Digital Commons Network^™

Volunteer Mentor Perspectives On The Impact Of Mentoring Children Of Incarcerated Parents, Brenda Joyce Dilworth

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractVolunteer mentors contribute time by serving as role models to numerous children who face challenges that cause them to be at risk for delinquent behavior. Children of incarcerated parents are a growing population in need of special attention and strategies to minimize their risk of engaging in a life of crime. The purpose of this research was to explore the perspectives of volunteer mentors as they work with adolescents who have experienced the challenges and trauma of having an incarcerated parent. This research is grounded in Bandura’s social learning theory, which considers how people learn from one another. As mentors …

Oppositional Behavior Parallels In Toddlers And Teens And Parent’S Response, Michele Dimmett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parents seem to manage oppositional conduct of toddlers but struggle emotionally and physically with oppositional conduct of teenagers, despite similarities in the behaviors. Self-efficacy theory, psychological theory of development, and theory of mind guided the conceptualization of how parents perceive and respond to these two sensitive periods of development. This contrasted group quantitative study pursued measurable similarities in the experience of first-time parents of children aged 18-36 months and 14-15 years of age. Establishing parents’ confidence level in their parenting skills and how they perceive and respond to their child's oppositional behavior was also a factor. One hundred and seventy-five …

Inhaled Insulin, Afrezza, Educational Module For Health Care Providers, Sara Lynn Doolin-Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Inhaled Insulin, Afrezza, Educational Module for Health Care Providers

bySara Doolin-Thompson

MSN, Walden University, 2014 BSN, University of Phoenix, 2004 ASN, Kentucky Wesleyan College, 1994

Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice

Walden University August 2021 Abstract Diabetes is on a global rise and there is a definite gap in providing care for the diabetic population. Two of the largest contributors to this gap in care are the lack of collaboration between health care professionals and the lack of education for health care providers on the evolution of diabetes treatment plans. …

Teacher And Parent Perception Of Cyberbullying In A Middle School Setting, Jacqueline Gallo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe purpose of this mixed method study was to evaluate differences in cyberbullying perception and self-efficacy between teachers and parents. The study aimed to determine how teachers and parents reacted to cyberbullying. The importance of examining teacher and parent perception and self-efficacy in addressing cyberbullying determined the significance of intervention. The theoretical framework for the study was Bandura’s social learning theory. The purpose of this mixed method study was to examine the perceptions and self-efficacy of cyberbullying between teachers and parents as measured by the Peer Relations Assessment Questionnaire Revised and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. A sample that incorporated perception and …

Effects Of Mass Shootings On Life Satisfaction Of First Responders, Hanna M. Garza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mass shootings are devastating events that occur in many communities in the United States. Mass shootings bring significant psychological distress and contribute to the development of trauma. The communities affected by mass shootings rely on an effective and efficient response from first responders who assist survivors by providing psychological and physical assistance. Because first responders are the first to deal with the aftermath of mass shootings, they assume immediate secondary trauma. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between the independent variables of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and the three …

Manager Perceptions On The Efficacy Of Telecommuting For Technology Professionals, Gabriel Ndubisi George

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There has been an increase in the number of teleworkers across all industries. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore and understand the management perspective in adopting telecommuting as a timesaving tool for IT professionals in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The theoretical foundation of this study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model, which addressed technology acceptance behaviors among individuals in different information system constructs. The key research question inquired about the management perspective in adopting telecommuting as a time-saving tool for technology professionals in Gwinnett County, Georgia. An exploratory case study design involving interviews with 16 …

Nursing Home Nurse Turnover And The Association To Workload, Absenteeism, And Number Of Beds, Justin Ryan Gracieux

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aging population in the United States has resulted in an increased need for quality nursing home care, which includes a stable nursing staff and reduced workforce instability. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between direct care nursing staff turnover rates for RNs, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) concerning workload, absenteeism, and number of beds in Texas nursing homes. The relational coordination theory provided the theoretical framework for understanding the underlying issues and communication needs that may relate to staff turnover. Secondary data from 11,336 direct resident care nursing staff …

Counselor-In-Training Self-Efficacy When Working With Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming Clients, Thomas John Hegblom

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers highlighted a significant void in existing literature surrounding the preparation of counselors working with the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) population. The problem addressed is the limited understanding of self-efficacy counselors-in-training (CIT) possess while working with TGNC clients. The purpose of this quantitative study rooted in self-efficacy theory was to examine the relationship between three independent variables: (a) the cumulative time the participant spent as a CIT, (b) the amount of training the CIT received specific to transcompetent counseling practices, and (c) a CIT’s competency in delivering transcompetent counseling, and the dependent variable: a CIT’s self-efficacy in providing transcompetent …

Law Enforcement Arrests In Florida's Public Schools, Patricia A. Henry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractUnarmed, nonviolent public school students and sworn law enforcement officers carrying firearms and nightsticks making school-based arrests in a southeastern school district may contribute to the United States maintaining its distinction as the world leader in its use of incarceration. On any given day, nearly 60,000 youth under age 18 are incarcerated in juvenile jails and prisons in the United States. Arrest records for students are barriers to their college, employment, housing, military and immigration status. School Resource Officers are the entry point to the criminal justice system and the direct targeting of vulnerable groups by way of arrests. There …

Development Of A Pilot Training Program For Middle School Students To Reduce End-User Cyber Vulnerabilities, Connie D. Howard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on cybersecurity in middle schools beyond awareness programs. The purpose was to develop a pilot training module for middle school students comprising an analysis of public documents to examine what topics should be included in a pilot training program to reduce problematic cyber practices. Attitude functional theory was used as the conceptual framework to provide insights into the process of persuading a positive behavioral change in a targeted group that is sustainable. A systematic analysis of national, state, and local public documents was conducted to compare practices, including a K–12 …

The Enrollment And Persistence Of Education Majors In A Community College, Nneka Neambi Hunter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe problem that is facing one community college in Central Florida is the decrease in enrollment of teacher education majors and the low persistence of students who choose to pursue education as a major. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore why education majors at this community college chose to enroll and their reasons for persisting and completing their respective programs. The conceptual framework of the study was grounded in Atkinson’s expectancy-value theory and Tinto’s retention theory. The research questions focused on the reasons for the enrollment and persistence of education majors in a community college in Florida. …

Educating Staff To Reduce Hospitalization Of Individuals Living In A Group Home, Caroline Aina Ibijemilusi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractPersons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have significant health disparity in terms of high numbers of hospitalizations compared to the general population. The purpose of the project was to improve staff ability to recognize and respond to the changes in the health status of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals living in a group home. The project utilized Knowles’s theory of adult learning to develop a curriculum suitable for adult learners and the Kirkpatrick model to guide the assessment of the training. Pre- and post-perception of learning and satisfaction surveys were provided to the participants online. A paired t test …

The Implementation Of Universal Basic Education In A School In Nigeria, Romanus A. Igweonu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Nigerian government has been concerned in recent years with students’ achievement gaps in basic science. Currently, there is not enough research on the perspectives of administrators and teachers concerning their practices and experiences of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programs and their influence on students’ science achievements. In this basic qualitative study, the perceptions of three administrators and eight basic science teachers in a selected school were explored regarding their practices and experiences utilizing the UBE program to bridge achievement gaps among ninth grade students in basic science. The conceptual framework was based on the Fullan change theory that assumes …

Financial Illiteracy And Minority Small Business Failure, Julia Lee Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Minority small businesses are important contributors to the U.S. economy. As such, financial illiteracy resulting in the failure of minority small businesses is a significant problem. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a quantitative correlation exists between financial illiteracy and minority small business failure in the United States. The theoretical foundation consisted of administrative, systems, human capital theories and system thinking, financial, and management concepts. The research questions exhaustively reviewed secondary financial literacy and various business management research data that relate to the ability of the U.S. minority population to create wealth through sustained entrepreneurial success using …

Effects Of Education On Rural Emergency Department Preceptors’ Self-Efficacy And Knowledge, Katherine Marie Jasper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Emergency Nurses Association recommends nurse preceptorship programs for emergency departments (EDs) to give nurses the skills needed for precepting new nurses; however, many rural areas do not have nurse education for preceptorship, and no standardized training is available for preparing preceptors for their roles. Rural ED preceptors therefore lack knowledge and skills needed for precepting new nurses. The purpose of this study, guided by Benner’s skill acquisition and self-efficacy theory, was to determine if there were significant differences in 33 rural ED nurse preceptors’ knowledge and self-efficacy after they completed an online informational PowerPoint presentation. The PowerPoint education program …

Breastfeeding Information And Breastfeeding Duration Among African American Women With A Family History Of Breast Or Ovarian Cancer, Aleatha Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Decades of research supports the notion that breastfeeding may help prevent breast and ovarian cancer in women. Women with a family history of these cancers are at greater risk. African American women have the lowest breastfeeding rates, yet the highest breast and ovarian cancer mortality rates. No studies have been conducted exploring the impact of being informed about breastfeeding from health care providers, breastfeeding support services, or family and friends and the relationship between their knowledge of family history of breast or ovarian cancer and breastfeeding duration for African American women. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine …

An Exploration Of The Impact Of Organizational Subculture On Ethical Decision Making In Policing, Sonya M. Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe culture of the workplace setting intertwined with how one interprets ethics and code of conduct can be factors that separate acceptable and unacceptable conduct in policing. The reluctance of police agency executives willingness to assess the integrity of their departments often stems from the fear of negative community perceptions followed by unwanted oversight and operational recommendations. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of police officers regarding the influence of organizational subculture on ethical decision-making. The theoretical framework for this study used Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory and Aker’s Social Learning Theory. …

Performance Measurements On Concession Periods To Forecast Water Infrastructure Investment Returns, Reyneck Buthani Magudu Khoza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public-private-partnership stakeholders in South Africa are inconsistent in applying performance measurements to optimize concession period agreements for water infrastructure development and drive infrastructure financial value at postconcession termination. The purpose of this qualitative e-Delphi study was to assess consensus among 17 public-private-partnership experts on the best practice within the South African context for using performance measurements to optimize concession period agreements for water infrastructure development and drive infrastructure financial value at postconcession termination. The research question pertained to their level of consensus. Determination and analysis of the concession period conceptual model that illustrates how to achieve benefits of the concession …

Leader’S Relational Transparency And Team-Level Trust And Distrust, Jiri Krejci

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Team trust in teams of collaborative knowledge workers has been identified as one of the main mediators of team effectiveness, and one of the most important outcomes of effective team leadership. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to explore the relationships among relational transparency as a component of authentic leader’s behavior, and the levels of affect-based trust and distrust, as well as the relationship between both outcomes in context of the process of their emergence in a team setting. A total of 176 knowledge workers from a commercial business contact database participated. The relationships between these variables were …

Chinese Parents’ Perceptions Of Critical Thinking And Its Pedagogy, Suning Li

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As a result of China’s education borrowing many Western educational values, such as critical thinking, became known to Chinese education practitioners and parents. However, Chinese parents’ perceptions of such educational values have not been studied. Three research questions centered on understanding Chinese parents’ perceptions of critical thinking and the role of schooling in the development of critical thinking. The conceptual framework comprised the established conceptualization of critical thinking from the Western research tradition and Confucian ideas of critical thinking. Qualitative data were collected from interviews with 12 participants and were coded to find emergent themes. The research results suggested that …

Street-Level Bureaucracy And Perceptions Of Juvenile Prostitution, Leshian J. Lockwood

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Juveniles in the United States continue to be arrested for prostitution even though the U.S. Federal law recognizes them as victims of sex trafficking. The purpose of this cross-sectional, quantitative study was to explore what factors law enforcement officers consider when encountering a juvenile involved in prostitution that influences their judgment on whether the juvenile is a victim of sex trafficking or a juvenile delinquent. Each of the 50 U.S. states has laws that address juvenile sex trafficking. The research questions for this study centered around the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA) and factors that influence officers' use of discretion …

Metacognitive Strategies Used For Reading Comprehension Among Adult Postsecondary Learners, Mary Lukes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractA significant positive correlation between higher metacognitive strategy use and better reading comprehension among native English-speaking children and adult learners of English as an additional language, consistently presented in the literature, has not been consistently or directly found among native English-speaking adult high school graduates who enroll in postsecondary learning programs such as university programs. Consequences for adult learners with lower reading comprehension scores at college entry include significantly lower earnings over their lifespan due in part to greater risk for not completing a postsecondary program. This nonexperimental cross-sectional study was guided by two theoretical frameworks, one for adult reading …

Impact Of Out-Of-Pocket Fees On Under-5 Infant Mortality In Cameroon, Amelie Olga Mafotsing Fopoussi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health facilities in Cameroon charge fees for treatment and services, which can affect health outcomes for those unable to pay for services. Some studies have shown that the removal of user fees had a positive impact on child health outcomes in selected African countries. The aim of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to understand whether there is a link between out-of-pocket expenses and under-5 mortality in Cameron. The study was guided by the social ecological framework. Secondary data from the 2011 Cameroon Demographic Health Survey were used in the study. Chi-square, binary logistic regression, and multicollinearity analyses were used to …

Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions Of Reasons To Remain In The Teaching Field, Latrise Mchaskell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

General and special education teacher attrition, which contribute to the nation’s teacher shortage, is a decades-long problem that can impede schools’ ability to provide a quality education to all students. Studies have been conducted around teacher attrition; however, a gap in research literature exists regarding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may guide special education teacher retention. Utilizing the two-factor theory of motivation, this basic qualitative study explored the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors that may influence special education teachers to remain in the classroom. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 special education teachers, at the ninth, 10th, 11th, …

Early Childhood General Education Inclusion Teachers’ Perceptions Of Professional Development, Susanne Metscher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the use of professional development (PD), early childhood inclusive teachers lack the knowledge and skills needed to support students with disabilities. It was unclear what types of PD teachers have received and what supports they still need. If teachers lack PD and the skills needed to teach students with disabilities effectively, then student progress may be negatively affected. The purpose of this basic qualitative research study and the research questions were to understand early childhood inclusive general education teachers’ perceptions of past PD experiences of working with students with disabilities and what supports they need to implement evidence-based practices. …

Unmet Needs Of Children With Special Health Care Needs When Transitioning To Adult Services, Kiara Monee Moseby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health care transition planning could help decrease health care disparities among those who identify as an individual on the autism spectrum; however, less than a quarter of the adolescent population living with autism spectrum disorder receive transition planning. Decreasing health care disparities could lead to an increase in health care quality and longevity. The purpose of this study was to analyze if there was a relationship between (a) the number of physician visits, (b) if the physician treats only children, (c) if the physician talks about the child seeing physicians who treat adults, (d) if the physician worked with the …

Interrelationships Of Sociodemographic And Biological Factors In Breast Cancer Mortality Disparity Affecting Young Black Women, Richard Mutyabule

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite improved overall survival among breast cancer patients, race and biological subtype-specific disparities persist. Subsequently, this retrospective longitudinal study, guided by ecosocial theory, examined associations between biological subtypes of breast cancer and patient-level sociodemographic factors on survival outcomes in women 25 to 44 years of age. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, 34,007 breast cancer cases between 2013 and 2018 were extracted. Kaplan Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to examine time to event and the adjusted mortality risk by race and breast cancer subtype. There was a statistically significant difference in survival among young …

The Impact Of Effective Patient Advocacy In Ghana Health Care Reform, Gladys Opong-Tetteh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractPatient advocacy has become a vital concept for healthcare providers all over the world. There is evidence that the concept of patient advocacy is not new in Ghana. However, the degree of its practice continues to be negative and quite narrow in Ghana and even in Africa as a whole. It has also been argued that effective patience advocacy practice is either scarce or non-existent in Ghana. To address this issue, an assessment of the medical policies in Ghana was conducted, informed by the applied psychology theoretical framework. This study focused on using phenomenological inquiry to better understand patients’ experiences …

Effectiveness Of Cancer Survivorship Plans On The Emotional, Psychosocial, And Physical Well-Being Of Breast Cancer Survivors, Amber Renee Purdie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractCancer survivorship is essential for the longevity of all cancer survivors, and breast cancer survivorship has become the focus of public health organizations to help address the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors. This quantitative cross-sectional study explored the impact on the Quality of Life (QoL) and health outcomes of female breast cancer survivors in cancer survivorship programs or tertiary care. The ages of the survivors in the study sample ranged from 18 to 80, and all participants were at least 6 months into their cancer survivorship journey. Surveys used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s …

Collective Teacher Efficacy And Teachers’ Intent To Teach And Site Performance, David Ruiz Ramirez Iii

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher attrition has been a widely researched topic in the United States. However, little research has been conducted in large urban districts divided by high- and low-performing schools in regards to collective teacher efficacy and teachers’ intent to continue teaching. Considering this research gap, this quantitative study was conducted to examine collective teacher efficacy in relation to middle-school and high-school teachers’ intent to continue teaching and their perceptions of school performance. Within the conceptual framework of collective teacher efficacy, the research questions addressed the extent the independent variable, collective teacher efficacy, predicted the dependent variable, teachers’ intent to continue teaching …