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Trauma Meets Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Secondary Trauma As Told By Mental Health Professionals Working In The Substance Abuse Field Within The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Region, Paschaun S. Miller
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe mental health substance use professionals’ experiences with secondary trauma. This study aims to answer questions about how providers perceive their perceptions of secondary trauma based on their personal experiences and client caseload while exploring these providers’ willingness to remain in the field after trauma exposure. This study specifically concentrates on the experiences of mental health professionals working in the substance abuse field within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. The primary theory guiding this study is the constructivist self-development theory, which focuses on different responses (i.e., positive vs. negative) among individuals who …
The Lived Experiences Of Community College Faculty Working With Students With Cross-Categorical Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Rosalie Amenta
The Lived Experiences Of Community College Faculty Working With Students With Cross-Categorical Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Rosalie Amenta
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the preparedness towards disability for faculty members at community colleges. The theory guiding this study was Oliver’s social model of disability, as the theory explained the relationship between environmental, institutional, and attitudinal barriers and disabilities. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of community college faculty who instruct students that self-disclose their cross-categorical disabilities? The research sample included thirteen faculty members from community colleges in varied disciplines across the United States. Data collection consisted of individual interviews and focus groups, with analysis using Moustakas’ modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen Method …
Navigating The Thin Blue Line And Single Parenthood: An In-Depth Exploration Of Police Officers’ Experiences In Highlands County, Florida, Stress Reduction, And Work-Life Balance, Courtney Lashae Hamilton Toney
Navigating The Thin Blue Line And Single Parenthood: An In-Depth Exploration Of Police Officers’ Experiences In Highlands County, Florida, Stress Reduction, And Work-Life Balance, Courtney Lashae Hamilton Toney
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The present study examined how the demographic of single parent police officers reduced and coped with stress, whether coping mechanisms utilized were effective or not, changed overtime, and whether the coping mechanisms were influenced by personal factors and leadership within their departments. This study took place in Highlands County, Florida with a sample size of 13 participants. The participants responses were captured through in-depth semi-structured interviews within this qualitative descriptive study. Majority of participants described how their coping mechanisms changed over time to better their lives or the lives of their family. The changes were affected mostly by their children …
Geopolitical Trade Dynamics: Assessing Global Supply Chain Risks Within International Business Environments, Thomas E. Carver Iii
Geopolitical Trade Dynamics: Assessing Global Supply Chain Risks Within International Business Environments, Thomas E. Carver Iii
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
With global economics and worldwide markets changing at a rapid pace the need to review how this effects global supply operations, risk management, and operational controls is a tactical and strategic component of organizational management. These types of international business arrangements require diversification to the supply chain networks, partnerships, and value chains in all businesses that are doing trade abroad. Geopolitics brings uncertainty to any supply chain organization and having awareness of policy, compliance, and technology strategy are key contributors during the study exploration. Having highly skilled human resource talent to support operational throughput is included in this study to …
The Unseen Realities: A Phenomenological Study Examining How K-12 Female Administrators' Experience Stress While Leading In Rural North Carolina, Danielle A. Perkins
The Unseen Realities: A Phenomenological Study Examining How K-12 Female Administrators' Experience Stress While Leading In Rural North Carolina, Danielle A. Perkins
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of K-12 female administrators in rural North Carolina public school districts. The theory guiding this study is the cognitive appraisal theory as it will explain the relationship between appraisal, work-related stress, coping, and the well-being of female K-12 administrators. The central research question for the research study is: How do K-12 female administrators describe their lived experiences with work-related stress in rural North Carolina public school districts? The study participants consist of 11 female K-12 administrators who are leading in rural public school districts in North Carolina. …
Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes
Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and understand the role of higher education leadership in providing institutional support to women of color. The lived experiences of women of color as students was analyzed to understand the factors influencing their persistence at higher education institutions nationwide. The theory guiding this study was Rendón’s theory of validation as a process that encourages and supports students’ academic and personal growth, initiated by both in-class and out-of-class influences. This study focused on the Central Research Question: How do leadership practices and institutional supports in higher education influence the persistence of …
A Phenomenological Research On The Understanding Of Morality At Birth From A Believer's Standpoint, Michelle I. Hubble
A Phenomenological Research On The Understanding Of Morality At Birth From A Believer's Standpoint, Michelle I. Hubble
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
At birth, is a person born evil, good, or neutral? This phenomenological study aims to explore the perspective of the morality of a child at birth for adult believers in the Missionary Church. At this stage in the research, the perspective of the morality of a child at birth will be generally defined as evil, good, or neutral. The theory guiding this study was research done by Harvard, which concluded that humanity's first instinct is not to act selfishly but to cooperate in their behavior with others (Tucker, 2013). This research proposed that this alternative perspective is invalid when Piaget’s …
Correlating Communication Channels With Baptism Outcomes: A Quantitative Case Study Using Media Multiplexity Theory In The Texas Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kenrunne L. Dixon
Correlating Communication Channels With Baptism Outcomes: A Quantitative Case Study Using Media Multiplexity Theory In The Texas Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kenrunne L. Dixon
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the use of social media within the local church setting as a tool for engaging diverse communities through tailored, targeted messaging that addresses their unique needs and desires. The use of multiple channels helps connect on different levels, allowing for more profound and lasting relationships (Ledbetter, 2021). This quantitative research explored the local church and how it invests in connecting to its communities outside the church walls through multiple communication channels. Local church congregations invest significant time and resources in planning programs that seem only to attract current members. Their congregations …
A Mixed-Methods Study Of The United Church Of Christ (Wnca-Soc) Retiring Senior Pastors’ Utilization Of Resources To Develop Effective Leadership Skills, Mark Scott Thomas
A Mixed-Methods Study Of The United Church Of Christ (Wnca-Soc) Retiring Senior Pastors’ Utilization Of Resources To Develop Effective Leadership Skills, Mark Scott Thomas
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the resources that retired senior pastors in the Western North Carolina Association of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ (WNCA-SOC UCC) used early in their careers to develop the leadership skills necessary to assume a senior pastoral role. Specifically, the study examined the strategies and tools these pastors employed for leadership development. Analysis of the data revealed four recurring themes. First, there was strong support for developing time management skills, which participants emphasized as essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Second, the findings highlighted the importance of …
Cross-Gender Teaching Dynamics In Single-Gender Schools: A Case Study On School Leaders’ Perspectives On Gendered Teaching Practices, Support, And School Culture, Kelsie R. Copeman
Cross-Gender Teaching Dynamics In Single-Gender Schools: A Case Study On School Leaders’ Perspectives On Gendered Teaching Practices, Support, And School Culture, Kelsie R. Copeman
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this comparative case study is to examine the gendered experiences of teachers through the perspective of school leaders at single-gender schools. The theory guiding this study is Tomlinson’s theory on differentiated instruction, as it explains how the recognition and response to student differences allows for effective teaching in order to optimize learning experiences. The central research question is: How do school leaders perceive and navigate cross-gender teaching dynamics in single-gender schools? This study uses semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and journal entries from school leaders. The sample consists of 10 school leaders with current experience in single-gender schools, …
The Experiences Of The Free Application For Federal Student Aid In Parents Of First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenological Study, Travis Anthony Richard
The Experiences Of The Free Application For Federal Student Aid In Parents Of First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenological Study, Travis Anthony Richard
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the experiences of parents of first-generation college students in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. The theory guiding this study was the Cultural Capital Theory, initially conceptualized by Pierre Bourdieu, as it focused on how cultural capital was transmitted within families and how it reinforced class distinction. With the increasing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to socioeconomic mobility, understanding the barriers and facilitators faced by these parents was crucial. The central research question guiding this study is: "What are the lived experiences of parents of first-generation college …
Utilizing A Small Group In Bible Studies To Bring About The Reconciliation Of All The Groups Of An Ethnic Community Church In Brooklyn, New York, Anthony Ukasoanya E Uwakwe
Utilizing A Small Group In Bible Studies To Bring About The Reconciliation Of All The Groups Of An Ethnic Community Church In Brooklyn, New York, Anthony Ukasoanya E Uwakwe
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Many local churches in America today have problems in their ministries. The problems may stem from the untimely action or inaction by the church leaders, including ordained pastors and laity. Other problems are simple misunderstandings, such as a congregant not being reimbursed for funds used for a church event. This thesis research project will present biblical teachings on reconciliation, provide a framework for resolving financial misunderstandings in the church, and foster unity among its groups. It is important to know God’s reasons for being reconciled in the fellowship of the church. The triangular methodology employed uses specific scripture passages that …
Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains
Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships among perceived environmental risk factors, depressive symptoms, and functional symptom burden in adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with an unclear etiology, and some individuals attribute the diagnosis to environmental exposures such as pesticides or military service. The purpose of this study was to assess whether environmental risk perceptions were associated with depressive symptoms or functional impairment, and whether depressive symptoms were associated with functional status. Participants were recruited through online ALS support networks and advocacy organizations, resulting in a final sample of 145 adults …
A Qualitative Study Of Expectancy Violations Theory On Instructor Feedback For Online Graduate Students Within United States Universities: How Student Perceptions Form When Their Expectations Are Violated, Josephine Hudson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Distance education has become increasingly commonplace as technology and digital connections have become widespread in everyday life. Like traditional classrooms, feedback in online classrooms is a critical form of communication between professors and students to facilitate learning and foster relationships despite the lack of face-to-face communication that distance education imposes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how graduate and doctoral students’ experiences with expectancy violations influence their perceptions of feedback through the lens of Expectancy Violations Theory. Graduate and doctoral students who were or had been enrolled in at least two distance education courses participated in this …
An Examination Of Cumulative Exposure To Potentially Traumatic Events And Identity Distress In Emerging Adults: The Influence Of Life Stressors, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, And Event Centrality, Kane Richard Vest
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Plentiful research has been conducted to examine the negative outcomes of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs). Together, findings have indicated that certain exposures increase the risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and adjustment problems in children, teens, and young adults. However, few studies have specifically focused on the influence of such experiences on the development of identity distress in emerging adults, and even fewer have examined such influence in the context of exposure to multiple potentially traumatic events. Exposure to natural hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes is known to impact economic, social, and educational outcomes, but …
Inmate Reentry: Success Through Faith - A Mixed-Methods Study On Inmate Conversions And Life After Release, Eric S. Campbell
Inmate Reentry: Success Through Faith - A Mixed-Methods Study On Inmate Conversions And Life After Release, Eric S. Campbell
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation-in-praxis (DiP) explored the circumstances surrounding the emotional responses and past traumatic experiences that led inmates to commit their lives to Jesus. The DiP also researched the high rate of recidivism amongst released inmates. The researcher partnered with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry (RTF), as well as local churches, in an effort to create a program that would work with inmates prior to and after release. The qualitative study established a paradigm highlighting the significance of comprehensive leadership training in a time of transition by drawing upon transformational leadership theory, adaptive leadership theory, as well as servant leadership theory. …
Investigating The Difference In Social Media Violations Between Novice And Experienced Teachers In The Virgin Islands Based On A Self-Report Measure Of Seriousness Of Ethical Trespass And Frequency Of Social Media Use, Vernon R. Callwood
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to investigate social media violations among novice and experienced teachers in the Virgin Islands, using a self-report measure of the seriousness of ethical trespass and the frequency of social media use. Research on the appropriate use of social media by teachers was still inchoate in developing social media literacy and establishing a protocol among educators, especially in the US Virgin Islands. Additional research can help to develop a framework for educators’ use of social media, thus influencing their praxis and student achievement. Very little research exists on the appropriate use of social …
Understanding Servicewomen's Barriers Experienced Throughout Military Sexual Assault Help-Seeking Process: A Phenomenological Study, Brittany Rae O'Leary
Understanding Servicewomen's Barriers Experienced Throughout Military Sexual Assault Help-Seeking Process: A Phenomenological Study, Brittany Rae O'Leary
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the current barriers experienced by women MSA victims throughout their help-seeking process of unrestricted reports through the institutional blindness and social-ecological model theories. Furthermore, the victims’ perception of the organizational climate’s influence on the help-seeking process, including command support and the judicial component of unrestricted reports, and the victim’s desire to seek additional military-setting services are also examined. Inductive coding and thematic analysis will be used to identify any reoccurring patterns experienced amongst the participants. The theories guiding this study are Meyer, Rowan, and Freyd’s institutional blindness and Bronfenbrenner’s social-ecological model …
The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers’ Longevity In Their Field: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Terri Michele Blauvelt
The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers’ Longevity In Their Field: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Terri Michele Blauvelt
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand factors that influenced the motivation of special education teachers toward longevity in public K-12 schools located in the United States. This study attempted to answer the following research question: What do special education teachers perceive motivational factors toward longevity in a K-12 public school? The theory that guided this study was Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory as it relates to what motivated teachers to continue to teach long-term in K-12 public schools. A total of 11 special education teachers with ten or more years of experience participated in individual …
Bureaucracy And Management Of Conflicts In The Federal System Of Ethiopia: Institutional And Elite Level Analyses, Abadir Haji
Bureaucracy And Management Of Conflicts In The Federal System Of Ethiopia: Institutional And Elite Level Analyses, Abadir Haji
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This qualitative case study examined how civil servants and bureaucratic institutions serve as mechanisms for managing interethnic conflicts between the Oromia and Amhara regional states. While earlier research has explored the institutional design of Ethiopian federalism in relation to conflict, it has largely overlooked the dual roles of civil servants and the capacity of their institutions to resolve conflict. The study utilized the framework of cooperative intergovernmental relations within a federation, combined with Max Weber’s principles of bureaucracy, to examine how civil servants and bureaucrats handle conflicts in the regions studied. Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, and document …
The Role Of Psychological Need Satisfaction In Prosocial Rule-Breaking: Examining Leadership Moderators In The Financial Services Industry, Lucas Augustine
The Role Of Psychological Need Satisfaction In Prosocial Rule-Breaking: Examining Leadership Moderators In The Financial Services Industry, Lucas Augustine
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This quantitative study examines the relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs- autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and prosocial rule-breaking among employees in the financial-services industry, as well as the moderating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles. Guided by self-determination theory and full range leadership theory, the study explores how intrinsic motivation and leadership context jointly influence ethical decision-making within highly regulated environments. Data were collected from 102 financial-services professionals through an online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicate that autonomy was a strong positive predictor of PSRB, relatedness demonstrated a negative relationship, and competence’s …
Schema Therapy For The Treatment Of Chronic Depression: A Critical Review Of Evidence-Based Treatment Methods, Trevor Ink
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This review explores current evidence-based interventions for the treatment of depression. Many of the current interventions display moderate to high levels of efficacy in decreasing depression severity and are praised for their effectiveness. However, many current front-line interventions fail to address the root cause of depressive symptomology. Schema therapy is an integrative treatment that targets core emotional needs that failed to be met during crucial developmental stages. Originally developed for personality disorders, schema therapy is effective for a myriad of disorders, including chronic depression. By targeting early maladaptive schemas (EMS), schema therapy can be effective for treating chronic depression when …
Parental Incarceration: The Lived Experiences Of Those Left Behind, Shatoya L. Young
Parental Incarceration: The Lived Experiences Of Those Left Behind, Shatoya L. Young
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Incarceration in the United States is being touted as an obscure public health crisis. Approximately 47% of male incarcerated individuals and 58% of female incarcerated individuals are parents to minors. The number of children who have experienced parental incarceration at any point in their lives is believed to be more than 5 million. Incarceration negatively impacts the lives of children, especially when children lack an understanding of their parents' incarceration. There are risk factors that increase the possibility of adverse outcomes for children of incarcerated parents, and protective factors that mitigate the risk of poor outcomes. Many of the stories …
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Members Of Alcoholics Anonymous Which Changes Behavior From Addiction To Recovery, Marie Buchanan Wiles
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Members Of Alcoholics Anonymous Which Changes Behavior From Addiction To Recovery, Marie Buchanan Wiles
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the experiences of AA members in rural southern Virginia, leading to behavior changes from addiction to recovery. Exploring these experiences will provide an understanding of how this organization provides recovery capital, reduces rural barriers to addiction treatment, and facilitates a spiritual awakening that supports behavior change. The spiritual awakening is achieved by following the 12-step principles of AA, which results in behavioral changes leading to improved sobriety outcomes. Changes in behavior have been explained by the Social Cognitive Theory, which posits that behavior results from a reciprocal interaction between the …
A Quantitative Analysis Of Ptsd Symptom Severity, Alcohol Use, And Resilience In American Military Veterans Using Standardised Assessment Instruments, Oladimeji Owolabi
A Quantitative Analysis Of Ptsd Symptom Severity, Alcohol Use, And Resilience In American Military Veterans Using Standardised Assessment Instruments, Oladimeji Owolabi
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continues to be a significant mental health concern among U.S. military veterans. This quantitative study examines the interrelationships among PTSD symptom severity, alcohol use, and psychological resilience using three standardised instruments: the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). A cross-sectional correlational design was implemented with a convenience sample of 150 American military veterans, recruited through online platforms and veteran-focused organisations from all branches. Participants completed an anonymous online survey that assessed trauma-related symptoms, alcohol consumption behaviours, and resilience levels. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, …
Intergenerational Apologetics: A Strategy For Careful Confidence, Thomas C. Farley
Intergenerational Apologetics: A Strategy For Careful Confidence, Thomas C. Farley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There is a subtle confusion between the objectives of evangelism and apologetics, leaving Open Door Baptist Church (ODBC) seniors unknowingly ill-equipped and intimidated to defend their Christian values. The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry research was to address that intimidation by training seniors in a dedicated faith-values curriculum to become confident apologetic communicators. The intervention leveraged the process of intergenerational values-sharing while training stakeholders to develop their own faith narratives by seamlessly integrating biblical values with relevant apologetic particulars into personal stories to be shared with their grandchildren. In this environment, participants could develop a personal faith narrative that …
Sexual Scripts In Conflict: Does Religiosity Moderate The Relationship Between Pornography Use And Permissive Sexuality?, Alex D. Castaneda
Sexual Scripts In Conflict: Does Religiosity Moderate The Relationship Between Pornography Use And Permissive Sexuality?, Alex D. Castaneda
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The sexual script acquisition, activation, and application model (3AM) posits that viewing pornography leads to the internalization of the scripts implicitly and explicitly depicted. Recent research indicates that pornography viewing is associated with more permissive sexuality. Religious individuals, especially conservative Christians, report greater distress from their pornography use, and research has investigated the role of religiosity in pornography-related outcomes. Religiosity has been shown to protect against pornography exposure and buffer against the internalization of the pornographic script. Sexual script theory posits that individuals with existing scripts that are more deeply held will be less susceptible to new, contradictory scripts. This …
The Lived Experiences Of People With Fibromyalgia (Fms) With Histories Of Traumatic Stress, Tamille L. Northern
The Lived Experiences Of People With Fibromyalgia (Fms) With Histories Of Traumatic Stress, Tamille L. Northern
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of 21 study participants who had comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome and PTSD/CPTSD, and had experienced traumatic stress before their fibromyalgia diagnoses, hoping to increase the understanding of this central phenomenon. An ontological theoretical framework guided this research approach to explore and describe the study participants’ subjective realities while describing their perceptions of their situations. Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a chronic pain condition with characteristics like widespread debilitating musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, tenderness, muscle atrophy, chronic fatigue, rashes, sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome, cognitive difficulties, stigmatization, unacknowledged disability, …
Reimagining Apologetics: Imagination As A Theological And Formative Framework For Christian Witness, Cynthia June Bracy
Reimagining Apologetics: Imagination As A Theological And Formative Framework For Christian Witness, Cynthia June Bracy
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation argues that imagination is a theological and epistemological necessity for contemporary Christian apologetics. Traditional apologetic methods, shaped largely by Enlightenment rationalism, have emphasized logical argumentation and evidential demonstration. While these approaches remain valuable, they often fail to address the imaginative and affective dimensions through which many people in postmodern cultural contexts encounter questions of meaning, identity, and belief. In response, this study proposes an integrative apologetic framework that recovers imagination as a central dimension of Christian witness. Drawing upon interdisciplinary research in theology, philosophy, literary studies, and cultural analysis, the dissertation develops a model in which imagination, grounded …