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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Kangaroo Care And Improved Physiological Status In Preterm Infants: An Integrative Review, Kira Juunia Harkonen May 2023

Kangaroo Care And Improved Physiological Status In Preterm Infants: An Integrative Review, Kira Juunia Harkonen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Preterm births continue to cause long-term sequelae for infants worldwide. Interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that promote better outcomes can make an impact on preterm infants’ futures. The purpose of this review was to determine if kangaroo care has positive physiological effects on preterm infants in the NICU. Practice changes to enhance kangaroo care in the NICU include reducing barriers such as medical complexity and staff misconceptions as well as facilitating increased parental presence. The review of the literature found evidence to support the positive outcomes that kangaroo care has on neonates’ growth, vital signs, stress outcomes, …


Christians' Experiences Of Conscious Contact With God And Spiritual Awakening Within Twelve Step Programs, John D. Goddard May 2023

Christians' Experiences Of Conscious Contact With God And Spiritual Awakening Within Twelve Step Programs, John D. Goddard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christians with conscious contact with God and spiritual awakening as a result of prayer and meditation within the context of steps 11 and 12 of the Twelve Step Programs (TSPs) and Christian Twelve Step Programs (CTSPs). The theories guiding this study were existential, transpersonal, and biblical Christianity. Existential theory emphasizes the value of understanding the subjective meaning of phenomena and transpersonal theory bridges psychological and spiritual practices thus allowing this study to derive psychologically meaningful data from descriptions of spiritual experiences and practices (prayer and meditation). A …


Spirituality After Divorcing In Older Age: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring The Impact Of Divorce On The Spirituality Of Older Adults Who Divorce In The Later Life-Span, Glenn Edward Evans May 2023

Spirituality After Divorcing In Older Age: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring The Impact Of Divorce On The Spirituality Of Older Adults Who Divorce In The Later Life-Span, Glenn Edward Evans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to describe the impact of divorce on the spirituality of people 50 and older whose marriages end after three or more years. Divorce is painful at any age, but this study focused on how people 50 and older who have lived by their spiritual beliefs for most of their lives were impacted. The study applied life-span theory, life course theory, and developmental psychology, as they offered integrated empirical guidance in studying human behavioral changes throughout a person's life. These theories provided a framework for exploring the central research question: How do participants …


The Perception Of K-12 Instrumental Directors In Low-Income Areas On Virtual Learning With Skill Development And Retention, Anthony Lewis Hunt May 2023

The Perception Of K-12 Instrumental Directors In Low-Income Areas On Virtual Learning With Skill Development And Retention, Anthony Lewis Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the extreme measures taken to protect students from COVID-19 during the pandemic, schools closed their doors, and educators struggled to continue teaching through virtual learning platforms. Performance-based classrooms were encouraged to discover new methods and strategies to motivate students to thrive even though face-to-face rehearsals were restricted. This study examined the experiences secondary music education instrumentalists faced while attempting to utilize synchronous and asynchronous instruction in a 100 percent virtual performance-based environment. This study aimed to understand the negative and positive effects placed on secondary instrumentalists’ performance abilities, fundamental development, and participation/retention since the introduction of virtual learning …


A Qualitative Study Of Burnout Among Clergy Wives In The African Pentecostal Church, Patricia Catherine Aladekoba May 2023

A Qualitative Study Of Burnout Among Clergy Wives In The African Pentecostal Church, Patricia Catherine Aladekoba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand why pastors’ wives within the African Pentecostal Church (APC) in the United States experience burnout in ministry. With the African Pentecostal Church being the fastest-growing denomination around the world and in the United States, it is important to give careful attention to the wives of clergy in this denomination. Analysis of the data includes the description or identification of themes, supported by anecdotes or other markers within the data. The design of this study is basic qualitative research, a common type of interpretive study. The collection of data for a basic …


Football Connections Impact On High School Graduation: A Qualitative Study, Devin Rakin Allison Sr May 2023

Football Connections Impact On High School Graduation: A Qualitative Study, Devin Rakin Allison Sr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the influences that playing high school football has on graduation. The theories guiding this study were the theory of connectedness and the theory of attachment and how students' connections to football helped them achieve the goal of graduation. Ainsworth and Bowlby and their theories of attachment were used to tie football as an extracurricular activity to graduation and why educators push for students to be involved. I attempted to show the benefits that involvement in football helps a student succeed in high school. Themes like connections, support, and academics were revealed …


Methodist Pastoral Retention: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Clergy Burnout And Self-Perceived Leadership Attributes., Joseph Francis O'Donnell May 2023

Methodist Pastoral Retention: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Clergy Burnout And Self-Perceived Leadership Attributes., Joseph Francis O'Donnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study targeted pastoral burnout symptomology and its relationship to self-perceived leadership attributes. Pastors experience a professional environment that call for ministering to their congregation's spiritual needs; however, additional social and business responsibilities often exist for which the pastor is poorly trained or improperly supported. These situations may cause high levels of stress and anxiety, challenging a pastor's self-perception of their leadership attributes. Eventually, this condition could promote the onset of burnout, which might compel the pastor to leave the ministry. As such, this research sought to establish whether a relationship exists between self-perceived leadership attributes and ministerial burnout for …


Understanding The Experiences Of Compassion Fatigue Among Counselors In Private Practice: A Phenomenological Approach, Brie-Anna Michelle Willey May 2023

Understanding The Experiences Of Compassion Fatigue Among Counselors In Private Practice: A Phenomenological Approach, Brie-Anna Michelle Willey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis was to understand the experiences of compassion fatigue and help-seeking and coping strategies among counselors in private practice. The theories guiding this study are the transition model and the transactional theory of stress and coping. The research questions included an OARQ What are counselors in private practice’s experiences of compassion fatigue? Two SQs were also used (SQ1) What are counselors in private practice’s experiences of help-seeking behaviors? (SQ2) How do counselors in private practice make sense of coping with compassion fatigue? Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data collection included …


Strengthening Community Trust: A Qualitative Exploration Of College-Aged African American Males' Perceptions Of And Experiences With The Police, Craig Vernon Vanclief May 2023

Strengthening Community Trust: A Qualitative Exploration Of College-Aged African American Males' Perceptions Of And Experiences With The Police, Craig Vernon Vanclief

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher of this phenomenological qualitative multiple case study aimed to examine how community trust between the police and the community they serve is strengthened based on the perspectives of college-aged African American males. The following research questions that guided this study included what do college-aged African American males see as the most significant opportunities to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community they serve? What do college-aged African American males believe are the most essential steps law enforcement can take to increase community trust and confidence in the police? How can law enforcement foster more community engagement …


The Mental Health Of Inmates: An Approach To Jail Reform, Courtney Isaac Anderson May 2023

The Mental Health Of Inmates: An Approach To Jail Reform, Courtney Isaac Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim in this phenomenological study was to understand the impact the jail environment, policies, and procedures have on incarcerated individuals. Mental health problems are common among individuals in jail. Furthermore, the jail environment, harsh policies, and isolation from the public are believed to have a negative impact on inmate mental health. Elevated percentages of inmates experiencing psychiatric difficulties during their incarceration have been supported by research. It is suggested that the elevated percentages of psychiatric demands promote the lack of mental health assistance inside jails. A methodical analysis of literature was conducted to identify the circumstances of the jail …


Preparing Pre-Service Music Educators To More Effectively Teach Students With Special Needs, James Patrick Tully May 2023

Preparing Pre-Service Music Educators To More Effectively Teach Students With Special Needs, James Patrick Tully

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study analyzed the current required coursework of pre-service music educators to prepare for teaching students with special needs at Pennsylvania degree-granting institutions. It surveyed graduates of Pennsylvania degree-granting institutions on their experience in preparing teaching students with special needs and the challenges and barriers faced as in-service teachers. An additional survey targeted the perceptions of current Pennsylvania music education professors and their thoughts on preparing pre-service music educators for teaching students with special needs. The surveys explore the answers to whether coursework designed for pre-service music educators to teach students with special needs successfully are adequate. The current …


The Impact Of Classroom And Behavioral Management On The Quality And Level Of Learning In Music Education, Matthew Nicholas Farr May 2023

The Impact Of Classroom And Behavioral Management On The Quality And Level Of Learning In Music Education, Matthew Nicholas Farr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music classrooms are often larger in class size than other subject areas. Larger class sizes affect discipline, especially in areas where there is only one teacher for the class or where classroom and behavior management is a point of concern. While little research will support the idea that effective classroom and behavior management can impact learning in music education, research does support the idea that lower discipline infractions in a classroom have higher academic achievement results. Classroom management in the band room can be well maintained when there are limited distractions that take the focus off of the instruction. If …


Meeting The Psychological Needs Of Astronauts In The Flourishing Human Spaceflight Frontier: The Case For Astronaut-Trained Psychologists, Skylar Jordan Laham May 2023

Meeting The Psychological Needs Of Astronauts In The Flourishing Human Spaceflight Frontier: The Case For Astronaut-Trained Psychologists, Skylar Jordan Laham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Space psychology (i.e., astronaut psychological counseling and support) has remained largely unchanged since the onset of long-duration low-Earth-orbit (LEO) human spaceflight missions, with teletherapy utilized as the primary means of psychotherapy delivery. However, with NASA’s plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, the suitability of teletherapy – as well as astronaut-trained psychologists, an alternative space psychology method suggested for human spaceflight beyond LEO – must be ascertained. The aim of this novel space psychology investigation was to identify and compare the effectiveness of three astronaut psychotherapy treatment conditions (i.e., teletherapy with a 2 second Earth to LEO …


Neuropsychiatric Sequelae Of Traumatic Brain Injury: The Impact Of Aggression And Self-Perception On The Quality Of Life Of The Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Aida Bazarganpour May 2023

Neuropsychiatric Sequelae Of Traumatic Brain Injury: The Impact Of Aggression And Self-Perception On The Quality Of Life Of The Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Aida Bazarganpour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The occurrence of neuropsychiatric sequelae is frequently observed among survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These neuropsychiatric sequelae can characterize the quality of life of TBI survivors. Among these neuropsychiatric conditions, aggression and self-perception are significant because of their potential to impair survivors’ well-being. Long-term social isolation, common among TBI survivors, has also been linked with an increased likelihood of aggressive behavior. However, research investigating the effects of aggression and self-perception on quality of life of TBI survivors is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationships connecting aggression and self-perception with quality of life of …


The Analysis Of Superintendents’ Perspectives On The Role And Function Of Secondary Band Programs In Coastal Georgia, Michael Eugene Hutchinson May 2023

The Analysis Of Superintendents’ Perspectives On The Role And Function Of Secondary Band Programs In Coastal Georgia, Michael Eugene Hutchinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although some administrative roles in music education provide research literature, the superintendent’s role and performance expectations concerning the sixth through the twelfth-grade bands have yet to be examined in rural, urban, and coastal Georgia. Superintendent leadership of administrative staff decisions and policy creation influence the role of the school band; therefore, this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study illustrates that when superintendents set ambitious goals and standards for learners, children develop mounting, robust expectations in school band performance. The qualitative research hermeneutic phenomenological method analyzed the superintendent’s role and performance expectations of sixth through twelfth-grade bands in rural, urban, and coastal Georgia, …


The Effects Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) On African-American Christian Females, Rebecca C. Crane May 2023

The Effects Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) On African-American Christian Females, Rebecca C. Crane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to communicate the experiences of African American Christian females with intimate partner violence (IPV). The central phenomenon of the study aimed to research religious effects on African American Christian females' decision-making regarding IPV in the state of Georgia. The theory guiding this study was social constructivism, introduced by two sociologists, Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckman. The study's goal was to depend as much as possible on the stories of the members being examined. Data will be collected using two methods: interviews and oral history. A critical case sampling was used to collect …


Church Attendance, Social Isolation And Loneliness In Older African American Adults During Covid-19, Kinea Savedge May 2023

Church Attendance, Social Isolation And Loneliness In Older African American Adults During Covid-19, Kinea Savedge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the number of older and aging adults continues to grow in the United States, it is important to understand the process of aging and the obstacles associated with growing in age. Two social factors linked with aging are social isolation and loneliness, especially during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Since COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness have been of greater focus due to regulations. This qualitative research study analyzed the impacts of social isolation and loneliness on older African American adults’ overall health by using semi-structured interviews to explore their lived experiences. This study focused on the associations between social isolation, …


"My Dog Is In Teletherapy With Me": The Impact Of A Pet Dog On Their Owner's Teletherapy Session, Carlette Anne Layne May 2023

"My Dog Is In Teletherapy With Me": The Impact Of A Pet Dog On Their Owner's Teletherapy Session, Carlette Anne Layne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The connection between humans and animals has led to practices such as animal-assisted therapy, equine therapy, service animals, and pet ownership. Strong bonds and attachments can form between pet owners and their pets. It is no wonder that owning a pet is commonplace in the United States. Many pet owners identify their pet as a member of their family. In addition to companionship, research has indicated that pet ownership can have health benefits, reduce stress, increase empathy, and facilitate openness. In a therapeutic setting, the presence of a pet may comfort its owner simply by being near them. The ease …


Social Media: A Tool For Discipleship, Allen James Williams May 2023

Social Media: A Tool For Discipleship, Allen James Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to equip students within The Next Generation Ministry at Christ Community Church Pinehurst with social media as a tool for discipleship. The academic literature reviewed reveals that social media introduces significant levels of influence, causes addictive habits, and often results in overconsumption of content. To determine if these aspects could be overcome, an intervention was developed to train and equip a group of thirteen participants to avoid those traits and instead use social media as a tool for discipleship. The research shows that it is possible for social media to be …


The Effects Of Culturally Responsive Teaching On Three Black Or African American High School Choral Students In The Greater Hartford Region, Samuela Jean Simpson May 2023

The Effects Of Culturally Responsive Teaching On Three Black Or African American High School Choral Students In The Greater Hartford Region, Samuela Jean Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Culturally responsive teaching is an emerging area of education. Due to an increase of people of color in the United States, there is a greater need to incorporate culturally responsive practices in curricula. This study uncovered the perspectives of three public high school Black or African American choral students and a Black or African American high school choral teacher in the Greater Hartford Region and their experiences with culturally responsive choral music. This qualitative phenomenological study revealed new perspectives on the effects of culturally responsive choral instruction. Four themes emerged from students’ post-study interviews: knowledgeable engagement, identity, connections, and musicality. …


The Impact Of A Stem Education Program On Female And Racial Minorities' Knowledge And Attitude, Amira S. Flores May 2023

The Impact Of A Stem Education Program On Female And Racial Minorities' Knowledge And Attitude, Amira S. Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a STEM education program, specifically STARBASE, on the STEM knowledge and attitudes of fifth grade students, as well as its effect on their pursuit of STEM careers, with a focus on female and racial minority students. Based on a sample of 197 fifth graders from a school district in Southern California, the intervention took place at STARBASE, while the control group remained at their respective schools. A quasi-experimental design was used in the study, with four experimental and four control groups. A STEM knowledge assessment and S-STEM attitude survey …


High School Teachers' Experiences Of Work-Related Stress And Resilience: A Phenomenological Study, Deana A. Diluggo May 2023

High School Teachers' Experiences Of Work-Related Stress And Resilience: A Phenomenological Study, Deana A. Diluggo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe public high school teachers’ experiences of work-related stress and resilience in the state of Connecticut. The theory guiding this study is Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory (SDT), as it looks at the impact of motivation on human behavior and the fulfillment of the three basic psychological needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy. This study was designed to answer the central research question, uncovering public high school teachers’ experiences with work-related stress and resilience. The researcher obtained informed consent from 12 participants who participated in semi-structured interviews. Eleven of the interviewed participants …


Sexual Misconduct Suspension: The Impact Of Guilt In Members Of The Church Of Pentecost, Ghana, Philip Osei-Korsah May 2023

Sexual Misconduct Suspension: The Impact Of Guilt In Members Of The Church Of Pentecost, Ghana, Philip Osei-Korsah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research utilized 13 respondents to investigate the impact of guilt because of sexual misconduct suspension on the church member using The Church of Pentecost in Axim as a focus. The Church of Pentecost has the practice to discipline by suspending a member who commits sexual misconduct such as premarital sex or extramarital sex. In extra-marital relations, the misconduct is mostly detected when the other partner discovers extra-marital relationships and for that matter, a cheat by his or her partner and reports to the church leadership. Pre-marital sexual misconduct is recognized when a young lady is discovered pregnant without a …


An Investigation Of The Impact Of Student Satisfaction On Student Outcomes Among Undergraduate Students In A Blended Learning Environment In University A, Andrea Michelle Marshall May 2023

An Investigation Of The Impact Of Student Satisfaction On Student Outcomes Among Undergraduate Students In A Blended Learning Environment In University A, Andrea Michelle Marshall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of student satisfaction on student outcomes among undergraduate students in a blended learning environment in University A. It was a quantitative predictive correlational design, with predictor variables satisfaction with course, sex, age and race/ethnicity, and criterion variable end-of-course score. The Corona Virus pandemic highlighted the central role of blended and online learning in educational processes globally. The technological revolution in education characterized by the infusion of digital technologies in classrooms, indicates that blended learning will continue to feature prominently in educational settings. Student satisfaction in blended learning redounds to the …


What's Your Currency And How Do You Use It? Exploring The Ways Staff On Campus Use Non-Monetary Forms Of Payment: A Grounded Theory Study Of Nonmaterial Culture, Olivia Rosalind Dodson May 2023

What's Your Currency And How Do You Use It? Exploring The Ways Staff On Campus Use Non-Monetary Forms Of Payment: A Grounded Theory Study Of Nonmaterial Culture, Olivia Rosalind Dodson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to create a model that illustrates different types of personal currency among staff at Freedom One University (a pseudonym) and how that currency is being used, by exploring motives for this behavior and gathering information on awareness of this behavior. A constructivist grounded theory approach was utilized as it allows for the analysis of data to construct what is needed from the next set of gathered data (Cooney, 2011). Through grounded theory, a reason for an event, or possibly the cause for an event will become clear, which a theory will explain …


Enhancing Effective Discipleship Recruitment In The Local Church, Anna Patrice Shanklin May 2023

Enhancing Effective Discipleship Recruitment In The Local Church, Anna Patrice Shanklin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study evaluates effective discipleship recruitment in the local church. The overarching goal of this thesis research project is to increase the transition of new members completing new members’ orientation to discipleship training. Through the result of this research, the researcher will design and implement an enhanced recruitment campaign in the local ministry context and target it to new members to increase the population of membership committed to formal discipleship training.


Rethinking Connection: Spirituality, Social Media, And Crisis Of Faith In Young Adult, Connie L. Beckham May 2023

Rethinking Connection: Spirituality, Social Media, And Crisis Of Faith In Young Adult, Connie L. Beckham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

​This phenomenological study aims to understand the impact of social media and spiritual formation or faith development in young adults in the United States. The theory guiding this study is provided by theorists of identity and development, including Erik Erikson, James Marcia, and James Fowler (Verschueren, 2017). Specifically, Fowler identified a direct correlation between identity and faith development to more modern identity considerations and historical data relating to existentialism and other crises (Lamont, 2020). The data was collected from interviews with young adults to explore the impact of social media and faith among young adults. The interviews included thirteen questions …


Improved Education For Caregivers Of Hospice Heart Failure Patients To Reduce Hospital Admissions: An Integrative Review, Sierra Spain Sanford May 2023

Improved Education For Caregivers Of Hospice Heart Failure Patients To Reduce Hospital Admissions: An Integrative Review, Sierra Spain Sanford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being the leading cause of death, heart failure only comprises 15% of hospice deaths and remains the most likely to be discharged from hospice services due to acute hospitalizations compared to all other hospice diagnoses. This leads to low patient and family satisfaction as well as high medical costs. This integrative review synthesizes current published evidence highlighting the need to improve caregiver education for symptom management of terminal heart failure patients in hospice. The literature supports that improved caregiver education can lead to …


Forgiveness As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between Religiosity And Intimate Partner Violence, Leroy Sapp May 2023

Forgiveness As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between Religiosity And Intimate Partner Violence, Leroy Sapp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study uses an online survey method to examine forgiveness in a woman with patriarchal religious beliefs (PRB) who has experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and the predictive role of forgiveness in moderating the relationships between IPV and religiosity and IPV and PRB. The participants received scores on PRB, which were divided into two groups: adherence and nonadherence. The findings concluded no statistically significant difference between the means of the adherence group and nonadherence group’s mean forgiveness levels. The study found that forgiveness moderated the positive relationship between religiosity and IPV violence approval, and forgiveness negatively affected said relationship. …


A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of Low Teacher Retention And Morale In A Rural Poverty-Stricken School, Susan Michele Campbell May 2023

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of Low Teacher Retention And Morale In A Rural Poverty-Stricken School, Susan Michele Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand the factors that are related to low morale and retention as described by teachers who work in a rural, poverty-stricken school in Middle Georgia. The problem addressed in this study was high teacher attrition in rural, poverty-stricken schools. The theories guiding this study were Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene, two-factor theory, and Maslow’s theory of motivation. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit 10 teachers who are employed at a rural, low-income school for three or more years. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted individually. The data were analyzed using open …