Digital Commons Network^™

Motivation And Retention In Music Education: A Phenomenological Study On Socioeconomic Status Impact, Bracy C. Martin Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The retention of middle and high school students in music education programs remains a persistent concern, particularly when disparities in motivation are shaped by socioeconomic status (SES). This hermeneutic phenomenological study investigated how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors such as funding, parental involvement, off-campus performance opportunities, and student engagement are influenced by SES and how these influences affect student retention in school music programs. Grounded in Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory and Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, the study examined how motivation and SES intersect to either support or hinder student persistence in music education.

Eight music educators from urban, suburban, and …

The Problem Of Stigma: Equipping The Christian Church By Exploring An Integrated Response, Charles Mcgannon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has shown stigma to be a significant barrier to help-seeking and effective functioning in every domain of human life. Current research has shown that attempts to enact a solution to this problem have largely failed and, in some cases, have made the problem worse. With an integrated approach incorporating the biblical perspective and supportive scientific insights, effective solutions were explored while helping to connect the Christian and scientific communities toward common goals of removing barriers for help-seekers and reducing stigma and its effects on human lives. For the current qualitative study, 10 leaders within the Christian Church were interviewed …

Enhancing Parental Knowledge Of Functional Medicine Interventions For Adhd: An Educational Initiative To Improve Caregiver Competency, Julie Gammer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric psychiatric condition often managed with stimulant medications that carry potential side effects and may not address underlying causes. Research findings indicate a significant gap in caregiver knowledge and confidence in treating their child's ADHD with functional medicine strategies. This project develops an evidence-based educational initiative designed to enhance caregiver knowledge and confidence in applying functional medicine interventions—such as dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and gut health restoration—as natural, root-cause approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. The project utilized a 30-minute audiovisual presentation and was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention competency tests, as well as a …

Motivation To Hunt: A Qualitative Semiotic Analysis Of Moral Conflict Theory And Social Judgment Theory Of Influential Women Hunters On Instagram, Brittany Alexandra Hosmer Longoria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigates the motivations of women hunters on Instagram through semiotic analysis grounded in moral conflict theory and social judgment theory. Hunting is primarily male-dominated, but the emergence of women hunters on social media challenges stereotypes and shines new light on the dynamics between gender roles, ethics, and public perceptions of the values of nature. The study examines visual symbolism, focusing on how women hunters navigate moral conflicts and social judgment in an increasingly polarizing digital landscape. Through semiotic analysis and personal interviews, the research identifies themes including motivations to hunt, which often respond to or preempt criticism …

The Perception Of Neurofeedback Therapy In Improving Sleep Quality And Reducing Nightmares In Women With Ptsd, Amber Nicole Garcia Roper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigation sought to examine the lived experiences of women diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) undergoing neurofeedback therapy with a concentrated emphasis on sleep quality and nightmares. Sleep disturbances are very common in individuals affected by PTSD and sleep disturbances make a remarkable impact on the broader mental health dimensions. Neurofeedback therapy, an emerging type of brainwave therapy, claims to play a promising role in dealing with these issues. Following this approach to phenomenology, putting greater emphasis on the subjective experiences of participants, this study establishes an understanding of how neurofeedback therapy influences sleep quality and the …

Understanding The Essence Of The Experience: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Students' Engagement With Gamification In Higher Education Asynchronous Courses, Pamela L. Huntington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the nuanced academic lived experiences of students engaging in online asynchronous gamification activities at Central Valley Community College District (CVCCD), a mid-sized community college located in California’s Central Valley. The theory guiding this study is Landers’ theory of gamified learning as it provides a framework for understanding how the intentional integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, can influence learning-related behaviors and attitudes, aligning directly with the study’s focus on how gamification impacts student motivation, engagement, and cognitive experiences in asynchronous online discussions. The central research question …

Integrating African American Veterans Into Church Life: The Impact Of Urban Neo-Tribalism At Olivet Church, Dennis Allen Rose Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American veterans at Olivet Baptist Church attended worship services but did not participate in broader church activities. Many remained disconnected except during annual recognition events. This project was developed to address that gap. The Veteran Re-engagement Module (VRM) was delivered through six small group sessions. It focused on helping veterans talk through their past experiences, explore how those experiences affected their faith, and reconnect with the church. The approach centered around Scripture, group conversation, and spiritual storytelling. To evaluate its impact, data came through before-and-after surveys, individual interviews, and session notes. Twelve veterans participated. Some said this was the …

A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Single Mothers With Depression In Christian Counseling, Julie Adeline Bliss

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The population of single mothers in the United States continues to grow, whether due to widowhood, divorce, or failed relationships. It is common for single mothers to face many obstacles due to balancing life and parenthood alone. Due to these obstacles, single mothers are at a heightened risk for depression. Themes identified in current research consist of single mothers experiencing poor physical and mental health, life stressors such as financial hardships/poverty, unstable housing, inconsistent employment, behavioral and cognitive problems in their children, religious/spiritual (R/S) interventions, along with the connection of mental health and religious or spiritual beliefs. Current studies have …

Investigating The Role Of Student-Instructor Connectedness And Student Thriving In Living A Calling, Whitney Claire Cranford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study explored student-instructor connectedness and student thriving as predictors of living a calling for graduates of four-year higher education institutions. It also investigated which aspect of student thriving - academic, emotional, or social - is most predictive of living a calling. While research addresses these variables individually, limited research has been conducted to address their interconnection and the results for four-year higher education graduates. All variables were measured using established scales. The mixed-method approach encompassed qualitative data from surveys and quantitative data from interviews with graduates of four-year higher education institutions. A total of 79 participants were recruited …

Navigating The Digital Impression: A Grounded Theory Exploration Of Impression Management, Personal Social Media Curation, Cybervetting, And Whole-Person Hiring In The Hiring Process, Stacey G. Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The interaction between job seekers and hiring managers within the social media space was examined through this grounded theory research. Undergraduate college students training to work in local Christian organizations and the hiring managers seeking to hire them were the two participant types who provided the rich data for this study. Study participants included 22 undergraduate students nearing graduation from a Christian university (in 3 focus groups) and 17 hiring managers from Christian churches and organizations who participated in individual interviews. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The study gathered data from both groups to discern how …

Island Transformation: A Missional Approach To Cultivating A Jesus Culture On The Transitory Island Of South Padre., Matthew A. Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following DMin action research project explores the transformative potential of a missional approach to cultivating a Jesus culture within the transitory community of South Padre Island. The research addresses the challenge faced by OneTwo Church, where many members, entrenched in the local island culture, find themselves ill-equipped to evangelize effectively to a transient population. This paper contends that by implementing a unique missional model, the church can instigate cultural transformation from within through strategic engagement in missional evangelism. Equipping OTC with this distinctive model will shift the community’s paradigm from passive island participants to active missional agents. Central to …

Poverty And Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Qualitative Study On Student–Teacher Relationships, Anthony J. Lee Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perception of cultivating supportive teacher-student relationships among Black students for teachers at a school district in the Northeastern United States. At this stage in the research, cultivating supportive teacher-student relationships among Black students was defined as how teachers positively relate in the classroom in ways that positively affect academic outcomes. The theory guiding this study was student involvement theory (Astin, 1984). This theory explains how students change and develop through their motivational involvement with the institution, curriculum, and social atmosphere. The central research question was: What challenges do teachers …

Vulnerable Student Populations’ Understanding Of Title Ix, Campus Support, And Supportive Resources: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, April Lynn Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study examined how vulnerable student populations on college campuses perceived Title IX, campus support, and campus resources. The theory guiding this study is Homans’s social exchange theory, which connects the three pillars of rules, resources, and social relationships. The connection between the theory and the study is that while Title IX has guidelines established to support students after a campus sexual assault, the guidelines do not mean much if a student who has experienced a campus sexual assault is unsure of the support and resources that are available to them. While social exchange theory highlighted the rules, …

Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study describes the transition planning for parents collaborating with school and community professionals for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) at the high school level in Guam. The theory guiding this study is Schlosberg’s transition theory, as it supports parents in decision-making to help students with ID adapt to change. This study reviews how collaborative teams can be between schools and the community. The methodology examines parents’ interviews and observations and reviews the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents. An intrinsic case study is appropriate to understand parents’ perspectives in transition planning for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The …

Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Digital Consumption Has On Adolescent Cognitive And Behavioral Abilities: A Case Study, Latisha Lambert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand student digital consumption and its potential implications on cognitive and behavioral development at a suburban middle school in Southeastern United States. The study was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Veblen’s technological determinism theory, providing a dual lens for examining how environmental modeling and societal shifts in technology influence student learning and behavior. The study utilized a single-site embedded case study design. Ten middle school teachers from various grade levels and subject areas participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and teacher journaling. NVivo coding was used to identify …

Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members Of Black Universities Differently Than Members Of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study, Derrick K. Yates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of research on the emotional connection and support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities may seek through their band experience versus students of Predominantly White Institutions. Some studies demonstrate that those who participate in music ensembles express heightened self-esteem, a sense of connectedness, and a positive impact on their mental and psychological well-being. This narrative inquiry research study focuses on the unexplored perspectives of three band members from historically black and three predominantly white university marching bands, regarding their emotional connections to their programs and the emotional connections and support they receive from them. The …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Teachers From The Northeast Region Of The United States And How They Cope With Workplace Stress And Burnout, Zakkiyyah W. Sally

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to better understand the lived experiences of Pre-K to 12th grade teachers from the Northeast Region of the United States as it relates to the development of burnout and stress. The central phenomenon of the study has been to discover ways teachers choose to cope and best manage stress, which can lead to burnout. This research study also served to investigate school related resources available to teachers to help support them with stress, burnout, and coping. Teachers have noted that they manage stress and burnout with various strategies, such as mindfulness, compassion, …

Sport Specific Postural Deviations: An Analysis Of Influence, Intervention, And Long Term Postural Health In Athletes, Thomas J. Mcguire Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigated sport-specific postural deviations in college-aged individuals aged 18–21 by comparing those who participated in a high school sport for at least four consecutive years with their non-athletic peers. The study aimed to identify prevalent postural deviations and explore their implications for long-term musculoskeletal health. Drawing from biomechanical and ergonomic literature, the study employed a quasi-experimental static-group comparison design to evaluate 60 participants (30 athletes, 30 non-athletes) using the PostureScreen mobile app. Postural deviations were measured in both the frontal and sagittal planes across four regions: head, shoulders, pelvis, and knees. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine …

A Phenomenological Study Of Intergenerational Trauma Of African Americans In The South And Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Cassandra W. Mclaurin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of the ancestors of African Americans in the South and how generational trauma has affected them as it pertains to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS). Intergenerational trauma for African Americans in the South and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome is a condition that many people are unaware of. The research examines how trauma passed from slaves to their ancestors and how the institution of slavery manifests itself into behaviors that lead to social problems in the African American community today. The theories that guide the study are Derrick Bell’s …

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Evidence-Based Autism Assessments: Utility Of A School-Based Autism Evaluation Fidelity Checklist, Melissa Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has demonstrated limited use of evidence-based autism assessments in school settings. The use of fidelity checklists for evidence-based interventions for autism are a focus of research; however, there are not any fidelity checklists or tools for measuring evidence-based autism assessments. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to create and utilize a school-based autism assessment fidelity checklist rubric with a retrospective model. This study began with a focus group to refine the rubric and provide social validity. Then, the rubric was used to measure the fidelity of 52 initial school-based autism assessments across two time periods, one …

Pass It On: Developing Children's Identity With Biblical Storytelling At First Baptist Church Of Sanford, Caleb Mccord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In a culture where many youths are not only leaving the church but also facing psychological issues like identity crises, it is important that children develop their identity as God’s Word prescribes rather than the preference-based identities pushed by secular parties. To best ensure this development, then it is essential that children receive biblical storytelling from both the church and also the parents at home, the latter of which is underutilized in many modern Christian homes. This thesis posits that if parents are made aware of the need for biblical identity development and trained to do so, then they will …

Phenomenology Of Dissociation During (R/S)-Ketamine/(S)-Ketamine Therapy For Depression, Daniel William Cable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the dissociative experiences of patients who are receiving ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. This research was guided by the principles of phenomenological inquiry and focused on the subjective experiences of individuals and sought to explore the nuances of dissociative experiences and offer insight into its potential therapeutic implications.

The research used a qualitative methodology involving participants who have experienced ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. The setting was a controlled clinical environment where the therapy sessions were conducted. To collect data, open-ended, semi-structured interviews as well as follow-up interviews were conducted with the participants in …

Single-Working Parents’ Psychological Autonomy And Psychological Well-Being And The Mediating Role Of Work-Life Balance, Patrina Anastasia Lowrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single-working parents (SWPs) shoulder dual roles and responsibilities, often resulting in strained psychological autonomy (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and work-life balance (WLB) across their work and nonwork domains. These overlapping responsibilities create challenges in sustaining a quality of life over time. The specific problem this study addressed is that many SWPs in leadership positions do not manage their emotional center well, and the relationships among their PA, PWB, and WLB remain unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether WLB mediates the relationship between PA and PWB in adult SWPs. Research questions were developed to explore …

The Frequency Of Academic Advising: A Quantitative, Predictive Study On Postsecondary Second-Year Student Satisfaction, Angelia M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between student satisfaction with academic advising, the frequency of academic advising activities, and the type of postsecondary institution (community college or public university). This study is important in providing valuable context for re-evaluating how academic advising efficacy is assessed and structured in postsecondary institutions. Through convenience sampling of second-year community college and public university students, data was collected via a self-paced online survey of 110 participants. In addition to demographic information, the survey incorporated the Academic Advising Inventory to measure student satisfaction with academic advising. Multiple linear …

Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Admissions Criteria To A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program And Graduation Success, Mark Amir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between admissions criteria and academic success in a non-traditional, weekend-format Doctor of Physical Therapy program known as Palisades Weekend University. This study contributes to the literature by exploring how cognitive and non-cognitive variables may predict student outcomes. The sample included 112 participants enrolled between 2016 and 2021 at a private university in New York. Data was collected using the General Self-Efficacy Scale via Google Forms, and archival admissions data was obtained from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Logistic regression analysis assessed the predictive relationship between self-efficacy, …

Understanding Educators’ Experiences With Chronic Student Absenteeism In Rural High Schools In Southwest Virginia: A Phenomenological Study, Tina Louise Dean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand educators’ experiences and the influences chronic absenteeism has on low-income rural high school students in Southwest Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognition theory on learning, which develops through interaction and modeling. The central research question was, “How do teachers describe their experiences with chronic student absenteeism in rural high schools in Southwest Virginia?” A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used, and the researcher focused on 10 educators from rural high schools in southwest Virginia who had experienced student chronic absenteeism and/or truancy. Data for this study was collected …

Exploring The Role Of Online Fan Communities During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study, Misha Alarie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals increasingly turned to online fandom communities for social support and companionship. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the impact of digital communities on individuals' social support networks throughout and beyond the pandemic. Through an exploration of participants' lived experiences within virtual spaces, specifically Reddit, the research sought to comprehend how interactions within online fandoms address individuals' social needs and influence their overall well-being. The research examined how people find online communities, their interactions, perceptions of group dynamics, how these spaces can change them, and their role in offering support during and after …

Lived Experiences Of Black Clergy Counseling White Female Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In Predominantly White Churches Of Christ, Archie Ray Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of Black male pastors in predominantly White Churches of Christ who provide pastoral care to White female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). These Black male spiritual leaders often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking help, yet they may face unique challenges shaped by cross-racial, gender, and theological dynamics. This study examined how spiritual beliefs, educational preparation, and ministerial experiences influenced the responses of the participants to IPV. The findings revealed that in the absence of formal IPV training and institutional protocols, pastors often relied …

The Experiences Of University Health Science Students Participating In A Short-Term Medical Mission Trip, Peggie L. Williamson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of university health science students who participated in a short-term medical mission trip (STMMT). Student participation in a STMMT was generally defined as active involvement in an 8-day healthcare initiative undertaken by supervised university health science students who provided medical care and education to underserved regions. Purposeful criterion and convenience sampling were used to select ten participants from a group of university health science students registered for a STMMT to Belize in 2025. The two theories guiding this study were Husserl’s Transcendental Theory, designed to provide a …