Digital Commons Network^™

The Divine Disciplinarian: God As The Model Father, Jacob Daniel Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastor is responsible for instructing a congregation regarding biblical information and instruction. When a person is unsure of what the Bible teaches on a topic, the pastor can preach sermons and teach lessons that convey biblical truth. The growing congregation of Nevada Free Will Baptist Church consisted of believers who had been away from church for some time and new converts, resulting in a lack of biblical literacy due to their limited exposure to biblical truth. One area where congregants were uninformed was biblical parenting. This study addressed the problem of biblical illiteracy regarding parenting. It informed participants about …

Exploring Secondary Educators’ Experiences Of Implementing Linguistic-Based Mathematics Instruction For English Language Learners: A Phenomenological Study, Adrian Pearce Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of veteran educators with implementing linguistic-based instructional practices for English language learners (ELLs) in the secondary mathematics classroom. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as it pertains to language and learning development through social exchanges with people, things, and events in a collective environment. This qualitative study took a hermeneutic, phenomenological approach which allowed the lived experiences of educators to be described, along with an interpretation of their instructional experiences with ELLs in the mathematics classroom to be made. The setting for this research was two …

The Effects Of Escape Room Simulations On Stress Levels Of Sophomore Baccalaureate Nursing Students: An Experimental Study, Bethany L. Mcfann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative experimental pretest -posttest design using an experimental and control group was to determine if gaming escape room simulation will decrease BSN nursing students' stress in high fidelity simulation (HFS). The sample size of 64 students had 32 students randomly assigned to each group, the control and the experimental group. The first-year sophomore Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students at a state university were randomly assigned to either traditional or escape room simulation scenarios. Stress levels of each group were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool before and after the simulations with statistical …

Myths And Memories: The New South & Lost Cause In Georgia, Stephen Bliss Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The defeat of the Confederacy led way to the development of two related but distinctly separate ideological movements, the New South and the Lost Cause. However, in the course of Civil War historiography, the two have been conflated with one another, with the Lost Cause winning out as the solely accredited ideological product of the vanquished Confederacy. The modern Neo-Reconstruction school of thought discredits the New South as a distinct sociopolitical movement, and frequently associates its cultural products to the Lost Cause. This dissertation examines the cultural and political evolution of each movement, with a focus upon their primary cultural …

The Relationship Between Leadership, Quality Outcomes, And Turnover In Healthcare, Megan L. Rhoades

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study examined the relationship between leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, quality outcomes, and turnover in non-profit acute care hospitals in Texas. Guided by a pragmatic paradigm, the research utilized archived data to analyze correlations among leader effectiveness scores, employee engagement levels, patient quality metrics, and employee turnover rates. Grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the Motivation-Hygiene Theory, Job Demands-Resources Theory, Path-Goal Theory, and Relational Leadership Theory, the study explored how leadership behaviors and engagement strategies influence organizational outcomes. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between effective leadership and employee engagement, indicating that leaders who provide support, recognition, and …

The Lived Experience Of Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigators: A Phenomenological Study, Andrea Ruth Sorber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study describes the resiliency-building skills implemented by investigators during pre-engagement, engagement, and post-engagement with Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases. This study will include no non-adults, as participants are those in the law enforcement field assigned to investigating CSAM cases. The theory guiding this study is Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology, which focuses on intentionality while suspending judgment and moving toward awareness. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (STT) provides the theoretical framework for the study, which aims to answer the following primary research question: How do investigators handling CSAM describe their strategies to sustain resilience during engagement with distressing digital content? …

In His Own Words? An Argument For Jesus As The Origin Of The Antithesis Formula In Matthew 5:21–48, Michael W. Herbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the origin and authenticity of the antithesis formula, “You have heard that it was said…[OT reference]…but I say to you…,” which appears only in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 5:21–48). This uniqueness of the antithesis formula contributes to it being one of the most intriguing yet contentious New Testament phrases. As such, there is no scholarly consensus regarding the origin of the antithesis formula. The relevant English language literature presents theories concerning the origin of the antithesis formula that generally conform to form-critical, source-critical, and redaction-critical approaches. However, this literature lacks an extended argument for this formula …

Exploring The Experience Of East African Immigrants With Accents In Michigan Mental Health Counseling, Ermias Kebede Tessema

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of East African immigrants with accented English in Michigan mental health counseling context. The purpose was to understand how accented speech shaped communication, emotional safety, and therapeutic connection between clients and counselors. Grounded in B.F. Skinner’s theory of language learning, along with the language transfer and critical period hypothesis frameworks, the study employed semi-structured interviews with ten East African immigrant adults who had received mental health counseling in Michigan. Data analysis produced five overarching themes: (1) Accent as a Communication Barrier, (2) Counselor’s Cultural Competence, (3) Emotional Experience of Counseling with an …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Teacher Efficacy Among Private Christian School Elementary Teachers Reporting To Principals With Various Degrees, Joanna Swofford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the association between the earned degree (special education, general education, or other program of study) of elementary principals, and the self-efficacy of the teachers who report to them, in private, Christian schools that enroll students requiring special education. This study is important in furthering an understanding of what types of principal training lead to increased levels of teacher efficacy in meeting students’ needs within inclusive school settings. The sample of 62 participants was drawn from a population of approximately 1200 teachers from 138 private Christian schools within 11 southeastern states …

Ace Scores And Ipv Perpetration Among Domestic Violence Treatment Court Participants In New Mexico, Laura S. Daniels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative archival study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among participants in a specialized Domestic Violence Treatment Court (DVTC) in New Mexico. Between January 2019 and December 2024, 69 individuals volunteered for the DVTC, with 49 graduating successfully, reflecting a graduation rate of approximately 78%. The study’s purpose was to determine whether a sample of offenders (N=22) reported higher levels of ACEs compared to the U.S. general population. ACEs were measured using a 10-item questionnaire, and data were compared to national benchmarks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A …

There Is No Finish Line: The Intersection Of Sport And Race In St. Louis During The Civil Rights Era, Brandon Winfred Black

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project focuses on the intersection of sport and race in St. Louis during the 1950s and 1960s, revealing how Black athletes became both symbols of progress and targets of resistance, illustrating the broader Civil Rights Movement’s parallel fight for visibility and systemic change. St. Louis was a city of contrasts. Its location and culture made it a focal point for the racial struggles that defined the Civil Rights Movement, often symbolizing both the persistence of inequality and the potential for change. Black athletes not only challenged racial barriers on the field but also catalyzed social change off it, revealing …

A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers’ Perspectives On Social-Emotional Learning As A Tool For Mitigating Poverty, Violence, And Trauma In Urban High Schools Of West Tennessee, Schevonda G. Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand teachers' perspectives on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as a mitigating factor for poverty, violence, and trauma for high school students in West Tennessee. At this stage in the research, SEL implementation was generally defined as the strategies and practices teachers used to integrate cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of learning to address the unique challenges faced by students in high-stress urban environments. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive theory, which emphasized the reciprocal interaction between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors in learning and development. The central research question was …

Preparing Educational Leaders: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Alexander William Barber Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the business training conducted in succession planning for executive leaders at community colleges. The central research question for this study is: What are the experiences of executive leaders at community colleges in business training conducted in succession planning? I conducted a hermeneutic phenomenological study at a nationally recognized community college that is implementing new higher education programs. The theoretical framework guiding this study was Smith’s institutional theory. Purposeful sampling was used to interview personnel working at the executive level in positions of vice presidents and presidents on-site. Individual interviews and …

Expanding Automotive Supply Chain Visibility Beyond Tier 1 Suppliers For Semiconductors, Jonathan Goulding

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research investigated the challenges and benefits automotive manufacturers face in achieving sub-tier supply chain visibility for semiconductor components. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, semiconductor shortages became a critical issue. A pragmatic, flexible qualitative case study design approach was employed to understand automotive semiconductor sub-tier visibility gaps. The key findings indicated there are initial barriers to transparency and challenges with data quality. There were challenges with sub-tier visibility integration, including internal resistance and system integration issues. The findings also showed that achieving sub-tier visibility can offer potential benefits in terms of enhanced reliance and mitigated risk. The study made significant …

Faith Versus Safety: Exploring How Black Churches Navigate Through Intersections Of Faith, Culture, Safety, And Social Work When Dealing With Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Wanda Rw Mckinley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to understand the cultural and structural barriers that hinder “Blessings and Grace Church,” a Black faith-based institution, from effectively addressing intimate partner violence (IPV). The study identified context-specific strategies to improve survivor support, enhance safety measures, and strengthen resource accessibility within the church. The goal was to inform culturally responsive and theologically sensitive improvements tailored to the needs of this specific faith-based community. The setting for the study was an urban Black church in southern Texas. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory was the theoretical framework guiding this study. According to this theory, a …

Personality Traits And Perceived Barriers: A Comparative Study Of Teacher Views On Behavior Interventions, Patricia Geiger Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maladaptive behaviors negatively affect both students and teachers. Students’ academic success, mental health, and safety are jeopardized by these behaviors, while teachers experience increased stress and burnout when managing them. Behavior interventions have been shown to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve outcomes. Although most teachers agree that certain factors act as barriers to implementing behavior interventions, there is no consensus on the frequency or impact of these barriers. Guided by the Big Five Theory, this quantitative study examined how teachers’ levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were associated with differences in their perceptions of the frequency and impact …

The Shared Experiences Of Betrayed Women In North Carolina Dealing With Long-Term Issues From Trauma Associated With Marital Infidelity: A Phenomenological Study, Anita M. Pittman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the shared lived experiences of women affected by marital infidelity in North Carolina. Physical, emotional, and spiritual issues arise due to betrayal and brokenness of secure attachments. Findings from this study revealed that some shared emotional issues women faced following infidelity included depression, guilt, self-blame, and low self-esteem. Some issues took longer to recover from than others, such as loss of trust, low self-esteem, and varying physical health-related issues. The guiding theories for this study were Bowlby and Ainsworth’s Attachment Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy developed by Greenberg and Johnson, and Vygotsky’s …

The Discoveries Of Key Elements Behind A Central Texas Title 1 Public School District’S Academic And Relational Success Amid Learning Loss In State Trends: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Hannah Deborah-Johns Fountain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study is to discover the key elements behind a central Texas Title 1 Public School District’s academic and relational success amid learning loss experienced in other similar Texas public school districts during the COVID pandemic. From the years prior to the pandemic to three years post, Sunflower Independent School District (SISD) has remained steadfast in demonstrating superb state ratings via STAAR and TELPAS assessments. It has also received continuous spotlight district recognition through Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) – a social emotional learning (SEL)/character enriching program. Texas Public Education throughout the years has looked …

The Holy Spirit Fulfills The Great Commission By Affecting The Soul – The Conscience, Intellect, And Affections – Of Believers Through The Agency Of Discipleship, Farrah K. Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Statement of Problem

A knowledge and awareness of the Holy Spirit tends to be the missing from the church today, although his power, presence, and role is not only needed, but is necessary to fulfill the last commandment given by Christ. Though silent, he and his work are – and should be – evident among, to, and through believers, both corporately and individually.

Research Question

What do the Great Commission passages in the Gospels and the book of Acts reveal about the mission of the Holy Spirit for the church today?

Thesis Statement

This dissertation argues that, according to the …

Linguistic, Academic, And Cultural Experiences Of High School English Language Learners And Sustaining Cultural Pedagogies: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tina G. Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the linguistic, academic, and cultural challenges faced by English language learners at a suburban high school in Texas. At this stage in the research, English language learners were defined as students enrolled in a Texas public high school in a suburban town living in America for no more than four years with little to no English language proficiency, no access to multicultural classrooms, limited instruction from culturally and linguistically trained teachers, and a foreign school environment. The theory guiding this study was Byram’s critical cultural awareness theory, as it aided …

Investigating Personality Themes And Constructs Among Professional Horse Trainers, Jenny Norton Schamber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The relationship between horses and humans has evolved and now horses are a part of therapy, leisure activities, competitions, and companionship with humans, and this evolution beckons further research into aspects that contribute to positivity in this relationship. This research examined the themes of personality among professional horse trainers by utilizing the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), and semi-structured interviews. To be included in the study, participants needed to be at least 18 years of age, live in the United States, and receive at least half of their yearly income from training horses. There were …

The Lived Experiences Of School Administrators Addressing School Violence Prevention Strategies And Safety Policies In Tennessee: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Trinka Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of urban high school administrators addressing school violence prevention policies and strategies in academic settings in an urban school district in Tennessee. The central research question used to lead this study is, what are the experiences of school administrators addressing school violence prevention strategies and safety policies in the academic setting? The theory that guided this study is Bandura’s social cognitive theory. Social cognitive theory emphasizes observation, imitation, and modeling, and the relative connection between behavior and the social environment was applied in this study to evaluate …

The Complexities Of Impoliteness In Digital Workspaces: A Politeness Theory Analysis Of Gen Z Workplace Communication, Russell D. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how Generation Z’s on TikTok influences their communication patterns in professional and social contexts, with specific attention to the role of politeness and impoliteness. Addressing a gap in communication scholarship, digital-native practices reshape established theories of interaction and affect workplace expectations were examined. Using a phenomenological design, data was collected from 30 semi-structured interviews and 300 open-ended survey responses to capture a broad and deep account of Gen Z communication. Thematic analysis and triangulation revealed three dominant patterns: (a) the redefinition of professionalism through informal and brief exchanges, (b) the habitual …

Investigating Technology Readiness In Blended Learning Environments For Secondary Education: A Case Study, Philipiah J. Antony

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover how technological readiness affects the students’ mindset in blended learning environments for secondary school students at secondary schools in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The theories guiding this research are the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, as it states that blended learning environments connect the teaching and social communities, making a social fabric in which teaching and learning occur, and Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it proposed students can construct knowledge by interacting with the learning environment lays the theoretical foundation for blended learning that focuses on building knowledge through a commitment to …

Teacher Support For Special Education Students Struggling With Basic Reading In The Inclusive Setting: A Qualitative Case Study, Dylan O. Cramer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study is to discover how teachers support special education elementary students identified with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in the inclusion setting who struggle with basic reading at Champion Heights Elementary School. At this stage in research, the academic impact of inclusion for special education students who struggle with basic reading will generally be defined as determining the academic benefits and weaknesses of elementary students being educated inside the general education classroom. The theory guiding this study is Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The social cognitive theory relates to this topic because students learn through observed …

Exploring The Influence Of A Faith-Based Ngo On The Causal Agency Of Children With Disabilities Living In Informal Settlements Outside Nairobi: A Case Study, Amy M. Silvas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the influence of a faith-based non-governmental organization’s (NGO’s) special needs supports on the causal agency of children with disabilities living in an urban settlement outside Nairobi, Kenya. The theory guiding this study was Shogren et al.’s causal agency theory as it looks at the fundamentals of self-determination in interaction with the demands and support available within a specific context. The central research question was: How does interaction with a faith-based NGO’s special education supports influence the ability of children with disabilities and living in an urban informal settlement to be active …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of The Relationship Between Faculty Leadership Styles And Teacher Communication Orientation In Jamaica’S Higher Education System, Zandy Uriel Elliott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the extent to which faculty leadership styles, gender, and years of experience predict teacher communication orientation, specifically assertiveness (TCO-A) and responsiveness (TCO-R), among higher educational institutions in Jamaica. Grounded in communication theory and leadership frameworks, the study explored how faculty leadership express themselves and respond to others. Data were collected from 216 faculty members using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Sociocommunicative Orientation Scale (SCO). Descriptive analyses indicated that participants’ mean responsiveness scores were slightly higher than assertiveness scores across all years-of-experience categories, with many displaying traits consistent with an “Amiable” to “Expressive” communication profile …

Rural Policing In Northern Wisconsin: Will Small-Town Police Officers Stay At Their Current Agency Until Retirement Based On Age And Community Size, Thomas J. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the plans of small-town northern Wisconsin police officers to remain at their current agency until retirement, based on age and community size. The hypothesis was that older officers who had been with an agency for a longer period would stay until retirement, while younger officers would be more likely to leave. Younger officers tend to have less buy-in to the community and possibly fewer ties to a specific community. Officers who are older or have been with an agency for a long time have a greater investment in the agency and the community. The study results showed …

Mirrors & Windows: A Phenomenological Study On Narrative Group Therapy With Adults Survivors Of Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Bethany Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma's lived experiences with group narrative therapy in Texas. Three theories serve as the base for this study: Terr's childhood trauma theory, Vygotsky's social constructivism, and Fisher's narrative theory. Social constructivism informs the study by suggesting that group therapy fosters meaning making through shared narratives. Narrative theory informs this study with the concept participants of narrative group therapy can not only create, examine, and reauthor their stories but find connection with others and empowerment in sharing their stories. Participants in this study completed an interview and …

Student Perspective Of Motivation And Success In Online Learning, Jonathan Samuel Long

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the perceptions of how motivation influences success in online courses for students at a rural high school in the North Georgia. The theory guiding this study was motivation theory, including growth mindset theory, self-determination theory, and adult learning theory. The central research question for this study is, “What are high school students’ perceptions of the influence of motivation on success in an online course?” This study utilized a case study approach in a rural high school in Northeast Georgia to qualitatively analyze data. Data was collected through a letter-writing exercise, personal …