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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Exploring The Challenges And Resilience Of Licensed Black Female Counselors In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic And George Floyd Era: A Phenomenological Study, Krissandra C. Haynes May 2025

Exploring The Challenges And Resilience Of Licensed Black Female Counselors In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic And George Floyd Era: A Phenomenological Study, Krissandra C. Haynes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the licensed Black female counselors (LBFCs) that provided mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd era. This study was guided by Schlossberg’s transition theory to examine how LBFCs navigated professional and personal transitions during a time marked by collective trauma, public health disparities, and heightened racial tension. Participants described this time of counseling clients through parallel experiences of grief and social unrest while also tending to their wellness. Core themes included the duality of the healer role, significance of spiritual and faith-based coping, influence of social activism, …


Military Children's Lived Experiene: A Continuous Parental Military Deployment, Detria L. Jones May 2025

Military Children's Lived Experiene: A Continuous Parental Military Deployment, Detria L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military deployments disrupt the stability of parent-child relationships, especially for adolescents navigating attachment during extended parental separations. This qualitative dissertation study explored the lived experiences of twelve Military Children (MC), ages 14-17, across the three key phases of a continuous six-month to one-year parental deployment: pre-deployment, deployment, and reintegration. This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to capture MC perspectives on relational dynamics, emotional challenges, and attachment disruptions with both the deployed and non-deployed parents. Participants were recruited via social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), publicly distributed recruitment flyers, and participated in semi-structured interviews conducted through audio-video recorded interviews. …


The Lack Of Awareness And Effects Of Peripheral Artery Disease And Systematic Barriers Of Black Americans: The Need To Increase Clinical Trial Recruitment And Retention Of Black Americans 40 Years Of Age And Over, Cheron Jackson May 2025

The Lack Of Awareness And Effects Of Peripheral Artery Disease And Systematic Barriers Of Black Americans: The Need To Increase Clinical Trial Recruitment And Retention Of Black Americans 40 Years Of Age And Over, Cheron Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to understand Black American men and women 40 years old and over perceptions of participating in clinical trials and evaluating the extent of awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Normative and explanatory theoretical framework was used to set the norms that understand most Black American behavior and explain causes of behaviors. This in turn helped sponsors, investigators, and researchers improve recruitment plans, outreach programs, and increase marketing to attract this population. Using MAXQDA software this research gathered qualitative data from 20 Black American men and women participants 40 years old and over, …


An Ethnodoxological Approach To Developing A Worship Leader Training Program In Infanta, Quezon, Philippines, Lindsay Kay Oakley May 2025

An Ethnodoxological Approach To Developing A Worship Leader Training Program In Infanta, Quezon, Philippines, Lindsay Kay Oakley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although there has been an increase in pastor training programs in the Philippines to fulfill the need created by the steady growth of evangelical church plants, there are few initiatives to create worship leader training programs. Worship is central to the evangelical church, and music plays an important role in the spiritual formation of believers in churches throughout the world. However, because of worship theology constructs and the implications of Filipino culture for worship contextualization, more attention must be given to equipping worship leaders for ministry in the Philippines. This study sought to identify the training and resources needed to …


Comprehending The Influence Of Harassment And Stalking Laws On The Safety And Well-Being Of Victims In The Us, Khazayma Khan May 2025

Comprehending The Influence Of Harassment And Stalking Laws On The Safety And Well-Being Of Victims In The Us, Khazayma Khan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the problem of unresponsive law enforcement faced by legitimate victims of harassment and stalking in the United States and to ultimately develop recommendations to address the problem. A mixed method was used in which qualitative and quantitative data was gathered and analyzed. For this dissertation, a mixed method was applied using interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys to gather data among victims of harassment and stalking. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling in which victims of harassment and stalking were selected from relevant organizations, such as support services. A total of …


Hope As A Source To Strengthen Chaplain Resiliency In The Christian And Missionary Alliance, Javier M. Torres-Chinea May 2025

Hope As A Source To Strengthen Chaplain Resiliency In The Christian And Missionary Alliance, Javier M. Torres-Chinea

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project intends not only to assess the levels of hope of the population of chaplains of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, but also to educate on how hope can strengthen resilience. Using Snyder's Theory of Hope (2000) provides a theoretical framework that allows a positive vision of the social and employment situation of millions of people. Snyder's Adult Hope Scale measures the hope trait in the chaplains, both male and female, between the ages of 25-65. For the participants, a questionnaire called the Hope Questionnaire was used. The SurveyPlanet website, to be distributed, answered, and collected data through …


The Effects Of Modern Band Performance On Enhancing Confidence And Emotional Maturation In Fifth-Grade Students, Julia M. Wetherhold May 2025

The Effects Of Modern Band Performance On Enhancing Confidence And Emotional Maturation In Fifth-Grade Students, Julia M. Wetherhold

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current research notes that participation in modern band general music instruction elicits improvements in students’ sense of inclusion in school; however, it is yet to be determined if additional benefits of modern band implementation occur. This applied study aims to investigate the potential for a causal comparison between fifth-grade students’ confidence levels and emotional maturity after exposure to modern band instructional techniques and performance compared to fifth-grade students engaged in music education with an emphasis on vocal instruction. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were implemented. Data were collected and analyzed by surveying thirty-seven fifth-grade students reporting their confidence levels and …


Care And Resource Support For Surrogate End-Of-Life Decision-Makers, Evelyn L. Globe May 2025

Care And Resource Support For Surrogate End-Of-Life Decision-Makers, Evelyn L. Globe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Surrogate end-of-life decision-makers are family members facing the emergent task of making end-of-life care decisions for their loved ones many times without prior knowledge of what their family members would want. Afterward, the surrogate decision-maker is often without support to process their experience and grief. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to provide a faith-based support group for those who have had the experience of being a surrogate end-of-life decision-maker and through an advance care planning and advance directives seminar and workshop provide an informational resource for individuals who have not had the experience and want to …


Honor, Courage, And Commitment: Institutional Betrayal And Military Identity In Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda Reine Bedford-Rank May 2025

Honor, Courage, And Commitment: Institutional Betrayal And Military Identity In Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda Reine Bedford-Rank

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevated suicide risk and face unique treatment barriers; however, few studies have examined the role of military-specific constructs in shaping these barriers. This quantitative-correlational study investigated the relationship between institutional betrayal, self-stigma, military identity, and help-seeking attitudes among a sample of U.S. military veterans with PTSD (N = 142). This study also applied semi-qualitative questions to explore military-related trauma themes, PTSD literacy, neuroplasticity, PTSD perceptions, and military acknowledgment. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed significant positive correlations between institutional betrayal and self-stigma, and a negative relationship with help-seeking attitudes. Notably, the Department …


The Role Of Moral Distress On Burnout And Spiritual Well-Being Among Clinical Healthcare Professionals, Stephanie R. Russell May 2025

The Role Of Moral Distress On Burnout And Spiritual Well-Being Among Clinical Healthcare Professionals, Stephanie R. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Clinical healthcare professionals often encounter situations in the workplace that create moral distress, influence spiritual well-being, and lead to the development of burnout. Much of the current research focuses on healthcare employees’ experiences with burnout and morality at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically among Asian and Middle Eastern populations. Gaps that exist in the current research include an examination of moral distress among clinical healthcare professionals in the United States in the post-COVID-19 era and an examination of the relationships between moral distress, burnout, and spiritual well-being. The current study aims to fill the gaps in the research by …


Remote Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study Applying The Jobs Demands-Resource, Jasser Jacob Khalifeh May 2025

Remote Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study Applying The Jobs Demands-Resource, Jasser Jacob Khalifeh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of current and former United States (U.S.) K-12 remote instructors. The problem is that educator retention is at a crisis point in the U.S. To help combat the severe and persistent teacher shortages plaguing America, leaders must capture the genuine perceptions of the virtual teaching experience. The guiding theory for this investigation is the Jobs-Demand Resource (JD-R) Model and the influence of job characteristics on teacher well-being, motivation, and retention. The central research question driving this study is, “What are the lived experiences of remote instructors?” A qualitative …


Impoverished People: A Phenomenological Study Of The Effects Of Organizational Culture And Corruption On Class Poverty, Jean Rony Duclosel May 2025

Impoverished People: A Phenomenological Study Of The Effects Of Organizational Culture And Corruption On Class Poverty, Jean Rony Duclosel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Researchers have established that corruption adversely affects economic growth and development and deters resources from the most vulnerable. When viewed through the lens of public administration, corruption can create financial burdens and hinder the delivery of essential services, such as criminal justice, healthcare, education, and social programs. However, the dynamic effects of organizational culture and corruption on class poverty are still unknown. This phenomenological study fills this gap. The researcher employed a case study methodology to achieve this goal, using a semi-structured interview format, a focus group, and a document analysis of an administrative court. The population for the interview …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Noncognitive Abilities Related To Resilience In Homeschooled Students Managing The Transition To College, Adele Elena Malavé May 2025

A Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Noncognitive Abilities Related To Resilience In Homeschooled Students Managing The Transition To College, Adele Elena Malavé

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the noncognitive experiences associated with resilience that contribute to the academic and social success of homeschooled students in their first year of college at XYZ University. Rutter’s (1999, 2006) resilience theory guided this research, emphasizing how individuals develop coping mechanisms to navigate challenges. This study examined how resilience-related traits, including self-discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, influenced students' college transitions. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected from 10 homeschooled students who had completed their first year of college or at least 30 credit hours. Participants shared their experiences through writing …


A Comparison Of Evangelical And Pentecostal Soteriology To The Bible, Kamia G. Brillon May 2025

A Comparison Of Evangelical And Pentecostal Soteriology To The Bible, Kamia G. Brillon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Soteriology is the study and development of God’s plan to bring mankind back in right standing with Him. Soteriology presents God as the One who delivers humanity from the power of sin through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Human sin is what brought about a need for salvation. Salvation can be seen as a process that involves specific elements. The gospel message reveals how the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ leads to salvation. The New Testament presents faith, repentance, water baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit …


A Qualitative Study Exploring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Development And The Role Of Resilience In Shaping Adult Life, Rebecca Anderson May 2025

A Qualitative Study Exploring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Development And The Role Of Resilience In Shaping Adult Life, Rebecca Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study investigated the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on development and examines how resilience shapes adult outcomes. Early life experiences significantly influence an individual's lifelong development, with childhood experiences playing a particularly crucial role. Adverse childhood experiences, which encompass abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are recognized as a major public health concern due to their association with health disparities and psychosocial issues in various aspects of life, including substance use, relationships, education, and employment. Despite these challenges, some individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, adapting to new circumstances and maintaining normal functioning in the face of adversity. Themes from …


Entrepreneurs’ Inability To Address Employee Grievances In The Small Business Industry, Tedford Hope May 2025

Entrepreneurs’ Inability To Address Employee Grievances In The Small Business Industry, Tedford Hope

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Grievances are common in work, indicating major impediments to employee performance. Employee grievances lower productivity, motivation, and work happiness, damaging firms. This flexible design qualitative study investigated and improved understanding of entrepreneurs' failure to resolve employee concerns in Los Angeles' small businesses, resulting in lower organizational performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants—4 executives and 11 junior staff. A thematic analysis identified eight main themes: Small business employee grievances; reasons for grievances; consequences of grievances; resolving grievances; leaders' responsibilities in handling grievances; leaders' mindsets that hinder or improve grievance management; and how to improve leaders' mindsets. Data from this …


Voices Of Change: Narratives Of African Americans And Their Recommendations For Reforming Law Enforcement Practices, Tanisha N. Hines-Johnson May 2025

Voices Of Change: Narratives Of African Americans And Their Recommendations For Reforming Law Enforcement Practices, Tanisha N. Hines-Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The focus of this study was to explore real-life experiences African Americans have with law enforcement to suggest changes that can be put into action to improve interactions, fairness, and accountability. This study, which makes use of a case study technique, examined perceptions of police interactions and engagement from the viewpoints of community members. The study specifically responded to the following two research questions: 1) What is the narrative of individuals in the African American community regarding law enforcement? 2) What changes do participants suggest are needed to improve interactions and establish a better relationship between the African American community …


Social Media, Religion, And Anxiety: Comparison Of Age Groups, Kaye Eileen Redeker May 2025

Social Media, Religion, And Anxiety: Comparison Of Age Groups, Kaye Eileen Redeker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for all age groups. The current research is mixed, showing both positive and negative effects from social media on mental health. This study aimed to examine how the duration of social media use compared with anxiety levels, and if religiosity had any effect on social media use and anxiety. It also wanted to determine if there was a correlation between religiosity and social media use, and how social media use and religiosity predicted anxiety. This study filled a gap in research by extending previous studies beyond adolescents and by including …


The Epidemic Of Fatherlessness: Implications For Ethical Development And Mental Health, James Elbert Ellis Jr. May 2025

The Epidemic Of Fatherlessness: Implications For Ethical Development And Mental Health, James Elbert Ellis Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the negative effects of fatherlessness on childhood development and the long-term impact on adult mental health. According to Bhugra, Watson, and Wijesuriya (2021), significant racial demographic differences existed in the prevalence of fatherless households. Harris (2019) noted that mental illness affected individuals across various racial groups, including Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Research by Bhugra et al. (2021) indicated that children raised in homes without fathers were more likely to experience mental health challenges. This study sought to determine whether a fatherless environment predisposed children to the development of …


A Qualitative Study On Investigating The Power Of Scripture To Conquer Depression By The Bible's Psychological Power Among Christians, Joana Okudzeto Biekro May 2025

A Qualitative Study On Investigating The Power Of Scripture To Conquer Depression By The Bible's Psychological Power Among Christians, Joana Okudzeto Biekro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated Evangelical Christians’ experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression in Orange County, CA. Depression is a painful mental illness that affects people all over the world. The rationale of the study is to add knowledge to Christians and thought leaders who seek a cure to the struggle of depression from a Biblical perspective. The research process is presented in the study of depression among Christians. Guided by these three questions, “How do evangelical Christians describe their experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression?”, “How do participants describe their …


The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study, Tracy Lynn Meyer May 2025

The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study, Tracy Lynn Meyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As postsecondary institutions strive to become more inclusive for students with disabilities, increasing numbers of neurodivergent students are enrolling in higher education. However, retention rates for neurodivergent students remain significantly lower compared to their neurotypical peers. This disparity presents challenges for institutions where there is a lack of awareness of and understanding how to effectively support the needs of neurodivergent students, particularly in clinical mental health counseling programs. This qualitative study analyzed the experiences of neurodivergent students diagnosed with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or related conditions in a clinical mental health counseling program. Through a Semistructured interview, the study …


Pastoral Resilience Of The Igbo Clergy In The United States, Anthony Eboh May 2025

Pastoral Resilience Of The Igbo Clergy In The United States, Anthony Eboh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research provided a description of the pastoral resilience of the Igbo clergy in the United States. It began with an exploration of pastoral stresses and coping strategies employed in mitigating the impacts associated with the exercise of their priestly ministries in the States. The study was theoretically grounded in the framework of Job Resources (JD-R), which integrated positive psychology to guide the research process. The JD-R framework is a model for work that shows how stress in ministry happens when the demands on clergy are greater than the resources they have, including positive psychology, to handle those demands. The …


Mental Health: A Phenomenological Study Of African American Christian’S Perception Of Mental Health And Utilization Of Mental Health Treatment, Justina Mcintosh May 2025

Mental Health: A Phenomenological Study Of African American Christian’S Perception Of Mental Health And Utilization Of Mental Health Treatment, Justina Mcintosh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this phenomenological study is to describe African American Christian’s knowledge of mental health and mental health treatment. The goal is to explore more effective ways to increase African American Christians' awareness of mental illnesses and the use of mental health treatment. The research included 20 participants from the state of Texas. The theory leading this research is the self-labeling theory as it describes the connection between social networks and the utilization of mental health treatment. Participants were interviewed to analyze one’s knowledge, and views of mental illness and the utilization of services. The information from the interviews …


African American Pastors' Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence Among Church Members, Nickeshia Evans-Gordon May 2025

African American Pastors' Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence Among Church Members, Nickeshia Evans-Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perspectives of African-American pastors’ experiences with (IPV) among their congregation members. This study applied the religious coping theory (RCT) to the experiences of African American pastors with IPV among church members. This helped the study provide valuable insights into how pastors utilize religious beliefs, practices, and support systems in addressing and supporting individuals affected by IPV. African-American pastors may encourage individuals experiencing IPV to seek solace, strength, and guidance through their religious faith. Understanding how pastors utilize religious coping strategies has contributed to fostering safer environments and more effective support …


“To Speak With A Representative, Please Press 3”: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Effects Of Artificial Intelligence On Patient Satisfaction In A Modern Healthcare Contact Center, Dennis Alexander Wulfeck May 2025

“To Speak With A Representative, Please Press 3”: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Effects Of Artificial Intelligence On Patient Satisfaction In A Modern Healthcare Contact Center, Dennis Alexander Wulfeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the advancement of telecommunication and digital technologies over the past few decades, there has been a concomitant fundamental shift in the contact center industry and the role it plays. What was once an internally focused center with a goal of cost-reduction in providing a necessary service has now evolved to become a proactive frontline for anticipating customer needs, promoting quality customer service, as well as playing a larger role in corporate decision-making (Gans et al., 2002). In order to fulfill these complex customer interactions, modern day contact centers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and large language models to …


Implementation Of Social Support Assessment In Patients Aged 65 And Older With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus To Improve Treatment Adherence In A Primary Care Setting, Angela Allen-Blaine May 2025

Implementation Of Social Support Assessment In Patients Aged 65 And Older With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus To Improve Treatment Adherence In A Primary Care Setting, Angela Allen-Blaine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Background: There is a growing number of adults aged 65 years and older living with type 2 diabetes. Research shows this population is at a higher risk of losing independence due to diabetic complications. Social support is a key component to help assist patients with taking medications properly, preparing diabetic meals and monitoring blood glucose. Adequate social support may improve the quality of health and well-being in older adults. Social support is not routinely assessed in primary care, but it is routinely treated. This evidence-based practice project aimed to educate clinicians about social support assessment and facilitate implementation of a …


Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Sub-Sahara African Catholic Priests On Their Transition Through The Covid-19 Global Pandemic In The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Cornelius Kelechi Anyanwu May 2025

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Sub-Sahara African Catholic Priests On Their Transition Through The Covid-19 Global Pandemic In The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Cornelius Kelechi Anyanwu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) has disrupted significant aspects of societal life worldwide, forcing individuals, communities, health organizations, educational institutions, consumer industries, and governments all over the world into unprecedented challenges. Likewise, religious organizations like the Catholic Church were not spared. African Catholic priests in the United States provide pastoral ministries in US dioceses and parishes, fulfilling the roles of shepherding their congregations and offering spiritual, moral, social, and emotional support in times of great adversity, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic. This transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to explore how sub-Saharan African Catholic priests …


Successful Habits Of Small Historically Black College And University Band Programs, William Thomas Brooks May 2025

Successful Habits Of Small Historically Black College And University Band Programs, William Thomas Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify successful habits associated with the establishment, development, and sustainability of historically black college and university band programs consisting of less than 128 instrumentalists. The success of large Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band programs often highlights and markets the brand of the HBCU experience. Despite the gleaming success of widely popular schools, there is varied success among smaller programs with less visibility. HBCU bands around the country operate with fewer than 128 band instrumentalists, with some demonstrating more successful behaviors than their larger counterparts. Despite their efforts, these programs sometimes …


From Awareness To Action: Enhancing Medication Safety Culture To Improve Outcomes, Joseph A. Mensah May 2025

From Awareness To Action: Enhancing Medication Safety Culture To Improve Outcomes, Joseph A. Mensah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate how a culture of medication safety can improve healthcare outcomes. Medication errors persist and remain the leading cause of preventable injury, highlighting the necessity to enhance the culture of medication safety in healthcare. The population for this project included clinical staff within a military healthcare setting. A quantitative survey assessed perceptions of medication safety, confidence levels, and obstacles to error reporting within the organization. The survey results revealed that 28% of clinical staff had not received medication safety training in the past year, 55% were not confident in medication administration, and 25% …


Territorial Scars: The Legacy Of The Eugenics Movement In Puerto Rico, Audra Desiree Edwards May 2025

Territorial Scars: The Legacy Of The Eugenics Movement In Puerto Rico, Audra Desiree Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States-Puerto Rico relationship was strongly impacted by the eugenics movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The groundwork for the paternalistic relationship that the United States imposed on the island was set by the Spanish colonization. Once the United States gained the territory in 1898, many assumed that it would progress to statehood through the same process as former U.S. territories. However, the impact of the eugenics concerns over race, population density, and undesirable genetics had affected U.S. imperialism. The lack of white migration to the island, in combination with the perceived undesirable and overly dense …