Digital Commons Network^™

Predicting The Effects Of Cyberpatriot Participation, Internet Experience, Gender, And Grade Level On Cybersecurity Judgment (Intuitive And Rational) Among Middle And High School Students: A Quantitative Predictive Correlational Study, Sarah Shin Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if cybersecurity judgment (intuitive and rational) could be predicted from a linear combination of years of CyberPatriot participation, internet experience, gender, and grade level among middle and high school students. The importance of this study lies in its potential to address a critical gap in understanding factors influencing cybersecurity judgment decisions among middle and high school students. From a suburban high school in the western part of the United States, 123 middle and high school students who participated in the CyberPatriot after-school program volunteered as samples in this study. …

Does Work Arrangement Affect Turnover Intention? Investigating The Mediating Role Of Organizational Trust, Perceived Organizational Support, And Work Locus Of Control, Valerie A. Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Countless U.S. employees were shifted to and from different work arrangements both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Though previous research has shown links between workplace factors and organizational outcomes, there is a gap in understanding how different post-pandemic work arrangements and individual differences influence employee work attitudes. This study assessed 315 U.S. employees to investigate the relationship between different work arrangements (WA) and turnover intentions (TI), and the mediating effect of organizational trust (OT), perceived organizational support (POS), and work locus of control (WLC). Eligible participants included full-time U.S. employees over the age of 18 that worked in their …

Post-Secondary Education Experiences Of Military-Connected Students: A Phenomenological Study, Craig J. Alia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the influence that lifelong stressors had on the lived experiences of adult military-connected students in U.S. post-secondary educational institutions. Military-connected students were defined as the adult children or step-children of military members who attended a minimum of four years in primary school while their parent was on active duty and attended both high school and post-secondary school while their parent(s) were either active duty or retired. The theory guiding this was Pearlin’s stress process, which explains the interaction among and between military-connected students’ (MCS’) stressors, stress mediators, and the resultant …

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 …

Comparing The School Engagement Of Middle And High School Special Education Students Enrolled In School-Based Mental Health Services, Elizabeth Anne Mcphearson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in student engagement scores amongst middle and high school special education students who are or are not utilizing school-based mental health services (SBMHS). To continue improvements in the effectiveness of school-based mental health services and to assist students in personal behavior management and school engagement, the impact of mental health services must be understood. The study participants were drawn from a convenience sample of middle and high school special education students participating in school-based mental health services located in Minnesota during the 2023-2024 school year. …

The Soil Test: Facilitating Increased Receptivity To Spiritual Formation In A Large Church Through Education, Motivation, And Resources, Rosemary Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Decades of recent research and writing about spiritual formation and discipleship assume that there will be growth in spiritual maturity if churches have more models and biblical information. However, the literature addresses the wrong problem; it presupposes that the church is ready for spiritual formation. In their efforts to facilitate it, those trying to help the church are like the farmer who sows seed onto unprepared soil. Good seeds, such as discipleship groups, are sown into the soil of the church without paying attention to whether the soil can produce a harvest. The project posited that five conditions should be …

The Role Of Resilience And Coping Strategies Among African American College Athletes, Angela R. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between resilience-type coping strategies, stress, and positive well-being among 110 NCAA Division I African American college athletes. This study utilized seven validated scales: Minority Stress Scale (MSS-37), Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experience (COPE-28), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI-28), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS=10), Coping Schemas Inventory-Revised (CSI-R), WHO Positive Well-Being (WHO-5), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-Sp-12). These scales measured levels of social support (emotional and informational support), hopefulness/optimism (freedom from worry), active/coping/flexibility/resourcefulness (goal setting, peaking under pressure, coachability, and confidence), good emotional-regulation and self-awareness (coping with adversity and concentration), finding meaning …

Leadership Professional Development On Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Causal-Comparative Study, Yolanda Michelle Gilyard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in self-efficacy between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. This study is significant because it aims to determine if self-efficacy is different between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. The school district is a Title 1 school with an 87.9% poverty rate. Due …

The Relationship Between Workplace Bullying And Organizational Commitment: Virtual V. Traditional Working Environment, Christa Lynn Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between workplace bullying and organizational commitment in a virtual workplace compared to a traditional workplace. The importance of conducting this study was due to workplace bullying having serious implications on physical health, psychological health, family conflict, burnout, and intentional turnover which can have an effect on organizational commitment. A survey utilizing the Negative Acts Questionnaire (Einarsen et al., 1991) and the Organizational Commitment Scale (Balfour and Wechsler, 1996) was distributed to a total sample size of 83 participants. Participants in this study were between the ages of 22-65 …

Military Members Mental Health And Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Mediating Role Of Mental Toughness, Maureen Kenyon James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military members’ mental health has been in the spotlight for many years. Although Australia and the United States have strong, robust forces, exposure to this high-stress environments can take its toll. This study is important to keep our armed forces in top mental and physical health and look after them post-service. We need to know what can protect mental health and how to minimize the risks to health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to ask the question, “To what extent are Adverse childhood experiences related to military members' mental health status, and is this relationship mediated by …

Bridging The Governance Gap: Addressing Board Turnover And Team Building In Northern California Special Districts, Karin R. Freese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The turnover of publicly elected or appointed board members in Northern California’s special districts poses a significant challenge to effective governance, impacting these local governments' strategic capabilities and mission accomplishment. Despite extensive research on governance, there is a notable gap concerning the effects of turnover and the role of formal training in building effective governance teams in special districts. This qualitative multiple-case study addresses this gap by investigating the governance dynamics following board turnover, focusing on the perspectives of both board members and general managers. Employing a flexible design, the study integrates interviews, document analysis, and archival data to examine …

A Phenomenology Of Post-Adoption Experiences Of Adoptive Parents, Omowunmi Omotade Ehikhametalor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the post-adoption experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica. Studies carried out in other jurisdictions are valuable but do not capture the unique experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica; therefore, this current study sought to fill the research gap. This study's theoretical framework comprises Schlossberg’s transition theory, attachment theory, and parent effectiveness training (PET). Data were collected from a stratified purposive sample of twelve participants using a brief demographic survey, in-depth interviews, and participant journaling. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’ model, and four themes emerged, namely: the inception of adoptive parenthood, the journey …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experience Of Institutional Betrayal And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of Military Sexual Trauma, Victoria Sheree Tolbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe military sexual trauma survivors' experiences of military institutional betrayal and help-seeking behaviors. The study was grounded in Jennifer Freyd’s institutional betrayal theory. Using institutional betrayal as a framework was useful in illuminating the effects of institutional betrayal on survivors' perceptions of trust, safety, and decision-making regarding seeking support. The study aimed to understand the complex dynamics between institutional responses, perceived betrayal, and subsequent support-seeking actions among MST survivors within military contexts. Data collection included in-depth interviews, journaling, and cognitive representations with purposively sampled MST survivors. The study used thematic analysis to …

The Perceived Effectiveness Of The Utilization Of Peer Support Specialists In The Veterans Health Administration: A Case Study, Kevin R. Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of peer support specialists (PSS) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) regarding their effectiveness. The study focused on understanding how potential barriers affect the daily experiences shaping the role of PSS in providing services to veterans specifically relating to mental health, substance use disorder, housing, and primary care. Extant data have highlighted the need to bridge the gap in understanding the unique contributions and the clinical benefits of the effectiveness of the use of PSS in the VHA. One central research question guided this exploratory inquiry: How do …

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 …

Planning In Advance (Pia): Teaching London Seventh-Day-Adventist Church Leaders In Providing Spiritual Care For Dying And Mourning Parishioners, Walace Saint Louis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The London Seventh-Day Adventist Church (LSDAC), Maybee, Michigan, grapples with the lack of trained leaders in EoL to provide pastoral care for dying and mourning African American parishioners. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to educate LSDAC leaders in providing spiritual care for their congregants as lay chaplains. The city of Maybee contains 612 people, with 95 % Caucasians and 5% other racial groups. The LSDAC membership is 99% African Americans and 1% Caucasians. It has around 30 members.

The philosophical concept of this research lies in the presuppositions that African Americans prefer spiritual EoL care from …

Mental Illness In African American Women: A Transcendental Phenomenology On Self-Efficacy And The Treatment-Seeking Behavior Of Secondary And Post-Secondary Educators, Sasha N. Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological research shows the influence of mental health treatment on the self-efficacy of African American women who are secondary or post-secondary educators in Northern Illinois. For African American women educators, taking care of their mental well-being and being aware of mental health conditions are crucial. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues are vital in our communities, and access to resources and support are necessary. Using self-identity theory can aid in comprehending motivations and behaviors, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment and the prioritization …

The Role Of Camaraderie In The Moods Of African American U.S. Military Veterans With Ptsd: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Virginia K. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the essence of the collective lived experiences of United States military veterans of African American ethnicity who were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role that camaraderie plays in their moods. Veterans are a marginalized group who often feel they are rejected by society, but as Christians, we should be interested in human beings, promoting their well-being, and practicing psychology as an act of love. Guided by social identity theory and social justice theory, this study was aimed to gain understanding of how group memberships and social categorization …

Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling For Bereavement, Wayne A. Benner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The topic of this action research is Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling for grief and bereavement. The need for the research completed is for hospice chaplains to have a workable tool to use for grief and bereavement. The problem is that many hospice chaplains do not have a framework to use for counseling in grief. The action researcher worked on the thesis of if chaplains use Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling for grief they will be more effective. The research was completed using Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling to counsel six participants in grief. Each participant completed a pre-counseling questionnaire and a post-counseling questionnaire to assess …

Accessing Cancer Care Through A Community Diagnostic Clinic, Joy Lynn Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Access to diagnostic centers, innovative cancer research and best clinical practices is limited outside metropolitan areas and academic institutions. Cancer patients in rural communities are a marginalized population faced with unique barriers to high quality care from early detection through screening, streamlined diagnostics, and participation in clinical trials. One-stop clinics (OSC) in the community setting may lessen the diagnostic interval (DI), reduce the economic burden of unnecessary imagining or procedures, minimize sociodemographic discrepancies, and positively affect time to treatment and clinical trial participation. The first step is to better understand the community cancer population and their diagnostic journey. Next, an …

Development And Evaluation Of Nurse Practitioner- Driven Appointment Reminder Initiative At An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Adaku Ogoke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

No-shows or missed appointments have a negative impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare facilities. No-shows contribute to high healthcare costs and lost revenue due to underutilization of services, unnecessary disruptions in workflow, increased workload, and scheduling challenges. Mental health clinics report high no-show rates due to factors such as forgetfulness among patients. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a text message patient appointment reminder system to reduce the no-show rate and increase provider knowledge in an outpatient mental health clinic in 15 weeks. The project was guided by the Iowa model of evidence-based practice …

Navigating The In-Between: Transformational Practices In The Church's Liminal Spaces, Matthew James Engel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis explored the concepts of transformational and adaptive leadership within the Christian Church during periods of liminality, emphasizing the continuous presence and certainty of challenges rather than focusing on specific challenges such as digital technologies, attractional methods, or COVID-19. The study draws upon Bass's transformational leadership theory (1985) and Heifetz’s (1994) adaptive leadership theory to establish a framework emphasizing the importance of thorough leadership training in times of uncertainty and transition. Integrating biblical narratives, the study highlights the need for adaptive and visionary leadership in religious contexts. Employing a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative measurement of responses …

Compassion Fatigue: A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Public School Special Education Teachers, Linnea Tilley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of public school special education teachers who have experienced or are experiencing compassion fatigue. The theory guiding this study was the self-determination theory, as it explains how individuals are motivated by competence, relatedness, and autonomy and aligns with the topic of compassion fatigue. The central research question of the study was, what are the lived experiences of public school special education teachers who have experienced or are experiencing compassion fatigue? The study used a transcendental phenomenological study design. Individual interviews, focus groups, and artifacts were used to …

Family Communication Patterns Theory: A Mixed Methods Examination Of Single Mothers’ Communication Styles, Susan Renee Mattson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The mixed methods approach was used to research single mothers’ communication patterns. Fitzpatrick and Ritchie’s family communication patterns theory (FCPT) was used to guide the research. Online surveys and semi structured interviews were used to gather data that were analyzed through MAXQDA and SPSS software. The research examined factors such as age, culture, and the number of children a mother has in correlation to variables such as conformity and conversation orientation on the FCPT scale. The quantitative portion of the research revealed significant findings about culture and conformity orientation in single mothers from collectivist cultures. The qualitative section mirrored similar …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences Of University Faculty Navigating The Diverse Environments Of Remote, Office-Based, Or Hybrid Work, Justen Gross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this phenomenological qualitative analysis, the experiences of university faculty in diverse environments of remote, office-based, or hybrid work were explored. COVID-19 significantly impacted businesses and organizations' ability to function in the traditional office-based environment based on government restrictions and directives. Office-based work and remote work have been in place for some time. Hybrid work was a relatively new phenomenon that required additional exploration as little was known about hybrid working models. This study explored how diverse work environments, personal factors, social factors, and organizational factors influenced job stress and job satisfaction post-COVID-19 with staff and faculty at a large …

The Psychological And Spiritual Experiences Of Christian Caregivers Of Physically Or Mentally Disabled Family Members, Doneshia Burns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of Christian caregivers caring for mentally or physically ill family members. This qualitative phenomenological study described the psychological and spiritual influence of caring for mentally or physically ill family members. The first question that the researcher attempted to answer was: What lived experiences do family caregivers experience when caring for loved ones with physical or mental disabilities? The second question that was explored was: How does caring for loved ones influence Christian family caretakers' spiritual well-being. The third question explored how caring for loved ones influences Christian family caretakers' psychological or mental …

The Lived Experiences Of Male Nurses In Nursing Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, James Robert Nolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of male nurses currently in nursing academia to determine what attributes draw them and keep them in academic roles. The phenomenon was viewed through the lens of interpersonal relations theory, social learning theory, and hermeneutic phenomenology, looking for similarities and differences to discover the population’s views, beliefs, and experiences. The sample included 21 male nurses currently teaching in nursing programs. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations collected through field notes allowed for an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of male nursing faculty. The data were analyzed …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Retrieval Practice, Spacing And Interleaving, And Feedback-Driven Metacognition Tools For Learning And The Academic Achievement Of Students Living In Poverty, Angie Leigh Sholar Dutton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study evaluated the relationship between learning tools such as retrieval practice, spacing and interleaving, and feedback-driven metacognition tools for learning and the academic achievement of students living in poverty as measured by reading pre and post -assessments. This study utilized a quantitative approach using a between-subjects design to determine if the learning tools have an impact on student reading achievement. Additionally, this study explored if a positive interaction between learning tool conditions and the reading achievement of third grade students pre and post reading assessments would be evident. At the conclusion of this study, a factorial analysis of variance …

Exploring Generational And Vicarious Trauma In The Haitian Diaspora Of America: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Lourna Charles-Thelusca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study is to understand the generational and vicarious trauma experiences of first-generation Haitians living in the diaspora in the United States (U.S.) and to gain insight into how trauma affects their lives. To achieve an advanced understanding of this population, this study explores the factors contributing to participants' trauma experiences focusing on coping strategies and interpersonal impacts. Haitians, as the first enslaved people to liberate themselves from their European colonizers, have built a rich history marked by overcoming adversity and resilience. Historically, the ongoing cycle of trauma stemming from Haiti's persistent challenges, including …

Exploring The Impact Of Geographical Context On Higher Education Students’ Self-Efficacy In Occupational Decision-Making: A Causal-Comparative Study In Ghana, Daniel Opoku-Mensah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to explore the impact of geographical context on higher education students’ self-efficacy in occupational decision-making in Ghana. Understanding the rural, urban, and peri-urban factors influencing HESs’ self-efficacy in occupational decision-making in Ghana will be invaluable for higher education institutions, career-oriented programs, families, policymakers, stakeholders, leaders, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, and Ghanaians in the nation’s socioeconomic development. The study involved a convenience sample of 150 HESs in Ghana’s Ahafo and Ashanti Regions. This study utilized the social constructivism learning theory and the social cognitive career theory, which emphasized factors impacting HESs’ career decision-making. …