Digital Commons Network^™

Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Retention Of Faculty Women Of Color In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics, Sherri Reese

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Gender discrimination and the underrepresentation of women of color in faculty positions in higher education institutions, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments, is a research and policy problem. Despite efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in higher education workplaces, women of color remain largely underrepresented among STEM faculty. Informed by Adams’s equity theory, Tajfel’s social identity theory of organizational commitment, and Bell’s critical race theory, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between diversity and organizational commitment and inclusion and organizational commitment among faculty women of color. Survey data were collected …

Nurse Leaders Promoting Well-Being Through Mindfulness, Laura G. Cockrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Becoming a nurse is not just a career but a calling. With this calling comes an ethical duty to the patient, but the duty remains to provide care for oneself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a strained nursing profession felt the effects of a self-care deficiency. Mindfulness is one self-care tool that can allow nurses to maintain a state of well-being. This project followed Orem’s self-care deficit theory, in which people can use self-care to maintain wellness. The purpose of this project was to develop, deliver, and evaluate an education program for registered nurse leaders on mindfulness activities to address whether …

The Experiences Of Jamaican Secondary School Counselors Who Provide Psychological Support To Adolescents, Onnica Morris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School counselors play an integral role in helping adolescents navigate and overcome the psychological distress that they experience. This study aimed to better understand the experiences of Jamaican school counselors who provide psychological support to adolescents in high school. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (2006) bioecological model of human development and Hans-Georg Gadamer's (1981) hermeneutic theory formed the conceptual framework for this study. Seven Jamaican secondary school counselors who provide psychological support to adolescents in high school participated in semistructured interviews via the Zoom online platform. Narrative analysis was used to code and analyze the data from the interviews. Seven themes emerged from …

Organization Members’ Lived Experiences Of Destructive Leadership, Angela E.C. Etson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Destructive leadership may negatively impact an organization and its members. Although scholars recognized that destructive leadership behavior exists, there was little qualitative empirical evidence of its effect on an organization and its members. The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the essence of the lived experiences of individual organization members based on how they perceived and gave meaning to destructive leadership’s negative influence on the organizations where they worked or had worked. The conceptual framework consisted of Van de Ven and Poole’s dialectical change theory, Benson’s dialectical analysis, Schein’s organizational culture, Schneider’s organizational climate, and Weick’s …

Early Childhood Education Leaders’ Challenges To Assist K-3 Teachers With Transitioning To Online Teaching Due To Covid-19 Pandemic, Lewisetta Monii Perkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood education leaders were challenged to assist K-3 teachers with transitioning to online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood education leaders’ challenges to assist K-3 teachers with transitioning to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conceptual framework was based on Kolb’s experiential learning theory which is focused on the learning process and on making adaptations. The research questions focused on challenges K-3 early childhood education leaders encountered when assisting teachers transitioning to online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic and what early childhood education leaders believe …

Effective Strategies For Building Traditional Church Membership, Carlos Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A dwindling number of congregational members poses a significant risk to the continuity of U.S. churches. Leaders in traditional congregations need effective tactics for membership expansion. Drawing upon Bolman and Deal’s four-frame theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective strategies leaders of traditional churches use to build membership. The participants were six leaders from traditional churches situated in the Southern and Eastern parts of the United States. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews and archival documents. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four prominent themes: influential leadership, community involvement, use of technology and social …

Psychological Impact Of Ebola Disease On Survivors: A West Africa Study, Babatunde Moses Irinoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Survivors of Ebola virus disease often experience social isolation. Understanding the psychological impact of Ebola virus disease on these survivors was the focus of this study. The study encompasses assessment of experiences in re-integration back into communities, and psychological implications (post-recovery), among Ebola infection survivors (EIS) in Republic of Liberia. The purpose of the study was to explore the psychological impact of Ebola as the EIS continue their re-integration journey in their communities in Liberia. The conceptual framework for this study was based on principles of system theory, based on interrelatedness of the biopsychological experience of the EIS, and the …

Kindergarten Through Third Grade Teachers’ Perspectives Of Instructional Practices Used To Teach Reading To African American Boys, Margaret Ann Petty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the 1960s, African American (AA) male literacy has been a concern among scholars. According to recent studies, AA male third graders’ reading standardized test scores lag behind other students, demonstrating that AA boys’ reading abilities need improvement. This basic qualitative study aimed to explore kindergarten through third grade reading teachers’ perspectives on instructional practices used to teach AA boys how to read. Guided by Ladson-Billings’ conceptual framework and culturally relevant pedagogy, the research question was utilized to analyze teachers’ perspectives via semistructured interviews. Purposeful sampling was limited to kindergarten through third grade reading teachers of AA boys and recruited …

Native American Higher Education Students’ Perspectives Of Preparation And Encouragement Received Prior To College Entrance, David Edward Marshall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that Native American students in the area surrounding a local university participated in higher education at low levels. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore local Native American college student perspectives about becoming a college student, including their individual experiences and recommendations for increasing future Native American college participation. The conceptual framework for the study included Tinto’s model of student integration and Bandura’s social learning theory. Three research questions were addressed regarding Native American college student perspectives on becoming a college student; the experiences, programs, and support that led to …

Kindergarten Through Third-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions Of Implementing The Science Of Teaching Reading Practices, Shari Yvonne Ehly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2019, declines in reading achievement across Texas motivated changes for teacher recertification, which required 60-hour professional development in the science of teaching reading (STR). The problem this study addressed was the challenges K-Grade 3 reading teachers encountered when implementing the recently adopted Reading Academy content at a large urban school in Texas. The purpose of this basic qualitative project study was to explore the challenges K through Grade 3 reading teachers encountered when implementing the recently adopted Reading Academy content at a large urban school in Texas. The implementation science conceptual framework guided this study on the fidelity of …

Teacher Knowledge And Confidence Integrating Social Change Concepts In K–12 Classrooms, Amy White, Fran Reed, Tina Marshall-Bradley, Kathy Strang

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

The purpose of this survey research was to examine the perspectives of K–12 classroom teachers about their knowledge of social change concepts and their confidence in implementing these into their existing curriculum. A questionnaire was used to (a) examine the perspectives of K–12 classroom teachers about the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to implement social change concepts into their teaching and (b) define areas of social change that teachers struggle to implement in K–12 classrooms. We employed Wilcoxen signed rank tests to determine if differences existed between what teachers reported they knew and their confidence in integrating 11 social …

Exploring Strategies Leaders Use For Enforcing Cybersecurity Policies To Protect Information Systems And Data, Ma'risa Lashawn Young

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cybersecurity policies are critical for organizations to protect their digital assets and sensitive information. Leaders must explore and implement effective cybersecurity policies because the lack of effective strategies will lead to increased security risks. Grounded in the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies cybersecurity leaders use to enforce cybersecurity policies in organizations to protect organizational information systems and data. The participants were cybersecurity leaders associated with cybersecurity policies and their implementation and enforcement in different organizations located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Data collection included semistructured interviews of five …

Caregiver Attitudes Toward Sexual Behavior And Sex Education For Children With Down Syndrome, Shawna Urban

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative correlational study investigates caregivers’ attitudes toward sexual behavior and sex education for children with Down syndrome, drawing upon the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 112 caregivers. The analysis revealed significant positive associations between caregivers’ attitudes toward sexuality and their perspectives on sex education. Binary logistic regression indicated that higher POS scores predict increased likelihood of endorsing sexual behavior and supporting sex education for children with Down syndrome. Notably, demographic factors such as gender, age, and educational level did not significantly influence caregivers’ decisions regarding sex education support. The …

Relationship Between Sports Participation, Weight Intentions, And Insufficient Sleep On E-Cigarette Use Among U.S. High School Students, Stephanie Deivert

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite public health efforts, e-cigarette use among youths persists, posing risks due to high nicotine content and the potential for transitioning to traditional cigarette smoking. Although sports participation has shielded individuals from traditional cigarette use, recent studies revealed a higher susceptibility to e-cigarette use among young athletes, though influencing factors were unexplored. Using the socioecological model, this retrospective cross-sectional study examined the relationship between sports participation, weight intentions, insufficient sleep, and e-cigarette use among U.S. high school students by analyzing 2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. Binary logistic regression assessed associations between variables. An interaction term examined the moderating …

Predictors Of Counselors Accurately Diagnosing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd) And Recommending Ocd-Specific Empirically Supported Treatments (Ests), Natalie Grierson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has supported that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is frequently misdiagnosed and not treated with OCD-specific, empirically supported treatments (ESTs) by healthcare professionals, resulting in negative consequences. Empirical findings are mixed regarding what predicts this and if counselors contribute to the concerns; therefore, it is imperative to investigate this with counselors. Using a medical model framework, the purpose of this quantitative study was to (a) examine the rate of counselors in the United States accurately diagnosing OCD, (b) identify the predictors for counselors accurately diagnosing OCD, (c) examine the rate of counselors recommending OCD-specific ESTs, and (d) identify the predictors for …

Comparison Of Kindergarten Readiness Outcomes For Two Preschool Accreditation Systems, Amanda Krause Discala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is little evidence about whether enrollment in one of the two most used quality rating systems for preschool programs in New Jersey leads to a significant difference in student outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether meaningful differences exist in the kindergarten readiness scores of preschool children at centers using different quality improvement systems. The theoretical framework, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model, posits that human development is influenced by many varying social systems working together. The research question examined if there were significant differences in scores from the beginning to the end of the year on …

Improving Hospital Performance Using Technological Performance Strategies To Reduce Misdiagnoses, Carlistus Nnabuife

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The burgeoning challenge of patient disease misdiagnosis presents a significant obstacle, important to hospital administrators because of their responsibility and concern for delivering quality health care. Grounded in the Kaizen continuous improvement model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore effective technological strategies used by four hospital administrators to reduce the incidence of disease misdiagnosis and improve organizational performance. Data were collected from participant interviews and relevant public documents. Thematic analysis included transcription review, data coding, and theme identification. Four themes emerged: (a) prioritizing the acquisition of advanced technology tools, (b) proper fitting of technology …

The Relationship Between Corporate Environmental Performance And Firm Value, Edward Basile

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increasing scrutinization of polluting industries raises concern for corporate leaders responsible for sustaining profitability while reducing environmental impacts. Nested in the enlightened value maximization theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions, waste and hazardous materials management, water and wastewater management, and firm value. The participants were 140 publicly listed industrial companies that disclosed corporate environmental impacts to environmental rating agencies. The results of the multiple linear regression were significant, F(3, 136) = 4.51, p < .01, R2 = .09. In the final model, two independent variables were significant, greenhouse gas emissions (t = –2.21, p = .03, �� = –.187) and waste and hazardous materials management (t = 2.62, p = .01, �� = .227). A fundamental recommendation emerging from this study is for industry leaders to establish a robust environmental impact disclosure strategy that accounts for sustainable production and long-horizon value maximization. The implications for positive social change include the potential to minimize an industry’s environmental footprint while jointly enhancing ecological stability, human flourishing, and environmentally responsible products and services.

Association Between Psychological Distress And Diabetic Retinopathy Among U.S. Adults, Claret Ijeoma Onukogu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that causes damaged blood vessels and the growth of abnormal ones, leading to vision loss. The two stages of the disease are non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In the non-proliferative stage, diabetics develop macular edema and ischemia with shortage of blood in the macula region of the eye, and the vision eventually becomes blurry. However, the proliferative stage is the advanced stage of the disease involves neovascularization and retinal detachment. The quantitative study employed the socioecological model as the theoretical framework to examine the relationship between psychological distress and diabetic retinopathy …

To Resist Or Persist? An Examination Of Interpersonal Relationships Formed In Prison, Kamecia S. Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison is an important component of the criminal justice system. The structure and functionality of prison is tailored towards incapacitation, rehabilitation, and deterrence, which are goals of punishment. However, prison can have unintended consequences which increase the criminogenic risk of offenders causing inmates to become career criminals. This study examined the role of prison socialization, particularly the influence of interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated on recidivistic behavior. It is important to investigate interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated so that prison administrators can better realize its goal to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society. The study was grounded …

Experiences Of Black Males With Generalized Anxiety Disorder During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cynthia Lynn Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative research dissertation involved exploring the intersection of race, gender, and mental health via lived experiences of Black males who were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the unique sociocultural context of the pandemic influenced their experiences with anxiety. Using a qualitative Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis research design and semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of seven Black males living in various regions of the United States the interviews involved their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of societal and systemic factors that affected their mental health during the pandemic. …

School Counselors’ Perceptions And Descriptions Of Their Career Counseling Efforts For Non-Honor Roll Students In Career Management, Sherlette C. Burkhalter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High-quality career counseling is freely available at U.S. high schools. However, many students choose not to participate in career planning programs, despite being assigned to a school counselor for guidance. There is a projected increase in demand for school counselors; however, there needs to be more literature regarding whether high school students are taking advantage of career planning and how counselors cope with and manage their role in implementing career counseling programs. The purpose of this study was to explore school counselors’ perceptions and descriptions of their career counseling efforts for non-honor roll students in career management. The theoretical framework …

Faculty’S Role In Creating A (Remote) Sense Of Community Among Faculty And Facilitating Contexts Of Care For Students, Jesus R. Nunez, Jesus Cisneros, Isela Pena

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This qualitative study employed a sensemaking approach to understand faculty members’ sensemaking of their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning.

Methods: An email invitation to participate in the study was sent to faculty who taught in an MBA program during both the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic school years. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 faculty members who self-selected to participate in the study.

Results: Two salient themes emerged from the research: creating a (remote) sense of community among faculty and facilitating contexts of care for students. These …

National Narcotics Policy Influence On Youth Substance Abuse In Yendi, Ghana, Imran Abdel-Rahman Gomdah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Possession of small quantities of narcotics for personal use in Ghana could result in years in detention under the Narcotic Drugs Law of 1990, with youth constituting a large number of offenders. The government proposed a drug policy change in 2017 as the prevailing one failed to achieve its goals even with such stringency, resulting in Act 1019’s adoption in May 2020 as a new national drug policy to replace the Narcotic Drugs Law of 1990. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to assess public perception of the impact of the new policy on the incidences of youth …

Adults With Avoidant Attachment Styles And Their Online Dating Experien, Amber Mae Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adult attachment style can influence how individuals communicate with each other and how they deal with conflict, both of which may influence the formation and maintenance of romantic relationships. Research suggested, that attachment style influenced the level of relationship security individuals experience and the level of intimacy in which they are comfortable engaging. The convenience and popularity of online dating may present unique struggles and benefits for adults with avoidant attachment styles; exploring their online dating experiences may provide insight into the benefits and pitfalls as avoidant individuals pursue romantic relationships. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore …

Perceived Stress, Social Media Usage, And Sleep Quality In United States Adults, Justine P. Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the intricate connections among perceived stress, sleep quality, and social media usage metrics, challenging prior assumptions by highlighting social media as a noteworthy stress coping mechanism. The research aimed to understand the relationship between sleep quality, perceived stress, and the frequency and quality of social media use, guided by the biopsychosocial model as the theoretical framework.The study involved adults aged 20-65. A questionnaire incorporated four validated instruments to assess these variables: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Social Media Quality Measure (SMQM). …

Experiences Of Food Insecurity Among Single Mothers Pursuing Secondary Education, Amber Bernard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of single mothers continues to grow across the nation, and many are at a socioeconomic disadvantage. Little research focuses, however, on how single mothers describe their experiences of balancing motherhood, work, and pursuing higher education, all while undergoing food insecurity. Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping was used to formulate the research design. Semistructured interview questions were used to answer the question of how single mothers with food insecurity describe their experiences pursuing higher education. A generic qualitative research approach was utilized in this study. Interviews were conducted with 10 single mothers pursuing postsecondary education …

Exploring Teacher Practices Used To Support Black Students In Two Early College High School Programs, Raquel Hairston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early college high schools (ECHS) have contributed to the increased number of Black students earning associate degrees. However, data show that students considered college and career-ready upon entering the ECHS/dual enrollment program are underperforming in college classes, hindering their acceptance into higher education institutions and bachelor’s degree attainment. This qualitative exploratory study aimed to understand the academic and social practices teachers used to support Black students in college classes and to see if additional resources were needed. Tinto’s student integration theory examined the connection between social and academic integration and student retention. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven …

Prelicensure Baccalaureate Nursing Faculty’S Experiences Of Providing Incivility Awareness Education To Students, Emily Vanessa Pappa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study investigated prelicensure baccalaureate nursing faculty’s lived experiences of providing incivility awareness education to students. The problem was that previous research regarding incivility awareness education to prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students focused on pilot studies to find effective strategies and students’ receptiveness to educational approaches, but it lacked the nurse educators’ experiences of delivering the education. The purpose was to explore the lived experiences of nurse educators providing incivility awareness education to prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students. with at least 1 year of teaching experience in prelicensure baccalaureate nursing programs and had taught the topic of incivility awareness. Using the qualitative …

Impact Of Parental Attachment On Family Communication Patterns About Sex And Intimacy, Trish Mook

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Risky sexual behaviors in adolescence continue to be a social problem that impacts individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Previous research showed that parents who actively talk with their adolescents about sex and intimacy topics reduce their likelihood of engaging in these behaviors. Still, less is known about what motivates a parent to engage in these discussions. This correlational quantitative research study aimed to apply Bowlby’s attachment theory and McLeod and Chaffee’s family communication patterns theory to identify if a relationship exists between parental attachment style and the family communication patterns that a parent employs when discussing sex …