Digital Commons Network^™

A Qualitative Analysis Of Job Satisfaction: Perspectives Of Private School Employees, Wede Lorraine Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The educational marketplace is highly competitive, and schools and higher learning institutions incessantly strive for sustainable education and strategies to adjust to environmental and economic changes. This scenario was especially experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools had to change from the traditional learning style to the virtual approach, thereby imposing a string of financial downturns from a reduction in tuition while still maintaining overhead costs. The change forced leaders to make organizational changes to remain financially stable. The general problem addressed by this case study was the challenges leaders faced in gaining employee support for changes to administrative work …

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Crossing The Bridge Between Biblical Confession And Pastoral Practice Regarding Divorce And Remarriage In Unie-Abc Congregations, Marco H. Kälin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Quite a few pastoral workers within the Unie-ABC perceive a discordance between their churches’ biblical-theological confessions regarding divorce and remarriage and the pastoral practice in which they minister. This could induce tension in which a pastoral worker’s counsel is constrained by the church’s biblical position on these issues. In order to diminish that gap, the purpose of this action research project is to implement a redesigned biblical-theological framework regarding divorce and remarriage in training seminars for Unie-ABC pastoral counselors. The project utilized quantitative data collected through email responses and documents provided by Unie-ABC congregations. In addition, qualitative data was developed …

The Health Status Of Black Asian American Communities: A Qualitative Study On Black Asian Americans Under Structural Racism, Regina Lee Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe various disparities and obstacles related to health justice, culture, community, identity, resilience, resistance, and well-being of the Black Asian American populations under structural racism within the United States. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and thematic analysis in community settings, including online spaces like the Korean Black Club and the Blasian Facebook groups. These platforms provided insight into shared cultural dynamics and the challenges of navigating dual identities amidst systemic racism. The findings illuminated how structural racism impacted social determinants of health, including economic stability and cultural validation. The …

History Professors' Attitudes About Civil War Monument Removal: A Qualitative Study, Natania Y. Piper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Violence in the United States is on the rise creating movements such as Black Lives Matter and others who call attention to ongoing racism in our country. One area of argument within the discussions of racism is the presence of Civil War monuments (CWMs) throughout the country. Many support the destruction, deconstruction, or relocation of these monuments, due to arguments that they are intended to demean and subjugate racial minorities. Others argue they do not carry this intent or meaning and are simply a memorial to former leaders. Little research exists that explores historian perspectives on this issue. The purpose …

An Exploration Of Potential Gaps Between The Expectations Formed In Local Nursing Programs And The Lived Work Experience Of Newly Licensed Nurses, Melissa Low

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Understanding how expectations formed while in nursing school affect one's successful transition as a newly licensed nurse allows educators to identify curriculum changes to align expectations between academic and healthcare settings to improve the transition to professional nursing. A descriptive-hermeneutic phenomenological study utilized interviews, observations, and journal activities to identify variances between student nurses' expectations and the professional nurse work environment. A purposeful, criterion-based sampling of newly licensed nurses within four and 12 months of orientation identified 11 individuals to interview, observe, and gather journal entries to detail specific gaps between their expectations formed in nursing school and their lived …

Breaking Barriers: Bridging Gaps In Mental Health Literacy Through Digital Innovation, Adraine Racquel Chapman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addressed the development and implementation of digital innovations aimed at bridging gaps in mental health knowledge, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing support networks for children and adolescent families. Recognizing the critical need for accessible mental health education, this research reviewed methods in which digital tools were used to create engaging and informative resources. The study investigated the effectiveness of these digital innovations in increasing mental health literacy, fostering open communication, and building supportive communities. By integrating theoretical frameworks and empirical data, the dissertation highlighted the potential of digital platforms to revolutionize health education. The findings spotlighted and …

How Spanish Seventh-Day Adventists Respond To A Discipleship Characteristics Training Program, Victor N. Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current condition of the local church reflects a problem that concerns many churches in North America: There is a lack of understanding regarding the meaning of discipleship. The local church needs to recover a sense of biblical discipleship to execute the Great Commission and make disciples who make disciples. The purpose of this DMIN action research project was to understand how members of Olympia Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church would respond to a discipleship characteristics training program (DCTP). This research project used a mixed method approach to collect and analyze data from 16 participants and 16 members of a control …

Supervision Success: Experience Of Supervisee's Successful Navigation Of A Faith-Based Value Conflict, Veronica R. Conley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the counseling field’s recommendations for best practice, counselors should not refer a client solely based on a value conflict (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014; Kaplan et al., 2017; Remley & Herlihy, 2020). Yet many feel unprepared or unsupported to navigate faith-based value conflicts (Blair, 2015; Hunt, 2019; Sells & Hagedorn, 2016). This study explored the strengths side of this issue, interviewing counselors or counselors in training (CIT) and exploring how a supervisor who did not align with them spiritually aided them in successfully navigating a faith-based value conflict. Seven participants were interviewed utilizing semi-structured interviews. These interviews were …

A Quantitative Descriptive Study Of Authentic Leadership Practices And Attracting The Millennial Generation, Bria L. Tillman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The millennial generation represents the largest group of the American population, but this statistic is not reflected in local church attendance. Barna Group (2022) explains that many millennials have a relationship with God but are absent from church due to certain customs, leadership practices, and lack of belonging. This rationale is the basis of this research, designed to explore church leadership practices and how to create leadership that builds trustworthy, transparent, and authentic relationships. This descriptive study aimed to examine the extent to which Avolio, Gardner, and Walumbwa’s (2018) authentic leadership practices of transparency, trustworthiness, and relevancy attract millennials to …

A Comparison Of Two Worship Education Programs And The Relative Effectiveness Of Preparing Worship Leaders For The 21st Century Evangelical Church, John Dawson Kinchen Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines and compares the worship leadership programs at Liberty University and Union University, focusing on their curriculum design, development, and effectiveness in preparing worship leaders for the 21st-century modern evangelical church. Utilizing a multiple-case study methodology, the research traces the historical development of these programs, evaluates their curricular frameworks, and analyzes their alignment with the standards set by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The study identifies shared core learning competencies, including music theory, conducting, ensemble participation, and theological understanding, while highlighting unique strengths in each program's approach.

Liberty University’s curriculum emphasizes contemporary worship practices, integrating …

College Student Experiences In A Creative Writing Extracurricular: A Phenomenological Study, Jacqueline D. Kunkel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of students at Western Pennsylvania community colleges with creative writing extracurricular involvement and its impact on academic success and personal development. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s theory of student involvement, as it provided a framework for exploring involvement in creative writing extracurriculars within the community college. The central research question of the study was: What are the lived experiences of community college students actively involved in a creative writing extracurricular? Two sub-questions follow, dissecting the student's academic success and personal development. The research study design was …

Exploring Social Exchange Theory (Set): The Effects Of Internal Communication Between Select Staff And Managers At Yale University, Lalani Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explores the impact of internal communication on employee engagement and productivity between a select group of non-academic staff and managers at Yale University, using Social Exchange Theory (SET) as a theoretical framework. SET posits that interpersonal relationships are shaped by the exchange of resources, both tangible and intangible. While SET has been widely applied in organizational studies, there is limited research on its application within higher education, particularly concerning how communication dynamics influence employee engagement and productivity. This study seeks to contribute to the academic literature by examining the communication practices between a select group of non-academic …

An Assessment Of Virginia's Temporary Detention Order Process: Impacts On Public Services Delivery And Stakeholders, Teresa Gale Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Stakeholders contend Virginia’s public system of mental healthcare lacks adequate access to services, and its temporary detention order process contributes to undue burden on individuals, state and private hospitals, and law enforcement. The purpose of this applied study was to analyze Virginia’s mental healthcare system to identify factors that can be altered and best practices that can be implemented to improve care for citizens admitted under temporary detention orders. The study did this through triangulation of data collection methods including archival dataset analysis, secondary document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Additionally, the study examined the literature and offered suggestions for best …

A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study With Parents Of A Child With Adhd And Their Lived Experiences With Their Child’S Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Mariah Elizabeth Couser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of parents with a child who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive/Impulsive Disorder (ADHD) with their child’s clinical mental health counselor. There are over 6.5 million children diagnosed with ADHD within the United States, and it continues to grow every day. Within the current literature, there is a lack of understanding of what parents of children with ADHD need from their child’s clinical mental health counselor to help reduce their parental stress levels. The theoretical framework guided the hermeneutic phenomenology study, aimed to discover themes …

Examining The Nexus Of School Leadership And Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study, Melvina A. Murray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the influence of school leadership on teacher retention for public school teachers at Helam Public School District. The phenomenon of the influence of school leadership on teacher retention encompasses various interconnected factors that significantly affect the decision of teachers to remain in or leave the profession. The historical, social, and theoretical context of teacher retention were highlighted in the introduction. The theory guiding this study was the transformational leadership theory. The central research question aimed to understand the school leadership experiences of retained public school teachers at Helam Public School District. …

Exploring Mental Health, Future Rehabilitation, And Systemic Oppression In Inmates: A Qualitative Study, Vennissica F. Kelly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of systemic oppression in incarcerated inmates, with a focus on their emotional/psychological experience of systemic oppression and how it impacted their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. This phenomenological study used elements of the narrative approach to obtain the common themes that surfaced while communicating with the participants and focused on two areas: systemic oppression and how it affected the mental health of inmates and how it affected their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. For this purpose, systemic oppression was defined as systemic power used to control others. To …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of African American Professors In Predominantly White Universities In The Southern United States: A Phenomenological Research Design, Jeniaka Spencer Hames

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the personal and professional journeys of African American professors through consideration of the self-perceived challenges and opportunities encountered while employed at predominantly White southern universities. The theory guiding this study is critical race theory (CRT), which provides a framework for analyzing the racial dynamics in academic institutions. The central research question guiding this inquiry is: What are African American professors’ lived experiences in predominantly White universities in the Southern United States regarding their roles and responsibilities within academic institutions? The methodology involves a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with African American …

Understanding The Sense Of Belonging Within Inclusive Elementary Settings: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Precious La'shawn Sanders-Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how educators foster a sense of belonging for students in inclusive elementary schools. The results of this study were intended to help policymakers and teachers in inclusive elementary schools make decisions about how to encourage both students’ involvement and teachers’ effectiveness. The theory that guided this study was social identity theory, which helped in understanding how individuals perceive and express their feelings towards belonging in social groups. Tajfel’s social identity theory provided a framework to answer the central research question: What are the lived experiences of educators regarding the sense …

The Effects Of Fact-Checking Misinformation About U.S. Politics On Tiktok Through The Lens Of Two-Step Flow Theory: A Quantitative Content Analysis, Toi Travis Thornton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The social media platform, TikTok, has grown tremendously over the past few years. With the freedom that users have to communicate in the way they desire to and with any information they want to communicate, the spread of misinformation has continued to spread on the application. This has called for a need for reputable fact-checking organizations to correct the misinformation with truth. This research paper examines the effects of fact-checking on TikTok videos containing misinformation about American politics. It addresses the research problem which is that misinformation spread on TikTok has confused users about American politics, which in turn could …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Special Educators Working In A Juvenile Detention Center, Karli M. Piskurich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of special educators working in a juvenile detention facility, and their perceptions of the relation of juveniles with disabilities to recidivism. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences guided this study, as it allows educators to provide differentiated and individualized instruction to incarcerated youth with disabilities. A secondary theory used was Skinner’s behaviorist theory, as educators of students with disabilities implement various behavioral strategies pertaining to the students’ needs. With respect to the purpose and theories, the central research question that guided this study was, “What are educators’ experiences …

The Lived Experiences Of Higher Education Staff Leaders In A Four-Week Transformational Leadership Program: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Lastarsha Alston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of higher education staff who have completed a four-week transformational leadership program at a higher education institution in a mid-Atlantic state. The phenomenon was generally defined as exploring staff leadership and the influence on the leadership staff derived from the program. The theory guiding this study was Bass' transformational leadership theory. The central research question was as follows: What are the lived experiences of staff leaders who participated in the four-week transformational leadership program in a Mid-Atlantic state higher education? The methodology used for the research study …

Importing Educators: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Community Mentorship Experiences Of First-Year Jamaican Immigrant Teachers Across Schools In The Southeastern United States, Nadralee Bixler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the community mentorship experiences of first-year Jamaican immigrant teachers at schools in the Southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study is McMillan and Chavis's theory of sense of community, which provided a framework for understanding the critical factors of community, a sense of belonging, shared values, influence, and fulfillment of needs that contribute to an inclusive community for first-year Jamaican immigrant teachers. This qualitative research utilized a transcendental phenomenological approach, which enabled me to delve into the shared elements and the essence of the participants' experiences around community mentorship. Jamaican …

Understanding Recognition Of Pain For Improved Pain Management In Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Plexiform Neurofibroma, Annette Renee Zampelli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This was a qualitative, transcendental, phenomenological study, providing ontological perspectives from parents/caregivers with a transformative framework. The purpose was to aid families and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in recognizing pain as a symptom for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) plexiform neurofibroma (PN) to provide earlier management, improved clinical outcomes and a better quality of life (QOL). The results of the final analysis of this study will support the development of a usable tool for patients, families, and HCPs to better identify pain as a symptom in NF1 PN, promoting improved pain management, QOL, and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this phenomenological study …

Marijuana Legalization Policy And Federal Drug Task Force Programs: A Study Of Drug Control Federalism, Kendal D. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine and understand the influence of state cannabis legalization measures on the drug enforcement function of federal and state-local investigators working in the DEA Task Force Program operating in states that have legalized marijuana. Since America is experiencing an ongoing drug epidemic, phenomena like state cannabis legalization measures may impact the efficacy of national drug control policy and worsen the crisis. This study and its findings are therefore important because federal drug task force programs underpin the conduct of America’s national drug control policy. Federalism and intergovernmental relations are used in …

The Clinical Impact Of A Standardized Pathway For Chest Pain Evaluation In The Urgent Care Setting, Tysheena L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to evaluate the deficiencies in the current chest pain evaluation practices compared to standard of practice at urgent care centers and to develop an evidence-based clinical workflow prioritizing the reduction of the door-to-EKG times utilizing the Marburg heart score assessment tool. Conducted in three urgent care centers within a larger not-for-profit healthcare system, the retrospective pretest-posttest design involved 44 patients presenting with chest pain. Utilizing t-tests, the study found a significant reduction in door-to-EKG times from 39 minutes pre-intervention to 14 minutes post-intervention (p < 0.05). The pre implementation chart reviews revealed that 7 (32%) of the charts had the required risk assessment tool used, and score documented in the EMR. The post implementation chart reviews revealed that 6 (27%) of the charts had the required risk assessment tool used and score for chest pain documented in the EMR. The Marburg Heart Score facilitated timely identification of high-risk patients while minimizing unnecessary EKGs for low-risk individuals, though protocol adherence and external workflow disruptions were noted limitations. The findings underscore the importance of standardized workflows in enhancing care efficiency and patient outcomes, suggesting that future research explore long-term sustainability and broader implementation in urgent care settings.

A Phenomenological Study Of Syrian Refugees’ Experiences Seeking Mental Health Care In Lebanon, Mark Christopher Todd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experience of Syrian refugees living in Tyre, Lebanon as it related to seeking mental health care. The theory guiding this study is the phenomenological approach of Moustakas (1994) as informed by the transcendental phenomenology of Husserl (Moustakas, 1994) in that it seeks to describe the essence of the phenomenon by putting aside all preconceptions and looking anew at the phenomenon through the lens of human experience. This study was also strongly influenced by transformative frameworks (Creswell & Poth, 2019) and decolonization theory (Smith, 2021) as it looked for answers …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Children Of Clergy: What Has Become Of Them In Their Adulthood?, Chantel Danielle Staton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is noticeable that there are stereotypes associated with being African American due to prejudice and racism. It is identifiable, as well, that there are stereotypes associated with being a child of the clergy due to their expectations being higher than nonclergy children. How do the two coexist? This phenomenological study aims to understand how the lived experiences of African American children of clergy have impacted their adulthood. How has being an African American child growing up in the home of a pastor impacted how that child now copes mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as an adult? This study is designed …

Oliver Wolcott Jr.: A Political Life, John F. Lizzi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Oliver Wolcott Jr. (1760-1833) was the nation’s second Treasury Secretary and a key figure on the national stage during the Federalist administrations of Presidents George Washington and John Adams. Upon his resignation from the federal government during the Jeffersonian takeover during the Election of 1800, Wolcott prospered for many years as a private citizen. He was later elected Governor of Connecticut, serving for ten years. This project examines his contributions to both national and state government during his nearly forty years of public service. It also evaluates the extent to which he evolved politically during his long career. Wolcott’s success …

Middle School Teachers’ Experiences In The Virtual Co-Teaching Setting: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Suzette A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the collaborative planning, instruction, and evaluative practices of middle school co-teachers working in a virtual setting within a southeastern state. This study's theory stems from Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning theory. A sample population included twelve co-teachers in different middle schools throughout a school district in the Southeast. Data was obtained using the semi-structured interviews from 12 participants, 11 participants participated in the focus group sessions, and all 12 participants participated in the guided writing approach. All transcription were analyzed and coded, which led to the to identification of common …

Building Capacity For Trauma-Informed Care: Enhancing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practice Of Trauma-Informed Care Among Nurses, Kim G. Cudjoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Exposure to trauma is a global and pervasive phenomenon that is known to have negative consequences on the health, health outcomes, and well-being of individuals and at-risk populations to include Veterans. The implementation of trauma-informed care concepts and principles in the delivery of healthcare services among all staff and across the span of healthcare allows healthcare professionals to realize the impact of trauma on individuals, to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, to respond to trauma through improved practices, procedures, and policies; and to prevent re-traumatization while receiving care. The purpose of this evidence-based project is to develop and …