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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Parental Perception Of Physician Cultural Sensitivity And Adherence To Asthma Treatment, Narue Jaynelle Wright-Jegede Jan 2019

Parental Perception Of Physician Cultural Sensitivity And Adherence To Asthma Treatment, Narue Jaynelle Wright-Jegede

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, asthma remains a major cause of frequent urgent care visits, hospitalizations, and preventable deaths among children. Nationwide, the chronic disease continues to fall disproportionately on minorities, mostly residing in urban localities. When a child is diagnosed with asthma, the parents are typically tasked with managing the child's condition. Establishing a collaborative partnership between parents and their child's primary physician is significant for improving asthma self-management among youth. Using the theory of reasoned action as a theoretical framework, this mixed-methods study examined whether a relationship exists between parental perceptions of physician cultural sensitivity and parental care in …


The Experience Of Parents Of Children With Autism Participating In Aba Treatment, Monica Labrie Jan 2019

The Experience Of Parents Of Children With Autism Participating In Aba Treatment, Monica Labrie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Having a child with autism results in a unique set of challenges for both parents and siblings. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has significant empirical support demonstrating its effectiveness as a treatment for children with autism. However, effective behavioral interventions should also consider how the family is affected. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of 8 parents of children with autism who have received ABA treatment and their perceptions of how the family system is impacted by ABA outcomes, specifically focusing on parental well-being and sibling relationship quality. A family systems theoretical framework and phenomenological …


A Thematic Analysis On How Forensic Psychologists Conduct Personal Injury Evaluations, Denise M. Autret Jan 2019

A Thematic Analysis On How Forensic Psychologists Conduct Personal Injury Evaluations, Denise M. Autret

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Psychological evaluations administered by forensic psychologist in personal injury cases are surrounded by complex issues. Although empirically-based research has legitimized that psychological damages do exist in personal injury cases there is a missing link in the way forensic psychologists are conducting these evaluations. Prior researchers suggested that some personal injury evaluations had been dismissed or overlooked due to a lack of a standard of care. Addressing the current literature, this study examined how a diverse group of 14 licensed forensic psychologists, operating in different judicial jurisdictions (Daubert, Frye, and Independent) were conducting personal injury evaluations and their perspectives on the …


An Ecological View Of Urban Kindergarten Reading Instructional Practices, Deborah Ann Clark Jan 2019

An Ecological View Of Urban Kindergarten Reading Instructional Practices, Deborah Ann Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Kindergarten students who are identified as at risk in reading often enter school with deficiencies in early reading skills. Little research exists for this vulnerable population on reading instruction in large, urban, school systems. The purpose of this multiple case study, which was guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of human development, was to describe urban kindergarten teachers' beliefs about the environmental factors that contribute to students' at-risk reading status, instructional practices employed to remediate reading, and teacher reports about systems in place to support student reading development. The multiple case study design included (a) structured interviews, (b) observations of kindergarten …


Language Immersion Teachers' Perspectives Of Foreign Language Learning For Students With Disabilities, Chunling Zhang Jan 2019

Language Immersion Teachers' Perspectives Of Foreign Language Learning For Students With Disabilities, Chunling Zhang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Foreign language learning for students with disabilities can be different from that of their nondisabled peers because of their special needs. Understanding the perspectives of language immersion teachers regarding their challenges and the support needed while working with students with disabilities in language immersion programs is important because such programs are growing rapidly nationwide. In addition, there is little research on the perspectives of these teachers in elementary school settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a deeper understanding of foreign language learning needs of students with disabilities from language immersion teachers' perspectives. Ajzen's theory of planned …


The Use Of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy With The Native American Population In The Southwest, Joseph Elias Woodruff Jan 2019

The Use Of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy With The Native American Population In The Southwest, Joseph Elias Woodruff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Compared to other races, Native Americans have significantly higher rates of suicide and substance abuse. Dialectical behavioral therapy is an evidence-based program with efficacy for reducing suicidality and comorbid disorders within general populations but may not be effective for Native Americans because it is based in Western ideology. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Native American therapists who use DBT with Native American populations. Using biosocial theory, I investigated the perceptions and lived experiences of 8 Native American therapists through a phenomenological approach. The research questions encompassed the experiences, including the cultural appropriateness, …


Cardiovascular Exercise Participation And Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Adults Over Normal Weight In The United States, Marytherese Agwara Jan 2019

Cardiovascular Exercise Participation And Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Adults Over Normal Weight In The United States, Marytherese Agwara

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a type of sleep apnea that is common, complicated, and a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive impairment, and mortality. This disease has additional negative impacts on patients' lives by contributing to daytime sleepiness and low productivity at work as well as absenteeism and work-related injuries. Several studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between cardiovascular exercises and OSA; however, a definite conclusion is lacking. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between cardiovascular exercise participation and OSA by examining the relationship between total cardiovascular exercise participation per week …


Understanding Caregiver Perceptions Of Attachment With Drug Exposed Foster Children, Sarah Elizabeth Barr Jan 2019

Understanding Caregiver Perceptions Of Attachment With Drug Exposed Foster Children, Sarah Elizabeth Barr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lacking a healthy attachment to a caregiver and having in-utero methamphetamine exposure have been linked to a variety of cognitive delays, developmental delays, and mental health issues throughout a person's lifespan. It is unknown if there is a relationship between in-utero methamphetamine exposure and the ability to build a healthy attachment to a caregiver. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to improve understanding of the perceptions of caregivers about attachment efforts for foster children under the age of 3, who have had in-utero methamphetamine exposure. This study was guided by attachment theory. Purposeful sampling was used to select …


Drugs, Alcohol, And The Community College Student-Athlete: A Narrative Study, Kevin A. Berg Jan 2019

Drugs, Alcohol, And The Community College Student-Athlete: A Narrative Study, Kevin A. Berg

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research shows that student-athletes, whether at the high school or collegiate ranks, experience higher rates of alcohol consumption than their non-athlete student counterparts. However, one population that has not been studied is the community college student-athlete. Traditional community college students have different risk categories and needs than traditional 4-year university students. In this study, community college student-athletes provided their views and perceptions on drugs and alcohol. To obtain data, a qualitative narrative analysis was completed by interviewing 13 community college student-athletes to identify their views and opinions on drugs and alcohol. Once the interviews were completed, transcription and coding were …


Effects Of Canines On Humans' Physiological And Perceived Stress, Beth Marie Bowin Jan 2019

Effects Of Canines On Humans' Physiological And Perceived Stress, Beth Marie Bowin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The bond between pet and owner has been shown to decrease stress-related physical, mental, and emotional disorders by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a nonpet canine would have the same effect in reducing physical symptoms of stress as a known dog. Human-animal bond theory, Human pressor test. Data were analyzed using repeated measures, analyses of variance, and t tests. Results indicated that interaction with a strange dog lowered heart rate and blood pressure significantly faster in the experimental group than in the control group. The positive social change implications of …


Effect Of Supportive Versus Assertive Case Management On Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization For Patients With Schizophrenic Diagnoses, Quentin Brown Jan 2019

Effect Of Supportive Versus Assertive Case Management On Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization For Patients With Schizophrenic Diagnoses, Quentin Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Schizophrenia has been a public mental health barometer for many decades, and health professionals and government agencies continue to look for treatment options that produce the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of assertive community treatment (ACT) and supportive case management (SCM) outpatient treatment interventions as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric hospital care. Social cognitive learning theory and choice theory provided the framework for the study. Archival data from inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations for 153 adult men and women with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who received ACT or SCM services were analyzed using regression …


An Education Program For Improving Knowledge Of Experienced And Aspiring Mentors, Joy-Marie Quiambao Calunsag Jan 2019

An Education Program For Improving Knowledge Of Experienced And Aspiring Mentors, Joy-Marie Quiambao Calunsag

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Using a staff development approach, this doctor of nursing practice project addressed the preparation of nurses who serve in the role of mentors. Developed and carried out in an American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet-designated hospital, the primary aim of the project was to develop and implement a staff education program for mentors focusing on best-practice strategies for mentoring new nurses. The secondary purpose was to conduct a literature review on evidence-based practice strategies for mentoring new nurses. This project was guided by Knowles' adult learning theory and Benner's novice to expert model. A 2-hour education program was attended by 16 …


Exploring The Ethical Leadership Of Bank Managers, Jeannette Devine Jan 2019

Exploring The Ethical Leadership Of Bank Managers, Jeannette Devine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ethical dilemmas in banks have resulted in financial losses. A bank manager's ethical leadership strategy can affect the direction, success, operations, and profits of banks. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the ethical leadership strategies of bank managers that promoted profitability. This study's conceptual framework was Bandura's social learning theory. Data were collected from semistructured, face-to-face interviews with a sample of 2 bank managers from different Maryland banks and a review of these banks' documents. Member checking was conducted to verify the trustworthiness of the findings. Data were analyzed using Yin's 5-step approach. Themes that emerged …


Characteristics Of Young People Seen In The Emergency Department For Assault-Related Injuries, Robyn Coons Jan 2019

Characteristics Of Young People Seen In The Emergency Department For Assault-Related Injuries, Robyn Coons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Violence is among the most serious threats to the health and safety of young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional quantitative study using secondary data from the CDC's 2015 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) data set was to examine the characteristics (age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance or payer source, and housing status) of young people between the ages of 10 and 24 who seek medical care for assault-related injuries through the emergency department (ED). The social ecological model was used to examine the complex interplay between …


Development Of A Standardized Oral Care Staff Education Program, Katrina Detoye Jan 2019

Development Of A Standardized Oral Care Staff Education Program, Katrina Detoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hospital-acquired infections such as nonventilated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) are significant patient safety concerns. The lack of oral care in the nonventilated acute care patient population is a major contributor to NV-HAP. Nursing staff are on the frontline in the provision of oral care to hospitalized patients, but a lack of knowledge regarding the relationship between oral care and NV-HAP was identified as a gap in practice at the project site. The purpose of the project was to develop a staff education program on oral care of the nonventilated patient population. The practice-focused question addressed whether an evidence-based education for nurses …


The Experiences Of Witnesses To Prison Sexual Violence: A Case Study, Edyth Zada Hendricks Jan 2019

The Experiences Of Witnesses To Prison Sexual Violence: A Case Study, Edyth Zada Hendricks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison sexual violence is prevalent and impacts the witnesses to it. Previous literature has fully discussed the victims of prison sexual violence; however there remains an important gap in the current literature regarding the experiences of witnesses. The purpose of the present qualitative case study was to explore the lived experiences of witnesses to prison sexual violence. The theoretical foundation of this study was the self-categorization theory linked to the prison code of silence. Four ex-inmates answered semi structured interview questions. Transcripts were coded and themes developed. Five themes that emerged were exposure (to prison sexual violence), ineffective guards, avoidance …


Perceptions Of Online Cheating: Impact Of Age, Gender, And Sexual Preference, Rosanna Helen Kallay Jan 2019

Perceptions Of Online Cheating: Impact Of Age, Gender, And Sexual Preference, Rosanna Helen Kallay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The current quantitative study examined perceptions of online infidelity using ANCOVA calculations to determine if significant differences existed between variables of gender, age, orientation. The study considered the applicability of sexual strategy theory (SST) in today's culture and whether it remains relevant in current to today's relationships. SST and previous research suggested a clear trend in differences in perceptions of infidelity based on gender and age, with more mixed results in differences based on sexuality. This study expanded previous research by surveying 148 younger and older demographics, as well as men and women who are in opposite-sex and same-sex relationships. …


A Comparison Of Motivational Differences Among Older Marathon Runners And Their Injury Status, Marsha Renee Kaufman Jan 2019

A Comparison Of Motivational Differences Among Older Marathon Runners And Their Injury Status, Marsha Renee Kaufman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the high occurrence of running-related injuries, master level runners, those aged 40 years and older, account for 50% of all marathon finishers. What is not known is the common motive sustaining participation, especially among this age demographic. The self-determination theory was the theoretical framework to support how behavior is regulated by the individual. The purpose of this quantitative research was to identify a difference in the motives (psychological, physical, social, and achievement) and their subcategorical motives (health orientation, weight concern, affiliation, recognition, psychological coping, life meaning, self-esteem, competition, and personal goals) via the Motivations of Marathoners Scales by master …


Evaluation By Geospatial And Spatiotemporal Distribution Of Tularemia Cases In Arkansas, Toni Kathleen Beavers Jan 2019

Evaluation By Geospatial And Spatiotemporal Distribution Of Tularemia Cases In Arkansas, Toni Kathleen Beavers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Tularemia is a vector-borne disease of global concern with diverse regional foci. Arkansas is an endemic state with differences in case distribution and land suitability supporting host and vector sustainment. The aim of this study was to conduct a geospatial and spatiotemporal assessment of factors associated with case distribution and timeliness and completeness of public reporting. Guided with direction from spatial epidemiology and nidality, referring to the association of ecology, climate, and proximity of disease, analysis included secondary data collected from the Arkansas Department of Health between 1995 and 2018. Using Poisson-based software, 2 clusters were found: a high-risk cluster …


Nurse Practitioner Attitudes, Perceptions And Knowledge About Antimicrobial Stewardship, Evelyn C. Fabian Jan 2019

Nurse Practitioner Attitudes, Perceptions And Knowledge About Antimicrobial Stewardship, Evelyn C. Fabian

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Resistance to antibiotics has increased dramatically in the United States, with serious associated medical, social, and economic consequences. The purpose of this project was to assess nurse practitioners' attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship and knowledge in the management of anaerobic infections as well as resistant gram-negative bacteremia. Data were collected using a web-based survey in a hospital facility. The practice question explored whether nurse practitioners' attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship significantly increased after an education program on antimicrobial stewardship. The project was framed by Knowles's adult learning theory. A 16-item survey was administered before and after …


Psychiatric Nurses' Knowledge Of Suicide Prevention, Wanda F. France Jan 2019

Psychiatric Nurses' Knowledge Of Suicide Prevention, Wanda F. France

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide is a major health concern worldwide. Nurse practitioners must possess suicide assessment skills and treatment knowledge to ensure appropriate identification of persons with suicidal ideation. The purpose of this project was to assess psychiatric nurse practitioners' knowledge of suicide prevention in rural Kentucky. The conceptual framework was Orlando's nursing process theory, which emphasizes the importance of nurse-patient interaction. A 13-item survey of suicide-related knowledge and skills was administered to 10 psychiatric nurse practitioners in rural Kentucky. Only 3 participants responded correctly to a question related to suicidality in persons with borderline personality disorder. Regarding competency and support for assessing …


An Exploration Of Military Doctoral Students' Journey To Degree Completion, Nicola Jane Hall Jan 2019

An Exploration Of Military Doctoral Students' Journey To Degree Completion, Nicola Jane Hall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little is known about the experiences of doctoral students who are active duty military or veterans seeking a degree in counselor education and supervision (CES). The purpose of this research was to positively impact the counseling profession by ensuring adequate representation of military-competent counselors through an exploration of the academic journey of military students. This research sought to highlight military students' perceptions of barriers and contributors to degree completion. Selection criteria for participants involved any United States military personnel classified as active or inactive. These military personnel had to have earned within the past 12 months or were currently enrolled …


First-Year Students' Reasons For Withdrawing From College, Margaret Ann Nelson Jan 2019

First-Year Students' Reasons For Withdrawing From College, Margaret Ann Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retention of first-year students was a problem at a private 4-year university in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the reasons entering first-year students who were part of the Promise Program withdrew from the university during their first year. Tinto's model of student attrition provided the conceptual framework for the study. Research questions addressed students' rationale for selecting the school, their perspectives on the main causes of first-year attrition, their expectations of campus support services, and their recommendations for how to decrease student attrition. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 7 …


Staff Education Program On Diabetes Using Self-Care Behaviors, Ruth Adhiambo Ogot Jan 2019

Staff Education Program On Diabetes Using Self-Care Behaviors, Ruth Adhiambo Ogot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus affects patients' health across the globe and is costly to manage. The chronic high blood sugar of diabetes is linked to cardiovascular and kidney damage, impaired functional status, and multiple organ failure. To lessen the complications associated with diabetes and promote self-care in those with the disease, health care professionals must be vigilant in offering diabetes education to patients with each clinic or primary care visit. Lack of diabetic educators in the clinic that provided the setting for this study indicated a need to increase clinical staff competency in teaching self-care and diabetes management to patients. …


Extent, Correlates, And Consequences Of Careless And Inattentive Responding In Certification Job Analysis Surveys, Patricia M. Muenzen Jan 2019

Extent, Correlates, And Consequences Of Careless And Inattentive Responding In Certification Job Analysis Surveys, Patricia M. Muenzen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Survey data quality is influenced by the care and attention that respondents take in answering questions. Careless and inattentive (CI) responding is a confound in survey data that can distort findings and lead to incorrect conclusions. This quantitative study explored CI responding in job analysis studies supporting occupational certification programs and its relationship to survey features, data quality measures, and test content validity. Satisficing theory served as the framework, and secondary analysis of 3 job analysis surveys was undertaken. Results indicated that 9-33% of respondents engaged in CI responding, with the rate differing by CI index used (Mahalanobis distance, long …


Differences In At-Risk Children's Preschool Assessment By Teachers' Level Of Education, Folashade Z. Olayinka-Bello Jan 2019

Differences In At-Risk Children's Preschool Assessment By Teachers' Level Of Education, Folashade Z. Olayinka-Bello

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite state requirements, standards, and recommendations from various early childhood agencies, huge differences exist in levels of education held by teachers of 4-year-olds in early childhood classrooms, which may affect the quality of service they offer to children as well as students' performance on assessments. This quantitative study determined whether significant differences existed between assessment scores of at-risk children taught by teachers with different levels of education and years of experience using standardized assessments (Teaching Strategies GOLD [TSG] and Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening [PALS]). The theoretical framework for this study was Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of human development. Data were analyzed …


Evaluating Counseling Modality Based On Recidivism For Misdemeanor Offenders, Erin D. Prisbrey Jan 2019

Evaluating Counseling Modality Based On Recidivism For Misdemeanor Offenders, Erin D. Prisbrey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Illegal substance use in the United States is a growing problem, and a western state has a higher than average rate of drug offenders. Many courts, including misdemeanor courts, have limited to no budget for drug treatment programs outside of the drug court treatment programs. As such, many court-ordered drug treatment programs, when drug counseling is ordered in exchange for a reduction in charges, are outsourced to privately owned companies. The drug counseling entails a single 8-hour outsourced drug counseling course, which includes either in-person, online, or correspondence-based counseling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of …


Pull And Push Factors That Influence A Student's Decision To Drop Out Of School, Monica Ruth Rouse Jan 2019

Pull And Push Factors That Influence A Student's Decision To Drop Out Of School, Monica Ruth Rouse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The high school dropout rate in the United States has historically been and continues to remain a persistent concern. The dropout epidemic has primarily been studied through a quantitative lens focused on the final decision to dropout rather than the complex sequence of events that factor into the dropout decision. The purpose of this study was to explore the pull/push factors that influenced a student's decision to drop out of high school. In this qualitative study, attention was given to both understanding how students described their reasons for dropping out of school and identification of any factors that could have …


The Relationship Between Limited Partner Availability, Masculine Ideologies, And Condom Use, Diakima Y. Thomas Jan 2019

The Relationship Between Limited Partner Availability, Masculine Ideologies, And Condom Use, Diakima Y. Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One in every 4 people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are women. The leading cause of infection is heterosexual contact. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationship between gender ratio perception and masculine ideology and a woman's decision to use condoms during her sexual activity. The theory of gender and power and the theory of planned behavior served as the theoretical frameworks for this study. The perceptions of gender ratios, as measured by the Gender Ratio Imbalance Beliefs and Behaviors Scale (GRIBBS) subscale, GRIBeliefs, and masculine ideologies, as measured by the Gender Role …


Institutional Isomorphism And Human Trafficking Investigations, Regina Warren Jan 2019

Institutional Isomorphism And Human Trafficking Investigations, Regina Warren

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human trafficking exists domestically and internationally, and each year thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked into lives of involuntary servitude. Law enforcement efforts to investigate human trafficking across the United States are similar in nature; yet, prior research had not investigated the possible causes of these similarities. Utilizing institutional theory, this research investigated whether institutional isomorphic pressures have any impact on the formalization of human trafficking investigations. Data were collected from 26 municipal police organizations in a mid-Atlantic state on departmental human trafficking policies and practices via Farrell's understanding law enforcement responses to human trafficking survey instrument. Logistic …