Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Religiosity, Meaning-Making, And Well-Being Among Involuntary Childless Women, Laura Beth Harter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The proportion of involuntary childless women in the United States continues to rise, with research indicating elevated risks of depression, anxiety, and diminished well-being in this population compared to their childbearing counterparts. Simultaneously, many faith communities emphasize pronatalist ideals, which may compound these psychological effects. Despite a growing body of qualitative work, quantitative research examining faith, meaning-making, and well-being among women whose childlessness extends beyond recent infertility is limited. This quantitative, correlational study examined the relationships among religiosity, meaning-making, and well-being among involuntary childless women. Participants (N = 94; M age = 44.6) completed online surveys including the Duke University …

Racial Bias, Mindfulness, And Motivation Among Mental Health Clinicians, Deirdre Y. Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Racial bias is linked to poor mental health outcomes and obstructs clinician-client relationships. Mental health clinicians (MHCs) may express implicit bias, expanding disparities for people of color. Mindfulness and motivation to respond without prejudice (MRP) are associated with reduced racial bias, yet few studies have examined these constructs among MHCs. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate relationships between mindfulness, MRP, and implicit racial bias. Licensed MHCs (n = 47, 85.1% female, 59.6% African American, mean age 50 years) participated in a convergent parallel mixed-methods study involving an online survey [Race Implicit Association Test (Race IAT), the Five …

A Phenomenological Study To Describe The Lived Experiences Of U.S. Military Veterans Diagnosed With Ptsd Who Have Completed A Spiritually Integrated Treatment Program, Roger Fall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of U.S. military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who completed a spiritually integrated treatment program. Schlossberg’s transition theory formed the study’s primary theoretical framework, through which the following research questions were answered: 1) How do U.S. military veterans diagnosed with PTSD describe their experiences before attending a spiritually integrated treatment program? 2) How do the participants describe their expectations for the program prior to their participation? 3) How were the participants’ expectations met, and were any unexpected outcomes experienced while participating in the program? and 4) …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Mental Health Needs Of High School Youth In A Rural Community Post Covid-19 Pandemic, Maritza Gonzalez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe former high school students’ experiences with mental health struggles while in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural Texas Public Independent School District. Mental illness increased among youth during the prolonged pandemic period of time and many of the pervasive mental health concerns have not been addressed effectively in the aftermath. As a result, a growing number of concerns pertaining to the mental health wellbeing of K-12 children continues to be on the rise. Thus, it is of utmost importance to learn more about the experiences of our youth …

Breaking The Silence: Hispanic Male Child Abuse Survivors And Their Post Traumatic Growth, Maria Angelica Hernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Hispanic male survivors’ experiences of child abuse in Southern California. The theory guiding this study was social constructivism (Pfadenhauer, 2019), as it explains how a worldview is developed. The additional theories are Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory, Bowlby’s (1973) attachment theory, and Widom’s (1989) cycle of violence and how they influence the development of an individual’s perception and worldview. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s (1996) post-traumatic theory also influenced this study as it focused on growth after the trauma experience. The study includes 12 male participants of Hispanic descent between the ages of …

Officers On Patrol: Perspectives Of An Arrest On Past And Present Law Enforcement Officers, Shanee N. Ellington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While attempting to apprehend suspects, police officers must contend with complex obstacles arising from the arrest's legal, ethical, and sociopolitical context. Officers had to follow their department’s guidelines while also developing legal procedures when carrying out an arrest. The study focused on how an officer’s perception of arrest decisions and procedures encapsulated challenges and ethical dilemmas. Through a semi-structured interview with twenty respondents, this research explored the implications of arresting behaviors on officers’ professional identity formation and development. The data analysis followed the grounded theory approach, which focused on identifying differences and similarities between former and current officers over time. …

A Longitudinal Study Of Performance And Workload In Military Flight Training, Kristen Fitzgerald Biondich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative longitudinal research study of aircrew undergoing transition training was to examine the relationships between progressive syllabus events and aircrew performance, and progressive syllabus events and workload. In military aviation, the transition from one platform to another can present significant challenges to aircrew, especially regarding task saturation and performance. Previous research has suggested methods for improving the practice of flight training but has not investigated the emerging OA-1K mission and platform. The OA-1K is a modified Air Tractor AT-802U, a rugged, single-engine turboprop aircraft that is intended for use flying light attack and reconnaissance missions. This …

The Power Of International Relations In Local Communities: An Institutional Theory Case Study Examining The Implementation Of Sustainable Development Goal 11 In Four Virginia Communities, Latisha R. Rothenbach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

By pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, communities across Virginia may be losing their unique, local characteristics. This study investigates whether communities in Virginia have been implementing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. Guided by institutional theory, this study explores the research questions: What effect do global isomorphic pressures of SDG 11 have on local institutional integration of urban planning regarding community connectivity, land use, and open green public spaces? How do local planning documents and institutional actors frame, adopt, or resist global isomorphic pressures of SDG 11 in relation to community connectivity, land use, and open green public spaces? …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student Perception Of The Usefulness Of Llms For Academic Achievement Among Business Technology Course Levels (200, 300, And 400) When Comparing Free Versus Paid Llm Access, Wendy Chun

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in student perceived usefulness of large language models (LLMs) for academic achievement among undergraduate business students at different business technology course levels (200, 300, and 400) when comparing access to free versus paid LLMs. This study is important because it contributes to a practical understanding of the impact of LLM-assisted learning on students' perception of how LLMs contribute to academic achievement at the undergraduate level; therefore, this study contributes to the literature by providing empirical-based information on how a student perceives the effectiveness of using …

Brainspotting And The Strong Black Woman Schema: A Pretest–Posttest Study On Psychological Wellness, Iiesha Lasha Ricks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black women in the United States experience disproportionate health disparities resulting from the intersecting effects of racism and sexism. Although researchers widely acknowledge these disparities, they have given less attention to how race- and gender-based oppression affect mental health outcomes. Brainspotting (BSP) is a trauma-informed approach emphasizing clinician attunement and a nonjudgmental space for processing distress. While BSP has shown promise with diverse populations, few studies have specifically examined its use with adult Black American women. This quantitative pretest–posttest study investigated the efficacy of BSP in improving psychological wellness among Black women and whether endorsement of the Strong Black Woman …

The Lived Experiences Of Implementing Social-Emotional Learning Competencies In The Classroom Of Teachers In A Southern State: A Phenomenological Study, Lakenya King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers in a southern state who implemented social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies in the classroom. The study was guided by Goleman's theory of emotional intelligence (EI), which focused on SEL needs and benefits. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of teachers who implemented SEL competencies in the classrooms in a southern state? This study used a transcendental phenomenological design to gain insight into the phenomenon from 10 teachers in a public district in a southern state who implement SEL competencies in the classroom. …

Exploring Spiritual Coping And Anxiety Reduction In Military Personnel Transitioning Through The Meb Process And Undergoing Vocational Training: A Qualitative Approach, Camron L. Rawls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study examined how transitioning military service members (TMSMs) navigating the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) used spiritual and vocational resources to manage stress and cope with identity loss. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants enrolled in or recently completing the Ch. 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) or another vocational training program. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through repeated cycles of coding, memoing, and theme development. Six major themes emerged: (1) bureaucratic confusion and identity disruption that increased anxiety and led …

Effect Of Spirituality On The Mental Health Of Adults Who Experienced Bullying In Their Childhood, Celiana Rodriguez-Gonzalez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Bullying experiences in childhood have been found to significantly affect mental health in adulthood, particularly through depression and anxiety. Spirituality has been identified as a protective factor for mental health, contributing to quality of life, satisfaction, and purpose. It may also buffer the effects of violence and bullying. This correlational study examined the relationships among childhood bullying, spirituality, and adult mental health in a sample of individuals from Puerto Rico (N=124). Specifically, whether spirituality moderates the relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes. Results indicated that childhood bullying was moderately associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, …

Utilization And Preparedness Of Physical Therapists For Management Of Migraines In Georgia, Heath B. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative survey experiment was to examine the referral to and utilization of physical therapists in Georgia for assisting with the management of migraine patients, explore the preparedness of Georgia physical therapists to provide evidence-based interventions for migraine patients, and compare the differences between the utilization and preparedness of rural physical therapists and urban physical therapists within the state. The theories guiding this study were the behavioral and biopsychosocial models. The behavioral model demonstrated that individuals' behaviors affect their access to care and perceived need for medical interventions. Due to the demographics of Georgia, characterized by a …

Leaving The Fold: Young Adult Disaffiliation From Protestantism In Political And Cultural Context, Kimberly S. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the lived experiences of young adults who have disaffiliated from a Protestant church, focusing on political, national, and religious dynamics, including reflections on Christian Nationalism. The study also examines how these meaning-making processes informed participants’ retrospective accounts of disaffiliation. Building on the quantitative research that has dominated prior studies, this study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to investigate how encounters with Christian Nationalism have shaped perceptions of organized religion. The study’s ten participants ranged in age from 21 to 29 years old and identified as having been part of the Protestant Church prior to disaffiliating from organized religion. …

Covid-19 Event Impact: Religious/Spiritual Coping And Posttraumatic Growth In Adult Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Mindy Barrett Perlman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique collective trauma that has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, including adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study examined the relationship between spiritual/religious coping and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among this population, while also exploring the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mediating role of religious/spiritual coping. Grounded in Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Theory and Pargament’s Religious Coping Theory, this study utilized the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE), and the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) adapted for COVID-19 to assess trauma exposure, …

A Phenomenology Of High School Educators’ Experiences Teaching Students With Traumatic Backgrounds In South Carolina, Amanda R. Eron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe educators’ lived experiences teaching high school students who have experienced trauma in South Carolina. This study focused on the following central research question: How do educators describe their lived experiences teaching high school students who have experienced trauma in South Carolina? The study explores three research sub-questions: (1) How do educators describe and understand the complex demands they experience and the available resources they have within their classroom, schools, and school district? (2) How do educators describe their experience with trauma-related training or education? (3) How do educators describe their …

Exploring Long-Term Trauma In Children Following Early Nicu Hospitalization: A Qualitative Study Of Maternal Perspectives, Genee Leniece Francis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are hardships that occur in the life of a child before the age of 18. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of mothers whose child was hospitalized in a NICU during the first 2 months of life, focusing on traumatic injury or long-term trauma symptoms, as evidenced by intellectual delays, emotional regulation issues, or behavioral challenges in children. Purposeful, criterion, and snowball sampling were used to identify English-speaking participants over the age of 22 who served as a primary caretaker of a child currently between the ages of 4 and 11. …

An Examination Of Perceptions Of Strangers' Trustworthiness: A Comparison Of Religious Beliefs, Angelia Theresa Hogan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When Panikkar wrote that the “meeting of religions is an inescapable fact of today,” he was describing the very premise of this study. The continual social interactions between people of different faiths and beliefs require an understanding of both perceptions and prejudices in order to help foster trust and cooperation in a global setting. The availability of current data on unimpeded and immediate perceptions of the social trustworthiness of a photographed face on the part of people of different religious beliefs is sorely lacking. This study examined whether people with six different religious affiliations assigned different levels of trustworthiness to …

A Phenomenological Study On The Connection Between Perceived Funding And Hbcu Athletic Staff Self-Efficacy, Ashley Nachez Keys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived influence of funding on self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development for HBCU professional athletic staff at Vartell University in North Carolina. The central research question explored how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive the influence funding has on their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development. Thirteen professional staff members who collaborate with athletics at Vartell University participated in the study. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, as it provides insight into how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive funding influencing their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development opportunities. …

The Relationship Between Hr Practices And Employee Engagement: Mediating Role Of Perceived Organizational Support Across Job Classifications, Mike Mcdaniel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Employee engagement is critical for organizational success, but recent trends have shown it to be in decline. This has prompted the need for more research into the antecedents that drive overall employee engagement levels. Grounded in perceived organizational support theory, job demands-resources theory, social exchange theory, and goal setting theory, this quantitative study examined the relationship of HR practices on employee engagement while exploring the mediating effect of perceived organizational support and the moderating effect of job classification. Responses from 180 participants were collected via an anonymous online survey comprised of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, HR Practices Perception Questionnaire, …

Childhood Trauma And Adult Psychological Disorders: A Case Study, Jessica Marie Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma including experiences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to violence has been widely recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of psychological disorders in adulthood. Such early life adversities can disrupt emotional, cognitive, and social development which can contribute to long-term mental health challenges. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand how childhood trauma influenced adult psychological disorders, not only by examining direct impacts but also by identifying perceived moderating factors that shaped incarcerated individuals’ outcomes. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research investigated the lived experiences of adult incarcerated males …

A Predictive Correlational Analysis Of Ninth And Tenth Grade Students' Perception Of Culture Of Excellence And Their Attitude To Stem, Mofoluwake Abiola Laleye

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if ninth and 10th grade students’ attitude toward Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), specifically in mathematics and science can be predicted from their perceptions of culture of excellence (CoE). The continued disparity in academic performance and the representation of minority in STEM workforce has prompted the need to explore the effect of CoE on their attitude to STEM. Data for this study were collected from 177 ninth and 10th grade students attending a public charter school predominantly serving underrepresented minorities in southeastern Tennessee. The primary instruments were Student …

Domestic Violence Survivors And Resiliency: An Investigation Of Belief In God And Faith Factors Impacting Survivors’ Ability To Leave And Thrive Post-Violence, Sherry A. Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose [KC1.1]of this phenomenological study is to describe the role of faith in the process of leaving an abusive relationship for IPV survivors who believe in God from MA. The theories guiding the study include the survival theory of DV created by Gondolf and Fisher (1988), which believes victims of DV as survivors who most times do desire and seek help and should not be viewed as passive victims. Further, resilience theory builds on survival theory, which will guide the inquiry regarding resiliency. Survival theory and resilience theory both view survivors of DV not as helpless victims but as …

Predicting Emotional Intelligence Based On Cultural Dimensions And Narcissism Among Military And Educational Leaders, Juan P. Remy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study is to examine how well cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies predict emotional intelligence among military and educational leaders. This study is important because it will identify how cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies influence the emotional intelligence of military and educational leaders. The sample consisted of 90 of 122 military leaders who had attended any professional military education (PME), and 120 educational leaders were recruited from a population of 183 within a military school district in the central United States. The data were collected using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), …

Phenomenological Qualitative Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Women With Terminal Degrees Related To The Gender Gap In Education Leadership Roles, Ashley Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the gender gap within education leadership for female teachers with terminal degrees within a Midwestern suburban school district and geographically similar educators recruited via Facebook. The theory that guided this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy as it explains the relationship between self-efficacy and the choice to pursue professional leadership roles. Using purposeful and snowball sampling, 10 women were selected to participate in this study. Nine women who fit the selection criteria were recruited from the XYZ school district, and one participant was recruited via Facebook. Data were collected through …

The Impact Of Instagram Exposure On The Beauty Standards And Body Images Of Young Black American Women, Chiquila Tonelle Arrington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to explore the impact of Instagram exposure on the beauty standards and body image of young Black American women. Drawing from literature highlighting the negative psychological effects of social media, such as comparison, body surveillance, and negative emotions, the research aimed to capture the experiences of Black women navigating beauty ideals in digital communication spaces. The study focused on Instagram because of the visual nature of the content and its alignment with the visual nature of the construct of beauty. The study explored behaviors, intentions, and habits associated with Instagram use.

The research …

Motivating And Retaining Alabama Band Directors: A Comparison Of Rural, Suburban, And Urban Band Directors, Brandon Jay Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite existing challenges in rural, suburban, and urban communities, band directors face a lack of motivation due to burnout and insufficient resources. This study examines the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors who teach in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Guided by a correlational research design, this mixed-method research study identifies motivational factors that still need to be explored to highlight the motivational factors that drive band directors to continue teaching in their current Alabama communities. This study explores the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors based on their responses to a Likert-type survey and emailed interview questionnaire. …

Improving Muscle Tonus Of “Weak” Muscles In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series Addressing The Role And Impact Of Proprioceptive Response And Isolated Isometric Exercises, Jeffrey S. Tardiff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonspecific chronic low back pain affects most people through-out the world at some point within their lives, negatively impacting 80%-90% of the overall population, their families, and their communities. Thus far, the outcome of most studies indicate that the best form of treatment for this specific problem is a form of resistance training exercises, core stability exercises, mobilization, manual therapy, and or proprioceptive training with no consensus on which provides the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore an individualized approach in treatment utilizing methods shown to improve muscle tonus or “stability” in muscles of the abdomen, …

Why Not Me: Increasing Black Male Participation In Church Leadership, Veronica Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This ethnographic qualitative study aimed to understand how the volunteerism and service of young Black males between the ages of 18 and 25, who were raised in and currently attend African American Baptist churches in the State of Georgia, are influenced by Transformational Leadership behavior. During the research, volunteerism and service were defined as those who participated or were connected to church ministries within their home church. The theory guiding this study was Burns’s (1978) transformational leadership theory as it relates to the behavior behind senior pastors’, youth ministers’, and senior church leaders’ mentorship of young Black males for leadership, …