Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Women Seeking Treatment For Genito-Pelvic Pain And Penetration Disorder: A Phenomenological Study, Emily M. Lacy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the lived experiences of women seeking treatment for genito-pelvic pain, aiming to identify how each person experiences barriers and facilitators toward obtaining treatment as well as their outlook on the future regarding treatment. The research sought to provide an understanding of their experiences, with implications for minimizing current barriers and building accessibility and awareness. A qualitative phenomenological design was utilized to obtain the data from participants through semi-structured individual interviews. Nine individual interviews were completed with women between the ages of 27 and 44-years-old who have experienced symptoms of genito-pelvic pain for at least 1 year and …

Perceived Career Barriers Among Women Working In Public Transportation Based On Leadership Development Training And Race: A Causal-Comparative Study, Tamika Gunn White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study investigated differences in perceived career barriers among women engaged in leadership development training programs and those who were not, with a specific focus on their racial backgrounds. The research targets women within the public transportation workforce, utilizing a convenience sample comprising individuals willing and able to provide insights into the issue of perceived career barriers among women in this sector. Purposive inclusion criteria encompass self-identifying as a woman, reporting ages between 25 and 65, and current employment in the public transportation sector. The Perception of Barriers Scale assessed career- and education-related barriers. The data collection procedure …

A Phenomenological Study On The Mental Health Stigmatization And Faith Of Christian African American Genx Men, Kenneth Jerlette Mickie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary goal of this study was to examine the Mental health stigmatization and the faith of Christian African American GenX men. Mental Health within the African American community is a topic that is often considered taboo and seldom discussed. African faith plays a prominent role, many still experience contradictory feelings about receiving mental health treatment due to the worry of being judged and stigmatized. Therefore, it is critical to understand African Americans' perceptions of depression and views of depression treatment, including cultural stigmas and religious, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers that may deter individuals from seeking or accepting treatment in …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study: The School Principal's Experiences With Education Law, Vanessa Calderon Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand the school principal’s experiences with education while managing their school sites. The study applies Knowles' theory of adult learning to create relevant and practical learning and to produce continuous professional development programs on education law for school principals. The central research question guiding this study is: How prepared are principals when addressing legal issues while managing their schools? This hermeneutic phenomenology research study utilizes a constructivist approach to build an understanding of school principals' experiences with education law based on the insights of study participants. The participants comprised ten elementary, …

A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Teachers Implementing Social-Emotional Learning, Post Covid-19 At A Predominantly Hispanic School, Kutana Nichol Parrish

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of the ten middle school teachers implementing social and emotional learning, post COVID in a predominately Hispanic suburban school in Gwinnett County School District in Georgia. The theory guided by this study is emotional intelligence by psychologist Daniel Goldman but was first used by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990. Daniel Goldman defines emotional intelligence as having the ability to identify nonverbal cues, using emotion to guide one’s thinking, understanding information that is communicated, and actions of emotions, and the capability to self-regulate emotions. Collaborative for …

Parental Phubbing And Adolescent Social Anxiety, Julie Ann Bowman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how parents experience social anxiety in their children, of ages six to fourteen, in the presence of parental phubbing. The modified version of Moustakas’ modified version of Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen’s analysis method was used to gather and analyze data. Participant requirements included being at least 21 years of age, having a child between the ages of 6-14, own a cell phone with texting and internet capabilities, and speak English fluently. Fifteen participants were used, however, data saturation was found by the ninth participant. This study explored two research questions: How do parents …

The Necessity Of Weaknesses In Experiencing The Grace Of God: An Examination Of Paul’S Use Of Grace, Culminating In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Jason Scott Shawa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Paul’s understanding of weakness, grace, and the power of the risen Christ are all important theological truths. This dissertation’s goal is to show that within the Pauline corpus, Paul’s use of “grace” (specifically χάρις) is often inseparable from the experience of weaknesses. This necessitates the inclusion of weaknesses (e.g., distress, persecution, difficulty, pain, and suffering) for the believer to experience the “grace” God offers in and through the power of the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Paul’s understanding of grace is a subject that has far-reaching implications. Understanding his use of χάρις within his corpus is essential to theological studies and …

Racial Reconciliation In Black And White: A Qualitative Study Of Live Mississippi Blues Music Communication, Christian Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research effort is to investigate a problem regarding communication between Black and White Mississippians in live Mississippi blues music settings. The central research question for this study is as follows: Can live Mississippi blues music communication be used as a tool to strengthen race relations between Black and White Mississippians? Few studies exist regarding this matter. Understanding this phenomenon is relevant because racial reconciliation is critical to the Magnolia State’s future success, and research has proven that music can unify individuals. To facilitate comprehension, a thorough literature review describes Mississippi’s racial challenges from the …

Addressing A Lack Of Counseling Programs To Diminish The Psychological, Emotional, And Mental Impacts Of Church Closure Grief, Marcel Berrios

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Besides spiritual activities, the social activities that happen in church buildings are vital to the functioning of most communities; therefore, churches play a central role in the social fabric and social infrastructure of communities in ways not necessarily thought about until they are no longer around. The looming absence of this role or function of the church becomes the overarching focus to address when an announcement is made that a church is permanently closing. Lost in navigating the business and community aspects of a church closure is the congregation's metamorphic spiritual, emotional, and psychological journey. Subsequently, many church members are …

You're With Me While I Wait, Emily Williams

Masters Theses

The provided thesis is a compilation of an artistic statement, critical paper, and chapters of a novel which I have crafted during my MFA program. In essence, this thesis reflects all I have learned in my academic endeavors to this point and how those endeavors have encouraged my creativity.

For the artist statement, I share the creative process behind my manuscript, including the “why” of glorifying God with my writing that has fed the chapters for my novel. My critical paper highlights the craft element of medical theme weaved throughout the story. I examine the inclusion of medicine in literary …

Physiological And Biomechanical Perspectives On Elbow Function During Forehand And Backhand Disc Golf Throws: A Novel Investigation, Lauren Rachelle Giles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over 81% of players have reported injuries linked to disc golfing, predominantly due to overuse. Since disc golf originated, there is a lack of research on the proper biomechanics of the disc golf throw. This descriptive, quantitative study seeks to be the first. We investigated 6 females and 35 males, aged 21-66, registered to compete in disc golf. The goal was to examine the kinetic parameters of healthy disc golfers to identify biomechanics likely associated with safety. Research questions investigated whether there is a connection between lean body mass and disc distance traveled, elbow torque and disc distance, or grip …

A Qualitative Analysis Applying Uses And Gratifications Theory To Explore The Types Of Spaces Within Facebook Post Comments Regarding Mental Illness And Suicide, Melissa Rice

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study investigated spaces created within Facebook comments on posts related to mental illness and suicide. The uses and gratification theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs served as the framework for this qualitative study utilizing content analysis to analyze 14,186 comments from 175 Facebook posts. This study highlights how user comments on specific posts create engagement spaces that turn positive or negative based on Facebook users' need for fulfillment. The findings also suggest that users engage with posts to meet various needs, such as seeking validation and attention, fulfilling a desire to feel valued, connecting with others through shared …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On The Eating Behaviors Of Black American Women, Teshia Stovall Dula

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the impact of behaviorism on understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their effects on eating behaviors, particularly emotional overeating, and satiety responsiveness, in Black women. It highlights the importance of addressing ACEs to promote holistic well-being, especially given racial health disparities. The study investigates various factors shaping the behavior of Black women, including individual traits, environments, and behavioral patterns, focusing on an under-researched area. It calls for standardized definitions in this context and advocates for more extensive and diverse sample sizes for future research. Ultimately, the research aims to empower Black women by translating insights into effective …

Graphic Design And Automation, Ellen Fixsen

Masters Theses

This research examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and DIY-centric template tools in the area of graphic design and how they affect businesses using them for branding and visuals, and how that impacts the graphic design industry. Although the use of AI in graphic design is a fairly new trend, the technology has been developing over the last several decades, if not longer. With AI definitely here to stay, it has become vital to explore how businesses and designers will move forward and utilize the tools it offers. Incorporating historical and statistical evidence, professional insights, case studies, …

Literary Structure Of Proverbs And The Stages Of A Righteous Life, Craig W. Babcock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The structure of Proverbs and the applied wisdom of the father and mother which begin with the son in the first chapter are present throughout the entire book of Proverbs creating an ongoing narrative literary structure connecting the individual proverbs. The narrative literary structure demonstrates the shifting nature of the moment of life for the son in life and beyond death. To demonstrate the more prominent literary structure, the son follows a hero’s journey, with the son ending as a sage. The theological understanding of the son and the fear of Yahweh guide him through the complex nature of life …

The Effectiveness Of Education Utilizing A Digital Patient Education Platform For Nursing Staff Working In A Military Medical Treatment Facility, Meki Bocage

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, the use of digital health technology has been found to improve patients’ experiences, health outcomes, and quality of care. Furthermore, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient experiences. The purpose of this evidence-based practice process improvement project supports providing educational intervention to nursing staff through videoconferencing or lecture learning opportunities. The project focused on successfully educating nursing staff from at least three MTFs on the use of a patient education platform by the conclusion of the 30-day intervention through individual web-based pre and post questionnaires. Ultimately, 15 registered …

An Action Research Study Of The Spiritual Growth Among Veterans Within The Civilian Context, Long Tuan Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military-civilian transition (MCT) for Veterans has been commonly associated with negative mental health experiences as they had to go through the intercultural changes between the military and civilian life. The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to design, coordinate, and assess a chaplain model of care called Spiritual Growth Lectio (SGL) for recently discharged Veterans. Thirteen Veterans participated in this research project through purposive sampling. The SGL model comprised a pre-test survey, six-week intervention, posttest survey, and focus group interview guided by four research questions. Quantitative data was collected from participants’ pre-test and post-test surveys. Subsequently, qualitative data …

The Impact Of Intergenerational Racial Trauma On High-Achieving African American Women, Andrea L. Tanner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The historical trauma of chattel slavery in the United States created a system of race-based discrimination, exploitation, and oppression still experienced today. Extensive research is required to comprehensively understand and address the intergenerational effects of trauma. The intergenerational transmission of trauma affects future generations, as traumatic memories affect those who have personally experienced conflict and violence. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe how high-achieving African American women who are descendants of enslaved Africans experience intergenerational trauma. Conceptually, it is framed by Critical Race Theory, which this study utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology. Qualitative interviews were conducted …

Developing A Program Of Ongoing Adult Spiritual Formation For St. Raphael Church In San Rafael, California, Mark Andrew Kroncke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This portfolio seeks to determine a plan of action for implementing an ongoing spiritual formation program for adults.

A Crisis In Confidence: A Collective Case Study Approach To School Security Through Teacher Experiences, Ryan J. Stevenson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand and discover the set of hard and soft deterrents and how they work to increase the confidence for teachers at middle schools of various socioeconomic levels. The main theory was the risk theory by Sabine Roeser as it refers to how humans operate when faced with risk and uncertainty in their everyday lives. The study was a collective case study with teachers of various experience levels across three sites. The sites were three different middle schools across a northern Virginia suburban county; schools were one of low socioeconomic status, middle …

Detransitioners: Dealing With The False Promises Of Gender Transition, Diane M. Roselli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Until recently, sex change surgery was rarely performed and on adults only; however, the discovery of cross-sex hormones, advances in plastic surgery, and the Dutch protocol contributed to the use of a treatment regimen for children consisting of puberty blockers (GnRHa), cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgery, known as gender-affirmative treatment (GAT). A growing number of individuals, who opted to undergo the transition process, are detransitioning by ceasing hormone therapy or requesting corrective/reconstructive surgery. Their lived experiences are relatively unknown because most detransitioners drop out of treatment, are silenced by trans activists, and are not acknowledged by medical organizations. This …

Examining Educational Experiences Of Healthcare Providers Who Transitioned Into A Different Healthcare Role: A Phenomenological Study, Dustin P. Carnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the educational experiences of healthcare practitioners seeking to transition into a different healthcare role. The theory guiding this study is adult learning theory, as this closely aligns with the learning experienced by advanced healthcare practitioners. This study answers the central research question, what are the experiences of healthcare professionals who seek additional education to transition into a different healthcare role? This study consists of an individual interview, focus group, and journal prompts to achieve triangulation and was distributed to healthcare workers across the United States who have transitioned roles in …

Higher Education And Women In Leadership: Gender-Based Training For African American Women In Transformational Leadership, Chavon Anette Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian African American women in leadership have unique lived experiences. Although God calls women to lead, they often meet challenges in ministry and the marketplace. Developing into a great woman in leadership requires intentionality and preparation. This study explored the perceptions and perspectives of Christian African American women in senior leadership roles in ministry and wider corporate America. The qualitative research revealed the need to address gender and racial issues in higher education, develop gender-based training, and further transformational leadership development. The research design utilized interviews with ten open-ended questions to collect data. The study focused on Christian African American …

High School Teachers' Experiences With Increasing Attendance Rates For Indigenous Students Within A Pbis Model In A Grade Eight-12 High School: A Qualitative Case Study, Amanda Broadway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study is to understand the reasons for chronic absenteeism of Indigenous students living on the reservation at a small independent school and how the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) framework may increase attendance rates. The theory guiding this case study is Skinner’s behavior theory. Behavior theory is used to describe the reasons behind the problem behavior of not attending school. Behavior theory includes antecedent and consequence interventions that may help to reduce chronic absenteeism and can be implemented within a PBIS framework. The PBIS framework may be used to implement proactive interventions in the …

The Impact Of 21st-Century Technology Teaching On Socio-Economically Challenged Students In Public High Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Duncan Kenneth Guishard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of 10 teachers who have used 21st-century technology teaching methods in three U.S. public high schools (PHS), North, South, and West in the Mid-Eastern United States. Schlossberg’s transition theory guided this study and was used to address the central research question: What essential elements of 21st-century technology teaching practices do you believe can improve students’ performance and academic success in U.S. public high schools? The three sub-questions helped uncover the teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives using 21st-century technology teaching methods in public high schools. Purposeful sampling …

Divorce: A Phenomenological Study On Estrangement In Fathers In Older Adulthood, Janet H. Shaffer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This proposed study will be to look at the phenomenon of estrangement framed in the family system theory through a Biblical lens. The qualitative interpretive approach will look at a minimum of ten individuals who have been or are currently experiencing the outcomes of familial estrangement that occurred between fathers and their adult children. This destructive phenomenon has been found to increase the risk of negative mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, feelings of grief, and loss for those within the family unit. The growing number of parent-adult-child estrangements highlights the need to study the lived experiences …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Perceptions Of A Humanistic Classical Education, Nils Ivan Borquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the descriptions of experiences for faculty members at classical education curriculum academic institutions at the PreK-12 school level. The descriptions of experiences were defined as phenomenal experiences of faculty through the subjective lens. The theory guiding this study was the humanistic learning theory of education as it focuses on self-directed and self-evaluative classwork as well as the common use of canonical works to cultivate a desire for students to learn and study great texts for their entire lives. The Central Research Question asked “How do faculty at classical education institutions …

How Successful Are Female State Lawmakers? A Study Examining The Legislative Success Of Female State Lawmakers In Professional And Non-Professional State Legislatures, Samuel Eugene Keys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This non-experimental, quantitative study examined the impact of legislative professionalism on female state lawmakers' legislative success regarding women's issues. This study is important in determining if there is a significant difference in the legislative success of female state lawmakers based on the level of legislative professionalism. Additionally, this study is important in determining how much variation in legislative success can be explained by legislative professionalism and other factors. Participants for this study were drawn using a stratified sampling frame of state lawmakers elected to serve from 2003 – 2021 in professional and non-professional state legislatures in the U.S. For this …

Discipling Your Children For Dating, Isaiah Del Pilar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, in the culture of the church in the West, there is a very weak support system or culture of guidance as it relates to dating and courtship. This primarily is played out on the level of discipleship with primary caregivers with their children. Participants in this research project reported a low degree of feeling prepared and equipped to properly guide their children toward a quality spouse. There is an urgent need to improve the overall ability of primary caregivers in regard to discipling their children on the subject of dating marriage. The purpose of this project is to prepare, …

A Quantitative Study Exploring How Depression Symptom Severity Moderates The Relationship Between Emotional Suppression And Workplace Performance In A Sample Of American Office Worker, Laura A. Duffy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disorder consisting of several subtypes, and both subthreshold depression and acute phase depression are associated with functional, occupational, and social impairments, even after remission. Studies suggest that depression symptom severity negatively affects a person’s health, work performance, and social functioning due to a person’s limited cognitive resources. In Western cultures, employers expect employees who have depression to use emotional regulation in the workplace, but these employees find that this uses cognitive resources to the extent that they are unable to do their work optimally and also fulfill their social functions in the workplace. …