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Essential Groaning: The Resurrection Hope Of Romans 8:18-25 And 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10 Against Word Of Faith Theology, Samuel Arthur Knaus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Word of Faith theology affirms that God wants to bless all who agree with him with health, wealth, and prosperity in this life. The movement admonishes its followers to seek these gifts from God for a life of material goods, ease, and comfort here and now. However, a look at the lifestyles of faithful saints throughout redemptive history demonstrates that the clear majority did not receive health, wealth, and prosperity in this life. Scripture affirms that believers should not love the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15) but instead, seek prosperity in the life to come. This …

Exploring The Barriers Colleges Face Implementing Positive Psychology Interventions To Reduce Depression, Anxiety, Or Stress In College Students, Margaret U. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to understand the barriers that colleges face implementing positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to reduce depression, anxiety, or stress (DAS) in college students. The problem was the lack of utilizing PPIs to reduce DAS in college students, despite increased reports of symptoms among this population. Several research studies have supported the use of PPIs to reduce. DAS in college students. However, no prior research was identified regarding barriers to initiating these interventions. The three research questions that guided this study were fueled by previous empirical studies that revealed three barriers to implementing …

Providing A Paradigm Of Pastoral Care For The Marginalized Through Jesus Centered Eyes At Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church, Dawn E. Pratt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project outlines a paradigm of pastoral care for the marginalized through Jesus-centered eyes. Enhancing resources and implementing pastoral care within Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church (CCF) will establish a Jesus-centered pastoral care center while developing a more profound theological paradigm to identify and implement strategies to enhance pastoral care in marginalized communities. CCF's pastoral theological approach to empathy requires that many layers of different circumstances be inquired about while keeping close to the subject or individual in need. CCF is the vehicle that has established a transformational view through the eyes of Jesus at the center. A solid literature review …

Developing Resiliency Body Armor Through Psychological And Spiritual Means: How U.S. States' Icac Personnel Cope With Secondary Traumatic Stress, Jameson Lee Denagel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Global online child sex abuse and exploitation is rising due to the immense accessibility of the internet, and it takes specially trained and devoted investigators to combat the problem. However, combating these heinous crimes can create traumatic events for investigators, resulting in secondary traumatic stress. This quantitative correlative study examined the psychological and spiritual coping strategies to develop a resiliency body armor concerning Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force personnel (ICAC-TF) working on child sexual exploitation investigations. The theoretical framework combined the concepts of Resiliency Theory, psychology body armor, and spiritual body armor to create resiliency body armor. The study …

The Relationship Between Meaning, Basic Psychological Needs, And Motivation At Work: A Self-Determination Perspective, Cory Anne Trevena

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the following dissertation, I explored the predictive influence of meaning in life on autonomous motivation at work and psychological well-being in the presence of the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness identified by self-determination theory. The first hypothesis for this correlational study was that meaning in life would distinctly predict autonomous motivation at work beyond autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The second hypothesis for this study was that meaning in life would distinctly predict psychological well-being beyond autonomy, competence, and relatedness. I conducted a multiple regression analysis on the data collected from 94 working adults recruited using …

From Perspective To Practice: Investigating Elementary Educators' Insights Into Secondary Traumatic Stress In The Classroom, Cassie Bailey Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the central phenomenon of elementary educators recognizing their lived experiences of secondary traumatic stress and investigate their self-care techniques. The theories guiding this study were secondary traumatic stress theory and the constructivist self-development theory. Research questions investigated in this study included how elementary educators make meaning of secondary traumatic stress (STS) caused by interactions involving students with traumatic lived experiences. How do educators experiencing secondary traumatic stress perceive the training available to them to mitigate the effects of STS? How do educators experience and interpret their use of self-care in managing …

Teachers' Financial Literacy Knowledge And Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Alyssa Lynne Eisenhart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs related to financial literacy knowledge for educators in the United States. The theory guiding the study was self-efficacy as it explained how one’s belief in abilities is shaped by their unique background, experiences, and knowledge. The central research question was what are the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs of educators who teach financial literacy? The study aimed to understand the perspectives of teachers as it related to financial knowledge and self-efficacy. A purposive sample, with ten to fifteen participants, were selected based on the criteria that …

Teacher Observations On The Success Of Hard-Of-Hearing Students In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom: A Case Study, Hannah Abbott Mcpherson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to describe how deficits in foundational language among hard-of-hearing students influence mathematics instruction for general education middle school classroom teachers working to educate this student population in the South. The theory guiding this study was Paivio’s theory on dual coding, as it supports learning the necessary concepts needed to perform successfully in mathematics. The central research question for this study was: What are the experiences of middle school mathematics teachers working with hard-of-hearing students? Methodology defined as a descriptive case study included individual interviews, a focus group, and journal prompts to collect data …

Bringing Effective Coaching To Scale: Experiences Of Instructional Coaches In A Large-Scale Coaching Program: A Phenomenological Study, Kristen A. Skura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to understand the barriers that might exist for full-time instructional coaches in an established, large-scale coaching program in a large public school district on the East Coast of the U.S. The theories that guided this study were Knowles’ adult learning theory and the partnership philosophy put forth by Knight as a theoretical foundation for quality instructional coaching. The partnership philosophy is built on the ideas of adult learning theory. Knight suggests seven principles of effective instructional coaching, though this study was focused on only four: equality, reflection, praxis, and reciprocity. The methods of this study included …

Biblical Counseling Curriculum: Building A Counseling Curriculum To Train Ministry Students To Counsel Advanced Topics, Nicholas A. Piervicenti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project was dedicated to the creation of a higher education curriculum that would support the needs of ministry students who study at West Coast Baptist College. Counseling is at the heart of what Christ committed himself to during His earthly ministry. (Mark 2:16–17, King James Version). The skills to counsel advanced topics in the local church arena should be an essential element of instruction that takes place in colleges that train ministry leaders. In order to effectively transfer these truths to students, a qualitative research project was implemented which utilized thirty-six interviews of alumni in order to assess areas …

Aiding A Reformed Church Into A Multiethnic And Economically Diverse Congregation, Leroy E. Childress Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Ethnic and economic diversity can be experienced in the local church. There is a biblical undertone in the Scriptures that shows Jesus, the apostles, and Old Testament themes that point to Revelation 7 for the reality of it. This reality can be lived on earth while Christians practice for heaven. While 95 percent of the churches around America remain homogeneous, with intentionality, adequate training, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, historically Reformed churches can also experience ethnic and economic diversity within their congregations. Although many churches do not feel the capabilities to become multiethnic and economically diverse, by …

A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Advising Through The Lens Of First-Year Community College Students, Allisha Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the academic advising experiences of first-year community college students at a rural community college located in Eastern North Carolina. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky's social constructivism. A qualitative methodology was used to achieve this study. The setting for this study was a community college located in a rural community with an enrollment of at least 1,200 students. A purposeful criterion sampling of 10 first-year community college students was used to help complete this study. Data was collected using individual interviews, focus groups, and letter writing. The data was analyzed …

Differences In Special Education Teachers' Applied Behavior Analysis Scores: A Causal-Comparative Study, Delilah Mae Fernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study aimed to determine if there was a difference in applied behavior analysis scores from the applied behavior analysis test between traditional and non-traditionally certified teachers and veteran and new teachers. This research also aimed to identify if there was an interaction effect between experience level and type of certification when considering understanding of applied behavior analysis. This study is important as the findings contribute to the education system within the central Texas area as it uncovered the level of knowledge specific special education teachers in self-contained classrooms have and determined if educators are implementing the best …

Examining The Impact Of Special Education Teacher Attrition On Student Performance: A Causal-Comparative Study, Kiandra Dane Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if there was a difference between the achievement of Georgia special education students on the Ninth Grade Literature and American Literature Georgia Milestones Test in school districts with high and low special education teacher (SET) attrition rates. This study provided quantifiable data that measured the impact of teacher burnout on student achievement. This research further supported the literature in this field by documenting the consequences of increasing teacher turnover rates. Participants in this study included Georgia Milestones student achievement data from approximately 180 Georgia school districts from 2019–2022. The state’s …

A Phenomenological Study Of Online Students' Experiences With Proactive Advising Effects On Retention, Meghan Cowper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the academic, proactive advising experiences of online students’ and the effect on their retention in an online degree program. The theory and conceptual framework that guided this study are Tinto’s student integration model and Schlossberg’s theory of marginality and mattering. For this study, I conducted a transcendental phenomenological qualitative study to understand the personal experiences of proactive advising among online students. This study was conducted with 10 students attending an online university. The data was collected through individual interviews, hypothetical letters, and focus groups. Three themes were identified; overall online experiences, …

Relationship Among Parenting Styles And Latino Adolescent Self-Esteem And Aggression, Jocelyn Evans-Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is considerable evidence that parenting influences the development and growth of children. Research on the psychological effects of parenting styles on children has traditionally neglected some cultures, such as the Latino community. The proposed study explored Latino parenting (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) styles and how they affect children's wellbeing. This quantitative study used correlational analysis to examine the relationships among aggression, self-esteem, and parenting styles among Hispanic adolescents. The study sample consisted of 77 participants. Snowball sampling (technique used in which research participants are asked to identify other potential participants) and social media platforms were used to acquire a …

Measuring Technical Super-Efficiency Of Christian Faith-Based International Humanitarian Organizations, Barbara G. Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 left a wake of destruction upon its descension, pervasion, and diffusion across the continents. Not only did this happen at individual, household, and corporate levels, but also the nonprofit world. Christian ministries, faith-based organizations, and faith-based charities are among some of the largest international relief and development agencies that are on the front lines of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts (MinistryWatch & Smith, 2023). Understanding the effects of COVID-19 or phenomena with similar magnitudes on faith-based organizations is critical to understanding the impact at the level of their international humanitarian development and relief programs. There is a need for …

A Qualitative Examination Of Food Choice Among Division Iii Student Athletes Using Grounded Theory, Paul Webster Craig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The determinants of food choice among the general population have been extensively investigated, but studies of food choice in collegiate student athletes are limited. Student athletes make food choices daily, and the selection of foods is an integral part of an athlete’s training regimen. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) student athletes are a comparatively unstudied population, particularly in terms of their food choices; therefore, assessing and understanding the influences of food choices in this population can enable and support optimal eating behavior. To assess different determinants of food choice in athletes, this qualitative study developed a theoretical …

Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of White Male Teachers In An Urban Secondary School, Bryce M. Woerner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the commonalities and factors of retention for White male teachers at an urban secondary school. The focus was on the experiences of the White male teachers at an urban secondary school in Virginia. This research is an examination of the experiences and perceptions of White male teachers. The data included interviews, focus groups, and letter writing to fill the gap in literature for teacher retention in urban schools. The research questions included what are the lived experiences of White male teachers in urban secondary schools and why do they choose …

Experiences Of South Carolina Middle School Music Directors Teaching Multicultural Music In Performance Classes: A Multiple Case Study, Helen Bryan Terlizzi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to discover the experiences of middle school music directors in providing multicultural music performance experiences for students in South Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Cultural-Historical Activity Theory as it allowed for the examination of tools used for teaching and learning. A qualitative multiple case study design allowed for the collection of data from four purposefully selected middle schools in South Carolina. The study sought to answer the central research question: How do music educators describe their experiences in teaching multicultural music in music performance classes? The focus of the research …

Wisdom City: Towards A Political Reading Of The Wisdom Genre, James E. Golec Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The contemporary conversation surrounding the wisdom genre shows a lack of consensus regarding the origin, nature, and biblical use of wisdom. This situation can be improved through reading the biblical wisdom genre politically, revealing the principles that create and sustain a God-fearing society. The hermeneutical key to accomplish this task begins with the claim that the book of Proverbs presents itself as a ‘city in a book.’ The outline of Proverbs, especially via the first nine chapters, introduces coherence between the concept of wisdom and an archetypal city. Second, the book provides a transformative engine, which can be found in …

From Enemies To Friends: German Prisoners-Of-War In Michigan During World War Ii, Abigail J. Runk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During World War II, the United States government created a program, with the assistance of other Allied forces to house, care, and feed foreign Axis troops in the United States. Sent on Liberty ships to American shores, approximately 425,000 German prisoners arrived between 1943 and 1945. Stationed in camps across the country, these prisoners interacted with the citizenry and directly challenged their ideology.

For prisoners sent to Michigan, the citizens willfully violated War Department guidelines concerning prisoner treatment. The violations were not inhumane. Rather, the disobedience came from being too friendly, supplying prisoners with food, conversation and clothing, which was …

The Relationship Between Servant Leadership, Supportive Work Environment, And Tech Employees' Mental Well-Being, Parsa Peykar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research explored the relationship between servant leadership, supportive work environment, and mental well-being of tech employees. Understanding this relationship is crucial as the technology (“tech”) industry faces high stress levels and burnout rates, potentially affecting employee’s performance and retention. This quantitative, cross-sectional study surveyed 90 tech employees to examine the relationship between servant leadership, supportive work environment, and employees’ mental well-being. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (Liden et.al, 2008), Work Environment Scale (Tsai et al.,2015), and Mental Health Continuum Short Form (Keyes, 2002). A series of regression analyses were conducted to understand the relationship between …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of High School Teachers' Experiences Related To Culturally Responsive Teaching And The Impact It Plays On The Achievement Of Minority Students, Rosalind Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study aimed to understand the lived experiences of high school teachers in relation to culturally responsive teaching and the role it plays in the achievement of minority students. The leading theory that guided this study was Vygotsky's sociocultural theory which emphasizes the importance of human development where teachers incorporate students' culture, beliefs, and social norms as essential aspects of instruction (Crotty, 1998). Additionally, Bandura's self-efficacy theory was incorporated as a perspective to assess the impact of teaching influence exerted by teachers based on their personal beliefs. The participants for this study included 13 high school …

Psalm 110 And Covenantal Faithfulness In The Eschatological Role Of A Faithful Priest, Seng N. Sumhka

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The eschatological role of a faithful priest is first mentioned in a prophecy from Samuel: “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind” (1 Sam 2:35a, English Standard Version). Remarkably, the two oracles in Psalm 110, based on the structure and progressive development of priestly covenants associated with the prophecy of a faithful priest, have the nature and function of the priesthood in the Old Testament. The “priest” mentioned in Psalm 110: 4b refers to a priest-king like Melchizedek, but the “priest” in 1 Samuel …

Pastoral Care For Intimate Partner Violence: An Examination Of Attitudes And Behaviors, Francine P. Young

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV) is willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and other abusive behaviors. They are utilized as a part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of social status, how they identify themselves, or how others identify them. Religious affiliation is no exception to these abusive exploits; however, your spiritual practices may aid in the recovery and escaping IPV. This dissertation addressed the ministerial process of counseling congregants victimized by intimate partner violence. At the same time, examining the attitudes …

The Impact Of U.S. Air Force Close Air Support Of The Army On Joint Doctrine And The Battlefield 1943 - 2003, Nathan Andre Pierre Bachand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In American military historiography, the primary focus has often been on strategic bombing, large-scale infantry and armor maneuvers, asymmetrical warfare, the horrors of war, and the romanticized imagery of air-to-air combat. Historians rarely decide to delve into the impact of a specific type of mission and its evolution over time within the broader context of American wars throughout the 20th and early 21st Centuries. However, in an era of rapid technological and doctrinal changes, it is essential for historians to explore which specific missions have had the most significant impact on American military operations. One of the most impactful missions …

If The Balloon Goes Up: A History Of U.S. Army Maneuvers And Their Effectiveness, 1902-1944, Randall S. Wells Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The historiography surrounding U.S. Army military readiness exercises and their effectiveness in improving or increasing the resultant fighting power of Army Ground Forces is an untouched field of study. This work fills that historical gap by exploring and analyzing a series of U.S. Army readiness maneuvers conducted for forty-plus years that sought to closely replicate the actual conditions of combat that Army Ground Forces were expected to encounter. In doing so, it reveals the criticality of ensuring effective military readiness exercises accomplish their primary intent, which is to use actual military vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, weapons, and tactics to facilitate …

General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Low-Intensity Behavior Management Strategies: A Phenomenological Study, Jessica D'Orazio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore general education teachers’ successes and challenges implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies while teaching in a public school setting. Guiding this study was Bernard Weiner’s attribution theory, as the theory relates to teachers’ perceptions and use of behavior management strategies. The central research question was, “How do general education teachers describe their experiences implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies?” Fifteen teachers participated in the study, and all teacher participants previously received training in low-intensity behavior management strategies from the district Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Data collection involved three approaches: open-ended surveys, individual interviews, …

Communication And Posttraumatic Growth: The Power Of Positive Declarations, Jennifer L. Owen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has explored the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and communication trends. Yet, there is a gap in research regarding how positive declarations of desired outcomes can influence PTG and be applied in a therapeutic context. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if positive declarations of psychological growth facilitate PTG after trauma and impact levels of hope, anxiety, or depression. A small pilot study was conducted through six counseling sessions with participants (N = 16) divided into either the control (n = 8) or experimental group (n = 8). A novel Positive Communication Approach (PCA), distinguished by …