Digital Commons Network^™

Biological And Hormonal Influences On Depression Among Women Compared To Men, Grace Steiner, Audrey Wrinkle, Chloe Dudgeon, Julia Stamp, Kathryn Dennis, Marissa Wojcik, Meghan Dayton, Meilin Loerop

Liberty University Research Week

This research aims to investigate various factors influencing the mechanisms of depression manifestation in men and women as it relates to biological and hormonal factors. Individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), experience a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure lasting for a minimum of 2 weeks. Depression and anxiety are twice as prevalent among women compared to men (Kundakovic & Rocks, 2022), although the underlying mechanisms and biological factors remain unknown. We aim to address the research question: “How do …

The Role Of Aerobic Exercise In Reducing Post-Injury Symptoms Among Adolescents With Brain Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic, Brandon Walker, Austin Snow

Liberty University Research Week

Clinical Scenario: Historically, concussion management has emphasized inactivity or restricted aerobic activity for athletes recovering from sports-related concussions. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that incorporating controlled aerobic exercise during rehabilitation may facilitate recovery and reduce the persistence of post-concussion symptoms. Focused Clinical Question: In adolescents with sports-related concussions, does the implementation of aerobic exercise facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of persistent post-injury symptoms? Summary of Key Findings: The studies discussed in this Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) consistently demonstrate that sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise is both safe and beneficial for adolescent athletes recovering from acute or persistent sport-related concussions. This training …

Do Omega-3 Supplements Reduce Pain And Symptom Severity In Primary Dysmenorrhea, Kristen Werner

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Primary Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition that affects many women worldwide. It is characterized by painful menstrual cramping and can result in decreased quality of life. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements have been proposed as an alternative treatment method to reduce severity of dysmenorrhea.

Methods: The Prisma method was used to conduct an integrative literature review of Pub Med, EBSCO, and Google Scholar Databases.

Results: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to reduce dysmenorrhea pain and severity.

Conclusions: Omega 3 supplementation is a viable alternative to conventional treatments methods for dysmenorrhea. This is ideal for women who …

Reducing Fear Through Meaning: A Theoretical Exploration Of Structured Spiritual Conversations In Pediatric Chronic And Life-Limiting Illness, Julia Stamp

Liberty University Research Week

Fear is a significant yet frequently under-addressed experience among pediatric patients with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, influencing emotional well-being and overall quality of life. This fear is frequently shaped by uncertainty, loss of control, and difficulty processing illness-related life experiences. Spirituality, defined as the way individuals seek meaning, purpose, and connection, has been increasingly recognized as an essential component of holistic pediatric care. These connections have been supported by research demonstrating that higher levels of spiritual well-being are associated with improved emotional functioning, increased hope, and stronger coping mechanisms in children with serious illness (Juškauskiene et al., 2023). Recent research …

Hidden Scars: A Scoping Review Of Violence-Related Mental Health Disorders In Adolescents, Rachel Dibal Simon Karu

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Limited data exist on the mental health of adolescents and how this population is uniquely affected by violence, particularly where treatment is not sought or accessible. Using a scoping review, this study aims to examine violence-related mental health disorders in adolescents.

Design: The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was used as a guideline for reporting. Searches were conducted on online databases to identify peer-reviewed papers published from 2020 to January 2026. Twenty-three publications on adolescents in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America were identified. The studies contained keywords such as community violence, conflict, adolescents, and mental health. The range in …

Profanity In Public Address And Its Influence On Audience Perception, Emma Witler

Liberty University Research Week

Profanity is not a novel addition to the context of language and communication. While words themselves or the connotation and severity surrounding them has assuredly evolved, the presence of profanity in society is just as significant now as it has always been. Geography, culture, religious beliefs or affiliations, politics, and even age can be determining factors of what is considered “too far” and when or where this boundary has been crossed. Due to the nature of profanity and its inherent impact on society, it is essential that the use of profanity is analyzed contextually with the intent of increasing communicative …

Who Delivers Care-And Does It Matter? Patient Satisfaction With Task-Shifted Mental Health Services., Perseverance Nothando Moyo, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Oluwatosin Marylyn Oduneye, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Global mental health systems face severe workforce shortages and structural inequalities, leaving over one billion people without access to adequate care. Task-shifting, which involves training non-specialist providers such as community health workers and lay counselors to deliver mental health services, has been proposed as a scalable strategy to expand access to care. Although research has demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of task-shifted mental health interventions, less attention has been given to understanding patient satisfaction and experiences of care within these service models. Objective: To synthesize global literature examining patient satisfaction with task-shifted mental health services delivered by non-specialist providers. Methods: …

Instagram, Tiktok, And Athlete Identity: Exploring Social Comparison In Subjectively Judged Youth Sports, Jenna Moffat, Brooklyn Woodard, Danner Allen, Greta Snukis, Kalie Orefice

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to examine the effects of social media platforms, Instagram and TikTok, on the mental health of adolescent athletes who are in subjective sports. Many athletes look at other athletes' performances on social media or scroll on Instagram or TikTok without realizing the harm that it can cause to their mental health and individual performance. When referring to mental health, athletes are specifically being asked about anxiety and depression, and if they notice an increase in these mental health symptoms or struggle with comparison after looking at these platforms. The research question is: How does comparison negatively impact …

The Power Of Cult Rhetoric, Daniel Murphy

Liberty University Research Week

What moves individuals to leave families, sell businesses, and reconstruct their identities in devotion to a charismatic leader? This study explores the communicative movement at the heart of cult recruitment, persuasion, and retention. Grounded in social identity theory, this qualitative phenomenological research investigates how cult leaders strategically mobilize identity, language, and belonging to attract and sustain followers.

Existing literature that applies social identity theory to persuasive language will be examined, alongside documentary and textual analysis, to understand how individuals interpret and internalize these communicative strategies. Drawing from existing literature and rhetorical analysis of leaders such as Marshall Applewhite, Warren Jeffs, …

Exploring Nurse Preceptors' Perception Of Effectiveness In Student-Preceptee Experiences: Implications For Faculty And Hospital Administration, Kelly Arraf

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Neuroplasticity On The Water: Transforming Mental Habits Into Elite Performance, John Paul Fryrear, Dayne Harter, Jada Ward

Liberty University Research Week

This proof-of-concept study examined whether a brief cognitive intervention could enhance key psychological skills in collegiate athletes. Twenty-four student-athletes from a university rowing team completed three workshops targeting neuroplasticity, attentional control, and emotional intelligence. Pre-, post-, and competition-based assessments, supplemented by qualitative feedback, indicated small but meaningful improvements in growth mindset, attentional control, and reductions in adverse competitive cognitions. Although most quantitative changes were not statistically significant, qualitative findings supported positive shifts in mindset, trust, and emotional regulation under pressure. Results suggest that targeted mental skills training may benefit athletes’ psychological adaptability despite methodological limitations.

Understanding International Student Retention With Hope And Social Connectedness: A Mixed Methods Study, Elizabeth Mathews, Isabel Deitch, Nathaniel Hastings, Stephen Ellison

Liberty University Research Week

With the rise of internationalization in higher education, universities often face the issue of international student attrition due to adjustment-related issues. Previous research has identified a variety of potential contributors to international student retention, mostly relating to integration into the university’s social and academic systems. Additionally, intentional social interactions in the host culture have been found to catalyze international student adjustment and are associated with long-term outcomes such as higher life satisfaction. Research on hope in college students supports the idea that higher levels of hope are associated with better academic outcomes (e.g., higher grade point averages; GPA). The international …

Notification Efficiency, Lashundra Rucker

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Faith-Informed Practice And The Challenge Of Religious Trauma: Insights From Christian Residents In Counseling, Nicole Taylor, Breanna Mcneal

Liberty University Research Week

This study explored the perceptions and emotional experiences of Christian counseling residents working with clients affected by religious trauma. Residents brought personal faith perspectives into their clinical roles, shaping how they understood and engaged with clients’ harmful or distressing religious experiences. Participants described empathy alongside moments of cognitive and emotional dissonance when clients’ narratives conflicted with their own beliefs. They highlighted challenges related to value conflicts, countertransference, bracketing personal convictions, and discerning appropriate spiritual integration. Findings underscore the need for targeted supervision and training to strengthen clinical preparedness for navigating faith-informed tensions in work with religious trauma.

Shame, Blaming Others, Forgiveness, And Depression, Louis Alvey, Bonnie Mckinney, Caroline Vaile, Hannah Murch, Jichan Kim

Liberty University Research Week

Depression is a pervasive mental health disorder often worsened by the damaging effects of shame. This creates a critical need for applied research to identify protecting coping mechanisms for use in clinical settings. To address this problem, this study employed a rigorous cross-sectional quantitative methodology, surveying adults to test whether forgiveness and blaming others moderate the well-established relationship between shame and depression. The study's robust statistical analysis revealed that while the maladaptive tendency to blame others worsens depressive symptoms, self-forgiveness acted as a significant moderator that effectively deactivated the harmful impact of shame. Ultimately, this research provides actionable, real-world solutions …

Faith-Based Practices And Health: The Role Of Faith-Based Guided Meditation In Managing Type 2 Diabetes, Willie Velasquez

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of my study was to investigate how faith-based guided meditation influences health management behaviors and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, I examined its effects on glycemic control, stress levels, and emotional well-being. Current diabetes management approaches, such as medication, diet, and exercise, often fail to address psychological and spiritual aspects critical for effective self-management. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model of Health, this mixed-method study explored the potential of faith-centered meditation to promote improved self-care behaviors and enhance emotional resilience. The research included a sample size of 40 participants, male and female, ages 18-60, of diverse backgrounds, divided …

3d Printed Square Packing: Making Math Accessible For Everyone, Joseph Holt, Jacob Drambi

Liberty University Research Week

Making math tangible and accessible to everyone has always been an ongoing process, and as a part of that process this study aims to take steps forward in the area of square packing. Mathematics can often seem theoretical and aloof, something only for those in their “ivory tower.” Making mathematics into something tangible, something that anyone can see and, more importantly, play with, brings the extensive and invaluable field of mathematics down to an accessible level for everyone to use and enjoy. This study investigates square packing, the problem of deducing the smallest square that can contain a given number …

Ai-Augmented Leadership: Examining The Influence Of Generative And Agentic Ai Decision-Support Tools On Leadership Decision Quality And Psychological Safety In Organizational Teams, Michael Areola

Liberty University Research Week

In today’s ever-evolving digital transformation business environment, market leaders are expected to make decisions at the speed of light, and those who have mastered the science of market disruption remain competitive. The quest to be a market leader and the ability to respond to market changes have become driving factors for decision makers who are increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business processes and workflows, transforming how leaders analyze information, evaluate alternatives, guide teams, and remain responsive to digital evolution. Organizational decision-making processes, too, are not lagging in this ever-evolving digital transformation market. While AI-enabled decision-support tools eliminate or reduce …

Voices From The Pacific: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Paraprofessionals’ Experiences Using Aac Devices To Support Students With Autism In The Northern Mariana Islands, Edieson Louie Aguirre

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of paraprofessionals implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support students with autism in K–12 schools within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System (CNMI PSS). The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which framed AAC as a cultural tool that mediates social interaction and explained how paraprofessionals scaffold communication within students’ zones of proximal development. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of paraprofessionals implementing AAC devices to support students with autism in the Northern Mariana Islands? …

Teaching Hope As A Measurable Skill: Building Resilience In Students And Educators, Cathleen Beachboard

Liberty University Research Week

Schools are experiencing rising levels of disengagement, stress, and declining connectedness, while simultaneously facing high rates of educator burnout and attrition. Psychological hope is strongly associated with engagement, well-being, and resilience. It is often treated as an emotional trait as opposed to a cognitive skill that can be intentionally developed through systems and environments. Grounded in Snyder’s hope theory, which proposes hope in quantifiable terms as a goal-directed thinking process composed of agency, pathways, and goals, this project proposes and examines measuring hope and utilizing a tier-based system of support designed to strengthen psychological hope among both students and educators …

A Comparative Analysis Of Cognitive And Social Outcomes In Toddlers With Speech Delay (Sd) Versus Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Francisca Atem

Liberty University Research Week

The dissertation is a comparative analysis of cognitive and social performance between toddlers aged 18 to 36 months with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech Delay (SD). Although both groups show early communication difficulties, their developmental patterns are vastly different, and they should be adequately separated to inform intervention planning and future developmental prognoses. Firmly rooted in the context of Developmental Psychopathology, Social Pragmatic Theory, and the Ecological Systems Theory by Bronfenbrenner, this qualitative study aims to investigate ways in which toddlers with SD and ASD are different in their cognitive functioning, including executive functioning, nonverbal IQ, and problem solving, …

A Phenomenological Study On The Connection Between Perceived Funding And Hbcu Athletic Staff Self-Efficacy, Ashley Keys

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Computer-Based Memory Screening Administration On Variables Associated With Cardiovascular Functioning In A Sample Of Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kanaan Hurst, Haley Hughes

Liberty University Research Week

With the rising number of individuals diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative disorders, research shows that there is a grand need to understand such impairments. Our team examined cognitive function using a previously developed memory screening computer-based test. In addition to screening for cognitive function, Blood Pressure was recorded 3 times (to ensure accuracy on average) preceding the computer-based assessment and immediately following completion. Blood pressure was monitored as having hightened pressure can indicate increased likelihood of developing cognitive impairment. Developed by clinical psychologist, Dr. Crews, CogniCheck is a computer-based screening tool that uses active recall tests to assess …

Music Enhances Theta Brainwave Activity Regardless Of Tuning Frequency, Robert Somerville, Davis Raz, Jettson Yarborough, Luc-Shalom Kouame

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Engaging The Non-Dominant Hand In Creative Tasks As A Pathway To Emotional Expression And Healing, Tiffany Spatz, Deepa Michelle Emmanuel, Janita Daggy

Liberty University Research Week

Traditional therapeutic approaches may not fully engage the brain's creative processing, limiting individuals' capacity to effectively manage stress and navigate emotional discomfort. Utilizing the non-dominant hand for creative tasks shows potential as a therapeutic approach to emotion regulation while helping individuals manage stress and improve self-control. The practice works to reduce stress by means of physiological and psychological processes while also establishing relaxation and emotional balance. These activities demand brain management of motor control tasks which form cognitive flexibility and mindfulness and create better self-control and impulse regulation. A case example is included for incorporating this intervention into counseling practice.

A Lack Of Cultural Diversity In Leadership In Multinational Corporations, Amelia Smalls

Liberty University Research Week

Organizations increasingly rely on culturally diverse teams to support global collaboration and innovation. However, many organizations continue to struggle to translate workforce diversity into improved communication, team cohesion, and performance outcomes. This study examines how leadership behaviors influence communication dynamics and relational processes within culturally diverse teams in multinational organizational environments. Guided by transformational leadership theory, servant leadership theory, and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory, the research explores how leadership practices shape communication clarity, team cohesion, and organizational effectiveness. A qualitative research design supported by descriptive survey data was employed. Data was collected from 33 professionals working in multinational organizational contexts …

Executive Succession And Organizational Stability In Community Health Centers: A Theory-Integrated Framework, Jisa Kusanthan, Timothy Sumarsono

Liberty University Research Week

Leadership transitions are difficult for organizations to manage. This is especially true for Community Health Centers (CHCs). The departure of a long-tenured leader can have a host of secondary effects on the culture, employee morale, and employee retention. This study explores the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's stability and proposes practical steps that CHCs can take to implement effective succession planning. A theory-integrated framework is used to apply Schein's Organizational Culture Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Institutional Theory to better understand the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's cultural foundation. A three-phase succession process is …

Exploring The Impact Of Emotion Focused Therapy As A Model For Meeting Men’S Emotional Needs, Emily Hendricks

Liberty University Research Week

In Western culture, masculinity standards have created an overall negative perception of help-seeking and mental healthcare treatment for many men. Although help-seeking is becoming a well-researched category of men's mental health treatment maintenance research is limited. Additionally, there are few models of care that have been developed specifically for male populations that honor their inherent values and perception of masculinity. This theoretical proposal will highlight Emotion Focused Therapy as a possible framework for men's care due to its' evidence-based use with couples and families and focus on emotional intelligence and regulation. Emotion Focused Therapy should be researched with men specifically, …

Mental Health Consequences Of Climate-Related Hazards: A Us Case Study., Perseverance Nothando, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The planet has warmed considerably over the past four decades, leading to more extreme weather events like floods, fires, and hurricanes. In the U.S., the number of climate-related disasters has surged, affecting approximately 1.7 billion people between 2010 and 2020. Projections suggest that by 2050, the U.S. population impacted by climate-related disasters could double, with a quarter of the population affected annually. Research indicates that 25% to 50% of people exposed to extreme weather events are susceptible to negative mental health consequences, such as anxiety and PTSD. This underscores the urgent need to address the psychological impact of climate …

Instructors’ Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Kains

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …