The Underrepresentation Of African American Officers In A Large Midwestern Correctional System, Julius Oben Eyong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The correctional population in the United States remains high despite the implementation of various measures to reduce crime and recidivism. The primary goal of correctional establishments is to reduce recidivism and crime through effective rehabilitation programs. The role of the correctional officer is crucial in the rehabilitation process because they are the heartbeat of a prison. However, low staffing levels have a negative impact on the role of corrections officers. There is a gap in the relevant literature on the low staffing levels of African American correctional officers. This qualitative research, through the phenomenological approach, focused on the correctional culture …

Hospice Clinical Social Workers’ Perceptions On Reducing Burnout Through Empowerment And Self-Care Practices, Chasity Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Burnout is common among hospice clinical social workers due to the emotionally demanding nature of the profession and heavy caseloads. This study explored how hospice clinical social workers perceive the role of empowerment and self-care practices in reducing burnout. The qualitative design used semi-structured interviews with ten hospice clinical social workers. Thematic analysis identified five categories: indicators of burnout, team-based/relational support, systemic and workload pressures, organizational culture, and values and professional identity. The themes that emerged from the five categories were emotional, physical, and professional; interdisciplinary support and supervisory support; workload and organizational demands; organizational challenges and policy limitations; workplace …

The Impact Of Covid-19 Related Virtual Learning On Parents Raising Children With Learning Disabilities, Ty'sheka Ne'cole Lambert

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in education as schools abruptly closed and students transitioned to virtual learning. This shift placed significant strain on parents, especially those raising children with learning disabilities who required consistent accommodations and support. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore parents’ perceptions of how COVID-19–related virtual learning affected their children’s academic performance, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study examined how family, school, and community systems shaped these experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 parents of children with learning disabilities. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2013) six-step …

Enhancing Antitrafficking Initiatives Through An Interagency Collaboration Framework, Robert Louis Baxter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The challenges individual agencies face in addressing the complex issue of human trafficking and how interagency collaboration can strengthen survivor-centered support are largely unknown. Organizations often lack formal alliances that combine expertise and resources to deliver more comprehensive care. The absence of such partnerships represents a missed opportunity to provide the essential services necessary for survivors’ recovery, empowerment, and social reintegration. The purpose of the study was to use interagency collaboration to address the question: How can education, law enforcement, public health, and community-based organizations assess the barriers and benefits of interagency collaboration to create a more seamless support network …

Effective Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies For Catalyzing Employees’ Satisfaction In The Retail Industry To Reduce Turnover, Alberto Madureira Poxes Jr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract A lack of effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies among corporate leaders can contribute negatively to their efforts to catalyze employees' satisfaction to reduce turnover. Corporate leaders can help their organization by adopting CSR strategies to increase employees' satisfaction to reduce turnover. Based on the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore effective CSR strategies retail leaders use to catalyze employees' satisfaction to reduce turnover.Based on the functional areas of leadership, the participants selected for this studywere eight first- and second-level managers in the sports retail industry in the Midwest United States who …

Parents’ Sustained Recovery From Substance Use During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Amanda Antis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parents in recovery from substance abuse rely on social support and programs to maintain their sobriety consistently. However, specific programs crucial for their social and mental well-being, such as most 12-step groups and recovery centers, were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some research on the impact of substance abuse during the pandemic, little attention has been given to sustained recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore how parents maintained recovery from substance use amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Schlossberg’s transition process model served as the theoretical framework for this study. Semistructured interviews with nine …

Antecedents Of U.S. Information Technology Professionals’ Intent To Quit At The Beginning Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristin C. Scott, Jiun-Shiu Chen, Mitchell Adrian, Son Mai

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

This study focuses on turnover intention (ITQ) of U.S. information technology workers during the spring of 2020 and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we evaluate a number of turnover intention antecedents not previously studied together, including job alternatives, global job embeddedness, job satisfaction, compensation satisfaction, role overload, and work–life balance. We use three first-order factors of work interference with personal life, personal life interference with work, and work—personal life enhancement. We analyzed data using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling. Results suggest no direct effects from pay satisfaction or role overload on ITQ and …

Interpersonal Violence Within Same-Sex Relationships: Survivors’ Perspectives Of Counselor Competency, Cheryl Ann D' La Rotta

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Survivors of same-sex intimate partner violence (IPV) face negative mental health consequences. A lack of research exists on how social support, emotional and coping regulation, and counselors’ behaviors, knowledge, and skills affect the help-seeking behaviors and therapeutic outcomes of survivors of same-sex IPV. Addressing the gap is important because recent studies report an increase in same-sex IPV but low levels of help-seeking behaviors in response. If unaddressed, IPV can affect the well-being and safety of those partnered individuals. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of same-sex IPV survivors who received therapeutic counseling. The …

The Experiences Of African Americans Seeking Health Care Services, Sandy Latreice Sullivan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health care experiences are shaped by life events and cultural background, making engagement with providers individualized. African Americans have historically reported distrust of health professionals due to targeted mistreatment. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of middle-aged African American adults receiving care from non-African American health care providers. Rosenstock’s health belief model was the framework for the study. Nine participants were recruited from social media using purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews held on Zoom. Saldana’s four-step qualitative data analysis process was utilized to analyze the data. The results of the data …

The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of German Volunteers Aged 55 Or Older In Development Service In Tanzania, Barbara Wohanka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As global aging trends and longer life expectancy encourage many seniors to seek meaningful engagement through volunteering, this research examined how such activities influence their perceptions and experiences. While much of the existing literature on volunteering in later life has concentrated on individuals involved in local community service, little research has addressed what motivates seniors to volunteer abroad. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and lived experiences of German volunteers aged 55 or older in development service in Tanzania and the influence of these experiences on their lives. The theoretical framework examined the guiding approaches …

Child Poverty: Understanding The Emotional Labor Of Social Work Professionals, Aamir Terry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Child Poverty: Understanding the Emotional Labor of Social Work Professionals by Aamir Terry MSW, Walden University 2019 BS, Central State University 2008 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Social Work Walden University November 2025

African Americans’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of Childhood Community Violence And Historical Oppression On Parenting, Iyabo Adediran

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have detrimental impacts on lifelong functioning. Although African Americans experience disproportionately higher rates of community violence, one type of ACE, the potential long-term impacts of exposure to such violence and of historical oppression on their parenting practices in adulthood, was little understood. In this qualitative study, an ethnographic approach was used to explore African American parents’ perceptions of how early exposure to community violence (before age of 18) and the intergenerational transmission of historical oppression influenced their current parenting practices. The conceptual framework, which integrated Engel’s biopsychosocial model and Bowen’s family systems theory, provided a …

Middle-Class Black Women, The Strong Black Women Role, And Seeking Treatment For Depression, Kendra Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative study explored how middle-class Black women perceive seeking mental health treatment for depression while identifying with the Strong Black Woman (SBW) role. This study investigated how middle-class Black women perceive seeking mental health treatment for depression while identifying with the Strong Black Woman role and how they interpret this role in relation to coping with depression. Guided by a social constructionist framework, the study used a qualitative design. Eight women who identified as middle-class, experienced depression, and endorsed the SBW role participated in semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s six phase thematic analysis revealed six themes: therapy as cultural …

Implementation Strategies For Microservice Architecture In The Banking Sector, Gururaj Achar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Information technology (IT) leaders in regulated banking face significant risks related to system complexity and cybersecurity when implementing large-scale systems. Although microservice architecture (MSA) offers enhanced scalability and agility, IT leaders lack specific strategic guidance for its effective adoption within highly regulated banking environments. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic study was to explore effective MSA adoption strategies for IT architects and managers transitioning legacy systems to support risk and compliance management. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven banking IT leaders and were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: adoption drivers …

Stigma Associated With Using Mental Health Services Among The Igbos In Nigeria, Emmanuel Okoye Sr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study addressed the impact of stigma and cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviors among the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. The importance of this issue lies in its potential to increase access to mental health services and foster well-being among Igbo community members who might be harmed by stigma and cultural barriers. The study's theoretical framework was the cultural theory of mental illness, which emphasizes how cultural values and beliefs influence how people perceive and express their mental health. This study aimed to offer guidance for interventions and programs that address mental health disparities in the Igbo community by comprehending the …

The Experience Of Modern Day Marriages For Women Who Identify As Strong Black Women, Arielle Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema has been explored during the past two decades; however, limited research has been conducted on the phenomenological experiences of Black women who identify with the characteristics of the SBW schema and their impact on Black and African American marriages. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of married African American women in modern day marriages who endorse the characteristics of the superwoman schema. This qualitative study was an interpretative phenomenological analysis and focused on the lived experiences of this population. Individual interviews of 12 married African American women who identified …

Food Insecurity, Educational Attainment, And Type 2 Diabetes In African Americans In Rural Southern Us, Dana Elaine Lowe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Rural African Americans experience a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes compared to their White counterparts, yet little research has explored the roles of food insecurity and educational attainment in this disparity. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine whether food insecurity and educational attainment were associated with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among African Americans aged 18 to 65 years in rural Southern United States, using the World Health Organization’s social determinants of health framework. Data from the 2019-2022 IPUMS National Health Interview Survey (N=793) were analyzed both descriptively and using multiple logistic regression …

Exploring Psychological Empowerment Among Hiv Support Groups, Harit Agroia, Leyla Mousli, Rock Braithwaite, Silvia Boron, Rene Padilla

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Support groups can provide members with space to discuss life issues, foster a sense of community, and promote connections with others. For people living with HIV, support groups can improve knowledge and awareness of tools and resources for HIV management, reduce stigma, improve social competence, and overall health. Studies that have connected empowerment and support group structures in populations with HIV have found promising results; however, a dearth of research demonstrates how applying theoretical frameworks can improve understanding of factors that increase empowerment among support group participants. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to apply the Psychological Empowerment Theory …

Over Reliance On Antidepressant Medication In Long-Term Care Facilities: Rethinking Mental Health Approaches, Kaylene Elder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities and is often managed primarily through antidepressant medications. While these medications can be effective, their overuse in elderly populations increases the risk of falls, sedation, cognitive decline, and adverse drug interactions. This project addresses the need for safer, evidence-based alternatives by promoting non-pharmacological interventions that support holistic well-being. The proposed approach integrates gratitude journaling, vitamin D testing to identify deficiencies, and vitamin D supplementation for residents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Implementation is led by nursing staff and supported by the interdisciplinary care team, …

Special Education Teachers' Experience Implementing Constant Time Delays On Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder To Improve Employment Stability, Ayodele Salihu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter challenges in securing and maintaining employment. With appropriate support, they can gradually develop the functional and social skills necessary to perform job tasks independently, fostering long-term employment and greater autonomy. Achieving independence depends on both the cognitive abilities of individuals with ASD and the instructional strategies educators employ to engage them effectively in the learning process. Constant time delay (CTD) is an evidence-based practice that has demonstrated significant benefits for individuals with ASD in skill acquisition and task mastery. This qualitative study explored the experiences of special education (SPED) teachers in implementing …

Educating Staff On Hourly Rounding Toward Fall Prevention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Princess Aminata Kanu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The identified problem at the project site facility was rising incidences of patient falls, which was attributed to insufficient staff knowledge of evidence-based strategies for preventing falls, including purposeful hourly rounding (PHR). Research has demonstrated that PHR effectively reduces the risk of falls among patients by allowing clinicians to proactively address patient needs. The purpose of this staff education project was to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge of PHR and its role in fall prevention. The practice-focused question that guided this project was: For staff in a long-term care facility, will training on hourly rounding increase knowledge toward the goal of …

Beyond The Headlines: Exploring The Mental Health Impacts Of Police Brutality On Social Media In Black Americans, Kai'annica Walters

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Studies show Black Americans face high police brutality, leading to mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of Black Americans who have been exposed to police brutality on social media and how it impacts their racial identity and emotional well-being. This study employed critical race theory as both a theoretical lens and a conceptual framework to examine how race and systemic inequalities shape legal systems and societal narratives. I used IPA to explore how people interpret their experiences and the meanings they assign. This study …

Global Citizenship Education In Ghana: An Evaluation Of The Junior High School Social Studies Curriculum, Benjamin Takyi, Anthony Bordoh Dr., Isaac Eshun Prof., Frederick Owusu

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The aim of global citizenship education (GCE) is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address global challenges. Despite its significance, GCE is often insufficiently integrated into curricula, particularly in the Global South. The purpose of the study was to examine the alignment of the junior high school standards-based social studies curriculum with GCE principles. Using a qualitative case study design and content analysis, the study explores cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral aspects of global citizenship embedded in the curriculum. The findings indicate a strong alignment between social studies learning outcomes and GCE principles, with content incorporating …

Tensions And Transformations: Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In A Diverse Urban School Division, Lesley Eblie Trudel, Kishi Anderson Leachman, Wayne Davies

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study examines how equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are understood and implemented within a large, diverse, urban school division in Canada. Using a mixed-methods approach and grounded in theoretical perspectives, including critical race theory, intersectionality, the ecology of inclusive education, and collective efficacy theory, we gathered insights from surveys and focus groups with educators, administrators, clinicians, educational assistants, caregivers, and students. Findings suggest that, while support for EDI is broad, the implementation is inconsistent and shaped by systemic barriers, resource constraints, and unclear leadership. We highlight the need for shared language, coordinated supports, and ongoing professional learning and instructional …

The Mediating Role Of Supply Chain Disruption Between Supply Chain Resilience Practice And Competitive Advantage Of Manufacturing Companies, Solomon Amsalu Gesese, Rajwinder Singh

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

The global expansion of supply chain (SC) networks improves the overall performance of the SC and increases an organization’s susceptibility to disruptions within the chain. This study examines the mediating role of supply chain disruption (SCD) between supply chain resilience practice (SCRP) and competitive advantage (CA) of manufacturing companies in Ethiopia. We employed descriptive and explanatory research designs and analyzed the data collected from 347 participants using SEM methods. The findings show that SCRP significantly affects SCD and CA. Moreover, SCRP significantly influences CA, mediated by SCD. Building and maintaining SC resilience reduces disruptions and enhances competitiveness in the ever-changing …

Male Veteran Sexual Trauma Survivors' Experiences Of Military Culture And Institutional Betrayal, Karen James Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The phenomenon of Military sexual trauma (MST) among male survivors is significantly underreported and lacking in scholarly research. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to explore male veteran MST survivors’ perspectives on military culture and institutional betrayal. Cultural spillover theory provided the framework, emphasizing that a culture that legitimizes violence to achieve its goals has the potential to foster illegitimate violence within that culture. The primary research question in this study was: What are the perceptions and experiences of male veteran MST survivors on military institutional culture and MST? Six semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with male …

Strategies To Improve Employee Retention And Organizational Performance In Healthcare, Paula Faye Guillory

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of effective strategies to improve employee retention and organizational performance is a concern for healthcare leaders. Without such strategies, organizations may incur costs through recruitment and training, reduce productivity due to workflow disruption and knowledge gaps, damage employee morale by increasing workloads for remaining employees, and harm the organization’s reputation, potentially affecting patient relationships, hindering growth, and eroding any competitive advantage. Grounded in Penrose’s resource-based view theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore the effective strategies healthcare leaders use to improve employee retain and organizational performance. Participants were six leaders of healthcare organizations located in …

Younger African American Men’S Beliefs And Attitudes Toward Prostate Cancer Screening, Linda Teemer-Baker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prostate cancer screening has been a focus of scholars since the late 20th century, as researchers have sought to address persistent disparities in early detection and mortality rates among African American men. Researchers have demonstrated that cultural beliefs, mistrust of the medical system, and limited access to healthcare significantly influence prostate cancer screening behaviors within this population. However, researchers have yet to establish how younger African American men specifically interpret prostate cancer risk and how their beliefs and attitudes shape decisions regarding screening participation. The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes of younger African …

Staff Education Program To Improve Nurses' Knowledge Of Diabetes Self-Management Education (Dsme) Toward Reducing Readmissions, Vivian Adaora Okechukwu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a staff education program to enhance nurses' knowledge and skills in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) in reducing hospital readmission. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs as a direct result of the body's inability to produce enough insulin or the inability to utilize insulin in the bloodstream effectively, consequently accounting for life-threatening health complications. At the local organization, where diabetes is the third leading cause of hospitalization, evidence shows that it critically affects about 25% of the patient population. Also, some care providers at the organization do not have the distinctive competencies to give DSME …

Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies For Falls Prevention, Gregory Njong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Older adults are particularly susceptible to post-fall injuries and loss of independence. This project was implemented to decrease the number of resident falls within a long-term care setting by enhancing the knowledge and daily routine of direct-care personnel. Falls remain one of the most frequent and severe safety concerns. Although policies on fall prevention are in place, workers often inconsistently incorporate risk evaluation and fail to identify all the causes of a fall. The purpose of this project was to determine whether a structured educational program could raise the level of knowledge about fall-prevention and provide safer care practices. The …