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Multicultural Marketing: Rebranding Chick-Fil-A For Chinese Audiences, Christina Pan May 2026

Multicultural Marketing: Rebranding Chick-Fil-A For Chinese Audiences, Christina Pan

Senior Honors Theses

China is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, and consumption is its main cause of growth. With a population of 1.4 billion people, many companies want to establish themselves in China. However, China and the United States markets are vastly different, and China’s post-COVID economy makes success increasingly difficult. Factors such as domestic competition, weakening US-China relations, and increased suspicion in foreign products calls for a new marketing and branding approach for United States companies. Fast-food giants such as McDonald’s and KFC have managed success in the past, but one company that also has potential is Chick-Fil-A. This …

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Connected Pastors: The Importance Of Having Safe Support Systems In Ministry, Karin A. Hines May 2026

Connected Pastors: The Importance Of Having Safe Support Systems In Ministry, Karin A. Hines

Senior Honors Theses

Pastors minister to broken people, but sometimes they need help themselves. Many pastors do not seek help or do not have anyone safe to go to, often for fear of losing their influence or job. This thesis argues that sharing one’s life with safe people is essential, especially for those who are in high-stress professions. It explores pastoral support systems, examines comparable stigmas against seeking help in other fields, analyzes the science of sharing and isolation and their effects on the brain and body, and considers the Bible’s instructions on living in community for one’s personal well-being. Pastors require intentional, …

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The Effect Of Stress Hormones On Memory Formation And Academic Performance, Emma L. Hooks May 2026

The Effect Of Stress Hormones On Memory Formation And Academic Performance, Emma L. Hooks

Senior Honors Theses

With chronic stress becoming increasingly prevalent in academic settings, researchers have identified significant effects on learning and academic performance. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, is released following the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plays a vital role in the stress response. Although acute increases in cortisol can improve attention and memory, sustained activation of the stress response can impair memory, executive functioning, and academic performance. This thesis draws on neuroscience, psychology, and education research to examine how chronic cortisol exposure affects the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and how the effects manifest in learning and academic performance, particularly in developmental …

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Digital Media, Political Priming, And The Strategy Of Donald J. Trump’S 2024 Presidential Campaign, Emma Dayton May 2026

Digital Media, Political Priming, And The Strategy Of Donald J. Trump’S 2024 Presidential Campaign, Emma Dayton

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis applies the priming theory of communications and examines its effectiveness in the political realm, specifically, within the digital strategies implemented throughout the 2024 presidential campaign of Donald J. Trump. It was asked to what extent Donald Trump’s digital political priming on social media influenced the most important issues to voters in the 2024 election. The use and impact of rhetoric, images, and partnerships were analyzed in this study to determine the extent to which Trump was able to influence the issues voters deemed as most important. By comparing Trump’s social media use with polling showing the economy and …

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Evaluating Spect Neuroimaging In Psychiatric Diagnosis: A Critical Review And Proposed Randomized Controlled Study, Kiley Carter May 2026

Evaluating Spect Neuroimaging In Psychiatric Diagnosis: A Critical Review And Proposed Randomized Controlled Study, Kiley Carter

Senior Honors Theses

Mental illness affects a substantial proportion of adults in the United States, yet psychiatric diagnosis remains subject to diagnostic variability. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a neuroimaging technique that measures cerebral blood flow and has been proposed as an adjunctive tool for psychiatric evaluation. Existing literature reports group-level perfusion patterns associated with certain psychiatric conditions, suggesting potential utility in diagnosing complex or treatment-resistant cases. However, critics of SPECT emphasize the absence of randomized controlled data demonstrating improved patient outcomes. To address this gap, a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing standard psychiatric care with SPECT-guided evaluation is proposed. The proposed …

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The Impact Of Sensory Processing Disorder On Elementary-Aged Students In The Classroom And Proper Teacher Responses, Sophia Slater May 2026

The Impact Of Sensory Processing Disorder On Elementary-Aged Students In The Classroom And Proper Teacher Responses, Sophia Slater

Senior Honors Theses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is when an individual cannot correctly process an incoming stimulus from the surrounding environment. This is prevalent in young children as they are beginning to learn about the world around them. Their inability to properly process information through their senses affects their daily lives and creates a challenge for them. There are also co-occurrences of SPD with both autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Since most of a child’s time is spent in the classroom, it is imperative that teachers understand the disorder and proper strategies to assist these students as they learn. Occupational …

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News, Breaking: The Enduring Role Of Local Journalism Amidst Rapid Digitalization And Media Market Decline, Emily Atha May 2026

News, Breaking: The Enduring Role Of Local Journalism Amidst Rapid Digitalization And Media Market Decline, Emily Atha

Senior Honors Theses

The landscape of media production and consumerization is evolving with the ushering in of an increasingly digital era. Print newspapers are declining, digital media is delivered faster than ever and social platforms are gaining dominance. The evolution of the industry challenges the role of local news organizations and the ethics they are built upon. Not only have the modes of news collection and delivery changed, but the core perceptions and relationship between the media and public are shifting. This thesis seeks to understand how the digitalization of media and integration of artificial intelligence into digital journalism affect public trust, particularly …

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Pediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: An Integrative Review, Esther Maclean May 2026

Pediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: An Integrative Review, Esther Maclean

Senior Honors Theses

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, otherwise known as (POTS) is a neurological condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. POTS often presents in adolescent women. This review looks at research surrounding possible treatment modalities including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The goal of this review is to increase healthcare provider knowledge surrounding POTS and increase the speed and efficiency at which POTS is diagnosed and treated in adolescents. This will be done by surveying the current research for best treatment methods, common comorbidities, and reasoning for delayed diagnosis. Common symptoms seen in POTS include syncope and pre-syncope, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased cognitive …

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Is God An Illusion? Comparing Parasocial Relationships And Relationships With God, Parker J. Gungor May 2026

Is God An Illusion? Comparing Parasocial Relationships And Relationships With God, Parker J. Gungor

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to distinguish the parasocial relationship (PSR) from a relationship with God. A PSR is a one-sided relationship with a parasocial figure (PSF) such as a celebrity that gives the illusion of reciprocity. Since neither God nor the PSF interact with people in the same manner as standard reciprocal relationships, several key psychological theories are examined to highlight the similarities and differences between the relationships. A research gap is identified regarding the reciprocity of a relationship with God, so a study is proposed to compare the perceived responsiveness between a PSF and God. In comparing the perceived responsiveness …

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The Implications Of Music Therapy On The Human Mind, Mckayla Martin May 2026

The Implications Of Music Therapy On The Human Mind, Mckayla Martin

Senior Honors Theses

Music therapy harnesses the power of music in clinical settings. It is primarily used to support mental health. Music affects areas such as anxiety, memory, and brain plasticity. Therapeutic music practices can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance specific types of long-term memory, and encourage neuroplasticity. It is an effective, non-invasive treatment for those experiencing mental distress. Ongoing research on the effectiveness of music therapy in clinical settings has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of mental illness, disorders, and disabilities.

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Strategic Marketing Plan For An Ai-Powered Personalized Wellness Platform, David D. Dilts May 2026

Strategic Marketing Plan For An Ai-Powered Personalized Wellness Platform, David D. Dilts

Senior Honors Theses

Demand for personalized nutrition guidance is analyzed within the context of the expanding digital health and fitness sector. A review of current literature highlights major trends shaping the industry, including AI‑powered coaching, wearable integration, precision nutrition, and sustainability‑focused consumer behavior, as well as legal and ethical compliance. These insights inform the development of a strategic marketing plan for an AI‑powered wellness platform that unifies fitness, nutrition, genomics, and environmental impact scoring. The plan outlines target markets, competitive positioning, and product differentiation through adaptive personalization and ethical data practices. Findings suggest that combining AI, biometric data, and sustainable design can enhance …

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The Challenges And Strategies Of Leading A Diverse Team As A Project Manager, Karissa Naomi Smith May 2026

The Challenges And Strategies Of Leading A Diverse Team As A Project Manager, Karissa Naomi Smith

Senior Honors Theses

Diversity comes in many forms, including age, race, ethnicity, and gender, and each one presents a separate set of challenges to the team. With a trained and adaptive manager, unity can be created even among the most diverse members of their team. Equipping with strategic options helps build a productive, unified, diverse team. Case studies are incorporated to show the use of strategies and the benefit of trust to better performance, decision-making, and team unity. Trust among the members can bring performance and efficiency to a diverse team. Ultimately, research demonstrates that a diverse team will lead to challenges, but …

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Associations Of Trait And Ability Emotional Intelligence With Heart Rate Variability And Emotional Reactivity In Undergraduate Students, Miriam Bowser May 2026

Associations Of Trait And Ability Emotional Intelligence With Heart Rate Variability And Emotional Reactivity In Undergraduate Students, Miriam Bowser

Senior Honors Theses

Ability emotional intelligence (EI) and trait EI have been previously associated with heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting adaptive autonomic regulation. Emotional reactivity (ER) has also been correlated with EI, possibly because individuals with higher EI are more sensitive to emotional information. The current study used a cross-sectional design (N = 71) to examine trait and ability EI, self-reported ER, and HRV. No relationship was found between trait and ability EI, suggesting distinct underlying constructs. EI was not associated with HRV. Trait EI was positively associated with positive valence (r = .34, p = .004) and ability EI with …

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Addressing The Problem Of Erotica In Fiction From A Christian Standpoint, Elizabeth Burgess May 2026

Addressing The Problem Of Erotica In Fiction From A Christian Standpoint, Elizabeth Burgess

Senior Honors Theses

The body of erotic content embedded in mainstream literature grows by the day, and based on an investigation of its similarities to pornography—which has many documented negative effects—this content warrants caution before interaction. Christian writers and editors are faced with a multifaceted problem when it comes to erotica: they must weigh the risk of harming consumers by participating in its production, and they must discern whether it aligns with the moral demands of the Christian faith when it comes to sexuality. The analysis of biblical frameworks for sexuality, the present literature documenting the negative effects of pornography, and the purpose …

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Preserving Life In An Age Of Autonomy: A Critique Of Physician-Assisted Suicide, Adeline Holcombe May 2026

Preserving Life In An Age Of Autonomy: A Critique Of Physician-Assisted Suicide, Adeline Holcombe

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis critiques physician-assisted suicide (PAS) as a reflection of Western thought’s shift from a biblical sanctity-of-life ethic toward autonomy and relativism. Through analysis of biblical and historical foundations, major cases, and state PAS laws, it argues that legalization weakens the state’s interest in preserving life, normalizes suicide, and exposes vulnerable populations to coercion, inadequate safeguards, and legal expansion. The thesis concludes that PAS laws should be repealed and that palliative care, hospice, and mental health treatment provide more compassionate and ethically sound alternatives.

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Re-Formation: Countering Moralistic Therapeutic Deism Among Churched American Youth With Habitual Dependence, Eden J. Wood May 2026

Re-Formation: Countering Moralistic Therapeutic Deism Among Churched American Youth With Habitual Dependence, Eden J. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

This paper engages with the culture of American youth to discover how American churches can intentionally form teenagers toward love of God rather than self. The diagnostic research for this paper is primarily founded on the National Study of Youth and Religion conducted by a team of sociologists led by Christian Smith. The strategy for interactions with teenagers themselves is taken from Joshua Chatraw and Mark Allen’s Inside Out method of apologetics. The premise of habit formation stems from the works of Charles Duhigg, James K.A. Smith, and Saint Augustine. It is the contention of this paper that liturgical confessional …

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The Effects Of Dietary Interventions On Gut Microbial Balance In Healthy Adults: An Integrative Review, Miranda Demars May 2026

The Effects Of Dietary Interventions On Gut Microbial Balance In Healthy Adults: An Integrative Review, Miranda Demars

Senior Honors Theses

The goal of this review is to answer the question: What dietary changes are most effective in restoring gut dysbiosis in healthy adults? The gut microbiome (GM), a community of microorganisms that colonizes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can become imbalanced, a condition known as dysbiosis, which is associated with an increased risk of dysbiosis-induced disease. Dysbiosis-induced diseases include GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity (Shen et al., 2025). Pharmacologic interventions are often not …

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Aughrim, Out Of Reach: Literacy, Modernity, And The Irish Fate In “The Dead”, Julia Lehman May 2026

Aughrim, Out Of Reach: Literacy, Modernity, And The Irish Fate In “The Dead”, Julia Lehman

Senior Honors Theses

In the early twentieth century, Irish cultural identity faced a crisis. After hundreds of years of oppression under English colonization and the devastating famine of the previous century, Irish cultural identity had been diminished. However, there was a political push to reclaim this identity. James Joyce, famed Irish author, lived through this era and personally struggled with his Irish identity. His short story “The Dead” explores the conflict existing in Irish cultural expression during this era. In this thesis, I address the contrast between literacy and orality which produces themes of cultural alienation and disillusionment in “The Dead.” Gabriel Conroy …

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Awe As Signpost: An Argument For The Consistency Of Lewis’S “Joy” And Psychological Awe, Audrey Hendricks May 2026

Awe As Signpost: An Argument For The Consistency Of Lewis’S “Joy” And Psychological Awe, Audrey Hendricks

Senior Honors Theses

C.S. Lewis’s Surprised by Joy details Lewis’s autobiographical apologetic for the existence of God through his experiences of “Joy,” a technical term invented by Lewis. Upon close study, his experiences of Joy contain many similarities to psychological awe. This investigation compares Lewis’s Joy with psychological awe using the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S) to determine consistency. Lewis’s Joy was found to be consistent with all six criteria of the AWE-S in addition to other recognized psychological characteristics of awe. In addition to qualitative consistency, this review also argues for the teleological consistency of the two concepts, contending for a Christian teleological …

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Toward An Anthropology Of The Expressive Individual: Reformational Insights Into Emotions, The Heart, And Christian Formation, Isaac Kantola May 2026

Toward An Anthropology Of The Expressive Individual: Reformational Insights Into Emotions, The Heart, And Christian Formation, Isaac Kantola

Senior Honors Theses

Contemporary Western culture is increasingly defined by what theologians and sociologists call “expressive individualism,” driven by an “ethic of authenticity” in which one’s emotions and desires are seen as the primary arbiter of identity and meaning. Responding to this cultural movement, the Church has appropriated the language of desire, happiness, and the affective in its preaching, ministry, and apologetic endeavors. Figures such as John Piper, James K.A. Smith, and Timothy Keller have each, in their own way, sought to contextualize the faith so it may be better understood by a culture obsessed with their longings and therapeutic self-concern. While these …

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The Sacrificial Vs. The Luzhinian Figure: Comparing Sacrificial Love In Crime And Punishment, Pride And Prejudice, And A Tale Of Two Cities, Natalie Rose Kubala Apr 2026

The Sacrificial Vs. The Luzhinian Figure: Comparing Sacrificial Love In Crime And Punishment, Pride And Prejudice, And A Tale Of Two Cities, Natalie Rose Kubala

Masters Theses

Many works of art and literature exploring the theme of love focus on trying to define what love is; in contrast, this thesis dives deeper into defining what love is not, specifically focusing on the relationship between love and sacrifice. This thesis argues that love is not the same as sacrifice because a true sacrifice requires that love is already present prior to the sacrifice being made. This thesis will compare those who perform true sacrifices to those who perform sacrifices for their own personal gain by exploring grandiose narcissistic characters who perform (or attempt to perform) sacrifices without love …

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An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of High School Teachers Using Assistive Technology With Students With Physical Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Chamarah Melonie Joseph Apr 2026

An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of High School Teachers Using Assistive Technology With Students With Physical Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Chamarah Melonie Joseph

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to explore the lived experiences of high school general education teachers using assistive technology for students with physical disabilities in inclusive education settings in Lightner Public School District in Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy theory. This theory centers on the connection between an individual’s belief in their ability to execute a given task and their level of attainment on that task. The central research question for this research is: “What are the lived experiences of high school teachers using assistive technology (AT) for students with physical disabilities …

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Automated, Modular, Agentless Adversarial Emulation In Cloud Environments For Higher Education And Student Training, Doc Harley Apr 2026

Automated, Modular, Agentless Adversarial Emulation In Cloud Environments For Higher Education And Student Training, Doc Harley

Senior Honors Theses

Currently, the leading technologies in the market of adversarial emulation are MITRE Caldera, Atomic Red Team by IBM, and multiple proprietary products that come with support packages for different vendors like AttackIQ, Cymulate, SafeBreach, and many more. While it is clear that much work has been done in the broad category of adversarial emulation, when it comes to open source solutions, there are no agentless options with built in automation and modularity that have good support for cloud environments. Agentless adversarial emulation provides a unique advantage in that it can be both simpler and a better representation of the true …

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Changing Employee Motivation From Obligation To Opportunity: Increasing Intrinsic Motivation In Non-Profit Organizations, Evelyn L. Williams Apr 2026

Changing Employee Motivation From Obligation To Opportunity: Increasing Intrinsic Motivation In Non-Profit Organizations, Evelyn L. Williams

Senior Honors Theses

Motivation is a key driver behind tasks within the workforce. Harnessing employee motivation increases productivity, employee retention, efficiency, and output quality. Non-profit organizations, however, are often unable to devote resources to externally increasing motivation. This study presents a motivational model that is built from three motivation theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory, and Self-Determination theory. By incorporating principles from these theories this model helps organizations internalize and increase the effectiveness of their employees’ motivation through increasing the autonomy, competence, and relationality felt by each employee. The six tenets of the REWARD model give non-profit organizations a framework …

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Positive Factors Of Resilience In Marginalized Families, Amanda K. Rigsby Apr 2026

Positive Factors Of Resilience In Marginalized Families, Amanda K. Rigsby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study examined underexplored factors of resilience that help individuals overcome trauma. The study gathered insights from individuals in marginalized communities through semi-structured interviews and collected qualitative data for thematic analysis from 15 participants. The study identified polyvictimized individuals’ perspectives on (a) resilience, (b) regulation, (c) sense of purpose, and (d) mindfulness. Exploring the relationship between these areas could broaden our understanding and, in turn, inform targeted interventions through further studies. This study collected qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with individuals in the Appalachian region. The Resilience Portfolio Model has been used in research to identify mindfulness, regulation, sense …

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Voices From The Field: A Phenomenology Exploring Elementary Teachers’ Experiences Of The Impact Of Policy On Teaching Reading, Donna T. White Apr 2026

Voices From The Field: A Phenomenology Exploring Elementary Teachers’ Experiences Of The Impact Of Policy On Teaching Reading, Donna T. White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental-phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of reading teachers who implement policy-driven reading practices in elementary schools within urban school districts in Maryland. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The policies governing how teachers teach reading in Maryland's elementary schools informed this study. The Central Research Question was, " How do elementary teachers’ lived experiences of implementing reading policy in the classroom affect reading instruction? A transcendental-phenomenological research design was combined with purposive sampling and involved responses from 10 participants from urban school districts in Maryland. Transcript coding was used …

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Native And Non-Native American Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusive Special Education Based On Role: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study, Angela Silver Caudle Apr 2026

Native And Non-Native American Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusive Special Education Based On Role: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study, Angela Silver Caudle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to examine whether teacher role (general vs. special education) and self-identified ethnicity (Native American vs. non–Native American) were associated with teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive special education in rural schools in a southern U.S. state. Understanding whether role and ethnicity correspond to differences in attitudes toward inclusion is important for informing staffing, collaboration, and professional learning in rural contexts. Participants included 91 teachers (63 general education, 28 special education). Attitudes were measured with the Multidimensional Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education Scale. Data were collected via an electronic Qualtrics survey. A two-way analysis of variance …

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The Role Of Emotional Intelligence And Defense Mechanisms In Processing Childhood Experiences And Their Impact On Adulthood, Lauren M. Williams Apr 2026

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence And Defense Mechanisms In Processing Childhood Experiences And Their Impact On Adulthood, Lauren M. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Early childhood relationships significantly influence developmental and relational functioning across the lifespan. Emotional intelligence has been associated with healthier relational outcomes through increased awareness of self and others. Variability in childhood experiences may contribute to the development of defense mechanisms that shape how individuals process relational memories and regulate emotional distress in adulthood. Limited research has examined how emotional intelligence and defense mechanisms interact to influence adults’ retrospective processing of childhood experiences, including attachment, rumination, and motivation. The present quantitative correlation study examined the relationships among emotional intelligence, defense mechanisms, childhood attachment experience, rumination, and motivation in a sample of …

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Capitalizing On Crisis: A Statistical Analysis Of Federal Funding And The Surge In White-Collar Criminal Activity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lee R. Gibson Apr 2026

Capitalizing On Crisis: A Statistical Analysis Of Federal Funding And The Surge In White-Collar Criminal Activity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lee R. Gibson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era that has forever changed how people work, communicate, and socialize. The pandemic also brought one of the most significant influxes of financial assistance to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and state and local governments that has ever been seen. This massive infusion of cash, which was orchestrated and managed by the federal government, was instituted in a manner that provided quick relief with little ability for oversight, resulting in every assistance program experiencing high rates of fraudulent activity. This project aims to understand if the levels of white-collar crime increase during a disaster, …

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A Phenomenological Study On Korean Christian Immigrants’ Searching For Wholeness, Hyunjin Kim Apr 2026

A Phenomenological Study On Korean Christian Immigrants’ Searching For Wholeness, Hyunjin Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Wholeness is a way of living that integrates life’s paradoxes into a cohesive whole, and biblically it is living in harmony with God, others, and oneself. While both scientific and biblical perspectives affirm spirituality and virtues as central to wholeness, existing empirical models often fall short of capturing its full scope within Christian and cultural contexts. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to gain deeper insights into the common essence of Christian wholeness by exploring the lived experiences of wholeness among Korean Christians living in the United States of America. Twelve participants engaged in in-depth interviews and focus groups, and data …

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