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Exploring Interpersonal, Sexual, And Moral Development Of Offending Clergy, Aaron Andrew Ghering

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the lived experiences of offender clergy through their childhood development. It specifically looked at the social, moral, and sexual development of these individuals. This phenomenological qualitative study provided insight into what, if anything, in their early moral, social, and sexual development could help shed light on their future behaviors and actions. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory guided this study by providing an understanding of how social learning throughout development can influence the formation of social, moral, and sexual behaviors later in life. The data were collected from reviewing existing material from existing diaries, interviews, and previously published studies. …

Exploring Interpersonal, Sexual, And Moral Development Of Offending Clergy, Aaron Andrew Ghering

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the lived experiences of offender clergy through their childhood development. It specifically looked at the social, moral, and sexual development of these individuals. This phenomenological qualitative study provided insight into what, if anything, in their early moral, social, and sexual development could help shed light on their future behaviors and actions. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory guided this study by providing an understanding of how social learning throughout development can influence the formation of social, moral, and sexual behaviors later in life. The data were collected from reviewing existing material from existing diaries, interviews, and previously published studies. …

Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Spouses Regarding Officer Safety And Danger, Heidi Marie Rose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Policing is a stressful and dangerous occupation that is imperative to a functioning society, and stress should be limited to ensure a healthy mind and body. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of law enforcement spouses regarding officer safety and danger, which was lacking in the research. Law enforcement spouses have a significant impact over the stress levels of their loved ones. The work–life balance and work–family conflict theories were the theoretical framework used to relate to the study and support the research. The generic qualitative design was used with semistructured interviews to gather research data …

Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Spouses Regarding Officer Safety And Danger, Heidi Marie Rose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Policing is a stressful and dangerous occupation that is imperative to a functioning society, and stress should be limited to ensure a healthy mind and body. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of law enforcement spouses regarding officer safety and danger, which was lacking in the research. Law enforcement spouses have a significant impact over the stress levels of their loved ones. The work–life balance and work–family conflict theories were the theoretical framework used to relate to the study and support the research. The generic qualitative design was used with semistructured interviews to gather research data …

Factors Associated With Parental Substance Use And Child Welfare In Nevada 2019-2021, Lisa Christine Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use is a growing public health concern that is adversely impacting reproductive-aged individuals and families (Bruzelius & Martins, 2022). Parental substance use is increasingly driving family separation through the child welfare system. Substance use and family separation intersect with trauma and adverse childhood experiences in a variety of ways. Risk factors and race/ethnicity may contribute to family surveillance, bias, and disproportionality in child welfare and impact reunification and cause further trauma. This study explored associations between household characteristics and risk factors and services provided to families with reunification goals for families with child welfare involvement due to substance use …

Influence Of Psychological Evaluators’ Demographics, Perceptions Of Bias, And Juvenile Defendants’ Race On Competency Decisions, Elizabeth Zaito

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent large-scale studies and reviews have revealed inconsistent findings regarding the role of evaluator characteristics, bias, and characteristics of juveniles in judging competency to stand trial as adults in juvenile cases using Dusky standards. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of psychological evaluators’ education and experience, cognitive bias, and race of juveniles on decisions involving competency to stand trial. The attribution theory was used as the theoretical framework to explain how internal years of education and experience as well as beliefs about bias can influence decision-making. Data were collected from 84 forensic and clinical professionals and …

Factors Associated With Parental Substance Use And Child Welfare In Nevada 2019-2021, Lisa Christine Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use is a growing public health concern that is adversely impacting reproductive-aged individuals and families (Bruzelius & Martins, 2022). Parental substance use is increasingly driving family separation through the child welfare system. Substance use and family separation intersect with trauma and adverse childhood experiences in a variety of ways. Risk factors and race/ethnicity may contribute to family surveillance, bias, and disproportionality in child welfare and impact reunification and cause further trauma. This study explored associations between household characteristics and risk factors and services provided to families with reunification goals for families with child welfare involvement due to substance use …

Influence Of Psychological Evaluators’ Demographics, Perceptions Of Bias, And Juvenile Defendants’ Race On Competency Decisions, Elizabeth Zaito

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent large-scale studies and reviews have revealed inconsistent findings regarding the role of evaluator characteristics, bias, and characteristics of juveniles in judging competency to stand trial as adults in juvenile cases using Dusky standards. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of psychological evaluators’ education and experience, cognitive bias, and race of juveniles on decisions involving competency to stand trial. The attribution theory was used as the theoretical framework to explain how internal years of education and experience as well as beliefs about bias can influence decision-making. Data were collected from 84 forensic and clinical professionals and …

Lived Experiences Of South Texas Police Officers After Completing Crisis Intervention Training, Lyna Yvette Campos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study addressed the paucity of research on the experiences of police officers who have both completed crisis intervention team (CIT) training and interacted with people with mental illnesses (PwMI). To address the problem, I investigated police officers’ perceptions of PwMI and the pertinent CIT training information they found advantageous when interacting with a PwMI in crisis. Rogers’s protection motivation theory was the theoretical foundation for addressing the research questions. Interviews were conducted with 13 South Texas police officers who had completed CIT training. Data was collected through transcribed interviews and analyzed with an approach that included theme …

Lived Experiences Of South Texas Police Officers After Completing Crisis Intervention Training, Lyna Yvette Campos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study addressed the paucity of research on the experiences of police officers who have both completed crisis intervention team (CIT) training and interacted with people with mental illnesses (PwMI). To address the problem, I investigated police officers’ perceptions of PwMI and the pertinent CIT training information they found advantageous when interacting with a PwMI in crisis. Rogers’s protection motivation theory was the theoretical foundation for addressing the research questions. Interviews were conducted with 13 South Texas police officers who had completed CIT training. Data was collected through transcribed interviews and analyzed with an approach that included theme …

Elementary School Leaders’ Perceptions Of Suspensions As A Disciplinary Approach With Students Of Color, A Whitney Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that students of color were being suspended with great frequency in elementary schools at the study site. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of elementary school leaders regarding the use of suspensions as a disciplinary approach and how culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL) practices influence their decision-making processes with students of color in one southeastern U.S. school district. The conceptual framework used in this qualitative study included Bell’s critical race theory and Khalifa’s CRSL. For this basic qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine elementary school leaders …

Elementary School Leaders’ Perceptions Of Suspensions As A Disciplinary Approach With Students Of Color, A Whitney Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that students of color were being suspended with great frequency in elementary schools at the study site. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of elementary school leaders regarding the use of suspensions as a disciplinary approach and how culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL) practices influence their decision-making processes with students of color in one southeastern U.S. school district. The conceptual framework used in this qualitative study included Bell’s critical race theory and Khalifa’s CRSL. For this basic qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine elementary school leaders …

Prevention Of Homelessness For Formely Incarcerated Individuals In Alamance County, North Carolina, Tiffanie Robinson

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: The goal of this project is to reduce homelessness and marginalized housing for formerly incarcerated individuals in Alamance County, North Carolina, by implementing strategic re-entry programming.

Significant Findings: Thousands of offenders are released back into Alamance County, North Carolina each year from both county detention centers and state prison facilities (Lyons, 2024). One in six of these individuals are released into homelessness, with many more finding themselves without secure housing within the first two years of release (Lyons, 2024). While the statistics are alarming, there is hope for reduction in homelessness by implementing holistic re-entry programming and increasing …

Post-Incarceration Drug Relapse Prevention In Penobscot County, Maine, Carolina Villalobos

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

No abstract provided.

Domestic Violence In Florence, Alabama, Isabella Sinde

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: My goal would be to contribute to the prevention and reduction of domestic violence in Lauderdale County, Alabama, by raising awareness, supporting and empowering survivors, and advocating for system-wide changes promoting education, the allocation of necessary aid, and community well-being.

Significant Findings: Domestic violence (DV) is a serious public health issue negatively affecting people worldwide, including in the city of Florence, Alabama. DV can cause a host of mental and physical consequences, such as poor self-esteem, internalized anger or resentment, severe injury, and even death (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2023). This issue can happen to individuals from all …

Hiring, Training, And Retaining Mental Health Professionals At Rural Wisconsin Correctional Facilities, Jessica Kallenbach

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Correctional facilities in rural Wisconsin have noted a shortage of trained mental health professionals to provide care. Common barriers to providing mental health services in rural areas are the availability and accessibility of mental health professionals. Due to limited access to financial and career benefits, mental health professionals tend to avoid working in these areas. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of mental health professionals, administrators, and supervisors in hiring, training, and retaining staff in rural Wisconsin correctional facilities. Bandura’s social learning theory was used to guide the study. Data was collected from …

Hiring, Training, And Retaining Mental Health Professionals At Rural Wisconsin Correctional Facilities, Jessica Kallenbach

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Correctional facilities in rural Wisconsin have noted a shortage of trained mental health professionals to provide care. Common barriers to providing mental health services in rural areas are the availability and accessibility of mental health professionals. Due to limited access to financial and career benefits, mental health professionals tend to avoid working in these areas. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of mental health professionals, administrators, and supervisors in hiring, training, and retaining staff in rural Wisconsin correctional facilities. Bandura’s social learning theory was used to guide the study. Data was collected from …

Counselors’ Lived Experiences Supporting Emerging Adults With Psychiatric Disorders Secure Competitive Employment, Cheryl Lakisha Andrews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is a challenging life experience, further intensified for individuals with psychiatric disorders. While strong social support serves as a key resilience factor, emerging adults with psychiatric disorders face unique challenges in addition to those encountered by their peers. This population is at heightened risk for adverse outcomes, including difficulty securing employment, a critical milestone for adult independence. Counselors play a pivotal role in supporting these individuals but often report feelings of inadequacy and reluctance to engage with this complex developmental stage. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology study explores the lived experiences of counselors who assist emerging …

Counselors’ Lived Experiences Supporting Emerging Adults With Psychiatric Disorders Secure Competitive Employment, Cheryl Lakisha Andrews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is a challenging life experience, further intensified for individuals with psychiatric disorders. While strong social support serves as a key resilience factor, emerging adults with psychiatric disorders face unique challenges in addition to those encountered by their peers. This population is at heightened risk for adverse outcomes, including difficulty securing employment, a critical milestone for adult independence. Counselors play a pivotal role in supporting these individuals but often report feelings of inadequacy and reluctance to engage with this complex developmental stage. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology study explores the lived experiences of counselors who assist emerging …

Black Mothering: Experiences Of Black Mothers In Safety Conversations With Black Sons, Theresa Libios

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black mothers raising Black sons in the United States face the immense challenge of preparing their Black sons for a society where police violence pose significant threats to their safety. The critical safety conversations, commonly referred to as "The Talk," highlight the need for culturally informed interventions to address the psychological toll on Black mothers. This study explored the lived experiences of Black mothers navigating these safety conversations, with the goal of fostering empathy and developing culturally competent mental health services. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study, grounded in intersectionality theory, examined the interconnected influences of race, gender, and systemic oppression …

Black Mothering: Experiences Of Black Mothers In Safety Conversations With Black Sons, Theresa Libios

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black mothers raising Black sons in the United States face the immense challenge of preparing their Black sons for a society where police violence pose significant threats to their safety. The critical safety conversations, commonly referred to as "The Talk," highlight the need for culturally informed interventions to address the psychological toll on Black mothers. This study explored the lived experiences of Black mothers navigating these safety conversations, with the goal of fostering empathy and developing culturally competent mental health services. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study, grounded in intersectionality theory, examined the interconnected influences of race, gender, and systemic oppression …

The Effect Of School Closings On Juvenile Delinquency In Detroit, Denise Gray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education and delinquency are two social issues that can impact youth's social and educational success. From 2007 to 2018, 17,597 public schools closed in the United States, affecting three million students. This study focused on the influence of juvenile crime and students' educational experiences in urban communities where a disproportionate number of public schools closed. The problem was limited research on how school closing impacted juvenile delinquency. This qualitative study explored the influence of public school closure on juvenile delinquency through the lens of defense attorneys. Travis Hirschi's social control theory and Robert Agnew's strain theory were used as the …

Recidivism, Reentry, And Integration In The Texas Criminal Justice System, Cierria Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reentry programs in Texas can fail to address the social and practical needs of offenders conclusively post-release. As a result, offenders may struggle with unemployment, education, stigma, mental health issues, improper shelter, and inability to meet their basic needs. The purpose of this phenomenological research qualitative study was to establish the perceived effectiveness of reentry programs in Texas and suggest possible solutions for addressing offenders’ social and practical needs post-release from prison. The research was built around cognitive transformation theory, which highlights that desistance is achieved when an ex-offender meets specific prosocial elements. Using purposeful sampling, data were collected through …

Examining The Relationship Between Personality, Values, And Treatment Retention In Substance Abuse Programs: A Quantitative Correlation Analysis, Jonathan Ciampi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to be a global issue with devasting effects on the community, loved ones, and individuals suffering from SUD. Healthcare professionals continue to develop improved treatments for addressing patient needs, yet treatment abandonment remains high. While studies have examined treatment retention factors, few have examined the relationship between personality traits, values, and treatment retention. This study examined the relationship between the five-factor model of personality traits, the theory of formal axiology of values, and the days in treatment for adults in a telehealth substance abuse outpatient clinic in the United States. The study assessed the combined …

The Effect Of School Closings On Juvenile Delinquency In Detroit, Denise Gray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education and delinquency are two social issues that can impact youth's social and educational success. From 2007 to 2018, 17,597 public schools closed in the United States, affecting three million students. This study focused on the influence of juvenile crime and students' educational experiences in urban communities where a disproportionate number of public schools closed. The problem was limited research on how school closing impacted juvenile delinquency. This qualitative study explored the influence of public school closure on juvenile delinquency through the lens of defense attorneys. Travis Hirschi's social control theory and Robert Agnew's strain theory were used as the …

Examining The Relationship Between Personality, Values, And Treatment Retention In Substance Abuse Programs: A Quantitative Correlation Analysis, Jonathan Ciampi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to be a global issue with devasting effects on the community, loved ones, and individuals suffering from SUD. Healthcare professionals continue to develop improved treatments for addressing patient needs, yet treatment abandonment remains high. While studies have examined treatment retention factors, few have examined the relationship between personality traits, values, and treatment retention. This study examined the relationship between the five-factor model of personality traits, the theory of formal axiology of values, and the days in treatment for adults in a telehealth substance abuse outpatient clinic in the United States. The study assessed the combined …

Recidivism, Reentry, And Integration In The Texas Criminal Justice System, Cierria Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reentry programs in Texas can fail to address the social and practical needs of offenders conclusively post-release. As a result, offenders may struggle with unemployment, education, stigma, mental health issues, improper shelter, and inability to meet their basic needs. The purpose of this phenomenological research qualitative study was to establish the perceived effectiveness of reentry programs in Texas and suggest possible solutions for addressing offenders’ social and practical needs post-release from prison. The research was built around cognitive transformation theory, which highlights that desistance is achieved when an ex-offender meets specific prosocial elements. Using purposeful sampling, data were collected through …

International Methods Of Offender Profile Construction, Standardization, And Effective Criminal Investigative Processes, Savannah Peoples

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Offender profiling is a tool used within criminal investigations to infer offender characteristics according to evidence collected from a crime scene. The practice of offender profiling has been applied since the Roman era, empirically developed, and recently popularized in media depictions. Existing studies demonstrate that there is a lack of peer reviewed literature that examines current methods of criminal profile construction, opportunities for standardization, and effective criminal investigative processes. Motivation for this study came after reviewing research that revealed high rates of serious and violent international serial offending, noted as a major challenge for law enforcement agencies, and a significant …

International Methods Of Offender Profile Construction, Standardization, And Effective Criminal Investigative Processes, Savannah Peoples

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Offender profiling is a tool used within criminal investigations to infer offender characteristics according to evidence collected from a crime scene. The practice of offender profiling has been applied since the Roman era, empirically developed, and recently popularized in media depictions. Existing studies demonstrate that there is a lack of peer reviewed literature that examines current methods of criminal profile construction, opportunities for standardization, and effective criminal investigative processes. Motivation for this study came after reviewing research that revealed high rates of serious and violent international serial offending, noted as a major challenge for law enforcement agencies, and a significant …

Deputy Sheriffs’ Experience With Inmate Suicide, Tiffany Buco

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Deputy sheriffs working in correctional facilities are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations of the facility, supervising inmates, ensuring security, and preventing inmates from escaping. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of deputy sheriffs experiencing an inmate’s death by suicide. The sample for this study consisted of six deputy sheriffs who had been a deputy sheriff for at least 3 years and experienced an inmate suicide. The theoretical foundation applied to this study is the personal construct theory because it requires constructs that are used to make sense of people’s experiences, in this …