Digital Commons Network^™

The Lived Experiences Of Nontraditional Students And The Innovative Strategies Higher Education Leaders Can Implement To Support Their Success: A Phenomenological Study, Fernando Jose De Oliveira Castro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and strategies employed by nontraditional college students to achieve academic success at public universities in Massachusetts. Nontraditional student experiences were generally defined as the ways in which adult learners, part-time students, and those balancing work and family responsibilities navigated challenges, used support systems, and developed strategies to persist in higher education. The central research questions this study was: How do innovative strategies and support systems contribute to the lived experiences of nontraditional students’ success in Massachusetts’s higher education institutions? I employed Ryan and Deci’s (2017) self-determination theory to …

A Causal-Comparison Study Of The Effect Of Core Otolaryngology Curriculum And The Impact Of Technology On Graduate Medical Education, Jason G. May

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Graduate medical education now places a greater emphasis on learning efficiency and effectiveness. The increased use of advanced technology for modern learners and resident work hour restrictions have played a central role. An otolaryngology core curriculum has recently been introduced for use by otolaryngology training programs. The sample population is composed for otolaryngology residents from four otolaryngology residency programs. Data will be collected for each participant via anonymous review from each program. This paper examines the impact of the otolaryngology core curriculum and its use of advanced technology on resident learning as measured by learner satisfaction scores (Educational Practices Questionnaire …

Burnout, Perceived Organizational Support, And Spirituality: In Msd Special Educators, Bianca Grider Fisher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational research study explored whether burnout (BO) is correlated with perceived organizational support (POS) in special education teachers (SETs) working with moderate to severe disabilities (MSDs) students during distress, and whether spirituality moderates the correlation. SETs working with MSD students face a heightened risk of BO, yet there is little literature exploring how organizational or spiritual resources help. Exploring these factors is necessary to strengthen SETs’ well-being. Guided by the Organizational Support Theory, theoretical frameworks on BO, Maslow's Theory on Spirituality and Hierarchy of Needs, the Cognitive Appraisal Approach, and biblical truths, this study explored how internal and …

Autistic Mothers And Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv): An Intersectional Analysis Of Vulnerability And Systemic Barriers, Rachel D. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how autistic mothers raising children with autism describe the support they received and the barriers they faced when leaving an IPV environment. The guiding theory for this study was Ecological Systems Theory, which was utilized to explore vulnerability to exploitation through aggressive abuse histories, normalization of violence, and the inability to see red flags in potential relationship partners. Intersectionality was utilized to examine how the interplay of abuse, autistic traits, race, socioeconomic states, and gender created a complex and challenging situation for autistic mothers affected by intimate partner violence. Eight …

Childhood Emotional Abuse And Effects On Adult Behavioral Health, Motivation, And Resilience, Jonathan Pawson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood emotional abuse (CEA) is a frequently overlooked form of maltreatment that disrupts attachment formation and increases vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms in adulthood. Because the harm is relational and often invisible, its long-term effects can persist without recognition. This study examined how CEA related to adult internalizing behaviors, resilience, and motivation, and whether resilience and motivation moderated these relationships. Attachment theory guided the framework for understanding how early emotional deprivation shapes later functioning.

A quantitative correlational design was used with 249 adults who completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Generalized Anxiety …

Institutional Factors Contributing To Child Sexual Abuse In Independent Baptist Churches: A Phenomenological Study, Adam Stephen Pearlstein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe childhood sexual abuse survivor’s within Independent Baptist Churches experiences reporting and engaging with church leaders about their abuse in the United States. While there is great variety within these churches, they typically share a similar style of church leadership and accountability structures for that leadership. Tragically, child sexual abuse within these churches is far too common, as is demonstrated both by scientific research and by stories reported by journalists. This study will seek to look into both the ecclesiology of the church structures of these Independent Baptist churches and into teachings …

Unseen But Felt: Exploring The Emotional And Developmental Impacts Of Father Absence On The Lives Of African American Daughters, Michelle Laniece Mayberry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of African American daughters who grew up with absent fathers, examining how this experience influenced development, relationships, identity formation, and resilience. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, six central themes emerged: (1) father-daughter relationship, (2) emotional and psychological impact, (3) identity and development, (4) social and relational outcomes, (5) decision-making and achievement, and (6) resilience and adaptation. Each theme was interpreted through the lens of attachment and social learning theories with a biblical worldview. The findings revealed that father absence often left emotional and developmental wounds in the lives of the participants. The …

The Relationship Between The Health Science Reasoning Test And Successful Completion Of An Associate Degree Nursing Program: A Retrospective Predictive Study, Joyce A.Ajkuce Kucerovy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively identify whether the addition of an entrance exam such as the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) to the current admission criteria of an associate degree nursing (ADN) education program would aid in selecting students with the highest chance of successfully completing the program and entering the workforce. A nonexperimental, retrospective, quantitative, predictive correlational study design was used. A retrospective convenience sample of 320 first-year nursing students in an ADN education program was obtained. The G* power analysis showed a minimum sample size of 107 students was needed. Statistical analysis involved a multiple …

From Retaliation To Restoration: Evaluating Norwegian Prison Rehabilitation Models For United States Integration, Lucas I. Abbott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study evaluates the viability of implementing Norwegian rehabilitative frameworks within the American prison system by gathering the perspectives of formerly incarcerated men in the United States. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the research sought to understand how American offenders perceive Norwegian normalization techniques, such as single-occupancy rooms, humane architectural environments, respectful inmate-officer relationships, and their potential to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Fifteen participants who had served a minimum of three weeks in correctional institutions completed open-ended questionnaires analyzed through conceptual content analysis. Findings revealed strong support for individualized rooms, normalized environments, and increased positive human interaction as transformative …

Trauma-Informed Practices (Tips) And Burnout, Job Satisfaction, And Ptsd In First Responders, Tyler Mcdonough

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

First responders are the frontline defense of society and consist of people that push back against chaos to keep our communities civilized and in functioning order. This study aimed to ensure that first responders’ mental health is adequate for home life as well as daily job functions, and to assess which Trauma Informed Practices (TIPs) can lead to positive outcomes in reducing first responder’s feelings of burnout, increasing their job satisfaction, and suppressing frequency of PTSD symptoms. TIPs are different intervention techniques that are designed to assist the individual with a variety of emotions such as anxiety, stress, burnout, and …

Social Support In The College Classroom And The Impact Supportive Communication Has On Student Academic Success And Quality Of Life, Rachael Tiede

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College students often encounter academic and personal challenges that lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. These challenges can feel burdensome, making it difficult for them to determine the best course of action for the issues they face. They frequently experience difficulties in managing the demands of college. Given these challenges, a potential solution for their anxiety and stress is social support through supportive communication from friends, instructors, and others at the college or university. Guided by social support theory and social penetration theory and employing a quantitative methodology, the research examined the impact of supportive communication on college …

What Are The Effects Of Statewide Body-Worn Camera Policy Standardization On Recording Rates And Officer Behavior?, Michael Mcdowell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quasi-experimental research tests the hypothesis whether statewide body-worn camera (BWC) policy standardization produces different results than locally autonomous policies in body-worn camera policies in terms of camera activation, use of force, civilian complaints, and officer perceptions of accountability and procedural justice. Drawing on policy diffusion and organizational justice theories, the study analyzed data from 200 officers across two states using t-tests, regression models, and difference-in-differences analysis. Findings showed that there were no statistically significant changes in the rates of activation, force incidents, or the number of complaints regardless of the type of policy used, meaning that statewide standardization had …

Examining The Intergenerational And Transgenerational Impact Of Military-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder On Academic Success In College Students In The United States, Kimberlee Bazo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military families and caregivers have unique experiences with their service member which can both enhance and challenge their daily lives. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the transgenerational and intergenerational impact of military-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on academic success in college students in the United States. This non-experimental, quantitative research design utilized both descriptive and correlational data analysis. Self-report measures and grade point average (GPA) provided the data from a total of 67 participants, as determined by an a priori analysis, for the results and subsequent discussion sections. Participants were recruited through a variety of sources using …

Resiliency Among Service Industry Workers: A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Assessment, Winston King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to quantify service industry workers’ resiliency’s relationships with their emotional intelligence, understanding of differing personality types, spiritual resiliency, and substance abuse, as these are all applicable to the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, which served as the theoretical framework. The study included administering the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SEIT), a self-reporting of employees’ understanding of differing personality types, a self-reporting of employees’ spiritual resiliency, and the Substance Use Brief Screen (SUBS) to social science graduate students working in the service industry. Resiliency was identified as the predictor variable and the other …

Prevalence Of Intimacy Satisfaction In Relation To Burnout And Trauma Saturation Of First Responders, Krystoffer L. Bowman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A shared understanding of this issue enables us to recognize the uniqueness of each individual’s experience, supported by the consistent commitment of trauma-saturated professionals. But what happens when these individuals become so accustomed to trauma that they can no longer recognize it as such? When their professional identity is inherently tied to continuous exposure to trauma, they may unconsciously adopt emotional distancing as a coping mechanism, which can appear to others as a fixed personality trait or lifestyle, even outside the workplace. This professional emotional distancing, often a consequence of growing burnout and trauma saturation, may negatively impact intimacy satisfaction. …

Investigating The Reliability And Validity Of The Social Connectedness Instrument Among U.S. Adults, Blake A. Fraser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Growing evidence shows that poor social connectedness is becoming a public health threat, with rising prevalence and connections to poor mental and physical health across the lifespan. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop feasible and effective social connectedness interventions. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of current interventions, with studies recommending tailoring the intervention to an individual’s specific social connection needs. However, previous measures of social connectedness provide little information about potentially modifiable contributors of poor connection. Thus, the Social Connectedness Instrument (SCI) was developed to fill in this gap by proposing two novel latent constructs of …

Experiences Of Victim Advocates Serving Military Sexual Assault Victims In The State Of New York: A Phenomenological Study, Neisha Louhar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe victim advocates’ (VAs’) experiences serving victims of sexual assault (SA) in the State of New York. Current researchers emphasize experiences in the areas of professional satisfaction, development of new skills, and work relationships. The theories guiding the current research are Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and social cognitive theory (SCT). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that individuals are motivated to meet their needs in a specific order. Social cognitive theory’s observational learning shapes decision-making factors. have an important role in supporting victims of SA emotionally. Understanding victims’ experiences can provide awareness of …

Resilient Leadership In Action: The Rhetoric And Relationships Of Abraham Lincoln For Today’S Public Administration, Wayne Morris Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Public administration faces growing volatility and complexity, requiring leadership models that extend beyond traditional management paradigms. This qualitative, historical-explanatory case study introduces and tests a multidimensional theory of resilient leadership in public administration through the rhetoric and relationships of Abraham Lincoln during his presidency. Guided by one central and four sub-research questions, the study analyzes fifty-six of Lincoln’s letters, speeches, and memoranda alongside fifteen diary entries by Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. Using a dual framework that integrates the Four-Factor Leadership Model and the proposed five-dimensional resilient leadership model: adaptability and learning, ethical decision-making and integrity, collaborative governance and stakeholder engagement, …

African American Adult Male Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse And Their Subsequent Experiences In Intimate Partner Relationships, Christian Lee Jefferson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenology study is to explore the lived experiences of African American adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse within intimate partner relationships. The problem is that it is not known how African American adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse describe their present or past intimate partner relationships experience or the impact that childhood sexual abuse has on their intimate partner relationships. Research shows how experiences of sexual abuse create difficulty in managing intimate partner relationships. Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse often had damaging effects on adults with their romantic relationships. Findings from …

Perceptions Of Defund The Police, Russell F. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research delves into contemporary literature on the Defund the Police movement in the United States, a significant force shaping law enforcement practices and the future landscape of policing and criminal justice. Stemming from the aftermath of the 2020 George Floyd protests, this movement has spurred transformations in policing methodologies and resource distribution. With its expansion across the nation, law enforcement agencies are grappling with high turnover rates and a dwindling pool of qualified applicants. The Defund the Police movement, originally aimed at abolishing police departments due to perceived systemic issues, underscores the need for progressive law enforcement reforms, particularly …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Global Remote Leadership, Melissa Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Leaders of organizations have faced many changes with respect to remote work. As face-to-face interactions decrease, the opportunities and challenges of technological and digital advancement further the complexity of remote work. Leaders serve as prominent figures who use remote technology to communicate and interact with employees that report to them. The relationship between remote work and the development of meaningful social interactions remains largely unexplored (Clark et al., 2018). This phenomenological study explored the described experiences of remote leaders, the role that identity development plays in the success of leadership remote work, how their identity development impacts their well-being and …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring Christian Women Emotional Traumatic Symptoms Post Spousal Infidelity, Tracy Y. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The discovery of spousal infidelity has been recognized in the literature as a devastating breach of marital commitment. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe women of faith’s experiences with emotional trauma after discovering spousal infidelity in the Northeastern United States. This study’s theoretical framework is guided by Schlossberg’s transition theory, which aims to answer the following research questions: How do women of faith describe emotional trauma after the discovery of infidelity? How does infidelity affect the psychological, emotional, and physical functioning of women and their social systems? How do participants describe their spiritual relationship with God after …

Evaluating Theories On End-Of-Life Dreams And Visions With Similar Phenomena In Trauma-Related Populations, Christopher Channy Vinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A grounded theory approach was used to conduct a study on participants (N=24) who were veterans with trauma-related dreams or who had a near-death experience. Research questions were designed to qualitatively examine the lived experiences of dreams and visions in a non-end-of-life setting. This allowed the data to give greater insight into the end-of-life phenomenon and deepen the body of knowledge on dreams and visions in general. A survey consisting of the PTGI-SF, LuCiD, NExS, and the Greyson NDE, along with open-ended survey questions designed to record dream narratives for a thematic analysis, was used. The dream narratives were coded …

Trust In Automation Causing Automation Complacency In Relation To General Aviation: A Quantitative Study, Bart Augustin Marcules

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined whether a relationship exists between Trust in Automation (TIA) and the potential for automation complacency in general aviation between pilots flying automated and non-automated aircraft as single pilots, while controlling for pilot generation. Autonomation can lead to automation complacency through overreliance and trust in the automation. Automation complacency may cause pilots to lose situational awareness and be surprised by automation surprises, leading to detrimental outcomes. Although automation complacency has long challenged commercial pilots, resulting in significant research on this issue, little research has focused on this issue in general aviation. The limited research is due …

Exploring The Counselor Identities Of Latina Counselors Through The Lens Of Their Familial, Cultural, And Religious Contexts: A Phenomenological Study, Samuel Landa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Developing a counselor identity is an essential component of becoming a counselor. There are several factors influencing the developmental process. Though there are several studies that explore the topic of counselor identity development, the research on what this process entails for Latina counselors is limited. Thus, this transcendental phenomenological qualitative study explores how family, culture, and religion influence the counselor identity development of Latina counselors. This study utilized Schlossberg’s transition theory (1981) to observe how these factors become evident in the first year of their Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) and how they influenced their …

Examining Perceived Problem-Solving Skills, Parenting Styles, And Biblical Principles: Insights From Parents Or Guardians Of African American Teen Males, Dorothy Farrow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationship among parenting styles, the use of biblical principles in parenting, and the problem-solving skills of African American male teenagers aged 14 to 17 years in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, as perceived by their parents or guardians. The study addressed a significant gap in existing literature by integrating biblical teachings with established psychological theories on parenting. The primary theoretical frameworks included Baumrind's parenting styles theory and Bandura's social cognitive theory. Using the Kruskal–Wallis H and chi-square tests, the study assessed the potential relationships among parenting styles, biblical use in parenting, and parent-perceived problem-solving skills of their …

The Effect Of Parent-Child Relationship, Teacher-Student Relationship, And Parent/Teacher Religiosity On Prosocial Behavior In Early Childhood, Monifa Andrea Cross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are several factors that can influence prosocial development in early childhood, including secure attachments, perspective-taking skills, empathy, parent-child relationships, teacher-student relationships, and parent/teacher religiosity. The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to explore how parent–child relationships, teacher–student relationships, and the religiosity of both parents and teachers are perceived to influence prosocial behavior in 5- to 6-year-old children in early childhood settings. Through an in-depth examination of multiple cases, this study aimed to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of parents and teachers regarding the relational and spiritual factors that may support or shape prosocial development during this …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Personal And Professional Experiences Of U.S. Police Leaders Who Led Their Agency Through A Line-Of-Duty Death, Elizabeth A. Cary

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the personal and professional experiences of police leaders from across the United States who led their agencies through line-of-duty deaths (LODD). The social constructivist worldview guided this study as Creswell and Poth (2025) suggest that it captures complicated and multifaceted subjective meanings of individuals. Transformational leadership theory was the lens through which this research was conducted. Police leaders are faced with personnel, political, societal, and generational challenges following the events of Ferguson, George Floyd, the COVID-19 pandemic. This is on top of the already stressful and traumatic work police officers face …

Examining The Psychological Impact Of Adverse Childhood Traumatic Experiences In Adult Survivors: Creating A Community Of Awareness And Intervention, Lawanda T. Mobbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma encompasses experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, experiences which have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s development and well-being. These behaviors can manifest in many ways. The intricate interplay between childhood trauma, mental health challenges, and maladaptive behaviors creates a complex clinical picture, often requiring specialized and trauma-informed approaches within the community. Understanding the efficacy of interventions tailored to this population is crucial for improving the quality of life and fostering resilience. Despite extensive research, there remain significant gaps in understanding the full scope of these effects and how to mitigate them. This study investigated …

Unmothered: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Daughters Who Are Detached From Their Black Mothers, Imani S. Steele

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mother-daughter relationships are often characterized as foundational, nurturing bonds, but for some adult daughters, the relationship is a source of pain and disconnection. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of adult Black American daughters who are detached from their Black American mothers, influenced by Bowen Family Systems Theory’s emotional cutoff concept. Seventeen Black adult women, aged 27-49, were interviewed to assess how they made meaning of being detached from their mothers, along with the ways it shaped their lives. Findings showed that detachment was a gradual response to a history of harmful mothering. Daughters described detachment as an act …