Digital Commons Network^™

An Examination Of Perceptions Of Strangers' Trustworthiness: A Comparison Of Religious Beliefs, Angelia Theresa Hogan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When Panikkar wrote that the “meeting of religions is an inescapable fact of today,” he was describing the very premise of this study. The continual social interactions between people of different faiths and beliefs require an understanding of both perceptions and prejudices in order to help foster trust and cooperation in a global setting. The availability of current data on unimpeded and immediate perceptions of the social trustworthiness of a photographed face on the part of people of different religious beliefs is sorely lacking. This study examined whether people with six different religious affiliations assigned different levels of trustworthiness to …

Childhood Trauma And Adult Psychological Disorders: A Case Study, Jessica Marie Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma including experiences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to violence has been widely recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of psychological disorders in adulthood. Such early life adversities can disrupt emotional, cognitive, and social development which can contribute to long-term mental health challenges. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand how childhood trauma influenced adult psychological disorders, not only by examining direct impacts but also by identifying perceived moderating factors that shaped incarcerated individuals’ outcomes. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research investigated the lived experiences of adult incarcerated males …

Predicting Emotional Intelligence Based On Cultural Dimensions And Narcissism Among Military And Educational Leaders, Juan P. Remy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study is to examine how well cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies predict emotional intelligence among military and educational leaders. This study is important because it will identify how cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies influence the emotional intelligence of military and educational leaders. The sample consisted of 90 of 122 military leaders who had attended any professional military education (PME), and 120 educational leaders were recruited from a population of 183 within a military school district in the central United States. The data were collected using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), …

Improving Muscle Tonus Of “Weak” Muscles In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series Addressing The Role And Impact Of Proprioceptive Response And Isolated Isometric Exercises, Jeffrey S. Tardiff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonspecific chronic low back pain affects most people through-out the world at some point within their lives, negatively impacting 80%-90% of the overall population, their families, and their communities. Thus far, the outcome of most studies indicate that the best form of treatment for this specific problem is a form of resistance training exercises, core stability exercises, mobilization, manual therapy, and or proprioceptive training with no consensus on which provides the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore an individualized approach in treatment utilizing methods shown to improve muscle tonus or “stability” in muscles of the abdomen, …

Why Not Me: Increasing Black Male Participation In Church Leadership, Veronica Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This ethnographic qualitative study aimed to understand how the volunteerism and service of young Black males between the ages of 18 and 25, who were raised in and currently attend African American Baptist churches in the State of Georgia, are influenced by Transformational Leadership behavior. During the research, volunteerism and service were defined as those who participated or were connected to church ministries within their home church. The theory guiding this study was Burns’s (1978) transformational leadership theory as it relates to the behavior behind senior pastors’, youth ministers’, and senior church leaders’ mentorship of young Black males for leadership, …

A Quantitative, Predictive Correlational Design Study Examining The Relationship Between School Principal’S Transformational, Transactional, And Laissez-Faire Leadership Style And School Culture In A Public High School, Michelle Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational design study is to examine how well the school principal's transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership style predicts school culture among public high schools in eastern Maryland. This study is important because a principal’s leadership style can have a direct impact on school culture, and understanding that relationship could influence student achievement, teacher satisfaction, and overall school effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to add to the literature regarding the impact of a principal’s leadership. The study uses a convenience sample of 73 teachers from traditional public high schools in the eastern region …

Exploring Spiritual Coping And Anxiety Reduction In Military Personnel Transitioning Through The Meb Process And Undergoing Vocational Training: A Qualitative Approach, Camron L. Rawls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study examined how transitioning military service members (TMSMs) navigating the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) used spiritual and vocational resources to manage stress and cope with identity loss. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants enrolled in or recently completing the Ch. 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) or another vocational training program. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through repeated cycles of coding, memoing, and theme development. Six major themes emerged: (1) bureaucratic confusion and identity disruption that increased anxiety and led …

Utilization And Preparedness Of Physical Therapists For Management Of Migraines In Georgia, Heath B. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative survey experiment was to examine the referral to and utilization of physical therapists in Georgia for assisting with the management of migraine patients, explore the preparedness of Georgia physical therapists to provide evidence-based interventions for migraine patients, and compare the differences between the utilization and preparedness of rural physical therapists and urban physical therapists within the state. The theories guiding this study were the behavioral and biopsychosocial models. The behavioral model demonstrated that individuals' behaviors affect their access to care and perceived need for medical interventions. Due to the demographics of Georgia, characterized by a …

Exploring Grief And Loss Experiences In Young Adults Living With Chemical Intolerances, Abby Leanne Steeves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals with chronic illnesses characterized by chemical intolerances experience symptom- and stigma-related losses within the physical, environmental, occupational, social, and psychological domains of life. A variety of grief responses can come with non-death related, or living, losses such as these. The aim of the present qualitative phenomenological study was to fill a gap in the current literature on grief and loss in this marginalized population by exploring how young adults with chemical intolerances experience grief pertaining to illness-related loss within their unique developmental context and stage of the developmental lifespan. This research was important because young adulthood is marked by …

To Buzz Or Not To Buzz: A Survey Design Of Embouchure Development Among Kentucky Brass Musicians In Higher Education, Christopher P. Schmidt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This survey design study examined the methods of embouchure development practiced by Kentucky brass musicians in higher education. The purpose of the study was to explore how collegiate brass professors, their graduate teaching assistants, and undergraduate student musicians apply or omit mouthpiece buzzing in their daily practice routines and private-studio instruction. The study explored pedagogical influences rooted in the teachings of William Adam, Philip Farkas, Emory Remington, and Arnold Jacobs to identify how their philosophies inform contemporary approaches to brass pedagogy. The findings revealed consistent pedagogical diversity among KPUBPs, with most participants using mouthpiece buzzing, long tones, airflow drills, and …

Nurturing Mature Adolescents: An Advanced Psycho-Educational Program Exploring The Effectiveness Of Social-Emotional Competence Among Adolescent Middle School Students- Phase I Action Research Pilot Study, Nkeiruka M. Maduike

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescence is a critical period marked of development marked by increased emotional and social challenges that shapes adolescents’ future well-being. This Phase I qualitative action research pilot study examined the effectiveness of the Nurturing Mature Adolescents (N.M.A.) psychoeducational program in enhancing emotional regulation and interpersonal skills among middle school students. Guided by Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, nine participants aged 11–14 engaged in a four-week intervention featuring structured lessons, observational learning, and self-efficacy strategies. Pre- and post-interviews and demographic surveys were analyzed using descriptive, In Vivo, process, emotion, and evaluation coding methods. Findings revealed consistent improvements in emotional awareness, self-regulation, communication, …

A Phenomenological Study On The Connection Between Perceived Funding And Hbcu Athletic Staff Self-Efficacy, Ashley Nachez Keys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived influence of funding on self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development for HBCU professional athletic staff at Vartell University in North Carolina. The central research question explored how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive the influence funding has on their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development. Thirteen professional staff members who collaborate with athletics at Vartell University participated in the study. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, as it provides insight into how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive funding influencing their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development opportunities. …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student Perception Of The Usefulness Of Llms For Academic Achievement Among Business Technology Course Levels (200, 300, And 400) When Comparing Free Versus Paid Llm Access, Wendy Chun

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in student perceived usefulness of large language models (LLMs) for academic achievement among undergraduate business students at different business technology course levels (200, 300, and 400) when comparing access to free versus paid LLMs. This study is important because it contributes to a practical understanding of the impact of LLM-assisted learning on students' perception of how LLMs contribute to academic achievement at the undergraduate level; therefore, this study contributes to the literature by providing empirical-based information on how a student perceives the effectiveness of using …

The Lived Experiences Of Implementing Social-Emotional Learning Competencies In The Classroom Of Teachers In A Southern State: A Phenomenological Study, Lakenya King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers in a southern state who implemented social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies in the classroom. The study was guided by Goleman's theory of emotional intelligence (EI), which focused on SEL needs and benefits. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of teachers who implemented SEL competencies in the classrooms in a southern state? This study used a transcendental phenomenological design to gain insight into the phenomenon from 10 teachers in a public district in a southern state who implement SEL competencies in the classroom. …

Examining The Role Of Metacognitive Strategies In Sight-Reading Instruction: Insights From Middle School Chorus Teachers, Krystin M. Kicklighter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sight-reading in middle school chorus classes is emphasized more heavily due to the standards of learning. Teachers use various approaches to teach sight-reading. One strategy teachers can use is metacognition during the sight-reading process. However, there is limited research on teachers' perspectives on metacognition in middle school. Metacognition involves self-awareness, self-evaluation, and self-regulation. By engaging in these activities, learners can gain better control over their thought processes. This is especially important for music educators, since music learning and practice involve many metacognitive concepts. This qualitative-hermeneutic study explored middle school chorus teachers' perceptions of sight-reading practice and how they incorporate metacognition …

Predicting The Attitudes Towards Mathematical Modeling Of Primary Math Teachers: The Role Of Self-Efficacy And Motivation, Brenden Rawls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative predictive correlational study was to investigate the extent to which efficacy for pedagogy in mathematics, efficacy for teaching mathematics content, effectance motivation in mathematics, years of experience, and access to statistics, data science, or mathematical modeling courses predict attitudes toward constructivist practices in mathematical modeling of Virginia primary school mathematics teachers. The goal of the research was to understand what affective characteristics support effective adoption Virginia's mathematics curriculum change. Higher levels of mathematics teacher self-efficacy have been associated with constructivist instructional practices and higher levels of student achievement. The sample included kindergarten through fifth-grade …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Influence Of Leadership Styles On Teacher Retention In Rural Schools In South Carolina, Kayla Francena Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study explored the influence of principal leadership on teacher retention in rural schools in South Carolina. Grounded in the theoretical framework of self-efficacy, the study examined how specific leadership behaviors and practices shape teachers' decisions to remain in or leave their positions. The central research question guiding this study was: How does a principal's leadership style impact teacher retention in rural areas in South Carolina? A purposeful sample of 12 certified elementary, middle, and high school teachers with at least three years of experience working in rural schools participated in the study. Data was collected through open-ended …

The Impact Of Street Medicine Programs On Addressing Poor Health Outcomes In Unhoused Populations, Lori R. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the problem of poor health among unhoused populations based on the perspectives of outreach workers and shelter staff. This study was conducted in Monroe County, Indiana. The theory guiding this study was social ecological theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner. Social ecological theory was used to understand how social ecological layers impact poor health in unhoused populations. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used with purposive maximum variation sampling to gather seven study participants with lived experience of working with unhoused populations. Data collection included one-on-one interviews, observation, and documentation review. After data collection was completed, …

The Impact Of Instagram Exposure On The Beauty Standards And Body Images Of Young Black American Women, Chiquila Tonelle Arrington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to explore the impact of Instagram exposure on the beauty standards and body image of young Black American women. Drawing from literature highlighting the negative psychological effects of social media, such as comparison, body surveillance, and negative emotions, the research aimed to capture the experiences of Black women navigating beauty ideals in digital communication spaces. The study focused on Instagram because of the visual nature of the content and its alignment with the visual nature of the construct of beauty. The study explored behaviors, intentions, and habits associated with Instagram use.

The research …

Church Hurt: A Phenomenology Of The Lived Experience Of African American Christians, Danny Streeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta who have experienced church hurt in the Black Church. The theory guiding this study was Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which consists of five levels of needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. This study addressed the following research questions: How do African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta describe their experience with church hurt in the Black Church? How do African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta describe their relationship with the church after their church-hurt experience? How do …

Exploring Veterans' Experiences And Perceptions Of Mental Health Support: A Comparative Study Of Va Services Versus Civilian Mental Health Services, Jameelah Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological investigation aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of veterans who received mental health care from veterans at Veterans Administration (VA) facilities and civilian healthcare providers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The investigation examined the complex issues veterans encounter when accessing mental healthcare through both VA services and civilian providers. The research investigated veterans' views on essential elements such as trustworthiness, cultural competence within care systems, accessibility to services, and the quality of therapeutic relationships. The framework helped us comprehend how veterans’ attitudes, together with their subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, shape their decisions about using mental health …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Effects Of Having A Mentor On The Emotional, Mental, And Spiritual Health Of Bi-Vocational Clergy, Kenneth E. Hall Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the effect of a mentor/mentee relationship on the feelings of isolation and loneliness of bi-vocational clergy. The prevalence of bi-vocational clergy is on the rise across all denominations. Coupled with the number of clergy people leaving the ministry annually, bi-vocational clergy will become even more commonplace within the church structure. As the prevalence of bi-vocational clergy increases and the number of roles that they are expected to fill grows, safeguarding their mental, emotional, and spiritual health needs to be a priority. Bi-vocational clergy are at great risk for burnout and …

What My Church Mother Taught Me: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Maternal Messages Given To Black Christian Women On How To Cope With Trauma, Melanie Joyce Coates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women in Churches of Christ as they perceive and interpret maternal messages about coping with and managing the effects of traumatic experiences. For this study, maternal messages was defined as advice, support, mentorship, or guidance from older Black Christian women to younger Black Christian women. It was important to understand the ways in which older Black women teach younger Black women in navigating mental health challenges within the context of a complex trauma history among African Americans. The first theory that guided this study was …

Exploring The Differences In Personal Transformations Of Travel Types: A Comparative Study Of Self-Efficacy, Grit, And Memorable Experiences Amongst Solo And Group Travelers, Ashley Christine Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative research study was to use survey data to explore personal transformations that occur through travel experiences, with a primary focus on comparing any differences of self-efficacy, grit, and memorable travel experiences between solo travelers and those who traveled with a group or companion. A correlational and quasi-experimental design was used consisting of online survey data using measurements of general self-efficacy, grit, and memorable traveling experiences from 128 participants (61 solo and 67 group travelers). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multivariate analyses of variance were used to analyze the relationships and differences between the study variables. …

Academic Opportunities: A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Principals That Foster Academic Achievement Of Students That Attend Secondary Title I Schools, Loretta O'Nita Speller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of principals fostering the academic achievement of students in grades six through twelve who attend public secondary, Title I schools. The theory guiding this study was Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s theory posits that if a person’s lower-level deficiency needs are not met, ascension to higher levels cannot happen. The central research question is: “What are the lived experiences of principals that lead secondary Title I schools and how do they foster academic achievement of their students?” Purposeful sampling was used in this study, and participants in …

Exploring Gen Z Adults From Military Families: Perspectives On Work Ethics And Values, Sonia Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research explored the work ethics and values of Generation Z (Gen Z) adults who grew up in military-connected households. The purpose was to identify strategies that enhance organizational recruitment, retention, and engagement. Qualitative research methods, such as interviews and thematic analysis, were used to achieve this objective. Insights into how Gen Z adults from military households perceive their work ethic, prioritize their values in the workplace, and how organizations can integrate those values were gained. Findings revealed that discipline, dependability, excellence, responsibility, integrity, respect, and adaptability defined their work ethic, reflecting values shaped by their upbringing. Participants also expressed …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study: How Students Affected By Trauma Experience Transformative Learning Through Digital Tools, Anita Sarah Chen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of adolescent students affected by trauma embarking on the transformative learning process as facilitated by digital learning tools. The theory used to guide the study will be the transformative learning theory by Jack Mezirow. The central research question is: How do students affected by trauma experience transformative learning through digital learning tools? Examining students affected by trauma undergoing the transformative learning process facilitated by digital learning tools will be explored using a hermeneutical qualitative design. Ten participants w selected through purposive sampling based on their experiences in …

The Effects Of Music Participation On Sense Of Belonging Among Elementary Students With Traumatic Experiences, Jamie Lynn Mckoy Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The unexpressed perspectives of children have long been dismissed in elementary music education. Daily agendas, curriculum, and administrative expectations direct the day-to-day functions of the classroom and negate the instructor’s assessment of students’ needs. As a result, students who have experienced trauma (various forms) will feel disconnected from the classroom and have a low level of engagement. Music educators must adapt their planning and execution and infuse empathy and flexibility in their teaching to allow all children room to grieve previous traumatic experiences. This historical research investigates the student perspectives on what music participation means effects on elementary students’ sense …

Do Games Play A Role In Personal Socialization?, Jasmine Reyna Landry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how online gamers aged 20 to 40 experience the impact of socialization on self-verification and personal purpose. Semi-structured interviews with eleven participants were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to capture the essence of participants lived experiences and the sample population consisted of 12 participants. Findings revealed two overarching themes and in the themes several subthemes that include: Emotional Regulation, Social Presence, Stress Relief, Gaming as Social Connection and Maintenance and lifestyle balance. Participants described gaming as central to sustaining meaningful relationships, regulating stress, exploring identity, and receiving …

The Divine Disciplinarian: God As The Model Father, Jacob Daniel Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastor is responsible for instructing a congregation regarding biblical information and instruction. When a person is unsure of what the Bible teaches on a topic, the pastor can preach sermons and teach lessons that convey biblical truth. The growing congregation of Nevada Free Will Baptist Church consisted of believers who had been away from church for some time and new converts, resulting in a lack of biblical literacy due to their limited exposure to biblical truth. One area where congregants were uninformed was biblical parenting. This study addressed the problem of biblical illiteracy regarding parenting. It informed participants about …