Digital Commons Network^™

Divorce: A Phenomenological Study On Estrangement In Fathers In Older Adulthood, Janet H. Shaffer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This proposed study will be to look at the phenomenon of estrangement framed in the family system theory through a Biblical lens. The qualitative interpretive approach will look at a minimum of ten individuals who have been or are currently experiencing the outcomes of familial estrangement that occurred between fathers and their adult children. This destructive phenomenon has been found to increase the risk of negative mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, feelings of grief, and loss for those within the family unit. The growing number of parent-adult-child estrangements highlights the need to study the lived experiences …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Perceptions Of A Humanistic Classical Education, Nils Ivan Borquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the descriptions of experiences for faculty members at classical education curriculum academic institutions at the PreK-12 school level. The descriptions of experiences were defined as phenomenal experiences of faculty through the subjective lens. The theory guiding this study was the humanistic learning theory of education as it focuses on self-directed and self-evaluative classwork as well as the common use of canonical works to cultivate a desire for students to learn and study great texts for their entire lives. The Central Research Question asked “How do faculty at classical education institutions …

How Successful Are Female State Lawmakers? A Study Examining The Legislative Success Of Female State Lawmakers In Professional And Non-Professional State Legislatures, Samuel Eugene Keys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This non-experimental, quantitative study examined the impact of legislative professionalism on female state lawmakers' legislative success regarding women's issues. This study is important in determining if there is a significant difference in the legislative success of female state lawmakers based on the level of legislative professionalism. Additionally, this study is important in determining how much variation in legislative success can be explained by legislative professionalism and other factors. Participants for this study were drawn using a stratified sampling frame of state lawmakers elected to serve from 2003 – 2021 in professional and non-professional state legislatures in the U.S. For this …

Discipling Your Children For Dating, Isaiah Del Pilar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, in the culture of the church in the West, there is a very weak support system or culture of guidance as it relates to dating and courtship. This primarily is played out on the level of discipleship with primary caregivers with their children. Participants in this research project reported a low degree of feeling prepared and equipped to properly guide their children toward a quality spouse. There is an urgent need to improve the overall ability of primary caregivers in regard to discipling their children on the subject of dating marriage. The purpose of this project is to prepare, …

A Quantitative Study Exploring How Depression Symptom Severity Moderates The Relationship Between Emotional Suppression And Workplace Performance In A Sample Of American Office Worker, Laura A. Duffy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disorder consisting of several subtypes, and both subthreshold depression and acute phase depression are associated with functional, occupational, and social impairments, even after remission. Studies suggest that depression symptom severity negatively affects a person’s health, work performance, and social functioning due to a person’s limited cognitive resources. In Western cultures, employers expect employees who have depression to use emotional regulation in the workplace, but these employees find that this uses cognitive resources to the extent that they are unable to do their work optimally and also fulfill their social functions in the workplace. …

Administrators’ Counternarratives About Discipline: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Kylle Elizabeth Summers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the internalized beliefs held by school administrators about discipline by asking them to explore their enculturation as educators working in traditional public-school settings in the southeastern region of the United States. The study sought to answer the following central research question: How do school administrators understand their enculturation related to diversity and student discipline? Social constructivism was used as the overarching framework to guide the study. Administrators were asked to explore their enculturation exogenously using Scott and Mitchell’s institutional theory and dialectically using Bell’s critical race theory. These theories were …

The Work-Life Balance Of Higher Education Faculty In Light Of Constant Access To Technology: A Case Study, Giordana Morales-Spier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to explore the perception of constant access to technology for faculty members in the university setting. Constant access to technology was defined as the majority of work tasks taking place in front of the computer, the expectation of quick email responses, and the pressure for continual student interaction, particularly outside of regular business hours. Burnout theory guided this study, which provided views of faculty’s efficiency, stress levels, and personal time. The central research question that guided the study was: How do higher education faculty at CVU guard against burnout while experiencing constant …

Physiological And Biomechanical Perspectives On Elbow Function During Forehand And Backhand Disc Golf Throws: A Novel Investigation, Lauren Rachelle Giles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over 81% of players have reported injuries linked to disc golfing, predominantly due to overuse. Since disc golf originated, there is a lack of research on the proper biomechanics of the disc golf throw. This descriptive, quantitative study seeks to be the first. We investigated 6 females and 35 males, aged 21-66, registered to compete in disc golf. The goal was to examine the kinetic parameters of healthy disc golfers to identify biomechanics likely associated with safety. Research questions investigated whether there is a connection between lean body mass and disc distance traveled, elbow torque and disc distance, or grip …

A Qualitative Analysis Applying Uses And Gratifications Theory To Explore The Types Of Spaces Within Facebook Post Comments Regarding Mental Illness And Suicide, Melissa Rice

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study investigated spaces created within Facebook comments on posts related to mental illness and suicide. The uses and gratification theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs served as the framework for this qualitative study utilizing content analysis to analyze 14,186 comments from 175 Facebook posts. This study highlights how user comments on specific posts create engagement spaces that turn positive or negative based on Facebook users' need for fulfillment. The findings also suggest that users engage with posts to meet various needs, such as seeking validation and attention, fulfilling a desire to feel valued, connecting with others through shared …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On The Eating Behaviors Of Black American Women, Teshia Stovall Dula

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the impact of behaviorism on understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their effects on eating behaviors, particularly emotional overeating, and satiety responsiveness, in Black women. It highlights the importance of addressing ACEs to promote holistic well-being, especially given racial health disparities. The study investigates various factors shaping the behavior of Black women, including individual traits, environments, and behavioral patterns, focusing on an under-researched area. It calls for standardized definitions in this context and advocates for more extensive and diverse sample sizes for future research. Ultimately, the research aims to empower Black women by translating insights into effective …

The Mediation-Moderation Effects Of Religiosity On The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Marital Satisfaction In African American Couples, Pauletta Michele Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, multiple regression, mediation research design was to explore the impact of ACEs on Christian African American marital satisfaction. This study was grounded in the Family Systems Theory, introduced by Dr. Murray Bowen, investigating the relationship between ACEs and African American marital satisfaction mediated and moderated by religiosity. A Qualtrics survey was distributed through social media, and a QR code was posted at two churches located in Birmingham, AL, open to all African American married couples (n=105). PROCESS Models 1 and 4, were utilized to determine if religiosity mediates and moderates the relationship between ACEs and …

The Call To Worship/Music Vocational Ministry: A Case Study To Better Understand The Function Of The God-Ordained Call To Vocational Worship Ministry, Jerry Leonard Newman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates the multifaceted role of worship and music leaders in Christian congregations. It emphasizes that their responsibilities extend beyond mere musical proficiency to embody a profound spiritual calling rooted in a vocational call to ministry. A survey of 401 worship leaders from various Christian denominations reveals the role's dual nature: they are skilled musicians and spiritual guides uniquely called to facilitate the congregation’s faith journey. This vocational calling highlights their divine appointment to ministry, aligning with biblical principles such as those found in Ephesians 4:11-12, which stress the equipping of the saints and the building up of the …

A Mission Simulation Retreat For Senior Youth Leaders To Train Adventist Young Professionals In The South Bahamas Conference, Jamal Doran Franklyn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The mission simulation retreat SDA action research project trains senior youth leaders of young adult professionals for urban ministry through their vocational orientation. To address the problem of only having a global youth day one-day mission drive, the Mission Simulation Retreat (MSR) equipped young leaders in local SDA churches to simulate mission projects matching their professional careers. By building on the Hebrew culture, the priesthood of all believers, and spiritual gifts, MSR customizes a spiritual gifts database that aligns with vocational careers to provide mission project options by vocational skills. Through focus group presentations, a questionnaire, and a survey, data …

Exploring Family Mealtime Environment, Screens, And Mental Health Among School-Aged Children In Japan, Ami Nishimori Alnouri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of family mealtimes during breakfast and the mental health of school-aged children (6-18 years) in Japan, comparing those who used and did not use screens during breakfast. This study involved two research questions: How did parents of Japanese school-aged (6 to 18 years) children who used screens (electronic devices) at mealtime experience family mealtime during breakfast? How did parents of Japanese school-aged (6 to 18 years) children who did not use screens (electronic devices) at mealtime experience family mealtime during breakfast? In this study, a qualitative phenomenological approach employed semi-structured interviews with …

Rooted In Identity: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Describing The Pre-Freshman Self-Esteem Experiences Of African American Female Students Entering Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Wanda Minor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to describe the pre-freshman self-esteem experiences of African American (AA) female students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study explored the experiences of AA women and the factors that contribute to the development of their self-esteem before their enrollment as students in HBCUs. Literature suggests that numerous issues, including racial discrimination and prejudice, cultural stereotypes, socioeconomic concerns, historical and intergenerational trauma, beauty standards, and institutional and systemic hurdles, have affected their self-esteem (Woods-Giscombe, 2010). However, there was a void in addressing the issues AA women face in college, particularly students at HBCUs. This …

Cognitive Learning Strategies And Candidates In Teacher Education Programs: A Phenomenology, Nicole Kircher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of graduates from teacher education programs in the Western United States and their exposure to cognitive learning strategy instruction. The theory that guided this research is cognitive learning theory, which focuses on the internal processes surrounding memory and information. The research questions explored the experiences of teacher education program graduates with cognitive learning strategy instruction, how these programs incorporated cognitive learning strategies into their curriculum, and how graduates applied their knowledge of these strategies to their own teaching post-graduation. The chosen design was hermeneutic phenomenology, which is …

The Relationship Between Perceived Leadership Communication And Feedback On Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, And Professional Isolation Of Remote Workers, Simone I. Orlowski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown have significantly contributed to the fact that teleworking has established itself in all branches of industry. With remote working, communication mainly occurs via digital channels such as emails, chat platforms, or video conferencing, and leaders need to ensure that communication is clear, regular, and effective to avoid misunderstandings and promote collaboration. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between effective communication and feedback from leadership with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and professional isolation of remote employees. In a quantitative correlational study, participants were recruited from different branches in …

Challenged And Chosen: Discipling Christians With Chronic Conditions Towards Kingdom Identity And Purpose, Allison J. Hampton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to create an eight-week discipleship program and accompanying workbook to help Christians diagnosed with chronic medical conditions to rediscover their identity in God. Because of the limitations and physical changes that often accompany chronic diagnoses, members of Living Chronic Faith (a faith-first nonprofit organization that serves believers with chronic diagnoses) felt incapable of serving on the same level as their physiotypical counterparts. Marginalized by their faith community and hesitant to engage in their ministry contexts, eleven LCF members participated in this online focus group. This project’s surveys, interviews, journal entries, and …

Readiness For Interprofessional Teamwork Of Graduate Public Health Students At The Time Of Their Graduation, Liliana Morosanu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of lacking empirical evidence for the contribution of interprofessional education (IPE) towards readiness for teamwork interprofessional practice (T-IPP) of Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates, and to design an IPE evaluation model in response. Current knowledge about T-IPP of MPH graduates is insufficient yet critical for professional practice. It is unclear how academic IPE builds MPH students’ T-IPP skills, and whether other training sources exist. A cross-sectional multimethod design was implemented with a sample of 58 MPH graduates from accredited programs within 12 months from graduation, of whom 12 …

The Lived Experiences Of Male Nurses In Nursing Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, James Robert Nolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of male nurses currently in nursing academia to determine what attributes draw them and keep them in academic roles. The phenomenon was viewed through the lens of interpersonal relations theory, social learning theory, and hermeneutic phenomenology, looking for similarities and differences to discover the population’s views, beliefs, and experiences. The sample included 21 male nurses currently teaching in nursing programs. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations collected through field notes allowed for an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of male nursing faculty. The data were analyzed …

The Development Of A Men’S Ministry At Remnant Church To Foster The Spiritual Leadership Development Of Men To Provide Leadership For Family, Church, And Community, Anthony L. Herron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem this student seeks to address is that the Remnant Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, does not have a men's ministry to develop men as spiritual leaders. The Remnant Church is a non-denominational church focused on growing and developing people to become more like Jesus Christ. The men of the Remnant Church do not meet regularly for discipleship or fellowship.

The men of Remnant Church are not organized to provide a network of support for men. Men need a support network within the church to develop spiritually. Men need a forum for discussing men's issues, such as leading in …

Chiropractic Patient Safety Education Experiences: A Phenomenological Study, Michael P. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe and interpret chiropractic educators’ experiences teaching patient safety competencies within the didactic portion of a Doctor of Chiropractic program in the Southern United States. The theory guiding the study is the information processing model. The study’s central research question is, what are the lived experiences of chiropractic educators teaching didactic patient safety courses? The study utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative methodology. Data was collected via individual interviews, a focus group, and a protocol writing prompt. The data was collected from 12 chiropractic educators teaching patient safety competencies within the didactic portion …

One Holy Nation Under One God: A Survey On Achieving Unity Amongst Believers, Cindy Casalis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this work is not only to amplify the purview of all believers in God regarding the true meaning of loving a neighbor and being a member of God’s covenant, rather to usher an atmosphere of accord that could set the right conditions for the coming of the Messiah and of the final redemption as hinted to in 2 Peter 3:11-12 where the apostle describes the sort of holy conduct befitting to those who in fact are hastening the Messiah’s final arrival. Of all the possible ways to approach the matter of election of the Jewish people, it …

Identifying Higher Education Employee Experiences Using A Diffusion Of Innovations Checklist Planning For Knowledge Management Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Eric Christopher Viets

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of higher education employees planning to implement knowledge management through utilizing a diffusion of innovations checklist. Knowledge management is generally defined as the process of creating, sharing, using, and managing the knowledge and information of an organization. The theory guiding this study was the diffusion of innovations by Everett M. Rogers, as it provided a clear and comprehensive model of the stages of change and knowledge management implementation. The research questions sought to understand the experiences of ten higher education employees utilizing the diffusion of innovations checklist within …

A Qualitative Study Of Emdr Clinician Treatment Modality Choice And Client Needs, Carole Petrides Bakke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of clinicians practicing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the state of Nebraska and their choice of treatment modality, between the audio, visual, and kinesthetic techniques of EMDR. As an evidenced-based treatment therapy, EMDR has been shown to decrease the symptoms of distress in clients with a history of trauma and the treatment of choice for clients with a diagnosis of PTSD. A qualitative approach was used to assess the possible connection between the EMDR techniques as factors in individual preferences and …

Exploring Generational Differences Within The Nursing Profession: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Danielle Sienkiewicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing practice has evolved since its initial presentation. The 2020 pandemic played a significant role in changing nursing dynamics. Acute care nurses have become responsible for a plethora of tasks once a patient enters the doors of their facility. While education and skills training can be implemented, there are other aspects requiring greater attention. Generational differences have become more apparent in practice. Generational differences are only recently gaining attention and could use more focus in large organizations. The workforce has become a combination of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The Silent Generation, also referred to as Veteran …

Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For centuries, believers in Jesus Christ have turned to the Bible to discover His will for their life. For the most part, this discovery has resulted in joy and significance and has benefited the journeys of millions. However, there have been many examples where the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible has brought about devastating consequences. Wolves have crept in and used the Bible for their own nefarious purposes. This paper offers a bridge for believers to navigate many of the difficult passages of the Bible and their behavioral application. Specifically, this is achieved through a closer look at how …

A Comparison Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress Amongst Male And Female Clinical Laboratory Leaders, Elizabeth M. Payne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the potential relationship between male and female emotional disparities -- specifically depression, anxiety, and stress -- in clinical laboratory leaders. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in 16 male and 16 female clinical laboratory leaders at two laboratory sites in Long Island, NY. Through univariate ANOVA tests, the research evaluated if there are significant differences in mental health outcomes between female and male leaders in clinical laboratory settings. The results demonstrated that female leaders experienced significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to their male …

Effects Of Supply Chain Issues On It Digital Transformation In Fast Growing Louisiana Sme, John Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID 19 lockdown restrictions hit the business world by surprise in 2020 resulting in various effects on businesses. Many businesses required their employees to work from home for weeks, months, or years at a time. This resulted in a push to digitization during a period the supply chains were also impacted by similar restrictions. Section one lays the groundwork for a single case study on the related effects to digital transformation on engineering services in a Louisiana SME. Section 2 covers the project, a single case study within a fast-growing engineering services business. The study findings answer four key questions …

Servant Leadership On Wellness And Perceived Organizational Support Of Police Officers, Kylene R. Paranto

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Perceived organizational support is an incredibly important workplace attitude as it involves taking care of employees’ needs and their well-being. Police officers across the United States are feeling helpless and need support more than ever surrounding their wellness. When supervisors and leaders within police departments have proper training and leadership skills that will inherently improve their awareness of their followers’ needs, the officers will begin to feel the tide shifting. This study explored how police officers measure servant leadership, perceived organizational support, and wellness. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between servant leadership and perceived organizational support as well …