Digital Commons Network^™

Audience Interpersonal Identification With The Television Series Friends As It Is Reflected In Avid Viewers Within The Twixter Life Stage, Renee Ruth Peckham

Masters Theses

Twixter is a term, popularized by Time magazine, to define what sociologists classify as individuals in their mid to late twenties who are finding themselves "betwixt and between" adolescence and adulthood (Grossman, 2005). Researchers Cote and Allahar (1996), Bennett (1994), and Buchmann (1989) have identified mass media as a key contributor to this new transitional life stage, specifically discussing the influential potential of television. As individuals identify with various televised content, fictional characters establish role models that individuals then emulate. The series Friends, in particular, portrayed this Twixter life stage. This thesis addresses Kelman's (1961) theory of identification as it …

04-04-06 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 23, Issue 19)

2005 -- 2006

No abstract provided.

Teacher-To-Student Ministry Within The Christian High-School, Joan F. Stratton

Doctoral Dissertations

The Christian high school’s central distinctive and focus should be the discipling of young believers through teacher-to-student ministry. Such ministry is its primary function as an arm of the Body of Christ and in fulfillment of biblical mandates. This project discusses the roles and needed qualifications of the educators involved in this ministry; it examines the perceptions of students, parents, teachers, and administrators regarding such ministry; and it suggests practical measures that will help schools to prioritize the work of teacher-to-student ministry and to select and nurture the teachers who can fulfill its tremendous potential.

The Effects Of Family Background And Religion On Leadership, Holly R. Hastings

Senior Honors Theses

This study examined the role of family background and religion in predicting leadership skills. Research showed that the impact families and religion have on children and adolescents is significant, influencing children's attributes, habits, and beliefs for their entire lives. The experiment tested university student leaders for a significant effect of family background and religious upbringing on their leadership skills. The subjects were given an informed consent form, a demographics survey, the Santa Clara Religious Faith Questionnaire, and the Student Leadership Practices Inventory. Results are expected to show that a student from a non-divorced, stable family and a religious upbringing will …

Slavery In The 21st Century, Paul R. Rickert

Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper briefly examines the modern practice of slavery. It attempts to demonstrate that slavery is a larger problem than most understand, does exist in the United States, and will outline some effective means to combat it.

The Effect Of Summer Enrollment In The Boys And Girls Club On Adolescent Peer Attachment, Erik Donavan Henkel

Senior Honors Theses

The formation of friendships is an important developmental step for adolescents. Peer attachment is an attachment relationship that adolescents develop with their closest friends. Research studying peer attachment has divided it into three major categories: trust, communication, and alienation, the later of which is an inverse measure of peer attachment. Youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) offers places outside of school where adolescents can socialize with their peers. This study measured whether the BGCA had a significant impact on increasing peer attachment, trust, and communication while reducing alienation. Adolescents were tested at a local BGCA …

The Effect Of Music On The Human Body And Mind, Dawn Kent

Senior Honors Theses

Music has a vast influence over the nations and peoples on this planet. It has been used in every culture, and is often connected with anxiolytic and analgesic properties. Today it is used in many hospitals to help patients relax and help relieve or ease pain, confusion and anxiety. Music is also commonly used in counseling. Music therapy techniques may include guided listening or improvisational playing and are used within the context of many theories, and for many types of mental disorders, from depression to schizophrenia. Many of the healing qualities of music in counseling are connected to its use …

Minority Presence And Portrayal In Mainstream Magazine Advertising, Megan Kathleen Joiner

Senior Honors Theses

In the spring of 1997, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly published a study by Lawrence Bowen and Jill Schmid entitled "Minority Presence and Portrayal in Mainstream Magazine Advertising: An Update." The two professors of communication had selected editions from 1987 and 1992 of nine mass circulation magazines with a significant minority readership and coded every advertisement in those magazines for minority presence and portrayal. They found that the use of African-Americans in magazine advertisements had increased since the results of past studies had been published, but that the use of Hispanics and Asians remained minimal. They also found that the …

Father Presence Matters: A Case For Family, Marcia Redmon Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Children from single parent homes experience disadvantages that often continue into adulthood. This qualitative dissertation project examines the pain and lived experiences of a family where father absence continued through three generations. Literature regarding father absence is reviewed, and the negative outcomes associated with fatherlessness are explored. This project combines a l2-week curriculum training, a 12-day Twelve-Step component, and a 12-month mentorship in a faith-based response to fatherlessness. The objective of this project is to reconnect fathers in a meaningful way with their children, ease pain and facilitate healing of all involved parties.

The Role Of The Pastor In Southern Baptist Churches: A Biblical View Versus A Prevailing View, Wilford A. Stone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will address the role of the pastor by looking at the Biblical view of the role of the pastor and the prevailing view of the role of the pastor in the Southern Baptist Church. Biblical research will be conducted and will be presented in the Biblical view of the role of the pastor. Based on surveys sent to Southern Baptist pastors, Southern Baptist seminary students, and laity in Southern Baptist Churches, perspectives on the prevailing view of the role of the pastor will be presented. Then, the two views will be compared.

03-28-06 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 23, Issue 18)

2005 -- 2006

No abstract provided.

Intrapersonal Communication And Post-Disclosure Dialectics: An Examination Of The Dialectical Tensions Expelienced Following Self-Disclosure, Amanda Leanne Carver

Masters Theses

This paper studies the time period directly following a self-disclosure act. The narrative paradigm theory was utilized in the study of 62 narratives to reveal themes in participants' post-disclosure intrapersonal communication experiences. The narratives revealed four prevalent themes, judgment, fear, relational growth and relief. These themes were then used to validate the existence of post-disclosure dialectics. Postdisclosure dialectics refers to the intrapersonal tensions participants experiences in the post -disclosure time period.

An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Remote Intercessory Prayer On Depression, Jason Gary Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present study utilized a double-blind, controlled, pre-test/post-test design to examine the effect of remote intercessory prayer on 20 participants who received counseling for depression in various clinics throughout central Virginia. The researcher randomly drew from a pool of 20 numbers; participants given even numbers were assigned to the experimental group and were prayed for by assigned intercessors for 28 days. Participants given odd numbers were assigned to the control group and were not assigned intercessors. Twenty-eight days (or as soon a possible) after all participants took the first BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory, second version) they completed the BDI-II for …

03-07-06 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 23, Issue 17)

2005 -- 2006

No abstract provided.

Learning Self-Determination: Lessons From The Literature For Work With Children And Youth With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Beth E. Ackerman

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Children and youth with disabilities perform more poorly in transitional outcomes than their non-disabled peers. Programs are facing many changes because of these outcomes. Definitions are being revised, and new categories of exceptionalities are being recognized. Accountability measures are being put in place for people with disabilities. However, there is an important, current issue identified by researchers and individuals with disabilities – the issue of self-determination. This article explores how self-determination can and should be taught to children and youth with disabilities.

Distance Counseling: Perceived Advantages And Disadvantages Among Christian Counselors, Anthony J. Centore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Not available.

Today’S Challenges And Resolutions Regarding Church Music, Philip R. Mcfarland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to first affirm the fact that music is one of the most powerful mediums that can control and influence people today. By emphasizing music’s impact, the objective for churches and pastors is to understand that although music plays a major part within church worship, it is only one of many functions of the church. This thesis will serve the purpose of helping pastors, church leaders, and Christians to understand the influence of music that can lead to potential challenges and problems, and to give biblically based, historical, and practical resolutions. Christians must not let …

“Waltzing With The Monster,” Interventions With The Substance-Abusing Adolescent For Pastors, Treatment Providers, And Family, Philip A. Watkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The biblical story of the "Prodigal Son" is a universal experience made significantly more precarious by the use of mind altering chemicals. A review of the literature reveals that approximately half of all problems impacting American families are caused or exacerbated by the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. This project's focus is the impact of substance abuse on the developing adolescent. Chemical "hijacking" of the brain's pleasure centers and resultant dysfunction is examined. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are discussed. Interventions which facilitate the young person's "homecoming" and implications for the community of faith are integrated.

The Effect Of Spiritual Attitudes On Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, Ralph W. Fox Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study hypothesized that there is a relationship between religious orientation (conservative, moderate, or liberal) and the occurrence of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) among Christian women. The participants of this study were 71 married Christian women who were patients from a Christian obstetrical! gynecological medical practice in southern Georgia and who volunteered for an anonymous survey. The survey instruments used in this study included the Sexual Self-Assessment Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Christian Religious Orientation Scale. Demographic information was also gathered on each participant.

Results showed that all of the women had a conservative orientation and …

Teaching Outside The Box , Clarence Holland

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Early Childhood Cognitive Development: A Descriptive Study On The Effectiveness Of Preschool Curricula, Alisa Shook Dyson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the lack of rigorous, systematic evaluation of preschool curricula utilizing three survey instruments developed by NSSE: Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Staff Questionnaire, Program Specific Indicators o/Teaching and Organizational Effectiveness. The measures were designed to reflect the concepts of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) as presented in the revised 2005 NAEYC guidelines, Association of Christian Schools International Intended Student Outcomes, and The National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) accreditation assessment instruments. Two hundred surveys completed by nonprofit, Christian early childhood center administrators across the United States were utilized in this study. Quantitative data presented utilizing NSSE's psychometric instruments provides the information …

The Perceived Effectiveness Of A Beginning Teacher Mentoring Program In Central Virginia, Toni M. Flanagan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive study examined the perceived effectiveness of a beginning teacher mentoring program in a public school district in Central Virginia. A total of 87 participants, including beginning teachers, new-to-district teachers, mentor teachers, and administrators were surveyed about the perceived effectiveness of the teacher mentoring program and general demographic information. In addition, 17 of the survey respondents were interviewed as a follow-up to the study. A 5-point scaled survey questionnaire based on Virginia’s guidelines for teacher mentoring programs was the primary means of assessment. Results from the study indicated that the teachers and administrators surveyed had overall positive perceptions of …

Analysis Of Reading Comprehension And Thinking Process , Kevin D. Washburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to the U.S. Department of Education, middle school literacy research in four areas is currently mandated: neurocognitive elements, instructional processes, instructional materials, and professional development. This study presents appropriate statistical analysis of fifth grade student gains in reading comprehension and thinking processes. The results suggest reading programs based on findings from the four key areas of research produce significantly greater student achievement in reading comprehension and thought processes than programs not based on findings from the key research areas. The study includes a Research-Based Rubric for Reading Comprehension Components, detailing findings from the four research areas. This rubric serves …

Selected Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Programs Variables Impacting Graduate Scores On The National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses, Lois B. Borek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students graduating in 2005 from a state approved BSN program in a Christian University experienced a reduced passing rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination as compared to their peers in 2004. An examination of program variables provided insight into the cause for such decline. The quantitative analysis of variables reported in this study identified the significant differences occurring between the two groups of students as (a) cumulative GP A, (b) grades in selected pre nursing science courses, and (c) grades in post admission nursing courses. Findings from this study may enable program administrators to better identify students who have special …

A Philosophy Of Culture Approach To Inter-Religious Understanding, Michael S. Jones

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

David S. Landes: The Wealth And Poverty Of Nations: Study Guide, Steven Alan Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Experiences Of The Risen Jesus: The Foundational Historical Issue In The Early Proclamation Of The Resurrection, Gary R. Habermas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: Avoiding Plagiarism In Christian Writing And Speaking, Gregory A. Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Plagiarism is an ethical breach involving the misuse of others' intellectual property. Instances of alleged plagiarism have discredited various Christian ministers and authors. Various style manuals provide guidelines for acknowledging direct quotation, paraphrasing, and other uses of sources. Preachers and teachers should adapt those guidelines to the context of verbal communication.

Connecting Ethics To Action: An Introduction To Ethical Decision Making, Rory Patterson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Schumaker, Kiel, Heilke: Great Ideas/Grand Schemes Study Guide, 1998-2006, Steven Alan Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Great Ideas/Grand Schemes is a systematic treatment of twelve ideologies by means of an elaborate conceptual framework. This twelve-point analytic grid, which is comprised of six substantive political principles, four philosophical bases, and two political bases, is introduced in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters focus on the ideologies themselves.