Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Relationship Between Biblical Characters And Mental Health: Identifying A Christian's Well-Being, Shanetia Sharie Chapman

Masters Theses

This thesis aims to examine the intersection between biblical texts and mental health within the framework of Christian belief systems. Through a critical analysis of key biblical narratives involving figures who exhibit experiences analogous to contemporary psychological struggles, this study investigates the influence of scriptural interpretation on believers’ perceptions of mental health and their coping mechanisms. By employing textual analysis, the research seeks to evaluate the potential of biblical teachings as therapeutic resources. Ultimately, this thesis aims to contribute to developing culturally and theologically informed approaches to mental health awareness and support within Christian communities.

The Evolution Of The Drum Set In American Musical Theater, Andrew M. Wert

Masters Theses

For several decades, American musical theater has been an essential part of the entertainment industry and has provided large-scale employment for musicians. Over the past several decades, composers have produced new works incorporating contemporary music styles and ensembles. This project will explore the changes in music styles in the music of musical theater from vaudeville to the present, analyze the effect that popular music in America has had on the techniques used by composers and orchestrators who write for drum set in musical theater, and examine changes in the function of the drum set player in pit orchestras. Ultimately, this …

Self-Expression As Communication In The Student Film, Matthew Sereno

Masters Theses

The student film is an often overlooked artistic medium, a one-and-done, means to an end kind-of form. Within the academic sphere, the student film holds value as a part of class curriculum, yet such a finite definition is often hindering. Once a project is completed and graded, it is often forgotten (except, of course, in the circumstances of grading). In the case of a student film that is extracurricular in nature, i.e. the passion project, incentive-based reasoning is forfeit. The student film, in all regards, is an overlooked, neglected artistic medium. Such oversight of the student film by both individuals …

Out-Of-Body Experiences: Plausibility Of A Separate Soul And Body, Jeffrey D. Boyles

Masters Theses

Near-death experiences (NDEs) and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), as reported by experiencers, contradict beliefs that when a person dies, they cease to exist. This view is opposite to the teachings of Jesus who taught that there is a separation between body and soul and the Apostle Paul who taught there is life after death. NDEs, and especially OBEs, support biblical teachings and the belief that the soul can be separate from the body. Case reports from the literature demonstrate veridical OBEs and encounters with deceased loved ones. Experiencers state that NDEs and OBEs are real in contrast to the arguments of …

Judicial Deference In Immigration Cases: A Qualitative Inquiry Into How Judicial Decision Making Shapes Immigration Policy, Jurgen R. Soekhoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the United States, the inherent right of a sovereign nation to regulate immigration and naturalization has been a privilege long recognized. The judicially established plenary power doctrine affirmed that right in 1889, only to be forgotten to history through shifting judicial focus. This study analyzed the connection between the political branch’s constitutional and statutory authority on immigration regulation and the influence of the federal judiciary on that power by reviewing immigration law, executive action, and judicial decisions. Increased judicial review into immigration-related matters has affected immigration policy. Soliciting firsthand insight from 17 federal judges provided unparalleled insight when investigating …

Impact Of Gamified Elearning On Learning Outcomes For Municipal Employees Aged 50 And Over In Ontario, Canada: An Experimental Study, Cristin Ann Keller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, experimental, causal-comparative, posttest-only, control-group study is to determine if there is a difference in system enjoyment, effort expectancy, and performance expectancy for male and female employees aged 50 years or older at a corporate municipality in Ontario, Canada who participated in eLearning programs with and without game elements. The sample consisted of 38 male and 64 female employees aged 50 years or older who participated in eLearning and then completed an Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire. Data from the questionnaires was analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance. The …

The Fidelity Of Iep Implementation In The Secondary Choral Classroom, Kristen Ellison Passmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite efforts to support teachers in successfully implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in the secondary music classroom, music educators still face challenges in differentiating instruction for each student with an IEP during secondary choral rehearsals. Legally, teachers must follow all accommodations outlined in a student’s IEP, and every student served by an IEP deserves equity in the classroom. This study examines the opinions of secondary choral educators in the State of Georgia regarding IEP implementation. This qualitative phenomenological transcendental study investigates the difficulties associated with implementing IEP goals and explores secondary choral educators’ perceptions of their implementation. Themes such as …

Undergraduate Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Faculty Mentorship For Student Success In Persevering Toward Program Completion: A Qualitative Study, Shirley C. Callihan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory single case study is to explore the undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of faculty mentorship for student success in persevering toward program completion. The theory guiding this study is the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) by Callista Roy, as it relates to nursing students' adaptation to the challenges in their environment through faculty mentorship. The central question is: What are undergraduate nursing students' perceptions concerning faculty mentorship for student academic success in persevering toward program completion? Convenience sampling was used to recruit ten participants who were undergraduate nursing students from a Registered Nursing program in the …

Exploring The Challenges And Resilience Of Licensed Black Female Counselors In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic And George Floyd Era: A Phenomenological Study, Krissandra C. Haynes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the licensed Black female counselors (LBFCs) that provided mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd era. This study was guided by Schlossberg’s transition theory to examine how LBFCs navigated professional and personal transitions during a time marked by collective trauma, public health disparities, and heightened racial tension. Participants described this time of counseling clients through parallel experiences of grief and social unrest while also tending to their wellness. Core themes included the duality of the healer role, significance of spiritual and faith-based coping, influence of social activism, …

The Perceived Effectivenss Of Nurses' Suicide Management Training In Correctional Facilities: A Phenomenological Study, Phillis Hopson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of nurses' suicide management training in correctional facilities in the United States. The central research question was: What suicidal educational training do nurses receive, and what is their lived experience of managing suicidal inmates at correctional facilities? The type of research design for this study was hermeneutic phenomenology. This study's geographic setting was two correctional facilities in rural areas in the United States. The settings include the Federal Mental Correctional Facility (FMCF) and the Villian Mental Correctional Facility (VMCF). The Federal Mental Correctional Facility is situated in the …

Hope As A Source To Strengthen Chaplain Resiliency In The Christian And Missionary Alliance, Javier M. Torres-Chinea

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project intends not only to assess the levels of hope of the population of chaplains of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, but also to educate on how hope can strengthen resilience. Using Snyder's Theory of Hope (2000) provides a theoretical framework that allows a positive vision of the social and employment situation of millions of people. Snyder's Adult Hope Scale measures the hope trait in the chaplains, both male and female, between the ages of 25-65. For the participants, a questionnaire called the Hope Questionnaire was used. The SurveyPlanet website, to be distributed, answered, and collected data through …

Examining The Impact Of Leader-Member Exchanges On Creativity And Innovation In Information Technology Projects: A Pathway To Competitive Advantage, Janarthanan Senthurpandi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Using a qualitative single case study, I explored the influence of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) quality on creativity and innovation in IT projects within Federal Government IT divisions in the Northeastern United States. I examined leadership challenges in gaining employee support for IT modernization, and how trust, communication, digital competency, and organizational culture shaped engagement. Guided by social exchange theory and self-determination theory, I used data triangulation through semistructured interviews, observations, and surveys with 16 participants. The results of thematic analysis revealed 5 key themes: (a) trust and transparency in leadership, (b) leadership competency, (c) resistance to change and organizational barriers, …

California Community College Chief Executive Officer Turnover: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ryan Bent

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the turnover causes of chief executive officers (CEOs) within the California community college system. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences California community college CEOs experience that led to CEO departure?” The theory guiding this study is Ryan and Deci’s (2017) self-determination theory, which helps to explain the relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic factors of basic psychological needs. The research design was a transcendental phenomenology study, which is a form of qualitative design. Three methods of data collection were used. This study focused on participants who are …

The Impact Of Historical Intergenerational Transmission Of Trauma On Black American Women Who Endured Adverse Childhood Experiences, Gigi Andrews Ritchey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experiences of Black American women in the Southeastern United States who endured adverse childhood experiences and whether historical intergenerational transmission of trauma (HITT) influenced the behavior of their primary caregivers. The problem was that the connection between Post traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS) and HITT had not been explored as it related to Black American women. To conduct the study, Black American women were screened for HITT via the Black American Woman (BAW) Danieli Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma questionnaire. Qualitative data was accrued via semi-structured individual interviews. The findings …

From Comics To Courage: The Real Life Impact Of Superheroes, Dylan A. Perkins

Masters Theses

Are superheroes good for society? Do fictional stories of heroism have nuggets of applicable truth for the every day, normal citizen? Can it even be a motivation for people who follow religion? All of this and more are explored in this thesis assignment as we examine the history of Marvel and DC Comics and how superheroes have been developed during times of war and uncertainty throughout history. Much of this discourse serves as inspiration for the creative draft which is an original novel excerpt that goes into the life of Jack, a child experiment born with extraordinary abilities set against …

A Deconstruction Of The American Dream Through An Analysis Of 'The Great Gatsby', Juliet Hila Katherine Sage

Masters Theses

This thesis addresses the physiological, social, relational, and spiritual issues associated with materialism through Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. It examines wealth and prosperity, “The American Dream” through Jay Gatsby, and argues that Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship was shaped by Fitzgerald’s personal life experiences. Fitzgerald concludes that financial success and societal achievement cannot replace human connections. Through the character Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald illustrates that obtaining “The American Dream” does not guarantee success in all areas of one’s life. This paper dives deeper into the psychological, social, and spiritual ramifications of materialistic gain. As a result, the premise of this thesis concludes …

More Than 9 Lives: Improving Shelter Cat Intake And Adoption Rates, Arthur S. Loomis

Masters Theses

Municipal animal shelters across the United States struggle to properly care for the cats housed in their facilities due to overpopulation. The sheer volume of cats entering shelters greatly outpaces the rate in which they are adopted out, resulting in an immense resource strain that too often results in the euthanasia of millions of shelter cats across the country each year. The enormous influx of cats is largely due to abandonment or considerable populations of feral, stray, or community cats living on the streets. In addition, shelter cat adoptions occur at a much slower pace, with many cats spending months, …

Apologetics And Storytelling In The Lord Of The Rings, Jeffrey R. Ober

Masters Theses

Storytelling has been used for Christian education since the Christian faith first began. The problem is that while storytelling is known as a strong message of communication that has been used throughout the ages; and while it is used by some apologists like C. S. Lewis; there are more opportunities for pastors and others to engage in apologetics and evangelism using storytelling. Christians can use stories to reach others for Christ, just as others throughout history have used stories and storytelling to communicate other traditions and ideas. While this is a good start, there are more opportunities for Christians to …

Strange Bird, James L. Wilson

Masters Theses

Strange Bird is a deeply emotional, character-driven novel about loss, resilience, and the unexpected bonds that heal us. When Camille dies suddenly, her son Malik—an autistic boy navigating a world already challenging to him—is left in the care of those who loved her most but who struggle to fill the void she leaves behind. Margaret, Camille’s fiercely protective mother, and Marcus, Camille’s former partner, battle grief, strained loyalties, and an emerging threat from Malik’s estranged biological father, Daryl.

As Marcus fights to protect Malik's future, hidden truths unravel, testing friendships, family ties, and the meaning of true guardianship. The novel …

The Identity Crisis Of Nil: A Mixed-Method Exploration Of Athlete Brand Perception And Adaptation, Ep Kester

Masters Theses

In the evolving era of athletics, student-athletes find themselves at the center of many contemporary conversations. Consequently, the pressure to create and maintain a brand is commonly observed in collegiate sport. Considering, this study investigates the brand identity perceptions of Division I athletes at Liberty University. Employing a mixed methods approach, this study makes use of a quantitative survey adapted from the validated ABidS (Athlete Brand Identity Scale), as well as qualitative in-depth interviews. The semi-structured interviews provided complex data that indicate areas of brand identity like entitlement, responsibility and program obligation. This research seeks to elucidate branding dynamics surrounding …

Designing For Neurodiversity: Creating Adhd-Friendly Digital Publications, Yenelys Acosta Baxter

Masters Theses

Current digital publications often fail to meet the needs of neurodiverse audiences, such as those with ADHD, which leads to low engagement and cognitive overload. This thesis explored how ADHD-friendly designs can be incorporated into current digital magazines to create accessible and engaging reading content for neurodiverse readers. Providing a guide can assist with creating more diverse content and allows designers to have a reference for future publications. The research applied also goes over the literature review, case studies, visual analysis, and surveys to help showcase the best results for designing for ADHD readers. Some of the case studies' main …

Social Media Collegiate Athletic Recruiting: Perception Versus Reality, Reagan Elizabeth Underwood

Masters Theses

This qualitative case study looks at how social media is used in the social media process by both current high school athletes and college coaches to determine if athletes are properly presenting themselves to create recruiting opportunities. The study was built on a foundation of impression management theory and the usage of social media as a frontstage. Utilizing a semi-structured format, six high school athletes and six college coaches were interviewed, and thirteen themes were identified through thematic analysis. Comparing the six coach themes and seven athlete themes, the study divulges that high school athletes prioritize displaying athletic ability accomplishments, …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study To Explore The Lived Experiences Of Licensed Mental Health Professionals Who Have Had A Rupture In The Therapeutic Relationship, Joan Kathleen Monahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The therapeutic relationship is an essential component in overarching treatment outcomes. This relationship involves the experience of interpersonal exchanges and elements of emotional expressions for a client and licensed mental health professional throughout the counseling process. The licensed mental health professional role requires a strong clinical skill set and ethical standards of practice. Safety and trust are two essential requirements within this professional role. Best practice standards foster an experience and atmosphere of development and a strong foundation for the relationship. This transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study captures overarching descriptions to understand the lived experiences of licensed mental health professionals …

Predicting Job Satisfaction Based On Empowerment Factors For Elementary And Secondary Teachers: A Quantitative Study, Tenise R. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, predictive correlational study examined the association between empowerment factors and job satisfaction among elementary and secondary school teachers in rural and suburban public schools in the southeastern United States. Teachers who are satisfied in their jobs commit to the best interests of students, thereby positively impacting retention. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 129 elementary, middle, and high school teachers in a southeastern United States coastal area. The two instruments used were the Teacher Empowerment Scale and the Teaching Satisfaction Scale. All data were collected through an email recruitment letter inviting teachers to participate in this …

The Influence Of Health Literacy Education On Black Women With Chronic Illness: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Nicole Bonds

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of the role health literacy education has on Black women (BW) with chronic illness managing their health at the Undiagnosed and Diagnosed Rare and Chronic Illness Support Group (URCIS) in the United States. The theory that guided this study is the health belief model (HBM), as it suggests that before a person adopts a healthy behavior, they go through six stages first to determine if the behavior change would benefit their health. This study showed the research participants followed the HBM framework as they perceive the threat of illness …

Exploration Of The Congruence Between Environmental Concerns And Eco-Spirituality Programming At Retreat Centers As Experienced By Participants, Jean Golicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple-embedded case study was to explore the role of environmental awareness and concerns in influencing engagement in retreat practices that were organized around the theme of eco-spirituality and the impact on organizational leadership and program development at two retreat centers in the northeastern region of the United States. Roman Catholic retreat centers were the focus of the study as they endeavored to fulfill leadership directives reflected in the papal encyclical Laudato si’. The centers examined offered immersion in nature, reflection on the interdependence of organic systems, and the development of action plans to address environmental issues. …

Honor, Courage, And Commitment: Institutional Betrayal And Military Identity In Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda Reine Bedford-Rank

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevated suicide risk and face unique treatment barriers; however, few studies have examined the role of military-specific constructs in shaping these barriers. This quantitative-correlational study investigated the relationship between institutional betrayal, self-stigma, military identity, and help-seeking attitudes among a sample of U.S. military veterans with PTSD (N = 142). This study also applied semi-qualitative questions to explore military-related trauma themes, PTSD literacy, neuroplasticity, PTSD perceptions, and military acknowledgment. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed significant positive correlations between institutional betrayal and self-stigma, and a negative relationship with help-seeking attitudes. Notably, the Department …

The Lack Of Awareness And Effects Of Peripheral Artery Disease And Systematic Barriers Of Black Americans: The Need To Increase Clinical Trial Recruitment And Retention Of Black Americans 40 Years Of Age And Over, Cheron Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to understand Black American men and women 40 years old and over perceptions of participating in clinical trials and evaluating the extent of awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Normative and explanatory theoretical framework was used to set the norms that understand most Black American behavior and explain causes of behaviors. This in turn helped sponsors, investigators, and researchers improve recruitment plans, outreach programs, and increase marketing to attract this population. Using MAXQDA software this research gathered qualitative data from 20 Black American men and women participants 40 years old and over, …

University Clinicians’ Experiences Of Supporting Student-Athletes In Seeking Support For Mental Health Needs, Megan Laurel Collins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover and understand the experiences of clinicians at Division I universities supporting university student-athletes. The theory that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as it relates to the various systems in which people are connected and impacted knowingly or unknowingly. The data was collected from the participants who have experienced the phenomenon via virtual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis strategies were a textural description of the clinicians’ experiences, a structural description of clinicians’ experiences, and a combination of the textural and structural descriptions to convey the overall essence of the experience …

Comprehending The Influence Of Harassment And Stalking Laws On The Safety And Well-Being Of Victims In The Us, Khazayma Khan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the problem of unresponsive law enforcement faced by legitimate victims of harassment and stalking in the United States and to ultimately develop recommendations to address the problem. A mixed method was used in which qualitative and quantitative data was gathered and analyzed. For this dissertation, a mixed method was applied using interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys to gather data among victims of harassment and stalking. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling in which victims of harassment and stalking were selected from relevant organizations, such as support services. A total of …