Digital Commons Network^™

Women’S Peace Agency: Reading Africae Munus In The Framework Of Emilie Townes’ Womanist Ethics And The Cultural Production Of Evil, Leonard N. Zifac

Graduate Student Research Symposium

This paper employs Emilie M. Townes's womanist ethical framework—particularly her concept of the "cultural production of evil"—to critically examine Pope Benedict XVI's post-synodal exhortation Africae Munus (2011) and its treatment of African women's agency in peacebuilding. While Africae Munus calls the Church in Africa to serve reconciliation, justice, and peace, and acknowledges women's dignity and contributions to family and community life, the document largely confines women's roles to maternal, supportive, and domestic spheres without adequately challenging the patriarchal structures that systematically marginalize women from strategic leadership and formal peace processes. Drawing on Townes's analysis of how cultural narratives, religious discourse, …

H3) "Between Paths And Beliefs: Religious Tourism As A Tool For Cultural Understanding And Social Transformation", Maria Angelica Alvarez Orozco, Silvia Aulet

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

From the beginning of humanity, walking has been the way humankind has regained its equilibrium, creating a natural connection towards the path and what it represents. Pilgrimage was the first form of tourism to emerge thousands of years ago; in fact, the development of tourism cannot be understood without understanding the practice of pilgrimage since ancient times.

Therefore, this ongoing research, entitled "Between Paths and Beliefs: Religious tourism as a tool for cultural understanding and social transformation," aims to delve into the understanding of pilgrimage as a religious tourism itinerary that contributes to the transformation of individuals through travel. Through …

The Erosion Of The Imago Dei: A Qualitative Study Of Religious Identity Maintenance Among Affluent Professionals In Secularized Environments, Shawn Hall

Liberty University Research Week

While sociological research has extensively documented the decline of religious affiliation (the "rise of the Nones"), fewer studies examine the erosion of theological anthropology, the fundamental beliefs about the nature of the self among religious adherents who remain active within faith communities. Drawing on twenty years of qualitative participant observation in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, this study investigates how affluent Christians maintain or fail to maintain a "Bipartite" (Soul-Body) worldview while embedded in highly secularized, technocratic professional environments. Utilizing a reflexive ethnographic design and NVivo-supported thematic analysis, the research identifies a phenomenon of "Ontological Dissonance," where adherents profess orthodox …

Bridging The Gap In Adolescent And Young Adult Sexual Health Education, Claire Rau, Anjali Jacob, Cassidy Harris, Michael Ago Tetteh

Liberty University Research Week

This research addresses the critical need for improved sexual health education for adolescents and young adults, prompted by current STI and pregnancy data in Virginia. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review evaluated existing evidence-based, relationship-skills-focused sexual health interventions. The findings indicate that while current programs effectively target risk reduction and pregnancy prevention, they often lack the integration of a Biblical worldview and sufficient focus on comprehensive relational development alongside sexual health knowledge. Consequently, this project proposes adapting the Love Notes program and developing the Digging Deep curriculum to better bridge these gaps.

Graduate Student Supervision And Artificial Intelligence: Findings From Academic Faculty Interviews Across Disciplines, Kari D. Weaver, Nadine Fladd

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

There is widespread discussion in higher education about the potential implications of GenAI for research and writing tasks (George, 2023). Many graduate students are under intense pressure to finish their degree milestones in a timely manner, and these rapidly evolving technologies offer the potential to optimize and automate much of the research and writing process. But the ethical, developmental, and career implications of graduate students – both masters’ and doctoral – using these technologies requires particularly careful consideration, as these students are simultaneously learners, scholars, and, sometimes, educators. Although emerging research about GenAI use in higher education has examined the …

Nurses’ Role In Using Prayer As A Complementary And Alternative Spiritual Care Tool, Sonia H. Wisdom

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Praying is a spiritual and religious ritual that patients may use to support healing and cope with stress. Illness may challenge the patients’ ability to pray and nursing assistance is needed (Gad et al., 2022). Nurses are uncertain of their role in responding to patients’ prayer needs, as the use of prayer remains controversial (Nilsson, 2022).

This quantitative study explored nurses’ attitudes and perceptions of their role in praying. Data were collected from a self-selected sample of 2,688 RNs in the Florida Board of Nursing, using a 33-item 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Factor analysis extracted four subscales labeled as attitudes to …

Pediatric Critical Care Nurses’ Recommendations To Mitigate Moral Distress, Sadie Deschenes, Diane Kunyk, Shannon D. Scott

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

In this presentation the presenter describes a qualitative description study that aimed to identify intervention attributes that pediatric critical care unit nurses with moral distress histories deem important to develop a future moral distress intervention. Identifying intervention attributes is necessary to develop effective strategies to minimize moral distress.

Detailed abstract attached.

Addressing Student Anxiety In Design Education: A Call For Reflection And Action, Maura Flores, Sara Reader, Alis Iacob

Learn X Design Conference Series

Student anxiety in design disciplines in higher education seems to have risen since the Covid-19 pandemic and during rapid technology change. In Brazil and the UK, educators notice students struggle with the uncertainties of iterative creative processes, which can hinder their productivity and increase frustration. Anxiety, while a barrier, can also act as a catalyst for innovation when adequately managed. This letter invites a discussion about how educators can support students by fostering emotional resilience, promoting problem-based learning, and integrating information literacy.

Can Ai Assess Design Students’ Projects? Discussing The Future Of Assessments With A Proof Of Concept, Ali Cankat Alan, Koray Gelmez

Learn X Design Conference Series

Particularly in their first year of education, design students face challenges in understanding the assessment processes, as the answers are not simply right or wrong, but instead judged on a spectrum of better and worse. This confusion stems from the tacit nature of design knowledge, which is difficult for tutors to articulate. The open-ended nature of design problems, which allows for multiple correct solutions, augments this issue, leading to confusion among students about their performance. To address this subject, this paper proposes an AI pipeline to support both summative and formative assessment by utilising computer vision to enhance the transparency, …

Hospital Chaplains Integration Within Interprofessional Healthcare Teams To Improve Patient Outcomes, Sarah Low, Lucia Florindez, Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, Bernice Coleman, Jason Weiner, Christina Shu, Linda Y. Kim

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: While spiritual care is considered vital to the holistic care of patients, healthcare systems often fail to fully understand, value, and utilize chaplaincy expertise.¹ Despite a growing body of research demonstrating the impact of chaplaincy on improved patient outcomes^2,3 chaplains often report feeling their roles are not well understood by patients or staff and do not feel well integrated into the interprofessional healthcare team.^4,5 The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of chaplains in improving patient experience and health outcomes, emphasizing the need to better understand factors that foster their integration into the interprofessional healthcare team. …

Evolving Role Of Hospital Chaplains: Optimizing Patient, Staff, Self Well-Being During Pandemic, Linda Y. Kim, Sarah Low, Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, Jason Weiner, Christina Shu, Bernice Coleman, Lucia Florindez

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Abstract Text: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented strain upon healthcare systems worldwide, presenting hospital chaplains with unique challenges in responding to the increased emotional, mental, and spiritual distress experienced by patients, families, and staff, while also having to prioritize their own well-being.1-3 Traditional methods of providing care were largely unavailable to these chaplains during the pandemic, requiring them to adopt new strategies and innovative ways to maintain engagement with patients and hospital staff.4-5

Study Aim: This study aimed to explore chaplains' experiences in caring for patients, family, and staff during the height of the pandemic, as the initial step …

J2) Impact Of Tourism On Corsican’S Religion, Pierre-François Marchiani

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

In the 60s Corsica underwent a transformation with the rise of tourism and a new influx of population. Since then, the importance of tourism on the island has only increased to reach in 2023, 3 millions visitors, for only 350.000 inhabitants, and 39% of the Corsica’s GDP . The sheer volume of visitors is having a real impact on the Corsican way of life, not only economically but also culturally and perhaps religiously. At least that’s what we’re going to question in this communication.

9 out of 10 Corsicans claiming to be Catholic, quite quickly the Church of Corsica took …

Fostering An Inclusive Environment For New Students Through The South Pacific Division Community Support System At The Adventist International Institute Of Advanced Studies: An Appreciative Inquiry, Anasa Tabua

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This study uses Appreciative Inquiry to explore how the South Pacific Division (SPD) community support systems at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), grounded in Social Capital Theory, foster inclusivity for new students. It examines existing systems, identifies strengths, and explores enhancement strategies. The findings offer implications for other AIIAS communities and Adventist institutions seeking to enhance support systems and foster inclusive environments.

An Integrative Approach To The Existential Problem Of Evil In A Post-Pandemic World, Jacob Byrd

Liberty University Research Week

Only a few years have passed since the world experienced a unique manifestation of suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem of evil and suffering has always been a difficult topic to address for Christian pastors and theologians who have now been left to address this problem in the wake of the pandemic. In addition to the suffering from millions of lives being lost, studies have shown a correlation between the pandemic and a significant increase in mental illness in the United States. This is one data point among many instances that add to the uniqueness of the …

Are Library Teaching And Research Services Broken? Understand The Academic Journey For Better Service Design, Tess Hobbis, Sascha Jenkins

Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences

Do we really understand what academics need from libraries today? Can understanding and empathising with the academic experience challenge library assumptions about teaching and research services? UTS Library investigated these questions through a year-long project. Using a design-thinking project methodology, empathy mapping and human-centred practices, the project team was able to delve into the world of the UTS academic: gaining a comprehensive understanding of the academic’s goals, behaviours, motivations and pain points around conducting teaching and research activities. The resulting insights present new opportunities for service design and delivery in an academic library context. UTS Library staff now have a …

Examining Dnar Status In Pediatric Palliative Surgical Patients: An Application Of A Decision Analysis Tool, Margaret H. Hartig

Leadership Connection

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) involves a multidisciplinary approach for the improved quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions. Many PPC patients present for palliative surgery, which involves procedures that manage symptoms but include risks that could result in catastrophic perioperative events. Determining a patient's and family's wishes regarding do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order status can be a difficult topic to broach for providers who encounter these patients for the first time during the preoperative evaluation. A decision analysis tool may help in determining the need for preoperative DNAR communication.

Rerighting//Rewriting, Al Partington

Undergraduate Project Award

My project is a 30 page poetic memoir that I composed over Winter quarter 24 in Dr. Serena Chopra's class. It contains pieces of different modes and genres and was inspired by a variety of artists and writers from different backgrounds.

Protection Or Punishment? Reimagining The Hospital Care Environment For People Who Use Drugs, Natalina Contoreggi, Md, Jillian Zavodnick, Md, Kathleen Mechler, Md, Helene Dailey, Dnp, Rn, Ccrn, Ccctm, Rebecca Jaffe, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

Problem: Jefferson serves a large population of patients who use drugs (PWUD). As the opioid epidemic has evolved, our practice has adapted. Examples of Jefferson's dynamic response include hospital-wide guidelines for withdrawal management and medications for opioid use disorder, establishment of a bridge clinic, and the JAMS service. However, there is little consensus on how to best support this population in the hospital, particularly if they are using or suspected of using non-prescribed substances during their admission.

Aim: Development of accessible guidelines to manage and support PWUD in thehospital.

The Trauma-Informed Church: An Investigative Study On Congregational Community In Trauma Recovery, Joel Ogle

Liberty University Research Week

This study explores the importance and impact of congregational community within the framework of the local church in supporting individuals through trauma recovery. Through the application of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) (2014) key principles of trauma-informed practice into current empirical literature, a faith centered approach is identified and analyzed (Singer, 2024). This research addresses important psychological principles such as trauma response and trauma-informed care. Studies such as Simpson (2021) and ter Kuile and Ehring (2014) show that a majority of pastoral care revolves around trauma issues. Therefore, it is imperative that the local church structure ministry …

Acute Care Staff Interactions With Chaplains To Discuss Team Or Personal, Non-Work-Related Stressors, Gary Weisbrich, Sarah Sumner, Teresa Rangel

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background: Healthcare staff experience stress from the workplace when providing complex patient care and often may lean on specially trained spiritual support caregivers, or chaplains, for support navigating patient-related stressors. Yet, healthcare staff can also suffer from team-related or personal stressors that, if unresolved, could negatively impact care delivery. Little is known about whether, how often, and which staff may interact with chaplains for emotional support when experiencing non-patient-related stressors originating from work or personal lives.

Purpose: To describe the proportion of individuals who report discussing team-related or personal stressors with chaplains in the past 12 months, and to …

Alleviating Health Professionals' Moral Distress Through Hospital-Based Chaplain Care, Karen Colorafi, Sarah Sumner, Teresa Rangel

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background: Healthcare workers frequently experience occupational stressors that negatively impact their emotional well-being. Recent evidence suggests that healthcare workers’ occupational stressors may translate to moral distress, defined as emotional turmoil occurring over an ethical dilemma secondary to a patient care or team-related issue. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, moral distress and a wide range of psychological and physical issues have been linked to high rates of healthcare worker burnout. Increased occupational stressors significantly augment turnover intentions and behaviors and negatively impact well-being. The resultant turnover rates have reached an all-time high among professional registered nurses. Some evidence suggests that the …

Belonging Among Seventh-Day Adventists With Disabilities, Shannon M. Trecartin

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Globally, 15% of Seventh-day Adventists have some form of disability, the same percentage found in the world population. Yet barriers to belonging beyond access to a physical building persist. This study explores dimensions of belonging, compares findings across world divisions of the church, and makes recommendations for research and practice.

Chaplains And Hospital Staff Stressors: A Qualitative Framework, Teresa Rangel, Alexa Powell, Sarah Sumner, Kavya Vaitla, Karen Colorafi

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Frequency Of Hospital-Based Chaplain And Nursing Interactions, Sheila Doucette

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Nurse Professional Quality Of Life And Chaplain Interactions, Rose Timmerman, Dawn Bock, Sherri Mendelson

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

How Might We Evaluate Co-Design? A Literature Review On Existing Practices, Zixuan Wang, Tingting Jiang, Jiawen Huang, Yixuan Tai, Paola Maria Trapani

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Background: In recent years, co-design has seen exponential adoption in response to complex socio-technical transitions. However, the appraisal around co-design still lacks development, making its quality, effect, and value ambiguous. Aim: This study aims to encourage more research and practice in co-design evaluation by summarizing existing attempts. Method: We first conducted an integrative literature review in Scopus by analyzing and comparing existing methods used for assessing co-design. Then we iteratively coded the reviewed articles in ATLAS.ti following grounded theory. Through critical reflection and synthesis of the codes, we formed higher-level themes describing different aspects of co-design assessment. Based on these, …

Podium Presentation: Relationships Between Nursing Stress And Perceived Importance Of Access To Chaplains During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Teresa Bigand, Adam Gaines, Sheila Doucette, Danell Stengem, Rachel Freedberg, Jamie Roney, Rosemary Timmerman

2022 Providence Nurse Research Conference

Background:

Hospital chaplains are trained to provide spiritual support to inpatients, family members, and support persons across the continuum of care. Patients receiving a chaplain visit during their hospital stay report higher satisfaction, quality of life, and spiritual well-being. Chaplain consultation during hospitalization is related to higher rates of hospice enrollment and lower rates of in-hospital deaths. Additionally, evidence suggests nurses who are employed in hospitals with staff chaplains report lower stress and compassion fatigue based on frequency of interactions with chaplains during worked shifts. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital nurses providing front-line care report higher stress levels compared to …

Podium Presentation: Levels Of Compassion Satisfaction Among Prescribers, Nursing Staff, And Chaplains, Teresa Bigand, Adam Gaines, Dawn Bock, Jamie Roney, Rachel Freedberg, Rosemary Timmerman, Danell Stengem

2022 Providence Nurse Research Conference

Background:

Patient care delivered in hospitals is fast-paced, complex, and ever-changing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses, prescribers, and chaplains provided front-line, whole-person care in hospital settings to patients who had decreased or no access to visitors without the use of technology while facing acute illness and difficult prognoses. During the pandemic, nurses and physicians reported increased fatigue and stress in scientific literature. Poor emotional well-being may lead to decreased compassion satisfaction. Increased compassion satisfaction may mitigate adverse occupational and patient-centered outcomes, support fewer missed days at work, lead to higher staff satisfaction, and raise patient satisfaction scores. Literature reports that …

Adoption Communication In The Media, Samantha Schaffer

Far West Popular Culture Association Annual Conference

Adoption communication is a vital part of developing healthy family relationships in families formed through adoption. The media has recently begun depicting more of the difficulties that adoptees experience. Three key television shows are Charmed, A Million Little Things, and This Is Us, which depict communication about adoption. These television shows offer the opportunity to analyze master narratives, family communication patterns, and information regulation through popular culture. By illustrating the difficulties experienced by adoptees, these shows provide adoptive families with the occasion to begin difficult yet necessary conversations. These television shows not only exemplify adoption communication they also …

Where Faith Meets Freud: Why The Church Rejected Psychology And The Rise Of Nouthetic Counseling, Kayla Sargent

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Textual or Investigative