Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Young Single Mothers Enrolled In A Four-Year Public University In The Piedmont Triad Region Of Nc: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ashley I. May

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of young single mothers between the ages of 18-24 enrolled in a four-year university in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina focusing on challenges encountered while navigating university resources and support services. The theory guiding this study was Norman Garmezy’s theory of resilience as it relates to the resiliency of young single mothers enrolled in a four-year public university in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina. A hermeneutical phenomenology research design, combined with snowball and convenience sampling, facilitated an in-depth exploration of challenges faced by …

A Causal-Comparative Analysis Of General Self-Efficacy And Social Media Use Among College Students With Differing Political Affiliations, Jennifer Lee Wool

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative research was to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in general self-efficacy and integration of social media use among college students who were Democrats compared to those who were Republicans. This is a relevant research topic because college students are a priority in the educational system, with attention to their general well-being, academic performance, and the effects of social media on their lives. There is a lack of research on this topic regarding political affiliation. The sample consisted of 165 college students from various colleges and universities. Participants were recruited from an …

Reducing Burnout And Compassion Fatigue: Chaplain-Led Peer Support Group Among Clinical Staff At Choices Healthcare, Matthew Lehman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry action research project was to help reduce burnout and compassion fatigue among the clinical staff at Choices Healthcare. Burnout and compassion fatigue are becoming a healthcare crisis, and hospice agencies are no different. The study was open to any member of the clinical staff, which included chaplains, social workers, nurses, home health aides, and the team leaders of each team in the organization. The study aimed to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue through a series of chaplain-facilitated group education and processing sessions. Humans are relational beings, and getting together to share experiences in …

A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study On The Queen Bee Phenomenon In Women Higher Education Administrators In Public Colleges, Joy L. Medford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of women leaders in higher education administration who have experienced the queen bee phenomenon. The theory guiding this study was Tajfel’s social identity theory as it relates to women leaders in public higher education administration. The central research question aimed to explore the lived experiences of women in higher education leadership roles who have experienced the queen bee phenomenon. This hermeneutical phenomenological study included 10 participants who were administrators in public higher education institutions in the United States. Data was collected through semi-structured, individual interviews, journal entries, and …

Vulnerability Through Story Deepening Male Relationships, Paul Samuel Hahn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Men need a vulnerable community. This action research project examines the development of a vulnerable community within the local church context at Maranatha Bible Chapel in Horseheads, NY. The men of Maranatha Bible Chapel feel the persistent challenges in Western culture that erect barriers to vulnerable masculine relationships within the community. Even though the men of Maranatha Bible Chapel report high participation in the church, they chronicle feelings of isolation and a desire for closer relationships between the men in the congregation. This action research project seeks to address the problem of vulnerable male relationships at Maranatha Bible Chapel by …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Challenges Mothers Face With Reentry Into The Workforce After Giving Birth, Carrie Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) who reentered the workforce in Arkansas. The study aimed to discover the psychological, organizational, and social difficulties these mothers experienced during the transition from maternity leave to regular employment. Using feminist theory, attachment theory, and social constructivism as guiding frameworks, the study investigated the effects of gendered workplace structures, interrupted maternal-infant bonding, and sociocultural expectations in shaping how mothers perceived themselves and their work. A purposive sampling strategy was applied to select participants who had returned to work within one year …

Exploring Nonresident African American Fathers’ Experiences Of Fatherhood, Jennifer Juanita Occil

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore nonresident African American fathers’ experiences of fatherhood. Although research has examined the influence of father involvement on children’s social, educational, and psychological outcomes, limited qualitative research has focused on the lived experiences of nonresident African American fathers, particularly those with higher levels of education and from the fathers’ perspectives. Family systems theory guided this study, focusing on differentiation of self, interdependency, and boundary setting. The central research question was, how do nonresident African American fathers describe their experiences of fatherhood? For this study, six nonresident African American fathers who had …

Reporting For Double Duty: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Graduate Student-Parents Rearing Young Children In Online Graduate Programs In The United States, Bridgette Oludolapo Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of graduate student-parents rearing young children aged five and under while enrolled in online graduate programs in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, as it supports an examination of how graduate student-parents’ lived experiences are shaped by interactions across family, academic, institutional, and societal systems. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of graduate student-parents rearing young children while pursuing online graduate programs? Utilizing this transcendental phenomenological design, the study employed qualitative methods to examine the lived …

Restoring Breath: A Culturally Grounded Response To The Leadership Gap In Keaukaha, Jacquelyn T. Gomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In Hawaiʻi, where economic strain and rising suicide rates continue to impact young adults, the challenges facing emerging leaders extend beyond ministry models to issues of identity, belonging, and survival. This praxis project addressed the leadership gap among young adults (ages 20–40) in the Keaukaha community of Hawaiʻi Island. While Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou demonstrated strong engagement from elders and children, the absence of young adult leaders revealed deeper challenges in generational continuity, cultural connection, and ministry relevance. Grounded in biblical discipleship and Hawaiian cultural values, this project proposed a contextualized, organic model of leadership development integrating relational presence, …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of African American Adults Who Self-Identify As Christians Serving As Caregivers For Their Parents Or Family In The Southeastern United States, Margaret J. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental-phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American adult children who self-identify as Christians and serve as caregivers for their parents or family members in the southeastern United States. Despite the prevalence of caregiving within African American families, research typically does not capture the unique cultural and spiritual contexts that shape these experiences. The theories guiding this study are Bowen's family systems theory (Bowen, 1978) and the Afrocentric Perspective. These theories examine family dynamics and cultural expectations. This study sought to understand how faith, cultural values, and familial dynamics shape caregivers' experiences, …

Exploring The Impact Of Cultural Beliefs On Death Anxiety: A Qualitative Study To Inform Healthcare Education And Practices, Sharon Sonnilal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A hermeneutic phenomenological approach framed this qualitative study, examining how cultural beliefs, spiritual traditions, and relational contexts shape death anxiety and meaning-making among adults from diverse backgrounds. Terror Management Theory and Culturally Sensitive Grief Treatment guided the conceptualization of death anxiety as a culturally mediated and relational phenomenon rather than an isolated psychological response. A purposive sample of 13 adults aged 18 and older represented diverse cultural, racial, gender, and spiritual identities. Recruitment occurred via Instagram, and participants completed an open-ended demographic and narrative survey. Participants who provided rich survey narratives received invitations to complete semi-structured Zoom interviews to deepen …

Does Enrollment In A Career, Technical, And Agricultural Education (Ctae) Program Predict Students’ Maladaptive Behaviors And High School Graduation Rates In A Rural Georgia High School: A Descriptive And Correlational Analysis, Breanna M. Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) program in a rural Georgia high school and its effectiveness on high school graduation rates and maladaptive behaviors in the setting. Grounded in both the Social Learning Theory and Happenstance Theory, this study explores how structured and unplanned experiences influence student outcomes. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was used to analyze archivable data from approximately 512 students across six cohorts spanning the 2015-2016 school year through the 2024-2025 school year. Variables in the study include CTAE participation, behavioral referrals, and graduation rates.

Findings from the study reveal positive …

From Educator To Entrepreneur: The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Digital Entrepreneurship In Music Education, Jennifer A. Fabianski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become a vital component of music education, providing new opportunities for students and teachers to connect, collaborate, and create. While its use in education continues to grow, a noticeable gap remains in understanding the connections between social media and music programs. This is particularly evident regarding how it encourages entrepreneurship in music education. As digital platforms reshape how educators teach and learn, it is essential to leverage these platforms to actively build a strong digital presence. Incorporating this mindset will drive creative ventures that promote and market music programs on a global scale. This research examines the …

A Phenomenological Study Of Early Educator Experiences Regarding The Educational And Developmental Benefits Of Play-Based Learning For Children Identified With Special Needs In Inclusive Early Education Classrooms, Karen Renée Gallagher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand what are the lived experiences of early childhood educators with providing play-based learning experiences in inclusive classrooms. The theory guiding this study is Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory. This phenomenological study focused on understanding the perceptions and experiences of early childhood educators in regard to how play-based learning supports school readiness within early care and education environments. The focus of the study included educators who care for and teach children between the ages of birth to five years old within inclusive, state licensed early childhood learning environments located in the …

Becoming Resilient: The Lived Experiences Of African American Women Who Were Raised By Single Mothers While Pursuing Higher Education, La'quita Shaunae Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of African American women ages 18–45 who were raised exclusively by single mothers while pursuing higher education. The purpose of the study was to examine how participants interpreted and made meaning of resilience within the context of their academic journeys. Nine participants met inclusion criteria following an initial screening process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using IPA’s iterative, idiographic approach, allowing for in-depth exploration of individual narratives prior to cross-case thematic synthesis. Findings revealed resilience as relational, intergenerational, and culturally grounded. Themes reflected maternal modeling, adaptive persistence, …

An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of High School Teachers Using Assistive Technology With Students With Physical Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Chamarah Melonie Joseph

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to explore the lived experiences of high school general education teachers using assistive technology for students with physical disabilities in inclusive education settings in Lightner Public School District in Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy theory. This theory centers on the connection between an individual’s belief in their ability to execute a given task and their level of attainment on that task. The central research question for this research is: “What are the lived experiences of high school teachers using assistive technology (AT) for students with physical disabilities …

Positive Factors Of Resilience In Marginalized Families, Amanda K. Rigsby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study examined underexplored factors of resilience that help individuals overcome trauma. The study gathered insights from individuals in marginalized communities through semi-structured interviews and collected qualitative data for thematic analysis from 15 participants. The study identified polyvictimized individuals’ perspectives on (a) resilience, (b) regulation, (c) sense of purpose, and (d) mindfulness. Exploring the relationship between these areas could broaden our understanding and, in turn, inform targeted interventions through further studies. This study collected qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with individuals in the Appalachian region. The Resilience Portfolio Model has been used in research to identify mindfulness, regulation, sense …

Voices From The Field: A Phenomenology Exploring Elementary Teachers’ Experiences Of The Impact Of Policy On Teaching Reading, Donna T. White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental-phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of reading teachers who implement policy-driven reading practices in elementary schools within urban school districts in Maryland. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The policies governing how teachers teach reading in Maryland's elementary schools informed this study. The Central Research Question was, " How do elementary teachers’ lived experiences of implementing reading policy in the classroom affect reading instruction? A transcendental-phenomenological research design was combined with purposive sampling and involved responses from 10 participants from urban school districts in Maryland. Transcript coding was used …

Native And Non-Native American Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusive Special Education Based On Role: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study, Angela Silver Caudle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to examine whether teacher role (general vs. special education) and self-identified ethnicity (Native American vs. non–Native American) were associated with teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive special education in rural schools in a southern U.S. state. Understanding whether role and ethnicity correspond to differences in attitudes toward inclusion is important for informing staffing, collaboration, and professional learning in rural contexts. Participants included 91 teachers (63 general education, 28 special education). Attitudes were measured with the Multidimensional Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education Scale. Data were collected via an electronic Qualtrics survey. A two-way analysis of variance …

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence And Defense Mechanisms In Processing Childhood Experiences And Their Impact On Adulthood, Lauren M. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Early childhood relationships significantly influence developmental and relational functioning across the lifespan. Emotional intelligence has been associated with healthier relational outcomes through increased awareness of self and others. Variability in childhood experiences may contribute to the development of defense mechanisms that shape how individuals process relational memories and regulate emotional distress in adulthood. Limited research has examined how emotional intelligence and defense mechanisms interact to influence adults’ retrospective processing of childhood experiences, including attachment, rumination, and motivation. The present quantitative correlation study examined the relationships among emotional intelligence, defense mechanisms, childhood attachment experience, rumination, and motivation in a sample of …

Capitalizing On Crisis: A Statistical Analysis Of Federal Funding And The Surge In White-Collar Criminal Activity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lee R. Gibson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era that has forever changed how people work, communicate, and socialize. The pandemic also brought one of the most significant influxes of financial assistance to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and state and local governments that has ever been seen. This massive infusion of cash, which was orchestrated and managed by the federal government, was instituted in a manner that provided quick relief with little ability for oversight, resulting in every assistance program experiencing high rates of fraudulent activity. This project aims to understand if the levels of white-collar crime increase during a disaster, …

Elementary Special Educators’ Intentions Regarding The Utilization Of High-Tech Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices In The Classroom: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Macall Brown Benton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the intentions of elementary special educators in the South County School District regarding the utilization of high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in their classrooms. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the overarching theoretical framework for the study, emphasizing that a person's behavior is based on their intentions and attitude toward a particular subject. The central research question asked, how do elementary special educators describe their experiences that influence their intentions to implement high-tech AAC devices with students who have complex communication needs? A transcendental phenomenological research design was used …

Dementia Caregiver Support: Offering Spiritual And Emotional Guidance To Loved Ones Filling The Gap, William Reid Bishop

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem at Tremont Church of God is that members offering caregiver support to their loved ones with dementia are unaware of the coping skills needed for support. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to provide an 8-week training program to teach caregivers techniques for managing their emotional and spiritual needs. The sample population for this project is church members over the age of 18 who are actively caregiving for a spouse or close relative with dementia. The sample size is between 10 and 15 participants. The training is located at Tremont COG. The training is in …

The Impact Of Nutritional Education On Hemoglobin Levels In Adolescent Cross-Country Runners, Phillip L. Hardy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Iron deficiency and anemia have been documented in adolescent endurance athletes, particularly female runners, due to increased physiological demands during growth and sustained training stress. However, limited research has examined seasonal hemoglobin progression in high school cross-country athletes while simultaneously examining outcomes during participation in structured nutrition education. Therefore, the purpose of this longitudinal quantitative study was to examine hemoglobin levels, dietary iron intake, and nutrition knowledge among adolescent cross-country runners across a competitive season during participation in a four-session, nutrition education program delivered from August 2025 through November 2025. Participants included 44 high school runners from northwest Georgia who …

Understanding The Implications Of Transitional Shifts In Leadership On Higher Education Employees' Departures: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Leya Deickman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of employees who chose separation amidst the transition of a new president at small private higher education institutions in the United States. This study aimed to understand how collegiate and university presidential leadership transitions influence employees’ perception of their decision making process to voluntary leave their respective institutions. The theory guiding this study was Homans’ social exchange theory, as it explains social interactions as an exchange using a cost benefit analysis. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of employees who choose separation amidst the …

A Phenomenological Study Describing The Lived Experiences Of Fire Chaplains With Clinical Pastoral Education (Cpe) Training Within The Federation Of Fire Chaplains’ Organization, Chaplain Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of fire chaplains with CPE training who used CPE competencies when caring for firefighters. The foundation of spiritual care was based on the ten identified competencies used in CPE. The gap addressed in this research was the lack of spiritual care training for fire chaplains. Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model of companioning served as the theoretical foundation guiding this research. This model of care emphasized a human-centered, heart-based approach, including active listening, empathy, and the practice of presence, which were essential components for fire chaplains providing spiritual care. This …

Parents As First Teachers Living In Their Home Environment: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Dana Lynne Horne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of parents as their child’s first teachers and how these experiences influence their child’s early educational development for Head Start parents at a school in Virginia. The central phenomenon of the study was generally defined as the multidimensional lived experiences of parents of children ages 0 to 6, living in unstable or substandard housing, and navigating the roles of caregiver, teacher, and advocate within complex social-cultural ecological environments. The theory guiding this study is Bronfenbrenner’s (1974) sociocultural environmental framework. This study focused on understanding Head Start Program parents’ …

Empathetic Administration: Leveraging Phenomenological Insights To Enhance Student Mental Health Support In Higher Education, Arlissia Lenton Bradley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe how students at universities in Texas navigated online mental health resources and coping supports while managing mental health challenges. The central research question that guided this study was: What were the lived experiences of students in higher education who were managing mental health issues? Utilizing Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the study examined how cognitive appraisals and self-effective beliefs, environmental supports and constraints, and behavioral coping strategies interacted as students interpreted and responded to mental health stressors in academic contexts. Data was collected in a virtual setting …

Determining Effective Community Policing Programs Within Law Enforcement Agencies, Paul L. Alexander

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to identify effective community policing programs in law enforcement and among political leaders by designing a structural equation model that incorporates specific variables to address the issue. It employed a proposed conceptual model to illustrate the analysis process and a structural equation conceptual model (SECM) to perform the analysis using specific variables. The reason this research was necessary was to determine whether it is possible to overcome the lack of a universally accepted definition of community policing. The data collection methods in this study included interviews, document reviews, surveys, and analyses of federal …

Age Of First Smartphone Ownership With Social Media Access And Its Impact On Mental Health Outcomes, Derrick W. Swandol

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between the age of smartphone ownership with social media access (ASO) and self-esteem and depression symptoms, as well as to determine if the results could be moderated by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as an individual transitions from adolescence to adulthood. The study was conducted with n=54 (72% female), of whom 83% first owned a smartphone with social media access ≥ 12 years-of-age. This study was unable to obtain the minimum sample size for a statistically significant study and is considered underpowered due to needing a minimum sample size of …