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The Perceived Understanding Of Emotional Well-Being And Needs Among Older Adults In Rural West Virginia: A Phenomenological Study, Amanda M. Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of older adults regarding emotional well-being in rural West Virginia. Havighurst’s activity theory on aging provided the lens for guiding the research and was supplemented with a framework of reablement. The in-depth literature review showed prevalent trends and limitations in current research on the rural aging population’s efforts to maintain and meet their emotional well-being needs. An essential aspect of the literature review was the limited resources available in rural communities in general. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants recruited from the public. As part of the data …

Childhood Emotional Maltreatment: A Phenomenological Approach Of Its Influence On Adult Attachment And Romantic Relationships, Patricia A. Smetana

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological qualitative study examined the lasting effects, if any, of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) on adult females' romantic relationships. The research explored participants’ perceptions of relationship fundamentals that influence adult attachment formation and the quality of romantic relationships, emphasizing the crucial role of adult attachment in relational quality and overall well-being. Online, two-part semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, yielding a total of 22 interviews. These interviews investigated the participants’ perceptions of how CEM shaped their views of their own and others’ behaviors within adult romantic relationships. The study focused exclusively on adult female survivors of CEM, excluding …

The Indications Of The Need For Training For Biblical Worship Principles In Evangelical Churches In Texas, Carlos Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite numerous Evangelical churches in Texas, most churchgoers hold limited ideas about what defines worship. There is a shortage of biblically principled teaching in the Evangelical Church, particularly in the areas of First and God-honoring worship and its practices, including the Great Commission. This research primarily defines and explores the current state of worship in the Evangelical Church. This research examines how the original Adam and Eve beings, created to worship, have transformed into present-day worshipers. Today's worshipers include Sunday-only attendees, schedule-driven individuals, and spiritually drained souls, with a particular focus on those in Texas. This study will also provide …

The Title Of My Project: Screen Time And Children's Health, Elisabeth Hernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Excessive screen time is harmfully affecting families emotionally, physically, and mentally (Brindova et al., 2014). Eating habits, physical exercise, sufficient sleep each night, and communication with family and peers are increasingly declining as screen time is increasing (Siegle, 2017). With the rise in screen time, young people are spending more time alone (Gingold et al., 2014). Behrens et al. (2019) “explored the cause of anxiety and depression in children as it relates to the use of technology” (p. 474). Since the increase in technological advances, there has also been an increase in cyberbullying. “Setting limits on the amount of time …

Catholic Action At War: Prayer, Study, And Action In The National Catholic Welfare Conference Bulletin, 1939-1945, William Vician

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study of the Roman Catholic Church in America during the twentieth century focuses on the Second Vatican Council’s (1962-1965) massive social changes and reactions, often minimizing the importance of the social and political forces of the preceding decades. The most significant of these forces was the Second World War (1939-1945), in which the nation’s twenty million Catholics participated in roles both on the battlefront and the home front. The Catholic Church that met the challenge of the war effort was increasingly led by the National Catholic Welfare Conference, the forebear of today’s United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Exploring Experiences Of Secondary Teachers With Content- Only Training Instructing English Language Learners, Anita Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the initial experiences of secondary content teachers from diverse backgrounds during their first five years in high schools with a substantial number of English Language Learners (above 50%) in north Georgia. The theory guiding this study is Schlossberg's transition theory as it helps to understand the psychological and emotional adaptations teachers undergo while instructing ELLs, highlighting changes in their self- perceptions, circumstances, and support networks. The central research question is: What challenges and strategies do secondary education teachers without ESOL training describe in their experiences teaching various subjects to classrooms with …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Role Of Resilience In Trauma Recovery Of Those Living In Southeastern Rural America, Summer D. Loduca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the ways in which adults who live in rural communities in the Southeastern United States convalesce from trauma within the framework of barriers and limited access to mental health services. Garmezy’s (1991) developmental psychology approach to resilience, which highlights internal and external protective factors, guides this study as personal resilience, and how it contributes to trauma recovery in underserved settings, is explored. Ten participants aged 32 to 49, engaged in semi-structured interviews as they shared their lived experiences of coping with, and healing from, trauma. Five principal themes were reach in analyzing the data through …

Leadership, Personality Traits, And Teacher Training Characteristics Of Secondary Band Directors In Small Alabama Schools, Robbin Nicol Holder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the disparities in the leadership, personality traits, and teacher training characteristics of successful public and private secondary band directors in small schools in Alabama. The study focused on identifying perspectives that have not been previously explored or documented. A survey was conducted among band directors at Alabama secondary schools with a daily average enrollment of 300 or fewer students in grades nine through eleven. This information was based on data provided by the Alabama Department of Education and reported by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The research encompassed dependent variables in leadership, …

The Lived Experience Of Siblings Living In The Home With An Autistic Child, Betty Polion-Cheatum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A sibling in the household is beneficial for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to research studies, however, most of the attention is placed on managing the ASD child's behaviors. To provide insight into the non-autistic child’s perceptions, this qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of siblings living in a home with an ASD sibling. A questionnaire survey method was used to analyze the non-autistic siblings' perceptions and lived experiences. This dissertation reviewed what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with ASD. The gap in research showed there is not enough …

Exploring School-Based Early Intervention For Developmental Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study Of Parental Experiences, Brenda Nichol Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today it is estimated that one in six children in the United States has one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays. There is a large body of evidence pointing to the necessity of early intervention to improve both short and long-term life outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities from both the medical and social sciences. Despite this fact, the identification process during early childhood from a parental perspective remains under- researched. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of parents of children with developmental disabilities during the evaluation process and receipt of services …

Growth, Maturation, And Selection Of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players, Ryan Podell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maturity status may influence the selection of elite youth ice hockey teams in the United States. Assessing biological maturity status could provide insight into the prevalence of maturation related selection biases. Thus, the purpose of this study was to establish normative maturity status ranges, determine if maturity or relative age effect selection biases existed, and compare levels of agreement between methods to predict maturity status for elite youth ice hockey players in the United States. Part one of this study assessed the biological maturity status and birth months for 126 athletes, ranging 9-16 years of age, from an elite youth …

Christian Schoolteachers’ Shared Experiences Of Learning And Teaching In The Face Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The East Coast Of The United States, Elizabeth Joy Geddes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study sought to better understand and describe the lived experiences of Christian schoolteachers who provided in-person instruction during COVID-19. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, 12 ACSI Christian schoolteachers from the East Coast of the United States were asked to share their stories of providing in-person instruction during the fall of 2020. While studies have explored the challenges and adaptations of public-school educators during COVID-19, there remains a significant gap in understanding the experiences of Christian schoolteachers who navigated in-person instruction amidst the pandemic. The gap highlights the need for focused research to capture the unique perspectives, challenges, and …

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act: A Study On Behavioral Economic Theory, Tax Incentives, And Christian Influence, Tyler James De Haan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was tax legislation in the United States that affected the charitable giving tax deduction. The problem is that neoclassical economics assumes that a decrease in charitable tax deductions will decrease charitable behavior. The purpose of the study is to understand how Christian influence impacts charitable behavior after a decrease in the charitable tax deduction. The study’s methodology will be mixed methods. The study’s design will be an explanatory sequential cross-unit case study. The study sample consists of Christian and public university alumni associations. The data will be collected in two ways. First, data will …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Indirect Impact Of Killings Of Unarmed African Americans By Police On African American Women, Deantonie E. Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the indirect impact of police killings of unarmed African Americans on the mental and emotional well-being of African American women. This research aimed to fill a significant gap in the literature, which has been largely overlooked by focusing on the specific experiences of African American women. The central research question explored how these women articulated and experienced the emotional and psychological effects of police killings within their communities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore the complexities of individuals' perceptions, emotions, and lived experiences. Data collection included in-depth interviews, a …

Burned: A Phenomenological Study On Educator Burnout Within Self-Contained Classrooms, Nyausha West-James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout in Ozark County in Georgia. The social cognitive theory guided this research. The social cognitive theory can be supported by teaching new behaviors and encouraging educators to participate in behaviors that support self-efficacy. Self-efficacy can support teachers in managing their emotions and reducing educator burnout. The central research question was what are the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout? Although there was data that provided evidence on burnout, there was a lack of …

Mental Health Provider Education On The Benefits Of Telepsychiatry To Increase Knowledge And Promote Adoption To Improve Organizational Efficiency, Standards Of Care, And Revenue Generation., Jada Eugene

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study implemented an educational intervention on the benefits of telehealth among mental health providers to improve their level of knowledge and promote technology adoption to improve organizational efficiency, revenue generation, and standards of care. The clinical question was: Among mental health providers, does an educational intervention on the benefits of telehealth, compared to no education, enhance knowledge of telepsychiatry consultations and promote adoption to improve organizational efficiency, standards of care, and revenue generation? Utilizing the Iowa Model of EBP, the researcher implemented a pilot study using the quasi-experimental design. Knowledge, telehealth usability, revenue generation, and standards of care were …

Real-World Opera Education And The Business Of Performance: Perspectives From Young Professionals, Sarah Beckham-Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the traditional practice of operatic vocal training in universities, many young operatic singers found that their education needed to be improved regarding the current demands of the business of being an operatic performer. Understanding the essential skills for operatic training in universities was crucial for preparing singers to handle the demands of a professional career. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of professional operatic singers, university opera training educators, and professional opera companies to discover possible gaps in operatic training in universities. Through interviews with five professional opera singers, five trained singers who chose a different career, six current …

Catholic Mass Music And Spiritual Growth, Stephenie Dinah Mokriakow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Participation in music among Catholic grade school students is insufficient, despite research suggesting the importance of music at Catholic Mass. Student perspectives provide researchers with an understanding of music's connection to students' spiritual development. This qualitative experimental case study investigates fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade student perspectives of their spiritual development through worship music participation during the Mass. This experimental case study identifies perspectives not yet explored and documented concerning this group of students. This study focuses on students' social, emotional, and physical well-being throughout the study regarding the connection of music to spiritual development. Approximately thirty students participated in pre- …

A Quantitative Examination Of School Psychologists And The Relationships Between Work-Life Balance, Burnout, And Turnover Intentions, Brittany Leigh Storti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research for the past twenty-five years has documented that there is a national shortage of school psychologists across the United States. It is vital to study the magnitude of school psychologists working in the educational field and the impact of work-life balance has on burnout and turnover intentions. The study surveyed 75 school psychologists who work in a brick-and-mortar, hybrid, and virtual setting across the United States to compare the relationships and to determine if there is a difference between turnover intentions based on work setting. A moderation analysis and an ANOVA determined that the research failed to reject the …

Qualitative Thematic Analysis Of Crisis Communications From The Digital Pulpits Of Megachurches During Covid-19, Ralph Dustin Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative thematic analysis multi-case study was to explore how secular crisis communication theories were adopted and modified by theological themes in U.S. megachurches during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic related lockdowns. Image Repair Theory (IRT), Discourse Renewal Theory (DRT), and Rhetorical Arena Theory (RAT) were examined alongside Christian themes (Theodicy, Radical Love, Physical Care, and Nontraditional Stakeholder Scope). Thematic analysis of sermon transcripts from 18 megachurches showed that IRT modified: high-attribution tactics were minimal; denial (via IMRA theodicy) defended the Church Universal (CU); evasion justified Church Local (CL)actions; and offensiveness reduction (esp. Transcendence) …

Intergenerational Trauma: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Impact Of Ace’S And Attachment Styles, Quinche` Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many individuals are impacted by ACEs at some point during their childhood. Researchers claimed that ACEs can be prevented; however, there are multiple factors that increase the risk of exposure to childhood adversity, which makes prevention and treatment more difficult. Childhood trauma can cause lasting problems that impact many areas of life and multiple generations. Attachment styles are formed early in life and shape how individuals respond in relationships and situations throughout their lives, including those with their future children. This study used a qualitative method to explore ACEs, attachment styles, intergenerational trauma, and how the intensity and timing of …

Understanding Educators' Experiences Facilitating The Psychological Needs Of Twice-Exceptional Learners: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of gifted and special educators as they facilitate the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness in twice-exceptional learners in schools with gifted and special education programming within the United States. The theory that guided this study was the self-determination theory, which offered a framework to explore teachers' experiences supporting 2e students. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of gifted and special educators as they facilitate the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness for twice-exceptional students? This question was studied using transcendental …

Can You Slow Down A Ticking Clock? An Examination Of The Predictors Of Workaholism And How Each Influences A Correlation Between Workaholism And The Work-Life Balance Of Ncaa Division I Coaches, Brooke Elizabeth Yerger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is one of the largest companies in the world. It is responsible for generating millions of dollars through various sporting events, including the College World Series, the College Football Playoffs, and March Madness. However, this industry is prone to high stress levels, workaholism, and poor work-life balance among the coaches employed by NCAA institutions. Lower work-life balance levels can result in poor overall well-being. These coaches are responsible not only for themselves and their families, but also for the many student-athletes they interact with. If they are not satisfied, their ability to interact positively …

Leading Through Critical Incidents: A Phenomenological Study Of K–12 School Leaders’ Responses To Critical Incidents, Terry-Ann Griffin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore how K–12 school leaders respond to critical incidents in schools. A critical incident is any actual or alleged event or situation that creates a significant risk of substantial or severe harm to physical or mental health, safety, or well-being. The study focused on three major critical incidents: school shootings/gun violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial unrest. The research was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which explains human behavior through reciprocal interactions between personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. The central research question was: How do K–12 school leaders respond to …

Enhancing Hypertension Management In Correctional Facilities: Educating Advanced Practice Providers On Effective Strategies, Kimbreya E. Otey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a significant public health concern, particularly within correctional facilities where access to consistent guideline-based care is often limited. Incarcerated individuals experience higher rates of chronic conditions, including hypertension, yet standardized approaches to management are frequently lacking. To address this gap, an evidence-based educational program was developed for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) working in the correctional setting. Grounded in the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) guidelines, the program was developed to enhance awareness and knowledge among NPs and PAs regarding evidence-based hypertension management practices using the International …

Crisis Preparedness And Professional Quality Of Life: Exploring The Influence Of Self-Efficacy, Mental Well-Being And Job Satisfaction In Crisis Counselors, Courtney Pierce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Crisis services are a growing division of mental health programs. While recent CACREP updates in 2009 and 2016 have placed an emphasis on crisis preparation in counselor education programs, many counselors are not adequately prepared for work in crisis settings. Inadequate preparation could heighten counselors’ risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress, posing a threat not only to their well-being, but also to the advancement of crisis programs. It is important to investigate protective factors for crisis counselors to support their well-being and the viability of essential crisis services. Existing literature examines individual and organizational factors that predict and protect …

The Protective Factors Of Trauma-Informed Care For Parents With Autistic Children, Carolynn J. Redd-Recksiek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this current phenomenological study is to understand the experience of parents with autistic children and their lack of trauma-informed care from direct care providers in Northern Utah. This study is guided by trauma-informed theory, which is a model of care delivery created by Maxine Harris and Roger D. Fallot (2001). Trauma-informed care recognizes how adverse experiences can impact a person and have a negative impact on the health and well-being of that person and how those negative experiences have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the family, which directly impacts the health and well-being …

The Effect Of Stem Professional Development On Self-Efficacy In K-12 Sub-Saharan Educators: A Quantitative, Experimental Study, Erin J. Bergen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, experimental study is to determine if there is a significant difference in self-efficacy in K-12 Christian educators across sub-Saharan Africa because of STEM professional development. This research will help determine if professional development leads to a sense of feeling equipped in STEM integration. The sample of participants is comprised of overseas educators across three sub-Saharan African schools. The number of participants in this experimental study is 81. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument STEBI (Form A) was used to record the self-efficacy of the participating in-service educators for posttest-only control group evaluation. After completing descriptive …

Superintendent Stress And Mental Health: The Case Of African American Female Superintendents In The United States, Kamika Lynette Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the challenges faced by African American female K–12 school superintendents in the United States, with a particular focus on work-related stress and mental health. The unique challenges encountered by African American women in leadership positions include work stressors, racial and societal barriers, and gender discrimination. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain a deeper understanding of the work-related stress and mental health experiences of African American female superintendents in K–12 schools. The study was a means to elicit new information from the experiences of African American women regarding experiences of gendered racism and its …

The Lived Experiences Of Charter School Principals With Burnout: A Phenomenological Study, Taera L. Childers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of burnout for charter school principals in California. The theory guiding this study was Jackson and Maslach’s theory of burnout, as it provided the framework and foundation for the meaning of burnout and the effects it has on social sector employees. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of principals with burnout at charter schools in California? A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used, including virtual questionnaires, individual interviews, and a focus group. The sample size for the study was 11 principals …