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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Perceptions Of The Impact Of Cultural Awareness Training On Southern Municipalities And Their Communities, Charles Robert Love Ii Nov 2021

Perceptions Of The Impact Of Cultural Awareness Training On Southern Municipalities And Their Communities, Charles Robert Love Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The overall purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the perception of the impact of Cultural Awareness Training toward improving the negative relationship that exists between southern municipalities and their communities, especially those individuals who are culturally different from the given officer(s). In many cases, these relationships involve abuse of power which leads to mutual disrespect and a subsequently diminished relationship. A review of the literature on community-oriented policing provided vivid descriptions with clear examples regarding what is identified as relationship-based policing. Relationship-based policing seeks to get not only the community’s input, but also community involvement in establishing …


The Effects Of Deployments On Alcohol Use, Stress, Mental Health, And Help-Seeking Behaviors In Military Spouses, Joanne Lorraine Coddington Nov 2021

The Effects Of Deployments On Alcohol Use, Stress, Mental Health, And Help-Seeking Behaviors In Military Spouses, Joanne Lorraine Coddington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have kept the United States military engaged in one of the longest wars in the nation’s history. Due to the high operations tempo during that time, both service members and their spouses have endured enormous difficulties as they learned to navigate the challenges brought forth by frequent deployments. The purpose of this research study was to study the alcohol consumption, mental health, stress, and help seeking behaviors of military spouses who have endured deployments, with the hypothesis that alcohol use will not increase during deployment, military spouses will report poorer mental health and …


Reproducing Lay Leaders In The Local Church Through Missional Mentoring, Jonathan A. Watson Nov 2021

Reproducing Lay Leaders In The Local Church Through Missional Mentoring, Jonathan A. Watson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In many rural churches with 250 or fewer people in attendance each week, there is a need to properly train and prepare non-paid, volunteer laymen to serve in positions of leadership. Churches have been guilty of placing someone in an area of service with very little—or no—direction of what to do or how to properly lead. Without adequate training and leadership development, the spiritual growth of the ministry can be hindered as lay leaders are not equipped to effectively disciple those under their ministry. At Bible Baptist Church, the desire is to develop a missional mentoring ministry that will help …


A Phenomenological Study Of Leader-Observed And Student Experienced Behavioral Transformations Associated With Christian Released Time Programs, Steven Louis Rathers Jr Nov 2021

A Phenomenological Study Of Leader-Observed And Student Experienced Behavioral Transformations Associated With Christian Released Time Programs, Steven Louis Rathers Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of instructional leaders and high school graduates associated with a released time education (RTE) learning center in northern Georgia. The study sought to understand the perceived contribution of released time on behavioral transformation and the construct of a biblical worldview. The phenomenological method was chosen as the qualitative design for this research since it involves how the participants made sense of their experience. Data collection in this phenomenological study consisted of interviews with nine instructional leaders, and a focus group of eight alumni, all of whom were purposively …


Counseling Women In Prison On Forgiveness, Guilt, And Shame, Lashawnda Denise Key Nov 2021

Counseling Women In Prison On Forgiveness, Guilt, And Shame, Lashawnda Denise Key

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of adequate counseling on forgiveness, guilt, and shame in the women’s prison. Without effective counseling on those subjects while incarcerated, there is potential for the female offender to reoffend. Adequate counseling could increase the recidivism rate. Counselors in the prison system address behavior issues, acclimation of prison life and rehabilitation programs. Addressing the issues that precipitates criminal behavior and helping the offender understand the factors that lead them to engage in criminal behavior are overly complex. With passable counseling the offenders have the propensity to release the hurt and pain they have lived with and become …


A Multiple Case Study Examining The Success And Persistence Of African American Female Superintendents, Kimberly Dixon Ferguson Nov 2021

A Multiple Case Study Examining The Success And Persistence Of African American Female Superintendents, Kimberly Dixon Ferguson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to describe the experiences of African American women in their ascent to the position of superintendent in school districts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The theories guiding this study were Delgado’s critical race theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as they address the plights faced by African American women, specifically racism, sexism, classism, loneliness, microaggressions, marginality syndrome, and the status of outsider. The central question guiding this study was: How do African American female superintendents describe their success and perseverance achieving the school superintendent position? The subquestions for this study were designed …


The Effect Of Forgiveness Training In The Attitude Of Forgiveness In Married Couples, Calo Gobea Yarelie Nov 2021

The Effect Of Forgiveness Training In The Attitude Of Forgiveness In Married Couples, Calo Gobea Yarelie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study evaluated the impact on the attitude of forgiveness in married couples participating in a 3-hour forgiveness group that incorporates Everett Worthington’s Forgiveness Model: REACH (Worthington, 2008). The study measured the impact of the REACH-based curriculum from Become a More Forgiving Person in Less Than Two Hours (Worthington, 2020) in 32 couples attending the forgiveness class. The study used a quantitative approach/correlational design exploring the relationship between participation in a forgiveness class and attitude towards forgiveness. The focus was on measuring whether program participation increases an attitude of forgiveness and if the couple’s reported satisfaction influenced the attitude of …


An Instrumental Case Study Of Parents' And Elementary School Leaders' Beliefs That Lead To Decisions To Participate In Family-School Partnerships., Sherrie Hembree Brookie Nov 2021

An Instrumental Case Study Of Parents' And Elementary School Leaders' Beliefs That Lead To Decisions To Participate In Family-School Partnerships., Sherrie Hembree Brookie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single instrumental case study was to understand the decision-making practices of parents and elementary school leaders that lead to their beliefs and courses of action relating to participation in a family–school partnership program (FSPP). Two theories guided this investigation. Simon’s organizational decision-making theory demonstrated how institutions can follow a process for effective decision-making while also recognizing human limitations of the task. Epstein’s theory of overlapping spheres of influence contended that when schools, families, and communities work towards a common goal, student development and achievement is attainable at the highest level. The central research question asked, “How …


Effectiveness Of Smoking Cessation In Heart Disease Patients: An Integrative Review, Dolly Ruth Griggs Nov 2021

Effectiveness Of Smoking Cessation In Heart Disease Patients: An Integrative Review, Dolly Ruth Griggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Tobacco smoking is associated with cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer-related illnesses, and deaths. Tobacco toxin clogs blood arteries, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases or death. Smoking cessation programs have been implemented to aid patients with abstaining from tobacco usage, particularly those with heart-related diseases. The challenges experienced in implementing smoking cessation interventions include a lack of follow-ups, support, and education regarding the risks associated with smoking tobacco. The aim of this project was to examine the effectiveness of the smoking cessation intervention and programs implemented in patients diagnosed with heart diseases. An integrative study review was applied to assess interventions …


Teachers' Perceptions, Awareness, And Responses To Students With Childhood Trauma, Jonathan James Tomlin Nov 2021

Teachers' Perceptions, Awareness, And Responses To Students With Childhood Trauma, Jonathan James Tomlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The role of trauma-informed education is becoming a topic of discussion for many school leaders and administrators during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between trauma training, education, experience, and teacher self-efficacy, and teachers’ self-reported perceptions of student behavior, teaching, and managing behaviors of students with trauma history. Previous research highlighted a lack of teacher input when developing trauma-informed education within school settings. This correlational study investigated factors associated with educator trauma training, education, experience, and self-efficacy. Data were collected from a city school system in a large, urban district in the northeast …


The Impact Of Master's Level Status On Athletic Training Programs' Planning And Implementation Of Interprofessional Education Curricula: A Causal-Comparative, Predictive, Correlational Study, Zachary Ryan Hobson Nov 2021

The Impact Of Master's Level Status On Athletic Training Programs' Planning And Implementation Of Interprofessional Education Curricula: A Causal-Comparative, Predictive, Correlational Study, Zachary Ryan Hobson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference in the extent of interprofessional education (IPE) implementation exists between recently-transitioned and established Master of Athletic Training (MAT) programs, as well as if a significant difference in the extent of IPE implementation exists between MAT programs’ didactic curriculum and clinical education. Additionally, this study evaluated if the number of years a program has been at the MAT status is predictive of successful IPE implementation. The researcher used the 10-item form of the Interprofessional Education Assessment and Planning Instrument for Academic Institutions to collect data on IPE implementation from …


Student Autonomy And Self-Direction In The Secondary Flipped Chemistry Classroom, Sharon Beaudoin Farrell Nov 2021

Student Autonomy And Self-Direction In The Secondary Flipped Chemistry Classroom, Sharon Beaudoin Farrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to describe the student-autonomous learning experiences of secondary chemistry students actively engaged in classrooms utilizing a flipped classroom approach (FCA). The FCA is a pedagogical framework that includes asynchronous, student-paced experiences outside the classroom and face-to-face active learning activities during class meeting times. The theories guiding this study were self-regulated learning and self-determination theory which emphasize the construction of knowledge through shared experiences to support student self-efficacy in the learning process. Participants included students bounded within first-year chemistry classrooms at the honors and college preparatory levels. Data collected from student questionnaires, semi-structured …


The Effect Of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy On The Growth Of Multinational Food And Beverage Companies In China, Alison Kimberly Flood Nov 2021

The Effect Of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy On The Growth Of Multinational Food And Beverage Companies In China, Alison Kimberly Flood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As multinational food and beverage companies experience an increased demand to act mindfully in a changing globalized world, many are improving their corporate social responsibility (CSR) techniques. The specific problem to be addressed is the socio-economic barriers that have resulted in the failure of multinational food and beverage companies to implement effective corporate social responsibility techniques in China. Multinational food and beverage companies have used CSR strategies for years to address environmental and social concerns while always pursuing their corporate objectives. These efforts often include philanthropy, labor rights, environmental preservation, conservation of resources, and consumer safety. In this context, CSR …


International Schools And Third Culture Kids Identity Development: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study, Jacob Daniel Huff Nov 2021

International Schools And Third Culture Kids Identity Development: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study, Jacob Daniel Huff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the qualitative multi-case study was to explore K-12 international teachers' and school administrators' perceptions concerning Third Culture Kids' (TCK) identity construction in Asia. The theory guiding this study is place identity construction theory regarding the need for third culture kids to develop a personal identity in an international context. The central question is, How do educators and schools meet the identity construction needs of TCKs in international schools? The study's participant pool involved two international schools in South East Asia. It included each school's teachers and administrators. The data collection for two research sites involved semi-structured interviews …


A Phenomenological Study Of Elementary Teachers' Lived Experiences In The Traditional And Year-Round School Year Calendars, Michael Anthony Teasley Nov 2021

A Phenomenological Study Of Elementary Teachers' Lived Experiences In The Traditional And Year-Round School Year Calendars, Michael Anthony Teasley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experiences of elementary teachers within a traditional school year calendar and year-round school year calendar while developing a description of the essence of the instructional environment in both programs. The lived experiences of teachers within the traditional and year-round school year calendars were generally defined as educators with prior experience teaching in a traditional school year calendar and a year-round school year calendar at Thompson Elementary School or Browning Elementary School. The theory guiding this study was Dewey’s theory of experience, which suggests that individuals learn more effectively …


Understanding Blended Family Stability: A Phenomenological Study, Marion F. Travers Nov 2021

Understanding Blended Family Stability: A Phenomenological Study, Marion F. Travers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Most remarriages and blended families dissolve within 1-5 years, and last an average of 3.05 years. The factors that contribute to their dissolution have been defined well in the literature; however, specific protective factors that lead to blended family stability have not. In this study, ‘blended family stability’ refers to individual participants who have remained in their blended family for more than five years and reported more positive than negative factors. This study sought to define the nuclear family and the blended family, and highlight the vast differences across blended families by (1) examining the challenges experienced in remarriage and …


Difference In Reading Fluency Among Fifth Grade Students Attending Traditional, Stem-Related, Or Dli Programs During Soft School Closures, Patricia Daun Blanton Nov 2021

Difference In Reading Fluency Among Fifth Grade Students Attending Traditional, Stem-Related, Or Dli Programs During Soft School Closures, Patricia Daun Blanton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to raise awareness of the effects of soft school closures on student reading fluency in traditional, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related, or Dual Language Immersion (DLI) schools. There is little research on which type of school, whether traditional, (STEM)-related, or (DLI) program is the most effective at helping students retain or improve upon their reading fluency once those students have been in an extended soft school closure. The study used Acadience reading fluency scores from the students' fourth grade mid-year scores as the covariate and their fifth grade mid-year scores as …


A Case Study Investigation: Student's Perceptions Of Preferential Treatment Of Student-Athletes, Darrin Scott Tipton Nov 2021

A Case Study Investigation: Student's Perceptions Of Preferential Treatment Of Student-Athletes, Darrin Scott Tipton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory case study was to understand students’ perceptions of teachers’ preferential treatment of high school student-athletes at two Georgia high schools using a multiple case design. Social cognitive theory and the social identity theory guided this study as they relate to high school students’ perceptions of the treatment of student-athletes by classroom teachers. The participants were seniors from two north Georgia high schools who were asked to complete a demographic survey. Purposeful sampling was used to select four student-athletes and four non-student-athletes from each school that then participated in interview sessions and created documentation in the …


Overcoming Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Of Adults Who Overcame Childhood Trauma, Mary Ann P. Crowder Nov 2021

Overcoming Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Of Adults Who Overcame Childhood Trauma, Mary Ann P. Crowder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of individuals who overcame childhood trauma to become resilient adults. For this study, a resilient adult was defined by successful academic and career outcomes. Successful academic outcomes were operationalized as post-secondary educational attainment and successful career outcomes were demonstrated by steady employment of a professional career pathway. Terr’s (1991) theory of childhood trauma and Garmezy and Rutter’s (1983) resilience theory guided the study designed to answer the following central research question: What are the lived experiences of individuals who have overcome adverse childhood experiences to become resilient adults? The study involved thirteen …


A Qualitative Phenomenological Study On Moral Distress And The Nursing Student During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alan Peter Howard Nov 2021

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study On Moral Distress And The Nursing Student During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alan Peter Howard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the phenomenon of moral distress on nursing students who engaged in clinical experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research study was supported by Jean Watson’s theory of human caring (Watson, 2006) as it explained the relationship between a nursing students’ provision of care and the moral dilemma and potential moral distress related to threats to that care. This study was also presented within the conceptual framework of Patricia Benner’s model from novice to expert (Benner, 1984). Within this framework, the nursing student as novice may not have the skills or experience …


Reducing Hospital Readmissions - Beyond The Four Walls: An Integrative Review, Marlene Susan Smalley Oct 2021

Reducing Hospital Readmissions - Beyond The Four Walls: An Integrative Review, Marlene Susan Smalley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Thirty-day hospital readmissions have been a matter of national concern for several years and efforts to reduce readmission rates are of high priority for all health systems. Innovative solutions must be considered for this costly problem. This integrative review seeks to synthesize information about risk stratification, causes of readmissions, and interventions to reduce readmissions, and to define community partnerships that support the reduction of 30-day readmission rates. The integrative review will inform stakeholders about “beyond the four walls” strategies to reduce readmissions. Building upon nursing science, informing research, and facilitating policy initiatives, this review will serve as a call to …


School Administrators’ Leadership Practices With Non-Nuclear Families: A Phenomenological Study, Brian Andrew Randall Oct 2021

School Administrators’ Leadership Practices With Non-Nuclear Families: A Phenomenological Study, Brian Andrew Randall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the shared lived experiences of Central Pennsylvanian high school administrators’ efforts to address the barriers to parental investment for non-nuclear families. The theory guiding this study was the path-goal theory, which builds on motivational theory to select the proper leadership style to achieve the desired outcome. The central research question was intended to discover the essence of Central Pennsylvania school administrators’ shared lived experiences addressing parental investment barriers for non-nuclear families. Three subquestions served to investigate the school administrators’ experiences with parental investment barriers, motivations, and their ability to lead. …


An Illumination Of The Road To Resilience For Black Millennial Teachers As A Means Of Addressing The Black Teacher Shortage, Jameka Tanae Jones Oct 2021

An Illumination Of The Road To Resilience For Black Millennial Teachers As A Means Of Addressing The Black Teacher Shortage, Jameka Tanae Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe Black millennial teachers’ self-perceived factors of resilience in Virginia public elementary schools. The central question of this study was: “What are the lived experiences that Black millennial teachers ascribe to their resilience in Virginia public school elementary settings?” The theory guiding this study was resilience theory by Masten (2014) which described positive human adaptation through the interplay of individual and contextual risk and protective factors that contributed to resilience. This study followed a qualitative design with a transcendental phenomenological design. A sample with a minimum of 10 participants from Woodrow …


Alleviating Teacher Burnout: The Relationship Between Job Stress, Teacher Efficacy And Emotional Exhaustion Among Middle School Teachers, Katie Jo Blevins Oct 2021

Alleviating Teacher Burnout: The Relationship Between Job Stress, Teacher Efficacy And Emotional Exhaustion Among Middle School Teachers, Katie Jo Blevins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite increasing rates of teacher burnout, research is still unclear as to the exact triggers that eventually cause it. Two potential causes that are at the forefront of discussions regarding teacher burnout are job stress and teacher self-efficacy. Gaps in research indicate that more needs to be done to understand if there is a correlation between job stress, self-efficacy, and emotional exhaustion, a core component of burnout. Research is scant regarding stress, teacher self-efficacy, and emotional exhaustion at the middle school level even though there are a multitude of factors that can increase stress and decrease efficacy. To address research …


Enhancing U.S. Navy Chaplain Care For Sufferers Of Post-Traumatic Stress, Moral Injury, And Loss Of Purpose, Jonathan Michael Henderson Oct 2021

Enhancing U.S. Navy Chaplain Care For Sufferers Of Post-Traumatic Stress, Moral Injury, And Loss Of Purpose, Jonathan Michael Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, there is no standardized screening and counseling model that enables Navy Chaplains to counsel those with post-traumatic stress injury, moral injury, and loss of purpose. The shame associated with these three conditions is a significant contributor to Service Member suicide, mental health problems, and substance abuse. Chaplains are often the first line of care Service Member’s access because of the chaplain’s accessibility and legally protected complete confidentiality. U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army veterans that completed at least one deployment were solicited to participate in this research thesis. Data was collected through participants’ completion of the Modified Military Moral …


Implementing A Nurse-Driven Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Protocol For Blood Pressure Management In Primary Care, Veronica Anderson Oct 2021

Implementing A Nurse-Driven Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Protocol For Blood Pressure Management In Primary Care, Veronica Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hypertension is a global chronic medical condition that is life threatening and eventually fatal if left untreated. Elevated blood pressure will disrupt the function of the cardiovascular system and impact the function of major organs, resulting in devastating complications for the patient while increasing cost for the healthcare system. This evidence-based quality improvement project is aimed at increasing control for veterans with high blood pressure and lowering blood pressure to a goal under 140/90 through a nurse driven education program. A quasi-experimental project design was utilized to improve nursing practice in managing hypertension care by addressing veterans understanding of self-care …


Implementing A Discipleship Strategy At Open Door Evangelical Church, Samuel Odney Oct 2021

Implementing A Discipleship Strategy At Open Door Evangelical Church, Samuel Odney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project aims to address the lack of involvement of church members in leadership at Open Door Evangelical Church. With the implementation of a discipleship strategy that will coach those not involved, they will become true disciples of Christ and serve in the church with any ability they have received from the Lord. The researcher will use three different methods for data gathering, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Every Member of the church will participate in the survey phase of the project. Still, the bulk of the study consisting of focus groups and interviews will focus on members …


Equipping Military Chaplains With A Framework For Mental Wellness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephanie Okolo Oct 2021

Equipping Military Chaplains With A Framework For Mental Wellness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephanie Okolo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although it is said that the sight of a battlefield after combat can fill princes with a love of peace and haunt them with the horrors of war, the mental health effects of war on soldiers are often frustratingly difficult to comprehend. It is, however, clear that warzones and the general environments in which deployed soldiers work can have negative impacts on their mental health. Military chaplains work closely with deployed soldiers and should be well-equipped with the knowledge to help them understand their mental health needs. It is important that they possess the right skills to do this well. …


Implementing A Discipleship Curriculum Among Men At Breakthrough Church Of God By Faith (Cogbf) In Memphis, Tn, Shawn Martinus Cook Sr. Oct 2021

Implementing A Discipleship Curriculum Among Men At Breakthrough Church Of God By Faith (Cogbf) In Memphis, Tn, Shawn Martinus Cook Sr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to introduce, engage, and implement discipleship concepts and practices at Breakthrough COGBF to increase attendance, spiritual engagement, retention, and membership among men. The study included comparing the biblical concept of discipleship cited in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, with contemporary perceptions held by male parishioners. The study included the participation of three parishioners from a predominately African American congregation. Theological and theoretical foundations for the study of discipleship were discussed along with current trends. Theological foundations included an analysis of Matthew 28:18-20 revealing that the imperative to make disciples was achieved by doing …


Understanding Instructional Spelling Practices Of Third And Fourth Grade Teachers: An Embedded Multiple Case Study, Krista Rae Tennefoss Oct 2021

Understanding Instructional Spelling Practices Of Third And Fourth Grade Teachers: An Embedded Multiple Case Study, Krista Rae Tennefoss

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this embedded, explanatory multiple case study was to explain how internal and external factors shape the instructional spelling practices of third and fourth grade educators in Delaware. Internal factors were personal characteristics, such as content knowledge and pedagogy, that have been developed by past experiences and trainings. External factors were environmental and behavioral elements that vary between schools. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive theory as it provided a theoretical framework that helped to explain influencers behind teacher choices. As an embedded case study, the main units of analysis were the schools (N = …