Digital Commons Network^™

An Applied Study In Community College Classical Guitar Education, Jaime Adrián Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the expansion and popularity of classical guitar programs in universities and conservatories worldwide, a lack of attention exists for students considering a music education career deficient in music literacy and guitar technique. In the modern sense, classical guitar pedagogy begins with Andres Segovia and the iconic master classes he conducted throughout the world from the 1950s up until he died in 1987. Guitar education in academia is still a relatively new concept. At the same time, there are various method books from 19th-century guitar masters and modern guitar educators. Despite these developments in guitar education, students in an open-enrollment …

A Correlational Study Of Principal Self-Efficacy When Compared To Levels Of Work Locus Of Control And Perceived Autonomy Support, Christene Michelle Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study was to examine how well perceived autonomy support and work locus of control predict perceived principal self-efficacy among public secondary school principals throughout the state of Maryland. Discovering factors that could contribute to the effectiveness of school-based leadership may help school districts uncover new ways of providing professional development and support to assist principals in leading their buildings. The Principals’ Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale, Work Locus of Control Scale, and the Perceived Autonomy Survey were instruments used to measure the criterion variable of principal self-efficacy and the predictive variables of locus …

Comparing General Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Suicides To Other Line-Of-Duty Deaths: Pilot Study, Shannon E. Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Officer suicide remains an underrecognized occupational hazard despite increasing awareness of mental health risks within law enforcement. This quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study examined public perceptions of officer suicide compared to line-of-duty deaths caused by violence or accidents and assessed whether mental health literacy and suicide stigma influenced these perceptions. Grounded in framing theory, stigma theory, the health belief model, and the interpersonal theory of suicide, the study explored how knowledge and attitudes shape legitimacy judgments. A sample of 169 non–law enforcement adults in the United States completed the Mental Health Literacy Scale, the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form, and the …

Lived Experiences Of Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Mitigating Factors Of Personal Spiritual Disciplines, Carolyn Potts Simoneaux

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study sought to understand the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and what mitigating factors can help alleviate the pain and suffering caused by their residual life-long impacts. A literature review was done, and a gap was found on the subjects of personal spiritual disciplines (PSDs) of prayer, Bible reading/study, public/private worship, repentance and forgiveness as mitigating factors for the impacts of ACEs. This study recruited 15 participants who identified as victims of ACEs and used PSDs as mitigating factors to overcome the lifelong impacts. Interviews were done, using an online forum, to question participants on their …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Emotional Intelligence And Perception Of Hazing Severity Or Harm Among College Men Involved In Collegiate Sports And Men's Fraternities, Kyle S. Mccoil

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between extracurricular involvement (student-athlete, fraternity member, both, or neither), emotional intelligence, and perceptions of hazing severity or harm among college men attending a small private liberal arts college. This study is important because there is a need for more effective and innovative forms of hazing prevention; therefore, this study fills a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceptions of hazing severity or harm for men based on their involvement in organizations that are more likely to engage in hazing behaviors. The sample …

Threats To Cleared Industry, Think Tanks, And Academia From Malign Nations Focusing On Federally Funded Research And Development Centers, James E. Equels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The world of academia, think tanks, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in the United States face increasing vulnerabilities to foreign intelligence exploitation, particularly by China and Russia. Espionage, cyber intrusions, insider threats, and intellectual property theft enable adversarial nations to leverage academic collaboration to access sensitive research. These threats are executed through foreign-sponsored partnerships, talent recruitment programs like China’s Thousand Talents Program, and infiltration via Confucius Institutes and other state-affiliated initiatives. Academic openness is routinely exploited to gain strategic military and technological innovation advantages. Operations by malign nations compromise federally funded research, while insider threats - both …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: The Experiences Of Faculty In Educational Settings Operating On A Four-Day Workweek, Jennifer Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the personal experiences of educational faculty working in K-12 schools, colleges, and vocational organizations operating on a four-day school workweek. The theory guiding this study was Seligman’s positive psychology theory (PPT), stating there are five life aspects impacting well-being. The research is grounded in the theoretical framework of PPT as it strived to understand the shared personal experiences of the participants and how their perceptions surrounding the five aspect areas influence their lives. Seligman’s theory of PPT provided the framework to answer the central research question: what are the experiences …

Second Maccabees As A Thematic Bridge To Early Christian Thought, Elizabeth D. Woods

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research on Second Maccabees has increased over the past century, especially since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Much of this scholarship has been confined to discussion of historical, literary, or thematic topics within the confines of the work or in relation to the Old Testament. Little scholarship, comparably, exists regarding the themes of Second Maccabees in relationship to early Christian beliefs expressed in the New Testament.

This body of research seeks to address this gap by tracing the evolution of major themes from Second Maccabees through the first century CE and examining the presence of those themes within …

Examining The Role Of Faith On The Relationships Between Purpose In Life, Unconditional Self-Acceptance, And Life Satisfaction Among Evangelical Christians, Alice H. Yen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following dissertation examined the role of faith in God among evangelical Christians to understand its influence on the relationships between purpose in life, unconditional self-acceptance, and life satisfaction. This quantitative correlational study surveyed a sample of 77 evangelical Christians to explore the construct of life satisfaction by assessing specific psychological factors including purpose in life, unconditional self-acceptance, and faith in God. Participants completed self-report surveys including Purpose in Life Test, Unconditional Self-Acceptance Scale, Satisfaction in Life Scale, and Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire, and answered one open-ended response question regarding where purpose in life comes from. Results …

The Predictive Relationship Between Teachers’ Knowledge Of Developmental Dyslexia And Literacy Self-Efficacy Among General Education Teachers: A Predictive Correlational Study, Robyn Nicole Mcclellan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, predictive correlational study explored the relationship between teachers' knowledge of dyslexia and their literacy self-efficacy instruction in the general education classroom. The study is important because when a teacher is not confident in teaching literacy to this special-needs population, they are less likely to provide appropriate and effective interventions and accommodations. The sample of this study consisted of 111 public school general education teachers from multiple school districts across multiple states. A convenience sample of 111 participants was given two scales: Knowledge and Beliefs About Developmental Dyslexia (KBDDS) and the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy for Literacy Instruction (TSELIS). …

A Qualitative Case Study Exploring The Relationship Between Nutritional Awareness, Behavioral Outcomes, And The Prevention Of Early Risk Factors Of Hypertension And Cardiovascular Disease In Elementary School Students: Perceptions Of Parents And Educators In Hull-Daisetta Independent School District, Shante Monique Espree

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the relationship between nutritional awareness and observed behavioral outcomes among elementary school students, with a secondary focus on how these factors may contribute to early risk indicators for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This study was situated within Hull-Daisetta Independent School District (ISD), Texas and centered on the perspectives of both parents and educators. The theory guiding the study was the Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986) as it emphasizes the role of observational learning, social influence, and behavior change in health-related interventions. This framework supported the exploration of how nutritional awareness shapes …

Impact Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Endurance Athletes' Performance, Julia M. Monk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Background: During different phases of the menstrual cycle, a female endurance athlete will experience some physiological and fatigue variables. This study aims to analyze whether the differences in variables, specifically an increase in heart rate and fatigue, impacts endurance performance. Method: 20 endurance-trained, runners performed a maximal treadmill test in each of the phases of the menstrual cycle: early follicular phase (days 2–3, ± 1 day), mid-follicular phase (days 10–12, ± 1 day), and luteal phase (days 21–22, ± 1 day). Heart rate was measured before, during, and immediately after the test as well as time to exhaustion and the …

Black Women Special Educators And Burnout: A Phenomenological Study, Whitney Patrice Collins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand Black women special educators’ experiences with burnout while working in Georgia, public, K-12 schools. The first theory guiding this study was Black Feminist Thought, as it provides an understanding of Black women’s unique experiences in the workplace due to the intersectionality of their race and gender. The second theory guiding this study was Maslach’s multidimensional theory of burnout, as it provides a framework for understanding burnout in the workplace. The central research question explored how Black women special educators describe their experiences with burnout in Georgia public K-12 schools. This …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Exploring Teacher Retention Through The Lens Of The Four Capital Theory, Mary Ruth Callaway Hertweck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand teacher retention from the experience of teachers in a school with high retention rates for two or more consecutive years. Furthermore, this study described teacher retention in a school with high retention, and how the high retention rate has influenced teachers decision to remain in that school. The theory guiding this study is the four capital theory as it includes the social, human, structural and positive psychological capitals and provided insight on how these relate to teacher retention. The central research question for this study is: what are the experiences …

Acute Effects Of Olympic Lifting Post-Activation Potentiation On Baseball Pitching Velocity And Ball Flight: A Crossover Study, Brent Hauser Pourciau

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study evaluated the acute effect of an Olympic lifting-based post-activation potentiation (PAP) warm-up on fastball performance in collegiate baseball pitchers. Using a randomized, counterbalanced within-subjects crossover design (N = 13), each participant completed two warm-up conditions in a single indoor session: (a) a standard dynamic baseball warm-up and (b) the same standard warm-up followed by a brief Olympic-lifting PAP sequence (1 x 3 clean pulls at 80% predicted one-repetition maximum [1RM], 1 x 3 power cleans at 80% predicted 1RM, and 1 x 3 power jerks at 60% predicted 1RM, with 2-minute rests between sets) and a 3-minute …

The High Cost Of Care: A Georgia Qualitative Study Of High School Counselors' Responsibilities And Their Well-Being, Shadiqa Techell White Points

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Secondary school counselors play a vital role in supporting the students’ academic, social, emotional, and vocational development. However, the increasing scope of their duties - especially in response to increased demands on student mental health and the lasting consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic - has led to an increase in the emotional and psychological demands placed on them. While there is a large body of research examining student outcomes, qualitative studies that analyze the ways counselors understand the effect of their professional roles on their personal well-being are scarce. The current qualitative study assumed a hermeneutic phenomenological orientation to examine …

Mental Health And Well-Being Of Hispanic Pastors In Central Florida: A Phenomenological Study, Darice M. Santos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The topic of pastors' psychological well-being and health has been studied in a variety of approaches. The forthcoming research concentrated on the effects that the responsibilities and pressures of working at Hispanic churches have on Hispanic pastors in Florida. Given the difficulties they face, such as prejudice, discrimination, and a low standard of living, this population required further study. This study explored the pastor's role and involvement level and how it connects to social support and burnout. This qualitative study provided insight on how Hispanic pastors in central Florida handled their mental health and perceived their job as pastors. A …

A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Men In The Dmv Area, Who Experienced Sexual Trauma Prior To 18 Years Old, Transitioning Into, Through, And Out Of Professional Counseling, Gregory Cecil Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A transcendental phenomenological approach can be a very effective qualitative research method in exploring the “lived experiences” of Black men in the DMV area, who experienced sexual trauma prior to 18 years old, transitioning into, through, and out of professional counseling. An enormous void in literature exists concerning the exploration of Black male sexual trauma survivors, their stories, and their professional counseling experiences. This counselor education issue will be investigated in this qualitative research proposal. The research question to be explored is "What are the lived experiences of Black men, who experienced sexual trauma prior to 18 years old, transitioning …

A Qualitative Content Analysis Of The Rhetorical Situation In Aviation Communication, Paris Ernesto-Jason Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Using qualitative content analysis to organize the thematic elements of Bitzer’s (1968) rhetorical situations, the researcher provides actionable insights into reducing errors and improving aviation communication. The problem lies in the gap between aviation communication and rhetorical situations to determine if this theory impacts pilot errors and affects flight safety. Strategies in this area must be improved to ensure effective communication among pilots and between them, control towers, and other contributors in the aviation industry. This dissertation aims to apply rhetorical situations to enhance communication strategies and improve flight safety by analyzing NTSB reports, while using the software, MAXQDA, to …

The Harmonic Confluence: A Worship Synthesis Model For One God And One Worship Examining The Impact Of Leadership Styles And Music Selection On Congregational Unity In Evangelical Churches Of The Bible Belt, Joshua Dwayne Randle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite significant scholarship on church growth strategies and worship practices, the nuanced impact of worship leadership styles on church dynamics within the Bible Belt remains underexplored. This study examines how worship leadership styles ranging from traditional liturgical approaches to contemporary band-led services shape congregational engagement, retention, and growth within evangelical churches across this historically significant region. Tracing the Bible Belt’s revivalist heritage, denominational distinctives, and worship traditions, the research situates contemporary practices within their broader historical and theological framework. Utilizing a historical qualitative research design, the study integrates archival research, denominational reports, church bulletins, worship setlists, and livestream archives. It …

The Impact Of The Application Of Disability Ministry And Discipleship Within The Southern Baptist Churches Of Virginia, Minsoo Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study examined how individuals with disabilities serving as church leaders and congregants experienced belonging within Southern Baptist churches in Virginia. The researcher framed the study using Baumeister and Leary’s (2017; 1995) need to belong theory, which posits that human beings possess an innate drive to form and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships. The researcher examined how belonging was expressed through physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions within congregations engaged in disability ministry and contributing to fulfillment of the Great Commission. The researcher employed purposive sampling to recruit 11 participants from Southern Baptist congregations in Virginia who self-identified as individuals …

Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences Training And Child-Serving Providers, April Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An in-depth knowledge base of prevention frameworks with strategies to address the root causes of dysfunction is lacking for many child-serving providers as they work to prevent and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Through learning the building blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that prevent and buffer trauma, child-serving providers may become more effective in preventing ACEs and enhancing resiliency. Child-serving providers often focus on reducing deficits or mitigation of traumatic experiences, as opposed to building resilience to prevent traumatic experiences from occurring in the first place or strengthening the ability of children to bounce back when ACEs occur. The …

Use Of The Casper Test As An Admissions Test For Predicting Academic And Clinical Performance In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists: A Predictive Correlational Study, Barbara A. Acord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study examined the extent to which CASPer test scores predict academic and clinical performance among student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide over 80% of anesthesia services in the United States, showing the importance of effective admissions processes to identify candidates most likely to succeed academically and clinically. Traditional admissions criteria in nurse anesthesia programs largely prioritize grades and may underrepresent non-cognitive attributes associated with student success. A convenience sample used a medium effect size, power of .8, and alpha level of .05, with G*Power calculated to be 85 participants 2nd …

Church Disaffiliation's Impact On Black Christian Millennials' Faith Development, Kevin M. Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher explored the faith, ways of living, and ideologies of Black Christian millennials that unite them with others and with God, leading to what James Fowler called the “ultimate environment” (Attfield, 1994). The study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design to examine whether the faith development path of Black Christian millennials had been impacted by church disaffiliation. From their perspective, identifying factors that fuel their beliefs, religious expressions, and views on their religious identity (Thomas, 2017). Faith, in its simplest form, is defined not by creeds or their institutional practices, Fowler acknowledges. However, its foundational truth lies in the …

The Lived Experiences Of Olympic Medalists As They Describe Their Sense Of Self: A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ana Barend

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Olympic medalists are characterized by their commitment to performance excellence. While research has extensively examined factors that influence athletic outcomes, comparatively less attention has been paid to how elite athletes experience and make meaning of their own identities beyond sport. Despite possessing extraordinary personal resources, many struggle with identity foreclosure during transitions and mental health challenges at rates comparable to the general population. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Olympic medalists as they perceive and describe their sense of self. Guided by van Manen's approach to human science research and informed by Self-Determination Theory, this inquiry examined …

What Is The Relationship Between Mental Health Court Participation And Recidivism In Georgia's Juvenile Courts?, Damarius Thompson-Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Juvenile Mental Health Courts (JMHCs) intend to address mental health issues that are related to youth delinquency through a therapeutic justice model rather than a punitive justice model. Still, the question of whether JMHCs decrease recidivism among young offenders in Georgia remains understudied due to limited empirical research on these programs. This quantitative, causal-comparative study addresses this gap by examining two key aspects: (1) the impact of JMHC participation on recidivism rates and (2) the predictive role of individual program components. The study included 300 juveniles (150 JMHC and 150 standard court participants) across five Georgia counties. Recidivism was operationally …

The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Romantic Relationships, Chelsea A. Fiszbajn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study’s purpose was to examine the role social media has in adult romantic relationships. This study focused on the impact social media has on trust, communication, and the quality of the relationship. Social media platforms have become a very integral part of today’s relationships, which in turn has added room in the relationship for more jealousy, temptation, and validation from others. This study used a survey-based methodology to collect data on individuals' personal experiences and perceptions of how social media impacts their current romantic relationships. Using quantitative measures, the research evaluated how often a partner uses social media, …

Demographic Factors And Approaches Used Impacting Emotional Regulation And Social Emotional Development Of Elementary Students In Ontario, Tatiana Tait

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A child’s education is crucial in their life and development given that it aids in the skill and knowledge development necessary for lifelong success. Schools play one of the biggest roles in their life, teaching them numerous academic skills, as well as many important life and social skills. Given the importance of schools, and the many schooling options available, evaluating how different types of schools contribute to a child’s social-emotional development and emotional regulation has potential applications within the educational realm in terms of curriculum and how teachers foster these skills in students. The present study sought to gather qualitative …

The Emotional Aspects Of Disbelief: A Study Of Negative Emotions And Their Influence On Atheists When Reasoning About God’S Existence And Christianity, Esteban Canales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The lack of sufficient evidence has been signaled by atheists as the main reason for their disbelief, identifying arguments such as God’s silence and the problem of evil as intellectual reasons against the existing of God and the plausibility of Christianity. While Christians found in arguments from Natural Theology, Scripture, morality, and the like, reliable sources in order to recognize God’s wonders and purpose for humanity, for atheists it seems that no argument seem sufficient neither rational. But what about if these so-called intellectual reasons are the product of an underlying emotional condition, affecting negatively the way atheists reason the …

Nature’S Sovereign: Environmental Archetypes In Isaiah’S Kingship Polemic, Christopher Ryan Sandel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines how Isaiah employs environmental archetypes to advance a comprehensive kingship polemic that asserts Yahweh’s unrivaled sovereignty over all creation. The study addresses a gap in scholarship by offering the first systematic analysis of Isaiah’s environmental imagery within a unified rhetorical and theological framework. Drawing on historical, literary, and comparative ancient Near Eastern backgrounds, the study argues that Isaiah’s civilizational, cosmic, and terrestrial archetypes function as strategic instruments that dismantle rival claims to power and reorient the audience toward covenantal fidelity. Civilizational archetypes reveal the fragility of human empires and the futility of political trust. Entities such as …