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Principals’ Perceptions Of Covid-19 Learning Strategies’ Influence On Reading Achievement In Title I Urban Elementary Schools, Kadian Alicia Grant

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly intensified reading achievement challenges among Title I urban elementary school students. There was a need to understand the impact of district-implemented strategies to improve reading achievement during the pandemic. Guided by Fullan’s educational change theory, this qualitative case study explored principals’ perceptions of the influence of district strategies on reading achievement implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2021–2022 school year, particularly in Title I urban elementary schools. The study specifically aimed to explore (a) principals’ perceptions of the influence of lesson acceleration, (b) principals’ perceptions of the influence of personalized learning, and (c) challenges …

Gender Differences In Weight Perceptions And Intentions Among Hispanic Youth In The United States, Kristy Gregurek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and a serious issue for children and adolescents in the United States. Despite recognition of its dangers, obesity remains a public health concern, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its prevalence. Of particular concern is the higher obesity rates among Hispanic children, who face disproportionately significant psychological and physical health risks. Using the theory of planned behavior, this study aimed to investigate the lack of knowledge regarding gender differences in weight perceptions and intentions, the relationship between physical activity and weight perception, and the role each may play in obesity among Hispanic …

Queer Connections: Relationship Initiation Approach And Relationship Quality For Queer Couples, Kai Ambakad

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Queer individuals encounter unique challenges in romantic relationships, making it essential to explore factors that influence their relationship quality. The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare relationship quality among queer individuals based on the method of meeting (i.e., through dating applications vs. in person) and to test communication quality as a moderating variable. This study examined commitment and satisfaction as the dependent variables for relationship quality and meeting method as the independent variable. The research addressed whether there were (1) differences in relationship quality based on meeting method and (2) whether communication quality moderated this relationship. The study …

Experiences And Behavioral And Psychological Characteristics Of U.S. Parents Who Affirm The Tgnc Identity Of Their Child, Brison Scholar Lee Downing

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Discrimination remains a problem faced by many transgender and nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. Support for these individuals has increased significantly in recent years; however, there is no substitute for the love of family, especially parents and caregivers. Affirming a child’s TGNC identity is a challenge for some parents, who may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation from challenges related to being a parent of a TGNC child. The purpose of the generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences and behavioral and psychological characteristics of parents who had successfully affirmed the TGNC identity of their child. Guided by parent developmental theory, …

Nurse Managers’ Effective Strategies For Retaining Nurses, Sharina Johnson-King

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective strategies for retaining registered nurses (RNs) can lead to negative business and patient care outcomes. High RN turnover rates pose a challenge for nurse managers, as they can reduce the quality of patient care and strain healthcare resources. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies nurse managers use to successfully retain RNs. The participants were 11 nurse managers in the Southeastern United States who had retained their full-time RNs for 2 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of Health Resources and Services Administration data. Through thematic …

Exploring Juvenile Probation Officers' Perception Of Strategies To Reduce Juvenile Recidivism In Southeastern Michigan, Nikaya Cecelia Robin Banks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The high rate of juvenile recidivism in southeastern Michigan poses a threat to the safety of the community as well as a challenge to the juvenile probation officers (JPOs) who supervise them. The literature is abundant with data on juvenile recidivism; however, little is known about JPO’s perceptions on the efficacy of strategies and practices that aid in the rehabilitation of juvenile probationers. Grounded in both social learning and social bond theoretical frameworks, the purpose of this study was to explain how behavior is learned through processes of observation and the significance of positive bonds in minimizing delinquent behavior. The …

Mental Health Literacy, Education, And Implications For Mental Disorder, Robert Louis Sims Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health literacy (MHL) improves the recognition and treatment of mental disorders. The completion of a bachelor’s degree has been correlated with higher levels of MHL, and higher levels of MHL are reported to improve mental health status (MHS). While educational attainment has a significant positive relationship with MHL, the strength and significance of education in predicting MHL level remains unclear. A health literacy conceptualization and self-efficacy theory underpinned further examination of these variables in this study. A survey was administered to a sample of 105 university graduates in Georgia enrolled in one of five bachelor’s degree disciplines: education, humanities, …

Physical Activity, Smokeless Tobacco, Urban/Rural Status And E-Cigarette Use Among African American Young Adults, Destiny Britt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use is fueled by the false belief that they are safer than traditional cigarettes. African American adults aged 18 and older are disproportionately impacted by tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Little research focuses specifically on e-cigarette use among young African Americans, examining how factors like physical activity, smokeless tobacco, and urban/rural status influence their usage. This study aimed to investigate these influences while considering gender, academic level, alcohol and marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and anxiety/depression as controlling factors. Using the social ecological model (SEM), the research sought to understand how environmental factors interact with individual behaviors, …

Fall Prevention In An Acute Inpatient Crisis Stabilization Unit, Kerenge Ayuk Ako-Ebot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary The type of project was a staff education designed to increase staff knowledge through the implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention program tailored to an acute inpatient crisis stabilization unit. The practice problem was a lack of standardization in fall prevention. The project question was the following: Does staff education on fall prevention measures increase staff knowledge in an acute crisis stabilization unit? A total of 22 health care professionals, including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, mental health technicians, and physical and occupational therapists, participated in the educational presentation. Pretest and posttest data showed a significant improvement in staff …

Adverse Childhood Experiences In Early Adolescence And Adult Interpersonal Relationships Violence, Jenalee M. Dawson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social issue that affects individuals and communities, often rooted in early life experiences such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Understanding the link between ACEs and IPV is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This quantitative research explored the potential link between ACEs encountered during early adolescence and the subsequent occurrence of IPV in adult domestic relationships, building upon the foundational work of Felitti et al. Using a quantitative survey design, 30 participants aged 18 and older who had experienced at least one ACE were recruited via social media and surveyed. Bandura's …

Educating Substance Use Treatment Nurses On Patient Pain Assessment And Management, Emmanuel Okwuchukwu Oguno

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The inconsistent application of evidence-based pain assessment strategies continues to be a significant challenge in nursing practice. Due to gaps in nurses’ knowledge and the variability in implementing best practices, patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) often experience inadequate pain management. These deficiencies exacerbate patient suffering, impair functioning, and usually lead to prolonged hospitalizations. Addressing these challenges is vital because nurses’ pain assessment and management knowledge can enhance patient pain outcomes. I conducted this project to strengthen the knowledge of nursing staff in pain assessment and management through an evidence-based educational intervention for nurses working with patients with SUD. I …

Cultural Competency When Providing Intimate Partner Violence Assistance, Deanna Lashawn Stewart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health crisis that disproportionately affects African American and Latina women due to systemic barriers, cultural stigmas, and inadequate culturally competent support services. This qualitative study explored the experiences of English-speaking African American and Latina women aged 23 to 60 in seeking culturally competent assistance for IPV in the United States. Using a generic qualitative research design and relational-cultural theory as a theoretical framework, this study examined how cultural beliefs and values influence help-seeking behaviors and the perceived adequacy of IPV support services. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 participants who had previously …

Effective Business Strategies To Mitigate Outsourcing Failures, Joseph Ragsdale Jr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Business leaders’ lack of effective outsourcing strategies often results in operational inefficiencies, such as increased costs, reduced profitability, and decreased organizational performance. Addressing this issue is critical to improving business outcomes and ensuring competitive advantage in a globalized market. Grounded in the analytic balanced scorecard theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the effective strategies business leaders in the IT department at a large educational institution in Los Angeles, California use to address outsourcing failures. The participants were three business leaders who successfully employed effective strategies to mitigate outsourcing failures. Data were collected from semistructured …

Exploring Cybersecurity Policy Compliance Strategies To Secure E-Government Systems, Michael Oyedele Arowosegbe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nigerian government organizations face significant challenges in complying with cybersecurity policies, threatening the security and efficiency of their e-government systems. IT leadership groups are concerned that compliance issues could lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and diminished public trust, ultimately hindering economic growth and digital transformation efforts. This qualitative multiple-case study, framed through the lens of neo-institutional theory, aimed to explore the cybersecurity policies and effective compliance strategies employed by information security officers to secure e-government systems against cyberattacks. The participants consisted of nine information security officers from three information security-certified government institutions in central Nigeria. Data collection included semi-structured …

Effective Strategies Call Center Managers Use To Develop And Sustain Team Collaboration In A Virtual Work Environment., Daivon M. Bruce

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some small business virtual call center managers struggle to implement effective remote communication strategies, leading to inefficient team collaboration. As a result, decreased productivity and poor communication can negatively impact customer service, employee engagement, and overall business performance. Grounded in Tuckman's group development theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic study was to explore communication strategies that five virtual call center managers used to develop and sustain team collaboration in Northern New Jersey. The data collected from semistructured interviews were thematically analyzed, revealing three key themes: (a) communication, (b) teamwork, and (c) challenges with the use of technology. A primary …

The Impact Of On-The-Job Traumatic Events From The Perspective Of African American Law Enforcement Officers, Stefanie Marie Hadley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Most law enforcement officers (LEOs) enter their profession with the intent to positively impact their communities. However, the emotional and psychological toll of their work often goes unaddressed, leaving officers to navigate repeated exposure to trauma with limited support or preparation. While research has examined the effects of trauma on LEOs, there remains a gap in understanding the impact on African American LEOs. This study explored the effects of frequent on-the-job traumatic events from the perspective of African American LEOs and the barriers to seeking mental health treatment. Guided by social cognitive theory and rational choice theory, this qualitative study …

Understanding Hereditary Breast And Ovarian Cancer Syndrome In Black/African American Women: Implications For Equitable Outcomes And Interventions, Alexandria E. Fletcher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black/African American women face significant health disparities in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) due to systemic barriers to genetic counseling and testing, leading to poorer survival outcomes. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework and Intersectionality Theory, this quantitative descriptive study examined disparities in access to genetic services, socioeconomic barriers, and healthcare biases. Data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) included 1,357 Black/African American and White women aged 25–65 with a family history of HBOC. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset analyzed 15,684 Black/African American and 105,547 White women with breast cancer, …

Racialization Of Urban Black Middle School Students From The Perspective Of Middle School Teachers: A Phenomenological Study In Central And Southeast Michigan, Bryan L. Spencer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University College of Education and Human Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Bryan L. Spencer has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Michael Langlais, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Matthew Hertenstein, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2025   Racialization of Urban Black Middle School Students from the Perspective of Middle School Teachers: A Phenomenological Study in Central and Southeast Michigan by Bryan L. Spencer MPhil, Walden …

Effects Of Foreign Aid On Developing Countries: Case Of Turkana County, Kenya, Baraka M. Akeyo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite substantial foreign aid investments in road construction projects in Turkana County, Kenya, anticipated benefits of improved access to social facilities, economic development, and rural and urban growth have not been fully realized. This study involved assessing the impact of foreign aid for road construction in Turkana County. Grounded in the social constructivism perspective, the research acknowledges subjective realities shaped by individual and societal experiences. The agency theory served as the theoretical foundation, framing the donor-recipient relationship as one where donors act as principals imposing conditions on recipient communities as agents. The study addressed the central research question: What is …

Do Universities Choose The Right Strategies For X Engagement? The Case Of Six Universities In Thailand, Mathupayas Thongmak

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand how Thai public universities engage their stakeholders on X (the social media platform previously known as Twitter). This article answers the following research questions: 1) What are the X message strategies of six public universities? 2) Do they choose the most effective strategies to drive X engagement in terms of favorites and reposts?

Method: Data was automatically collected using anX analytic tool, and the potential variables were extracted semi-automatically using tools appropriate to text mining, sentiment analysis, word cloud, and so on. Posts from six universities in Thailand were investigated.

Results: …

Strategies For Independent Restaurant Business Leaders In The United States To Retain Employees, Ayman Hussein

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover poses a significant threat to the stability and growth of businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. Independent restaurant owners and managers are especially concerned about the consequences of high turnover rates, which can negatively impact their operations. This includes disruptions in productivity, declines in profitability, and diminished competitiveness, all of which undermine the long-term viability of their establishments. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective strategies employed by leaders of independent U.S. restaurants to retain employees. The participants included 10 leaders from independent Florida-based restaurants, each with at least …

Influence Of A Remedial Course On First-Year Medical Students’ Learning And Study Strategies At A Medical School In The Caribbean, Aruna Ullal, Ed.D.

Frank Dilley Award for Outstanding Doctoral Study

Medical schools aim to provide quality education and rigorous training to create competent future healthcare providers. Due to the demanding curriculum, first-year medical students often struggle, leading to course repetition or withdrawal from the program. The problem addressed in this study was the underperformance of first-year medical students, who required participation in a remediation course at a medical school in the Caribbean. Guided by Bandura’s social learning theory, the purpose of this quasi-experimental, quantitative study was to determine the extent of change in medical students’ learning and study skills as measured by the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) after …

Influence Of A Remedial Course On First-Year Medical Students’ Learning And Study Strategies At A Medical School In The Caribbean, Aruna Gautam Ullal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medical schools aim to provide quality education and rigorous training to create competent future healthcare providers. Due to the demanding curriculum, first-year medical students often struggle, leading to course repetition or withdrawal from the program. The problem addressed in this study was the underperformance of first-year medical students, who required participation in a remediation course at a medical school in the Caribbean. Guided by Bandura’s social learning theory, the purpose of this quasi-experimental, quantitative study was to determine the extent of change in medical students’ learning and study skills as measured by the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) after …

Strategies Head Start Program Managers Use To Acquire External Funding During Economic Downturns, Judith Angella Maxwell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Head Start programs risk limited external funding due to economic downturns, leading to difficulty managing programs effectively and competitively. Head Start program managers will continue to struggle if they do not develop strategies to acquire external financial support in response to economic downturns, like the COVID-19 pandemic, while enhancing staff and student experiences. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study research project was to explore the strategies employed by Head Start program managers to effectively acquire external financial support in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were …

Strategies U.S. Hospital Leaders Use To Recruit, Hire, And Retain Physicians To Sustain Profitability, Terence Christopher Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poor physician retention negatively impacts the quality of community healthcare, leading to financial losses and increased operational costs for hospitals. Hospital administrators and the governing boards are particularly concerned with addressing this issue to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery. Grounded in the Hertzberg’s two factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies that hospital administrators can utilize to improve physician retention. The participants included eight high-ranking hospital administrators within the geographic region of North Carolina who had an active role in provider retention. Data was collected using semistructured interviews, identify five critical themes: (a) implement mentorship, …

School Counselor Wellness And Organizational Support, Pamela Spence Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Wellness is at the core of the counselor profession, yet school counselors face daily wellness challenges in the environments in which they work. Organizational support in the form of supervision and school support has been shown to mediate burnout, yet research had not investigated its mediating role in school counselor wellness. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between school counselor organizational support, as measured by the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support-Short Form, and school counselor wellness, as measured by the Helping Professional Wellness Discrepancy Scale, in a sample of 78 practicing school counselors. Results of …

Strategies For Improving The Transition Process Home After Skilled Nursing For Chronically Ill Residents Who Are 65 Years Or Older, Tawauna Renea Mcclendon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

When skilled nursing facilities fail to implement, enforce, and follow up with the discharge planning process before and after the resident transitions home, it can lead to a hospital admission. The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize the literature to identify how the chronic care model (CCM) can support skilled nursing facilities with the pre- and postdischarge planning process and make recommendations for strategy or policy revisions. The review question was focused on determining how the CCM can be effectively implemented within SNFs to optimize pre- and postdischarge planning for residents with chronic conditions and what strategy revisions …

Exploring The Adaptation And Implementation Of Social–Emotional Learning Programs, Jennifer Poteet

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher led social–emotional learning programs are implemented in a variety of ways to mitigate the effects of school bullying, however little attention has been paid to their academic impact on middle school students. The theories and/or concepts that grounded this study include Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) ecological theory and social cognitive theory. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the impact of Second Step, a social–emotional learning program with 16,166 middle school students. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between student gender, ethnicity, Second Step program participation, and program fidelity on the students’ mathematics and reading assessment …

Successful Strategies Used By Perfusion Managers To Increase Retention Of Perfusionists, Michelle Jaskula-Dybka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perfusion managers face challenges in retaining skilled perfusionists which can impact the continuity of care and overall hospital efficiency. Effective perfusionist retention strategies are important to perfusion managers who aim to mitigate employee turnover. Grounded in the job demands-resources model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study was to explore the successful retention strategies that some perfusion managers used in the United States. The participants were five perfusion managers who had successfully retained a team of perfusionists for at least 1 year. Data were collected through digital semistructured interviews and publicly available documents. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. …

Enhancing Multidisciplinary Team Knowledge On The Effectiveness Of Heat Therapy For Lower Back Pain In Adults In An Outpatient Clinic, Glenys Hunter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project addressed the underutilization of heat therapy for lower back pain management at an outpatient clinic through an educational intervention aimed at enhancing multidisciplinary team knowledge. My project implemented a comprehensive educational program for 12 healthcare providers. The intervention included structured learning sessions with didactic presentations, case discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluated provider understanding of heat therapy's physiological mechanisms, clinical applications, safety considerations, and treatment protocols. Analysis revealed significant improvements in provider knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 33.33% pre-intervention to 92.25% post-intervention (p<0.001). Recommendations included integrating regular educational sessions into organizational development programs, developing standardized protocols, and creating patient education materials. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of structured educational interventions in improving provider knowledge while supporting broader implementation of non-pharmacological pain management strategies. These findings have implications for enhancing patient care through increased utilization of evidence-based heat therapy interventions