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An Examination Of The Impact Of Police Chaplain Programs And Spirituality On Police Officers’ Mental Health, Samuel Protel Maxwell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Spirituality has been a fundamental aspect of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in many officers. PTSD affects a high percentage of officers and many of whom live a highly stressful and traumatic life even outside of work. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of police chaplain programs and spirituality on police officers' mental health. The research question asked how a police chaplain program and spirituality impacted police officers. This study's theoretical framework was Pargament's theory. Qualitative research with a narrative analysis design was chosen to collect data from semi-structured interviews. The 10 participants, including six …

Educating Providers And Nurses On Human Trafficking, Valerie Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human trafficking is a global public health problem. Victims of human trafficking experience higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive damage, sexual violence, infertility, and mental and behavioral issues. To help end human trafficking, which is potentially deadly, raising awareness about this topic is essential for victim survival. A gap in practice among staff at a community health center regarding recognition of victims of human trafficking and procedures for potential victims was identified. An education program focused on increasing knowledge and awareness was developed to close this gap. Guided by Watson’s theory of human caring, a 30-minute educational session followed …

Identifying And Examining Key Themes Emanating From The U.S. Legislative Tobacco Policy Subsystem, Arnon Dayak

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Americans’ continuously increasing tobacco use in the form of smoking presents an ongoing and rising negative health impact on this leading cause of preventable death. Despite existing U.S. federal level tobacco regulation through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), U.S. tobacco use remains ubiquitous demonstrating existent ineffectiveness of tobacco control legislation. Unknown underlying attributing factors present critical information gaps which, when exposed, could improve tobacco regulation. Using a case study approach, the question, “What key themes are aligned with legislative subsystem actors when voting on the FSPTCA” was examined. Multi-source data streams using existing secondary datasets including …

Occupational Burnout Factors Among Correctional Mental Health Providers, Morgan Gruhot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Burnout rates of correctional employees are higher than employees in the general public. The purpose of this study was to identify how occupational factors impact burnout rates among correctional mental health workers. Grounded in the job-demands theoretical model, this study compared burnout rates among mental health staff within county jails and state prisons. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Occupational factors were measured using the Areas of Work life Survey and Pandemic Experience and Perception Survey. Data was analyzed using IBM SSPS software to address multiple a priori directional research questions. Research questions considered how occupational factors …

Criminology And Violent Extremist Radicalization, Starlett Michele Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, research on foreign terrorism became extensive in the United States while research on domestic terrorism and violent extremist radicalization was lacking. Despite the research that has been done, there was a lapse in scholarship analyzing terrorism radicalization and its relationship with criminology. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to analyze the perceptions of experts in terrorism and criminology about how factors of criminology can explain violent extremist radicalization. This study used two conceptual models of terrorism radicalization: (a) the staircase to terrorism and the (b) 4-stage model of the terrorist mindset. In addition, …

Effect Of Detention Facilities Toward Juvenile Delinquency And Exposure To Criminalization, Calvin Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractDetention facility settings present opportunities and risks in relation to violent extremism. Criminalization as the main concern would increase the crime rates in the United States while allowing the formation of terrorist groups on U.S. soil. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between juveniles’ experiences in detention centers and their exposure to criminalization. The study was guided by social control theory, narrative theory, and differential opportunity theory. Data were collected using a survey of 15 juvenile detention officers. Results of correlation analyses indicated a significant relationship between detention experience and increased exposure to criminalization …

Assessing The Impact Of Domestic Violence Upon The Lives Of African American Women, Meleh Duarto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence is a public health problem in the United States. It can be associated with physical, mental, emotional, and psychological problems for the victims. African American (AA) women experience this type of violence more than any other ethnicity or race. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to identify and report AA women’s lived experiences of domestic violence. Even though research devoted to understanding domestic/intimate partner violence’s consequences is limited, this problem has devastating consequences for AA women. This problem needs immediate attention. Likewise, there is limited empirical research done on the topic: Why do African Americans experience …

A Phenomenological Examination Of Single Mothers Rising Out Of Poverty, Shaunta Hemingway

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Transitional factors that help mothers to acquire higher education, community resources, and stable employment and the family dynamics that impact their success are often shadowed by domestic violence, chronic poverty, substance use, mental health, and public assistance. There are 12 million single-parent households in the United States, of which 80% represent single mothers as primary caregivers to children; the majority of which are living below the poverty level. Few extant studies have employed a strengths-based approach to investigate how single mothers rise out of poverty. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the lived …

Identifying And Examining Key Themes Emanating From The U.S. Legislative Tobacco Policy Subsystem, Arnon Dayak

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Americans’ continuously increasing tobacco use in the form of smoking presents an ongoing and rising negative health impact on this leading cause of preventable death. Despite existing U.S. federal level tobacco regulation through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), U.S. tobacco use remains ubiquitous demonstrating existent ineffectiveness of tobacco control legislation. Unknown underlying attributing factors present critical information gaps which, when exposed, could improve tobacco regulation. Using a case study approach, the question, “What key themes are aligned with legislative subsystem actors when voting on the FSPTCA” was examined. Multi-source data streams using existing secondary datasets including …

Criminology And Violent Extremist Radicalization, Starlett Michele Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, research on foreign terrorism became extensive in the United States while research on domestic terrorism and violent extremist radicalization was lacking. Despite the research that has been done, there was a lapse in scholarship analyzing terrorism radicalization and its relationship with criminology. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to analyze the perceptions of experts in terrorism and criminology about how factors of criminology can explain violent extremist radicalization. This study used two conceptual models of terrorism radicalization: (a) the staircase to terrorism and the (b) 4-stage model of the terrorist mindset. In addition, …

Comparative Study Of Risky Sexual Behaviors In African American Adolescents Who Use Drugs And Alcohol, Angela Matthew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem in the United States. Adolescents are a high majority of these cases, with African American adolescents being affected disproportionally. Previous research has shown that risky sexual behaviors, such as non-condom use, multiple sexual partners, early initiation of sexual intercourse, and alcohol or marijuana use before sexual intercourse put adolescents at a higher risk of contracting an STI when they are sexually active. These behaviors can be observed through the theoretical framework of the problem behavior theory that describes the constructs of why individuals engage certain behaviors. How alcohol and drug …

Reducing Opioid Prescribing By Using The Center For Disease Control Guidelines, Christina Marie Peters

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Opioid abuse is a serious national health crisis resulting in overdose and increased mortality in chronic pain patients. The purpose of this evidenced-based, quality improvement (QI) project was to improve primary care provider’s (PCP) awareness of The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) opioid prescribing guidelines to reduce opioid prescribing at this project site. The Donabedian model of structure, process, and outcome was used as the framework for this QI project. Lewin’s change management model of unfreezing and freezing was used as a guide to implement organization change by creating problem awareness, seeking alternative methods, and integrating the new …

Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Officers Regarding Their Interactions With Persons In Mental Health Crises., Monica Roundtree

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Law enforcement officers are guided by principles to protect and serve the community in general; this includes persons with mental health illnesses. These officers are often the sole community resource responding to calls involving persons in mental health crises. However, many officers lack the knowledge and skills to effectively interact with this group. This quantitative study addressed how law enforcement officers perceive that a selected policy, procedure, or strategy is effective for interacting with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. The theoretical framework for this study is the procedural justice theory. A convenience sample of 100 sworn law enforcement …

Understanding The Lack Of Communication Between Communities And Law Enforcement Through A Community Policing Program, Patrick B. Skoczek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Inequitable treatment by law enforcement officers has deeply impacted minority communities in the United States. Public incidents of abuse of power, discriminatory treatment, and excessive use of force have received increased attention, creating increased community mistrust of law enforcement officers. To help bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the use and impact of the Policing and Public Safety Problem-Solving Programs. Data were collected through interviews with 12 retired police officers and 12 community members. Interview questions were related to participants’ perceptions regarding a breakdown in trust between law …

Participant Perceptions Of Investigative Interviewing Utilizing Archival Pre And Post-Implementation Data, Shaun Michael Sylvester

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Scholars and practitioners have provided substantial literature and research into the efficacy of investigative interviewing as a method of police interrogation that mitigates false confession and coercion. This quantitative study examined archival data on participant perceptions of investigative interviewing before and immediately following an investigative course. Three areas representing principles of investigative interviewing and police investigator perceptions were examined: Confession and evidentiary testimony, confirmation bias, and deception detection through body language observation. Participants included sworn law enforcement officers, either newly employed or on the path to becoming an investigator. There were 206 responses for both the pre-test and post-test surveys. …

The Prison Reentry Experience Of Justice-Involved Veterans, Latta Roosevelt Thomas Jr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison reentry programs attempt to equip justice-involved veterans with life skills necessary for their transition out of prison. This qualitative study addressed the scant understanding of the impact pre-released prison reentry programs have on justice-involved veterans’ transition and reintegration back to the community. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of justice-involved veterans regarding prison reentry programs that have impacted their transition out of prison. The well-being development model and Castro’s military-to-civilian transition model provided the conceptual framework for this qualitative study, using semistructured questions to interview 11 justice-involved veterans regarding their participation in prison reentry …

Homophobia In Jamaica And Its Impact On The Victimization Of Homosexual Adult Males In Montego Bay, St. James, Dr. Shahila D. Edwards-Grey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractJamaica has been listed among the most unfriendly nations for homosexual males. Previous research indicated that due to the biopolitical and sociocultural norms of the Jamaican society, homosexual males continued to be targets of various forms of discrimination based on their sexual orientation. However, research reflecting the lived experiences of homosexual males in Jamaica is sparse. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to provide details on the encounters of victimization due to homophobia of adult homosexual males in the parish of St. James, Jamaica. Data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with eight men who identified as …

The Linear Evolution Of Local Emergency Management Training In Response To Domestic Terrorism, Jeffrey Januchowski

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This paper presents a research study in the field of emergency management. The study aims to identify training or educational needs for the emergency manager at the local level of government to effectively handle disasters. The study uses phenomenon theory with semi-structured interviews that gather data from emergency managers that have experience with major disasters and training requirements. Participants were experts in the emergency management profession with the ability to speak appropriately about the phenomenon. Research questions identified the training methods that produce the best results along with the specific hazards emergency managers may encounter. The research design used questionnaires …

Employee Development And Workforce Engagement In A Behavioral Health Organization, Lakisha R, Brimage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ongoing training at the targeted behavioral health organization is necessary to improve employee knowledge, skills, and abilities to drive engagement and overall organizational performance. The purpose of this case study was to determine what leadership practices and strategies are currently in place and what training modules improve employee development for the purpose of improving workforce engagement. The Baldrige Excellence Framework was used to guide the qualitative case study of the nonprofit organization, which provides social services to low-income families in the United States. Data sources included semistructured interviews with two behavioral health leaders at the organization and reviews of organizational …

Lockdowns During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Domestic Violence Among Virginians, Kenneth G. Gordon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe domestic violence (DV) dilemma spans millennia and has devastated individuals, families, and societies. DV prevalence rose between 20% and 50% worldwide and over 5% among Virginians since early 2020 during COVID-19. Abuse victims’ vulnerability increased during the lockdown periods due to the extended time spent with perpetrators. DV victims visited emergency departments for their nonfatal physical injuries. The purpose of the study was to examine COVID-19-related lockdown effects on DV prevalence, perpetrator characteristics, and hospitalizations among Virginians. Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model served as the theoretical foundation. Descriptive analyses showed that DV prevalence among Virginians rose from 37.5% in 2019 to …

African American Mothers’ Perceptions Of Trust Of Law Enforcement, Caisha Wilkes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractFor many years, African American mothers have endured negative experiences with law enforcement (LE) involving themselves, their children, or both. These personal experiences with LE contribute to the lack of trust African American mothers have in LE. The purpose of this study was to explore African American mothers’ perceptions of LE in terms of trust. Social conflict theory was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Eight African American mothers residing in the United States were recruited by means of snowball sampling to participate in semistructured interviews. The resulting interview transcripts were coded via the six-steps method, and the …

Comparative Study Of Risky Sexual Behaviors In African American Adolescents Who Use Drugs And Alcohol, Angela Matthew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem in the United States. Adolescents are a high majority of these cases, with African American adolescents being affected disproportionally. Previous research has shown that risky sexual behaviors, such as non-condom use, multiple sexual partners, early initiation of sexual intercourse, and alcohol or marijuana use before sexual intercourse put adolescents at a higher risk of contracting an STI when they are sexually active. These behaviors can be observed through the theoretical framework of the problem behavior theory that describes the constructs of why individuals engage certain behaviors. How alcohol and drug …

Effects Of Supermax On Inmate Mental Health: Phenomenological Experiences Of Knowledgeable Professionals, Lea Michelle Miller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

It may or may not be true that the conditions and practices associated with supermax sentencing are both creating and exacerbating psychological harm for the inmates who are exposed to them. To date, there is evidence that both supports and refutes the contention that supermax sentencing is psychologically harmful; thus, the literature necessitates additional research into this phenomenon. This qualitative study was conducted to add to the extant body of knowledge relevant to supermax prisons and populations by exploring the lived experiences of professionals who have worked with them. This research was conceptually based in the current understanding of social …

Male Sexual Offender Recidivism Impact On Sex Crime Investigations, Jessica Ann Muccione

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this research was to explore how male sexual offender recidivism impacted sex crime investigations. Recidivism is a widely recognized social problem that affects all of society. Understanding the influence that male sex offender recidivism may have on a sex crime investigation is key to recognizing its relationship to recidivism. The methodology used in this study was a basic qualitative inquiry to explore how male sex offender recidivism impacts sex crime investigations. Based on Hirschi’s social bond theory, the study addressed ways a sexual offender may conform to societal requirements through attachments and personal values. The application of …

Exploring Supervisory Experiences After The Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana In Colorado, Charles Daniel Mason

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractColorado became the first state to decriminalize recreational marijuana in 2014. This new public policy resulted in unproven regulatory changes in any population in the United States. The purpose of the study was to discover the core perspective and experiences of 12 supervisors who experienced this phenomenon in their professional occupations, through the lens of accountability. The risk perceptions of supervisors’ due to policy shifts regarding recreational marijuana in Colorado were analyzed using the Delve system and hand coding. Findings indicated employees’ use of marijuana had a direct impact on productivity, which decreased significantly over time. Employees displayed signs of …

Victim Advocates' Experiences Of Challenges And Opportunities In Supporting Children Of Homicide Victims, Ed Rahkeem Simmons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homicide is a preventable public health issue that has detrimental effects for victims, witnesses, and the broader society. Although a number of studies have substantiated the adverse effects on children when a parent dies by homicide, few studies have addressed how critical the support of victim advocates is in minimizing the adverse effects. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine victim advocate professionals' experiences of challenges and opportunities in delivering services to children of homicide victims. Policy feedback theory was the theoretical framework for the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 victim advocate professionals who were members …

Social Worker Perspectives Of Working With Aging African Americans With Depressive Disorders, Sherian Waite

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although there is a greater proportion of people living with depressive disorders within the African American older adult population compared to their White counterparts, fewer African Americans are engaging in mental health treatment when compared to the Caucasian community. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and practices of social workers who are providing mental health care treatment to African American older adult patients (aged 65 and over) living with a depressive disorder. The study was framed using both the health belief model and critical race theory. To address the research questions, a generic qualitative design …

Law Enforcement Leaders’ Perceptions Of The Attributes Of Emotional Intelligence, Gordon A. Broussard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAlthough there have been numerous studies conducted on emotional intelligence and effective leadership, there is a need for increased emotional intelligence among law enforcement leaders. This study aimed at determining how law enforcement leaders perceive the importance of emotional intelligence attributes when leading their organization. A phenomenological qualitative study was used with purposive and snowball sampling of 12 participants who held senior leadership positions for over five years as chiefs and sheriffs throughout the United States. Semistructured interviews were conducted to determine participants’ perceptions of the importance of the four attributes of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship …

Role Of Racially Concordant Patient-Physician Relationships In Health Outcomes Among African American Women, Joy Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract There are gaps in the literature regarding how patient-physician racially concordant relationships affect African American women’s health. This quantitative study evaluated the effects of non-minority physician influence on the perceptions of medical mistrust, racial discrimination, and healthcare-specific racial discrimination on African American women. The behavioral model for vulnerable populations guided the study. Two research questions involved understanding the relationship between trust in the physician scale and medical mistrust and the association between racial discrimination and perceived healthcare-specific racial discrimination among African American women living in a Southern U.S. state. A stratified random sampling strategy was used to obtain a …

The Effectiveness Of The Ethics Officer’S Influence: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Exploration, Cheryl K. Douthitt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The position of ethics officer was created to watch over corporate behavior. However, scandals have continued to demonstrate unethical leadership involving government officials, sports heroes, religious organizations, and corporate leaders. The research problem was that despite the adoption of corporate ethics programs and government oversight, there is a lack of understanding of ethics officers’ experiences, perceptions of effectiveness, and whether they effectively influence executive-level ethical conduct. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of ethics officers regarding their interactions with executives. Shaped by Brown and Treviño’s ethical leadership theory, the research question concerned the …