Digital Commons Network^™

Scientific Evidence: Impact On A Jury, Thomas B. Scavone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The goal of this qualitative study was to better understand the impact of scientific evidence ‘s influence on a jury’s verdict. The presence of scientific evidence has the potential to convict the defendant or overturn a guilty verdict as seen in cases involving the innocence project. The theoretical framework for this qualitative study was Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory which postulates heavy exposure to television has the potential to influence the individual’s perception of the world. The researcher implemented an exploratory research design using purposive sampling. A total of 68 participants (prior jurors) applied for the study, 66 from an advertisement placed …

The Impact Of Age, Gender, Race, And Socioeconomic Background On Montana Students’ Reading Achievement, Robin Cormier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem in this study was that 88% of local Montana elementary school students were not proficient in reading by the end of the 2023–2024 school year. The study’s purpose was to determine whether a relationship existed between students' performance on standardized reading tests in the local school setting and the key variables: age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background. Grounded in Piaget’s constructivist theory of cognitive development, the analysis explored whether the demographic factors contributed to differences in reading performance. Using a quasi-experimental, ex post facto design, (N = 64) students were categorized by age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. …

The Lived Experiences Of Prediabetes And Type 2 Diabetes Among African Americans In Rural West Virginia, Orlando Craighead

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African Americans in rural Appalachian West Virginia experience disproportionate rates of diabetes, with limited research examining their unique challenges in managing this chronic condition. This qualitative study aimed to explore how African Americans in rural Appalachia develop and utilize diabetes management skills, examining the intersections of cultural influence, healthcare access, and technological adoption. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach grounded in the Social Determinants of Health theory, Health Belief Model, and Social Ecological Model, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine African American adults diagnosed with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes in Kanawha County. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: Cultural and …

Social Media Influence On African American Women Mental Health And Self-Image, Terressa Sanchez Gamble

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women’s perspectives on the influence of social media content on their mental health (i.e., moods, thoughts, and behaviors) and self-image were explored in this qualitative study. The theoretical framework chosen for this study was Festinger’s (1954) social comparison theory, which was used to examine whether there was a logical connection between the study topic and the framework presented. Data were collected through semistructured interviews that were conducted via Zoom. The data from 10 participants’ interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, resulting in the following two emergent themes: (a) pressure to compare and emulate and …

Black Online College Students' Perceptions Of Their Unmet Needs During Covid-19, Zanita Gaither

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black college students face unique challenges in achieving academic success, particularly when their unmet needs are not addressed adequately. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these challenges for online learners in this group, impacting motivation and learning experiences. This interpretive phenomenological analysis explored the lived experiences of Black online college students and their perceptions of unmet needs during the pandemic. Despite numerous studies on Black college students during the pandemic, little literature has been focused on their perceptions of unmet needs. To understand their needs and experiences, this study considered internal and external influences based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Rovai’s …

An Educational Intervention Focused On The Care Of Older Adults, Michele Orzehoski

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

It is estimated that by 2050, individuals ages 65 and older will comprise 20% of the U.S. population. Further, research has demonstrated that among these aging adults, 80% have one chronic condition with 77% having at least two chronic conditions. Given this, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) developed the Age-Friendly Health System framework for the care of older adults centering on what matters, medication, mentation, and mobility, or the 4Ms. In the local organization, leadership determined there was a need for an older adult-centered care model given their population includes aging individuals. Thus, the purpose of this doctor of …

The Perceptions Of Nursing Faculty Who Experience Student Incivility Behavior, Dehlia Abaya Parsons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Incivility among nursing students is well documented in the academic, clinical, and leadership literature. Student incivility towards faculty was less studied, and merited investigation because incivility can lead to faculty discontentment, stress, and attrition, exacerbating the scarcity of nursing faculty. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, which was underpinned by the health belief model, was to explore the perceptions of nursing faculty who experience student incivility in the Western region of the United States. Open-ended, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 nursing faculty who shared perceptions of their experience of student incivility behavior. Open coding and thematic analysis yielded …

Violence Among Nigeria’S Female And Predictors Of Help-Seeking Behavior Using Technology, Abayomi Karunwi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The decision-making autonomy of female intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors to make financial transactions is a stronger predictor of help-seeking behavior that is not yet fully explored. Despite the plausibility of using the mobile phone for financial transactions, it is yet to be explored as a predictor of help-seeking behavior after IPV events through digital financial inclusion. The dataset from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey was used to explore if digital financial inclusion could predict help-seeking behavior instead of the severity of abuse among ever-partnered Nigerian female IPV survivors (aged 15 to 49 years) who use their mobile phones …

University Counselor Perceptions Of Safety And Safety Coping Strategies After On-Campus Mass Shootings, Tonya Sims

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

For over 2 decades, mass college campus shootings have been a problem in the United States. College counselors are required to assist and support others on campus after mass shootings and coping with their own concerns and safety. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore coping strategies and perceptions of safety of college counselors in response to the potential risk of gun violence on campus. The framework was based on Figley’s principles of stress theory. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of eight university counselors. Narrative data were collected and analyzed manually for emerging themes. …

African American Mothers’ Descriptions Of Teaching Their Daughters Racial Socialization And Identity Development In Affluent Communities, Vashonda Helen Eason

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American mothers’ experience of teaching self-love and confidence to their daughters while faced with discriminatory practices has been examined regarding African American parenting in urban and low-income areas. However, the experiences of African American mothers who face similar discrimination but live in affluent communities are less understood. Grounded in motivation and systems theories, the purpose of this qualitative ethnographic study was to describe how African American mothers in affluent communities teach racial socialization and identity development to their daughters. Ten African American mothers residing in the Northwest Arkansas region participated in one-on-one in-person interviews to explore their individual experiences …

Predictors Of Treatment Adherence Among Individuals With Bipolar Disorder And Comorbid Substance Use Disorders, Monique Dawn Romeo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) require lifelong treatment to manage their symptoms, and many also struggle with comorbid substance use disorders (BD-SUD) that complicate treatment adherence. Despite these challenges, there has been limited research on what factors predict successful treatment adherence in this population. This study was thus conducted to identify key predictors of adherence among individuals with BD-SUD. Several factors were examined, including age, gender, type of substance used at admission, opioid medication-assisted therapy, length of stay in inpatient psychiatric care, type of discharge service, and participation in self-help groups before discharge. The study applied a donut model framework …

The Lived Experience Of Leaders With Work-Related Unresolved Grief, Jennifer Harden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unresolved grief within organizational contexts has remained an underexplored area in literature, with most research focusing on grief related to personal loss rather than unique challenges leaders face during organizational transitions. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic study was to explore and understand the leaders’ lived experiences with unresolved grief for addressing intricate emotions, perceptions, and coping mechanisms within the context of organizational change. The grief model, the dual process model, and the sensemaking theory grounded this study. Ten human services industry leaders were participants in semistructured interviews. The thematic analysis revealed four themes: the emotional and physical toll …

Awareness Of Sleep Health In A Military Treatment Facility, Cristina Brock De Jesus

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sleep disturbances are reported in almost one-third of military personnel deployed in support of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), resulting in approximately 600,000 military personnel and veterans with clinically relevant sleep conditions (Mysliwiec et al., 2013). This study assesses how implementing staff education will increase awareness and impact patients' sleep health in an overseas treatment facility. The project demonstrated after implementing several staff education courses for the nursing personnel (n=22), knowledge and confidence improved by 33%. The initiative shows an enhanced staff understanding of sleep health, which impacts the recognition of sleep members with sleep-related concerns.

Physical Health Care Use, Mental Health Care Use, And Resilience Among Formerly Incarcerated Adults In Southern California, Tamara Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adults who have experienced incarceration face many challenges reentering society. The lack of physical and mental healthcare use has been shown to contribute to recidivism. This cross-sectional study using a multivariate linear regression examined the relationship between physical healthcare use, mental healthcare use, and resilience among formerly incarcerated adults in Southern California while controlling for age, gender and race. Physical healthcare use was defined as the frequency of appointments, having health insurance coverage, and having a usual place of care. Mental healthcare use was defined as needing and receiving mental health treatment. The study used the Resilience Theory to determine …

Opioid Use Disorder In Region 9 Of Louisiana: Using Labeling Theory To Understand The Layperson's Perception, Sara Elizabeth Dupree-Wolf

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The overall research problem in this research study was that there were no current data related to the layperson's perception of opioid use disorder using labeling theory in Region 9 of Louisiana. This study is essential because opioid use disorder affects people worldwide, and the number of people diagnosed with opioid use disorder rises annually. Annually, thousands of people overdose, with a plethora of these overdoses resulting in death, due to opiate use. These deaths are unnecessary because there are treatment options and resources available. However, stigma and fear keep people from accessing potentially lifesaving resources. The purpose was to …

The Impacts Of Software Development Methodologies On New Model Success Rate In The U.S. Automotive Industry, Marquita Aleatrice Tucker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since 2017, the U.S. automotive industry has experienced a decrease in new-model launch success rate. A single 12-month delay in a new vehicle launch may cost a manufacturer up to $200 million. One component of automotive product development is software development. The research problem was a lack of understanding of the challenges with software development methodologies from the perspective of software developers, preventing managers from implementing methodologies, policies, and processes to improve the rates of successful new model launches. The purpose and the research questions were focused on exploring the lived experiences of software developers in the U.S. automotive industry …

U.S. Operation Iraqi Freedom And Operation Enduring Freedom Female Veterans’ Attitudes And Perceived Barriers To Mental Health Treatment, Elizabeth E. Kuntz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this nonexperimental, quantitative survey research study was to investigate the potential barriers to mental health care that female veterans who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) experience. As the female veteran population continues to grow so does the need for gender-specific literature. Past researchers have indicated that there is limited research on female veterans. Data was collected during the fall of 2024 using an online survey method. This study consisted of one research question, which stated as follows: To what extent does stigma, attitudes, and combat exposure act as barriers for female …

Strategies For Technology Adoption In Small- And Medium-Sized Enterprises To Improve Competitiveness, Anthony Marcus Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry play a vital role in local economies but face significant challenges in adopting technology to remain competitive. Without effective growth and sustainability strategies, SME leaders may face business closures that will lead to job losses, economic instability, and lost innovation opportunities. Grounded in the technology acceptance and diffusion of innovations models, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective strategies used by food and beverage SME owners in California to integrate new technologies. Participants included six SME owners who had operated their businesses for over five …

Comparing The Efficacy Of Artificial Intelligence Immersion And Human-Led Workshops For Enhancing Researchers' English Language Skills: A Randomized Control Trial, Ndubuisi Friday Ugwu Phd, Raphael Ezamenyi Ochiaka Phd, Ugochukwu Simeon Asogwa M.Sc, Adewumi Segun Igbinlade Phd, Kamorudeen Taiwo Sanni Phd, Toyin Segun Onayinka Phd, Obinna Iroegbu Phd, Michael Olayinka Irewole Phd, Jacob Kehinde Opele Phd, Abiodun Oyetunde Oloyede Phd, Ndidi Christiana Ibenyenwa Msc, Oladipo Adeyeye Olubodun Phd

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: Our study aimed to compare the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-based immersive training with human-led workshops to improve the English language skills of non-English early career researchers (NEECRs) in a Nigerian public university.

Methods: Our study employed a randomized pretest/posttest control group design. A total of 124 NEECRs in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria, who met the eligibility criteria participated in the study. NEECR participants were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of self-directed AI immersion (n = 62) or human-led workshops (n = 62). A 56-item questionnaire collected data pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a 3-month follow-up. Repeated-measures …

Exploring The Impact Of Sufficient Childcare On Recruitment And Retention Of African American Women In Law Enforcement, Jo Anne Wallace

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although African American women have made progress in multiple fields and careers, they remain underrepresented in the field of law enforcement. There has been a lot of research about women in law enforcement, but there has been little research to show the impact of lack of sufficient childcare on the recruitment and retention of African American women in law enforcement. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American female police applicants, recruits, and veteran officers and their perception of challenges and barriers in recruitment and retention when it comes to the lack …

Aviation Maintenance Technicians’ Perceptions Of Safety Management System Implementation At Maintenance, Repair, And Overhaul Facilities, Stanley Matthew Losiewicz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A safety management system (SMS) is challenging for an aviation maintenance facility and even more significant for the aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) entrusted to perform the work due to organizational, methodological, and consistency issues. The incorporation of an SMS is new in the United States for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities that operate under the Code of Federal Regulations Part 145. AMTs constitute the bulk of the workers in an MRO. By default, a safety culture and safety consciousness existed in MROs prior to an SMS, and this study was conducted to understand the perceptions of the AMTs in …

Nurse Educators’ Experiences With Medical Cannabis Education, Rachel Ann Parmelee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medical cannabis is legal in more than half of the United States, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has provided guidelines indicating that nurses need to know about medical cannabis. However, most nurses report a lack of knowledge and education but believe that cannabis has therapeutic potential. The problem addressed in this study was the limited research on nurse educators’ experiences with medical cannabis education and its meaning for nursing education. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study, supported by an emergent framework, patterns of knowing, was to explore nurse educators’ experiences with medical cannabis education …

Perspectives Of Juvenile Violence Prevention Programs, Tamlar D. Walton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increase in violent behavior among individuals aged 12 to 19 prompted a nonprofit organization to consider adopting a more proactive approach to reduce such violence in the community while also expanding the range of services offered to address this concern. The organization leaders recognized the necessity of improving their knowledge in this area, prompting them to enlist the services of a research consultant who utilized a generic qualitative research method to explore juvenile violence prevention programs. This professional administrative study examined the experiences and perspectives of public servants who engaged with juvenile offenders, focusing on the influence of their …

Perinatal Mental Health Providers’ Perceptions Of Medicaid Expansion, Chelsea Desiree Walls

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many women will experience a mood disorder at some point during the perinatal period, which begins at conception and extends to at least the 1st birthday of their child. With the expansion of Medicaid in the U.S. state of North Carolina in 2023, many new women of childbearing age have coverage that includes mental health services. However, despite this huge surge in newly insured women there is no notable increase in the number of mental health providers (social workers, clinical mental health counselors, etc.) in the state who accept Medicaid. The purpose of this study was to determine what service …

Relationship Between Daily Hassles In Different Domains And Later Anxiety And Depression With A Moderator Of Rejection Sensitivity Among Adolescents, Ashley Vasquez Gonzalez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exposure to stress can affect youths’ well-being; however, there was a need for research on how different types of stress or daily hassles are associated with emotional adjustment. Daily hassles common in adolescence, can occur in multiple domains including school, family, peer, appearance, and sports. Being sensitive to rejection may strengthen associations with emotional adjustment problems, especially for hassles in interpersonal domains. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the associations between daily hassles in different domains and later anxiety and depression and how nervous and angry rejection sensitivity moderated those relationships. This study was based on …

Exploring The Components Of Mental Health Programming Within Jails In Virginia, Kayla Deann Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of individuals who experience a mental health diagnosis and are incarcerated is growing within the United States. Data also shows that the types of mental health treatment currently being offered within jails are not enough to help those with a mental health diagnosis. The purpose of this qualitative study was to highlight different strategies to assist professionals and administrators of jails in Virginia with providing adequate mental health treatment to those incarcerated. The well-being development model framework was used as a lens through which to explore different strategies that human services professionals can use in correctional facilities to …

Factors Related To Employment Of Previously Incarcerated Individuals, Toni Victoria Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employment amongst previously incarcerated individuals is a concern of the criminal justice system because being employed is considered a mitigator of reincarceration. While there is research about the stigma of incarceration in gaining employment, little is known about the factors associated with individuals being able to find employment. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to identify whether there is a direct correlation between individual demographic features and employment status of individuals after 1 year or more of previously being incarcerated in North Carolina. General strain theory was the theoretical framework. The key research question focused on how release …

Predictors Of Older Adults' Confidence In Avoiding Drug Interactions, Ginalynn Cabanas Garces

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adverse drug interactions due to polypharmacy pose a significant global health concern, particularly for older adults. Age-related physiological changes increase vulnerability to medication-related issues, with adverse drug reactions often mistaken for normal aging. These misdiagnoses can lead to prescribing cascades and preventable harm. Despite evidence supporting comprehensive medication reviews and clinical guidelines, their application remains inconsistent across healthcare settings. This quantitative archival analysis aimed to identify critical risk factors—such as age, sex, race, education level, medication complexity, drug interaction discussions, number of prescriptions, and overall physical and mental health—that influence older adults’ confidence in avoiding drug interactions. Grounded in the …

Sustaining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Through Transformational Leadership In Behavioral Health Management, Ndubuisi Christopher Egunetugo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This case study examines the challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization, emphasizing systemic biases, workforce diversity, and the necessity of culturally competent care. The Behavioral Health Organization in the southern United States faces significant DEI challenges due to its diverse clientele, workforce, and various stakeholders. Transformational leadership, marked by visionary thinking and actionable initiatives, is crucial for sustaining DEI efforts and addressing disparities in service access, care quality, management practices, and treatment outcomes. The Baldrige Framework of Excellence is employed as a systematic method to embed DEI principles across organizational operations, facilitated by transformational leadership to …

Turnover Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Health Care Workforce In Rural And Urban Settings In Arizona, Adeleke Moshood Abimbola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic was a health care crisis that caused unprecedented impacts on health care workers and services worldwide. The purpose of this quantitative retrospective study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in health care employee turnover between 2019 (prepandemic) and 2021 (postpandemic) based on the location and type of health care workers. The independent variable was the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dependent variables were rural employee turnover, urban employee turnover, and nursing and nonnursing turnover. The theoretical background was based on the theory of organizational equilibrium and Glasser’s choice theory. The secondary data were collected from …