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Sacred Space, Divine Presence, And Covenant: A Theological Trajectory From Eden To The Indwelling Spirit Across The Pentateuch And The Book Of Joshua, William C. Merry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation thesis is that sacred space, divine presence, and covenant are a theological triad that gives form to the canonical progression from Eden through the Pentateuch into Joshua and finds its eschatological orientation in the indwelling Spirit. The project as a whole, and its treatment of Genesis–Deuteronomy and Joshua in particular, maintains that the presence of God is never conceived independently of a covenantal relationship and is thereby always concretized, i.e., spatialized in and through the site or locale of the sacred space: Eden, the tabernacle, the land, and the sanctuary at Shiloh. Each of these stages in the …

Coordinated Management Of Meaning In U.S.-Russia Relations: How Meanings Shaped Communication Surrounding The Potential Invasion Of Ukraine, Russell James Hampsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative discourse analysis applies the coordinated management of meaning theory to examine the diplomatic interactions between the United States and Russia from November 2021 to February 2022, the critical negotiation period preceding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Systematically applying the theory’s hierarchy of meanings model to the official discourse resulted in the segmentation of 1,428 official texts for analysis. Comparative coding of the data exposes how worldviews and recursive feedback patterns shape adversarial postures, perpetuate negotiation impasses, and prevent the emergence of co-constructed meaning. This research illuminates how national meanings are actively constructed and maintained through discursive interaction, reinforcing …

Vietnam Music Education For Professional Careers In The Music Industry, Dylan Bao Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, holds a rich cultural heritage and diverse musical traditions that span more than four thousand years. The country began commercializing its music industry around 1997 and expanded it into a significant national sector by 2015. Even with this expansion, Vietnamese music remains largely unfamiliar to global listeners, creating an urgent need for strong music education programs that support the industry’s development. To understand why Vietnamese music struggles to achieve global visibility in the age of globalization, researchers must examine the current conditions of music education and identify the specific factors that limit its international …

Social Support In The College Classroom And The Impact Supportive Communication Has On Student Academic Success And Quality Of Life, Rachael Tiede

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College students often encounter academic and personal challenges that lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. These challenges can feel burdensome, making it difficult for them to determine the best course of action for the issues they face. They frequently experience difficulties in managing the demands of college. Given these challenges, a potential solution for their anxiety and stress is social support through supportive communication from friends, instructors, and others at the college or university. Guided by social support theory and social penetration theory and employing a quantitative methodology, the research examined the impact of supportive communication on college …

The Efficacy Of Experiential Learning In Chinese Education: Bridging The Gap Between Academic Rigor And Real-World Application, Megan Hutchinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of experiential learning in developing practical English skills for Chinese EFL students at a university in China. The theory building this study, Kolb’s experiential learning theory, was used to explore how incorporating experiential learning theory could help students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-life ability, allowing them to practice in authentic learning environments and preparing them for life outside the classroom. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of college students who participate in experiential learning in EFL classrooms in China?” This …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student Perception Of The Usefulness Of Llms For Academic Achievement Among Business Technology Course Levels (200, 300, And 400) When Comparing Free Versus Paid Llm Access, Wendy Chun

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in student perceived usefulness of large language models (LLMs) for academic achievement among undergraduate business students at different business technology course levels (200, 300, and 400) when comparing access to free versus paid LLMs. This study is important because it contributes to a practical understanding of the impact of LLM-assisted learning on students' perception of how LLMs contribute to academic achievement at the undergraduate level; therefore, this study contributes to the literature by providing empirical-based information on how a student perceives the effectiveness of using …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Exploring Special Education And General Education Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Teaching Phonemic Awareness To English Language Learners, Nicholas Kenneth Hebert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study described teachers' experiences teaching phonological awareness to English Language Learners in New York State. The theory guiding the study is Bandura’s work on self-efficacy from his social cognitive theory (SCT). Bandura’s work on self-efficacy provided a framework to answer the central research question: what are the lived experiences of kindergarten through grade 5 special education and general education teachers regarding self-efficacy teaching phonemic awareness to English Language Learners (ELLs)? There were 10 special education and general education teachers who have a master's and have worked with ELLs within the last 5 years. Purposeful, …

Brainspotting And The Strong Black Woman Schema: A Pretest–Posttest Study On Psychological Wellness, Iiesha Lasha Ricks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black women in the United States experience disproportionate health disparities resulting from the intersecting effects of racism and sexism. Although researchers widely acknowledge these disparities, they have given less attention to how race- and gender-based oppression affect mental health outcomes. Brainspotting (BSP) is a trauma-informed approach emphasizing clinician attunement and a nonjudgmental space for processing distress. While BSP has shown promise with diverse populations, few studies have specifically examined its use with adult Black American women. This quantitative pretest–posttest study investigated the efficacy of BSP in improving psychological wellness among Black women and whether endorsement of the Strong Black Woman …

Faith-Based Practices And Health: The Role Of Faith-Based Guided Meditation In Managing Type 2 Diabetes, Willie M. Velasquez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of my study was to investigate how faith-based guided meditation influences health management behaviors and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, I examined its effects on glycemic control, stress levels, and emotional well-being. Current diabetes management approaches, such as medication, diet, and exercise, often fail to address psychological and spiritual aspects critical for effective self-management. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model of Health, this mixed-method study explored the potential of faith-centered meditation to promote improved self-care behaviors and enhance emotional resilience. The research included a sample size of 40 participants, male and female, ages 18-60, of diverse backgrounds, divided …

Analysis Of The Health Access Initiatives Available For Newly Resettled Immigrants And Refugees In Charlotte, North Carolina, Yetunde Akinyelu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Health Access Initiative for Newly Arrived Immigrants and Refugees in Charlotte, North Carolina addresses the major obstacles which prevent these populations from obtaining vital healthcare services (P Iqbal., et al 2022). The research investigated healthcare difficulties faced by immigrant and refugee populations after their arrival in the United States while developing solutions to enhance their healthcare accessibility and results. The research employed qualitative methods to gather data through semi-structured interviews with immigrants and refugees who resided in Charlotte (Alkhawaldeh, et al., 2023). The research took place in community-based locations to create an environment where participants could freely discuss their …

A Predictive Correlational Analysis Of Ninth And Tenth Grade Students' Perception Of Culture Of Excellence And Their Attitude To Stem, Mofoluwake Abiola Laleye

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if ninth and 10th grade students’ attitude toward Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), specifically in mathematics and science can be predicted from their perceptions of culture of excellence (CoE). The continued disparity in academic performance and the representation of minority in STEM workforce has prompted the need to explore the effect of CoE on their attitude to STEM. Data for this study were collected from 177 ninth and 10th grade students attending a public charter school predominantly serving underrepresented minorities in southeastern Tennessee. The primary instruments were Student …

The Mental Health Of Latino Immigrants, Brenda Gallardo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study explores the daily challenges, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes of undocumented adult Latino immigrants currently residing in the United States of America. The purpose of the research was to address the critical gap in scientific literature regarding the mental health of Latino immigrants residing in the United States. The healthy immigrant effect theory guided the study, which posits that immigrants' health declines the longer they live in a foreign country. Data collection occurred through a qualitative case study design using the first-hand accounts from 18 Latino immigrants residing in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Each participant …

Perceptions Of Educators Of Native American Students In Special Education And Why They Were Placed In Special Education, Megan N. Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of educators of Native American students related to the disproportionality of Native American students who are placed in special education in a school in the Southeastern U.S. The theory that guided this study was critical race theory and its relationship to the disproportionality of Native American students being placed in special education. The central research question that guided the study was: What are educators' experiences with the placement of Native American students in special education? The participants included eleven teachers of Native American students who were placed in …

Leveraging Technology To Enhance Caregiver Competency In Aba Treatment: Reducing Barriers To Learning Through Qr Codes & Inquiry, Edward Bonacci

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple‑case study is to explore how linking quick‑response (QR) codes (IV) to parent‑focused digital resources shapes caregivers’ experiences and perceived competence (DV) in implementing compassionate applied behavior analytic (ABA) procedures for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in various settings. Anchored in a constructivist paradigm and pragmatic theory, the study aimed to understand how immediate, technology‑based instructional supports aided skill acquisition and independent engagement during parent training. The central research question aims to understand how parents and caregivers construct meaning around the use of a streamlined platform while learning and applying ABA strategies, perceived accessibility, …

A Pilot Study Of Life Model Informed Therapy And Its Efficacy For Reducing Anxiety And Increasing Joy In Adults, William R. Mouer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This pilot study researched Life Model Informed Therapy (LMIT), a modality developed into a six-week treatment targeted to decrease anxiety and increase joy in adults that self-reported as having anxiety. Fourteen participants were recruited by Facebook ads in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Outcome data were collected using the State Joy Scale (SJS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Participants received the same LMIT treatment for six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions. Participants self-reported on their joy and anxiety levels at three periods of time, including a pre-treatment, post-treatment and one month after-treatment test. Two one-way RM-ANOVA tests were conducted. Results of …

Music’S Transformative Power: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Christian Music’S Role In Enhancing Human Development, Crystal Ann Hubbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music is one of the most fundamental expressions of art, communication, and worship, linking to the conscience and personalities across cultures. Music provides a pathway to human emotions where music manifests as a therapeutic component for psychosomatic change. Furthermore, Christian music has not been explored as a therapeutic component for individuals struggling with mental health or cognitive challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Christian music may serve as a therapeutic component of wellbeing in everyday lives of individuals. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, this study investigated the lived experiences of 10 individuals who have experienced Christian …

From Protest To Harmony: The Global Language Of Change, Valerie Brooke Missick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative historical study investigates how music functions as a unifying force within global social and political movements, transcending cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries to foster collective identity and sustain long-term activism. Drawing on Social Identity Theory, Cultural Diffusion Theory, and Framing Theory, the research analyzes archival documents, historical records, media sources, and case studies from movements such as the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-Vietnam War Movement, anti-apartheid struggles, Black Lives Matter, the Arab Spring, and contemporary climate justice activism. Findings reveal that music operates as both an emotional catalyst and a strategic communication tool, shaping narratives, strengthening solidarity, …

Comparing Modern Band And Traditional Band Methods: A Mixed-Quantitative Study Of Note-Reading And Improvisation Competencies Among Secondary Music Students, Dennis John Manson Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music directors should determine how pedagogical trends to support student-centered engagements utilizing modern methods and popular music in public schools compare to traditional practices in secondary bands. Current research suggests students should engage in culturally relevant repertoire and quality ensemble experiences. Existing studies, however, should measure the efficacy of alternative music programs concerning music literacy, self-expression, and how they compare to traditional band methods. Investigating both methods is necessary to discover common techniques and how differences in pedagogical standards may influence one another. Guided by experimental research, the following mixed quantitative study features a quasi-experimental and a correlational design to …

The Effects Of Music Participation On Sense Of Belonging Among Elementary Students With Traumatic Experiences, Jamie Lynn Mckoy Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The unexpressed perspectives of children have long been dismissed in elementary music education. Daily agendas, curriculum, and administrative expectations direct the day-to-day functions of the classroom and negate the instructor’s assessment of students’ needs. As a result, students who have experienced trauma (various forms) will feel disconnected from the classroom and have a low level of engagement. Music educators must adapt their planning and execution and infuse empathy and flexibility in their teaching to allow all children room to grieve previous traumatic experiences. This historical research investigates the student perspectives on what music participation means effects on elementary students’ sense …

Job-Related Factors Affecting Special Education Teachers In The Pk-12 Classrooms Technology Proficiency: A Predictive Correlational Study, Kreshonya Porter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to determine if a linear combination of job-related factors could predict special education teachers’ technology proficiency. The study is critical because teachers’ technology proficiency in a special education setting directly impacts students’ inclusivity, engagement, productivity, and achievements in the classroom. This study adds to the literature regarding special education teachers’ technology proficiency by examining specific job-related factors (experience, educational level, amount of technology-related professional development training, frequency of technology use, specialty, and job placement). The participants for this study were drawn from the population of special education teachers employed in pre-K through …

Treatment Concerning Grief Disorder After Covid-19: Can Spiritual Care Help?, Tamika Marie Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The phenomenological study described the experiences of spiritual care for adults who lost a loved one due to COVID-19 in Texas. The theory guiding the study was Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, which was humanity’s search for meaning in a finite world governed by spiritual principles (García-Alandete, 2024; Parker, 2022; Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). Grief was one of the occurrences that grappled with humanity’s understanding of life. Death was a universal phenomenon, and grief occurred as a response to a loss (Fernández & González-González, 2022). Research shows that symptoms of grief dissipate over time. When it was accompanied by prolonged time or …

The Servant’S Ear: Study Of The Servant In Whom Yhwh Is Well Pleased: An Expositional Connection Of Exodus 21:5-6 And Deuteronomy 15:16-17 To The Servants Of Revelation, Warren Eugene Hoskins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation undertakes an extensive investigation into the theological, historical, and literary development of the biblical servant motif. This study examines the evolution of the concept of servitude, beginning with its origins in Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) laws and culture.

It is anchored in the tradition of ear-piercing for the willing servant, as outlined in Exodus 21:5-6 and Deuteronomy 15:16-17. This research unpacks how ideas about servitude changed in the Old Testament law and how this relates to the end times and the early church, as described in Revelation. This study also compares Old Testament servant laws with those of …

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

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

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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

Exploring Collaborative Engagement To Meet The Academic Needs Of Multilingual Learners: A Case Study, Shannon M. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative case study described the collaborative engagement of middle school teachers to address the academic needs of multilingual learners in Pennsylvania. The central research question that guided the study was: How do teachers collaborate to address the academic needs of multilingual learners in content classrooms? In addition, guiding questions were implemented to understand the phenomenon of collaborative engagement among middle school teachers. The guiding questions were: How does collaborative engagement shape academic and language learning for multilingual learners? How does the culture of collaborative engagement support social interactions as a scaffold? Sociocultural theory guided the study. Sociocultural theory is …

Acculturative Stress Among Immigrant High School Graduates In North Carolina: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Caren P. Morgan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Global migration will continue to escalate in the future. In this transition process, the United States is a popular destination. Migrants are motivated by a variety of factors, including education, employment, and research. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study aimed to better understand lived experiences of acculturative stress among immigrant high school graduates in North Carolina. This qualitative design sought to get answers to the central research question: What are the lived experiences of immigrant high school graduates who encountered acculturative stress? The theoretical framework includes two theories that are essential to this study: acculturation theory, and resilience theory. …