Digital Commons Network^™

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Role Of Resilience In Trauma Recovery Of Those Living In Southeastern Rural America, Summer D. Loduca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the ways in which adults who live in rural communities in the Southeastern United States convalesce from trauma within the framework of barriers and limited access to mental health services. Garmezy’s (1991) developmental psychology approach to resilience, which highlights internal and external protective factors, guides this study as personal resilience, and how it contributes to trauma recovery in underserved settings, is explored. Ten participants aged 32 to 49, engaged in semi-structured interviews as they shared their lived experiences of coping with, and healing from, trauma. Five principal themes were reach in analyzing the data through …

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act: A Study On Behavioral Economic Theory, Tax Incentives, And Christian Influence, Tyler James De Haan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was tax legislation in the United States that affected the charitable giving tax deduction. The problem is that neoclassical economics assumes that a decrease in charitable tax deductions will decrease charitable behavior. The purpose of the study is to understand how Christian influence impacts charitable behavior after a decrease in the charitable tax deduction. The study’s methodology will be mixed methods. The study’s design will be an explanatory sequential cross-unit case study. The study sample consists of Christian and public university alumni associations. The data will be collected in two ways. First, data will …

Faculty Experiences With Evaluation Practices Within A Community College, Janie Dobbins Hamrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand faculty experiences with evaluation practices for teachers within two-year higher education institutions in the Southeast region of the United States. The theory guiding this study is transformational leadership theory as it aids in understanding the problem that some faculty experience with evaluation practices established by ineffective leadership. By researching transformational leadership theory, researchers have determined that leadership style influences faculty experiences with teacher assessment procedures like evaluation and observation practices. The Central Research Question is, how are teaching evaluation experiences of community college faculty influenced by perceived supervisor leadership style? The …

Improving The Medication Communication Domain Of The Hospital Consumer Assessment Of Healthcare Providers And Systems Survey In A Pediatric Hospital, Bailey N. Godwin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Patient education is a key responsibility of nurses. Providing education is the most effective when the teach-back method is used in combination with tangible education materials. Patient satisfaction in the pediatric setting is measured using the Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey (Child-HCAHPS). This evidence-based practice project aimed to improve patient/caregiver satisfaction scores for medication education on the Child-HCAHPS survey through comprehensive medication education and improved usage of patient education materials at discharge. Three pediatric units within an academic health institution in central North Carolina were identified for participation in the intervention by their managers and …

A Quantitative Examination Of School Psychologists And The Relationships Between Work-Life Balance, Burnout, And Turnover Intentions, Brittany Leigh Storti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research for the past twenty-five years has documented that there is a national shortage of school psychologists across the United States. It is vital to study the magnitude of school psychologists working in the educational field and the impact of work-life balance has on burnout and turnover intentions. The study surveyed 75 school psychologists who work in a brick-and-mortar, hybrid, and virtual setting across the United States to compare the relationships and to determine if there is a difference between turnover intentions based on work setting. A moderation analysis and an ANOVA determined that the research failed to reject the …

Where Words Fail Music Speaks: A Qualitative Exploration Of Uses And Gratification Theory And How Music Influences College Students In Their Daily Productivity, Relationships And Self-Perception, Abagayil E. Hatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The dissertation project explores the music consumption of college students aged 18 - 24 and its influence on them. The study focus is how music impacts daily productivity-related decisions, relationships, and self-perception. Through ZOOM interviews and personal logs, this qualitative dissertation explored the influence music has on college students aged 18 – 24. This study contributes to the field of communication by revealing how music influences young adults’ communication, decisions, and identity. This study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of how music shapes behavior and identity.

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Pass It On: Developing Children's Identity With Biblical Storytelling At First Baptist Church Of Sanford, Caleb Mccord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In a culture where many youths are not only leaving the church but also facing psychological issues like identity crises, it is important that children develop their identity as God’s Word prescribes rather than the preference-based identities pushed by secular parties. To best ensure this development, then it is essential that children receive biblical storytelling from both the church and also the parents at home, the latter of which is underutilized in many modern Christian homes. This thesis posits that if parents are made aware of the need for biblical identity development and trained to do so, then they will …

Development Of A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (Pbpk) Model And Evaluation Of Antioxidant Capacity For Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Christopher L. Basel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop an equation to calculate the approximate concentration of active components in orally administered Polypodium leucotomos fern extract (PLE) and to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for an active component of PLE or its metabolite to address the need for human pharmacokinetics (PK). Model differences based on ethnic groups were also investigated. This was a quantitative study using secondary data. It has been estimated that skin cancers account for approximately 40% of all human cancers and that approximately 13,000 people will die of skin cancer in 2024. People with darker skin experience …

Authentic Disciples Of Christ: An Exegetical Analysis Of Jesus’S Expectations Of His Disciples’ Behaviors, Jessika S. Sandel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The fulfillment of the Great Commission demands that the Church possess a clear and objective understanding of what constitutes a disciple. Because the New Testament does not present a specific definition of a disciple, local churches adopt culturally-shaped paradigms—conversion-only evangelism, curriculum-driven frameworks, or programmatic models—that fragment the biblical vision and conflate orthodoxy and orthopraxy. This study addresses this tension by articulating a biblically-formed composition of a disciple, arguing that authentic disciples do not merely confess belief but are Spirit-formed witnesses to Christ’s redemption, reflecting his identity through enduring faith marked by love, obedience, perseverance, and gospel proclamation. Motivated by theological …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Satisfaction And Emotional Exhaustion Among K-12 Educators, Shelbey K. Covington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if there is a relationship between compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion in K-12 educators. There is limited research investigating the impacts of compassion factors on the emotional exhaustion and burnout of educators. This study is important because emotional exhaustion not only affects educators’ well-being and job performance but also has significant implications for student academic outcomes and overall school effectiveness. The research observed 111 full-time, certified K-12 educators, who were employed in a public or private school in the state of South Carolina. Data was collected utilizing …

Single-Working Parents’ Psychological Autonomy And Psychological Well-Being And The Mediating Role Of Work-Life Balance, Patrina Anastasia Lowrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single-working parents (SWPs) shoulder dual roles and responsibilities, often resulting in strained psychological autonomy (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and work-life balance (WLB) across their work and nonwork domains. These overlapping responsibilities create challenges in sustaining a quality of life over time. The specific problem this study addressed is that many SWPs in leadership positions do not manage their emotional center well, and the relationships among their PA, PWB, and WLB remain unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether WLB mediates the relationship between PA and PWB in adult SWPs. Research questions were developed to explore …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Exploring Experiences Of Secondary Teachers With Content- Only Training Instructing English Language Learners, Anita Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the initial experiences of secondary content teachers from diverse backgrounds during their first five years in high schools with a substantial number of English Language Learners (above 50%) in north Georgia. The theory guiding this study is Schlossberg's transition theory as it helps to understand the psychological and emotional adaptations teachers undergo while instructing ELLs, highlighting changes in their self- perceptions, circumstances, and support networks. The central research question is: What challenges and strategies do secondary education teachers without ESOL training describe in their experiences teaching various subjects to classrooms with …

Leadership, Personality Traits, And Teacher Training Characteristics Of Secondary Band Directors In Small Alabama Schools, Robbin Nicol Holder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the disparities in the leadership, personality traits, and teacher training characteristics of successful public and private secondary band directors in small schools in Alabama. The study focused on identifying perspectives that have not been previously explored or documented. A survey was conducted among band directors at Alabama secondary schools with a daily average enrollment of 300 or fewer students in grades nine through eleven. This information was based on data provided by the Alabama Department of Education and reported by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The research encompassed dependent variables in leadership, …

A Strategic Study Seeking To Increase Tithe And Offering At The Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Harlem, New York, Silburn I. Reid

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral thesis explores the complex relationship between church members and financial giving at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church. The study aims to understand why members refrain from contributing to tithes and offerings by examining their trust in local church leadership and the denomination at large. The study identifies several underlying reasons for the reluctance to give by using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, teaching seminars, and participant group observations. These are grouped into three primary themes: transparency, education, and dissatisfaction with church governance. One of the key findings was that the lack of trust in church leadership …

The Lived Experience Of Siblings Living In The Home With An Autistic Child, Betty Polion-Cheatum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A sibling in the household is beneficial for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to research studies, however, most of the attention is placed on managing the ASD child's behaviors. To provide insight into the non-autistic child’s perceptions, this qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of siblings living in a home with an ASD sibling. A questionnaire survey method was used to analyze the non-autistic siblings' perceptions and lived experiences. This dissertation reviewed what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with ASD. The gap in research showed there is not enough …

Biblical And Spiritual Disciplines And The Worship Leader, Milagros Rodriguez Trinidad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the expectation of spiritual leadership from worship leaders, many of them may struggle with consistently practicing biblical and spiritual disciplines. This qualitative study examines the need for spiritual preparation, the importance of spiritual community, and the spiritual life of the worship pastor/leader, all of which are central to the spiritual health of worship leaders. To build and grow in the daily practice of spiritual disciplines and to mature in spiritual formation, worship leaders must have a correct understanding of these disciplines and a humble spirit to self-evaluate their presence through the lens of Scripture. This understanding is crucial not …

Childhood Adversity And The Development Of The Imposter Phenomenon, Elissa M. Jeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The imposter phenomenon comprises a set of emotions, cognitions, and behaviors occurring throughout the lifespan of an individual to protect against feelings of inadequacy. The consequences of the imposter phenomenon are significant to both individuals and the organization they work for, as it can cause significant emotional fatigue and burnout. These consequences include anxiety, depression, isolation, burnout, and job abandonment. Throughout decades of research, there have been mixed results regarding the causes of the imposter phenomenon. A possible commonality among these causes of the imposter phenomenon is childhood adversity. The sample used in this study was adults between the ages …

Creating A “Modern Social Imaginary” In The Pages Of Godey’S Lady’S Book: The Work Of Sarah Josepha Hale 1827-1877, Kimberly Carlisle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For forty years Sarah Josepha Hale was the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the most popular periodical in antebellum America. She played a crucial role in shaping a modern social imaginary for women in the United States. Her editorial influence extended beyond literature and fashion as she championed causes such as women’s education, the professionalization of domesticity, and the nationalization of the Thanksgiving holiday. Hale’s editorial work, personal writing, and activism shaped the modern American social imaginary by defining national customs, reinforcing gender norms, and fostering a moral framework that balanced religious influences with an evolving secular public culture. Hale …

An Implementation Of Theological Concepts: Bridging The Gap From Childhood To Adult Christian Education, Lajune A. White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

New Jerusalem Church has the pleasure of teaching Bible stories in the children’s church and Sunday school. However, after the children age out of these spaces, they do not transition to the adult classes; they sit in the hallways. Suppose they continue this practice after aging out of the children’s classification and do not engage with fellow believers in the discipleship process. Will they remain connected to their faith-based community? The problem is whether their behavior is due to the absence of theological content in the Bible curriculum used to teach them in children’s church and Sunday school. The purpose …

Teacher Perspectives Of Supporting High School Students Who Are Sex Trafficked In Northeast Ohio: A Qualitative Study, Melanie Timco

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perspectives of supporting students who are actively sex trafficked for the teachers at high schools in Northeast Ohio. The theory guiding the study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory as it applies to the formation of teacher perspectives based on cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors. Teachers shared their perspective of supporting students who were actively sex trafficked in high school through hermeneutic phenomenology. I utilized criteria and snowball sampling of 12 high school teachers in Northeast Ohio. Open-ended surveys, interviews, and focus groups were conducted with teachers to render their …

Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Admissions Criteria To A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program And Graduation Success, Mark Amir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between admissions criteria and academic success in a non-traditional, weekend-format Doctor of Physical Therapy program known as Palisades Weekend University. This study contributes to the literature by exploring how cognitive and non-cognitive variables may predict student outcomes. The sample included 112 participants enrolled between 2016 and 2021 at a private university in New York. Data was collected using the General Self-Efficacy Scale via Google Forms, and archival admissions data was obtained from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Logistic regression analysis assessed the predictive relationship between self-efficacy, …

Formerly Incarcerated Women, Adverse Childhood Experiences, And Resilience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Patricia Celina Simms

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to explore how formerly incarcerated females who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) perceived their participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated and its influence on their resilience and reintegration into society in Virginia. This study is based on the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) by Miller-Karas (2015), which explains how individuals and communities manage trauma and build resilience. The CRM emphasizes self-regulation, social connections, and internal resource development, reflecting participants’ transformative journeys. The model suggests that structured programs in supportive communities aid emotional stabilization and long-term resilience. Participants did not mention the …

Real-World Opera Education And The Business Of Performance: Perspectives From Young Professionals, Sarah Beckham-Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the traditional practice of operatic vocal training in universities, many young operatic singers found that their education needed to be improved regarding the current demands of the business of being an operatic performer. Understanding the essential skills for operatic training in universities was crucial for preparing singers to handle the demands of a professional career. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of professional operatic singers, university opera training educators, and professional opera companies to discover possible gaps in operatic training in universities. Through interviews with five professional opera singers, five trained singers who chose a different career, six current …

A Strategy For Helping Mother And Daughter Churches Foster A Healthy Symbiotic Relationship, Timothy Blazer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project explores the dynamic relationship between mother churches and daughter churches within the context of church multiplication, with particular emphasis on the mutual benefits and shared challenges that emerge throughout the planting process. Central to the study is the guiding research question: “Will applying biblical principles of church planting partnership between mother and daughter churches enable church plants to thrive and flourish?” While much of the existing literature centers primarily on individual church planters, this study focuses on how mother churches and their church plants can experience growth and vitality through intentional and collaborative partnerships. The purpose …

The Title Of My Project: Screen Time And Children's Health, Elisabeth Hernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Excessive screen time is harmfully affecting families emotionally, physically, and mentally (Brindova et al., 2014). Eating habits, physical exercise, sufficient sleep each night, and communication with family and peers are increasingly declining as screen time is increasing (Siegle, 2017). With the rise in screen time, young people are spending more time alone (Gingold et al., 2014). Behrens et al. (2019) “explored the cause of anxiety and depression in children as it relates to the use of technology” (p. 474). Since the increase in technological advances, there has also been an increase in cyberbullying. “Setting limits on the amount of time …

Investigating The Role Of Student-Instructor Connectedness And Student Thriving In Living A Calling, Whitney Claire Cranford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study explored student-instructor connectedness and student thriving as predictors of living a calling for graduates of four-year higher education institutions. It also investigated which aspect of student thriving - academic, emotional, or social - is most predictive of living a calling. While research addresses these variables individually, limited research has been conducted to address their interconnection and the results for four-year higher education graduates. All variables were measured using established scales. The mixed-method approach encompassed qualitative data from surveys and quantitative data from interviews with graduates of four-year higher education institutions. A total of 79 participants were recruited …

Exploring The Role Of Online Fan Communities During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study, Misha Alarie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals increasingly turned to online fandom communities for social support and companionship. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the impact of digital communities on individuals' social support networks throughout and beyond the pandemic. Through an exploration of participants' lived experiences within virtual spaces, specifically Reddit, the research sought to comprehend how interactions within online fandoms address individuals' social needs and influence their overall well-being. The research examined how people find online communities, their interactions, perceptions of group dynamics, how these spaces can change them, and their role in offering support during and after …

Catholic Action At War: Prayer, Study, And Action In The National Catholic Welfare Conference Bulletin, 1939-1945, William Vician

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study of the Roman Catholic Church in America during the twentieth century focuses on the Second Vatican Council’s (1962-1965) massive social changes and reactions, often minimizing the importance of the social and political forces of the preceding decades. The most significant of these forces was the Second World War (1939-1945), in which the nation’s twenty million Catholics participated in roles both on the battlefront and the home front. The Catholic Church that met the challenge of the war effort was increasingly led by the National Catholic Welfare Conference, the forebear of today’s United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The …

The Indications Of The Need For Training For Biblical Worship Principles In Evangelical Churches In Texas, Carlos Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite numerous Evangelical churches in Texas, most churchgoers hold limited ideas about what defines worship. There is a shortage of biblically principled teaching in the Evangelical Church, particularly in the areas of First and God-honoring worship and its practices, including the Great Commission. This research primarily defines and explores the current state of worship in the Evangelical Church. This research examines how the original Adam and Eve beings, created to worship, have transformed into present-day worshipers. Today's worshipers include Sunday-only attendees, schedule-driven individuals, and spiritually drained souls, with a particular focus on those in Texas. This study will also provide …