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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Understanding The Stressors Of Mothers Who Have Transitioned Out Of Prison, Latoya Cain Sep 2024

Understanding The Stressors Of Mothers Who Have Transitioned Out Of Prison, Latoya Cain

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of eight mental health clinicians on the stressors that mothers transitioning from prison face as they try to integrate into the community. The participant sample for this study consisted of eight mental health clinicians who have experience working with mothers who are transitioning out of incarceration. Participants were between 30 and 50 years of age. All eight participants were actively employed as mental health professionals and had experience working with women/mothers that were incarcerated and were reintegrating back into the community. All eight participants had1-11 years’ experience working with women/mothers …


Influence Of Procedural Justice Training On Police Perceptions Of Interactions With Racial Minority Citizens, Christopher Michael Felton Sep 2024

Influence Of Procedural Justice Training On Police Perceptions Of Interactions With Racial Minority Citizens, Christopher Michael Felton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Relationships between police and racial minority communities continue to be strained as traditional cultural diversity training for police struggles to equip officers with the skills needed to interact with and build trusting relationships with racial minority citizens. Previous quantitative research indicated that when the police treat citizens according to procedural justice, citizens are more likely to report a positive experience. However, there was a lack of qualitative research aimed at understanding the lived experiences of officers who have been trained in procedural justice and their perceptions of how that training influenced their ability to build trusting relationships with racial minority …


Municipal Law Enforcement Perceptions Of Active Shooter Response Training, Christopher M. Martin Sep 2024

Municipal Law Enforcement Perceptions Of Active Shooter Response Training, Christopher M. Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There are continuous occurrences of active shooter events in communities all over the United States. This study explored municipal law enforcement active shooter response training, tools used in response to active shooter incidents, and community policing policies practiced by the agency. The theory of andragogy was used to guide the behaviors associated with active shooter training and response. Research questions focused on how Root Agency (pseudonym) officers felt about their agencies’ active shooter response training and how officers felt about whether more active shooter training with the community would be beneficial. Data were collected using qualitative interviews with 10 law …


Identifying Police Perspectives About Substance Abuse: Transformational Learning In Law Enforcement, Donald N. Barnett Sep 2024

Identifying Police Perspectives About Substance Abuse: Transformational Learning In Law Enforcement, Donald N. Barnett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Law enforcement agencies across the country are confronted with the problems associated with substance abuse. Law enforcement personnel receive only cursory training on substance abuse and lack targeted training that addresses the complex problems that are associated with it, such as co-existing mental health issues. This study, conducted on behalf of a state-wide Sheriff’s Association, identified officer beliefs and attitudes towards substance abuse to make training recommendations that are better tailored to officer’s training needs. The study sample included 633 certified law enforcement or correctional staff from 22 counties. The Police Officer’s Attitude’s’ Towards Narcotics Crime survey was modified to …


Examining Sense Of Belonging In Higher Education Leadership For Black Women With Intersecting Marginalized Identities, Dominique A. White Sep 2024

Examining Sense Of Belonging In Higher Education Leadership For Black Women With Intersecting Marginalized Identities, Dominique A. White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black women juggling marginalized minority identities in executive leadership at public four-year universities contend with stigmas associated with race and gender, contributing to a decreased sense of belonging. Significant research has been done about the journeys of Black or African American women as they seek executive roles in higher education. However, minimal research explores Black women's sense of belonging once executive leadership status is reached. Understanding their sense of belonging could fill a gap in practice regarding Black women’s scarcity occupying executive university leadership. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of a sense of belonging for Black women juggling intersecting …


High Functioning Females And Dating, Myla M. Streander Aug 2024

High Functioning Females And Dating, Myla M. Streander

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The autism population in Southwest Florida does not have resources in the community to assist them with general living skills, social skills, job skills, and relationship skills. The research shows that autistic females have been ignored for years as they do not present autism the same as males. This means that instead of being independent and functional, they depend on the government for complete assistance. The study completed involved nine women with autism ages 18-35 to record their experiences and what gaps in the practice need to be addressed. This study was completed via Zoom and phone interviews, depending on …


Aged-Out Foster Youths’ Exposure To Spiritual Foster Homes And Transition Into Adulthood, Dr. Valerie Elaine Sims Aug 2024

Aged-Out Foster Youths’ Exposure To Spiritual Foster Homes And Transition Into Adulthood, Dr. Valerie Elaine Sims

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There are 438,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States; almost 46,000 are aged 16 or older, and over 20,000 “age out” of many child welfare services between ages 18 and 20 every year. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experience of foster youth growing up in a spiritual foster home (incorporating religious belief, practice, higher power, Bible study, or youth groups) and aging out of the system through the lens of faith-based theory. This study had a sample size of eight participants, ages 18 to 25, who transitioned out of the foster care …


Examining The Impact Of Stand Your Ground Laws In Alabama, Bruce Litaker Aug 2024

Examining The Impact Of Stand Your Ground Laws In Alabama, Bruce Litaker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

It is not known whether gun death rates vary with the implementation of Stand Your Ground (SYG) laws in Alabama. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine differences in the rate of gun deaths in Alabama since the implementation of SYG laws. Policy feedback theory (PFT) served as a foundational framework and a lens to interpret the research findings. The study was to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in the firearm homicide rates in all 67 counties in Alabama after SYG implementation, and if there is a statistically significant difference in the firearm homicide rates …


Motivation And Treatment Readiness Of Those Participating In Correctional Educational Programming, Kelly Eileen O'Bryan Aug 2024

Motivation And Treatment Readiness Of Those Participating In Correctional Educational Programming, Kelly Eileen O'Bryan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined what motivated male inmates in a private Oklahoma prison to participate in general education diploma or the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program. Research questions explored, what factors motivated program participants to participate in educational programs while incarcerated? Next, whether those who were eligible to participate in the program exhibited treatment readiness? Finally, were those who exhibited higher levels of treatment readiness and motivation were more likely to participate in and complete the program? A survey was used to collect demographic information and assess treatment readiness and motivation through the Corrections Victoria Treatment Readiness Questionnaire for 48 inmates. …


Leadership Innovation In Overcoming The Obstacles Of Workforce Shortages In Behavioral Health, Courtney Jade Smith Aug 2024

Leadership Innovation In Overcoming The Obstacles Of Workforce Shortages In Behavioral Health, Courtney Jade Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adequate staffing in behavioral health treatment is essential to delivering safe, timely, and quality care. Frequently void of adequate staffing, treatment providers are eager to find solutions to overcome the negative impacts of the workforce shortage. The workforce shortage is a multifaceted issue with substantial negative consequences for treatment providers, clients, communities, and the county. This study partnered with a behavioral health organization (BHO) to examine the experienced impact of the workforce shortage and explore innovative solutions for leadership in overcoming the workforce shortage. This study employed a qualitative case study design, in combination with the Baldrige Excellence Framework, to …


Effect Of Education And Policy On Informal Caregivers’ Experience Of Grief With End-Of-Life Care, Brandan Margaret Rose Aug 2024

Effect Of Education And Policy On Informal Caregivers’ Experience Of Grief With End-Of-Life Care, Brandan Margaret Rose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While numerous studies have explored various aspects of end-of-life care, a significant gap persists in the literature regarding the emotional burden experienced by informal caregivers as they grapple with challenging decisions. Additionally, with current federal and state guidelines, administrators do not have clear policies to drive equity for patients and their informal caregivers. This qualitative study examined informal caregivers’ perceptions of how end-of-life care policies impacted the dying process and how education influenced their grief and guilt. Using a conceptual framework of Simon’s concept of bounded rationality and evidence-based policymaking, the study addressed constraints on caregivers’ decision-making due to limited …


The Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Family Reentry Programs And The Public Policies Governing Those Programs For African American Female Ex-Offenders, Yulonda Rhodes Aug 2024

The Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Family Reentry Programs And The Public Policies Governing Those Programs For African American Female Ex-Offenders, Yulonda Rhodes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how African American female ex-offenders perceive the effectiveness of family reentry programs and the policies governing those programs. By providing additional information particular to African American female ex-offenders, this study has the potential to broaden the scope and depth of existing studies and enhance public policies governing family reentry programs. The theoretical framework concentrated on the four variables of Hirschi’s social control theory: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. The primary research question explored how African American female ex-offenders perceived the effectiveness of family reentry programs. Data were collected through in-depth …


Judicial Perspectives On Sentencing Mentally Ill Violent Offenders In New York, Vinita Puri Aug 2024

Judicial Perspectives On Sentencing Mentally Ill Violent Offenders In New York, Vinita Puri

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mass incarceration is a public health crisis in the United States. Scholarly research has shown that incarceration may lead to exacerbated psychiatric conditions and increased recidivism risk. Lawmakers and policymakers have turned toward therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) to develop and implement trauma-informed crime prevention and intervention strategies that focus on diverting individuals from prisons and into community-based treatment. New York legislators have expanded problem-solving courts (e.g., mental health courts), psychiatric treatment facilities, public housing supports, and law enforcement training. In this generic qualitative study, five criminal court judges in New York shared their perspectives on TJ and trauma-informed approaches to sentencing …


Role Of Misogynous Rap Music On African American Married Millennials, Louisa Antwanett Parker Aug 2024

Role Of Misogynous Rap Music On African American Married Millennials, Louisa Antwanett Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the influence of misogynistic rap music on self-image and objectification within the context of African American married millennials. Grounded in exposure theory and objectification theory, the study adopted a quantitative nonexperimental design. Data were collected from a sample of 101 participants while exploring how exposure to misogynistic music might shape individuals' self-perceptions and views of their partners, potentially contributing to adverse relationship outcomes such as domestic violence and infidelity. The survey instruments encompassed the Exposure Measurement Scale, Self-Objectification Scale (SOS), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBSC), Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), Self-Image Scale (SIS-D), Music Preference Questionnaire (MPQ-R), and …


The Worry Of Food Insecurity And The Manifestation Of Generalized Anxiety In Relation To Perceived Health Status, Ramona Lynnette Taylor Aug 2024

The Worry Of Food Insecurity And The Manifestation Of Generalized Anxiety In Relation To Perceived Health Status, Ramona Lynnette Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined the association between the worry of food insecurity and the manifestation of generalized anxiety, and how these factors related to perceived health status among adults aged 18 years and older in the U.S. The study controlled demographic factors such as gender, age, race, and education. Utilizing data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a binomial logistic regression analysis was employed. The findings indicated a significant association between those persons who often worry about food insecurity, severe (OR = 7.324, p < .001) and frequent generalized anxiety (OR = 5.185, p < .001) suggesting that individuals who worry about food insecurity have higher odds of experiencing severe and frequent (more than 3 times per week) generalized anxiety. Furthermore, both the worry of food insecurity in persons not sure (OR = 0.120, p = 0.004) and generalized anxiety (OR = 0.623 for severe anxiety, p = 0.009) were found to be significantly associated with lower perceived health status. These results suggest a potential association between worry about food insecurity and negative impacts on mental health and perceived overall well-being. Overall, these findings underscore the significant impact of food insecurity on mental health. Further research, including experimental and longitudinal studies, is necessary to elucidate the causal relationship between food insecurity and the manifestation of generalized anxiety in order to impact positive social change.


Predictors Of Antisocial Behavior Among Hispanic Adults, Mara Page Aug 2024

Predictors Of Antisocial Behavior Among Hispanic Adults, Mara Page

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Antisocial behavior can lead to serious social and legal consequences such as long-term involvement in criminal activities. Although there has been much research on predictors of antisocial behavior, such as perceived economic status, parental communication, impulsivity, substances, parenting styles, and parental involvement, little has been researched on how these apply to the Hispanic population. Grounded in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general crime theory, the purpose of this nonexperimental correlational survey design study was to assess whether sensation-seeking behavior, self-control, parental monitoring, religious coping, perceived social support, and rugged resilience predicted antisocial behavior among Hispanic adults. A sample of 167 Hispanic adult …


The Lived Experiences Of Cisheteronormativity By Nonbinary Sexual Assault Survivors, Emma Jackson Smith Aug 2024

The Lived Experiences Of Cisheteronormativity By Nonbinary Sexual Assault Survivors, Emma Jackson Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Gender minorities experience higher rates of sexual assault (SA) victimization and psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than their cisgender counterparts. Nonbinary individuals, in particular, face elevated levels of victimization, post assault distress, and unique barriers to receiving competent care both in general and specific to their assault experiences. Current research highlights the need for culturally competent care for nonbinary and transgender individuals, as well as for SA survivors. Although the experiences of SA survivors have been previously explored, specific information regarding the experiences of nonbinary survivors remains scarce. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study, grounded in Heideggerian …


Recidivism: Putting A Stop To The Revolving Door, Kathy Crowder Green Aug 2024

Recidivism: Putting A Stop To The Revolving Door, Kathy Crowder Green

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recidivism is a powerfully adverse factor in the lives of individuals who seek to reintegrate into society and the community at large. In this qualitative research, former inmates who were successfully released and had never been convicted within one year of their release were interviewed to discover the rationale. The research focused on understanding the skills and traits obtained through the Alternative Custody Program that can effectively reduce recidivism. Utilizing a phenomenological design, the purpose of this study was to understand the effects of program participation on the lives of former inmates concerning recidivism. Interviews lasting approximately an hour were …


Impact Of Veteran Treatment Courts On Lived Experiences Of Male Military Veterans With Misdemeanor Criminal Records, Verona Ann Cabbagestalk Aug 2024

Impact Of Veteran Treatment Courts On Lived Experiences Of Male Military Veterans With Misdemeanor Criminal Records, Verona Ann Cabbagestalk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Support for criminal justice reform is growing due to scrutiny of high incarceration rates and recidivism. Military veterans within the criminal justice system are included in correctional populations. Veterans’ unique experiences involving combat trauma require alternative treatments to reduce their involvement with the justice system. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with misdemeanor criminal records. This phenomenological qualitative study involved using the homecoming theory to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with criminal records. Research questions related to understanding lived veteran experiences that led to their involvement with the …


The Lived Experiences Of Black Male Students With Non-Black Teachers And Staff In New Orleans, Emmanuel Paul Aug 2024

The Lived Experiences Of Black Male Students With Non-Black Teachers And Staff In New Orleans, Emmanuel Paul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Academicians, administrators, and policymakers in New Orleans have pointed toward a disproportionate academic and life-cycle outcome where Black American males are particularly disadvantaged as compared to White students. An often-cited cause of these disproportionate outcomes for Black male students is inequality and mistreatment in schools. Therefore, this study explored the educational experiences of 10 Black males aged 18 or over from four alternative public schools in New Orleans via individual interviews. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative investigation was to explore Black male students’ encounters with non-Black teachers and staff in New Orleans and gain their perspective on their …


Stockholm Syndrome And Divorce-Related Decision Making Of The Abused Spouse, Simela Sidiropoulou Aug 2024

Stockholm Syndrome And Divorce-Related Decision Making Of The Abused Spouse, Simela Sidiropoulou

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Knowledge of the challenges faced by domestic violence victims with Stockholm Syndrome (SS) symptoms during divorce was limited at the time of the current study. Previous findings supported frequent occurrence of doubts during divorce proceedings due to SS, with negative effects on victims’ well-being after separation. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate victims’ decision making processes affected by SS features. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with six mental health providers treating victims with SS symptoms during divorce proceedings. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was applied to identify vital experiences through the perspective of therapists. Analysis determined four themes. …


A Multiagency Approach To Animal Hoarding In Central Iowa, Gary W. Rasmussen Aug 2024

A Multiagency Approach To Animal Hoarding In Central Iowa, Gary W. Rasmussen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This research explored animal hoarding in Iowa using the qualitative method with the resource dependency theory and a case study approach. These cases were studied using multiple sources of information, from media reports in initial locating cases to court documents, to examine the results of each case. It examined how different sized law enforcement agencies’ investigations into these cases impacted the outcomes of the cases in sentencing and the use of mental health evaluations and treatments. It also explored the efficacy of how different sized law enforcement agencies investigated animal hoarding cases. The law enforcement agencies were divided into two …


Human Rights Violations Against Legal Immigrants In Minnesota, John Ewu Aug 2024

Human Rights Violations Against Legal Immigrants In Minnesota, John Ewu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite legal entitlements to protections under the International Bill of Human Rights, legal immigrants in Minnesota face human rights violations, including discrimination, harassment, and denial of essential services. These violations hinder their well-being, social integration, and economic stability, exacerbate existing disparities, and their ability to provide for their families and secure legal representation. The purpose of this study was to provide information that could be used in considering policy reforms to improve the treatment of immigrants in Minnesota. This was achieved by exploring how Mexican, Somali, and Hmong legal immigrants experienced human rights violations in Minnesota as a vulnerable population …


Law Enforcement Attitudes, Decisions, And Behaviors In Encounters With The Mentally Ill, Melissa L. Griffin Aug 2024

Law Enforcement Attitudes, Decisions, And Behaviors In Encounters With The Mentally Ill, Melissa L. Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Law enforcement officers frequently encounter challenges when interacting with mentally ill individuals, often resulting in negative outcomes. In this generic qualitative study, the attitudes, decision making process, and behaviors of law enforcement officers in such interactions were investigated, with a focus on identifying facilitators and barriers to peaceful interactions. Additionally, the goal was to explore how police officer training could be improved to enhance outcomes in dealing with mentally ill individuals. Using a generic qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysis of relevant documents from police forces. Participants, selected through snowball sampling from Police Departments, shared …


A Quantitative Study On Restorative Justice Programs And Socioeconomic Status On Gun Violence Prevention In Urban Schools, Debra Kaye Long Jul 2024

A Quantitative Study On Restorative Justice Programs And Socioeconomic Status On Gun Violence Prevention In Urban Schools, Debra Kaye Long

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A gun violence epidemic had been a topic of conversation in America's schools in the form of mass shootings, homicides, nonfatal attacks, accidental discharges, and weapon suicides. The significance of this issue lies in its effects on student safety, well-being, and educational outcomes. A logistic regression model was used to assess the impact of free or reduced-price lunch (SES) and the adoption of restorative justice practices on the likelihood of firearm incidents in schools. Using social learning theory and trauma-informed care, this quantitative study used surveys from 7,290 individuals to analyze these correlations. The findings revealed significant reductions in gun-related …


Medicaid Coverage As A Critical Component In Care Coordination And Continuity In Health Care Access During Reentry For Justice-Involved Individuals In Maryland, Bernard Bendenkaga Alenda Jul 2024

Medicaid Coverage As A Critical Component In Care Coordination And Continuity In Health Care Access During Reentry For Justice-Involved Individuals In Maryland, Bernard Bendenkaga Alenda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Incarcerated individuals in the United States have a high disease burden. Moreover, most of them are released from incarceration without health coverage. The problem is that most incarcerated people in Maryland return to the community from incarceration without health coverage and cannot access health care. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how Medicaid enrollment staff and managers of the Medicaid program perceive the experiences and challenges of justice-involved individuals in navigating the Medicaid system in Maryland. The study was grounded in the behavioral model for vulnerable populations. The main research question aimed at understanding how the enrollment …


Use Of A Community-Based Mentoring Program To Reduce Juvenile Delinquency And Crime In Adolescents, Andida Prince Jul 2024

Use Of A Community-Based Mentoring Program To Reduce Juvenile Delinquency And Crime In Adolescents, Andida Prince

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The risk factors of juvenile delinquency and crime fail to acknowledge the systemic injustices, environmental stressors, and challenges youths bring to mentoring programs. Community-based mentoring programs are in place to assist with deterrence and reduction of juvenile delinquency and crime. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand delinquency and crime in adolescents through the theoretical lens of social control theory. The goal was to explore the theories and understand what can be done to counteract the risk factors from the perspective of mentoring professionals. The research questions focused on community-based mentoring programs’ role in an adolescent’s life and …


Variables That Support Trauma-Informed Care Implementation By Registered Play Therapists™, Christopher Todd Correa Jul 2024

Variables That Support Trauma-Informed Care Implementation By Registered Play Therapists™, Christopher Todd Correa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Federal agencies, researchers, and professional associations have addressed concerns regarding the growing number of children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. In response, they have recommended adoption of trauma-informed care (TIC) that provides care to children. However, there were mixed results in terms of successfully implementing TIC at places of employment. The purpose of this quantitative survey study was to investigate whether Registered Play Therapist™ (RPTs™) experiences, perceptions, and knowledge predicted their attitudes regarding TIC. This study involved exploring perceptions of RPTs™ regarding effectiveness of implementing TIC. The trauma-informed systems model guided this study. Research questions …


To Resist Or Persist? An Examination Of Interpersonal Relationships Formed In Prison, Kamecia S. Blake Jul 2024

To Resist Or Persist? An Examination Of Interpersonal Relationships Formed In Prison, Kamecia S. Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison is an important component of the criminal justice system. The structure and functionality of prison is tailored towards incapacitation, rehabilitation, and deterrence, which are goals of punishment. However, prison can have unintended consequences which increase the criminogenic risk of offenders causing inmates to become career criminals. This study examined the role of prison socialization, particularly the influence of interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated on recidivistic behavior. It is important to investigate interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated so that prison administrators can better realize its goal to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society. The study was grounded …


High School Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Use Of Achieve3000 As A Literacy Proficiency Intervention, Cameron Ashley Gaines Jul 2024

High School Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Use Of Achieve3000 As A Literacy Proficiency Intervention, Cameron Ashley Gaines

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was that inconsistency in using a literacy development initiative resulted in no improvement of low literacy scores in April of 2022, as a total of 80.85% of high school students in one learning zone within a Georgia school district scored below literacy proficiency on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine high school teachers’ perceptions of the use of Achieve3000 as a literacy intervention using the conceptual framework of disciplinary literacy. This study's two research questions focused on high school teachers’ perceptions of using Achieve3000 …