Digital Commons Network^™

The Lived Experiences Of African American Female First-Generation College Students As They Matriculate Through College: A Phenomenological Study, Rosa Denise Mcallister-Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of African American female first-generation college students’ (FGCS) academic, social, emotional, and low economic challenges while attending either a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or a Predominately White Institution (PWI) located in the southeastern area of the United States. First-generation college students are students whose parents never attended college. Tinto’s retention theory was the framework that guided the research, particularly, the challenges faced by first-generation students. The central research question was, how do African American female FGCSs describe their lived experiences matriculating through an HBCU or …

The Soil Test: Facilitating Increased Receptivity To Spiritual Formation In A Large Church Through Education, Motivation, And Resources, Rosemary Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Decades of recent research and writing about spiritual formation and discipleship assume that there will be growth in spiritual maturity if churches have more models and biblical information. However, the literature addresses the wrong problem; it presupposes that the church is ready for spiritual formation. In their efforts to facilitate it, those trying to help the church are like the farmer who sows seed onto unprepared soil. Good seeds, such as discipleship groups, are sown into the soil of the church without paying attention to whether the soil can produce a harvest. The project posited that five conditions should be …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experience Of Institutional Betrayal And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of Military Sexual Trauma, Victoria Sheree Tolbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe military sexual trauma survivors' experiences of military institutional betrayal and help-seeking behaviors. The study was grounded in Jennifer Freyd’s institutional betrayal theory. Using institutional betrayal as a framework was useful in illuminating the effects of institutional betrayal on survivors' perceptions of trust, safety, and decision-making regarding seeking support. The study aimed to understand the complex dynamics between institutional responses, perceived betrayal, and subsequent support-seeking actions among MST survivors within military contexts. Data collection included in-depth interviews, journaling, and cognitive representations with purposively sampled MST survivors. The study used thematic analysis to …

Implementation Strategies To Improve Medication Adherence In Adolescents (Aged 13 To 17 Years) With Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain: Educational Toolkit For Clinicians, Joy Asike

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonadherence to medication leads to relapses of condition, frequent hospitalization and poor outcomes. Although antipsychotics are effective in the management of mental disorders and psychosis, the side effects, especially weight gain negatively influence medication compliance. Anti-psychotics related to weight gain is one of the most concerning treatment-emergent side leading to a great burden on patients, parents, and clinicians. Obesity and antipsychotic-related weight gain increase the risks to short- and long-term physical health problems such as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension. Evidence has shown that there is generally low guideline adherence regarding the monitoring of antipsychotics, especially in children and adolescents. …

Covid-19 Effects On School Choral Music Programs’ Rehearsal Instruction: Exploring Responses, Sharing Teacher Perceptions On Future Preparedness, Watson Chilala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The US experienced increased hospitalizations resulting from a resurgence of COVID-19 infections from Late July to mid-September 2023. Among educators and parents, the trend brought back memories of government school closures and their school instruction-related repercussions. This qualitative holistic case study explored how school choral music directors perceive their choral music programs' preparedness to mitigate instruction-related losses should future pandemics or long-term disruptions to instruction occur. The study examined relevant literature vis-a-vis journal articles and books and conducted open-ended interviews online, by phone, and in person. This study can empower choral music education with teaching strategies to improve SCMPs’ future …

The Effectiveness Of Christian Accommodative Mindfulness In Christian Women Of African Descent Who Suffer From Depression And Anxiety, Claudia Isaac Kidd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While existing research has indicated the effectiveness of Christian accommodative mindfulness (CAM) to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, no CAM studies have focused specifically on Christian women of African descent (CWOAD). The aim of this exploratory, case-series study was to examine the effectiveness of the CAM protocol by addressing the participants’ intervention comparison outcomes time (PICOT) question: Among a clinical sample (N = 3) of CWOAD recruited from the waitlist of a Christian counseling center (P) how effective was the CAM protocol (I) indicated by changes over time (C) in the participants’ scores for (1) depression, (2) anxiety/stress, (3) …

An Investigation Into The Redemptive Uses Of Technology To Help Churches Reach The Lost And Make Disciples, Scott W. Sherman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a compelling rationale for investing the time and energy to develop a successful digital discipleship program. There is a mandate to reach the lost. There is a command to make disciples of all nations. Theologically there is significant and sufficient biblical evidence that discipleship and can happen remotely. Evidentially, Christian digital community has occurred successfully and with levels of engagement needed for spiritual accountability and growth. Following a non-empirical mixed methodology based on Bernard Lonergan for evidence gathering and subsequently incorporating a redemptive Augustinian methodology akin to The City of God, we have fulfilled the purpose of being …

Student Success And Retention In Online Post-Secondary Education: A Phenomenological Study, Alison Weslake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences that participants from Northeastern College have in post-secondary online learning environments and recognize the overall factors that lead to student success and retention. The theory that guided this study was Bruner’s constructivist theory as it indicates the influence of experience on cognitive development and encourages the consideration of all factors that may impact the overall learning process. A hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted with participants from Northeastern College in Ontario, Canada in order to accurately reflect personal experiences with the phenomenon of online post-secondary education. The central research question …

Predicting The Effects Of Cyberpatriot Participation, Internet Experience, Gender, And Grade Level On Cybersecurity Judgment (Intuitive And Rational) Among Middle And High School Students: A Quantitative Predictive Correlational Study, Sarah Shin Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if cybersecurity judgment (intuitive and rational) could be predicted from a linear combination of years of CyberPatriot participation, internet experience, gender, and grade level among middle and high school students. The importance of this study lies in its potential to address a critical gap in understanding factors influencing cybersecurity judgment decisions among middle and high school students. From a suburban high school in the western part of the United States, 123 middle and high school students who participated in the CyberPatriot after-school program volunteered as samples in this study. …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Women Seeking Treatment For Genito-Pelvic Pain And Penetration Disorder: A Phenomenological Study, Emily M. Lacy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the lived experiences of women seeking treatment for genito-pelvic pain, aiming to identify how each person experiences barriers and facilitators toward obtaining treatment as well as their outlook on the future regarding treatment. The research sought to provide an understanding of their experiences, with implications for minimizing current barriers and building accessibility and awareness. A qualitative phenomenological design was utilized to obtain the data from participants through semi-structured individual interviews. Nine individual interviews were completed with women between the ages of 27 and 44-years-old who have experienced symptoms of genito-pelvic pain for at least 1 year and …

Perceived Career Barriers Among Women Working In Public Transportation Based On Leadership Development Training And Race: A Causal-Comparative Study, Tamika Gunn White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study investigated differences in perceived career barriers among women engaged in leadership development training programs and those who were not, with a specific focus on their racial backgrounds. The research targets women within the public transportation workforce, utilizing a convenience sample comprising individuals willing and able to provide insights into the issue of perceived career barriers among women in this sector. Purposive inclusion criteria encompass self-identifying as a woman, reporting ages between 25 and 65, and current employment in the public transportation sector. The Perception of Barriers Scale assessed career- and education-related barriers. The data collection procedure …

A Phenomenological Study On The Mental Health Stigmatization And Faith Of Christian African American Genx Men, Kenneth Jerlette Mickie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary goal of this study was to examine the Mental health stigmatization and the faith of Christian African American GenX men. Mental Health within the African American community is a topic that is often considered taboo and seldom discussed. African faith plays a prominent role, many still experience contradictory feelings about receiving mental health treatment due to the worry of being judged and stigmatized. Therefore, it is critical to understand African Americans' perceptions of depression and views of depression treatment, including cultural stigmas and religious, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers that may deter individuals from seeking or accepting treatment in …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study: The School Principal's Experiences With Education Law, Vanessa Calderon Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand the school principal’s experiences with education while managing their school sites. The study applies Knowles' theory of adult learning to create relevant and practical learning and to produce continuous professional development programs on education law for school principals. The central research question guiding this study is: How prepared are principals when addressing legal issues while managing their schools? This hermeneutic phenomenology research study utilizes a constructivist approach to build an understanding of school principals' experiences with education law based on the insights of study participants. The participants comprised ten elementary, …

A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Teachers Implementing Social-Emotional Learning, Post Covid-19 At A Predominantly Hispanic School, Kutana Nichol Parrish

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of the ten middle school teachers implementing social and emotional learning, post COVID in a predominately Hispanic suburban school in Gwinnett County School District in Georgia. The theory guided by this study is emotional intelligence by psychologist Daniel Goldman but was first used by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990. Daniel Goldman defines emotional intelligence as having the ability to identify nonverbal cues, using emotion to guide one’s thinking, understanding information that is communicated, and actions of emotions, and the capability to self-regulate emotions. Collaborative for …

Parental Phubbing And Adolescent Social Anxiety, Julie Ann Bowman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how parents experience social anxiety in their children, of ages six to fourteen, in the presence of parental phubbing. The modified version of Moustakas’ modified version of Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen’s analysis method was used to gather and analyze data. Participant requirements included being at least 21 years of age, having a child between the ages of 6-14, own a cell phone with texting and internet capabilities, and speak English fluently. Fifteen participants were used, however, data saturation was found by the ninth participant. This study explored two research questions: How do parents …

The Necessity Of Weaknesses In Experiencing The Grace Of God: An Examination Of Paul’S Use Of Grace, Culminating In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Jason Scott Shawa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Paul’s understanding of weakness, grace, and the power of the risen Christ are all important theological truths. This dissertation’s goal is to show that within the Pauline corpus, Paul’s use of “grace” (specifically χάρις) is often inseparable from the experience of weaknesses. This necessitates the inclusion of weaknesses (e.g., distress, persecution, difficulty, pain, and suffering) for the believer to experience the “grace” God offers in and through the power of the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Paul’s understanding of grace is a subject that has far-reaching implications. Understanding his use of χάρις within his corpus is essential to theological studies and …

Racial Reconciliation In Black And White: A Qualitative Study Of Live Mississippi Blues Music Communication, Christian Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research effort is to investigate a problem regarding communication between Black and White Mississippians in live Mississippi blues music settings. The central research question for this study is as follows: Can live Mississippi blues music communication be used as a tool to strengthen race relations between Black and White Mississippians? Few studies exist regarding this matter. Understanding this phenomenon is relevant because racial reconciliation is critical to the Magnolia State’s future success, and research has proven that music can unify individuals. To facilitate comprehension, a thorough literature review describes Mississippi’s racial challenges from the …

Addressing A Lack Of Counseling Programs To Diminish The Psychological, Emotional, And Mental Impacts Of Church Closure Grief, Marcel Berrios

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Besides spiritual activities, the social activities that happen in church buildings are vital to the functioning of most communities; therefore, churches play a central role in the social fabric and social infrastructure of communities in ways not necessarily thought about until they are no longer around. The looming absence of this role or function of the church becomes the overarching focus to address when an announcement is made that a church is permanently closing. Lost in navigating the business and community aspects of a church closure is the congregation's metamorphic spiritual, emotional, and psychological journey. Subsequently, many church members are …

Literary Structure Of Proverbs And The Stages Of A Righteous Life, Craig W. Babcock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The structure of Proverbs and the applied wisdom of the father and mother which begin with the son in the first chapter are present throughout the entire book of Proverbs creating an ongoing narrative literary structure connecting the individual proverbs. The narrative literary structure demonstrates the shifting nature of the moment of life for the son in life and beyond death. To demonstrate the more prominent literary structure, the son follows a hero’s journey, with the son ending as a sage. The theological understanding of the son and the fear of Yahweh guide him through the complex nature of life …

The Effectiveness Of Education Utilizing A Digital Patient Education Platform For Nursing Staff Working In A Military Medical Treatment Facility, Meki Bocage

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, the use of digital health technology has been found to improve patients’ experiences, health outcomes, and quality of care. Furthermore, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient experiences. The purpose of this evidence-based practice process improvement project supports providing educational intervention to nursing staff through videoconferencing or lecture learning opportunities. The project focused on successfully educating nursing staff from at least three MTFs on the use of a patient education platform by the conclusion of the 30-day intervention through individual web-based pre and post questionnaires. Ultimately, 15 registered …

An Action Research Study Of The Spiritual Growth Among Veterans Within The Civilian Context, Long Tuan Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military-civilian transition (MCT) for Veterans has been commonly associated with negative mental health experiences as they had to go through the intercultural changes between the military and civilian life. The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to design, coordinate, and assess a chaplain model of care called Spiritual Growth Lectio (SGL) for recently discharged Veterans. Thirteen Veterans participated in this research project through purposive sampling. The SGL model comprised a pre-test survey, six-week intervention, posttest survey, and focus group interview guided by four research questions. Quantitative data was collected from participants’ pre-test and post-test surveys. Subsequently, qualitative data …

The Impact Of Intergenerational Racial Trauma On High-Achieving African American Women, Andrea L. Tanner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The historical trauma of chattel slavery in the United States created a system of race-based discrimination, exploitation, and oppression still experienced today. Extensive research is required to comprehensively understand and address the intergenerational effects of trauma. The intergenerational transmission of trauma affects future generations, as traumatic memories affect those who have personally experienced conflict and violence. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe how high-achieving African American women who are descendants of enslaved Africans experience intergenerational trauma. Conceptually, it is framed by Critical Race Theory, which this study utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology. Qualitative interviews were conducted …

Developing A Program Of Ongoing Adult Spiritual Formation For St. Raphael Church In San Rafael, California, Mark Andrew Kroncke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This portfolio seeks to determine a plan of action for implementing an ongoing spiritual formation program for adults.

A Crisis In Confidence: A Collective Case Study Approach To School Security Through Teacher Experiences, Ryan J. Stevenson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand and discover the set of hard and soft deterrents and how they work to increase the confidence for teachers at middle schools of various socioeconomic levels. The main theory was the risk theory by Sabine Roeser as it refers to how humans operate when faced with risk and uncertainty in their everyday lives. The study was a collective case study with teachers of various experience levels across three sites. The sites were three different middle schools across a northern Virginia suburban county; schools were one of low socioeconomic status, middle …

Detransitioners: Dealing With The False Promises Of Gender Transition, Diane M. Roselli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Until recently, sex change surgery was rarely performed and on adults only; however, the discovery of cross-sex hormones, advances in plastic surgery, and the Dutch protocol contributed to the use of a treatment regimen for children consisting of puberty blockers (GnRHa), cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgery, known as gender-affirmative treatment (GAT). A growing number of individuals, who opted to undergo the transition process, are detransitioning by ceasing hormone therapy or requesting corrective/reconstructive surgery. Their lived experiences are relatively unknown because most detransitioners drop out of treatment, are silenced by trans activists, and are not acknowledged by medical organizations. This …

Hellenic Cohesion: A Historic Approach To Transnationalism, Particularism, And Cosmopolitanism In The Greek Immigrant Communities Of Wyoming, Patrick Michael Pace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Greek immigration to the United States began slowly in the late nineteenth century but found its stride by the second decade of the twentieth century. Behind the incrementally increasing numbers of Greeks emigrating from Greece was an economic collapse related to a mismanaged agricultural industry, leading mostly young men to pursue economic reward abroad in support of families and villages back home. Most early Greek migrants anticipated an eventual return home; however, many moved beyond simple sojourning into permanent settlement for a variety of reasons, including the establishment of proprietorships, the building of families, and nativist driven anti-immigrant legislation. For …

Examining Educational Experiences Of Healthcare Providers Who Transitioned Into A Different Healthcare Role: A Phenomenological Study, Dustin P. Carnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the educational experiences of healthcare practitioners seeking to transition into a different healthcare role. The theory guiding this study is adult learning theory, as this closely aligns with the learning experienced by advanced healthcare practitioners. This study answers the central research question, what are the experiences of healthcare professionals who seek additional education to transition into a different healthcare role? This study consists of an individual interview, focus group, and journal prompts to achieve triangulation and was distributed to healthcare workers across the United States who have transitioned roles in …

Higher Education And Women In Leadership: Gender-Based Training For African American Women In Transformational Leadership, Chavon Anette Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian African American women in leadership have unique lived experiences. Although God calls women to lead, they often meet challenges in ministry and the marketplace. Developing into a great woman in leadership requires intentionality and preparation. This study explored the perceptions and perspectives of Christian African American women in senior leadership roles in ministry and wider corporate America. The qualitative research revealed the need to address gender and racial issues in higher education, develop gender-based training, and further transformational leadership development. The research design utilized interviews with ten open-ended questions to collect data. The study focused on Christian African American …

High School Teachers' Experiences With Increasing Attendance Rates For Indigenous Students Within A Pbis Model In A Grade Eight-12 High School: A Qualitative Case Study, Amanda Broadway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study is to understand the reasons for chronic absenteeism of Indigenous students living on the reservation at a small independent school and how the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) framework may increase attendance rates. The theory guiding this case study is Skinner’s behavior theory. Behavior theory is used to describe the reasons behind the problem behavior of not attending school. Behavior theory includes antecedent and consequence interventions that may help to reduce chronic absenteeism and can be implemented within a PBIS framework. The PBIS framework may be used to implement proactive interventions in the …

The Impact Of 21st-Century Technology Teaching On Socio-Economically Challenged Students In Public High Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Duncan Kenneth Guishard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of 10 teachers who have used 21st-century technology teaching methods in three U.S. public high schools (PHS), North, South, and West in the Mid-Eastern United States. Schlossberg’s transition theory guided this study and was used to address the central research question: What essential elements of 21st-century technology teaching practices do you believe can improve students’ performance and academic success in U.S. public high schools? The three sub-questions helped uncover the teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives using 21st-century technology teaching methods in public high schools. Purposeful sampling …