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She Is Not Damaged Goods: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Marital Experience For African American Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Fabyonne Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a traumatic violation which leaves invisible scars on the soul of a child. Despite the prevalence of CSA, African American (AA) females make up an underrepresented population as far as CSA research is concerned. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how married AA female survivors of CSA experience the marital relationship, and the processes they go through to build resiliency for relational intimacy. Attachment theory guided the study as it describes the internal working models developed in childhood and potentially driving adult relational interactions. The data were collected by the researcher …

The Efficacy Of Group Therapy As A Primary Treatment For Military Veterans, Sheldon Kauffman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI) are often comorbid in military veterans. While various manualized group treatments have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptom severity, the effect sizes for these diverse treatments have been similar indicating something other than the intervention (e.g., peer social support) may be driving symptom reduction. This mixed methods study examined the efficacy of non-manualized group psychotherapy for reducing PTSD and MI symptom severity in military veterans. The sample (n = 34) consisted of post-911 and Vietnam military veterans, aged 30 - 78, who attended voluntary government and non-government funded PTSD groups in southcentral Pennsylvania. …

Revictimization Of Sexual Assault Survivors: Correlations Between Shame, Dissociation, Rape Myth Culture, And Revictimization, Jessica Lynn Wiggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sexual assault (SA) remains a pervasive issue with profound psychological and social implications. This study investigated the relationships between shame, rape myth culture (RMC), dissociation, and revictimization among college students utilizing southern university health center counseling services. Using a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research design, the study addressed a gap in the existing literature by examining how these factors act together and affect SA survivors' mental health. The research questions focused on the decrease in shame following SA, the impact of revictimization on shame levels, and whether acceptance of rape myths and dissociation mediate this relationship. The study also explored whether …

An Exploration Of How Working At Marching Band Camps Can Benefit Pre-Service Instrumental Music Educators, Cody Franklin Knott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Equipping pre-service music education students for a teaching career requires practicum experience working with mentor teachers and students. It can be challenging to acquire enough practicum experience through typical undergraduate coursework to prepare future teachers for a classroom of their own entirely. Guided by the phenomenological research approach, this study will investigate pre-service teaching opportunities available to instrumental music education students who work at summer marching band camps to gain experience teaching in the classroom. Data will be gathered from pre-service teachers’ experiences as instructors or technicians at marching band camps through an online survey. This survey will examine the …

Exploring The Post-Covid Lived Experiences Of Parents Of Middle School Children Who Continued Learning In Online Modality: A Phenomenological Study, Gladys Ode Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to explore the lived experiences of working parents of school children who transitioned to and continued online learning during and post-pandemic. Twelve parents were selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods, with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory guiding the study framework. Existing literature highlighted challenges faced by parents and schools during the pandemic, such as balancing work and children’s education, connectivity issues, and dissatisfaction with school support and communication. Analysis of interview data revealed that despite ongoing concerns, parents successfully adapted to managing work and online education responsibilities. They reported satisfaction with their children’s …

Diabetes Health Literacy, Diabetes Numeracy, And Cognitive Function As Predictors Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management, Twinkle Gupta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present study assessed older adults (≥ 45 years old) diabetes health literacy, diabetes numeracy, cognitive function, and its association with their Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management outcomes. These factors are of concern as diabetes is a lifelong condition affecting the body’s conversion of food into energy and may lead to complications and comorbidities if this condition is not properly self-managed. Diabetes health literacy refers to having the necessary capabilities in finding and analyzing diabetes-related information to make informed decisions regarding their health. Numeracy in diabetes has to do with being able to compute diabetes-related math such as insulin …

Prophetic Theology: The Essence Of Prophecy, Charmain M. Jarrett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to equip the members of Jesus Strong Ministries to discern the authenticity of contemporary prophetic messages. This research project aimed to measure the effectiveness of teaching the members of Jesus Strong Ministries the purpose or essence of true prophecy, focusing on discerning and interpreting prophetic messages. To accomplish this, the researcher developed and taught thirty-two participants an eight-week virtual prophetic training course via Zoom. The course examined eight vital elements of prophecy: the definition of prophecy, types of prophets, history of prophecy, relevance or purpose of prophecy, dimensions of prophecy, Spirit of …

Examining Influences Of Academic Resilience Among Minority Adolescent Students, Sylvia Alice Okpon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative and correlational study aimed to investigate which variables of minority adolescent students promote academic resilience and focus on African American and Hispanic students within a public charter school located in Southeast Texas. Grounded on resilience theory, the research investigated the cognitive and emotional regulation of students and student–teacher connections in the process of academic resilience. A purposive sample composed of more than 100 students was used to collect data using the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Inventory of the Student–Teacher Relationship, and the Academic Resilience Scale for an online survey. Data analysis indicated that cognitive and emotional resilience …

Church Adoption: Three-Pronged Elements That Support The Revitalization Of Coastal Church Battery Park Location In Virginia, Michael Christopher Bard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church is God’s plan for delivering the good news of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross. This finished work is evidenced through the bodily resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15). In the US a steady decline in church attendance has been prevalent over the past three decades and church buildings are either near empty or closing. This research explores the concept of church adoption merger in hopes of one avenue that would promote revitalization of local fellowships. Though multiple elements are supportive in revitalization this research explore three elements that should lead towards centralizing the church on Christ. …

Overcoming Barriers To Persistence: A Single-Case Study Of Student Veterans In Higher Education, Janet G. Hupel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic case study is to understand the lived experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence at a small, faith-based institution of higher education in the South. The theory guiding this study is Pascarella’s student-faculty integration model, as it explains the relationship between the student veterans’ unique background characteristics and other educational experiences to the degree of integration with faculty on campus and, ultimately, their persistence in higher education. What are the experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence in higher education? The setting for the study is a small, faith-based …

So Why, D&I? A Study On Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace In The Digital Age, Dina Abed Abughannam

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations have adapted new models of work that shifted diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace digitally. There is very little research that currently exists on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace in the digital age. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between perceived management involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives and employee performance, commitment, and engagement. Additionally, this study sought out to determine whether work location (remote, hybrid, onsite) moderated the relationship between the perceived management involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives and employee performance, commitment, and …

Cultural Influence On Recruiting Middle School Children To The Jordanian Nai Choir, Diana Samir Talhami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social practices influenced the recruitment of middle school children to the Nai choir despite the rich Jordanian culture. This research addressed beliefs, cultural dynamics, social values, and strategies to identify a critical gap in the literature regarding the recruitment of middle school students to the Nai choir. To understand students’ enrollment challenges, the researcher examined community perspectives related to the Jordanian culture, socioeconomic status, communication between students and community, beliefs, and values. Furthermore, exploring the age perspectives of middle school students was essential. The culture of these students also influenced their decision and motivation to join the choir. This study …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Ability To Provide Mental Health Supports In The Classroom To Preschool-Aged Children, Stacie Linette Parham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the pre-service or continuing professional training needs of early childhood teachers in regard to providing support for mental health and challenging behaviors displayed in children ages three to five years old. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Knowles’ andragogy theory guided the study. The guiding research question was as follows: What are early childhood teachers’ classroom experiences regarding providing instruction to address mental health, ACEs, childhood trauma or other factors that cause young children to display challenging behaviors? The study’s sample included 11 preschool teachers with two to 26 years of experience …

The Battle Of Mobile Bay: A Joint Masterpiece, Thomas Rutherford Key

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States and Confederate Navies saw the most action and glory in the first days of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. It is therefore not surprising that historians paint the opening scenes of the battle with naval accounts such as Admiral David Glasgow Farragut shouting, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” as he sails into Mobile Bay. They mention little about the Army. In contrast, historians record little about the U.S. Navy’s role in the following three weeks while the Army laid siege to Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan. However, both services played critical and interdependent roles …

Understanding The Characteristics Of The Artistic Temperament In A Local Church Through The Eyes Of The Choir Members And The Lens Of Scripture: A Case Study, Deborah A. Mcilrath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Madness has long been associated with musical geniuses, known as temperamental musicians with uncomfortable mood swings that often border on manic depressive episodes. Secular studies show parallels between musicians with an artistic temperament (AT) and bipolar/manic depressive disorders. Many church choir members and church leaders expect church music directors to be more expressive, but if negative characteristics associated with an artistic temperament (AT) emerge during rehearsals, such as anger or moodiness, conflict is inevitable. This is a phenomenological qualitative study of the characteristics associated with AT in a local church through the lens of Scripture. The purpose of this research …

Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Stress, Coping Strategies And Burnout In High Stress Nursing Job Types, Chris Hutsell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlative study examined the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), burnout, perceived stress, coping strategy approaches, and dimensions of burnout in nurses According to many in the healthcare industry, the U.S. is facing a potential nursing crisis by 2030. Research has indicated that inadequate staffing leads to heavier workloads that contribute to higher rates of injuries, medical errors, absenteeism, financial loss, stress, and job burnout in nurses. Studies have also indicated that emotional intelligence can alleviate perceived stress and burnout in nurses that reduce nursing injuries, medical errors, absenteeism that manifests as financial losses for the overall healthcare industry. …

Moral Injury In Police Officers Of Color, Samantha J. Thornton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research is to explore the possibility of Moral Injury (MI) in police officers of color. This is a topic that is steeped in stigma and cultural dynamics, both for the community of police and communities of color. The aim is to add to the existing research on MI and how it may impact those who occupy dual special populations. The study approached targeted police advocacy organizations of color for recruitment nationwide. This study recruited 10 police officers of color from multiple states and explored their personal stories. This study used video recordings to capture qualitative data …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of First-Year Christian Student Success In Theological Studies During The Pandemic, Philip Lamar Nash

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the journeys of first-year undergraduate theological students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to figure out what, if anything, aided the students in completing their coursework with passing grades. COVID-19 has impacted organizations and individuals around the world, prompting changes to ensure that things kept moving forward safely. The research was conducted to discover what, if anything, brought about achievement for students in a COVID-19 collegiate environment. The research was guided through a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative approach by conducting interviews with students about their first year in a residential secondary educational setting that moved to being online because …

Optimizing Care Delivery: Determining The Impact Of A Mobile Interpreter App On Patient Satisfaction, Leslie M. Bright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Introduction: Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience increased health disparities including poorer health outcomes, lack of access to quality healthcare services, and decreased patient satisfaction related to cultural and language barriers.

Purpose/Significance: The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of a technology-based mobile app used for medical interpreter services on patient satisfaction in patients with LEP during urgent care visits.

Methods: The project design consisted of a mobile interpreter app used for medical translation services during urgent care visits. Pretest and posttest patient satisfaction questionnaires were administered before and after the mobile app use to determine …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Mentees Involved In A University Transfer Program In A Two-Year Technical College: A Qualitative Case Study, Jason Ray Whiteside

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the lived experiences of mentees involved in a University Transfer program in a two-year technical college. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory. Bandura postulated that learning occurs in the social context through observing and emulating a mentor (model), thus creating the opportunity for the mentee (observer) to acquire new practices and skills. The study consisted of 10 mentees who participated in individual interviews and focus groups and maintained a reflective journal to share their personal experiences with their assigned peer mentor during the mentorship. The …

Ghanaian Christian Leadership Model: A Biblically Informed, Ghanaian, And Effective Leadership Model In A Western Cultural Setting, Moses Antwi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a need for effective Christian leadership among Ghanaian immigrant churches (GIC) in Maryland. This qualitative grounded theory study aimed to discover what Christian leadership models the GIC are experiencing and generate an effective leadership model that is biblical and Ghanaian for the GIC in Maryland. This study used purposive sampling to include five Ghanaian churches in Maryland. A variety of denominations of GIC were included. Study participants were pastors, church leaders, and members from participating GIC. Three qualitative research instruments that were used for this study were interviews, observation, and focus groups. Pastors, church leaders, and church members …

Feedback In Emergency Medical Services: A Missing Cornerstone, Stephen E. Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed methods constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study is to explore how paramedics and medical directors (MD)s in the United States perceive outcomes feedback regarding its type, quality, and quantity. This type of feedback, which can influence their critical thinking skills, knowledge base, and job satisfaction, is crucial to their professional development. In this study, patient outcomes feedback refers to general patient information, including emergency department assessment, treatment, diagnosis, admission or discharge decisions, and the overall outcome of the patient's hospital experience. The conceptual framework, focusing on the perspectives of paramedics and medical directors, is based on …

Family Functionality And Social-Emotional Learning Skills For Middle School Students: A Predictive Correlational Study, Elisabeth Anne Chapman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if there was a predictive relationship between family functionality, based on the linear combination of expressiveness, cohesion, conflict, and social-emotional learning skills for middle school students. The findings of this study provided data to better understand the extent to which home life impacts the ability of middle school students to apply social-emotional skills at school and can provide educators with data to use as a baseline in understanding and evaluating the current levels of a child’s social-emotional learning skills. The research observed 80 middle school students, Grades 6-8, …

The Experience Of Middle School Special Education Teachers In New Jersey Teaching Virtually During Covid-19, Yolanda Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of middle school special education teachers working remotely in New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conceptual framework that guided this study was Schlossberg’s Transition Theory. Schlossberg's Transition Theory refers to events that result in a change of relationships, routines, assumptions, or roles. This theory allowed me to see the various phases such as moving in, through, and out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing how the pandemic affected the relationships, routines, and roles of teachers made it easy to understand how this theory related directly to the pandemic. …

Observing The Moderating Role Of Self-Compassion Among Veterans And Service Members With Moral Injury, Shame, And Guilt, Elizabeth Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing body of research indicates various mental and behavioral health problems are associated with combat-related experiences and witnessing the atrocities of war. Emerging research demonstrates the importance of identifying resilient traits in individuals that lessen the degree to which they develop symptoms associated with moral injury. The current study examined the relationship between moral injury, shame, and guilt outcomes. It also examined the potential moderating role self-compassion may have in these relationships. Participants were 139 military veterans and service members who completed an online questionnaire. Simple linear regression analyses show that morally injurious experiences moderately predicted shame and slightly …

Secondary Teacher Burnout: Student Smartphone And Social Media Use In The Classroom: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, Joseph Ryan Koelle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological research was to uncover the experiences of secondary school teachers regarding student smartphone and social media use in the classroom and teacher burnout. Due to the focus on teacher burnout, the guiding theory for this research is Maslach’s burnout theory. Maslach’s theory was chosen due to the nature of what professional educators encounter in the classroom setting regarding student smartphone and social media use during instructional time and the potential effects on secondary teachers of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. How can student smartphone and social media use in the classroom influence secondary teacher …

Public Mass Shootings In Texas And California: Routine Activity Theory Comparisons, Mason R. Feinartz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Public mass shootings are a distinct and unique phenomenon that receives vast media and public attention due to the location, weapons used, and amount of people killed or injured. These mass shootings occur in places where people frequent daily in their routine activities and are unexpected, seemingly random, or symbolic events. This study used a casual-comparative quantitative research design using routine activity theory as the foundation to investigate public mass shootings in Texas and California from 1966 to 2023. This study used public open-source data collection and analysis to identify and substantiate all mass shootings that satisfy the research inclusion/exclusion …

Grounded In Faith: Maintaining And Appreciating A Relationship With God, Oneself, And Others In An Ever-Changing World With New Ears And Eyes, Antoinette Marie Reaves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The declining Mass attendance and participation in campus ministries at Cabrini University prompted this action research project. It was designed to engage students in guided dialogue defending key Christian doctrines to boost their Mass attendance and deepen their spiritual engagement. By involving seventeen students and employing interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and surveys, the intersection of religion and spirituality among young adults was explored. Insights highlighted the participants’ perspectives regarding declining Mass attendance and disengagement from institutionalized religion. Meaningful dialogue around fundamental Christian doctrines, such as God’s existence and Jesus’ death and resurrection, was fostered to motivate students to increase …

Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measurement Tool And The Benefits Of Utilizing It: An Integrated Review, Amy Michelle Randolph

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations of pediatric patients. The absence of comprehensive screening in the emergency department setting can impact the care of the patient who presents in respiratory distress. This integrated review focused on the benefits of the utilization of the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measurement tool. The methods utilized to collect evidence included a web-based search that led to a review of multiple articles. The results were analyzed using MeInky’s Hierarchical Levels of Evidence and organized into a literature matrix. The review ultimately supported the hypothesis that the PRAM tool is an effective instrument compared to other …

Implementing A Discipleship Strategy Plan For Lay Leaders At Redemption Baptist Church To Help Them Grow Spiritually, Robermann Dorceus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Discipleship may not be a requirement for salvation. However, it is a requirement for spiritual development and a command that Jesus has given all His disciples to obey. Christians must understand that they are Jesus' followers with a calling to bring others to Christ. Jesus makes it clear when He calls His disciples to follow Him. He calls them to follow so that they can become disciple-makers (Matt 4: 19). However, some members, mainly lay leaders at the church, whose responsibility is to disciple others, were not trained to disciple others, which creates a burden for the pastoral ministry in …