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The Relationship Of Worship Drumming On Christian Spiritual Well-Being: A Qualitative Case Study, Micah Joseph Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to bridge the knowledge gap and discover the relationship between worship drumming and Christian spiritual well-being. It also examined the spiritual disciplines developed from worship drumming that impact Christian spiritual well-being. The theory guiding this study was the religious attribution theory, as it is used to describe how people use religious explanations to understand events that cannot be explained by natural causes. The theoretical framework that falls under the religious attribution theory was the Feedback Loop Model for Religious Worship Experiences, which showed the dynamic of how music and the environment can provoke …

The Impact Of Stress Reduction Programs In Reducing Anxiety And Depression In Pregnant Military Spouses With Disabilities, Faith Clemons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pregnant military spouses with disabilities have high levels of anxiety and depression, as these individuals are more exposed to stress due to various health risks and worries during deployments. Health care experiences of pregnant military spouses who are disabled are explored through interviews and surveys to determine if appropriate services reduce anxiety and depression and help with stress. The study encompasses qualitative design, interviewing with eight participants from the Clarksville, Tennessee area, known for its many military families near Fort Campbell. The study targets evidence-based therapies through theoretical frameworks of attachment, social support and stress and coping theory such as …

Fostering Belonging: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Nontraditional Students In Higher Education, Gina M. Bolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the sense of belonging for nontraditional students in online higher education environments. The conceptual framework that guided this study was the CoI, which emphasized the importance of social, cognitive, and teaching presence to foster a supportive and positive student experience. The central research question was: How do online nontraditional students in higher education describe their experiences of academic and social belonging within their learning communities? This study employed a transcendental phenomenological design. Participants included 15 nontraditional students enrolled in fully online degree programs at various U.S. institutions. Data collected through …

If The Halls Could Talk: Educator Narratives On Teen Media Literacy, Doda Lulgjuraj

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescents are avid yet vulnerable consumers of digital and social media, frequently exposed to non-credible information without possessing the essential tools to evaluate it effectively. The qualitative research conducted explores adolescent media literacy through the perspectives of middle school and high school educators, intending to understand students' ability to discern credible information. Additionally, this research aims to determine the extent to which current educational practices foster this skill. This study underscores the importance of equipping adolescents with media literacy skills in an increasingly complex and sometimes misleading digital environment. Thirty-six educators from four states in the U.S. participated in semi-structured …

Evaluating Patient Readiness For Spine Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lindsay D. Orosz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spinal conditions effect millions of Americans each year and surgery for these conditions continues to be on the rise. Historically, spine surgery was associated with negative outcomes and fear, often considered a last resort by both patients and physicians. In the last 20 years, spine surgery has become one of the most rapidly advancing surgical fields and is at the forefront of technological advances and ongoing innovation. Today, spine patients have minimally invasive options that are performed in under half the time and are associated with less muscle weakening and adjacent level irritation, as well as more reliable spinal alignment …

Exploring The Stigma Of Mental Health In Oneness Pentecostal Churches From A Pastoral Perspective, Jannett Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stigma of mental health in Oneness Pentecostal churches in the Northeast from a pastoral perspective. The theory guiding this study is Sigmund Freud’s object relational theory (ORT), as it focuses on the past experiences an individual has with an object, person, or event, and how the experience, whether negative or positive, shapes the person’s attitude and behavior in the future. Mental health stigma is a phenomenon with which individuals may have had a harmful experience. In the study, the central research question was: What are the lived experiences of Oneness …

Evaluating The Utilization Of Icd-10 Z-Codes For Documenting Social Determinants Of Health And The Association With Frequent Emergency Department Visits Among Medicaid Beneficiaries, Sofia L. Gomez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study assesses the use of ICD-10 Z-codes for documenting social determinants of health (SDoH) and examines their relationship with frequent emergency department (ED) visits among Arizona Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries. This retrospective cohort study utilizes claims data from a major Arizona Medicaid payor to explore the frequency of ICD-10 Z-codes use for documenting SDoH, associations between variables, and factors most strongly linked to higher ED utilization. The study sample (N = 53,368) includes Medicaid beneficiaries with ED visits in 2023, including 47,153 individuals without documented SDoH and 6,215 individuals with documented SDoH. Descriptive and statistical analyses, such as binomial tests, chi-square …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of University Students With Lyme Disease: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rebekah A. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of students with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment within the context of higher education institutions. Guided by Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory, the research sought to explore the challenges students encountered while experiencing lasting symptoms of Lyme disease post-treatment. The central research question driving the inquiry was: What are the lived experiences of students contending with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment while pursuing higher education? Employing a transcendental phenomenological method, the study utilized journal prompts, interviews, and two focus groups comprised of students who have navigated …

Implementation Of An Education Program For A Ptsd Screening Tool To Increase Knowledge Among Providers Within The Primary Care Setting, Kimberly Inez Schat

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in primary care settings, leading to delays in treatment and poorer patient outcomes. This scholarly project aims to enhance primary care providers' knowledge and application of PTSD screening tools, specifically the PC-PTSD-5, through a structured educational intervention. The project follows a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, assessing providers' baseline knowledge, delivering targeted education, and measuring changes in knowledge and confidence post-intervention.

Data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in providers' ability to identify PTSD symptoms, utilize appropriate screening tools, and refer patients for timely treatment. The project highlights the clinical significance of routine …

The Meaning And Essence Of Depression And Loneliness In Widowhood: Discovering The Healthy Construct Of Self-Efficacy, Christine M. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to describe the lived experience of widows aged 65-80 who lost their husbands within the past five years in one of three counties in Washington State: Pierce, Kitsap, or Mason. The two theories guiding this study will be Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, (SLT), as they relate to post-loss identity and mourning. Both serve as vital tools for surviving and recovering from the impact of losing a spouse. When these affectional attachments are lost, a widow’s quality of life can be lessened or even damaged. A widow will go …

Pastoring The Pastor: Self-Care Among African American Clergy, Alexander Jamerison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When self-care is effectively implemented, it can help individuals avoid or reduce mental health challenges throughout their lives (Luis et al., 2021). Unfortunately, research indicates numerous mental health challenges faced by clergy (Chan & Chen, 2019; Jackson, 2013; Gallagher, 2019; Edward, 2020). To assist ministers in cultivating a healthier life and a more effective ministry, this study will specifically explore the relationship between self-care and mental health challenges among African American clergy. The literature on this subject will identify historical, cultural, and spiritual influences. It will also examine specific mental health concerns, effective self-care practices, and relevant outcomes. Although research …

Ties That Bind: A Study Of Relational Networks And Spiritual Formation, Joshua Michael Leborious

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In His earthly ministry, Christ tasked the church with the responsibility of making disciples. Today, God calls leaders into professional ministry to discern specific means of doing so. The calling does not make that task easy and the methods for making disciple vary greatly, leaving Christian leaders overwhelmed by trying to figure out how to disciple the people in their care. A mountain of sources suggest that a relational approach has remarkable potential for making disciples. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the potential relationship between relational networks and quantifiable habits of spiritual formation for adult, …

Finding Strength In The Broken Places: Examining The Influence Of Aces On The Mother/Daughter Relationship, Taressa R. Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Daughters raised by mothers who experienced childhood adversity may be ill-equipped for motherhood themselves due to the mother’s guilt and societal stigma associated with the adversity and the impact on lived experiences. Current studies fail to consider the bidirectional influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mother-daughter relationship. Community stakeholders such as healthcare providers must find a way to support the mother-daughter relationship by providing a safe platform to share and understand experiences as well as identify opportunities for resilience. Resources are also necessary to raise awareness and support mental health. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to …

Examining The Effectiveness Of Anti-Recidivism Programs In Fresno County, California, James Mora

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological research is to examine the perceived effectiveness of anti-recidivism programs in California and the lived experiences of ex-offenders who participate in the programs. This research will employ a qualitative methodology, utilizing a phenomenological design and interviews to collect data. The guiding theory for this research will be the Life-Course Theory, which examines relationships, significant life events, or turning points and their correlation with sobriety, gainful employment, and a crime-free lifestyle. The open coding system will synthesize and categorize interview responses before inputting the data into NVivo 15, a qualitative analysis software. The participant sample will …

Investigating The Retention And Persistence Of Black Undergraduate Students At Hbcus And Pwis: A Multiple Case Study, Tamika L. Lindsay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental, multiple-case study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges faced by Black undergraduate students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I ultimately aimed to propose viable strategies to help close the retention and persistence gap for Black undergraduate students at PWIs. The theories guiding this study were Bourdieu’s Social Reproduction Theory and Tinto’s Model of Institutional Departure as they examine the issues surrounding the retention and persistence of Black undergraduate students. The central research question was: How do the unique experiences and support …

Apologetics Curriculum In A Chinese International School, William Kiel Nation

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian schools face the challenge of engaging students whose biblical views are being secularized by a culture that is individualistic and materialistic. At International Christian School Hong Kong, in response to such secular challenges, the overreliance on classical and evidential apologetics in the Bible curriculum has led to student disengagement, as these methods often fail to address the presuppositions of secular youth. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a presuppositional apologetics curriculum, grounded in Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God, compared to the traditional classical approach grounded in Keller’s The Reason for God, to determine which method better …

The Failure Of Change Management Projects In Strategy Implementation, Brandon S. Cupp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Change management is critical to strategy implementation, yet organizations frequently struggle to integrate change initiatives, leading to high failure rates. This study explores the systemic challenges associated with change management projects within strategy implementation programs, identifying key factors contributing to success or failure. The research, using a flexible qualitative case study, examines the perspectives of executives, middle managers, and front-line employees in a U.S.-based public safety apparel company. Findings reveal that ineffective communication, insufficient training and support, lack of leadership accountability, employee resistance, generational and cultural differences, and misalignment between strategic vision and operational execution significantly contribute to change management …

Student And Teacher Perspectives On Blending Popular Music Pedagogies Into Kodály-Based Elementary Music Classes, Maurine Floyd Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Kodály instructors in the United States train music educators to use American folk songs and classical Western European music as a foundation for students’ lessons; however, American music classrooms today look very different from the 1940s Hungarian classrooms when Zoltán Kodály developed his philosophy for teaching music, and there is a current need to include music that reflects the diverse student population within our schools. While Kodály “purists” may be hesitant to add music outside the realm of folk songs and art music, doing so may provide today’s learners the relevancy to stay engaged as valued members of the music …

Media Richness In Nfl Communications: A Content Analysis Case Study, Ashley Menard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study aimed to examine the social media engagement of fans of the National Football League (NFL). The central problem identified was a lack of understanding of brand storytelling across different social media platforms, particularly concerning the richness of information each platform provided. Guided by media richness theory, developed by Daft and Lengel, this research explored the varying communication styles employed in brand storytelling on social media. The study sought to provide insights into how NFL brands can effectively utilize different platforms to enhance their storytelling and engage with their audience more richly and effectively. The results indicate that …

Changes In Royal Air Force Aviation Technology, Tactics, And Strategy From World War I To World War Ii, Daniel J. Heiser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The changes in aviation technology, strategy, and tactics in the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed at the end of World War I and throughout the Second World War would later sculpt the future of the modern era. This dissertation aims to explore the changes the RAF made which would ultimately help the Allied Forces win the Second World War and fill in the gaps of history that has seemed to have forgotten. The research shows that with the advancement of radar systems in the interwar period and the focus on fighter plane production the RAF became an outstanding fighting force. …

To Use Or Not To Use Exclusionary Discipline In Early Childhood Education? A Phenomenological Analysis Of Pre-Kindergarten Teachers In Alabama, Christal C. Coker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of pre- kindergarten teachers in Alabama regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline. The study aimed to find outcomes that could potentially improve social contexts in Alabama's preschools by creating more equitable learning environments. The problem addressed by the study is that the lived experience of preschool teachers regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline when students misbehave at school remains to be discovered. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit seven preschool teachers licensed in Alabama for a one-on-one semi-structured Zoom …

Decreasing Medication Errors Among Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Tamara J. Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Unlicensed assistive personnel, although their role is controversial, are present in many different settings and have many varying roles and job responsibilities. Yet, removing this type of healthcare worker from the job pool may lead to increased labor costs, which could be stifling to some organizations and facilities. Digging deeper, data suggests errors are due to lack of a defined scope of practice, a lack of understanding of job roles and responsibilities and decreased confidence when working in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this project utilizes a setting specific educational intervention and skills check off to increase job self-efficacy …

Quantifying Experiences Of Religious Abuse Among Sexual And Gender Minority Populations, Joshua Sink

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A niche venue of research around religious trauma and spiritual abuse has demonstrated adverse outcomes of individuals who feel manipulated or harmed by institutions or individuals holding an imbalance of religious power. While general claims are often made that religion is a positive force on health and psychological wellness, religious trauma is usually associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other pathological symptoms. Interestingly, an area where religion is not related to positive outcomes is among sexual and gender minorities, who show poorer health, higher suicidal rates, and poorer psychological well-being correlated with higher religiosity. While research has been conducted to …

Collegiate Music Recruiting: Using Athletic Recruiting Best Practices To Transform The Industry, Larry Jay Giddens Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The recruitment of new students is vital to every music program and can have a tremendous impact on its success. As technology evolves and the needs of the world change, so do the methods of student recruitment and retention in music departments, music schools, and colleges of music. This study covers the perspectives of collegiate music unit recruiters and compares current and potential strategies. Using a mixed methods approach, this research employs surveys to identify current music unit recruiting trends and challenges. Online recruiting, scholarship availability and facilities/staff emerge as themes within the small body of existing literature and personal …

Police Officer Recruitment And Retention: How Can The Problem Be Solved, Paul R. Eagleston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This grounded theory study aimed to understand the issues with police officer recruitment and retention for police administrators nationwide. The theory guiding this study was the grounded theory approach by Glaser and Strauss (1967) as it relates to the reasons for the loss of interest in law enforcement, including an increase in officers resigning before retiring. Data collection will explore if the police administrator being interviewed has experienced increased difficulties in recruiting potential candidates to fill vacancies and an increase in police officers in their department resigning before retirement. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with law enforcement administrators. Recruitment …

Teacher Preparation: A Multiple Case Study, Faith Mary Oluwatobi Peter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the effects of teacher preparation programs for elementary teachers in the northeastern United States. At this stage in the research, the effects of teacher preparedness were generally defined as educators’ understanding of pedagogy in relation to their perceptions of student achievement. The theory that guided this study was self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1977). The central research was: how prepared are teachers to enter the classroom after completing a teacher preparation program? This qualitative study used multiple case studies as the research design with a sample size of 10 – 15 participants. The …

Ebony Heroes: The United States Colored Troops From Kentucky During The War Between The States, Robert B. Mccormack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sergeant Major Thomas Boswell, a soldier assigned to the 116th US Colored Infantry Regiment (USCI) asserted, “We are Kentucky boys, and there is no regiment in the field that ever fought better. We can boast of being the heroes of eight hard-fought battles, and this we deem a sufficient recommendation for our discharge…” 1 The fog of history has stilled the voices of the intrepid men, the colored Kentuckians, who populated the ranks of the federal army who served during the 1861-1865 War Between the States as the United States Colored Troops. The federal government, rather than the Kentucky Commonwealth, …

A Multivariate Time Series Analysis Of Secular Stagnation: A Critical Realist Perspective, Francis N. Mensah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study investigated whether excess saving over investment explains secular stagnation or is linked to structural break (hysteresis) in aggregate economic activity as measured by the changes in the level of GDP. The U.S. economy, including the advanced economies, is experiencing secular stagnation, potentially caused by excess savings over investment. This condition, if present, could have significant implications for how we can conduct economic policy. Instead of focusing on gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of economic activity, the study extends the existing literature by concentrating on aggregate private-sector output. The rationale is that if there is secular stagnation or …

The U.S. And Japan: Containing A Rising China?, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Early

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research involved investigating the impact that the coherence between international relations (IR) theories and national strategies and policy practice through effective implementation (independent variables) have on China’s perceived vulnerabilities (CPV; dependent variable) using the Cold War, the United States, and Japan case studies. The research focused on how the coherence between these variables could shape CPV and strategic calculations, particularly concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea. Additionally, the research involved analyzing how the modern strategies of conventional deterrence (i.e., the strategy of denial and integrated deterrence) influence CPV. This study was guided by the hypothesis that the degree …

Strategies For Time Management Challenges Of The First-Year Secondary School Music Educator, Jamey Bartlett Derks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the number of first-year music educators, there is a lack of research on the challenges of time management that first-year teachers face. Time management affects first-year secondary music teachers in areas that challenge their success in the classroom. This study recovered first-year music educators’ perspectives and experiences in the music classroom, specifically regarding time management challenges. Guided by Husserl’s phenomenological research model, this qualitative phenomenological research study identified perspectives that must be explored and documented concerning first-year music educators’ time management challenges. Perspectives on lesson planning, classroom management, and mentor assistance have emerged as themes through studying a small …