Digital Commons Network^™

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Impact Of Curriculum Support Through Museum/Education Partnerships In Rural Communities, Erin Gentry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Museum education is a dynamic field, and often an underutilized or nonexistent resource in the educational sphere of rural communities. Within the current system of rural K-12 schools, a local museum can serve as both educational enrichment and entertainment/reward. The author’s research explores how museums in rural communities can actively collaborate with schools through a fusion of art and science using an interdisciplinary curriculum model to provide educational support and enrichment to both students and teachers. This research focused on high school students enrolled in a Title 1 charter school located within a rural district in east Texas. The author …

Why Teachers Stay: A Multiple Case Study Of Retention In Small To Midsized Schools, Karen Shaw Ewton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher retention presents a critical challenge for small to midsized school districts, often compounded by limited resources and unique community dynamics. Using Herzberg’s twofactor theory, this qualitative study explored factors influencing teacher retention in districts with retention rates exceeding 85%. Semistructured interviews with nine teachers examined the impact of hygiene factors, such as administrative support and compensation, and motivators, like autonomy and professional growth. Thematic analysis revealed that administrative support and equitable workloads prevent dissatisfaction, while motivators such as meaningful relationships, recognition, and relevant professional development drive commitment. Professional development emerged as both a motivator and a hygiene factor based …

The Relationship Between Anxiety, Self-Esteem, And Religiosity Among College Students At A Private Christian University, Maximo Fuentes Rojo Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationships among anxiety, self-esteem, and religiosity in a sample of 131 college students attending a private Christian university. Anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern for college students, often leading to detrimental effects on academic performance and overall well-being (Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2020, 2022, as cited in Tan et al., 2023). Self-esteem, a critical component of self-concept, plays a significant role in mental health outcomes, with lower self-esteem linked to higher levels of anxiety (Baumeister et al., 2003; Beck, 1967). Religiosity has been identified as a potential coping mechanism, offering emotional support and …

Social Identity And Eating Behaviors: How Cultural Norms Impact Disordered Eating, Cierrah J. Fulenwider

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), such as frequent dieting, emotional eating, and obsessive “clean eating,” are increasingly prevalent in our society and have been linked to significant physical and psychological health risks. However, the role of sociocultural influences, such as discrimination and social media, are often overlooked. This study examined the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and perceived discriminatory experiences, social media use, physical self-description, and attitudes toward eating among undergraduate college students. The sample consisted of 110 undergraduate students. Participants completed an electronic survey comprised of the Everyday Discrimination Scale-S (EDS-S), Social Media Usage Scale (SMUS), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), …

Implementation Of Houdini Guidelines Nurse-Driven Protocol To Lower Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections And Foley Utilization Days, Tammie N. Collins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are a common issue in healthcare settings. These issues contribute to hospital-acquired infections and can lead to complications and increased healthcare costs. The quality project evaluated the impact of the HOUDINI guidelines nursedriven protocol to reduce infection rates and Foley utilization days. A structured guideline for Foley catheter safe removal was implemented using a quantitative method. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates and Foley utilization days pre- and postintervention were tracked. Data were collected using the electronic health records, infection control data sheets, and the HOUDINI checklists. A baseline assessment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections rates was …

The Lived Experience Of New Graduate Nurses Implementing Evidence-Based Practice In A Clinical Setting, Kimberly A. Mcfarland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of new graduate nurses (NGNs) as they implemented evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings. This study addressed the problem that NGNs often lack the skills and confidence to effectively apply EBP, despite its critical role in improving patient outcomes. The research aimed to provide insight into the challenges, support systems, and strategies that influence EBP integration during the transition from student to practicing nurse. The study utilized the interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology to analyze data collected through semistructured interviews conducted via the Teams …

Managing Software Dependency Risks In Web Applications, Christopher Alan Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Web applications commonly rely on third-party software dependencies to reduce development time. This thesis examines how vulnerabilities in a dependency chain propagate to compromise an application. It analyzes two vulnerable Markdown libraries from the npm and Composer dependency ecosystems, both of which are used for managing packages in applications developed with JavaScript and PHP. The analysis demonstrates how each library’s sanitizing functions—intended for removing unsafe user input when transforming Markdown text to HTML—are defeated to achieve a cross-site scripting exploit and take control of the application. The paper discusses potential business impacts of a compromise, underscoring the need for security …

Investigating The Role Of School Leaders’ Feedback In Texas Noncertified Teachers’ Professional Growth And Self-Efficacy, Sonja R. Long

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was that the role of school leaders’ feedback in noncertified teachers’ professional growth and self-efficacy is unknown. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the perspectives of noncertified teachers’ understanding of their school leaders’ feedback and how those practices contributed to their professional growth and self-efficacy. A qualitative case study approach was used, with data collected from 12 participants across six Texas school districts through semistructured interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observation documents. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically, with triangulation and member-checking ensuring credibility. Two key findings emerged. First, supporting professional …

From Self To Society: How Threat Type And Message Mode Affect Environmental Intentions Among Young Audiences, Lucas Vogt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the influence of threat type (personal vs. societal) and message mode (narrative vs. utilitarian) on young adults’ environmental intentions. Using the extended parallel process model (EPPM), this study argued for expanding the theory to include threat type (societal vs. personal) to clarify how threat is understood. A 2 x 2 factorial design was utilized to test the effects of threat type and message mode on environmental behavioral intentions. A sample of 266 university students participated in an online survey. Based on prior research, this study hypothesized that personal threats would yield the highest levels of environmental behavioral …

The Effects Of Loving-Kindness Meditation (Lkm) On Relationship Satisfaction In Couple Therapy, Ruimeng Gao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the integration of loving-kindness meditation (LKM) into couple therapy sessions and its impact on relationship satisfaction. Meditation, historically rooted in religious practices, has increasingly been adopted in Western therapeutic contexts due to its demonstrated benefits for mental health and interpersonal well-being. Although mindfulness-based interventions have gained popularity in psychotherapy, research specifically examining the use of LKM in couple therapy remains limited. This study investigates whether incorporating LKM into therapy sessions enhances relationship satisfaction compared to standard therapy alone. Couples were randomly assigned to either a control group, which received standard therapy, or an experimental group, which practiced …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Senior Leaders’ Experiences And Perceptions In Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment In The U.S. Federal Government: A Systems Perspective, Karen Jane Dean

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual harassment (SH) is a prevalent, costly, and often unreported problem in the U.S. Federal Government. Despite decades of research from multiple perspectives and recommendations to address SH, the problem persists and remains complex. While some researchers and U.S. Government agencies have called upon leaders to commit to eliminating workplace SH, others have suggested using an integrated conflict management system (ICMS) to manage the complexity, nuances, and conflicts. Even though there is a call for leadership to address SH, there is limited documentation in the literature about leaders’ experiences and perceptions in addressing the problem. Therefore, this qualitative study was …

An Examination Of How Professional Relationships And Professional Development Influence The Lived Experiences Of African American Women Serving As Superintendents In Texas, Tiffany L. Linwood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study investigated the effects of professional relationships and professional development on the experiences of 11 African American women superintendents in Texas, a historically underrepresented minority in educational leadership. It explored the challenges these women have had in advancing to and excelling in superintendent positions, emphasizing the need for mentoring, networking, and ongoing professional development. Despite the variety of students, educational leadership, especially at the superintendent level, is primarily White and male. This study used qualitative approaches, particularly semistructured interviews, to explore the perspectives of African American women superintendents about how professional relationships and growth impact their careers. …

An Exploration Of The Influence Of Occupational Mentorship On The Success Of Black Female Executive Leaders In Educational Sales, Bashelia H. Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dearth of Black women in executive-level leadership roles within U.S. business organizations persists due to numerous barriers such as tokenism; racial fatigue; stereotypes; a lack of identity; and the intersection of race, gender, and social injustices impeding their upward mobility in the educational sales industry. Despite recognizing the potential for change through tools and programs, the absence of robust occupational mentorship emerges as a pivotal barrier hindering the transformation of Black women’s roles in these educational sales environments. The sample size for this hermeneutical qualitative study was seven Black women in the K–12 educational sales industry. Data collection methods …

La Narcocultura In Mexico: Analyzing Representations Of Gender, Religion, And Law Enforcement Through The Silver Screen, Emma M. Plutnicki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work analyzes the ways in which la narcocultura is represented in films about Mexican drug trafficking through the lens of gender, religion, and law enforcement. The four selected films Savages (2012), Heli (2013), Sicario (2015), and Emilia Pérez (2024) are used to assess how stereotypical images of the Mexican narco world are consumed by the public. The aim of this work is to bring attention to potential misrepresentations within the Mexican drug trafficking world. By exploring the portrayal of gender, religion, and law enforcement, this work highlights the ways in which filmmakers perpetuate and reinforce damaging stereotypes. The consumption …

The Relationship Between Stress, Burnout, Attendance, And Methods Of Self-Care Among Teachers, Jennifer M. Sturm

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers exposed to prolonged stress have been documented at higher risk for poor physical and mental health, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. To ameliorate the effects of prolonged stress, teachers have employed a variety of coping strategies, and some sought medical care. To date, little research exists regarding absenteeism and medication usage among teachers. This study sought to determine the relationship between stress, burnout, and medication usage in relation to absenteeism. This study also sought to determine the role of thriving in the above relationships. An internet-based survey was distributed to U.S. teachers via social media and email. …

The Influence Of Smartphone Usage On Students’ Academic Performance, Sense Of Belonging, And Self-Efficacy, Zachary Ross Weinstein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, U.S. postsecondary students' smartphone usage has increased. Smartphone usage has become more embedded into campuses and affects the lives of students pursuing postsecondary education. This study sought to explore whether three specific measures of smartphone usage can predict students' academic performance, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging. These measures included daily average screen time, daily average social screen time, and problematic smartphone usage.

First-time freshman (FTF) participants (n = 154) were sampled from four institutions of higher education in the Southeastern region of the United States. This study followed a cross-sectional design to distribute a survey …

Medical Professionals' Perceptions Of Healthcare Artificial Intelligence, Falon M. Costigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether medical professionals across different levels of expertise show differences in their perceptions of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, the researcher hypothesized that participants with more expertise and experience would have greater negative perceptions associated with AI in healthcare compared to participants with a lower expertise level. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their perceptions of healthcare AI across four components: long-term negative consequences of AI, need for AI safeguards, positive perceptions of AI, and AI control. Participants also completed demographic questions evaluating participants' age, sex, ethnicity, years working in a healthcare setting, medical …

Differences In Performance In Mental Rotation And Short-Term Free Recall In Gender Minorities, Katheryne Renee Wood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The study examined mental rotation, short-term free recall, state anxiety, and gender expression through masculinity and femininity. This study addressed gaps in literature examining gender differences in gender minority groups by investigating gender differences in two tasks: mental rotation and short-term recall. Participants are categorized into four gender groups: cisgender men, cisgender women, non-binary, and binary transgender. In accordance with previous literature, it was hypothesized that men would outperform women in mental rotation, women would outperform men in short-term free recall performance, and that non-binary individuals would operate separately from other groups. Anxiety was recorded as a possible covariate, but …

Internal Communication And Organizational Culture: A K–12 District Office Phenomenological Study, Jessica Coleman Scogin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study utilized motivating language theory to explore the experiences that K–12 district office staff had with internal communication. The purpose of the study was to find how these experiences impacted an employee’s feelings of safety, value, and positive emotions in the workplace. The lens of motivating language allowed for a view of how empathetic language, meaning-making language, and direction-giving language shaped experiences for employees. Communication is an integral part of the culture of an organization; yet it is often overlooked as an influencing factor in job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, poor internal communication can lead to negativity …

Barriers To Female Advancement In Health Sciences Education: A Qualitative Study Examining The Effect Of Culture And Values On Leader Selection, Christie C. Moreno

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leadership in the 21st century has been broadly defined as a process of influence toward achieving shared goals. However, despite research affirming the leadership capabilities of both men and women, persistent gender disparities in executive leadership remain across sectors, particularly within academic health professions education. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of women in executive leadership roles at graduate health sciences centers in Texas. The purpose was to understand the barriers to advancement, the role of organizational culture and values, and the environmental and individual factors influencing leadership trajectories. Prior studies have identified that women often ascend to …

University Administrators’ Perceptions On Social Inequalities And Retention Of First-Year African American Students At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Toni V. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Low retention rates of African American students in U.S. higher education institutions remain an issue, with researchers exploring possible contributing factors, including social inequalities. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives of administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the unique barriers African American students face in the HBCU context, including financial hardship, academic unpreparedness, and limited opportunities for social integration. Data were collected through detailed, voice-recorded, semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom with administrators, including provosts, presidents, and directors from 12 current and former HBCUs, to explore how policies initially perceived as unfavorable could positively impact institutional leadership …

Women Overcoming Barriers In Stem: How Mentors, Allies, And Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories In Higher Education, Leila Marie Romeo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data …

The Influence Of Leadership Behaviors On School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perception Of Burnout, Emily A. Lambert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current research on burnout and attrition of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) focused on the reason for attrition, which has remained relatively consistent across time. Despite identifying the factors contributing to attrition, minimal research has focused on how SLPs can prevent burnout or how to improve SLP retention rates in schools. Self-determination theory, fulfillment of competence, autonomy, and relatedness increase intrinsic motivation. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify how SLPs employed in Texas school districts described the factors contributing to their resilience in remaining employed in the schools. Fifteen SLPs participated in semistructured interviews about their perception of …

Improving Timely Administration Of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Within A Medical Surgical Unit, Valerie Escamilla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolisms are a highly preventable condition. Despite the availability of multiple evidence-based guidelines, there continues to be suboptimal use of timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The purpose of this doctoral nursing quality improvement project was to determine if the implementation of an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Guideline would impact the rate of timely administration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis as compared to current practice in hospitalized adult patients admitted to a medical-surgical unit over 4 weeks. The organization measures the rate of timely administration of prophylaxis by monitoring the VTE-1 metric. All medical-surgical units …

Opening Doors: Employer Perspectives On Hiring Individuals With Disabilities, Jacqunettia L. Willis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This qualitative instrumental case study explored the perceptions of rural Florida employers regarding hiring individuals with disabilities (IWDs). Through in-depth interviews with nine microbusiness owners, this study identified key themes related to employers' experiences, perceived barriers, and potential solutions to increase employment opportunities for IWDs. Findings revealed that while employers expressed openness to hiring IWDs, most had limited or no direct experience due to a lack of relevant applicants limited knowledge of existing policies and incentives. A recurring theme was the perception that IWDs could be valuable employees if given appropriate support and accommodations. However, barriers included concerns over …

Experiences And Perceptions Of Latina Leaders In Higher Education: A Regional Study, Marlee R. Stephenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on and discussed the experiences and perceptions of Latina women in senior level leadership positions within higher education. The problem of this study was the continued underrepresentation of Latina women in senior roles, and this was seen within the overall low percentage of women in senior roles like president, the absence of women mentorship at senior levels, and the continued barriers women face in senior-level positions. The purpose of this study was to understand how the mentoring relationships, backgrounds, and leadership experiences impact or influence the careers of Latina women leaders in higher education within the Southwest …

Impact Of A Transplant Nurse Navigator In The Dialysis Setting, Judith D. Pozzerle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Patients with kidney disease have better patient outcomes and quality of life with a kidney transplant. However, the transplant process is complicated with inherent inequalities and biases and patients frequently fail to initiate a referral for transplant evaluation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have now placed financial incentives to improve the number of patients transplanted. The only way to increase the number of patients transplanted is to start with a referral for evaluation. Studies have been done highlighting the barriers, but there is a lack of studies implementing strategies to improve these numbers. Utilizing Kotter’s change theory and describing …

Inside A Youth Participatory Action Research (Ypar) Process: A Practitioner’S Communicative Experience Navigating Processual And Relational Power Dynamics Within Ypar, Lacey Nicole Stein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the communicative dimensions of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), with particular attention to the power dynamics embedded in the processual and relational aspects of the research process. Through a meta-level examination of a nearly two-year YPAR project, this study illuminates how communication can function for YPAR practitioners as they navigate YPAR's complex power structures, thereby addressing a significant gap in existing literature. The study employs Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to reveal nuanced findings in two key areas. First, it identifies the communicative complexities of enacting multiple adult roles within YPAR, including those of "superior" adult, facilitator, …

Bridging The Gap Between Muslim Students And School Leadership In The United States, Sahar Khawaja

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, the political landscape in the United States presents a challenging environment for Muslims, mirroring the global trend of oppression and discrimination faced by this community (Neptune, 2021). Despite being the fastest-growing demographic in the nation (Lipka, 2017), Muslim Americans increasingly encounter discrimination. By actively addressing and dismantling these stereotypes, educators can cultivate an inclusive environment where the needs of Muslim students are understood and respected. Understanding the stories and experiences of these students is vital for school leaders, as it enables the creation of an environment where every student feels a genuine …

Value-Based Healthcare Reimagined: A Mixed-Methods Study On Behavioral Health Clinicians' Perspectives, Amanda L. Strickland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores how behavioral health clinicians perceive Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC), a model designed by Porter and Teisberg (2006) to improve outcomes relative to costs. While widely promoted in healthcare reform, VBHC poses unique challenges when applied to behavioral health settings. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, this study first assessed clinicians’ awareness of VBHC through a survey of 23 licensed clinicians at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in Colorado. Quantitative findings revealed that one-third of participants were aware of VBHC with awareness differing by role prompting further exploration in a qualitative phase. Semi-structured interviews with eight clinicians provided deeper …