Digital Commons Network^™

The Unashamed Plan: Expository Methods For Reconciling Unchurched Young Adults At The Friendship Baptist Church Of West End, James Daniel Spencer Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Young adults are absent from the pews of churches within the urban African American community. Churches within the community face dissolution because a generation no longer seeks to solve its problems by connecting with the household of faith due to shame-based alienation. There is a need to reconcile young adults into the citadel of invincible grace, God’s church, to fulfill the Great Commission and ensure a generation is not lost. Therefore, this action research project teaches church members through expository preaching and teaching The Unashamed Plan to educate them to reach youth for Christ. The Unashamed Plan is a theological …

Do Games Play A Role In Personal Socialization?, Jasmine Reyna Landry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how online gamers aged 20 to 40 experience the impact of socialization on self-verification and personal purpose. Semi-structured interviews with eleven participants were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to capture the essence of participants lived experiences and the sample population consisted of 12 participants. Findings revealed two overarching themes and in the themes several subthemes that include: Emotional Regulation, Social Presence, Stress Relief, Gaming as Social Connection and Maintenance and lifestyle balance. Participants described gaming as central to sustaining meaningful relationships, regulating stress, exploring identity, and receiving …

A Pilot Study Of Life Model Informed Therapy And Its Efficacy For Reducing Anxiety And Increasing Joy In Adults, William R. Mouer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This pilot study researched Life Model Informed Therapy (LMIT), a modality developed into a six-week treatment targeted to decrease anxiety and increase joy in adults that self-reported as having anxiety. Fourteen participants were recruited by Facebook ads in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Outcome data were collected using the State Joy Scale (SJS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Participants received the same LMIT treatment for six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions. Participants self-reported on their joy and anxiety levels at three periods of time, including a pre-treatment, post-treatment and one month after-treatment test. Two one-way RM-ANOVA tests were conducted. Results of …

Investigation In The Association Of Opioid Administration And Access To A Primary Care Provider In Patients Who Frequently Use The Emergency Department In A Rural And Urban Hospital In Arkansas, Cheyenne Star Lowrey-Lagrone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The overuse of emergency department (ED) services presents challenges for hospitals and communities as valuable resources are funneled repeatedly into the same patients. Frequent ED users account for a significant portion of used resources, and efforts have been made to address this public health concern. This paper sought to identify associations between opioid administration and access to a PCP in one rural and one urban hospital in Arkansas. Through an investigation of 200 medical records of ED users identified as frequent users of one rural (n=100) and one urban (n=100) hospital between 2018 and 2023, the researcher identified associations between …

Implementation Of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols To Improved Maternal Pain Management, Stefanie Sherman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cesarean sections remain the most common surgical procedures in the United States, but they come with significant risks, including increased pain, infection, longer recovery, and higher health care costs. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines outline an evidence- based, multidisciplinary approach that optimizes surgical recovery and improves outcomes. The primary goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of ERAS guidelines in a community hospital with women undergoing scheduled cesarean sections on postoperative pain management as measured by aggregate pain scores. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was used to guide this quasi-experimental pre-post project, which …

From Protest To Harmony: The Global Language Of Change, Valerie Brooke Missick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative historical study investigates how music functions as a unifying force within global social and political movements, transcending cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries to foster collective identity and sustain long-term activism. Drawing on Social Identity Theory, Cultural Diffusion Theory, and Framing Theory, the research analyzes archival documents, historical records, media sources, and case studies from movements such as the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-Vietnam War Movement, anti-apartheid struggles, Black Lives Matter, the Arab Spring, and contemporary climate justice activism. Findings reveal that music operates as both an emotional catalyst and a strategic communication tool, shaping narratives, strengthening solidarity, …

An Assessment Of Cognitive Fatigue Among Emergency Medical Services (Ems) Professionals In The State Of Georgia, Charlotte L. Bush

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation was to delve into the urgent and pervasive issue of cognitive fatigue in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare delivery. EMS personnel operate in high-stress, unpredictable environments, frequently working long hours and overnight shifts, which can lead to significant fatigue. This study aimed to identify the primary causes of cognitive fatigue in this population, examine its impact on decision-making abilities and patient care outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of current fatigue management strategies. The research employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative data …

The Lived Experience Of Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigators: A Phenomenological Study, Andrea Ruth Sorber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study describes the resiliency-building skills implemented by investigators during pre-engagement, engagement, and post-engagement with Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases. This study will include no non-adults, as participants are those in the law enforcement field assigned to investigating CSAM cases. The theory guiding this study is Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology, which focuses on intentionality while suspending judgment and moving toward awareness. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (STT) provides the theoretical framework for the study, which aims to answer the following primary research question: How do investigators handling CSAM describe their strategies to sustain resilience during engagement with distressing digital content? …

The Relationship Between Leadership, Quality Outcomes, And Turnover In Healthcare, Megan L. Rhoades

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study examined the relationship between leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, quality outcomes, and turnover in non-profit acute care hospitals in Texas. Guided by a pragmatic paradigm, the research utilized archived data to analyze correlations among leader effectiveness scores, employee engagement levels, patient quality metrics, and employee turnover rates. Grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the Motivation-Hygiene Theory, Job Demands-Resources Theory, Path-Goal Theory, and Relational Leadership Theory, the study explored how leadership behaviors and engagement strategies influence organizational outcomes. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between effective leadership and employee engagement, indicating that leaders who provide support, recognition, and …

The Effects Of Escape Room Simulations On Stress Levels Of Sophomore Baccalaureate Nursing Students: An Experimental Study, Bethany L. Mcfann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative experimental pretest -posttest design using an experimental and control group was to determine if gaming escape room simulation will decrease BSN nursing students' stress in high fidelity simulation (HFS). The sample size of 64 students had 32 students randomly assigned to each group, the control and the experimental group. The first-year sophomore Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students at a state university were randomly assigned to either traditional or escape room simulation scenarios. Stress levels of each group were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool before and after the simulations with statistical …

The Lived Experiences Of Black Women Who Pastor Men In The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Karen En Bailey Garrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological research project will explore the lived experiences of Black women pastoring at least three (3) who are not genetically related, weekly attending male congregants in the historically patriarchal culture of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church with a minimum of at least one hundred (100) weekly attendees or more, and actively ordained. The CME Church has traditionally believed that the Bible prohibits women from serving as pastors or in any position of control over men. In four previous studies, Harden (2023), Morgan (2024), Tribble (2005), and Williams (2024) found that female pastors encountered obstacles throughout their journey …

Exploring The Relationship Between Maternal-Fetal Training And Maternal Desert Workers’ Compassion Fatigue: A Predictive Correlational Study, Marissa Lemley Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to explore the relationship between maternal-fetal training and maternal desert workers’ compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress in the southeastern region of the United States. Maternal deserts are defined as areas without dedicated obstetric services and impact more than 28 million childbearing-age women. These areas are becoming more prevalent, leaving healthcare workers to face caring for maternal-fetal health concerns in generalist areas. The study utilized a predictive correlational design to analyze relationships where multiple variables could influence the study. Stamm’s Professional Quality of Life V-5 (ProQOL) scale was used to …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Common Themes Among Individuals Who Have Broken Generational Cycles Of Conflict Avoidance, Codependency, And People Pleasing, Joseph Daniel Mcginnis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many healthy and unhealthy adult behaviors are transmitted from parent to child as generational behavior cycles. Conflict avoidance, codependency, and people-pleasing are all unhealthy relationship dynamics that are generationally passed down in such a way. Breaking these generational cycles of unhealthy relationship dynamics is often difficult. The goal of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the common themes among individuals who have broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, co-dependency, and people-pleasing. The study consisted of 17 participants who were identified as having broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, codependency, or people-pleasing. Each participant was either previously involved …

Exploring The Experience Of East African Immigrants With Accents In Michigan Mental Health Counseling, Ermias Kebede Tessema

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of East African immigrants with accented English in Michigan mental health counseling context. The purpose was to understand how accented speech shaped communication, emotional safety, and therapeutic connection between clients and counselors. Grounded in B.F. Skinner’s theory of language learning, along with the language transfer and critical period hypothesis frameworks, the study employed semi-structured interviews with ten East African immigrant adults who had received mental health counseling in Michigan. Data analysis produced five overarching themes: (1) Accent as a Communication Barrier, (2) Counselor’s Cultural Competence, (3) Emotional Experience of Counseling with an …

Ace Scores And Ipv Perpetration Among Domestic Violence Treatment Court Participants In New Mexico, Laura S. Daniels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative archival study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among participants in a specialized Domestic Violence Treatment Court (DVTC) in New Mexico. Between January 2019 and December 2024, 69 individuals volunteered for the DVTC, with 49 graduating successfully, reflecting a graduation rate of approximately 78%. The study’s purpose was to determine whether a sample of offenders (N=22) reported higher levels of ACEs compared to the U.S. general population. ACEs were measured using a 10-item questionnaire, and data were compared to national benchmarks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A …

Personality Traits And Perceived Barriers: A Comparative Study Of Teacher Views On Behavior Interventions, Patricia Geiger Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maladaptive behaviors negatively affect both students and teachers. Students’ academic success, mental health, and safety are jeopardized by these behaviors, while teachers experience increased stress and burnout when managing them. Behavior interventions have been shown to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve outcomes. Although most teachers agree that certain factors act as barriers to implementing behavior interventions, there is no consensus on the frequency or impact of these barriers. Guided by the Big Five Theory, this quantitative study examined how teachers’ levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were associated with differences in their perceptions of the frequency and impact …

Faith Versus Safety: Exploring How Black Churches Navigate Through Intersections Of Faith, Culture, Safety, And Social Work When Dealing With Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Wanda Rw Mckinley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to understand the cultural and structural barriers that hinder “Blessings and Grace Church,” a Black faith-based institution, from effectively addressing intimate partner violence (IPV). The study identified context-specific strategies to improve survivor support, enhance safety measures, and strengthen resource accessibility within the church. The goal was to inform culturally responsive and theologically sensitive improvements tailored to the needs of this specific faith-based community. The setting for the study was an urban Black church in southern Texas. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory was the theoretical framework guiding this study. According to this theory, a …

The Discoveries Of Key Elements Behind A Central Texas Title 1 Public School District’S Academic And Relational Success Amid Learning Loss In State Trends: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Hannah Deborah-Johns Fountain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study is to discover the key elements behind a central Texas Title 1 Public School District’s academic and relational success amid learning loss experienced in other similar Texas public school districts during the COVID pandemic. From the years prior to the pandemic to three years post, Sunflower Independent School District (SISD) has remained steadfast in demonstrating superb state ratings via STAAR and TELPAS assessments. It has also received continuous spotlight district recognition through Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) – a social emotional learning (SEL)/character enriching program. Texas Public Education throughout the years has looked …

Music’S Transformative Power: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Christian Music’S Role In Enhancing Human Development, Crystal Ann Hubbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music is one of the most fundamental expressions of art, communication, and worship, linking to the conscience and personalities across cultures. Music provides a pathway to human emotions where music manifests as a therapeutic component for psychosomatic change. Furthermore, Christian music has not been explored as a therapeutic component for individuals struggling with mental health or cognitive challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Christian music may serve as a therapeutic component of wellbeing in everyday lives of individuals. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, this study investigated the lived experiences of 10 individuals who have experienced Christian …

The Holy Spirit Fulfills The Great Commission By Affecting The Soul – The Conscience, Intellect, And Affections – Of Believers Through The Agency Of Discipleship, Farrah K. Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Statement of Problem

A knowledge and awareness of the Holy Spirit tends to be the missing from the church today, although his power, presence, and role is not only needed, but is necessary to fulfill the last commandment given by Christ. Though silent, he and his work are – and should be – evident among, to, and through believers, both corporately and individually.

Research Question

What do the Great Commission passages in the Gospels and the book of Acts reveal about the mission of the Holy Spirit for the church today?

Thesis Statement

This dissertation argues that, according to the …

The Lived Experiences Of Mothers Of Children With Down Syndrome Using Teleot Services: A Phenomenological Study, Tumini Umukoro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In response to the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States, therapy services for children with developmental delays transitioned to telehealth services. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) who received occupational therapy services through telehealth (teleOT) using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory was the framework used to address the research questions: RQ1: What are the lived experiences of mothers of children with DS regarding teleOT services? RQ2: How do mothers of children with DS perceive the benefits and challenges of telehealth OT services? …

Comparing Modern Band And Traditional Band Methods: A Mixed-Quantitative Study Of Note-Reading And Improvisation Competencies Among Secondary Music Students, Dennis John Manson Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music directors should determine how pedagogical trends to support student-centered engagements utilizing modern methods and popular music in public schools compare to traditional practices in secondary bands. Current research suggests students should engage in culturally relevant repertoire and quality ensemble experiences. Existing studies, however, should measure the efficacy of alternative music programs concerning music literacy, self-expression, and how they compare to traditional band methods. Investigating both methods is necessary to discover common techniques and how differences in pedagogical standards may influence one another. Guided by experimental research, the following mixed quantitative study features a quasi-experimental and a correlational design to …

Influence And Excess: A Study Of Alcohol’S Governmental, Societal, Biochemical, And Enzymatic Impact In The U.S And Other Countries Around The World, Thomas W. Snider

Senior Honors Theses

The conduct of the thesis is to explore the intricacies of alcohol consumption. The thesis will outline the history of alcohol and the societal pressures and conduct of drinking with relation to the government. After the history of alcohol has been defined, the thesis will move into the chemistry portion, delineating the absorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion of alcohol. This is the portion of the thesis that will contain the quantitative data and source material as much research has already been conducted regarding these components of alcohol consumption. The condition of the research is that the data will be collected …

The Role Of Forgiveness In Health And Healthcare: Perspectives From Graduate Nursing Students And Faculty At A Private Faith-Based University In The United State[S], Rachel A. Joseph, Shanna W. Akers, Jichan J. Kim

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Destination Branding Strategies In The Hospitality And Tourism Industry, Mary Ann Richey

Senior Honors Theses

Within the last few decades, destination branding has gained significant traction in the hospitality and tourism industry. Therefore, it is essential that marketers within the industry pursue destination branding and analyze both successful and unsuccessful destination marketing campaigns. Successful campaigns cultivate positive consumer perceptions of destinations for both tourists and residents. Unsuccessful campaigns showcase that differentiation and a lack of residential support negatively impact national tourism. In order to successfully conduct destination branding campaigns, industry leaders must partake and acknowledge current industry trends. In 2025, the most impactful way to successfully market tourism destinations is through the use of online …

Bridging Worlds: Cultivating Cultural Intelligence For Transformative English Classrooms, Alvaro R. Larrea Salazar

Senior Honors Theses

This project explores the integration of the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) framework in the secondary English classroom to enhance inclusivity and classroom dynamics. It argues that by understanding and adapting to diverse cultural contexts, teachers can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, improve teacher-student relationships, and facilitate more effective classroom management. Through a focus on lesson planning, discussion, and overall instruction, this thesis aims to show how CQ can enrich literature studies and foster cultural awareness among students. Drawing on existing research, it demonstrates that a high CQ in educators is linked to transformational leadership and positive student outcomes, ultimately …

Belonging Without Borders: A Missionary Kid Reflects On Nursing School, Julia Beth Stamp

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

This reflective essay examines the experience of pursuing a nursing degree while living far from home as a Missionary Kid. It explores how the absence of close family ties during nursing school intensified feelings of loneliness, challenged motivation, and strained emotional well-being. Interwoven with personal narrative and supported by recent literature, the reflection highlights the way that community— through peers, mentors, and faculty— emerged as a vital source of resilience. The essay argues that resilience in nursing education is not the product of individual grit alone but grows from interdependence and the willingness to seek and receive support. Through recounting …

Resistance Is Not Futile: Plotting A Future Of Critical Thinking With Ai In Nursing Education, Alex Boggs

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Nurse Faculty Burnout: A Narrative Literature Review, Susan Braud, Cynthia Goodrich, Amanda Martin

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Background: Nursing faculty burnout significantly impairs teaching effectiveness and contributes to high turnover rates, threatening the future nursing workforce and overall quality of patient care.

Purpose: This review explores the contributing factors, consequences, and potential interventions related to nurse faculty burnout—a key driver of faculty attrition.

Method: An integrative literature review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework was conducted using the Melynk’s Level of Evidence Scale applied to assess the strength and quality of selected studies.

Results: Burnout in nurse faculty is multifactorial, stemming from overwhelming workloads, insufficient institutional support, and persistent systemic challenges. If unaddressed, it leads …

What Methods Do Pre-Licensure Bsn Students At A Christian University Use To Improve Resilience: A Qualitative Case Study, Beth Kelley

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

The purpose of this mixed-methods single-case study was to explore methods that pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at a Christian university used to improve their resilience. Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (1984) was employed as a theoretical framework, and the study asked: What methods did pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at a Christian university use to manage stress and improve resilience? A convenience sample of 91 students was obtained to complete the demographic questionnaire, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Of those students, 25 volunteered for interviews …