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"Balthazar, The Good Dragon", Jennifer Trahant Apr 2025

"Balthazar, The Good Dragon", Jennifer Trahant

Liberty University Research Week

Dragons have long been portrayed as symbols of greed and destruction in mythology and literature, reinforcing the idea that they represent evil. However, this sculpture challenges that perception by drawing inspiration from children's literature such as Wings of Fire, The Fire Within, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Eragon, How to Train Your Dragon, and Pete’s Dragon. In these stories, dragons are often misunderstood, and feared due to human prejudice rather than their true nature.


Brand Campaign: Motorized Misfits, Rachel Rosenberger, Jenna Modrzejewski Apr 2025

Brand Campaign: Motorized Misfits, Rachel Rosenberger, Jenna Modrzejewski

Liberty University Research Week

We were tasked with creating a visual identity, branding and collateral for a fictitious nonprofit organization, called Motorized Misfits that is based in Atlanta, Georgia. This organization helps provide economically disadvantaged individuals gain access to transportation. This study was directed by studying the target audience and researching their preferences, relationships, age habits, geographical location, and socioeconomic background. We studied the media preferences of the age group as well as the financial background, the individual’s education level, and the relational status of the individual or if they have children. Prevalent social movements in the Atlanta region were also researched. This information …


Feathertop Character Design, Ariana Murphy Apr 2025

Feathertop Character Design, Ariana Murphy

Liberty University Research Week

Feathertop, a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, suffers from a marked lack of high-quality illustrations to bring the story to life and public awareness. Despite having a strong mood and atmosphere, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a little-known story with much creative potential from a written and visual standpoint. The goal of this research project is to utilize the author’s rich descriptions of the main character, Feathertop, to create a memorable and endearing design which will serve as a launching off point for further illustrative development of the story.


The Fear Of Yahweh: Introducing Scripture’S Wisdom Literature For Biblical Counseling, Alexander Lee Apr 2025

The Fear Of Yahweh: Introducing Scripture’S Wisdom Literature For Biblical Counseling, Alexander Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Biblical wisdom literature is one of the most neglected areas of Scripture related to biblical counseling. Biblical counseling is formulated on the sufficiency of Scripture, so a deeper examination of any area of Scripture is sure to enlighten the biblical counselor. Wisdom in biblical counseling was introduced through an examination of the fear of Yahweh. A proper fear of Yahweh connects the counselee with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, leading to a transformation of the client’s character toward a flourishing life. An existing case study was examined, highlighting how these findings can be implemented in the …


A Nexus Of Evil: An Analysis Of The Terror-Crime Link At The U.S.-Mexican Border, Miranda Brewen Apr 2025

A Nexus Of Evil: An Analysis Of The Terror-Crime Link At The U.S.-Mexican Border, Miranda Brewen

Senior Honors Theses

As the nexus between terrorism and crime continues to expand, the threat of terrorism is now on our doorstep. The collaboration between terrorist groups and cartel operations at the U.S.-Mexican border is stimulated by the mutual benefits gained by both parties, and the instability in Mexico and the simultaneous market for drugs in the United States have created fertile soil for the growth of this nexus. The terrorist group, Hezbollah, has already demonstrated its alliance with Mexican cartels, and more alliances are likely to continue to be revealed. The ramifications of these alliances go beyond money laundering and fundraising, as …


What Are The Games For?: The Hunger Games And Reality Tv, Audrey Perez Apr 2025

What Are The Games For?: The Hunger Games And Reality Tv, Audrey Perez

Senior Honors Theses

In Suzanne Collins’ series, The Hunger Games, a dystopian Capitol holds an annual televised gladiator-style competition in which child participants fight to the death. These Games function as a psychological tool of propaganda that influence both viewers and participants to sustain an oppressive government. Collins prominently explored the Games’ medium as a reality television show through the way it reinforces an ideology of oppression and control through visual messaging and emotional complicity to create division between classes of people. Real world reality TV also has ideological underpinnings that can negatively influence both viewers and participants through its depiction of a …


Autonomous Vehicles: Security And Privacy Concerns, Christopher Z. Shiu Apr 2025

Autonomous Vehicles: Security And Privacy Concerns, Christopher Z. Shiu

Senior Honors Theses

The rapid development of self-driving vehicles provides many benefits. Even then, there are various security and privacy concerns that must be addressed. Autonomous vehicles are dependent on advanced machine learning systems in order to communicate. However, concerns about cyber threats and the misuse of data are not studied adequately enough. With the integration of technical and human factors, these developments can address communication and regulatory compliance weaknesses to offer safer implementations to autonomous vehicles. It is only after understanding these challenges, can strategies be developed to counteract threats. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, autonomous vehicles have the potential to …


A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Emasculation Of Men Through Televised Forums Of Entertainment, Skylar G. Sexton Apr 2025

A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Emasculation Of Men Through Televised Forums Of Entertainment, Skylar G. Sexton

Senior Honors Theses

What constitutes manliness stands on the brink of collapse. Society wages war on the idea of biological men and women. This simultaneously blurs the lines of the distinctive characteristics that define a man such as initiative, protective instincts, self-control, and leadership. Media forums act as a reflection as well as an influencing medium for a cultural body. Films have fundamentally changed their depiction of men in television since the 1960s and 1970s. Manliness is being redefined through films' depictions of a man, as well as by societal movements such as feminism. Men are being emasculated in society today, which is …


The Effectiveness And Implications Of Telehealth For Mental Health Treatment, Mia Crosby Apr 2025

The Effectiveness And Implications Of Telehealth For Mental Health Treatment, Mia Crosby

Senior Honors Theses

As technology has evolved, many mental health professionals have begun to adopt the option of a telehealth format for treatment delivery. Particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the remote form of counseling emerged as an alternative to traditional in-person therapy. This thesis will examine existing studies to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth counseling, potential implications to consider, and the limitations of this treatment modality. Five themes based on the current research will be discussed: (1) the acceptability and efficacy of telehealth services, (2) the transition and adoption of telehealth, (3) the equivalence of treatment modalities, (4) client and provider …


Mindful Parenting: The Impact On Parental Stress, Self-Efficacy, And Self-Compassion, Maureen Helm Apr 2025

Mindful Parenting: The Impact On Parental Stress, Self-Efficacy, And Self-Compassion, Maureen Helm

Senior Honors Theses

Parents face additional pressures as they deal with the challenge of their own lives as well as stressors associated with caring for their children. While some stress may serve as necessary motivation, too much stress can adversely impact one’s health, work and relationships. Research indicates that many parents have increased stress and emotional distress, as well as decreased self-efficacy and self-compassion which impacts their overall well-being and abilities as parents. With this in mind, it is essential to study healthy and effective coping strategies to combat these detrimental factors. One potential intervention that has been shown to impact parental stress …


Code Of Faith: Programming Spirituality In The Digital Age, Caleb Martin Apr 2025

Code Of Faith: Programming Spirituality In The Digital Age, Caleb Martin

Senior Honors Theses

With the increasing pervasiveness of technology in our daily lives, it is critical to consider the potential effects on an individual's religious practices and beliefs from software applications developed within a religious framework. This thesis delves into the relationship between software development and religious experiences, examining the manner in which the creation, operation, and application of religious technology can mold and impact an individual's spiritual development. This thesis aims to inform the implementation of technologies with a nonsecular application, ensuring that they are developed with a deep respect for the nuances of religious experience. The findings of this study will …


Is Speech Speech?: Analyzing The Speech As Conduct Exception After Nifla, Joshua N. Broome Apr 2025

Is Speech Speech?: Analyzing The Speech As Conduct Exception After Nifla, Joshua N. Broome

Senior Honors Theses

In National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, the Supreme Court held that there was no First Amendment exception for professional speech, but noted there remained an exception for speech incidental to professional conduct. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit are split on the nature of this exemption, namely, whether it includes legislation banning conversion therapy for minors when said therapy consists of only speech. This split highlights a deeper divide: whether speech, in and of itself, can be considered conduct and …


Escaping Eden, Leslie Walker Mar 2025

Escaping Eden, Leslie Walker

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the world of Eden, Hell, and Heaven through the eyes of the young protagonist, Sage. She completes a journey through many different trials, suffering multiple injuries as she slowly pieces together that the ruler of Hell is her brother, Bryce. Sage is greeted by numerous characters such as Adler and Evelyn, along with other souls in Hell. Sage eventually finds herself back near Heaven’s gates after her trek through the underworld, but something feels different. Her brother ultimately tricks her into believing that she has made it out alive, but he never allowed her to leave the …


Exploring The Concept Of Eternal Security In The Primitive Church Of Orlando, Fl, Evelyne Petion Laroque Mar 2025

Exploring The Concept Of Eternal Security In The Primitive Church Of Orlando, Fl, Evelyne Petion Laroque

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the concept of eternal security in the Primitive Church of Orlando, Florida. The purpose is to accede to a genuine guarantee of eternal life. The Primitive Church of Orlando, Florida, may not understand the concept of eternal security, but the fault may not be entirely theirs. Theologians and believers have debated eternal security for centuries, with some advocating for “Once saved, always saved.” Moreover, others emphasize assurance of salvation. It is unclear how this ongoing argument serves God’s redemptive purpose for His Church. Still, it continues to frustrate believers’ spiritual formation worldwide. This study presents findings on …


Achieving Positive Outcomes Using Rapport-Based Police Interviewing In Sex Offense Investigations, Mark A. Dainty Mar 2025

Achieving Positive Outcomes Using Rapport-Based Police Interviewing In Sex Offense Investigations, Mark A. Dainty

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Rapport is a critical component of interpersonal communication marked by verbal and non-verbal behaviors including attention, positivity, and coordination. The presence of these indicators during police interviews is positively correlated with information yield. This grounded theory study examined the relationship between rapport and information yield as measured by the quantity of details interviewees disclosed to investigators, particularly sensitive or incriminating details. The theory guiding this study was Cesare Beccaria’s classical criminology Rational Choice Theory, which suggests offenders are rational beings who conduct a cost-benefit analysis before engaging in crime. Investigators applying this theory and employing rapport-based interviewing skills will elicit …


Examining Self-Compassion And Self-Care Practices Among African American Mental Health Practitioners: An Ethical Imperative For Wellness And Self-Care, Shiela E. Lee Mar 2025

Examining Self-Compassion And Self-Care Practices Among African American Mental Health Practitioners: An Ethical Imperative For Wellness And Self-Care, Shiela E. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of African American mental health clinicians, specifically focusing on self-compassion, as well as personal and professional self-care, emphasizing wellness and clinical competency. Despite the crucial role of self-care, limited research has explored the experiences of African American clinicians, who often confront stress, burnout, and systemic challenges, including racism. The study aims to address this gap by investigating self-care practices, defining, and implementing self-compassion, and tackling challenges such as compassion fatigue, burnout, stress, racism, and microaggressions. Guided by Gilbert's theoretical model of compassion, emphasizing the development of a compassionate self, the research seeks to …


Exploring Phonics Instruction And Strategies In Emerging Literacy: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Effective Early Literacy Interventions, Morgan J. Dugan Mar 2025

Exploring Phonics Instruction And Strategies In Emerging Literacy: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Effective Early Literacy Interventions, Morgan J. Dugan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study examines the experiences of public-school kindergarten teachers in Pennsylvania who implement grouped phonics instruction to support early literacy development. Grounded in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the research focuses on educators’ instructional strategies, challenges, and collaborative practices in fostering reading skills. The central research question asks, “What are the experiences of kindergarten teachers using grouped phonics education methods?” Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 10 teachers averaging 20.2 years of experience, the study identifies key themes in phonics instruction. Findings show the widespread use of structured programs such as Heggerty (used by 80% of participants) and …


Marketization As An Influence On Leadership Behavior And Organizational Mission In U.S.-Based Nonprofit Organizations, Joshua Caulfield Mar 2025

Marketization As An Influence On Leadership Behavior And Organizational Mission In U.S.-Based Nonprofit Organizations, Joshua Caulfield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) form a sector of society aimed at supporting specific communities without a profit motive and the encumbrances inherent in government organizations. As society has matured, NPOs find themselves engaging in their missions within the context of a highly competitive marketplace. Leadership and staff find that resource requirements are growing, the supply of funding and other sources of support is threatened, and the expectations of their communities are expanding. This has led NPO leaders to make decisions to adopt businesslike practices, called marketization, more frequently. This study explored an under-researched sector of the NPO community, trade associations and …


Connections Between Co-Occurring Symptoms Of Eating Disorders, Gut Dysbiosis, Anxiety, And Depression, Erin L. Thomas Mar 2025

Connections Between Co-Occurring Symptoms Of Eating Disorders, Gut Dysbiosis, Anxiety, And Depression, Erin L. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Eating disorders (ED) are a pervasive mental health condition that puts individuals at risk for long-term physical consequences or even death, and current treatment methods typically do not offer long-term efficacy. The current study aims to examine relationships between co-occurring symptoms of EDs, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, and depression to add to the scientific literature and point towards directions that may increase the benefits of treatment efforts. A total of 72 participants were asked to complete an online survey that consisted of measures from each variable and took about 20 minutes to finish. Participating individuals had to be at least 18 …


A Phenomenological Study Of Women’S Discovery Of Infidelity In Long-Term Relationships, Sinay Butler Mar 2025

A Phenomenological Study Of Women’S Discovery Of Infidelity In Long-Term Relationships, Sinay Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of women in long-term marriages in the Spokane, Washington area when they discovered their husbands’ infidelity. All of the women in this study developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the discovery of their husbands’ infidelity, however, infidelity is not recognized as a criterion A event for a formal diagnosis. Attachment theory provided the theoretical framework from which to understand the trauma responses of these women better. During the semi-structured interviews, the women described the discovery of infidelity as a traumatic and life-changing event. The research questions …


Improving The Mq For Pastoral Counseling At Hesed Counseling Ministries To Benefit Pro-Life Victims Of Pro-Abortionist Violence, Sean Michael Patrick Ferreiro Mar 2025

Improving The Mq For Pastoral Counseling At Hesed Counseling Ministries To Benefit Pro-Life Victims Of Pro-Abortionist Violence, Sean Michael Patrick Ferreiro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Biblical Christianity has ubiquitously denounced abortion. Unfortunately, an unprecedented number of physical attacks on the pro-ministry’s volunteers and properties have resulted in traumatic experiences. Counseling services are the natural recommendation for these volunteers thereafter. However, secular counselors are often incongruent with the values of the pro-life ministry. Hesed Counseling Ministries offers counseling services for pro-life volunteers. As a group of solution-focused practitioners, they utilize the miracle-question (MQ). To create a counseling milieu congruent to the unique subculture of the pro-life ministry, they created their own MQ. It was bereft of the voices and verbiage of the pro-life ministry. Therefore, the …


Building Unity Between Coeur D’Alene Bible Church And Summit Christian Academy Communities Through Leadership Engagement Groups, Nathan T. Duncan Mar 2025

Building Unity Between Coeur D’Alene Bible Church And Summit Christian Academy Communities Through Leadership Engagement Groups, Nathan T. Duncan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Western church must model unity to its congregation and the local community as part of the battle against the growing cultural focus on individualism. The purpose of this action research project was to develop and build unity between Coeur d'Alene Bible Church (CBC) and Summit Christian Academy (SCA) by utilizing Leadership Engagement Groups (LEGs). LEGs consisted of individuals from the leadership team of each ministry, five from CBC and four from SCA. They met for five weeks to pray, examine biblical unity, and discuss how they can practically assist the other ministry in their ministry goals. Questionnaires, which measured …


The Impact Of A Social Media Literacy Program On Adolescent Subjective Well-Being, Miranda L. Virone Mar 2025

The Impact Of A Social Media Literacy Program On Adolescent Subjective Well-Being, Miranda L. Virone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of a Social Media Literacy (SML) program on adolescent subjective well-being. The research was conducted in a public middle school in rural western Pennsylvania, with 102 eighth-grade students participating in a six-week SML intervention as part of regular educational practices. The study utilized pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure changes in both SML and subjective well-being. Data analysis included paired samples t-tests to assess within-group effects and Pearson’s r correlation to evaluate associations between variables. Results indicated no statistically significant effect of the SML program on subjective well-being, leading to the rejection of the first …


The Impact Of Religious Music On Psychological Well-Being: A Survey Study Of Chinese Christians In Hong Kong Churches, Ka Man Lee Mar 2025

The Impact Of Religious Music On Psychological Well-Being: A Survey Study Of Chinese Christians In Hong Kong Churches, Ka Man Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This cross-sectional survey investigates the relationship between listening to religious music and psychological well-being among Chinese Christians in Hong Kong, addressing a critical gap in Asian studies. Data were collected from 243 participants through a survey comprising demographic questions, music-listening habits (weekly frequency, average duration, and music era preference), and the 24-item Chinese Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale. Multiple linear regression and ANOVA analyses reveal that the average duration of listening to religious music positively associates with overall psychological well-being and its six dimensions, while frequency shows a negative relationship. Traditional religious music (composed in or before 1980) is associated with …


The Moderating Effect Of Emotional Intelligence On Teacher Self-Efficacy And Burnout, Ronda L. Kutcherman Mar 2025

The Moderating Effect Of Emotional Intelligence On Teacher Self-Efficacy And Burnout, Ronda L. Kutcherman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The number of teachers who are leaving the profession is exponentially increasing. Teachers are emotionally exhausted. In addition to the professional description and the job demands of teaching are the psychological stresses and emotional strains experienced by many teachers. These stresses and strains are linked to the professional workload that teachers manage daily. Excessive paperwork, attendance at meetings, participation in professional development after school hours, carrying work home, and the expectation to provide instruction for diverse student ability levels or academic needs are part of the workload. This study aimed to measure the moderating effect that emotional intelligence (EI) has …


Early-Stage Major Neurocognitive Disorder: A Case Study Of The Experiences Of Elder Men Who Attended A Peer-Led Support Group, Laurie Knight Kjoller Mar 2025

Early-Stage Major Neurocognitive Disorder: A Case Study Of The Experiences Of Elder Men Who Attended A Peer-Led Support Group, Laurie Knight Kjoller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to understand how elder men ages 65 and older with a diagnosis of early-stage major neurocognitive disorder experienced their participation in a peer-led support group series held at a neurology clinic in Barnstable, Massachusetts. The theory guiding this study asserts elder individuals contending with a chronic and debilitating illness like major neurocognitive disorder need to experience a sense of belonging and psycho-emotional support to attain resilience and quality of life and is found in the works of Hassani, Izadi-Avanji, Rakhshan, & Majd (2017) as it relates to the experience of elder …


Interpreting The Re-Engagement Of Disenfranchised Youth With Disabilities Through The Lived Experiences Of Alternative High School Staff Members: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Stephanie Jean Smith Mar 2025

Interpreting The Re-Engagement Of Disenfranchised Youth With Disabilities Through The Lived Experiences Of Alternative High School Staff Members: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Stephanie Jean Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experiences of re-engaging at-risk students with disabilities after disenfranchisement from traditional educational settings for non-compulsory alternative charter school staff members at Southwest Charter Academy in the Southwest United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s theory on bioecological systems, as it connects the influences of interactions to an individual’s development of behaviors. The central research question for this qualitative study asked: What are the lived experiences of non-compulsory alternative charter school staff members in the Southwest United States who work to re-engage at-risk students with disabilities after …


Exploring Adult Learners’ Spiritual Formation In Online Learning: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Haroldo Higino Viana Mar 2025

Exploring Adult Learners’ Spiritual Formation In Online Learning: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Haroldo Higino Viana

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the support for guiding spiritual formation in online courses for students in post-secondary Christian education in Asia. Support for guiding spiritual formation in online courses was generally defined as an instructional design that influences spiritual formation through social, cognitive, and teaching presence in the learning experience. The conceptual framework guiding this study was Garrison et al.’s community of inquiry, as it supports online instruction through social, cognitive, and teaching presences. The central research question was: What are the perspectives of online students as they develop spiritual formation within their coursework? …


Exploring The Experiences Of School Nurses Identifying And Initiating Migraine Treatment In School-Age Children, Stephanie E. Axley Mar 2025

Exploring The Experiences Of School Nurses Identifying And Initiating Migraine Treatment In School-Age Children, Stephanie E. Axley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Migraines affect about one child in twenty worldwide and have important implications for attainment and quality of life. Whereas migraines among adolescents are common, little is known about school nurses’ experience caring for this population within the school setting. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of school nurses in managing and treating students with migraines. Using Imogene King’s goal attainment theory as the theoretical framework, interviews with eight school nurses were conducted to understand the emotional, communicative, and practical challenges they face in providing care (Gonzalo, 2023). Key themes identified include the emotional toll of care communication barriers with …


A Qualitative Sociopsychological Study Of Expectancy Violation And Uses And Gratifications Theories Pertaining To Phubbing Behavior And Reception In Generation X Women, Sandra Joslyn Tallarico Mar 2025

A Qualitative Sociopsychological Study Of Expectancy Violation And Uses And Gratifications Theories Pertaining To Phubbing Behavior And Reception In Generation X Women, Sandra Joslyn Tallarico

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The overall aim of this dissertation project was to examine the effects of phone snubbing, called phubbing, on Generation X women born between 1965 and 1980 who reside in the United States. This qualitative dissertation explored the experiences Generation X women have with the reception and action of the act of phubbing others through 18 semi-structured interviews via dyadic face-to-face conversation. The study’s findings indicate that Generation X women dislike being phubbed, negatively impacting conversational, communication, and relational satisfaction. Further indications suggest Generation X women typically try to avoid phubbing others, except for the felt need to check on their …