Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Between Factors Of Unhealthy Lifestyle, Mental Health Issues, Chronic Illnesses, Environmental Health Risks, And Infertility In Females: A Cross-Sectional Study, Richard L. Huang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infertility has risen rapidly in recent decades and has become the third-largest public health concern in the world. It has significantly threatened individuals’ psychological, physical, and social well-being, and it could be an early sign of severe health problems in the future. Furthermore, it also threatens the continuation of life and human civilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals’ daily lifestyle behaviors, mental health status, chronic conditions, environmental health factors, and infertility by using cross-sectional quantitative methods. It benefits the public as the study raised awareness of potential risks and provided guidance to avoid …

Is The Misdiagnosis Of Adhd And The Use Of Ritalin Related To Delinquent Behaviors And Problems With Social Anxiety Disorder In Young Boys?, Michael A. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses are increasing at a rapid rate. Young boys are known to be very energetic, inattentive, and lack the attention needed to function well in school or other venues, and based on these attributes, they often have a higher rate of diagnosis of ADHD than girls. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, comparative study was to assess the validity of retrospectively examining ADHD misdiagnosis and associated Ritalin use. Specifically, how proposed childhood misdiagnosis of ADHD was related to delinquent behaviors and social anxiety in adolescence and adulthood was examined. Results showed over half of the participants (n …

Learning Needs Of African American High School Students With Dyslexia Within An Inclusive, Co-Teaching Environment: A Holistic Single Case Study, Aigbovboise Ayo Ehabahe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this holistic, single case study was to describe the experiences of special and general education teachers collaborating to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within an inclusive, co-teaching environment. The theory guiding this study was Cole’s intersectionality theory on co-teaching, as it explains how the interactions and strategies between co-teachers influence the academic success of students with dyslexia. The central research question was: How do special and general education teachers describe their experiences collaborating with one another to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within …

Lived Experiences Of Parents And Guardians Of Children And Adolescents With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome And Disruptive Behavior Disorders In West Virginia, Christine A. Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of parents and guardians of children and adolescents with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) in West Virginia. Guided by social constructivism, the study highlighted the significance of collaborative learning in understanding the connection between NAS and DBD. Using a transcendental approach, the research sought to provide insight and comprehension into participants’ experiences and perspectives. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling, including convenience and criterion methods. Eight parents and guardians participated in one-on-one interviews. Data was analyzed using the Moustakas approach and Saldana’s in vivo coding method. Four themes emerged: …

Shame And The Cult Survivor As Viewed Through Erikson’S Theory, Devin Marie Seltz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the manifestations of shame in cult survivors using Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development as its framework. According to Erikson (1959), individuals evolve through eight stages of development, each stage being met with a unique social and psychological crisis. If that psychosocial crisis is met and overcome, the individual advances to the next stage of development with additional psychosocial resilience. Erikson’s theory focuses on the importance of achieving these developmental tasks throughout the eight stages in order to build personal identity and resilience. Cults are known for exerting excessive control over individuals by employing techniques and strategies that …

Missionary Kids And Ptsd And Spirituality, Sabreena S. Massey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent years, studies have documented the importance of spirituality in assuaging psychological distress. Numerous studies have investigated the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spirituality and its positive outcomes among diverse populations. A diverse population that is insufficiently addressed in the literature is missionary kids (MKs). Further, studies investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles and PTSD among MKs remain under-researched. Moreover, while studies document the existence of mental health disorders among MKs, a formal investigation examining PTSD symptomology among MKs had yet to be conducted. For this study, participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, and 81 …

Do Males Use Ai Tools Differently Than Female Students When Conducting Social Science Research?, Marsha A. Donaldson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, applied, relational study aimed to explore how male graduate students used AI tools differently from female graduate students when conducting social science research. The sample for the study was collected using the Prolific application. The inclusion criteria were that participants had to be adults aged 18 years or older, English-speaking, graduated between 2020 and 2024, social science majors, and had utilized AI tools in their research. The study’s total sample consisted of 210 participants, which were disaggregated into 50% female and 50% male participants. T-test, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between multiple …

Increasing Patient Satisfaction And Engagement By Improving Patient Intake Process In An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Hotenesia Njoroge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This scholarly project aimed to enhance patient satisfaction and engagement by improving the intake process in an outpatient mental health clinic. Inefficient intake procedures, characterized by long wait times, communication gaps, and misreferrals, contribute to patient disengagement and dissatisfaction. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design evaluated a patient-centered intervention involving communication training, streamlined workflows, and real-time updates. Data were collected from 52 participants using Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and qualitative feedback. Quantitative results revealed high satisfaction with staff respect (M = 4.19), communication clarity (M = 4.06), and facility comfort (M = 4.13). Wait time satisfaction scored slightly lower (M = 3.96), …

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study: The Lived Experiences Of Women Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorders And The Stigma Associated With Their Disorder, Emily E. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of women with the stigma of being diagnosed with substance use disorders within the Northeastern United States. Women diagnosed with substance use disorders who experience significant barriers to recovery were defined as a vulnerable population that experiences significant adversities and hardships navigating stigma and the wellness process. Substance use disorders have been a rising public health issue that affect millions of Americans across the United States, and societal and self-perceived stigma have continued to mitigate recovery efforts and individuals’ access to treatment and healthcare. This study focused …

A Phenomenological Study Examining Self-Efficacy Experiences Of Urban Elementary Teachers Teaching Remotely During A Pandemic, Brandi L. Gray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of teachers who taught remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine their perceived self-efficacy in an urban school district in Western Tennessee. Bandura’s teacher self-efficacy theory guided the study as it explains how teachers’ self-efficacy plays a crucial role in academic outcomes such as student achievement, motivation, and teacher well-being in the work environment. The research question that guided the study was: How have remote teaching experiences of urban elementary teachers affected teacher self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic? Participants included 10 teachers from a public school district …

Child Protective Service Workers And Burnout: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Various Types Of Factors That Contribute To Burnout In Rural Virginia, Laurel A. Parks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the job difficulties that contribute to burnout for child protective service (CPS) workers at social service centers in Virginia. The theory guiding this study was the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, proposed by Arnold Bakker and Evangelia Demerouti. The JD-R model states that the more demands one has on the job and the fewer resources available to fulfill those demands, the more likely one is to experience burnout. This study utilized semi-structured interviews to answer the three research questions. Ten child protective service workers from three of the five regions of Virginia participated in …

The Relationship Between Self-Care, Resilience And Burnout, And The Role Of Self-Esteem And Self-Awareness To Facilitate Self-Care Among School Counselors, Sarah C. Mccarthy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

School counselors play a pivotal role in fostering students’ academic, social, and emotional development. School counselors are responsible for addressing a wide range of student needs, such as academic advising, assisting in behavior management, crisis intervention, and mental health support. Being in this position that requires many responsibilities, coupled with high student-to-counselor ratios, many school counselors report having elevated stress levels, potentially leading to the feeling of burnout. Therefore, the purpose of this study focuses on three goals: (1) Determine which self-care practices, and at what frequency, are being used by school counselors to determine which type of self-care practices …

Leading Change: A Phenomenological Study Of Higher Education Leaders Implementing Innovative Emergency Medical Service Programs For Rural Students, Nichole S. Berge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of education leaders in supporting the implementation of innovative programming in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education for rural students. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s social cognitive theory (1986), as it explores how cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors influence the implementation of such programming. The central research question guiding this study is: What are the lived experiences of higher education leaders implementing innovative EMS programming for rural students? The methodology for this study is a transcendental phenomenological design, sampling higher education leaders involved in EMS education. …

Defining Moral Injury: A Delphi Study For A Comprehensive And Consensus-Based Definition, Darius J. Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study utilized a modified Delphi method to develop a consensus definition of Moral Injury across theological, clinical, and experiential domains. Recognizing the term's interdisciplinary ambiguity, the research engaged chaplains, clinicians, ethicists, and professionals from healthcare, military, and psychological contexts to discern shared language and conceptual frameworks. The Delphi process consisted of three iterative rounds, progressing from open-ended questions to structured Likert-scale responses and definition validation. While consensus (80% agreement) was not achieved, a majority (61.5%) of panelists affirmed a pneuma-oriented definition that positions Moral Injury as a wound to the spirit resulting from a violation of deeply held ethical …

The Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle On Movement Velocity In Female Athletes, Casey M. Krolikowski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the psychological and physiological impacts of menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive (HC) use on barbell back squat and bench press velocity, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump height. The aim was to determine whether HC use and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms affected performance during menstruation, the late follicular phase (LFP), or the mid-luteal phase (MLP). Fourteen college-aged female athletes (N = 14) were divided into HC users (n = 7), and naturally menstruating, eumenorrheic individuals (n = 7). Movement velocity data was assessed using RepOne linear position transducers, jump height with the Just Jump mat, and grip …

Addressing The Difficulty Of Digital Transformation, Robert L. Mccaskill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the evolving landscape of modern religious engagement, digital platforms offer churches various opportunities to enhance their worship experiences. Still, many churches find it difficult to integrate digital tools into their ministry in the digital age. They are experiencing challenges incorporating online worship services and digital outreach activities while maintaining their core values. This dissertation-in-praxis examines the development of an online ministry at a local church struggling to adapt successfully to digital transformation. The ministry developed sought to supplement the physical gathering already occurring at the church. The online ministry aimed to ensure greater accessibility, spiritual nourishment, and community engagement. …

Social Media And Mental Health According To Generation Z: A Health Belief Model-Based Cross-Sectional Evaluation Of Generation Z Adults’ Attitudes And Perceptions Of Problematic Social Media Use And Its Relationship With Depression And Anxiety, Michael Chad Gann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to examine Generation Z adults’ attitudes and perceptions of problematic social media use (PSMU) as they relate to mental health problems (depression and anxiety) through the lens of the Mental Health Belief Model.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey gathered data from a convenience sample (N = 353) of Generation Z adults (age 18-30) after receiving approval from the LU IRB. The previously validated instrument battery included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Patient Health Questionaire – 9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD-7), and the Greene (2012) MHBM subscales for perceived susceptibility …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Principals On The Impact Social And Emotional Learning Has On Student Academic Performance, Angela Mastantuono

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of principals in examining the social and emotional learning skills of middle school grades sixth-eighth and if there is an impact on student academic achievement. The theories that guided this study were Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, as they are grounded in explaining the need for social and emotional learning integration into the classroom and how to successfully achieve this. Both theories discuss the positive impact that socialization has on the development of any human being. The central research question was, “What are the lived …

Forgiveness, Spousal Infidelity, And Sex Addiction: Christian Wives’ Lived Experiences, Angela Roake Livingston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how betrayed Christian wives described their understanding of and motivation to forgive their husbands’ infidelity due to sex addiction in the United States. The theory which guided this study was Albert Bandura’s Self- Efficacy, as it examines one’s ability to use personal judgment in executing courses of action to contend with challenges. For this reason, the Self-Efficacy theory was best suited for understanding Christian wives’ lived experiences of forgiveness after experiencing sexual betrayal in marriage. Data was collected via virtual, open-ended, semi-structured interviews via Zoom following a thirty-two-question script addressing the …

Exploring The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Biblical Organizational Culture Of A K-12 School In Kansas, Michael Jacob Wiebe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative research design was to understand the lived experiences of K-12 Christian school teachers regarding the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the biblical organizational culture of a school in Wichita, Kansas. A qualitative interview methodology was utilized for teachers to answer questions pertaining to their own experiences in changes within the school, the school’s environment, and the school’s level of involvement in a biblical culture during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analyzed to understand the effects and the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has had on K-12 Christian school biblical organizational culture, …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Spiritual Mindfulness Practices In Coping With Divorce Loss In Christian Women, Gale Louise Nicolai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aims to understand the role of spiritual mindfulness practices in counseling individuals who have experienced divorce. The theory guiding this study is the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, which recognizes the interconnectivity and mutual influence of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. This data will be descriptive, using open-ended interview questions. Data analysis will be thematic. The study participants are women who self-identify as Christian at 1-10 years post-divorce. The independent variable is spiritual mindfulness practices. The dependent variables are women who self-identify as Christian at 1-10 years post-divorce.

Exploring Academic Motivation In Students With Intellectual Disabilities Through The Experiences Of Teachers: A Phenomenological Study, Brett Franz O'Brien

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with intellectual disabilities in suburban Eastern North Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory, which explains that people can be intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, or have amotivation. The central research question of this hermeneutic phenomenology was “What are the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with ID in suburban Eastern North Carolina?” The study focused on the lived experiences of 10 teachers in Eastern North Carolina who …

The Christian Church’S Inclusion Of Children With Autism Who Experience Parental Incarceration: A Phenomenological Examination Of Christian Ministry Leaders’ Experiences, Julia Frances Vasquez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States has the highest incarceration rate worldwide. Parental incarceration increases children’s susceptibility to adverse childhood experiences and often results in the transmission of criminal behavior. Research on children of incarcerated parents and separate findings on the experiences of children with autism reveal that these children endure bitter societal stigma, even within the church. Stigma toward disability erects barriers to much-needed spiritual support. There is a gap in the literature concerning Christian outreach and spiritual community support for children with autism who experience parental incarceration. Understanding effective ministry support for these dually marginalized children and the barriers preventing access …

Divine Grace In Human Flourishing Amid Suffering, Sutjipto Utomo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human flourishing is as potent as it is intricate. There is a need in the Christian context for a model of human flourishing among other available models. This current qualitative study seeks to gather insights into human flourishing amid suffering among Methodist clergy in Indonesia. The phenomenological approach delved into the essence of encountering the grace of the Lord and flourishing amid the adversities in their ministry. The purposeful sampling was carried out, and fifteen clergy participated in the semi-structured interviews. Their responses helped with gaining insights into the themes of God’s grace, suffering, and human flourishing amid suffering. The …

The Role Of Standard Business And Biblical Principles In The Strategic Human Resource Management Practices Of Contemporary Protestant Churches, Brandon Marshall Mccutchen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) practices have consistently evolved in the for-profit business sector to support business profitability. Nonprofit organizations have also adopted strategic HRM practices. Despite their status as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, contemporary Protestant churches have not been included in the current literature discussing the use of strategic HRM practices in nonprofit organizations. Adoption of an HRM strategy varies across the spectrum of nondenominational Christian churches, and churches that are affiliated with a denomination. This qualitative study assesses the leadership perspective of five local churches to determine how standard business practices and biblical principles combine to create a formal …

Experiences Of First-Generation Nursing Students After Their First Year At An Hbcu: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ari L. Cuffee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students (FGNS) after their first year at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The central research question asked, “What are the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students who have completed one year at a Historically Black University?” The theoretical framework that guided this study was Banks’ theory of multicultural education. This theory demonstrated how educators taught FGNS using the multicultural education paradigm with strategies and procedures to make provisions for culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse students. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ interpretive phenomenological …

Onboarding And Sense Of Belonging: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Natalia Volkonsky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Extensive research has examined the link between onboarding and employees’ sense of belonging, yet no known studies have explored whether the type of onboarding—delivered in-person, remotely, or through virtual platforms—affects this relationship. This quantitative, correlational study investigated how onboarding quality relates to employees’ sense of belonging, whether purpose in life mediates this relationship, and whether onboarding type moderates it. A sample of full-time employees (N = 112), onboarded within the past 12 months, completed validated measures assessing onboarding quality, purpose in life, and sense of belonging. Results showed a significant positive correlation between onboarding quality and sense of belonging. Purpose …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Adults With Personality Disorders Arising From Childhood Trauma: Understanding The Connection Between Childhood Trauma And The Development Of Personality Disorders In Adulthood, Patricia Osei Sarpong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma is one of the key factors that influences the development of personality disorders in adults. Even though there is a wealth of quantitative evidence linking early trauma to later mental health issues, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the lived experiences of persons who had experienced such trauma and gone on to develop personality disorders. By examining these individual accounts, this study aimed to contribute to a more thorough understanding of the ways in which childhood trauma impacted personality development and contributed to the onset of personality disorders. In this study, 20 individuals, aged 20 …

Opiate Addiction Crisis In The United States, Autumn Joy Collins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research investigates how fentanyl has influenced drug trafficking trends and the corresponding response from law enforcement in New York State. It aims to explore the changes in drug trafficking pathways, organizational structures, and methods in this region since fentanyl's emergence and how state law enforcement has adjusted to this new challenge. The study uses a quantitative methodology, analyzing various data from law enforcement records, court documents, and state government reports. The focus is on fentanyl-related drug trafficking cases in New York State over five years. Methods include examining case records and analyzing trafficking patterns statistically. The study will assess …

Adults With Learning Disabilities Navigating The Transition From School To Work, Shatrece L. Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of adults with learning disabilities when transitioning from academics to the workplace, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence. The two research questions asked how adults with learning disabilities described their lived experiences and experiences of emotions and emotional regulation in their transition from academic environments to the professional workplace. The theory guiding this study was the emotional intelligence theory developed by Salovey and Mayer, which was used as a determinant in building relationships and upholding social interactions. The sample consisted of 13 adults with learning disabilities working at …