and uncertainty felt globally likely increased international student-athletes' (ISAs) risk for distress. Yet, ISAs also possessed unique characteristics and were immersed within supportive sport environments, which may have shaped their psychological responses in distinct ways. The COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to understand how ISAs, as individuals navigating both athletic and international identities, responded and coped. To date, no study has examined the initial coping experiences of international collegiate athletes, even …

Perceived Safety For Collegiate Student-Athletes: Race, Gender, And Mental Health Outcomes, Macey L. Arnold, Hunter P. Williams, Justin Harker, Heather Kiefer, Julian Yoon, Trent A. Petrie

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Inadequate levels of perceived safety on campuses have been reported by college students (e.g., Maffini & Dillard, 2021) and connected to college students' mental health concerns (e.g., sleep disturbances; Etopio et al., 2019). Little is known about student-athletes’ (SA) perceptions of safety, particularly related to their racial and gender identities, and how their perception of safety is related to their mental health. We surveyed 213 SAs regarding their safety perceptions on campus, athletic department, and teams, along with anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PHQ-2), and sleep disturbances (PROMIS-SD). White SAs reported higher levels of safety than Black SAs for all three environments …

Performance, Pressure, And Prescription: A Qualitative Investigation Of Maladaptive Coping In Collegiate Cheerleading, Chris Corr, Taylor Behl

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

While cheerleading is a staple among athletics competition in the United States, cheerleading has perennially struggled to achieve legitimacy as a competitive and rigorous sport. However, cheerleaders experience similar stressors to those of their athlete peers. In addition, cheerleaders occupy unique and distinct stressors pertaining to expectations for appearance and behavior. While extant research has examined maladaptive coping mechanisms among competing athletes, the distinct pressures and stressors associated with cheerleading may be associated with unique engagement in maladaptive coping. Accordingly, the present study sought to examine the prevalence and propensity of maladaptive coping behaviors among a sample of current and …

Bridging The Gap: Critical Resources For Grandparent Caregivers And Their Grandchildren, Kathy Dial, Cara Tonn, Omotomilola Jegede, Cindy Kekeh, Loriena Yancura, Michele Kekeh

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

US population estimates indicate that approximately 2.5 million children live apart from both parents. Family relatives, often called kinship caregivers, care for 70% to 90% of these children, with grandparents making up the largest category (Radel et al., 2016). This study aimed to identify the most helpful resources and sources for grandparent caregivers to support the overall well-being of their families. Phone or Zoom interviews were conducted among a purposive sample of 24 grandparent caregivers from February to March 2022 to examine their initial experiences as caregivers, the current support services and resources they received, and other resources and services …

Kinship Caregivers Feel More Satisfied With Services And Better Supported With A Kinship Navigator, Berenice R. Rushovich, Kristin Sepulveda Muñoz, Brittany Mihalec-Adkins, Brooke Derrick, Karin Malm

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Kinship caregivers caring for children often lack access to services and supports they need to stabilize their families. Other kinship navigator programs have been shown to improve child permanency, child safety, child wellbeing, and adult wellbeing. This study evaluated Kinnections, a kinship navigator program provided by Wayfinder Family Services, operating since 2007 in seven counties in Northern California. Using propensity score matching, 116 kinship caregivers receiving Kinnections services were matched with 116 kinship caregivers in neighboring counties with no kinship navigator services available. The matched sample showed strong baseline equivalence on key caregiver, child, and household factors. Findings showed …

Montana Kinship Navigator Program: A Statewide Frontier Initiative Promoting Kinship Family Health And Wellness, Daniel J. Koltz Dr., Peyton Vining, Yu Jiang

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This practice brief report describes the development, implementation, and new updates of the Montana Kinship Navigator Program (MTKNP), a statewide initiative designed to support kinship caregivers in a large, rural frontier context. Montana’s geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and sparse population create significant barriers for kinship families, including restricted access to healthcare, transportation, childcare, and social services. These challenges are compounded when caregivers unexpectedly assume responsibility for children, often with limited resources and support. MTKNP addresses these gaps through a comprehensive, evidence-informed model that integrates information and referral services with individualized case management. The program serves both formal and informal kinship …

Vietnamese Grandparents' Caregiving Experiences For Grandchildren Impacted By Hiv/Aids: An Ethnographic Study, Lesley M. Harris, Nguyen D. Thang, Linh Thuy Nguyen

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This ethnographic study explores the caregiving experiences of grandparents in northern Vietnam who are raising grandchildren impacted by HIV/AIDS. Specifically, what is the process of skipped-generation caregiving in families affected by HIV/AIDS in Vietnam? Data were collected between 2009 and 2011 through participant observation and in-depth interviews with 26 grandparent caregivers and eight key informants. Informed by the Caregiving Career framework as a sensitizing concept and using constructivist grounded theory analytic strategies, the study identifies four interconnected caregiving phases shaped by cultural expectations, stigma, and intergenerational disruption. Through fieldwork and analysis, we found that grandparents drew from previous and current …

The Health And Well-Being Of Grandparents Who Report Major Responsibilities For Grandchildren: Perceived Physical Health, Depressive Affect, And Life Satisfaction, Tze-Li Hsu Phd, Patricia Drentea Phd

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This study examines how grandparents who report major responsibilities for their grandchildren experience perceived physical health, depressive affect, and life satisfaction compared to grandparents who do not report these responsibilities. Using data from the third wave of MIDUS (2013–2014), a nationally representative dataset focused on mid to later life (n = 1,819), we analyzed a sample of grandparents. Ordered logistic regression was used for perceived physical health, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used for depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Results indicate that grandparents with caregiving responsibilities are more likely to be women, non-White, and have lower incomes and …

From Strangers To Family: Fostering Resilience Through Social Support In Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren, Nancy Mendoza

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Grandparents often unexpectedly assume the role of caregiver with little support. Supporting these caregivers is critical for their health and well-being and that of their grandchildren. This study examines how family-like relationships formed during the GC+ intervention, increasing social support and resilience among grandparent caregivers. Four grandmothers, raising a total of five grandsons, participated in a focus group six months post-intervention. Grandmothers were asked to share their opinions and thoughts regarding the intervention. Using the Convoy Model and Resilience Theory, researchers conducted a deductive content analysis of participants’ perspectives on close family-like relationships cultivated during the intervention. Findings suggest close …

Who Do You Think You’Re Talking To? A Longitudinal Study Of How Disclosed Partner Identity Shapes Relational Communication With Ai Among College Students, Vito Anthony Borio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This study presents a longitudinal, two-condition, between-subjects experiment in which partner identity is disclosed as either human or AI in text-based chat; however, all participants (N = 60) interacted with the same chatbot. Informed by both Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT; Walther, 1995) and the Computers Are Social Actors Paradigm (CASA; Nass & Moon, 2000), this design draws on the former’s longitudinal measurement tradition to empirically test whether its predictions hold, using the latter as both a framework and procedure for investigating chatbot interactions. The findings inform both theories, indicating that perceived partner identity significantly affects perceptions of relational …